LIBERTY BELL CHAPTER 266 VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA 1515-1517 E. Luzerne Street Philadelphia, PA 19124 MINUTES OF THE CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF MONDAY, 1 DECEMBER 2008 1.) CALL TO ORDER - The Members having assembled for the meeting at the Chapter Home, 1515 E. Luzerne Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124, the Sergeant-at-Arms, Al DiPanfilis, called for order on the floor. The Meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. and was chaired by Chapter President, James K. Chappelle. 2.) OPENING CEREMONIES In keeping with the Chapter s traditions, the Chapter President, James Chappelle led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Chair then called on the Chaplain, Leonard M. Johnson. Len asked for a moment of silence and offered a prayer for those comrades in harms way, those injured and sick, for all POW - MIA and for the families of these comrades. The Chair then made mention of the POW-MIA Empty Chair at the front of the room. The Chair then called on Len Johnson to take the podium to lead a remembrance of lost comrades. Len said that the meeting tonight was dedicated to women veterans. Len remembered especially a large group of US military nurses who were killed in the plane crash tragedy in 1945 at Ledo in Assam, India. Len read a poem that was written by the late Judge William J. Lederer and reprinted recently in the local newspaper The Philadelphia Spirit. Little White Crosses by William J. Lederer Little White Crosses on a Burmese Hill I wonder if the Little White Crosses Still stand in the Tea Garden Facing the white Himalayas I wonder in this wide world And endless years thereafter If anyone stops At the Little White Crosses On the Burmese Hill Before I left I went to them and said Thank you young American nurses Thank you You will not be forgotten We are going home thanks to you
Somewhere in your native land You will always live and we will remember You under those Little White Crosses Facing the high Himalayas On the Burmese Hill. Len also mentioned that a very nice memorial has been established on the grounds of Juniata Golf Course to honor the memory of Philadelphia Police officers recently killed in the line of duty. Len said that many police officers are also veterans. Len then read the short biography of a local comrade whose name is inscribed on The Wall and on the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Albert M. Reed, who lived on Morton Street in Germantown. Reed served in RVN with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was killed on October 13, 1970. Len said that Reed was his buddy, and that he was about the same size as our late comrade, Tyrone Green. It is our duty to remember. The Chair then called for any new members or guests present to stand and be recognized. There were no new members present. 3.) MINUTES: The Chair called for a Motion regarding the Minutes of the previous Chapter meeting. A Motion was made by Tom Murtha, seconded by Jon Wright and carried by voice vote to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous Chapter meeting of 3 November 2008 and to accept the minutes as written. [NOTE: Copies of all Minutes are kept on file and are available to any interested Chapter Member.] 4.) TREASURER S REPORT: The Chair called on the Treasurer, Rich Micucci, for his report. Rich reported that the books are up-to-date and in order and that he was writing some checks this evening for VA hospital visit expenses and that he had just received a membership rebate payment from VVA National. Rich further reported that he would be providing a detailed report to the Board of Directors during their next meeting, which would be on Monday, 19 January 2008. Rich noted that the checkbook and most recent financial report are available for inspection by any interested Chapter member at the end of the meeting. 5.) SPECIAL PROGRAMS: [None.] 6.) COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Chair called upon each of the committees in order for their reports. Many of the committees are in need of additional volunteers, and you do not have to be elected to the Board to chair or to serve on a committee. The best approach is to contact the committee chairperson or one of the current committee members. A. STANDING COMMITTEES:
