email communications@vva.org for more information
No report received for the April National BOD Meeting
NATIONAL AGENT ORANGE/DIOXIN COMMITTEE
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA, INC.
Holiday Inn; SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
11 April 2003
The meeting began at 1:00 p.m., chaired by Paul Sutton.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS, VVA/AVVA MEMBERS, GUESTS & NATIONAL STAFF
Tom Berger, PhD Lois Beck
Alan Gibson Jack Thomas
Darrel Martin Bill Dumsick
Fran Davis, AVVA Liaison Dave Whaley (OH)
Ray Hutchinson (IA) Al Armstrong (MT)
Kathi Tauer (ME-AVVA)
Jennifer A. Chaney, National Staff Liaison
Steve Lester, Center for Health, The Environment and Justice
Ms. Danielle Asselin, Center for Health, The Environment and Justice
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Linda Schwartz, DrPH, James Branum, John D. “JD” Davis, Michael Lay, David
Carter, Cathie Greene, , and Gerry Ney.
The minutes of the 24 January 2003 meeting were unanimously approved as
distributed on a motion by Tom Berger, seconded by Louis Beck.
Sutton noted that fifteen (15) current handouts were at every seat.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS OF MEMBERS
None proposed. Sutton noted that a revised State Council Committee Chairs
list was among the items distributed in the last mailing.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
There is no new information concerning EPA’s withdrawal of the dioxin
reassessment rule. A letter will be composed to the EPA Administrator, for
signature by the National President.
INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE (NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES)
Sutton reported that VA has published a proposed rule concerning chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the FEDERAL REGISTER. The public comment
period expires 27 May 2003. Dr. Berger initiated a discussion relative to
comments from VVA, coming from the committee.
US GOVERNMENT SPONSORED RESEARCH IN VIETNAM
The work on the “hot spot” at the former Da Nang Air Base has not progressed
since last Fall. Sutton said that the government of Vietnam continues making
additional demands of the US and placing additional obstacles in the path of
the joint research agreed to in the MOU, signed in Hanoi in March 2002.
Redacted copies of some of the materials received in response to the “AGENT
ORANGE INITIATIVE” were distributed.
2003 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Copies of that segment of the committee’s input to the 2003 Legislative
Agenda, approved by the National BOD in January, were distributed.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT
Lois Beck submitted a written report and expanded verbally on each area of
the report. Steve Lester reported on a recent meeting held between several
public interest groups and Dow Chemical Co. in Michigan concerning holding
Dow accountable its long history of pollution. VVA will, through this
committee, become a participant in future meetings.
NATIONAL OFFICE LIAISON - No further report.
FY 2003 COMMITTEE BUDGET BALANCE
The committee’s expenses, as of 28 February 2003 (FY2003), totaled $16,227
(96.59 % of the total budget of $16,800), with $573 left unspent at the end
of the last fiscal year. Copies of the year-end statement of Budget vs.
Actual Expense were distributed.
FY 2004 COMMITTEE BUDGET REQUEST
The committee’s budget totaling $17,550, for the fiscal year beginning 1
March 2003, should be approved by the National BOD on Saturday. To date, the
only expense has been the purchase of the 2,000 copies of the NVLSP
Self-Help Guide on Agent Orange.
REPORT OF THE CHAIR
Sutton distributed a written report and a copy of his detailed report to the
National Board of Directors. He also noted that the work by Father Phil’s
office on the Death Records Registry, in conjunction with the Yale
University School of Nursing, has slowed down over the past three months.
NVLSP SELF-HELP GUIDE ON AGENT ORANGE
An additional of 2,000 copies were ordered and are expected to be delivered
on or before 15 May 2003. An additional cost of $500 for the Guides, beyond
what was approved in January 2003, will be discussed under New Business.
OLD BUSINESS
Copies of the amicae curaie brief, submitted to the US Supreme Court, in
support of the Isaacson/Stephenson vs. Dow Chemical, et al. Suit, were
distributed.
