Vietnam Veterans Of America

General Meeting called to order at: 18:55 (6:55 pm) by Pres. Dave Loomis

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                 2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                            P                 2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                          P                 2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                                 P                 2019

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                                     P                 2021

Guests: Ann Beck, Kim Yong Sun, Belinda Rafferty, Lana Haddox, Dorothy Rood, Dee Stahl, Agnes Kenney, Cherrie Rothenbuhler, Pat Mains

New members present: Dennis M. Rafferty, Pete Selvig, Steven Deseor, Young Kim

Secretary’s report: Recap of Car Show, motion by Ken R, 2^nd, approved

Treasurer’s report:  Balance Sheet 31 July, 31 August; Income Statement 31 July, 31 August presented. Motion by Ken R, 2^nd Ray R to approve, passed

Membership Update: none

Old Business:     

1. Request from Ann Beck, WWU, for $5,000 to help fund endowment at WWU for veteran students. Many questions asked, much discussion ensued. Motion by Ron W., but no 2^nd motion failed.
2. Joel D. recapped the veterans’ picnic at Lairmont Manor, with an album of photos passed around.
3. Car Show recap, applause awarded to the guilty parties (Tom M., Sam H., Randy T., Bill B., Dale B., Wojo, Richard M, Rosie L. and others who I am forgetting). Jim Rothenbuhler and Jim Mains presented a $500 check from the Gear Heads car club to be credited to the car show. Doc H. presented a $750 check from Superfeet also to be credited to the car show.

New Business:

1. Ken R. moved to give a further $5000 to the Bellingham Technical College endowment, 2^nd by Ray R. After some discussion, the motion was approved unanimously
2. Ken R. moved that $2000 be allocated to fund convention delegates to the national convention in Spokane in 2019. 2^nd by Lonnie R. discussion followed, motion approved.
3. Ken R. moved to give $3000 to the Whatcom Allied Veteran’s Council for the purpose of assisting the creation of the Vietnam War memorial in Greenacres Memorial Park. 2^nd by Tom G, question if in the spirit of the mission statement, decided that it is. Approved overwhelmingly.
4. Tom M. moved that the chapter buy a ping-pong table for the local Coast Guard Detachment not to exceed $600. 2^nd by Ken R. discussion if this is in spirit of our mission statement. Decided that those presently serving are veterans and thus deserving. John F. questioned why the C.G. does not supply. Question called approved with one dissenting vote.
5. Frank W. announced he will not be available to cook next meeting. No decision on substitute…but ideas abound.
6. Meal collection $263.
7. 50 / 50 raffle take $36.
8. $10 donation (anonymous)
9. CD sale generated $30
10. VFW Post 1585 garage sale Sat. 15 Sept. 9am to 3pm (15:00). A pre-sale occurs Fri. 14 Sep. 5 pm – 6 pm (17:00-18:00)

Good of the Order:

          Post 7 breakfast 9 – 11 am 16 September

The VFW Post 1585 pig roast happens on 15 September, it is a fund raiser to help pay for the new accessible ramp to the basement.

VFW 9301 breakfast 8:00 – 11:00 15 Sept.

VFW 1585 breakfast 8:00 – 10:00 30 Sept.

Motion to adjourn: 20:05 (8:05 pm)

On a picture-perfect Sunday morning, some participants arrived earlier than 7:00 a.m. for the Chapter’s big fund raiser, the 8^th Annual Car Show. More than 350 vehicles registered and were shown at the large parking lot in Barkley Village. The vehicles ran the gamut from early vintage to late model. Some of my favorites were a white early model Ford, a late model Corvette, a late ‘60’s Camaro and a Willys Jeepster.

First, second and third place awards were given by decades, with pre-1920 to the present. A special award was given to the Vietnam Era as well as People’s Choice. The awards were presented on Victory Lane, under the car show banner.

Attendance was good, with many exhibitors remarking on the number of folks coming to view the cars. You should have been there…

For a look at all the photos, go to:   https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u2heqba6mf9s2j6/AAAcG9PQyIq3y5LyjZ4bJjt4a?dl=0

General Meeting called to order at: 18:50 by President Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by:

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                            P                 2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer       P                 2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                         P                 2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                               A                 2019

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                                    P                 2021

Guests: Rose Loomis, Lana Haddox, Dick Stark, Agnes Kenney, Ann Beck

New members present:

Secretary’s report: Supposedly reviewed on line by all the membership (that’s why it is posted), approved unanimously

Treasurer’s report: Balance sheet & Income Statement presented, approved

Membership Update: no update this month

Old Business:     

1. Solicit raffle prizes for WWII & Korean War picnic 21 August at Lairmont Manor.
2. Car Show update – July 22^nd is approaching fast. Tom M reported a dearth of volunteers. We need people for many positions from registration to raffle sales to car judging. Let’s get to it people. Discussion that the Coast Guard detachment will provide several, and possibly get some from Marine Corps League. Are there any other ideas?

There will be a pre-show meeting at Barkley Center – the car show location on 17 July (Tuesday) at 18:00 (6:00 pm) to lay out locations and duties. We also need people with pickups to meet at the VFW on 21 July at 17:00 to load up tables, chairs, garbage cans, banners etc to take to the venue on Sunday morning.

