Mar 26 2010
March 2010 Chapter Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
March 20, 2010
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER
VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION
President Gary Hurelle called the meeting to order at 1015 at American Legion Post Number 1. Present were Hal Bergdahl, Rick Beaver, Doug Neil, Bill Robie, Walt Wise, John Hargleroad, Jerry Marshall, Greg Mann, Phil Lanphier, John Grauff, Mike Law and yours truly Ed Fickes, who acted as secretary.
Minutes and Treasurer’s Report. February meeting minutes were approved (with the correction that Walt Wise is Vice President). In the absence of Treasurer, Jim McNamee, both the February and March Treasurer’s reports where approved as submitted by Jim in advance of the meeting. Dues of $20 were collected from Greg Mann and will be deposited by Fickes.
Business and Committee Reports:
● Rick Beaver reported on last week’s meeting of the Museum Improvement Committee and outlined the phases of construction and installation of the pilot’s and mock cockpit, cabinets and jump seat – after much discussion and input, all were asked to watch the yahoo site for information concerning needs and wants as the plans develop.
●Walt Wise gave an update on the fact that the new healthcare bill should not affect those on Tri-care also reminded all that if they do not have a VA Service agent working on their behalf – they should get one soon.
●Ed Fickes reported on the summer “Open House BBQ” and it was decided to give Don Rice August 14th and 21st as possible dates for the picnic at Leprino’s Hanger at Jeffco/Metro Airport. Once Don has selected best date for him – plans will be developed as to how best invite others associated with [‘Combat’, ‘Helicopter’, ‘Service’]. Mann volunteered to handle this task and it will include an RSVP requirement, as well as a limit on number of guests/kids that non-members can bring (limited by totals we can serve and feed – to be set by Don Rice). Hopefully the Museum improvements will be well along and it can be setup at Leprino’s. Depending on availability – we may or not have flying or static display helicopters available. We would hope to obtain the RSVPs and charge only members and accept donations from other attendees.
●Ed Fickes also reported about feedback from Bill McPherson in Cripple Creek concerning this year’s event and possibility of getting some floor cleats for future jump seat installation in the Museum. Bill’s response to Fickes’ inquiry was that those recently elected in Cripple Creek were no longer veteran friendly and were going to hold a motorcycle rally instead. McPherson has resigned as City Manager, but is still in possession of his UH-1M. He has offered, and members voted to accept, his donation of his personal pilot’s seat for use in the Museum – members also voted to hold the April 17th meeting in Golden (most likely at the Buffalo Rose – Robie will confirm) to accept delivery from Bill at the Museum. Members authorized Fickes to purchase 2 bottles of single malt scotch for the presentation – one for Bill and one to share.
●Ed Fickes reminded all of the “Honor Flight – Welcome Home” the chapter will host at Signature Flight Hanger on Saturday April 24th –expected time is 2000hrs, details will follow. Members authorized the purchase of water, cookies, etc for this event. Also the Evans, CO VFW will hold a benefit all you can eat breakfast to benefit the Honor Flight on Sunday March 28th -0830-1100 – Presentation of plaque to Bill Brewster, who has hauled the Museum to venues for the past 5-6 years, will be made – more info to follow.
●Gary Hurelle reminded of elections at the June meeting, which resulted in tendering of several nominations: Phil Lanphier/President and Walt Wise/VP- more nominations welcomed at future meetings. ●Meeting was adjourned at 1145.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed Fickes, Acting Secretary