NOTE: This is a summary of the actions taken at a KWVA Executive Council Meeting.
An official verbatim transcript is on file with The Secretary, KWVA, for all meetings on and since
07.27.2004.
Any corrections or changes should be sent, in writing, to the Corporate Secretary as they
are noticed. Minutes will be corrected and approved at the next meeting of the body to which they
pertain.
The Corporate Secretary is:
Don Duquette, Secretary, The KWVA
41 Overlook Drive
Centerville, MA 02632-3338
Ph 508.775.6155
kwvasecretary@comcast.net
President Louis Dechert called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM.
John Sonley, Sergeant at Arms led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Second Vice President Byron Dickerson gave the invocation
President Dechert made several announcements and stated that the meeting would be conducted in accordance
with the KWVA Bylaws and/or Roberts Rules of Order. President Dechert then introduced all present. Tom
Clawson, Revisit Chairman, was added to the Agenda.
President Dechert noted that the procedures for the Board were on the agenda and that the Agenda had been
distributed to all as prescribed.
Director Bill Mac Swain made a motion that the Agenda be accepted. Director Ferris seconded the motion
and it carried unanimously.
President Dechert noted that all votes would be roll call votes at the request of Director Dauster.
Director Dauster noted that the exception would be in the voting on the Bylaws report; that a roll call
vote would not apply
ROLL CALL
The Secretary called the roll.
Present: President Lou Dechert, First Vice President Dick Adams, Second Vice President Byron Dickerson,
Interim Treasurer Richard Hare and Interim Assistant Secretary Dick Predmore; Directors Harley Coon, Lee
Dauster, Jim Ferris, Stanley Grogan, Bill Mac Swain, Larry McKinniss, Bob Morga and Joe Pirrello.
Absent, excused : Directors James Jones Jr., Dean McClain and Warren Wiedhahn. Absent, unexcused:
Director Dorothy Wenzel
Additional Official Officers present: Charley Price, C/S, Acting JA,VSO; Jake Feaster, Assistant JA,
Special Projects; Paul Fitzsimmons, VAVS; Sim Goodall, Chairman, Ethics and /Grievance Committee; Jeff
Brodeur, KWVA LnO to KVA; Dick Wainwright, Member, Nominating Committee; Boyle Henderson, CPA; Jimmy
Faircloth, Legal Counsel; Tom Clawson, Revisit Committee Chairman; Christy Hamrey, Recorder CCR#625.
PRIOR MINUTES
A motion by Director Dauster to approve the Minutes of the 9/24/04 Meeting as presented in The
Graybeards was seconded by Director Grogan and was passed with a unanimous vote.
Director McKinniss questioned whether the Chair of Ethics and Grievance Committee could be someone other
than a member of the Executive Council. President Dechert pointed out that a Standing Committee Chair must
be a Director or other elected officer, according to the bylaws, but the E&G Committee Chair is a Special
Committee position appointed by the President and does not fall under that requirement. The Judge Advocate
and Civil Counsel affirmed that opinion.
There was no Correspondence report from the Secretary.
President Dechert presented a special award to Jack Tolbert, a former member of the Puerto Rican 65th
Infantry Regiment in Korea. Jack is a member of Redding, CA, KWVA "Northern California Chapter #1" and is
the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross earned while fighting with the 65th in Korea. [A special
Documentary on the 65th was presented to the Executive Council later in the meeting.]
TREASURER'S REPORT
Richard Hare presented the Treasurer's report. He distributed three items to each member of the council:
1. A cover letter from CPA Boyle Henderson, which contained the balance sheet with the profit and loss
statement for the year ending December 31, 2004.
2. A summary of the current status of funds as of the end of the previous week, as an update, and noted
that seven months of 2004 were under the previous administration and five months under the current
administration. Therefore a difference in basic bookkeeping of funds is apparent.
3. A statement showing the status of KWVA funds as of Friday, March 15, 2005, which is reconciled with the
bank statement, showing a checking account balance of $20,735, a savings account balance of $36,091 and a
Smith Barney account with $526,610.
