VVA Chapter 1069 Meeting Report for: June 6-12-2019
[posted on: 7-11-2019]
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The meeting was held at Mikeska’s BBQ, (located on Hwy 59) El Campo, TX.
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The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
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President, Frank Laitkep, then recognized all those members who were having birthdays in June.
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Frank then introduced guests and potential new members.
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The meeting was then recessed for the evening meal.
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Frank then re-opened the meeting open at 8:00 PM. See photo below.
The following chapter business was transacted.
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Frank then announced that our chapter had won a "Chapter Website of the Year"
award, at the VVA TSC (Texas State Council) meeting, held last month in Texarkana. Note that Leonard and
John attended this TSC meeting as delegates for our chapter. See photo below.
The award was presented to Chapter member and Website Administrator, Bob Supak. See photo below.
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Mike Harbaugh, Chapter member and Wharton County "VA Accredited" Veteran
Service Officer, gave his Veterans Benefits presentation. See photo below.
He presented information regarding the following topic.
- VA MISSION Act: VA’s new urgent care benefit for Veterans
- VA MISSION Act: What to expect for community care on June 6
- MIKE HARBAUGH: Is now an Accredited VA Representative (Service Officer)
SO ... WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED VA SERVICE OFFICER/REPRESENTATIVE?
After a year of both TVC (Texas Veterans Commission) training and VA training, extensive background checks,
and ending with a final test, Chapter member Mike Harbaugh, has received a VA sponsorship and has earned the
title of "VA Affiliate & Representative" (i.e. VA Accredited Service Officer). Along with the title, the
Wharton County VSO office now has the same VA software installed on their office computer system as does
the the TVC Regional office.
Although Mike says it will still take a while for him to 'learn' the new software's capabilities, Mike feels
the new software will eventually cut the paperwork in the office down by at least 60%! So now, instead of
having to first call the VA or the TVC, requesting veteran's claim status/information and then having to wait
on the returned information via email, Mike will now able to immediately access the Veteran's file himself
right there in the office - a big time saver for him and all Veterans who see him regarding their benefits
claims status.
What is an Accredited VA Affiliate/Representative? Use the link below to find out more details.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/
The mission of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is to advocate for and provide superior service to
veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families,
and survivors. Use the link below to visit the Texas Veterans Commission website.
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/
VVA Chapter 1069 Congratulates Mike on his hard work and dedication as Wharton County's VSO.
All veterans living in Wharton County and surrounding Counties are very lucky to have Mike as the VSO.
Be sure to give him a nice atta-boy at the next meeting.
Use the link below to visit Mike's webpage, for more detailed information regarding his presentation
and to view or print the meeting handout.
CLICK HERE to View or Print the Handout
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Leonard Sternadel, then presented an update for the 2019 chapter fundraiser raffle. See sample raffle ticket
below that lists all items in the raffle.
The chapter thanks Leonard for having volunteered to manage the 2019 chapter fundraiser raffle. If you have
any questions regarding the fundraiser, please contact Leonard - see his contact information below.
Leonard Sternadel
Phone: (979) 543-1122
Email: lasternadel@yahoo.com
Note that we also have created a Raffle Promotion Webpage, located on our chapter website. Use the
link below to view the webpage. The webpage shows the list of items that are in the Raffle, along
with pictures. Information about where to buy tickets are also included. You may give the link to
those who may want more information about the Raffle.
CLICK HERE to View the Raffle Promotion Webpage
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VVA Day 2020 - Frank then brought up a discussion regarding "NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR
VETERANS DAY", March 29, for next year. As you know, it was established in 2017 by President Trump, as a
Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Leonard feels that we should be doing something
special, as a whole chapter, on this date. One suggestion is that we should have some sort of celebration/party
for our chapter members & family at some local Hall, such as the one in Hungerford, which is a good central
location for all our membership. Everyone thought this was a great idea.
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Leonard Sternadel was then presented with an appreciation plaque for his 7 years of service as
President of VVA Chapter 1069.
Chapter member, Dave Wagner is shown above presenting the plaque to Leonard.
Note that Dave also made the beautiful unique plaque in his home workshop. The chapter
Officers, BOD members and the entire chapter membership want to thank Leonard for all the
hard work and dedication he has put into this chapter and making it as successful as it is!
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Chapter Windbreaker Jacket - More information was given out about those who may want to
order our official VVA green embroidered windbreaker jacket. Please contact any of the chapter officers if you wish
to purchase one of these jackets. Use the link below to see pictures of the jacket and to Print the two order forms
that are required to be filled out when ordering these windbreaker jackets.
CLICK HERE to see Pictures of the Jacket
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Our next chapter meeting will be July 10, 2019
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