AUGUST MEETING OF CHAPTER 1154 WAS HELD AUGUST 17 2017 AT THE ELKS LODDGE IN WATERTOWN SD

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM

CHAPLAIN DON LED US IN PRAYER AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

THE ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS WAS TAKEN

PESIDENT JACK WELCOMED NEW MEMBERS AND VIPS

THERE WILL BE A MEETING AT THE LEGION ON AUGUST 29 SDPB WILL BE THERE TO SHOW A PREVIEW OF KEN BURNS FILM ON THE VIETNAM WAR

THE SECRETARY’S REPORT WAS GIVEN AND APPROVED

THE TREASURES REPORT WAS GIVEN  AND APPROVED. IT SHOWED BANK BALANCE Of $23,842.51 AND SAVINGS OF $48,056.91 FOR A TOTAL OF $71,899.43

THE HONOR GUARD REPORTED 2 FUNERALS IN MILBANK AND 2 IN WATERTOWN

12 MEMBERS ATTENDED THE VIETNAM TRAVELING WALL AT CHAMBERLAIN

THE SUMMER PICNIC WAS THE LARGEST EVER AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL

MEMBERSHIP STANDS AT 433 VVA AND 50 AVVA

TRANS CANADA GAVE US $2,000.00 GRANT THANKS TO BOB SYRING

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE STATE FAIR TO MAN THE VETERNS BUILDING

STATE SECRETARY OF VETERNS AFFAIRS WILL BE ATTENDING THE SEPT MEETING ANYONE HAVING A QUESTION FOR HIM CAN ASK HIM

A POW/MIA PROGRAM WILL BE HELD THE VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK IN SIOUX FALLS AT 6:30 ON SEPT 15. $500 WAS GIVEN TO HELP DEFRAY COSTS

THE 50/50 RAFFLE WAS HELD AND ALSO 7 QUILTS WERE GIVEN

78 MEMBERS WERE PRESENT

MEETING WAS ADJOURNED

JULY MEETING OF CHAPTER 1054 VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA WAS HELD AT THE ELKS LODGE ON JULY 19,2017

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:08 WITH PRAYER BY CHAPLAIN DON FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

PRESIDENT JACK WELCOMED NEW MEMBERS.

THE SECRETARY’S REPORT WAS GIVEN AND APPROVED.

THE TREASURES REPORT SHOWED A CHECKBOOK BALANCE OF $26,207.44 AND SAVINGS OF $47,055.10 FOR A TOTAL OF $73,262.54.

HONOR GUARD REPORTED 1 FUNERAL IN MINNESOTA.  SINCE STEVE WILL BE GONE TILL NOVEMBER, JIM HANSON WILL TAKE  OVER.

MEMBERSHIP IS 426 VVA AND 50 AVVA FOR A TOTAL OF 476

CHAPTER PICNIC WILL BE ON 7/29 AT 11-30 AM

SDPTV WILL BE AT THE AMERICAN LEGION AT 2:00 FILMING A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT KEN BURNS DOCUMENTARY THAT WILL BE TELEVISED STARTING ON NOV 1

THE DAY COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER WAS INTRODUCED AND GAVE A REPORT ON WHAT HE HAS BEEN DOING SINCE TAKING OFFICE.

IT WAS REPORTED THAT WE WILL BE NEEDING HELP AT THE STATE FAIR AS WE NEED AT LEAST 1 PERSON EVERY DAY FROM SEPT 31 UNTIL LABOR DAY.

THE TRAVELING WALL WILL BE IN CHAMBERLAIN ON AUG 10. WE WILL BE PRESENTING THE COLORS.

LARRY ZIMMERMAN WILL BE AT OUR SEPTEMBER MEETING.

A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED FOR OUR BUYING 30 COPIES OF THE NEW BOOK BEING PUBLISHED BY SOUTH DAKOTA.

DON Z WON THE 50-50 RAFFLE AND DONATED $83 BACK.

87 MEMBERS WERE PRESENT.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:14.

JUNE MEETING OF CHAPTER 1054 VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA

ELKS LODGE WATERTOWN, SD JUNE 15, 2017

MEETING OPENED IN PRAYER AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRESIDENT JACK WELCOMED NEW MEMBERS AND VIP’S

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS SHOWED ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR

SECRETARYS REpORT GIVEN AND APPROVED

TREASURER’S REPORT GIVEN AND APPROVED. BANK BALANCE $37,439 SAVINGS $27,049 FOR A TOTAL OF $64,488

FLAG DAY BROUGHT IN $5,890

HONOR GUARD REPORTED 2 FUNERALS AND 1 IN MILBANK

MEMBERSHIP IS 428 VETS AND 49 ASSOCIATES FOR A TOTAL OF 477

THE PICNIC WILL BE HELD AT THE ELKS ON JULY 29

PHIL REPORTED ON VETERANS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STARTED BY THE LOCAL VETERANS COUNCIL. A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO GIVE $250 TO GET IT STARTED.

