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 MINUTES
Disabled
American Veterans
Theodore
B. House Memorial Chapter 3
282
Don Juico Ave., Clarkview
Angeles
City, Philippines
General
Membership Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2003
The Meeting
was opened for business at 10:40 AM; Ceremonies were conducted by Cmdr Ray
Jones.
ROLL CALL: Adj. Godfrey reported All Officers Present or
Accounted for.
APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP: The following disabled veteran’s
applications were presented to the membership; they were voted on and accepted:
Felipe C. Juan
PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: Motion was made by SVC Milward to
accept the Minutes as posted, subject to correction. Motion was seconded,
voted on and passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treas. Norman Macon read the Financial
Report, a motion was made by P/C Welsh to accept the report as read subject to
audit, seconded, voted on and passed. (See attached)
SICK CALL: Cmdr Jones stated that the following Comrades were
reported confined to a Hospital: Melvin McGowan; Ralph Bridges; Hanes and
Mahoney.
SERVICE OFFICER’S REPORT: Svc. Officer Johnson submitted
and read his report; see attached, and then answered questions from the
membership. (See attached)
NOTE:
If you weren't there... you missed out on important and worthwhile Veteran &
VA Update and Information.
ADJUTANT'S REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS: Report submitted by
Adj. Joe Godfrey briefed the Membership on
communications received and
on the status of the Chapter's Computerized Membership Listing. He asked
Membership to contribute information and updates to the Chapter's Veteran
Information Bulletin. (See attached)
NOTE:
All communications are available for reading at the Chapter Office.
OLD BUSINESS:
 | Cmdr.
Jones discussed the Chapter's upcoming 10th Anniversary, the following
information was provided. |
Date: January 23, 2004
Venue: American Legion Post 123
Events: Social starting at 11:30 AM, approx 12:30:
Luncheon followed by Presentation of Awards and
Dance with music by a live band.
Menu: Ham Steak Dinner with trimmings.
Cost: P200 per person, tickets to be sold starting in early
January.
ACTION - CONTINUES
| SVC
Milward opened a discussion about the GMM location. Comrade Piochocky
stated that Comrade Wheat was very close to starting an AmVets
Chapter and wanted the DAV and AmVets to jointly utilize the present
location as their POST HOME. He pointed out about fixing up the
location and then profits for Food & Beverages would go to the two VSO's.
SVC Milward made a motion for the Chapter to continue to hold the GMM's at
the present locations for the next 2-3 months; motion was seconded,
voted on and passed. COMPLETED
ITEM. |
| P/C
Welsh stated that the Appreciation Plaque for Comrade Cherry Wheat had been
ordered but not received. Upon receipt it would be presented during a
GMM. NO
FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED |
| SVC
Milward briefed the Membership regarding the Chapter's purchase of 12
walking canes. The total cost was $57 or $4.75 per cane.
The canes are to be stored in the DAV for issue to veterans, with NSC
disabilities, in need at no cost. |
| CMDR
Jones stated that he and SVC Milward were still working on the purchase of
Chapter Ball/Service Caps. |
NEW
BUSINESS:
| SVC Milward notified the Membership that the
Chapter will soon have some wheelchairs, canes and braces (different types)
and would be available for emergency issue for veterans in need on a loan
basis. Svc. Officer Johnson suggested that there be more than one
place for storage/issue. Comrade Salmon stated that there was
presently a wheelchair available for emergency use on a loan basis available
at Jerry's Cafe.
|
| SVC
Milward stated that the VA had notified him that they are no longer
responding to e-mail regarding medical conditions and treatment as that
information was considered sensitive and protected by 30 USC 5701 and the
Privacy Act. That communications of this nature would have to be
handled in person or by phone. That only general information may now be
answered via e-mail. Adj. Godfrey also stated that the OPC Pharmacy
will not fill or reply to e-mail pertaining to medications. |
GOOD
OF THE CHAPTER:
| Svc.
Officer Johnson warned that Veterans asking for increase in ratings, as a
lot will be applying due to the new laws regarding Concurrent Receipt (Restoratation
of Retired Pay). Stated; "Please be very careful in doing this as
the VA will then take another look at your claim file, which they are
required to do anytime you ask for an increase in compensation.
Remember, when you ask for an increase in compensation your rating can go
up, stay where it is or go
down. He suggested, if a veteran
is planning to ask for an increase he/she should talk to an authorized
Service Representative VSO... prior to doing so. |
| He
stated that he had noticed an increase in veterans requesting a hearing
and/or filling Notice of Disagreement (NOD). Veterans should
understand they might just need to ask for an increase for one disability,
make sure you specify what you are asking for. AGAIN, your rating could stay the same, go up or
go down. There
are several courses of action available before filling an NOD. TALK
TO A VSO before deciding which course to take. |
| American
Legion Post 10, now has a DSO who can represent you at the Embassy. |
| Fraud:
School fraud is the big thing in the Philippines right now and has grown to
an alarming figure and the guilty should be forewarned. The VA is
checking. |
A
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR OUR FALLEN COMRADES WAS OBSERVED.
CLOSING CEREMONIES: Were held IAW DAV ritual and the General
Membership Meeting was closed at 11:35 AM.
NEXT GMM: The next will be held January 9, 2004 at 10:30 AM in the
present location.
Submitted by: ___________________
Joe Godfrey
Adjutant
Approved by: __________________
Ray Jones
Commander
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