PERSIDENT PAGE VVA 17

This page is for information from the  President of chapter 17

From The President’s Desk

Vice President Mike

Chase has given us an inspiring Christmas message. It is a season to be thankful, to spread kindness and joy and to rest in the safety and love of our country, friends and families. We know that freedom is not free as we remember those of our friends and

family who gave of themselves to ensure happy holidays for all of us. Peace be with them and with you. The second part of our winter holidays is the celebration of a New Year. May it be happy and

prosperous for our fellowship, our members and all of good will.

Often New Year’s is a time to look forward to what we hope and plan to do better in the coming year. In that light I speak of membership. The success of every publication, program,

activity, and event in VVA depends, in some way, on a strong, informed, and active membership. Membership development is successful only if the organization’s mission, programs and leadership contribute to overall member satisfaction.

The above is taken from our VVA National Membership Manual. Here in Chapter 17 our general membership is seen as uninvolved and uncaring by many who have long served the

Chapter. I can understand that perception. However true the perception might be, my observation is that it is attributable to a lack of transparency, communication and sharing of ownership

by our leadership. We need to do a better job in these areas.

Many of our inactive and newer members have useful skills gained in years of business and professional practice. It is in the Chapters best interest that we encourage these members to participate

in Chapter activities and leadership roles in the Chapter. They have much to contribute. Making it more difficult for these members to

become interested or “qualified” to serve is counterproductive.

The “way we have always done it” mentality does not inspire new members, greater involvement, new ideas, or new leaders. These

people have already been there and done that. They are well trained and shovel ready. So my New Year’s resolutions as your

President are to promote transparency, improve communication between leadership and all of our Chapter members (both ways) and better utilize the talents of our membership to establish for the

Chapter a larger footprint in the Vegas Valley Veterans Community. We have ample funds and talented members to be more actively involved in the many important programs benefitting veterans in Las Vegas and Nevada. I know that I speak for all leadership when I say you are welcome to fellowship here.

Welcome to visit the Chapter Hall for our Chapter meetings, and to participate in our Chapter activities and programs. You are welcome to come by any time. You are welcome to contribute your ideas and to give of your time and talents to better the lives of your

fellow members. That is what VVA Chapter 17 is all about.

So I wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to getting to know those of you I don’t yet know, seeing you about the Hall and hearing your ideas about making our fellowship even stronger and more productive

President’s Report February 4, 2014

I have been reflecting on the past 18 months this past week. First I

want to say again that this is where I started. It has been and is a humbling
experience and an honor to serve you as President of the Chapter. As you
know I have achieved higher office in the MOPH and will continue on that
journey. My roots are here.
In these past months we have expanded our JROTC program, our
Christmas program for Nellis, our support of the Nevada State Veterans
Home, the Intertribal POW WOW and VAVS. We have added programs
supporting the Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy, Habitat for
Humanity International, the Nevada Veterans Foundation, Honor Flight
Southern Nevada, the Catholic War Veterans Food Bank, and the Southern
Nevada Veterans Coalition. Initiated Vietnam Veterans Remembrance
Day, Agent Orange Town Hall and started a new Chapter. We have the drop
box out front for the Charleston Outlet which has bee so successful that
when Mike called last week to inquire about placing one in Henderson at
our new Chapter’s meeting place they said no problem we’ll order on now.
Our status in the community is much improved and evident. We are a
force for veterans and their families.
Additionally we have approximately twice the funds in our bank
account we had 18 months ago.
I am proud to be associated with this Chapter. I am a better man for
it and cannot say how proud I am to have served as your President.

Nevada Veterans Foundation
Nevada Military Support Alliance Gala March 29 at the Red Rock. $250 a plate. Raised $250,000 last year.
Texas Hold ‘em at the South Point March 15. $100 by in.

Honor Flight Southern Nevada
The next flight will be April 25 -27.

Nevada State Veterans Home
Super Bowl Party last Sunday. Next function is Father’s Day which is always a blast. Sunday June 15. Then the NVAL Golf Tournament on June 28.

Cemetery Committee
We plan to increase our commitment to Wreaths Across America.

Habitat for Humanity
The next Vietnam build will be in August 29-September 13 again in My Tho, Tien Gaing Province South of Saigon. Three of our Chapter members have expressed interest in participating. I am busy recruiting and soliciting sponsors. I have information on how to register for the trip.

President’s Report December 7, 2013

      Early last month we had our chili dinner here at the Chapter Hall.  The

Williams were contributors this time and Shirley is on board for the next 

one so come on out.  Let’s fill the Hall which is as you can see decked with 

holly thanks again to Joni.  The outside decorations were installed by Pete 

with Michael’s expert supervision.

     Veterans Day at the Veterans Home in Boulder City was an excellent, 

excellent Chapter function.  I was disappointed that we were not publicly 

recognized for our contributions to the residents but certainly our fellow

Veterans who are active at the Home are aware.

     The UNLV Veterans Day on Wednesday November 13th went well.  Only 

A few people were present for the ceremony but we have made valuable 

contacts with the ROTC programs there and the Veterans Services Office. 

The Chapter presented the University with a POW/MIA flag to be displayed 

at the Veterans Memorial on Campus.  I also represented the Chapter that

evening at a Veterans Day Celebration out in Summerlin.

     I attended an Alliance of Nevada Non-profits conference on the new state 

requirements for non-profits November 15th.  There is a follow-up session 

this Friday concerning Quick Books for non-profits which I will also be 

attending and I am sure I can take one or two other Chapter members with 

me.

     The VA Hospital is full most days and often there is overflow in the 

community.  26  new beds will be available in February.  The administration

building is to be completed in July.  The CLC will be available for patient 

care by September. The Women’s Health Center is scheduled for completion 

in April.  It is on the 3rd floor.  There are 17,000 women vets in the hospitals 

catchment area.  5000 are signed up with the VA.  

     Thanksgiving Day at the Hard Rock Café was again well attended and 

well organized.  Many Chapter and family members participated.  It is a 

long time project of the chapter and very rewarding to all who participate.

Nevada Veterans Foundation

  The Poker Run for the Fisher House project sponsored by Red Rock Harley Davidson netted over $2000.  A disappointment due to weather.

Honor Flight Southern Nevada

   The next flight will be April 25 -27.

Nevada Veterans Home

We will again donate restaurant gift cards for the residents use.

Cemetery Committee 

The next project is Wreaths Across America next week Saturday.  Again this will be an official Chapter function similar to Veterans Day at the Veterans Home.  Chaplain George will have the details.

Habitat for Humanity

The next Vietnam build will be in August/September most likely in My Tho, Tien Gaing Province South of Saigon.  I am planning to help organize a Veterans Build in the Philippines later in the year or in early 2015.