NEW BUSINESS
Copies of the fourteen (14) proposed committee Resolutions for 2003 were
distributed in the last mailing and have been submitted to the national
resolutions committee. One additional Resolution, submitted by Jim Hudson of
Colorado, concerning Spina Bifida, was discussed. On a motion by Tom Berger,
seconded by Jack Thomas, the committee decided to accept this Resolution,
providing that it be reformatted prior to submission to the resolutions
committee. The motion passed unanimously.
On a motion by Tom Berger, seconded by Bill Dumsick, the committee approved
the extra cost of $500 for the additional 2,000 copies of the NVLSP
Self-Help Guide on Agent Orange , which were originally thought to not
exceed a cost of $6,000. The motion passed unanimously.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
The several supplementary hand-outs were touched on and further commentary
provided on each.
Dr. Berger and Mr. Gibson both thanked the chair for his distribution of
information and for keeping the committee updated on developments as they
occurred over the past two years.
The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
The next meeting will take place on Friday, 10 October 2003, at 1:00 p.m.
VVA NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON HOMELESS VETERANS
THE HOLIDAY INN HOTEL; SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
10 APRIL 2003
The meeting began at 3:00 p.m., chaired by Sandy Miller.
VVA TASK FORCE MEMBERS, VVA/AVVA MEMBERS & NATIONAL STAFF
Marsha Four, Vice Chair Paul Sutton, Vice Chair
Ron Adams Linda Boone (NCHV)
Sharon Hodge, National Staff Liaison
Excused: Jeani Wells/Charlotte Rebillard/Heather Henry/Lynda Greene/Ed Chow
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Sandy Miller reviewed the minutes of the 23 January 2003 meeting and noted
that they would be entered into the record as distributed by mail prior to
the meeting.
TASK FORCE MEMBERS/ STATE COUNCIL COORDINATORS
No new members were proposed and no new State Council representatives have
been designated.
FY2003 TASK FORCE BUDGET BALANCE
The national office report indicated that total Task Force expenses for
Fiscal Year 2003, as of 31 January 2003, were $4,117, with an unspent
balance of $6,483.
FY 2004 TASK FORCE BUDGET REQUEST
It is anticipated that the budget totaling $11,800 for the fiscal year
beginning, 1 March 2003, will be approved by the National BOD this weekend.
VOHC MEETING REPORT
Nothing has been forthcoming from the Council for several months – no
meetings have been announced; and, apparently none have been held. Several
options for continuation or possible elimination of the Council were the
subject of a lengthy discussion.
FEDERAL GRANTS
HUD: There has not been an announcement of the 2003 SUPER NOFA.
VA: It was reported that the Grant & Per Diem Program will soon announce a
“Special Needs” NOFA and that HGPDP will announce another round of the “nuts
& bolts” grant and per diem funding.
The Interagency Council for the Homeless has a $70 million grants program
that will fund permanent housing programs.
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
VA has published the interim rule implementing the provisions of P. L.
107-95. The public comment period expires on 19 April 2003. Linda Boone
distributed a number of NCHV hand-outs.
DISTRIBUTION OF REPORTS
A written report was submitted by Paul Sutton. He noted that copies of an
email communication from Alan Taylor, of VA’s Homeless Veterans’ Program
Office concerning the “Continuum of Care” was distributed, as was that
portion of the Task Force’s segment of the VVA Legislative Agenda for 2003.
TASK FORCE STRATEGIC PLAN
The plan will be updated to incorporate components of P. L. 107-95, once the
VA regulations are finalized and published as a final rule.
2003 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS
Sandy Miller distributed copies of the 2003 “draft” Resolutions to be
proposed by the Task Force, noting that HTF-2-01, HTF-3-01 HTF-5-01 and
HTF-6-01 will be recommended for retirement at the 2003 National Convention.
She also pointed out that HTF-1-03 amends HTF-1-01; HTF-2-03 amends
HTF-3-01; HTF-3-03 amends HTF-5-01; and, HTF-4-03 is a new Resolution. Linda
Boone instituted a discussion concerning a minor wording change to HTF-2-03.