(1.) COMMUNITY SERVICES - Al Mikutis, Al DiPanfilis, Rich Micucci, Sue Justice. Al DiPanfilis thanked all those members who volunteered their time collecting food at the two store locations on Saturday 22 November 2008 for the Thanksgiving Food Drive, and also those who volunteered to assemble the food boxes and get them out to the families in need on Sunday, 23 November, 2008. The Chapter will send a Thank You Letter to Cub Scout Pack #24 from Holy Innocents St. Paul Church in Tacony for their help collecting canned goods. Altogether there were 42 boxes of food plus coupons distributed locally. Al Mikutis reported that the committee was able to collect and a record eighteen pounds of stamps, coins and related supplies which will be mailed to the VAMC in Tucson, AZ for use in their programs. Al thanked all those members and friends who donated the materials and asked them to keep em coming. Regarding the Kids Christmas Party, Al Mikutis said that he was still looking for sponsors for about 20 more kids, ages 2-11 years old. What the committee needs most is new, wrapped gifts ranging in cost from $15 to $20. For almost all of these kids this will be the only gift they get for Christmas. Volunteers are also needed to decorate, help with activities and clean up after the event. The Kids Christmas Party is slated for Saturday, 13 December 2008, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include bus transportation, pizza, soda, Santa, gifts and photos. Volunteers will get there about 10:30 a.m. George Murphy has volunteered to be Santa again this year. Al DiPanfilis announced again that the Christmas Food Drive would be held on Saturday, 13 December 2008, the same date as the Kids Christmas Party. The same two store locations will be used and the collection hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The food boxes will be assembled and delivered on Sunday, 14 December 2008 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Post. (2.) CONSTITUTION - Ken Mabe had nothing new to report. (3.) EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - Allen Whitlock was absent due to illness and there was no report. (4.) FINANCE - Ken Mabe said that he had just received the October figures and that he would have a detailed report at the Board meeting in January. Ken submitted a copy of the Chapter 590 newsletter which included a reprint on veteran-related charities. Most of these charities received low grades from a national watchdog group. The Board will consider the report at its next meeting. (5.) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS - Gerry Ney was absent and there was no report. (6.) MEMBERSHIP AFFAIRS - Steve Uchniat and Fred Rosso. Steve reported that the Chapter roster stood at 112 one-to-three-year members and 154 Life Members plus three paying their life memberships on installments for a VVA total of 269. AVVA has 25 oneto-three-year members, 15 Lifer Members plus 4 individuals who are members of both VVA and AVVA, two of them Life Members of both VVA and AVVA for an AVVA total of 44 members. The combined total for our Chapter remains at 313. Steve reported further that all of the plaques containing the names of life members, deceased members, AVVA life members and past presidents have been updated and will be back up on the
wall in the canteen for the Egg Nog Toast on Friday 19 December 2008. 7.) MINORITY AFFAIRS - Mark Lumpkin was absent due to illness and there was no report. (8.) PUBLIC AFFAIRS - Tim Hagelin, Sue Justice and Bill Montgomery. Nothing new to report.. (9.) VETERANS AFFAIRS - Fred Rosso submitted a report for the Chapter Newsletter. (10.) VETERANS BENEFITS - Len Johnson submitted a report for the Chapter Newsletter covering the recent 5.8% COLA plus emergency suicide and homeless contact numbers. (11.) WOMEN VETERANS - Sue Justice, Del Stones. Nothing new to report at this time. B. