in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association
in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association
in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association
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A. National President<br />
B. National Vice President<br />
C. National Executive Secretary<br />
D. F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer<br />
E. Jr. Past National President<br />
F. Regional Presidents<br />
Regional President New England<br />
Regional President Northeast<br />
Regional President East Coast<br />
Regional President Southeast<br />
Regional President North Central<br />
Regional President South Central<br />
Regional President Southwest<br />
Regional President West Coast<br />
Regional President Northwest<br />
G. National Chapla<strong>in</strong><br />
H. National Service Officer, Veterans Affairs<br />
I. Director, Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
REPORTS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS<br />
REPORTS OF NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF<br />
REPORTS OF CHAIRMEN, STANDING NATIONAL COMMITTEES<br />
J. National Committee on Americanism-Patriotism<br />
K. National Committee on Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
L. National Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions<br />
M. National Committee on Employees Pension<br />
N. National Committee on FRA Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
O. National Committee on Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation<br />
P. National Committee on Legislative Service<br />
Q. National Committee on Membership and Retention<br />
R. National Committee on Public Relations<br />
S. National Committee on Youth Activities<br />
T. Special Committee to Evaluat<strong>in</strong>g the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions<br />
OTHER REPORTS<br />
U. National Board of Directors Resolutions for Ratification by the 80th National Convention<br />
V. Resolutions and Reports for Consideration of the 80th National Convention<br />
Nom<strong>in</strong>ation to National Office Resolutions<br />
Honorary Membership Resolutions<br />
Certificate of Merit Resolutions<br />
Constitution and Bylaws Resolutions, and Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule Resolution<br />
Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 4<br />
W. National Convention Committees<br />
X. Vot<strong>in</strong>g Tally Sheet<br />
Y. Credentials Reports Form<br />
Z. W<strong>in</strong>ners of National Committee Awards Tally Sheet
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National Officers, Past National Officers, Regional Officers, Past Regional Officers and Shipmates. It is<br />
my pleasure and dist<strong>in</strong>ct honor to submit my annual report as the FRA’s National President.<br />
I was <strong>in</strong>stalled as National President on 23 September 2006 at the conclusion of the 79th National Convention <strong>in</strong><br />
Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>. Previous to that I served as FRA’s National Vice President from 1 October 2005 to 23<br />
September 2006 and as FRA’s National F<strong>in</strong>ancial Secretary from 1 June 1997 to 1 October 2005 retir<strong>in</strong>g from FRA<br />
employment on that date.<br />
Those sixteen years were the highlights of my life and FRA membership, however, serv<strong>in</strong>g these past thirteen plus<br />
months as FRA’s National President climaxes any expectations that I may have had concern<strong>in</strong>g this office. Throughout<br />
this <strong>Association</strong> wherever I traveled I received great hospitality and encouragement from the membership of<br />
FRA and the LA FRA. For all of this Sandy and I want to express our s<strong>in</strong>cere thank you!<br />
It has been my pleasure to visit branches and shipmates <strong>in</strong> each of the n<strong>in</strong>e regions this year as NP and last year as<br />
NVP. Inasmuch as Sandy and I are full time rv’ers (do not have a house) we were able to travel throughout the regions<br />
and visit as many branches as was possible.<br />
Attached to this report is a ‘National Vice President’s Travel Schedule’ show<strong>in</strong>g the places I have visited this last<br />
year as NVP and a ‘National President’s Travel Schedule’ show<strong>in</strong>g the places visited this year as NP. These are attached<br />
so they will be a part of the permanent record of this convention.<br />
Additionally, thanks to the convention delegates at the 79th Convention authoriz<strong>in</strong>g the travel money. I was able to<br />
travel to the overseas Pacific branches <strong>in</strong> Japan, The Republic of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands and Guam. This was the first<br />
time an <strong>in</strong>cumbent NP was able to visit many of the overseas branches and I can tell you all of the branch members<br />
did appreciate the visit of a NP – it made them feel a part of the FRA. Hopefully money can be authorized <strong>in</strong> future<br />
years so a NP can aga<strong>in</strong> visit those shipmates. Attached to this report is NPSL 7-07 which reported on the trip along<br />
with comments/questions generated from the shipmates there. All of their questions and comments have been addressed<br />
by the National Headquarters Staff. Some were not to their satisfaction due to governmental and legal issues,<br />
but each one received a response.<br />
My travels throughout the <strong>Association</strong> have been very reward<strong>in</strong>g. All of the branches that I have visited are keep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with the Pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of the <strong>Association</strong> and most are <strong>in</strong>volved with<strong>in</strong> their local community with a highway clean up,<br />
Little League, Boy and Girl Scouts, NJROTC, community activities and many, many other projects too numerous to<br />
mention. To all of the branches I have visited – I thank you for the hospitality received – to the Ladies Auxiliary<br />
Units that provided those delicious snacks, lunches and d<strong>in</strong>ners – “I say keep up the good work” – all were certa<strong>in</strong>ly<br />
appreciated and thank you.<br />
On the negative side, I am very concerned with the future of our FRA. Without exception, all of the branches I visited,<br />
the members who are attend<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>gs and hold<strong>in</strong>g offices – a very large majority are <strong>in</strong> their late 70's,<br />
80's and low 90's. Ten years from now the high end of that spectrum will not be here and with<strong>in</strong> the next few years<br />
the low end of that spectrum will have jo<strong>in</strong>ed the Staff of the Supreme Commander. My question to you, who is go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to keep the branches go<strong>in</strong>g and who is go<strong>in</strong>g to hold the required offices? There are no younger shipmates <strong>in</strong> the<br />
fold, except <strong>in</strong> a handful of branches.<br />
With<strong>in</strong> the next several years, I believe FRA will have fewer than 75 branches and the majority of our membership<br />
will be <strong>in</strong> the Membership-at-Large Rolls.<br />
Shipmates it is imperative that each one of us recruits members for the FRA – do not leave it for someone else to do.<br />
Additionally, we must curtail the suspension of our members – members who have been members for 25 plus years<br />
are not renew<strong>in</strong>g their membership. Membership is the life blood of the great <strong>Association</strong> and without members, we<br />
are not go<strong>in</strong>g to be able to cont<strong>in</strong>ue.<br />
NP-1
Last year as NVP, I traveled 9, 092 by air and 29,630 by motor home and automobile and this year as NP, I traveled<br />
75,971 miles by air and 34,370 miles by motor home and automobile and for the two-year period have visited twothirds<br />
of the FRA branches.<br />
I would like to thank the National President’s Advisory Committee for their advice and counsel this past year – all<br />
items were reviewed and many times I had to make the difficult choice on a matter which did not agree with every<br />
member of the committee. Hav<strong>in</strong>g said that, I am sure the <strong>in</strong>dividual committee members had to do the same dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their tenure as National President.<br />
A special thank you to National Parliamentarian PNP Eblen, for his <strong>in</strong>valuable counsel and advice dur<strong>in</strong>g the year.<br />
Aga<strong>in</strong> many difficult decisions had to be made after op<strong>in</strong>ions were given to me by the National Parliamentarian.<br />
To National Chapla<strong>in</strong> Patton – thank you so very much for your duties and assistance as National Chapla<strong>in</strong> – all<br />
were appreciated by this national president.<br />
Each member of the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> my op<strong>in</strong>ion have performed <strong>in</strong> an excellent manner <strong>in</strong> represent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their regions this year and I thank each of you for your cont<strong>in</strong>ued dedication to this great association.<br />
To the members of Navy Department Branch 181, thank you for your support these past several years. I am proud to<br />
be a member of Branch 181.<br />
Last but not least, thanks to our dedicated Staff at the National Headquarters. NES Joe Barnes and each member of<br />
the Staff, are without question, THE BEST!<br />
All of <strong>Association</strong> money received for Travel and Expenses has been expended <strong>in</strong> the performance of my duties as<br />
NP.<br />
NP-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY<br />
National President
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT’S TRAVEL SCHEDULE<br />
DATE FUNCTION LOCATION<br />
10-05/08-05 NCPOA Annual Convention Bremerton, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
10-11-05 Branch 29 Bremerton, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
10-12-06 Branch 104 Tacoma, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
10-14-05 Branch 363 Longview, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
10-29/30-05 Teddy Roosevelt Pilgrimage Oyster Bay, New York<br />
11-10/11-05 National Veterans Day Ceremonies Birm<strong>in</strong>gham, Alabama<br />
12-1/4-05 USS ARIZONA Memorial Services Tucson, Arizona<br />
12-6/7-05 USS ARIZONA Memorial Services Jacksonville, Florida<br />
01-04-06 Branch 168 Ba<strong>in</strong>bridge, Maryland<br />
01-05-06 Branch 181 Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
01-06-06 Branch 6 Baltimore, Maryland<br />
01-08-06 Branch 50 Charleston, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
01-09-06 Branch 184 Warner-Robb<strong>in</strong>s, Georgia<br />
01-10-06 Branch 339 Albany, Georgia<br />
01-12/14-06 GA/SC Council Meet<strong>in</strong>g McDonough, Georgia<br />
01-15-06 Branch 89 Atlanta, Georgia<br />
01-16-06 Branch 213 Jonesboro, Georgia<br />
01-17-06 Branch 202 Columbia, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
01-18-06 Branch 291 New Port Richey, Florida<br />
01-19-06 Branch 126 Jacksonville, Florida<br />
01-21-06 Branch 15 Walhalla, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
01-24-06 Branch 259 Fayetteville, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
01-26/28-06 EC Region Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g Greenville, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
02-01-06 Branch 210 Milton, Florida<br />
02-02-06 Branch 220 Lake City, Florida<br />
02-05-06 Branch 179 Ga<strong>in</strong>esville, Florida<br />
02-09-06 Branch 34 Tallahassee, Florida<br />
02-10/11-06 SE Region Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g Chattanooga, Tennessee<br />
02-13-06 Branch 22 Pensacola, Florida<br />
02-14-06 Branch 91 Jacksonville, Florida<br />
02-15-06 Branch 183 Interlachen, Florida<br />
02-16-06 Branch 335 Port Orange, Florida<br />
02-19-06 Branch 102 Clear Water, Florida<br />
02-20-06 Branch 25 St. August<strong>in</strong>e, Florida<br />
02-22-06 Branch 371 Baton Rouge, Louisiana<br />
02-26-07 Branch 157 Yuma, Arizona<br />
03-04-06 Branch 70 – Mexican D<strong>in</strong>ner Poway, California<br />
03-08-06 Branch 289 Imperial Beach, California<br />
03-12-06 Branch 70 - Breakfast Poway, California<br />
03-13-06 Branch 108 Norco, California<br />
03-14-06 Branch 61 Chula Vista, California<br />
03-18-06 Branch 313 Oceanside, California<br />
03-19-06 Branch 95 Ridgecrest, California<br />
03-22/25-06 NW Region Midyear Convention Honolulu, Hawaii’<br />
03-30/04-01-06 WC Region Midyear Convention Placerville, California<br />
04-02-06 Branch 275 - Breakfast Placerville, California<br />
04-03-06 Branch 230 Roseville, California<br />
04-05-06 Branch 10 San Leandro, California<br />
04–07-06 Branch 287 Livermore, California<br />
04-08-06 Branch 48 San Francisco, California<br />
NP-3
04-09-06 Branch 69 Sacramento, California<br />
04-11-06 Branch 101 Santa Clara, California<br />
04-12-06 Branch 8 Vallejo, California<br />
04-14-06 Branch 113 Stockton, California<br />
04-18-06 Branch 178 Monterey, California<br />
04-21-06 Branch 137 M<strong>in</strong>den, Nevada<br />
04-22-06 Branch 261 Lemoore, California<br />
04-23-06 Branch 281 Redd<strong>in</strong>g, California<br />
04-26-07 Branch 275 Placerville, California<br />
04-27-06 Branch 274 Reno, Nevada<br />
05-03-06 Branch 161 Kansas City, Kansas<br />
05-04-06 Branch 276 Omaha, Nebraska<br />
05-06-06 Branch 267 St. Louis, Missouri<br />
05-08-06 Branch 206 Bowl<strong>in</strong>g Green, Kentucky<br />
05-10-06 Branch 105 Owensboro, Kentucky<br />
05-11-06 Branch 284 Lex<strong>in</strong>gton, Kentucky<br />
05-12/13-06 NE Region Spr<strong>in</strong>g Meet<strong>in</strong>g Williamsport, Pennsylvania<br />
05-15-06 Branch 166 Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Beach, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-16-06 Branch 40 Chesapeake, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-17-06 DBPP Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-18-06 NBOD Capitol Hill Visits Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
05-19/20-06 NBOD Meet<strong>in</strong>g Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-23-06 Branch 5 Norfolk, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-23-06 Branch 60 Norfolk, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-29-06 Breakfast at White House and Memorial Day Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC and Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
Services<br />
06-03-06 Branch 242 Davenport, Iowa<br />
06-06-06 Branch 225 Poplar Bluff, Missouri<br />
06-13/16-06 Visit with PNP Stan Nahill <strong>in</strong> hospital Houston, Texas<br />
06-20-06 Branch 53 Gurnee, Ill<strong>in</strong>ois<br />
07-07/08-06 NE Region Convention Williamsport, Pennsylvania<br />
07-10-06 Branch 93 Lex<strong>in</strong>gton Park, Maryland<br />
07-12/24-06 Assist PNP Neoma Nahill with PNP Stan’s Sugar Land, Texas and Baton Rouge, Lou-<br />
Memorial Services<br />
isiana<br />
07-26/29-06 SC Region Convention Shreveport, Louisiana<br />
08-02/03-06 National Budget & F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
08-05-06 Branch 4 Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, District of Columbia<br />
08-07-06 Branch 132 Pawtucket, Rhode Island<br />
08-10-06 Branch 156 Topsham, Ma<strong>in</strong>e<br />
08-11-06 Branch 66 Rockland, Massachusetts<br />
08-15-06 Branch 42 North K<strong>in</strong>gstown, Rhode Island<br />
08-17-06 Branch 338 Hudson, New Hampshire<br />
08-19-06 Branch 235 Rutland, Vermont<br />
08-20-06 Branch 3 and Branch 66 Picnic Humarock, Massachusetts<br />
08-21-06 Branch 308 Red Bank, New Jersey<br />
08-24-06 Interment Services for PNP Stanley S. Nahill Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
08-25/27-06 NEng Regional Convention Woburn, Massachusetts<br />
08-31-06 Branch 229 New W<strong>in</strong>dsor, New York<br />
09-05-06 Branch 124 Lakehurst, New Jersey<br />
09-11-06 Branch 106 Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania<br />
09-12-06 Branch 258 Erie, Pennsylvania<br />
09-13-06 Branch 319 Mansfield, Ohio<br />
NP-4
09-18-06 NBOD Meet<strong>in</strong>g Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong><br />
09-19/23-06 79th National Convention Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong><br />
NP-5
NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S TRAVEL SCHEDULE<br />
DATE FUNCTION LOCATION<br />
09-24-06 Post Convention NBOD Meet<strong>in</strong>g Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong><br />
09-24-06 Branch 14 Milwaukee, Wiscons<strong>in</strong><br />
10-05-06 Branch 98 Bossier City, Louisiana<br />
10-08-06 Branch 159 Pasadena, Texas<br />
10-10-06 Branch 311 Long Beach, Mississippi<br />
10-11/14-06 NCPOA Annual Convention Baton Rouge, Louisiana<br />
10-18-06 Branch 222 Slidell, Louisiana<br />
10-19-06 Branch 92 New Orleans, Louisiana<br />
10-20-06 Branch 162 Gretna, Louisiana<br />
10-21-06 Branch 239 Longview, Texas<br />
10-22-06 Branch 96 Dallas, Texas<br />
10-23-07 Branch 303 Sherman, Texas<br />
10-29-06 Theodore Roosevelt Pilgrimage Oyster Bay, New York<br />
11-02-06 Branch 133 Pocatello, Idaho<br />
11-06-06 Branch 63 Lewiston, Idaho<br />
11-08-06 Branch 212 Glen Burnie, Maryland<br />
11-09-06 Branch 67 Suitland, Maryland<br />
11-11-07 Veterans Day Ceremonies White House/Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery<br />
11-12-06 Branch 299 Wilm<strong>in</strong>gton, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
11-13-06 FRA National Headquarters Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
11-14-06 FRA National Headquarters Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
11-15-06 FRA National Headquarters Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
11-21-06 Branch 191 Olympia, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
12-02/16-06 65th Pearl Harbor Anniversary Honolulu, Hawaii’<br />
12-19-06 Branch 151 Eugene, Oregon<br />
12-20-06 Branch 68 Grants Pass, Oregon<br />
01-03-07 Branch 198 Bend, Oregon<br />
01-06-07 Branch 174 Sequim, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
01-11-07 Branch 328 Roseburg, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
01-12-07 Branch 55 Portland, Oregon<br />
01-13-07 Branch 18 Seattle, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton (Meet<strong>in</strong>g Canceled)<br />
01-18-07 Branch 97 Oak Harbor, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
01-22-07 Branch 279 Las Vegas, Nevada<br />
01-23-07 Branch 26 Bakersfield, California<br />
01-24-07 Branch 9 San Diego, California<br />
01-25/31-07 Omni Bayfront Tower Hotel Corpus Christi, Texas<br />
01-27-07 Branch 94 Corpus Christi, Texas<br />
01-28-07 Branch 203 San Antonio, Texas<br />
01-31/02-03-07 East Coast Midyear Convention Carol<strong>in</strong>a Beach, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
02-07-07 Branch 103 Yokosuka, Japan<br />
02-13-07 Branch 247 and 154 Dagupan City & Baguio City, Republic of<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands<br />
02-14-07 Branch 367, 74 and 83 San Miguel, Olongapo City and San Narcisco,<br />
Republic of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands<br />
02-15-07 Branch 64 Iloilo City, Republic of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands<br />
02-16-07 Branch 127 Bico Nabau, Republic of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands<br />
02-18-07 Branch 73 Agana, Guam<br />
02-27-07 Branch 374 Salem, Oregon<br />
NP-6
03-03-07 Branch 312 San Diego, California<br />
03-04-07 Branch 302 Carson, California<br />
03-07-07 Branch 47 El Cajon, California<br />
03-09-07 Branch 176 Tucson, Arizona<br />
03-10-07 Branch 163 Phoenix, Arizona<br />
03-13-07 Branch 77 Amado, Arizona<br />
03-18-07 Branch 175 Garden Grove, California<br />
03-20-07 Branch 43 Long Beach, California<br />
03-22-07 Branch 192 Fallon, Nevada<br />
03-24-07 Branch 158 Founta<strong>in</strong>, Colorado<br />
03-29-07 Jo<strong>in</strong>t House/Senate VA Hear<strong>in</strong>g Testimony Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
03-30/31-07 WC Regional Midyear Convention Auburn, California<br />
04-12-07 Branch 117 Orlando, California<br />
04-13/14-07 Florida Council of Branches Meet<strong>in</strong>g Jacksonville, Florida<br />
04-15-07 Branch 51 Miami, Florida<br />
04-17-07 Branch 248 St. Marys, Georgia<br />
04-18-07 Branch 188 Seffner, Florida<br />
04-19-07 Branch 186 Inverness, Florida<br />
04-22-07 Branch 144 Lehigh Acres, Florida<br />
04-25-07 Branch 366 Palm Bay, Florida<br />
04-27/29-07 USS Hobson Memorial Society Charleston, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
05-03-07 Branch 293 Elizabeth City, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
05-08-07 Branch 141 Havelock, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
05-09-07 Branch 99 Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Beach, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-10-07 Branch 172 Grafton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-05-07 Branch 207 Dale City, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-15-07 Branch 369 Laval, Maryland<br />
05-16-07 FRA Employee’s Pension Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-17-07 Capitol Hill Visits Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
05-18/19-07 NBOD Meet<strong>in</strong>g Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-20-07 LA FRA Annual Pilgrimage Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
05-21-07 Branch 347 Salisbury, Maryland<br />
05-22-07 Branch 204 Rocky Mount, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
05-23-07 Branch 142 Frederick, Maryland<br />
05-24-07 Naval Academy Award Presentation Annapolis, Maryland<br />
05-28-07 White House Breakfast and Arl<strong>in</strong>gton Ceme- Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC and Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
tery Memorial Day Services<br />
05-31-07 Branch 33 Fairmont, West Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
06-03-07 NENG Regional Quarterly Meet<strong>in</strong>g Groton, Connecticut<br />
06-06-07 Branch 72 Fall River, Massachusetts<br />
06-12-07 Branch 75 Grafton, Massachusetts (meet<strong>in</strong>g canceled<br />
by branch)<br />
06-13-07 Branch 237 Niantic, Connecticut<br />
06-16-07 Branch 344 South Portland, Ma<strong>in</strong>e (meet<strong>in</strong>g date<br />
changed by branch to 06-25-07)<br />
06-19-07 Branch 246 Chicopee, Massachusetts<br />
06-20-07 Branch 31 Peabody, Massachusetts (meet<strong>in</strong>g canceled<br />
by branch)<br />
06-21-07 Branch 20 Groton, Connecticut<br />
06-29-07 Branch 226 Staten Island, New York<br />
07-02-07 Branch 1 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<br />
07-05-07 Branch 232 Cape May, New Jersey (no one showed up<br />
from branch even after confirmation)<br />
NP-7
07-08-07 PRPEC Edward Huylebroeck, Jr. Memorial<br />
Services<br />
Fairfax, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
07-10-07 Branch 146 Warm<strong>in</strong>ster, Pennsylvania<br />
07-11-07 Branch 71 Sayville, New York<br />
07-17-07 Branch 13 Northfield, New Jersey<br />
07-18-07 Branch 57 Wenonah, New Jersey<br />
07-19-07 Branch 87 Bedford, Pennsylvania<br />
07-21-07 Branch 258 Picnic Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania<br />
07-26/28-07 NE Regional Convention Dunmore, Pennsylvania<br />
08-02-07 Branch 377 Brazil, Indiana<br />
08-04-07 Branch 130 Picnic Indianapolis, Indiana<br />
08-06-07 Branch 130 Indianapolis, Indiana<br />
08-08-07 Branch 130 Ottumwa, Iowa<br />
08-09/11-07 NC Regional Convention Omaha, Nebraska<br />
08-12-07 Branch 380 Jefferson City, Missouri<br />
08-14-07 Branch 379 St. Joseph, Missouri<br />
08-15-07 Branch 348 Ft. Wayne, Indiana<br />
08-16/18-07 NW Regional Convention Oak Harbor, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
08-20-07 Branch 327 Dayton, Ohio<br />
08-21-07 Branch 223 Paducah, Kentucky<br />
08-23/25-07 SC Regional Convention Shreveport, Louisiana<br />
08-27/28-07 FRA National Headquarters Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
08-29/30-07 FRA Budget & F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
08-31/09-01-07 WC Regional Convention Sacramento, California<br />
09-05/08-07 SE Regional Convention Chattanooga, Tennessee<br />
09-11-07 Branch 28 C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati, Ohio<br />
09-12-07 PRPEC Edward Huylebroeck, Jr. Burial Services<br />
Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
09-13-07 Branch 365 Evansville, Indiana<br />
09-14-07 Branch 376 W<strong>in</strong>dsor, Wiscons<strong>in</strong><br />
09-15-07 Branch 12 Chicago, Ill<strong>in</strong>ois<br />
09-16-07 Branch 324 Massillon, Ohio<br />
09-20/22-07 NEng Regional Convention Tewksbury, Massachusetts<br />
09-24-07 Branch 17 Cleveland, Ohio<br />
09-27-07 Branch 298 Wyom<strong>in</strong>g, Michigan<br />
10-04-07 Branch 44 Columbia, Tennessee<br />
10-07-07 Branch 194 Knoxville, Tennessee<br />
10-08-07 Branch 234 Anderson, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
10-10/13-07 NCPOA Annual Convention Charleston, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
10-16-07 Branch 334 Alpena, Arkansas<br />
10-18-07 Branch 119 Monroe, Louisiana<br />
10-21-07 Branch 282 Little Rock, Arkansas<br />
10-28/29-07 Omni Bayfront Tower Hotel Corpus Christi, Texas<br />
10-30-07 Pre-Convention NBOD Meet<strong>in</strong>g Corpus Christi, Texas<br />
10-31/11-03-07 80th FRA National Convention Corpus Christi, Texas<br />
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BRANCHES VISITED BY REGION<br />
REGION NUMBER OF<br />
BRANCHES<br />
NUMBER VISITED %<br />
NEW ENGLAND 15 11 73.33%<br />
NORTHEAST 21 14 66.67%<br />
EAST COAST 37 25 67.57%<br />
SOUTHEAST 48 30 62.50%<br />
NORTH CENTRAL 47 26 55.32%<br />
SOUTH CENTRAL 23 15 65.22%<br />
SOUTHWEST 26 19 73.08%<br />
WEST COAST 25 17 68.00%<br />
NORTHWEST 36 26 72.22%<br />
NW - STATESIDE 24 17 70.83%<br />
NW - OVERSEAS 12 9 75.00%<br />
TOTAL 278 183 65.83%<br />
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NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S SERIAL LETTER 7-07<br />
From: National President<br />
To: National Mail<strong>in</strong>g List<br />
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18 May 2007<br />
Subj: Travel Report of National President’s Overseas Pacific FRA Branch Visits<br />
Sunday, 4 February<br />
TRAVEL REPORT<br />
OF<br />
NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S<br />
OVERSEAS PACIFIC FRA BRANCH VISITS<br />
Sunday, 4 February through Thursday, 22 February 2007<br />
After attend<strong>in</strong>g the East Coast Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Carol<strong>in</strong>a Beach, North Carol<strong>in</strong>a, Sandy and I departed<br />
Carol<strong>in</strong>a Beach at 0200 EST by auto and drove to Raleigh-Durham North Carol<strong>in</strong>a International Airport. We departed<br />
RDU on Cont<strong>in</strong>ental Express Flight #2216 at 0740 en-route to Newark-Liberty International Airport, New<br />
Jersey (1 hr 30 mn -156 miles) arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 0910.<br />
We departed Newark-Liberty on Cont<strong>in</strong>ental Airl<strong>in</strong>es Flight #9 at 1110 (14 hr 0 mn -7,232 miles) to Tokyo<br />
(Narita) International Airport, Japan.<br />
Monday, 5 February<br />
CROSSED INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE<br />
JAPAN<br />
Arrived at Narita International Airport at 1500 (0100 EST). We were processed through Immigration and<br />
Customs with<strong>in</strong> ten m<strong>in</strong>utes and were met by Branch 103 (Yokosuka, Japan) President Frank Misiura. Shipmate<br />
Misiura drove us to the Yokosuka Naval Base arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 1730 (0330 EST). We were billeted at the Dist<strong>in</strong>guished<br />
Visitors Quarters (DVQ), Room 1471-B. This was to be our quarters for the entire seven day stay at Yokosuka. The<br />
Quarters were excellent accommodations, consist<strong>in</strong>g of a liv<strong>in</strong>g room, d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room, kitchen (with washer and dryer),<br />
bedroom, bathroom (and a patio). Branch 103 had supplied food and snacks, sodas and beer for our stay.<br />
Tuesday, 6 February<br />
After a much needed night of sleep and adapt<strong>in</strong>g to the 14 hour time change, we were picked up at the DVQ<br />
by Shipmate Misiura at 1115 and had lunch at the Officers Club, followed by an auto tour of Yokosuka Naval Base<br />
and a short tour of parts of the City of Yokosuka.<br />
At 1730 Shipmate Misiura and Mrs. Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and had d<strong>in</strong>ner at the Chief Petty<br />
Officers Club. We were jo<strong>in</strong>ed by Branch 103 Vice President Bill and Mrs. Beckwith. After d<strong>in</strong>ner and some social<br />
time, we returned to the DVQ.<br />
Wednesday, 7 February<br />
Shipmate Misiura picked us up at 1000 and took us to Navy Exchange. From the NX we took a short auto<br />
tour of another part of Yokosuka, then drove to the CPO Club for a Senior Enlisted Luncheon <strong>in</strong> the Major Room at
1100. There were 18 senior enlisted personnel plus two Branch 103 members present. Lunch was served followed by<br />
an FRA Indoctr<strong>in</strong>ation/Legislative Brief by the National President at 1200. The lunch was funded by the FRA and<br />
the cost was $620.<br />
At 1715, Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and took us to FRA Branch 103 Club <strong>in</strong> Yokosuka for<br />
their Branch General Assembly Meet<strong>in</strong>g which was followed by lunch.<br />
After visit<strong>in</strong>g with the shipmates present, we returned to the DVQ around 2100.<br />
Thursday, 8 February<br />
Shipmate Misiura picked us up at 0830 at the DVQ, we then proceeded to the CPO Club for the first of two<br />
Active Duty Briefs on FRA Initiatives by the National President at 0900. Unfortunately, only two active duty personnel<br />
(one Chief Petty Officer and one 3rd Class Petty Officer), plus one member of Branch 103 attended. Neither<br />
of the active duty shipmates was familiar with the FRA (a constant repeat of previous comments from many active<br />
duty members and a cont<strong>in</strong>uous public relations problem with<strong>in</strong> the FRA).<br />
Both of the shipmates who attended had received the <strong>in</strong>formation from their commands on the brief and<br />
came to “see what it was all about.” When the CPO left, she said “you have me as a new member and <strong>in</strong>dicated she<br />
was go<strong>in</strong>g to sign up on-l<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
We then returned back to the DVQ until 1130 when Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and we<br />
went to lunch at the Seaside Restaurant. After lunch we did another auto tour of the local visitor areas with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
City of Yokosuka.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g lunch, we returned to the CPO Club for the second Active Duty Brief on FRA Initiatives at 1400.<br />
We had 50% of the attendees at the 0900 Brief – one Chief Petty Officer. Once aga<strong>in</strong> the Chief was not a member of<br />
the FRA and did not know of our existence. We had a casual “one-on-one” visit with him for about twenty m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g this visit, one retired CPO who is an employee of the Chief Petty Officers Club partook <strong>in</strong> the discussion.<br />
After the Chief departed, I was <strong>in</strong>terviewed by the Armed Forces Pacific Network and talked about what<br />
FRA does, our legislative agenda and the benefits of membership.<br />
Shipmate Misiura then returned us back to the DVQ for the rest of the afternoon and even<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Friday, 9 February<br />
At 1100 Shipmate Misiura picked us up at our quarters and we went to the Officers Club for lunch. After<br />
lunch we took another short auto tour of a shore-side drive on Tokyo Bay. We then returned to quarters and dropped<br />
Sandy off. Shipmate Misiura and I went to the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and met with CMDCM Ashley Smith<br />
briefly, who presented me with two USS Kitty Hawk ball caps. We were taken on an extensive tour of the ship and I<br />
was <strong>in</strong>terviewed by the Public Affairs CPO, MCC Jason Chudy on what the FRA was and why I was visit<strong>in</strong>g Japan.<br />
At 1500 we met for a courtesy call with Rear Admiral James D. Kelly, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan.<br />
We discussed quality of life issues and military read<strong>in</strong>ess. Admiral Kelly is keenly aware of the FRA and promised<br />
his command support of FRA at both the local and national levels.<br />
Shipmate Misiura then dropped me off at our quarters after another busy, but eventful day.<br />
Saturday, 10 February<br />
Shipmate and Mrs. Misiura picked us up at the DVQ at 1145 and the four of us went to lunch at the Seaside<br />
Restaurant. After lunch we did an auto tour of the country side between Yokosuka and Yokohama and the City of<br />
Yokohama. We stopped at Neguishi for refreshments<br />
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We returned to the DVQ at 1630 for a couple hours of rest before go<strong>in</strong>g to the CPO Club for d<strong>in</strong>ner.<br />
Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and drove to the CPO Club. Shipmate Vice President Bill and<br />
Mrs. Beckwith jo<strong>in</strong>ed us for a steak d<strong>in</strong>ner. As the steaks were ordered, they were cut and weighed (any size one<br />
wanted – $2.00 an ounce.) After a delicious d<strong>in</strong>ner, we proceed to the Cove Bar <strong>in</strong> the Club and were enterta<strong>in</strong>ed by<br />
Nashville record<strong>in</strong>g artist Floyd VanLan<strong>in</strong>gham who is tour<strong>in</strong>g military bases <strong>in</strong> Japan.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the even<strong>in</strong>g, I was <strong>in</strong>troduced as the National President of the FRA and Floyd presented us with two<br />
of his CD albums – Nice Guys F<strong>in</strong>ish Last and Here I Am Aga<strong>in</strong>. He is plann<strong>in</strong>g to tour parts of Texas this Fall – I<br />
<strong>in</strong>vited him to come to Corpus Christi for the convention.<br />
Around 2300, we took a base taxi back to the DVQ.<br />
Sunday, 11 February<br />
We awoke to a beautiful sun-sh<strong>in</strong>y day (one of several we had while <strong>in</strong> Yokosuka) and Shipmate Misiura<br />
picked us up at the DVQ .We drove towards Mt.Fuji for a couple of hours to view the country side and the mounta<strong>in</strong>.<br />
When we got near the base of the mounta<strong>in</strong>, we stopped at a Japanese McDonald’s and had lunch. We returned<br />
back at the DVQ around 1330.<br />
It then became apparent our trip to Japan was draw<strong>in</strong>g to a close as we began pack<strong>in</strong>g for departure for the<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands the next morn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Monday, 12 February<br />
Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ at 0630. We then proceeded to the Tokyo (Narita) International<br />
Airport, arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 0800.<br />
At 1105 (2105 EST Sunday,11 February) departed Tokyo on Cont<strong>in</strong>ental Micronesia Airl<strong>in</strong>es Flight #962<br />
for Agana International Airport, Guam, (3 hr 30 mn -1,558 miles) arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 1515. After a 5 hour layover, we departed<br />
Agana on Cont<strong>in</strong>ental Micronesia Airl<strong>in</strong>es Flight #933 at 2015 for Manila International Airport, Republic of<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, (3 hr 40 mn -1,597 miles) arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 2145 (0845 EST).<br />
Monday, 12 February – Cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS<br />
After process<strong>in</strong>g through Immigration and Customs, we were met by Shipmate Roberto G. Macaraeg,<br />
President of Dagupan City Branch 247, Branch Master-At-Arms Teddy Coquia and driver Leslie Degano, nephew of<br />
Shipmate Macaraeg. Sandy and I were presented caps denot<strong>in</strong>g me as the National President and Sandy as a Past<br />
National President.<br />
We departed by auto on a five hour drive from Manila to Dagupan City, stopp<strong>in</strong>g en-route at a local vendor so<br />
Shipmate Macaraeg could pick up some items they had ordered that morn<strong>in</strong>g go<strong>in</strong>g to Manila. We also drove<br />
through parts of the old Clark Air Force Base and noted some of the devastation from the volcano eruption. We arrived<br />
at and checked <strong>in</strong>to the Star Plaza Hotel <strong>in</strong> Dagupan City at 0230 on Tuesday morn<strong>in</strong>g. We both were totally<br />
exhausted after fly<strong>in</strong>g 3,155 miles, a five hour layover <strong>in</strong> Guam, and the five hour auto trip from Manila. The Star<br />
Plaza Hotel would be our abode for the rest of that night and Tuesday night.<br />
Tuesday, 13 February<br />
At 0830 we were met by Shipmate and Mrs. Macaraeg and Shipmate Coquia for breakfast <strong>in</strong> the hotel restaurant.<br />
At 0915 we departed the hotel for Branch 247’s Branch Home. Many Shipmates and Ladies from Dagupan<br />
City Branch and Unit 247 and Baguio City Branch and Unit 154 were await<strong>in</strong>g our arrival and we each received a<br />
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warm Pilip<strong>in</strong>o welcome, complete with a “welcome aboard banner” on the street <strong>in</strong>to the branch home and at the<br />
branch home.<br />
