2026 Meeting Minutes

Vietnam Veterans of America, 

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes

11 June 2026

Call to Order by President Allen Knecht at 1902

Pledge of Allegiance: Allen Knecht

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: Keith Patell, USMC

Introduction of Guests: None

Motion by Dale Throneberry/Bob Kweicinski to Approve the minutes of our last membership meeting published on the VVA310.org website. 

Officer Reports:

President’s Report: See report on VVA310.org/newsletter website in The 310 Dispatch.

Treasurer’s Report: Reports were emailed to the Board. Reports are also available to members via email upon request.

Non-restricted Fund Revenue:

a. $444 merchandise sales at Ann Arbor VA with $201 cost of goods sold for a 55% profit margin before a 20% fee of $89 to Ann Arbor VA plus $500 donation to merchandise

b. $488 general fund private donations

Non-restricted Fund Expenses: 

a. $500 donation to Washtenaw Community College for Vet Fest to be held 1 Aug 2026 

b. $139 for 35th Annual Memorial Day Observance programs

Restricted Funds Revenue:

$2,800 donations for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Maintenance Fund

Restricted Funds Expenses: 

$364 expense for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Maintenance

AVVA Report: Please see the AVVA report published on our websitehttps://www.vva310.org/newsletter. Meni Draper gave a brief report on a funding raising effort with new bracelets to celebrate the 250^th birthday of the United States of America. All proceeds support Fisher House – Ann Arbor. AVVA is also working on getting donations to food banks.

Committee Reports:

Merchandise: Stan Harrison – Gross Revenue at the last sale was $444. The next sale is tomorrow morning at 0800 – 1330 at Ann Arbor VA tomorrow. Next major sales event will be Vet Fest Aug 1^st. We could use help at both activities.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: The next meeting is next Monday. Pizza for dinner. We collected note cards from member units about topics they want to discuss. We plan to work closely with the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

Michigan State Council: Luker – In order to prevent the difficulties faced at the last three conventions, National is trying very hard to make it easy for chapter members to understand the issues that will be voted on at the 2027 convention. They want to make sure all questions are answered before delegates arrive at the convention. One step toward that goal is to use some of the time at the Leadership Conference for briefings on the various proposals for our future and to provide time for member questions and answers. Also, Michigan State Council is conducting a raffle. Tickets are $10.

Memorial Maintenance: Luker – Irrigation is up and running. If you see any problems with it, please contact me right away. 734 260-2211. We will be planting additional shrubs and perennials on the berm so that it fills up faster, reducing the need for weeding sooner. Our thanks to Brian Graef and KBK Landscaping for donation of many plants. We also want to thank Al Walk and his son, Patrick, for helping us solve several water problems and for taking care of the meter over winter.

Website: We have had 527,000 hits since the website was updated.

Membership: Official membership is at 228 total. 

Newsletter: See newsletter on website. 

Health Care: Wilson – Remember, Community Care authorizations are good for one year only. You must apply through your primary care physician to continue treatment beyond the year. The VA will not automatically renew and they will not pay your provider unless an active authorization is in place.

Research suggests that gastrointestinal cancers are more likely linked to militaryservice. However, they are not yet presumptive conditions, so veterans must still provide evidence of causation.

Agent Orange: There was a meeting at National Institutes of Health. Many women have ALS from service at Fort McClellan. Benefits will only be offered to folks who served there after 1979. Research suggests that Dwarfism can be caused by a male servicemember’s exposure to toxins. JP-4 is now known to cause respiratory illness and cancer. 

LTCCSKMC: We just put in a new order for underwear for the VA, so it need not be on the VA’s needs list.

 Old Business: None

New Business:

Motion by Luker seconded by Bourne to make changes to the bylaws to be voted on in July.

Motion by Kwiecinski seconded by Throneberry to donate $1,000 annually to Cub Pack 78. Approved.

Good of the Order:

Harrison – We’ve had only 12 responses from people planning to attend our picnic on 20 June. Our food order will be based on the responses we receive in time. Make sure you get your name in soon.

Vet Fest flyers are available. If you want to go you must register online by 1 August. Everything is free including the raffle tickets you will receive.

