Minutes of 5 December 2023
General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 by President Richard Carpenter
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
Richard Carpenter, 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 P 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 A 2025
Guests: Ana Clark
New members present: Melenie Flink, Dong Choi, John King, Darrell Wade
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA – 404, AVVA – 121
Old Business:
- Darlene Carlson presented DAR Certificates to the Vietnam veterans who were not present at last month’s meeting.
2. Celebration of Life for Randy Turnbull is scheduled for 7 July at American Legion Post 7. All are invited to attend.
New Business:
- Doc presented a $750 check from the Whatcom County Cruisers.
- Moved, 2nd and approved $100 donation to Seaplane Museum.
- Suggestion that the chapter provide a sympathy card to the surviving family members of chapter members who died.
- Suggestion to provide Randy Turnbull’s daughter to finish his car. It will be taken up by the Board of Directors.
- William Moore talked about the value of mentors for veterans who are having problems with alcohol/drug abuse that lands them in the criminal justice system. Veteran’s Treatment Court.
- The offer of the rifle donation by Curt Wolters for a raffle was postponed pending discussion with the VFW post to discover potential pitfalls.
- Malcolm gave a short update on the Annex project. Next week they are heading to Skagit to see specs for a vets’ center. Possible support from granges.
- Ana Clark gave a short rundown on the veterans’ programs that the Opportunity Council supports. Questions were varied and pointed.
- Whatcom County will have a standown in the springtime. This is where items such as hats, socks and gloves are distributed. Ande Mitchelle related his experience with the Skagit standown.
- Lonnie Rose is searching for a replacement for him as chaplain. He will miss many upcoming meetings due to travel etc.
- Steve mentioned Mending Waters program in Montana.
12. Larry moved to provide food baskets to veterans. BoD can meet electronically to discuss and vote. Tom asked if we use the Opportunity Council to identify recipients and determine amounts.
50/50 Raffle: Shay Loomis won $38
Good of the Order: National Conference is in New Orleans in 2024.
We collect used ink cartridges – bring them in.
Next meeting is 2 January 2024 same place, same time.Motion to Adjourn: 19:20
General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 (6:20pm) by President Richard Carpenter
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
Richard Carpenter, 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 P 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: Travis Meginniss
New members present: Robert Johnson, Tom Boyhan (?)
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA-401, AVVA-121 per David Loomis
Old Business:
- Ron Wilson, Larry Montgomery and Sam Houston built a wheelchair ramp for Randy Turnbull. All materials were donated by Home Depot. Remember this when shopping for home improvements.
- DAR presented certificates of recognition to all members who supplied their name. A group photo was taken of the whole bunch. Welcome Home Veterans.
- Be aware that scammers are trying to hit members of the chapter. The secretary has several spam emails per day.
Steve Jordan reported that AVVA is registered with the state. The national application must be renewed, some signatures were out of date. He expects this to be resolved this month.
New Business:
- Board of Directors meeting held 31 October. Several items discussed.
- Moved seconded and approved to pay VFW for use of the hall. Treasurer will cut the check.
- Discretionary funds up to specified limit were approved with one dissenting vote. Moved second approved.
- Member Randy Turnbull is in poor health. A way to contact him for visitation has been emailed to membership.
- State President Francisco Ivarra reported:
- He made a presentation to the DAR last Saturday night.
- The VVA is a “last person standing” organization, but we aren’t going anywhere. We will still be active working for veterans.
- Nationally the membership is increasing, while veteran population is decreasing.
- The VVA has advocated for Korean (ROK) veterans to be covered by the VA, with Korea footing the bill. This is SB 2648.
- The next VVA national convention is to be held in New Orleans in 2024.
- The state of Washington is the leader in obtaining benefits for veterans. Our VSO team is tops.
- Locally, we now have a VSO officer, Shawn Dalgarn, in the Vets’ Center, 3800 Byron Ave, Suite 124. Phone 360 733 9229.
