2020 Meeting Minutes
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
10 December 2020
Call to Order by President Harrison at 1904 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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. Everyone attended via Zoom. Welcome Home, Everyone!
New Members: None.
Guests: None.
Motion to approve the November Minutes as published in the Dispatch, Merritt/Hitte. Approved.
President’s Report:
The day after we had our last meeting, I went on a deer hunting trip. Be advised that no deer were harmed as a result of that trip.
Several of us went shopping before Thanksgiving and delivered food to Dawn Farm. The day after that, my wife tested positive for COVID-19, and we’ve been under quarantine ever since I tested negative.
AVVA Report: See the Dispatch for their report.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Bull, The Council did not meet this month.
Michigan State Council: Rogge, The Council tried to do its first Zoom meeting but was unable to get a quorum.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The grass finally stopped growing, so crews are done for the year. Luker – the next step for the building is to dig the foundation and utility trenches, but we shouldn’t take that step unless the concrete people are ready to fill the holes soon. The contractor we were counting on has already shut down operations for the season, Diversified Excavating is checking to see if they can find somebody for us.
Website: McCrumb, 241,400 visitors to the website; no problems.
Membership: The official number remains at 209.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act. It is waiting for the President’s signature. He has threatened to veto it. The bill contains an amendment that would put Bladder Cancer, Hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism on the list of Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions.
VAAAHS: Kinzinger: We can’t do our usual in-person activities due to health restrictions. Embroidered shirts are ready to be delivered to the VA; nursing staff will be called down to the lobby to take shirts up to their patients. It will be the same for the underwear giveaway. I’ll get the word out when it is time to haul underwear to the VA.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Good of the Order:
Perrault: There is a picture of the 2007 National Convention in The VVA Veteran Digest publication (Nov/Dec 2020), precisely the year when John Kinzinger was awarded National Member of the Year.
We had also been working on having the VA let us use the Welcome Center as a location for our merchandise sales. Instead, the VA is now in the process of moving MyHealthEVet and the media center to that location.
Bull: First, the Cans for Veterans program has produced over $1,000 of support for veterans so far.
Second, as requested by various facilities, we are restarting the Cards for Veterans program. If you send me your letters in an email, I will pass them along to the facilities that will distribute them to servicemembers and veterans. The guidelines are that it can be any length (from a couple of lines to a multi-page letter), but the important thing is keeping the letter upbeat, positive, and gender nonspecific.
Third, we are working on a Veteran Suicide Prevention Project; I sent out a survey asking you and others how to get this job done, assuming money was not a problem. The top three responses were: Housing, Tribalism (vets getting to be with other veterans), and awareness. Of the three, attention was the most often mentioned step by far. To that end, we are working on several things to increase awareness, one of which is a phone app that should answer most questions about suicide, including identifying somebody who is contemplating it and where to go for immediate counseling, and so forth. The App will cost between $25,000 and $30,000 to develop initially, and then it requires ongoing funding to maintain and upgrade it.
Along that same line, we are working with our State Legislature to add Michigan to the states with “Green Alerts” for veterans who have gone missing. It would work like a yellow alert for kidnapped children.
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Flag Salute
Meeting Adjourned at 1939 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast on 15 January 2021: not scheduled.
_____________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
12 November 2020
Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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! Three people attended via Zoom.
New Members: None.
Guests: Bruce Freimark, VVA VSO at AAVAHS is now available for filing claims and answering your questions about VA benefits. His office is the first one you come to in the Veterans Service Officers wing on the first floor in the new part of the building. You may also reach him by text or cell at 810-241-0994 or by email at
Motion to approve the October Minutes as published in the Dispatch. Bull/St Antoine. Approved.
President’s Report:
We helped put up flags along Michigan Ave in Saline for Veterans Day. We dedicated the Kettles Memorial Bench at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. We sang happy birthday to Ann Kettles (Chuck’s wife) at the dedication. Ann passed away less than a week later. Ann and her family were pleased with the bench design and location. We also had a packing party for deployed troops. We already received a thank you note that is being circulated. The units that use the VFW Post held another open house. And, the committee that handles the fund formerly known as the VAMC fund bought 50 Kroger gift cards which were given to Fisher House to support families of hospitalized veterans.
The President asked Bob Bull to report on the open house and the resource center operations. Bull reports that we had a few people stop by at the VWF open house. Many are members of the organizations that use the building but there are others who came in after seeing the signs on the road. Either way, plenty of services were available and used by those who attended. On Wednesday and Saturday each week, we open the building to all veterans. Our primary goal is to make sure that veterans who need something have somewhere they can go where they know they will eventually get help. But it is also a great opportunity for veterans to just be themselves with other veterans. They play darts, shoot pool, read, or shoot the breeze while they relax from the stresses of life outside the building.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne provided a written report and brief oral summary. There were no questions.
AVVA Report: Their report is printed in the Dispatch.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Bull. The Council is having difficulty. No quorum was present at the last meeting. The next meeting is set for next Monday.
Michigan State Council: Luker. Last meeting was canceled due to MDHHS restrictions. Next meeting set for 6 December.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The crews are still at work, clearing leaves, trimming dead branches and so forth. You heard about the bench dedication. Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo made the decision to let us move into the Township’s main auditorium for the dedication, due to the inclement weather outside. Despite the bad weather, there was a great turnout for the dedication. The Memorial Building Project is still underway. We are now waiting for Diversified Excavating to be free to help us out.
Website: McCrumb. No report.
Membership: The official number is now 209.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. We are still looking into health effects on kids of people exposed to toxins while in the military. It is necessary to call your US representatives to let them know they need to make sure the law authorizing the study is implemented.
VAAAHS: Kinzinger. We can’t do our usual in-person activities, such as the Halloween party, due to heath restrictions. But the committee continues to purchase items for patients, like the pajamas and underwear. It is just that the items are now distributed by hospital staff – mainly nurses – as needed.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Motion by Draper/Bull to give four Holiday’s Restaurant Gift Cards to the Fisher House and four to Bob Bull to give away as needed from the resource center. Approved.
Good of the Order:
Harrison: We have several members, maybe more, who have earned the Silver Star. Maybe we should honor them, perhaps at an event like the one Bob Bull is working on.
Clarke: There are many members who can’t get out very much. Perhaps we should try to visit them. We went out to see Marge and Bill Ballou, who are doing ok but have issues. I’m going to see Dell tomorrow.
Hall: We are going shopping for Dawn Farm Thanksgiving Dinner on the 24th at 1600 at the Maple Rd Kroger. Join us if you like. We will leave to drop the food off at Dawn Farm at 1800. Then we’ll go out to eat.
Bull: If there will be enough people, the Navigator’s program will present a “Paint like Bob Ross” session to up to ten people. The four-hour session will include lunch and all painting materials. Contact Bob Bull for more information.
Bull: The Cans for Veterans program is producing results, now that we finally were able to recycle those cans. Rawsonville UAW Veterans Committee came up with more than $1,000 worth of cans. We are still collecting cans and bottles. We are using the proceeds to provide Fisher House and others with gift cards and cases of drinking water.
Bull: I was watching a movie about a serviceman who died, leaving only dogtags that belonged to somebody else. That movie inspired me to ask you if you have your dogtags and whether you would like to give one to a loved one. It is a way for you to give away a little piece of yourself before you die. Remember, the Honor Guard has a dogtag machine. Perhaps they would make a duplicate for you (at your expense) to give away.
