55th STRAT RECON WING ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
20 SEPTEMBER 2006 – OMAHA, NE
COUNCIL BLUFFS CONFERENCE ROOM B
EMBASSEY SUITES DOWNTOWN/OLD MARKET
President Jim Thomas called the meeting to order at 1727.
Present were: VPres Ricky McMahon, Treasurer Errol Hoberman, Secretary Max Moore, Historian Robb Hoover, Webmaster Don Griffin, Bill Ernst, Michael Cook, Sparky Adams, Sam Pizzo, Joe Gyulavics, Jim Maloney, George Ross, Dennis Haun, Fox Censullo, Kevin Todd, and Col Don Kelly. Not present: Charles Waters and LtCol Ken Bauer.
Pres Thomas called for reading of the minutes from the last two Board meetings at the San Diego reunion. Cook moved to dispense with the reading (all Board members were provided copies of same after the last reunion and there were no corrections noted). Seconded by many. Motion passed by voice vote.
The president then gave a detailed recap of Association business and events since the March 2004 reunion. They included: the amending of Article VIII and Bylaw 7 to specify classes of membership in the Association; former wing commander MGen Craig Koziol was presented a copy of the book “We See All’ and sent a framed picture of the new Offutt Cemetery flag/flag pole. The Association participated in that project in September of 2005 and it was dedicated at a ceremony on Veterans Day, 11 November 2005. Cook elaborated that this was a joint project with the local Air Force Association chapter, but that Thomas had taken the lead on procuring the pole and flag, coordinating with 55th Civil Engineering Sqd, and seeing that it came to fruition.
A major event for the Association was the invitation to give a briefing at a Wing Stand-up Meeting in March 2006. Thomas, Hoover and Moore gave a tag-team synopsis of who, why and what the Association is, and told of what it has accomplished and of the several contributions in support of the Wing.
Thomas reported on the dinner the Association hosted for a meet and greet with the incoming Wing Commander BGen Jonathon George in November 2005. He also gave a summary of the success of the Tales of the Fifty-Fifth on 31 March 2006, which had the highest attendance to date, including a large active duty cadre. He further reported on the Association’s participation and donation to the Wing Birthday Ball, and the Award for Excellence, and Hall of Fame presentations made at the Ball.
Another donation was to the 55th Fighter Group Memorial dedicated at Wormingford, UK, last summer. The Association and individual members sent a total of $1500 to support the ceremonies.
Thomas then gave a status report of the relationship between the Association and the Wing. He noted that many dialogues have been proactive with open communication between the local Association officers and members with the Wing senior staff. He gave specific examples: the Ball, Hall of Fame administration, and input regarding a proposed Offutt memorial project. He expressed his opinion that the Association’s contributions “have made a difference in the Wing.”
Treasurer Hoberman distributed copies of the Treasurer’s and Membership Reports to the Board members. He gave some elaborations and answered a few questions. There are 1118 members in good standing. Maloney stated that he and Censullo had reviewed the treasurer’s financial statements and found them to be without discrepancies.
Historian Hoover reported that he had compiled a DVD of vignettes from past Association events, such as the Tales, oral histories, reunions, etc. for viewing at the hospitality suite and other future Association events. Copies of the DVD may be produced if there is a demand for them from members.
Webmaster Griffin began his report by mourning the untimely demise of his technical assistant Dave Johnson. Dave was the point man for the latest technical advances in the Association web site and his contributions will be missed. Griffin mentioned the rapid advancement of technology and the constant need to for new software updates. He also espoused the need to bring in and groom ‘apprentices’ for his position, and others on the Board who won’t or can’t be here forever.
He mentioned the new feature of the website called Memory Lane wherein contributing members can put forth dissertations on their experiences in the 55th. A discussion ensued initiated by Pizzo, who had begun with compiling stories and histories that led to creation of the Memory Lane. He noted that the full membership does not have internet access to the Assn web site, so there should be another vehicle, such as the newsletter or a published anthology, to compile and distribute the accumulated.
