03/31/2026
Last Thursday was a successful meeting. Here are the meeting minutes to keep you informed and ready to contribute to either new or old business.
D.A.V Chapter 32 Meeting Notes - Approved 22 February 2026
1800 Meeting called to order by Commander
Opening Prayer by – Chaplain is absent, another member volunteered
Pledge of Allegiance by all attending
Roll Call
Commander – Gary Bradley - Present
Senior Vice – Paul Martin - Present
2nd Vice – Mike Davis - Absent
3rd Vice – Dave Moreland - Absent
Treasurer – Tom Saxton - Present
Sergeant at Arms – Arnold Carpenter - Absent
Chaplain – Ed Layton - Absent
Adjutant – Kevin Smith - Present
Executive Board
President – Don Pritchard - Present
Bob Galland - Present
Ted Skinner - Absent
Steve Vicars - Present
Jerry Smith - Absent
Gary Bennett - Present
Introduction of Visitors – Moon King and Rosie Smith
Minutes from previous meeting read by – Adjutant
Treasurers Report and Bills against the Chapter by – Treasurer
Sickness and Distress Requests
Ted Skinner is not in good health
Application for Membership Transfers - none
New Member Introductions - none
Reading of Communications by – Adjutant – none
Committee Reports by – Adjutant - none
Old Business
Paul Martin stated that the youth group would be able to come in and paint at a later date, working out the details.
Paul DeBerry stated the food pantry has been busy, he had a few new members sign up for it.
Gary Bradley stated that the state office had ordered the State office sign be removed, it has been removed and awaiting pick up from state
The McDonough foundation granted the chapter $1000 for us to use as our needs required. Gary stated he is looking into getting a new AED, along with proper training for us.
We are tentatively planning a coffee break event since the rest stop may be still in operation for us to use for a while, and we are looking for volunteers for these events.
The text/e-mail list for info and alerts are forming up. Please let us know if you want included. Text 304-410-0341 or e-mail [email protected] to be added and include your name so we know who it is.
We have Becky Mullans as our female service officer in training. She is scheduled to attend training in Summersville in February but we have voiced our concerns about her traveling by herself during winter so we are trying to coordinate with state to have a virtual/online training event.
We have a special election for Senior Vice as Gary Bradley was promoted to Commander just before the suspension leaving a vacant spot so Wayne Starcher volunteered to stand in temporarily during the suspension and have not had a meeting for a couple months, any nominations? Tom nominated Paul Martin. No others nominated. Paul Martin has been elected for Senior Vice effective immediately.
New Business
We have visitors to discuss a fund raising event. Moon King and Rosie Smith spoke about the event. There will be a musicians night fundraiser event at the Williamstown American Legion March 7th and will run from 2P.M. until midnight. All door proceeds will go to the D.A.V. We will need volunteers to help set up, support, and teardown. There will be food, a 50/50 drawing, and door prizes. Entry fee is $10.00 The legion is located near DaVinci’s. We need a list of who can help support this event.
We are still focusing on membership growth and claim preparation. Recruiting younger members is a very high priority for the future of this organization. Becky should be up to speed soon, Tom and Paul have been told they can not return as case officers. We have been told that we and the VSO’s at St Joe are the only local resources to prepare claims.
We are also still hearing from people that they think we are still closed, get the word out that we are open.
We need volunteers for the coffee break and for the Musicians Night to help with watching the doors. The coffee break will be set for April 3-5 if we get enough volunteers to cover it.
The elimination dinner is April 11th starting at 5P.M., tickets are $20 and there are approx $1500 in prizes.
Paul Martin said the youth group is planning to come in sometime in March to begin painting, etc.
We have a table reserved at the resource fair on March 20th at the Welcome Home event at the armory
The Wreaths for Veterans program was brought up again for donations. A brochure was brought in with the contact info.
We had a representative at the February WV National Guard retirement brief at Eleanor, WV. There was only about 25 or so people there due to bad weather. Spoke to approx 10 people about the DAV and doing claims and our support programs.
Paul DeBerry is asking for people to try to help sell the tickets for the raffle.
There was a question about a couple vietnam vets having bridges/roads named after them. We will try to find out the info. Wayne stated he had contact info for that.
The Veterans visibility day is scheduled for March 13th
