HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAY 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Call to Order.
    Meeting called to order at 1800 hours by Chapter President Terhune.  After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, President Terhune welcomed everyone and thanked them for being here.
Recording Secretary’s Report/Minutes of Previous Meeting.
    Secretary Pat Graham not in attendance, but had emailed that she received one change to the April minutes.  Page 1 under Trustees of the Trust Funds report, change the spelling of Vanguard Wesley Intermediate Fund to Wellesley.  Minutes approved as amended.
Secretary’s Report.
    Pat Graham not in attendance, but received word that there was a quorum tonight.
Treasurer’s Report.
    The balance in the Chapter’s checking account as of 30 April 2010 is $5,511.90.
    The amount in the bulk mail account at the Dover Post Office is $465.83; the amount in the postage due account is $67.41.
    Investments are down for the year, but we are starting to gain some ground.  Treasurer’s report approved.
Trustees of the Trust Funds.
    Life Member Fund:    31 Mar 10:  $26,665.63    30 Apr 10:  $26,892.28
    Scholarship Fund:    31 Mar 10:  $77,328.42    30 Apr 10:  $78,581.31
Gary reported that the values were up slightly from last month.  He has set up a Dollar cost averaging program so that our stock to bond ratio will be at 50/50 within 6 months. The market will be very volatile the rest of the year and into next due to un and under employment.

STANDING COMMITTEES:

National Legislative.
    Russ Ober.  No report received.
State Legislative.
    John Graham reported that as we near the end of the 2010 legislative session the following bills have been passed.  All bills have had final votes.