There was extensive discussion of the reports by Council Members Dauster, Dechert, Coon, Adams,
McKinniss, Pirrello, Henderson, Hare and Grogan. Richard Hare pointed out that 90% of our assets were with
Smith Barney, invested in Franklin Income Fund, and while we have profited by it, it was considered at this
time we should not have all of our eggs in one basket.
After lengthy discussion concerning bookkeeping methods, the lack of financial records documentation and
the proper "mix" in the investment portfolio, President Dechert referred the question of the proper "mix" in
the investment portfolio to the Finance Committee to report their recommendations back to the Executive
Council at their next meeting. Director McKinniss moved to accept the Treasurer's Report which was
seconded by Director Grogan. The motion carried with a unanimous vote.
President Dechert made reference to the audit report and referred it to the Budget and Finance Committee
for further study and recommendations. Upon comment from Director Coon, the President noted the late Tom
Gregory, former KWVA Treasurer for his detailed and tireless efforts in handling the finances for KWVA for
many years.
PRESENTATION ON 65TH INFANTRY
President Dechert then introduced Neomi Figueroa-Soulet, and William Cruz, representing EL POZO
PRODUCTIONS, engaged in the making of a video of the Puerto Rican, 65th Infantry Regiment, the only
segregated Hispanic unit in the U.S. Army. They call themselves the "Borinqueneers." The speakers spoke of
the illustrious history of the 65th and also showed an impressive rough Video Documentary of the unit's
history. A request was made to the KWVA for a $25,000 sponsorship of this documentary, which it is hoped to
go on National Television.
Director McKinniss moved that the matter be referred to the Finance and Budget Committee which
Director Grogan seconded. A voice vote was suggested and the motion carried unanimously.
EXTRA-AGENDA ACTION
Director Coon requested the floor to address the President and Board members. He stated, "This is to
the president and fellow board members. I regret that after 12 years of service as a National Director of
the KWVA and President for the past six years that I must resign as national director of the KWVA. My health
problems continue to worsen. As a result of 33 months spent as a prisoner of war in Korea, I have had severe
medical impact. Since my release as a prisoner of war I have had seven surgeries, major surgeries, and three
heart attacks. Starvation, beatings, disease and mental stress disorder continues to worsen. I hereby resign
as National Director this 15th day of March 2005. As President of the KWVA this past six years I have turned
over to your administration all monies, books, records, and properties in my possession belonging to the
organization, Harley J. Coon -- As MacArthur once said, ‘Old Soldiers never die. We just fade away.' Thank
you, Mr. President"
Director Grogan made a motion that we accept the resignation of Director Harley Coon; Director McKinniss
seconded it. A voice vote was conducted and the motion carried unanimously. President Dechert accepted
Harley Coon's resignation.
[Following the vote a 10-minute break was taken.]
CHARTER PRESENTED TO KVA CHAPTER 299, KWVA
President Lou Dechert presented Jeff Brodeur, President of Korea Veterans of America Chapter #299, KWVA,
a Charter certifying it as a chapter within KWVA. Jeff spoke of the unification of the two organizations,
which up until now had separate units. This unification marks a great step forward for all Korea Veterans.
REPORT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Director Ferris submitted the Budget and Finance Committee Report. He stated that there were two primary
subjects for discussion and resolution. The first was the reimbursement methods for attending National
meetings. At present a $600.00 flat rate exists, which is not proportionately adequate. An alternate method
was proposed by Director Mac Swain for discussion. Extensive discussion resulted in a per diem type plan for
reimbursement on a fair and equitable basis for all, which would also solve some IRS problems that existed
under the old system. This new system would become effective at the next Executive Council Meeting. A motion
was made by Director McKinniss that a limit be placed on reimbursement for land travel so that it did not
exceed that of air travel. It was seconded by Director Mac Swain and the vote was unanimous in favor of the
motion.
