Meeting Report 8-13-2014

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During the pre-meeting meal, two videos were shown to the membership. The first video was about the contruction of the largest U.S. flagpole in the world. The second was a promotional video of an upcoming TV Vietnam War documentary series that will be showing in 2015. It will be called "Welcome Home". The 10 minute video is excellent and we recommend you take the time to watch it. See the links below. Much thanks to our chapter member, Paul Francoeur for sending us the links to both of these videos.

Also during the pre-meeting meal, Bob Supak reported on the information project he had been assigned to work on. Supak informed the members that he had been compiling information to be included on the website in the future. Also, to provide a brochure/binder with voluntary photos, service connected stories or anything related to serving in the military. This is strictly voluntary but should be a very informative collection of information that can be shared by our membership. He will continue to provide more information and updates at upcoming meetings. He also handed out a sample Member Bio/Photo booklet to be passed around during the meal and meeting. Members were asked to comment on the project and to take a Bio form home with them to fill out. At the next meeting, we will start to accept the Bio information and photos from the membership. Bob will then start compiling the information into a chapter membership Bio/Photo booklet. He will also be sending out an email shortly, regarding this new chapter project, what it's about and how the membership can participate.

President Leonard Sternadel declared the meeting open at 1925 hours and the following business was transacted.

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Sternadel welcomed Curtis Walker as a new member and added that Ricardo Castillo of Boling had transferred to Chapter 1069.

Sternadel then presented a custom table cloth to Dwight Winkler, specifically designed for the upcoming Benefits Fair. Winkler thanked Sternadel for the table cloth.

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He then asked Dwight Winkler to update the members on the upcoming Veteran’s Benefits Seminar. He then reviewed a summary of the events that were going to take place at the El Campo Civic Center on the 23rd of August. He also informed the members that monetary donations were needed to help defray the expenses.

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A kayak race (and general fun time) will be held on September 13th at the Sternadel pond. Hot dogs will be provided.

Another chapter group bus trip to Austin to see the Vietnam War Monument will be October 11th. More information will be forthcoming.

Rusty Butts was assigned to investigate an off-shore fishing trip in the Gulf. More information will be forthcoming.

The possibility of a Chapter project with Iraq/Afghan veterans was discussed. More information will be forthcoming.

Another Stand-Down at FB Helen was also discussed. More information will be forthcoming.

The VVA TSC (Texas State Council) Fall Convention will be held October 3-4 in Arlington, Texas. Contact Sternadel if anyone is interested in attending.

Sternadel stated that more of the new tan chapter vests were on order and were available. Contact James Kulcak if you're interested in purchasing one of these vests. The cost to each member is only $20! This is a great deal! Many members have already purchased one of these vests. It would really be great if all our membership could wear this vest when attending special functions as a group.

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Stephen Brady, Texas VVA TSC Secretary, then reported on his recent trip to the VVA's National Leadership & Education Conference that was held in Wichita, Kansas last week. Stephen's main comment regarding the conference was, "I personally believe that conferences such as this have very beneficial takeaways for the attendees, which translate positively to their chapter, region and national organization. A tremendous amount of effort has gone into developing the program so we can enhance our core strengths to meet our mission goals."

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Our in-house PX store is growing! See photos below. Much thanks goes out to James Kulcak for putting a lot of time and effort into finding and ordering all the items for the PX. All proceeds from the PX goes into helping pay for chapter operating and project expenses.

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There being no further business, President Sternadel declared the meeting adjourned.

And finally - much thanks to John Steelman, our Chapter Secretary/Treasurer for providing us with the meeting minutes!

VVA Chapter 1069 Meeting Report for: August, 8-13-2014 [posted on: 08-15-2014]