C. L. Elms Post 9951

Department of Pacific Areas

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

7 South Sathorn Road

Bangkok 10120 Thailand


July 12, 2008


  1. CMDR Owens opened a C. L. Elms Post 9951 regular meeting IAW the VFW ritual at 11:05 on this date in the Teak 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 17 members attending; the Surgeon did not attend this meeting. One guest attended; Comrade Patty Thompson from the Pattaya VFW Post 9876.

  3. There were no new applications for membership.

  4. Meeting minutes from the June’s meeting was not available at the time for this meeting.

  5. Due to the recent resignation of the now former Quartermaster and Adjutant David Neutzler, Post Commander Owens appointed a Pro tempore Quartermaster, JVC Arthur Keys to give the QM Report for the period 1 June through 12 Jul 2008. Post Commander Owens appointed Chaplain Lake to take minutes of the July 08 meeting.

Jim Oden motion to accept the Quartermaster report, subject to audit. SVC Brose seconded this and the motion carried.

  1. Commander Owens will send out an e-mail to all Post members seeking nominations for a new Quartermaster and adjutant, thus far Comrade Kurt Petersen was nominated, and the nominee accepts.

  2. There were several bills for collection. Presented was a bill of 3,900 baht for Commander Owens Hotel lodging in Pattaya during the Department’s Convention, and 1,240 baht for fuels. There were other incurred expenses paid by Commander Owens for this Convention, however the Commander will treat those as donations to the Post. Commander Owens had also donated the following items as Post’s property: Two VFW banners for I’ day, 500 baht, and two aprons for Buddy Poppies, 300 baht. SVC Harry Brose motion to approve the report, and pay the bills. Service Officer John Dyste seconded and the motion carried.

  3. Service Officer Wayne Harrison gave the monthly SO Report.

  4. We discussed some of the health issues of Comrades George Pipas and Frank Sprague as well as Comrade Larsen from Pattaya.

  5. Committee reports are: (a) Membership: Our goal for this year is 244. We now have 261 members for 109%. 221 Life and 40 Annual members. We again discussed the need for recruitment, as we were able to pass out several applications at I’ day, but no returns thus far. (b) Bingo: No Report, (c) Buddy Poppies: We did very well during I ‘day, great efforts by I ‘day committee, especially Comrade Kurt Petersen and Chaplin Nuttaporn “Lake.” (d) POW/MIA: No (e) Community Activities: Comrade Vernon stated he will become more actively involved with a bi-monthly Marines function in the future, and will possible increase memberships from this group of Marines. (f) Independence Day: Was a huge success this year. The Army Veteran Wives Club (AVWC) did very well with Bingo, and donated 1,500 baht to VFW Post 9951 General Fund. They also completed sales of all items issued to the VFW booth by I’ Day committee. (g) Webmaster: Comrade Kurt posted several new pictures on the webpage. Post Commander Owens stress the need for comrades to volunteer to be appointed to the following post positions, assistant Webmaster (h) I’day Chair: Open (i) Public Affairs Chair: Open (j) Entertainment: Comrade Bear.


  1. Remembrance of our National Home was at 12:30.

  2. Old Business: (a) Post Comrades were asked to read the DPA report submitted by Post Commander Owens. The report lists all the new DPA Officers from the recent Convention in Pattaya during June 15 to 20 2008. (b) Comrade Jim Oden was elected DPA’s Junior vice Commander, and honored with All American Commander District 5. Post Commander Robert Owens was recognized as All Post Commander of Post 9951. Members were again encouraged to read the Convention’s minutes, as there are some very important information available. (c) Post 9951 is in need of a Historian to collect and update our rich history; Comrade Kurt Petersen has volunteered to take this task on, but he will need assistance and support from past/present officers and current members. A survey will be available in the RAO asking for your input of Post 9951 history. (d) Post Commander Owens stated that 2007-2008 were good years for us, and we are looking for better years in 2008-2009, as we will be adjusting to new changes; All District 5 posts are active and doing well.

  3. New Business: (a) The next DPA’s Convention will be held in Angeles City, Philippines, the 3rd week of June, 2009 (b)Our representative at this year’s National is Delegate Jim Oden. (c) Next mid-term COA, December 6-8. (d) The next District 5 meeting is 15 August for the Cooties and 16 August regular meeting in Udon Thani, Charoen Sri Grand Royal Hotel. (e) Comrade Bear and the wives club will be planning the 2008 Christmas Party. (f) Jim Oden thanked all members for the votes as DPA’s Junior vice Commander.

  4. Good of the Order: (a) Chaplin Nuttaporn “Lake” Ooppapan won the Post Raffle of 1000.00baht and generously donated 500.00baht back to the post. (b) We continue to get numerous comments that Post information is not being disseminated effectively; post should consider a newsletter in addition to information already posted on the current webpage. (c) The Nation newspaper will be conducting interviews in August. (d) John Dyste and Kurt Petersen were nominated for 2 years Trustee to fill the remaining term caused by the resignation of Trustee Len Nicholls. After the votes were counted John Dyste was elected 2 years Trustee.

  5. CMDR Owens closed the meeting at 12:45 IAW the VFW ritual. The next regular meeting of C.L. Elms Post 9951 will be at 11:00 on August 9, 2008 in the JUSMAGTHAI Conference Room.



FOR THE COMMANDER:





Pro Tempore

Nuttaporn Ooppapan, Chaplin