Safety cones are being provided by Safety Signs Inc. Tape may be purchased. Pres. Loomis will issue an e-mail blast every week to recruit volunteers and alert members of the upcoming event.

4. The VFW Post 1585 will celebrate its 90^th birthday with an open house honoring all veterans and their families. Refreshments provided. A raffle for 104.2 troy ounce silver bar is one of the highlights.

New Business:

1. A request received from Liz Harmon at Whatcom County Health Department to assist a Navy veteran in need of vehicle repair. Pres. Loomis advanced a check for $300.00, reimbursed by the Chapter at the meeting.
2. Ann Beck, Assistant Director of Veterans Services at Western Washington University spoke about the work her office does. She presented many statistics and trends. All in all, there are about 220 active veteran students enrolled and nearly that number of dependants. Since 2013 the number of women vets has risen 168% (54% for guys). Kids of 100% disabled vets has seen a 98% growth. Generally speaking veteran/students have a quicker rate to graduation. And they tend to be oriented to the studies that will result in faster employment.

Ms. Beck also spoke to establishing a scholarship endowment for veterans. One individual has pledged $10,000 and her office has a matching pledge bringing the total to $20,000. But WWU has a threshold of $25,000 to establish an endowed scholarship. So they are looking for another $5,000. The chapter will discuss at the next meeting the possibility of assisting in this endeavor.

1. the City of Blaine holds a 4^th of July celebration (with parade, car show, etc. on Wednesday be there or be square.
2. Discussion on item introduced by Ron Wilson for some accounting for the meal resulted in agreement that itemization in the minutes will suffice.
3. Collection for dinner totaled $118.00. Cost $95.00 which means that we came out $23 to the good.

Good of the Order:

For all who hunger:

Legion Post 7 hosts a breakfast 15 July 9:00 to noon.

VFW 9301 will have its breakfast 8:00 to 11:00 on 21 July.

VFW 1585 has a breakfast 8:00 to 10:00 29 July.

Motion to adjourn: made seconded and approved at 19:45

General Meeting called to order at: 18:40 (6:40 pm)

Pledge of Allegiance by: President David Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

David Loomis, Pres                                       P                 2019

Ron Wilson, VP                                             P                 2019

Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer         P                 2019

Kirk Lyon, B of D                                          P                 2019

Doug Spangler, B of D                                  A                 2019

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                                      P                 2021

Guests:      Mary Peterson, Mary Jo Peterson, Rosie Loomis, Ron Francis, Ron Brown, Malcolm Oliver – who led us in a rendition of God Bless America

New members present: Joel Douglas

Secretary’s report: Minutes on line motion by Gene G, 2^nd by Ed S approved

Treasurer’s report:      motion to approve by Ken R, 2^nd by Ron W, approved

Membership Update: none given this month

Old Business:     

5. Lairmont Manor hosts a picnic for WWII and Korean War vets. Committee report presented. Date projected to be 21 August at noon. Remember Lairmont is available for vets’ memorial services at highly discounted rate of $295.00
6. Report and discussion of Memorial Day parade and our participation. Several members marched with the DAV contingent.
7. Report of Festival of Flags at Greenacres on Memorial Day. Ray Radke & Ann Brooks unveiled the Korean War Memorial
8. VVA Memorial Day Ceremony & picnic held at Hovander Park. Report given by Gene G. Astronaut Wendy Lawrence spoke. Thanks to all who participated.
9. Car Show update given by tom Modica and Doc Holliday. As Tom said, the good news is that we have 52 pre-registered. The bad news is that we need folks for various jobs. Sign-up sheets for chores on the day were passed around. We trust that many volunteered to serve in various capacities… Doc H. showed off the posters and flyers. Take some and spread them around, we want this show to be a whopping success. To help with that, we need every member to solicit items for raffle prizes. Most advantageous are gift certificates. Do your job!

Ed S. had a list of tunes popular in 1968, on which we voted for inclusion on the show cd. The most popular number – “What Condition Your Condition Was In”.

New Business:

5. The chapter supported a Vietnam Vet, Randy Lepley, to the tune of $365.31 for one weeks lodging at the Bellingham Lodge. Motion to reimburse Pres. Loomis by Gene G, 2^nd by ??? approved.
6. The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum holds a “funday” of flying and vehicle demonstration 23 June from 10:00 to 15:00 (3 pm). Location is 3407 109^th St. SW, Everett, WA. For more info call 206-342-4242.
7. the Vietnam War Memorial, due to unveil next year has a preliminary budget of $10,000.00 Let’s back this and get the budgeted amount in the bank… Whatcom Allied Veterans Council Inc. is offering bricks engraved to your liking starting at $125.00 per brick. Order blanks are available from WAVC or Gene g, I believe.
8. Lonnie R. advised the Blaine 4^th of July Parade is a going concern and encouraged attendance.

Good of the Order:

VFW 9301 breakfast happens 16 June 8-11:00.

American Legion Post 7 breakfast is on 17 June 9-11:00

VFW 1585 breakfast occurs 24 June 8-10:00 Three breakfasts – go get fat.

DAV drivers are still needed, talk to Gene G.

14 June is Flag Day and the birthday of the U.S. Army

Next meeting is 3 July – remember it is 3 July the last chance we have to finish planning the car show. (And to volunteer for a job…)

Motion to adjourn: made 19:40 (7:40 pm) seconded and approved by acclamation.

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.