Vietnam Veterans Of America

General Meeting called to order at: 18:03 (6:03pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                    P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2027

Guests: Ann Giarde, Sue Richardson, Yvonne Goldsmith, Ernesto Puenes, Jennifer Ellis, Ruth Feliciano, Clay Haskell, Meghan Lippert, Lyle Sorenson

New members present: Johnson 52^nd Aviation Battalion, Lou Coister

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 425, AVVA – 154

Old Business:

1. Doc Holliday gave a short report on the Car Show. Financially it was a success. There were 338 cars registered with 12 no-shows. The Car Show is our funding. Without it we have no operating money.

The Welcome Home Picnic in Sedro Woolley, hosted by Ande Mitchele had a large turnout. A very successful event.

New Business:

1. Meghan Lippert gave a short talk about the Vets’ Center at Bellingham Technical College. It is a study space for veterans. It functions like a counseling center as well. It is stocked with coffee and snacks. The entry is restricted to vets and is self-policed on an honor system. Meghan fielded questions about the space and its uses.
2. A short ceremony with Pete Kremen as emcee, presented the charter to the AVVA Chapter 1165. Jennifer Ellis and Ruth Feliciano did the honors. They showed a slide show of Chapter 805, exemplifying the work they do.
3. VVA State President gave a short recap of the events at the VVA National Convention. The big news is that the proposed legacy society was defeated. Officers were elected. Jeannie was elected as National VSO officer. State council meeting 11 October. September is national suicide prevention month.
4. Moved, 2^nd and approved to fund BTC Vets Lounge to $2,500.
5. Moved 2^nd and approved to donate $10,000 to BTC scholarship endowment.
6. Moved 2^nd and approved $500 to VFW to assist with janitorial costs.

Doug talked about the Canadian Walk for Veterans. Occurs in Abbotsford walking about 1 ½ mile around Mill Lake 20 September, all invited.

50/50 Raffle: Shannon Loomis won $29 after being dragged back into the hall.

Donations: $290

Good of the Order: Eileen asked for yarn donations to make blankets for new moms and elderly.

Darlene 13 September classic car show in Lynden

VFW 1585 breakfast 28 September 8 to 10 am. Cost $11/adult $5/kids under the age of 12.

Ken Richardson VFW burgers & brats night 12 September.

Salmon for Soldiers down in Skagit September 13&14.

Motion to Adjourn:  19:27 (7:27pm)

General Meeting called to order at: 17:55 (5:55pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Darlene Carlson

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                     P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  A                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2027

Guests: Larry Bradley – Coast Guard ’69-’72, A. Hake, Chuck Anderson, Bonnie Parten

New members present: Mike Puckel

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 413, AVVA – 145

Old Business: This chapter is allowed three voting members to the national convention in New Orleans meeting 5 – 9 August 2025. As of now, we have no one attending. Come on guys…

New Business:

1. The 4^th of July this year is the 249^th anniversary of the birth of our country.  Next year will be a big one…
2. Car show meeting on 10 July 15:00 (3:00pm)
3. July 11^th Fund raising at VFW 11 July 15:00-18:00 (3:00-6:00pm)
4. Ande Mitchelle hosts his annual Welcome Home Picnic at 6254 Fruitdale, Sedro Wooley, WA 98284. It’s a great time.

Steve announced that the AVVA is receiving their charter at the car show on the 20^th. They are the largest chapter in Region 8. The AVVA will have a table at the car show to recruit new members. All are eligible. They do not have to be related to a Vietnam veteran. It is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

50/50 Raffle: won by George $20

Donations: $100

Good of the Order: No meeting in August. We will take the month off to recover from the car show.

VFW Post 1585 holds a breakfast on 28 July 8:00-10:00. Adults $11/ kids under 12 $5.00.

Motion to Adjourn:  18:10 (6:10pm) This has been the shortest meeting in this reporter’s memory.

General Meeting called to order at: 18:23 (6:23pm) by Pres. David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Mike Slocum

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by:

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                     P                 2027

          Mike Slocum, VP                                      P                 2027

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2027

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2027

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  P                 2027

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2027

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2027

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2027          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                A                 2027

Guests: Joan Van Easkin, Margaret McVay, Chuck Anderson, Bonnie Parten, Rowan Meadows

New members present:

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 412, AVVA 143

Old Business:

1. Reminded membership that National Convention is August 6-9 in New Orleans. We have two more slots that can be partially funded. The opening is there – go.

2. Memorial Day Parade happens 24 May starting at noon. I encourage all to come and participate. You can walk a mile and wave at the crowds. But no candy throwing.

New Business:

1. The VVA Veterans Service Officer for the region, Rowan Meadows, talked to us about the assistance she can give to us regarding VA benefits. She has access to the VA data base and can mightily help in your claims. She passed out cards and a sheet of information with contacts for all manner of problem solutions. Her office is different than Liz Witowski’s (which is under the county). Rowan’s  contact info: cell 360 381 6393, vvameadows@gmail.com.
2. 17 May is Armed Forces Day, strut in your finest.
3. 26 May Whatcom Allied Veterans Council conducts the Avenue of Flags Ceremony at Greenacres Cemetery. The ceremony starts at noon. Lunch is provided by American Legion Post 7.
4. That same day May 26, we hold our Memorial Day Picnic at Hovander Park in Ferndale. The chapter provides the hot dogs, and hamburgers. Please bring a side dish or dessert. Rosemarie says to bring your happy face, and your family.
5. The next car show meeting is on 29 May at 15:00 (3:00pm). At the VFW in our normal meeting place in the basement.
6. Steve reiterated that the AVVA region 8 Director will be at the meeting to give the chapter its official charter which makes them a real AVVA chapter, with all the bells and whistles that entails. So show up to the meeting and give them your support……

Donations: meal $93.

