Vietnam Veterans Of America

Memorial Chapter #165

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Minutes of 5 April 2022

General Meeting called to order at: 18:50 (6:50pm) by President Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: Pres. Loomis

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2022

          Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2022

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2022

          Ken Richardson, B of D                            P                 2022

          Randy Turnbull, B of D                             P                 2022

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2022

          Gene Goldsmith, B of D                           P                 2022

          George Douglas, B of D                           P                 2022

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2022

Guests: Greg Hawley, Mike & Martha Welch, Francisco Ivarra

New members present: George Mills

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved as amended

Membership Update: 350 VVA, 80 AVVA

Old Business:     

          1.      New slate of officers, delegates and directors elected

New Business:

          1.      New officers, directors and delegates sworn in by State Council President Ivarra.

          2.      New President Robert Aspiras introduced himself (gave a little background) and assumed role as president.

          3.      Liz Witowski was called upon to explain the role of the Whatcom County Veterans Program. She explained that among the duties of the program is to help low-income veterans get and maintain permanent housing. It also carries out a volunteer drive program, driving folks to medical appointments etc. The 114 fund services indigent veterans (those with an income lower than $2,900/mo. for a couple). This fund can help with burial services, rent, utility payments etc. Liz reported that the office assisted 648 veterans last year. She can be reached by calling 360 778 6050.

          Liz also noted that all Vietnam vets qualify for VA benefit claims. She encouraged us all to enroll, for our spouse’s benefit if not our own. She also encouraged all to attend the board meetings (on Zoom) and to apply for any open position on the board.

          4.      Francisco Ivarra remarked that 29 March is Vietnam Veterans’ Day, a day we should all commemorate. It is our day. He also noted that the Washington State Council VSOs are first in the nation in bringing dollars to the state. There is a council meeting in Toppenish this Sat. April 9th from 13:00-16:00 (1:00-4:00pm) at the Yakima Warriors Building. The National VVA board meeting is 20-23 April in Washington, DC. He will be attending.

          Francisco ended with a presentation to outgoing president Dave Loomis for his excellent leadership over the past few years. Good job, Dave.

          5.      Randy T moved the chapter donate $500.00 to VFW 1585, seconded and approved.

          6.      Ken R moved the chapter support the Memorial Day parade to the tune of $1,000, seconded and approved.

          7.      Ron W moved the chapter support the Welcome Home picnic this year with $1,000, seconded and approved.

          8.      Doc H called for volunteers for the car show in July. He announced the committee will have a meeting 13 April at 15:00 (3:0pm) at the VFW.

          9.      John F. noted that the parade registration is now open and urged the chapter to register.

Announcements:

          50/50 Raffle Won by: Ken R. donated back to chapter $ 85.

          Donations tonight totaled $165.

Motion to adjourn:  made at 20:10 (8:10pm) adjourned.

Minutes of 1 March 2022

General Meeting called to order at: 6:45 (18:30) by Pres. Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: Malcolm Oliver

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2022

          Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2022

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2022

          Ken Richardson, B of D                            P                 2022

          Randy Turnbull, B of D                             P                 2022

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2022

          Gene Goldsmith, B of D                           P                 2022

          George Douglas, B of D                            P                 2022

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             A                 2022

Guests: Sue Richardson, Dorothy Rood, Diane Caragio Leah Rosetti

New members present: Pete Chorney, Dan Campbell, Donna Treoker

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: VVA members – 348, AVVA members – 80

Old Business:     

          1.      Steve Jordan new State AVVA representative reported he met with region 8 to finalize requirements for this AVVA chapter to incorporate. The chapter will need a founding membership of 15, and select officers to be accountable to the membership.

2.      Leah R. reported that fundraising for Brigadoon rescue dogs has raised about $13,700.

3.      Darlene C noted that the Gold Star Mothers arbor for Greenacres is nearing completion. Ben Brown reported that the arch has been rolled by Reinke and that fabrication begins this week.

4.      There was a discussion regarding the Whatcom County Veterans’ Advisory Board and the Allied Veterans of Whatcom County, their respective duties and responsibilities. A suggestion that Liz Harmon come talk to the membership again was recommended.

5.      No news to report regarding the NW Annex property.

New Business:

          1.      WA State Council of VVA meets 9 April at the Yakima Warriors Building, Toppenish, WA. Legends Casino has rooms available at special rate.

          2.      Sunday 13 March is National K-9 Veterans Day

          3.      Tuesday 29 March is Vietnam Veterans Day

          4.      John Ferdon reported on planning for the Memorial Day Parade to be held on Memorial Day this year.

          5.      Election by voice vote the slate was approved:

President:            Robert Aspiris                       Election Committee:

Vice President:   Ron Wilson                          Randy Turnbull                                   

Secy / Treas:       Tom Grinstad                         John Forgette                                      

Chaplain:             Lonnie Rose                           Larry Murray

Membership:      David Loomis

          Board Members                                       State Delegate

David Loomis                                                      Larry Montgomery

James Houston                                                   Raymond Radke

Raymond Radke                                                 Michael Hackett

Larry Montgomery                                             Tom Grinstad

Charles Muggy                                                   David Loomis     

Randy Turnbull                                                   George Douglas

          50/50 Raffle Won by: Ruthe Ashe

Good of the Order:     Reminder VFW Post 1585 has breakfast 8:00 – 10:00 27 March. $10 / $5 children…

Motion to adjourn:  adjourned at 7:30 (19:30)

Minutes of 4 January 2022

General Meeting called to order at: 18:50 by Pres. David Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: David Loomis

Invocation by & Moment of silence for POW/MIA by: VP Ron Wilson

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2022

          Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2022

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2022

          Ken Richardson, B of D                            A                 2022

          Randy Turnbull, B of D                             A                 2022

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2022

          Gene Goldsmith, B of D                           A                 2022

          George Douglas, B of D                            A                 2022

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             A               2022

Guests: Jesse Barsness who introduced his wife and children, whose names I didn’t get.

