Vietnam Veterans Of America

General Meeting called to order at: 6:57 pm (18:57)

Pledge of Allegiance by:  President Dave Loomis

Invocation by:  Lonnie Rose

Moment of silence for POW/MIA

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                      Present      2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                            Present      2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       Present      2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                           Present      2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                                  Absent       2019

Randy Turnbull, B of D                                Present      2020

Richard Martinez, B of D                            Present      2020

George Douglas, B of D                                 Present      2021

Tom Modica, B of D                                       Present      2021

Guests:      Yvonne Goldsmith, Agnes Kenney, Rosie Loomis, Lana Haddox, Joel Douglas, Mark Nelson, Jeff Bergman, Jerry McLean

New (potential) members present: Donald Martinson, Bob Dechaox (sp)

Secretary’s report:      moved to approve, 2^nd, passed

Treasurer’s report:      balance sheet & income statement presented motion & 2^nd approved. Showed acknowledgment of charitable donation from BTC

Membership Update:  approximately 272 members

Old Business:     

1. Memorial Day celebration fast approaching. Kirk Lyon is heading the committee, helped by Richard Martinez, Ron Wilson, and Randy Turnbull.
2. Ron Wilson gave update on the wheelchair ramp for Daniel Keimaier in Maple Falls. It’s all done except the concrete landing at the bottom of the ramp. Ron was ably assisted by Kirk Lyon, Ray Radke, Howard Van Beek and staff from Home Depot.  Great work gentlemen. Darrell Dobson of Bellingham Central Lions Club donated a motorized wheelchair, delivered by Dave Loomis and Ron Wilson. Motion to reimburse Ron W $100 for gas 2^nd and approved.
3. As an update to the car show, Doc H showed off the flyers that will be distributed. The posters will not be hung for another month or so. Hanging too early and they get covered or torn down. He also made an announcement regarding sponsorship of plaques and trophies. The prices are: Plaques – $100, 1^st Place Piston – $75, 2^nd Place gas pump – $50, 3^rd Place sparkplug – $35. Come on and sponsor the awards guys.
4. Participation in the upcoming parade was discussed, with focus on the VFW float. No one spoke about walking the parade route with the float or with our own banner (or flag).

New Business:

5. Joel Douglas of Lairmont Manor would like to co-sponsor a lunch for Korean or WWII veterans. He would like the chapter to plan the event with him. Volunteers included Jim Pace, Ron Wilson, Ray Radke and Dave Loomis. If I did not get your name, and you would like to volunteer you can reach Mr. Douglas at 360 319 5555.
6. The Festival of Flags at Green Acres will start at noon on the 28^th of May. The ceremony at Memorial Park will occur at 3:00.
7. Our own Memorial Day Celebration will happen at Hovander Park on the 28^th at 4:00. The guest speaker will be astronaut Wendy Lawrence. The emcee is Gene Goldsmith. A motion made to record Wendy Lawrence’s remarks, tom M. will make it happen.
8. Dave Loomis brought up action taken at the state council meeting, where each chapter will donate $225.00 to fund a placard form the Vietnam Veterans of America, Washington State to be placed in the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle. Motion by Ron W, 2^nd Jim P. approved.
9. Jerry McLean and Jeff Bergman  from the Lions Club talked about Wheelchair Gang Ball which happens in the gym at Bloedel Donovan Park on Friday afternoon in the summer and Monday afternoons the rest of the year. Check it out…

Good of the Order:

Remember VFW Post 9301 breakfast 19 May 8:00 – 11:00

VFW Post here breakfast 27 May 8:00 – 11:00, if ramp construction allows. (The parking and building may be torn up and unavailable).

DAV drivers are still needed, talk to Gene G.

Our own Richard Martinez will be discussing his time in VN at VFW Post 9301 (7011 Hannegan Road, Lynden) in a veterans services event. This occurs on Saturday, 5 May, noon to 3:00 pm.