Memorial Program.  It was outstanding and made me proud.

Throneberry – There are flyers in the back for our annual Veteran’s Radio fundraiser. It will be a Freedom River again on 11 October. A Huey will be there to offer rides. It will be at Vet Fest also.

Bull -

1. Moose Riders will be out on Saturday going by the Memorial (about 1600) for a poker run for Fisher House.

2. I have the needs lists for the VA hospital.

3. We are not doing a sock drive this year since we did so well last year.

4. We had a Christmas party here on Christmas day last year. We’ll do it again this year from 10 to 2. Please come out and sit with these homeless veterans who show up.

5. I have patches and stickers and things you can take.

6. Remember, the person you just met might be somebody who is suffering now. Please take a moment to say “hi” and ask them how they are doing.

Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, (734) 668-1292.

Salute the Flag 

Closing prayer

Adjourned 2017

 

Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1800

 

Flag Salute:  McCrumb

 

Prayer: Bourne

 

Roll Call: Attendees/Absent - Vance McCrumb, Stan Harrison, Berry Bourne, Jon Luker, Eric Downie, Bob Bull (Excused), Ed Scruggs, Tim Driscoll, Marv Rivers, Dale Throneberry, Budd Frye.

 

A quorum was established.

 

 

 

Consent Agenda:

 

Board Meeting Agenda, Regular Meeting Agenda and Minutes of the last Board meeting were approved without objection.

 

 

 

Finance Report: Bourne

 

Reports were emailed to the board. Reports are also available to members via email upon request.

 

14 May 2026

Call to Order by President Vance McCrumb at 1900

Pledge of Allegiance: Vance McCrumb

Opening Prayer: Berry Bourne

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: Thee, a Laotian refugee, told us about her time in Laos during the Vietnam War as a teenager and the years following. She really appreciates being in America and what Vietnam Veterans did for her and her family. She is hoping now to help people learn more about the history from the perspective of Laos and Cambodia.

Swearing in of Officers and Directors: Vance McCrumb

Welcoming of new President Allen Knecht: Allen is an Army ROTC graduate engineer. After graduation, he worked for Goodyear while waiting for orders. When called to active duty, he selected Engineering as his branch of service knowing that meant he would go to Vietnam. Before deployment, he received engineer officer’s training and then had 8 months of OJT before being sent to Jungle School in Panama. After two weeks of leave, he was sent to Vietnam where he helped design and build two bridges in II core. Once the projects were accepted by area command, he was given two months early out. When he got back in the world, he worked in the automotive industry.

Motion by Budd Frye/Dale Throneberry to Approve the minutes of our last membership meeting published on the VVA310.org website. 

Officer Reports:

President’s Report: See report on VVA310.org/newsletter website in The 310 Dispatch.

Treasurer’s Report: Reports were emailed to the Board. Reports are also available to members via email upon request.

Non-restricted Fund Revenue:

a. $2,000 Pig Roast donations 

b. $507 merchandise sales at Ann Arbor VA with $216 cost of goods sold for a 57% profit margin before a 20% fee of $101 to Ann Arbor VA plus $526 donations

Non-restricted Fund Expenses: 

1. $2,000 donation to Vietnam Veterans Memorial

2. $1,000 donation to Veterans Radio of America, Inc.

Restricted Funds Revenue: $2,000 donation from VVA 310 for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Maintenance Fund

Restricted Funds Expenses: Nothing significant

AVVA Report: Please see the AVVA report published on our websitehttps://www.vva310.org/newsletter. Kathy Driscoll gave a brief report on a funding raising effort with new bracelets to celebrate the 250^th birthday of the United States of America. All proceeds support Fisher House – Ann Arbor. AVVA is also working on getting donations to food banks.

Committee Reports:

Merchandise: Stan Harrison –Sales tomorrow morning at 0800 – 1330 at Ann Arbor VA tomorrow. Next major sales event will be Vet Fest Aug 1^st. We could use help at both activities.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Stan Harrison – The May 8^th dinner was a success. Representative Dingle did attend, but Brenda 
Stumbo was already committed elsewhere. 

