2024 Minutes
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
11 April 2024
Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1904 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Bob Bull
Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.
Roll Call: A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!
New Members: Bruce Lowery, US Navy and Bud Fry, also US Navy
Guests: None
Motion: by Throneberry/Harrison to approve the March Minutes published in the Dispatch. Approved.
Adjourn to Nominations
President: Vance McCrumb (accept)
Vice President: Marv Rivers (accept)
Treasurer: Berry Bourne (accept)
Secretary: Jon Luker (accept)
Sergeant at Arms: Eric Downie (accept)
Two-year board members moving to one-year positions were:
Bill Stuart, Dale Throneberry and John Kinzinger but Bill Stuart has moved out of state. The President appointed Tim Clarke to complete Bill Stuart’s term.
Two-year board nominees (Need at least three)
Accepting: Brian Graef, Bob Bull, Tim Driscoll
Declining: Bill Cole, Garry Massengill
State Council Delegates: Tim Driscoll and Sandie Wilson were appointed.
Motion by Roy Hall supported by Stan Harrison to cast a unanimous ballot for the slate. Approved.
Sandie Wilson conducted the Swearing in of Officers.
Recall to Order
President’s Report:
Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.
Vice-President’s Report:
You may remember my intervention at the end of the last meeting to point out that the bylaws require our meetings to end not later than 2030. I apologize for doing that in a somewhat rough manner. It is important to close on time, so if you have something to say, please try to be concise and conserve our time so everyone has a chance to speak on the issues.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne
Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.
Nonrestricted funds revenue increased by a $500 general fund donation and by $63 net revenue from sales at the VA. Expenses were significantly higher due to our annual $1,800 contribution to the VFW (hall rental, WiFi access, etc) and $1,000 prepayment to Angle Food Catering for the Annual Recognition Dinner.
On the restricted side, we received an in-kind donation of $1,440 in store credit from Home Depot which we spent on two pallets of wood chips and pressure washer and other items for Memorial maintenance and spring cleanup. Home Depot also sent out four volunteers who worked 5 hours each on spring cleanup.
AVVA Report: Please see the report in the Dispatch.
Committee Reports
Merchandise: Harrison. Net revenue was low because our sales were primarily coins. As you recall, we lose a few cents on each coin sold. Thank you to those who help with those sales.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Bull. We are working to expand the Council membership to include veteran-supporting organizations like AVVA that are not nationally chartered veterans organizations. The next meeting is next Monday at 1900 at Saline American Legion
Michigan State Council: Wilson. The State Council’s annual meeting and convention will be 1-2 June in Marquette. The State Council is challenging AVVA members to check with their local county veterans service office to apply for benefits for themselves and their children with birth defects. Spouses may also qualify for DIC based on the recent changes.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt. - Thank you to everyone who helped with the Annual Spring Cleanup. will be at 1000 on 16 March. Home Depot helped again this year with a donation of equipment and supplies and they sent four volunteers to the cleanup day as well.
On 29 March (Vietnam Veterans Day) at 1000, we had a dedication ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial for the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway signs.
Website: McCrumb. We have had around 426,253 hits since the website was last rebuilt. We’ve stopped the front-page slide show and made a few other small changes.
Membership: McCrumb. We are at 213 members. Since last Memorial Day, we have lost 11 members.
Newsletter: McCrumb. We are still working on the newsletter redesign. At Bob Bull’s request, we are also trying to incorporate the 988 logo to the front page.
Health Care: Sandie Wilson. As you know, VA Secretary Denis McDonough has refused to implement the federal law requiring the VA to study toxic exposures claiming that there is not sufficient information about birth defects to perform the research. Recently, however, the VA testified that the real reason for their disobedience is that the VA would not be funded well enough to take care of all the people that the research would say are entitled to care from the VA. Therefore, Senator Jon Tester introduced Senate Bill 3958 titled the “Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act of 2024.” This bill, if it becomes law would solve the problem by creating the Interagency Working Group on Toxic Exposure and having them do the research.
Also, the VVA National Committee will report to Congress on another toxic exposure problem: Fort McClellan in Alabama. There was a chemical plant 5 miles away that caused problems. Civilians in the area have already been compensated, but military personnel are being denied compensation.
LTCCSKMC: Bourne. The VA has asked us to resupply their new underwear cache. The committee is working on that.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Good of the Order:
Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Sinbad's Coney Island Restaurant, 2563 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 528-5800.
Stuart: I am moving out of state and retiring. I’ll be near my grandkids. I’ll miss you guys. Thank you very much.
McCrumb: We’ll be setting up for the recognition dinner at noon on Saturday. Doors open at 1730.
Throneberry: The Moving Wall will be at Manley Park, Hamburg, 12-15 September along with the Gold Star wall. Yankee Air’s Huey will be there also.
