APRIL 20, 2013

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

OPENING OF MEETING:           President Hal Bergdahl called the meeting to order at 10:07 AM at American Legion Post #1 I-25 and Yale Avenue and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT:              Max Beebe, Ray Livermont, John Mitchell, Carlo Cavalluzzi, Dan Grigsby, Walt Wise, Mike Law, Ron Schmazing, Jerry Olson, John Grauff, Mike Shea, John Gaines, Dale House, Hal Bergdahl, Greg Mann

SECRETARY’S REPORT:         Hal Bergdahl made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.  Greg Mann provided a second. The motion was passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT:         No report because Jim McNamee was out of town.

HELICOPTER WAR MUSEUM (HWM):   Curator Dale House restated that an operations officer is still needed to schedule more events for the HWM and to manage the movement and storage of the HWM. Changes in the display format and presentation in the HWM are nearing completion … in time for Memorial Day.  Volunteers are still needed for the Fort Collins event over Memorial Day weekend.  Details and a map for the event were distributed.  HWM post cards will be provided at the HWM display in Fort Collins to act as souvenirs and receipts for tax deductions.  Dale House has written an article for the Aviator including a wish list.  Additional HWM memorabilia is still needed.

OLD BUSINESS:           * John Grauff reminded everyone about the Honor Flight on May 6.

* The HWM is planned to be in Golden on 7/04/2013 and will need volunteers to open, man and pack.  Staffing of the HWM may be difficult since a number of the “regular” HWM volunteers will be in San Francisco at the national VHPA annual reunion.  Bill Robie will be managing the Golden event.

* VHPARMC officer elections will be held at the June meeting and the openings include: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Museum Curator, Museum Operations officer.

* Walt Wise and Mike Law discussed Oral History alternatives.  Walt passed out copies of Biographical Data Forms for the Veterans History Project as a starting point for collecting information.  Mike talked about the potential for having an Oral History vendor at the San Francisco reunion.  Mike said that he would contact Greg Mann and John Mitchell to discuss Oral History alternatives for the chapter and the national VHPA.

* There was conversation about members attending veteran’s activities at Regis University on Tuesday nights.

* VHPARMC clothing items were distributed.

* Hal showed his preliminary painting of Ed.

NEW BUSINESS:          The location of the May meeting was still in flux and will be communicated to the members via Email when agreed to.

  MINUTES

CLOSING OF MEETING:           Meeting was adjourned at 11:26.

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vice President John Hargleroad called the meeting to order at 1015 hours at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 and Yale Avenue.

Members Present:  Brian Foote, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Steve Swaim, Carl Cavalluzzi, Tom Landis, Dale House, Jim McNamee, Brian Wold, and new members Bob White and Jerry Bowen.

John led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The August meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Carl moved and Steve seconded)

Treasurers Report: Jim McNamee

The Treasurers Report for September was approved (Motion- Brian F., second, Steve S.).

Donations to the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Maintenance and Development Fund collected at Ed’s funeral were $665. Donations for the Ed Fickes Memorial Bench in Greely so far total $670 to cover an expected cost of about $300. Once that invoice is cleared the remaining approx $300 will be transferred to the HWM fund.  Walt Wise sold about $600 of models at the Pop a Smoke event.  The organization has $9,232.71 in the HWM Maintenance & Development fund, $2127.76 in the HWM Operating Fund, and $4489.35 in the General Fund.

Note—The members had deferred discussion of the Treasurers Reports for March through August until Jim returned from travels.  Those reports also were approved.

Old Business:

Need new HWM location – We need a new location to store the HWM as the current land owned by Chip has been sold and will be developed in 2013.  Bill Robie has been working the problem along with Fred Lyssy.

Dale House led a discussion as the new HWM curator about future plans and possibilities. The members also discussed the need for a new Operations Officer to explore/propose/book venues for the HWM.

Honor Flight – John Grauff reported on the Sept 10, 2012 Honor flight and that the RMC received an award/plaque from the Honor Flight Society for our consistent support.  Dale shared the picture taken at the Sept 10^th Honor Flight reception of the pilots accepting the plaque.  Dale had done a very clever job of taking a picture of the 2 late comers and then photo shopping them into the original picture.  Dale’s plan is to indentify wall space for important pictures and plaques in the HWM.

New Business:

Xmas Party – John Grauff passed out invitations to the Grauff Xmas party on 12/1 at his house.  Check out the new elf there.

Clothing sales – Jim McNamee will have the current and some previously ordered jackets, shirts, hats, etc at the 10/20 meeting. Carl and Jim found some new wind breakers and will bring four in various sizes to the 10/20 meeting also, first come first served.

Meeting minutes, September 15, 2012

Possible donation – Jim shared that Bill Robie reported that, after Joe Coors visited the HWM in Golden this July, he talked about a possible donation.  Bill and Jim have responded to Joe’s request and sent a Change of Financial Position report for 2011.  No expected date when we might hear back on this inquiry.

Possible HWM outer paint project – Dale shared that he has talked to a neighbor who teaches at CU about engaging the art department to consider an art project about painting the HWM exterior.  We also have an estimate from a Steve S. contact for that job.