Moore stated that the next newsletter would basically be devoted to this reunion coverage, but that a ‘war story’ could be included, then the subsequent issue might be used to publish more stories if it is a workable project. That subject is still open.
As Awards Chair, Thomas followed with details on the Award for Excellence selection of MSgt Norman de la Vega, of the 55th Security Police Sqd, and the Hall of Fame administration for 2006 with the induction of former 55th SRW/CC Col (Ret) Steve Stevens. MSgt de la Vega is deployed once again, but his wife, Annette, will be at the banquet for recognition.
As reunion chair, Thomas gave a status of the reunion report including financials, attendance figures, and planning for the remaining schedule. He gave an extended explanation regarding sale taxes and his effort to secure tax exempt status for the Association in Nebraska. The end result was that the state Department of Revenue said, and state statutes affirm, that this organization does not meet Nebraska statute requirements to be exempt from state sales tax.
Thomas recognized the work and contributions of Cook for registration, Ham Kennedy for running the hospitality suite, Haun and Larry Utley for the BBQ arrangements; Ernst for the golf outing; Moore and Hoover for ‘advice and consent’. He also acknowledged the assistance of Kelly and Bauer for invaluable coordination with the Wing, at Offutt and at Lincoln; plus the help of Pete Glenboski and Carol Moore in leading tours; and Steve Stevens.
Ernst, Cold War Memorial Coordinator, said he had recently visited Dayton and inspected the 55th Cold War Memorial saying it was in very good shape. The tree the Assn added may need replacing as it is not fairing well. He also gave the president the latest updated financial report on the memorial. He has orders for 15 new engraved bricks to add to the patio and anticipates there may be more orders from the reunion participants. Those will be forwarded to Dodds Monuments for installation at the site.
New business began with a report by Moore on the nominations for election of the Board of Directors. He noted that all the sitting elected Board members desired to stand for election again, with the exception of Hoberman, who has been elected seven times, opted for permanent status. Utley was added as the eleventh nominee by the committee. The list is to be presented at the general membership meeting on Saturday for election.
Moore reminded all that immediately after the membership meeting and Unit Mission Briefing, the newly elected BoD will have a short meeting to elect the Assn officers.
Thomas opened the subject of where to hold the next reunion in/about the spring of 2008. VP McMahon offered to host it in the Washington, DC, area, and presented some preliminary information. He said that there is a large contingent of former wing personnel, both retired and active duty, to plan and support a reunion. A discussion ensued on the pros and cons of that offer. It was the consensus of the Board that unless there were other nominees from the membership to lead a reunion elsewhere, and make a presentation, the DC-area was our best option.
Pres Thomas presented the names of four Association members deemed worthy of being awarded Life Membership under By Law 7.4 as having “made very special contributions in service or otherwise to the Association”. Those members are: Bruce Bailey, a past leader of the Assn; past president Sam Pizzo; past president Bill Ernst; and Jack Kovacs, Cold War Memorial coordinator and Dayton reunion chair. There being complete agreement that all more than met the criteria, Moore moved the life memberships be granted to all four. Ross seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
It was noted that the Association was committed to replacing the US flag on the cemetery pole in perpetuity as wear and tear dictate, usually about every six months. Cook reminded the group that the original project was a joint effort with the AFA local chapter. Ernst moved that the Association independently, or in concert with the local AFA chapter, provide for replacement of flags at the cemetery as needed. Todd seconded. Motion carried. Further action: Pres Thomas.
The president then explained the need to amend Article III – Purpose, of the Association’s basic document to assist in securing legal authorization of any support from the 55th Wing at Offutt. His proposal was to insert the words “and members and associates of the 55th Wing” into Article III after the words “55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.” After some discussion, Ross moved action be taken to amend the Article as recommended. Seconded by Ernst. Motion carried. Thomas and Hoberman have for action.
Hoberman offered the suggestion that at future reunions, the BoD members arrive a day before the actual events begin in order to conduct the business without interrupting the reunion participation. The consensus was that was a reasonable and doable plan.
There being no further business before the Board, Moore moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by many, Meeting concluded at 1955.Respectfully submitted,
Max R Moore
Max R. Moore, Secretary