Sunday, May 20, 2007General Membership Meeting
Executive Committee Present:
John Blair Vice-Chairman VVGSQ
Mike Northrop Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Langnese Outside Coordinator
Meeting called to order at 0807 hours by John Blair. 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 April 2007 meeting.
TREASURER REPORT: (Mike Northrop) We continue at our current balance. We'll be able to meet all upcoming expenditures. Social donations to trust on 10th June.
OUTSIDE COORDINATOR: (Jeff Langnese) We received correspondence from the following:
-Frank Schock, Static Line, (Veterans Corner) "And, Some are not So Lucky" Airborne Quarterly column. Thank you for Operation MOM notes, Frank.
-Harvest Vision Church, Livermore, Kentucky.
-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.
-Bill Anderson, NIVN, Ephrata, Washington.
-James Lyman, Jr., President, Veterans News Publication, Norfork, Massachusetts.
-Chapter 190, VVA, Craig McClaren, president, The Eagle, Atmore, Alabama - letter.
-Jeff Biggs, VVGSQ alumni, Jeff Langnese read your letter to our meeting - thanks, Jeff B.
-Barney McClendon, VVGSQ alumni, Barney is involved in investigating disposition of donations to Tsunami Relief. Strong work, Purple Dino.
-Jim Kenny, Veteran Service Officer, San Mateo County.
Committee Reports:
BYLAWS: (David Leavitt/Duane Butler) Page six shall be verified and made right.
FUND RAISER: (Mike Northrop) Nothing solid enough to document at this time. There's a definite maybe for a September for October, as well as a stand-by-slot possibility.
SOCIAL: (Mike Northrop) In light of the administrative denial of our authorized fundraiser, Operation MOM held a fund drive during a bay area major league baseball game. Thanks to their gallant efforts, we should be able to have an appropriate packing day to support our fighting military. Not all members donated to our meal or wrote notes for packing day. All VVGSQ programs require our full support. Paperwork for social and packing day approval throughout. As we have been now an authorized and recognized group for twenty years, under federal guidelines we qualify for special recognition. More to come on this. Mainline donations for packing day lacking. Let's all focus to bring in more items for our troops deployed.
SCHOLARSHIP: (David Leavitt) Applications received through OPMOM shall be forthcoming.
CAMARADERIE NIGHT: (Larry "Popeye" Faison) Nothing to report at this time.
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. Format change in the works.
STAMPS FOR SOLDIERS: (John Warren) Seven thousand scheduled for posting this week.
GRANTS: (Jeff Langnese) Nothing currently, all's quiet. All suggestions welcomed.
Old Business:
-Ribbons: No news as yet. It was noted that our bylaws authorizes members to possess ribbons. No movement on hats. Golden Gate chapter will donate hats for sponsors and members' hats as well.
New Business:
-Probationary members Richard Niday (US Army 77-79) and E. Vick (USMC 53-56) introduced. Probationary periods provides an opportunity to set aside those prison activities that have the potential of bringing discredit and dishonor to our group. A warm welcome to Richard and Vick.
-Our quarterly paper is moving forward. Dave Miller has the point. Moreover, Dave was recognized during this meeting for the invaluable assistance he's been to our group. Thanks so much Dave. A new quarterly paper committee will be established under new leadership, to be soon realized.
-Recognition given and gratitude expressed to Sergeant Moore for his presence today.
-Officer McIntire has requested to come aboard as a sponsor. Bravo!
-At our next meeting, nominations shall be accepted for our new executive body. Experience within group is most high on the list of qualifications. The significance of this upcoming election cannot be overstated. We served honorably prior to prison and shall continue to hold our banner high and cherish all the good we have done.
-Ron Singler - The first one they look for and the last they wanna meet: a very bad man in a very good way. Thanks Ron.
We adjourned at 0850 hours. All are reminded to inform the secretary of cell/dorm changes.
NEXT MEETING: Sunday, 24th June 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