The matter of insurance was brought up as a matter of concern. Director Dauster passed out material
concerning the insurance possibilities for the Organization as a whole. After much discussion of insurance
issues relating to KWVA, the renewal of current policies was discussed. Director McKinniss moved to renew
the current policies. Director Ferris seconded it and a voice vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Based on the information from Directors Dauster and Grogan a motion was made to further investigate
future insurance alternatives. President Dechert noted that the motion was not necessary and appointed
Directors Dauster and Grogan to find an active insurance agent among the membership, and working through
Director Ferris, report their recommendations at the next Executive Council Meeting.
CONVENTION (REUNION) REPORT
2nd Vice President Dickerson reported that the Reunion Committee had secured the site of the Isle of
Capri Hotel and Casino in Shreveport, LA for the October 2005 Reunion and Convention. San Antonio, TX will
be the 2006 site. Areas for the 2007 meetings are under consideration at present, including the Bay City
area of California, Orlando, FL, the Mount Rushmore area of North Dakota and others. Louisiana and Texas
convention locations for 2005 and 2006 were approved at the Knoxville Convention and the 2007 location is to
be presented at the 2005 Convention for action. Director Mac Swain made a motion to accept the Reunion
Committee Report, which was seconded by Director Grogan. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Adjournment for lunch until 1305 (lunch recess taken)
Reconvened at 1:16 p.m.
2005 NOMINATION AND ELECTION REPORT
1st Vice President Dick Adams, Nomination Committee Chairman, and 2005 Nomination and Election
Coordinator Dick Wainwright submitted the report on the nine candidates who qualified for as candidates for
Director Term 2005-2008: Robert Banker, Jeff Brodeur, Don Byers, John "Jack" Edwards, Robert Fitts, William
Mac Swain, Robert Simon, Warren Wiedhahn, and Christ Yanacos. Names and other election procedures will be in
The Graybeard, as specified in the Bylaws. Director Dauster moved to accept the report and Director Ferris
seconded. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTIONS REPORT
Resolutions Committee Chairman Dauster indicated that he had only received one Resolution that met the
30-day notice requirement. The resolution referred to an innuendo that a name change of "The Graybeards"
not be considered. As there was no consideration underway to do so, there would be no action necessary. It
was moved by Director Mac Swain to accept the reading of the resolution. A second was made by Director
Grogan. The vote was unanimous noting the reading.
TELL AMERICA REPORT
Tell America Chairman 1st Vice President Dick Adams reported that Larry Kinard of Texas is revitalizing
the Tell America Program. The program has slipped in the past few years and was all but dead on a National
level. Some local Chapters have kept it going, and now with renewed leadership in that department and access
to the KWVA Website and The Graybeards, interest and momentum is growing. Cooperation among Chapters
is helping enormously.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Director Dean McClain, Chairman, was absent due to illness. President Dechert reported that he had asked
Jake Feaster to perform a special project upgrading membership records for the past several months. He asked
Mr. Feaster to inform the Executive Council about what he was doing. Jake has been aiding in bringing the
electronic age to the Association, along with Webmaster Jim Doppelhammer. The importance of this measure
must not be taken lightly. Communication will be the glue that will bond this organization together so that
it may grow with a purpose. The Internet has that unique ability to gather information, capture ideas from a
multitude of resources, compile that information and distribute it to anyone who wishes to access it. The
KWVA website, http://www.kwva.org does just that. Through it we get to
know one another and display our Chapters' accomplishments so that others who wish to copy us may do so. New
ideas and problem solving are at our fingertips. We must keep our Chapters' and Departments' records and
accomplishments up to date, and those records must be shared with National, State, and Chapter alike. As an
organization we must all be in step.
The website and The Graybeards keeps the communication and fraternity open and operating. Over the
past years much information was lost or never existed. Communication between Chapter, Departments, and
National would be lost, or non-existent, except by happenstance. Jake and his associates are putting the
great puzzle together again. He requests that all changes be reported and recorded and that everyone who has
access to a computer check the website daily or at least once a week. We are now able to reach out to
Chapters and Departments, and to know them personally and to grow together.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE
Bylaws Chairman Mac Swain noted that the Executive Council had received a copy of his committee's
proposed bylaws changes and given about a week and a half for their study.
