Minutes, 20 December 2012

Minutes, 20 December 2012

Call to Order was at 18:01, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for POWs and MIAs.

Prayer.  Chapter Chaplain Jim Kelly offered the invocation.

Roll Call.  All chapter officers were present.

President: Gary Fink

Vice President: John Sheets

Secretary: Michial Nolan

Treasurer: Bob Marshall

Sergeant at Arms: Norm Graham

Attendance:

Guest.  Glenna Smith, representative from Sen. Dean Heller’s office, updated the chapter on the Conference Report of the Defense Authorization Act.  Ms. Smith reported on a TriCare Prime amendment offered by Sen. Heller.  TriCare Prime is the military’s managed care option, scheduled to end this year.  Ms Smith reported “. . . the amendment does not preserve Prime but rather, requires the DoD to provide answers to retirees and their families so that they are aware of the true impact of its elimination. In addition, TriCare Prime has been extended to end on October 1, 2013 instead of April 1, 2013!”  Ms. Smith stated she has not read the final bill but please call her office with any questions.

Ms. Smith reported on new resources, including meeting with the HUD-VASH rep, the new VA Prisoner Re-Entry Program, and the Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center.  “Ms. Paula Bosler was hired by the VA for a new position, (VA Veterans Prisoner Re-Entry Program) which will add assistance and funding for veterans who are incarcerated and are within 6 months of release from either jail or prison. She assists these veterans in attaining health care, housing, jobs, and other needs so that their transition is more successful. The assistance continues for up to 6 months after they are released.”  Ms. Smith also reported a new veterans’ service organization, the Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center, is planning a grand opening in mid-January.  This new agency will serve veterans and their families before they are in crisis.
Minutes.  The minutes were distributed electronically before the meeting.  In the absence of objection or exception, Gary Fink declared the minutes accepted.

Reports.
Treasurer’s Report.  Treasurer Bob Marshall presented the treasurer’s report.  Bob stated the coffers were getting low and called for an outreach fundraiser.  Gary Nicholes reported he and Dave Billau are taking over outreaches.

Motion.  Gary Nicholes moved to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Norm Graham (unanimous).

Petty Cash.  President Gary Fink presented the Petty Cash report.

President’s Report.  Not formally presented.

Outreach Committee.  No report, Chairman Dave Billau not present.

Horticulture Committee.  No report.

Vietnam Memorial.  No report

Chapter 388 Report.  Chapter 388 president Rick Arnold presented the report.  Rick reported on the Wreaths at the Capitol event on December 3, attended by the mayor and governor.  The chapter held their Christmas party on December 4.  Members of Chapter 388 went to Fernley on December 5 for Wreaths Across America.  Chapter 388 has been supporting an Air Guard family in a motel while awaiting services from Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center, and is working in conjunction with them to assist other families.  Chapter 388 made and distributed wall plaques to chapter 989 members who served as honor guard for the Traveling Wall.  Chapter 989 members so honored were Rick Shuster, Bill Wedlake, Michial Nolan, Robert Martin, Jim Kittrell, Michael Hawe, Steve Sherman, Tony Bowser, and Rocky Byers.

Nevada State Council Report.  Nevada State Council President Terry Hubert presented the State Council Report.

State Council Meetings:

-February 15-16 at Chapter 17 Hall, Las Vegas.

-June 7, VFW Post 9211 Moana Field.

-June 8-9, 6:00 pm, Silver Legacy: State Council will host the Joint Region 8 and Region 9

-Pre-convention  convention.

-October, date to be announced, NSC meeting in Tonopah.

Council of State Council Presidents (CSCP) meetings:

-January 3-5, Jacksonville Florida. Vice president Virgie Hibbler will attend for Nevada

-April 17-20, Silver Spring, MD, in conjunction with National Board of Directors Meeting.

Terry Hubert will attend as chair of the Veterans Incarcerated committee.

-October 9-12, in conjunction with National Board of Directors Meeting in Silver Spring,

MD.

CSCP Hot topics:

-Revision of VVA’s Disciplinary Code and Procedures.

-Proposed Constitutional Amendments- elimination of the At-Large Directors (10); have 9

Regional Directors besides National officers.

-Veterans Incarcerated Committee has a proposed Amendment-relief of Incarcerated Chapter

filing annual Financial Reports.

Updates

-Bravo Movie- at UNR this March; will start a tour including California and Nevada.

-Chapter 17 has a Nevada Governor Proclamation for March 29 as Vietnam Veteran Day,

and will obtain a couple of copies to use for the upcoming Nevada Legislature Bill draft.

-University Veterans Coalition: food bank volunteers for December 23-24 at 295 Gentry

Way, starts at 9:00 am for Women Vets.  Ask for Red James, Lead.

VVA 16^th National Convention, Jacksonville, Florida, July 24-28.

Old Business.

Wreaths Across America.  Rich Shuster reported ~1,700 wreaths were placed at the Fernley cemetery.  He reported there was snow on the ground, creating a striking contrast with the wreaths.  Rick Arnold announced if in future we submit names of past members now interred in the cemetery, their graves will be prepped in advance of the wreaths.

Air National Guard Family.  President Gary Fink went Christmas shopping, spending a total of $214, including more than $100 for toys plus dinner and movie tickets for the parents.  Rick Arnold added that the most vulnerable population needing assistance is unemployed National Guard members, and this population should be the focus of our outreach.

Outreaches.  None to report.

New Business.

Open Committee Chairs.  Chairs of the Parade Committee and the Barbecue/Pot luck committee are open.  These are appointed positions and volunteers should contact President Gary Fink.

Veterans In Touch.  The Veterans In Touch Newsletter is now on line.  Bob Sperry brought printed copies of the newsletter and distributed them to chapter members.

Good of the Chapter

Rusty Bolton brought drinks and snacks for a toast following the chapter meeting,

Jeff Gundersen is recovering from back surgery that went well.

Voice in the Wilderness, located next to the Second Street Reno Police Station, is hosting a free lunch from 11:00 – 1:00 on Christmas Eve.

Jim Hanson was out of town but sent best wishes to all and a Merry Christmas.

Birthdays.
The following members celebrated birthdays this month: Richard Babcock, Craig Beck, Rusty Bolton, Tod Brill, Chuck Burr, Richard Caudill, Michael Hawe, Red Kittell, Robert Lane, Michael McDonald, Greg Montalvo, and Dennis Romeo.

Motion.  Rick Shuster moved to adjourn, seconded by Norm Graham (unanimous).  Meeting adjourned at 18:40.