Michigan State Council: Luker – Michigan State Council is conducting a raffle. Tickets are $10.

Memorial Maintenance: Luker – We had a good turnout for our Spring cleaning. The new plants are coming in well, except on the berm. Plants were deadheaded, the Memorial was washed, AVVA planted flowers in front of the Memorial, the sidewalk was edged and washed. The barn was cleaned and so forth. Thank you to all those who showed up! Thanks to our anonymous donor for lunch!

Website: We have had 523,980 hits since the website was updated.

Membership: Official membership is at 227 total. We received a call from Holly Green, daughter of Jim Green who recently passed away. Since it is too late to get a brick engraved for him, his brick will be placed next year. 

Newsletter: See newsletter on website. The next issue is in progress.

Health Care: Wilson – Be on the lookout for the VA to tell you that you are too old to get the healthcare you need, deserve and already paid for. 

Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic is representing Ron Christoforo and his daughter, Michele, in a suit against the VA because Michele has a form of dwarfism linked to her father’s toxic exposure in Vietnam. The Pact Act recognizes chromosome damage passed on to children by women, but not by men. The case alleges unconstitutional sex discrimination.

In related news, Representative Rashida Tlaib introduced House Resolution 3052. If made law, this bill would, among other improvements, make toxic exposure benefits available to children who suffer from their father’s toxic exposures.

Both the Resolution and the lawsuit are based on science that shows that children of men exposed to toxins in Vietnam are much more likely to have dwarfism than children whose fathers were not exposed. 

LTCCSKMC: No report

Old Business: None

Good of the Order:

Bourne – I would like to thank Dogman for three years of outstanding service.

Hall - My sister-in-law (my brother Eugene’s wife) came to the Memorial cleaning today. She handed me a note (which was read). The note included two checks. One check was for $2,000 restricted for Memorial Maintenance. The other check was for $250 for our general fund.

Harrison – Vet Fest is coming up at Washtenaw Community College. It is free to attend. We will be selling merchandise there.

McCrumb – I’d like to thank the officers and board members for their support during my three years in office. I could not have done it without their support. They and AVVA are why we earned “Chapter of the Year” award for the third time. Having their support made my job so much more fun.

Knecht – I must say I’m impressed with what you have done so far. You have left tough shoes to fill.

Throneberry – Freedom River had their official opening today. It was well attended. However, they are still growing. For example, they are fundraising for their new treatment center. Veterans Radio held a successful fundraiser there and plan to be back there again next year.

Driscoll – You’ll still have time to make it to the VVA Memorial Day Observance if you come to Saline first. We’ll kick off a parade around 0950 which will proceed west to the end of town. We will have our usual observance at the cemetery then cross the street to the Legion for hotdogs.

Luker – The bottom line is that there is much going on, the outcome of which depends on you. What is the future of VVA national? Or of Michigan State Council? Or of our chapter? It’s up to you. Are all your questions answered? If not, you can send them to me or put them on the VVA 310 blog so others can contribute. Dogman wants to help you with that.

1. VVA 310 continues to find solutions to the most important unmet needs of Washtenaw County Veterans. We are acting in two areas:

   1. To end the practice of denying outpatient surgery to veterans who don’t have somebody who can sit with them. The AA VA Healthcare System just put out a new flyer reminding us that each of us has a social worker assigned to us who is paid to help solve problems such as how to get to and from appointments and having appropriate people to sit with us.

   2. There are too few practitioners who understand military culture and offer mental health treatments. Most of them do not work for the VA. We want to create a foundation of the veterans service organizations in Washtenaw County. The foundation would use the interest from the investments to pay for mental health services that aren’t covered by the VA or insurance. Once the vets organizations have the fund started, it will be possible to go to other grant funding sources to get the fund increased to a reasonable size.

2. The future of VVA. There was talk about merging AVVA and VVA, so we’d be like we were before the IRS made us split the two. That won’t work because the IRS rules still don’t allow it. The most likely plan is Mission 75, where we change our membership requirements to allow veterans who served after 1975 to join. By the time we have passed away, they will carry our attitude, know our history and operating procedures, and will be motivated to keep our promise. What young whippersnapper will want to join an organization called Vietnam Veterans of America, you ask? Only the ones we need. Even if we only recruit one half of one percent of those who served after 1975, our membership will reach 400,000 – more than four times as many members as we have now. John Riling had 50 veterans at one event who said they would join if they could. Who would join? The elite. The ones who know how they got where they are.

