VFW POST 8180 POST MEETING MINUTES AND NEWSLETTER
“VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, POST 8180, SONGTAN, KOREA”
COLONEL LEWIS L. MILLETT - HILL 180 MEMORIAL POST 8180
BEST POST IN PACIFIC AREAS
2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-13 & 2013-14, 2015 - 2016
These are the minutes from Post 8180 meeting (conducted via Zoom) held on Saturday 11 September, 2021.
There were 4 members in attendance at the Post and several others connected via Zoom.
Prior to the opening ceremony, a remembrance ceremony was held to honor the 9/11 victims, Benghazi attack victims, and the 13 lives lost during the US military exit from Afghanistan.
Opening Ceremonies: The meeting opened at 1200. Chaplain Billy Quintero led us in our opening prayer and Commander Max led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Past Post 8180 Commanders and Distinguished Guests:
* Three-term PPC, and Past Department Chaplain, Billy Quintero
* Three-term Past District III and Past Post Commander (PPC), Department Chaplain and Past Department Surgeon, and current Department Chaplain, Ron Davis
* Past Department, District, and Post Commander Larry Lyons
* Past Post and District III Commander, two-term Past Department Surgeon Michael Napsey
* Three-term PPC Steve Tharp
* Past District III Commander, Past Department Chaplain, two-term PPC and current Department SVC, Warren Maxson
* Past Post and District III Commander, and Past National Surgeon General Patrick (Doc) Higgins
* PPC Dan Delaney
* PPC and District III JVC David Gley
Congressional Charter: Members recited Section 230102 of the Congressional Charter Incorporating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
The purposes of the corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and
educational, to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy
comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their surviving
spouses and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States
of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain
and extend the institutions of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United
States from all enemies.
Roll Call of Officers:
Commander Warren S. Maxson: Present
Senior Vice Commander (SVC) Joe E. Bozsoki: Present Junior Vice Commander (JVC) Joe L. Perkins: Present Quartermaster Ron Davis: Present
Chaplain Billy Quintero: Present Surgeon Michael Connolly: Excused Advocate Doc Higgins: Present Adjutant Dan Delaney: Present
Service Officer Charles Clifford: Present Trustee 1-Year Jerry C. Prowant: Present Trustee 2-Year Terrance T. Smith: Present Trustee 3-Year Cyrus L. Bangunan: Present HRC Chairman Mark Morgan: Present
Officer-of-the-Day / Guard Vic Diaz: Excused
Community Activities Chairman / Public Relations / MAP Ernie Lee: Excused Cub Scout / Scout Council Representative David Gley: Present
Voice of Democracy / Patriot’s Pen David Gley: Present POW/MIA Joe L. Perkins: Present
Hill 180 Committee Chairman Ernie Lee: Excused Buddy Poppy Chairman Ron Davis: Present
Americanism / Loyalty Day Parade Chairman: Vacant Women in the Military Zenata Simmons: Excused First Responders - Special Projects Doc Higgins: Present Safety Chairman Paul Erickson: Present
Retiree Affairs Ricki Rice: Present
Motorcycle Riders Chair Jerry Prowant: Present USO Representative Ernie Lee: Excused Post Historian David Gley: Present
Reading of New Members and Induction Ceremony:
QM Ron stated there were seven additional members since the August meeting. Motion to accept by QM Ron;
2nd by Billy Q. Motion carried.
Post Meeting Minutes: August meeting minutes were disseminated via our website link at www.vfw8180.org and our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VFW8180/
Adjutant Dan made a motion to accept the minutes subject to correction; 2nd by HRC Mark Morgan. Motion carried.
Quartermaster Ron Davis: QM Ron stated our bottom line at the end of August was $24,886.78.
QM Ron made a motion to accept; 2nd by JVC Joe Perkins. Motion carried. There was discussion of recommitting the $689.89 (VFW Riders) and $617.51 (House of Sun) as a result of our possible need to move our Post Home. The most recent audit will be posted at the Post on the bulletin board above the PC.