DON ZAFT GAVE BACK THE $100 HE RECEIVED FOR DOING GARY LINDGREN’S FUNERAL

NEED A COLOR GUARD FOR RELAY FOR LIFE

THE COMMUNITY CORNER PARTY WILL BE JUNE 19

THE TRAVELING VIETNAM WALL WILL BE IN CHAMBERLAIN AUG 10. WE WILL HAVE A COLOR GUARD THERE AS REQUESTED

CHRISTMAS PARTY IS DEC 2

87 MEMBERS PRESENT

50-5DRAWING 344/172 $122 RETURNED TO CLUB

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:56

MAY MEETING OF CHAPTER 1054 OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA MAY 18 2017 AT THE ELKS LODGE IN WATERTOWN, SD.

PRESIDENT JACK CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:08.

CHAPLAIN DON GAVE THE PRAYER AND LEAD THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.

JACK WELCOMED VISITORS AND VIP’S.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS SHOWED ALL PRESENT.

THERE WAS NO SECRETARY’S REPORT.

TREASURERS REPORT WAS APPROVED WITH CASH BALANCE OF $73,064.

HONOR GUARD MEETING ON 6-11-17 AT BITTERSWEET LODGE.

FLAG DAY PROJECT WILL BE 6-10. WE NEED AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE.
MILBANK’S WILL BE ON 6-14 FLAG DAY.

MEMBERSHIP TOTAL IS 428 VETS AND 49 ASSOCIATES FOR A TOTAL OF 477. THAT PUTS US AT NUMBER 13 NATION WIDE.

JULY 8 IS THE STATE VVA MEETING AT THE PIERRE AMERCAN LEGION.

$100 WAS GIVEN TO DELORIS HALAJIAN FOR BAKED GOODS SHE BRINGS.

DON RECONNU GAVE A REPORT ON THE CEMETERY PROJECT. SEVERAL BIDS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND MORE ARE TO COME.

PHIL REPORTED ON THE WASHINGTON TRIP. 37 PEOPLE WENT AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL.

A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO GIVE $500.00 TO QUILTS FOR VETERANS.

90 MEMBERS WERE PRESENT.

THE ELK HUNT RAFFLE WAS HELD AND THE WINNERS WERE:

1^ST PRIZE – Jim Schaaf ($2,000 instead of Elk Hunt)
2^ND PRIZE – Jerry Hertel (Elk Hunt)
3^RD PRIZE – Todd Sunvold ($400 GIFT CARD @ Kone’s Korner)
4^th PRIZE – Neal Jacobson ($400 GIFT CARD @ Brotherhood of Arms)
5^th PRIZE – Bruce Fish ($400 GIFT CARD @ Kahle’s Gunshop)
6^th PRIZE – David Clough (($400 GIFT CARD @ Runnings)
7^th PRIZE – Ed Wiseth ($250 GIFT CARD @  Jorgenson Meats)

50 50 RAFFLE WINNER WAS GARY LINDGREN.  HE GAVE $100 BACK.

MEETING WAS ADJORNED AT 8:20.

VVA MEETING OF 16 FEBRUARY 2017

Meeting called to order: Prayer and pledge conducted.

Roll call of officers:  Chaplain absent

Chapter president welcomed guests and new members.

Secretary read minutes of last meeting.

Treasurer gave financial report of income and expenses.  Balance is $45401.69.

Membership report:  418/48

Honor Guard reports:  None

Fishing trip:  Gary reported there was a successful trip with 14 attendees.  There is a new sign up sheet for this summer.

Govt Affairs:  Phil reported no response yet to the proposed appointed or elected position of the Sec of VA Affairs.   Also noted that the hiring freeze does not apply to the VA.

Jack reported on new presumptives have been added to the list regarding Agent Orange.

Randy Holiday reported on the Aberdeen Gun show.  280 elk tickets were sold and 1 new member.  Currently there are about 480 tickets out.  The local gun show is March 18 & 19.  Looking for volunteers.

Report of the Christmas party – Denny said me made $2000+ from the auction.  Had an excellent meal and good entertainment.

Denny reported on the status of the cemetery.  Some of the land was donated to the city and had some stipulations.  Did not see a problem with that.  Soil samples will be taken next week.  Fundraising will start in a month to raise about $500,000.

