VVA Chapter 1069 Meeting Report for: Nov 11-8-2017
[posted on: 11-15-2017]
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The monthly VVA chapter 1069 meeting was held in the big banquet room at Mikeska's BBQ (located on Hwy 59), in El Campo, Tx.
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We had another great turnout at this month's meeting - 39 members and 10 guests! - A BIG Thanks to all those who attended!
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VVA Chapter 1069 President, Leonard Sternadel, declared the meeting open at 1900 hours.
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The following Board members were present: Sternadel, Steelman, F. Kulcak, Mahlmann, Woods, Neumann and Supak.
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The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
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Sternadel then recessed the meeting for the evening meal and then reconvened the meeting open at 1945 hours.
The following business was then transacted.
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Sternadel introduced Robert Quintana as guest and prospective new chapter member.
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Sternadel then announced that Dana brought
several Patriotic Veterans Day themed cakes for desert. Much thanks to Dana for taking the time to bake
cakes for all of us to enjoy!
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The minutes of the last meeting were approved as presented.
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Dwight Winkler then gave his monthly benefits presentation with 2-pg handout.
This month's handout from Dwight included all the topics shown below. Use the link below to View or Print the handout.
Pages 1
(1) BENEFITS CONTACT INFORMATION
Page 2
(2) VA BENEFITS PAYMENT SCHEDULE
(3) RAMP PROGRAM
(4) NEW PRESUMPTIVE DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE
(5) COLA FOR 2018
(6) VA CARE PROGRAM TO REPLACE VA CHOICE PROGRAM
(7) IRS STILL REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE
CLICK HERE to View or Print the Nov 2017 Handout
CLICK HERE to visit Dwight's Veterans Benefits page on our website
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Sternadel then thanked everyone that attended the Everyday Heroes fundraiser, that was held at the El Campo Civic Center.
8 couples from our chapter attended the fundraiser.
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Sternadel then reminded everyone of the following upcoming event dates...
- The Vietnam Veterans Family Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 11th, at Ryan Lake.
- Our Chapter Christmas Party (YES, Christmas is almost here!) is scheduled for December 13th!
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Sternadel then informed the members that he and Bob Supak attended the VVA TSC (Texas State Council) meeting that was held in Baytown in October.
They reported on several items discussed at the TSC meeting.
One of the important items was that the VVA Texas State Council has just announced that their Scholarship program for 2018 is now
available for application and nominations. We have received information for the program this past week and the information has been
posted to our website. Use the link below to View or Print the PDF document that describes the SCHOLARSHIP program and also includes
the application/nomination form.
NOTICE: Deadline for the SCHOLARSHIP Application is no later than March 1, 2018!
CLICK HERE to View or Print the 2018 TSC Scholarship Nomination Form
Another item was that the 2018 TSC Awards program has also officially been announced. The 6 TSC Awards categories for 2018 are shown below:
- Pointman of the Year
- Associate Member of the Year
- Friend of VVA
- Heart of Patriotism Award
- Legislator of the Year
- Veteran Incarcerated of the Year
Use the link below to View or Print the PDF document that describes the AWARDS program and also includes the nomination form. Note that
according to the documentation, these Awards nominations must be submitted by a Chapter representative, so if you have someone in mind
for any of the 6 listed Awards, please contact our President, Leonard Sternadel.
NOTICE: Deadline for the AWARDS Nominations is no later than February 1, 2018!
CLICK HERE to View or Print the 2018 TSC Awards Nomination Form
Also at the TSC meeting, Bob Supak volunteered to help the TSC Awards committee add a new Award category into the 2019 TSC Awards list called
"The Best VVA Chapter Website".
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The Chapter voted to purchase 6 Wreaths Across America at $15.00 each.
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The Chapter also voted to contribute $250.00 towards postage for GI Joe/Jane gift boxes that will
be sent to our overseas troops during the holidays. Volunteer help will be needed for putting the boxes together - the date and
location are still pending. We will send out email when we know something.
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Sternadel then informed the chapter that President Trump has designated all of
November as "VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES MONTH".
VA Secretary David Shulkin joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office for the President’s signing of a proclamation establishing
November as Veterans and Military Families Month. This is the first time that America will celebrate Veterans and Military Families for
the entire month and not just on Veterans Day. “Our Veterans and Military Families are an important part of our lives throughout the year,
and by focusing for the first time nationally on a whole month of activities nationwide for Veterans and Military Families Month, we can
more fully celebrate and recognize their contributions to the nation,” said Secretary Shulkin. The proclamation by the President is the
first of many events nationwide. Also today, throughout the country VA medical centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outpatient Centers
will hold open houses.
Use the link below to read the official VA News Release which lists all the special events scheduled/planned for November across the Nation.
CLICK HERE for the official VA News Release
The complete list of events for Veterans and Military Families month is available at the link below.
CLICK HERE for the complete list of events in November
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And finally, an announcement at the start of the meeting was made, to alert everyone that Dana had some new items in our PX store. So for those of
you who may not have attended a meeting lately, this would be a good opportunity to show some of the various items that can be purchased in the PX
at every chapter meeting. Note that all proceeds from the PX go to help purchase supplies for various chapter events. Also, the chapter would like
to thank Dana for all the work she puts into ordering all the items for the PX and coming to every meeting to manage the store. It's turned into
quite a project. Be sure to thank her at the next chapter meeting - she would appreciate it.
Patches and Decals!
Caps, caps, and more caps!
Cups, cups, cups and other stuff!
Bumper and Window stickers!
More patches, decals, key rings, etc!
Quite an inventory!
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There being no further business, President Sternadel declared the meeting adjourned at 2045.
Much Thanks goes out to Chapter Secretary, John Steelman, for providing the meeting minutes, from which this report was created!
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