A motion to support the Naval Seaplane Museum in Oak Harbor was tabled to next month for a decision.
50/50 Raffle: won by someone unidentified
Good of the Order: Remember so donate used ink cartridges to the chapter.
11 November is Veterans’ Day, find a celebration and join in.
A donated Mauser rifle is going to be raffled off.
Next meeting is 5 December 2023. A big spread in honor of the wives and significant others of the membership. Please attend.
Motion to Adjourn: Came at 19:25 (7:25 pm)
General Meeting called to order at: 18:08 (6:08 pm) by President Richard Carpenter
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: V. P. Donna
Roll Call of officers: term expires
Richard Carpenter, 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: DAR members: Leah Rosetti, Kristin Larsen and Kelley Slater, Julia Cliford, Scott Calkins.
New members present: none raised their head
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA – 402, AVVA – 120
Old Business:
- Malcolm Oliver gave a quick update on the AVVA. They are incorporated in the state, still awaiting national approval.
- Veteran handyman Steve Weden is looking for extra work. Phone 360-319-1514 if you have any nagging jobs, you need done.
We have received three short notes from the scholarship awardees of this year.
New Business:
- Darlene Carlson gave a presentation to Gold Star Mothers and Vietnam Veterans. She gave VN pins to all who had yet to receive them. The Chapter got a new Vietnam Veterans banner and proclamations from three U.S. Presidents (Obama, Trump and Biden).
- Darlene related the establishment of the Gold Star Mothers’ Arbor project that was dedicated a year ago in May. This arbor has been recognized nationally by the DAR and may become a model for others in the country.
- A check for $2,000 was presented to Julia Cliford of Brigadoon Dogs by our president. Julia gave a short, gracious thank you to the chapter. She recounted a couple of stories of how the Brigadoon Dogs have helped as service dogs. She emphasized that Brigadoon never charges veterans for their service dog.
- Scott Calkins of the Gearheads Car Club presented us with a check of $1,000.
5. Board of Directors meeting 15:00 31 October, 2023 at the VFW hall. Several items to discuss.
50/50 Raffle: won by Summer $52
Good of the Order:
13 Oct. VFW Chili Cheese Dog Night at 18:00. $10 / person
27 Oct. VFW Chili cook-off. $5 for a bowl of chili and a ballot. Come see who wins best chili award. Starts at 18:00
29 Oct. VFW breakfast from 8:00 – 10:00 cost is $10 / adult $8 / child.
Motion to Adjourn: 18:49
Minutes of 5 September 2023
General Meeting called to order at: 18:25 by Pres. Richard Carpenter
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
Richard Carpenter, 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 P 2025
Sam Houston, B of D P 2025
Charles Muggy, B of D A 2025
Duane Holliday, B of D P 2025
Dan Norvelle, B of D A 2025
Guests:
New members present: Tom Filion, U.S. Army, Truk Tolstad (donated to chapter) AVVA
Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: VVA 400, AVVA 117
Old Business:
- Welcome Home BBQ at Sedro Wooley was a success. Didn’t hear what the attendance was.
2. Chapter donated $400 to have veteran’s apartment cleaned so he wouldn’t be evicted
New Business:
- Doc Holliday moved to provide $1,000 donation to Brigadoon Service Dogs. Moved to amend motion to $2,000 by Lonnie, passed overwhelmingly.
- Another of our members, Roy Mattingly needs help to fix his roof. He has the roofing tar, and a fork lift to get to the roof, but cannot do it by himself. Phone 360 383 7469 if you can assist.
- Darlene Carlson, the DAR chief locally has arranged for a presentation to our chapter at the next meeting. Any Gold Star Mothers, family members, veterans are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be 3 October, meal at 5:30, meeting at 6:30.
- Pres. Richard Carpenter read a portion of a letter to the chapter received from Ron Wilson. The matter is now closed.
