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Alabama Council of Chapters Military Officers Association of America Council Meeting Minutes January 10, 2012
· Opening Activities. · The meeting was called to order by Council President, Charles Marvin, at 1000 at the Maxwell AFB Officers Club, Montgomery, Alabama. · A moment of silence was observed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jim Wallace. · Those in attendance were: Charles Marvin, Richard Erickson, John Camp, Chris Phillips, Jim Wallace, Glen Dunlap, Barbra Stamper, Charlie Block (AL07), Frank Calagaz (AL01), Lowell Womack (AL02), Arno Hoerle (AL04), Bob Horton (AL05), and Walter Bennett (AL08), Lee Hallman (AL09), and Darden Bourne (AL12). Guests are Pat Downing (AL01), Bob Gifford (AL05), and Dave Jenson (AL12). · Chapters missing from the council meeting: AL03, AL10, and AL11. Will these chapters send their quarterly reports to the Webmaster. Old Business. (minutes from October 11, 2011 were approved as written) · President’s Update. · Thanked everyone for their support for the last five years. Expressed upon all chapters to have representation at our quarterly meetings. · Treasurer Report. Last quarter’s report accepted as presented. · Blue Star Salute Foundation (BSSF) donations must include “MOAA” or “AA-MOAA” on the check or on the application for us to receive credit. · 2012 Budget was approved as presented, no noted changes over 2011 Budget. Within the next couple of years our account will be near zero balance and we may have to cash in our CD if deposits don’t exceed withdrawals. · With the changing of Treasurers and the possibility that signature cards may not be approved before checks must be written, the board approved John Camp to get Richard Erickson to sign checks if needed. · Wreaths Across America - for the Montevallo National Cemetery urging chapters to contribute to that program for this December. Wreaths are $15 each. Already there are 900 graves in the cemetery and 1300 are expected by December, thus near $20,000 is needed for this project. Motion passed to purchase 10 wreaths, $150 donation to BSSF. · Secretary Report. Meetings accepted as written. · Legislative Affairs. · Monthly legislative report emailed and posted on-line for general information, chapters more than welcomed to include all or parts in your newsletters. · Make sure chapter newsletters refer to our Council and National websites for additional legislative information. · From the National site you can see how your local Sen / Rep votes in Congress · Widow Affairs. SDC/DIC - monthly offsets increase for 2011-2016. · Personal Affairs. The Personal Affairs rep should provide general information (such as knowledge of VA) and guidance for members and their families, while the Widows Affairs rep would offer social outreach in times of need. · Nomination Committee. Formally announced Charles Marvin (President) and John Camp (Treasurer) for two year terms. · Guest Speaker. Pete Landrum (Military Advisor for Senator Sessions) (Pete_Landrum@sessions.senate.gov) was unable to be present, but called from Washington and spoke by speaker phone. Pete's comments covered key current topics, largely related to the National financial crisis. His briefing was followed by a question and answer session; a white paper to follow from his office on his comments to be posted on the website and sent out by Secretary to all chapters. · Richard Erickson (MOAA National Board Member). · Swore in Charles Marvin as President and John Camp as Treasurer. · Swore in Jim Wallace as Vice President to complete the remainder of the one year term. · Presented Peter Brambir with two MOAA National awards: the National Award for Leadership for achievements during his tour of office, in addition, the prestigious National MOAA President's Award. · Appointments. The following appointments were made by Charlie Marvin: · Peter Brambir, Special Asst. for Membership / GMT · Chris Phillips, TOPS Liaison · Jim Wallace, Special Asst for Legislative Affairs · Glen Dunlap, Special Asst for State & National Affairs · Barbara Stamper, Special Asst for Widows Affairs · Charlie Block, Special Asst for Personal & Chapter Affairs and Webmaster · Thomas Taylor, Council Chaplain · New Business · President’s Update. Ø MOAA National sent out the 2012 GMT packets to chapter Presidents. If you didn’t receive yours, then check to ensure National has your address. Ø Reminded everyone that chapter’s receive money through GMT for paid memberships. · Treasurer Report. Last quarter’s report accepted as presented. · Secretary Report. Minutes accepted as written. · Legislative Affairs. Ø Get the word out about our state website – www.almoaa.org – it has great information for all members and can be copied for use in your chapter newsletters. Ø Jan 2012 legislative update created a great stir, especially on tax exempt status. Ø IRS Code 501(c)(19) - Veterans' Organizations, to qualify for recognition of exemption, your application should show: 1) That the post or organization is organized in the United States or any of its possessions, 2) That at least 75% of the members are past or present members of the U.S. Armed Forces and that at least 97.5% of all members of the organization are past or present members of the U.S. Armed Forces, cadets (including only students in college or university ROTC programs or at armed services academies) or spouses, widows, widowers, ancestors, or lineal descendants of any of those listed here, and 3) That no part of net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Tax treatment of donations. Donations to war veterans' organizations are deductible as charitable contributions on the donor's federal income tax return. At least 90% of the organization's membership must consist of war veterans. The term war veterans means persons, whether or not present members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a period of war (including the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the Persian Gulf war, and later declared wars). · Widow Affairs. Ø Passed out updated Congressional updates. Ø Bills on SBP/DIC didn’t make it out of committee and don’t foresee them coming out in the coming year. · Personal Affairs. Ø New chapter officers need to update their personnel roster with National. Ø A request from National to update area zip codes should be coming out. Ø Think about using Facebook for chapter recruiting and advertising. Ø “Survey Monkey” – a free survey that can be sent to 100 people with 10 questions. You can survey any topic: newsletter, meetings, guest speaker, etc. · Richard Erickson. Ø National Members will come to chapters as guest speakers if asked and if approved National will pay their expenses. Ø Voices for America’s Troops is controlled by MOAA and is designed for people who don’t meet MOAA membership requirements, but want to be associated with the organization. Website is www.voicesfortroops.org. Ø South GA – Valdosta sponsors a program called Hopes & Dreams, a horseback riding for wounded warriors and wanted to know if AL chapter wanted to join. · Guest Speaker. – Patrick Downing on Spanish Fort, Veteran Cemetery. Ø National VA cemetery in Mobile is full and they wouldn’t build a new one, so local group garnered funds to build a state level veteran cemetery. Ø First state owned and operated Veteran Cemetery now at Spanish Fort consists of 130+ acres. · Council Name Tags – Frank Calagaz is working on creating badges for elected and appointed members and chapter presidents. · Next Meeting. Our next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the Maxwell AFB Officer’s Club. · Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 1305. Chris A. Phillips Chris A. Phillips Alabama Council of Chapters Secretary
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