A comb<strong>in</strong>ed meet<strong>in</strong>g of Branch/Unit 247 and 154 was held at 1000 followed by a delicious lunch.<br />
Unit 247 presented Sandy and I with a lei, Branch 247 presented me with a monkey pod desk plate and the<br />
unit presented Sandy with a monkey pod desk plate and purse.<br />
After the meet<strong>in</strong>g, the Ladies of Unit 247 took Sandy shopp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Dagupan City and I returned back to the<br />
Star Plaza Hotel to f<strong>in</strong>alize the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g schedule <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands by telephone with San Miguel Branch<br />
367 Secretary Dan Steakley.<br />
A d<strong>in</strong>ner was held <strong>in</strong> our honor at 1900 at the hotel and was attended by approximately 30 shipmates and<br />
ladies. I was then presented a beautiful FRA plaque and a US Navy plaque, both made from monkey pod.<br />
We then returned to our room to get some much needed rest, know<strong>in</strong>g we were go<strong>in</strong>g to have “another full<br />
day” tomorrow.<br />
Wednesday, 14 February<br />
At 0800 we were met <strong>in</strong> the hotel lobby by Shipmate Joe (Smoky) Freeland, San Miguel Branch 367 and<br />
Lady Annie Phillips of Unit 367. We were both presented leis by Lady Annie. Shipmate ‘Smoky’ and Lady Annie<br />
had left San Miguel at 0200 for a four hour – thirty five m<strong>in</strong>utes trip by auto to Dagupan City to pick us up.<br />
The four of us (and their driver) departed Dagupan City at 0830 for a four hour trip back to San Miguel<br />
arriv<strong>in</strong>g at Branch 367’s Home at 1230. Aga<strong>in</strong>, a very warm welcome was received from members of Branch/Unit<br />
367 and Olongapo City Branch 74 and San Narcisco Branch/Unit 83 who had driven to San Miguel for a comb<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g. Aga<strong>in</strong>, another large “welcome aboard” banner was prom<strong>in</strong>ently displayed <strong>in</strong> the drive way to the branch<br />
home.<br />
Another delicious lunch was served and the comb<strong>in</strong>ed branches/units general assembly meet<strong>in</strong>g convened<br />
at 1400. After the meet<strong>in</strong>g Sandy and I were presented FRA caps and golf shirts depict<strong>in</strong>g Branch 367.<br />
At 1630 Lady Annie, Sandy and I (and the driver) departed on a 4 hour – 30 m<strong>in</strong>ute drive to Manila and<br />
checked <strong>in</strong>to the Heritage Hotel Manila at 2100. The hotel was about 10 m<strong>in</strong>utes from the Manila Airport which was<br />
convenient <strong>in</strong>asmuch as we would be go<strong>in</strong>g to and from the airport for the next three days.<br />
Lady Annie and the driver then went back to San Miguel on another 4 hour – 30 m<strong>in</strong>ute drive – a very long<br />
day <strong>in</strong>deed for the two of them!<br />
Thursday, 15 February<br />
After yet another early reveille, we departed the hotel by hotel taxi at 0645 and went to the airport – check<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> for our flight on Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Airl<strong>in</strong>es to Iloilo to visit Miago Branch and Unit 64 (Iloilo City). Left Manila 0900<br />
and arrived Iloilo City at 1010. It was noted the airport had only one taxiway/runway. The plane landed, went to the<br />
end of the runway and then used the runway to taxi back to the term<strong>in</strong>al.<br />
We were met at the airport by Shipmate Seraf<strong>in</strong> N. and Lady Moreno, Shipmates Edmardo G. Monteclaro,<br />
Willy Napatang, Mike Canones and Lady Elsie Flores. We then were driven a short distance to the Mar<strong>in</strong>a Resort<br />
and Restaurant which was next to a small lake for the branch and unit meet<strong>in</strong>gs at 1100. Sandy was presented with a<br />
beautiful table runner and place mats from the unit which were made <strong>in</strong> Iloilo and I received a desk certificate of<br />
appreciation – also made locally.<br />
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Lunch was served after the meet<strong>in</strong>g (it seems all we did was eat the entire time <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands).<br />
After lunch we had a nice visit with many of the shipmates and ladies, before return<strong>in</strong>g to the airport for the return<br />
flight to Manila, arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 1815 and then back to the Heritage Hotel.<br />
Friday, 16 February<br />
We departed the hotel at 0445 by hotel taxi for the airport and checked <strong>in</strong> for the 0700 flight on Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Airl<strong>in</strong>es to Legaspi arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 0815. The same one runway/taxiway provisions as <strong>in</strong> Iloilo were at Legaspi. Additionally,<br />
as we taxied to the term<strong>in</strong>al, we noted that around 25 shipmates and ladies from Bicol Region Branch and<br />
Unit 127 (Bicol Nabau) were out on the tarmac outside of security.<br />
Shipmate Branch President Amador Oida lead the welcom<strong>in</strong>g party. When I quarried him on how the shipmates<br />
and ladies were able to get on the tarmac away from security he said that he knew one of the security guards<br />
and asked if they could go on the tarmac to greet us. The guard authorized five to go outside of security, then asked<br />
who was arriv<strong>in</strong>g on the airplane. He was told that the National President of the FRA was on the airplane and was<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g from Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC. The guard said “he must be important” and was so impressed he allowed all to go on<br />
the tarmac! Talk about be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>fluential!!<br />
After retriev<strong>in</strong>g our luggage, we departed on a tour of the local country side en-route to Bicol Nabua. We<br />
were driven to a high view po<strong>in</strong>t where we had a good view of Mayon Volcano. We then drove through part of the<br />
Cagsawa Ru<strong>in</strong>s from the eruption of Mt. Mayon Volcano and saw the destruction of the eruption and two typhoons<br />
with<strong>in</strong> a period of two months last October and November.<br />
We arrived at Branch 127’s Home around 1130 – and once aga<strong>in</strong> there were around 50 shipmates and ladies<br />
wait<strong>in</strong>g for our arrival – complete with the “welcome aboard banner.” After a social period and another lunch, a<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ed branch and unit meet<strong>in</strong>g was held. The branch had contacted the city mayor and asked if three police officers<br />
could be assigned to the area for the entire period of time we were there. The officers jo<strong>in</strong>ed us for lunch, then<br />
stood outside the branch home dur<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>g, look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> through the w<strong>in</strong>dows while we were <strong>in</strong>side.<br />
After the meet<strong>in</strong>g, we were taken to our hotel – the Moraville Hotel Nabua to rest up for yet another d<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
party at the branch home that even<strong>in</strong>g. We were then picked up at 1800 and driven the short distance back to the<br />
branch home. A big d<strong>in</strong>ner was served, with the mayor <strong>in</strong> attendance, a floor show and danc<strong>in</strong>g followed.<br />
After a very busy and reward<strong>in</strong>g day and even<strong>in</strong>g, we were taken back to the hotel to get some much<br />
needed sleep and prepare for the flight back to Manila the next morn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Saturday, 17 February<br />
At 0500 we were picked up by Branch 127 President Amador Oida and taken to his home for breakfast.<br />
Had a delicious breakfast and a tour of his beautiful home. After breakfast Shipmate Oida and Lady Oida, along with<br />
one of his cous<strong>in</strong>s who is a shipmate, drove us to the Legaspi Airport which was about an hours drive from Shipmate<br />
Oida’s home. We took our luggage out of Shipmate Oida’s car and transferred to the other car, arriv<strong>in</strong>g at the airport<br />
around 0700 for a 0840 departure back to Manila. Once we arrived at the airport, there aga<strong>in</strong> were many shipmates<br />
and ladies there to say good-bye.<br />
Up to this po<strong>in</strong>t the entire trip had been pretty “uneventful” as far as schedules were concerned, but when it<br />
came time to get our passports ready for <strong>in</strong>spection at the term<strong>in</strong>al, Sandy could not f<strong>in</strong>d hers and we were scheduled<br />
to leave <strong>in</strong> an hour and forty m<strong>in</strong>utes. Thank heavens, we had shipmates and ladies with us at the airport – or we may<br />
have still been there!<br />
Lady Oida called back to their home and asked the maids if Sandy had left her passport <strong>in</strong> the house after<br />
breakfast. The maids could not f<strong>in</strong>d it <strong>in</strong> the house so checked the Oida’s car and it was <strong>in</strong> the car seat. Problem was<br />
we did not have time to return back to their house and get back to the airport <strong>in</strong> time to catch the flight. Oh, by the<br />
way this was the only flight from Legaspi to Manila for the day – the next flight would be tomorrow morn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
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Fortunately the Oida’s knew of a shipmate who was fly<strong>in</strong>g to Manila at 1100 from another airport, so with<br />
their help, one of the unit members drove to the Oida’s home, picked up the passport and then delivered it to the<br />
shipmate at the other airport. The shipmate was to take the passport to Manila and deliver it to our hotel. True to<br />
form with Loyalty, Protection and Service, the shipmate delivered the passport to his son who is a Lieutenant Colonel<br />
<strong>in</strong> the US Army stationed at the United States Embassy. The Colonel had one of his drivers deliver the passport<br />
to us at the hotel <strong>in</strong> Manila.<br />
Thanks to the local shipmates and ladies, they were successful <strong>in</strong> conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g security at the Legaspi Airport<br />
to let Sandy board the airplane for our flight to Manila. Once we arrived at Manila, we went back to the Heritage<br />
Hotel to rest and pack for the departure that even<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
We were scheduled to depart from Manila that even<strong>in</strong>g at 2310 for Guam and of course could not get out of<br />
the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es without her passport.<br />
Talk about be<strong>in</strong>g nervous and concerned – we both were for several hours. This episode was without a<br />
doubt, the most traumatic part of the trip.<br />
At 2000 we departed the Heritage Hotel Manila for the last time en-route to the airport for our scheduled<br />
departure at 2310 to Guam. After process<strong>in</strong>g through the airport we departed on time for Guam.<br />
Sunday, 18 February<br />
GUAM – USA<br />
After a 1,597 mile, 3 hours – 30 m<strong>in</strong>ute flight from Manila, we arrived at Agana, Guam at 0440. Even at<br />
that early hour of the morn<strong>in</strong>g, Latte Stone Branch and Unit 73 (Agana) Presidents Shipmate Enrique (Rick) and<br />
Lady Sophie Losongco, Branch VP Jim and Lady Sullenger, Branch Secretary/Treasurer Scott and Lady Carrie Duenas,<br />
Tony and Lady Millie Artero, and Jack and Lady Terry Shimizu met us at the airport – and yes, with another<br />
“welcome aboard banner!”<br />
We were then taken to the Royal Orchard Hotel Tumon Bay and checked <strong>in</strong>to room 617. We slept fast as<br />
the branch and unit had scheduled a National President’s reception at 1400 <strong>in</strong> the hotel and wanted us down to the<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g room by 1300.<br />
After the reception, a comb<strong>in</strong>ed branch and unit general assembly meet<strong>in</strong>g was held at 1500 with about 60<br />
shipmates and ladies present. The rest of the afternoon and even<strong>in</strong>g was “leisure time” which was really appreciated<br />
by both of us.<br />
Monday, 19 February<br />
At 0830 all of the shipmates and ladies who met us at the airport on Sunday morn<strong>in</strong>g and PUP Lady Joyce I<br />
Martratt, left for an office call with Fred Gofigan, Veterans Affairs Adm<strong>in</strong>istrator. We then toured the War <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Pacific Memorial Park <strong>in</strong> Asan, the Veterans’ Cemetery <strong>in</strong> Piti, WWII Memorial Site, at the Asan Overlook and<br />
other local historical sites. All of us then went to lunch at a local restaurant.<br />
After lunch we departed for the Lt. Governor’s Office at Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo’s Complex <strong>in</strong> Adelup.<br />
While there we had a courtesy call with Lt. Governor Mike Gruz and we discussed legislative and military issues<br />
concern<strong>in</strong>g Guam.<br />
At 1400 we arrived at the Guam Legislature Build<strong>in</strong>g for an office call with Senator (and former Speaker)<br />
Antonio “Tony” Unp<strong>in</strong>gco, Military and Federal Affairs Chairman. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the visit, Speaker Mark Forbes came <strong>in</strong><br />
and we all had a lengthy conversation concern<strong>in</strong>g the proposed move of two U.S. Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Battalions from<br />
Ok<strong>in</strong>awa to Guam and the additional assignment of more U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army personnel between now<br />
and 2014.<br />
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office.<br />
The Speaker presented me with two Guam coffee mugs as a remembrance to visit<strong>in</strong>g his and the senator’s<br />
We then departed for the “I Guma I Taotao Tano” (Government House) at Agana Heights and were met by Ms. Di<br />
Cruz, Governor’s Chief of Protocol who gave us an extended tour of the Government House.<br />
After the tour was complete, we returned to the hotel.<br />
Tuesday, 20 February<br />
What a busy and full day this would turn out to be. All of the branch and unit members from yesterday (m<strong>in</strong>us<br />
Shipmate Jim and Lady Margie Sullenger – Jim had some medical problems the even<strong>in</strong>g before and was unable<br />
to jo<strong>in</strong> us) departed the hotel at 0800 and proceed to the USCG Sector Guam Commander’s Office for an office call<br />
at 0900 with Capta<strong>in</strong> William Marhoffer. We received a very warm ‘Coast Guard’ welcome. The Capta<strong>in</strong> was well<br />
aware of FRA’s legislative and quality of life issues before the Congress and pledged his full support.<br />
The next visit would be a very pleasant surprise for me. We departed Capta<strong>in</strong> Marhoffer’s office for an office<br />
call with Capta<strong>in</strong> Jan Wynn, Chief of Staff and Regional Master Chief Tony Graham at the COMNAVMAR<br />
Headquarters. Capta<strong>in</strong> Wynn is the daughter of Shipmate PRPNW Floyd and Gwen Solum <strong>in</strong> Oak Harbor, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton.<br />
What a surprise to me – the Capta<strong>in</strong> knew before hand! Sandy and I lived <strong>in</strong> Oak Harbor for 19 years and knew<br />
Janice when she was <strong>in</strong> high school. In fact she rem<strong>in</strong>ded us that she had won one of Branch 97’s Americanism Essay<br />
Contests and had received a $100 Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Bond. All these many years later – she is the Chief of Staff at<br />
COMNAVMAR – what a small world!<br />
At 1035 we proceeded to the Guam Naval Base for an office call with Command<strong>in</strong>g Officer Capta<strong>in</strong> Ken<br />
Freeman. We then departed for the Club Typhoonz for a luncheon with Regional Leadership. After lunch, I hosted a<br />
Question and Answer Period with approximately 30 senior leadership personnel <strong>in</strong> attendance. One of the Master<br />
Chiefs’ was so impressed with FRA’s action that he said he was go<strong>in</strong>g to sign up for membership on l<strong>in</strong>e that afternoon.<br />
(When we saw him the next morn<strong>in</strong>g, he told us that he <strong>in</strong>-fact had gone on-l<strong>in</strong>e and was FRA’s newest member!!)<br />
After lunch, a tour of Naval Base Guam’s Historical Monuments was conducted by Regional Master Chief<br />
Tony Graham and the Naval Base Guam Command Master Chief. After a very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and productive tour we<br />
proceeded to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam <strong>in</strong> Agana Heights for an office call with Command<strong>in</strong>g Officer Bob Kellogg<br />
and Command Master Chief Sam Lovette. The Capta<strong>in</strong> discussed all of the medical challenges on Guam and the<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g relationship with the local civilian hospital. After an extended tour of the hospital, we returned to the hotel<br />
to get ready for the d<strong>in</strong>ner reception at 1830.<br />
The d<strong>in</strong>ner reception was hosted <strong>in</strong> our honor by Branch and Unit 73. Attendees were Branch and Unit 73<br />
members, key military leadership (many of the ones we had met dur<strong>in</strong>g the day) from the United States Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force. Also <strong>in</strong> attendance were representatives from the local veteran organizations,<br />
the Lt. Governor, Speaker and Senate Chairs, and military-federal affairs department heads.<br />
After d<strong>in</strong>ner, Capta<strong>in</strong> Wynn was asked to <strong>in</strong>troduce me to the audience – what an honor for me for her to do<br />
that – I then <strong>in</strong>formed all <strong>in</strong> attendance on the function of FRA, all of our legislative work done on Capitol Hill and<br />
many of the programs sponsored by FRA. This was followed by a question and answer period.<br />
Guam.<br />
After my presentation, the Branch and Unit presented Sandy and I with many mementos of our visit to<br />
Wednesday, 21 February<br />
Today, we could sleep <strong>in</strong> – noth<strong>in</strong>g on the agenda until 0900 when we all met for breakfast.<br />
NP-16
After breakfast the group departed for Andersen Air Force Base where we met with the Base Commander,<br />
Brigadier General Douglas H. Owens, Vice Commander Colonel Joel S. Westa and Command Chief Master Sergeant<br />
Robert D. Wicks at 1115.<br />
The entire group went to lunch at the “Top of the Rock.” From the club, we departed for an office call with<br />
the Command<strong>in</strong>g Officer, Executive Officer and Command Master Chief (CDR Chris Brunett, CDR John Menoni<br />
and Roger Etienne respectively) of HSC-25. This naval command is a tenant on Andersen AFB and they are very<br />
proud of that fact – U.S. Navy was very prevalent everywhere with<strong>in</strong> the command. The CO and XO took us on a<br />
tour of the hangar and were allowed to view the helicopters close up.<br />
After a busy afternoon, we returned to the hotel <strong>in</strong> Tumon Bay. Later that even<strong>in</strong>g, Presidents Shipmate<br />
Rick and Lady Sophie picked us up and took us out for a delicious d<strong>in</strong>ner. We then returned to the hotel to prepare<br />
for departure back to the States after an extensive 18 day trip to overseas Pacific.<br />
Thursday, 22 February<br />
Departed the hotel at 0500 via the hotel courtesy van for the airport for our scheduled 0710 [Cont<strong>in</strong>ental<br />
Micronesia Airl<strong>in</strong>e (3,801 miles)] departure to Honolulu, Hawaii.<br />
Wednesday, 21 February<br />
CROSSED INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE<br />
After the 7 hour – 5 m<strong>in</strong>ute flight, we landed <strong>in</strong> Honolulu on schedule at 1815. We were scheduled to<br />
change to a Northwest Airl<strong>in</strong>e flight from Honolulu to Seattle, so after clear<strong>in</strong>g customs and immigration, rechecked<br />
our luggage at Northwest baggage. When we arrived at the Northwest ticket counter, we were <strong>in</strong>formed the flight<br />
had been canceled because of a generator problem on the eng<strong>in</strong>e (was glad it canceled before we got <strong>in</strong> the air), so<br />
we were transferred to United for a flight five hour flight to Los Angeles.<br />
Thursday, 22 February<br />
After the 2,556 mile flight from Honolulu, we arrived <strong>in</strong> Los Angeles at 0530, then departed Los Angeles at<br />
0630 on a 2 hour – 40 m<strong>in</strong>ute (954 miles) flight to Seattle, arriv<strong>in</strong>g at 1010.<br />
Our son met us at the airport, Sandy then returned home with him and I cont<strong>in</strong>ued on to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C.<br />
for a bus<strong>in</strong>ess meet<strong>in</strong>g on Friday.<br />
CONCERNS OF THE OVERSEAS PACIFIC BRANCHES AND MEMBERS<br />
Submitted by President Frank Misiura, Branch 103<br />
YOKOSUKA BRANCH 103<br />
1. TRICARE OVERSEAS: The exist<strong>in</strong>g Provider (WPS) is difficult to contact regard<strong>in</strong>g claims. They have no<br />
e-mail address or web site. All correspondence is transmitted via the postal service which significantly adds to the<br />
time claims are processed. There is no way of know<strong>in</strong>g the status of your claim from the time it is sent and dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
process<strong>in</strong>g by the provider. WPS Staff can only be contacted by telephone dur<strong>in</strong>g their normal work<strong>in</strong>g hours which<br />
is on Wiscons<strong>in</strong> time. This requires that Pacific Beneficiaries call between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. local<br />
time. Local TRICARE Representatives (when available) are under staffed and do not provide assistance to retirees<br />
with regards to fil<strong>in</strong>g claims. Proposal: Have WPS develop an onl<strong>in</strong>e claim submission process with a means to<br />
track status. Provide email addresses to a help desk that Beneficiaries can submit questions to when hav<strong>in</strong>g problems<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g claims processed. Provide an extended hours of operation Telephone Help Desk that overseas members can<br />
contact at reasonable local times.<br />
NP-17
2. FRA PCT PAYMENTS: Current National PCT Payouts are via check made out to the Branch Secretary by<br />
name. This has presented problems where if the Branch Secretary is unavailable for extended periods due to illness<br />
or other unforeseen circumstances, checks cannot be endorsed for deposit. Proposal: Set up electronic deposit to<br />
branches that have accounts that can support. In do<strong>in</strong>g so there would also be a sav<strong>in</strong>gs realized <strong>in</strong> postage expenses.<br />
3. FRA WEBSITE: The exist<strong>in</strong>g FRA website is an excellent tool for members to stay on top of current affairs.<br />
However, some areas of the site are difficult to navigate and offer little member <strong>in</strong>teraction: Some examples:<br />
A. Member profile: Edit function does not allow all aspects of member <strong>in</strong>formation provided to be edited.<br />
(e.g.: my current status is shown as active. When go<strong>in</strong>g to edit function there is no offer to change my status to retired).<br />
B. Membership renewal: The current method of renew<strong>in</strong>g membership onl<strong>in</strong>e requires that the member go<br />
to his or her profile and locate a notice that offers the member to renew. This can easily be overlooked. Recommend<br />
creat<strong>in</strong>g an alert that notifies members their dues are past due and that access to their MY FRA profile be restricted<br />
until payment is made.<br />
card.<br />
C. Create a site function that allows members to place an onl<strong>in</strong>e request for a replacement membership<br />
4. CNFJ HOMEPORT ASHORE INITIATIVE: FRA BRANCH 103 strongly endorses Commander Naval<br />
Forces Japan <strong>in</strong>itiative to house all FDNF sailors <strong>in</strong> their homeports of Yokosuka and Sasebo. Currently approximately<br />
50% of the 3400 E-4 and below who are not eligible to receive hous<strong>in</strong>g allowance are be<strong>in</strong>g provided with<br />
off ship quarters. Additional fund<strong>in</strong>g will be required to provide for the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 50%. FDNF Sailors typically endure<br />
significantly higher OPTEMPO than their CONUS counterparts. Off ship hous<strong>in</strong>g significantly contributes to<br />
higher moral and productivity. Proposal: Request FRA support <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g Lawmakers and Senior Leadership aware<br />
of CNFJ’s Initiative and the need for additional resources to make the project a success.<br />
Submitted by Thomas B. Morado, Branch 154<br />
DAGUPAN CITY BRANCH 247 AND BAGUIO CITY BRANCH 154<br />
1. What ways can FRA do to ease up the restrictions on U.S. military retirees who lost their wives and decided<br />
to marry local Filip<strong>in</strong>o girls (non-US citizens) but are not or totally recognized by the US Government, through the<br />
US Embassy and therefore, cannot obta<strong>in</strong> US Visa and no US benefits, whatsoever.<br />
2. What is or where is the most reliable venue for obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g US Military dependents ID card?<br />
Submitted by Secretary Romeo C. Estacion, Branch 154<br />
1. VA disability medications – For the past 12 months now outpatient pharmacy can’t give some of our medic<strong>in</strong>e<br />
on time because it is out of stock. I already mentioned this to VA representative and until now, the problem is<br />
still the same “out of stock”. Pharmacy advise us to buy the medic<strong>in</strong>e and reimburse it later. Aga<strong>in</strong> reimbursement<br />
takes months. This is for us retirees with a VA disability.<br />
Submitted by Ruf<strong>in</strong>o Abulencia, Branch 247<br />
1. Not receiv<strong>in</strong>g retired pay for the months of October, November, and December 2006. Needs confirmation<br />
from FRA that I am still alive.<br />
Submitted by Florencio Dictado, Branch 247<br />
1. Wife married to US citizen (USN Retired) She never set foot <strong>in</strong> America – can she claim Social Security<br />
and/or widow benefits?<br />
NP-18
Submitted by Vec<strong>in</strong>te Arzas, Branch 154<br />
1. Why do we not have life membership?<br />
2. Why is it the FRA do not have f<strong>in</strong>ancial support for members burial expenses?<br />
Submitted by Secretary Rudolf P. Lomibao, Branch 247<br />
1. Have not received retired pay checks for September, October, and November 2006 – have received December<br />
2006 and January 2007.<br />
Submitted by <strong>in</strong>terested Shipmate, Branch 247<br />
1. TCF program doctors and hospitals are not receiv<strong>in</strong>g payments for services rendered to retirees here <strong>in</strong> a<br />
timely manner. Example a retiree would be hospitalized then the hospital bills TRICARE. The TRICARE office<br />
rejects the paperwork, then the hospital resubmits the required <strong>in</strong>fo as requested to the TRICARE office, the claim is<br />
then either lost or rejected aga<strong>in</strong>, this then goes back and forth between hospitals and TRICARE 4 months. Retirees<br />
are then restricted from care from most local providers because of this, mot of them are owed thousands of dollars.<br />
When retiree contacts TRICARE they tell us don’t worry it’s the providers fault and that we can not be held responsible<br />
for said charges. This is the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es foreign government not withhold<strong>in</strong>g to U.S. laws. Some members are<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g told they must pay for charges by the providers. We are subject to the laws of Philipp<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> this case, not the<br />
laws of the United States.<br />
2. There have also been problems <strong>in</strong> gett<strong>in</strong>g spouses of members visa’s from the U.S. Embassy to travel to<br />
national and regions conventions. The problem is mostly for those members who marry the local residents of the<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. The US Embassy is not recogniz<strong>in</strong>g the FRA as a ligament association. On the other hand the American<br />
Legion National Office has a liaison who helps <strong>in</strong> process<strong>in</strong>g their members visa. This should also be addressed by<br />
national to work with US State Department and help the local units get the required visa for their spouses and other<br />
recognized LA FRA members.<br />
3. Veteran Disability Commission has proposed to VA Compensation Offset with Social Security Benefits. I<br />
am completely opposed to this and hope our organization is fight<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st this.<br />
SAN MIGUEL BRANCH 367 – SAN NARCISO B RANCH 83 – OLONGAPO CITY BRANCH 74<br />
Submitted by Ted L. Phillips, Branch 367<br />
1. TRICARE is a major problem for all retirees <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. It appears that TRICARE has and is punish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
all retirees for a few unfavorable characters <strong>in</strong> the health bus<strong>in</strong>ess. TRICARE should have a representative <strong>in</strong> the<br />
PI to assist us <strong>in</strong>stead of send<strong>in</strong>g snoops or undercover agents to catch the worst offenders.<br />
2. FPO treats U.S. retirees like crim<strong>in</strong>als, restrict<strong>in</strong>g mail privileges, size of packages, etc. Punish those who<br />
do the offenses – not all retirees.<br />
Submitted by Amando F. Florenca, Branch 83<br />
1. What is the value of our “Part B” <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es?<br />
2. Who are our TRICARE providers?<br />
Submitted by L.P. Kane, Branch 367<br />
1. With all benefits we’re giv<strong>in</strong>g to illegal Mexicans <strong>in</strong> U.S., it would be nice if RAO, FPO’s <strong>in</strong> the PI could<br />
get an exemption for packages. Now all we get is letters, prescription drugs. We’re provid<strong>in</strong>g Philipp<strong>in</strong>e military<br />
millions of U.S. dollars <strong>in</strong> aid.<br />
NP-19
Submitted by Christopher Schrauben, Branch 74<br />
1. TRICARE ISSUES – specific TRICARE does not allow medical check-ups or physicals.<br />
2. Common medical practice is annual/bi-annual checkups.<br />
3. I recently lost my wife (23 Dec 2006) due to liver cirrhosis (age 38). A regional checkup may have discovered<br />
the problem soon enough to prevent her death.<br />
4. Hav<strong>in</strong>g to pay for out-of-pocket expenses discourages retirees from gett<strong>in</strong>g physicals.<br />
Submitted by Jack Lee Clark, Branch 367<br />
1. TRICARE claims from October ’05 to date have not been paid. Wife died November 30, ’05. Elena P.<br />
Clark. DEERS – yes. Married March 20, 1978.<br />
Submitted by Jesus N. Tesoro, Branch 64<br />
MIAGO (ILOILO CITY) BRANCH 64<br />
1. We are only handful of members of Branch 64 <strong>in</strong> this area. There are few U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force<br />
retired also <strong>in</strong> this area. They don’t have their own association <strong>in</strong> this area. Can the National Headquarters allow us<br />
to accommodate them as honorary members?<br />
Submitted by Wilfredo Saquibal, Branch 64<br />
1. I lost my naturalization certificate. I have a hard time try<strong>in</strong>g to get it replaced. Immigration & Naturalization<br />
office tells me that I should give them my “A” number. I don’t know where to get this number. Could you help me?<br />
Submitted by Interested Shipmate, Branch 64<br />
1. Why should we have to be enrolled <strong>in</strong> Medicare and pay premiums <strong>in</strong> order to use TRICARE for life, when<br />
we can not use Medicare outside of CONUS. Our premiums should be waived if we live outside of CONUS if this<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be the law.<br />
2. Need an asbestos test<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e at the VA <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands.<br />
Submitted by Antonio M. Buni, Branch 64<br />
1. My wife receives SS as part of my SS entitlement. Out of what she gets, 1/3 or 33% of the amount is withheld<br />
for taxes. Comes time to file an <strong>in</strong>come tax return or refund, I cannot get back what they had withheld. We are<br />
fil<strong>in</strong>g jo<strong>in</strong>t return. Her share of the SS was taken out of my own. Why, am I not entitled to a refund?<br />
2 If there is an exist<strong>in</strong>g law to this effect, I suggest for an amendment of the said law <strong>in</strong> favor of thousands of<br />
dependent wives who experienced the same fate.<br />
Submitted by Secretary Eduardo G. Monteclaro, Branch 64<br />
Subject: TRICARE Standard Issues and Problems <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
1. This topic was not brought up dur<strong>in</strong>g your personal visit at Branch 064 <strong>in</strong> Iloilo due to sensitive issues.<br />
Most of our FRA members with Branch 064 are us<strong>in</strong>g the services of a TRICARE provider <strong>in</strong> the area without pay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their share of deductibles and co-pays, which is a violation of Code of Federal Regulations, (332 CFR 199.9).<br />
However, for some of them, they are do<strong>in</strong>g it because they are frustrated with fil<strong>in</strong>g direct claims to WPS TRICARE.<br />
NP-20
Either, the claims were lost, disallowed for unexpla<strong>in</strong>ed reason, additional documentations needed, and payment<br />
made to the hospitals <strong>in</strong> spite of the fact that the TRICARE beneficiary paid the hospital bill with his/her funds. Others<br />
enroll with the TRICARE providers <strong>in</strong> the area with full knowledge of fraud and abuse committed by the provider<br />
just to get a free ride, a waiver of deductibles and co-pays.<br />
I have written several times, and also several other TRICARE beneficiaries <strong>in</strong> the area to WPS TRICARE<br />
regard<strong>in</strong>g the fraudulent and abusive practices of a TRICARE provider <strong>in</strong> Iloilo namely, Global Medical Network,<br />
however, we have yet to see any action taken by WPS TRICARE to <strong>in</strong>vestigate the report of violations. Global<br />
Medical Network cont<strong>in</strong>ues to operate, milk<strong>in</strong>g the precious f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources of TRICARE. Verification with<br />
other TRICARE beneficiaries resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> other areas of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es shows that TRICARE providers <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
as a whole are defraud<strong>in</strong>g the U.S. government and TRICARE Standard. The follow<strong>in</strong>g are lists of abusive<br />
and prohibited practices violated by TRICARE providers operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es which is <strong>in</strong> violation of the<br />
Code of Federal Regulations (32 CFR 199.9):<br />
Charg<strong>in</strong>g WPS TRICARE for medical services and supplies provided to TRICARE beneficiaries us<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
maximum amount allowed under the Puerto Rico rate which is 10-20 times higher than what is rout<strong>in</strong>ely charged to<br />
the general public for the same services. Examples; Doctors consultation which locally cost $6-$10, TRICARE providers<br />
bills WPS TRICARE $60-$120. In most cases WPS TRICARE pays without questions. TRICARE beneficiaries<br />
just sign <strong>in</strong> exchange for non-payment required deductibles and co-pays;<br />
TRICARE providers, illegally and know<strong>in</strong>gly waiv<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE beneficiaries deductibles and co-pays<br />
with the basic knowledge that the practice is prohibited under the Code of Federal Regulations;<br />
Several TRICARE providers created a sham TRICARE Supplemental Insurance, collect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>surance premiums<br />
from TRICARE beneficiaries, where as, the <strong>in</strong>surance company never existed. Pocket<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>surance premiums<br />
paid by the TRICARE beneficiaries and waiv<strong>in</strong>g deductibles and co-pays;<br />
Design a scheme to <strong>in</strong>flate medical bills and supplies from what was actually paid to the medical subcontractors.<br />
These medical sub-contractors were paid by the TRICARE provider us<strong>in</strong>g the local reimbursement rate<br />
generally charged to the general public. However, the TRICARE provider bill WPS TRICARE the maximum<br />
amount allowable under the Puerto Rico rate;<br />
In some cases, TRICARE providers and the TRICARE beneficiaries enter <strong>in</strong>to a kickback agreement.<br />
Medical supplies, procedures and services that were already paid by the TRICARE beneficiary, which he/she could<br />
file directly to WPS TRICARE for reimbursement. However, the TRICARE provider will conv<strong>in</strong>ce the TRICARE<br />
