President Report October 12, 2013

Your Chapter was again well represented at the VVA National Convention,

in Jacksonville by a full delegation and our renowned Chapter 17 Marshals.

John Rowan was reelected National President as was Wayne Reynolds

National Treasurer. Chapter 17 has received a letter of commendation from

President Rowan Our Chapter Sergeant At Arms and Commander of

mentioned as well in the Report to Action for the same act of compassion and generosity.

Your Chapter Finance Committee has begun work on the 2014-15 chapters

budget. It is important to note that the funding we receive from the

household goods program will be largely utilized by the fiscal requirements

of Chapter Hall maintenance, funding the Chapter’s participation in Nevada

State Council, Region 8 and National activities, our many ongoing

Community support programs and savings. Additional programs can be funded by Chapter fundraising projects or grants. I suggest that any

additional special projects you have in mind to propose include provision

for the necessary funding. Please submit proposals to the Finance

 committee before the end of the year. The sooner the better, of course.

Upcoming events will be discussed as the meeting progresses as will some

Of the programs being considered for next year. Of special importance are

the October 18^th Veterans Care Assistance Program Gala at the Suncoast  

Hotel and Casino the weeklong celebration of Vietnam Veterans in Mesquite including the Traveling Wall sponsored by VVA Chapter 993 Wednesday

 through Sunday. Volunteers are needed.

The Nevada State Council Will be meeting in Tonopah in two Weeks. Please speak to Steve Sawchuk our State Council Rep or one of our members who also serve as State Council officers if you have questions suggestions or

Issues regarding State Council.

I am expecting some openings in leadership positions come elections next spring. Please give some thought to serving your Chapter on the Executive Committee or Board of Directors during the next election cycle. New blood generates excitements, new ideas and new and improved programs.

Nevada Veterans Foundation

            I attended the planning meeting for the Nevada Military Support

Alliance’s Annual Gala earlier this week. The NMSA set aside $250,000 at

the Gala last Spring. A Poker Run for the Fisher House project Sponsored

by Red Rock Harley Davidson will be held November 23.

Honor Flight Southern Nevada

             Again it is officially Honor Flight Southern Nevada rather than honor

 Flight Nevada. The paper work for the 501 (c) (3) corporation is progressing.

The next flight is going out this Friday with 35 WW II Vets and returning on

Sunday the 13th. The flight is fully funded and funds are already coming in

For the next flight. I do not anticipate that the Chapter will need to provide

Funds for the next flights. Those of you who wish to welcome home the

WW II patriots should be at the airport in the area above baggage claim by

1:45pm Sunday. Send –off on Friday is 4am!

Nevada Veterans Home

             The next NVAL meeting is Wednesday at 10:00 am. Two members of Chapter 1076 are interested in representing VVA in the NVAL BOD. I have represented VVA for many years and recently MOPH as well. We could

 continue to have separate representation for Chapter 17. I am looking for

someone from the Chapter to fill that post as I would prefer to represent one

organization and there isn't anyone for MOPH just now.

Habitat for Humanity

             This was an excellent adventure. I thank you for the funding for the cement mixer. I’ll have some photos printed up for the next meeting. My

Son Rich is sending me his. Also the Face Book page is Bensen Vietnam

Build Team 2013. Lots of pix comments and links there. We are planning

Another trip for next year.