VVA Chapter 1069 Meeting Report for: Aug, 8-12-2020
[posted on:8-16-2020]
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First off, much thanks to Dana Sternadel for providing us with the meeting details in this report.
The meeting was held as usual, at Mikeska’s BBQ, (located on Hwy 59) El Campo, TX. Also thanks to
Dana for the pictures of Mikeska's brand new sign - see images below. Note the special recognition
of the chapter meeting and the welcome for our chapter members, spouses and guests. Much thanks to
the Mikeska family for their support of our chapter.
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There were 21 members and 7 spouses in attendance. This was our second chapter meeting since the Corona virus
pandemic had hit the U.S. in early March. Our last chapter meeting was held on June 8. We were very happy with
the 28 total attendees, and thank all of them for attending. Everyone had a really good time; there was lots of
joking around. Everybody was just so glad to get together. Dana also provided 3 different types of brownie
deserts for the meeting.
Mikeska's BBQ was open for business and had prepared their banquet room for social distancing by limiting the room
to fewer tables and fewer chairs. Attendees were asked to wear face masks and honor social distancing, and everyone
complied. Members were also encouraged to stay home if they did not feel comfortable in coming to the meeting
because of the virus situation.
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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 (photo below), then recognized all those members who were having
birthdays in July & Aug.
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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 of Mikeska's BBQ.
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Frank then re-opened the meeting open at 8:00 PM. The following chapter business was transacted.
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There was some discussion about a new veterans organization that VVA National President, John Rowan
has apparently created, called "Veteran's Voices of America", or VVA2. Most of our membership feel
that whatever VVA National does to change the overall structure of VVA, it will not affect our local
chapter daily operation and membership. We will continue on as a Vietnam Veterans chapter.
Other related information had surfaced in that same VVA National Board of Direcor's meeting, that was
held this past July... (1) John Rowan, the VVA National President, acknowledged that the resolution from
the Spokane national convention about changing the name of VVA is dead in the water. (2) As to the
establishment of Veteran Voices of America, Inc. (sometimes referred to as VVA2), President Rowan
confirmed that it is a separate corporation apart from VVA, and that some of the persons involved in
its formation are VVA employees (younger veterans). (3) He says it was formed with the thought of providing
an avenue for VVA to pass along its legislative and lobbying experience, if need be. (4) He also said no
VVA funds or other assets have been used in the formation or operation of VVA2.
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There was a discussion about the chapter holding future monthly meetings. Overwhelmingly, everyone agreed
that we should hold monthly meetings, unless Gov Abbott or other State/County/City officials shut things
down. There were lots of comments, on this subject, but the biggest being "I'm just really tired of sitting
at home and I have to get out and do something." The members seemed genuinely happy to see each other.
It was noted that there was more laughing and joking at this meeting than has been seen in a long time.
So, after much discussion, the membership made a motion to continue having monthly chapter meetings. The
motion was voted on and passed! So, for now, VVA Chapter 1069 will continue to hold monthly chapter meetings.
It is also important to note, that during the discussion of whether or not to have monthly chapter meetings,
it was stated that if anyone is not comfortable in coming to the meetings because of the current virus situation,
that they should not come.
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Vice President, Leonard Sternadel, gave a short presentation regarding the upcoming Everyday
Heroes Fundraiser Banquet, that will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2020, in the El Campo Civic Center.
A motion was made and passed (unanimously) for our chapter to purchase three tables ($400 ea) for $1,200.
Any additional tables needed will be purchased and that amount to be split between all members attending
(same as last year).
The guest speaker will be "Shilo Harris". (see image below) More information will be
forth coming as to our chapter's participation int the event, and for any special ceremony that our chapter will
be presenting at the event.
Shilo was a Cavalry scout with the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq. He survived a brutal IED attack, and, after
more than 75 surgeries, he is now a motivational speaker. Use the link below to learn more about Shilo Harris.
Click Here to visit the Shilo Harris website
VVA Chapter 1069 has participated in many past Everyday Heroes fundraisers. Use the links below to view
the promos or reports of those events.
2019 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
2018 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
2017 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
2014 Everyday Heroes Fundraiser
More about Everyday Heroes
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It was then announced that on there will be a Veteran's Day family celebration at Ryan Lake on Sat, Nov 14.
All members are encouraged to attend and bring the kids & grandkids. Again this year the Ferris Wheel,
Bounce House, and of course fishing will be available. Bring rods/reels and bait; lawn chairs, snack or
dessert, and adult beverages. Tea and water will be provided.
Note that our VVA Chapter 1069 has participated in many Veterans Family Day celebrations hosted by Mike Ryan
of El Campo. Mike is a big supporter of all Veterans. Use the links below to view the reports of some of those
past events.
Veterans Family Day 2019
Veterans Family Day 2018
Veterans Family Day 2017
Veterans Family Day 2016
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Chapter Treasurer, John Steelman, brought a book titled 'A Time To Honor: the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War'
published by the state of Texas and available to every Vietnam veteran for the asking. See image below. Leonard is
in the process of obtaining one for each of our chapter members; he's called the Texas Veteran's Commission and
Rep. Phil Stephenson's office for help in this matter.
Note that last year in June, chapter member Bob Supak, also passed on some information to the membership, regarding
this special edition book, how to aquire one, and brought one to the meeting. Bob was able to get one from the VA
facility in Tomball. The administration for these books was handled by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), but the
actual distribtion of the books was handled by the VA. Also note that every State in the Union had the opportunity
to create, publish and distribute their own version of this special book.
Below is a snippet from the TVC press release:
Governor Greg Abbott Presents Special Texas Edition of Vietnam War 50th commemoration book to Vietnam Veterans.
AUSTIN, TX – To honor over half a million Texans who served in Vietnam, a special Texas limited edition Vietnam War
50th Commemoration book A Time to Honor: Stories of Service, Duty, and Sacrifice is available to them, compliments
of Governor Greg Abbott. Texas Vietnam War Veterans may contact their local Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) office
to find out how to get their copy.
Hopefully, Leonard will be able to get the TVC or Phil Stephenson to help get copies for all our chapter members,
as Bob had previously mentioned that it was a bit of a hassle to get the book from the VA facility last year.
Use the link below to read the entire original Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) press release about this book:
Click here to View or Print the TVC Press Release
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Leonard then announced that Group counseling will resume in September (next month). Contact Leonard for more
information and details if you wish to attend.
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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Our Next chapter meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 9, 2020.
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And again, a final thanks to Mikeska's BBQ for hosting our monthly chapter meetings and supporting VVA Chapter 1069!
And if possible, The Chapter encourages all members to in turn, support Mikeska's BBQ by eating there (or take out)
as often as possible. Thank you.
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