Need Ops Officer – Rick reiterated need for an Ops Officer and talked about new displays that facilitate docents engaging visitors (like the cockpit) that increases their experience and results in higher donations.

Upcoming Meetings–The October and November meetings will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on October 20 & November 17 at 10:00.  There is not a December meeting scheduled, it’s party time.

John adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Submitted by Rick Beaver

20 OCTOBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

President Hal Bergdahl called the meeting to order at 10:05 am at American Legion Post #1, I-25 and Yale Avenue.

Members Present:  John Hargleroad, Brian Foote,  Phil Lanphier, Rick Beaver, Walt Winters, Walt Wise, Fred Lyssy, Steve Swaim, Bill Robie, Carl Cavalluzzi, Dale House, Brian Wold, Greg Mann, Bob White, Terry Olson, Mike Silva, Dave Greene and Jim McNamee.

Hal led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The September meeting minutes were approved (Motion-John Hargleroad, second Brian Foote).

The October Treasurer’s Report was approved (Motion-John Hargleroad, second, Rick Beaver).

Presentation by a VA Claims Specialist—Midway through the meeting, Phil Lanphier introduced Valerie Jones, a University of Colorado graduate who works as a VA claims specialist.  She talked about several issues, distributed literature, answered individual questions, and took notes about issues that she would research.  Among the topics she discussed were:

–The VA has eliminated the requirement for veterans to prove a stressor in order to get a consultation when applying for PTSD benefits.  Veterans now have to show only that they were in a combat zone when they file a claim.  They then will go through the normal consultation process.

–The VA has instituted a new online service, E-Benefits.  It’s a good tool for veterans to do a lot of things on their own, including checking their DD-214s, researching the status of benefits, etc.  Veterans must complete an interview to be able to access the site.

–Veterans now can file a claim online at VA.Gov.   In remarks, say “I want to file a fully developed claim.”

–Regarding claims, she said that it is a good idea to get help from a service officer to expedite the process because they can help develop claims.  Many organizations provide service officers, including the VFW, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and DAV.

–Also with regard to claims, she said not to file a new claim when one is being processed because work on the old claim starts over, and to be patient in the appeals process.

Valerie closed by saying that members with more questions could give their contact information to Phil and he will pass it on to her.

Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Location—Bill Robie stated that he had talked with the current and new owners of the lot where the museum is stored and that we have until April or May before we have to move it.  Bill has been looking in the Golden area and has a couple of possible locations in mind.

HWM Improvements—New curator Dale House and Hal visited the museum to begin planning possible improvements.  Hal drew up a schematic of the interior.  Dale said that he would like to have a meeting soon with interested members to develop an improvement plan.

Possible OH-6 (Loach) for the Museum—Dale said that he has a lead on a complete Loach and possibly other helicopter parts from a museum in Lancaster, California.  He said that it would be free, but we would have to pick it up.  Fred Lyssy said he has a trailer we could use, but the consensus was that we should look into buying a trailer.  We will need one if we take the Loach with us on museum trips.  Members then talked about storage, which would have to be secure.  Jim McNamee said that we talked in

Draft meeting minutes, 20 October 2012 (continued)

the past with Wings over the Rockies about getting a Huey and placing it in WOR.  Rick Beaver said that he was going to WOR soon and would talk about the possibility of having the Loach there and taking it out for trips.  Dale said that he would research the Loach acquisition and also work on a budget.

TYJ Global/Return Flight—Jim stated that he received a phone call from TYG Global inviting us to attend an Open House at the hanger at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport from 12:30 to 5:00 on November 10^th.  TYJ Global is a helicopter company that supports local law enforcement and military training.  They also run the Return Flight Program, which is the only program in the country that trains paralyzed pilots to fly helicopters.  TYJ is opening a veterans center and apparently would like to have us as partners.  Jim is not sure exactly what TYJ is proposing, and asked if anyone could attend the open house (he can’t).  Hal said he would try to get there.

Donation from Joe Coors’ Foundation—Jim mentioned that he had received notice that Joe Coors’ foundation, The Out Of The Box Foundation, was giving us a $1,500 grant for the HWM.  Joe visited the museum in Golden on July 4^th and subsequently contacted Bill Robie to ask if we could use some funding.  Bill and Jim provided the necessary information for the grant.

Memorial Bench for Ed Fickes—Jim reported that he had heard from chapter member Stan Cass, and that the memorial bench for Ed is in place.  It is in the Weld County Veterans Memorial Park in Greeley.  The final cost was $375, of which Stan paid $100.  Jim sent a check for the remaining $275.

Clothing Sales—Jim announced that Carl Cavalluzzi has volunteered to take over chapter clothing sales duties.  He had the items from the last order at the meeting and distributed several to members.  He still has some items that members ordered, and will have them at the November meeting.  He will mail items if a member can’t make a meeting.  He also has some extra clothing items, including hats, for sale at cost.  Carl’s contact information was in a previous e mail and will be published in another e mail soon.

Christmas Parties—Don’t forget John Grauff’s Christmas party on December 1^st in Johnstown and Greg Mann’s party on December 15^th in Lone Tree.  Details will follow.

