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No
Attendance was taken.
Call to
Order:
-
Virgil
Boyer called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
Opening
Prayer:
-
Charlie
Biddix said the opening prayer.
Pledge of
Allegiance
·
Virgil Boyer led the
group in reciting the pledge of Allegiance.
Remembrance of Deceased Whiskey Battery members:
·
Virgil Boyer read
the names of the deceased and Russ Hicks rang the bell for each of
the members below:
o
Mervin Vater, Dale
Millard, Gerald LaRose, Gary Black, Patrick McFarland, Hugh
Walters, Richard Wojcik, Gary Calkins, Howard Richey, Lynn Knapp
and Robert Walker.
·
Charlie Biddix said
a prayer in remembrance of our departed Whiskey Battery members.
Virgil
relayed a message from JP and Vickie as to whether the group
wanted Vickie to continue to maintain our website and the plaque
with the names of the deceased battery members. Charlie Biddix
made a motion that Vickie continue in her current capacity. Bob
Jones seconded. All in favor.
Virgil
requested that he and
Sandy be reimbursed for expenses incurred for this year’s reunion.
Jerry Nevils made a motion, seconded by Art Johnson. All in favor.
Virgil also requested that Charlie Biddix be reimbursed the $150
he paid for the use of the conference room this year as they were
not able to get it for free this year.
Virgil
asked for volunteers to
host the 2023 Reunion. Joe and Debbie Bissonnette volunteered to
do the next reunion as they were on board to do it before COVID
struck. It will be close by Newport, RI but not directly in it as
Newport is too expensive. More to follow. Russ and Joy said they
would possibly to the year after on Charleston, SC.
Treasurer’s Report:
Dick Hulslander reported that the balance in our account was
$2308.22. This year’s expenses were $248.19 for our Website--
$64.99 for the Security, $35. For the Domain fee and $148.20 for
the Hosting fee. Dick will continue to disperse funds as needed.
Virgil
read the Sunshine
Report submitted by Roseanne Smith which listed the cards she sent
from October 2021 through August 2022. See report as submitted by
R. Smith. Connie Jines to send John Smith a card—everyone
present signed the card for John.
Bill Shaw
has a picture of a shell coming out of a mortar tube that he
showed around. He offered to have copies made (11 x 14) to anyone
who would like one. If interested, email Bill at
wjmshaw@gmail.com.
Bill also offered to try and track down someone if one of our
Whiskey Battery members has been trying to find someone. Just
provide him with the name and any other info you may have and he
will follow through-contact Bill via his email address.
Reggie
Zhuckhahosee requested
that an itinerary for events during each reunion be provided.
Jerry
Nevils thanked the
members of the Whiskey Battery present for their help, generosity
and support when they had their house fire.
Connie
Jines asked the group
if anyone had any information in regards to the drinking water
issue at Camp Lejeune. Bill Shaw said the he contacted a legal
group CC&K (Chisholm, Chisholm & Kilpatrick, LTD) and highly
recommends them. Be prepared to provide information and
documentation. Dick Hulslander mentioned that you could also
contact your local VA Representative. Connie Jines expressed
concern about using law firms that advertise as she was in contact
with one that ended up being investigated.
Debbie
Bissonnette spoke about
CHAMPVA which is insurance coverage for the wives of 100 percent
Disabled Veterans (not those who retired from the service as they
have TriCare). It covers the balance of any payment due for meds,
doctors’ visits and any medical expenses that you incur. It pays
after any other insurance you may have and after Medicare. Once
CHAMPVA makes a payment on your behalf, the provider cannot go to
you for any outstanding balance. Debbie also mentioned that there
is a website called Armed Forces Vacation Club that any veteran
and their family members can join for deeply discounted vacation
rentals.
Mark
Keefe acknowledged the
presence of Corpman Louis (Lou) Grassi. This was Lou’s first time
attending our reunion. Lou served in the Whiskey Battery from
March 68 thru Mar 69. Members have tried tracking him down for
some time so it was with great pleasure that he was welcomed to
our reunion.
Teddie
Reichenbach thanked
Virgil and Sandy for the great work they did hosting this year’s
reunion. This was echoed by all present.
The hat
was passed among all present and $800. was collected.
Virgil
closed the meeting at 10:00 AM.
Respectfully
submitted,
Deborah
Bissonnette ***
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