I am sure most of us in our lifetimes have had things happen that we didn’t expect and that totally changed our lives. Well, that just happened to me. Suddenly I
have been thrust into the leadership of the National KWVA and assumed all the responsibilities that go along with it.
I am sure that all of you know by now that President
Jim Ferris has resigned, effective at midnight May 18, 2013. According to the By-laws, as 1st Vice President I am to assume the duties of the President in his absence.
Believe me, it is quite a shock, but I intend to do everything I can to step into the role of President and continue with the good things that we have begun under Jim
Ferris’ leadership.
As far as I am concerned, Jim has provided the impetus to make our organization better. His enthusiasm in putting together teams for recruiting
and fundraising and improving the financial aspect of The Graybeards magazine will certainly pay off for us in the future. His dedication and commitment to the KWVA
have been well noted and are very much appreciated by all who know and worked with him.
Thank you, Jim, for all the days and years you have given to our organization.
May you and Felice have more time to enjoy your family and do some of the things you have had to put off until you “had time.”
I am quickly finding out that the President
of the KWVA has many more obligations and responsibilities than just looking after the organization. We are honored to be invited to many of the events that take place
in Washington DC, especially since this is the “Year of the Korean Veteran.”
Early this month I was part of the delegation that welcomed the South Korean President
Madame Park on her first visit to this country. I will also attend the wreath laying ceremony in Washington DC on Memorial Day and then go to Korea to take part in
their commemoration of the beginning of the war in late June. Then, just around the corner in July will be the major event of the year in Washington DC, our annual
membership meeting and the DOD 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the end of the Korean War. I am looking forward to all these opportunities to represent the KWVA, but
I can see it will be a very busy time.
Any time an organization like ours changes leadership it is normal to do a complete audit of the finances. In fact, I would be
reluctant to assume the leadership role without such an audit. Jim Ferris has recommended that this be done, and I am in complete agreement.
One of the first things
I want to do is organize a transition team that can help look into the issues that are facing us now. I have asked Board member and By-laws Chairman Lew Ewing to head
this group that consists of 2nd Vice President Roy Aldridge, Board member and Membership Chairman Tom Stevens, Board member and Budget and Finance Chairman Tilford
Jones, KWVA Secretary Frank Cohee, Past President Bill Mac Swain, and me. This group will be charged with making sure we stay on track and help us with the planning
for the membership meeting in July. I hope to have a meeting with this group in early to mid June.
In closing this first letter to the membership, I say that I feel
very blessed in my life for good health, family and friends. I have already had many calls from KWVA members and friends offering their support as we go forward.
I
am one who believes in the power of prayer. We are going through some rough spots with our organization right now, but I feel strongly that with your support and prayers
we will continue as a strong organization and Tell America about the good things we did in Korea 60 years ago.
Larry Kinard, President
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (KWVA/US)