beneficiary to allow them to file claims to WPS TRICARE us<strong>in</strong>g the maximum amount allowed under the Puerto<br />
Rico rate. When payment was received from WPS TRICARE by the TRICARE providers, the profit over what was<br />
actually paid based on the prevail<strong>in</strong>g local rate will be shared with the TRICARE beneficiary.<br />
There are other violations, however, the list above has been verified, though most TRICARE beneficiaries are hesitant<br />
to talk <strong>in</strong> fear of retaliation from the TRICARE providers. I felt that there are several factors that allow these<br />
abusive and prohibited practices from flourish<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
1. The direct cooperation of many TRICARE beneficiaries are hesitant to talk <strong>in</strong> fear of retaliation from the<br />
TRIACRE provider to commit fraud, thus bleed<strong>in</strong>g the direct cooperation of many TRICARE beneficiaries to sign<br />
bill<strong>in</strong>g documents without any regard to the fraudulent aspect <strong>in</strong> exchange for the waiv<strong>in</strong>g of deductibles and copays;<br />
2. The historical <strong>in</strong>ept and slow response from WPS TRICARE <strong>in</strong>vestigators <strong>in</strong> act<strong>in</strong>g to stop the fraudulent<br />
and abusive practices right away, thus allow<strong>in</strong>g greedy TRICARE providers to operate and milk the f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources<br />
of TRICARE illegally for many years before action is taken by WPS to stop payment of bill<strong>in</strong>gs;<br />
3. The very light sentences meted out to err<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE providers, through plea barga<strong>in</strong> for lesser penalties<br />
<strong>in</strong> exchange for plead<strong>in</strong>g guilty to the offense;<br />
NP-21
4. The <strong>in</strong>ability of TRICARE to arrest and, prosecute Filip<strong>in</strong>o Citizen TRICARE providers who abused and<br />
defrauded the U.S. Government and TRICARE;<br />
5. The difficulty <strong>in</strong> fil<strong>in</strong>g direct claims to WPS TRICARE by TRICARE beneficiaries who are <strong>in</strong> most cases<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g out of their pension for their survival.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g are my recommendations that could m<strong>in</strong>imize the abusive and fraudulent practices of<br />
TRICARE providers <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es:<br />
1. Set up a reimbursement rate for the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es based on the true cost of medical procedures, services and<br />
supplies to the general public <strong>in</strong> this country plus the TRICARE provider cost for provid<strong>in</strong>g these services to the<br />
TRICARE beneficiaries. The Puerto Rico rate is too high, and it does <strong>in</strong>vite the temptation for TRICARE providers<br />
to commit fraud, thus bleed<strong>in</strong>g the precious funds of TRICARE;<br />
2. Term<strong>in</strong>ate the TRICARE provider services <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es from provid<strong>in</strong>g medical procedures, services,<br />
and supplies to the TRICARE beneficiaries. Set up an easy and effective direct reimbursement system to allow for<br />
faster reimbursement of claims submitted by TRICARE beneficiaries. Establish a TRICARE Management Activity<br />
(TMA) <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es to manage the fil<strong>in</strong>g of direct claims effectively;<br />
3. Adopt the reimbursement system used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Manila Regional Office. VA<br />
Outpatient cl<strong>in</strong>ic contract out veterans medical procedures, services and supplies directly from the medical contractors<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g the local rate generally charged to the general public.<br />
I also wrote a letter to William W<strong>in</strong>kenwerder, Jr., MD, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs<br />
on January 15, 2007. I have not received any reply from him or WPS TRICARE to date. The light sentence and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>e meted out to Health Visions Corporation of 5 years imprisonment and $250,000.00 f<strong>in</strong>e for milk<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE<br />
almost 170 million dollars is still fresh <strong>in</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d. As a TRICARE beneficiary and a tax payer, I am disturbed by<br />
the non-action to stop these abusive practices.<br />
Currently, I know that DOD is bent on their plans to <strong>in</strong>crease the share of TRICARE beneficiaries <strong>in</strong> the<br />
form of enrollment fees, higher deductibles, and co-pays. Instead, a concentrated effort should be made to stop the<br />
fraudulent and abusive practices of the TRICARE providers, thus spar<strong>in</strong>g us from should err<strong>in</strong>g the additional burden<br />
because of their negligence to run the TRICARE program efficiently and effectively.<br />
I am hop<strong>in</strong>g that you could do someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this regard. After all, you are also a TRICARE beneficiary and<br />
tax payers like us. Lastly, if you could get me an address where I could send a letter to Major General Elmer<br />
Granger, Deputy Director of the TRICARE Management Activity (TMA).I would appreciate all the help you could<br />
provide. Once more, thank you for visit<strong>in</strong>g FRA Branch 064. Best wishes and regards to your wife Sandra.<br />
BICOL REGION (BICOL NABUA) BRANCH 127<br />
Submitted by Branch President Amador R. Oida, Branch 127<br />
Letter sent to Social Security Adm<strong>in</strong>istration dated February 15, 2007.<br />
This letter is for an appeal to consider liberal application of the law and its implement<strong>in</strong>g rules and regulation<br />
on the grant of benefits for dependents. My sole and only child, is a natural born U.S. citizen and he will be 18<br />
years old on May 5, 2007 and right now a college student <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
The social security law applicable for my said child requires among others, for him to enjoy his social security<br />
educational benefits as my dependent is that he must not be more than 19 years old and still <strong>in</strong> pursuit of high<br />
school education.<br />
NP-22
By reason of circumstances attendant to the differences between the Educational System of the United<br />
States and the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, my said child stands to lose his enjoyment of the social security benefits due him, if and<br />
when strict application of the social security law shall be resorted to.<br />
Such differences between the two (2) educational systems of the United States and the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es are that,<br />
a person/child attend<strong>in</strong>g schools <strong>in</strong> the United States is still <strong>in</strong> school age of 19 years old, while <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, a<br />
child 18 years old is already a freshman <strong>in</strong> college education.<br />
Why it is so <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es? Please consider the follow<strong>in</strong>g educational ladder <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, to wit:<br />
A. Age 6-12 old, elementary level, on which at 12 years old a person study<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es is already<br />
a graduate of the elementary course.<br />
B. The elementary course graduate, then enrolls <strong>in</strong> high school, barr<strong>in</strong>g unfavorable circumstances, subject<br />
person/child becomes a school graduate at 17 years old, high school education <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es be<strong>in</strong>g only for four<br />
(4) years.<br />
C. Thus, at age 18 years old, or late 17 years old, subject child is already <strong>in</strong> college.<br />
The spirit of the social security law is to <strong>in</strong>sure that the dependent, like my child, has that chance to atta<strong>in</strong><br />
his desired education for his bright future so as to be not a liability but an asset of society.<br />
With due respect, this appeal for liberal application of the social security law is premised on the timehonored<br />
maxim, to resort to the spirit of the law that gives life rather than stick<strong>in</strong>g to the letter of the law that kills..<br />
Thank you very much for the k<strong>in</strong>d attention and <strong>in</strong> anticipation of a favorable action.<br />
Submitted by Nestor F.Zabala, Branch 127<br />
1. Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) is very much unfair to the service member.<br />
2. Reason: The service member is suffer<strong>in</strong>g from his disability, while the former spouse is enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the benefit<br />
that is taken from his disability pay. If the spouse is also disabled, I th<strong>in</strong>k she can get a portion of disability benefit<br />
of the service member.<br />
Submitted by Loreto S. Delos Santos, Unit 127<br />
1. The ladies who are receiv<strong>in</strong>g social security checks, but are not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the<br />
States are be<strong>in</strong>g deducted 30% as tax. How did this come about?<br />
Submitted by Nestor F. Zabala, Branch 127<br />
1. I submitted by application for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) last July 4th, 2006 but no<br />
answer up to this time. I want an answer. Thank you.<br />
Submitted by Modesto E. Agnas, Jr., Branch 127<br />
1. I am a member of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, Branch 127, Bicol Region, Nabua Camar<strong>in</strong>es Sur Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
I was born on February 17, 1937. Tomorrow I will celebrate my 70th year. In this connection, may I ask your<br />
help on how to become an American citizen. In view thereof, your usual favorable action will be highly appreciated.<br />
Submitted by Rogelio Hugo Boil<strong>in</strong>a, Branch 127<br />
1. Thank you for com<strong>in</strong>g to our place and it is a great pleasure and honor to have you here with us <strong>in</strong> FRA<br />
Branch 127 Bicol Region with Headquarters <strong>in</strong> Nabua, Camar<strong>in</strong>es Sur, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
NP-23
I found it very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g be<strong>in</strong>g a member of the FRA. I enjoy read<strong>in</strong>g the monthly magaz<strong>in</strong>e the “Naval<br />
Affairs” and now “FRA Today” as its new name, a very <strong>in</strong>formative read<strong>in</strong>g material regard<strong>in</strong>g health care, benefits,<br />
about legislation, for the welfare of the members.<br />
I am proud as a member of FRA, a veteran of the Vietnam Era, enlisted <strong>in</strong> the U.S.Navy on October 28,<br />
1966 and served honorably with the Navy with cont<strong>in</strong>uous sea duty until I got out on November 20, 1970. I was a<br />
Capta<strong>in</strong> Steward for 3 ½ years aboard the USS Little Rock CLG4 Flagship of the 6th <strong>Fleet</strong> until I was transferred <strong>in</strong><br />
USS Bryce Canyon AD36 home-ported <strong>in</strong> Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.<br />
In view of this, I would like to ask help from you regard<strong>in</strong>g my desire to becom<strong>in</strong>g an American Citizen.<br />
There are many shipmates like me who were not able to get their American Citizenship because of different provisions<br />
that we should have reenlisted. If a World War II veteran can get their American citizenship why a Vietnam<br />
veteran like me cannot? With your representation together with our voice as a whole <strong>in</strong> the Capitol Hill, they might<br />
modify or change those provisions.<br />
Affairs.<br />
At present, I am very grateful receiv<strong>in</strong>g a disability compensation pension from the Department of Veterans<br />
I hope that my dream of becom<strong>in</strong>g an American Citizen will come true <strong>in</strong> the near future.<br />
We hope your visit to the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es with your wife Sandy will be a memorable and enjoyable one.<br />
May God bless us all.<br />
Submitted by Tony Artero, Branch 73<br />
LATTE STONE BRANCH 73<br />
Guam’s present socioeconomic and environmental conditions are the result of the upside-down government<br />
where the people serve the bully government officials at both federal and local levels.<br />
Freedom and justice on Guam should not even be an issue after hav<strong>in</strong>g been under the U.S. Flag s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1898. After serv<strong>in</strong>g America all these years, we on Guam are not any freer or more productive. Economic freedoms<br />
and justice are still denied today. Americans <strong>in</strong> Guam are shackled, perpetually fight city hall to improve their life<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st all odds.<br />
The elected officials <strong>in</strong> the U.S. government and the government of Guam have <strong>in</strong>deed wronged the people<br />
of Guam and the taxpayers of America. People <strong>in</strong> Guam put up with economic suppression and <strong>in</strong>justices day <strong>in</strong> and<br />
day out. Not a s<strong>in</strong>gle effort was ever put <strong>in</strong> motion to address and resolve, once and for all, the government-made<br />
dilemmas. Through the runaway corruption, people are constantly be<strong>in</strong>g assaulted, psychologically and f<strong>in</strong>ancially.<br />
This <strong>in</strong>tolerable mistreatment of the people of Guam translates <strong>in</strong>to politically correct policies to grow up<br />
expect<strong>in</strong>g to be work<strong>in</strong>g for the government, and/or surviv<strong>in</strong>g on food stamps, liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> subsidized hous<strong>in</strong>g and on<br />
welfare.<br />
The bully powers that be, without protect<strong>in</strong>g the fundamental rights of the people, have made life tolerable<br />
with meager handouts. Guam has been a big part of America’s national deficit spend<strong>in</strong>g, for all the wrong reasons.<br />
What’s worse, the American people <strong>in</strong> the ma<strong>in</strong>land are kept ignorant, are not aware of and cannot know what’s<br />
really go<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong> Guam. Guam is obviously American’s biggest dirty little <strong>in</strong>-house secret.<br />
The undesirable conditions <strong>in</strong> Guam are the result of the denial of economic freedoms and justice s<strong>in</strong>ce after<br />
World War II. The conditions are sett<strong>in</strong>g the stage for vigilantes to take charge because the authorities have<br />
failed.<br />
NP-24
COMMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT<br />
All of the concerns from the shipmates above have been referred to the National Headquarters Staff and<br />
each member will be contacted by a NHQ Staff Member with a resolve to the matter <strong>in</strong> question.<br />
JAPAN<br />
Yokosuka Branch 103 is a very active branch with<strong>in</strong> the FRA. After some <strong>in</strong>itial setbacks <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g decl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
membership and the non-submission of the Branch Officers Report for 2006 which resulted <strong>in</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g the Branch<br />
Charter suspended by the National Board of Directors, Shipmate President Misiura has “taken charge” of the branch<br />
and rectified the previous problems. The branch donates over $12,000 annually to outside activities and organizations<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the Yokosuka Naval Base and the City of Yokosuka. The branch has shown an <strong>in</strong>crease of membership<br />
of nearly 50% dur<strong>in</strong>g the past couple of years. The branch, and most especially Shipmate Misiura, should be commended<br />
for their “can do spirit.” Shipmate Misiura is a retired Master Chief Petty Officer and plans to live <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Yokosuka area for several more years, so I am sure the branch will be <strong>in</strong> “good hands.”<br />
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS<br />
As a footnote to the visit to the branches <strong>in</strong> the Republic of the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands, I was able to make contact<br />
and visit with members from seven of the ten branches <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es Islands. Cavite City Branch 36, Batangas<br />
Branch 111 and Southern Luzon Branch 171 (Laguna) were contacted <strong>in</strong> October 2006 by me utiliz<strong>in</strong>g the USPS<br />
<strong>in</strong>form<strong>in</strong>g them of my planned visit to the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. No responses were received by the National President and no<br />
responses were received by the local branches after query<strong>in</strong>g them about my visit. None of the three branches have<br />
an email contact address. Branch 111’s Charter was suspended by the NBOD <strong>in</strong> September 2006 for non-compliance<br />
with the C&BL, FRA, i.e., failure to submit their Branch Officer Report. As this report is written, it is unknown<br />
whether Branch 36 and 171 are <strong>in</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g order <strong>in</strong>, addition to Branch 111.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>gs with the seven branches, I broached the concept of re-vitaliz<strong>in</strong>g the Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Council to promote cohesive bond<strong>in</strong>g, enhance closer relationship and coord<strong>in</strong>ation of efforts among area<br />
branches and units that would be <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the FRA and the LA FRA <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
The Branches and Units were divided amongst themselves on this issue. It is recommended that any action<br />
on this issue be left with those branches and units to determ<strong>in</strong>e if they want to re-establish the Council <strong>in</strong> the future.<br />
It is my recommendation that FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ue to abide by the provisions <strong>in</strong> Article 11, Section 1101(h),<br />
C&BL, FRA for the foreseeable future.<br />
GUAM<br />
Latte Stone Branch 73 is a dynamic branch with members who are dedicated to the branch and the FRA.<br />
The branch (and unit) is <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> many local community affairs on the Island and should be commended for those<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g efforts.<br />
Shipmate President Rick Losongco has excellent control of the branch and should be commended for his<br />
excellent leadership – <strong>in</strong>deed all active members are very <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> the branch’s success.<br />
NATIONAL PRESIDENT OVERSEAS PACIFIC BRANCH VISITS<br />
4 FEBRUARY THROUGH 22 FEBRUARY 2007<br />
TRAVEL & EXPENSE REPORT<br />
Travel & Expense Allowance Received from FRA $7,000.00<br />
Airl<strong>in</strong>e Fares 2,046.98<br />
Taxi Fares 82.29<br />
Hotels 1,297.77<br />
Food 567.62<br />
NP-25
Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g 4.79<br />
Miscellaneous 169.83<br />
Total Expenses $4,169.28<br />
Travel & Expense Allowance Returned to FRA $2,830.72<br />
NP-26<br />
In Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY<br />
National President<br />
JLS:aal<br />
cc: Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, and shipmates of the FRA, this past year has<br />
been one of the highlights of my life.<br />
Shortly after my return home from the 79th National Convention <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>, I had surgery on my<br />
left foot. I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma and it had to be removed. After five days <strong>in</strong> the hospital I was<br />
released and returned home for house rest. I was laid up to the extent that I could not put any weight or pressure on<br />
my foot for eight weeks. I am do<strong>in</strong>g great and the doctor has me on a 12 month check up schedule. I would like to<br />
thank the shipmates and ladies for the cards, emails and prayers dur<strong>in</strong>g my time of recovery.<br />
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your National Vice President. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the year, I have been fortunate<br />
enough to spend some time <strong>in</strong> every region and visit branches <strong>in</strong> four of the regions. I would like to say “thank you”<br />
to the shipmates and ladies for the gracious hospitality shown to me dur<strong>in</strong>g my travels.<br />
The events that I have attended dur<strong>in</strong>g the year <strong>in</strong>cluded the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
USS Arizona Memorial Services, Tucson, AZ<br />
Fantail Breakfast, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
Recruiters of the Year functions, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
GA/SC Caucus, Savannah, GA<br />
PNP McCarley’s Memorial Service, Strowbridge, GA<br />
East Coast Mid-Year, Carol<strong>in</strong>a Beach, NC<br />
Southeast Mid-Year, St Simon Island, GA<br />
South Central Mid-Year, Shreveport, LA<br />
Branch 28 General Meet<strong>in</strong>g, C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati, OH<br />
Branch 105 General Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Owensboro, KY<br />
Branch 365 General Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Evansville, IN<br />
North Central Mid-Year, Owensboro, KY<br />
Northeast Mid-Year, Lakehurst, NJ<br />
Secretary of the Navy Brief<strong>in</strong>g, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
Pension Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, NHQ, Alexandria, VA<br />
National Board of Directors Meet<strong>in</strong>g, NHQ, Alexandria, VA<br />
LA FRA Pilgrimage, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery<br />
East Coast Regional Convention, Wilm<strong>in</strong>gton, DE<br />
North Central Regional Convention, Omaha, NE<br />
Northwest Regional Convention, Oak Harbor, WA<br />
Southwest Regional Convention, Tucson, AZ<br />
National Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Meet<strong>in</strong>g, NHQ, Alexandria, VA<br />
West Coast Regional Convention, Rancho Cordova, CA<br />
Southeast Regional Convention, Chattanooga, TN<br />
National Headquarters, Alexandria, VA<br />
PRPEC Edward Huylebroeck’s Memorial Service and Burial, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery<br />
New England Regional Convention, Tewksbury, MA<br />
Navy Ball, Vallejo, CA<br />
Teddy Roosevelt Pilgrimage, Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY<br />
I would like to s<strong>in</strong>cerely thank National President Jerry Sweeney for keep<strong>in</strong>g me <strong>in</strong>formed completely for the past 13<br />
½ months.<br />
I would also like to thank the staff of the National Headquarters for all the support, <strong>in</strong>valuable assistance and advice<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the year.<br />
NVP-1
All funds received by the FRA have been expended on association bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Shipmates, I urge and plead with the branches to implement the “Branches Br<strong>in</strong>g em Back” Program with<strong>in</strong> their<br />
branch so that we can start to close the back door. In the process of clos<strong>in</strong>g the back door and actively recruit new<br />
members we will be able to see our numbers start to grow.<br />
NVP-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
LAWRENCE J. BOUDREAUX<br />
National Vice President
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
National President Sweeney, members of the National Board of Directors and fellow Shipmates, this is my fifth report<br />
as FRA’s National Executive Secretary per Section 808(i), FRA C&BL.<br />
My highest priority cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be serv<strong>in</strong>g as the chief assistant to the National President and NBOD, while efficiently<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g NHQ and our outstand<strong>in</strong>g staff, while ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g FRA’s presence and effectiveness on Capitol<br />
Hill. The past year has been a period of cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g transition at National Headquarters (NHQ) follow<strong>in</strong>g the F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
Officer’s assumption of many responsibilities previously held by the National F<strong>in</strong>ancial Secretary until November<br />
2005. IMIS functions cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be ref<strong>in</strong>ed, fundrais<strong>in</strong>g is now totally managed <strong>in</strong>-house result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> considerable<br />
sav<strong>in</strong>gs to the <strong>Association</strong> and the NHQ staff began work on LA FRA membership adm<strong>in</strong>istration functions on 1<br />
February 2007.<br />
After my NHQ Staff<strong>in</strong>g, Operations and Special Projects brief<strong>in</strong>g to the National Board of Directors <strong>in</strong> May, I was<br />
<strong>in</strong>vited to present the brief<strong>in</strong>g at several regional conventions. This has been well received and has helped <strong>in</strong>form<br />
delegates about the day to day work that’s be<strong>in</strong>g done by your NHQ Team <strong>in</strong> support of the FRA, and a copy of the<br />
brief<strong>in</strong>g slides which <strong>in</strong>cludes an NHQ staff organizational chart is attached to this report. (Enclosure 1)<br />
NHQ STAFFING<br />
Staff<strong>in</strong>g the NHQ with adequately tra<strong>in</strong>ed and professional personnel is also a top priority. This is challeng<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
high-cost and competitive market <strong>in</strong> which we operate. Turnover cont<strong>in</strong>ues and it’s important to note the significant<br />
and time consum<strong>in</strong>g HR processes associated with <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g, hir<strong>in</strong>g and orient<strong>in</strong>g new staff members.<br />
I believe we’ve reached the optimum staff level with the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, 17 full-time personnel and three part-time<br />
staffers. Complement<strong>in</strong>g these employees as needed are temps that are brought to assist with special projects or dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
staff leave. The number of employees is steady – and especially noteworthy given the significant additional work<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g performed at NHQ associated with membership adm<strong>in</strong>istration functions previously performed by Marsh, the<br />
transfer of all previously contracted fund-rais<strong>in</strong>g functions <strong>in</strong>-house and the membership adm<strong>in</strong>istration work <strong>in</strong> support<br />
of the LA FRA per a Mutual Services Agreement that became effective on 1 February 2007. In short, we’re<br />
do<strong>in</strong>g much more with fewer people because we’re collectively work<strong>in</strong>g smart, effectively us<strong>in</strong>g new technology and<br />
hir<strong>in</strong>g better tra<strong>in</strong>ed and professional <strong>in</strong>dividuals to jo<strong>in</strong> the staff – who <strong>in</strong> turn are more highly motivated and productive.<br />
Teamwork is essential and there is more overlap between department functions due to iMIS and other new<br />
capabilities.<br />
Departures s<strong>in</strong>ce my last report <strong>in</strong>clude L<strong>in</strong>da Jackson and Tabitha Smith <strong>in</strong> the Member Service Center, San Reddy<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Market<strong>in</strong>g/Communications Department and the retirement after 25 years of NHQ service of MIT V<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
Cuthie <strong>in</strong> the Adm<strong>in</strong> Department.<br />
YNC Penny Coll<strong>in</strong>s, USCGR (Ret.) jo<strong>in</strong>ed the staff as our new Director of Membership Development (DMD) on 30<br />
July 2007 and former DMD and Health Care Advisor Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton assumed responsibilities associated with a<br />
new FRA Outreach Program. And follow<strong>in</strong>g the retirement of MIT V<strong>in</strong>ce Cuthie, we hired Sami Al-Samawi as our<br />
new full-time Data Base Support Specialist (DSS). Others new to the NHQ staff dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year are Maria Valverde<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Members Service Center and Jessica Andrews our Public Relations Manager. (Note that new hires may<br />
have different job titles as a result of a cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g evaluation of responsibilities and new technological capabilities<br />
and changes associated with same.) As noted above, we’ve added the Outreach Manager position referenced <strong>in</strong> my<br />
2006 report, and we’re pleased that V<strong>in</strong>ce Cuthie is cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g on a part-time basis as our Scholarship Program Coord<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
Staff hours are consistent for all personnel (0800-1630) with extended Member Service Center hours from 0800-<br />
1730 (one MSC staff member works from 0900-1730 to accommodate calls from the western time zones).<br />
NES-1
2007 STAFF GOALS<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g goals were developed and agreed to by the NHQ staff on 8 January 2007. The day-long staff off-site<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g was held at nearby Regent University here <strong>in</strong> Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia. These goals are referenced when establish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
department and/or <strong>in</strong>dividual objectives for the year and are cited <strong>in</strong> annual staff evaluations.<br />
1. Increase Membership<br />
• Major focus on active duty, reserve, and veterans<br />
• Set a particular number goal: Don’t get below 100,000 members; 800-900 new and re<strong>in</strong>stated members per<br />
month; no more than 500 term<strong>in</strong>ated members per month.<br />
• Retention: Refocus on Call Program<br />
2. Re<strong>in</strong>stitute Market<strong>in</strong>g Plan<br />
• Increase fundrais<strong>in</strong>g results<br />
3. Enhance Stakeholder Relations (to <strong>in</strong>clude members, elected officials, media, government agencies and<br />
other service organizations)<br />
4. Enhance Staff Awareness and Communications<br />
• Keep everyone <strong>in</strong> the loop<br />
5. Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to Leverage Technology<br />
• Improve the use of IMIS<br />
• Website, message boards, pod cast<strong>in</strong>g, etc.<br />
Regard<strong>in</strong>g the top goal, I convened meet<strong>in</strong>gs with senior staff on FRA membership issues on 17 April and 3 November,<br />
2006; and on 11 May and 15 August, 2007. Results of these meet<strong>in</strong>gs were implemented to the extent resources<br />
permit as part of our ongo<strong>in</strong>g work, reported as National Executive Secretary Memorandums (NESMs) and distributed.<br />
Copies of the last three are attached (17 April’s memo was attached to last year’s convention report.) I must<br />
emphasize that no one is more committed to address<strong>in</strong>g our membership challenges than your NHQ Team – someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
apparent <strong>in</strong> these respective NESMs. Action items agreed to and implemented <strong>in</strong>cluded establish<strong>in</strong>g a call program<br />
to non-renew<strong>in</strong>g MAL members; expand<strong>in</strong>g the address block on FRA Today for <strong>in</strong>clusion of a low-cost<br />
monthly message to each member; and enhanc<strong>in</strong>g awareness of our legislative work via the “Mak<strong>in</strong>g Waves” messages<br />
via the web site action center. (See Enclosures 2-4)<br />
OTHER NHQ CHALLENGES<br />
A significant challenge impact<strong>in</strong>g NHQ this past year has been the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g cash flow situation due to lower than<br />
projected revenue and the <strong>in</strong>ability to access significant funds <strong>in</strong> various reserve accounts which now total approximately<br />
$13.5 million. As a result, implementation of our membership market<strong>in</strong>g program was slowed until September<br />
along with other expenditures authorized <strong>in</strong> the 2007 budget. (It’s important to remember that a budget is a<br />
spend<strong>in</strong>g plan based on revenue projections – and if projections are less than anticipated, we must adapt accord<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
and prioritize expenditures.) As detailed <strong>in</strong> the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer’s and Chairman, Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee<br />
Reports, certa<strong>in</strong> reserve accounts were replenished subsequent to actions by delegates to the 79th National Convention<br />
who approved a withdrawal of excess funds <strong>in</strong> the Widow’s Benefit and Standby Health Insurance Trusts, and a<br />
new Special <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund was established with a corpus of $4 million. The cash flow situation was also addressed<br />
<strong>in</strong> my 2006 report which referenced the ripple effect of fundrais<strong>in</strong>g problems and decl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g advertis<strong>in</strong>g revenue from<br />
Naval Affairs (now FRA Today). Thanks to actions by the Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee at its August 2007 meet<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
the situation is improv<strong>in</strong>g and we’re <strong>in</strong> the process of expand<strong>in</strong>g our membership solicitations and other membership<br />
related <strong>in</strong>itiatives dur<strong>in</strong>g the rema<strong>in</strong>der of 2007. And, pend<strong>in</strong>g approval of the proposed 2008 budget by<br />
delegates at the 80th National Convention, we anticipate full implementation of our membership market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives<br />
next year – someth<strong>in</strong>g especially important to address<strong>in</strong>g our membership challenges.<br />
Other major challenges <strong>in</strong>clude effectively manag<strong>in</strong>g staff turnover while ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the ongo<strong>in</strong>g NHQ work; halt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the membership decl<strong>in</strong>e (Note the Chairman of the Membership and Retention Committee Report); susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
NES-2
our presence on Capitol Hill; legal action by the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> Club (FRC) of Annapolis aga<strong>in</strong>st the FRA, deal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with the revocation of Branch 19’s Charter (per NBR 25-07) and significant challenges associated with pay<strong>in</strong>g bills<br />
and sell<strong>in</strong>g the property <strong>in</strong> Newport Rhode Island, and manag<strong>in</strong>g other changes.<br />
I’ve worked very hard on these challenges dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year and kept the NP and leadership apprised of developments<br />
and received outstand<strong>in</strong>g support from FO Paul Rigby and other senior staff. Additional details are referenced<br />
<strong>in</strong> the reports <strong>in</strong>dicated and under the various sections identified by head<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> the rema<strong>in</strong>der of this report.<br />
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT<br />
Oversee<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>-house data base management and security is a major responsibility and even more so s<strong>in</strong>ce membership<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>istration functions were brought <strong>in</strong>-house via the IMIS system. Sameer Mulla, is our part-time Data Base<br />
Manager. He reports directly to me and also oversees our new Data Base Support Specialist (DSS), Sami Al-<br />
Samawi. All data base functions are closely monitored and security enhancements <strong>in</strong>clude a recently <strong>in</strong>stalled security<br />
access system and significantly improved air condition<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the data server room <strong>in</strong> the Member Service Center.<br />
Sameer and Sami also work closely with the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, Directors of Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications and<br />
Membership Development, and Member Service Center staff and Sameer has been very effective <strong>in</strong> identify<strong>in</strong>g major<br />
problems and develop<strong>in</strong>g solutions via specially written programs to identify and correct data base errors and<br />
improve f<strong>in</strong>ancial and membership reports. As a result of this work, we now have a much more accurate membership<br />
