United Patriotic Bodies Meeting
28 Apr 08 – Minutes

Present: Terry Richardson - Commander, Mitch Campbell, Ronn DuRand, Wayne Ellefson, Jim Haukedahl, Bob Jacobson, Bob Long, Ron Matthews, Ed Milligan, Larry Nicholson, Peggy Rasch, Dave Rice, Bill Tuff, Wayne Wermager

Meeting called to order by Commander Terry Richardson at 1900. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Commander Richardson called for any additions to the agenda. Add Flags Across The Valley to new business.

The 24 Mar 2008 meeting minutes were e-mailed to members and distributed at the meeting. Commander Richardson indicated the date on the minutes should read 24 Mar 08. Larry Nicholson made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, Bill Tuff seconded. Motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Treasurer’s Report – Bob Long
 Regular Account beginning balance: $4154.64
 MMAC payment (100.00)
 MMAC payment (200.00)
 Fargo American Legion (flags) (443.52)
 Regular Account ending balance $3411.12

 Special Account beginning balance $14166.56
 Fargo American Legion Auxiliary 125.00
 Fargo VFW 1000.00
 Special Account ending balance $15291.56

Dave Rice made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Ed Milligan seconded. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Old Business:
Bridge Signs – not here yet according to Gary Grandbois – Granite Unlimited
$15,000 remains to be paid on the signs. The permit is not issued to install the signs. Minnesota DOT taking care of permit. City of Moorhead is taking care of the bond.

Honorflight IV – The return flight is expected in Fargo on 03 May 08 at 1930. Color guard Commanders are asked to have their troops at the airport for the Hero’s Welcome. 188th Army band is expected to be there as part of the celebration.

Computer Classes – AMVETS held a class. The turnout was poor. The American Legion may want to have a class. They have wireless Internet service available.

Memorial Day – Still need help with flags. Boy Scout Troop 244 will do Holy Cross, the Jewish cemetery, and the county cemetery. Other flag volunteers include the Moorhead Key Club and Dilworth-Glyndon schools. Fargo VFW will be at Sunset for the noon ceremony. Use the north road off University only. This is the only access due to road construction. Form up at Riverside at 1030 for 1100 ceremony. The Fargo Civic Center will be used in case of rain. Doug Hamilton is the MC. We need to send Doug a Thank You card for volunteering his services. Families do not take care of the veteran graves at the county cemetery. Markers for veterans will cost $358.00. We need to ask the County VSO’s about non-folding generic markers. No action taken. The issue was tabled. Ceremonies – VFW’s turn to lead. We will use the same ceremony as in the past. Doug Hamilton – MC, Tony Scheving – Speaker, VA has not specified who but will furnish a chaplain. West Fargo will lay a wreath in the river at 1030. The speaker is yet to be determined. Shoot at the memorial in Maplewood Park.

June 14th – Bridge picnic. Flag Day - 1800 (6:00 p.m.) at Newman Outdoor Field veteran organizations are asked to hand out flags at the Redhawks game. Commander Richardson said we may need to order extra flags.

July 4th – Parade in Moorhead 1200 to 1230. Form up at 4th Avenue and 11th Street. The parade will go five blocks. Tents available for veteran organizations to set up tables for information and membership recruiting. Veteran organizations are asked to hand out flags at 1700 at the July 4th Redhawks game.

August 6th – Military Appreciation Night at the Redhawks. Veterans get in for $2.00 for general admission seats and $3.00 for reserved seats. Color guards “may” get in for free. Since the Redhawks are playing the Winnipeg Goldeyes, the color guard units need to remain on the field for the singing of the Canadian National Anthem. Once again there will be auctions at the game with the proceeds going to the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge projects. The total cost for the signs is $28,000. The sign design fees discussion is ongoing. A letter was sent to the designer about the fees. The designer did not write back. The idea to give her proper recognition somehow was discussed. The issue was tabled.

New Business:
Alex Davis is again reminding all veteran organizations that she is available for bugler duty. West Fargo VFW uses her services and states she is very good. Cemeteries in North Fargo may want to use her for Memorial Day. St. Benedict needs a bugler.

Mo Woodbury has mentioned a promotional opportunity between Memorial Day and July 4th on KXJB Channel 4. Cost is $500.00. The company is calling on all the Vets clubs. Jim Haukedahl said we should let each Post make their respective decision on this.

Commander Richardson opened the floor to each committee member to promo information about their organization.
 DAV mentioned their state convention
 American Legion mentioned their May elections and new officers take over in June
 Vietnam Veterans of America – Fargo mentioned their elections are at the May meeting. They also are selling raffle tickets giving away nine guns. Drawing will be at the state meeting on July 26th in Newtown, ND. Commander Wermager stated Ronn DuRand will replace Mitch Campbell as the Fargo V V A UPB committee member. Commander Wermager publicly thanked Mitch Campbell for his service on the committee.
 West Fargo VFW new commander is Burt Hanson. Bill Tuff will remain on the UPB committee
 Minnesota State Vietnam Veterans of America meeting is May 3rd. Larry mentioned the Veterans picnic at the Fargo Air Museum is May 13th sponsored by West Funeral Home of West Fargo.
 AMVETS elections and installation are in May. AMVETS North Dakota state convention is May 14th
 Ed Milligan is going to be on the Jack and Sandy Show on KFGO

The next UPB meeting is scheduled for 12 May 08 at the Moorhead VFW at 1900.

No other business on the agenda.

Commander Richardson called for a motion to adjourn. Peggy Rasch made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ed Milligan seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

The meeting adjourned at 1952.

Respectfully Submitted,

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