Dec 03 2011
19 November Meeting Minutes
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
19 NOVEMBER 2011
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER
VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION
President Phil Lanphier called the meeting to order at 1000 hours at American Legion Post #1,
I-25 and Yale Avenue.
Members Present: Phil Lanphier, Ed Fickes, Brian Foote, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Gary Hurelle, Steve Swaim, Fred Lyssy, Carl Cavalluzzi, Doug Neil, Greg Mann, Al Harinck, John Gaines, Walt Wise, Tom Landis, Donny O’Connor, Mike Hammer, Jim McNamee, and prospective member Ken Peterson.
Phil led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The September meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Ed Fickes, second Greg Mann). Note—There was no meeting in October because of the Denver LZ Reunion. The Treasurers Reports for June through November were approved (Motion-Ed Fickes, second, John Grauff). Note—The minutes from June to October had not yet been approved because the Treasurer (Jim McNamee) was not at the meetings due to travel.
Model Sales—Walt Wise reported that he had sold all of the models he took to his unit reunion in October, and gave Jim cash and checks for $840. He also stated that the Marine Corps’ Pop a Smoke Reunion will be held in Orlando from July 11-15, 2012. He said that he probably could sell a lot of models there, and has arranged to ship the models to a fellow Marine to hold for him until he gets there. He said that he would like to give the Marine a model for his trouble, and the members agreed. He asked permission to order the models from Bill Robie, and the members approved (Motion Ed Fickes, second Al Harinck). He would like to order some CH 34s because he could have sold a lot of them at his reunion, but understands that they are out of production. Carl Cavalluzzi stated that he knew of another model supplier and will check to see if he has any CH 34s.
Denver LZ Reunion—Fred Lyssy provided the final accounting for the Denver LZ Reunion held on October 8th. The reunion expenses exceeded revenues by less than $100, and all agreed that this was acceptable for such a successful event. Fred praised Phil Lanphier for his opening remarks and Bob Stewart for his keynote address. The members applauded Fred and Greg Mann (who stated that Fred did most of the work) for planning the event.
Several members, including Phil, Fred, and Greg, met after the meeting to review the reunion and provide suggestions for the next Denver reunion.
Possible Activities for 2012—Phil stated that we should start thinking about things to do in 2012. He had several ideas:
–Wings Over the Rockies–Hal Bergdahl is looking in to the possibility of having the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) located in the hanger for a weekend. The members seemed to like the idea. Jim McNamee stated that we have no other venues planned for the HWM in 2012, and asked the members to be on the lookout for airshows, veterans’ celebrations, AVTT Traveling Wall appearances, etc. He will check the AVTT website to see if there are any appearances scheduled in the region in 2012 (note—he checked, and the closest scheduled venue is Fort Bridger, Wyoming, 400 miles away). He also said he would like to make more appearances at schools, which was one of the primary reasons for building the HWM.
Draft meeting minutes, November 19, 2011 (continued)
–Ski Trip—Phil asked if there was any interest in a chapter ski trip, and there was. The members decided to do a trip to Copper Mountain in March. Phil will work on it.
–St Patrick’s Day Parade—Phil is on the parade planning committee and asked if there was any interest in “marching” in the parade, with the chapter banner, but without the HWM. There is a fee involved, probably about $50 or $75 dollars. There was enough interest, so Phil will get details.
–Function for Veterans—Phil asked if the chapter wanted to do something at the VA Hospital again, such as a Christmas party or pig roast, both of which we have done in the past. Jim mentioned that the pig roast was definitely out because of new VA rules stating that any food brought into the facility had to be pre-packaged. This would make the Christmas cookie event problematic, too.
This led to a discussion about other possibilities. Ed mentioned checking with the VA Hospital to see if they could identify families of veterans that needed help. Fred mentioned the Fischer House, which provides support to patients’ families. Tom Landis then mentioned that the families of deployed Colorado National Guardsmen often could use help. Mike Hammer mentioned that organizations often prefer cash because they can leverage it better than they can goods. Phil, Fred and Tom will do some research and make a decision, because we would like to do something before Christmas and there aren’t any meetings before then.
Ed made a motion (Al Harinck second) that the chapter provide $250 from the General Fund for this charitable effort. The motion passed. The members also passed the hat and collected $270, for a total so far of $520. Brian Foote will send out an e-mail to see if any other members would like to donate.
Poker Night—Phil asked if there was any interest in having a chapter poker night, possibly at the American Legion. This idea created interest, but it was tabled for now.
Night at the Theater—Phil mentioned that we have had several successful theater nights in the past, and asked if there was interest in doing it again. There is interest. Greg mentioned that “Defending the Caveman was coming to Parker in June. He will get details. Also, the members drafted Rick Beaver (who was not present) to see what was on the playbills for the Boulder Dinner Theater, Heritage Square Opera House and Miners Alley Playhouse, because he has arranged events there before.
Potential Members in Southern Colorado—John Gaines, who lives in Trinidad, mentioned that there were several potential chapter members in southern Colorado that we should reach out to. The members decided to make another effort to get past and potential members there involved, probably in the spring.
Miscellaneous—
Phil asked if there has been a response yet on our HWM grant request. Jim stated that he should check with the grant administrator, Bill Robie.
Brian passed around a report about the Chinook that was shot down in Afghanistan.
John Gaines asked Jim to post a list on the website of chapter clothing available for sale so that members who couldn’t make the meetings could buy articles. Jim said he would.
Draft meeting minutes, November 19, 2011 (continued)
Brian asked if everyone was receiving e-mails from him, such as the meeting notices. Anyone who is not receiving chapter e-mails should contact Brian on the chapter website.
Christmas Parties—Phil mentioned the upcoming Christmas parties–John Grauff’s annual Christmas party on December 3rd and Greg Mann’s annual chapter party the following Saturday, December 10th. All chapter members are invited to both parties. Brian will send out e-mails with more details and directions.
Upcoming Meetings–There will not be a meeting in December because of Christmas, as is customary. The January Chapter Meeting will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on January 21st. Phil said that he will try to make videoconferencing available for members that cannot attend. If he is able to set it up, he will provide the details via e-mail.
Phil adjourned the meeting at 1110 hours.
Submitted by Jim McNamee, Secretary/Treasurer