| Date: | December 1, 2022 | Location: | Casa de España, San José |
- Chuck Turner indicated that our current bank balance had not changed from the last meeting and was currently $1,492.50.
- Matt mentioned that he had talked with Ken Johnson over the phone and he had indicated that he would match any contribution to the post up to $25. Matt was not sure if there was a time limit to this appeal but he would follow-up. He asked that we ask for the matches in the New Year.
- Chuck mentioned that he expected that the American Colony would give the Post $1,000 when they close their books.
- Matt Lopes mentioned that he and Craig had attended the monthly meeting for people interested in retiring to Costa Rica at the end of last month to discuss this Post. The meeting was held in San Jose at the Hotel Park Inn, on Avenue 6. We had interest from four of the attendees. We will try to continue to make the meeting in the following months.
- Matt indicated that he had tried to contact the US Embassy here to set a meeting to discuss the issue of Totalization. Matt had believed that Beatrice Brown, a member of the Women’s Auxillary to Post 10, would contact him about what they had done on the issue. I subsequently talked, via telephone, with Ken who said that it was someone else who had talked with the Costa Rican Government. Matt indicated that the US Embassy had provided him with the name of someone within the US Embassy who worked on this Issue and they were located within the Social Security Administration. Pat Kilburn had indicated that before he departed to return to the USA, he had talked with the US Embassy and they had believed that the issue would be resolved soon. This was two years ago. Matt interjected that obviously this was not a high priority on their list or the US Embassy may be dragging their feet because the beneficiaries are not US citizens. Ervin mentioned that maybe we should investigate getting in contact with the Costa Rican Ambassador to the USA who might fight to protect Costa Rican widows maintaining their benefits. Matt indicated that other nations have resolved this issue with the USA. Bob indicated that this is probably a good issue for the Post to publicize as to what we are doing. This is public service. Bob suggested that we attempt to contact the Costa Rican Foreign MinistrY here and see if he could influence his administration in the USA to push the issue. It was suggested that Ken might have some paperwork on the issue which we would be able to review. Again, Matt indicated that he would try to contact Ken to follow-up.
- Matt indicated that Ken had problems with Zoom technology; although, his wife was using Zoom to attend her Church meetings. Bob indicated that he had laptops to which Matt mused that Bob might end-up as our Technical persons to the Post. Matt mentioned that Pat Kilburn was still operating our computer program from Florida even though he had stepped-down as Commander on a voluntary basis.
- Craig asked if we still had business cards. Chuck was asked if he could have some made for us to give to veterans we encounter. Bob had a suggestion about creating membership programs via our computer site wherein people could sign-in or be on our Zoom meeting. Bob and Pat have to connect to see how we can workout the computer programs.