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: (1.) AGENT ORANGE / DIOXIN - Al DiPanfilis, Mike Lentz, Del Stones. Nothing new to report at this time. (2.) BANQUET, AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: Rich Micucci, Sue Justice. Sue reported that the committee is working on a Chapter Banquet for October 2009, to be held at the Rising Sun VFW Post 2819. The exact date, ticket costs, ad-book and related details will be announced after the New Year. (3.) COLOR GUARD - Len Johnson thanked Juniata Park Memorial Post 738 American Legion for purchasing seven tickets for Color Guard members to go on the bus trip to Washington, DC over the Veterans Day weekend. Len also thanked the Chapter and Chapter President James K. Chappelle for inviting some of the unit members to attend the UVC Annual Veterans Day Luncheon at the Rosewood Caterers. POST MEETING NOTE: Philadelphia Mummers Parade officials have notified the Chapter that the Mummers Parade will be led up Broad Street this year by a Police Color Guard. This is due in part to the five officers lives lost in the line of duty this past year. For the previous three years, our Color Guard was happy to lead-off the parade and to perform a patriotic ceremony at the judging stand, but we all understand that it is fitting and proper that the City provides a Police unit for the parade this year. (4.) EDUCATION - Gerry Ney, Jon Wright. Nothing new to report at this time. (5.) FUNDRAISING - Steve Uchniat, Fred Rosso. Fred reported that the December lotto had started. The football fundraiser continues to do well. The committee still needs one more month to transition from PNC to Beneficial Savings. (6.) NEWSLETTER - Sandy Bukowski and Steve Uchniat. Steve reported that the next Chapter Newsletter would be the last one mailed out in paper form to all members. After that, members with e-mail will be sent the Newsletter in electronic form. Also, all members and interested people already can read and download the Newsletter on the Chapter Website. Member George Bembishew asked to be removed from the Chapter s e-mail list. Members are encouraged to keep the Chapter informed of any changes in address, phone and/or e-mail address. The contact is Steve Uchniat, Membership Chairman at bogie609@aol.com. Just because you let VVA National know about your
new information does not mean that the Chapter has your new info, so take a few minutes. Manwhile, as always, Chapter Newsletter items can be sent directly to Sandy Bukowski at hunbun133@msn.com. (7.) WEBSITE - Sandy Wright. Sandy Wright commented that she has added several new links to the Chapter Website. She has been trying to let everyone know when she updates or changes the website features, and she encouraged all members to make use of the website and member forums at http://vva266.bravehost.com. Sandy asked all members to submit their Then and Now photos from Vietnam, also any tattoo photos - these can be scanned and sent to Sandy via e-mail at manchu-sandy@comcast.net. (8.) POW-MIA - Gary Siefert was absent but has been regularly submitting news items for the Chapter newsletter. (9.) PRODUCT SALES - Len Johnson again asked all members to take a look at the items on display and to buy something. There are still Vietnam pony beads for sale for $3 per set, and these were made by one of our members. There are lots of AVVA shirts and sweatshirts. Len is also still taking orders for Chapter Jackets and leather patch vests so you can wear your Chapter Colors!. (10.) VA HOSPITAL: James Chappelle announced that the next visit will be a Hoagie Night and Christmas Party on Thursday, December 18, 2008 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Activities Room. There will be canteen gift cards for the patients. The committee can always use more volunteers, and this is a fun time, so come on out. James also distributed a list of the dates for hospital visits during 2009 - the Chapter Calendar will be updated accordingly. (11.) HOMELESS VETERANS: Len Johnson, Del Stones, Fred Rosso. Len said he would have some information in the Newsletter especially on emergency sheltering. (12.) SUNSHINE: James Chappelle and Del Stones. James reported that Allen Whitlock, Bill Miller, Mark Lumpkin and Mike Lentz are all on the Sick Call list. Please remember these comrades in your thoughts and prayers and make a call or send a card or an e-mail! C. OTHER TASK AND WORK GROUP REPORTS: (1.) JOINT HOUSE COMMITTEE: Hugh Smith, Tom Murtha, Len Johnson, Al DiPanfilis Sheila Rosen, Bob Sterling, Tim Hagelin, Jim Smith. Hugh thanked all those faithful members who continue to help out at the weekly clean-up parties on Monday evenings. The Canteen is open during Eagles Football games (not the night games). The Canteen has a big-screen TV and lots of local color commentators. The food and drink prices cannot be beat. The next big event will be the Annual Egg Nog Toast on Friday, 19 December 2008 at 8:00 p.m. - the canteen will open at 6:30 p.m. (2.) AVVA LIAISONS: Sue Justice, Liaison and Arline Mabe, Alternate. Sue reported that she is back at the quilting and Sew Much Comfort projects now that the weather is cooler. The Child Safety Day went very well last month with 23 children processed. Sandy Wright was these as Twinkles the Clown and there were lots of activities and hot dogs and sodas. Sue thanked the many volunteers. (3.) PASC DELEGATES: Len Johnson, Ken Mabe, Tim Hagelin, Gerry Ney, Mark Lumpkin and