OLD BUSINESS
The 1995 edition of the STAND DOWN Guide was discussed. It was scanned by
Sharon Hodge in the VVA Communications Department, and sent to Sandy for
revision; but, was so outdated, it needs to be completely written. A
possible addendum was discussed and re-publication of the Guide will be
discussed after the national convention.
Linda Boone said that the Annual Meeting and Conference of the National
Coalition for Homeless Veterans would be held from 5 - 7 May 2003, in
Washington, DC.
NEW BUSINESS
None proposed.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
Sandy reported on correspondence she has received and answered.
The next Task Force meeting will convene in Silver Spring, MD, at 4:00 p.m.,
on Thursday, 9 October 2003.
The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Women Veterans Committee Minutes
Friday, April 11, 2003
Unapproved
Meeting called to order at 5:01 PM
In attendance:
Marsha Four (Chair) Sandy Miller (Vice Chair)
Linda Schwartz Judi Greig
Lois Beck Mary Ellen White
Sandra Spatz-Wiszneauckas Billee Culin
Carolynn Baker Alta Milling
Judy McComb Bill Duker (Advisor)
Joan Furey (Advisor) Sara McVicker (Advisor)
Pat Bissigoni (Guest) Nancy Nix (Guest)
Bruce Hessley (Guest) Vicky Voss (Guest)
Patricia Hagdorn (Guest) Marian Alviar (Guest)
Motion # 03-04-20: to approve minutes of April Committee Meeting as presented. Motion by Mary Ellen White; Second: Sandy Miller; Motion carries.
Report of the Chair:
1. Minutes are sent to all known State Women Veteran Chairs. Packets were given to State Presidents at this meeting.
2. Received information from the Internet about a project to catalog items left at the Wall for women. See: incountrywomen@yahoogroups.com
3. List of all VA Advisory committees is new to the VA web site: www.va.gov/advisory/
4. The Chair received a breakdown of women veteran members by state from Membership Department. Thank you Bob Thomson.
Old Business:
Committee Resolutions
Conventions resolutions are completed for submission to the Resolutions Committee after a brief discussion and minor word changes. From resolutions of Convention 2001, one was retired, one remained unchanged, and two were amended.
Veterans Day 2003: 10th Anniversary of Vietnam Women's' Memorial
1. Hotel: Wes Guidry contacted a number of DC hotels for proposed contract submission. Data reviewed. Committee Chair and Vice visited the Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel (14th @ K St.) best option with lowest price. Able to accommodate needs. A block of rooms will be set aside at the hotel selected for the weekend.
2. Service: Tentatively slated for 3PM, November 9, 2003. Site arrangements underway. Father Phil is assisting. Lois Beck to invite color guard. Program agenda is being set. Invitations will be sent as appropriate.
3. Luncheon: Tentatively slated for Monday, November 10, 2003 from 11AM to 2PM for 250 people at the hotel used for the Veterans Day weekend. Tickets will be sold for $30. Details will be determined shortly. Selection of Key note speaker discussed. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and his wife have been formally invited. Invitations will be sent as appropriate.
4. Mall Tent: we are working with Membership Committee for placement of two tents on the Mall area in proximately to The Wall as located last Veterans Day. Women veterans and women's' health information will be available. Tents are tentatively scheduled for set up Sunday through Tuesday.
5. Color Guard Review: A pass and review of the Vietnam Women's' Memorial is being planned. It is tentatively slated for Tuesday, November 11, 2003 from 11AM to 12 noon. Approval of National Park Service (NPS) is pending. They meet on April 22. Bruce Whitaker, VVA Maryland State Council President is the lead on this event. Specifics of this event will be made known upon approval of the NPS.
6. Outreach: Information on these events will begin to be seen on the VVA web site. We continue to work with all who are planning events surrounding the 10th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women's' Memorial.
7. The design for a commemorative poster is being considered.
New Business:
Veterans Collectibles: The committee discussed several ideas for additional items that would be of interest to women.
Convention Women Veterans' Breakfast: The committee voted to invite Ms. Carole Turner, Director, VA Women's' Health Program Office, to be the Keynote speaker. The Women Veteran Program Managers (Coordinators) are responsibility of this office.
