VVA Chapter 1069 held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. The meeting was held as usual, at Mikeska’s BBQ, (located on Hwy 59) El Campo, TX. And because of the still active COVID-19 virus, everyone wore face masks and adhered to social distancing.

Note that Mikeska's BBQ is open for business and have prepared their banquet room for social distancing by limiting the room to fewer tables and fewer chairs. Attendees are asked to wear face masks and honor social distancing, and everyone complied. Members were also encouraged to stay home if they did not feel comfortable in coming to the meeting because of the current virus situation.

• The meeting was called to Order by chapter President, Frank Laitkep.
• The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
• Frank (photo below), then recognized all those members who were having birthdays in October.

• Frank then introduced guests and potential new members.
• The meeting was then temporarily recessed for the evening meal of Mikeska's BBQ.
• Frank then re-opened the meeting open at 8:00 PM. The following chapter business was transacted.

NEW BUSINESS

• The El Campo Branch Library will host Veteran's Appreciation Day even on Tuesday, November 10th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. They are located at 200 W. Church Street, El Campo, TX. Please try to attend.
  Note that the El Campo Library also hosted an Open House for Veterans last year (Nov 13, 2019) at which many members of our chapter attended. Use the links below to view the two pictures taken at the event, in which you may see members of our chapter.
  
  

OLD BUSINESS

• Vice President, Leonard Sternadel, gave a short presentation regarding the upcoming Everyday Heroes Fundraiser Banquet, that will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2020, in the El Campo Civic Center.
  The guest speaker will be "Shilo Harris" - see image below. At the current time approximately 40 of our members & spouses will be attending the fundraiser banquet.
  
  Shilo was a Cavalry scout with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq. He survived a brutal IED attack, and, after more than 75 surgeries, he is now a motivational speaker. Use the link below to learn more about Shilo Harris.
  Click Here to visit the Shilo Harris website
  Shilo also has a book out called "Steel Will: My Journey through Hell to Become the Man I Was Meant to Be".
  
  The hard cover version may be purchased on Amazon - the link is below. The description for the book reads as follows...
  "On February 19, 2007, SSG Shilo Harris was patrolling an infamous southern Iraqi roadway when his Humvee was struck by an IED. Moments later, three members of his crew were dead and Shilo had sustained severe burns over 35 percent of his body, lost his ears and the skin off his face, and lost much of the use of his badly mangled fingers. This fiery moment was just the beginning of an arduous road laced with pain, emotional anguish, and much soul-searching. For forty-eight days Shilo lay trapped in a medically induced coma as his wife, unable to ease his suffering, had to come to grips with a man utterly changed.
  Click Here to see Shilo's book on Amazon
  VVA Chapter 1069 has participated in many past Everyday Heroes fundraisers. Use the links below to view the promos or reports of those events.
  2019 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
  2018 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
  2017 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
  2014 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
  More about Everyday Heroes
• The membership was then reminded that Veteran's Day is Nov 11th, and that there will be a Veteran's Day family celebration at Ryan Lake on Sat, Nov 14, for our chapter membership. All chapter members are encouraged to attend and bring the kids & grandkids. Again this year the Ferris Wheel, Bounce House, and of course fishing will be available. Bring rods/reels and bait; lawn chairs, snack or dessert, and adult beverages. Tea and water will be provided.
  Note that our VVA Chapter 1069 has participated in many Veterans Family Day celebrations for our chapter hosted by Mike Ryan of El Campo. Mike is a big supporter of all Veterans. Use the links below to view the reports of some of those past events.
  Veterans Family Day 2019
  Veterans Family Day 2018
  Veterans Family Day 2017
  Veterans Family Day 2016

OTHER BUSINESS

• Monthly group counceling sessions re-started today. James Bailey hosted the session via speaker phone. All those that attended agreed to continue the monthly sessions. Below are some notes from James to our membership.
  (1) Take your flu shot.
  (2) The suicide rate is up 40% on active duty military. Veterans and overall population numbers weren't available, but rise in numbers could be covid-related.
  (3) Don't hibernate! Wash you hands frequently, wear you mask and practice social distancing. Don't let the mental affects of covid be worse than the virus itself.
• Chapter President, Frank Laitkep, then announced to our membership that VVA National President, John Rowan (photo below), has made a public statement in the Sept/Oct issue of the online publication, "The VVA Veteran", (in the President's Report) that pretty much says there will be (1) NO name change made to our VVA organization , and (2) NO membership criteria change made to our VVA organization. This proposal to change our VVA organization has been an ongoing debate and intense controversy between VVA National Leadership and the VVA membership for several years now. Rowan's statement can be found in the President's Report of the online Sept/Oct issue - see the link to the online publication below.
  
  John Rowan - VVA National President
  The editor of the publication also provided an additional statement, regarding Rowan's report and it's intent - it reads as follows...
  "I encourage our readers to review President John Rowan's report. Resolution GA-21 charged the Officers and the Board with investigating the possibility of opening VVA membership to younger veterans and perhaps changing the organization's name. That investigation, President Rowan reports, is done. There will be no change. Younger veterans have shown little interest in the prospect, and VVA members have been vocal in their opposition."
  This was very good news for our membership and all VVA members across the country. Most members of the VVA are proud to belong to a Veterans organization that is solely dedicated to the Vietnam Era Veteran.
  Use the link below to view the Sept/Oct issue of the publication on the VVA National website. Be sure to read the "President's Report" and the Letter-to-the-editor titled "Let The Crowd Vote".
  View the Sept/Oct Online Issue of "The VVA Veteran"

MISC

• The new Sept/Oct Online issue of "The VVA Veteran" publication is available for viewing on the VVA National website. Note that anyone may view the new online bi-monthly publications. Use the link below to view the Sept/Oct publication on the VVA National website. Note that you may also select and read any past publications if so desired. Be sure to read the "President's Report" and the Letter-to-the-editor titled "Let The Crowd Vote".
  View the Sept/Oct Online Issue of "The VVA Veteran"
• There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
• Our Next chapter meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November, 11, 2020.
  
• And again, a final thanks to Mikeska's BBQ for hosting our monthly chapter meetings and supporting VVA Chapter 1069! And if possible, The Chapter encourages all members to in turn, support Mikeska's BBQ by eating there (or take out) as often as possible. Thank you.