1 May 2011

TO:  See Distribution 

SUBJECT:  Minutes of Post 2485 General Membership Meeting

OPENING CEREMONIES:  Commander Chesko called the meeting to order at 1000 hours in the Post House.  Opening ceremonies were held according to VFW Ritual. Twenty-eight members were present. 

DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS:  Commander Chesko recognized the following distinguished members:  Department Inspector Prinz, Department Past National Council Members Elliott and Zaher, Past Department Commanders Milward, Carsley, Gasperson, and Schaefer, and Past Post Commanders Donaldson and Heilhecker.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS:  Membership Chairman Wilsey read three applications: ESQUIVEL, Albert C., McCARNY, Jesse J., and FREPPON, Llyod. Comrade Wilsey moved and Comrade Gilbert seconded that the applicants be accepted for membership in our Post. Motion carried. (Attachment A) A ceremony was held to pin two members with Crosses of Malta. 

READING OF MINUTES:  Adjutant p.t. Elliott moved and Comrade Jernigan seconded that the April GMM Minutes be accepted as posted subject to correction. Motion carried. 

CORRESPONDENCE:  Adjutant p.t. Elliott read a letter of congratulations to Commander Chesko from Department Commander Jim Oden for selection as All-State Commander. Commander Chesko thanked the members, telling them it was their efforts that made his selection possible. (Attachment B)

QUARTERMASTER’S REPORT:  Comrade Gasperson read a detailed financial report for the period March 26-April 25. He moved and Comrade Zaher seconded that the report be accepted as audited. Motion carried.

TRUSTEES’ REPORT:  Trustee Goodloe reported that he and Trustee Elliott conducted an audit on Saturday. April 30. He said the books were found to be in good order, and he commended the QM for keeping excellent records. The Trustees and QM also conducted a Canteen cash count and found the funds to be balanced.

COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT: Chairman Zaher reported 24 community service projects undertaken for the month of April. He also reported on totals for the VFW Community Services year ending 30 April and thanked the members for their generous efforts. (Attachment C)

JUDGE ADVOCATE’S REPORT:  Negative report

SERVICE OFFICER’S REPORT: Comrade Milward read the report. He assisted 106 veterans during April, including 35 by telephone or email, and 21 referred to the DAV. Total hours consumed were 20 at home (computer, telephone, etc.) and 95 in the office. In addition, five widows were assisted. Four are still pending. He reminded members to keep their wives or significant others informed particularly about funds and insurance. (Attachment D)

COMRADE OR FAMILY OF A COMRADE IN DISTRESS: Comrade Milward reported two deaths: Comrades John Welsh and George Bishop. Comrade Welsh died Friday, April 29; his burial at Clark Cemetery will be no sooner than Friday, May 7.

.MEMBERSHIP REPORT:  Chairman Wilsey reported that total membership currently stands at 1,576 members of which 1,490 are Life Members, 101.41% of last year’s figure. (Attachment A).

CHILDREN’S OPERATIONS PROGRAM: Chairman Wilsey reported there were no operations in April.

HOSPITAL REPORT:  Negative report.

SAFETY REPORT: Comrade “Doc” Johnson reminded the members that school is still out and more children are playing in the streets. He advised the members to be especially careful when driving. In addition, he said to pay special attention when driving in congested intersections such No. 1 St. and MacArthur Highway, the entrance to SM near the overpass and No. 1 St., and Fields Ave, near Station 4. Comrade Wilsey also advised the members to be careful of the dogs across the street from the back door. One of them snapped At Comrade “Boston” Bob. (Attachment E).

CLARK CEMETERY/GRAVE DIGGERS REPORT: Chairman Heilhecker reported that five local hire employees worked 902 man-hours maintaining the grounds of Clark Cemetery. Peregrine Corporation and CDC continue to maintain the outside area. Total expenses for April 2011 were $1, ­­­­­­366.00. Total donations were low this month, only $125.00, all from Grave Digger memberships. Total GD membership now stands at 967, an increase of five members from March. A copy of a fuller report is available on the Post 2485 website: www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery_report.htm (Attachment F)

POST HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT: Chairman Prinz reported that the Ambassador’s Luncheon held on 31 March was very successful. 108 veterans were served courtesy of Peregrine Corporation.  Members were reminded that all a/c will be turned on and off by the waitresses. The APAOS system is still under observation, and three printer modules will be installed. The rerouting of water is being considered to get better pressure at all outlets. Other items being considered are a security camera system (include in budget), a stainless steel hood in the kitchen, and two stand-up air cons in the dining room area. During April, the Wednesday night special will shift from spaghetti to tacos. Two tacos, hard or soft, will be served for 115 pesos. May 10 will be a Membership Night and Installation Dinner. Members and one guest are free. See the complete PHC Minutes at www.vfwpost2485.com/PHC_Minutes.htm (Attachment G)

POST REVIEW COMMITTEE: Chairman Prinz said all reviews are complete and up to date.

PUP TENT 15 REPORT: Seam Squirrel Tom Aldrich said this month’s Scratch will be May 10th. “VFW first; Cooties second.”

POST RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT:  Negative report. 

BUDDY POPPY REPORT:  Negative report.

WEBMASTER’S REPORT:  Webmaster Carlton read the report. He estimated that about 7,015 pages were viewed in April, higher than the past two months and almost exactly the same as April 2010. (Attachment H)

VOD/PATRIOT’S PEN REPORT:  Activities for the year were concluded successfully.

LIBRARY REPORT:  Chairman Utts gave a brief but interesting report. He said that 126 more books were donated to the AC Public Library.

VFW NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN:  Chaplain Donaldson led the members in a prayer for the children in the VFW National Home for Children. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:  Comrade Carsley moved and Comrade Schaefer seconded that the Post purchase a half-page color ad in the American Legion’s Convention Book for $100.00. Motion Passed.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:  1) Employee of the month for April is Amy Dincol of the Kitchen Staff. Commander Chesko presented Ms.  Dincol with a gratuity of 500 pesos to be flowed by a Certificate of Appreciation; 2) Comrade Doc Johnson reported that the new VA Clinic opened officially last week; 3) Commander Chesko reported on the District VII Convention held at Post 9897 in La Union on April 25; the new to top three District officers are Commander Bob Chesko; SVC Tom Darkus, and JVC Dennis Dody; 4) Comrade Shones reported distributing new reflective tape for bicycles and trikes; 5) Comrade Carsley reported on an invitation to attend the unveiling of a Battle of Piis Memorial Marker in Lucban, Quezon, on Monday, May 2; 6) Comrade Heilhecker said a representative of Peregrine Corp. has been invited to attend our Installation Dinner. If CEO Dennis Wright attends, he might want to say a few words. 7) Comrade Jernigan won the 50-50 drawing and donated his 1,500 pesos winnings to the Post; the Post’s 50% was also 1,500 pesos; 7) David Martin and Horst Wehner won the meal gift certificates.

LOYALTY DAY: Commander Chesko took time at the end of the Meeting to have all members stand while he read a presentation on the meaning of and background to celebrating May 1 as Loyalty Day.

CLOSING CEREMONIES:   Closing Ceremonies were held according to Ritual. The meeting was adjourned at 1120 hours. Twenty-eight members were present. The next GMM will be held on June 5.

OFFICIAL:                                                          APPROVED: 
 

Tom Elliott                                                           Bob Chesko

Adjutant p.t.                                                         Commander 

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