Bills: None.
Report of Service Officer: Cliff wants all to stay aware of the availability of COVID booster shots. Monitor USFK, Camp Humphreys, and Osan AB Facebook pages for availability.
Reading of Incoming Communications: None.
Comrade(s) in Distress: Please keep the following in your thoughts and prayers: Dane Miller, Ernie Lee and
Ron Colwell.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Report of Membership Statistics (MemStats) by SVC Joe Bozsoki:
MemStats as of 21 August 2021
MemStats as of 11 September 2021
Report on community service reports (CSR) by JVC Joe Perkins:
August CSR Summary - Send all CSR activities to JVC Joe Perkins (Joe_lp5@yahoo.com) or place the info in any Post Officers’ locker. Post’s must have a 10% increase over VFW 2020 - 2021 years’ submissions to qualify for All State. If community service is reportable, report it and quantify / qualify it.
Advocate Report / Doc Higgins: NTR.
Surgeon’s Report / Michael Connolly: Excused. See August Surgeon’s report following the minutes.
Buddy Poppy Report / Ron Davis: Must still purchase one box to qualify for All State.
Public Relations Officer & Community Affairs / Ernie Lee:
DATE EVENT TIME REMARKS LOCATION
24 Sep POW/MIA 1600 Base Theater
11 Nov Buddy Poppy Drive
TBD TBD
Social Media: Check out our sites:
- World Wide Web - http://vfw8180.com/ The meeting reminders and Zoom link for the meetings are here.
- Facebook Post Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/VFW8180/
Americanism: Vacant.
Hill 180 Ceremony Chairman Ernie: Excused.
Military Assistance Program (MAP) and Adopt-A-Unit / Ernie Lee: Closed. Part of our consolidation with Post 12147 was to continue to keep 2/2 (2nd Battalion (Assault), 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division)
as an Adopted Unit.Voice of Democracy (VOD) / Teachers Award / Patriot’s Pen David Gley: Schools opened 23 August.
Working the programs after that.
“First Responder” Special Programs (EMT/Law Enforcement/Fire Fighter) Doc Higgins: Working on
submissions. JVC Perkins / SFS, Chris Haenelt / Fireman, and Doc / ambulance crew package submission from
Camp Carroll.
Cub Scout Pack 86 / Scout Representative Kel Hannum: PPC Gley will work $1K grant through VFW National.
POW/MIA Joe Perkins: Ceremony is set for 24 Sep at 1600 at Osan AB movie theater.
House Rules Committee Chairman / Mark Morgan: Mark stated the HRC is working money boards, football pools, weekly football parlay, and raising the setup fee to W2,000 (motion by Mark; 2nd by QM Ron / motion carried) . . . oh, and for all those concerned about the outcome of the Mark Morgan / Mike Bellum discussion, the exhaust fans behind the bar were wired in a series / parallel configuration
Both were right!- We had planned a Post / Canteen / storage area cleanup in lieu of our 16 October meeting, but those plans changed when we were asked by the new Pacific Hotel owner (Mr. Bae) to move out of the old Pacific Print shop storage area by the end of September.
Canteen Report / Mark Morgan: We made $705.00 in August. The Canteen will open 4-10 PM Fridays and 1-10 PM Saturdays. Expect to get your temperature taken, fill out sign-in log, have food, etc.
Safety Chairman / Paul Erickson: NTR
Women in the Military / Zenata Simmons: Excused.
History / Dave Gley: Updating with each new event.
VFW Motorcycle Riders by Chairman Jerry Prowant: NTR
Remembering of our National Home: Chaplain Billy Quintero offered remembrance and prayer for our National Home in accordance with VFW tradition and ceremony.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NTR.
NEW BUSINESS:
- PPC Gley motioned for $200 for Scouts; 2nd by Billy Q. Motion carried.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
- Doc motioned to bring Joe Sanchez into the Cooties; 2nd by Dan. Motion carried. Will bring him in 13 Sep.
(delayed to 16 October because of travel restrictions).