Upcoming Meetings—The November Meeting will be held at 10:00 am on 17 November at American Legion Post Number 1, I-25 and Yale Ave. in Denver.

There will not be a meeting in December.
The January meeting will also be at American Legion Post Number 1 on 19 January.

Hal adjourned the meeting at 11:50.

Submitted by Jim McNamee, Secretary/Treasurer

hawk36101@q.com

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vice President John Hargleroad called the meeting to order at 1015 hours at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 andYale   Avenue.

Members Present:  Brian Foote, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Steve Swaim, Carl Cavalluzzi, Tom Landis, Dale House, Jim McNamee, Brian Wold, and new members Bob White and Jerry Bowen.

John led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The August meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Carl moved and Steve seconded)

Treasurers Report: Jim McNamee

The Treasurers Report for September was approved (Motion- Brian F., second, Steve S.).

Donations to the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Maintenance and Development Fund collected at Ed’s funeral were $665. Donations for the Ed Fickes Memorial Bench in Greely so far total $670 to cover an expected cost of about $300. Once that invoice is cleared the remaining approx $300 will be transferred to the HWM fund.  Walt Wise sold about $600 of models at the Pop a Smoke event.  The organization has $9,232.71 in the HWM Maintenance & Development fund, $2127.76 in the HWM Operating Fund, and $4489.35 in the General Fund.

Note—The members had deferred discussion of the Treasurers Reports for March through August until Jim returned from travels.  Those reports also were approved.

Old Business:

Need new HWM location – We need a new location to store the HWM as the current land owned by Chip has been sold and will be developed in 2013.  Bill Robie has been working the problem along with Fred Lyssy.

Dale House led a discussion as the new HWM curator about future plans and possibilities. The members also discussed the need for a new Operations Officer to explore/propose/book venues for the HWM.

Honor Flight – John Grauff reported on the Sept 10, 2012 Honor flight and that the RMC received an award/plaque from the Honor Flight Society for our consistent support.  Dale shared the picture taken at the Sept 10^th Honor Flight reception of the pilots accepting the plaque.  Dale had done a very clever job of taking a picture of the 2 late comers and then photo shopping them into the original picture.  Dale’s plan is to indentify wall space for important pictures and plaques in the HWM.

New Business:

Xmas Party – John Grauff passed out invitations to the Grauff Xmas party on 12/1 at his house.  Check out the new elf there.

Clothing sales – Jim McNamee will have the current and some previously ordered jackets, shirts, hats, etc at the 10/20 meeting. Carl and Jim found some new wind breakers and will bring four in various sizes to the 10/20 meeting also, first come first served.

Meeting minutes, September 15, 2012

Possible donation – Jim shared that Bill Robie reported that, after Joe Coors visited the HWM in Golden this July, he talked about a possible donation.  Bill and Jim have responded to Joe’s request and sent a Change of Financial Position report for 2011.  No expected date when we might hear back on this inquiry.

Possible HWM outer paint project – Dale shared that he has talked to a neighbor who teaches at CU about engaging the art department to consider an art project about painting the HWM exterior.  We also have an estimate from a Steve S. contact for that job.

Need Ops Officer – Rick reiterated need for an Ops Officer and talked about new displays that facilitate docents engaging visitors (like the cockpit) that increases their experience and results in higher donations.

Upcoming Meetings–The October and November meetings will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on October 20 & November 17 at 10:00.  There is not a December meeting scheduled, it’s party time.

John adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Submitted by Rick Beaver

MEETING MINUTES

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vice President John Hargleroad called the meeting to order at 1015 hours at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 andYale   Avenue.

Members Present:  Brian Foote, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Steve Swaim, Carl Cavalluzzi, Tom Landis, Dale House, Jim McNamee, Brian Wold, and new members Bob White and Jerry Bowen.

John led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The August meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Carl moved and Steve seconded)

Treasurers Report: Jim McNamee

The Treasurers Report for September was approved (Motion- Brian F., second, Steve S.).

Donations to the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Maintenance and Development Fund collected at Ed’s funeral were $665. Donations for the Ed Fickes Memorial Bench in Greely so far total $670 to cover an expected cost of about $300. Once that invoice is cleared the remaining approx $300 will be transferred to the HWM fund.  Walt Wise sold about $600 of models at the Pop a Smoke event.  The organization has $9,232.71 in the HWM Maintenance & Development fund, $2127.76 in the HWM Operating Fund, and $4489.35 in the General Fund.

Note—The members had deferred discussion of the Treasurers Reports for March through August until Jim returned from travels.  Those reports also were approved.

Old Business:

Need new HWM location – We need a new location to store the HWM as the current land owned by Chip has been sold and will be developed in 2013.  Bill Robie has been working the problem along with Fred Lyssy.

Dale House led a discussion as the new HWM curator about future plans and possibilities. The members also discussed the need for a new Operations Officer to explore/propose/book venues for the HWM.

