Post Commander Gordon called the meeting to order at 1000 on Wednesday, 11 Mar.2009.

There were 21 members in attendance and no guest.

QM Burnett 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. All present except Chaplain Richmond-Absent;
 S.O. Gerken-Excused; Trustee Wright-Excused; PHC Member Coletta Absent; and Guard Haviland-Absent.

Commander called for new recruits:
None

Commander called for distinguished guests:
Past Depart Commander Webber was introduced as a distinguished guest.

Commander asked if the minutes from the previous meeting had been posted:
The Adjutant reported that they had been posted on the website and were sent to all members with an email address on file, and that no corrections had been made. The motion to accept was made by Past Commander Correll, seconded by Comrade Best. Carried

(Later in meeting)
Trustee Koeppen stated that there had been a special meeting regarding the Aircon and asked it the minutes had been approved. Past Commander Correll made a motion to accept the minutes as posted, seconded by Trustee Koeppen--Carried

Commander called for the report of the Quartermaster:
QM Burnett presented the report.
Trustees conducted an audit of QM records on 11 Mar.  No discrepancies were found.  
Past Commander Correll made the motion to accept the report as presented, seconded by
Comrade Best. Carried. The report is on file at the Post home, if any member wants to see the Report, contact the Quartermaster.

Commander called for the Service Officer’s report:
Comrade Alvarez reported.
NTR    (Adj. Note): Six members (including five Cooties) held a funeral service for a Filipino-American Vet at Masinloc on 8 March.)

Commander called for the Surgeon's report:
NTR

Commander asked if there was a member or family member in distress:
Comrade Dow has serious kidney problems and now has to undergo regular dialysis.

Commander called for Committee reports:

PHC Report:
PHC Chairman Cox reported.
Meeting was called to order at 09:00 by Chairman Cox.  The following members and guests were present:            

Audits and Reviews: 

• PHC Members Dave Culotta and RC Cox conducted Post canteen end of the month inventory on Feb 28
• Daily Draw chips were counted on Mar 1 by Committee Member Mike Best. All 480 chips were accounted for.
• Canteen records and funds will be audited by the Trustees next month
• PHC reviewed canteen monthly financial report and found it to be in good order.

Membership Committee:
Adjutant Doty gave the report gave the report. Life membership stands at 366, 9 new members, 5 continuous and 19 reinstated Total 399 for a percentage of 96.84%.  

Amerasian Scholarship Committee:
Absent

Buddy Poppy Chairman:
QM Burnett reported that P 810 ($17.23) had been collected.
In addition, P 2720 ($57.87) has been collected by the canteen staff by simply placing a collection jar on the bar with buddy poppies available to the public.

Web Master:
NTR

Building Committee:
NTR

Beach Bash Committee:
Reported by Commander Gordon: Still taking ads for the Souvenir program. See Commander Gordon to purchase one.

QM Burnett led the membership in reciting the National Home Prayer.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Past Commander Correll remarked that all pledges to purchase the aircon in the meeting room have now been collected with the exception of two pledges of P1000 each. The aircon now belongs to the post, but we need to collect the missing two pledges.

NEW BUSINESS
Nominations were opened for the election of post officers for the term of 2009-2010:

Adjutants note:  PHC 1st year (RC COX) reported that he intended to resign, and that a replacement will be required. Verbal resignation was NOT accepted by the Commander.
The following nominations were intended to replace RC on the committee.
In the event that the resignation is accepted by the Commander, the above nominee will become the PHC 2nd year and the next nominee will be the PHC 3rd year.

A motion was made by Past Commander Correll that we increase annual membership dues from $30.00 to $ 40.00 to help cover cost increases by national and department. This increase would take effect on 1 January, 2010. The motion was seconded by Comrade Best. Discussion ensued.

This motion was amended by QM Burnett to allow an “EARLY BIRD” Renewal for members renewing prior to 1 December to remain at our current rate of $30.00 per year.
After discussion, the motion was carried by a vote of 17 to 1.

A motion was made by Past Commander Correll to amend the Post By-Laws.
The amendments will include:

• Changes to our Post address to reflect our move last year. (Sections 102 & 301)
• Changes to section 304 to allow posting of public information in our minutes, without posting private financial data.
Change to section 502 to allow ‘show of hands’ vote to officer elections when only one nominee is running.
The motion was seconded by JVC Doty
Due to the requirement to allow 20 days for members to decide, the motion was tabled until the next meeting.

Past Commander Correll made a motion to purchase a half page color ad in the convention book.
The new price is not certain, but will be about P7000. The motion was seconded by Comrade Best. If approved, Past commander Correll said that he would pay half of the amount to increase the ad to full page color. Commander Gordon agreed to pay the other half. After discussion, the motion carried.

JVC Doty Made a motion for the post to pay P5000 for entry fees and supplies for the Post Chili Cook Off team. The motion was seconded by Past commander Correll. The motion carried.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Past Commander Correll reported that VA  Director (Philippines) Jon Skelly has requested a ‘Town Hall’ type meeting in Olongapo City for veterans. These are very informative meetings for all veterans. We plan to make arrangements for this meeting to be held at the post home on 13 May, 13:00. (Adj. Note: this meeting is now scheduled)) If you have specific questions, please forward to Adj.

Comrade Phillips mentioned that several members had been donating P1000 per month to pay for the office rent. We have now given up the office as it was inefficient. Shorty suggested that we continue the practice and ask others to join to help pay other expenses. Comrade Best agreed and reminded all that one member has been donating the full amount of the canteen rent for the nine months we have been in our new home. It’s time for other members to help.

Comrade Alvarez mentioned that we have raffle tickets for the Fralics. P200 / book. At the bar.

Commander Gordon mentioned that the Beach Bash raffle was canceled. If you have tickets, see himself or JVC Doty to get your money refunded.

Past Dept. Commander Webber brought up several items for members to be aware of:

• The new tailor in Angeles City makes good Shags and Cootie Bags. Bags are P250, Shags are P350. If you are interested, contact Rhett.
Next year, the membership numbers will return as a prime factor in VFW programs. (All American, etc).
When we vote in June, please vote for someone who can and will do the job. Don’t vote for someone based on personalities.
• Check with SSA to verify that you are receiving full credit on Social Security for your military service.
• Dist.VII Meeting in La Union 25 April. Please attend.

Past Commander Correll Asked members who plan to attend the Dept. Convention to register on the website even if you do not plan to use the convention hotel. We would like to have a good showing from this post.

Comrade Steakley Reminded all members of the upcoming Fralics in San Antonio, 3 – 5 April.

50/50 Raffle was won by Comrade ‘Chico’. P2000 ($42.55) was collected.
P1000 to the winner, P1000 to the Post.

QM Burnett gave the Closing Prayer.

Commander adjourned the meeting at 11:00. Next regular meeting will be held at the Post Home at: 10:00, Wednesday 8 April 2009

Official:
/S/Dennis Doty
Post Adjutant
13 Mar 2009                      

/S/Wayne Gordon
Commander