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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.
For some reason, Chapter member Frankie Laitkep attended the meeting dressed in his full military uniform - see photo below.
Everyone had to admit that he did look pretty sharp.
- VVA Chapter 1069 President, Leonard Sternadel, declared the meeting open at 1900 hours and the following business was transacted.
- The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited and a prayer was said.
- The following Board members were present: Sternadel, Steelman, F. Kulcak, Laitkep, Neumann, Supak and Woods.
- Chapter member, Bob Supak then presented chapter member, John Wicke, with his newly completed personal Bio & Photo Booklet. John's Bio & Photos have also been placed into our chapter's Bio & Photo album. Be sure to take a look at his Bio our next chapter meeting to see what division John served with and where John was assigned during his tour in Vietnam.
- Being that the upcoming Thursday (11-11-2016) would be Veterans Day, Sternadel then informed the members that the Mikeska brothers were donating the evening supper for all those who attended the meeting. The Chapter would like to wish a huge "THANK YOU" to Gerry & Nick Mikeska! The meeting was then recessed for the meal and then reconvened at 1945.
- The minutes of the last meeting were approved as presented.
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Our chapter's Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Dwight Winkler, then took the floor and reminded the
members about
the Benefits Fair held back in 2014 in El Campo
, specifically the mobile VA unit that was there, and the Veteran counseling
service that they provide. He then introduced special guest, James Bailey, (see photo below) who works
with the Houston Vet Center. James gave a very interesting 20 minute presentation, on how he works with all Veterans, including Vietnam
Veterans, who may be dealing with PTSD, mental health, depression & anxiety. His presentation was simply outstanding!
Mr. Bailey (see photo above) is a retired army sergeant with actual combat experience.
His message to the members was to GET HELP if you think you needed someone to talk to. His credentials and
experience provide the veterans an avenue of assistance that could provide relief and possible VA involvement with benefits. Again, if you
think you need someone to talk to, please call or visit the Wharton County VSO's office in Wharton to make an appointment with
Mr. Bailey. He is also there every Thursday.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND AN OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS.
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Dwight then distributed his benefits handout and gave his monthly presentation on veterans benefits and various VA related news.
The handout included Bailey's contact information along with the various resources available for benefits or questions.
Please keep these handouts as they contain valuable information. Other information for this month's handout included wireless phone
discounts, special discounts for Veterans Day, a cost of living adjustment of 0.3 percent - or, in other words, a cup of coffee per month.
Use the link below to View or Print the November handout.
Nov 9, 2016 Meeting Handout: (Handout topics listed below)
Page-1
(1) CONTACT INFO
(2) WIRELESS CARRIERS SALUTE YOUR SERVICE
(3) TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) IMPROPER TESTING BY THE VA
Page-2
(4) COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) 2017
(5) POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA)
(6) AGENT ORANGE NEWSLETTER
Page-3
(7) VETERANS DAY FREEBIES
View or Print the Nov 2016 Handout
CLICK HERE to visit Dwight's Veterans Benefits page AGAIN, THE CHAPTER WOULD LIKE TO THANK DWIGHT FOR KEEPING US ALL UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST VETERANS BENEFITS NEWS AND FOR WORKING WITH THOSE MEMBERS WHO NEED HELP WITH THEIR VA CLAIMS OR OTHER VETERAN RELATED PROBLEMS! AND THANKS FOR BRINGING JAMES BAILEY TO THE NOVEMBER CHAPTER MEETING! - President Sternadel then stated that an Agent Orange Town Hall meeting will be held in Victoria on March 18, 2017! Please mark you calendars as our chapter will be fully participating in this event and we will need some volunteers to help with the event. More information will be forthcoming. However, do note that at this time, we do know the AO Town Hall meeting will be held in Victoria at the Victoria College Technology Center Complex. Use the link below to see what the facility looks like - it is a state of the art facility. Visit the Victoria College Technology Center Complex Website
- He then reminded everyone of the upcoming VVA Chapter 1069 Vietnam Veteran's Family Celebration at FB Helen, which is intended for for all VVA chapter 1069 members and family. *** EVENT UPDATE *** The Vietnam Veteran's Family Day celebration was held this past Saturday (11-12-2016) and was a big success. Use the link below to read the full report with photos. CLICK HERE to read the full report
- The GI Joe/GI Jane program is coming up and we will need a few volunteers to help box up the goodies. The program is scheduled for November 29th at the Elks Lodge in El Campo. He also stated that funds were needed to cover postage for the packages. A Motion was then made, seconded, and unanimously approved, that the chapter donate $200.00 to help defray the cost of postage.
- The Wreaths Across America program will be held Saturday, December 17th. A Motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to purchase 10 wreaths at a cost of $150.00.
- The Chapter Christmas party will be held on December 14th - same time, same place as our regular monthly meetings.
- Sternadel then distributed an email from the VVA National President (John Rowan) that informed all that a movement is at hand to make changes to the VVA organization so as to preserve the legacy of Vietnam veterans and to be able to continue the fight for Vietnam veterans family benefits and rights. One proposal might include a change, such that all veterans would be allowed into the VVA organization. One idea is to somehow increase the lifespan of the VVA organization itself, beyond the last surviving Vietnam veteran. Other proposals may also emerge. Two panels are now being formed whose purpose will be to try and come up with some solution. More information will be forthcoming as we become aware of it.
- The semiannual TSC meeting was recently held in Killeen. Stephen Brady attended on behalf of the Chapter.
- Sternadel added that VVA scholarship information was available - please contact him for details.
- There being no further business, President Sternadel declared the meeting adjourned at 2045. Much thanks to our chapter Secretary, John Steelman for providing the basic contents of this report.
CLICK HERE for the Wharton County VSO Contact Information
CLICK HERE for the VA's Vet Center website