PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE

 

Included with this newsletter is a ballot for the 2006 election. The March meeting was so busy that nominations consisted of re-nominating the existing officers and board members. Please make liberal use of the write-in option on the ballot and grass roots campaigning is welcomed.

 

If you are not going to be at the meeting to cast your ballot in person, please send your completed ballot to Chaplain John Parsons at:

 

548 Calle Aparejo
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

 

* * * * *

The March meeting, eloquently chaired by board member Gerry Roberson in my absence, lived up to expectations of a busy agenda and a lot was covered. Nearly 20 were in attendance, including guest Laren Ogle, USMC, son of member George Ogle. Laren is contemplating gracing our membership roles.

 

Delivering his Coordinating Council report Bill Stewart re-iterated that there will not be a parade this year on Memorial Day. John Parsons will contact the members of the Goleta Valley Community Center to see how and if members of Chapter 218 can participate in Goleta’s Memorial Day events.

 

To forestall the periodic and recurring cost of wreaths, the membership voted to purchase two permanent wreaths and set a total budget maximum of $250. Gerry Roberson reported that he has a friend in Clovis, California, who may have an elevator for our helicopter. George Ogle told the membership that he would spearhead a publicity campaign for the Vance Committee so that we may reinvigorate that effort. If you wish to serve on the Vance Committee for the coming term, please make yourself known to me (682-0550) or current Vance Committee Chair Bill Stewart (962-0703).

 

The $700 general donation to the Postal Employees Fund was approved. Deferred until the April meeting was a discussion of a special contribution to Vietnam Veteran shooting victim Dexter Shannon. I have to admit, this seems a little bit backwards to me. I would think we would be helping out a fellow veteran first, and then deciding whether or not we can help others. But if that’s what the membership decided, I stand by the decision.

 

Hap DeSimone motioned that the Chapter give $100 toward Dave Troescher’s License Plate Project, seconded by George Ogle. We are asking that Dave give us a brief written synopsis of his license plate proposal and of his background from which we can draft an appropriate formal Chapter letterhead endorsement letter. Chapter attorney, Homer Sheffield has confirmed that contributions can be paid to the Chapter (deductible) as long as they are turned over to the Chapter and long as the Chapter retains total control over disbursements. People will be making their donations to us so we must meet the contributors’ expectations that we have properly reviewed and endorsed Dave and his project. One opposed; one abstained; all others supported.

 

Seven names of the deceased veterans from the Gulf War and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan need to be added to the Terrace of Remembrance. Bill Stewart, overseer of names, will contact Santa Barbara Monumental Company to determine the cost and whether or not it can be done by Memorial Day. All in attendance voted that the Chapter budget $1,000 towards this worthwhile effort. Bill Stewart volunteered to contact Barney Brantingham to request that he put a story in his column about this project, including the observation that we are looking for community support in the form of donations.

 

I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting on Tuesday, April 11, at 6:15 at the Veterans Memorial Building at 112 W. Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara.

 

Proudly representing and serving noble warriors with noble intentions,

Keith

 

The Santa Barbara Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America is a tax exempt, non-profit organization. Our members are Vietnam era (you need not have served "in country") Veterans and Associates (individuals from all walks of life who may or may not have served in the military). Our Chapter is successful because of the efforts of Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, and Associates, all of whom are equally welcomed and prized. The Chapter’s Vance Committee distributes funds to qualified disabled American veterans.

This site is best viewed in later browsers. It is not designed for netscape 4x.

Note from WebMaster: To enlarge your font (later browsers)

1)Firefox - 'ctrl and '+' 1 to 3 times or 'view' - 'text size'

2) Internet Explorer 6 - 'ctrl' and scroll your dial on top of your mouse (if equipped) or 'view' and 'text size'.

 

April, 2006

 

SERVING VETERANS AND THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

 

For all those soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen and marines, past, present and future, who have taken, are taking, or will take their turn on duty, recall a couple of lines from

A Few Good Men (1992):

"Why do you like them so much?" {Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak)}

" 'Cause they stand on a wall and they say: "Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch."" {Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore)}

"Proud To Be
A Vietnam Veteran"

© 2006 Maria By Design

Santa Barbara, CA
805.569.2550
Email Comments / Feedback / Questions

All Rights Reserved. Photos by Maria By Design. Duplication by Permission Only