New members present: none

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: we now have 351 on books, 79 AVVA members

Old Business:     

          1.      President Loomis announced he will not run for re-election. He thanked the membership for the opportunity to serve.

2.      Names were floated to fill the various officer positions; nominations will occur next month (February) and elections will be held in the March meeting.

3.      Dave Loomis will stay on in a membership position – chief recruiter – at which he is great.

New Business:

          1.      The attending members made a donation to assist Jesse Barsness’ family. They were flooded out in the storms of November. Dave moved that the chapter contribute an additional $500 in recovery. Motion was seconded and approved.

          2.      District President Francisco Ivarra gave a short review of the proceedings at the national convention held in November. The main points were:

          The VVA is established as a “last person standing” organization.

          ROK veterans are allowed to be VVA members if they are citizens of the USA.

          The number of persons needed to organize and establish a new chapter of VVA is reduced from 25 to 15.

          John Rowan lost his re-election bid; Jack McManus is the new national president.

          McManus established a financial and investigative committee and appointed Francisco to it.

          3.      The Moving Vietnam Wall is coming to Ocean Shores this coming June. Sam H. moved we donate $1,000.00 to support this cause. Seconded and approved

Good of the Order:     Be careful of the pandemic, be smart.

Motion to adjourn:     Adjourned at 19:25

7 December 2021

The banquet started with a prayer by Ken Rood.  At 18:00 all the ladies were invited to join the chow line and get their grub. And what a spread it was – ham, escalloped potatoes, green beans, corn, salad, bread and butter. Of course, no meal is a meal without dessert. There were too many to mention. No really, I didn’t count the number. During the meal raffle tickets were sold for a beautiful quilt made and donated by Sachiko Haynes.  Lots of conversation and consumption ensued. From the official sign-in sheet there were 51 attendees. However, it appears that not all signed in. So, the true number could be closer to 60.

General Meeting called to order at: 18:58 by Vice President Ron Wilson

Pledge of Allegiance by: VP Wilson       

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Loomis, Pres                                   A                 2022

          Ron Wilson, VP                                         P                 2022

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2022

          Ken Richardson, B of D                            P                 2022

          Randy Turnbull, B of D                             A                 2022

          Sam Houston, B of D                                A                 2022

          Gene Goldsmith, B of D                           A                 2022

          George Douglas, B of D                           P                 2022

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2022

Guests: Steve Jordan American Legion Post 212

New members present: Steve Tatham and Mike Lane

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

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: now at 350 members, 80 AVVA members

Old Business:     

          1.      Brief mention of national convention by Ron W. perhaps next month a more detailed report by the delegation.

2.      Doc H. presented a check for $500 from the Whatcom County Cruisers.

3.      Summation of members’ efforts at flood relief in Sumas and environs. The Chapter donated $1,000.00 to the AL Post 212 for flood relief.

New Business:

          50/50 Raffle Won by: someone who I didn’t see. Total take to the Chapter $35.

Donation bucket proceeds $100

Quilt raffle won by Ray Radke. Proceeds to the Chapter $100.

Motion to adjourn:  at approx. 19:20 (7:20 pm) our shortest business meeting. Congrats Ron!!

Minutes of 2 November 2021

General Meeting called to order at: 18:08 by President Dave Loomis

Pledge of Allegiance by: Pres. Loomis  

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

Roll Call of officers:                                                           term expires

          David Loomis, Pres                                   P                 2022

          Ron Wilson, VP                                         A                 2022

          Tom Grinstad, Secretary / Treasurer      P                 2022

          Ken Richardson, B of D                            A                 2022

          Randy Turnbull, B of D                             P                 2022

          Sam Houston, B of D                                P                 2022

          Gene Goldsmith, B of D                           A                 2022

          George Douglas, B of D                           P                 2022

          Duane Holliday, B of D                             P                 2022

Guests:

New members present: Ron Adams, Bruce Wickler

Secretary’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved Thumb drive video of BTC students available for viewing.

Treasurer’s report: Moved, 2nd & approved

Membership Update: now at 333 members, 78 AVVA members

Old Business:     

          1.      Dave Loomis gave a short report on the state council meeting held 23 October. State council backs our efforts in repurposing the former Norbell Nursing Home at Smith and Northwest roads.

2.      Doc H. pressed for purchase of tables. Ron W. assigned to follow up.

New Business:

          1.      Moved, 2nd and passed to provide Michael Hackett $1,000 to attend the national convention this month.

          2.      On 11 November VFW Post 9301 will host a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00. Address 7011 Hannegan Rd., Lynden.

          3.      13 Nov. from 3:00 (15:00) to 7:30 pm (19:30) the Choir of the Salish Sea presents a program at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St. Bellingham

          4.      The chapter took possession of an electric wheelchair from Jim McCoy. Available to someone in need. Contact Ron Wilson 360 510 3565.

          5.      7 December’s meeting will salute our wives. A great dinner is promised. Be sure to attend.

          6.      Malcomb briefed us on FEMA Covid policy. He also talked about the NW Annex and the letter of support from state council.

          7.      Question arose about putting the video thanks from BTC on the website. Tom G will investigate.

          50/50 Raffle Won by: Dan Norvell. He donated the proceeds back to the chapter – $55 total.

Good of the Order:     VFW Post 1585 holds breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 at their building 625 N. State St. Bellingham.

Donation bucket proceeds $70

Motion to adjourn:  at approx. 18:48 one of our shortest meetings

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