Honor Flight – John Grauff reported on the Sept 10, 2012 Honor flight and that the RMC received an award/plaque from the Honor Flight Society for our consistent support.  Dale shared the picture taken at the Sept 10^th Honor Flight reception of the pilots accepting the plaque.  Dale had done a very clever job of taking a picture of the 2 late comers and then photo shopping them into the original picture.  Dale’s plan is to indentify wall space for important pictures and plaques in the HWM.

New Business:

Xmas Party – John Grauff passed out invitations to the Grauff Xmas party on 12/1 at his house.  Check out the new elf there.

Clothing sales – Jim McNamee will have the current and some previously ordered jackets, shirts, hats, etc at the 10/20 meeting. Carl and Jim found some new wind breakers and will bring four in various sizes to the 10/20 meeting also, first come first served.

Meeting minutes, September 15, 2012

Possible donation – Jim shared that Bill Robie reported that, after Joe Coors visited the HWM in Golden this July, he talked about a possible donation.  Bill and Jim have responded to Joe’s request and sent a Change of Financial Position report for 2011.  No expected date when we might hear back on this inquiry.

Possible HWM outer paint project – Dale shared that he has talked to a neighbor who teaches at CU about engaging the art department to consider an art project about painting the HWM exterior.  We also have an estimate from a Steve S. contact for that job.

Need Ops Officer – Rick reiterated need for an Ops Officer and talked about new displays that facilitate docents engaging visitors (like the cockpit) that increases their experience and results in higher donations.

Upcoming Meetings–The October and November meetings will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on October 20 & November 17 at 10:00.  There is not a December meeting scheduled, it’s party time.

John adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Submitted by Rick Beaver

MEETING MINUTES

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vice President John Hargleroad called the meeting to order at 1015 hours at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 and Yale Avenue.

Members Present:  Brian Foote, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Steve Swaim, Carl Cavalluzzi, Tom Landis, Dale House, Jim McNamee, Brian Wold, and new members Bob White and Jerry Bowen.

John led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The August meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Carl moved and Steve seconded)

Treasurers Report: Jim McNamee

The Treasurers Report for September was approved (Motion- Brian F., second, Steve S.).

Donations to the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Maintenance and Development Fund collected at Ed’s funeral were $665. Donations for the Ed Fickes Memorial Bench in Greely so far total $670 to cover an expected cost of about $300. Once that invoice is cleared the remaining approx $300 will be transferred to the HWM fund.  Walt Wise sold about $600 of models at the Pop a Smoke event.  The organization has $9,232.71 in the HWM Maintenance & Development fund, $2127.76 in the HWM Operating Fund, and $4489.35 in the General Fund.

Note—The members had deferred discussion of the Treasurers Reports for March through August until Jim returned from travels.  Those reports also were approved.

Old Business:

Need new HWM location – We need a new location to store the HWM as the current land owned by Chip has been sold and will be developed in 2013.  Bill Robie has been working the problem along with Fred Lyssy.

Dale House led a discussion as the new HWM curator about future plans and possibilities. The members also discussed the need for a new Operations Officer to explore/propose/book venues for the HWM. 

Honor Flight – John Grauff reported on the Sept 10, 2012 Honor flight and that the RMC received an award/plaque from the Honor Flight Society for our consistent support.  Dale shared the picture taken at the Sept 10^th Honor Flight reception of the pilots accepting the plaque.  Dale had done a very clever job of taking a picture of the 2 late comers and then photo shopping them into the original picture.  Dale’s plan is to indentify wall space for important pictures and plaques in the HWM.

New Business:

Xmas Party – John Grauff passed out invitations to the Grauff Xmas party on 12/1 at his house.  Check out the new elf there.

Clothing sales – Jim McNamee will have the current and some previously ordered jackets, shirts, hats, etc at the 10/20 meeting. Carl and Jim found some new wind breakers and will bring four in various sizes to the 10/20 meeting also, first come first served.

Meeting minutes, September 15, 2012

Possible donation – Jim shared that Bill Robie reported that, after Joe Coors visited the HWM in Golden this July, he talked about a possible donation.  Bill and Jim have responded to Joe’s request and sent a Change of Financial Position report for 2011.  No expected date when we might hear back on this inquiry. 

Possible HWM outer paint project – Dale shared that he has talked to a neighbor who teaches at CU about engaging the art department to consider an art project about painting the HWM exterior.  We also have an estimate from a Steve S. contact for that job.

Need Ops Officer – Rick reiterated need for an Ops Officer and talked about new displays that facilitate docents engaging visitors (like the cockpit) that increases their experience and results in higher donations.  

Upcoming Meetings–The October and November meetings will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on October 20 & November 17 at 10:00.  There is not a December meeting scheduled, it’s party time.

John adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Submitted by Rick Beaver

MEETING MINUTES

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vice President John Hargleroad called the meeting to order at 1015 hours at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 andYale   Avenue.

Members Present:  Brian Foote, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Steve Swaim, Carl Cavalluzzi, Tom Landis, Dale House, Jim McNamee, Brian Wold, and new members Bob White and Jerry Bowen.

John led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The August meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Carl moved and Steve seconded)

Treasurers Report: Jim McNamee

The Treasurers Report for September was approved (Motion- Brian F., second, Steve S.).

