Minutes – July 15, 2010

Vietnam Veterans of America
Sierra Chapter 989

15 July 2010

Call to order at 18:05

Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Robert Marshall

Prayer led by chapter chaplain Jim Kelley

Announcement: Chaplain Kelley will take a leave of absence for family needs.  He was given a tribute by the chapter, led by President Marshall.  The chapter will now seek a chaplain pro tempore to serve until Chaplain Kelley can return.

New Members:
-Steve Erickson
-John Bell, transferred from chapter 388
-Gary Meneley, transferred from chapter 719
-Red Cattell, joined 3 months ago but tonight was his first attendance

Roll Call: all officers present.  Total attendance 24.

Minutes:  Minutes of last month’s meeting were circulated and revisited at the end of the meeting.  Rick Shuster moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Jim Kelley (passed unanimously).

Old Business.

Second annual Barbecue:  A sign-up sheet was circulated for the annual joint 388 – 989 barbecue at the New Washoe Bar on Thursday, September 9.  Terry Hubert stated he would be unavailable to do ribs because of his teaching schedule.

Handicapped- equipped van:  Greg Montalvo reported the 1995 Dodge van was sold for $3,500 to a veteran who intends to use it to serve disabled vets and others through a non-profit.

Certificates of Appreciation: Two certificates of appreciation were requested for the shop that did the repairs on the van and for the New Washoe Bar for hosting the barbecue.

Veterans Guest House Fundraiser:  Rick Shuster called for volunteers to work at the rib cook-off.  Those interested should contact Cathy at the Veterans Guest House.

Traveling Wall:  President Marshall reported he received a $500 grant from Sam’s Club in support of the traveling wall.  His intention was to present it to the American Legion post at their most recent meeting.  The American Legion chapter requested that Chapter 989 keep the money and dedicate it to the Vietnam Memorial in Fernley.  Jeff Snyder (Am Legion) called for design ideas for the memorial because he will be selling hats and shirts with the design.

VVA National Convention: Chapter 989 will host the 2011 Convention (August 15 – 21, 2011)
at the Silver Legacy in Reno.  The chapter needs designs for shirts and caps.  Dennis Espinoza requested old shirts or designs for the prison chapter to inspire their design efforts.

Vietnam Veterans memorial in Fernley:  Dennis Espinoza made a motion to organize a committee to work on the proposed Vietnam Veterans memorial in Fernley.  Gary Meneley seconded (passed unanimously).  Greg Montalvo suggested he and Terry Hubert form a joint 989 – 388 committee for this purpose.

Mustang 22 Memorial:  On the morning of September 25th, 2005, two Nevada National Guardsmen, along with three others died, while flying over Afghanistan. The two soldiers from Nevada were Chief Warrant Officer, John Flynn and Staff Sergeant, Patrick Stewart.   Ground was broken on July 9 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Stead on a memorial to honor the Mustang 22 Crew.  It was suggested that the chapter contribute to this memorial.  Following discussion, Greg Montalvo made a motion to table the issue until the August meeting, seconded by Dennis Espinoza (passed unanimously).

Greg Montalvo: observed that Darrol Brown is now State Council President and Dennis Espinoza is now State Council Vice President, and this is the first time that VVA is strong in the north.  Greg credited Terry Hubert for making it all possible and called for his recognition by the chapter.

Veterans Garden Report: Rusty Bolton reported the garden is about 1/3 planted and recently got a small water tank and Western Nevada Supply donated 180’ of pipe.  He called for volunteers to water during August.

Minority Affairs: no report.

Household goods report (Greg Montalvo): The storage area at Ridge House is full.  VVA chapter 989 and Ridge House are in early discussions to open a thrift store.  Another possibility is to have a large garage sale.

Johan Sprenger (UNR Disability Resource Center): November is the 5th annual Disability Awareness Month, VVA is invited to have a table/outreach on Nov 3 for a 3-hour event featuring keynote speaker John Register, Desert Storm/Desert Shield veteran and Paralympic silver medalist.  The chapter is asked for a donation (which can be designated) to defer the $3,350 expense of bringing Mr. Register to the event.  Following discussion, Gary Meneley made a motion to donate $200 + 50% of profits from the outreach.  Second by Jim Hansen (passed unanimously).

Agent Orange Quilt of Tears: Rick Shuster reported on an offer to bring the quilts to Reno the first weekend of November.  The project needs to raise ~$2,000.  Following discussion, it was agreed to table this issue to next month.

Birthdays: Pesident Bob Marshall read the names of 6 members celebrating birthdays during the month.

 

Good of the Order.

Greg Montalvo: asked the chapter to recognize Bill Hines for his work on the traveling wall,

Terry Hubert: Jack Connor, court coordinator for the Buffalo, NY Veterans Court, is willing to come to Reno in October to meet with local veteran court people and to do a class on setting up a mentoring program.

President Bob Marshall:  Sergeant at Arms Kenny Williams wants to go to leadership August 10 – 14.  The chapter will have to pay ~$1,000.  Mike Miller made a motion to fund Kenny Williams’ trip to leadership, seconded by Dennis Espinoza (passed unanimously).

Gary Meneley: proposed naming an alternate in the event Kenny Williams can’t go.  Jim Hansen was named and approved as an alternate.

Meeting adjourned @ 18:59.