Sunday, April 29, 2007General Membership Meeting
Executive Committee Present: Eddie Renteria Chairman VVGSQ
John Blair Vice-Chairman VVGSQ
Mike Northrop Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Langnese Outside Coordinator
Meeting called to order at 0805 hours by Eddie Renteria. Roll was called. A quorum of voting members was present.
Members were asked to remove their hats for a moment of silence for America’s Prisoners of War, her Missing in Action, those Killed in Action, and our troops deployed around the world.
Members were asked to indicate if they received their minutes of the last meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes from the March 2007 meeting. Motion approved. H Unit excused due to late release.
TREASURER REPORT: (Mike Northrop) We continue at our current balance. We'll be able to meet all upcoming expenditures.
OUTSIDE COORDINATOR: (Jeff Langnese) We received correspondence from the following:
-Colonel William E. Weber (USA ret.) American Airborne Association, New Winsor, Maryland, and Airborne Quarterly - three letters.
-Colonel J.R. Frankin (USA ret.) Pensacola, Florida - two letters.
-Frank Schock, Static Line, (Veterans Corner) "And, Some are not So Lucky" Airborne Quarterly column.
-VVA chapter 20, Ron Trovato, Rochester, New York, writes the incarcerated section of Between the Lines. A strong VVA chapter with incarcerated veterans interests at heart. Please accept our boundless gratitude. Thank you so much.
-Reverend Raymond O. Dugdale - NIVN Richfield, Washington, two letters.
-Harvest Vision Church, Livermore, Kentucky.
-James Lyman, Jr., President, Veterans News Publication, Norfork, Massachusetts.
-Chapter 190, VVA, Craig McClaren, president, The Eagle, Atmore, Alabama - letter.
-Bill Anderson, NIVN, Ephrata, Washington - two letters.
-Tony Thompson, NIVN, Hays State Prison, Trion, Georgia - two letters.
-Barney McClendon, VVGSQ alumni, Hi, Barney.
-Aisling - Our Irish pen pal and supporter - Easter card - Hope you're feeling better, Aisling.
-The Veteran Leader, publication of VVnW International Headquarters, Pittston, Pennsylvania.
-Dennis Elliot, NIVN, Rushville, Illinois, - one letter - Good to hear from you again.
-Roberto D'Avanzo, president, chapter 371, VVA, - letter, monthly minutes, and VVA newsletters - We're saddened by the news your chapter will be shut down in July. We shall hold a hope of hearing from you after you're relocated.
-Sergeant James L. Smith (USA ret.) Fourth Infantry Division, Hickory Valley, Tennessee - letter.
-Karen Weber-Stanley, Ph.D., "The Doc", And, Some Are Not So Lucky column.
-Jim Kenny, Veteran Service Officer, San Mateo County.
-Deryk Wells, 82nd Airborne, England.
-Hope and Help Ministries - Colorado.
-RAKKASAN SHIMBUN, 187th Airborn, Ohio.
-Chapter 205, VVA, New York.
Committee Reports:
BYLAWS: (David Leavitt/Duane Butler) Nothing to report at this time.
FUND RAISER: (Mike Northrop) Food sale canceled. Meeting with warden and staff scheduled for 2nd May. Delineation should be forthcoming after.
SOCIAL: (Mike Northrop) Outback Steakhouse on board. Cost of event explained. Donations are to be collected from each member who chooses to participate. Operation MOM shall be with us.
SCHOLARSHIP: (David Leavitt) No applications received to date. Every effort is being made to showcase our scholarship program.
CAMARADERIE NIGHT: (Larry "Popeye" Faison) Our chair is seeking permission to shop the Rice's vacation slides from Vietnam in the Garden Chapel.
COLOR GUARD: (Gio Caffale) Nothing at this time.
R.E.A.L. CHOICES: (Eddie Renteria) Program is facing new restrictions on number of youth and areas of visiting.
STAMPS FOR SOLDIERS: (John Warren) Nothing to report at this time.
GRANTS: (Jeff Langnese) Nothing currently, all's quiet. All suggestions welcomed.
Old Business:
-Issue of new hats remains unresolved. More on this soon.
New Business:
-Copies of VVnW Leader distributed among group. Establishment of a VVGSQ newsletter discussed. Residences for paroling veterans available so long as conviction is not based upon a violent offense. Clyde Sheets currently housed at Menlo Park.
Motion to allow outside guest to observe group passed.
The publication Static Line has nominated our group to most generous incarcerated veterans group in our nation. Article in magazine is pending.
Monies donated for Tsunami Relief never sent to Red Cross. Clarification from Mens Advisory Council and administration called for.
-Ron Singler - The complex you accomplish immediately. The impossible requires mere moments more. Thanks Ron.
Thanks, Ron.
We adjourned at 0857 hours. All are reminded to inform the secretary of cell/dorm changes.
NEXT MEETING: Sunday, 27th May 2007.
MIKE NORTHROP M.W. CRAMER
Secretary/Treasurer Correctional Lieutenant
Chief Sponsor
Comittee/Activity Chairman Housing
By-laws D.Leavitt/Duane Butler 1N81/2N17
Camaraderie Night Larry "Popeye" Faison 4N90
Color Guard Geo Caffale 3N63
Fundraising Mike Northrop 3N71
Grants Jeff Langnese 3N92
R.E.A.L. Choices Eddie Renteria 4N96
Scholarship Committee David Leavitt 1N81
Social Committee Mike Northrop 3N71
Stamps for Soldiers John Warren 4N92
Attention: Outside Correspondents:
If you would like further information on any of the projects, activities, or goals of the VVGSQ, or would like to participate, please contact the following:
Community Partnership Manager's Office Attn: Carol Jackson/VVGSQ Phone: 415-455-5090 San Quentin State Prison Fax: 415-455-5180 San Quentin, CA 94964
For further information about the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin (VVGSQ), please see our web site at: http://vvgsq.tripod.com