Donations to the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Maintenance and Development Fund collected at Ed’s funeral were $665. Donations for the Ed Fickes Memorial Bench in Greely so far total $670 to cover an expected cost of about $300. Once that invoice is cleared the remaining approx $300 will be transferred to the HWM fund.  Walt Wise sold about $600 of models at the Pop a Smoke event.  The organization has $9,232.71 in the HWM Maintenance & Development fund, $2127.76 in the HWM Operating Fund, and $4489.35 in the General Fund.

Note—The members had deferred discussion of the Treasurers Reports for March through August until Jim returned from travels.  Those reports also were approved.

Old Business:

Need new HWM location – We need a new location to store the HWM as the current land owned by Chip has been sold and will be developed in 2013.  Bill Robie has been working the problem along with Fred Lyssy.

Dale House led a discussion as the new HWM curator about future plans and possibilities. The members also discussed the need for a new Operations Officer to explore/propose/book venues for the HWM.

Honor Flight – John Grauff reported on the Sept 10, 2012 Honor flight and that the RMC received an award/plaque from the Honor Flight Society for our consistent support.  Dale shared the picture taken at the Sept 10^th Honor Flight reception of the pilots accepting the plaque.  Dale had done a very clever job of taking a picture of the 2 late comers and then photo shopping them into the original picture.  Dale’s plan is to indentify wall space for important pictures and plaques in the HWM.

New Business:

Xmas Party – John Grauff passed out invitations to the Grauff Xmas party on 12/1 at his house.  Check out the new elf there.

Clothing sales – Jim McNamee will have the current and some previously ordered jackets, shirts, hats, etc at the 10/20 meeting. Carl and Jim found some new wind breakers and will bring four in various sizes to the 10/20 meeting also, first come first served.

Meeting minutes, September 15, 2012

Possible donation – Jim shared that Bill Robie reported that, after Joe Coors visited the HWM in Golden this July, he talked about a possible donation.  Bill and Jim have responded to Joe’s request and sent a Change of Financial Position report for 2011.  No expected date when we might hear back on this inquiry.

Possible HWM outer paint project – Dale shared that he has talked to a neighbor who teaches at CU about engaging the art department to consider an art project about painting the HWM exterior.  We also have an estimate from a Steve S. contact for that job.

Need Ops Officer – Rick reiterated need for an Ops Officer and talked about new displays that facilitate docents engaging visitors (like the cockpit) that increases their experience and results in higher donations.

Upcoming Meetings–The October and November meetings will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on October 20 & November 17 at 10:00.  There is not a December meeting scheduled, it’s party time.

John adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Submitted by Rick Beaver

MEETING MINUTES

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vice President John Hargleroad called the meeting to order at 1015 hours at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 and Yale Avenue.

Members Present:  Brian Foote, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Steve Swaim, Carl Cavalluzzi, Tom Landis, Dale House, Jim McNamee, Brian Wold, and new members Bob White and Jerry Bowen.

John led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The August meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Carl moved and Steve seconded)

Treasurers Report: Jim McNamee

The Treasurers Report for September was approved (Motion- Brian F., second, Steve S.).

Donations to the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Maintenance and Development Fund collected at Ed’s funeral were $665. Donations for the Ed Fickes Memorial Bench in Greely so far total $670 to cover an expected cost of about $300. Once that invoice is cleared the remaining approx $300 will be transferred to the HWM fund.  Walt Wise sold about $600 of models at the Pop a Smoke event.  The organization has $9,232.71 in the HWM Maintenance & Development fund, $2127.76 in the HWM Operating Fund, and $4489.35 in the General Fund.

Note—The members had deferred discussion of the Treasurers Reports for March through August until Jim returned from travels.  Those reports also were approved.

Old Business:

Need new HWM location – We need a new location to store the HWM as the current land owned by Chip has been sold and will be developed in 2013.  Bill Robie has been working the problem along with Fred Lyssy.

Dale House led a discussion as the new HWM curator about future plans and possibilities. The members also discussed the need for a new Operations Officer to explore/propose/book venues for the HWM. 

Honor Flight – John Grauff reported on the Sept 10, 2012 Honor flight and that the RMC received an award/plaque from the Honor Flight Society for our consistent support.  Dale shared the picture taken at the Sept 10^th Honor Flight reception of the pilots accepting the plaque.  Dale had done a very clever job of taking a picture of the 2 late comers and then photo shopping them into the original picture.  Dale’s plan is to indentify wall space for important pictures and plaques in the HWM.

New Business:

Xmas Party – John Grauff passed out invitations to the Grauff Xmas party on 12/1 at his house.  Check out the new elf there.

Clothing sales – Jim McNamee will have the current and some previously ordered jackets, shirts, hats, etc at the 10/20 meeting. Carl and Jim found some new wind breakers and will bring four in various sizes to the 10/20 meeting also, first come first served.

Meeting minutes, September 15, 2012

Possible donation – Jim shared that Bill Robie reported that, after Joe Coors visited the HWM in Golden this July, he talked about a possible donation.  Bill and Jim have responded to Joe’s request and sent a Change of Financial Position report for 2011.  No expected date when we might hear back on this inquiry. 