- PDC Larry Lyons stated he is hosting a booth at the K-16 Fall Fest on 22 October (any volunteer help is welcome).
Military Order of the Cootie (MOC): The next Cootie scratch is 16 October @ 1330ish.
Our next General Membership meeting is 16 October at 1200 (also virtual link posted on our Facebook page).
//record copy maintained online at www.vfw8180.com//
Dan Delaney Warren S. Maxson
Post Adjutant Commander
CLOSING CEREMONIES:
Chaplain Billy Q gave the closing prayer.
VFW Post 8180 Surgeon Report Sept 11, 2021
Suicide Prevention Day/Week/Month References:
• https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2021/2021-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report- FINAL-9-8-21.pdf
• https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/prevention/index.asp
• https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/
1. Suicide • Since the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is being remembered today and with the recent events and loss of US Service members in Afghanistan. This has been a very confusing times for many service members and Veterans. I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the fact that September is Suicide prevention month, with this week being suicide prevention week and yesterday was suicide prevention day.
• The fight against suicide continues and the impact on veteran suicides continues to be a major concern with veteran organizations and our military services. The “Anchors of Hope” extracted from the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (1st link (copy and paste in your browser) above under references) shows that with a comprehensive public health campaign to include; education, awareness, support channels and risk awareness might be helping to save a
veteran’s life.
• September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
• National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness. This year it is September 6th – 12th
• World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.
2. Anchors of Hope • Hope serves as a key and necessary anchor to strengthen Veterans amidst numerous life
circumstances. In a similar manner, hope must imbue the overall suicide prevention mission, anchoring it amidst mission challenges and circumstances. Several hopeful data points from this year’s report serve as anchors:
• 399 fewer Veterans died from suicide in 2019 than in 2018, reflecting the lowest raw count of Veteran suicides since 2007.
• From 2005 to 2018, identified Veteran suicides increased on average by 48 deaths each year. A reduction of 399 suicides within one year is unprecedented, dating back to 2001.
• The single-year decrease in the adjusted suicide rate for Veterans from 2018 to 2019 (7%) was larger than any observed for Veterans from 2001 through 2018. Further, the Veteran rate of decrease (7.2%) exceeded by four times the non- Veteran population decrease (1.8%) from 2018 to 2019.
• There was a nearly 13% one-year rate (unadjusted rate) decrease for female Veterans, which represents the largest rate decrease for Women Veterans in 17 years.
• COVID-19-related data continues to emerge and clarify, but data thus far do not indicate an increase in Veteran suicide- related behaviors. Additionally, the level of differential mortality by mental health status has not increased since the pandemic began.
3. A lot of work still ahead
While the reduction of 399 deaths of our fellow Veterans and the fact that is the biggest drop of veteran suicides since 2001 is great news. There is still a lot of work to accomplish. Unfortunately, with the drop there were still 6,261 Veteran suicides.
4. Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized – behaviors that may be signs a Veteran needs support. • Warning signs
• Signs indicating a Veteran requires immediate attention:
• Hopelessness, feeling like there is no way out
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings
• Feeling like there is no reason to live
• Rage or anger
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• When asked, they express a desire to hurt or kill themselves
• When prompted, they reveal that they are looking for ways to kill themselves
• They talk about death, dying, or suicide
• They begin to exhibit self-destructive behavior, such as increased drug or alcohol use, talking about acquiring/using weapons for self-harm, and stockpiling medication
5. Here are five steps you can take to #BeThe1 To help someone in emotional pain:
I. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
II. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
III. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
IV. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
V. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference.
Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
6. Please provide these resources to anyone you believe may be struggling with depression and possible suicidal thoughts.
• USFK Support i. Suicide Crisis Hotline – 0808-555-119 ii. Suicide Prevention Hotline – 0503-337-4673
• US National Support i. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) ii. Text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741)
iii. Veterans Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to connect with a VA responder iv. Veterans Crisis Line - Text Line to 838255 to connect with a VA responder
