- The monthly VVA chapter 1069 meeting was held in the big banquet room at Mikeska's BBQ (located on Hwy 59), in El Campo, Tx.
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A Flag retirement ceremony for one of Mikeska's big flags was held early Wednesday evening, before the meeting started.
VVA Chapter 1069 Officers and BOD members would like to thank all those members & spouses who came early to attend and
participate in the ceremony. The ceremony was directed by Chapter President, Leonard Sternadel and assisted by Chapter
Vice-President, Frank Kulcak. Members of the Mikeska family were also in attendance. Additional photos and videos taken
at the ceremony are shown below.
Above photo shows VVA chapter 1069 members gathering for start of ceremony. In the background, chapter members Richard Woods and Ronnie Miller are ready and waiting to bring out the flag. The ceremony was held on the northside of Mikeska's BBQ.
As members present arms, Vice-President Frank Kulcak prepares to set the old flag aflame.
It took a while for the very large flag to start burning.
Above photo - The ceremony was directed by Chapter President, Leonard Sternadel (Right side) and assisted by Chapter Vice-President, Frank Kulcak (Left side).
And again, thanks to those members that came early to participate in the ceremony.
In all, a proper and reverent way to dispose of and retire the American flag.
Much thanks to the Mikeska family for allowing VVA Chapter 1069 to participate in the flag retirement ceremony. Also thanks to Donna Mikeska for taking and providing the above photo. Several short video clips were also taken during the ceremony. Use the links below to view those video clips. Note: The video clips are in "mp4" format. Video: Richard Woods & Ronnie Miller carry the flag (14sec) Video: Frank Kulcak lights fire (11sec) Video: A Salute to the Flag and The Pledge of Allegiance (18sec) Video: A final tribute (10sec) We're also happy to say that the VVA Chapter 1069 membership has also helped Gerry Mikeska raise a new flag at the Hwy 59 BBQ location. Use the link below to view some photos of that flag raising event. Mikeska Flag Raising - May 2016 - VVA Chapter 1069 President, Leonard Sternadel, declared the meeting open at 1900 hours and the following business was transacted.
- The following Board members were present: Sternadel, Steelman, F. Kulcak, Neumann, Mahlmann, Woods, and Supak.
- There were 40 total attendees (33 members and 7 guests)! A very nice turnout - A BIG Thanks to all those who attended!
- The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
- Sternadel recognized Prodencio Arriaga, USMC), as a new member for the chapter. WELCOME HOME PRODENCIO!
- Sternadel announced that: TODAY'S MEETING DAY IS FLAG DAY! Today's Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened 240 years ago on June 14, 1777.
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Sternadel (an Army guy) announced that: TODAY'S MEETING DAY IS THE U.S. ARMY'S BIRTHDAY! Today is the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Army,
which officially formed on June 14, 1775. As soon as this was announced, all our fellow chapter Marine members in attendance, begged
that The Official Song of The United States Army ("The Army Goes Rolling Along"), be played on our big projection screen.
Supak (an Army guy) was glad to oblige, and all the Marines cheered while it played!
You may use the links below to again enjoy and cherish the beauty of this wonderful song.
Official ARMY Song - By The US Army Band w/ Scrolling Lyrics
Official ARMY Song - By The United States Army Field Band
To all our wonderful 11 fellow Marine members:
Leroy B., Charles C., Leonardo E., James K., Len M., Paul O., Eddie P., Randy R., Kenneth S., Robin T., Curtis W.,
... ALL IN FUN!
And Happy Birthday to the ARMY!
- The meeting was then recessed for the meal and reconvened at 1945.
- The minutes of the last meeting were approved as presented.
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Dwight Winkler then gave his monthly benefits presentation with handout.
This month's handout from Dwight included all the topics shown below. Use the link below to View or Print the handout.
Pages 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
(3) DISABILITY COMPENSATION
Page 2
(4) MEDICAL CARD UPDATE
(5) VA HOTLINE
(6) PRESIDENT TRUMP'S BUDGET CALLS FOR CUTS TO VA PROGRAMS AS TRADEOFF FOR EXTENDING THE CHOICE PROGRAM
Page 3
(7) FRAUDULENT VA CHOICE PROGRAM PHONE NUMBER
(8) VA LAUNCHES PHYSICIAN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
(9) OTHER BENEFITS
(10) SOURCES
Page 4
(11) HOW TO CONTACT U.S. SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN FARENTHOLD
View or Print the June 2017 HandoutCLICK HERE to visit Dwight's Veterans Benefits page on our website
- Sternadel then stated that the previously scheduled "Vietnam Veterans Family Day" at Ryan's Lake for July 15, is not a viable date. A discussion was held and it was decided that another date be selected for later in the year, when the weather would be cooler. The rescheduled date will be forthcoming.
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Sternadel then reminded everyone of the upcoming "Veterans Appreciation Day" event, that was being held the next day, Thursday, June 15,
in Garwood, Texas, at the Methodist church. The event would be sponsored by the "Garwood/Nada Gadabouts Society" and a free lunch would
be included. All veterans and spouses are invited and President, Leonard Sternadel will be the guest speaker. The chapter would also be
showing the 22 minute video of the "Rose Ceremony" that was presented by our chapter during the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall visit to
El Campo in 2016.
*** ITEM UPDATE ***
We have since posted a full report of the "Veterans Appreciation Day" event on our website. Use the link below to read the report and view the associated photos. The chapter Officers and BOD members would like to thank those chapter members & spouses that attended and helped with the event. View the Veterans Appreciation Day report - Sternadel then mentioned that the VVA National Convention was being held the 2nd week in August (in New Orleans) which sort of conflicted with our monthly August chapter meeting. And since he and Frank Kulcak were attending the event, it might be better to reschedule our chapter meeting to the 3rd Wednesday in August so that he and Frank could present a timely report on the convention while it was fresh on their minds. After some discussion, it was decided to move our August chapter meeting to August 16, 2017 - please take note and mark your calendars! If you're interested, Click on the link below to learn more about the upcoming VVA National Convention and all the agenda topics that will be discussed at the 4-day event (Aug 8-12), being held in New Orleans, LA. Visit the 2017 VVA National Convention Webpage
- Sternadel informed the chapter that Calvin Mahlmann's grandson had been awarded a VVA scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Calvin's grandson graduated from Rice Consolidated High School. A big congratulations to Calvin's grandson!
- Sternadel then reminded everyone that the "Everyday Heroes" raffle will be held the coming Saturday, June 17th at the "Tractor Pull" event, being held in El Campo. Mike Ryan donated 5 very nice Case pocket knives engraved with the banner "Proud to be a Vietnam Veteran" to the top five members that sold raffle tickets - Sternadel presented the pocket knives to 5 members of our chapter. A big thanks to all those in our chapter who helped out and sold tickets.
- There being no further business, President Sternadel declared the meeting adjourned at 2045.
- Much thanks to our chapter Secretary, John Steelman for providing the minutes for this report.