Minutes April 2010

1. CDR Oden opened the C.L. Elms Post 9951 regular monthly meeting IAW the VFW ritual at 11:10 on 10 April in the Conference Room of JUSMAGTHAI located at 7 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok, Thailand.

2. There was a roll call of officers and all were present or properly excused, QM Neutzler and Trustee Hudson were absent. There were 25 members attending.

3. There were two applications for membership to our post, Melvin Callahan, annual and Darryl Martinez, Life. After discussion Advocate Nestle motioned that we approve the requests and Chaplain Owens seconded, the motion carried. Membership welcomed Comrade Callahan and Comrade Martinez. No Cross of Malta pins were available for issue.

4. Minutes of the previous meeting were distributed by the Commander to those in attendance. Advocate Nestle made a motion to accept the minutes subject to correction and JVC Key seconded it. The motion carried.

5. Commander Oden delivered the Quartermaster’s Report for the period 1 to 31 March 2010 on behalf of Quartermaster Neutzler. Advocate Nestle moved to approve the report subject to audit. Chaplain Owens seconded and the motion carried.

6. There were two bills presented for collection. Commander Oden presented a bill for photocopies of Post minutes in the amount of Baht 20. Comrade Picha presented a bill for Baht 500 to pay for the ANZAC Day wreath. Advocate Nestle motioned to approve and Chaplain Owens seconded, the motion carried.

7. Service Officer Harrison reported that it had been approved by Jusmag that the RAO not accept new cases of non-retirees. Specifically: “The RAO is not taking on new cases of Non-Retiree Veteran (NRV) survivors—unless the sponsor is 100% VA Permanently & Totally Disabled (DVAPRM). The RAO will continue to assist NRV survivors already on record in the RAO. The RAO serves the following Veterans and their eligible dependents, or eligible survivors: All U.S. Military Retirees (regardless of service), Gray-Area Retirees, 100% VA Permanently and Totally Disabled (DVAPRM), and all active duty military members about to retire.” Service Officer Harrison said he would continue to provide assistance to veterans and widows but may need to use the VFW Office to carry on versus his current use of RAO space. Service Officer Harrison also suggested that the post start some activities, like bowling and/or golf.

8. Comrades in distress: Comrade John Wendzonka suffering with various ailments was seen at Jusmag and looking better; Joe Duffy getting Chemo for Colon Cancer has lost a lot of weight but is in good spirits. Ronald Wise is also suffering from Cancer. Jay Stewart has various problems and is in pain and staying at home; Bill Mann is recovering from acute appendicitis and thanks everyone for their concern. Tom-Tom attended and continues his recovery.

9. Committee Reports: (a) Membership: goal 265 and we now stand at 272 members for 102.89%. (b) Bingo: No receipts. (c) Buddy Poppies: no receipts. (d) POW/MIA: Comrade Picha gave a report on comments from Russia on the US dedication to recovery efforts. He also reported on a burial find in North Korea that was based on an old villagers comment. (e) Community Activities: JVC Key gave the report on post activities for March 10; there were 8 projects; 33 volunteers; 450 hours expended and 2,080 miles driven. (f) Safety Report: Safety Officer Owens gave a report on being cautious going near where the Red Shirts are staging demonstrations; also on being careful as bats are carrying rabies. (g) Independence Day: Chairman Rose gave a brief on the March meeting of the I-Day committee. The function will be held at the KIS Int’l School in Muban Kissanee off Pracha-Utit Road in Huay Kwang. The pickup point for attendees will be the subway station for the Thai Cultural Center on Rachadapisek Road. The VFW will handle burgers and beer, post the flags on opening. The AVWC will handle Bingo. This will be Americas 234^th birthday. The picnic will be held Saturday, 03 July 2010. (h) DPA Convention: Chairman Brazee gave an update on the current status. A meeting was held Saturday 03 April with the hotel to reconfirm rooms and location for registration. So far there are 30 registered but none from our post. Webmaster Harrison was requested to put a link on the post website for members to register. It was agreed that the post should provide some souvenir for sale, members to contact Brazee with ideas and or items.

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

11. Old Business: (a) The post is responsible for the Convention Book; Comrade Gale has volunteered to do the layout of the book as the ads come in. We have already received ads for the book. Rate sheets for selling advertising were passed out; we need to start selling locally. Advertising deadline is 15 May and any post member who sells an Ad gets a commission. (b) Commander Oden gave an update on the luncheon held by National SVC Eubank, there were 27 VFW members in attendance and the SVC stressed recruitment and service as the requirement to keep a Post in good order. (c) District V Convention will be held in Chiang Mai 14-15 May at the Lanna Palace Hotel which is near the Night Market. Any member interested in standing for a District V position should attend or prepare a letter stating your acceptance of a position if nominated and elected. The trips to various posts are relaxing and allow us to meet fellow comrades around District V.

12. New Business: (a) Nominations for Post 9951 officers were closed and elections held. Officers elected for the 2010 – 11 year are as follows: Commander James Oden; SVC Harry Brose; JVC Jonathan Brazee; Quartermaster David Neutzler; Chaplain Robert Owens; Advocate Burt Nestle; Surgeon Prenston Gale; Trustee 3-year John Dyste. Congratulations to the newly elected officers. (b) As a lot of time had been used for the election and various discussions, installation of the new officers will be at the May or June meeting.

13. For the Good of the Order: (a) Comrade John Dyste was called forward and presented with a Community Service Volunteer Award from the VFW for contributing 40,000 hours over 30.5 years volunteering at the RAO. Commander Oden commented briefly on Comrade Dyste’s activity starting with his being enrolled as an Army Air Cadet, being drafted and serving as a bombardier on raids over Italy in WWII; then coming back after the war and finishing his flight training and serving as a pilot with the Far East Air Force during the Korean Conflict; then serving in Vietnam before retiring as a Major from the Air Force. Again, in 1976 when the RAO was established, Comrade Dyste volunteered and was the first and only RAO for many, many years before ill health forced his retirement in July 2009. A veteran and volunteer of the finest standing. (b) There were two guests in attendance, Commander Al Serrato from Post 9876 and SVC Michael Glatz from Post 12074. Both comrades are seeking election as District V commander for the ensuing year. Both comrades were allowed time to make a presentation and take questions from the floor. Election will be at the District meeting in Chiang Mai on 15 May 2010. (c)The Post raffle of Baht 1,900 was won by Comrade Riopel; he donated Baht 1,000 back to the post.

14. CDR Oden closed the meeting at 13:00 IAW with the VFW ritual. The next regular meeting of C.L. Elms Post 9951 will be at 11:00 on May 08, 2010 in the JUSMAGTHAI conference room.

FOR THE COMMANDER: