- The meeting was held at Mikeska’s BBQ, (located on Hwy 59) El Campo, TX.
- The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
- Leonard then recognized all those members who were having birthdays in May.
- Leonard then introduced guests and potential new members.
- The meeting was then recessed for the evening meal.
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After the meal, the first order of business was for the newly elected President, Frank Laitkep, to be sworn in
and take the Oath of Office as the new VVA Chapter 1069 President. See photo below.
The above photo shows Frank (left) being sworn in by the previous President, Leonard Sternadel (right).
Frank is a long time member of the VVA. Much congratulations to Frank! And a BIG Thank-You to Leonard for
the great job he's done as Chapter President, and for being one of the founding members of this Texas VVA chapter.
Do note that Leonard still holds the position of Vice-President. And as a reminder, the following
are the new chapter 1069 officers and BOD members for the next two years (2019-2021).
- President: Frank Laitkep
- Vice President: Leonard Sternadel
- Secretary/Treasurer: John Steelman
- BOD Members: Wayne Woods, Billy Orsak, Ronnie Miller, Bob Supak
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New President, Frank Laitkep, then re-opened the meeting open at 8:00 PM. See photo below.
The following chapter business was transacted.
* Much thanks to Carolyn Milder for the above 2 photos!
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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. See photo below. Note
that Leonard and John attended this TSC meeting as delegates for our chapter.
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Mike Harbaugh, Chapter member and Wharton County Veteran Service Officer,
gave his Veterans Benefits presenation. He presented information regardingg the following topic.
- Information about the new "VA VIDEO CONNECT" program.
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Leonard Sternadel, then presented an update for the 2019 chapter fundraiser raffle. The chapter thanks
Leonard for having volunteered to manage the 2019 chapter fundraiser raffle.
For this raffle, we will be selling $10 tickets. Note that during his fundraiser update, Leonard passed around a bucket for cash donations so that he could purchase another gun for the raffle. He collected a total of $351! He thanked the attending members for being so generous with the cash contribution.
Then raffle tickets were handed out to all attending members. We hope to raise at least $10,000 from this fundraiser, and with everyone helping to sell tickets, we should be able to raise this amount, if not more. If you have any questions regarding the fundraiser, please contact Leonard - see his contact information below.
Leonard Sternadel
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
Phone: (979) 543-1122
Email: lasternadel@yahoo.com
- 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.
- Leonard and John then presented a report on the TSC meeting they had just attended in Texarkana. One of the important things that happened at the meeting was that a new TSC Vice-president was elected (by special election), and the previous Secretary, Cheryl Van Syckle was re-instated (by special election) as Secretary.
- 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
- There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.