Jim Pace shared that three members of his immediate family have died from Agent Orange associated illness. Be aware and if you suspect you were exposed go see him at the Vets Center…

Jerry McLean announced that the RC model airplane group flies at the South Red River Road location, (Ferndale International Airport) each 1^st and 3^rd Thursday starting at 6:00 – that’s 18:00 hours guys.

Welcome Home Vets Picnic in Sedro-Wooley August 4 11:00 to 3:00.

That’s all I can recall…

Motion to adjourn:  made by someone, 2^nd by Richard M. meeting adjourned at 19:45 7:45 pm.

General Meeting called to order at: 6:55 pm (18:55) by President David Loomis who then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Invocation by:  Lonnie Rose

Moment of silence for POW/MIA

Roll Call of officers:                                              term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                             2019          Present

Ron Wilson, VP                                                    2019          Present

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer               2019          Present

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                                  2019          Present

Doug Spangler, B of D                                          2019          Present

Randy Turnbull, B of D                                        2020          Absent

Richard Martinez, B of D                                     2020          Present

George Douglas, B of D                                         2021          Present

Tom Modica, B of D                                               2021          Present

Guests:      Lana Haddox

New members present:

Secretary’s report:      Posted online as minutes. Motion by Ken R. 2^nd by Gene G. approved.

Treasurer’s report:      Start of new fiscal year, Income Statement and Balance Sheet presented by treas. Tom G. motion by Gene G. 2^nd by Randy E. approved.

Old Business:     

1. Chapter delegate to state council meeting in Toppenish 28 April is David Loomis, alternate delegate, Ron Wilson. Motion to support delegate to a maximum of $5oo (for expenses) by Randy E. 2^nd by Ray R. approved
2. Member Mac McMaster presented a case for support of the Marine Corps League which has assumed the role of sponsor of the newly re-named Memorial Day Parade this coming May 26. The League has settled on a theme of “Celebrating Communities, Remembering Our Heroes”.  Motion to support with $1,000 donation by Dave Loomis, 2^nd by Gene G. Approved.
3. Ron Wilson gave an update on the project to provide an accessible ramp to the home of Daniel Keirmaier. All materials on site, and Ron will start construction (weather permitting) about 11 April. Ron had many good things to say about Home Depot, not only for donation of some material, but providing labor for the project as well.
4. Tom Modica and Doc Holliday gave an update on planning for the annual car show. Printing of flyers etc. will cost +/- $ 1,080. Flyers this year will have a map printed on the back. Last year some folks did not find the venue. The trophies and plaques will cost about $2,050. There will be 28 trophies, pistons, plaques in all. Ken R. brought up the question of designation of the proceeds to be VVA Chapter 165 Veterans’ Assistance Fund. Discussion followed re: Whatcom County veterans or larger benefit group. Discussion also arose regarding sales of the music cds. Decided to offer the cds on a donation basis, feeling that more money may be gained. Motion by Doc H. 2^nd by Ray R. approved.

New Business:

1. Randy Cross of Laser Point will charge the Chapter 50% on the trophies. Thanks to negotiations of Gene G.
2. An announcement: Bellingham Technical College and Shell Oil will host an Energy Careers Prep Night at the BTC on 10 April starting at 5:30. The event is free and includes food, prizes and giveaways.
3. The VFW will have construction of the accessible ramp to the basement starting sometime in the next month. During construction the kitchen will be closed, which could mean that our May meeting might be without food service.

Good of the Order:

5 May 2018 VFW Post 9301 holds a Veterans’ Information Day from noon to 3:00.

VFW Post 9301 hosted 105 people at their March breakfast.

Check your VFW calendar.

Lonnie R. reported that he was the only one from our chapter to attend the Vietnam remembrance Parade in Sedro-Wooley. Several people had no notification that it was happening.

Motion to adjourn:

Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 (19:35).

