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Washington Chapter, VHPA
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Meeting Minutes, 1st
Quarter
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Meeting at, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Tacoma, WA.
Subject: Minutes of
business meeting and other notes of interest.
Opening of the meeting:
New Chapter president, Paul Fleming opened the meeting with the pledge of
allegiance with Bob Brown holding the American flag.
Old Business:
Paul asked if
anyone remembered who had volunteered to be the coordinator with the VA American
Lake to arrange visits or take stuff there, or remember anything about it. This
is a follow up on a request by Jack Salm last year that we have a POC with the
VA American Lake or elsewhere to take magazines and other things to those
hospitalized locally. [This is in addition to the gifts that we gave last
year.] Steve Garber remembered some of the discussion, and others brought up
some comments and info. Paul also asked if we want to do something with this
project. No committee was set up. Paul will contact VA to see what we can do.
New Business:
Paul introduced an idea that is part of an earlier idea that we follow
the lead of some other on-line veteran groups to have a “Bio and photo” page
on our web site that each member can fill out and send the data to a
‘screener’ who would then send it onto the web master for posting. Included
in this is for us to use the web site more for interactive RSVP. [verb;
definition: used to request reply: [Abbreviation of French re`pondez s`il
vous plai^t] (the special marks didn’t come out right for the French) The
consensus of the members was to go ahead and set it up, those without an
internet connection would get a phone call or card as a reminder. [This
was urged onward by the passing of Mr. John Ness, A photo was at the sign in
table. John Ness died Feb 13, 2008.]
Paul mentioned that he forgot to put an RSVP and contact on the card, he
will fix that for next time. Note of interest: Bob Brown, Sgt @ Arms,
captured the email list and was able to send out the announcement for the
meeting to everyone, and got an 80% response on the emails sent and
received. Thank you Bob.
Jack Salm said we still have some black windbreaker jackets for sale with
the VHPA logo on the back. Paul also asked if we want to add patches to the
front or arms in a standard manner or our own pattern? Pat Staeheli
mentioned that many groups in the Auburn parade have their clothing in an
organized manner. The membership decided we were lucky to get everyone
walking in the same direction, dressing alike was out of the question.
Chapter “T” shirts are also available. Pat will be ordering more Jackets
soon so if you still need one contact Pat
pgstaeheli@yahoo.com the jackets are $35.
The next meeting is at the Olympia Airport June14th, 2008; info will come
in later via email and/or card. This will be Fathers Day Weekend at the
Warbirds Flying Air show.
http://www.olympicflightmuseum.com/coming_events/airshow2008/airshow2008.htm
Paul asked the members if they would go along with us purchasing a small
cargo trailer ie: 4x6 foot or 6x8 foot to put the chapter equipment in for
better storage and always ready to go for each meeting. This was approved
and the members were asked to keep an eye open for a used one to keep the
cost down.
Paul asked that members who brought a guest, to introduce them as well as
identify themselves. Also, new members joined today and introduced
themselves and were also applauded by all. Welcome folks.
Paul asked if anyone who was thinking or planning on going to the
National reunion to support Jack Salm and have a great time.
Meeting concluded and the meal began with much talk of ‘war stories’.
This scribe believes everyone had a good time.
Other event notes of interest:
Doug Decker played a DVD video to honor our Founder Jack Salm with his
old unit the 48th AHC Blue Ghosts flying in Operation Lam Son 719
(Jack was not in this operation) and showing photos of members at the last
Veterans Parade as well as other photos of members that he has on file. Bob
Brown & Dan Fox greatly helped in this venture, thanks men.
(Only Current & New Business will be read at
the meetings.
Ongoing notes:
Visit & use the organization web site for photos, notices and send in
your story.
www.vhpawa.org
36 members
and 8 guests attended. Two guests were wives of members, welcome ladies.
New members:
WA Chapter, Secretary,
Doug Decker _date/time: Saturday 2/23/2008 8:22 PM.
E-mail:
dougdecker1@comcast.net
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