Possible HWM outer paint project – Dale shared that he has talked to a neighbor who teaches at CU about engaging the art department to consider an art project about painting the HWM exterior.  We also have an estimate from a Steve S. contact for that job.

Need Ops Officer – Rick reiterated need for an Ops Officer and talked about new displays that facilitate docents engaging visitors (like the cockpit) that increases their experience and results in higher donations.  

Upcoming Meetings–The October and November meetings will be held at the American Legion Post #1 at I-25 and Yale on October 20 & November 17 at 10:00.  There is not a December meeting scheduled, it’s party time.

John adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Submitted by Rick Beaver

President Hal Bergdahl called the meeting to order at 10:06 AM at American Legion Post #1, I-25 and Yale Avenue and led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance: Hal Bergdahl, John Hargleroad, Greg Mann, Rick Beaver, John Grauff, Dale House, Mike Law, Gary Hurelle, Fred Lyssy, Jeff Roy, Don Rice, Jerry Marshall, Walt Winters and Walt Wise.

Ed Fickes Memorial – Rick Beaver collected $220 in donations from the attendees for a $200 donation to contribute to a bench to be dedicated in Ed’s name in Greeley. The extra funds will be donated to the RMC Helicopter War Museum (Museum). Rick Beaver made the motion and Greg Mann seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

Electronic Picture Box for Fallen Fellow Pilots – John Hargleroad made a motion, Rick Beaver seconded and there was unanimous approval of getting an electronic picture box for the Museum into which pictures of our fallen members will be placed. The pictures will rotate while the Museum is open.

Portrait of Ed Fickes – Hal volunteered to do a portrait of Ed Fickes that will be placed in the Museum shadow box that contains Ed’s contributions to the Museum. There also was some discussion about doing some sort of memorial in the museum for deceased chapter members. Greg Mann and Rick Beaver volunteered to research this.

Honor Flight – Six members agreed to help with the Welcome Home Reception for the Honor Flight event on Monday September 10th at 8:00 pm at the Signature Flight Facility at DIA. John Grauff and Car Cavalluzzi have taken over this worthwhile project, which Ed had been coordinating.

Historical Data Sheets – With Ed’s passing there were discussions of how little we really knew about Ed and how difficult it is to discover information after one of our members has fallen. Walt Wise volunteered to pass out Historical Data Sheets from the Library of Congress that each member will be asked to fill out. The purpose will be for the chapter to have adequate information for notices and a short history when it is our turn to join Ed. Note—We seem to be zeroing in on the Library of Congress approach to oral histories, and possibly contributing our results to the Texas Tech Vietnam War Collection.

New Museum Curator – Dale House volunteered to be the curator of Museum.

New Museum Storage Location – Fred Lyssy will talk to Bill Robie about finding a new location to park the Museum when it is not in use. The current location will no longer be available since the property has been sold and will be developed.

Draft meeting minutes, August 18, 2012 (continued)

Museum Schedule – There are no scheduled events for the Museum. With the passing of Ed no member has yet volunteered to be the operations officer responsible for scheduling events.

Fields of Honor Charity Golf Tournament – September 21st at the Black Bear Golf Course.

BBQ in June 2013 – Don Rice volunteered to do a BBQ … probably the 3rd Saturday in June 2013. Don will look for a location.

John Hargleroad heart surgery – John had surgery the third week of August. Everything went well.

Change to PTSD Nomenclature – Jeff Roy mentioned that “PTSD” has been changed to “PTS,” “Post Traumatic Syndrome.”

VHPA Annual Reunion in New Orleans – According to Mike Law there were 1850 attendees including 1000 pilots and 90 1st timers. The 2013 reunion will be in San Francisco.

RMC VHPA Holiday Party at Greg Mann’s – Saturday December 15, 2012. Mark the date.

Next Meeting: Saturday, September 15th, American Legion Post #1, I-25 and Yale Avenue, Denver.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:26.

Submitted by Greg Mann, with contributions from Hal Berghdahl

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

The meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 16th, at American Legion Post Number 1, I-25 and Yale Ave.  This is an important meeting for several reasons, including the chapter elections.

The agenda, among other things, will include:

–Chapter elections for President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer;

–Information about the memorial service for Ed Fickes (if available);

–A discussion about replacing Ed as Helicopter War Museum (HWM) Operations Officer, Honor Flight Reception coordinator, etc. (there are a lot of etc.s);

–An update on the oral history project

–Displaying the HWM in Golden during the 4th of July Celebration;

–Setting a date for the new president’s meeting with past presidents; and

–Compiling a collection of chapter event photos and archiving them on the chapter website.

in Golden again this year and need volunteers to help set it up and also act as docents.

This message from Bill Robie sums it up:

It’s time to find out if we have enough staff (docents) to man the Museum for the Golden 4th of July Event.

This should be received by members as an opportunity for a fun family and RMC-VHPA group event with each person serving no more than a 2- hour shift. Food, festivities, bands, raffle, and plenty of beer available all day long in Lions Park just across from where the trailer is parked, and of course a good fireworks display beginning at dark.

