United Patriotic Bodies Meeting
24 March 08 – Minutes

Present: Terry Richardson - Commander, Jim Brekke, Jim Haukedahl, Bob Jacobson, Bob Long, Ron Matthews, Ed Milligan, Larry Nicholson, Peg Rasch, Bill Tuff, Wayne Wermager

Meeting called to order at 1902 by Terry Richardson, Commander. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Commander Richardson called for any additions to the agenda. Larry Nicholson – Vietnam Week at the Fargo Air Museum.

The 28 Jan 2008 meeting minutes were e-mailed to members and distributed at the meeting. Larry Nicholson made a motion to approve the minutes, Wayne Wermager seconded. Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Treasurer’s Report - Bob Long reported the following:
Regular Account:
 End of 2007 balance $4,154.64
 MAMC payment (100.00)
 28 Jan 08 balance $4,054.00
Special Account:
 End of 2007 balance $14,166.56
 American Legion Auxiliary donation 125.00
 28 Jan 08 balance $14,291.56

Terry Richardson stated a $1,000.00 donation forthcoming from the Fargo VFW. Ed Milligan made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report. Bill Tuff seconded. Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Old Business:
Veterans Memorial Bridge – Commander Richardson said the Veterans Memorial Bridge signs will be delivered the week of 31 Mar 08 and will arrive in mid-April to be installed the first or second week of May. The signs are expected to be in place for Memorial Day. The signs will be dedicated on 14 Jun 08. Announcement and invitation letters will be sent to dignitaries. An 11:00 a.m. dedication was proposed. The Commander asked if we should plan a picnic as part of the dedication day event. No decision - issue tabled.

July 4th Ceremonies – Larry Nicholson encouraged all veteran’s organizations to participate in the parade. The Moorhead American Legion will raise colors.

Military Appreciation Night at the FM Redhawks – The Commander stated the available days for Military Appreciation Night are 12 Jun 08, 04 July 08, and 06 Aug 08. Wayne Wermager made a motion to select 06 Aug 08. Jim Haukedahl seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Honorflight IV – Honorflight IV will depart Fargo on 02 May 08 and return on 03 May 08. The Commander asked for color guard units for the Hero’s Welcome as when the WWII veterans return home on 03 May 08,
United Patriotic Bodies Meeting
28 Jan 08 – Minutes cont.

Memorial Day – The Commander asked for help getting flags out. Help is needed for Holy Cross and Riverside. Jim Haukedahl volunteered to coordinate the Memorial Day flag distribution and placement. Wayne Wermager stated his Boy Scout Troop #244 plans to help. Jim made contact with this troop already. Doug Hamilton with MSUM will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Memorial Day program.

New Business:

Metro Area Mayor’s Committee – The Commander reported the Mayor’s Committee chose Jan Jorgenson the outstanding handicapped person. Jan will be honored at the 10 Apr 08 banquet at the Ramada Plaza Suites beginning at 1130. The Commander asked who wants to attend the banquet.

Paying for Veterans Memorial Bridge sign design – Karen Gilbertson asked who will pay for the Veterans Memorial Bridge sign design. The Commander tabled the issue until the next regular UPB meeting.

Vietnam Week at the Fargo Air Museum – Larry Nicholson and Wayne Wermager announced the 2008 Vietnam Week at the Fargo Air Museum is cancelled. No reason given. Larry and Wayne stated communication and information to and from the Fargo Air Museum is nonexistent from the museum manager. Wayne is going to check with the board chair and/or board members in an attempt to improve communications.

Veterans Picnic at the Fargo Air Museum – The veteran’s picnic at the Fargo Air Museum is May 13-14. Contact Les Bakke at MSUM for information. West Funeral Home of West Fargo is sponsoring this event.

No other business on the agenda.

The next UPB meeting is scheduled for 28 April 08 at the West Fargo VFW at 1900.

The Commander called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ed Milligan made a motion to adjourn. Bill Tuff seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

The meeting adjourned at 1943.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wayne Wermager, UPB Secretary
Chapter #941 President
Vietnam Veterans of America
Fargo, North Dakota