Bill Montgomery. Ken reported again that the PASC would meet on 6-7 December 2008 at State College, PA. This will probably be the last meetings held at the Nittany Lion Inn due to the rising costs at that facility. Steve Uchniat asked Ken to pick-up any membership materials that may be available at the VVA-PASC meetings (4.) PHILADELPHIA UVC DELEGATE REPORT: Jim Smith, VVA-266 Delegate, was unable to attend the regular UVC monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Delaware Valley Veterans Nursing Home beginning at 8:00 p.m. Jim hopes to attend the December UVC meeting. (5.) OTHER REPORTS: (None) 6.) CORRESPONDENCE The Chapter received a nice Thank You Letter from the Scotland School for the recent cash donation. 8.) DATELINE: The following upcoming events and dates were announced: Of special note, there will be NO VVA 266 BOARD MEETING IN DECEMBER. Sat 6 DEC 08 VVA-PA SC MEETINGS in State College, PA Sun 7 DEC 08 Mon 8 DEC 08 VMW-#6 MEETING @ 7:00 p.m. Wed. 10 DEC 08 AM LEGION DISTRICT #5 MEETING @ Crestlawn Post 832 @ 8:00 p.m. Sat. 13 DEC 08 KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY @ 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sat. 13 DEC 08 CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE Sun. 14 DEC 08 FOOD DRIVE - ASSEMBLE & DISTRIBUTE @ 9:00 a.m. Mon. 15 DEC 08 CANCELLED - VVA 266 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING @ 7:00 p.m. Tue. 16 DEC 08 JUNIATA PARK POST 738 American Legion meets at 7:00 p.m. Wed. 17 DEC 08 English Chapter #4 - Society of 173rd AIRBORNE MEETING @ 7:30 p.m. Wed 17 DEC 08 Chapter President James K. Chappelle s Birthday Thur 18 DEC 08 VISIT TO PHILA VAMC - HOAGIE NITE AND CHRISTMAS PARTY Fri. 19 DEC 08 ANNUAL EGG NOG TOAST in the Canteen @ 8:00 Mon. 22 DEC 08 HANUKKAH Thurs. 25 DEC 08 CHRISTMAS Fri. 26 DEC 08 KWANZAA Thur. 1 JAN 09 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Mon 5 JAN 09 VVA 266 CHAPTER MEETING 7:30 p.m. Mon 12 JAN 09 VMW-#6 MEETING @ 7:00 p.m. Wed 14 JAN 08 AM LEGION DISTRICT @#5 MEETING @ Oxley Post #133 8:00 p.m. Mon 19 JAN 09 VVA 266 BOARD MEETING @ 7:00 p.m. Tue 20 JAN 09 JUNIATA PARK POST 738 American Legion meets at 7:00 p.m. Joint House Committee meetings and clean-up nights are held every Monday beginning at 5:00 p.m.
9.) OTHER BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR Al Mikutis reminded everyone that additional sponsors and volunteers are still needed for the Children s Christmas Party coming-up on Saturday 13 December 2008. James Chappelle asked all members to please police-up their tables following the meeting. 10.) ADJOURNMENT: Tony Jenkins ticket #715 won the 50/50 drawing worth and split the $68 pot. Sergeant-at-Arms Al DiPanfilis reported that there were 29 members in attendance. There being no further comments or business to come before the membership, the Chair called for a Motion relative to adjournment. A Motion was made by Bill Montgomery, seconded by Victor Smith and carried by voice vote to adjourn the meeting. The Chair adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:05 p.m. Please send me any additions or corrections as soon as possible. Changes and additions to the Chapter Planning Calendar go to Sandy Wright at manchu-sandy@comcast.net. Respectfully submitted, Jim Smith Secretary jsmith5bn6ada@netscape.net Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." EXECUTIVE BOARD: James Chappelle, President Leonard Johnson, First Vice President Timon Hagelin, Second Vice President Rich Micucci, Treasurer Jim Smith, Secretary DIRECTORS: Ken Mabe Al Mikutis Fred Rosso Bob Sterling Gerald Ney Gregory Cason Victor Smith Delano Stones Jon Wright ASSOCIATES: Sue Justice, AVVA Representative Arline Mabe, Alternate AVVA Representative