The event is held on July 4th.  I suggest three, 2-hour shifts from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, 2 guys per shift. Would you post a duty roster so we can find out if we have enough members to run the event. I have not yet made arrangements for moving the trailer, but will do so when I find out that we’ll have enough guys.

Bill

I have attached the docent duty roster. We will set up the museum early on July 4th and pack it up that evening.  The museum was a very popular attraction at last year’s event, by the way. Please do not respond to this e-mail address. Respond to my address below.

Thanks.

Jim

–

Jim McNamee
Secretary/Treasurer
Helicopter War Museum Curator
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
303-513-0619

hawk36101@q.com

–

Jim McNamee
Secretary/Treasurer
Helicopter War Museum Curator
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
303-513-0619

hawk36101@q.com

We are planning to display the Helicopter War Museum at the July 4th celebration in Golden again this year and need volunteers to help set it up and also act as docents.
This message from Bill Robie sums it up:
“It’s time to find out if we have enough staff (docents) to man the Museum for the Golden 4th of July Event.This should be received by members as an opportunity for a fun family and RMC-VHPA group event with each person serving no more than a 2- hour shift. Food, festivities, bands, raffle, and plenty of beer are available all day long in Lions Park just across from where the trailer is parked, and of course a good fireworks display beginning at dark. The event is held on July 4th.
I suggest three, 2-hour shifts from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, 2 guys per shift. Would you post a duty roster so we can find out if we have enough members to run the event.
I have not yet made arrangements for moving the trailer, but will do so when I find out that we’ll have enough guys.”
Bill
I have attached the docent duty roster. We will set up the museum early on July 4th and pack it up that evening.

President Phil Lanphier opened the meeting at 11:00 at the Buffalo Rose in Golden and led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance: Attendees included Phil Lanphier, Rick Beaver, Mike Law, Hal Bergdahl, Donny O’Conner, Walt Wise, John Hargleroad, Dale House, Carl Cavalluzzi, and John Grauff.

Minutes and Treasurers Report: The March meeting minutes were approved. The Treasurers Report was submitted from Germany by the treasurer, but approval was deferred until a future meeting.

Honor Flight Welcome Home Reception: The reception will be held at The Signature Flight Facility at DIA on May 7th at 8:00 pm. Contact Ed Fickes for information or to volunteer to help.

Armed Forces Day at Wings over the Rockies: We will be displaying the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) at Wings over the Rockies Museum on Armed Forces Day weekend, May 19th and 20th. Chapter member Bill McPherson also will have his Mike model Huey gunship on display. We will set up the HWM on Friday, the 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Contact Ed Fickes to help set up or to help man the museum during the display. We need more volunteers for both duties.

Bill and his crew are scheduled to arrive with the Huey about noon on Thursday. One of our members will meet him at I-225 and Alameda to escort him to the Museum. The Huey will be placed in the museum’s hanger at night for security.

Walt Wise said there will be television interviews and views of the HWM by two channels in the early morning on May 19th.

Bill Robie said we can have some models for sale in the HWM and possibly at the WOR gift shop. We can look into that before the AFD visit.

Oral Histories: The oral history project being coordinated by John Gaines was discussed. Phil will contact him to check on its progress and also inform him that Wings over the Rockies has an individual doing “Save the story” with interviews using an audio/visual program. We can check with them during our Armed Forces Day visit.

HWM Exterior Painting: There was some discussion about having Budweiser sponsor our logo and exterior graphics on the HWM with minimal financial impact on us.

HWM Work Party: Rick Beaver discussed the tasks he planned for the work party after the meeting. Tasks included refinishing the top of bar, servicing the vents, solar panel and battery, cleaning the stairs and adding safety tape and general clean up. He also recruited Mike Law and Hal Bergdahl to buy storage boxes to use in the cabinets.

Draft 14 April 2012 RMCVHPA Meeting Minutes, continued

The May meeting will be an abbreviated one held on May 19th at Wings over the Rockies.

The June meeting will be held on June 16th at 10:00 am at American Legion Post #1, I-25 and Yale. John Hargleroad will schedule a room for the meeting. Phil will attempt to arrange to have VA representative Valerie Jones attend to provide an update on VA activities and how claims are being paid. We will hold the chapter elections at the June meeting.

As is our custom, we will not have a July meeting.

The August meeting will be held August 18th at a location to be determined by the new chapter president. We will see if chapter member Jeff Roy is available to give us an update on the Military Order of the Purple Heart and related VA initiatives.

Phil adjourned the meeting at noon. Several members stayed for lunch and then reported to the HWM for the work party.

Submitted by Hal Bergdahl, Vice President

17 MARCH 2012

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

President Phil Lanphier called the meeting to order at 10:00 at American Legion Post #1,

I-25 and Yale Avenue.

Members Present:  Phil Lanphier, Ed Fickes, John Hargleroad, Gary Hurelle, Steve Swaim, Bill Robie, Carl Cavalluzzi, Al Harinck, Dale House, Brian Wold and Jim McNamee.

