Vietnam Veterans Of America

Minutes of 4 February 2020

General Meeting called to order at: 18:30 by Pres. Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       A                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                              A                 2020

Randy Turnbull, B of D                             A                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                         A                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                           A                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                 A                 2021

Guests: No guests this meeting

New members present: No new members this month

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved even tho printed duplicate balance sheets

Membership Update: VVA, AVVA no update this meeting

Old Business:     

1. Election held, no nominations from the floor, by acclamation officers: President – David Loomis, Vice President – Ron Wilson, Secretary/Treasurer – Tom Grinstad, Chaplain – Lonnie Rose

Board of Directors: Ken Richardson, Mike Boice, Duane Holliday, Randy Turnbull, Gene Goldsmith, George Douglas

2. The DAV van needs drivers. Please contact Gene Goldsmith. Also need to have assistant coordinator, talk to Gene.
3. Ron Wilson received certificate for his labor and design on the accessible ramp for Stan Dyer in Lynden. He did it all by himself. Way to go Ron!

New Business:

1. VFW Post 1585 hosts a blood drive on 2 March 2020 9:00 to 15:00 (3:00 pm). Contact John Ferdon at 360 3118 7521 or email johnferdon@hotmail.com It really is a good cause. It hurts only a tiny bit and you can help as many as three people with your pint.
2. Officers and Directors were sworn in by Ray Radke, an honorable member of this chapter.
3. Ray also purchased the Lysne donated generator for $500, thanks Ray for all you do.
4. Stan & Carrie Dyer donated $1000 to the chapter in appreciation of the ramp. They also joined as AVVA.

50/50 Raffle Won by: Dan Norvelle $33

Good of the Order:

VFW Post 9301 breakfast is served 8:00 – 11:00 Feb. 15^th at 7011 Hannegan Road, Lynden

Post 1585 hosts breakfast on Feb 23^rd 8:00 – 10:00 at 625 N. State, Bellingham

Meal donations collected $125, expenses 102.37.

Motion to adjourn: Second and approved 18:58 (6:58 pm).

Editors’ note thanx for a quick and efficient meeting everyone, makes my life a little easier.

January, Minutes of 7 January 2020

General Meeting called to order at: 18:30 (6:30 pm)

Pledge of Allegiance by: President David Loomis

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie Rose Remembering Curtis Hull AVVA who recently passed.

Presentation of certificates to Wojo and Harriet for December feast.

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       A                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                     A                 2020

Randy Turnbull, B of D                    P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                          P                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                            P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                  A                 2021

Guests: Francisco Ivarra, Washington State Council, Del Stuhl

New members present:

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA, AVVA no report this meeting

Old Business:     

1. Review of joint banquet of 6 December 2019. Thanks to all who made it a success.
2. On 11 December chapter monetarily aided a vet, Dennis Couch. Who needed assistance to attend school in Burlington
3. Also on 11 Dec. received a request for aid to a WWII vet needing a wheel chair ramp. V.P. Ron is working with Home Depot to acquire materials.

New Business:

1. Council President Ivarra addressed the meeting recognizing our chapter as the largest and one of the most active in the state. He talked briefly about four items, Membership, Leadership, Veterans’ Service Officers, and his hat.

For membership – the VVA is still increasing, due to recruiting like Pres. Dave does.

Leadership was also touched on, noting the excellent officers and activities the VVA enjoys.

VSO – the Washington State VVA has the best VSOs, they outdo all the other states handily with case resolution.

And then Francisco talked about the hat he wears to remind himself and others that life is good. It will be alright. We are progressing in VA rural health, PTSD etc.

2. Nominations for officers and members of the Board of Directors:

President: Dave Loomis

Vice President: Ron Wilson

Secretary / Treasurer: Tom Grinstad

Board of Directors:      Ken Richardson

Mike Boice

Duane Holliday

Randy Turnbull

Gene Goldsmith

George Douglas

Gene G voiced an opinion that it is time for younger members to step up and take over leadership roles in the chapter (and I venture the state and national organizations).

3. Now is the time to start thinking about acquiring items for the raffles at the car show and veterans’ picnic. A discussion ensued regarding the generator housed at Ray R’s. Decision maybe an auction is the best way to dispose of it. The VFW has an auction this month, and a minimum could be set on the generator.
4. Gene G. asked for volunteers to drive the DAV bus. There is a great need, as we have the only one that runs from here all the way to Seattle. He also reported on the VA 1-stop community resource center in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. It was a very upbeat report.
5. From national came information about possible travel pay to/from VA medical appointments. Check it out.
6. Sam H gave an update on the car show preparations. We need people to find car show sponsors and raffle prizes. He reminded us that many hands make light work.
7. Gene G also reminded us that Memorial Day is approaching, and he will be ordering inscribed bricks, so contact him soon. Ken R. volunteered that the shelter at Hovander is reserved.
8. Randy T asked for replacement as the Marine Corps League liaison. After discussion Mike B was talked into it. Thanks Mike.