The Women Veterans Award: This award is presented to individuals who have advanced the cause of women veterans. Unanimously approved by this committee, and with great respect to her outstanding and life long efforts on behalf of women veterans, this award will now be known as The Lynda Van Devanter Award.
A letter from the committee will go forward to Arizona House of Representatives, supporting the renaming of the Squaw Peak highway to that of the Piestewa Highway, in honor of Lori Piestewa, who gave her life while serving on active duty in the Iraqi War.
Discussion:
Planning for the VA Women Veterans Summit 2004 is underway.
The 20th Anniversary of the VA Women Veterans' Advisory Committee is being celebrated this year. The VA is planning an event marking this anniversary.
Adjourned 1840
Respectfully Submitted
Marsha Four, Chair
The task force met from 7pm to 9pm Friday evening in the Washington room of the Holiday Inn.
The budget process was discussed and options were discussed with trying to raise funding for the task force.
The San Antonio, TX VAD site was discussed and it was learned that retired Sgt.Major Benito V. Guerrero will be heading up the program there since the death of Richard Rocco, MOH last October.
The donation of $500 to the park in Albuquerque, NM that is being dedicated in Richard Rocco's name was discussed and it was learned that a tentative date for the park dedication is March 1, 2003. A bust of Richard will be made and placed in the park.
The chair read the latest letter of program endorsement which was sent by the Jewish War Veterans of America.
A push on revamping lesson plans is a must in order to have them ready for the new school year.
A discussion of displaying at the National Convention occurred and it was recommended that the program exhibit as it has in the past.
A discussion about inventory of handouts and premiums or give-always needs to be done and prices have to be collected in order to place an order. This will be done in the next two weeks.
Letters to the MOH VAD program originators will be written in order to see if we can get more of it's membership involved with the program again.
Chapter 800 of NJ's peer mentoring program with the Elks was discussed and it will be observed to see how successful it becomes.
Dave Simmons reported on the West Virginia program and how successful it has become after only one year. He stated that there are numerous other schools requesting the program.
Additions to the committee were presented and recommended.
End of report.
Herb Worthington, Chair
Veterans Against Drugs Task Force
1) The VVA Membership Committee is continuing to review the "Membership & Services" on the VVA web site and update the services being provided to the membership.
2) The VVA Board of Directors approved Membership Survey at the November 2002 meeting. The survey was mailed the second week in January to 8,000 VVA members, the committee will follow up on the tabulated data, address the needs of our members pointed out by the survey, seek new avenues to become more attractive to potential members and improvise ways to better serve our members. Early numbers on returned completed surveys has been tabulated at over 1,300+ and that was through 1/24/03.
3) The VVA Membership M.E.R.I.T. Program's in the 3rd recruiting period and the deadline is on February 21, 2003, all recruiting totals must be postmarked on or before that deadline.
4) New VVA Chapters chartered since November 2002; # 871 - Paradise, MT, # 903 - Wasilla, AK, # 913 - Branson, MO, # 915 - Corpus Christi, TX & # 916 - Edgewater, FL. Also, the Alaska State Council was chartered and now active with CSCP.
5) A VVA/AVVA Information canopy was set up on the Mall for Veterans Day's "March To Remember" weekend. The volunteers handed out 6,000 VVA membership brochures, a comparable figure of AVVA membership brochures, thousands of copies of "The Veteran," 5,000 VVA yellow bags, 9,400 VVA static cling decals and 3,000 "March To Remember" posters to visitors who stopped at the canopy.
6) The VVA membership brochure will be revamped near the year-end and the principal areas of concern are our message and the content. The graphic arts (pictures) will be replaced and the tri-fold concept for convenient size will continue.
7) A subcommittee was formed within the existing committee to draft a Membership Development Plan to implement the data from the membership survey.
8) The VVA Membership Committee/Membership Dept. is reviewing membership procedure, policy and drafting a Membership Operation Manual.