Personal Affairs.  Joan Huber.
        Vet Health Care Gaps
    A new report from the Institute of Medicine says U.S. government agencies need to do more to meet the physical and mental health needs of military personnel returning home from tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. The report recommends the government should (1) fund research on the readjustment needs of veterans; (2) prepare for the long-term needs of returning veterans with multiple traumas and traumatic brain injuries; (3) examine whether the mental health needs of female veterans are being met; and (4) consider sending military personnel to some location to readjust to a non-combat environment before returning home to their families. The report was completed under a mandate from Congress. A summary of the report is available in the Institute of Medicine website.
        Recovery and Reinvestment Act
    In putting Americans back to work through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Department of Veterans Affairs has been allocated $1.4 billion. That money is set to target programs across the country that are of most interest to Veterans. To learn about the specific VA projects that money is funding, visit VA's new interactive map.
        Beware of Phone Scam
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning veterans not to give credit card numbers, bank routing information or any personal and financial information over the phone to callers claiming to update, confirm, or verify VA-related information. VA does not call veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone. A veteran targeted by scammers alerted VA, saying that someone called claiming to be with the VA pharmacy and asking a lot of questions. VA has not changed its process for dispensing prescriptions or for enrollment. Veterans with questions about VA services should call (877) 222-8387 or the nearest VA medical center.
        VA Addresses Veteran Suicides
    With more than 6,000 veterans committing suicide every year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is redoubling its outreach to veterans and promoting the toll-free suicide-prevention hotline, which is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The hotline's telephone number is 1-800-273-8255. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is staffed by trained professionals 24 hours a day to help in an immediate crisis. For more information, visit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/  VA's Suicide Prevention webpage.
        New WWII Documentary
    WW2 Reflections released its second documentary in a planned trilogy of works that chronicle the major battles fought by U.S. troops in Western Europe during World War II. "The Americans on Hell's Highway" picks up the story shortly after the D-Day invasion, when planning began for Operation Market Garden. The film was produced by Richard Lanni whose video on the 65th anniversary of the Normandy invasion appeared last June. This program covers the many details of what went right and what went tragically wrong during the nine-day saga of Market Garden. For more information, visit The American's on Hell's Highway website.
        Wal-Mart Grants $500K for Green Jobs
    The Wal-Mart Foundation issued a grant of $500,000 to help Veterans Green Jobs, a Colorado nonprofit organization, boost its job creation and training programs in the green jobs field. As a result of the funding, Veterans Green Jobs created approximately 120 jobs in the green industry in Colorado so far, and more jobs will be created this year. Veterans Green Jobs trains and prepares military veterans for jobs in the areas of home energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental conservation and restoration. Its programs are specifically geared to help veterans expand their career opportunities and reintegrate into civilian life. For more information, visit the Veterans Green Jobs website.
        Apply to Adopt a Military Working Dog
    After completing their service, some military working dogs are made available for adoption. The adoption law gives priority to their handlers, then to civilian law enforcement agencies and finally to the general public. An Adoption Suitability Test -- given and videotaped by the dog's handler -- is required by the DoD to determine if the animal is suitable for civilian adoption. To request an application, send an email or call 210-671-5874. Additional information is available at the Military Working Dog Adoptions website or at the DoD Military Working Dog School website.
        In-home care for Vets
    Primary in-home caregivers to severely wounded veterans of current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be paid a stipend by the Department of Veterans Affairs, under a bill Congress has passed unanimously. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act was passed by both the House and the Senate and has been forwarded to the White House for the president's signature.
    The stipend, payable to a spouse, parent, child, friend or even a hired caregiver, will be based on number of hours and level of care. But it will at least match pay for caregivers in the private sector.  The bill will also direct VA to provide training and medical coverage to caregivers, to include stress counseling, if needed. The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) would be made available to caregivers who have no health insurance option.
    Other parts of the comprehensive new law will:
        --Expand VA services for 1.8 million women veterans currently receiving VA care or expected to enroll in the system. VA for the first time will cover up to seven days of newborn care for enrolled female veterans. Other initiatives will force changes to the VA health system to make it respectful of privacy and other needs of female veterans. VA is directed to launch a pilot for providing patient childcare services too
        -- Improve health care options to rural veterans by authorizing stronger partnerships with community providers and the Department of Health and Human Services. VA also will establish a grant program for veteran service organizations to provide transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas needing medical care.
        -- Expand VA locations that provide support services to homeless veterans.
        -- Require VA to study veterans' suicides and provide counseling referrals for members of the armed forces who are not otherwise eligible for VA readjustment counseling.
Membership.
    Michael McLean reported that we have 4 new members this month (2 active duty) and there were 4 deaths this month (2 were husband and wife).  John Graham reported that Ralph Rosen died yesterday (not included in these numbers).
Recruiting Coordinator.
    Active duty and reserve component officers are eligible for a free one-year membership, every new national member we recruit earns the chapter $10.  All others who are eligible may receive an introductory two year membership for $28. Payment must be enclosed with the application the chapter would forward. The chapter earned $20 each one of these new memberships, Bob has a limited number of those forms.  Third, the program requires very specific forms to be submitted in a very specific manner in order for the chapter to benefit. The easiest way to make sure the chapter gets credit and to help us keep track is to forward all forms to Bob for consolidation and submission. As of April 30 the chapter has NO  Give Me 10 applications for 2010. Copies of the free membership form, for active-duty and reserve component officers, can be downloaded from: http://www.moaa.org/siteobjects/published/B40B0C69836F0E9D9744C384897CE90C/9F05E7AD00029584E6D3FC6DD46BCBDF/file/Free_MOAACard.pdf
Bob suggested that every reserve component officer in the state of New Hampshire who has never been a member of MOA should be signed up before the end of the year and we should all make an effort to capture those officers.
Programs.
    Jim Lefebvre.  No report received.
Web Page.
    www.moaa-nh.org. Michael McLean reported that there were 94 web page hits in April.  Gary asked how that compared with last year.   Michael reported that there were 83 hits for April 09 and 85 hits for April 08.
Travel.
    Bruce Avery.  Our 2011 Travel Program will start on 26 May 2011 with Canadian Rockies by Train. The brochure and contract for this trip are available upon request. We will have hard copy for handout at the 5 June luncheon.  Given the difficulty we have had this year in travel program participation, Bruce thinks it is worthwhile to take a look at participation levels in the previous travel program (document available for review). Bruce welcomes any comments on the past offerings and/or your insight where our current offerings may be missing the target.
Historian.
    No report received.
Scholarship.
    Discussion centered on the possibility of expanding the scope of the program as our applicant numbers have gone down steadily. There is review of the program scheduled after new president takes over in November and things like this will be discussed.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES:

Awards.
     No report.
Budget/Chapter Finances.
    Vacant
Newsletter.
    No report.
Board/Officer Nominations.
    No reports required but it’s not too early to begin thinking about officers for next year.
PAO.
    George Arvanetaki. No report received.

