The 2022 Minnesota State Convention of the MOPH and MOPH Auxiliary was held in Monticello, MN on May 14th and proved to be a successful gathering for our first post pandemic event. Although 28 doesn’t seem like a great number we had representation from 8 of our 12 chapters in Minnesota.
Our now Past Department Commander, David Bellis received his Past Commanders Pin, Plaque and Gavel for his two years of service as commander during our pandemic experience.
David has passed the Commanders duties on to our sitting Vice Commander, John Marshall of Chapter 56 of Duluth, MN. Welcome to John Marshall as our new Minnesota Department Commander.
Patriots also honored at the evening banquet were Willie Pargo for his many years of service as our VAVS representative at the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital and for his tireless efforts to keep the MOPH involved at the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital.
William Bull received the Department Patriot of the Year Award for 2021-2022 for his work as the Department Finance Officer and pandemic leadership to keep the department moving forward during this time period.
Associate Member, Shirley Bull, also received a Department Special Recognition Award for her 2020-2022 service to the department as the Commanders Assistant to get records in order and reports in to The National Office on time.
Celia Wirth, the gate keeper of the MOPH Website received a Department Special Recognition Award for her diligent efforts to keep our website up to date. Her communication skills and suggestions with William and Shirley Bull about the website have been a valuable asset to our organization. She truly is our “IT” Angel!
Our evening dinner speaker, Derek Farwell, Veterans’ Service Officer for Scott County, answered many questions and explained in detail just how Veterans’ programs work on an individual basis.
