VVA Chapter 1069 Christmas Party - Dec 2021
[posted on: 12-12-2021]

Dec 2021 Christmas Party VVA Chapter 1069 - El Campo

Texas VVA Chapter 1069 held its 10th annual Christmas Party at Mikeska's BBQ in El Campo. Approximately 95 members, spouses & guests attended this year's Christmas party! The Social hour lasted from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Wine, beer, punch & snacks were enjoyed before the meal, with a gift raffle following the meal and a short meeting. Chapter President, Joe McCreary, served as host for the evening event. The evening dinner was catered by Mikeska's BBQ. The membership enjoyed roast beef, buttered mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, with peach cobbler & ice cream for dessert. The Mikeska staff really did a wonderful job preparing and serving the meal and the chapter thanks them for the great job they did.

First off, I myself (Bob) could not attend this year's Christmas party, so a BIG THANK-YOU to chapter member Mark Pilcik's wife, Berna Pilcik, for taking all the pictures shown in this report. And to also thank her for providing me with a written report of pretty much everything that happened at the party.

Chapter President, Joe McCreary (see above photo), was the MC for the evening. The evening started with the arrival of veterans & their spouses starting at 5:30 PM. Joe lead off the evening stating that we would have a few announcements for the membership.

The chapter would also like to thank Carolyn Milder for all her help with the table decorations and setting out of the red table cloths!

Carolyn has been helping with the party decorations and general party setup ever year. Much thanks also to her husband and veteran, Louis Milder for all his help with the party preparations.

One of the special Guests invited to the party included Nancy Kacal from the Daughters of the American Revolution who were once again sponsoring the Wreaths Across Texas in the El Campo area. The actual laying of the wreaths will take place on December 18th, starting at 11:00 AM at the El Campo Cemetery. The chapter hopes that many or our chapter members can come out to the cemetary on the 18th to help distribute the wreaths to the graves of veterans.

Another special guest invited to the party was Jessica Collard (see above photo). Jessica is the Wharton County Service Officer and has helped many of our members with their VA claims. Her office is located in Wharton. Jessica attends many of our monthly chapter meetings and at various times presents VA related information to our veterans.

Above photo shows chapter Vice President, Larry Monroe and his wife Sharon (both on the right) selling tickets for the raffle.

Thanks to both Larry and Sharon for all their work in planning and organizing for the party.

Above photo shows special guests Bubba Baker and his wife. They volunteered to call four games of Bingo for all those who attended. This was the first time the chapter included Bingo at a Christmas party, and the games were enjoyed by all.

There were four $50 gift cards awarded to the winners. The chapter Officers want to thank the Bakers for their support of our chapter!

Above and below photos shows everyone playing Bino!

During the meeting, chapter Secretary/Treasurer, John Steelman, asked that anyone having a new mailing or email address or phone number changes, be sent to him so that the chapter could have their contact information updated. The chapter also wants to thank John for his part in planning and orgnizing this year's Christmas party.

During the short meeting, chapter member Ronnie Miller (above photo left) spoke briefly regarding several surprising events that took place at this year's VVA National Convention, held last month in Greensboro, North Carolina.

• He spoke about an article in the latest Nov/Dec issue of the "VVA Veteran" magazine, concerning an important resolution the delegates voted on and passed at the recent VVA National Convention. The Resolution was labled as GA-11 (Government Affairs Committee) and reads as follows: “Vietnam Veterans of America, its Officers and Board members (are) prohibited from changing the organization’s name and or creating any new veterans organization to replace our current one: thus making us a “last person standing organization.” This was good news for most VVA Veterans.

• He also stated that the current VVA National president for the last 8 years, John Rowan, had been unexpectedly defeated by a suprise nomination from the floor, Jack McManus!

Everyone enjoyed fellowship with each other until 7:00 PM, at which time dinner was served by Mikeska’s.

The 50-50 winner at the party was Mary Piekert. Congratulations Mary!

At party closing, names for all raffle items, door prizes and poinsettias were drawn and then handed out. Door prizes consisted of extra meal plates from Mikeska’s.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this year's Christmas party and thanks to everyone who came to the party! With an attendance of around 95 folks, I would say it was an absolute success. Looks like after enduring the past 2 years of Covid, everyone was ready to get out and enjoy spending time with friends. From VVA Chapter 1069, we hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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