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 breakfast is 25 May 8:00-10:00. Cost is $11/adults $5/kids

Motion to Adjourn: I failed to get the exact time and who made the motion. But we adjourned anyway.

General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by President David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: David Orona

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Darlene Carlson

She also gave an update on Gene & Yvonne, due in town soon.

David Loomis will be admitted to Sons of the American Revolution.

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Orona, Pres                                    P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  A                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025          

Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2025

Guests: none

New members present: none

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 416, AVVA – 141

Old Business:

1. Doc gave a short update on the car show meeting. Next meeting is 17 April at the VFW 15:00

2. National convention in New Orleans 5-9 August, Lonnie Rose to represent the chapter.

New Business:

1. Newly elected officers and directors sworn in by Ray Radke: David Orona, President; Mike Slocum, V.P.; Tom Grinstad Secretary/Treasurer; David Loomis, Sam Houston, Charles Muggy, Duane Holliday and Dan Norvelle all Directors.
2. Moved, seconded and approved donation of $1,000 to POW-MIA Memorial at Greenacres Veterans’ Memorial.
3. Moved, seconded and approved a donation of $2,000 to the Memorial Day Parade. The parade occurs 24 May at noon to 14:00 (2:00)
4. Moved, second and approval of car show budget submitted ($7,600).
5. Car show meeting on 17 April at 15:00.
6. Steve announced that on 3 June the AVVA chapter will receive its charter from the Region 8 Director. The first chapter chartered in the state. This chapter holds 1/3 of membership of the region.

VFW hosts a dinner on Saturday 26 April at 15:30 (3:30 pm) to celebrate the visit of the VFW Auxiliary National President. Cost is $22/person. Registration and checks mailed to Cindy Mellema at 2845 Lyle St. Bellingham, WA 98225. Phone 360 296 6139.

50/50 Raffle: Won by Frank H., donated back to chapter $63, thanks, Frank.

Donations: $170 donated tonight

Good of the Order: VFW Post 1585 breakfast served 27 April 8:00 – 10:00. Cost is $11/adult, $5/kids under 12 years old.

Steve reminded members that Fort Ord, and Seaside CA are now presumptive for Agent Orange exposure. Take care of yourself.

Book auctioned off for $25 to Ray.

Motion to Adjourn:  18:43

General Meeting called to order at: 18:12 by Pres. David Orona

Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Ken Rood

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Orona, Pres                                    P                 2025

          Donna Trecker, VP                                   P                 2025

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2025

          David Loomis, B of D                                P                 2025

          Lonnie Rose, B of D                                  A                 2025

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2025

          Charles Muggy, B of D                             P                 2025

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2025

          Dan Norvelle, B of D                                P                 2025

Guests: David & Yvette Cassel, Bob & Bonnie Parker, John & Tracey York

New members present: Mark & Nancy West

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2^nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA – 415, AVVA – 139

Old Business:

1. National Convention – the chapter is allowed 3. Happening 5 – 9 August in New Orleans.
2. National Vietnam War Veterans Day 29 March. WA state 30 March.
3. State Council meeting is 19 April in Toppenish, Yakima Warriors Veterans Building.

Doc Holliday and Dave Loomis got certificates for Memorial Day Parade. Mark West got certificate for exceptional recruiting to the chapter. John York is recognized for construction of two more wheelchair ramps.

New Business:

1. A slate of officers and directors presented to membership and approved by acclimation. President – David Orona, V.P. – Mike Slocum, Secretary/Treasurer – Tom Grinstad, Membership chair – David Loomis. Directors: Lonnie Rose, Sam Houston, Charles Muggy, Doc Holliday Dan Norvelle, Donna Trecker
2. AVVA officers are in mid-term. Election will be next year.
3. VFW 1585 will have Soup Cook-Off. A fund raiser. Be there.
4. Car Show meeting 11 March at 15:00 (3:00 pm) at VFW basement
5. 13 March National K-9 Veterans’ Day
6. VFW 1585 annual Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner. I didn’t get the time.
7. Authorize $850 to VFW 1585 for increase in insurance.
8. State Council President Francisco Ivarra addressed the crowd.
9. A new chapter is forming in Bremerton, a sign of increasing membership state wide.
10. Nationally the VVA is:
11. Pressuring Congress to continue funding for POW/MIA searches. Approximately 1,170 still unaccounted for.
12. Urging Congress to continue toxic exposure research act.
13. Promoting blue water Navy exposure to past the 12-mile limit existing today.
14. Push for claim review within 48 hours of receipt.
15. Emphasize the problem of suicide prevention of veterans. Not only young persons’ problem. Vets 75+ have a 5% increase in suicides…
16. National has homeless program. The vets’ hospital in L.A. is unused – working to get changed for residences. Guesstimate of homeless vets is 100k – 150k…
17. VVA will push for a Congressional Medal of Freedom for the Donut Dollies who served in the Red Cross in Vietnam.

24 April is wreath laying at the call in the other Washington. Francisco will be there representing the real Washington.

Steve mentioned that hazardous exposure in Fort Ord and Seaside CA. Donations:  $145 collected this evening