Draper: American Legion 46 funded a couple benches for the garden near the Veterans Memorial Park flag. The City installed them recently. The City is going to move the dedication rock to a spot between the new branches. They are also going to put the branch of service seals for all six branches of services around the new patio. The City also said they would put trash cans by each of the benches.
Frazier: Guitars for Vets is a national 10-week program for veterans who are referred by VA mental health. We will hold a graduation ceremony which includes presenting the veteran with a brand new guitar here at 1100.
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 1952 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast on 11 Dec 2020: No Chapter breakfast is scheduled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
_________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
8 October 2020
Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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! Three people attended via Zoom.
New Members: None.
Guests: None
Motion to approve the September Minutes as amended by Bull/Bourne. Approved.
President’s Report: We had a sale at Ann Arbor Arms. Plenty of you volunteered to help. We also had plenty of help doing the Veteran Suicide Prevention Demonstration. We are doing our work and we are doing it well.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne. Please see printed report. The major activity this month was receipt of $5,600 in donations. So far, we have spent $9,575 on the new shed. We have applied to get reimbursed for $4,599 of that amount from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. You’ll also notice a new style balance sheet. Our next change will be to report in-kind contributions as the shed project will probably involve significant ones.
AVVA Report: Their report is printed in the Dispatch. More veterans wrist bracelets are on order. They will be sold for $5 each to raise money for Fisher House Michigan. And the Agent Orange masks are available now.
Merchandise Report: Harrison: The 26 September, Ann Arbor Arms sale was a success. Bourne reports $473 in sales, producing $300 profit. We also collected $59 in cash donations.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Harrison. The scheduled meeting was canceled at the last minute. A replacement meeting has been tentatively set for a week from Monday.
Michigan State Council: Luker. National tried to find a way to interest younger veterans to learn from us, take our mission and assets and knowledge, but the younger veterans say they want to go their own way. As a result, the National organization is a last man standing operation. Once VVA national closes, state and local chapters will be able to operate more independently, if they have their own corporations established. Michigan State Council would like to see the chapters embrace new members and would like to help chapters learn to survive without National’s support. That is why local strategic thinking and planning is needed now.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The new lawnmower was completely paid for through donations. All four crews used it and think it is much better than the mower it replaced. The stronger motor and wider cutting path make cutting the grass a much faster job than it was before. Things are going along well, with the exception of the incident you can read about in page five of the September Dispatch. If you ever have a problem at or about the Memorial, don’t bother the township with it. Call Al or Jon and let us deal with the township.
Finally, Col Kettles’ Memorial Bench has now been installed. It is covered. You may look at the bench and take pictures, but we ask that you do not share the pictures with anybody prior to the official unveiling. The bench will be unveiled at 1100 on 1 November 2020. It will be a short ceremony, with a few words by Vance McCrumb and then the unveiling.
Website: McCrumb. The website has a new page on it that highlights the 14 medical problems that the VA presumes to be caused by Agent Orange. There are links that take you to appropriate pages on the VA website about the 14 presumptive diseases.
Membership: The official number is now 208 because we added an additioinal Navy Chief.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. Remember to ask for the senior flu shot, if you qualify. The shot is available at the VA now.
VAAAHS: Kinzinger. No report.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Good of the Order:
Wilson: The Agent Orange masks are to advertise that Agent Orange is still harming our children and that we need to understand it better so we can reduce the long-term damage. Buy a mask for $10 and help keep a kid from suffering.
Throneberry: Although PDC (which comes from the river flukes in Vietnam) is not one of the presumptive conditions, the VA has recognized that there is connection between PDC and service in Vietnam. Therefore, if you have PDC, you should file a claim.
Bull: There will be an open house on 24 October from 1000 to 1700. There will be lots of support available for veterans. We are doing a more extensive publicity process for this event, so we hope we get a much better turnout. We will have free food and refreshments.
Bull: VFW 423 is opening their hall for drop-in veteran visits from 0930 to 1700 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is no agenda. It is an opportunity to drink coffee with other veterans, or to use the internet, or play pool and so forth. Think of it like a day room.
Draper: The food drive did well, even though not many cars came through. Those that came brought many donations: 19 bankers boxes full of food along with two drums of food as well. I want to thank those who staffed the event all day and those who donated. Thanks also goes to the Boy Scout troop that helped us.
Bourne: The gate is drawing more public attention with those two receptacles for collecting flags for retirement. But the front gate looks like it has not been painted in 10 years. That’s not the kind of statement the VFW Post wants to make, I’m thinking.
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 1935 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast on Friday 13 November at 0900: Brewed Awakenings, 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176 — (734)681-0078.
_________________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
10 September 2020
Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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! One person attended via Zoom.
New Members: None.
Guests: None
Motion to approve the August Minutes by Merritt/Bull. Approved.
President’s Report:
- Many things going on, mostly being done by the Memorial Committee. They will report on all of that later.
- At the board meeting we voted to create a strategic plan that would take effect on 1 March 2021.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne. $470 receipts this month. We had lots of large transactions related to the shed. We have spent $9,600 on the shed so far. We will submit a request for reimbursement from the Ann Arbor Community Fund Foundation through Ypsilanti Township. There is a shed funding project underway. Some checks are being sent directly to the Chapter and some donations are being made through the GoFundMe website.
AVVA Report: Their report is printed in the Dispatch.
Food Pantry: No report.
Merchandise Report: Harrison: On 26 September, Ann Arbor Arms is going to have an open house from 0900 to 1500. Volunteers are needed. We will begin to set up at 0700.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Harrison. I attended the meeting. We talked about some scholarship money being available for children.
Michigan State Council: Luker. The next meeting is set for 27 September in Holly.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The lawnmower blew its crankshaft seal. The mower is not worth repairing. Enough donations have been received to pay for a new riding lawnmower. Doan Construction did a great job doing concrete for the Kettles bench, the backside of the Memorial and for the kneeling soldier. They are standing by to do the foundation for the shed when the time comes. DTE announced that they will install a transformer during the week of 14 September. Al Walk found a contractor who gave us a great price for doing the underground plumbing to get water to the shed. Al is donating his labor to do all the plumbing work inside the shed.
The committee has also organized the now annual Veterans Suicide Prevention Demonstration which places 22 crosses every day of the month of September. The committee is also working with Fowlerville Baptist Church and Veterans Refuge Network to build replacement crosses.
Website: McCrumb. The website is working and has had 216,000 hits.
Membership: The official number is now 207.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. Although VA says you can now get your flu shot, you still can’t get it at the VA. You must show your VA card at most pharmacies to get a free flu shot. Remember to ask for the senior flue shot, if you qualify.
VAAAHS: Kinzinger. Nothing will be going on until they open up. They are starting to let a few volunteers return to work.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Motion by Kinzinger, seconded by Rivers to sell the dog tag machine to the Honor Guard for $750. Motion failed.
Motion by Kinzinger, seconded by Throneberry to give the dog tag machine to the Honor Guard. Approved.
Good of the Order:
Wilson: Veterans Voice of America is an organization started by younger VVA employees (inspired by President John Rowan) that will operate the Household Goods program. President Rowan is convinced that younger veterans do not want to join VVA.
Wilson: The grand opening of the Fisher House has not been scheduled. Fisher House Ann Arbor does not want us to donate dinners anymore, even though the house is being used regularly.