count than <strong>in</strong> the past. In addition, a complex de-dup<strong>in</strong>g process has also enhanced our data base <strong>in</strong>tegrity and resulted<br />
<strong>in</strong> the elim<strong>in</strong>ation of unnecessary mail<strong>in</strong>gs and costs associated with same (see Director of Market<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
Communications Report for additional details on this effort.)<br />
Related to this work is an NBOD Resolution (NBR 49-06), approved by majority vote, social security numbers were<br />
removed from Branch Alpha Rosters effective 7 July 2006. This action was related to concerns about identity theft<br />
and I cont<strong>in</strong>ue to strongly urge Branch Secretaries to be m<strong>in</strong>dful of sensitive <strong>in</strong>formation on previous Branch Alpha<br />
Reports and other data and <strong>in</strong>stitute effective disposal methods to ensure that no personal data is compromised.<br />
SETTLEMENT OF FRC COMPLAINT AND INJUNCTION<br />
As reported last year, on 28 July 2006 I was served with a copy of a compla<strong>in</strong>t and <strong>in</strong>junction filed aga<strong>in</strong>st the FRA<br />
<strong>in</strong> state court <strong>in</strong> the State of Maryland by the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> Club of Annapolis, Inc. (FRC) seek<strong>in</strong>g a decree determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
that the FRA has no control over the FRC and further seek<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>junction prohibit<strong>in</strong>g the FRA from represent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or <strong>in</strong> any way ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that it has the power to do so. Per NBOD resolution 53-06, a response was prepared<br />
by legal counsel and subsequently, NP Jerry Sweeney and I participated <strong>in</strong> a settlement conference with legal<br />
counsel and FRC representatives and their legal counsel <strong>in</strong> Severna Park, Maryland, on 23 February 2007 dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
which a consent decree consistent with provisions of FRA’s C&BL was agreed to per Enclosure 5. FRA’s legal costs<br />
<strong>in</strong> conjunction with the law suit totaled $66,290.39 and were covered by our Directors and Officers Liability Insurance<br />
coverage.<br />
Effective Branch oversight of bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises is very important and of particular importance to this issue and<br />
more effective future oversight of Branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises is NBR 24-07 which strengthens Sec. 1226, FRA<br />
C&BL, which if approved by delegates at the 80th National Convention will supersede NBR 11-07.<br />
FRA TODAY<br />
Fund rais<strong>in</strong>g and other market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives/programs are detailed <strong>in</strong> the Director, Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications<br />
Report, however, noteworthy is the success and strong positive reaction to the rework that <strong>in</strong>cludes professional design<br />
and renam<strong>in</strong>g of Naval Affairs to FRA Today which was approved by delegates at the 79th National Convention.<br />
In addition, expanded distribution of the magaz<strong>in</strong>e cont<strong>in</strong>ues (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g hand delivery of copies each month to<br />
all Members of Congress) and extra copies are available for Shipmates wish<strong>in</strong>g to assume responsibility for tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
copies to wait<strong>in</strong>g rooms, <strong>Reserve</strong> centers or other high-traffic locations where potential members and others may<br />
read them and learn more about FRA and its various programs. Shipmates may order extra copies by either contact<strong>in</strong>g<br />
me at NHQ (or via e-mail at nes@fra.org), or Eileen Murphy at Eileen@fra.org.<br />
NES-3
THE MILITARY COALITION<br />
Per FRA SR3(b), I serve as the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal representative of the FRA <strong>in</strong> The Military Coalition (TMC). I’m also <strong>in</strong> my<br />
second two-year term as TMC Co-Chair – an elected position expir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> November 2008. I work closely with Steve<br />
Strobridge from MOAA, the other Co-Chair, and with leaders of the eight stand<strong>in</strong>g legislative committees and the<br />
three stand<strong>in</strong>g committees. Other responsibilities <strong>in</strong>clude establish<strong>in</strong>g monthly meet<strong>in</strong>g agendas and presid<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs – most of which are held at NHQ. In addition, I cont<strong>in</strong>ue as Co-Chair of the TMC Military Personnel,<br />
Compensation and Commissaries Committee. Active participation <strong>in</strong> the TMC, of which FRA is a found<strong>in</strong>g member,<br />
is extremely important to advanc<strong>in</strong>g our legislative agenda – and as the lead<strong>in</strong>g TMC enlisted association enhances<br />
awareness of the <strong>Association</strong> and helps susta<strong>in</strong> our highly effective presence and effectiveness on Capitol Hill.<br />
PARTNERING INITIATIVES<br />
Partner<strong>in</strong>g agreements are <strong>in</strong> effect with Navy Mutual Aid <strong>Association</strong> (NMAA) and Military.com (Monster Worldwide),<br />
and this past year we’ve partnered with the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and Military Officers <strong>Association</strong> of<br />
America (MOAA) <strong>in</strong> support of the “Keep<strong>in</strong>g Faith with Those Who Serve” Defense Forum <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C. on<br />
18 September 2007. The event afforded significant visibility for FRA and was attended by nearly 300 <strong>in</strong>dividuals,<br />
representatives from a number of media outlets and speakers <strong>in</strong>cluded key members of Congress and outgo<strong>in</strong>g Secretary<br />
of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.<br />
NATIONAL CONVENTION SPONSORS<br />
To enhance FRA’s market<strong>in</strong>g effort, we’re work<strong>in</strong>g to maximize our partner<strong>in</strong>g and bus<strong>in</strong>ess agreements by offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
opportunities to become official Bronze ($1,000), Silver ($1,500), Gold ($2,000) and Plat<strong>in</strong>um ($5,000) National<br />
Convention Sponsors. This program was <strong>in</strong>itiated three years ago and proceeds from sponsorships help offset significant<br />
convention costs for AV and sound support, pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, signage, expanded workshop presentations and hospitality<br />
and other expenses.<br />
In addition, sponsors who commit and pay by the layout/pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g due date also receive ad space <strong>in</strong> the convention<br />
journal which is produced by the Convention Committee at the full-page rate – and NHQ reimburses the Committee<br />
at the specified rate which totals $960 for the 80th National Convention. As <strong>in</strong> the past, Convention Booster Roll<br />
donations are solicited <strong>in</strong> membership renewals processed by NHQ beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g 1 May of the previous year through 30<br />
April of the convention year.<br />
NHQ coord<strong>in</strong>ates sponsorships from aff<strong>in</strong>ity partners and other bus<strong>in</strong>esses we deal with at the national level while<br />
the Convention Committee solicits and/or coord<strong>in</strong>ates sponsorships at the local/regional level as determ<strong>in</strong>ed by<br />
members of same.<br />
NHQ BUILDING<br />
Due to the availability of unused office space <strong>in</strong> our National Headquarters build<strong>in</strong>g, we’re research<strong>in</strong>g the possibility<br />
of leas<strong>in</strong>g space to outside bus<strong>in</strong>esses seek<strong>in</strong>g office space <strong>in</strong> Old Town Alexandria. This concept will require<br />
work <strong>in</strong> the build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g new doors, shift<strong>in</strong>g staff to other offices, mov<strong>in</strong>g and/or purchas<strong>in</strong>g furniture and<br />
other associated aspects of offer<strong>in</strong>g space for rent <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g phone l<strong>in</strong>es and security. Office rent would become a<br />
revenue source and this concept has been discussed with the NBOD and Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee. Updates on<br />
progress with regard to this will be forthcom<strong>in</strong>g as appropriate and it’s important to note that there is not def<strong>in</strong>itive<br />
effective date for space be<strong>in</strong>g available for rent.<br />
In addition to the above, we’ve been advised of the availability of exercise equipment owned by Shipmate Kat<br />
Wacker, who recently relocated to an active duty assignment here <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton. She has offered to share usage of<br />
the equipment and her licensed tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g expertise to benefit NHQ staff who may wish to participate <strong>in</strong> a fitness program.<br />
We’re currently research<strong>in</strong>g various aspects associated with this concept to <strong>in</strong>clude legal issues, <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
requirements and space for the equipment <strong>in</strong> the build<strong>in</strong>g. Details will be dissem<strong>in</strong>ated on this when available.<br />
FRA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM<br />
NES-4
Adm<strong>in</strong>ister<strong>in</strong>g the FRA Scholarship Program is a major NHQ evolution each year. The program is under the oversight<br />
of V<strong>in</strong>ce Cuthie, former Manager, Information Systems (MIT), and now part-time Scholarship Coord<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
The 2007 Scholarship Committee <strong>in</strong>cluded DADM Alicia Landis; Contribut<strong>in</strong>g Editor Lauren Armstrong, and Shipmates<br />
Harry Kantrovich (Branch 181) and Or<strong>in</strong> Hatton (Branch 181). In addition, Laura Chick keypunched applicant’s<br />
data <strong>in</strong>to a spreadsheet utilized by the selection committee. FRA awarded 21 scholarships this year to FRA<br />
Shipmates and/or their spouses, dependents, and grandchildren total<strong>in</strong>g $90,000 (Enclosure 6).<br />
FRA is fortunate and extremely grateful for the scholarship donations made by GEICO, Ft. Wayne Branch 348, the<br />
Col. Benn Estate and the Doran, Moon, Blair, Pr<strong>in</strong>gle, Treadwell, Quielsch, and Turner families. Their significant<br />
contributions to FRA’s scholarship program enhance our program and greatly benefit the recipients.<br />
SPECIAL EVENTS<br />
I participated <strong>in</strong> and/or represented FRA at the follow<strong>in</strong>g events. Note that monthly TMC meet<strong>in</strong>gs and related<br />
committee meet<strong>in</strong>gs are not listed and that NBOD Hill visits and Congressional testimony are detailed <strong>in</strong> the National<br />
Committee on Legislative Service Report.<br />
• USNMF Lone Sailor D<strong>in</strong>ner, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 25 October 2006<br />
• USNMF Board of Directors Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 26 October 2006<br />
• CLC Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Branch 67 Suitland, MD, 28 October 2006<br />
• TMC Board of Directors Meet<strong>in</strong>g, AFA Headquarters, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA, 2 November 2006<br />
• National Veterans Day Ceremonies, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery, 11 November 2006<br />
• USMC Congressional Fellows Brief<strong>in</strong>g, The Pentagon, 13 November 2006<br />
• FRA P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award Reception, Capitol Hill, 15 November 2006<br />
• USMC Institute Legislative Process Brief, Mar<strong>in</strong>e Barracks Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 30 November 2006<br />
• USMC Comb<strong>in</strong>ed Awards Ceremony, MCB Quantico, VA, 5 December 2006<br />
• USMC Recruiters of the Year Ceremony, MCB Quantico, VA, 7 December 2006<br />
• FRA Navy Recruiters of the Year Luncheon, Capitol Hill, 13 December 2006<br />
• Navy Recruiters of the Year Ceremony, USNMF Heritage Center, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 14 December 2006<br />
• Holiday functions sponsored by Branch 181, NRA, ALA, the Ad Hoc Committee and NMAA on various<br />
dates <strong>in</strong> December 2006<br />
• NHQ Staff Offsite Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Regent University, Alexandria, VA, 8 January 2007<br />
• Legislative Process Brief for MCPON Campa and Staff, NHQ, 10 January 2007<br />
• MARSH Holiday Luncheon, Crystal City, VA, 12 January 2007<br />
• Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care, ROA Headquarters, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 17 January 2007<br />
• Naval Studies Board Panel Presentation, National Academies, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., 24 January 2007<br />
• TRICARE Conference, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 29 January 2007<br />
• Press Conference on S. 604 Health Care Legislation, The Capitol, 15 February 2007<br />
• FRC Law Suit Settlement Conference, Severna Park, MD, 23 February 2007<br />
• Navy Senior Enlisted Female Conference Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 5 March 2007<br />
• Navy CNI SOY F<strong>in</strong>alists Ice Breaker Reception, Crystal City, VA, 5 March 2007<br />
• JWV Congressional Reception, Capitol Hill, 7 March 2007<br />
• NAVSEA SOY F<strong>in</strong>alists NHQ Visit/Legislative Process Brief, 8 March 2007<br />
• Armed Forces Market<strong>in</strong>g Council Reception, Rayburn Build<strong>in</strong>g, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 21 March 2007<br />
• U.S. Navy Band Change of Command Ceremony, Navy Yard, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 30 March 2007<br />
• FRA Sponsored CNP SOY F<strong>in</strong>alists Luncheon, Navy Annex, 3 April 2007<br />
• FRA / Navy League Sponsored VCNO SOY F<strong>in</strong>alists Ice Breaker, Pentagon City, VA, 10 April 2007<br />
• SecNav Retiree Council Brief, WNY, 16 April 2007<br />
• SecNav Retiree Council Reception, Crystal City, VA, 18 April 2007<br />
• National Committee on Legislative Service Meet<strong>in</strong>g via teleconference, NHQ, 24 April 2007<br />
• Retirement Ceremony SgtMaj John Estrada, USMC, MCB, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., 25 April 2007<br />
• CLC Meet<strong>in</strong>g hosted at NHQ by Branch 181, 28 April 2007<br />
NES-5
• FRA / Navy League Sponsored Naval <strong>Reserve</strong> SOY F<strong>in</strong>alists Ice Breaker, Pentagon City, VA, 30 April<br />
2007<br />
• Branch 181 Installation D<strong>in</strong>ner, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA, 12 May 2007<br />
• Navy/Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Council SecNav Brief<strong>in</strong>gs, Army Navy Country Club, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA, 15 May 2007<br />
• FRA Employees Pension Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, 16 May 2007<br />
• FRA P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award Reception, Capitol Hill, 17 May 2007<br />
• USS Arizona Display Model Dedication, FRA, 18 May 2007<br />
• NBOD Meet<strong>in</strong>g, FRA, 18-19 May 2007<br />
• LA FRA Pilgrimage, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA, 20 May 2007<br />
• USCG Honors Ceremony, USNMF, 22 May 2007<br />
• USCG Honors Recipients Luncheon / Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 24 May 2007<br />
• AUSA Congressional Reception, Capitol Hill, 5 June 2007<br />
• FRA’S USCG Caucus Breakfast, Capitol Hill, 6 June 2007<br />
• Install<strong>in</strong>g Officer, Branch 4 Installation, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., 6 June 2007<br />
• Commandant Naval Academy, Change of Command Ceremony, Annapolis, MD 8 June 2007<br />
• NMFA Annual Luncheon, Crystal City, VA, 15 June 2007<br />
• AFA Reception, Pentagon City, 15 June 2007<br />
• SgtMaj USMC Carlton Kent and Staff Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 2 July 2007<br />
• USMC Sunset Parade, USMC War Memorial, 10 July 2007<br />
• MCPOCG Skip Bowen Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 16 July 2007<br />
• FRA Navy SOY Capitol Hill Luncheon, 17 July 2007<br />
• SOY Barbeque hosted by MCPON Campa, MCPON’s Quarters, 18 July 2007<br />
• SOY Award Ceremony, USNMF Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 19 July 2007<br />
• National Press Club Address by USMC Commandant James Conway, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC 20 July 2007<br />
• Budget & F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, NHQ, 29-30 August 2007<br />
• PRPEC Ed Huylebroeck Service, Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery, 12 September 2007<br />
• Keep<strong>in</strong>g Faith With Those Who Serve Forum, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 18 September 2007<br />
• USO World Gala, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC, 20 September 2007<br />
• TMC Awards Reception, Capitol Hill, 2 October 2007<br />
• USCG <strong>Association</strong> for Rescue at Sea Ceremony, Capitol Hill, 2 October 2007<br />
• Military Resale Commanders Meet<strong>in</strong>g, NHQ, 3 October 2007<br />
TRAVEL<br />
• Tidewater Military Retiree Sem<strong>in</strong>ar Speaker, Norfolk, VA, 4 November 2006<br />
• USCG Recruiters of the Year Banquet, Newark, DE, 7 November 2006<br />
• 80th National Convention Site Visit, Corpus Christ, TX, 25-27 January 2007<br />
• EC Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Carol<strong>in</strong>a Beach, NC, 2-3 February 2007<br />
• SC Region Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Shreveport, LA, 30-31 March 2007 (unofficial travel)<br />
• NC Region Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Owensboro, KY, 13-15 April 2007 (unofficial travel)<br />
• FRA Navy <strong>Fleet</strong> & Forces SOY F<strong>in</strong>alists Reception, Portsmouth, VA 17 April 2007<br />
• USCG Gold Badge Conference Legislative Process Brief, Yorktown, VA, 25 July 2007<br />
• NE Regional Convention, Scranton, PA, 27-29 July 2007<br />
• NW Regional Convention, Oak Harbor, WA 17-19 August 2007 (unofficial travel)<br />
• SW Regional Convention, Tucson, AZ, 24-26 August 2007<br />
• SE Regional Convention, Chattanooga, TN, 7-9 September 2007 (unofficial travel)<br />
• NEng Regional Convention, Tewksbury, MA, 21-23 September 2007<br />
• 80th National Convention, Corpus Christ, TX, 28 October-4 November 2007<br />
Note that unofficial travel is at my own expense.<br />
CONCLUSION<br />
NES-6
I thank the NBOD, RVPs, PNPs and other Shipmates for their support dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year – and I salute each of you<br />
for your hard work and strong commitment to the <strong>Association</strong> and its mission. I would also like to express special<br />
appreciation to NP Jerry Sweeney for his strong commitment – which dur<strong>in</strong>g his tenure is evidenced by his visits to<br />
183 Branches – his good counsel, effective leadership and support. I also thank NVP Larry Boudreaux and FO Paul<br />
Rigby for their counsel and assistance.<br />
There cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be a strong commitment to our Shipmates and a tremendous amount of work conducted by our<br />
outstand<strong>in</strong>g NHQ Team and I want to acknowledge the entire staff for their hard work and strong support – and especially<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g senior staff members who shoulder (or shouldered) major responsibilities dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year:<br />
Alicia Landis, Eileen Murphy, John Davis, Penny Coll<strong>in</strong>s, Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, V<strong>in</strong>ce Cuthie, Chris Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski, and<br />
Sameer Mulla. Collectively, we work hard on behalf of the FRA and are extremely conscientious with regard to our<br />
stewardship responsibilities of <strong>Association</strong> resources.<br />
I am a candidate for reelection as your National Executive Secretary based primarily on my strong commitment to<br />
the <strong>Association</strong> and its mission and thank all members of the FRA for their strong and cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g support.<br />
Respectfully submitted, <strong>in</strong> Loyalty, Protection and Service,<br />
NES-7<br />
Joseph L. Barnes<br />
National Executive Secretary
(Enclosure 1)<br />
NES-8
NES-9
NES-10
(Enclosure 2)<br />
NES-11<br />
3 November 2006<br />
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY MEMORANDUM NUMBER 3-07<br />
From: National Executive Secretary<br />
To: Branch Secretaries<br />
Subj: Status Report on Key Issues<br />
MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVES<br />
My memorandum of 17April 2006 addressed various FRA membership issues and detailed the NHQ low/no<br />
cost staff action plan with regard to non-renew<strong>in</strong>g members. S<strong>in</strong>ce then, the follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives have been implemented:<br />
1. The call program to non-renew<strong>in</strong>g members has been established with NHQ staff call<strong>in</strong>g MALs<br />
who’ve term<strong>in</strong>ated s<strong>in</strong>ce January 2006. In the past two months, for example, NHQ staff completed<br />
829 calls and at least 46 of these have rejo<strong>in</strong>ed and paid their dues. Staff are now work<strong>in</strong>g on call<strong>in</strong>g<br />
members prior to term<strong>in</strong>ation, giv<strong>in</strong>g one more opportunity to pay dues prior to los<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
member. Information on implement<strong>in</strong>g this program at the Branch level was briefed dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
May NBOD meet<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> July AJuicy News,@ at National Convention and <strong>in</strong> the upcom<strong>in</strong>g issue of<br />
Naval Affairs (FRA Today). This is also be<strong>in</strong>g briefed (with phone lists provided from NHQ) by<br />
NP Jerry Sweeney dur<strong>in</strong>g Branch visits and will be expanded to Regional Presidents for reference<br />
<strong>in</strong> their Branch visits.<br />
2. To encourage members to renew, those who have an outstand<strong>in</strong>g balance will see a APay Your<br />
Dues@ l<strong>in</strong>k on each page of the site. This is <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>al stages of test<strong>in</strong>g, and will be live with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
week. Currently members with a balance see this l<strong>in</strong>k only on the MY FRA page. Prospective<br />
members will see a l<strong>in</strong>k suggest<strong>in</strong>g they AConvert to Full Membership.@<br />
3. Naval Affairs (now FRA Today) address block has been enlarged to enable the <strong>in</strong>clusion of an <strong>in</strong>kjet<br />
message for the members. Members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g are thanked for their membership or a<br />
special message is listed (ie, rem<strong>in</strong>der of convention <strong>in</strong> September), members who owe dues are<br />
rem<strong>in</strong>ded to pay, and those whose membership is about to expire are <strong>in</strong>formed that this is their last<br />
issue if they don=t pay.<br />
4. A survey via e-mail to non-renew<strong>in</strong>g members was developed B however with only a small number<br />
of available e-mail addressees and low data gather<strong>in</strong>g potential B it was <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to the call<br />
program script per #1 above.<br />
5. Several <strong>in</strong>itiatives directly related to our legislative advocacy program and the importance of participat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> the process via messages to members of Congress have expanded awareness of the<br />
Mak<strong>in</strong>g Waves electronic message program via the Action Center on FRA=s web site. To date,<br />
88,900 messages have been dissem<strong>in</strong>ated result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> approximately 4,000 additional messages to<br />
Members of Congress on key legislative issues.<br />
6. A postcard with a unique design is used for third dues renewal notices effective <strong>in</strong> June 2006 result<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> a 1% <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> the response rate at 3 the previous cost.<br />
As reported, our serious cash flow situation required the suspension of our membership market<strong>in</strong>g plan earlier<br />
this year and on 18 October 2006, FO Paul Rigby, DMD Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DMC Eileen Murphy, DADM Alicia<br />
Landis, and DLP John Davis and I met to formulate a low cost/maximum impact plan for restart<strong>in</strong>g our membership<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g efforts dur<strong>in</strong>g the rema<strong>in</strong>der of FY 2006 (or between now and mid-December). We agreed that allocat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
$40,000 to this is plan is achievable s<strong>in</strong>ce delegates to the 79th National Convention authorized the with drawl of
excess funds from the Widows and Standby Health Trusts. This is significant to our budget and cash flow situation<br />
particularly until the end of this fiscal year. Cover<strong>in</strong>g the up-front costs for the new <strong>in</strong>-house hat and calendar fund<br />
rais<strong>in</strong>g programs (total<strong>in</strong>g about $42,000 and $95,000 respectively) until donations cover expenses is a key aspect of<br />
this.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, we agreed on a plan of action which <strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
1. Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g/distribution of On Watch (health care issue) flyers and post cards for dissem<strong>in</strong>ation to active<br />
duty addresses (full issue posted on web site at www.fra.org/onwatch).<br />
2. Subscrib<strong>in</strong>g to PR software service to significantly enhance our press release distribution capabilities<br />
(additional details on program follow).<br />
3. Purchase four large and four small, light-weight displays to augment (and eventually replace) our<br />
large and tabletop displays which are very heavy and extremely costly to ship (shipp<strong>in</strong>g cost sav<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
for two months will more than cover the cost of the new displays).<br />
4. Subscrib<strong>in</strong>g to Google Ad Words to drive more traffic to our web site.<br />
5. Purchas<strong>in</strong>g Military Shopper website banner ads which <strong>in</strong>cludes a special e-newsletter distribution<br />
to 100,000 active duty and reserve personnel addresses.<br />
Be aware that simply buy<strong>in</strong>g random and <strong>in</strong>cidental ads <strong>in</strong> Navy or Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Times or other publications<br />
is costly and such a plan should entail repetitive ads <strong>in</strong> conjunction with other market<strong>in</strong>g efforts. And rent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lists for a membership solicitation mail<strong>in</strong>g is cost effective, however, the pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and postage costs are high and<br />
such an <strong>in</strong>itiative should be repeated several times to ensure a cost effective and reasonable response rate.<br />
The current plan is to work hard to ensure that go<strong>in</strong>g forward we can commit at least $40,000 quarterly B<br />
and hopefully more depend<strong>in</strong>g upon cash flow - to membership market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives (total FY 2007 market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
budget is $220,000).<br />
FUND RAISING PROGRAM<br />
The FRA hat fund rais<strong>in</strong>g program is the first such program that we're totally runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> house. This is also<br />
our first fulfillment type program which means we=re solicit<strong>in</strong>g donations via Naval Affairs ads (and upcom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
magaz<strong>in</strong>e wrap for November issue) and those contribut<strong>in</strong>g $35 or more receive their choice of three sea service<br />
specific ball caps which are made <strong>in</strong> the USA. Total cost to launch this program apart from new scann<strong>in</strong>g equipment<br />
and software is approximately $42,000 and to date we=ve received $25,896 <strong>in</strong> donations and processed 560 hats.<br />
Approximately 120 straight donations (no hat requested) have come <strong>in</strong> as well. Note that the cost of new scann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
equipment and software is about $26,000.<br />
A note of thanks to our members B the return envelopes are pr<strong>in</strong>ted as postage paid. A note on the envelope<br />
rem<strong>in</strong>ds the donor that if he uses a stamp, FRA does not need to pay for the postage. More than 98 percent of the<br />
envelopes returned have a stamp. This has greatly reduced the cost of the program.<br />
The FRA 2007 Calendar fund raiser will launch <strong>in</strong> early November and 50,000 FRA donors will receive the<br />
calendar with a cover letter. Subsequent to receipt, one follow up notice will be sent. Total cost of this project is approximately<br />
$95,000. Note that expenses for these programs are be<strong>in</strong>g charged to Natural Account Number Series<br />
5900 (Fund Rais<strong>in</strong>g Expenses), which are currently off budget and were set up <strong>in</strong> FY 2000 to satisfy general account<strong>in</strong>g<br />
requirements, and that all donations and expenses are reported on our statement of activities. Neither program<br />
was budgeted for <strong>in</strong> 2006 because <strong>in</strong> the past Vantage paid the up-front costs, and then took payment off the<br />
top from the funds raised. The cost for the same program last year adm<strong>in</strong>istered by Vantage (prior to the donor list<br />
clean up) was $159,721.<br />
NES-12
Please also note that we managed to launch these programs without access<strong>in</strong>g funds from the Budget <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
account per discussions at the May 2006 NBOD meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
FRA TODAY<br />
Delegates at the 79th FRA National Convention approved a resolution to change the name of our monthly<br />
magaz<strong>in</strong>e from Naval Affairs to FRA Today and the possibility of this happen<strong>in</strong>g was <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to the magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />
rework several months ago. This allowed us to adapt to whatever decision was made and saved money on the design<br />
costs. The change will occur with the November issue, however, be advised that the magaz<strong>in</strong>e will have a special<br />
cover wrap that still says Naval Affairs. This will expla<strong>in</strong> the change, allow us to comply with USPS adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
requirements which take some time to process, and also allow us to <strong>in</strong>clude a pitch to sign up new members along<br />
with a membership application - with a focus on veterans due to Veterans Day (and FRA=s 82nd Birthday on 11 November<br />
2006). It also allows us to provide another rem<strong>in</strong>der of the hat campaign, driv<strong>in</strong>g traffic to the website, telephone<br />
or to use an envelope provided <strong>in</strong> the September or October issues.<br />
Please also note that from the legal perspective, copyright/trademark registration research is underway with<br />
regard to the new title, and publish<strong>in</strong>g this before this is completed is not a problem accord<strong>in</strong>g to our legal counsel.<br />
LA FRA MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION<br />
The implementation plan for the LA FRA membership adm<strong>in</strong>istration functions at NHQ utiliz<strong>in</strong>g the IMIS<br />
capabilities is be<strong>in</strong>g developed and will <strong>in</strong>clude a specific time l<strong>in</strong>e and sequence of events. We plan to present this<br />
to LA FRA NP Sandy Robb<strong>in</strong>s for consideration dur<strong>in</strong>g her visit here beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g on 9 November.<br />
MAIL TO HURRICANE KATRINA SHIPMATES<br />
A number of zip code addresses <strong>in</strong> the Hurricane Katr<strong>in</strong>a disaster area prohibited delivery of magaz<strong>in</strong>es to<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual addresses even after first-class mail delivery resumed. S<strong>in</strong>ce FRA covered the dues renewals for 482 affected<br />
Shipmates <strong>in</strong> these areas who dues were to expire by 31 January 2006, many of them have not received anyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from FRA s<strong>in</strong>ce before the disaster last year.<br />
We=ve been regularly request<strong>in</strong>g permission via the USPS to send Naval Affairs to the affected addresses of<br />
our members each month. Last month, there were 609 addresses and this total <strong>in</strong> now down to123 Shipmates. To<br />
ensure that they beg<strong>in</strong> receiv<strong>in</strong>g Naval Affairs, we=re cover<strong>in</strong>g first-class postage for delivery of the magaz<strong>in</strong>e to<br />
these Shipmates as part of the membership market<strong>in</strong>g budget and all will receive the November issue of Naval Affairs<br />
(FRA Today). The total is expected to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to decl<strong>in</strong>e each month.<br />
ADMIN MANUAL UPDATE<br />
The FRA Branch Adm<strong>in</strong>istration Manual (of 03/2000) is <strong>in</strong> need of updat<strong>in</strong>g and a plan of action is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
developed. This work had been tabled due to the implementation of the IMIS membership adm<strong>in</strong>istration work <strong>in</strong><br />
house (Dec. 2004) and other anticipated changes per the Special Committee to Review FRA=s C&BL and the establishment<br />
of a Polities and Procedures Manual (action tabled until 80 th National Convention). Individual NHQ staff<br />
members are be<strong>in</strong>g tasked with review<strong>in</strong>g and updat<strong>in</strong>g specific chapters and when completed, the new document<br />
will be compiled and the NBOD advised of same B probably at the May 2007 NBOD meet<strong>in</strong>g. Prelim<strong>in</strong>ary plans are<br />
to post this on the web site members-only section, and produce copies <strong>in</strong> CD-Rom format and also produce a limited<br />
number of hard copies pend<strong>in</strong>g NBOD approval and the authorization of budgeted funds for this project via the<br />
Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee.<br />
Included <strong>in</strong> this process is a review of FRA=s Americanism-Patriotism Manual, the Recruitment Manual,<br />
plus the Convention Plann<strong>in</strong>g Guide, PR Manual and Regional President=s Manual. Some of which have not been<br />
updated <strong>in</strong> many years.<br />
NES-13
FRA HISTORY<br />
The updated story of the FRA project is pend<strong>in</strong>g due to cash flow concerns. The writ<strong>in</strong>g is completed and<br />
edited but should be modified to <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>formation on this year=s legislative successes. Once f<strong>in</strong>alized, a pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and distribution plan will be announced.<br />
MEDIACONTACTS PR PROGRAM<br />
FRA purchased a non-profit license to use a program called MediaContacts from Burrells Luce, an <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
media-track<strong>in</strong>g firm. This web-based program provides access to over 380,000 contacts and 76,000 media<br />
outlets. It conta<strong>in</strong>s a search system which allows FRA to target specific contacts based on location (city, state, zip<br />
code, region, Congressional district, city or county), type of media source (magaz<strong>in</strong>e, weekly or daily paper, broadcast<br />
or cable television, regional or local radio, etc.), and/or content (military, Congressional, etc.).<br />
Unlike many other press release distribution sources, this is a flat-fee per year, regardless of the number of<br />
releases sent. The non-profit rate makes this an economical way of gett<strong>in</strong>g the message of FRA=s messages on legislative<br />
and community work out to the public.<br />
The program is also be used to build our specific lists for <strong>in</strong>dividual releases, we can also save lists for consistent<br />
use. We have built a list for each region, for <strong>in</strong>stance, based on a search of regional outlets (daily and weekly<br />
newspapers, regional magaz<strong>in</strong>es, newsletters and broadcast sources <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> news and military-related items).<br />
