July 11, 2009

1.      CDR Oden opened a C. L. Elms Post 9951 regular meeting IAW the VFW ritual at 11:10 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 except for SVC and Adjutant Lake . There were 15 members attending.

3.      We dealt with several membership actions. First Comrade Ronald Lawson changed his membership status from annual to life. Also, Comrades Stanley Rose and John Archuleta transferred their life memberships to our Post and Comrade Mark Whitcraft reinstated his annual membership. Finally, Jon Duncan applied to be a new life member while Wallace Boudreaux asked for a new life membership under the 12 Month Pay Plan. After discussion, Advocate Nestle motioned we accept these applications, Trustee Harrison seconded this, the motion carried and we warmly welcomed all these new Comrades into our organization.

4.      As the Adjutant did not attend, copies of the minutes of our last meeting were not available. Therefore, members are asked to read these notes on our Web site. We will have those minutes at the August meeting so all Comrades can consider them.

5.      Quartermaster Neutzler gave the QM Report for the period 1 through 30 June 2009. JVC Key moved to approve the report, subject to audit. Trustee Harrison seconded this and the motion carried.

6.      There were no bills presented for collection.

7.      Service Officer Harrison gave the SO Report and RAO Dyste gave the RAO Report.

8.      Comrade Don Whiting had been hospitalized for a bladder infection but he is now recovering at home.

9.      Committee reports are: (a) Membership: No figures are available. (b) Bingo: There was some money picked up which will be reflected on next month’s QM Report. (c) Buddy Poppies: There were donations at the I Day event. (d) POW/MIA: Comrade Picha is in the US so there was no report. (e) Community Activities: JVC Key gave an update. (f) Independence Day: The event was a huge success. QM Neutzler, Trustee Hudson, CMDR Oden and others gave their impressions of the party. The consensus is that the venue was good although a little hard to get to, our burgers were better than in prior years and the color guard did an excellent job. We received donations for Buddy Poppies and sold VFW related merchandise. The money will be reflected in next month’s QM Report. The ladies’ club handled bingo. There were very few negative comments.

10.  Remembrance of our National Home was at 11:45.

11.  Old Business: (a) The Department Convention in Angeles City , Philippines was productive, useful and well attended by District V Posts with the notable exception of Pattaya. District V and its Posts received numerous National and DPA awards and citations The next DPA Convention will be in Bangkok hosted by us. Trustee Harrison has agreed to be the Convention Book Chairman. (b) We paid our annual tribute to those interred in the cemetery on New Road and at Christ Church on 30 May 2009. Five members attended. There was also a Memorial Day Ceremony at the U.S. Embassy on 22 May 2009. (c) CMDR Oden will be our Delegate to the National Convention.

12.  New Business: (a) We discussed in detail whether Post dues should be raised but decided they will remain as is for now. The decision was motioned by Trustee Hudson, seconded by Advocate Nestle and approved. This discussion was necessitated since DPA will increase the amount of dues we are assessed by $3 effective 01 January 2010. At that time, however, DPA will eliminate the $1 Admission Fee for new annual members. (b) The next DV meeting will be in Korat on August 14 and 15. We will assess whether there will be enough attendance from our Post to warrant hiring a bus. CMDR Oden will make this determination. People riding the bus will be charged 1,000 baht each. QM Neutzler motioned that the Post payment for the bus not exceed 10,000 baht. Trustee Hudson seconded this and the motion carried. (c). Comrade Nestle motioned, QM Neutzler seconded and we approved giving $100 to VFW National Home for Children: $100 to VFW National Military Services; $100 to the Clark Cemetery Fund administered by Post 2485 and $25 to the VFW PAC; a total of $325.

13.  Good of the Order: (a) The DV CMDR officially recognized JVC Key’s invaluable contributions in several areas. He also made many other laudatory comments. (b) CMDR Oden won the raffle of 800 baht.

14.  CDR Oden closed the meeting at 12:30 IAW the VFW ritual. The next regular meeting of C.L. Elms Post 9951 will be at 11:00 on August 8 2009 in the JUSMAGTHAI conference room.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

David Neutzler

          David E. Neutzler, Acting Adjutant