McCrumb: John K and I visited Mrs. Kettles. She’ll be 90 on 3 November. She looked good and was glad to have us visit.
Chief: Happy 73rd birthday to the Air Force
Bull: The organizations that use the VFW 423 hall are having another open house on 24 October. There will be a couple service officers there to help with claims and at least one Navigator from Community Mental Health. The hours for this one are 10 to 1700 because it is getting dark earlier.
Bull: American Legion Post 46 is hosting a drive-through food drive here on 3 October from 0900 to 1400. We are accepting toiletries, such as the sample sized ones you might get from Kroger or a dollar store, as well as canned or boxed food.
Wilson: I soon will have some cloth face masks for sale for $2 that say, “Agent Orange Next Generation.”
Draper: There are two dumpsters near the front gate that were donated by a local area church. I cleaned and painted them. They are a place for people to put flags that need to be retired. The local boy scout troop said they would conduct flag retirement ceremonies as needed.
Kinzinger: WACU is hosting a packing party at 1000 on 12 September. The packages will go to local veterans. Then, on 1 November, there will be another packing party. This one will begin at 1500 and will be the usual VVA Christmas packing party. This time, WACU will fund it, including the postage.
Bull: Based on feedback I’ve received, the “Cans for Troops” program has been changed to benefit the Fisher House Ann Arbor. We’ve donated $400 of gift cards to them, so far.
Throneberry: Veterans Radio will hold a live “There I was” program via telephone on 20 September from 1700 to 1800. This time, the theme will be “Why I joined the military.” The show will be available for podcast by 1700 on Monday.
Bourne: I still have several food cards from Holidays.
Bourne: When we passed the hat, we collected $440 toward buying the new lawnmower.
Hall: I’d like to give a shout out to American Legion Post 46 for buying steak dinners for all the patients at the Ann Arbor VA for POW-MIA day.
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 1955 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast: 9 Oct 0900: Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
______________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
13 August 2020
Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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.
Guests: None
Motion to approve the July Minutes by Merritt/Lee. Approved.
President’s Report:
• Tim Driscoll and I, with the Saline American Legion, took down the US flags
that lined US 12 in Saline.
• The VFW had an open house here on the 25th. Bob Bull reports: We had 20
visitors. 8 vets were helped by 2 VFW service officers. Erica Behm, Navigator
from Community Mental Health helped three veterans. We served hotdogs,
potato chips and condiments. Very little food handling was required because
everything was individually bagged except the hotdogs. VFW will do it again
on 24 October from 1000 to 1700. Gary Easterling will send a couple more
VSO’s. Erica Behm will be here again. What would the VVA like to do at the
next open house?
• Several VVA members attended a funeral for the son of one of our members.
• Larry St Antoine is working with an 81 year old Vietnam Era veteran whose
house was severely damaged when a 200 year old tree fell on it. The insurance
company is not helping with anything and is only offering $24,000 for full
settlement of the claim. Channel 2 TV is trying to help but is not having much
luck. The veteran had to move to a rental house. Since then the house is
getting worse. Animals live in the house now. Plaster is falling off the wall.
There are water leaks and electrical problems. The veteran has a GoFundMe
project: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mr-william-fix-his-house. Be
careful. There is a scam artist who claims to be raising funds on GoFundMe
for Mr. Williams, but the funds go to somebody else. Bob Bull is going to help
the veteran get connected to the resources he needs.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne. Two major transactions in July: We got our second
payment from National; and, we paid our annual property insurance premium. I
added a new section on the report concerning the nonrestricted funds. We originally
budgeted a surplus. Then we had to amend the budget due to our curtailed activities.
The revised budget predicted a deficit of just over $2,000. My current prediction is
now $700 more deficit.
AVVA Report: No report.
Food Pantry: No report.
Merchandise Report: Stan Harrison: On 26 September, Ann Arbor Arms is going to
have an open house. We will be there again this year.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker. Last month’s meeting was canceled.
This month’s meeting will be held at VFW 423. VVA 310 has new delegates to the
county, including Nick Bauder.
Michigan State Council: Luker. This quarter’s meeting was canceled. The next
meeting has not yet been set.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The bench is finished. Doan Construction is going
to have its local crew help with the concrete on an as available basis. They hope to
be able to take care of us in the next two weeks, so we were out at the Memorial
today, preparing the areas where we need concrete. We need your help on Saturday
at 10 to finish the preparations.
Also, Inch Memorial completed their repair work and caulking at the Memorial. They
also resurfaced the brass plaque on the podium.
Website: McCrumb. The website is working and has had 116,000 hits.
Membership: The official number is now 206.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. 50% of all patient visits will happen via phone or video. The
Children of Veterans study now has a fully formed committee – many months late.
They are not doing anything yet. But the group that put up the Vietnam Memorial in
Arlington is hosting a major Agent Orange event.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Good of the Order:
Bull: 1) The letters program is doing so well that the hospital says not to send
anymore. They have enough. But the two veteran homes still want to receive
them.
2) The can project is going well. It has now produced the second $100 gift
card.
3) Michigan Veterans Affairs Committee has a program they call CORE – the
Community Outreach and Regional Engagement Initiative. CORE is
establishing teams of veteran benefits experts and advocates across the state.
I’ve been talking with Debbie Dingle to get included on the CORE team so I
can help them make sure they reach out to places like senior apartments where
veterans are found that are often not serviced by current outreach efforts.
4) There is a program designed to replace the Grand Rapids 750 beds with
several smaller homes located in communities with larger veteran populations.
One of those is to be on Clark Road in Ypsilanti. But do not expect to see any
construction going there any time soon. There is one being built at Selfridge
Air National Guard base, though.
St Antoine: When a veteran died, I was given his CPAP machine and all of the
accessories to give to another veteran in need. If you need one or know a
veteran who does, contact me.
Throneberry: Due to the restrictions in the Executive Orders, we have had to
stop doing the “Tell Your Story” events. We are working on a way to do them
virtually or as a call-in show. Meanwhile, we are still on the air live every
Sunday and those programs are still available online anytime.
Lee: Thank you, Sandie Wilson, for the great oatmeal cookies!
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer: Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 1945 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast: Next Chapter Breakfast: Friday, September 11, 0900 hours, at Bomber’s
Restaurant (if open), 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI. (If not open, please go to Brewed
Awakenings Cafe - 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176.)
____________________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
13 August 2020
Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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.
Guests: None
Motion to approve the July Minutes by Merritt/Lee. Approved.
President’s Report:
- Tim Driscoll and I, with the Saline American Legion, took down the US flags that lined US 12 in Saline.
- The VFW had an open house here on the 25th. Bob Bull reports: We had 20 visitors. 8 vets were helped by 2 VFW service officers. Erica Behm, Navigator from Community Mental Health helped three veterans. We served hotdogs, potato chips and condiments. Very little food handling was required because everything was individually bagged except the hotdogs. VFW will do it again on 24 October from 1000 to 1700. Gary Easterling will send a couple more VSO’s. Erica Behm will be here again. What would the VVA like to do at the next open house?
- Several VVA members attended a funeral for the son of one of our members.