Old business:  none

New business:  Denny says had to put new battery in the bus.  Also used the bus to help the legion and VFW.

Reported on the upcoming VVA State Council meeting this weekend.

Election Committee members:  Denny Solberg, Paul Hermans, and Floyd Hermans.

Don reported on the Wash, D.C. trip.  Everything is on schedule and information has been sent out to those attending.  There is room for 2 more people.

Phil says the Codington County Veterans meeting will meet Feb 28 to be on the KXLG radio station.

Congratulations to Connie’s granddaughter who will be attending USD ROTC and graduate as a LT.

Sickness and health:  John Rowan, Gary Lindgren and Gordy West.

50/50  $334/$167    $60 donated back

74 members present.

Announcements:

Agent Orange packets have been ordered.

VVA MEETING OF 19 JANUARY 2017

Meeting called to order.  Prayer and pledge conducted.

Roll call of officers:  Bob Sebring, Treasurer absent

Chapter president welcomed guests and new members.

Secretary’s report – not available due to minutes were on the Treasurer’s laptop

Treasurer’s report – none

Membership report – 410 members, 46 associates and 1 pending

Honor guard report – nothing to report

Govt Affairs report – Phil reported on the State Veteran’s Council.  The representatives on the council were asked to poll their organizations on a proposal to the SD Legislature written by Senator Stace Nelson.  The proposal was to move the Secretary of Veterans Affairs position to another division of the House.  This means that the position would be an elected position vice an appointed position by the Governor.  Discussion and voting were held.  The vote was 38 for it being an elected position and 16 for the position to remain an appointed position.

Randy gave a report on the elk hunt.  510 tickets have already been sold with $4560 deposited.  The Brookings gun show was a success with ticket sales and 4 new members.  He expects the turnout at the Aberdeen gun show  2/4 & 5 to be a good opportunity to sell more tickets and get new members.  Volunteers are needed.  Everyone is encouraged to sell at least one book of tickets.

The Chapter president attended the VVA meeting held in Wash D.C. He reported that our Chapter was recognized for our membership

Other announcements:

Jack received several ‘thank you’ cards for Honor Guard services, Christmas gift cards and donations.

Gary Wergler promoted the upcoming ice fishing trip.  He currently has 14 names of interested individuals and is already taking names for next year.

The Commander of the American Legion put to rest the rumor that we had a plan to take over the Memorial Day Program from the Legion.  An email was sent out to all of the veteran organizations  that the VVA has no interest in taking on that task, but only be a participant as needed.

The Veteran Services Officer informed us that the contaminated water situation in Camp LeJune, NC which caused widespread disease to veterans and their families from 1954-1980 is now listed for possible compensation.  See Al Jantzen if you think you qualify.

Discussed the military license plates which will not be updated til 2019.  There is a $10 fee to switch styles.  You must relinquish your old plates before they will send you the new ones.  The plate will identify your branch of service, Vietnam Veteran, and the Campaign you served under.  The alternative is the Organizational plate.  They are available immediately for $15.  These are the ones where you put your VVA emblem on.

There are VVA coats still available.  Cost is $50 – $55.  See Don.

On February 4 there will be Valentines for Veterans at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls.

Old business:

Denny Solberg gave an update of the proposed veteran’s cemetery.  There will be discussion at the City Council meeting.  A robo-call will be set up to inform and encourage veterans to attend and show their support.

Kay Solberg announced that there are still tickets available for the Christmas party $15 each.  There is still time to drop off donations for the auction.

New business:

There is a Vietnam Veterans Reunion being held in Mitchell 2/23,24 & 25.  Don has information if anyone is interested.

Elizabeth from the Community Corner gave the VVA a donation of $864.  She also said the American Legion donated an electric wheelchair if anyone is in need of one.

April is election month.  All the officer positions are open, as well as 3 board of director positions.  Next meeting we will be appointing an Election Committee.

Sickness and health:

Dave Jerpseth’s wife, Gordy West’s wife, and Floyd Hermans

Leonard expressed his gratitude for all the prayers and cards he received during his illness.

Good of the order:

50/50 – $261/$130  (Al donated $60 back.)

66 members in attendance

VVA Meeting of December 15, 2016

Called to order by President Jack Kempter & opened with prayer and pledge of allegiance.

Role call of officers.  Don Zaft absent.

Secretary read minutes of November meeting.  Approved

Treasurer Report read.  Breakdown of income and expenses provided.  Balance is $30,353.28.

Honor Guard – One funeral was done Wednesday in Milbank.  Watertown has not done a funeral since June.  Still in need of a volunteer to act as a coordinator for anything other than a funeral.  Requests for an Honor Guard for a funeral must come from the Funeral Home.

