OPENING CEREMONIES: Commander Doty called the meeting to order at 1000 hours. Opening ceremonies were held according to VFW Ritual. Twenty Four members were present.

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: The Roll Call was taken by Adjutant Burnett. All present except Trustee Dan Steakley.

NEW RECRUITS: Commander asked if there were any new recruits. No new recruits.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS: Commander called for distinguished guests: None

MINUTES: Commander asked if the minutes from the previous meeting had been posted. The Minutes were posted at the entrance way to Mango's and sent out to all members with an e-mail address on file. Comrade Burnett said that one error on the minutes was corrected on file copy. The minutes had shown that a Comrade Anderson won the 50/50. However, it was corrected to show that the winner was Comrade Atkinson who donated his share to the relief fund. The Adjutant made the motion to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Comrade Correll,

QUARTERMASTER REPORT: Commander called for the report of the Quartermaster: QM Burnett presented the report. Quartermaster made the motion to accept the report as presented, seconded by Comrade Soper, Carried. The audit was conducted on 9 Aug 2010. The report is on file, if anyone wants to see the entire report, contact the Quartermaster.

SERVICE OFFICER REPORT: Commander called for the Service Officer’s report. Comrade Gerken gave his report concerning TRICARE claims and informed members that TRICARE will be sending letters to members living outside the U.S. updating them on the TRICARE Overseas Program Contract. See the two TRICARE attachments sent with these minutes.

COMRADE OR FAMILY MEMBER IN DISTRESS: None

COMMANDER CALLED FOR COMMITTEE REPORTS:

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: QM Burnett gave the report. National has not updated the report for term 2010-11 and will not post life memberships totals until after the National Convention later this month. Figures were adjusted by the QM and does not include any members who renewed by mail directly to National.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Program Director Carmen Hendricks was invited to update members on the program. We currently have 70 students, 58 are Post sponsored and 12 sponsored by Post members. Carmen asked if the students could be seen by the dentists at the upcoming out reach next month. Commander Doty said that this would be considered later on into the meeting and he would get back to her. Following her report. Commander Doty gave addition info on the program. The numbers of students was previously voted on to be reduced to 50 students from 60. We are still 8 over the limit, however 9 will be graduating this term. Currently all private sponsors pay more than is required to cover costs. Last school year, the Post spent $1092 on scholar program, however $1119 was received in donations and private sponsors. The Post also received $438 in donations for field trips/xmas presents. The current budget for the 50 students is $700. However during the last four years no Post funds were used as donations covered the costs. The students will be seen by the Dentists at the out reach if they have a problem or need a tooth removed. See New Business for more on this issue.

BUDDY POPPY CHAIRMAN: Chaplain Alvarado reported that P1020 ($22.67) had been collected at the meeting, thank you to all who donated, this is the second meeting in a row that we received over P1000 in donations.

WEBSITE: Adjutant Burnett is currently working on updating the Website, lot of obsolete info and some items need updating including Post History.

BUILDING COMMITTEE: NTR

BEACH BASH COMMITTEE: Short meeting to be held after this meeting to ask for volunteers.

PUP TENT 11: Seam Squirrel reported that the Pup Tent had a good Scratch last week.

POST HOUSE COMMITTEE: NTR

VFW NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN: Commander asked Chaplain Alvarado to ask Divine blessings upon our National Home for Children.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
-None-

NEW BUSINESS
Commander Doty said that with the death of Comrade Phillips the Office of Advocate is vacant. Commander nominated Comrade Correll. He accepted the nomination and elected to the office.

Commander Doty said that 3rd year Trustee position has been vacated. Commander asked for nominations or a volunteer. Comrade Rowe volunteer to fill the position and was elected into it.

JVC Gallant said that there is a lot of junk from the old Post House that should be gotten rid of. Commander tasked the Post House Committee to survey the items and submit recommendations on disposal. Quartermaster will assist.

Labor Day BBQ. JVC Gallant asked about a BBQ on Labor Day. Comrade Correll made a motion to hold the event on the Sunday before and seconded by Comrade Best. Carried. Comrades Phil Atkinson and Storment will handle the event. Pot luck plates are welcome, as are donations. Venue will be at Mango's pending management approval.

Motion made by Comrade Correll to allocate up to $400 for the Dental Outreach in September. Second by Comrade Soper. Carried.

Comrade Soper made a motion increased the number of students from 50 to 60. Seconded by Comrade Rowe. After discussion motion was defeated.

Comrade Wright made a motion to not have a new Post House, seconded by Comrade Koeppen. Comrade Wright said that he felt things are good as they are now, using Mango's and Keith's Place to hold meetings and meet there for comradeship. He further stated that he would change his position if the Building Fund could be used vice General Fund to finance a new Post House, paying costs for renovation, start up stock, rent if need be and all permits. It was brought up by Past Commander Correll that a large portion of the Building Fund was donated by non members and other Posts. He felt they would probably not appreciated it if used for another purpose then a purchase of a new building. He said that membership is holding steady over the last few years at over 400. Adjutant said that there are 237 members living in the P.I., with an average age of 63.56, with only 53 of them at the age of 60 or lower. Comrade Best said that members are forgetting other money makers for the Post House like the three draws, football and baseball pools which could go to paying Post House expenses. During discussion most members wanted a new Post House if we could find something affordable. The motion to not find a new Post House was voted on and defeated by a majority.

Re-schedule November Post meeting. The Post meeting is currently scheduled for 10 Nov the same day as the District VII meeting which the Commander, Comrades Correll and Burnett must attend. It was suggested that the meeting date be changed to first Thursday of the month 4 Nov, same time. The normally scheduled Pup Tent meeting that would have been held at 10am that day will be held after the General Membership Meeting of the VFW. Seam Squirrel Cox said it was not a problem. Motion to change date of meeting was made and seconded. Carried.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Commander said that a basic first aid course including CPR training is being offered by the Red Cross at P1350 per student, 14 students minimum. A new CPR technique will be taught, the Commander has a video and he can email a copy to anyone who requests one. See the Commander for additional info.

There will be a presentation by members of Olongapo Memorial Gardens concerning their burial services, prices and burial insurance policy after the meeting.

Comrade Gerken said that there will be an Embassy Outreach Program on Friday, 3 Sep. 0800 till 1100, at the Grand Leisure Hotel on SBMA. He also stated that rent for the RAO building has double, however there will be no increase in dues. However some services may have to be cut such as free phone calls. See him or RAO director if you need further info.

Adjutant said that there is not for profit organization trying to help restore Clark Veterans Cemetery. You can view details of their request in the attached document. A website address is listed that you can get further info.

Commander asked the Adjutant to hand out a document to all members who wanted one, it was the Widows Check-off List. The list showed all documents that are required by the U.S. Embassy and RAO to help the widow receive any benefits due them and report the death to U.S. authorities. Gives the number of copies needed for each document, shows what needs to be notarized, etc. Copy is being attached to the minutes.

Commander Doty won the 50/50 raffle P1800 was collected. P900 to the winner, P900 to the Post. Comrade Doty donated his to the Relief Fund. Thanks Dennis.

CLOSING CEREMONIES: Closing Ceremonies were held according to Ritual and the meeting was adjourned at 1125 hours. The next GMM will be held on 8 September at Keith's Place at 1000.

Official:
/S/ Dennis L Doty
Commander

/S/ Tom Burnett
Adjutant
August 13, 2010