- Larry St Antoine is working with an 81 year old Vietnam Era veteran whose house was severely damaged when a 200 year old tree fell on it. The insurance company is not helping with anything and is only offering $24.000 for full settlement of the claim. Channel 2 TV is trying to help but is not having much luck. The veteran had to move to a rental house. Since then the house is getting worse. Animals live in the house now. Plaster is falling off the wall. There are water leaks and electrical problems. The veteran has a GoFundMe project: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mr-william-fix-his-house. Be careful. There is a scam artist who claims to be raising funds on Go Fund Me for Mr. Williams, but the funds go to somebody else. Bob Bull is going to help the veteran get connected to the resources he needs.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne. Two major transactions in July: We got our second payment from National; and, we paid our annual property insurance premium. I added a new section on the report concerning the nonrestricted funds. We originally budgeted a surplus. Then we had to amend the budget due to our curtailed activities. The revised budget predicted a deficit of just over $2,000. My current prediction is now $700 more deficit.
AVVA Report: No report.
Food Pantry: No report.
Merchandise Report: Stan Harrison: On 26 September, Ann Arbor Arms is going to have an open house. We will be there again this year.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker. Last month’s meeting was canceled. This month’s meeting will be held at VFW 423. VVA 310 has new delegates to the county, including Nick Bauder.
Michigan State Council: Luker. This quarter’s meeting was canceled. The next meeting has not yet been set.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The bench is finished. Doan Construction is going to have its local crew help with the concrete on an as available basis. They hope to be able to take care of us in the next two weeks, so we were out at the Memorial today, preparing the areas where we need concrete. We need your help on Saturday at 10 to finish the preparations.
Also, Inch Memorial completed their repair work and caulking at the Memorial. They also resurfaced the brass plaque on the podium.
Website: McCrumb. The website is working and has had 116,000 hits.
Membership: The official number is now 206.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. 50% of all patient visits will happen via phone or video. The Children of Veterans study now has a fully formed committee – many months late. They are not doing anything yet. But the group that put up the Vietnam Memorial in Arlington is hosting a major Agent Orange event.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Good of the Order:
Bull: 1) The letters program is doing so well that the hospital says not to send anymore. They have enough. But the two veteran homes still want to receive them.
2) The can project is going well. It has now produced the second $100 gift card.
3) Michigan Veterans Affairs Committee has a program they call CORE – the Community Outreach and Regional Engagement Initiative. CORE is establishing teams of veteran benefits experts and advocates across the state. I’ve been talking with Debbie Dingle to get included on the CORE team so I can help them make sure they reach out to places like senior apartments where veterans are found that are often not serviced by current outreach efforts.
4) There is a program designed to replace the Grand Rapids 750 beds with several smaller homes located in communities with larger veteran populations. One of those is to be on Clark Road in Ypsilanti. But do not expect to see any construction going there any time soon. There is one being built at Selfridge Air National Guard base, though.
St Antoine: When a veteran died, I was given his CPAP machine and all of the accessories to give to another veteran in need. If you need one or know a veteran who does, contact me.
Throneberry: Due to the restrictions in the Executive Orders, we have had to stop doing the “Tell Your Story” events. We are working on a way to do them virtually or as a call-in show. Meanwhile, we are still on the air live every Sunday and those programs are still available online anytime.
Lee: Thank you, Sandie Wilson, for the great oatmeal cookies!
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer: Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 1945 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast: tomorrow morning at 0900 at Holiday’s 2080 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (734) 668-1292.
____________________________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
9 July 2020
Call to Order by President Driscoll at 1909 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Robert 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.
Guests: Larkin Pham, Phil’s daughter is selling face masks with military themes for $10 each to raise money to restore Saigon Lady, the C-130 her grandfather, Pham Quang Kheim used to fly the family and many other people to freedom 45 years ago.
Motion to approve the June Minutes by Bull/St Antoine. Approved.
President’s Report:
- Kathy and I have been married for 50 years.
- Still no hospital sales yet.
- 10 June we got the motorized cart to Del Mayes. Stan and Lloyd helped to get it there. Dell really loves being mobile again.
- 13 June we had elections.
- 14 June Flag Day brick dedication and flag retirement ceremonies went very well. We also had hotdogs and such.
- 15 June Gary Chriscinske, a member, passed away. Dave Saims is helping his wife with her VA paperwork.
- John Kessler passed away. We attended his funeral in Wayne.
- I have 120 American Flags in Saline that need to come down.
Meeting suspended for Swearing in of Officers: Sandie Wilson
Meeting resumes, President Stan Harrison presiding.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne. Again, not much activity. Printed report available. Report also emailed to officers and board members. No questions. Merchandise team will take over sales of challenge coins and chapter jackets.
AVVA Report: No report.
Food Pantry: A couple of people received food support.
Merchandise Report: No activity due to restrictions. Ann Arbor Arms is preparing to do their event again in the fall.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker. Next meeting will be at American Legion Post 282.
Michigan State Council: Luker. Next meeting is set for Howell American Legion on 9 August.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – The bench is finished, but we have not been able to get a pad poured yet. Google finally agreed that VVA 310 is the correct group to take care of the information available on Google about the Memorial. Google is investigating whether to change the name on their map from Civic Center Drive to Veterans Memorial Drive as we requested.
Website: McCrumb. The website is webbing away.
Membership: The official number is now 207.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. 25% of all patient visits will happen via phone or video. VA is still taking patients from Beaumont Hospital. VA is being conservative about reopening due to risk that there will be a second wave.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Motion: By Luker, seconded by Lee to have Merchandise reorder the same quantity of the same coins we ordered last time. Approved.
Good of the Order:
Draper: One of our veterans ran into a whole bunch of problems all at once. Don Miller, Marv Rivers, Bob Bull, Erika Behm and Tim Driscoll got involved right away. His church got involved also. VFW fund was able to help him as well. Berry provided Holiday’s gift cards. The veteran wanted Dave to give us all a hand and to say thanks.
Bull: We bought groceries for one of our veterans.
Bourne: Still have food cards
Rivers: Shada Eadie’s eyes are going bad. She’s had a couple procedures. Laser in a couple weeks should make things better.
Bull: Can drive produced about 3,000 cans. Once we can sell those cans, we’ll buy food cards that we give to volunteer services at the VA. I got some T shirts to the VA as well, per their special request.
Bull: Still sending letters to veterans at the two state owned group homes. Please contribute a letter or two.
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer
Meeting Adjourned at 1955 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast on August 14, 0900 hours: Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
_____________________
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
11 June 2020
Call to Order by President Driscoll at 1900 hrs.
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: John Kinzinger
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 Kanetz asked for an application.
Guests: Larkin Pham, Phil’s daughter is selling face masks with military themes for $10 each to raise money to restore Saigon Lady, the C-130 her grandfather, Pham Quang Kheim used to fly the family and many other people to freedom 45 years ago.
Motion to approve the March Minutes by Harrison/Wilson. Approved.
President’s Report:
We got an electric cart for Dell, now that he is home. He can use it to get outside and visit his son and so forth.
Kate and I had our 50th anniversary on Zoom.
Steve Duncan is back home.
We have a member having hard times. His wife is also having medical problems. Chapter members are taking care of the family.
Flag Day is Sunday. At 1600 we will dedicate the bricks for those members who passed away since Memorial Day 2019. After that, John and Jane Kinzinger are providing 50 hog dogs and buns. Bring your own refreshments and a lawn chair. After that, about 1730, we begin to retire flags. Our plan is to only use one burn barrel and retire about 1/3 of the flags. We will retire the rest of them at VFW 423 in a private ceremony.
Our election will be Saturday from noon to 1600.
Meeting suspended for nominations (third time)
Nominations for President: Stan Harrison, accepts.
