VVA Chapter 1069 Meeting Report for: Jan 1-9-2019
[posted on: 1-11-2019]
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The meeting was held at Mikeska’s BBQ, El Campo, TX.
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The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by chapter President, Leonard Sternadel.
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The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
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Leonard then recognized all those who were having birthdays in January.
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Leonard than introduced guests and potential new members.
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The meeting was then recessed for the meal.
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President, Leonard Sternadel, re-opened the meeting open at 8:00 PM, and the following business was transacted.
Note that we had an attendance of 40+ people, including members & spouses. Not a bad
turnout for the 1st meeting of 2019. Thanks to all those who attended!
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Mike Harbaugh (see photo below), Chapter member and Wharton County Veteran Service Officer,
gave his Veterans Benefits presenation.
The topics for his presentation are listed below...
- GI Bill
- Space-A Travel
- New UCMJ Article
- High-Deployment Allowances
- New Tricare Dental Program
- How to Stay on Top of Your Benefits
- 5 Tips fo Flying Space-A
- New Dental and Vision Plans for 2019
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Dental Programs
- Vision Programs
- How to Find Out More
- Keeping Up With Changes
Use the link below to View or Print Mike's January Benefits handout:
CLICK HERE to View or Print Mike's Handout
Use the link below to visit Mike's webpage to view or print other meeting handouts, or to view other Veterans Benefits Information.
CLICK HERE to Visit Mike's VSO Webpage
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Leonard then recognized all those who helped with the chapter Christmas party.
He then said he hoped everyone enjoyed the party, thanked all those that attended and also added that 94 people attended!
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Because new chapter officers and BOD members will be elected in April,
the membership then selected and voted on a new "Nominating Committee",
for upcoming chapter officers and BOD elections. The chapter members
selected for the Nomination Committee were; Michael Harbaugh, Paul Francoeur
and Frank Laitkep.
According to VVA National rules, the nomination committee's purpose is:
"The election committee shall consist of three members elected at the annual meeting.
The committee shall receive nominations, submit a slate of candidates thirty days before
any election, and be the teller's committee at the election; nominations shall be opened
immediately prior to any election." (VVA National Constitution, Article 3, Section 7, par A).
The current chapter Officers are:
- President: Leonard Sternadel
- Vice-President: Frank Kulcak
- Secretary/Treasurer: John Steelman
The current BOD (Board of Directors) are:
- Jimmy Neumann
- Calvin Mahlmann
- Bob Supak
- Richard Woods
The Nomination Committee will shortly be sending out emails and mail to all the membership
asking for Officer and BOD nominations. Again, the election will be held at our April chapter meeting.
The 2019 Nomination Committee thanks you for your support.
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Leonard then led a brief discussion of the future of the VVA, informing and reminding the membership
of the purpose of the two current VVA National Workgroups. The 1st group is trying to figure out how the
VVA organization would disolved. The 2nd group is trying to figure out how to extend the life of
the VVA organization. One of the two different solutions would eventually be voted on at some future
VVA National Convention. The 2nd workgroup's solution would most likely mean (1) The VVA would be
opened up to all Veterans, and (20 the VVA name would probably be changed.
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Leonard then led a brief discussion regarding any new future chapter member applicants. He felt it
best that they be told 'up front' of the possible organizational changes that may be coming in the
future - perhaps by the end of the year 2019. He thought it only fair that a perspective chapter
member applicant know that his Liftime membership into a "Vietnam Veterans of America" organization,
may in the end, not be that type of organization at all, and actually be more like the existing
American Legion or VFW type organization. The membership agreed with Leonard's proposal. All attending
members also expressed their opinion and agreed that they want the organization to stay as is ...
a veterans organization dedicated to the Vietnam War Era veterans!
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Leonard then announced that it was again time for the chapter to hold another Chapter Fundraiser Raffle project.
He also volunteered to head up the Fundraiser project. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with
this fundraiser, please contact Leonard. We for sure will need members to go into their communities and
find businesses that will contribute worthwhile prizes for the Raffle. As a goal, we hope to raise at least
$20,000 from this Fundraiser.
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Our next chapter meeting is Feb 13, 2019.
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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