McCrumb: Vet Fest will be 3 August at Washtenaw Community College.
Throneberry: On 19 May some disability rating increases go into effect for 55 medical conditions. The biggest news is about the changes for celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. Celiac disease was rated at 0 to 30. It will go from 0 to 80. IBS will go from 0, 10- or 30 to 10, 20 or 30. Internal and external hemorrhoids were 0 for mild or moderate. That goes to 10 in May.
McCrumb: You’ve seen our new hats which we give to new members and sell for $15. The same person who embroiders those is also offering to do polo shirts for us. Prices are $45 and up depending on size. $5 more to add your name. See Fredo to order yours.
McCrumb: We’ll have live music at the recognition dinner. Tickets are $15 on sale at the door and at breakfast tomorrow.Merritt:We have 3 jackets left. We can order more. They are $97 each and come with the large unit logo on the back and a small one on the front. Price includes your name.
Bull:
- Anybody who wants the 988 logo for any purpose can get a digital copy from me or the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website: https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/988/988-logos. I also have a few magnets for your car. Also have a card you can leave on the dashboard of your car or your office desk.
- Vet Fest. I have flyers for Vet Fest. If you want a table, I have the registration form.
- New sock drive starting again for the VA. Please donate only plain solid color socks.
- The Washtenaw County Veterans Millage is coming up for renewal in November. It will be on the ballot with four other tax renewals, so it is important to start talking to voters about it now.
Frazier: Don’t forget that the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has a person assigned to be a veterans’ representative.
Wilson: When we put on the initiative the first time out, we bought signs for people to put on their yards before the election.
Merritt: Good Friday highway sign dedication. Marv did a great job. We had about 70 people there. Thank you to those who helped get the bill passed and who showed up Friday.
Bourdeau: Michigan Trust Fund. There are seven counties that vote on the applications for grants that exceed the $3,500 that the local county can grant itself.
Frazier: I’m the outgoing commander of the Military Order of the Cootie. I have 10 tickets ($10) for a 23 August raffle for a signed football jersey. I’ve always been out recruiting for all the organizations I’m involved with. We all do fundraising for these groups as well.
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Flag Salute
Meeting Adjourned at 2017.
_______________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
14 March 2024
Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Bob Bull
Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.
Roll Call: A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!
New Members: John Sariani, Navy CB’s ‘69-’70, heavy equipment operator
Guests: None
Motion: by Merritt/Hitte to approve the February Minutes published in the Dispatch. Approved.
Adjourn to Nominations
President: Vance McCrumb (accept),
Vice President: Marv Rivers (accept)
Treasurer: Berry Bourne (accept)
Secretary: Jon Luker (accept)
Sergeant at Arms: Eric Downie (accept)
Two-year board members moving to one-year positions are:
Bill Stuart, Dale Throneberry and John Kinzinger
Two-year board nominees (Need at least three)
Accepting: Brian Graef, Bob Bull, Tim Driscoll
Declining: Bill Cole, Garry Massengill
State Council Delegates: (We need up to 5)
Recall to Order
President’s Report:
Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne
Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.
Nonrestricted funds revenue increased by a $500 donation earmarked for WACU and by $1,090 merchandise sales at the VA (less $776 cost of goods sold). The only significant expense was $500 sent to Washtenaw Community College for VetFest happening on 3 August. On restricted accounts, the Christmas fund revenue reached $19,232 making it the second best year so far.
For the fiscal year, our total revenue was $8,368 more than our budget predicted while our expenses were $9,999 less than our budget predicted.
Our annual financial reports have been sent to VVA National and to Michigan State Council. We will next perform our internal audit as per board approved policy.
AVVA Report: Please see the report in the Dispatch.
Committee Reports
Merchandise: Merchandise annual physical inventory was completed. The next merchandise sale at the AA VA will be Wednesday (instead of our usual Tuesday), 20 March 2024. We always could use help. We load in at 0730 and sell from 0800 until 1400. Also, our new tent is in and is easier to set up, but it still takes 4 or 5 people so we will still need volunteers. And our new challenge coins are in. We sell them for $5 each. We do take a few cents loss on each sale, but we spread the word, so it is worth it. Last time we bought coins, we made a few cents on each.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: The next meeting is 18 March.
Michigan State Council: Wilson. The National board voted to do away with inhouse attorneys. The move saves $600,000 a year. The work is now being hired out.
The State Council’s annual meeting and convention will be 1-2 June in Marquette. The $50 registration fee includes lunch and supper. Big Mac is under construction so expect a delay.
Memorial Maintenance: Annual Spring Cleanup will be at 1000 on 16 March. Home Depot is helping again this year with a donation of equipment and supplies and they will send volunteers to the Cleanup day as well.