Director Mac Swain made a motion that the Executive Council accept the bylaws, except for those areas the
Council might have objections to; these to be brought up for discussion and resolved.
Director McKinniss seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
The floor was open for discussion on further proposed changes and matters not yet incorporated by the
Executive Council.
2nd VP Dickerson raised objection to "page 4, number one and two" relative to qualifications for the
experience and requirements and so forth; that one and two just be knocked out. That's my motion." 1st VP
Adams seconded the motion.
Considerable and lengthy discussion ensued, for clarification. Jimmy Faircloth simplified it by stating
"What we would be left with is identical to the 2000 bylaws. There would be no additions beyond what's
stated." Director Mac Swain responded, "That's right."
The motion was restated by Jimmy Faircloth, "The Motion is to amend the proposed bylaws to delete the
objectionable language on page 4."
A roll call vote was taken. "Yes" would be to delete the stated portions.
- Director Morga Yes
- Director Grogan No
- Director Ferris Yes
- Director Mac Swain Yes
- Director McKinniss No
- Director Pirrello No
- Director Dauster Yes
- 2nd VP Dickerson Yes
- 1st VP Adams Yes
The Motion carried: 6 Yes, 3 No . Motion passed.
Director Ferris voiced concern on conflicting Chapter, Department and National bylaw wording. Following
the discussion, Director McKinniss made a motion that we alter the sentence, which says, "….will elect a
Department President and Vice President," and then after Vice President it will read, "and elect or appoint
Secretary, Treasurer and Directors."
Director Grogan seconded the motion.
Director McKinniss questioned, "That will include the Departments and Chapters?"
Faircloth added, "Let's do one at a time just to make the record clear. Right now we are dealing with
Section 3. You're adding---after vice President, 'elect or appoint.'"
President Dechert called for a voice vote. All voted in favor of the motion except for Director Mac
Swain, who voted against it.
Director McKinniss: I would make the same motion as pertaining to the Chapters as it did to the
Departments.
Director Grogan seconded it.
Jimmy Faircloth: Page nine; section four in the paragraph dealing with officers. The identical language
to be added that was added on the last motion dealing with Departments.
President Dechert: All in favor say AYE. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
(A 10-minute break was called)
President Dechert announced a correction to the roll call. Director Wenzel is excused from
attending this meeting due to medical reasons.
Director Dauster made a motion that we accept the Bylaws report as amended. 1st VP Adams seconded the
motion and a voice vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
A motion was made by Director Mac Swain that the Bylaws Committee be authorized make necessary technical,
typographical and other informational changes prior to presentation to the General Membership meeting.
Director Dauster seconded the motion and a voice vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
At this point for the Good of the Order several guests, KWVA members that had traveled some distance were
given the opportunity to speak of their organization's accomplishments and suggestions. Those speaking were
Rod Stock and Pete Rivenberg, Secretary/Treasurer of Nevada Chapter 198, discussing recruitment and
initiatives for same. Their presentation engendered much discussion. Also contributing to the discussion was
Jack Edwards, Florida Chapter 159, William Hoyle, Chapter 203, Turlock, CA and Fred Williams, Nevada Chapter
198.
Directors Ferris and Dauster suggested that a committee be established for the purpose of recruitment
utilizing Association resources to best advantage.
Director Dauster made a motion that the Council, direct the President to appoint a non-standing Committee
for Recruitment. Director Mac Swain seconded it and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Revisit Chairman Tom Clawson presented his report and produced a copy for the Council members. He offered
encouragement to keep the program going and to get more articles into The Graybeards.
A 10-minute break was taken and the meeting reconvened in Executive Session since the matter
concerned personnel and legal matters.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council reconvened in open session.
Executive Council members present as follows:
- Dick Adams
- Byron Dickerson
- Lee Dauster
- James E Ferris
- Stanley J. Grogan
- William F. Mac Swain
- Larry McKinniss
- Bob Morga
- Joseph Pirrello
- Lou Dechert*
- Richard Hare*
- Richard Predmore*
* Non-voting
President Lou Dechert presided with twelve (12) members (3 non-voting) and a quorum present.