Vice President: Marv Rivers, accepts; Tim Driscoll declines.
Secretary: Jon Luker, accepts.
Treasurer: Berry Bourne, accepts.
Two-Year Board members (five to be elected)
The following individuals will transition from two-year terms to one-year terms: Horace Frazier, Al (Fredo) Merritt, Roy Hall, Marty Cothorn and Ken Rogge. They are therefore not eligible for nomination.
The nominees are: Bob Bull, accepts; Steve Hitte, accepts; Larry St. Antoine, accepts; George Betz, accepts; George Perrault, declines; Chris Wetzler, accepts; Nick Mauder, accepts; Sandie Wilson accepts; Dave Draper declines.
Sergeant At Arms: Tim Clarke, accepts; Horace Frazier, declines.
There were no new nominations. Nominations were closed.
Meeting Resumed.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne. Very little activity. Printed report available. No questions.
AVVA Report: No report.
Food Pantry: No report.
Merchandise Report: No activity due to restrictions.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker. Next meeting will be outdoors at American Legion Post 31 in Chelsea on Monday, 15 June 2020.
Michigan State Council: Luker. Everything on hold since March.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – There will be a cleanup on Saturday morning to put finishing touches on the Memorial for Watch Fire and the brick dedication that will happen Sunday. The kneeling soldier silhouette was installed. We are continuing to move forward with plans for the new maintenance building.
Website: McCrumb. The website has had 202 thousand plus hits. This could be attributable to the updated Coronavirus information we post or to the upgraded software that runs our website or a combination of the two.
Membership: The official number is now 209.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Healthcare: Wilson. No report.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Motion: By Harrison, seconded by Draper to fund the Memorial Maintenance Building from the Building Fund, with a promise to repay the Building Fund. The board previously approved this motion. Membership approved the motion.
Good of the Order:
Kinzinger: On Flag Day this year, we are giving every patient at the VA a steak dinner.
Kinzinger: We went to Reuben Swishers funeral on Tuesday. It was a beautiful ceremony for a great guy. He volunteered at age 17 and went to Korea where he was wounded providing heroic service. He then joined the Air Force in time to go to Vietnam where he received additional commendations and awards. His whole life was one of service. He always had a smile for you as well. He will be missed.
Merritt: We have bricks that were made by mistake – they have the member’s branch of service instead of the date. I’d like to give them to a member of the family.
Kinzinger: We are passing the hat to help pay for gas for a member whose son is in hospice in Saline.
Kinzinger: Folks are taking jugs of water to the garden at the memorial. Once we get the water to the new shed, that task will be made much easier.
Coming Events
13 June noon to 1600 - Elections at VFW Post 423
14 June 1600 - Member brick dedication at Memorial
1730 Flag retirement and Watch Fire Ceremony
15 June Washtenaw County Council of Veterans AL Post 31, 1700 Ridge Rd,
Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 475-1964
9 July 1730 - VVA Board meeting
1800 - AVVA Chapter meeting
1900 - VVA Chapter meeting
14-21 Sep - 38th Annual Veterans Reunion at Kokomo, Indiana
July 2021 VVA National Convention, Greensboro, NC
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer: Horace Frazier
Meeting Adjourned at 1955 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast: 12 June: 0900 at Holiday’s Restaurant 2080 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, (734) 668-1292
___________________
April 2020
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310 Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 12 March 2020
Call to Order by President Driscoll 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
Guests: Dave Martinez, son of David “Doc” Martinez.
Presentation: Sandy Martinez and her son, Dave, explained that as a part of their grieving process, they made a wall hanging in memory of “Doc.” They explained the symbolism on it. They were here tonight to present us with a flag version of that banner to be flown at the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They also realized that others might want a banner like Doc’s only customized for their loved one. So, they created a website we can use to order custom banners and other things. It is www.docsfootlocker.com.
Motion to approve the February Minutes by Bull/Merritt. Approved.
President’s Report:
The virus is going to make history for the next few months. The VA Hospital is now screening everybody who comes into the building and has cancelled all volunteer work. The WCCV Annual Recognition Dinner was canceled. The 50th Anniversary pinning ceremony set for 27 March was also canceled. Schools are closing everywhere. We pray that this disease just ends soon.
There is a diabetes prevention program done through Medicare being done in Chelsea. They help you learn to eat right, get exercise, and learn to lose weight in a way that it will stay lost.
There will be no 50/50 tonight.
Dell Mayes is at the UofM in ICU. He’s feeling better now, but they still don’t know exactly what type of blood infection he has. Because home nursing was not able to keep him from getting sick, the thought is that he will go from the hospital to an assisted living place, until he is much improved. That may not happen if his condition improves a lot while he is in the hospital. An email was sent out that had the phone number you should use to call him. Your calls really do matter to him and help improve his health as well.
As you all know, 29 March is the Official Vietnam Veterans Day.
VFW 423 is going to be painting the inside of the building soon and replacing the carpet. They asked us to contribute $8,000 toward the cost of the project. The VVA board determined that we cannot afford to do that but did vote to increase our VFW donation from $100 to $150 a month for the rest of the fiscal year. As a reminder, $50 helps to pay VFW’s cost for having us here, $50 more helps pay for the internet service and now $50 more helps to pay for the painting and carpet.
Meeting suspended for nominations (second time)
The election is from noon to 1600 on Sunday, 26 April. There will be a short meeting at noon, with the third round of nominations.
Nominations for President: Stan Harrison, accepts.
Vice President: Marv Rivers, accepts; Tim Driscoll declines. Secretary: Jon Luker, accepts.
Treasurer: Berry Bourne, accepts.
Two-Year Board members (five to be elected)
The following individuals will transition from two-year terms to one-year terms: Horace Frazier, Al (Fredo) Merritt, Roy Hall, Marty Cothorn and Ken Rogge. They are therefore not eligible for nomination.
The nominees are: Bob Bull, accepts; Steve Hitte, accepts; Larry St. Antoine, accepts; John Kinzinger (not present to accept or decline); George Betz, accepts; George Perrault, declines; Chris Wetzler, accepts; Nick Mauder, accepts; Sandie Wilson accepts; Dave Draper declines.
Sergeant At Arms: Tim Clarke, accepts; Horace Frazier, declines. Meeting Resumed.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne (Excused). Luker reported that our IRS Form 990 was finished and ready to be signed. The board did review the financial statements at the board meeting.
AVVA Report: AVVA’s meeting was cancelled due to the virus. Kathy Driscoll is still dealing with other health issues.
Food Pantry: One VVA member was provided with food assistance within four hours of the request.
Merchandise Report: Stan Harrison reports that VA would not allow us to sell merchandise this month, due to the virus. If you want to volunteer in April, please check with Stan to make sure the event will be permitted.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker. The 67th Annual Recognition Dinner was canceled per instructions from Washtenaw County government in keeping with social distancing guidelines from the Governor. No meetings will be held until further notice. If allowed, the next meeting will be at the American Legion Post 31 in Chelsea on 20 April.
Michigan State Council: Luker. Our next meeting will be in Standish on 29 March – Vietnam Veterans Day. We are also preparing for the Annual meeting in Dearborn. We will spend most of the day meeting with Post Vietnam era veterans with two things in mind: 1) What should a new national organization do or be, and 2) how we can involve Post Vietnam Veterans in local chapter operations. If you know a Post Vietnam Era veteran that might be interested in attending the meeting or getting involved with a local VVA chapter, please let me know.