On 29 March (Vietnam Veterans Day) at 1000, we’ll have a dedication ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial for the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway signs.
Website: We have had around 422,000 hits since the website was last rebuilt. We’ve stopped the front-page slide show and made a few other small changes.
Membership: We are at 218 members.
Newsletter: McCrumb. The newsletter is being redesigned. Paulo and I are working on a new front-page design. Also, there is now only one column. If you click on the picture of those named on the wall, you will be taken to the website page that tells what we know about that person.
Health Care: Sandie Wilson – As you know, VA Secretary Denis McDonough has refused to implement federal law requiring the VA to study toxic exposures. He now claims that there is not sufficient information about birth defects to perform the research. That means there is yet another reason to encourage anyone who has a child with a birth defect to register that child with Birthdefects.org. It is not just for veterans, but civilians also. Another reason is because the registry makes it possible to do other research that can’t be done any other way. For example, researchers learned that 60% of those diagnosed with autism were born of women who took Tylenol for pain during pregnancy.
LTCCSKMC: No report
Old Business: None
New Business:
Motion by Driscoll, seconded by Bull to approve the proposed FY 24/25 budget approved by the board.
Motion by Harrison, seconded by Driscoll to amend the proposed budget by increasing the WCCV line item to $250. Amendment approved.
Motion by Wilson, seconded by Driscoll to amend the proposed budget by adding $3,000 to a new line item for two people to attend the Leadership Conference in Reno NV. Amendment denied.
Motion by Wilson, seconded by Driscoll to amend the proposed budget removing the Way Forward Fund line item. Amendment denied.
The motion to approve the amended proposed budget was approved.
Motion by Luker, seconded by Harrison to authorize the Finance Committee to donate the unused funds from the 23/24 Way Forward Fund to veterans’ organizations doing good work in Washtenaw County. Approved
Motion by Harrison, seconded by Driscoll to purchase 20 hats at $12.50 per hat. Approved.
Motion by Throneberry, seconded by Rivers to make a way for families to buy a brick for their deceased Vietnam veterans.
Motion by Luker, seconded by Harrison to refer the matter to the Executive Committee and the Memorial Maintenance Committee to prepare a specific proposal. Approved.
Good of the Order:
Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at The Bomber Restaurant, 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, (734) 482-0550
Bull: Bob Bull is introducing a resolution for all Michigan State Police to display the “988 Badge” on their patrol cars. The American Legion and the VFW have provided signed resolutions. VVA will do so shortly. David Saims, Director of the Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs, said his department will pay the cost of producing the needed signs if the signs contain a small statement that the project is supported by WCDVA.
Draper:
-
VetFest will be on 3 August at Washtenaw Community College. Donations are being accepted. There is a donation link at the bottom of the flyer.
-
A person has a stair lift to donate. It must be removed from her house so she can move her furniture. I have a list for people to volunteer to help remove it.
-
The American Legion is now hosting its meetings in the same area the VVA uses. As a result, we needed to buy new equipment for zoom meetings. The Legion offers VVA the use of the equipment when it wants to do zoom meetings.
Luker: Bob Kwiecinski asked me to give you his warm greetings and to say he misses you. Bob was instrumental in helping 22aday.org be able to present its veteran suicide prevention campaign for 30-days in Vero Beach, Florida, and to arrange two more possible locations in Florida. 22aday.org started out doing only two campaigns a year. We will do at least seven this year and maybe as many as ten.
McCrumb: Recognition Dinner tickets are here and on sale for $15 each.
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Flag Salute
Meeting Adjourned at 2030.
____________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
8 February 2024
Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Bob Bull
Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.
Roll Call: A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!
New Members: None
Motion: by Stuart/Merritt to approve the January Minutes published in the Dispatch. Approved.
President’s Report:
Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.
Treasurer’s Report: McCrumb
Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.
Nonrestricted funds revenue received $3,236 interest income from $20,000 Certificate of Deposit which matured on 15 Jan 2024 and expenses absorbed $630 postage for stamps and labels to mail the Dispatch for next year. Restricted funds revenue received $950 Christmas Program donations with $18,232 total donations received through Jan. 2024.
The board amended the proposed budget for FY 24/25, so the membership vote will be postponed until March. You’ll receive a copy of the revised proposed budget via email with your meeting notice.
AVVA Report: Please see the report in the Dispatch.
Committee Reports
Merchandise: Merchandise annual physical inventory will be 11 Feb 2014 at 1300 at the VFW. The next merchandise sale at the AA VA will be Tuesday, 13 Feb. 2024. Sales are normally scheduled the Tuesday following our monthly meeting and we always could use help. We load in at 0730 and sell from 0800 until 1400.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: The Council remains adjourned until March.
Michigan State Council: The Annual Meeting will be in June in Marquette.
