Vietnam Veterans of America,
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
8 January 2026
Call to Order by President Vance McCrumb at 1900
Pledge of Allegiance: Vance McCrumb
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!
Introduction of New Members: None
Introduction of Guests: None
Motion by Tim Driscoll/Budd Frye to Approve the December Minutes published on the VVA310.org website.
Officer Reports:
President’s Report: See report on VVA310.org/newsletter website in The 310 Dispatch in the Nov/Dec issue
Treasurer’s Report: Reports were emailed to the board. Reports are also available to members via email upon request.
Non-restricted Fund Revenue:
- $625 merchandise sales and $10 donation at Ann Arbor VA with $292 cost of goods sold for a 55% profit margin on merchandise sales before a $130 fee at 20% to Ann Arbor VA
- Three donations totaling $200 were received
Non-restricted Fund Expenses: Nothing significant
Restricted Funds Revenue:
- $5,980 Christmas Program Fund
- $1,000 donation to Vietnam Memorial Maintenance Fund
Restricted Funds Expenses:
- $4,371 for Ann Arbor VA patients for the Christmas Program
- Other
AVVA Report: Please see the AVVA report published on our website https://www.vva310.org/newsletter. Kathy Driscoll gave a brief report.
Committee Reports:
Merchandise: Stan Harrison – $625 merchandise sales at Ann Arbor VA in December. Next sales will be held at VA on 16 Jan beginning at 0800 to 1330. Physical inventory at VFW on 15 Feb 2026 beginning at 1300. I have Chapter Challenge Coins for sale with me here.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Bob Bull - Saline American Legion Post will be closed the month of March for limited remodeling.
Michigan State Council: Sandie Wilson - Tom Burke, President VVA National,
attended the meeting. He stressed that VVA will not go away but he hopes to merge
with another organization
Memorial Maintenance: Vance McCrumb - Water has been turned off. VVA 310 will only mow the interior grass and Ypsilanti Township will move the other grass areas at the Memorial.
Website: We have had 507,400 hits since the website was late rebuilt.
Membership: 227
Newsletter: On website
Health Care: Sandie Wilson - Congress determines what services veterans receive and how to fund them. We need to educate and inform our elected representatives of our constituent views. Following extensive research, the CDC has declared a medical diagnostic code for Gulf War Illness. It is related to an escape of Sarin gas in Iraq from the chemical warfare storage facility and will affect the genes for 14 generations. University of Michigan and Wayne State University have developed filters to removed PFAS (fire suppression chemicals) from drinking water. This was funded by EPA research budget. Since then, EPA has been downsized and medical research budgets have been drastically cut. The “Ranch Hand” data and specimens are now in research facilities in California. University of Michigan researchers have identified 156 genes related to Alzheimer disease. Government direct funding is required to fund gene therapy and other modern research to find a cure or relief. Medicare does not fund care. VA health care has a hiring freeze of direct care providers. Ann Arbor VA has not filled psychologist position in mental health for years. I would suggest anyone on PTSD disability consider using individual Medicare for outside care.
LTCCSKMC: Berry Bourne - $4,473 was incurred for Embroidered wear and incidentals for Ann Arbor VA patients for Christmas Party on 16 Dec. In addition, The VA was reimbursed $4,034 for four steak dinners (July 4th, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) upgrades during the year.
Old Business: None
New Business: Motion by Berry Bourne/Tim Driscoll to approve 2026-2027 proposed operating budget as presented. After discussion, motion was unanimously approved.
Good of the Order:
Roy Hall – Celebration of life for Neugene Hall, fellow VVA310 chapter member and
Roy Hall’s brother, will be held at the VFW Post 423 on 31 Jan 2026 beginning at
1200
Bob Bull – complimentary breakfast at Harvest Moon Café 13 Jan 2026 beginning
at 0830
Vance McCrumb: Breakfast tomorrow will be at 0900 at The Bomber Restaurant,
306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, (734) 482-0550
Closing prayer: Bob Bull
Salute the Flag
Adjourned 1931
Meeting to adjourn NLT 2030