Meeting Minutes August 20, 2005
OFFICERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Call to Order A motion to accept the minutes from our July 16th meeting without discussion was made and seconded. Motion Passed The treasurer reviewed the chapter’s financial status. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was seconded. Motion Passed BUSINESS: B. Report from convention (2) There are 70,000 cases of Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome under review at the V.A. This may result in a reduction of benefits to some PTSD veterans. In some cases, it appears that the V.A. isn’t even following their own rules regarding this. VVA National is fighting this process. (3) John Roland is the new VVA National President; Jack Devine is the new VVA National Vice-president; and Darrell Brown in the new Division 9 Regional Director. C. President John presented the official document from National Headquarters that granted a charter for the Southern Utah Chapter #961 of VVA. D. A discussion on donations to the national organization took place. It was suggested that a portion of any donation may come back to our local chapter. The chapter president will look into this matter. Tax deductible donations may be made directly to our local chapter. E. Another brief discussion concerning Survivor Benefit Bills currently pending in the congress occurred. It was noted that apparent congressional stonewalling is occurring in regard to these bills. Correspondence with appropriate congressmen is encouraged. F. A question was asked regarding the availability of insurance plans through the VVA organization. It was noted that the American Legion, D.A.V. and other veteran groups sponsor group policies. As we now have an official chapter it is anticipated that information relative to VVA sponsored insurance will be forthcoming from the underwriter. Appoint recruiting committee. All members were encouraged to act as recruiters. Bring friends, wives, etc. to our meetings. Notice of property tax abatement for Disabled Veterans. September 1st is the deadline for filing for property tax exemption for veteran disability. The limit has been raised to $200,000. The minimum disability required for eligibility is 10%. Direction for Chapter 961 (What do we want our new chapter to stand for?). The group consensus was that our central focus to be on support for all veterans – with priority given to Vietnam Veterans (e.g. visits to hospitals, words of encouragement, flowers, etc.). Strong support to the 222nd will continue, while we remain proactive on a community level to offer support to all veterans. It was suggested that we should probably elect a chaplain to coordinate all of this. Also, the need for a chapter Public Information Officer (PIO) to “get the word out” and to spearhead public relations was discussed. Bruce Raftery volunteered for this position. V.P. Mike Gale suggested that we write a letter of support to the 222nd, and make it clear that we as a group do not condone any sort of derogatory comments or actions such as that illustrated in the letter that has been circulated. We must totally disassociate ourselves from this kind of stuff. Bruce advised the chapter that he would write the letter for the president’s signature ASAP. Help to build membership. Chapter members were encouraged to check around for potential members, and to invite them to attend our meetings. OTHER B. Hurricane Peach Days is scheduled for Sept. 3rd. Vice Pres. Mike Gale asked for volunteers to man the booth and walk in the parade. More specific info regarding this will be forthcoming. C. Vice Pres. Mike read a letter from Representative Cannon inviting all veterans to a town meeting featuring Secretary of Veteran Affairs Nelson. The meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 22nd at 2:30 at the Salt Lake Community College. Next Meeting There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1205 hours. Respectfully submitted,
Ronnie Vause, Secretary EMAIL:
Southern Utah Chapter VVA contacts: John Clark, President: @ 435-644-5018 Mike Gale, Vice President: @ 435-635-2166 Ronnie Vause, Secretary: @ 435-574-3344 P.O. Box 911055
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