Each Regional President's news release went to the appropriate list per the follow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Region # of Outlets Region # of Outlets<br />
New England 913 South Central 1060<br />
Northeast 1904 Southwest 982<br />
East Coast 696 West Coast 1422<br />
Southeast 1141 Northwest 513<br />
North Central 2499<br />
The national lists are built based on topic. A legislative file has been created and a release report<strong>in</strong>g FRA=s<br />
support of the DVA <strong>in</strong> reject<strong>in</strong>g lump sum settlements to disabled veterans this week went to 2,100 outlets focused<br />
<strong>in</strong> the areas of military, f<strong>in</strong>ance and legislative.<br />
This program significantly expands FRA=s media reach, is very cost effective and will greatly reduce the<br />
number of NHQ staff hours spent on dissem<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation via e-mail or fax.<br />
FRA is also able to upload private lists, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g committees, and key <strong>in</strong>dividuals with whom regular<br />
communication is necessary. These lists will be built <strong>in</strong> the com<strong>in</strong>g weeks and to have your name <strong>in</strong>cluded on the list<br />
to receive every release FRA distributes, please contact Eileen@fra.org.<br />
Your NHQ staff is work<strong>in</strong>g hard on these projects and is consistently seek<strong>in</strong>g ways to work smart and utilize<br />
cost-effective methods to provide excellent support to you and our membership.<br />
ated.<br />
JLB:aal<br />
cc: Weekly Mail<br />
Please contact me if you have questions about this report and as always, your cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g support is appreci-<br />
NES-14<br />
In Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National Executive Secretary
(Enclosure 3)<br />
NES-15<br />
11 May 2007<br />
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY MEMORANDUM NUMBER 8-07<br />
From: National Executive Secretary<br />
To: Weekly Mail<br />
Branch Secretaries<br />
Subj: Status Report on NHQ Staff<strong>in</strong>g, Membership Issues, and Other Projects<br />
Past NES Memorandums (17April 2006 and 3 November 2006) addressed various FRA membership and<br />
other key issues and detailed NHQ staff action plans with regard to the <strong>Association</strong>’s decl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g membership. In conjunction<br />
with these ongo<strong>in</strong>g challenges the NHQ Staff met on 12 April 2007 for an update on various <strong>in</strong>itiatives and<br />
to bra<strong>in</strong>storm other <strong>in</strong>itiatives detailed below. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>g I also announced a staff<strong>in</strong>g reorganization plan<br />
detailed <strong>in</strong> my e-mail to the NBOD of 20 April 2007.<br />
NHQ STAFF REORGANIZATION<br />
A new NHQ staff reorganization plan <strong>in</strong>cludes advertis<strong>in</strong>g for a full-time Director of Membership Development.<br />
The open<strong>in</strong>g announcement was posted on several job list<strong>in</strong>g web sites and FRA’s web site on Friday, 20<br />
April. Interviews of top candidates were conducted this week. In addition it will run <strong>in</strong> Roll Call which is widely<br />
read newspaper <strong>in</strong> the association community and on Capitol Hill.<br />
DMD Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to serve <strong>in</strong> this position until a full-time director is hired and oriented.<br />
He will also cont<strong>in</strong>ue as FRA’s Health Care Advisor and assume new outreach responsibilities <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g travel <strong>in</strong><br />
conjunction with liaison efforts with commands and activities, speak<strong>in</strong>g to groups and other tasks once the new director<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>s the staff. His expertise and participation <strong>in</strong> various health care related committees and panels will enhance<br />
his presentations to various groups to expand awareness of the <strong>Association</strong> and its legislative advocacy work.<br />
The staff<strong>in</strong>g plan also <strong>in</strong>cludes a part-time staff member to shoulder some responsibilities now performed<br />
by MIT V<strong>in</strong>ce Cuthie who’s retir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> early July. We anticipate announc<strong>in</strong>g this position <strong>in</strong> the near future. Fortunately,<br />
V<strong>in</strong>ce may be cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a part-time capacity with yet to be f<strong>in</strong>alized responsibilities <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
FRA’s Scholarship Program.<br />
MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVES<br />
The Br<strong>in</strong>g ‘em Back Call Program referenced <strong>in</strong> my 3 November 2006 Memorandum (3-07) cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />
and data on calls to MALs by NHQ staff <strong>in</strong>dicate positive results. The program is a variation on PNP George Kaye’s<br />
“Member Get a Member” program and of 1200 calls completed s<strong>in</strong>ce last July, 119 non-renew<strong>in</strong>g members have<br />
paid their dues. Our <strong>in</strong>itial response rate was <strong>in</strong> the 6% range, but through analysis and hon<strong>in</strong>g of the script, we have<br />
reached fantastic statistics for April 2007 – 101 Shipmates were contacted and 45 paid – the majority for multiple<br />
year memberships! That is a 44.5% response rate. This program re<strong>in</strong>forces the importance of personal contact and<br />
outreach efforts which also prove successful at the Branch level. The script and how to <strong>in</strong>structions on use of the<br />
website for the program are located <strong>in</strong> MY FRA <strong>in</strong> the Area for Branch and Regional Officers. To make call<strong>in</strong>g<br />
members for renewal easier, we have added phone numbers to the Branch Reports for any member who is need<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
renew or has term<strong>in</strong>ated because of non-payment of dues.<br />
NHQ staff discussed hir<strong>in</strong>g a telemarket<strong>in</strong>g firm to make calls on behalf of the FRA to non-renew<strong>in</strong>g<br />
members <strong>in</strong> order to augment staff (and perhaps Branch) calls to these Shipmates and may check <strong>in</strong>to the costs of<br />
contract<strong>in</strong>g for this type of support.<br />
A direct mail campaign is underway with an <strong>in</strong>itial test mail<strong>in</strong>g to 10,000 prospects from the FRASOL<br />
list. The list has been scrubbed and is be<strong>in</strong>g de-duped and now totals about 170,000. Many new names have also
een added to the list as people sign up for <strong>in</strong>formation on the website, register through our Action Center, fill-out<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation cards at sem<strong>in</strong>ars or get referred through our outreach program with reunions. Unfortunately, identify<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and rent<strong>in</strong>g Sea Service specific mail<strong>in</strong>g lists is difficult today – however, shar<strong>in</strong>g the cost of broader, all-service<br />
lists may be an option as we partner with other non-compet<strong>in</strong>g organizations that we work closely with on legislative<br />
issues. For cost-efficiency and control of the list, build<strong>in</strong>g our own prospect database has been a major undertak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
An annual Branch Satisfaction Survey via the Internet is be<strong>in</strong>g developed to improve awareness of members’<br />
perspectives about Branch meet<strong>in</strong>gs and projects. More <strong>in</strong>formation to follow <strong>in</strong> this and survey results would<br />
be provided to the NBOD, RVPs and Branch Secretaries.<br />
It’s important to get out <strong>in</strong> the field and schedule more presentations to target audiences. This is be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>corporated<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the staff reorganization along with the concept of tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and rely<strong>in</strong>g on certa<strong>in</strong> Shipmates <strong>in</strong> key<br />
fleet concentration areas to speak at GMTs, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sessions, retiree days and other local events to enhance awareness.<br />
New <strong>in</strong>formation displays have been purchased to replace two large and heavy displays we’ve used for<br />
about ten years. The new displays are consistent with market<strong>in</strong>g and brand<strong>in</strong>g campaigns and similar to w<strong>in</strong>dow<br />
shades which open for display. They are <strong>in</strong> light weight alum<strong>in</strong>um cases which save significant shipp<strong>in</strong>g expenses<br />
and are available <strong>in</strong> table top, and two sizes of floor models. They’ve been well received additional displays have<br />
been ordered to accommodate demand.<br />
An update the FRA DVD is planned along with <strong>in</strong>formation about availability and use <strong>in</strong> conjunction with<br />
Branch and other Sea Service related functions.<br />
The concept of produc<strong>in</strong>g and distribut<strong>in</strong>g FRA-sponsored public service announcements (PSAs) on key<br />
issues was discussed by staff and this concept may be researched with regard to cost and feasibility.<br />
Extra copies of FRA Today are available and are be<strong>in</strong>g sent to Shipmates who are plac<strong>in</strong>g copies <strong>in</strong> high<br />
traffic, high visibility areas <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> RAOs, health care cl<strong>in</strong>ics, libraries, etc. They are also be<strong>in</strong>g used by many<br />
Shipmates as leave-beh<strong>in</strong>d material when present<strong>in</strong>g to Transition classes or General Military Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g courses.<br />
STATUS REPORT ON PREVIOUS INITIATIVES LISTED IN 3 NOVEMBER 2006 MEMORANDUM<br />
1. Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g/distribution of On Watch (health care issue) flyers and post cards for dissem<strong>in</strong>ation to active duty<br />
addresses (full issue posted on web site at www.fra.org/onwatch) – Completed<br />
2. Subscrib<strong>in</strong>g to PR software service to significantly enhance our press release distribution capabilities –<br />
Completed and operat<strong>in</strong>g – see <strong>in</strong>formation below.<br />
3. Purchase four large and four small, light-weight displays to augment (and eventually replace) our large and<br />
tabletop displays which are very heavy and extremely costly to ship (shipp<strong>in</strong>g cost sav<strong>in</strong>gs for one month<br />
will more than cover the cost of the new displays) – Completed and referenced above<br />
4. Subscrib<strong>in</strong>g to Google Ad Words to drive more traffic to our web site – On go<strong>in</strong>g and as an example, this<br />
program has tracked over 3,200 impressions of FRA ads for a cost of just over $10. As a benefit of this program<br />
Google provides analysis of which word<strong>in</strong>g is most effective and attracts the most click-throughs.<br />
That analysis is be<strong>in</strong>g studied currently with results be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tegrated throughout the other market<strong>in</strong>g efforts.<br />
5. Purchas<strong>in</strong>g Military Shopper website banner ads which <strong>in</strong>cludes a special e-newsletter distribution to<br />
100,000 active duty and reserve personnel addresses. These <strong>in</strong>dividuals have subscribed to the service and<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicated an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> legislative topics. We have completed the banner subscription (currently onl<strong>in</strong>e) and<br />
are <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>al stages of design of the e-mail newsletter.<br />
As reported previously, buy<strong>in</strong>g random and <strong>in</strong>cidental ads <strong>in</strong> Navy or Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Times or other publications<br />
is costly ($20,000 for a full page) and such a plan must <strong>in</strong>volve repetitive ads <strong>in</strong> conjunction with other market-<br />
NES-16
<strong>in</strong>g efforts. Staff has researched the most cost-effective advertis<strong>in</strong>g avenues with the best target audience for FRA.<br />
Those ads will be placed <strong>in</strong> conjunction with the direct mail, e-newsletter and outreach campaigns to maximize effectiveness.<br />
Membership solicitation mail<strong>in</strong>gs costs can be very high due to pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and postage costs and such an<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiative should be repeated several times to ensure a cost effective and reasonable response rate – hence we are<br />
test<strong>in</strong>g our direct mail programs before go<strong>in</strong>g to large numbers. Once the results are <strong>in</strong> for the test direct mail, the<br />
full program can be rolled out.<br />
We cont<strong>in</strong>ue to work hard to ensure that go<strong>in</strong>g forward we’re able to commit consistent resources to membership<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives per the market<strong>in</strong>g budget which is $220,000 for 2007. That budget is significantly less<br />
than what Marsh used for market<strong>in</strong>g, so a targeted approach vice “shotgun” approach is key to success.<br />
FUND RAISING PROGRAM UPDATE<br />
The FRA hat fund rais<strong>in</strong>g program was the first such program that we ran <strong>in</strong> house and the program is<br />
ongo<strong>in</strong>g. This was also our first fulfillment type program which means we solicited donations via FRA Today (and<br />
previously Naval Affairs) ads. Those contribut<strong>in</strong>g $35 or more received their choice of three sea service specific ball<br />
caps which are made <strong>in</strong> the USA. Total cost to launch this program was approximately $45,000 and to date we’ve<br />
received $34,951 <strong>in</strong> donations. A number of straight donations (no hat requested) have come <strong>in</strong> as well. As the program<br />
is not time sensitive, we are lett<strong>in</strong>g it rest and will renew <strong>in</strong> the summer months to surpass the break even po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> advantage of this program has been reach<strong>in</strong>g people who had not previously donated to FRA and add<strong>in</strong>g<br />
them to the donor list.<br />
The FRA 2007 Calendar fundraiser launched <strong>in</strong> November 2006 and 50,000 FRA donors received the<br />
calendar with a cover letter. Follow<strong>in</strong>g receipt, one follow up notice was sent. Because of added control and up-todate<br />
data, the follow up notice to those who had already donated <strong>in</strong>cluded a thank you for the donation and <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />
the amount. Donations received to date total $175,897 and the cost of this project was approximately $92,000. (The<br />
cost for the same program the previous year (prior to the donor list clean up) adm<strong>in</strong>istered by Vantage was<br />
$159,721.)<br />
For both programs, more than 98 percent of our donors honored the request to use a stamp on the envelopes<br />
returned rather than us<strong>in</strong>g the postage paid <strong>in</strong>dicia, which greatly reduced the cost of the program.<br />
The FRA 2007 Mail<strong>in</strong>g Label fundraiser is launch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the next two weeks. Total cost for the pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
mail<strong>in</strong>g is approximately $20,000 plus postage. The same program through Vantage cost upward of $50,000 plus<br />
postage. Cost sav<strong>in</strong>gs come from staff writ<strong>in</strong>g the copy, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the mail<strong>in</strong>g list, and manag<strong>in</strong>g the project.<br />
Noteworthy is the FRA case statement on the back side of the labels which reflects an 85% allocation of donations to<br />
support <strong>Association</strong> programs – this is much higher than the non-profit organization average of 60-65% and reflects<br />
the shift to <strong>in</strong>-house management of market<strong>in</strong>g and fundrais<strong>in</strong>g programs which has reduced our costs tremendously.<br />
LA FRA MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION<br />
NHQ assumed responsibility for the LA FRA membership adm<strong>in</strong>istration functions on 1 February 2007<br />
utiliz<strong>in</strong>g the iMIS system per the FRA & LA FRA Mutual Services Agreement of 24 January 2007. Significant staff<br />
time and resources were committed to start up efforts at no cost to the LA FRA, and significant unanticipated problems<br />
with the data and a six-month backlog of unprocessed renewals resulted <strong>in</strong> delays <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>itial process<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
reports and other adm<strong>in</strong> functions. Unit membership reports from February and March were recently completed and<br />
forwarded to Eileen Magnan, LA FRA Treasurer for distribution to <strong>in</strong>dividual Units. (Specifics detailed <strong>in</strong> my updates<br />
to LA FRA National President Sandy Robb<strong>in</strong>s on 29 March and 9 May 2007 which were copied to the FRA<br />
NBOD.)<br />
Information on the change and <strong>in</strong>structions for <strong>in</strong>dividual LA FRA members for iMIS functions and access<br />
were published <strong>in</strong> the January and February issues of FRA Today. Additionally a PowerPo<strong>in</strong>t brief<strong>in</strong>g (or copies of<br />
this) for use by LA FRA leadership was prepared by NHQ staff for presentation at regional meet<strong>in</strong>gs and first presented<br />
by the East Coast Region Midyear Meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Carol<strong>in</strong>a Beach, NC on 3 February 2007. This presentation is<br />
available on the LA FRA Area for Unit and Regional Officers on www.fra.org.<br />
NES-17
Shipmates should note that iMIS access for members of the LA FRA is much different than access for<br />
members of the FRA.<br />
ADMIN MANUAL UPDATE<br />
The updated version of the FRA Branch Adm<strong>in</strong>istration Manual is completed thanks to great work by the<br />
NHQ staff and is currently be<strong>in</strong>g proof read. When this is f<strong>in</strong>ished, the Manual will be posted on the members-only<br />
section of FRA’s web site (www.fra.org) and <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the 2007 FRA Resource CD.<br />
No money is budgeted to produce hard copies at this time, however, <strong>in</strong>dividual Branches may request a<br />
hard copy at a yet to be determ<strong>in</strong>ed cost per copy. Specifics will be announced when f<strong>in</strong>alized, however, due to<br />
pend<strong>in</strong>g changes <strong>in</strong> the C&BL we do not anticipate order<strong>in</strong>g or stock<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>t versions of the Manual until at least<br />
2008.<br />
MEDIACONTACTS PR PROGRAM<br />
FRA purchased a non-profit license to use a program called MediaContacts from Burrells Luce, an <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
media-track<strong>in</strong>g firm. This web-based program provides access to over 380,000 contacts and 76,000 media<br />
outlets. It conta<strong>in</strong>s a search system which allows FRA to target specific contacts based on location (city, state, zip<br />
code, region, Congressional district, city or county), type of media source (magaz<strong>in</strong>e, weekly or daily paper, broadcast<br />
or cable television, regional or local radio, etc.), and/or content (military, Congressional, etc.).<br />
Unlike many other press release distribution sources, this is a flat-fee per year, regardless of the number of<br />
releases sent. The non-profit rate makes this an economical way of gett<strong>in</strong>g the message of FRA’s messages on legislative<br />
and community work out to the public.<br />
The program is also be used to build our specific lists for <strong>in</strong>dividual releases, we can also save lists for consistent<br />
use. We have built a list for each region, for <strong>in</strong>stance, based on a search of regional outlets (daily and weekly<br />
newspapers, regional magaz<strong>in</strong>es, newsletters and broadcast sources <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> news and military-related items).<br />
Each Regional President’s news release went to the appropriate list per the follow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Region # of Outlets<br />
North East 1904<br />
East Coast 696<br />
South East 1141<br />
South Central 1060<br />
North Central 2499<br />
North West 513<br />
West Coast 1422<br />
South West 982<br />
New England 913<br />
The national lists are built based on topic. A legislative file has been created and a release report<strong>in</strong>g FRA’s<br />
support of the DVA <strong>in</strong> reject<strong>in</strong>g lump sum settlements to disabled veterans went to 2,100 outlets focused <strong>in</strong> the areas<br />
of military, f<strong>in</strong>ance and legislative, for <strong>in</strong>stance.<br />
This program significantly expands FRA’s media reach, is very cost effective and will greatly reduce the<br />
number of NHQ staff hours spent on dissem<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation via e-mail or fax.<br />
NES-18
FRA is also able to upload private lists, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g committees, and key <strong>in</strong>dividuals with whom regular<br />
communication is necessary. Contact Jessica Andrews, FRA’s Public Relations Manager at 800-FRA-1924 ext. 126<br />
or Jessica@fra.org for additional <strong>in</strong>formation or to suggest someone be added to the list.<br />
JLB:aal<br />
Your cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g support is appreciated.<br />
cc: National Mail<strong>in</strong>g List<br />
NES-19<br />
In Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National Executive Secretary
(Enclosure 4)<br />
NES-20<br />
7 September 2007<br />
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY MEMORANDUM NUMBER 17-07<br />
From: National Executive Secretary<br />
To: Weekly Mail<br />
Branch Secretaries<br />
Subj: NHQ Senior Staff Membership Issues Strategy Session Report<br />
My past memorandums of 17April 2006, 3 November 2006, and 11 May 2007 addressed various FRA<br />
membership issues and detailed NHQ staff action plans with regard to the <strong>Association</strong>’s decl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g membership. In<br />
conjunction with these issues, the NHQ Senior Staff met on 15 August 2007 to aga<strong>in</strong> discuss FRA’s number one<br />
challenge and how we’re address<strong>in</strong>g it both now and <strong>in</strong>to the future. In addition to myself, participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: FO<br />
Paul Rigby, DADM Alicia Landis, DMC Eileen Murphy, DMD Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DMD-D Penny Coll<strong>in</strong>s, DLP John<br />
Davis and NVSO Chris Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski.<br />
Key issues discussed / reported at the meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>clude the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
The monthly staff recruit<strong>in</strong>g and retention goals for the year are not be<strong>in</strong>g met due <strong>in</strong> part to limited resources<br />
driven by cash flow challenges which require m<strong>in</strong>imal membership market<strong>in</strong>g efforts and limited recruit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
campaigns at the Branch level. The staff goal set at the January Off-Site Meet<strong>in</strong>g was to not allow membership to go<br />
below 100,000, to get 800-900 new and re<strong>in</strong>stated members per month and limit term<strong>in</strong>ated members (exclud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deaths) to no more than 500 per month. Currently we’re recruit<strong>in</strong>g from 300-500 new members per month and those<br />
term<strong>in</strong>ated range from 600-700 per month. At the Branch level only 46 of 286 Branches had membership ga<strong>in</strong>s for<br />
the membership year that concluded on 31 March 2007 rang<strong>in</strong>g from 1 out of 9 Branches <strong>in</strong> Membership Group 1 –<br />
to 37 out of 137 Branches <strong>in</strong> Membership Group 5.<br />
Regard<strong>in</strong>g the Membership Market<strong>in</strong>g Budget, last year we expended only 15% of the planned $220,000<br />
allocated to this program l<strong>in</strong>e item due to cash flow problems. (Note that 3% was spent prior to the 79th National<br />
Convention and additional expenditures followed authorization of trust fund withdrawals.) And thus far <strong>in</strong> 2007,<br />
we’ve spent about 23% of the total budgeted for this program which is budgeted at the same level as last year. The<br />
current year’s (2007) budget was structured on an assumed 2.2% membership decl<strong>in</strong>e – however, the pend<strong>in</strong>g 2008<br />
budget is based on an assumed 3.3% decl<strong>in</strong>e which is exacerbated by cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g cash flow challenges despite the<br />
replenishment of key reserve accounts with surplus funds from the two trust funds per actions by delegates at the<br />
79th National Convention.<br />
A 10,000 piece test membership solicitation mail<strong>in</strong>g focused on health care fund<strong>in</strong>g dropped recently and<br />
response results are not yet available. Three follow-up post cards developed/formatted <strong>in</strong>dividually on our Loyalty,<br />
Protection, and Service pr<strong>in</strong>ciples will follow and may be expanded to additional addressees pend<strong>in</strong>g analysis of test<br />
mail<strong>in</strong>g results.<br />
In addition, FRA banner ads are posted on MilitaryShoppers.com web page accessed by 100,000 service<br />
personnel and/or their spouses via the Internet. This allows FRA e-mail newsletters to be sent on a monthly basis<br />
to the 100,000 subscribers at no additional charge.<br />
A 50,000 quantity 3-piece postcard mail<strong>in</strong>g is at the pr<strong>in</strong>t stage to be mailed with<strong>in</strong> the com<strong>in</strong>g weeks<br />
highlight<strong>in</strong>g loyalty, protection, and service as the key reasons for people to jo<strong>in</strong> the <strong>Association</strong>. These will land <strong>in</strong><br />
the homes one per week for three weeks and encourage jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g by phone or web. Additionally, copies will be available<br />
for branch recruit<strong>in</strong>g opportunities.<br />
To assure that all market<strong>in</strong>g efforts are as cost effective as possible, a great deal of time, energy and human<br />
resources have been devoted to manag<strong>in</strong>g data – reduc<strong>in</strong>g duplicate records and harvest<strong>in</strong>g e-mail addresses
allows the FRA market<strong>in</strong>g team to reach more people at a lower cost. These efforts have been made possible by<br />
cross-department teamwork and creativity from staff members eager to f<strong>in</strong>d a better solution.<br />
The NHQ Staff cannot emphasize too strongly that it’s a NEW WORLD that we’re operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> and the<br />
Sea Services are much different than when older Shipmates served and – no disrespect <strong>in</strong>tended – there MUST be<br />
awareness of this throughout the <strong>Association</strong>. Examples of this are the new level of professionalism and education<br />
required <strong>in</strong> the senior enlisted communities, much less <strong>in</strong>terest (sometimes dista<strong>in</strong>) on alcohol consumption, and the<br />
role of and number of women serv<strong>in</strong>g today has <strong>in</strong>creased dramatically compared to years past and its important to<br />
be m<strong>in</strong>dful of offensive and sexist comments, e-mail, etc. And just assum<strong>in</strong>g that females attend<strong>in</strong>g regional events<br />
are members of the Ladies Auxiliary can be perceived as demean<strong>in</strong>g to these Shipmates.<br />
There are also many potential Sea Service <strong>Reserve</strong> and veteran members <strong>in</strong> communities everywhere<br />
and these are easily overlooked. Establish<strong>in</strong>g support or other collaborative relationships with <strong>Reserve</strong> units can significantly<br />
enhance awareness and lead to new members jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the FRA These are key outreach/awareness issues<br />
and will be referenced <strong>in</strong> brief<strong>in</strong>gs at Branches and regional meet<strong>in</strong>gs by Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton and others <strong>in</strong> the future.<br />
A major motivator of younger Shipmates is <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> community service and many want to know<br />
what they can do to assist or participate <strong>in</strong> such projects which may be sponsored by <strong>in</strong>dividual Branches. The<br />
VAVS program is an example of this. This is supported <strong>in</strong> studies released by The Center For <strong>Association</strong> Leadership<br />
and more <strong>in</strong>formation on this will be released <strong>in</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g issues of FRA Today.<br />
Adapt<strong>in</strong>g Branch meet<strong>in</strong>gs to attract more attendees can have a positive impact on attendance and retention.<br />
NHQ will work to communicate <strong>in</strong>formation on successful <strong>in</strong>itiatives by some Branches – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Branch 99<br />
<strong>in</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Beach, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, that holds a raffle and draw<strong>in</strong>g at each meet<strong>in</strong>g and provides restaurant gift certificates<br />
to attendees – and Branch 269 <strong>in</strong> Goose Creek, S.C., that does likewise and is the top membership recruit<strong>in</strong>g Branch<br />
<strong>in</strong> Membership Group 1 for the 2006-2007 membership year.<br />
And Branch Secretaries must do a better job of communicat<strong>in</strong>g important <strong>in</strong>formation distributed<br />
monthly from NHQ at meet<strong>in</strong>gs – and <strong>in</strong>dividuals reach<strong>in</strong>g key longevity po<strong>in</strong>ts and/or other achievements<br />
must be recognized – someth<strong>in</strong>g that can be a major motivator to attend meet<strong>in</strong>gs. Awards presentations are<br />
also an opportunity for local publicity which can significantly enhance awareness.<br />
Statistically, the average age of FRA active members is 67.8 years – a key statistic that’s very important<br />
with regard to the future of the <strong>Association</strong> and <strong>in</strong>tegral to the importance of recruit<strong>in</strong>g new younger members. In<br />
addition, the average length of membership for Shipmates affiliated with Branches is 21.6 years – and for MALs the<br />
average length of membership is 17.5 years. One issue that drives those averages down is the members who do not<br />
renew after their first year, and we are exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ways to improve that statistic.<br />
The number of members as a percentage of total membership who are affiliated with Branches is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and totals about 62% of our total membership with the rema<strong>in</strong>der be<strong>in</strong>g MALs. This re<strong>in</strong>forces the importance<br />
of work at the Branch level (and hopefully this will put to rest the erroneous and ridiculous rumor that all NHQ<br />
is <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> is recruit<strong>in</strong>g MALs). Branches must be m<strong>in</strong>dful of the negative result from constantly harass<strong>in</strong>g<br />
MALs to become affiliated with Branches and recognize that many choose to be members-at-large and do not wish<br />
to affiliate. I’ve attended Branch meet<strong>in</strong>gs where MALs show up and rather than be<strong>in</strong>g welcomed are belittled. The<br />
tone and manner of communicat<strong>in</strong>g with MALs is important and should not alienate them and thereby prompt them<br />
to not renew their membership. Unfortunately, some Branches just focus on try<strong>in</strong>g to br<strong>in</strong>g MALs <strong>in</strong>to the Branch<br />
rather than pursue <strong>in</strong>itiatives to recruit new members.<br />
There was considerable discussion about the conduct of Branch meet<strong>in</strong>gs, how new members are welcomed<br />
– or <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>stances reported to NHQ – put <strong>in</strong> their place if they offer ideas or recommendations not consistent<br />
with long-stand<strong>in</strong>g, and often outdated views by long-time members. Meet<strong>in</strong>gs have been characterized as “bitch and<br />
bark” sessions by new, younger Shipmates who subsequently depart with no <strong>in</strong>tention of return<strong>in</strong>g – and probably<br />
will not subsequently renew their membership. Situations like this are extremely detrimental to the <strong>Association</strong> and<br />
aggravate our membership decl<strong>in</strong>e s<strong>in</strong>ce the work of recruit<strong>in</strong>g and sign<strong>in</strong>g up a new member who then agrees to<br />
NES-21
attend a Branch meet<strong>in</strong>g is for naught. EVERY MEMBER IS IMPORTANT TO FUTURE OF THE ASSOCIA-<br />
TION regardless of their status as a Branch member or MAL.<br />
Despite the importance of our membership challenges and participation of as many as six members of the<br />
Membership & Retention Committee when monthly meet<strong>in</strong>gs commenced last year via teleconference, the number<br />
of participants from the committee has decl<strong>in</strong>ed to only two this month. Information on future meet<strong>in</strong>gs will be<br />
dissem<strong>in</strong>ated and Branch Membership Chairman are particularly encouraged to listen <strong>in</strong> on these meet<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Action Plan:<br />
1. Develop an effective new-member orientation, <strong>in</strong>itiation plan and post same on the FRA web site. This<br />
will reference long-stand<strong>in</strong>g FRA rituals and traditions and also be part of our expand<strong>in</strong>g outreach efforts.<br />
2. Research effective current recruit<strong>in</strong>g messages and methods via contact with Sea Service recruiters to<br />
enhance awareness of motivators of potential younger members. We cannot grow our membership without<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g demographics and adapt<strong>in</strong>g our messages and approaches to same.<br />
3. Compile <strong>in</strong>formation on and communicate specifics about what is work<strong>in</strong>g at certa<strong>in</strong> Branches with regard<br />
to recruit<strong>in</strong>g – and reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g members.<br />
4. Review content and tim<strong>in</strong>g of new member communications dur<strong>in</strong>g first year of membership and perhaps<br />
revamp the message and/or enclosures to reference the value of his/her membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA.<br />
5. Dissem<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong>formation on monthly Membership and Retention Committee meet<strong>in</strong>gs via teleconference<br />
with dial-<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>structions for those desir<strong>in</strong>g to listen <strong>in</strong>. (RPs and regional leaders note the importance<br />
of dissem<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation with<strong>in</strong> each Region via the respective rep on the National Committee on<br />
Membership and Retention – and if different, the Chairman of the Regional Membership Committee.)<br />
6. Research the concept of produc<strong>in</strong>g FRA podcasts as a means of reach<strong>in</strong>g target membership audiences. (A<br />
podcast is an onl<strong>in</strong>e audio feed of recorded <strong>in</strong>formation which can be accessed via iPods/MP3 players.)<br />
7. Expand awareness and familiarity with the “communities” capabilities on FRA’s web site to <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
dialog with more current and potential members.<br />
8. Resources permitt<strong>in</strong>g, a test is planned with a commercial automated call<strong>in</strong>g firm to advise MAL members<br />
by phone record<strong>in</strong>g from NP of pend<strong>in</strong>g or past membership renewal dates. If successful and not excessively<br />
expensive, the cost and contact <strong>in</strong>formation will be provided to Branches.<br />
9. Cont<strong>in</strong>ue monitor<strong>in</strong>g and evaluate membership related <strong>in</strong>itiatives that have been implemented at<br />
