1. SVC Brose opened the C. L. Elms Post 9951 regular meeting IAW the VFW ritual at 11:00 on July 14, 2007 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 except: Surgeon Rhodes and Trustees Hudson and Vajo. There were 16 members attending.

3. There were no applications for membership.

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

5. Quartermaster Neutzler gave the QM Report for the period 1 through 30 June 2007. Comrade Nestle moved to approve the report, subject to audit. Comrade McCarthy seconded and the motion carried.

6. There was one bill presented for collection. Advocate Oden requested 80 baht for expenses associated with the Post Newsletter. Comrade Nestle motioned we approve this, Trustee Nicholls seconded and the motion carried.

7. Service Officer Dyste gave the SO Report.

8. Comrade Gaines continues his recovery from a stroke and JVC Keys was recently released from the hospital where he had been treated for severe digestive tract problems. Further, Comrade Shotwell’s son is ill.

9. Committee reports are: (a) Membership: Our goal for this year is 244 but other figures are not now available. (b) Bingo: We lost 1,200 baht this period. (c) Buddy Poppies: Some were sold at I-Day. (d) POW/MIA: Comrade Picha is in America. (e) Community Activities: None. (f) Independence Day: There was a long and spirited discussion about this year’s event. Comrades McCarthy and Haugh, QM Neutzler and others gave their impressions of the function. In sum, the feeling was we did not participate properly in the planning and preparation and this caused multiple problems at the affair, These included the fact that we did not have a dedicated booth, there was no signage showing VFW involvement, there was confusion regarding bingo and there were even more difficulties. We will try to take part in the after-action meeting to make our feelings known and resolved to do a better job next year. In participating in this event, another issue identified is the difficulty of transporting the flags. They are too long and cumbersome. Comrade Haugh agreed to take the lead in remedying this situation. The QM agreed to be the point of contact for next year’s I-Day celebration.

10. Remembrance of our National Home was at 11:40.

11. Old Business: (a) The Department Convention was held in Angeles City, Philippines from June 17 to 22. Trustee Hudson was our Post Delegate and QM Neutzler was the Alternate. Nothing of significance occurred although it was enjoyed by all in attendance. Through the efforts of Advocate Oden and Trustee Hudson, our Post will realize a small profit from the sale of ads in the Convention Book. We expect an approximate $500 rebate from DPA. (b) There is some uncertainty regarding Post Dues for Annual Members. To clarify this issue and in view of the strengthening baht, we decided to make annual member dues $30 or 1,000 Thai baht per year. SO Dyste made the motion, it was seconded by Comrade McCarthy and approved by the membership. Everyone should remember these amounts when accepting money from annual members.

12. New Business: (a) There will be a District V Meeting July 20 and 21 at the Tara Hotel. QM Neutzler will be the Post Delegate. We solicited donations to lessen the burden on our Post of supporting this event. The SVC and QM each donated 1,000 baht. (b) Our Annual Christmas Party will be on December 15. QM Neutzler will take the lead in organizing the fete. Put this on your calendars. (c) Comrade Petersen agreed to perform the duties of the Webmaster and Comrade Barrett will assist him. (d) Comrade McCarthy will be the new Post Historian and Comrade Haugh will help with these responsibilities.

13. Good of the Order: Comrade Cowperthwaite won the raffle of a baseball cap and some cash.

14. SVC Brose closed the meeting at 12:20 IAW the VFW ritual. The next regular meeting of C.L. Elms Post 9951 will be at 11:00 on August 11, 2007 in the JUSMAGTHAI conference room.
 

FOR THE COMMANDER:
 
 
 

David E. Neutzler, Adjutant