3. There is more going on. Check out the website or contact me with your questions, comments or concerns. Use the blog as well.

Breakfast tomorrow morning will be at 0900 at Sinbad's Coney Island Restaurant, 2563 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 528-5800.

Salute the Flag 

Closing prayer: Berry Bourne

Adjourned 2017

Meeting to adjourn NLT 2030

 

 

9 April 2026

 

Call to Order by Vice-President Stan Harrison at 1900 

 

Pledge of Allegiance: Stan Harrison

 

Opening Prayer: Berry Bourne

 

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: David Magee

 

Introduction of Guests: John Vaughan

 

Motion by Budd Frye/Dale Throneberry to Approve the March Minutes published on the VVA310.org website. 

 

Adjourned to Nominations

 

President: Bob Kwiecinski declined, Allen Knecht, accepted 

 

Vice President: Stan Harrison, accepted

 

Treasurer: Berry Bourne, accepted

 

Secretary: Jon Luker, accepted

 

Sergeant at Arms: Eric Downie, accepted 

 

 

Two-year board members moving to 1-year positions are:

 

Marv Rivers, Dale Throneberry, Budd Frye

 

 

Two-year board nominees (Need at least three)

 

Accepting: Ed Scruggs, Tim Driscoll, Bob Bull (absentia)

 

Motion by Dale Throneberry/Budd Frye that as all candidates are running unopposed, the nominations be closed and a unanimous ballot be cast for the slate. After discussion, motion was approved.

 

State Council Delegates: (We are authorized up to 5) Driscoll, Wilson, Luker.

 

Metting Resumed

 

Officer Reports:

 

President’s Report: See report on VVA310.org/newsletter website in The 310 Dispatch in the Mar/Apr issue 

 

Treasurer’s Report: Reports were emailed to the Board. Reports are also available to members via email upon request.

 

 

Statement of Revenue and Expenses: - Non-restricted Fund

 

1. Revenue:

   1. $772 general fund donations 

   2. $402 merchandise sales at Ann Arbor VA with $180 cost of goods sold for a 55% profit margin before a 20% fee of $80.40 to Ann Arbor VA plus $10 donations

2. Expenses:

   1. $1,800 payment to VFW Post 423 for $1,200 annual donation plus $600 for Wi-Fi access.

   2. $188 United States Post Office box rental

 

 

Statement of Revenue and Expenses: - Restricted Funds

 

1. Revenue: None

2. Expenses:

   1. $1,486 annual contract payment to Hometown Pest & Lawn for service at Vietnam Memorial. This was paid last fall to secure a 7% discount.

   2. $800 expenditure by AVVA

 

 

AVVA Report: Please see the AVVA report published on our websitehttps://www.vva310.org/newsletter. Kathy Driscoll gave a brief report supported by Meni Draper on a funding raising effort with new bracelets to celebrate the 250^thbirthday of the United States of America. All proceeds support Fisher House – Ann Arbor.

 

Committee Reports:

 

Merchandise: Stan Harrison – Reviewed the $402 sales at the Ann Arbor VA last month. Sales tomorrow morning at 0800 – 1330 at Ann Arbor VA tomorrow. Next major sales event will be Vet Fest Aug 1^st.

 

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Stan Harrison – Dinner May 8^th

 

Michigan State Council: – No meeting

 

Memorial Maintenance: Jon Luker is seeking to have five teams available to primarily cut the grass in the infield plus additional clean-up. Ypsilanti Township will cut the remaining grass.

 

Website: We have had 520,061 hits since the website was updated.

 

Membership: We have lost two and gained one for a 227 total membership 

 

Newsletter: See newsletter on website

 

Health Care: It is anticipated that the new software system at the AA VA will be up and running April 13

 

LTCCSKMC: No report

 

Old Business: None

 

New Business:

 

Motion by Berry Bourne/Budd Frye to transfer $2,000 from the general fund to the Memorial Maintenance Restricted Fund. After discussion, motion was approved.