Good of the Order:

18 Jan. VFW Post 9301 hosts a breakfast from 8-11 am (7011 Hannegan Road, Lynden)

26 Jan VFW Post 1585 breakfast from 8-10 at 625 N. State St. Bellingham

50/50 Raffle Won by: Ruth A

Motion to adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 19:15 (7:15 pm)

Meal: receipts – $260, expense – $229.29

General Meeting called to order at: 18:45

Pledge of Allegiance by: Pres. David Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                       A                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                     A                 2020

Randy Turnbull, B of D                    P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                          A                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                            P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                  A                 2021

Guests: Bob & Linda Bertram, John Black & Malcolm Oliver

New members present: George Linder, John Black

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 296 members, AVVA 41 members

Old Business:     

1. DAR honored three of our members for Vietnam service. Ken Richardson, Ron Wilson and Dave Loomis were feted.
2. All the members who collected donations for the DAV van on 11 Nov. deserve big thanks. They managed to wrangle $5,744.10. And thanks to the Barkley Haggen store.
3. BTC provided a great lunch to honor veterans. Speakers and a military band provided entertainment (?). Malcolm Oliver was the emcee.
4. Former Ferndale Police Chief Michael Knapp’s memorial service was held 20 Nov 2019 at Christ the King Church. Members attending were: Ron Wilson, Ruth Ashe, Ben Brown, Rosemarie & Dave Loomis.

New Business:

1. On 6 December the VFW Post / Auxiliary together with DAV & VVA host a dinner for members and +one. Seating is limited to 125. Reservations cut off on Wednesday 4 Dec. Call Cindy Melema 360 671 3597.
2. Pearl Harbor Day Dec. 7 remember to fly the flag at half-staff in remembrance of the 2,403 service persons who died that day in 1941.
3. Car Show Committee meeting at Denny’s restaurant in the bar area at 10:00 on 6 January 2020. Donations for the raffle will be collected (or take to Loomis’ house 619 Darby Drive). Let’s see if we can collect so much stuff Dave is forced to park the car outside…
4. John Black, former Lt. Colonel in army and Vietnam veteran gave a short talk about his book Tears and Triumphs and album Vietnam Farewell He also performed three songs from his albums. For more information find him on the interweb at meetmeinvietnam.net.

50/50 Raffle Won by: Gene Goldsmith who donated back to meal

Good of the Order:

21 Dec breakfast at the Lynden VFW Post 9301 from 8:00 to 11:00. Location : 7011 Hannegan Road.

No breakfast this month at Post 1585.

Motion to adjourn: 19:20 (that’s 7:20 pm for you civilians)

Minutes of 5 November 2019

General Meeting called to order at: 18:35

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                      P                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                             P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                          A                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                                 A                 2020

Randy Turnbull, B of D                                P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                             P                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                                 P                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                       A                 2021

Guests: No new guests

New members present: Steve Crooks, USMC

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 292, AVVA 38

Old Business:     

1. VP Ron Wilson gave a short summary of the State Council meeting held 26 Oct. 2019. The major issues were: determining the fate of the VVA, whether it is a “last man standing” organization or be folded into another veterans’ group. The second major item was to encourage all members of the VVA to register on the Agent Orange Registry. Any member who served in Vietnam (or on ship w/in 12 miles of the shore) is deemed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. The effects of AO can show in descendants – kids and grandkids etc. they would be eligible for benefits. So do it. You can call Dr. Steve Hunt 206-764-2181 for an appointment.
2. The Growing Veterans dinner and auction fund raiser will be held at Semiahmoo Golf Club from 17:00 to 21:00 on 16 Nov 2019. For more information call 360 445 2399.
3. A Veteran’s Identification Card is available as of 2015. To obtain this id card go to vets.gov click on “Apply for Printed Veteran IDCard” on the bottom left of the page.

New Business:

1. Certificates of appreciation from the chapter were presented to Ginny and Jim Pace by Gene Goldsmith, for their longstanding work for veterans at the Vet Center.
2. Studio UFO Gallery has a show with the theme “What the word veteran means”. On Sat. 9 Nov from 3pm to 5pm (15:00-17:00) any and all veterans will be honored.
3. On Sun. 10 Nov. is a dinner and dance celebrating the Marine Corps and the American Legion Post 7, beginning at 6:30 (18:30). The cost is $25/person. For info and tickets call Perry Mendenhall 360-739-4519.
4. Veterans’ Day 11 Nov. is a BBQ dinner and football game (Seahawks) the cost is 0 for veterans – got that? – nothing!! Donations will be gladly accepted.
5. Lonnie announced that VFW post 9301 will have a short program and lunch at the post on 11 Nov starting at 11:00. All are welcome.
6. December 6, 2019 – a day that will not live in infamy – the VVA in cahoots with the DAV and the VFW Auxiliary will put on a roast sirloin dinner. Seating is limited to 125, so call Cindy Mellema 360-371-3597 to ensure your place at the table.
7. The car show committee will meet on 6 Jan 2020 at 10:00 at Denny’s restaurant in the bar. Yes it is time to begin in earnest the planning for the next show, which happens on 19 July 2020. Any suitable donations for the raffle table can be dropped off at Dave Loomis’ house 619 Darby Drive.
8. Rich Martinez is looking for military stories that he can incorporate in his next book. If you have a story or two (and who doesn’t) contact him. His email is: rcmartinez69@outlook.com

50/50 Raffle Won by Steve Crooks $25 to the kitty.

Good of the Order:

16 Nov 8:00-11:00 breakfast at VFW Post 9301 7011 Hannegan Road.

16 Nov 8:00-10:00 breakfast at VFW Post 1585, 625 N. State Street put on by the Boy Scouts

Ed Simmers thanked everyone for “no politics” in a meeting which fell on Election Day

Ray Radke commended Rosemarie Loomis on the name tags supplied.

Meal donations collected $211.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:15. Dismissed

General Meeting called to order at: 18:50

Pledge of Allegiance by: Dave Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                        P                 2020

Ron Wilson, VP                                               P                 2020

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer         P                 2020

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                            A                 2020

Doug Spangler, B of D                                   A                 2020

Randy Turnbull, B of D                                 P                 2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                              P                 2020

George Douglas, B of D                                 A                 2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                       A                 2021

Guests: Dee Stahl, Anne Cantrell, Deb & Bill Royal

New members present: Dick Danson

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

Tom G read thank you notes from scholarship recipients Allie Mosac and Alex Ambrose.

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA 291, AVVA 35

Old Business:     

1. State Council President Francisco Ivarra gave a quick account of the national convention held in Spokane last July. He noted the problem that the VVA will shortly face – whether or not it will exist. Vietnam veterans are dying at a faster rate than either WWII or Korea vets. The probable cause is Agent Orange. While the VVA is more effective in producing change in legislation than other vets organizations, because of its rate of decimation it will have to be absorbed by another entity or it’s “the last man standing”.
2. Saturday October 12 the annual Women’s Professional Network will honor Homegrown Heroes and Growing Veterans programs. The event is at Northwood Hall (3240 Northwest Ave. Bellingham from 11:00 to 14:00.
3. 26 October the state council of the VVA holds a meeting at the pancake house on Snoqualmie pass from 10:00 to 13:00. Anyone is welcome.
4. The Growing Veterans dinner and auction fund raiser will be held at Semiahmoo Resort from 17:00 to 21:00. For more information call 360 445 2399.

New Business:

1. V.P. Ron Wilson presented certificates of thanks to Dee and Bill Royal, who for 40 years have been unofficial grave keepers for USMC Pvt. Roger Dale Bragg who is buried in Bayview Cemetery.

Doc Holliday presented a thank you to the Boices for their support of the car show. Also a certificate to Ken Richardson, who slipped out of the meeting.

2. Pres. D. Loomis expressed gratitude to the Gearheads car club who supported our car show with a donation of $500.
3. Veteran’s ride & potluck at Faith Equestrian Center, 3534 Birch Bay-Lynden Road this Sat. 5 October from 17:00-20:00 (5pm – 8pm). This can have remarkable results for those suffering from PTSD. Call 360 318 6375 for more info.
4. Oktoberfest happens at the AL Post 7 on 11 October from 17:00 to 19:00.
5. VFW Post 1585 will have annual Alice & Elaine Chili Cook-off on 25 October starting at 18:00. Cost is $5 per person, or a pot of chili. Halloween costumes are optional but encouraged. Bring the family.
6. The next official car show committee is 6 January 2020 at Denny’s on Telegraph Road. Meeting starts at 10:00. Donations for the car show raffle can be brought to the meeting or dropped off at Dave Loomis’ house.
7. Gene G. tried to recruit volunteers to sell Veteran’s Day poppies at the three Haggen stores. Four hour shifts. Proceeds to the DAV for the van fund.
8. Gene G. announced the DAV van now has 12 drivers, but can use more, as Sedro Wooley, Oak Harbor and Stanwood have no drivers.

50/50 Raffle Won by Ruth Ashe $33 to the kitty.

Good of the Order:

19 Oct 8:00-11:00 breakfast at VFW Post 9301 7011 Hannegan Road.

27 Oct. 8:00-10:00 breakfast at VFW Post 1585, 625 N. State Street.

Meal donations collected $215.

Motion to adjourn: came at 19:30. Dismissed