R.V. VAN SCHOICK
AMERICAN LEGION LACEY POST 94
2602 Marvin Road SE, PO Box 5639Lacey, WA 98509-5639
(360) 459-0150
Commander Service Officer Adjutant
Gary Walker Rose Hodgeboom Larry Granish
(360) 867-1839 (360) 491-3621 (360) 459-5545
walkersolympia@comcast.net rhodgeboom@comcast.net lgrani@comcast.net
March 8, 2019
Note for the record: the February 8, 2019 was cancelled due to inclement weather.
4th District Commander, Frank Sterling, escorted forward and seated.
Roll Call of Officers:
Commander Gary Walker
1st Vice Commander Bob Nakamura
2nd Vice Commander Larry Douglas
Adjutant Larry Granish
Chaplain Otis Chapman
Finance Officer Dave Hodgeboom
Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom
Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Lindsey
Judge Advocate Dave Hodgeboom
Historian Eric Strom
Commander Walker opened the meeting at 7:30 pm
Charter draped in memory of Past Commander Aaron H. Washington, Army,
Minutes of January 11, 2019 meeting approved as posted on website.
Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Lindsey introduced visitors, guests and prospective members. 4th District Commander Frank Sterling and Post 100 Commander, Keith Looker introduced.
Keith Looker, Lacey Veterans Service Hub, escorted forward. He spoke on the accomplishments of the Veterans Service Hub. During 2018, 6630 clients for 9 programs at the Hub. An estimated $1.7 million came into the community through VSO assistance, about a quarter of that in back pay. Now has contracted Finance Management Co. to work with vets to get their finances in order. Approximately 40 volunteers accounted for some 9,775 volunteer hours through December 2018. An assistant to Keith was hired on March 1 and the Hub will have use of the entire building by summer.
Commander Walker reported that Keith received an award from the 507th MP Battalion for his community work, and that the upcoming Lacey Mayors Gala at SPCC will donate its receipts to the Hub.
Committee Reports
· Nominating Committee, consisting of Dave Hodgeboom, Rose Hodgeboom and Karen Grundler submitted the following nominations for 2019-2020:
o Commander, Gary Walker
o 1st Vice Commander, Eric Strom
o 2nd Vice Commander, Bob Nakamura
o Adjutant, Larry Granish
o Finance Officer, Jose Vargas
o Chaplain, Otis Chapman
o Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Lindsey
o Service Officer, Rose Hodgeboom
o Judge Advocate, Dave Hodgeboom
· Adjutant Granish reported that membership is currently 176 of goal of 213, 82.62%. Motion made, seconded and passed to accept Angelina J. Hansmann, active duty, Army, as a member.
· Finance Officer Dave Hodgeboom reported about recent water line break and cost to find and repair it. This will have a significant impact on our finances. Balance as of February 28 is $3,532.48 and Evergreen Boys State is currently at $402.34.
· Commander Walker reported that he is working with Department to ensure as many boys/girls as possible are able to attend.
· 2nd Vice Commander, Larry Douglas reported that the Scouts will conduct a weapons safety class at our April meeting.
· Service Officer Rose Hodgeboom reported that she Commander Walker and Len Tobin accompanied District Commander Sterling on a visit to Stafford Creek Corrections Center. They processed 11 claims there and will visit once each month. She reported that 25 claims have been processed at the Hub and will be going forward.
· Auxiliary Unit President, Karen Grundler, reported that 17 members are paid. She has sent a letter to Safeway to allow us to present poppies there May 17-19 and will have a sign up sheet at our April meeting. We will be hosting the Evergreen Girls State orientation on May 19. The unit has funds for one girl. Corky Cunningham will sponsor a girl.
· Historian Eric Strom reported that the photo album is current.
Business and Correspondence
· Dave Hodgeboom spoke on his recent trip to Washington DC where he spoke with Congress members on survivor assistance and Legion act to open membership eligibility dates to any who served since December 7, 1941. He reported that MCPO of the Coast Guard thanked Legion for support given to Coast Guard members during the government shut down.
· Gary Walker reported that he has spoken with principals as North Thurston and Timberline High Schools about boys’ state. He’s been unable to contact the River Ridge principal.
· Resolution nominating Gary Walker as 4th District Vice Commander for the 2019-2020 Legion year was read and unanimously supported by the membership.
· Commander appointed Dave Hodgeboom as delegate and Larry Granish as alternate, should he be unable to be at the 4th District Spring Conference.
Good of the Legion:
· Len Tobin reported that there are 137 incarcerated veterans in a special veterans wing at Stafford Creek and 20 more waiting for space in the wing.
· 4th District Commander, Frank Sterling as passed the gavel. He stated that there are currently some 900 incarcerated veterans in the state that are eligible for Legion membership. Six DOC facilities have enough veterans to form a post. The next facility identified for a post is Coyote Ridge. He spoke on his Stafford Creek visit with VSO’s from Post 94. Frank spoke on his candidacy for Department Commander and goal to be an open, transparent and positive Department Commander.
There being no further business, Commander Walker closed the meeting at 8:40.
Gary Walker Larry Granish
Commander Adjutant