 

Motion by Tim Driscoll/Ed Scruggs to donate $1,000 to Veterans Radio of America, Inc. After discussion, motion was approved.

 

Good of the Order:

 

Harrison - Commented that we have five tickets to the Washtenaw County Council of Veterans Dinner. We have invited Brenda Stumbo and guest, plus Vance McCrumb, Stan Harrison and Tim Driscoll will most likely attend.

 

Harrison - Vet Fest date changed to August 1st from August 22^nd.

 

Harrison - We will not have an Annual Recognition Dinner. It will be replaced by a picnic to include family members. A tentative date is June 14^th (Flag Day) which date must be approved by VFW Post 423. Immediate past president, Vance McCrumb, is chairperson for the Event.

 

Bourne – He thanked Allen Knecht for accepting the President’s nomination and the board looks forward to working with Allen. His official membership date on joining VVA is 11 Jun 2025.

 

Throneberry – Stated Vance McCrumb just sent him a text that there is another scam on the surface. This is announced by a postcard stating that veterans can receive an extra $130 compensation per month. Be aware if you receive the postcard. 

 

Breakfast tomorrow morning will be at 0900 at The Bomber Restaurant, 306 E Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48198 (734) 482.0550.

 

 

Salute the Flag 

 

Closing prayer: Berry Bourne

 

Adjourned 1933

 

Meeting to adjourn NLT 2030

 

 

 

12 February 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: Prospective Member Berry Muller served as a medical officer in the middle of the Mekong Delta in 1964&5.  He also worked with a Vietnamese doctor helping indigenous people.    

Motion by Budd Frye/Brian Bayha to Approve the January Minutes published on the VVA310.org website. 

Adjourned to Nominations

President: Bob Kiewicinski declined 

Vice President: Stan Harrison, accepted

Treasurer: Berry Bourne, accepted

Secretary:  Jon Luker, accepted

Sergeant at Arms: Eric Downie, accepted 

 

Two-year board members moving to 1-year positions are:

Marv Rivers, Dale Throneberry, Budd Frye

 

Two-year board nominees (Need at least three)

Absent: Bob Bull, Tim Driscoll

Accepting: Ed Scruggs 

Declining:

State Council Delegates: (We are authorized up to 5) Driscoll, Wilson, Luker.

Metting Resumed

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

a. $508 merchandise sales and $18 donations at Ann Arbor VA with $224 cost of goods sold for a 56% profit margin on merchandise sales before a $102 fee at 20% to Ann Arbor VA

b. Nothing else significant

Non-restricted Fund Expenses: 

Nothing significant

Restricted Funds Revenue:

a. $400 donation to Ann Arbor VA Patients Restricted Fund

b. $100 donation to Vietnam Memorial Long-term Landscaping Plan Restricted Fund: 

c. $100 donation to Vietnam Memorial Maintenance Fund

Restricted Funds Expenses:

a. $3,161 for three steak upgrade dinners for Ann Arbor VA patients 

b. $370 cost for Vietnam Memorial maintenance

 

AVVA Report:  Please see the AVVA report published on our website https://www.vva310.org/newsletter.   Kathy Driscoll gave a brief report.

National Meetings Report:   See website for full report.  Topics included:

1. 1. Mission 75 Plan
   2. AVVA and VVA merger
   3. Mission POW-MIA
   4. Legacy Task Force
   5. Role of Council of State Council Presidents
   6. Whether there should be a Leadership Conference, and, if so, what do we use the time for
      1. Training new officers or
      2. Discussing the new long term strategic plan
   7. National Budget and officer raises.
   8. Presentation by Under Secretary of VHA, John Bartrum focusing on three of four levels of care:
      1. Not doing anything with 139 healthcare centers we already have.
      2. VHA level should state policy and get out of the way
      3. Replace all the bureaucracy between hospitals and VHA with a medical operations center – the G2 for VHA
      4. Reduce 18 VISN’s to 5 whose sole focus will be healthcare outcomes.  They will report directly to the secretary
   9. Should we move the national office?
   10. Motion to make one last revenue share with chapters and state councils

Committee Reports:

Merchandise: Stan Harrison – We had $508 gross sales at the VA.  The next sale is tomorrow from 0830 to 1300 on the third floor.  Inventory will be done here on Sunday at 1300.  All the pins have been counted.  I have challenge coins here if you want to buy one.  We have free $5 gift cards that are good at the Applebee’s on Carpenter and in Belleville.  Please use only one at a time. 

