C. L. Elms Post 9951

Department of Pacific Areas

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

7 South Sathorn Road

Bangkok 10120 Thailand


 

November 10, 2007


 

  1. CMDR Owens opened a C. L. Elms Post 9951 regular meeting IAW the VFW ritual at 11:05 on this date in the Conference Room of JUSMAGTHAI located at 7 South Sathorn Road in Bangkok, Thailand.

  2. There was a roll call of officers and all were present or properly excused. There were 23 members attending.

  3. There were five applications for membership. Dr. James McCray and Robert Curry requested life membership while Ronald Lawson and Christopher Clay want to be annual members and Charles Lee wants to transfer his life membership into our Post. Trustee Hudson moved we accept these applications, Trustee Nestle seconded and the motion carried. We then warmly welcome these Comrades into our Post.

  4. We gave copies of the minutes of the last meeting to those in attendance. Trustee Hudson made a motion to approve the minutes, subject to correction, and Comrade Bower seconded it. The motion carried.

  5. Quartermaster Neutzler gave the QM Report for the period 1 through 31 October 2007. Advocate Oden moved to approve the report, subject to audit. JVC Key seconded and the motion carried.

  6. There were three bills presented for collection. The Commander asked for 800 baht for reimbursement for gasoline he has used doing Post business. He also wanted 1,200 baht for wreaths for ceremonies for dead Comrades Gaines and McCann and 1,000 baht for wreaths for remembrance ceremonies at the British Embassy and Sanam Luang. SVC Brose motioned that we approve his request, Trustee Hudson seconded and the motion carried.

  7. Service Officer Dyste gave the SO Report.

  8. We discussed the medical condition of Comrades Bryant, James and Jones.

  9. Committee reports are: (a) Membership: Our goal for this year is 244. We now have 228 members for 93.44% (b) Bingo: We received $180.86 after the QM Books were closed. This money will be reflected in the November QM Report. (c) Buddy Poppies: Advocate Oden coordinated with Comrade Arai and has put these items for donations in the Embassy for one week in conjunction with Veterans’ Day. He is also offering Buddy Poppies in the JUSMAG cafeteria. He gave the QM 2,000 baht in donation proceeds from Buddy Poppies so far. (d) POW/MIA: Comrade Picha gave some thoughtful insights as to the current status of various initiatives. (e) Community Activities: JVC Key gave us an update on what he reported to DPA. Commander Owens gave him a Community Service packet he received from BK Hubbard at the District V meeting in Oct, 07. This helps in identification and recording of VFW members actives in support of the local VFW. (f) Independence Day: Nothing new in this area.

  10. Remembrance of our National Home was at 11:55.

  11. Old Business (a) The District V Meeting was in Pattaya on October 20 with a Cootie Scratch on the 19th. Trustee Nicholls was the Post Delegate. We discussed the details of the Convention at some length. The only significant item is that District Dues are now $1.25 per Member per year. (b) We recommended the CMDR for membership in the Cooties and he has taken the initial step in that regard. His membership was proposed by Advocate Oden and seconded by Trustee Hudson. (c) Our Annual Christmas Party is on December 15 at the Tara Hotel on Soi 26, Sukhumvit Road. QM Neutzler has the lead in organizing the event and he gave a synopsis of preparations so far. Put this on your calendars. Tickets can be bought from the Commander, the QM or the RAO. The price is 1,000 baht each. (d) We are still looking for a replacement for the SO as his age precludes him from being both the Post SO and the RAO. Please volunteer for this vital responsibility. (e) We gave a Past Post Commander Pin to Advocate Oden for his hard work as the past 9951 Post Commander. We also awarded a certificate of appreciation to Surgeon Rhodes and past Post 9951 Chaplin Oscar Pittman for their enduring hard work. (f) Trustee Nicholls has set up a visit to the Prostheses Hospital so we can make a donation of 20,000 baht. The visit will be on December 13 and is part of our Christmas activities. (g) The Web Master asked for ideas for our site and one suggestion given was that he model it after the site of Pattaya Post 9876.

  12. New Business: (a) There will be Remembrance Ceremonies at the British Embassy and Sanam Luang on November 11 and at the American Embassy on November 13. (b) There was a spirited discussion of the need to have an American flag available for use when a Comrade dies. There were no conclusions made. (c) The CMDR asked that we approve $100 to buy what he terms “desk name V cards” for use by Post Officers and Chairpersons. SVC Brose motioned we approve this, Trustee Nicholls seconded and the motion carried. (d) The next District V Meeting will be on January 19 in Udon Thani. (e) There were several proposals made concerning various issues which were defeated. (f) There will be a free Thanksgiving Day buffet on 22 Nov 07at the Texas Lone Staar. (g) The Advocate explained the uses of and reasons for the Post Relief Fund and we further discussed the Prostheses Fund.

  13. Good of the Order: (a) SVC Brose won the post raffle of some cash and a coffee mug. He then generously donated the money back to the Post. (b) SO Dyste and others reminded us of the Days of Remembrance which will occur before our next meeting. (c) Trustee Nicholls donated assorted items he had brought from America for use in conjunction with our Post Raffle. (d) We discussed the fact that “space available” flights from Bangkok had been terminated, at least temporarily. (e) During the meeting, we draped the Charter and had a short memorial service for Comrades Gaines and McCann.

  14. CMDR Owens closed the meeting at 12:50 IAW the VFW ritual. The next regular meeting of C.L. Elms Post 9951 will be at 11:00 on December 8, 2007 in the JUSMAGTHAI conference room.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

 

David E. Neutzler, Adjutant