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt –We are just waiting for the weather to get things started. Mike Chase successfully converted one of our lights to LED. Luker – the shed construction project is picking up a bit of speed but is not likely to be shovel ready until next year. We hope we can have grant requests completely by the May deadline, however. We have also located a potential location for the kneelling soldier silhouette Animal is donating. If you are in the area, look for a yellow tent stake between two red flags. The steel silhouette is 6 by 6 feet in size. Let Fredo know what you think of the proposed location.
Website: McCrumb excused. The website was transferred over to the new servers with the new software added. There have been some glitches and the website is running slower than expected. However, work is underway to solve those issues.
Membership: The official number is now 206.
Newsletter: Pereira – No report. The newsletter team asks that if you are willing to receive the Dispatch via email that you provide John Kinzinger with your email address and let Stan Harrison know that you do not need to get a mailed copy. If you would like to help pay the cost of producing the Dispatch in printed form, please note “Dispatch” on your check, so we list you as a patron in the Dispatch. Or, if you don’t want to be listed but would like to help anyway, do not put “Dispatch” on your check.
Healthcare: Sandie Wilson reported that the primary medicine used to prevent malaria for the past 45 years has been known to have severe mental health side effects that have resulted in people committing murder. Many people who are suffering from side effects have been misdiagnosed as having PTSD. If you received medicine to prevent malaria, please check with your primary care physician to make sure you are getting the right treatment.
There has been so little effort on the part of the VA to obey the law requiring them to set up a study of birth defects among children of military families that most observers are convinced that the VA is using every excuse it can create to avoid doing that duty. Meanwhile, the best source of potential study subjects comes from a nonprofit that is having a hard time staying afloat: www.birthdefects.org. You might want to check out their website and consider offering them some financial support.
VAAAHS They have taken significant measures to prevent the spread of the virus including cancelling all volunteer activities and not permitting people to enter the building unless they have a need to be there and are willing to submit to a health screening first. The front doors have been locked. You must enter through the parking structure or through the emergency room.
Old Business: None New Business: None Good of the Order: Wilson: Are we still going to hold the Annual Recognition Dinner. We did put down a $500 deposit. Note: the answer is yes, at least for now.
Bull said that all the people who need to be involved agree that naming the Ann Arbor VA after LTC Kettles is a good idea. The group is waiting for the right political time to get the legislation moving.
Throneberry: The next “There I was” will be from 1830 to 2100 on Wednesday 29 April. We are cancelling the March program due to the virus. Please contact me to share ideas you might have for program content or for how we might better use donor funds.
Draper: I still have tickets for the raffle to support the restoration of Phil’s father’s C-130. I’ve sold $1,300 so far. There is a donor who will match up to $2,000, so your donations now, would really help.
Harrison: We need help at 1300 on Sunday 22 March to take things off the walls and put them on tables. We will also roll up the flags.
Driscoll: Richard Price had a heart attack. A stent was put in and he is doing better now.
Driscoll: Jenny Lynn has a home school program. Several of us are going out to the Knox Presbyterian Church to make a presentation on Vietnam. A week later, a family that lived in Vietnam during the war will relate their experience.
Faubian: My next-door neighbor has been taking care of a vet who lived in a tent near I-94 and State Street for the past 13 years. The veteran was recently told that he has cancer and between 3 and 6 months to live. The veteran will live with the neighbor and receive hospice care. We think he served with the 51st Infantry and that he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. We have a meeting with Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs. There is a church that is taking up a collection to help with expenses. [Additional note: It has been reported that the veteran has passed away.]
Perrault: Between email, US mail and website visits, an average of 512 people read the Dispatch each month. It costs about $1,200 a month to produce and mail paper copies. Donations are appreciated. So is switching to emailed copies when possible.
Coming Events [Note: Many events have been canceled due to Coronavirus.]
Mar Veterans Appreciation Day at the USA Hockey Arena (cancelled due to virus)
Mar Veterans Appreciation Baseball game (cancelled due to
virus)
4 April 0900-1100 VFW 423 Auxiliary breakfast (bacon and eggs). 26 April 1200-1600 Annual Meeting and Elections
2 May 1800 Annual Recognition Dinner at the usual UAW Hall 16-17 May All Veterans Powwow at Bishop Lake Group Campground
20 May VACAT employer and entrepreneur convention at Morris Lawrence building at WCC
1 Jun Last Day to Register for Campsite at Kokomo (6/7 June): 6 and 7 Jun Selfridge Air Show honoring Vietnam Veterans
14-18 Jul Leadership Conference @ Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dayton, OH 14-21 Sep 38th Annual Veterans Reunion at Kokomo, Indiana
July 2021 VVA National Convention, Greensboro, NC
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer: Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 2012 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast in April: Canceled, but please support the restaurants that support Veterans by ordering takeouts, especially the following restaurants: Brewed Awakening, Holyday’s, and Bomber.
March 2020
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Membership Meeting Minutes
13 February 2020
Call to Order by President Driscoll 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
Guests: None
Presentation: Shirley Hitte presented the membership with a quilted wall hanging she made for Fisher House. The wall hanging is a map of Michigan’s lower peninsula showing the location of important features. Fisher House has already agreed to place it in a favorable location with thanks to VVA 310.
Presentation: Tim Driscoll presented a UH-1 Huey Flag to Dale Throneberry in honor of Throneberry’s years of service in a helicopter unit.
Motion to approve the January Minutes by Wilson/Bull. Approved by consent.
President’s Report: Paulo’s wife, Ann, and Kathy Driscoll will be helping the recognition dinner planning committee. We still need people to volunteer to work the event, provide items for the auctions and so forth. The dinner is set for 2 May at the customary UAW in Ypsilanti.
We need somebody or somebodies to take over the leadership of this year’s Pig Roast.
Meeting suspended for nominations (first time)
Nominations for President: Stan Harrison, accepts.
Vice President: Marv Rivers, accepts; Tim Driscoll declines.
Secretary: Jon Luker, accepts.
Treasurer: Berry Bourne, accepts.
Two-Year Board members (five to be elected)
The following individuals will transition from two-year terms to one-year terms: Horace Frazier, Al (Fredo) Merritt, Roy Hall, Marty Cothorn and Ken Rogge. They are therefore not eligible for nomination.
The nominees are: Bob Bull, accepts; Steve Hitte, accepts; Larry St. Antoine, accepts; John Kinzinger (not present to accept or decline); George Betz, accepts; George Perrault, declines; Chris Wetzler, accepts; Nick Mauder, accepts.
Sergeant At Arms: Tim Clarke, accepts; Horace Frazier, declines.
Meeting was resumed.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne handed out a printed financial report in a new format. This report gives members more details about unrestricted account expenses and revenues while also providing budget control data for all accounts. The unrestricted accounts finished more than $8,000 better than the budget predicted, primarily due to certain budgeted donations and expenditures not made.
AVVA Report: See Kathy Driscoll’s report as part of Dispatch Newsletter.
Food Pantry: Miller – No activity.
Merchandise Report: Stan Harrison reports that he is receiving better help from volunteers at the VA sales events and that gross sales remain good. Thank you for your help. Although the VA declines to let us use the Welcome Center for sales, we hope that is not a final decision, especially given that the Welcome Center has been consistently unused when we are there with Merchandise.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker – Our next meeting will be this coming Monday. The annual dinner will be 16 March. If you want to attend, you need to buy your own ticket, unless you get a VIP ticket.
