Minutes of the Annual Meeting

 

Annual Meeting of the Southern California Chapter of the VHPA - Newport Beach American Legion Post 291, Newport Beach, CA 17 October 2009

Ed Holguin, Carl Cortez, Bob Whitford, Michael O’Neil, Russ Janus, Dana Young, Tom Crosby, Dick McCaig, David Rhodes, Swen Akesson, Tom Jones, Robert Piatt, Jim Newsom, Skip Parenteau, Michael Carson, Albert Rasch, Tom Woehl, Mike Willsey, John McArthur

The meeting was called to order by Ed Holguin at 1010 and led by the Pledge of Allegiance. First order of business was the Treasurer’s Report prepared by Dale Berry, summarized by Ed Holguin. The report was approved and seconded.

Members attending were asked to sign in and remit their 2010 dues.

Second order of business was the upcoming 2010 National Reunion in San Diego. The latest revision of the Reunion Logo was presented. Suggestions were made to include the Sea Wolf and Cobra logos on the helicopters. The So Cal VHPA logo has been approved by National to appear on the lead aircraft. A suggestion was made to revise the font used and to add “27th Reunion” to the logo. There were questions presented concerning the size of the pilots pictured, and on their gear, which to some appeared to be more recent issue than VietNam.

VHPA National is offering TOCs and rooms for large groups. Carl Cortez invited the So Cal chapter to join with his unit’s TOC.

Dana Young suggested that there be one member responsible for coordinating the Chapter’s duties at the reunion. At this point, there are no clearly defined duties. It was noted that Mike Law is preparing a list of those duties. Dana stated that at previous reunions inexpensive helpers were available from the local Con-Vis bureaus. He is concerned that the duties will exceed the support capability of the chapter. He also questioned the duties of Military Reunion Planners, and stated that the 2010 VHPA reunion would be the largest they have handled.

According to Tom Crosby, Kenny Bunn is to be in charge of registration, covering the 2 days previous to and all days during the reunion.

Bob Whitford reported on the Golf Tournament plans. The tournament has now been moved to Thrusday 7/1, and has been tentatively set at a cost of $34 for golf and $10-15 for a lunch to be served before the tournament starts. Final cost to be determined.

More questions were put forward concerning “who is doing what?”. First requirement is a final schedule, So Cal chapter staff requirements and commitments, MRP’s staff requirements and commitments (all the foregoing due from Mike Law) before work can start on scheduling and enlisting volunteers.

Mike Law is to be in the San Diego area on the 23-24 November and will have time to meet with the So Cal chapter at that time. Notice of the meeting date, time and location will be announced by e-mail.

There is to be a Veteran’s Day celebration at the Reagan Library with a VietNam Veteran’s theme. There will be a UH1-B and Sea Wolf fly in plus a static display. Russ Janus, Ed Holguin and David Rhodes volunteered to represent the chapter.

Regarding the Los Alamitos Huey that was available for renovation as a static display aircraft for the chapter, current communications are on hold.

There will be a Wings and Rotor air show at Los Alamitos on 26 October from 0900-1600. Carl has the tent, chairs, tables and banners. Volunteers are needed to man the booth.

A new VA Cemetery with internment area for 26,000 veterans is planned in San Diego west of Miramar. Suggestion made to display this information at the 2010 VHPA reunion.

The planned Chili Cook Off was not attended by the chapter due to late changes in regulations by the sponsors.

Ed Holguin retired as President of the chapter. As current Vice President, Tom Crosby accepted the position of President. Carl Cortez was nominated as Vice President and accepted the position. Dale Berry is being held as the Secretary/Treasurer at this time.

A plaque was presented to the American Legion Post 291 in appreciation for allowing the chapter to hold meetings at their facilities.

The meeting was adjourned at 1130

Submitted by Donna McCraig