IMPORTANT: If you would like to nominate someone for office for the coming term and will be unable to attend our nominating meeting next Tuesday, call me (805 682-0550) and I’ll make the nomination for you.  Also, recall that last year we voted that candidates need not be present at the meeting to be nominated.  Before the final ballot is prepared, any seconded nominees not in attendance will be contacted to confirm that they are willing to serve.

 

Also, the Vance Committee very much needs someone to spearhead and coordinate the active promotion of our Fund.  We want applications, so we need to make known the circumstances under which Vance could help.  If you would like to undertake this role, please volunteer.  You’ll have a lot of dedicated members to work with.

 

* * * * *

 

Our February meeting was well attended (about 25) in spite of the conflict with Valentine’s Day.  Ably conducted in my absence by First Vice President Dennis Hartman, sick call revealed that Richard Rose (USN – SEAL) suffered a broken leg.  We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

 

Bill Stewart reported from Coordinating Council that there will be a parade on Memorial Day.  More details may be provided at this month’s meeting.  Hap DeSimone and David Troescher will represent the Chapter at the 10^th Biennial State Convention to be held in San Jose, California, on June 2 & 3.  The Chapter will pick up the expenses.

 

Guests in attendance included a group from the Ensemble Theater who was promoting their production “Touch the Names”.   Hopefully some of you were able to attend.  Perhaps someone will give us a review at the meeting.  The late Jeffrey Lehner’s fiancée talked about her wish to establish a foundation to help returning veterans, especially those with PTSD.

 

Member Bob Handy spoke about the organization Veterans United For Truth, Inc. and distributed their newsletter.  David Troescher spoke about his License Plate proposal and the Chapter voted to issue a letter of support.  We’ll have Dave give us a brief synopsis of his proposal and background so that we can draft an appropriate endorsement.  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 as long as the Chapter retains total control over disbursements.  

 

Members John Fehrs and Richard Rose have negotiated the availability of an H-1 Cobra - which would double our fleet.  Jerry Roberson and Bill Frieburg raised some of the realities of the obstacles we’ve faced just maintaining our Huey.  On that score, Bill has rounded up a contributor for seats for the Huey.  Hap DeSimone made a trip to Long Beach to pick up new stabilizers, only to find that they weren’t available.  We’re still looking for indoor storage for the Huey so that our nice new paint job doesn’t get compromised too quickly by the elements.

 

Don Matter suggested that the Chapter donate to the Post Office Memorial Fund and $700 was approved.  Logistical difficulties have slowed down the issuance of that check which will give me the opportunity to observe to the membership at the meeting that we might instead consider giving the $700 to the estate of the four tour Vietnam Veteran victim, Dexter Shannon. 

 

Such a gift might be more consistent with our general philosophy of not wanting our contributions to get lost amongst bureaucratically administered general funds.   One “meaningful” gift might be more helpful than seven smaller gifts, and would underscore our objective of veterans taking care of veterans.  We’d like to take care of everyone of course, but we just don’t have the resources to do so.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 and I have it on good authority that several members communed thereafter.  At Tuesday’s meeting Gerry Roberson may give us an update on his latest Red Cross mission.  I’ll have an update and proposal on our Adopt A Veteran program.  Along with nominations, it sounds like it will be a busy and meaningful evening.

 

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.

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March, 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"

 

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Santa Barbara, CA
805.569.2550
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