C. L. Elms Post 9951

Department of Pacific Areas

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

7 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120


September 22, 2008


  1. CDR Owens opened a C. L. Elms Post 9951 regular meeting IAW the VFW ritual at 11:05 on September 13, 2008 in the Conference Room of JUSMAGTHAI located at 7 South Sathorn Road in Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to opening the meeting there was a short ceremony to Drape the Charter in memory of Annual Member Steven Madere who passed away, 01 September 2008 and veteran Jim Davis. There was also a moment of silence to commemorate those lost on September 11, 2001 and all MIA/POWs.

  2. There was a roll call of officers and all were present or properly excused, Trustee Hudson (sick). There were 18 members attending.

  3. There was one application for Life Membership, Charlie Ellison III, based on Vietnam Campaign Medal, previous Air Force stationed in Udon Thani. After discussion QM Oden motioned we approve the application and Comrade Picha seconded, the motion carried. We welcomed Comrade Ellison to the post.

  4. We gave copies of the minutes of the June and August meeting to those in attendance. Advocate Nestle made a motion to approve the June minutes, subject to correction, and JVC Key seconded it. The motion carried. Advocate Nestle made a motion to approve the August minutes, subject to correction, and JVC Key seconded it. The motion carried.

  5. Quartermaster Oden gave the QM report for 1 through 31 July 2008. Advocate Nestle moved we approve the report subject to Audit, SVC Brose seconded. The motion carried. Quartermaster Oden gave the QM report for 1 through 31 August 2008. Advocate Nestle moved we approve the report subject to Audit, JVC Key seconded. The motion carried.

  6. There was bill from Commander Owens for Commanders expense to District V meeting in Udon. Total expense Bht 5,130, expense was discussed and stated limit for Commanders expense is Bht 5,000. There was a bill from past QM Neutzler for Ink cartridges, black Bht 1,140 and color Bht 1,260 for a total of Bht 2,400. After discussion it was determined to pay only the expense for black ink cartridge in amount of Bht 1,140. Advocate Nestle motioned we pay the bills as discussed, JVC Key seconded. Motion carried.

  7. Service Officer Harrison gave the SO Report, highlighting the new GI Education Bill. Director Dyste of RAO gave an RAO update on lack of information to process claims for widows.

  8. Comrades in distress: Comrade Sprague cancer condition is deteriorating, Comrade Hudson has Strep Throat and Comrade George is confined to his room, thin and weak but still holding on.

  9. Committee reports are: (a) Membership: Our goal for this year is 261. We now stand at 218 members for 83.56%. Now is the time to start recruiting new members and encouraging annual members to renew. (b) Bingo: There were no receipts. (c) Buddy Poppies: There were no receipts. (d) POW/MIA: Comrade Picha briefed on recovery operations of a Navy helicopter that crashed in Vietnam in 1963. (e) Community Activities: JVC Key updated on funeral service held for Jim Davis, six members attended. (f) Independence Day: No activity. (g) Webmaster: Comrade Petersen updated on changes to webpage. He has loaded June and August meeting minutes in addition to the July minutes. Comrades commented that the website was getting better and more users friendly. Comrade Harrison has been appointed Assistant webmaster.

  10. Remembrance of our National Home was at 12:00 hours.

  11. Old Business: (a) Department C of A will be held in Barrio Barratta, Olongapo, Philippines 6-7 December 2008. Visit the department website for information and booking. (b) Christmas party in conjunction with the AVWCT has been confirmed with Tara Hotel on Sukhumvit, Soi 26 for the evening of 6 December 2008. Tickets will be priced at Baht 1,000 for adults. Information flyer will be coming out and details posted on the website. Everyone is encouraged to make plans to attend.

  12. New Business: (a) There was a discussion on method of recognizing worthwhile projects. It was concluded that our procedure is fine, just need submission of worthwhile projects to be vetted for supporting or not. (b) Discussion of the burden to the post to pay for Commanders travel and lodging to all District and DPA meetings. The concern is that our entire operating income is used for just this activity, while we search for other means to raise money to sponsor charities and needy veterans and dependents. The QM was tasked to make a study of the impact on Post finances that the current policy of supporting Commanders meeting travel and lodging expenses will have. (c) Comments on the Commanders Newsletter sent out were favorable, but suggested that the newsletter should be more frequent than yearly.

  13. Good of the Order: (a) Comrade Bryant won the raffle of Baht 900 cash.

  14. CDR 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 October 11, 2008 in the JUSMAGTHAI conference room.

FOR THE COMMANDER:







James Oden

James E. Oden, Adjutant