Sunday, September 24, 2006
General Membership Meeting

     Executive Committee Present:          Eddie Renteria               Chairman VVGSQ
                                           John Blair                   Vice-Chairman VVGSQ
                                           Mike Northrop                Secretary/Treasurer
                                           Jeff Langnese                Outside Coordinator
                                           Harry Barton                 Member-at-Large (North Block)
                                           Mike Atkins                  Member-at-Large (H-Unit)

Meeting called to order at 0752 hours by Chairman Renteria. Roll was called. A quorum of voting members was present.

Chairman Renteria asked everyone 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 to accept the minutes from the August 2006 meeting. Motion approved with one revision to the proposal for donations from RC for the holiday toy program.


TREASURER REPORT: (Mike Northrop) A summary of current account status was presented to the group and no questions were posed.


OUTSIDE COORDINATOR: (Jeff Langnese) The Group received correspondence from the following:


Col. J.R. Franklin, USA (ret.) - letter N.I.V.N. Pensacola, Florida - VVGSQ, thanks for your continued support.
Col. William E. Weber, USA (ret.) - letter (Airborne Quarterly) - New Windsor, Maryland, thank you for the Airborne Quarterly and two letters.
Ron Trovato, VVA Chapter 20, Rochester, New York, writes for "Between the Lines".
Craig McLaren, pres. of VVA Chapter 190, Mobil, Alabama, N.I.V.N. "Eagle" - two newsletters.
Gloria and Dotty, Operation MOM - letter.
J. Lyman Jr., Norfork, Massachusetts, newsletter - "Vets News". Richard G. Becker, 82nd Airborne Association past president - letter.
Ron and Carrie Cutting - letter - Here are two of VVGSQ's most ardent supporters.
Frank Schoch, Static Line - Voice for the incarcerated veterans - thanks, Frank.
Chaplain Bill Anderson, N.I.V.N., Ephata, Washington - Chaplain for twenty years at Washington State Prison. Thanks for news on Chaplain Raymond Dugdale.
"Army Echoes" "Retired Soldiers" - Alexandria, Virginia - letter.
National 4th Div. (IVY) Div. Association, Inver, Minnesota - Thanks for 2007 membership card.
Tony Thompson, N.I.V.N., Smith State Prison, Glennville, Georgia - letter. James L. Weber, Veterans Workforce Specialist - letter.
Baraney McClendon - letter.
Doctor Karen Stanley - letter.
President R. D'Avanzo, VVA Chapter 371, Jackson, Mississippi - Chapter minutes and stationary.
Between the Lines, VVA Chapter 20 - Advocates for the incarcerated veterans across the United States.
President R. Ahalt, VVA Chapter 205, Auurn, New York - Newsletters of July and August.
President Ron Baraz, VVA Chapter 563, Petaluma, California - Yountville reminder.
Frank Schoch, Static Line - Voice for the incarcerated veterans - thanks Frank.
Chaplain Dugdale, N.I.V.N., Ridgefield, Washington - Mission of Faith
Clay Barker, Secretary, 187th Airborne Rakkasans - letter.
Agent Orange Review - Information for veterans (Jeff asks: Would YOU like a copy?)



Committee Reports:



BYLAWS: (Jeff Biggs) Updated bylaws and constitution have been signed and shall be distributed to all appropriate individuals.

NONPROFIT: (Ron Singlar) We continue to wait for bylaws from John Chaney to see if we can join with them. Consequently, no movement.

FUND RAISER: (Mike Northrop) Robert "Tuna" Portune acknowledged for service above and beyond in fund raising. Chairman Renteria explained guidelines and delivery schedule for food-sale distribution day, 20 September 2006.

SOCIAL: There will be no packing day combined with our Veterans Day social due to concerns regarding custody coverage. Outback Steakhouse ruled out because of scheduling conflict. Panda Express remains in consideration along with chicken from Albertson's. Amount donated from members will be determining factor. Trust withdrawals shall be submitted to trust office on Thursday, 30th November 2006.

COLOR GUARD: (Gio Caffale) Nothing to report at this time.

CAMARADERIE NIGHT: (Larry "Popeye" Faison) Nothing to report at this time.

R.E.A.L. CHOICES: (Wolf Stipe) Reminded group to prepare for every second and fourth Friday.

STAMPS FOR SOLDIERS: (John Warren) New folder has been installed. John's cell is 4N92 for all direct deliveries of canceled stamps.

HOLIDAY TOY PROGRAM: (Wolf Stipe) Some problems are occurring and Wolf is working on solving them.



Old Business:



The purchase of new membership covers is in the updating process, as we await catalogs and confirmation of current prices.


New Business:



A motion was made and seconded to donate $1,000 to Operation MOM, since our packing day with them has been canceled. Motion carried.

Associate Warden B. Welch approached regarding chief sponsorship upon retirement of Counselor W. Jeppeson.

Sponsor candidate W. Wilkerson, Print Shop supervisor, awaiting Chief Deputy and Warden's approval.

Newly signed constitution and bylaws were distributed.

Social donations were tallied and Panda Express will provide our meal.

A new packing-day date shall be scheduled after 1st January 2007.

Correctional Lieutenant E. Messick has been contacted by representatives from the VA who want to meet our membership.

A strategy session occurred regarding our upcoming food-sale distribution.





Kudos to everyone who said they would help with setup on Friday, 20th September. Every person, who said they would help, showed up along with other members.
Strong work, men. Thank you.


We adjourned at 0849 hours. All are reminded to inform the secretary of cell/dorm changes.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, 29th October 2006.

MIKE NORTHROP                                W. JEPPESON
Secretary/Treasurer                         Correctional Counselor II, Specialist


Comittee/Activity                Chairman                   Housing

By-laws                          Jeff Biggs                 2N37
Camaraderie Night	         Larry "Popeye" Faison	    1N65
Color Guard	                 Geo Caffale      	    3N63
Fund raising	                 Mike Northrop   	    3N71
Grants	                         Jeff Langnese              3N92
Happy Hats	                 (stand down)
Joint Venture                    (stand down)
Nonprofit	                 Ron Singler	            3N39
Public Information               Jeff Langnese	            3N92
R.E.A.L. Choices	         Wolf Stipe	            3N25
Scholarship Committee            (stand down)               	
Social Committee	         Mike Northrop	            3N71
Stamps for Soldiers	         John Warren	            4N92
Holiday Toy Program		 Wolf Stipe                 3N25

Attention: Outside Correspondents:

If you would like further information on any of the projects, activities, or goals of the V.V.G.S.Q., 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