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Bob Bull – The next meeting is on Monday. 

Michigan State Council: Sandie Wilson – The next meeting is here at 1000 on 14 March.  It would be good if many members showed up.

Memorial Maintenance: Luker, show of hands for volunteers for next season – 3.  We need more volunteers. 

Website: We have had 512,311hits since the website was late rebuilt.

Membership: 227

Newsletter: We reduced the November/December issue to 10 pages.  We did not include pictures of our KIA’s because there were so many.  Check the patron page to see if you are up to date with your subscription.  Expired subscriptions will be removed from the postage mailing list and added to the email list if we have an email address.

Health Care: Sandie Wilson

• The VA is converting to a new computer system and the new computer medical record.
• Dr. Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, was in Ann Arbor to meet with some of us.  The meeting was well attended by younger veterans and by people that live in the area.  Several issues came up including:
  • Lack of 988 information in the VA
  • The VA no longer does PSA tests
  • The rumor about 35,000 layoffs coming up – turns out to be false

There have been many cuts in the recent past, but the VA is now hiring nurses and other healthcare professionals.

LTCCSKMC: Wilson – It is unlikely you will see a counselor in person for PTS who knows what to do.  I now have phone appointments.  The VA is transferring patients from counselors to peer support specialists.  The only staff psychologist is limited to five-minute appointments, which is just enough time to renew prescriptions.  There are social workers, but they are not trained for military pts work, nor are they permitted to go beyond 13 weeks with the same patient.  For now, your best bet for mental healthcare is whatever Medicare will pay for outside the VA. 

Old Business:  None

New Business: None

Good of the Order: 

Sandie Wilson – 

• I saw some of the proposed budget two days before the meeting.  We have enough money to pay our bills for 16 months.  The household goods and car donations were our primary funding source.  Then the tax laws were changed to encourage people to take the standard deduction.  Once people started doing that, our income dropped considerably.  Since other nonprofits also suffered, the law was changed to allow individuals to deduct up to $1,000 of their cash donations, but donations of cars or household goods no longer count.
• The board did take $1,000,000 out of restricted funds to have something to give state councils and chapters. 
• Rent in Silver Springs is over a half million dollars.  There was discussion about moving national offices.  The new president wanted a 30% increase for the top four national officers.  It was presented with no opportunity for discussion, debate or amendment.  The president withdrew that item from the budget before the board voted.
• I’ve been put on the committee of 5 AVVA members and 5 VVA members to study a merger of the two organizations and to come up with a new name.
• 9 years ago, law was passed that required the VA to research the effects on children of veterans who were exposed to toxins.  A committee was formed to outline what the study should accomplish.  Their report says that the VA needs to study the effects on children of veterans who have experienced toxic exposure.  The VA has decided that it is not required to comply with the law. The VA says that the research is not economically feasible.  VVA is now ready to push VA to obey the law and do the research.

McCrumb: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Sinbad's Coney Island Restaurant, 2563 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 528-5800.

Hall: We had the memorial service for my brother Eugene on 31 January.  There was a great showing.  The family was really impressed.  15 members of the Washtenaw County Honor Guard attended in uniform as well.  Thank you all for showing up and supporting the family.

Closing prayer: Bob Bull

Salute the Flag 

Adjourned 2012

Meeting to adjourn NLT 2030

 

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:

1. $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
2. Three donations totaling $200 were received

Non-restricted Fund Expenses: Nothing significant
Restricted Funds Revenue:

1. $5,980 Christmas Program Fund
2. $1,000 donation to Vietnam Memorial Maintenance Fund

Restricted Funds Expenses:

1. $4,371 for Ann Arbor VA patients for the Christmas Program
2. 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 4^th, 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