Post Commander Correll called the meeting to order at 1000 on Wednesday, 11 Apr 2007.

There were 24 members in attendance.

Comrade Alvarez gave the opening prayer.

Commander led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Section 3 of the Congressional Charter.

The Roll Call was taken by the Adjutant. Surgeon John T. Brady absent.

Commander called for new recruits:
None

Commander called for distinguished guests:
None

Commander asked if the minutes from the previous meeting had been posted:
The Adjutant reported they had, and no comments or changes had been made. Comrade Saunders made motion to accept the minutes as written, seconded by JVC Corbin. Carried.

Commander called for the report of the Quartermaster:
QM Burnett presented the report.  . Trustees audited the report on 3 Apr. Comrade Best made the motion to accept the report as presented, seconded by Comrade Alvarez.  Carried. The report is on file at the Post home, if anyone wants to see the report contact the Quartermaster.

Commander called for the Service Officer’s report:
NTR.

Commander called for the Surgeon's report:
Absent.

Commander asked if there was a member or family member in distress:
NTR

Commander called for Committee reports:

Post Home Committee Report:
PHC Chairman Cox reported that no meeting was held due to a lack of a quorum.  Commander reminded the members of the Committee and officers to make the meeting which is usually held the second Monday of the month (in May it will be the first Monday).  All members of the Post are encouraged to attend to voice their concerns.

Membership Committee:
QM Burnett gave report. Life Members 370, New 9, Reinstated 8, Cont 36, Total 423 members.  No membership applications outstanding.

Amerasian Scholarship Committee:
Comrade Hendricks reported that four students graduated last month and students now stand at 56. 

Buddy Poppy Chairman:
Comrade Alvarez reported P700 ($14.58) was collected for the Relief Fund.

Seam Squirrel Report:
NTR.

Web Master:
Adjutant reported that Fred McClure is doing a good job and has been forwarding emails sent to the website to the Adjutant for action if he could not answer them. His email address is fred.mcclure@disa.mil if anyone notices an error on the site or has some suggestions you can contact him or the Adjutant.

Building Committee:
Commander said that the owner of the Post home has not responded to the email sent to her concerning new lease.

Comrade Alvarez led the membership in reciting the National Home Prayer.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Nominations and Elections of officers.  Commander reopened nominations for officers.  Comrade Saunders made motion that if a position was contested (two or more nominees) that a ballot be used, if not then the members can vote by raising their hand. Seconded by Comrade Best, carried. The nominee for each position was read and the membership was asked for new nominees if any for each position.  Comrade Larry Nirza was nominated for Surgeon and Comrade Harry Hommel was nominated for Chaplain.  Following request for nominee’s election was held and the following are the officers for 2007-08:

Quartermaster reported on donations for the labor dispute.  To date $750 has been donated, this includes $250 from members in the U.S.  Donations are still requested from all members.

Commander explains the latest on the McGowan case.  He read to the membership the charges and specifications for having Melvin McGowan membership revoked.  Charges and specifications are:

Charge (1):  Violation of Article IX, subsection 6 of Section 902 of the National By-Laws, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.  Disobedience or disregard of the provisions of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure, Ritual.  General Orders or laws and usages of the Veteran of Foreign Wars of the United States.

• Specification (1): In that Comrade Melvin E. McGowan, Sr., member of Paul P. Busek Post No. 11447, VFW did in the state of California engage in child molestation.  Currently incarcerated under Code 288(a) lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.

• Specification (2): Violation of parole and transferring membership to Post 2485 and then 11447 knowing that he was a fugitive from the law.

Charge (2): Violation of Article IX, subsection 8 of Section 902 of the National By-Laws, Veterans of Foreign  Wars of the United States.  Disobedience or disregard of the provisions of the Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure, Ritual.  General Orders or laws and usages of the Veteran of Foreign Wars of the United States.

• Specification (1):  In that Melvin E. McGowan’s crime and conduct is unbecoming a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its members.

Commander Correll made motion for the membership to vote on the Post taking action to have Comrade McGowan’s membership in the VFW revoked.  Seconded by Comrade Saunders. Carried by a majority of the members present at the meeting.

The adjutant will prepare a Special Order and attached the Charges and Specifications to it. The Special Order will be sent to the accused at his last known address on record with the VFW.

Commander read to the membership the latest labor dispute decision received from the Labor Board. The Commander and Adjutant attended the meeting concerning the former employee.  The awarded payment to the employee was discussed at the Labor Board meeting and it was decided that he would receive payments over a 6 month period and he also requested not to be reinstated to his former job.  In addition to the amount awarded him by the Board, he was given separation pay for his two years of employment.  Labor Board decision and results of the meeting are on file at the Post for review by any member wishing to do so. Contact the Adjutant.