LIAISON ACTIVITIES:

Martin’s Point.
    Glen Crowell said that he had no new report.
Veterans Home.
    Steve Waterman.  No report received.
State Veterans Advisory Committee (SVAC).
    Peter Burdett is in Florida with the grandchildren, but emailed the following report:
The meeting on 4 May was well attended.  A review of NH House and Senate bills by Ed Josephson indicated that no hearings were scheduled.  A list of bills and status is available upon request.  I provided a review of a new program by the Veteran’s Count Club (VCC).  Called Providers, for all size businesses, who are willing to make an in-kind contribution of their products and/or services. We are waiving membership fees if the Provider will commit to contributing a minimum of $300 in products and/or services over a 12 month period.  We know the economy has made it more difficult to get cash donations so this approach allows more businesses to participate in our program and become part of the overall VCC program. This increases awareness of the VCC and potentially supports future fund raising activities in support of currently deploying personal. The bottom line is we can make up for less cash donations with in-kind contributions and help the Veterans and their families.  ACTION idea:  If you know of a business that would like to participate, Peter can ensure you get more information and an application letter.  SVAC nominations for the June officer elections:  Peter will run for Chair.  The nominations are open until the start of the 1 June meeting, for vice chair if Peter is elected as chair and for secretary.  Griff Dalianas will become Chair Emeritus.
Events:
    -- 14 May - Operation Appreciation – 1500-2000 at Bentley Commons in Keene
    -- 30 May – Memorial Day ceremony at the NH State Veterans cemetery at 1100
    -- 31 May – FREE baseball for those that have served, THANK YOU BAE – game time 1335 with the Fisher Cats – See the attached flyer.
    -- 18 June – Opening ceremony for Dalianis House (AM time TBA – Nashua (speakers Tammy Duckworth, VA Asst. Secretary and Gov. Lynch)
    -- 19 June – Korean War Ceremony at the Veteran’s Cemetery at 1100
    -- 31 July – Retiree Appreciation day – NG aviation facility in Concord
    -- 19 August – Fisher Cats Military Appreciation Day –   I’ll make a motion:  Looking for a contribution to buy tickets for deploying NG soldiers, the Fisher Cats will match each ticket bought with a free ticket.  So, we can buy 200 tickets with $800, 100 tickets for $400, etc.    Will be looking for others to buy more tickets, about 800 are deploying in September.  4-500 may attend the game.
    -- 28/29 August – Blue Angels Air Show at Pease
Shorter meeting this month, next meeting 1 June.  Location:  NHNG Army Aviation Facility Concord, NH
TOPS.
    Jim Lefebvre.  No report received.
VAMC.
    Tom Kyle.  Tom has no report.  He will attend the Memorial Day ceremony on 31 May and the next VAMC-Manchester Volunteers Staff Meeting on 2 June.  Both events will be held at the Manchester VA Medical Center.

OLD BUSINESS:

    Stormin’ the Hill.  Jim Lefebvre submitted a report, not received by secretary for inclusion in these minutes.

    Level of Excellence Award Submission.  First draft went out 11 May  and President Terhune reiterated to have the updates in to him by 16 May so he can have the final draft out by 21May.

NEW BUSINESS:

    Clambake. Jeff Olson could not make it to May meeting but will attend the June BOD meeting. The big thing is having people available to cover each of the jobs. There was discussion about the price and it was suggested that no change in price be undertaken. All agreed. Some new equipment may need to be purchased.

    2009 Tax Return.  The tax return was voted on and approved unanimously with minor editing changes.