9) The VVA BOD approved the revised VVA Chapter Election Report & VVA State Council Election Report forms and these will be in distribution shortly.
10) The VVA BOD approved to enter into an agreement with Harris Publishing to produce the 2004 "VVA/AVVA Membership Directory and this project takes about fourteen (14) months from signing the contract to delivery of the books.
11) Membership numbers through December 2002:
VVA TYPE As of October '02 As of December '02
(IND) 26,958 27,220
(LMP) 15,177 15,491
(LMT) 483 493
(IVI) 1,748 1,764
Women Veterans 858 863
VVA Totals 44,366 44,965
AVVA TYPE As of October '02 As of December '02
(ASC) 4,499 4,534
(ALP) 1,131 1,147
(ALT) 42 43
(AVVA OTH) 64 54
(OLP) 33 33
(OLT) 1 0
(IVA) 386 406
AVVA Totals 6,156 6,217
The agenda was sent two (2) weeks prior to the BOD and Membership Affairs Committee always has a written report for the BOD members and guests attending the meeting.
Bill Meeks
Chair, VVA Membership Affairs
April 11, 2003
MEETING MINUTES
(To Be Approved)
Meeting was called to order by the Vice-chair @ 3:15 PM
Members present: Alan Gibson, Connie Steers, Jim Shott, Joe Jennings & John Koprowski.
Members excused: Fran Davis & Jerry Kahn
Others Present: Judy Bolio (AVVA), Tony Eiland & Vernessa Franklin
(NVBDC)
Vice-chair Report: Attended two teleconferences of the Task Force for Veterans Entrepreneurship and two teleconferences on the Task Force for Veterans Preference. (Minutes of these meeting will be available when completed). Visited with Jim Talent (Father of PL 106-50 & Senator from MO) and the veteran's legislative assistants of Senator Bond & the seven members of Congress discussing the lack of implementation of the law.
Tony Eiland gave a presentation on the progress of NVBDC with handouts given to all members of the BOD and State Council Presidents.
HR 1460 "The Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003 was distributed and any recommendations should be forwarded to the vice-chair ASAP.
Judy Bolio was recommended to be Special Advisor from AVVA
There being no further business to come before the committee the meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM
Respectfully submitted:
Alan Gibson, Vice-chair
ETaBO Committee
Friday 11 April 2003
(UN-Approved)
Meeting called to order at 13:01 PM
Moment of silence called for by Chair for all POW/MIAs, their family and friends, and for all those serving in harms way all around the world.
Roll call of members and special advisors was made.
In attendance:
Larry Klein Chair
Bob Johnston Member
Hank Evans Member
Buster Holmberg Member
Frank Stacy Member
Al Cummings Member
Sharon Hodge Staff Advisor
Special Advisors:
Bill Duker VITF
Susan Ragan National League of Families
Mike Benge National Alliance of Families
Guest:
Bob Jones Ohio State POW/MIA Chair
Judi Greig Oregon State Council President
Bruce Whitaker Maryland State Council President
Jim Doyle VVA, Public Affairs Chair
Special Guest:
Mrs. Dixie Olmstead George and Son Taylor
If anyone was left off those in attendance please get with the committee Chair prior to the next BOD's meeting so changes can be made.Lklein1946@aol.com.
Meeting Ground Rules Were Explained By Chair
Special guest was introduced and given the floor to talk about her recent trip to Vietnam with the Sons and Daughters in Touch, (SDIT). Dixie is the daughter of Commander Stanley E. Olmstead, US Navy, who was shot down northeast of Hanoi on 10-17-65. As far as we know Dixie and her Brother were the only SDIT members on the trip that their Father's remains have not been found.
The other reason Dixie attended the meeting was to express to the committee about the lack of or the miss information that was being provide her by the Defense Prisoner and Missing Office, DPMO. There is creditable information that shows that she is not getting information on her Dad's crash sight that is a concern of the members of the committee and the committee Chair.
Additional information will be obtained from Dixie as well as others that maybe having the same problems, and a letter under Standing Resolution PM-3-01, Allegations of Lack of Diligent Effort will be sent to DPMO from the committee in support of Dixie and others.