Phil led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The February meeting minutes were approved (Motion-Bill Robie, second Al Harinck).  The Treasurer’s Report for February was approved (Motion-Ed Fickes, second, John Hargleroad).

Member Oral Histories:   See last month’s minutes for background information.   Phil said that he talked with John Gaines and that John received an information kit from the Library of Congress.  John said that Walt Wise helped him procure the kit.  Phil said that there may be some costs involved and that we should try to get a company to cover them.  Jim reminded him of Greg Mann’s offer to use his green screen, which should defray a lot of the cost.  When the time comes to do the interviews, we will work around Greg’s schedule.

Phil is going to get the questions from John and will send them to the members in an e-mail.  Members should review the questions and think about their responses before the recording sessions.

Chapter Ski Outing:  Phil announced that the outing will be on Thursday, March 29^th at Copper Mountain.  He will send out a notice with meeting locations and time to all members soon.

Helicopter War Museum at Wings Over the Rockies Armed Forces Day Weekend—Phil announced that Hal Bergdahl was at the WOR meeting today to talk more about our participation.  He also is going to check on security arrangements if Bill McPherson brings his Mike Model.  Ed said that he would circulate a roster for docent duties once he knows the exact times.  He has arranged for a driver to move the museum to and from its Golden location, but needs to know where the trailer will be located and when.

Phil is going to talk with Bill McPherson to see if he is interested in bringing his helicopter after he finds out about security.  He is going to help Bill with permitting for the move.  Steve Swaim suggested that we bring the helicopter through Aurora instead of Denver because the requirements may not be as strict.  He suggested bringing it in from the east on 6^th Ave.  John Hargleroad said that Bill could bring it up on I-225.

Channel 7 Memorial Day Program—Phil will check with Walt Wise to see if he has contacted Channel 7 yet (see last month’s minutes).

Museum in Golden for July 4^th Celebration—Bill Robie mentioned that the Golden Lions Club has invited us to participate again this year.  The members agreed to participate.  Bill will check on the date of the celebration and then Ed will send out a docent duty roster.

HWM Graphics—Bill stated that we should start looking at putting graphics on the side of the museum.  We have been talking about it for years and it’s time to do it.  The decals we have on it now are getting a little worn.  There probably should be two 8X12 foot photos on each side and a decal on the back.  Members are encouraged to look for photos to use and also contact graphics companies for estimates.

Draft meeting minutes, March 17, 2012 (continued)

April Meeting—Phil stated that Rick Beaver would not be able to attend the April meeting if it is held on the normal meeting date, but could make it on the 14th.  We have been planning to have a museum work party after the meeting (and Rick is a crucial part of work parties), so the members decided to have the meeting on April 14^th.  The meeting will start at 11:00, followed by lunch and then work on the museum for interested members.  Bill Robie will arrange for a meeting location.

Honor Flight Welcome Home Reception—Ed announced that the next Honor Flight Reception will be on May 7^th at 8:00 pm at the Signature Flight Facility at DIA.  We will be welcoming home WWII veterans from their visit to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.  There also will be some Korean veterans and Vietnam Purple Heart recipients on the trip.  Ed will get the refreshments, which the chapter provides.  He will circulate a duty roster on the chapter chat page.

Phil’s visit to Vietnam—Phil talked about his recent trip to Vietnam.  The weather wasn’t very good, and he said that he should have taken a tour that focused on the military aspect, rather than a civilian group tour.  Bill Robie, who has been back to Vietnam twice, said that he would recommend going there on your own and winging it with local guides.  Phil showed great slides of his visit after adjourning the meeting and buying a round of Guinness.

Annual Election–Jim mentioned that the chapter annual election will be held at the June meeting.  We will vote for President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer.  (Note—The Vice President does not automatically become President.)  Nominations should be submitted to Phil, Hal, or Jim, preferably by the May meeting.  At Phil’s suggestion, Jim will send out summaries of chapter officer duties.

National VHPA Reunion—Carl Cavalluzzi mentioned that reunion activities are selling out fast, and that members should sign up soon if they don’t want to get shut out of activities.  About five of the members present indicated that they planned to attend the reunion.

John Hargleroad mentioned that there are going to be five historical presentations this year.  He highly recommends them because of the great information the presenters provide.

Chapter Dues—Treasurer Jim McNamee will be out of town off and on until October.  If you would like to pay your $20 annual chapter dues by mail, please send a check made out to RMCVHPA to:

RMCVHPA

Ed Fickes

1975 28^th Ave #33

Greeley, CO 80634

Upcoming Meetings—The April Meeting will be held in Golden at a TBD location on April 14th at 11:00 (this is 1 week earlier and 1 hour later than usual).  Following the meeting and lunch, we will have a work party at the HWM to get the museum ready for the season.  The May Meeting will be held at Wings Over the Rockies on May 19^th at 10:00, if we have the museum there.  If we don’t have the museum at WOR, the meeting will be at American Legion Post Number 1, I-25 and Yale Ave. in Denver.  The June Meeting will be at 10:00 on June 16^th at the American Legion.

Phil adjourned the meeting at 1140 hours.

Submitted by Jim McNamee, Secretary/Treasurer

hawk36101@q.com