Membership report – currently there are 411 members and 47 associates.

Christmas party.  See Kay Solberg for your tickets.  They are $15.  Reminder about the donations.  Bring them to the meeting.

Toys for Tots Christmas party on Monday/Tuesday.  Drop off boxes are located around town.  They must be at the VFW by the 18^th of Dec.

There is an overwhelming response to assisting veterans for the holidays.  Last year we gave over $6200 for the holidays and about $11,000 total over the course of the past year.   Phil suggested that we fulfill the current obligation of $8400 total.  He proposed a vote on whether we give $200 each to 37 veterans, plus $1000 to the Salvation Army.  A couple of counties has not reported yet.  A number of veterans are receiving additional money from other veteran organizations. It will be in the form of gift cards.  Motion made to donate $200 per needy veteran.  Motion passed.

Phil spoke on the Round Table meeting.  There was a legislative rule that we cannot provide any gratuities, i.e. food, water, coffee.  That has since been rescinded.  The suggestion was to leave it up to the American Legion.  We will split the cost of what they decide to do.  The State Veteran’s Council will meet 11 Jan 2017.

New business:

Denny Brenden gave a presentation on the proposed State Veterans Cemetery.  He represented the American Legion on the subject at the Legislative Round Table.  Earlier a group of Veterans went to city hall with a proposal for a veterans cemetery and requested a plot of land.  It is located east of the Veterans Memorial with approximately 30 acres, 60,000 burial plots.  The City would be responsible for maintenance of the grounds and snow removal in the winter.  All veterans are eligible to be buried there.  We would need to raise $100,000 to begin the process and request $200,000 from the State.

Denny Solberg expanded with more in depth information.  The community is behind this project.  We want to build it as it were a National Cemetery in case we want to go that route in the future.  The website to check for burial eligibility is cem.va.gov.  Need to complete an application and mail with a copy of your DD 214.

State Council meeting was cancelled due to weather.

Jack made a pitch for the Community Corner.

Sickness and distress:  Gordy had surgery, Shorty is on dialysis and Lenard is home now.

Good of the Order:  always

50/50 – $203/$101 – donated back

57 members present

Adjourned

VVA Meeting of November 17, 2016

Called to order by President Jack Kempter & opened with prayer and pledge of allegiance.

Role call of officers.  Don Zaft absent.

Secretary read minutes of October meeting.  Approved

Treasurer Report read .   Ending balance was $29,147.16.

Membership report.  Welcomed two new members.  410 members.

Honor guard report.  Big thank you for Connie for her contributions to the honor guard.  She will be stepping down for awhile.  Denny asked for help with calling people when needed.

Denny reported on the Christmas party 1/28 at the Elks.  Cost is $15.  Meal, auction and entertainment. Tickets will be available at the next meeting.

Government affairs report.  The Legislative roundtable is 12/15 at the Am Legion.  Phil invited all members to come and meet the new legislators.  Meal is served at noon.  Reminder that evening is also our regular general meeting.

The Quartermaster table is in need of help for setting up and taking down each meeting.

Lighted parade is the day after Thanksgiving.  Put out a call for volunteers to decorate the bus earlier.  Anyone who wants to help please meet Monday night before Thanksgiving at the storage building, which is straight east of Dempsey’s.  Meet at 6 PM.

We will be giving out candy canes at the parade.  Need volunteers to hand them out.  Will not need to walk the whole route.  Meet at Culligan’s at 5 PM.  Wear any VVA gear.  Also looking for Color Guard volunteers.

Don updated the Wash D.C. trip and called for those interested to meet briefly after the general meeting.  Also, has new pages for member albums.  There are new window decals available.  Announced a close out sale on pins and ball caps.

New business:

State Veteran’s Council meeting report – 50^th Vietnam Anniversary pins are still available.

East River Veteran nursing homes – we have several in the NorthEast side of the state who are VA certified.  Of interest, there are 37,000 veterans in SD between 70 and 85 yrs.

Gordy recognized Al Janzen for a job well done at the Veteran’s Day festivities honoring World War 11 veterans.

Anyone interested in signing up for a fishing trip next year can sign up with Gary after the meeting.

Bob attended the Hospice training.  Anyone interested in participating can contact Bob.

VFW will have a veteran’s Christmas party 12/11 2-4 PM for all veterans.

VFW thanked us for the use of our bus to take them to Henry for Veteran’s Day events.

For the good of the order:  Always

Sickness and distress:  Dick Strichertz passed away today.  Lenard Baines is home now.

50/50  $250/$125

66 members present