Michigan State Council: Wilson: Based on information received by the National Board from the Council of State Presidents, National has decided to implement the plan members voted against at the 2019 convention – to create and fund a new organization that will pick up where VVA leaves off. In theory, National will also prepare a plan to change the organization’s name and membership requirements to be voted on at the 2021 convention. Then we will have to wait and see which idea works best.
Therefore, several things will take place. First, Post-Vietnam Era veterans will be asked to attend the State Council meeting in May and the Leadership Conference in July. That will help get those veterans a chance to see what we do and how we do it. At the same time, National will be working on a way to start that second national organization. National hopes that once the post-Vietnam era veterans see the importance of the strategy VVA has that the other VSO’s don’t, the newer organization will do what we do (plus whatever works for their generations and veterans). National and state organizations will also be looking for ways to have the two organizations work together at the local level, to mentor, support and advise the new local units until they are able to operate without our help. If this plan works, and if it comes together before VVA can get Congress to change our national charter, then VVA will not change its name or membership requirements and will just pass everything over to the new national organization. That will need to be done long before the last man is unable to function properly.
The question them becomes, “What does the Charles S. Kettles Chapter want to do about helping to start a local Post-Vietnam Veterans Organization?”
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – New teams and work plans are set to start 1 March. We are out of the transformers that are necessary to keep the lights on at the Memorial. We are working on finding a way to convert the lights to LED. The person who has been helping us with the lights since the first day is Mike Chase. He is taking the lead on the changeover project. Because he has responded to every request for help over the past years in less than 24 hours and does so without compensation. I would like to see that he is one of the people who gets recognized at this year’s Recognition Dinner. He should receive a decent gift card from us.
Luker: OHM Advisors has provided us with a preliminary site map to which they will add water and sewer data. That will allow us to pick a site for the shed and begin to nail down the details necessary for cost estimates and time frames.
Driscoll: The family of Roger and Kate Graef has given us a copy of the application requirements to receive a project grant from the Roger and Kate Graef Family Foundation. They expressed a strong desire that we apply and that we do so prior to the 31 May deadline.
Website: Vance McCrumb stated that there is a new page on the website featuring the C-130 that Phil and his family flew to the US. The webpage will report the progress on the restoration of the plane while it is at the National Warplane Museum. Museum name on the raffle ticket.
Membership: Vance stated that there are 207 Chapter members, because two members lapsed their annual membership.
Newsletter: Pereira – No report
Healthcare: Sandie Wilson reminded us to get our flu and shingles shots.
VAAAHS: No Report.
Old Business: None
New Business: Motion by Merritt/St. Antoine to buy 12 C-130 fundraising raffle tickets for $200. Chapter paid $160 and Larry contributed $40.The motion was amended (by friendly amendment) to pay $161 toward the purchase of 12 tickets when it was reported that our impulse donation budget was down to that amount and Larry St. Antoine volunteered to contribute the rest of the money needed. Motion Approved. Phil Pham then announced that his family would buy 12 more tickets in the name of the Charles S. Kettles Chapter.
Good of the Order: Phil Pham passed out Veterans Day cards that were made at the Ann Arbor Library by youngsters visiting there.
Vance McCrumb There is a raffle to help pay for the restoration of Saigon Lady, the plane Phil’s father flew to the US. The restoration will cost about $400,000. The Grand Prize is $10,000 cash. Tickets are $20 each or 6 tickets for $100.
Horace Frazier: I have raffle tickets for the VFW Department of Michigan Honor Guard. The prizes include a Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster, a great crossbow and a pistol. Winner gets first pick. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5.
Horace Frazier: I spoke before about the “Guitars for Veterans” program being started up at the VA in Detroit. Now volunteer services will be starting the program here in Ann Arbor soon. Each person who wants in on the program must first get a referral from their Primary Care doctor. Once in, you get a guitar, you get lessons, and you play with other veterans. At the end of the program, there is a recital for the public. I will be helping Ann Arbor get the program up and running.
Coming Events
26 Feb 1830 Tell your story at VFW 423
10 Mar VA sales
21 Mar Veterans Appreciation Day at the USA Hockey Arena
22 Mar Veterans Appreciation Baseball game
29 April 1200 – 1600 Annual Elections
2 May 1800 Annual Recognition Dinner at the usual UAW Hall
16-17 May All Veterans Powwow at Bishop Lake Group Campground
20 May VACAT employer and entrepreneur convention at Morris Lawrence building at WCC
1 Jun Last Day to Register for Campsite at Kokomo
6 and 7 Jun Selfridge Air Show honoring Vietnam Veterans
14-18 Jul Leadership Conference @ Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dayton, OH
14-21 Sep 38th Annual Veterans Reunion at Kokomo, Indiana
July 2021 VVA National Convention, Greensboro, NC
Flag Salute
Closing Prayer: Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 2010 hrs.
Chapter Breakfast: Friday, March 13th, 0900 hours, at Brewed Awakenings Cafe - 7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176 — (734) 681-0078.
February 2020
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Meeting
9 January 2020
Call to Order by President Driscoll 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
Guests: None
Motion to approve the December Minutes by St. Antoine/Bull. Approved.
President’s Report: He stated that it would be appropriate for all members to bring some additional food so enough food is available for dinner. All the extra food could go home with those without adequate cooking facilities.
In addition, he presented John Kinzinger a framed certificate of appreciation from Task Force Lincoln Team Blackhawks 108th Sustainment Brigade for VVA 310’s support from its Deployed Troops Care Boxes program.
Treasurer’s Report: Bourne handed out the printed financial report. The major event in the month was the Christmas Program for the AA VA patients whereby the funding totaled a record $15,000. Then he discussed an overview of the financial report.
AVVA Report: See Kathy Driscoll’s report as part of Dispatch Newsletter.
Food Pantry: Miller – No report
Merchandise Report: Stan Harrison stated that the next sales at the AA VA will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 14th. December sales were $830 with a $440 gross margin.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Luker – No report
Michigan State Council: State meeting in May to be held in Dearborn
Memorial Maintenance: Merritt – No report
Website: Vance McCrumb stated that the website is up and running. He is anticipating a quote to upgrade the site.
Membership: Vance stated that there are 209-chapter members
Newsletter: Pereira – No report
Healthcare: Sandie Wilson stated that approval has been secured for the shingles vaccines.
AA VA HS: John Kinzinger stated that VVA 528 held their Christmas program on Dec. 17th. VVA 310 held their Christmas program on Dec. 20th. The shirts given to the veterans had embroidered a statement that “Freedom is Not Free”. Underwear had recently been given to Voluntary Services to dispense as needed.
Old Business: Motion by St. Antoine/Rogge to approve the Amended Bylaws as emailed to chapter members by Jon Luker on Dec. 14th. Approved
New Business: Motion by Bourne/Harrison to approve the 2021 Operating Budget as presented. Approved.
Good of the Order:
George Perrault stated that Al Merritt, in charge of Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti, desires to have four three-man teams to cut the grass at the Memorial site. See George after the meeting to sign up.
Veterans Radio will have an open mike for “Memorable Moments” on Jan. 29th from 1900 to 2100 hrs. at the VFW.
Bob Bull stated he is hosting a fund-raising event on Sunday, February 9th, at the VFW to assist homeless veterans and provide additional funding for suicide prevention efforts. Church service at 1000 hrs. following by luncheon at 1200 hrs. and a silent auction at 1400 hrs.
