February 6, 2018 minutes

Before we get to the official minutes, just a word of thanks to Frank Wojciechowski  and insert name here who put together a fine feast of corned beef and cabbage. I guess it was an early St. Patty’s Day dinner as Wojo will be gone for the next couple of meetings.

General Meeting called to order at: 18:40 (6:40 pm for those of you who forgot how to tell time in the military) by V.P. David Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: David Loomis

Invocation and Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Ron Wilson

Roll Call of officers:                                                                    term expires

Gene Goldsmith, Pres                                        Excused      2018

Dave Loomis, VP                                                Present      2018

Tom Grinstad, Secretary                                    Present      2018

Bill Cox, Asst. Sec.                                               Excused      2018

Ken Richardson, Treasurer                                 Present      2018

Tom Marsich, B of D                                          Absent       2020

Larry Martin, B of D                                           Absent       2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                                 Absent       2019

Peter Pavlik, B of D                                            Absent       2019

David Osinski, B of D                                          Absent       2019

Tom Modica, B of D                                           Present      2018

Guests:      Rosie Loomis, Virginia Pace,

Potential new members present: Dave Dubler

Secretary’s report:      approval moved by Ken R, 2nd by Ron W.

Treasurer’s report:      for the month we are behind by nearly $1,500.00 for the fiscal year we show a gain of about $8,700.00. Moved, seconded and approved.

Membership Update: Jim Pace went through the chapter roster received from national and removed those who have passed. We have approximately 272 members presently.

Dave Wiggens is in the hospital, room 404, and receiving visitors. A WWII vet, named Walter DeKraii  is also in the hospital.

Old Business:     

1. Bottle auction Feb 23^rd, members (that means you) are encouraged to show up and participate. It will happen after the auxiliary hosts their shrimp dinner, a good deal at $10 / plate. Gene Goldsmith will not be the auctioneer this year. After discussion Bill Bowen is stepping up to take that slot, with Ken Richardson as assistant. Those two guys should be able to strong-arm money out of us. We hope to raise a couple thousand dollars.

New Business:

1. A short discussion about the recitation of the Pledge of Alliagence. No change.
2. Tom Modica announced the VASH bus passes are now valid for three months. A couple of vets have moved out to the county because of the increased mobility offered by the pass.
3. The election for officers and Board of Directors was held.

Officers Results:

President   David Loomis

Vice Pres    Ron Wilson

Secy/Treas Tom Grinstad

1. Board of Directors after discussion, membership voted to relieve directors who have been habitually absent. Those retired are:
   Tom Marsich, Larry Martin, Peter Pavlik, David Osinski

elected are:

Randy Turnbull   term expires        2020

Richard Martinez         “                 2020

Kirk Lyon                       “                 2019

Doug Spangler              “                 2019

George Douglas            “                 2021

Tom Modica                 “                 2021

1. Attending members voted last summer to assist Daniel Kiermaier of Maple Falls in construction of a wheelchair ramp to his residence. As of yesterday he was still waiting. Ron Wilson will visit this week to determine what is actually needed and coordinate the construction / installation. If anyone has an exercise machine not needed, perhaps you will consider donating to Daniel.

Good of the Order:

1. check your VFW calendar
2. Gene has VVA business cards and applications, take them and hand them out to any Vietnam vet who is not a member of the chapter.
3. the DAV needs van drivers. It takes a month or more to get the certificate. The Bellingham van is now picking up for other locations as they have no drivers to put in the driver’s seat.
4. Don’t forget the breakfast on the third Saturday at VFW 9301.
5. Remember the fourth Saturday breakfast at VFW 1585.
6. Richard Brummett reported that the Chocolate Ceremony in Vietnam has run its course, there will be no more. But due to the article about the Dragoon scholarship, 55 Vietnamese children are receiving benefits now.
7. VFW Post 1585 will celebrate the 100^th birthday of the fellow the post was named for.
8. Tom Haddox and wife expressed gratitude to Jim Pace and the membership for the assistance to receiving 100% disability from the VA.

Motion to adjourn: There being no other business, meeting adjourned at 19:08 (7:08 pm)