Special Advisors Reports:
Bill Duker, VITF, explained that the joint VITF and Committee Chair planned trip to Vietnam in May was being postponed due to the State Department advisory on international travel, because of the out break of the SARS Virus. The trip will be rescheduled and will be announced at a later date.
Susan Ragan, National League of Families gave a report on the up coming Annual meeting of the League in June, and asked the committee to get the word out for support by the State Councils and Chapters to support the League by either sending a representative to the annual meeting, taking out an ad in the Leagues Annual Journal or both. For more information Susan can be reached at www.pow.mia@juno.com. The committee will be taking out a full page ad.
Mike Benge, National Alliance of Families gave the committee a run down on what the Alliance has been doing, and explained some of his concerns about mis- information that he has gotten from Government Agencies over the past several years. Mike reminded the committee that the Alliance was also holding their Annual meeting in June. As soon as Mike can let the committee know what they plan on doing regarding their program book an ad will be taken out by the committee as well. For more information Mike can be reached at www.bengemike@aol.com.
Both these cites and others can be found on the POW/MIA Committee link to the www.vva.org, by opening the POW/MIA Ribbon.
Old Business:
The Chair informed the committee that the additional $5,000.00 for International Travel was turned down by the Finance Committee due to lack of funds.
Bob Johnston, reported out on proposed resolutions for the 2003 convention. Bob was thanked by the committee and Chair for his hard work and for taking the lead to have the resolutions done by the 31 March 2003 dead line.
The continued search for family members who have not provided DNA, Family reference samples, FRS was discussed, and it was suggested that the Chair attend a meeting of the State council Presidents to explain the process, and to help establish a VVA State wide net work to find those that have not provided DNA FRS.
H.R. 5235 The Special Compensation for Former POWs Act that was not voted on during the 107th Congress has been resubmitted as H.R. 850. A letter was sent to Congressman Simpson from VVA President Tom Corey stating that VVA supports the spirit of the bill, but not some of the wording.
The committee discussed the proposed POW/MIA Education Hand Book being jointly worked on by Bob Johnston, and Tom Hall, the sub committee chair from the Public Affairs Department.
New Business
It was suggested that the listing of the POW/MIA Family Update Schedule be obtained and added to the POW/MIA Committee link. Jim Doyle stated that if the information was obtained that the communication department would add it to the link.
FOR THE RECORD:
The committee was going to propose a new resolution to explain how we felt about the treatment of our POW/MIA by Iraq. Do to the hopes that the war would be over by the time of the convention, and that all our POW/MIAs would be found and returned, and not having time to meet the cut off dead line for submittal we decided not to.
A motion was made to add Joe Kristeck and Bob Jones to the Committee at no cost to National.
Being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM
Respectfully submitted by.
Larry Klein
POW/MIA Committee Chair
April 13, 2003
1) The committee heard a presentation from Billie Cullen, Connecticut State Council President and Board Member of the Order of The Silver Rose.
She asked that Vietnam Veterans of America support the program by allowing our logo to be included on the certificate issued by the Order of The Silver Rose.
The committee agreed contingent upon the redesign of the certificate which we felt was too “busy.” She agreed and the committee presented the following Motion to the board for approval.
“To support The Order of The Silver Rose in their redesign of their certificate and use of the Vietnam Veterans of America logo.”
The motion passed, and when the certificate is redesigned the new certificate will be resubmitted to the Public Affairs and Finance Committee for final approval.
1) Alta Milling of Chapter 303 in Columbia, South Carolina presented her suggestions for creating 3 categories for Newsletter of The Year Awards based on chapter membership. The committee agreed to review the criteria and make appropriate changes in time for the 2004 Leadership Conference.
2) The committee heard of a proposal by Indigo Films. They are doing research for a on a documentary for The History Channel. “Operation Reunion” is looking for Vietnam Veterans whose experiences had a life changing effect on them, and who haven’t had contact with each other since the incident. For additional information contact KARIN at 415-460-4875 as soon as possible.