Memorial Maintenance: If you would like to join the Memorial Maintenance team, please contact Al (Fredo) Merritt and let him know. We are getting ready for this season. Sign-up sheets for volunteers will be available shortly.
Website: We have had around 420,000 hits since the website was last rebuilt.
Membership: We are at 213 members.
Newsletter: No report.
Health Care:
Sandie Wilson - Fort McClellan in Anniston, AL is located five miles upstream from a Monsanto chemical plant. Investigations have been done and are continuing regarding child defects of all who live there or served there. The base has been used for Army Women basic training, along with Military police and others.
Sandie Wilson – A new registry called ‘birthdefects.org” is a registration tool to list all “in country,” “out of country” and all average citizens who had children with birth defects. June in Marquette there will be a meeting on Toxic Exposure and Pompe Disease. This a build-up of cholesterol in the muscle and when it gets to the patient’s heart, it is fatal.
LTCCSKMC: No report
Old Business: Motion made by Merritt/Driscoll to continue funding $300 to Wreaths Across America. Approved
New Business: None
Good of the Order:
Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. (734) 668-1292
Bull: Bob Bull is introducing a resolution for all Michigan State Police to display the “998 Badge” on their patrol cars. Next will be the counties and cities to hopefully follow. The 998 Hotline is a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As suicides are climbing, we learn the women’s suicide rates are up 20% in the last two years.
Members update: John Kinzinger is doing well. Elmer White is healing and taking it easy. Best to both.
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Flag Salute
Meeting Adjourned at 1950 hrs.
_____________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
11 January 2024
Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1901 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Bob Bull
Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.
Roll Call: A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!
New Members: Bill Coleman
Motion: by Wilson/Bull to approve the December Minutes published in the Dispatch. Approved.
President’s Report:
Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.
Treasurer’s Report:
Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.
Nonrestricted funds increased $517 as a result of a good sales day at the VA, despite paying 20 percent of sales to VA. Restricted funds are up again, due primarily to receipts from the Christmas Fund, which are not at more than $18,000 for the fiscal year.
The board amended the proposed budget for FY 24/25, so the membership vote will be postponed until February. You’ll receive a copy of the revised proposed budget via email with your meeting notice.
AVVA Report: Please see the report in the Dispatch. AVVA did provide tuition for three teenagers to attend Girls State next summer.
Committee Reports
Merchandise: We had $1,173 in sales at the VA this month. Sales are always the Tuesday following our meeting and we always could use help. We load in at 0730 and sell from 0800 until 1400.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: The Council remains adjourned until March.
Michigan State Council: The Annual Meeting will be in June in Marquette.
Memorial Maintenance: If you would like to join the Memorial Maintenance team, please contact Al (Fredo) Merritt and let him know. We noticed that the township has many new groundhog holes, but we do not.
Website: We have had around 416,000 hits since the website was last rebuilt.
Membership: We are at 214 including tonight’s new member Bill Coleman and Wednesday’s new member Bud Frye.
Newsletter: No report.
Health Care: Medicare has determined that there are some services that old people can no longer receive. Therefore, be sure you know what is going on before you agree to get services outside the VA. VA Web Weekly has a story about the very high cancer rates due to the toxins in the nuclear missile silos. Studies show that prior DoD reports on safety were wrong. Asbestos, radiation and other toxins were much higher than safe levels.
LTCCSKMC: Driscoll: The VA has a new director of voluntary services who has indicated that volunteer services will be opened again. Bingo nights are back already.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Motion by Merritt, seconded by Clarke to purchase 500 chapter coins (the ones with the black field) for $2,898 ($5.77 each) for sale at $6. This purchase was approved by the board. Approved.
Motion by Wilson, seconded by Merritt to purchase from the hospitalized veterans restricted fund 5 dozen donuts to be distributed at the VA during Veterans Appreciation Day.
Good of the Order:
Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Brewed Awakenings, 7025 E Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176, (734) 316-2084.
Bull: Handouts on table
- 988 There is a small group of veterans trying to get this number out everywhere. Please take 3 to 5 flyers with you and give them to somebody to display. The veteran suicide rate is getting worse.
- There is also a flyer explaining that veterans can now go to any emergency room (civilian or VA) to get free emergency mental health care, to the Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act (COMPAC Act) of 2020.
- Walking with Warriors presents a free breakfast for veterans on the second Tuesday of each month at Harvest Moon Café on Michigan Ave (near Carpenter Road) from 8:30 to 10.
Hall: Looking for chair for Recognition Dinner.
Driscoll: We will be giving out 5 dozen donuts at the VA hospital for Veteran’s Appreciation Week and National Salute Week at 0900 on 13 February.
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Flag Salute
Meeting Adjourned at 1944 hrs