NHQ per NESMs referenced above.<br />
The importance of our membership challenge cannot be overemphasized and responsibility for address<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this is a shared responsibility at the Branch and Regional levels and National Headquarters Staff. This is NOT solely<br />
a NHQ responsibility. NHQ does not have the resources or staff<strong>in</strong>g to address this challenge alone.<br />
NES-22
This is a difficult challenge which is not unique to FRA and the NHQ Staff believes we must act boldly to<br />
address this. As always your NHQ Staff rema<strong>in</strong>s totally committed and focused on effectively address<strong>in</strong>g this challenge<br />
as resources permit.<br />
Your cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g support is appreciated.<br />
JLB:aal<br />
cc: National Mail<strong>in</strong>g List<br />
NES-23<br />
In Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National Executive Secretary
Enclosure (5)<br />
NES-24
NES-25
NES-26
Enclosure (6)<br />
2007 SCHOLARSHIPS<br />
21 Scholarships for a Total Amount of $90,000.00<br />
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE AMOUNT TOTAL<br />
Glenn F. Glezen Scholarship<br />
Preference given to applicants enrolled <strong>in</strong><br />
courses of study at the post graduate level.<br />
Eligible applicants are: Members, dependent<br />
children, grandchildren, and spouses of<br />
current FRA members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Robert W. Nolan Scholarship<br />
Preference given to applicants enrolled <strong>in</strong><br />
courses of study at the post graduate level.<br />
Eligible applicants are: Members, dependent<br />
children, grandchildren, and spouses of<br />
current FRA members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Joseph R. Baranski Scholarship<br />
Preference given to applicants enrolled <strong>in</strong><br />
courses of study at the post graduate level.<br />
Eligible applicants are: Members, dependent<br />
children, grandchildren, and spouses of<br />
current FRA members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
<strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> Award<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Henry Krigbaum<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
Tracy Sykes-Threatt<br />
Member, Branch 89<br />
Douglas B. Fair<br />
Son of John Fair<br />
Branch 214<br />
1. Jennifer L. Rickel<br />
Daughter of James D. Rickel<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
2. Thomas R. Swisher<br />
Grandson of Phillip A. Payne<br />
Branch 101<br />
3. Alyssa M. Hodnefield<br />
Daughter of Brian Hodnefield<br />
Branch 273<br />
4. Brittany A. Harris<br />
Spouse of Cody Mannion<br />
Member, Branch 97<br />
5. Daniel N. Clay<br />
Grandson of Kermit F. Clay<br />
Branch 147<br />
6. Megan A. Cavender<br />
Granddaughter of Charles W. Tady<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
7. Nicole M. B. Cochran<br />
Spouse Kelly T. Cochran<br />
Branch 97<br />
NES-27<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
1. $5,000.00<br />
2. $5,000.00<br />
3. $5,000.00<br />
4. $5,000.00<br />
5. $5,000.00<br />
6. $5,000.00<br />
7. $5,000.00<br />
$35,000.00
Robert M. Treadwell Annual Scholarship<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Lillian A. Moon Scholarship<br />
Dependent children of members, alive or<br />
deceased <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Stanley A. Doran Memorial Scholarship<br />
Dependent children of members, alive or<br />
deceased <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
The Donald Bruce Pr<strong>in</strong>gle Family<br />
Scholarship<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Turner Scholarship Fund<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
GEICO Scholarship<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
MCPO Ken E. Blair Scholarship<br />
Dependent children of members, alive or<br />
deceased <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Quielsch Scholarship Fund<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
GEICO and FRA Branch 348<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>gle Scholarship Fund/Treadwell<br />
Members, dependent children, grandchildren,<br />
and spouses of current or deceased<br />
members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA.<br />
Colonel Hazel Benn Scholarship<br />
Unmarried dependent child of an FRA<br />
member <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g who has US<br />
Navy service, had a Navy enlisted medical<br />
rat<strong>in</strong>g, and served with the USMC. Applicant<br />
must attend college as a freshman or<br />
sophomore, post-high school undergraduate.<br />
Stephanie D. Cox<br />
Granddaughter of Donald E. Cox<br />
Branch 141<br />
Jala<strong>in</strong>e N. Weller<br />
Granddaughter of Robert D. Medlock<br />
Branch 51<br />
Joshua G. Sizemore<br />
Son of Glenn A. Sizemore<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
Jillian E. Foley<br />
Daughter of Mary B. Foley<br />
Branch 24<br />
Kather<strong>in</strong>e R. Kaspar<br />
Daughter of George Kaspar<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
Laurie A. Thomas<br />
Daughter of W<strong>in</strong>ston Thomas<br />
Branch 26<br />
Orion M. Graf<br />
Spouse of Sarah E. Graf<br />
Branch 151<br />
Ellie M. Jaqueth<br />
Daughter of Dennis Jaqueth<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
Mary B. Foley<br />
Member, Branch 24<br />
Diona P. Dickerson<br />
Daughter of William H. Parker<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
Emmanuel A. Suarez<br />
Son of Isaias C. Suarez, II<br />
Member-at-Large<br />
NES-28<br />
$3,400.00 $3,400.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$5,000.00 $5,000.00<br />
$3,000.00 $3,000.00<br />
$2,000.00 $2,000.00<br />
$2,000.00 $2,000.00<br />
$2,600.00 $2,600.00<br />
$2,000.00 $2,000.00
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE OFFICER<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President Sweeney and Shipmates of the FRA, I am honored to present my second report as the<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer of this great <strong>Association</strong>.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g outl<strong>in</strong>es the activities perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to the F<strong>in</strong>ance Office for the 2006 – 2007 convention years.<br />
FUND RAISING<br />
In October, 2006 the scann<strong>in</strong>g hardware and software systems as well as the account<strong>in</strong>g mechanism for the f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
management, track<strong>in</strong>g and record<strong>in</strong>g activities of the various Fund Rais<strong>in</strong>g Programs were established. This undoubtedly<br />
presented additional work for a reduced FRA staff, however all, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the F<strong>in</strong>ance and Account<strong>in</strong>g<br />
staff stepped up to the challenge, which account for the success of this endeavor.<br />
DISTRIBUTION FROM THE TRUST FUND<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g the approval of NBR 51-06 of 8 June 2006, by the Delegates at the 79th National Convention, $6,000,000<br />
was withdrawn from the “Stand-By Trust Fund” and the “Surviv<strong>in</strong>g Spouses and Dependent Health Trust Fund”.<br />
$4,000,000 of this amount was used to set up the Special Program <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund. The additional distributions replenished<br />
the Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund by $1,125,000 and the Budget <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund by $375,000.<br />
The balance of $600,000 provided an immediate <strong>in</strong>fusion of cash to the depleted General Operat<strong>in</strong>g Fund and was<br />
used as follows:<br />
(a) $200,000 immediately repaid the outstand<strong>in</strong>g note payable to SunTrust bank.<br />
(b) $200,000 was used to supplement General Fund cash flow dur<strong>in</strong>g the 4th Quarter of 2006, which<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded up-front cost for the 2007 ‘Calendar Fund Rais<strong>in</strong>g Program,’ and the fund<strong>in</strong>g of 12 % of<br />
the membership mark<strong>in</strong>g efforts for 2006.<br />
(c) $200,000 was utilized dur<strong>in</strong>g the first six months of 2007, pend<strong>in</strong>g the accumulation of budgeted<br />
source <strong>in</strong>come, of a match<strong>in</strong>g amount, from the <strong>in</strong>terest of the Special Program <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund.<br />
BUDGET AND CASH FLOW ANALYSIS<br />
The Budget to actual report for the first 6 months end<strong>in</strong>g 30 June 2007, reflect a total of 60% unspent. Ideally at this<br />
time, with optimum use of monetary resources for core program services and membership market<strong>in</strong>g, unspent budget<br />
should been be at 50%. However due to the on-go<strong>in</strong>g decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> membership as measured by a 1% decl<strong>in</strong>e over one<br />
year ago (3.3% versus 2.3%), funds targeted for membership market<strong>in</strong>g and, to a lesser extent, ‘FRA Mission’ programs<br />
had to be diverted to pay for other essential day to day operat<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance expenses.<br />
The negative cash balance of ($79,906.74), which reflect overdrawn checks, on the Balance Sheet Statement as of 30<br />
June 2007, is <strong>in</strong>dicative of the operational cash flow shortages dur<strong>in</strong>g for the first six months of 2007.<br />
Conversely, while the General Operat<strong>in</strong>g fund was starved of <strong>in</strong>come to pay for day to day expenses, as of the 30<br />
June 2007, the FRA had ga<strong>in</strong>ed $5.45 Million more <strong>in</strong> net assets over one year ago and there were no outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
loan balance due to the $200,000 distribution from the Trust funds ( as stated earlier).<br />
INVESTMENT RESERVES<br />
The FRA <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>Reserve</strong>s, managed by Jim Webb, of Capital f<strong>in</strong>ancial rema<strong>in</strong> sound. The total <strong>in</strong>vestments as<br />
of 30 June 2007 was $13,654,291.56 versus $7,015,737.98 as of 30 June 2006, an <strong>in</strong>crease of $6,638,553.58 over<br />
one year ago. The follow<strong>in</strong>g transactions ma<strong>in</strong>ly account for this <strong>in</strong>crease:<br />
FO-1
(a) $4,000,000 which was part of the distribution from the ‘Trust Funds’ was <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> the Special<br />
Program <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund and is the corpus of that Fund.<br />
(b) $1,125,000 which was part of the distribution from the ‘Trust Funds’ that replenished the <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund.<br />
(c) $ 375,000 which was also part of the distribution from the ‘Trust Funds’ that replenished the<br />
Budget Re-serve Investment Fund.<br />
(d) $ 893,820 which was the ‘Excess from the Premium Stabilization Fund’ of the FRA sponsored<br />
Marsh/Hartford group health <strong>in</strong>surance products for 2006, and paid <strong>in</strong> 2007 to the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong>, the Policy Holder, by Marsh accord<strong>in</strong>g to agreement.<br />
BUDGET RESERVE FUND<br />
The Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee at the Midyear meet<strong>in</strong>g on 29 and 30 August 2007, after exam<strong>in</strong>ation of the<br />
FRA current f<strong>in</strong>ancial position and current cash flow challenges, authorized the immediate use of the Budget <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
fund of $494, 621, which was approved as a Budget <strong>in</strong>come source <strong>in</strong> the 2007 budget, accord<strong>in</strong>g to FRA<br />
C&BL, Article 9 section 909e. This will provide much needed <strong>in</strong>fusion of funds for membership market<strong>in</strong>g and other<br />
essential expenditure for the balance of 2007.<br />
THE FRA DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN<br />
The FRA Def<strong>in</strong>ed Benefit Pension Plan, “The Plan,” falls under the purview of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation,<br />
as you know, and is by statute, managed and adm<strong>in</strong>istered outside of the FRA and FRA’s Books. However,<br />
authorized expenses associated with “the Pension Plan Lawsuit” by former employees are prepaid by The <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong> and reimbursed by the “The Plan.” These payments are accumulatively “tracked” and reported on<br />
a quarterly basis to the Chairman of the FRA Employees’ Pension Committee and to the Committee. As of the 16<br />
May 2007 Pension Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, the total paid from “The Plan” was $484,723.15. An update of the accumulated<br />
total paid through 30 September 2007, will be provided to the Chairman of the FRA Pension Committee at the<br />
2007 Convention. The Investment at cost of “The Plan” as of 30 June 2007 was $1,858,231.93 and a market value of<br />
$2,281,114.68.<br />
OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES<br />
Total legal fees of $66,290.39 were <strong>in</strong>curred by the FRA, as defendant, <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> Club of Annapolis lawsuit.<br />
$63,790.39 of this amount was paid by the FRA Director and Officers’ liability <strong>in</strong>surance and the balance of<br />
$2,500, which represented the deductible and payable by FRA, was paid from the current budget.<br />
As of 14 September 2007, $23,779.36 <strong>in</strong> payments was advanced from general operat<strong>in</strong>g funds for the settlement of<br />
outstand<strong>in</strong>g debts of Branch 19 and Club 19, pend<strong>in</strong>g reimbursements from the sale of the real estate of the branch.<br />
This is <strong>in</strong> accordance with the FRA National Board of Director’s Resolution 25-07, of 18 May 2007, which approved<br />
the voluntary surrender of the Branch 19 Charter, and the liquidation of the assets to pay off the debts of the<br />
Branch and Club.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial reports are enclosed <strong>in</strong> this report:<br />
FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT<br />
(1) The Un-audited F<strong>in</strong>ancial Report for the Fourth Quarter Year 2006 (1 January 2006 through 31<br />
December 2006). The report consists of the Balance Sheet, Comparative Balance Sheet, Statement<br />
of Activities, Comparative Statement of Activities and the Budget to Actual Analysis.<br />
(2) The Audited Consolidated F<strong>in</strong>ancial Statement and the Independent Audited F<strong>in</strong>ancial Report on<br />
Supple-mental Information as of 31 December 2006. These <strong>in</strong>clude: Supplemental Information and<br />
Board of Directors Disclosure Letter. Mr. Mark R. Frye, CPA, CGFM, of Frye & Wolcott, CPAs,<br />
and a firm <strong>in</strong> Manassas, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia con-ducted the annual audit for the period 1 January through 31<br />
December 2006 (Fiscal Year 2006.)<br />
FO-2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
The Chairman of the Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee and I have cont<strong>in</strong>ued an excellent work<strong>in</strong>g relationship dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the past year, and I want to convey my gratitude to PNP Schmidt and the Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee for their<br />
support and help.<br />
To the employees of FRA, who cont<strong>in</strong>ue to produce at a high level, I wish to say thanks. Thanks to my staff Erick<br />
Granados, Senior Accountant and Misrak Zeleke, Junior Accountant as well as Beth Wilson and Teresa We<strong>in</strong>er and<br />
the staff of the Member Service Center for their assistance.<br />
Special thanks and appreciation to Alicia Landis, Director of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, who offers much help when needed<br />
and to Eileen Murphy, Director of Communications and Market<strong>in</strong>g for the great assistance as well.<br />
To National Executive Secretary, Joe Barnes, my deep appreciation for his cont<strong>in</strong>ued support, and guidance.<br />
To NP Jerry Sweeney, it seem as if we had worked for almost 10 years together, thanks for your cont<strong>in</strong>ued guidance<br />
and help dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year, you will be missed.<br />
I thank the National Board of Directors and Officers and Members of this great <strong>Association</strong> for allow<strong>in</strong>g me to serve<br />
as the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer.<br />
With my s<strong>in</strong>cere best wishes, I rema<strong>in</strong> yours <strong>in</strong><br />
Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
FO-3<br />
PAUL RIGBY<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer<br />
Shipmate National President, this concludes my report and I move it be received.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUNIOR PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, and Shipmates.<br />
This convention is the f<strong>in</strong>al week of the three years that I have served on the National Board of Directors. These past<br />
three years have been an experience of a life time. I do hope that I accomplished my duties <strong>in</strong> a Shipmate fashion. I<br />
performed these duties <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>.<br />
There were times when I really despaired try<strong>in</strong>g to keep the FRA’s mission at the forefront and with the outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
support and assistance of the National Headquarters Staff, the National Board of Directors and my advisors along<br />
with you Shipmates, we solved most of the problems or at least turned them over to a very capable well <strong>in</strong>formed<br />
board that followed. I especially want to thank all the Shipmates for their warm hospitality to both Evelyn (Ditto)<br />
and myself as we have traveled throughout the FRA.<br />
The position of Junior Past National President requires that I be available to assist and provide guidance to the current<br />
National President <strong>in</strong> the performance of his duties. Mostly, it is only if he asks for guidance. National President<br />
Jerry called me a few times throughout the year and conversed by email numerous times. He listened and then made<br />
his decision based on all <strong>in</strong>put from all sources. I feel that the <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g board is very capable as I depart the National<br />
Board of Directors.<br />
I would like to thank all the members of the National Headquarters staff for their dedication and professionalism. All<br />
Shipmates can rest assured that the staff is represent<strong>in</strong>g the FRA <strong>in</strong> the best possible way.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, I will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to serve this great <strong>Association</strong> when and where needed. I rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
JrPNP-1<br />
Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
EDGAR M. ZERR<br />
Junior Past National President
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NEW ENGLAND<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
National Officers, Regional Officers, Past Regional Officers, Shipmates and honored guests.<br />
It has been my honor to be the FRA Regional President New England for the last 14 months. It has truly been a<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g experience. I would also like to thank The National Officers and Staff for all the support provided to me.<br />
Also my Regional Vice President for his support and travel<strong>in</strong>g with me throughout the region. In my travels, I have<br />
encountered some of the most steadfast <strong>in</strong>dividuals that live by the FRA precepts of Loyalty, Protection and Service.<br />
I commend each and every one of you for your hard work.<br />
My last visit was to Branch 235, <strong>in</strong> Whitehall, New York, the birth place of our Navy. In the summer of 1776 Arnold’s<br />
<strong>Fleet</strong> set sail from what is now Whitehall, New York, to take on the British on Lake Champla<strong>in</strong>. Thus the<br />
U.S. Navy began.<br />
The RVP and I were able to visit each branch <strong>in</strong> the region. With the exception of one, all branches were found to be<br />
<strong>in</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g order. Branch 19, over a three month period of discussions of the options open to them and two votes,<br />
both times they voted to turn <strong>in</strong> the branch charter. The National Board of Directors approved this at the midyear<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g and Branch 19 handed over the branch charter on 29 May 2007.<br />
As with most regions, we cont<strong>in</strong>ue to lose membership. We need to get out and recruit new members and reta<strong>in</strong> our<br />
current members. National Headquarters can not do it all. Please ramp up your <strong>in</strong>dividual effort <strong>in</strong> recruit<strong>in</strong>g. It<br />
would be a shame to let this f<strong>in</strong>e association go under for lack of membership. Please give your full support to the<br />
<strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g RPNEng <strong>in</strong> this critical area.<br />
Last, I have a word for all the current branch officers. Please read and follow the well written, Fiduciary Duties paper<br />
by our Legal Council. Follow<strong>in</strong>g this will keep you from hav<strong>in</strong>g legal problems and the paper should become a<br />
turnover item for all <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g branch officers to read. It is very important that the Regional Officers or any branch<br />
member be able to look at the branch records and determ<strong>in</strong>e the status and health of the branch at anytime.<br />
All FRA funds allotted to me were expended to support the FRA and its programs.<br />
RPNENG-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
PAUL F. LOVELESS, JR.<br />
Regional President, New England
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Regional Officers, Shipmates, and guests.<br />
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the shipmates of the Northeast Region for elect<strong>in</strong>g me Regional President for<br />
the <strong>Association</strong> Year 2006-07. Also, for the counsel and support throughout the year.<br />
Further, I also wish to especially thank Shipmate PRPNE George E. Folk for his outstand<strong>in</strong>g leadership as Regional<br />
Chairman of the Americanism-Patriotism Committee. This program is extremely important to the <strong>Association</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
it deals directly with the public, specially educators, youngsters, and parents. It should be flawlessly handled with<br />
great care by all the branches, regions, and <strong>in</strong> particular by National. Aga<strong>in</strong>, “well done,” George.<br />
The branches generally are <strong>in</strong> good work<strong>in</strong>g order. There is some difficulty <strong>in</strong> attendance at meet<strong>in</strong>gs. Branch presidents<br />
know they must establish an <strong>in</strong>ducement for the members to participate. However, the great concern is poor<br />
membership recruitment and renewals of membership. It’s a problem that can only be remedied by the branches, but<br />
assistance must be facilitated by National.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g my term as Regional President, I have attended many activities:<br />
• Navy Recruiters of the Year program; and met MCPON Joe Campa.<br />
• Was a guest of SgtMaj Carlton Kent, SMMC at the Even<strong>in</strong>g Parade, Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Base, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C.<br />
• Change of Command of Submar<strong>in</strong>e Squadron 8, Norfolk, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia.<br />
• Reunion of USS Des Mo<strong>in</strong>es (CA 134) at Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania.<br />
• Walked the Hill; met staffers and office holders.<br />
• Attended the National Board of Directors meet<strong>in</strong>g, FRA NHQ.<br />
• Accompanied Ladies Auxiliary for service at the Mast of the USS Ma<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
• Met frequently with MG Wright, Adjutant General, Pennsylvania concern<strong>in</strong>g veterans’ matters.<br />
• Visited six Pennsylvania Veterans’ Homes.<br />
• Visited Scotland School for Veterans’ children, Scotland, Pennsylvania.<br />
• Met with Pennsylvania War Council, Wormsleyburg Pennsylvania.<br />
• Met with Pennsylvania State Veterans’ Commission.<br />
• Met with Lackawanna County Veterans’ Affairs.<br />
• Met with Armed Forces Week Committee.<br />
• Met with USS Scranton (SSN-756) Commission<strong>in</strong>g Committee.<br />
• To name a few meet<strong>in</strong>gs with other veteran’s groups.<br />
I hope <strong>in</strong> some small way, I have made a difference and helped to make the FRA a better Sea Service organization<br />
for today, and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to make it better tomorrow and the day after.<br />
All travel and expense funds provided have been expended on FRA bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
I move my report be received.<br />
RPNE-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
FRANCIS D. TYSON<br />
Regional President, Northeast
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT EAST COAST<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
The number of branches <strong>in</strong> the East Coast Region stood at 36 with one branch (40) <strong>in</strong> suspension. The first few<br />
months of my tenure as RPEC were wrapped up <strong>in</strong> try<strong>in</strong>g to help that branch function and thrive aga<strong>in</strong>. Through the<br />
direction of the National President, I formed a three man committee plus myself to <strong>in</strong>vestigate and audit the books of<br />
the branch and its club. Upon completion of that <strong>in</strong>vestigation and audit, and the f<strong>in</strong>al report sent to the National<br />
President and the NBOD, a vote was taken and the branch returned to full operation, club <strong>in</strong>cluded. I am happy to<br />
report that Branch 40 <strong>in</strong> Chesapeake, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, is now thriv<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong> as evidenced by their newly adopted recruitment<br />
and retention efforts.<br />
Upon see<strong>in</strong>g that one through, I began to visit the other branches <strong>in</strong> my region, and found there were many <strong>in</strong> good<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g order and hold<strong>in</strong>g meet<strong>in</strong>gs as required by the C&BL. If I did f<strong>in</strong>d a branch not <strong>in</strong> compliance with the<br />
C&BL, I notified the National President and went about the task of work<strong>in</strong>g with the branch presidents and secretaries<br />
to br<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong> compliance with the C&BL. I th<strong>in</strong>k the biggest problem found was the branch officers and club<br />
governors not be<strong>in</strong>g separated as required by NBOD <strong>in</strong>terpretation of Article 12, Section 1226. Those branches did<br />
however, regroup and conform to the change until it is passed or rejected by the delegates at the national convention<br />
<strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
Throughout the course of the <strong>Association</strong> Year, I have visited all but eight of the branches <strong>in</strong> my Region, some of<br />
them more than once. Branch 33 <strong>in</strong> West Virg<strong>in</strong>ia petitioned the NBOD to voluntarily surrender their charter due to<br />
lack of participation <strong>in</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>gs and the distance that is <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> attend<strong>in</strong>g the only meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> West Virg<strong>in</strong>ia. All<br />
of the proper steps were taken, and they gave up their charter on 6/30/07. It is always sad when a branch closes<br />
down, but we have to abide by the shipmates desires. In distribut<strong>in</strong>g their f<strong>in</strong>ances prior to clos<strong>in</strong>g down, they donated<br />
funds to the JRROTC <strong>in</strong> the area, funds to every branch <strong>in</strong> the East Coast Region and some to the National<br />
Treasury and to the East Coast Regional Treasury. Branch 33 will be missed <strong>in</strong> the region.<br />
There is one more branch <strong>in</strong> the region that is now <strong>in</strong> suspension and that is 131. Based on <strong>in</strong>formation that came to<br />
my attention <strong>in</strong> late April, I contacted the National President and <strong>in</strong>formed him that branch 131 did not hold a regularly<br />
scheduled meet<strong>in</strong>g, and I was unable to make contact with the president or the secretary prior to leav<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
area. The RVPEC and myself went back aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> June for their meet<strong>in</strong>g and aga<strong>in</strong>, no meet<strong>in</strong>g. The National President<br />
was <strong>in</strong>formed, and I recommended that the charter be suspended until such time as the branch conforms to the<br />
C&BL, or if not completed by that time, to recommend charter revocation at the Pre Board Meet<strong>in</strong>g of the NBOD <strong>in</strong><br />
Corpus Christi, Texas. None of this would have been necessary if the president or the secretary of the branch or any<br />
officer had bothered to offer an explanation and a solution with<strong>in</strong> a suitable time frame. As of 21 August, I nor the<br />
RVPEC has had any response to our letters or phone calls.<br />
We started with 36 branches and one <strong>in</strong> suspension and are end<strong>in</strong>g with 35 branches and one <strong>in</strong> suspension at the<br />
end. We have added no additional branches, but happy to announce that Norfolk Branch 5 has re<strong>in</strong>stated their Unit 5.<br />
Congratulations are <strong>in</strong> order for RPEC LA FRA, Margaret Fisher.<br />
Shipmates, I have traveled well over 24,000 miles on East Coast Regional visits, and all monies allotted me for expenses<br />
has been disbursed while conduct<strong>in</strong>g ships bus<strong>in</strong>ess throughout the East Coast Region of the FRA.<br />
RPEC-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
DELBERT L. HERRMANN<br />
Regional President, East Coast
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTHEAST<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates, and guests. I have been honored and privileged<br />
to serve the Shipmates of the Southeast Region and serve on the National Board of Directors for the <strong>Association</strong> year. I<br />
have learned much about the FRA, the dedication of the Shipmates and Ladies of the region and the trials and tribulations they<br />
are and have experienced.<br />
I contacted all 46 of the Southeast branches and made official visits to most. The hospitality extended to Anna and I was heartwarm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>in</strong> some cases, much more than we would ever th<strong>in</strong>k of. I cannot really put <strong>in</strong> words just how much we appreciate<br />
the reception we were afforded and how much we enjoyed meet<strong>in</strong>g the Shipmates and Ladies.<br />
We also enjoyed the visits when NP Jerry Sweeney and his wife, Sandy visited branches at the same time. The branches responded<br />
well and seemed to really enjoy the comb<strong>in</strong>ed presentations NP Jerry and I gave them on FRA matters and legislative<br />
issues. The <strong>in</strong>formation from FRA headquarters, such as the weekly “Talk<strong>in</strong>g Po<strong>in</strong>ts” from John Davis, NES Update from NES<br />
Joe Barnes, and NewsBytes were of tremendous assistance.<br />
As we all know, many of our Shipmates are not gett<strong>in</strong>g any younger and struggle to cont<strong>in</strong>ue keep<strong>in</strong>g their branches <strong>in</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
order. The bottom l<strong>in</strong>e is, though some have to surrender their charters, they are all fight<strong>in</strong>g to the bitter end and for this I truly<br />
commend those Shipmates for the cont<strong>in</strong>ued support of the FRA. Most realize that only through the efforts of the FRA have we<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>ed benefits, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed those benefits and not yet had to pay <strong>in</strong>creased costs for Tricare.<br />
Branch 220 Live Oak, Florida, merged with Branch 179 Ga<strong>in</strong>esville, Florida, with membership transferr<strong>in</strong>g to Branch 179. No<br />
branch requested to shift to 1216(a) dur<strong>in</strong>g my term <strong>in</strong> office.<br />
I was honored to be the <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g officer for Branches 147 and 183.<br />
I attended the Pearl Harbor Day services aboard the DDG-99 USS Faragett out of Mayport, Florida, put on by Mayport Branch<br />
290; National Veterans Day services <strong>in</strong> Birm<strong>in</strong>gham, Alabama, the GA/SC, Florida, and Tennessee Coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g Council meet<strong>in</strong>gs;<br />
the USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) Memorial Services <strong>in</strong> St. Petersburg, Florida; and the NBOD meet<strong>in</strong>g as well as several<br />
branch birthday celebrations and picnics. While at the NBOD meet<strong>in</strong>gs, our Vice President went to Capitol Hill and met<br />
with our congressional representatives.<br />
I would be remiss if I did not mention the welcome and ongo<strong>in</strong>g counsel and assistance from JrPRPSE and friend Ron Hoadley,<br />
Jr. Ron has been a great mentor.<br />
I was truly gratified and pleasantly surprised with the ease with which I was able to fill my committee chairperson billets and<br />
committee slots. Shipmates, I truly thank each and every one of you for your support <strong>in</strong> serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> these important positions. In<br />
the future, if I can be of assistance to any of you, please let me know.<br />
It has been a joy and pleasure to serve with the LA FRA RPSE Donna Mefford. Donna with Anna and me visited several<br />
branches and units.<br />
My lovely wife and best friend of 49 years, Anna has been my most valued asset dur<strong>in</strong>g this past year <strong>in</strong> every way. She cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />
to support me <strong>in</strong> every way as I do her. She is relentless <strong>in</strong> purs<strong>in</strong>g every detail <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g me complete my responsibilities.<br />
She is always there for me and has been a great help to units when attend<strong>in</strong>g their meet<strong>in</strong>gs. Anna is very easy go<strong>in</strong>g and always<br />
relates well with the Shipmates and Ladies. I cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be very proud of her.<br />
RVPSE Roger E. Mitchell has been very active <strong>in</strong> my support dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year. I am sure he will serve the region well this<br />
next year.<br />
I voted on all National Board Resolutions and all funds received from the FRA were expended on FRA bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
I respectfully move that my report be received<br />
RPSE-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
ANTHONY CASSATA<br />
Regional President, Southeast
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTH CENTRAL<br />
80th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
To beg<strong>in</strong> my annual report, first I wish to thank the members of the North Central Region for all the support and help<br />
you gave me dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year. I wish to thank you for elect<strong>in</strong>g me as your Regional President. It was a privilege<br />
to have served you. I wish to apologize to any and all the shipmates and ladies if I offended you <strong>in</strong> any way. I did not<br />
<strong>in</strong>tend it to be that way, and I was try<strong>in</strong>g to do my job to the best of my ability.<br />
The term started out with the <strong>in</strong>stallation of a new branch. Branch 283 <strong>in</strong> Northern Kentucky was <strong>in</strong>stituted and several<br />
new members were <strong>in</strong>itiated at that time. This branch was brought onl<strong>in</strong>e through the efforts of Shipmate Jim<br />
Hammond.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the year, I had the opportunity to visit over 25 branches. I found the branches <strong>in</strong> good work<strong>in</strong>g order and the<br />
Rituals performed as prescribed <strong>in</strong> the Bylaws. A special thanks to the members of these branches for their hospitality<br />
and welcome.<br />
On the sad note, early <strong>in</strong> the year, I received a note from Branch 167 <strong>in</strong> Topeka, Kansas that they were hav<strong>in</strong>g difficulties.<br />