The Chairman of the Ethics and Grievance Committee (E&G), Sim Goodall, was present. Other committee
members Billy W. Jones, Tine P. Martin, Martin J. O'Brien, Al Silvano, and Steven Szekely were not present.
Mr. Goodall stated that his remarks, and the report, represented the unanimous conclusions and
recommendations of the E&G Committee.
Chairman Goodall reported on complaints concerning former officers and others. The E&G Committee
investigation found that some of the complaints were unfounded, not sustained by the evidence presented, of
such a nature as to require further actions at law or further investigation before making a decision.
Then, on advice of Counsel and the Judge Advocate, the President had the written report distributed to
those present for reading and discussion. Each copy was numbered by the Sergeant at Arms to be accounted for
at all times. Ample time was given for all to read the lengthy report. Discussion ensued. After extensive
discussion, President Dechert, as he had announced before the report was distributed for reading, declined
to refer the report to the Council for action at that time. There were matters contained in the report that
will be referred at a future date for future discussion and appropriate action by the Council and/or
members. All copies of the report were collected and accounted for by the Sergeant at Arms and returned to
Mr. Goodall. The Civil Counsel retained a copy because several items were referred to him for legal follow
through, as appropriate.
Also in executive session, the two petitions for reinstatement received by the President in writing - one
of them had also been sent to individual Council members - were put on the agenda. The petitions were from
Mr. Oreste A. Tramonte, LR05500, and Mr. Nicholas J. Pappas, LR06509. President Dechert had referred the
Pappas request to the E&G Committee for consideration and recommendations, and so informed Mr. Pappas at the
time. The petition had been submitted directly to the E&G Committee by Mr. Tramonte. The Committee reported
out both requests to the President and President Dechert presented the E&G recommendations to the Council.
After extensive discussion, the reinstatement of both petitioners was approved by an 8 to 1 vote in the
case of Mr. Tramonte, and a 6 to 3 vote in the case of Mr. Pappas.
The Executive Council then went back on the record and reopened the meeting.
Director Ferris made a motion to confirm the change of appointments of Dick Predmore from "Interim
Assistant Secretary" to "Assistant Secretary" and Dick Hare from "Interim Treasurer" to "Treasurer."
Motion was seconded by Director Grogan. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Director McKinniss made a motion that the Executive Council seat vacated by Harley Coon be filled by
appointing the fifth person receiving the most votes, to complete the remaining two years of the term to
which Director Coon had been elected. Director Pirrello seconded the motion. President Dechert asked for a
show of hands. Vote was 6 yes. The motion carried.
The National Charter was discussed and is still in a state of dormancy. Much work is being exerted to
remedy the situation but there is still a steep hill to climb. Don Byers is acting as President Dechert's
Washington Liaison Officer.
Dates for the next meeting were discussed.
July 24 Travel Day
July 25 Committee Work
July 26 Executive Council Meeting
President Dechert indicated he would send something in the mail to clarify. This will be covered under
the new system for expenses.
Director Mac Swain made a motion that all director election ballots as per Article III, Section 3,
paragraph F of the bylaws, requiring them to be in the CPAs Office by July 10, 2005, that the CPA be given
the direction to supply by registered mail not later than July 13, 2005 the complete listing of election
results to each Executive Council member, each candidate for director, the Nominating Committee Chairman and
the National KWVA Secretary, for formally reporting to the KWVA general membership meeting at the annual
meeting in October 2005.
Director Dauster seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
President Dechert summoned and presented Robert Personette to the Executive Council as a candidate for
appointment as Chaplain of the National KWVA.
Director McKinniss moved to accept the appointment and it was seconded by Director Grogan.
The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Chaplain Personette accepted and proceeded with the closing Prayer.
President Dechert: "Being no further business we are adjourned."
Meeting concluded at 5:31 p.m., March 15, 2005.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Richard Predmore, Asst. Secretary
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