- Upcoming September events:
11 Sep. – Patriot Day
15 Sep – National POW/MIA Recognition Day
“ VFW Post 1585 Garage sale pre-sale
16 Sep – VFW Post 1585 Garage sale begins at 9:00 – 3:00 pm
“ Annual Kenny Payne Pig Roast dinner starts at 5:00 pm
17 Sep – Garage Sale continues until noon
18 Sep – U.S.A.F. birthday (1949) also CIA birthday
24 Sep – Gold Star Mothers’ Day “ VFW breakfast 8:00 to 10:00 $10 adults / $8 children
11 Sep. – Patriot Day
15 Sep – National POW/MIA Recognition Day
“ VFW Post 1585 Garage sale pre-sale
16 Sep – VFW Post 1585 Garage sale begins at 9:00 – 3:00 pm
“ Annual Kenny Payne Pig Roast dinner starts at 5:00 pm
17 Sep – Garage Sale continues until noon
18 Sep – U.S.A.F. birthday (1949) also CIA birthday
24 Sep – Gold Star Mothers’ Day
“ VFW breakfast 8:00 to 10:00 $10 adults / $8 children
Remember to donate used ink cartridges to the chapter.
7. Lonnie Rose announced that there is a veteran’s handy man, Steve Weden 360 319 1514. He’s apparently a good guy.
50/50 Raffle: won by V.P. Donna Trecker who donated back $20
Good of the Order:
A certificate of appreciation given to Tom Filion for assistance.
Chapter Board of Directors’ meeting 26 Sept. at 3:00 pm VFW
Motion to Adjourn: made at 18:56, one of our shorter meetings.
Minutes of 1 August 2023
General Meeting called to order at: 18:20 by President Richard Carpenter
Pledge of Allegiance by: V.P. Donna Trecker
Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: Chaplain Lonnie Rose
Roll Call of officers: term expires
Richard Carpenter, 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 P 2025
Sam Houston, B of D P 2025
Charles Muggy, B of D P 2025
Duane Holliday, B of D A 2025
Dan Norvelle, B of D A 2025
Guests: Francisco Ivarra, Karen Callery, Judy Darden, Ande Mitchelle
New members present: Gary Henderson, Alan Callery, Richard Darden
Secretary’s report: He gave a glowing report and it was moved, 2nd & approved
Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved
Membership Update: by Dave Loomis – VVA 400, AVVA 116
Old Business:
- The chapter funded the VASH bus passes to the tune of $300.00
- 21st National Convention starts 9 August 2023; we still have no delegate willing to travel to Orlando. We are allowed 8 delegates. This convention is important. It will decide how and when to dissolve the National VVA, offering a guideline for chapters to follow.
- Francisco Ivarra gave a few remarks on the importance of the national convention and the issues it will deal with. He said he is disappointed that no chapter delegate is going. We need to get a delegate(s) to attend. The state and region will be strongly represented. Our state VSO program is the best (most effective) in the nation. The national is pressuring the Korean government to fund the VA services that should be provided to ROK veterans of Vietnam.
New Business:
- Tom G. gave a short report on the financial results of the car show.
- Saturday 5 August is the Welcome Home picnic in Sedro Wooley. BBQ food, music and dance offered free of charge. Ande Mitchelle gave a short plug for it, emphasizing the family friendliness.
- On 8 August the Board of Directors will have a meeting at VFW 15:00 hours. Several items to discuss.
- 31 August VFW Post 1585 has chili dogs for sale $2 apiece.
- $500 donation by Truk Tolstad (he will donate $5 per sale made from his mobile knife & scissor sharpening business)
- New member Tom Filion aided a veteran’s need for trash hauling.
- Tom G. noted that the PNW Naval Air Museum has asked for a donation from the chapter. This will be discussed in the BoD meeting and referred to membership.
50/50 Raffle: won by Judy Brulette, who donated it back to the chapter.
Good of the Order: Reminder Legion #7 has karaoke night and you can see the prez doin’ his thing.
Motion to Adjourn: adjourned at 18:59 good work all