A branch visit was made and it was determ<strong>in</strong>ed that <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the branch, that they proceed with<br />
the formalities to surrender their charter. A vote was taken by mail, and the members decided to surrender their charter.<br />
This has been done and the members have been transferred to other branches or MAL. A second branch is fac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
suspension as of this writ<strong>in</strong>g. Branch 268 is fac<strong>in</strong>g suspension under Article 12, Section 1217 for failure to submit<br />
the Annual Report of Branch Officers.<br />
In May, the National Board of Directors met <strong>in</strong> Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, at the National Headquarters for the midyear<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g and Storm the Hill. I visited two Senators from Wiscons<strong>in</strong>, Kohl and Fe<strong>in</strong>gold. Po<strong>in</strong>ts of <strong>in</strong>terest that were<br />
talked about were Tricare Prime and Standard, SBP regard<strong>in</strong>g payments after 30 years. Also spoke to Senator Kohl<br />
about Social Security/Medicare payments. The board meet<strong>in</strong>g was held with discussions regard<strong>in</strong>g resolutions and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>terests of the <strong>Association</strong>.<br />
I attended the midyear conference <strong>in</strong> Owensboro, Kentucky. Thanks goes out to Branch/Unit 105 for the tremendous<br />
job they did host<strong>in</strong>g the conference. The Board of Directors of the North Central Region (gray hats) discussed what<br />
we will do be<strong>in</strong>g that the branches are not will<strong>in</strong>g to host the conferences and conventions. It is their op<strong>in</strong>ion that the<br />
gray hats will then have to set a committee and do the work to host the convention that year.<br />
As you read this report, we will be at the regional convention <strong>in</strong> Omaha sponsored by Branch 276. I wish to thank<br />
Charlie Goodman and PRPNC Joe LaPadula and their committee for their untir<strong>in</strong>g work to set up this convention.<br />
We still do not have any branch stepp<strong>in</strong>g forward for the 2009 midyear or regional convention. If we do not have<br />
any takers, then I will have to resort to the Board and they will be tasked with sett<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs up.<br />
Thanks goes out also to the Regional Vice President for his untir<strong>in</strong>g work <strong>in</strong> recruit<strong>in</strong>g and retention. Chapla<strong>in</strong> Rutherford<br />
deserves a special thank you for his work with the deceased shipmates. This year, we lost 191 shipmates and<br />
the chapla<strong>in</strong> sent condolences to all the families. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest <strong>in</strong> peace.<br />
Any and all monies that were allocated to me were spent on FRA, North Central Region bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
RPNC-1
Thank you to National President Sweeney, National Vice President Boudreaux, National Executive Secretary Barnes,<br />
and Alicia for all their help this past year. It was a pleasure to have served this year.<br />
RPNC-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
LEON J. ZALEWSKI<br />
Regional President, North Central
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTH CENTRAL<br />
80th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates and guests:<br />
My oath of office was adm<strong>in</strong>istered by PNP Stan Nahill at Space City Branch 159 <strong>in</strong> Pasadena, Texas. LA FRA PNP<br />
Neoma Nahill, LA FRA PNP L<strong>in</strong>da Merten, PRPSC Terry Merten, and my wife, Past Unit 159 President, Stoney<br />
Vance were <strong>in</strong> attendance.<br />
Some of the highlights of this past year were: Go<strong>in</strong>g to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., where I met Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison<br />
from Texas; Representative Gene Green; and the staff of Senator John Cornyn. I had the honor of <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
officers for three South Central branches. I presented three Shipmates with their forty year p<strong>in</strong>s and one special<br />
Shipmate Kenneth Herr<strong>in</strong>g with his fifty year p<strong>in</strong>. He was housebound and I put his fifty year p<strong>in</strong> on his pajamas, he<br />
talked for hours and I just listened. He passed away a few short months later. I presented over $3,000.00 <strong>in</strong> U. S.<br />
Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Bonds to Essay Contest w<strong>in</strong>ners. While at National Headquarters, I met the FRA Staff, who I cannot thank<br />
enough. They are a highly motivated and very professional Team. We, the FRA have a wonderful Headquarters<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g. I was there at the dedication of the USS Arizona model, which was previously on display <strong>in</strong> Pearl Harbor.<br />
I would like to thank National President Jerry Sweeney, National Vice President Lawrence Boudreaux, Past National<br />
President Ralph Schmidt, and all of the Past Regional Presidents South Central for their help and guidance throughout<br />
this <strong>Association</strong> year.<br />
I visited all South Central Region’s branches at least once. I found them to be <strong>in</strong> good and proper work<strong>in</strong>g order. I<br />
would be proud to be a member <strong>in</strong> any branch <strong>in</strong> the South Central Region. While do<strong>in</strong>g this, I have traveled over<br />
11,500 miles by private vehicle and one trip to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., by air. All funds receive from the FRA for travel<br />
and expenses have been expended on FRA association bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
I move that my report be received.<br />
RPSC-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
LEO V. VANCE<br />
Regional President, South Central
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTHWEST<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, shipmates and guests assembled for FRA’s 80th National Convention:<br />
It has truly been an honor to serve the shipmates of our wonderful <strong>Association</strong> as a member of FRA’s National Board of Directors<br />
and the shipmates of the Southwest Region as Regional President. I must admit I’ve enjoyed it.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce be<strong>in</strong>g elected Regional President <strong>in</strong> August 2006 <strong>in</strong> Tucson, Arizona I’ve driven some 16,302 miles and flown approximately<br />
5,794 air miles <strong>in</strong> conjunction with FRA associated bus<strong>in</strong>ess. The highlights of that travel <strong>in</strong>cluded:<br />
• Visits to every branch <strong>in</strong> the Southwest Region, several more than once;<br />
• Attendance at the FRA National Convention <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>;<br />
• Participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the USS ARIZONA Memorial Service, which is co-sponsored by Branch 176, at the University of Arizona<br />
<strong>in</strong> Tucson;<br />
• Represent<strong>in</strong>g the FRA at the AIRPAC and SURFPAC Sailor Of The Year Receptions and associated events <strong>in</strong> San<br />
Diego;<br />
• Attendance at Veterans’ Day Ceremonies at Riverside National Cemetery <strong>in</strong> Riverside, California;<br />
• Travel<strong>in</strong>g last May to our National Headquarters so I could participate <strong>in</strong> FRA’s Midyear National Board of Directors’<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g at our National Headquarters, “Storm Capital Hill” and meet with the Legislative Assistants to California’s<br />
Senators Boxer and Fe<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong>, as well as California’s 51st Congressional District Representative Bob Filner, and attend<br />
FRA’s P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award presentation and reception on Capital Hill;<br />
• Attend<strong>in</strong>g a veterans’ workshop hosted by California’s 50th Congressional District Representative Brian Bilbray and<br />
discuss<strong>in</strong>g with his Legislative Assistant several pieces of legislation supported by FRA and which the Congressman<br />
has yet to sign on as co-sponsor; and<br />
• Attend<strong>in</strong>g several memorial or funeral services for departed shipmates;<br />
I’m pleased to report to you that the branches of the Southwest Region are all <strong>in</strong> function<strong>in</strong>g order. That, however, does not mean<br />
to say that many are not hav<strong>in</strong>g problems. From my personal observations many have severe participation problems on the part<br />
of their membership. In many cases, branch officers are becom<strong>in</strong>g fatigued from many years of service, often hold<strong>in</strong>g the same<br />
office for years and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g it impossible to f<strong>in</strong>d shipmates to replace them.<br />
The Southwest Region lost another branch this past year. The small group of dedicated shipmates who actively participated <strong>in</strong><br />
the affairs of Branch 95 <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a Lake, California, simply could no longer cont<strong>in</strong>ue without additional active participation on the<br />
part of the Branch’s membership. Last May the National Board of Directors approved the merger of Branch 95 with Branch 26 <strong>in</strong><br />
Bakersfield, California. The Southwest Region, a region consist<strong>in</strong>g of some thirty-five branches only a few short years ago, currently<br />
has only twenty-five branches. This problem is not unique to the Southwest Region. Several branches throughout the <strong>Association</strong><br />
have surrendered their Charters dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year, not because they are lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> membership but because they are<br />
lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> shipmates will<strong>in</strong>g to actively participate.<br />
For historical purposes, I must <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong> this report the fact I found it necessary to request the National Board of Directors to<br />
remove the Regional Secretary from office and the Board granted my request. The reasons for that request are recorded <strong>in</strong> the<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes of the National Board’s meet<strong>in</strong>g and will not be reiterated <strong>in</strong> this report.<br />
I wish to thank the many shipmates I met dur<strong>in</strong>g my travels for the hospitality and courtesies extended to me.<br />
Last but not least I want to thank those wonderful folks who are work<strong>in</strong>g so hard for all of us at our National Headquarters. It is<br />
frequently difficult to comprehend how such a small group of people is able to accomplish so much. The shipmates of this <strong>Association</strong><br />
owe them a great debt of gratitude.<br />
On a f<strong>in</strong>al note – all funds received by me from the FRA have been expended <strong>in</strong> the performance of my duties as Regional President<br />
of the Southwest Region.<br />
This concludes my report and I move it be received.<br />
RPSW-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
CHARLES F. SMEDLEY<br />
Regional President, Southwest
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT WEST COAST<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates, I was <strong>in</strong>stalled as the Regional<br />
President West Coast at the 79th National FRA Convention held <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong> ,19-23 September<br />
2006. I would like to thank the shipmates of the West Coast for elect<strong>in</strong>g me as Regional President. It has been a<br />
pleasure to serve the shipmates of this region and the FRA as a member of the National Board of Directors. It would<br />
be impossible to s<strong>in</strong>gle out all <strong>in</strong>dividuals, but, I would like to thank PRP Gary Blackburn for all the help and support<br />
he has given me throughout the year. I would also like to thank JrPRP Virgil Courneya for his cont<strong>in</strong>ued support<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the year. Thanks also to all the Branch presidents and secretaries <strong>in</strong> the West Coast Region for mak<strong>in</strong>g my<br />
visits such pleasant ones.<br />
As Regional President, I made official visits to Branches 287,113, 249, 296, 48, 21, 244, 49, 158, 137, 274, 192,<br />
281, 69, 140, 275, and 8. At my request, Regional President-elect Lee Hollowell represented me on a visit to Branch<br />
326. There were two branches that were struggl<strong>in</strong>g to keep go<strong>in</strong>g. I authorized and it was approved by the Shipmates<br />
of the West Coast Region at the 51st West Coast Region convention to let Denver Colorado Branch 49 and High<br />
Sierra Branch 274 operate under C&BL, Section 1216 for branches whose membership has fallen under 300 members.<br />
In addition, the Shipmates of this convention will be asked to ratify the decision of the National Board of Directors<br />
to allow the merger of Sacramento Branch 69 and Roseville Branch 230. Branch 69 could not f<strong>in</strong>d any shipmates<br />
able or will<strong>in</strong>g to serve as branch officers.<br />
As Regional President, I attended the follow<strong>in</strong>g functions:<br />
• The Navy Ball held <strong>in</strong> Vallejo, Ca. sponsored by Vallejo Branch 8.<br />
• Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g D<strong>in</strong>ner at Roseville Branch 230<br />
• Christmas D<strong>in</strong>ners held by Santa Clara Branch 101 and San Jose Branch 140<br />
• The Past Regional President’s D<strong>in</strong>ner sponsored by Hangtown Branch 275<br />
• Installation of Officers of Livermore Branch 287 (Served on Install<strong>in</strong>g Team)<br />
• Installation of Officers of San Leandro Branch 10 (Served on Install<strong>in</strong>g Team)<br />
• Installation of Officers of Auburn Branch 296 (Served on Install<strong>in</strong>g Team)<br />
• Installation of Officers Santa Clara Branch 101 as Install<strong>in</strong>g Officer<br />
• Installation of Officers of Vallejo Branch 8<br />
• Jo<strong>in</strong>t Installation of Officers of Branches 137, 192, 274<br />
I was also privileged to preside over the two West Coast Region conventions. At the Midyear hosted by Auburn<br />
Branch 296, the guest speaker was Rear Admiral (Ret) Bonnie Potter. Admiral Potter was the first female Flag<br />
Medical Officer <strong>in</strong> the US Navy. National President, FRA Jerry Sweeney was an honored guest. Shipmate Jerry also<br />
was present at our Annual Regional Convention hosted by Hangtown Branch 275. Also pay<strong>in</strong>g us a visit was National<br />
Executive Secretary Joe Barnes who was the guest speaker. Other noted guests were the National Vice President<br />
Larry Boudreau and Jr. Past President Ed Zerr.<br />
Unfortunately, as the Supreme Commander determ<strong>in</strong>es the fate of all fallen Shipmates, three of our more senior Past<br />
Regional Presidents jo<strong>in</strong>ed the staff of the Supreme Commander this year. A Memorial Service was held for PRP<br />
Francis “Bill” Patton on March 20, 2007. With the shipmates of San Jose Branch 140, San Leandro Branch 10, and<br />
Shipmates of former Branch 266 <strong>in</strong> attendance, an FRA Funeral service was conducted for PRP Wheelock H. Will<br />
on April 28, 2007. An Irish wake was held for PRP Charley Douglas at his prior request at Hangtown Branch 275.<br />
Quite a few sea stories were told about Shipmate Charley and I will leave it up to the shipmates to believe whether<br />
they are true or not.<br />
On the national level, I had the privilege of represent<strong>in</strong>g the West Coast Region at the meet<strong>in</strong>g of the National Board<br />
of Directors <strong>in</strong> Alexandria, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, <strong>in</strong> May. On our “Storm the Hill” visit, I had a good visit with Congressman<br />
Mike Honda and Senators Fe<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong> and Boxer’s Staffs. I gave each a po<strong>in</strong>t paper outl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g FRA’ s position on Paid<br />
Up SBP and Tricare Fee Increases, <strong>in</strong> addition to the <strong>Association</strong>s Full Legislative Agenda. Dur<strong>in</strong>g my visit at FRA<br />
headquarters, I witnessed first hand the excellent work be<strong>in</strong>g done on behalf of the Shipmates of the FRA by mem-<br />
RPWC-1
ers of the Headquarters Staff. We owe them a “JOB WELL DONE” for all the work that’s be<strong>in</strong>g accomplished. Just<br />
one example is the outstand<strong>in</strong>g Power Po<strong>in</strong>t presentation National Executive Secretary Joe Barnes gave at the West<br />
Coast Region convention as the guest speaker. While at Headquarters, I also attended a meet<strong>in</strong>g of the National<br />
Committee Employee Pensions. The most impressive part of my visit, however, was attend<strong>in</strong>g and participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the LA FRA Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and The Mast of the USS Ma<strong>in</strong>e. Memorial services<br />
are held <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the plac<strong>in</strong>g of wreaths by the National President, LA FRA. These ceremonies are a touch<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
memorable way to remember fallen shipmates.<br />
Shipmates, I have found my years as Regional Vice President and Regional President to be most gratify<strong>in</strong>g and a<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g experience. Although as I traveled the region, it appeared the same old shipmates are fill<strong>in</strong>g the offices <strong>in</strong><br />
the branches. With membership dw<strong>in</strong>dl<strong>in</strong>g due to the shipmates fail<strong>in</strong>g health and old age, what is to be done? What<br />
is even more alarm<strong>in</strong>g is the loss due to non- payment of dues. Every month that loss has surpassed any effort thus<br />
far to recruit new or br<strong>in</strong>g back re<strong>in</strong>stated members. One partial solution is support<strong>in</strong>g the Br<strong>in</strong>g Them Back campaign.<br />
I have traveled over 17,000 miles by automobile and air. All the money received from the FRA Headquarters was<br />
spent on FRA bus<strong>in</strong>ess. This report was written <strong>in</strong> accordance with C&BL, Section 805(e) and I f<strong>in</strong>d the West Coast<br />
Region <strong>in</strong> good work<strong>in</strong>g order.<br />
RPWC-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
CHARLES R. McINTYRE<br />
Regional President, West Coast
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTHWEST<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
First of all, I would like to thank the shipmates of the Northwest Region for allow<strong>in</strong>g me to serve as their President<br />
of association year 2006-2007. It has, <strong>in</strong>deed, been a great honor and privilege for me to serve the shipmates of the<br />
Northwest Region and the FRA as a member of the National Board of Directors.<br />
I have found that the majority of the branches <strong>in</strong> the region are <strong>in</strong> good work<strong>in</strong>g order. There are a few branches that<br />
are struggl<strong>in</strong>g to stay active, but hav<strong>in</strong>g said that, the tenacity and dedication of those shipmates is <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g, and I<br />
am sure they will prevail. One of the problems is that with a lot of branches the same people are, and have been do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the same job year after year without any relief. It is imperative that we get new shipmates to step up and take the<br />
helm. Otherwise we will f<strong>in</strong>d ourselves without leadership <strong>in</strong> key positions that will ultimately result <strong>in</strong> branches<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g to surrender their charters. The other problem we have is gett<strong>in</strong>g new, and reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g our current members.<br />
Membership is the life’s blood of our organization. This issue is a pervasive one that has affected all service organizations,<br />
not just the FRA and it is not an easy problem to solve. However if we can keep half of the people we loose<br />
out the back door, those who don’t renew their memberships, we would be <strong>in</strong> great shape. To that end, phone numbers<br />
are now be<strong>in</strong>g provided by National with the reports that are sent to the Branch Secretaries. I encourage all<br />
shipmates to get <strong>in</strong>volved and help us solve some of these problems.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g my term as President of the Northwest Region I was able to visit all branches <strong>in</strong> the region except those overseas.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g my travels I flew 16,860 miles and drove 6,464 miles. This does not <strong>in</strong>clude travel to the NBOD or the<br />
Northwest Regional Convention to be held <strong>in</strong> Oak Harbor, or the national convention to be held <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi,<br />
Texas. I was honored to have <strong>in</strong>stalled the newly elected officers for Cheyenne, Wyom<strong>in</strong>g Branch 59, Tacoma,<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Branch 104 and Spokane, Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Branch 38. All funds received from the FRA for travel and expenses<br />
were expended on <strong>Association</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
It would be impossible for me to express my gratitude for the hospitality and warmth to all the branches I visited.<br />
Your k<strong>in</strong>dness was deeply appreciated. It was great runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> to old shipmates, and I would like to th<strong>in</strong>k that I have<br />
made new friends.<br />
Noth<strong>in</strong>g I have done could have been accomplished without the love and support of my lovely wife Marjorie. She<br />
was not able to travel with me dur<strong>in</strong>g most of my travels except to Spokane Branch 38, but she was always with me<br />
<strong>in</strong> my heart.<br />
It is with sadness that I leave office. I will miss the good friends and shipmates I have met dur<strong>in</strong>g my tenure as your<br />
Regional President. I wish all the new officers serv<strong>in</strong>g the board all the best, and I will do all I that can to support<br />
them and the FRA <strong>in</strong> any way I can. With that I will close wish<strong>in</strong>g you all fair w<strong>in</strong>ds and follow<strong>in</strong>g seas.<br />
RPNW-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
JOHN IPPERT<br />
Regional President, Northwest
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates and Guests.<br />
Attached are the note cards that I used for notes of sympathy to members. I used blank cards and pr<strong>in</strong>ted them off,<br />
signed, addressed the envelope and mailed them. It was a little more work on my end, but I preferred this as a more<br />
personal touch and professional look<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
I counted up how many notes of condolences I’ve sent s<strong>in</strong>ce Oct last year – an astound<strong>in</strong>g 1,149 (as of 9/23)! Not all<br />
of these are shipmates, some are for family members (mostly spouses) of shipmates. I then modified the cards a bit to<br />
fit the needs of the family member, and sent.<br />
In addition, I have responded to 59 B<strong>in</strong>nacle list members, provid<strong>in</strong>g a “Get Well” note – which I personally handwrote<br />
and sent<br />
Also – I have assisted Branch and Regional chapla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> a myriad of th<strong>in</strong>gs from answer<strong>in</strong>g questions on protocol for<br />
memorial services, proof read<strong>in</strong>g and offer<strong>in</strong>g suggestions for writ<strong>in</strong>g prayers, as well as shar<strong>in</strong>g words of <strong>in</strong>spiration<br />
for <strong>in</strong>vocations and benedictions. I didn’t keep track of the number of <strong>in</strong>quiries, but normally I handled about a<br />
dozen or so <strong>in</strong>quiries on this nature per month.<br />
This concludes my report and I move it be received.<br />
1 Cover for both condolence cards<br />
NCHAP-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
VINCENT W. PATTON, III<br />
National Chapla<strong>in</strong>
2 Inside of card for USN & USCG members<br />
3 Inside of card for USMC members<br />
NCHAP-2
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE<br />
NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, delegates and shipmates, as the National<br />
Veterans Service Officer, it is <strong>in</strong>deed an honor and a privilege to present my report on Veterans Affairs.<br />
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS<br />
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) leadership is <strong>in</strong> transition with the resignation of the Secretary of Veterans<br />
Affairs, R. James “Jim” Nicholson effective 1 October 2007. The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon<br />
H. Mansfield will serve as “Act<strong>in</strong>g” Secretary until a successor is named.<br />
DVA is divided <strong>in</strong>to three sections; each led by an Under Secretary. They are the Veterans Health Adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
(VHA) Under Secretary of Health Dr. Michael J. Kussman; Veterans Benefits Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (VBA) Under Secretary<br />
of Benefits Daniel L. Cooper; and Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs William F. Tuerk leads the National<br />
Cemetery Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (NCA).<br />
Throughout the year, I attend many brief<strong>in</strong>gs held by the Secretary and members of his staff relat<strong>in</strong>g to issues associated<br />
to the health and well be<strong>in</strong>g of our veteran population.<br />
VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS COMMISSION<br />
On October 3, 2007 the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) announced it delivered its f<strong>in</strong>al report to<br />
Congress. The VDBC was established with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004 (P.L.<br />
108-136.) The purpose of the Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States<br />
that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military<br />
service, and to produce a report to Congress on the study. The President and leaders of Congress appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
commission members. The Commission is <strong>in</strong>dependent of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of<br />
Defense.<br />
The FY 2006 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-168) authorized an extension of the report due date and<br />
the Commission’s f<strong>in</strong>al report is now due to Congress by October 1, 2007.<br />
Of major concern of FRA is the Commission’s position on the concurrent receipt of VA disability compensation and<br />
military retirement pay for service connected retirees. The Commission’s recommendation on this issue states, “Congress<br />
should elim<strong>in</strong>ate the ban on concurrent receipt for all retirees and disability separations.<br />
“Future priority should be given to Chapter 61 with less than 20 years of service and greater than 50% service connected<br />
disabilities and all combat disabled Chapter 61 (service members).”<br />
Other Commission recommendations <strong>in</strong>clude discont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g the offset of the Survivor’s Benefit Plan (SBP) by the<br />
amount received of Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for both active duty and retiree survivors for service<br />
connected deaths; cont<strong>in</strong>uation of no differentiation <strong>in</strong> compensation levels for combat wounded versus other<br />
service connected <strong>in</strong>juries; ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the current “24/7 rule” for l<strong>in</strong>e of duty; revision of the VA Schedule of Rat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Disabilities (VASRD); creation of a uniformed DOD/VA physical exam at discharge. The Commission’s f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
report has more than 100 recommendations on every aspect of the VA’s disability and compensation system affect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
not only veterans, but also family members and survivors.<br />
The VDBC held its first public meet<strong>in</strong>g on May 9, 2005. FRA submitted a statement for the record to the commission.<br />
We will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor the actions of Congress based on the VDBC recommendations.<br />
NVSO-1
OTHER COMMISSIONS<br />
Concerns over the care of return<strong>in</strong>g wounded and issues related to a published news report on facilities at Walter<br />
Reed Army Medical Center led to the formation of several commissions to address these problems. Two of the most<br />
important are:<br />
The “President’s Commission on Care for America’s Return<strong>in</strong>g Wounded Warriors” was established follow<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
story <strong>in</strong> the Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Post on conditions at Walter Reed. The Commission was chaired by former U.S. Senator<br />
Bob Dole and former Cl<strong>in</strong>ton adm<strong>in</strong>istration Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala. Commonly<br />
known as the Dole/Shalala Commission, the primary focus was to address the immediate needs of the combat<br />
wounded, their families and survivors. I had an opportunity to meet with Commissioner Shalala and her staff to address<br />
various <strong>Association</strong>s’ issues related to the commission’s charter.<br />
The commission delivered its f<strong>in</strong>al report titled, “Serve, Support, Simplify”, to the President on July 25, 2007. The<br />
report made seven specific recommendations, most notable, a total revamp<strong>in</strong>g of the VA compensation system. The<br />
recommendations made by commissioners were directed towards combat <strong>in</strong>jured.<br />
On March 6, 2007, President Bush established the “Task Force on Return<strong>in</strong>g Global War on Terror (GWOT) Heroes”.<br />
The purpose of the Task Force was to improve the delivery of Federal services and benefits to Global War on<br />
Terror (GWOT) service members and veterans. The President appo<strong>in</strong>ted Secretary of Veterans Affairs James<br />
Nicholson as Task Force Chair.<br />
The Task Force report <strong>in</strong>cluded 25 recommendations that focus on enhanc<strong>in</strong>g the delivery of services and <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
to GWOT service members and veterans. The Task Force report was submitted to the President on April 19,<br />
2007.<br />
FRA is also an active participant on The Military Coalition’s (TMC) Veterans Committee and detailed <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
regard<strong>in</strong>g veterans’ legislation is <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the legislative service committee report. I serve on the TMC Veterans<br />
Affairs Committee and the <strong>Association</strong>’s testimony before jo<strong>in</strong>t hear<strong>in</strong>gs of the House and Senate VA Committees<br />
held on March 29, 2007, can be viewed on FRA’s web site at http://www.fra.org.<br />
VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE<br />
Established <strong>in</strong> 1946, the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) is the largest volunteer program <strong>in</strong> the Federal<br />
Government, with over 350 organizations support<strong>in</strong>g it, supplement<strong>in</strong>g staff and resources <strong>in</strong> all areas of patient care<br />
and support and the National Cemetery Adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>in</strong> order to serve our Nation’s veterans.<br />
FRA and the LA FRA serve on the VAVS National Advisory Committee that oversees the work performed by our<br />
Shipmates and Ladies, who volunteer their time <strong>in</strong> America’s VA hospitals, cl<strong>in</strong>ics and other VA facilities.<br />
This past year, FRA was honored to nom<strong>in</strong>ate Shipmate Thomas Elliott, Jr. of P<strong>in</strong>etree Branch 156 <strong>in</strong> Brunswick,<br />
ME to receive the 2007 VAVS National Advisory Committee (NAC) Male Volunteer of the Year. Shipmate Tom received<br />
the award <strong>in</strong> conjunction with volunteer work at the VA Medical Center <strong>in</strong> Togus, Ma<strong>in</strong>e and was featured <strong>in</strong><br />
the April 2007 issue of FRA Today. Elliott received his award from Dr. Michael Kussman, then Act<strong>in</strong>g Under Secretary<br />
for Veterans Health Adm<strong>in</strong>istration at the 61st VAVS National Advisory Committee (NAC) Meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Pittsburgh,<br />
PA May 3, 2007. Branch 156 Secretary Shipmate Bill Waite nom<strong>in</strong>ated Shipmate Tom for this award. I attended<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g and was present when Shipmate Tom received his recognition. “Congratulations Tom!”<br />
Also at the NAC meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Pittsburgh, I was elected to serve as a member on the VAVS Parke Scholarship Board.<br />
Each year the board awards scholarships to high school students who volunteer with the VAVS program. Please contact<br />
me or visit http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/Parke.cfm for more <strong>in</strong>formation related to the scholarship program.<br />
Through the years, VAVS volunteers have contributed millions of hours of service. Without this program and those<br />
who volunteer, VA will be forced to provide fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> order to cover the costs of hir<strong>in</strong>g additional employees. This,<br />
<strong>in</strong> return, would likely reduce fund<strong>in</strong>g for other programs needed to support our veterans.<br />
NVSO-2
Community Assistance programs assist veteran patients by augment<strong>in</strong>g staff, lead<strong>in</strong>g end of life care programs, foster<br />
care, community-based volunteer programs, hospital wards, nurs<strong>in</strong>g homes, and veteran outreach centers. Recently<br />
the VAVS outreach has been <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> work done by volunteers at our National Cemeteries and other programs<br />
of the National Cemetery Adm<strong>in</strong>istration.<br />
In 2006, 141 FRA volunteers contributed 21,932 hours of service. To those Shipmates, we say, “Thank you and a<br />
job well done!”<br />
I encourage branches to become more <strong>in</strong>volved and make volunteer<strong>in</strong>g part of your overall community <strong>in</strong>volvement<br />
and outreach efforts. We need to remember that part of the FRA credo is “Service” and what better way to demonstrate<br />
this than to help your fellow veterans. While the number of volunteer hours has <strong>in</strong>creased, I am concerned that<br />
the number of volunteers has decreased and the number of facilities which FRA has representation present has decreased.<br />
If you volunteer at a VA facility, check to see if the FRA has a local representative on the facilities VAVS<br />
advisory committee. Any Shipmates who would like to volunteer to help <strong>in</strong> one of these or any other facilities should<br />
contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you and ask for Voluntary Service or visit their website at<br />
www.va.gov/volunteer/.<br />
I serve as the National VAVS Representative and can be contacted for any new appo<strong>in</strong>tments; resignations or any<br />
questions regard<strong>in</strong>g the program at 1-800-FRA-1924 extension 115 or email me at vafra@fra.org.<br />
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION<br />
ACCREDITED REPRESENTATION<br />
As National Veteran Service Officer, I ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> copies of all applications of <strong>in</strong>dividuals request<strong>in</strong>g to act as an Accredited<br />
Representative for the FRA on claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs. All applications are processed<br />
and forwarded to NES Barnes, FRA’s Certify<strong>in</strong>g Official, for signature. The applications are then sent to Office<br />
of the General Counsel <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton D.C. for f<strong>in</strong>al approval.<br />
Upon approval by General Counsel, a welcome letter is sent by NES Barnes to the new accredited representative<br />
along with their FRA “Service Organization Representative” card.<br />
This past year, FRA processed 80 applications for accreditation, 49 welcome letters with representative cards, and<br />
received 20 notices of cancellation. The General Counsel’s office has listed for the FRA as of June 2006, 432 Accredited<br />
Representatives for the FRA.<br />