Sandie Wilson commented that Senators Peters and Stabenow and Representatives Dingell and Walberg have been contacted to support the name change of the AA VA to Charles S. Kettles.
Annual Recognition Dinner will be held May 2nd beginning at 1800 hrs. at the UAW Hall in Ypsilanti.
Coming Events: Selfridge Air Show honoring Vietnam Veterans to be held June 6-7, 2020.
Leadership Conference to be held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton, OH from July 14-18, 2020.
VVA National Convention to be held in Greensboro, NC in July 2021.
Closing Prayer: Bob Bull
Meeting Adjourned at 2002 hrs. after salute to the flag
Chapter Breakfast: Friday, February 14th, 0900 hours, at Bomber’s Restaurant, 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI.
January 2020
Vietnam Veterans of America
Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310
Regular Meeting
12 December 2019
Call to order by President Driscoll at 1911
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Prayer: Tim Driscoll
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: Ken Bridges
Guests: None
Motion to Approve the November Minutes by Wilson/St Antoine. Approved.
President’s Report:
Dell is doing better at Wellbridge on North Territorial Road
Paulo’s brother passed away.
John Kinzinger is home from surgery.
Kathy and I were in the hospital today also.
20 Dec is the Christmas party at hospital. Meet in lobby at 1730. If you can’t make that, you can join VVA Chapter 528 at the VA on 17 Dec. Stacey Mason will be there on the 17th and the Saline Fiddlers will be there on the 20th.
We still need volunteers for Pig Roast and Merchandise.
We could also do new projects for community outreach and to raise a few dollars.
Treasure’s Report: Bourne. Printed report circulated. Proposed budget outlined. If we don’t get volunteers to do the fundraising activities, we will need significant budget cuts. No questions.
AVVA Report: Kathy Driscoll. Please see attached report.
Food Pantry: Miller. No Report.
Merchandise Report: St Antoine/Rivers/Clark. We got snowed out at the VA last month. Last Tuesday was our last day at the VA and our last event. Things were a bit slow this week. Thanks to all who volunteered over the past two years, especially Marv, Steve, Shirley, Kathy, Wendy & Too Tall. Thanks to the two Stan’s for agreeing to pick up where we left off. We got two more volunteers. Stan Harrison is going to haul the trailer. We still need somebody to do the internet ordering and to receive and tag the items when they come in. That person doesn’t need to leave home. We might do things other than the VA, but only if we get more volunteers for those events.
Washtenaw County Council of Veterans Report: Luker. We will be doing Bingo before our regular meeting on 20 January at the VA and then meeting in the auditorium for our meeting.
Michigan State Council: Luker.
There is a debate about whether MOPH is getting out of the VSO business. If they do, there is a good chance that VVA will pick up the new business and get a better share of the Coalition budget as well.
VVAMSC.org is up and running. If you want to see what is happening around the state, that’s the place to go.
29 March is Vietnam Veterans Day. It is also the date of the next State Council meeting in Standish.
HR 2200 would add four diseases to those that are presumptively caused by toxic exposure during service in Vietnam. The bill was introduced in April and referred to two committees. VVA is being told the bill is expected to start moving soon. Please ask your representatives to support this bill. It is beyond past due.
The State Council is trying to put together an event specifically to bring younger veterans and Vietnam Veterans together. Part of the goal is to let them know that we will be opening our ranks to them as soon as possible. Another part of the goal is to find out what they want or need from an organization like VVA. To that end, the State Council would like me to collect contact information for younger veterans you might know. If you know veteran students, Team RWB members, young veterans in church, or other young veterans, please ask them if you can give me their contact information. Please forward the information to our Secretary, Jon Luker, at
The VVA VSO office in Detroit moved to room 1226. This is a “permanent” move. They are still having phone trouble. When you call you might get a ring with no routing to voicemail or you might get a busy signal. In that case, please just try again in 10 minutes or so.
The Leadership Conference will be 14 through 18 July 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dayton, Ohio. All chapter officers may attend. The main topic is expected to be about the name change process and about expanding our membership.
Blue Water Navy claims will be worked on starting on 1 Jan, but you can submit yours now.
Memorial Committee Report: Merritt. Thank you to all team members. We received many good complements throughout the season. Send me an email if you’d like to be on the committee next year. Animal (Jim Sharp) gave us a six-foot-tall metal silhouette of a soldier kneeling. The committee will determine where it will be placed. The bench and the repairs will take place in spring. Kate and her husband put up two wreaths. The shed project is still in progress.
Website Committee Report: McCrumb. The website works, but it is not mobile friendly – meaning that it does not look right when viewed on mobile devices. We have asked for an estimate to upgrade the website to make it mobile-friendly and to make it more secure. Estimate to come.
Membership Report: McCrumb. Officially, National shows us at 208, including Gerald Martin, who transferred to us from Plymouth-Canton 528. Bourne gave us a donation to cover the dues of a lapsed member.
Newsletter: Pereira. No report.
Health Care: Wilson. Senior Citizens Flu shots are in. Shingles shots are in also.
VAAAHS Report: Wilson for Kinzinger. Things are changing at the VA. More people coming in for care. The director has been instructed to help shape up the Detroit VA. There is a new VISN director from Arizona. Bull added that they have two new people at Volunteer Services but haven’t replaced Bev yet. The biggest things on the VAVS needs list are sweat pants and hooded sweat shirts.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business: Motion McCrumb/Fife to donate $1,000 to Veterans Radio as a sponsorship. By consent, the motion was not considered because the issue will be included in Board budget discussions before the budget is presented to membership.
Bylaws Amendment: As required by our bylaws, a printed copy of proposed bylaws was presented to the membership by the Board, subject to further review and editing to be voted on by membership at the January regular membership meeting.
Good of the Order: Bob Bull: I have a project underway to provide additional housing for homeless veterans. We have identified a property we might be able to use and are negotiating with the City of Ypsilanti to make it available. On 9 February, I will be conducting a fundraising auction event at VFW Post 423. I could use volunteers on the 8th to help setup the event and volunteers on the 9th to work the event and cleanup. There will also be a $10 breakfast at the VFW on the day of the event.
I am also talking with the VFW to see if they will allow this facility to become a Vet Center.
Finally, I have talked with several legislators who agree that the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System should be renamed in honor of LTC Charles S. Kettles. I will continue to help make this happen.
Larry St. Antoine: Please come to the Welcome Center at the VA by 1730 on 18 December 2019 for the next Veterans Radio Open Mic Night. The topic will be “There I was on Christmas Day.”
Official business ceased by operation of Standing Rule Three at 2030.
Good of the Order Continued Informally: John Kinzinger: VVA 310 is being given credit for hosting a fundraiser for Warriors and Caregivers United (WACU) that will be held at Frenchie’s, next to the Sidetrack bar in Ypsilanti from 1700 to 2100 on Tuesday, 7 January. Stacey Mason and Phil Kelly will provide musical entertainment. For more information, go to www.wacu.org or visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Wacu-164608700235104/.
Coming Events—December:
Today A good day to get your flu shot and your shingles shot
14 December Wreaths Across America
17 December VVA 528 Christmas Party at the VA
18 December Vet’s Radio Open Mic night at the VA
20 December VVA 310 Christmas Party at the VA
January Events See “Current Events” below
Closing Prayer: Bob Bull
Salute the Flag
Respectfully Submitted, Jon Luker
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