AUGUST 29, 2011 MINUTES
The meeting was called order at 1900 hrs by Commander Foote. A POW MIA ceremony was conducted at the beginning of the meeting by Vice Commander Bruce Irving and Jack Young's.
The Commander advised that copies of the previous months meeting minutes are available at the meeting and are posted on the post website a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as posted on the website the vote in favor was unanimous.
Members present were as follows:
Merlin Campbell
Rick Lane
Ike Mortensen
Jack Youngs
Susan Barnett
Doug Foote
A.K. Burr
Bruce Irving
David Freeman
Ivan Smith
Larre' Robertson
Bob Anderson
Mike Polk
Dave Banker
Richard Beery
Floyd Beery
Guest Kelly Crist Helping Hands
Service Officer Report
The Service Officer indicated he attended the Idaho Department of Veterans Services sponsored Service Officer training which lasted three days (August 10-12). Highlights from the training include:
1. The veteran's medical centers (Spokane, Boise, Salt Lake) all are starting "Tele-health" programs to bring medical expertise to rural areas via video teleconferencing.
2. James Vance, the Director of the Boise VA Regional Office, stated that Boise's timeliness record for claims processing is getting worse. In the past Boise was doing well with a 120 day response time. The national average was 244 days. Because Boise was doing "so well" they started getting workload from the other Regional Offices. By transferring workload the average processing time across the entire VA will decrease, but it is at the risk of turning good performers into average performers.
3. Recently many financial planners are offering to assist veterans in their claims for a fee. This is illegal, planners cannot charge veterans to fill out VA forms. The Idaho Department of Veterans Services will help fill in the forms, file them, and track results for the veteran-all for free. Additionally, your friendly Service Officer is here to help also. If you have concerns or questions please call the Service Officer.
4. The deployed Idaho Army Guard unit will be returning soon. Officials expect the first soldiers to arrive at Ft Lewis, WA in late August and will return to Idaho about two weeks later after end-of-deployment processing.
5. The Guard established a Family Assistance Center in Caldwell specifically to help Guard personnel, but they are willing to help any veteran.
Chaplains Report
The chaplain advised that Harold Ward is still having difficulties and the doctors can't help much. Gary Capps is doing okay. He is back at work and is traveling. Tom Hughes is now walking with a walker. Glenn Bothwell is doing great and is undergoing physical therapy. Mike Polk's wife is doing better and is scheduled for a hip replacement on October 12, 2011. Bob Anderson's wife is doing better. Howard White is still having problems and fell down Sunday night. The chaplain also advised that Jerry Silence who had been a guest in the previous meeting had a major heart attack after being at the post meeting he is doing well. The chaplain also reported that Richard Felkey is doing great.
Adjutant's Report
The Adjutant reported that we have received 10 replacement blank adapters for the M1 Garand rifles given the post by CMP. The adjutant reported that a letter came with the blank adapters advising to replace the old ones as they were substandard and the new adapters are made to tighter tolerances and from better grade steel. The Adjutant also reported that the post to date has received $200 in income from military funerals conducted on behalf of the Idaho Honor Guard. The present balance in the Syringa bank account is $919.74. End of report.
Visitor Kelly Crist of helping hands spoke to the membership. He advised that all of the money collected in helping hands activities goes to help Middleton citizens who are having problems. Helping hands is an outreach group designed to help local citizens. He said there will be a yard sale on Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10th and his organization is desirous that the Legion participate as we did last year with a flag ceremony on September 10. Kelly presented to the commander a certificate of appreciation for the post participation in the 2010 sale event. Commander Foote added that at 1800 hrs on September 10, 2011 the post honor guard will do a flag ceremony for the helping hands event. All Honor Guard members are encouraged to attend this event.
Commander Foote advised that on Wednesday, September 7 at the Idaho Center we need five Honor Guard members at 0815 Hrs for an 0845 ceremony to post the colors and do the Pledge of Allegiance. This is in support of Idaho Department of Labor's Job Services. The Commander advised that members should park in the lower parking lot on the Northeast corner at the Idaho Center for this event.
The Commander advised that on September 24 the Veterans Olympics will occur at the Veterans Administration front lawn. Post 39 is been tasked to cook burgers and hot dogs for 400 people on that day and those participating should arrive at around 0800 hrs.
The Commander advised that the district meeting will be on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Maple Grove Grange in Boise Hours are from 0930 to 1600 Hrs.
The Commander stated that the Veterans Day Parade is November 5 in Boise members of Post 39 can join with another post to participate in the parade. (Commander's update: Post 39 Honor Guard is leading the parade this year.)
The Commander said that on November 13, 2011 at 10:45 AM the Nazarene church in Nampa will be doing a service for the military they have requested that our Honor Guard post the colors for that ceremony.
The Commander advised that he'll be sending an e-mail to all post-members regarding a free NRA ILA workshop that is being conducted on September 21 at Cabelas in Boise.
The Commander stated that AT&T gives a 50% discount to all retired military, reserve or active-duty personnel.
Vice Commander Bruce Irving advised that he attended the district picnic and at that picnic he received a plaque and a ribbon for the post celebrating hundred percent plus membership for the year 2010/2011 he presented the plaque and the ribbon to the Commander. The ribbon is now on the Post flag.
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 2000 hrs.
The split the pot was won by Bruce Irving. The post portion of the split was $11.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Freeman
Adjutant
The next meeting will be on September 26 at the Sunrise Cafe'.