Called to order at 18:50 (6:50 pm) by President-elect David Loomis

The invocation and moment of silence given by Lonnie Rose

New officers sworn in by retiring President Gene Goldsmith

President David Loomis

Vice President Ron Wilson

Secretary / Treasurer Tom Grinstad

Guests: Rosemarie Loomis, Benity Lipayon, Maggie Ruigg, Agnes Kenny, Nancy Blackketter, Lana Haddox, Dorothy Rood, and Pam Kingston.

Potential new member: Doug Kingston, Richard Williams (who declined, but donated $100).

Secretary’s report approval move by Gene G, 2^nd by Ken R, approved

Treasurer’s report – fiscal year-end moved by Ron W, 2^nd  ?, approved

Membership report – 274 members on the roll.

Old Business:

1. Combine secretary & treasurer’s offices, the by-laws allow this outright.
2. Richard Wilson will continue as service officer.
3. Ron Wilson gave update on wheelchair ramp for Daniel Kiermaier. Much of the material is marshaled (much donated – lumber from Brooks lumber, etc). the actual construction schedule will depend on the weather. Sign up with Ron if you’d be willing to help.
4. The bottle auction brought in $1,576. A fine effort. A significant portion of the receipts were due to Kirk Lyon’s woodworking efforts – approximately 1/3. Thanx to all who made this a success: the VFW auxiliary (President Cindy Mellema), auctioneer Bill Bowen and Vanna White stand-in Ken Richardson. Tom Modica recorded the sales.

New Business:

1. Motion by Gene G to take the $3,000 anonymous donation, combine with $1,200 from Rickenbacher donation as a “down payment”to the Whatcom Allied Veterans Council for the 2019 Vietnam Memorial at Greenacres. 2^nd by Richard M, motion carried.
2. Motion by Ken R to use $1,200 from Rickenbacher, combine with bottle auction proceeds of 1,576 and $227 from savings to total a $3,000 donation to the BTC scholarship fund. 2^nd by Ron W, motion carried.
3. Motion to appropriate $1,000 for Memorial Day picnic & celebration by Doc Holliday. 2^nd by ? approved. Kirk L will chair, Richard M, Ron W, Dale B will step up to cook. The guest speaker will be astronaut Wendy Lawrence.
4. A lively discussion regarding the Car Show budget ensued. Tom Modica submitted a revised budget of $6,525. Randy T moved this be adopted, 2^nd by Doc H. This is the big money-making event for the Chapter. We look for participation by meny of the membership.
5. Randy T showed pictures of wood cut and stacked for sale by husband (?) of a member of Legion Post #7.

Good of the Order:

1. DAV sorely needs volunteer drivers for the van. Talk to Gene G.
2. VFW breakfasts #9301 on 3^rd Saturday and #1585 on last Sunday of each month.
3. March 17, 2018 VFW Post 1585 holds a St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner as a fundraiser for the basement ramp.
4. Memorial brick orders must be in to Gene G by the 15^th of this month.
5. March 29 is the Vietnam Veterans’ recognition day. You should have received a notice in e-mail about Rep. Del Bene’s meeting concerning the recognition day.

A motion made to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 (19:45)

The Ron Davenport Memorial Chapter 165 held its 10th annual Bottle Auction on February 23,2018. The dinner and auction were attended by about 60  people who brought wrapped bottles to donate to the auction. All donated bottles were wrapped to hide their contents, and as such, a bottle could contain something very good, or something rather silly and unexpected. Also donated was an artist quality, handmade, exotic wood cutting board and two bowls by Kirk Lyon. Bill Bowen acted as auctioneer and Ken Richardson posed as Vanna White, his assistant. Tom Modica recorded the sales. Prior to the auction everyone enjoyed a lovely shrimp dinner organized by Cindy Mellema and hosted by the VFW 1585 Auxiliary. Many thanks to Vilale Co for donating the shrimp for the dinner. after the delicious meal, everyone was looking forward to bidding on the auction items. The auction raised $1,573 and all proceeds went to Chapter 165 selected charities.

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)