NEW BUSINESS

During last month meeting the Commander had distributed handouts concerning the position of Junior Vice Commander of the Department, Comrades Malott and Hirshbein.  An updated announcement for candidacy for Comrade Malott was presented to the membership.  In addition to the JVC the position of Department Quartermaster was also be contested by two members.  Current Quartermaster Tony Power and Comrade George E. Beck, Jr. Comrade Sanders made motion that the membership vote on which candidate they want to endorse for Junior Vice Commander.  Seconded by Comrade Koeppen.  Membership voted for endorsement of Comrade Malott as DPA JVC. Comrade Best made motion for the membership to vote on candidate for the position of Quartermaster, seconded by the Commander.  By majority vote, current DPA Quartermaster Tony Powers was voted in to be endorsed by the Post.  Delegate votes will be carried by the Commander as voted on in the February meeting.

Commander Correll said that the Post needed a new printer.  Both printers currently in use are not working correctly and need to be replaced by a more reliable unit.  He said if voted on he and Lee Andersen would check around for new printer.  The Commander made motion that the Post authorize him to purchase a printer at a cap of P7,500 seconded by JVC Corbin.  During discussion the motion was change by Comrade Garrett to increased the monetary cap to P10,000 seconded by Comrade Phillips .  If P10,000 is not enough for a laser printer a request for additional funds will be made at next meeting. Carried.

Commander showed the membership a plaque that was awarded from Post 9892 to 11447 for its finish in the Chili Cook-off held at their Post.  The plaque has an error on it and the Commander made motion that P1000 be made available to correct it. Seconded by Comrade Best.  Carried. The Commander read a resolution to support Clark cemetery at former Clark Air Base in the Philippines (Angeles City).  According to National By-Laws a Post cannot solicit funds outside its immediate geographical area.  The resolution wants Post 2485 to continue with its endeavors with Clark Cemetery and authorizes solicitation of funds for management and upkeep of the cemetery within the geographical areas of the Department and that a Clark Cemetery Chairman be appointed.  As an officer of the Department the chairman shall provide a report to the Department Convention and at other times deemed necessary.  Commander made motion for the Post to support the resolution, seconded by JVC Corbin. Carried.  Copy of resolution is available in the latest Department of Pacific Areas Typhoon newsletter or at the Post. 

The Commander asked for the membership to vote on the Post’s ad for the Department Convention Book.  He read the prices and type of ad.  JVC Corbin made motion that the Post purchases an ad for the book, seconded by Comrade Hendricks.  Following discussion it was decided that the Post would purchase a ½ page black and white ad for $40. Carried.  Following the vote the Commander asked for a volunteer to solicit ads for the book, no volunteers came forward.

District Raffle Tickets.  Commander said that there were still three books of raffle tickets available.  There were no buyers. The Commander made motion for the Post to purchase the three books, seconded by JVC Corbin. Carried.

Commander told members that a delegate to carry delegate votes to the District meeting this month.  Comrade Saunders made motion that Commander Correll carries the delegate votes to the District meeting.  Seconded by Comrade Alvarez.  Carried.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Raffle tickets for Fil/Am day (4th July) need to be made.  Commander discussed the number of tickets needed to make and to be sold.  Prizes were discussed including having watches made available for consolidation prizes.  The goal for this year is $1500 which would help with the financial problems of the post. 

Loyalty Day, normally held on the 1st of May will be celebrated on the 3rd following the Cootie Scratch.

Comrade Miller reminded everyone that today was Submariners Birthday.

Comrade Steakley brief the membership about the recent TRICARE conference held in Manila with guest speaker LTC Tony Ingram, Chief, Program Operations, TRICARE Area Office, Pacific, Okinawa.  He gave a brief overview of TRICARE, discussed the suspension of providers and status of claims with some providers. For a complete copy of the conference results, see the Post Adjutant for a copy or check out website www.retperser.com

Comrade Miller said that he has information for expats who want to work at GITMO Cuba.  Two jobs available for AC/REFRIGERATION Foreman to oversee a small work force. Also available is a position for a Minor Construction Foreman.

Comrade Gross explained a little bit about the 25% cost share of members using TRICARE.  He also gave the latest on ACR-I cards, the validity of all issued ACR-I was extended to 30 June 2007. and may be good for five years vice one year after renewal.  See the Post bulletin board or RAO bulletin board if you want to read the memorandum.  Comrade Gross also said that you can pay your exit fee at the airport rather than going to immigration, the cost is about $50 (depending on peso rate). The line for paying at the airport is shorter than the line for immigration interviews,

Comrade Gross said that the Air Force recruiter will be here on 4 May and the Navy recruiter later this month.  Recruits must be U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Comrade John Hunt said that theft at San Francisco airport is high and that a new variety of balikbayan  boxes have been made that are less theft proof.  Boxes are available at some military bases.

50/50 Raffle was won by Seth Hendricks.  P2500 ($52) was collected, P1250 to the Post and P1250 to Seth. Comrade Hendricks donated his half to the General Fund, thank you Seth.

Comrade Alvarez gave the Closing Prayer.

Commander adjourned the meeting at 1135. Next meeting will be held at the Post Home at 1000, Wednesday 9 May 2007.

Official:
/S/Tom Burnett
Post Adjutant
16 Apr 2007    

/S/James E. Correll
Commander