March 19, 2005


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Veterans, Members, Friends—

I will use this update to report on some of the highlights of the Executive Council Meeting held in Reno, Nevada, March 13-16, 2005 [See the Meeting Agenda posted on February 11 (PDF File)].

Since I am preparing this from memory I take the risk of overlooking or mistaking an individual or action. This is unintentional and the Minutes should be relied on when they become available.

A large group of active members from California and Nevada chapters attended, many with their wives. Several wives of Executive Council members also attended. The additional attendance and interest added much to our meeting.

Redding, CA, National Chapter #1, the home Chapter of Vice President Dick Adams, was well represented. Meeting them reminded me of the year plus that my wife and I lived in Redding prior to the start of DESERT STORM. I had the honor of meeting Jack Talbot who was awarded the DSC in Korea while serving in the 65th Infantry—we had a guest presentation about the 65th Infantry Regiment during the meeting. We took a moment to honor Jack during that presentation. Jack is a Past Chapter President several times, as is President Leroy Neuenfeld who informed the meeting of the many VA construction projects in North State.


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The War Dogs Chapter, Turlock, CA, sent two sharp USMC veterans and Lawrence M. Johnson briefed the Executive Council.

Santa Clara Chapter #6 was represented and heard from as President Walter C. Schrank told of the Chapter’s more recent activities. Reno-Sparks Chapter #198 and President Ralph Christie briefed the EC and others in attendance of their growth, recruiting, and the Nevada monument to be built. The project will cost $14,000. Part of the fund-raising is selling memorial bricks at $50 each. It would be great if each Chapter in the KWVA would buy a brick. [Contact President Christie MinnROCNV@charter.net]

Several other Chapters and individuals attended: Sonora Tuolumne Chapter #7 and President Gary van Den Bergh—Director Lee Dauster’s home Chapter; San Diego Chapter #179, President James Whelan; Lompoc, CA, resident and US Army 1st Sgt Retired Marshall Anderson, from Lompoc, CA; and from across the continent and Sunshine State Chapter #159, former Vice President and Director Jack Edwards attended.

The Summary Minutes of the meeting should be available in about four weeks and placed in The Graybeards. There was a great spirit that began developing in the meeting. The meeting was comprised predominantly of open session matters, with a closed session dealing with personal individual matters/cases.

The principal results—of which you will hear and see more of later—were:

  • Presentation, discussion, and approval of the closing financial reports of 2004.  Treasurer Richard Hare reported the combined deposits as $583,456.14.
     
  • Presentation, discussion, and approval of a revised manner of reimbursement for official travel.
     
  • Presentation, discussion, and approval of the most recent Bylaws revision, providing another draft which members may consider prior to the next Executive Council meeting and prior to the October Convention.
     
  • The unexpected resignation as Director by Mr. Harley Coon, for reasons of health, shortly after the meeting began.
     
  • Presentation, discussion, and approval of the Nominating Committee Report for the 2005 election. The resignation of Director Coon created some discussion and led to the vote to appoint the person receiving the fifth highest vote count for Director in the 2005 election to complete the term of Mr. Coon.
     
  • The reinstatement of the memberships of Mr. Oreste A Tramonte, former LR05500, and Mr. Nicholas J Pappas, former LR06509, upon their requests, referred to the Ethics and Grievance Committee by President Dechert. The Committee actions were received and considered by the President shortly before the meeting. He presented the matters to the EC which took action after lengthy discussion in closed session.
     
  • The Charter for The KVA Chapter of the KWVA, #299 was presented to Commander Jeff Brodeur. Commander Brodeur addressed the EC and was warmly received.
     
  • The President was directed to create a Special Committee on Recruiting.
     
  • The Convention for 2005 in Bossier City/Shreveport, Louisiana was approved. The Convention for 2006 was awarded to San Antonio, TX.  The Convention in Knoxville, 2004, had voted that the Executive Council could fix the dates and places of the 2005 and 2006 Conventions in “Texas or Louisiana.” The Convention (Reunion) Committee will have the recommendation for the 2007 Convention ready to present to the 2005 Convention in October.
     
  • The Executive Council accepted the call for their next meeting to be held in the Washington, DC area in conjunction with the annual meeting and honors performed by The Gathering. The actual Council meeting itself will be July 26, 2005.
     
  • The following appointments were approved: Mr. Richard Hare, Treasurer; Mr. Richard Predmore, Assistant Secretary; and Mr. Robert Personette, was approved as Chaplain.


President Dechert presents Charter to Commander
Jeff Brodeur, KVA Chapter of the KWVA, #299.

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Thanks to all who assisted this Executive Council in accomplishing the objectives stated in the agenda


President