3) The committee was informed of the introduction of HR 1442 in the 108th Congress to authorize construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center.
4) Leslie DeLong of the Louisiana State Council made a presentation regarding the state council “Teacher of the Year” program. The committee agreed that the Education subcommittee should look at the program to determine if it can be developed into a national recognition project. Leslie was referred to Tom Hall, Chair of the Education subcommittee.
5) Support The Troops activities were discussed and it was decided to add a page to the VVA website highlighting the activities of our members support the troops and the families of those who are in harm’s way. Some of the projects already in place are a Yellow Ribbon campaign being conducted by Chapter 604 in Topeka, Kansas in conjunction with 94 Country (WIBW-FM). For additional information on this project send an e-mail to byrd@mcleodusa.net
Another ongoing project is being run by Chapter 364 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. For information on this activity contact mmiller@vva.org
6) Resolutions-The committee reviewed three Proposed Resolutions and took the following action:
R-5----Retroactive awarding of Combat Medic Badge to Medics who served aboard DUSTOFF missions. Because of administrative regulations Medics who served aboard MedEvac choppers were not awarded the CMB. The committee referred the Resolution to Government Affairs with a recommendation that the Resolution be reported out at convention in St. Louis.
R-10----To recognize an Official Time of Meditation or Remembrance for those killed during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The committee referred the Proposed Resolution to the Resolutions Committee for further development and action.
R-7---To continue sending The VVA Veteran to the widows and widowers of Life members. The committee referred this resolution to the Membership Affairs Committee for action.
Upon arriving home I received the following e-mail from our good friend Ray Truelove. The message speaks for itself but I’m sure we all understand his decision. With the consent of the committee I would like to name Ray Truelove as Chair Emeritus of the VVA Press Club.
On behalf of the committee I will convey our best wishes to Ray.
Subj: retirement and health issues
Date: 4/15/2003 3:12:32 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: ray111@earthlink.net
To: GMcmic9054@aol.com
CC: cltonjes@comcast.net, jkoprowski@aol.com, MARINEDI@aol.com, mroberts_gr@snowhill.com, Tanuyen769@aol.com
All my VVA Brothers & Sisters:
My first Recon Report was in November of 1994. It has been an exciting and wonderful run. I am
currently in my 19th year as a member of VVA (life). Unfortunately time does not stand-still.
It is time for the Recon Report to have a new Editor, one with new thoughts, new ideas - fresh blood in general. I would like to put out one more edition of the Recon Report and one more edition of the Alabama Veteran - provided we do it by June 30th, as that is my date of resignation from the Recon Report, The Alabama Veteran, the Chairmanship of the VVA Press Club, Public Affairs Committee, and the Veterans Initiative Task Force.
In all fairness to everyone, the decision was made because of Judy's upcoming retirement and my failing eyesight, which is making it more and more difficult for me to be able to drive, and work on the publications. My first convention was in Chicago, and I have not missed one since, but I will not be attending the one in St. Louis. I will miss not being there very much I am sure.
Dave: I WILL attend the Florida State Council meeting in June in Ft. Myers. It will be my last.
Retirement plans are underway for a lake house at Lake Eufala, Oklahoma and much of my time
will be spent there this summer and fall readying our new home for us - and much, much more.
I could go on and on, but there is little point to it. Please understand how difficult a decision this
is. My relationship with each of you and others will be treasured to my last days on this earth, and I will always be a faithful VVA member to the end. Even Macula Degeneration and PTSD cannot break my loyalty to the finest Veterans' Service organization in the world! And yes, I still take my Zoloft!
I do hope this will not cause grief for anyone - finding a new Editor can be quite a challenge, but
I know you will do it, and the Recon and Alabama Veteran publications will go on for many years to come.
My most sincere best wishes for your personal future success in VVA. I will miss all of you very much in coming months.
Sincerely,
Ray Truelove
ray111@earthlink.net
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Doyle, Chair
Public Affairs Committee
1995 - 2004 ©
Vietnam Veterans of America
California State Council
P. O. Box 3007
Riverside, CA 92519-3007