I attended advance service officer tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g with the VFW service officers <strong>in</strong> Kansas City, MO this past April.<br />
REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS (BVA)<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce October 2006, FRA has worked 27 cases at the Board of Veterans Appeals <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC. Each case<br />
varies with regard to the amount of time required. An orig<strong>in</strong>al claim (first time) could require as little as an hour,<br />
while an older claim (established earlier) has taken weeks.<br />
All VA Regional Offices have the capability of conduct<strong>in</strong>g a hear<strong>in</strong>g via video conferenc<strong>in</strong>g. This feature can speed<br />
up the availability for a BVA hear<strong>in</strong>g, and prevent unnecessary travel to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton DC for a hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
BVA handles cases by a Docket number. When an appeal is placed on the Board’s docket, it is assigned the next<br />
higher number than the one received before it. The Board reviews appeals <strong>in</strong> the order <strong>in</strong> which they were placed on<br />
the docket. The lower the docket number, the sooner the appeal will be reviewed. When the docket number for the<br />
appeal is reached, a Board member will exam<strong>in</strong>e the file.<br />
Currently, the national average for an appeals resolution is around 122 days after it reaches the Board. Process<strong>in</strong>g<br />
delays and duty to assist requirements at Regional Offices also occur add<strong>in</strong>g to the overall time it takes for a shipmate’s<br />
case to reach BVA and receive a f<strong>in</strong>al decision.<br />
NVSO-3
FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS<br />
DVA publishes a comprehensive annual guide, Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents, VA Pamphlet 80-07-<br />
01. The 2007 handbook can be ordered for $5.00 from the U.S. Government Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g Office by call<strong>in</strong>g (202) 512-<br />
1800 or by go<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm.<br />
For those with a computer and onl<strong>in</strong>e access to the Internet the electronic version may be found at<br />
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf. Answers to most questions concern<strong>in</strong>g your veterans’ benefits can be<br />
found with<strong>in</strong> this handbook. Also, it conta<strong>in</strong>s phone numbers for VA Regional Offices, Medical Centers, Veteran<br />
Outreach Centers, National Cemeteries and Insurance Centers. I have a limited number of extra copies and if you<br />
want one contact me at FRA HQ or send an email to vafra@fra.org.<br />
VETERANS DAY NATIONAL COMMITTEE<br />
I am pleased to announce that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon recommendation by the Members of the Veterans<br />
Day National Committee (VDNC), has selected the FRA as the newest Member to serve on the Committee.<br />
The VDNC consists of 25 Members and currently 21 Associate Members. FRA has served as an Associate Member<br />
on the Committee s<strong>in</strong>ce 1978. Receiv<strong>in</strong>g full Member status on the VDNC is a huge honor, and the <strong>Association</strong> will<br />
be receive the opportunity to host the ceremony and subsequent reception on November 11, 2030.<br />
FRA participated <strong>in</strong> the National Veterans Day activities on November 11, 2006. NP Sweeney accompanied by his<br />
wife Sandy attended a breakfast for Veterans Service Organizations hosted by The President at the White House.<br />
They were then escorted to Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National Cemetery and watched President Bush place a wreath at the Tomb of<br />
the Unknowns.<br />
After the ceremonies <strong>in</strong> the amphitheater were completed, NP Sweeney accompanied by NES Barnes, and LA FRA<br />
NP Sandy Robb<strong>in</strong>s, placed a wreath on behalf of all FRA Shipmates at the Tomb of the unknowns.<br />
MEMORIAL DAY<br />
On 28 May 2007, Memorial Day weekend, NP Sweeney accompanied by his daughter attended a breakfast hosted by<br />
The President at the White House for Veterans Service Organizations. They were then escorted to Arl<strong>in</strong>gton National<br />
Cemetery and watched President Bush place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g the ceremonies <strong>in</strong> the amphitheater, NP Sweeney accompanied by LA FRA NP Sandra Robb<strong>in</strong>s presented<br />
a wreath on behalf of all FRA Shipmates at the Tomb of the Unknowns.<br />
Shipmates, this completes my report.<br />
In Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
CHRISTOPHER J. SLAWINSKI<br />
National Veterans Service Officer<br />
NVSO-4
ANNUAL REPORT ON<br />
FRA COMMUNICATIONS<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, delegates, and shipmates, it’s my pleasure to report to you on FRA’s<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g and communications efforts for 2006-2007.<br />
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW<br />
FRA’s Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications Department produces the <strong>Association</strong>’s publications (FRA Today, On Watch,<br />
NewsBytes), press releases, media advisories, letters to the editor and op-ed articles, membership brochures, and advertisements.<br />
The department ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s www.fra.org, manages the prospect database and all communications to<br />
them, as well as writes and oversees the design and production and data selection of fundrais<strong>in</strong>g campaigns. It also<br />
oversees outside companies purchas<strong>in</strong>g advertisements <strong>in</strong> FRA Today, the use of FRA’s mail<strong>in</strong>g list with aff<strong>in</strong>ity<br />
partners and approval of those campaigns.<br />
Staff<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
Eileen Murphy, Director of Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications<br />
San Reddy served as Editor until late 2006 when he resigned due to a family move to Nigeria. I absorbed his responsibilities<br />
and <strong>in</strong> January, 2007, a public relations manager was hired to assist <strong>in</strong> the department work load. The Director<br />
position responsibilities <strong>in</strong>clude market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives, production of FRA Today monthly, (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
and designer negotiations and distribution of the magaz<strong>in</strong>e as a market<strong>in</strong>g tool to specific dest<strong>in</strong>ations), weekly distribution<br />
of NewsBytes, manag<strong>in</strong>g of www.fra.org and its contents, fundrais<strong>in</strong>g programs, aff<strong>in</strong>ity partner management,<br />
e-mail market<strong>in</strong>g programs, oversight of OnWatch, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g post<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e, monthly teleconference coord<strong>in</strong>ation,<br />
management of data use (work<strong>in</strong>g closely with Sameer Mulla, Database Manager), and a weekly Member Services<br />
and Adm<strong>in</strong>istration staff tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program.<br />
Post<strong>in</strong>g of Tom Philpott and Sgt. Shaft articles on www.fra.org has been assumed by Teresa Wiener <strong>in</strong> the Adm<strong>in</strong><br />
Department, as an example of the teamwork that allows the full workload to be completed efficiently.<br />
Lauren Armstrong, Contribut<strong>in</strong>g Editor<br />
This is a part-time position. Lauren works from her home, and provides the feature article each month for FRA Today.<br />
These articles have been very well received by membership and have helped reposition the magaz<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the eyes<br />
of advertisers, prospective members and membership recruiters.<br />
Jessica Andrews, Public Relations Manager<br />
The Public Relations Manager monitors sea service news publications <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, but not limited to; military.com,<br />
navy.mil, defensel<strong>in</strong>k.mil, Navy and Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Times, all Navy CHINFO listservs, All Hands, Leatherneck, Roll<br />
Call, CQ, etc. She also researches and writes articles for OnWatch as well as conducts <strong>in</strong>terviews with sea service<br />
senior enlisted leaders. She works closely with staff on publicity opportunities. As part of her role <strong>in</strong> relationship<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g, she establishes and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s relationships with news media, Public Affairs personnel, senior enlisted leaders<br />
and other key community members.<br />
FRA Today<br />
PUBLICATIONS<br />
FRA Today (changed from Naval Affairs at the 79 th National Convention <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>) has received<br />
very positive feedback from the membership regard<strong>in</strong>g design, content and scope. With the attraction of higher pay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
advertisers, we have cont<strong>in</strong>ued to improve the advertis<strong>in</strong>g revenue. The revenue for October, 2006 was thirty<br />
FRAT-1
percent higher than the previous year, with approximately the same number of ad pages. October 2007 was fifty percent<br />
higher than October 2006. Our goal for 2007 was to double the advertis<strong>in</strong>g revenue for the publication. Although<br />
we fell shy of that goal, we were able to reduce the cost of magaz<strong>in</strong>e production through negotiations and<br />
will end the year on budget.<br />
Beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g with the January, 2008 issue, FRA Today will be pr<strong>in</strong>ted by a different pr<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong> order to achieve greater<br />
cost advantages and an improved end product. We look forward to this new opportunity.<br />
The addition of the On Watch page to <strong>in</strong>form our active duty and <strong>Reserve</strong> members has been appreciated by the senior<br />
enlisted leaders, and we have had guest columns by each of the E-10s as well as <strong>Reserve</strong> Force Master Chiefs.<br />
Additionally, we tie the editorial calendar to the “Your Mission Your Voice Teleconference” schedule whenever<br />
possible. This allows us to offer an additional opportunity to members to explore a topic.<br />
Our editorial and teleconference calendar for 2008 is:<br />
2008 Editorial Calendar<br />
January Military Work<strong>in</strong>g Animals<br />
Conference call: FRA’s Legislative Agenda<br />
February Military Resale System, and FRA’s efforts to preserve it<br />
Conference call: Military Resale System<br />
March Help<strong>in</strong>g Heroes: PTSD, Traumatic Bra<strong>in</strong> Injury and FRA’s efforts to help<br />
Conference call: FRA Scholarships<br />
April <strong>Reserve</strong> Force Senior Enlisted Leaders<br />
Conference call: The Roll of the <strong>Reserve</strong>s<br />
May FRA Convention location spotlight: Branson Mo.<br />
Conference call: Branson, Mo. Highlights<br />
June Military Bands (USN, USMC, USCG)<br />
Conference call: FRA Market<strong>in</strong>g Initiatives<br />
July Guadalcanal and bond between USCG and USMC<br />
USCG birthday<br />
Conference call: Preserv<strong>in</strong>g Oral Histories / Veterans History Project<br />
August Q&A with presidential candidates<br />
Conference call: Seamless Transition<br />
September Recruiters and FRA’s work to preserve access for them<br />
Conference call: Convention Overview<br />
October Profile elite Navy units<br />
USN birthday<br />
Conference call: Active Duty / <strong>Reserve</strong> Issues<br />
November Profile elite USMC units<br />
USMC birthday<br />
Conference call: National President’s Forum<br />
FRAT-2
December Armed Forces Retirement Home and rebuild<strong>in</strong>g the Gulfport campus<br />
Conference call: Look at 2009<br />
The firm FIREBRAND <strong>in</strong> Alexandria cont<strong>in</strong>ues as the designers of the magaz<strong>in</strong>e and have been tremendous to work<br />
with. They also cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be the ma<strong>in</strong> source of design for market<strong>in</strong>g materials.<br />
All departments at the FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) play a role <strong>in</strong> the production of FRA Today. The NES<br />
Perspective column provides a vehicle for <strong>in</strong>sight on <strong>Association</strong> work, history and leadership views. The Legislative<br />
Department consistently contributes four pages of editorial <strong>in</strong>formation to the “On and Off Capitol Hill” section<br />
which keeps members abreast of the recent movement or issues related to FRA’s pr<strong>in</strong>ciple program. The Membership<br />
department submits the “Membership Matters” column, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>put on the “Bravo Zulu” feature which<br />
highlights outstand<strong>in</strong>g shipmates and branches. The Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Department, under the direction of Alicia<br />
Landis, compiles the monthly “Taps” list<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>in</strong>formation provided by the Membership Records Department.<br />
Reunions can be posted by shipmates onl<strong>in</strong>e, as well as entered by Teresa Wiener <strong>in</strong> the Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Department.<br />
is a regular feature as well. Many post<strong>in</strong>gs for “Look<strong>in</strong>g For” have resulted <strong>in</strong> positive results, and the success rate of<br />
that offer<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
This past year, we were able to highlight NP Sweeney’s travel journal for the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, Japan and Guam. This was<br />
met with very positive feedback and expanded understand<strong>in</strong>g of the issues faced by branches <strong>in</strong> the Pacific. This was<br />
also supplemented with an onl<strong>in</strong>e presence <strong>in</strong> the Communities section of the website, allow<strong>in</strong>g for questions to be<br />
asked directly to, and answered by, the National President.<br />
The LA FRA page is made possible through the terrific work of the LA FRA liaison, Fran Hoadley, who deserves<br />
special recognition for her organizational skills, dedication and flexibility. It should be said that work<strong>in</strong>g with Fran is<br />
an honor and a pleasure.<br />
As an example of how the iMIS database system is used to benefit the membership, customized messages are programmed<br />
to appear each month on the address label, allow<strong>in</strong>g notices to be provided to shipmates such as dues rem<strong>in</strong>der<br />
notices, monthly teleconference promotions or <strong>in</strong>dividual messages <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g birthday greet<strong>in</strong>gs. This <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
is posted for no additional cost and takes only moments each month to program.<br />
The branch directory cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be a regular feature <strong>in</strong> the December issue, and we appreciate Marsh Aff<strong>in</strong>ity for<br />
the f<strong>in</strong>ancial sponsorship of the additional pages for the last two years and commitment for this year as well.<br />
On Watch<br />
On Watch, provides <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g FRA’s legislative <strong>in</strong>itiatives to the active duty and reserve Sea Service<br />
community. Ongo<strong>in</strong>g dialog with active duty personnel and senior enlisted leaders <strong>in</strong>dicate that On Watch is a useful<br />
resource for today’s service members. On Watch was converted to a web publication a year ago with flyers to let<br />
readers know how to access it, and e-mail notification to subscribers.<br />
A senior enlisted forum is <strong>in</strong>cluded with each issue, provid<strong>in</strong>g an avenue for readers to hear directly from <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
Force leaders and the E-10s. This adds credibility to the publication and also provides valuable opportunities for<br />
dialogue with the senior enlisted leaders of the Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps and Coast Guard.<br />
The onl<strong>in</strong>e venue provides a great opportunity for survey<strong>in</strong>g readers us<strong>in</strong>g a l<strong>in</strong>k to a site called “SurveyMonkey.”<br />
That site allows the <strong>Association</strong> to create questions <strong>in</strong> a variety of formats and not only collects the data but provides<br />
multiple layers of analysis as well. The surveys are promoted through e-mail communications and we average between<br />
700 – 1,000 respondents quarterly. Those results not only help shape the testimony for our legislative team,<br />
but also are used to format questions for the senior enlisted <strong>in</strong>terviews and future editions of OnWatch.<br />
This year’s subject matters have <strong>in</strong>cluded quality of life, the legislative process, and family read<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
FRAT-3
NewsBytes<br />
NewsBytes is a free broadcast e-mail that provides the latest <strong>Association</strong> news to approximately 4,000 subscribers.<br />
Aga<strong>in</strong>, the iMIS database allows our department staff to quickly and easily distribute this product. Because of its<br />
weekly distribution, it provides up-to-date <strong>in</strong>formation on FRA’s legislative efforts and developments <strong>in</strong> health care,<br />
compensation, and other quality-of-life areas. NewsBytes, as well as FRA Today and On Watch, is posted on FRA’s<br />
web site (www.fra.org).<br />
The content for NewsBytes is generated by the Legislative Department with <strong>in</strong>put by NES Barnes. This content is<br />
designed to augment the On & Off Capitol Hill pages <strong>in</strong> FRA Today, keep<strong>in</strong>g members updated on a weekly basis.<br />
This service is free of charge and it is requested that branches promote it to their members as a way of keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formed<br />
and connected. To subscribe, members need to send their e-mail address and membership number to<br />
newsbytes@fra.org with “Subscribe” <strong>in</strong> the subject l<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Communicate With Your Elected Officials<br />
FRA, <strong>in</strong> partnership with GEICO, published a useful booklet <strong>in</strong> 2007 that <strong>in</strong>cludes tips for communicat<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
members of the 110th Congress; a U.S. Senate and House of Representatives directory <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g phone numbers and<br />
rosters for all key House and Senate committees; an overview of the legislative process and much more valuable<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation. Shipmates and <strong>in</strong>terested citizens should contact NHQ at 1-800-FRA-1924 for a free copy or e-mail<br />
their request and mail<strong>in</strong>g address to fra@fra.org. This has been publicized <strong>in</strong> FRA Today, NewsBytes, On Watch,<br />
Military.com newsletters and other public relations avenues.<br />
This year the process<strong>in</strong>g of requests for the publication has expanded to a greater team effort. Beth Wilson <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Department sorts the requests from members and non-members, check<strong>in</strong>g a box <strong>in</strong> the members’ records<br />
who have made the request and provid<strong>in</strong>g the list of non-members to Teresa Wiener, also <strong>in</strong> the Adm<strong>in</strong> Department.<br />
A daily report is run for the members with the check box, and that produces labels which Beth can affix to<br />
envelopes and mail immediately. Teresa creates prospective member kits for the non-member requests and sends not<br />
only the guide, but also <strong>in</strong>formation about FRA and contact <strong>in</strong>formation of the closest branch to the <strong>in</strong>terested party.<br />
Additionally, the records are noted with the date of send<strong>in</strong>g, so we can track the results – which are already very<br />
promis<strong>in</strong>g – and see the impact of this special attention to recruit<strong>in</strong>g detail.<br />
Integration of iMIS as a Market<strong>in</strong>g Tool<br />
MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS<br />
This Convention will have two presentations on the use of iMIS and the website. One will be for members’ general<br />
use, the other will focus on the specialized opportunities available for branch and regional officers onl<strong>in</strong>e. The system<br />
is a tremendous market<strong>in</strong>g tool, provid<strong>in</strong>g options such as customiz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dividuals’ records to exclude from certa<strong>in</strong><br />
types of programs (such as aff<strong>in</strong>ity partner mail list exports) or subscrib<strong>in</strong>g to programs such as NewsBytes or<br />
donation campaigns. As we customize to meet the specific requests we get, members respond with appreciation and<br />
membership retention.<br />
Also, iMIS allows for serious cost sav<strong>in</strong>gs opportunities and we thank shipmates for their suggestions and questions<br />
that lead us to f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g ways to let the system work more efficiently. Two examples of this <strong>in</strong>clude Shipmate Todd<br />
Richter, Secretary Branch 091 who suggested that we offer a way <strong>in</strong> iMIS for branches to choose which months they<br />
want mail<strong>in</strong>g labels and which months they do not. This elim<strong>in</strong>ates any waste of labels on months dur<strong>in</strong>g which<br />
newsletters are not be<strong>in</strong>g mailed. That option was implemented and branch secretaries can check the boxes onl<strong>in</strong>e or<br />
simply call Member Services for the request. The other suggestion <strong>in</strong> the same area came from Shipmate Charlie<br />
Goodman, Secretary Branch 276 who asked for a way to exclude specific <strong>in</strong>dividuals from each label pr<strong>in</strong>t run.<br />
Shipmate Goodman has worked diligently to build an e-mail list for his branch and sends his newsletter electronically<br />
when he can. He only needs labels for those <strong>in</strong>dividuals without e-mail addresses. Aga<strong>in</strong>, the idea was implemented<br />
and secretaries can go onl<strong>in</strong>e and mark the <strong>in</strong>dividuals they would like excluded from pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
FRAT-4
These requests are time consum<strong>in</strong>g for staff to implement, but well worth it. Between these two requests alone, FRA<br />
saves on pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and shipp<strong>in</strong>g more than 12,400 labels a year – just for the two branches! As other branches take<br />
advantage of these opportunities the sav<strong>in</strong>gs will be tremendous.<br />
We also have <strong>in</strong>creased the opportunities for branch and regional officers to provide <strong>in</strong>formation and run membership<br />
reports from the website. From lists of those who need to renew, pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g labels, sort<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation based on<br />
jo<strong>in</strong> date, etc., to updat<strong>in</strong>g mail<strong>in</strong>g addresses, birthdates and other valuable <strong>in</strong>formation, we strive to make the website<br />
a useful tool to assist the valuable group of people who are dedicated to serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> an elected position. We thank<br />
you all.<br />
Monthly Teleconferences<br />
FRA began host<strong>in</strong>g monthly teleconferences <strong>in</strong> 2005. This year the concept really took off and each call had at least<br />
20 participants.<br />
Up to 25 participants can call <strong>in</strong> to the toll-free phone number (1-877-746-9514) and have a “virtual meet<strong>in</strong>g” without<br />
the expense and time commitment of travel. When a participant calls the number, he or she will be prompted to<br />
enter a code specific to that teleconference. There are no charges for the calls, and anyone from the 48 contiguous<br />
states can participate. This phone l<strong>in</strong>e will be also be used for committee meet<strong>in</strong>gs, as well as monthly conference<br />
calls on important FRA topics.<br />
Electronic Communication and Advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
To reduce costs and <strong>in</strong>crease efficiency, more attention is be<strong>in</strong>g directed to electronic options for communication.<br />
This <strong>in</strong>cludes the use of e-mail to members to <strong>in</strong>form of updates, changes and bill<strong>in</strong>g rem<strong>in</strong>ders, and also focuses on<br />
opportunities to communicate with prospective members.<br />
E-mail blasts to members and prospects with <strong>in</strong>vitations to teleconferences or special events have been met with<br />
positive responses. An e-mail blast also goes out monthly to all who have memberships that will term<strong>in</strong>ate at the end<br />
of the month for non-renewal. With each of these programs, thank you e-mails are received by Headquarters, as<br />
members appreciate the personal touch of rem<strong>in</strong>ders or <strong>in</strong>vitations. These programs are created to allow the sender to<br />
send one e-mail to a large group, but the recipient sees it as a one-to-one communiqué. Additionally, branch secretaries<br />
have been given the same permissions onl<strong>in</strong>e to send a mass e-mail to their membership or certa<strong>in</strong> specific groups<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the branch us<strong>in</strong>g the website. Those e-mails go out through the FRA servers <strong>in</strong> Alexandria, avoid<strong>in</strong>g the need<br />
to send out batches of e-mails to stay under maximum allowed with the <strong>in</strong>dividuals’ programs.<br />
An advertis<strong>in</strong>g program utiliz<strong>in</strong>g Google’s “AdWords” allows FRA’s list<strong>in</strong>g to appear based on specific search word<br />
criteria. This helps target the <strong>in</strong>formation the end user sees and is a very cost effective way of improv<strong>in</strong>g site traffic.<br />
Banner ads on sites such as militaryshoppers.com, which are clickable and drive traffic to the jo<strong>in</strong> page of<br />
www.fra.org are also cost effective ways to <strong>in</strong>crease traffic. Additionally, FRA negotiated an e-mail newsletter to go<br />
to all 100,000 subscribers of the militaryshoppers.com site for every three months of advertis<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Mak<strong>in</strong>g Waves, an e-mail based program for the legislative department to use <strong>in</strong> conjunction with the Action Center,<br />
is sent out on a regular basis lett<strong>in</strong>g members know of changes <strong>in</strong> legislation.<br />
Use of the telephone for retention has also been a major factor for the department this year. A call program has been<br />
implemented at Headquarters for contact<strong>in</strong>g MALs who are need<strong>in</strong>g to renew and branches have the opportunity to<br />
create call lists based on the paid through date and export from the website. To support this program, branch secretaries<br />
can mark the <strong>in</strong>dividual’s records as to whether or not they have been called (to avoid multiple contacts) and<br />
can request a new card or a new bill with only a click of a button.<br />
FRAT-5
Public Relations<br />
FRA has a strong personal relationship with the leaders of the sea services. S<strong>in</strong>ce the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of 2007, the Master<br />
Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe Campa, the SgtMaj of the Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Carlton Kent, and the Master<br />
Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPOCG) Skip Bowen have each made personal visits FRA National Headquarters<br />
and attended a two-hour legislative brief hosted by NES Joe Barnes. As a result, when asked a legislative question<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g a presentation <strong>in</strong> Guam, MCPON Campa placed a call to NES Barnes because he knew that call would<br />
yield correct <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
FRA staff have also made several personal office calls to each of those offices throughout the year, along with all the<br />
<strong>Reserve</strong> force counterparts with the exception of the <strong>Reserve</strong> Force Sergeant Major of the Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps due to his<br />
location <strong>in</strong> New Orleans.<br />
FRA’s communications department has a strong relationship with military media and we average at least one release<br />
per week.<br />
NES Barnes and other members of the legislative staff have been featured <strong>in</strong> editorials and <strong>in</strong>terviewed for such publications<br />
as The Wall Street Journal, Navy and Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Times, The Honolulu Advertiser and military.com publications,<br />
to name a few. Sgt. Shaft and Tom Philpott’s Military Update columns have also regularly featured FRA’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
To quantify public relations work is difficult, however were FRA to have purchased the same pr<strong>in</strong>t space used for<br />
the articles written, it would have cost the <strong>Association</strong> more than $137,000. The Public Relations Society of America<br />
estimates that articles are three times more likely to be read than advertis<strong>in</strong>g, and so these articles provide an even<br />
greater return on <strong>in</strong>vestment.<br />
Fundrais<strong>in</strong>g<br />
FRA has completed the first year of runn<strong>in</strong>g the fundrais<strong>in</strong>g program <strong>in</strong>-house. This was made possible through the<br />
<strong>in</strong>credible team work among the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative, account<strong>in</strong>g and member services departments <strong>in</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g, sort<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and scann<strong>in</strong>g all responses. Our department handles the creative and the writ<strong>in</strong>g for each piece FIREBRAND designs.<br />
The label program did have one glitch when the pr<strong>in</strong>ter made an error <strong>in</strong> formatt<strong>in</strong>g rates. Those labels affected<br />
were fixed and the replacements were sent as soon as possible. As a comparison, the label program a year ago<br />
(handled by Vantage <strong>in</strong> Boston) yielded a $90,000 revenue, and year-to-date, the label program run <strong>in</strong>ternally has<br />
yielded $120,000 – and results are com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> still. The 2007 calendar campaign also raised approximately $90,000.<br />
Another tremendous advantage of br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the fundrais<strong>in</strong>g campaign <strong>in</strong>-house is the opportunity to respond to member<br />
suggestions. One example is a letter that requested the calendars show the days on which the Flag should be<br />
flown at half staff. This suggestion was taken and implemented for the 2008 calendar, go<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> November.<br />
Direct Mail<br />
Direct mail campaigns target<strong>in</strong>g former members who have term<strong>in</strong>ated for non-payment of dues with<strong>in</strong> the past three<br />
years and prospect members have yielded some encourag<strong>in</strong>g results. A test piece focus<strong>in</strong>g on health care fee <strong>in</strong>creases<br />
(<strong>in</strong>cluded a piece of gauze and a prescription pad with jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g FRA as the cure) was sent to 10,000 <strong>in</strong>dividuals.<br />
The target return on this piece was two percent. The return rate was slightly over one percent, so the campaign<br />
was altered to be a three piece postcard campaign is be<strong>in</strong>g sent to 50,000 <strong>in</strong>dividuals based on multiple “touches”<br />
and easier to access the <strong>in</strong>formation. The postcards are each sent one week apart and represent loyalty, protection<br />
and service as well as featur<strong>in</strong>g Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps and Coast Guard <strong>in</strong>dividuals. Samples are available at Convention.<br />
That piece is be<strong>in</strong>g sent at the time of this report writ<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>itial campaign results will be available by the end of<br />
the year.<br />
As the set-up cost and the postage are the ma<strong>in</strong> expenses for pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g items such as these postcards, an additional<br />
50,000 pieces of each (150,000 total) were ordered for only $11,000. Those cards are available for branches to use <strong>in</strong><br />
recruit<strong>in</strong>g efforts and <strong>in</strong>dividual direct mail campaigns.<br />
FRAT-6
Additional direct mail campaigns are planned for the late fall and w<strong>in</strong>ter, ty<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the idea of giv<strong>in</strong>g FRA memberships<br />
as gifts for loved ones and support<strong>in</strong>g military service members.<br />
Displays<br />
FRA <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> new lightweight, portable displays for shipp<strong>in</strong>g to branches and <strong>in</strong>dividuals to support the recruit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
efforts and outreach programs. These displays have been very popular as they are easy to transport and set up and<br />
are also very colorful. Additionally, they are affordable ($55 for the small table top and $320 for the largest of the<br />
floor displays) and so many branches are purchas<strong>in</strong>g directly from the manufacturer. Please see samples of these<br />
displays around the Convention halls.<br />
This has been an <strong>in</strong>credibly busy year with many tremendous victories and recruit<strong>in</strong>g challenges which are yet to be<br />
conquered. It is my pleasure to serve <strong>in</strong> this capacity and I thank you personally for the cont<strong>in</strong>ued support.<br />
With best wishes, I rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
EILEEN MURPHY<br />
Director, Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications<br />
FRAT-7
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON<br />
AMERICANISM-PATRIOTISM<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
First of all, I would like to thank NP Jerry L. Sweeney for appo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g me as the National Chairman for the 2007-<br />
2008 <strong>Association</strong> year. He has given me complete support and guidance through the year. I have been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong><br />
our Americanism Essay program for the past fourteen years on both branch and national levels. It has always been a<br />
privilege to be <strong>in</strong>volved with the essay contest. I would like to extend my thanks to the staff at National, especially<br />
Paul Rigby, Alicia Landis, and Jessica Andrews. They were extremely helpful and always very pleasant through all<br />
of my numerous questions, some I am sure were asked more than once. The Regional Chairmen did an excellent job.<br />
Next, the National Committee. Aga<strong>in</strong>, they did an outstand<strong>in</strong>g job, especially with the short turn around time they<br />
had to grade the national w<strong>in</strong>ners. All <strong>in</strong> all, every level of this contest was super.<br />
The total man-hours by branches and regions: 6,205<br />
The total mileage by branches and regions 16,532<br />
The total number of essays received 9,983<br />
More <strong>in</strong>formation will be forthcom<strong>in</strong>g after National reports are judged.<br />
My budget for this year was $43,237.00. I have submitted the same budget for next year. I have spent $37,500.00 on<br />
bonds for the National w<strong>in</strong>ners, $1,400.00 on plaques, $900.00 for posters, cover sheets and contest rules, and<br />
$567.00 for my pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g supplies and postage, leav<strong>in</strong>g approximately $2,462.00 for travel. My expenses are documented.<br />
The National w<strong>in</strong>ners are:<br />
2007 NATIONAL WINNERS<br />
Grade 7 Name Region Branch<br />
First place Mary-Grace R. Reeves Southeast 022<br />
Second place Katelyn Staggs South Central 282<br />
Third place Rebecca Feis West Coast 275<br />
Grade 8<br />
First place Nathan Filipowski East Coast 099<br />
Second place Esther Wong Southeast 147<br />
Third place Christ<strong>in</strong>a Atterbury Northeast 087<br />
Grade 9<br />
First place Emily Diamond Northeast 001<br />
Second place Stephanie Nill North Central 267<br />
Third place Ryan Geary Southeast 269<br />
Grade 10<br />
First place David Herrera Southeast 022<br />
Second place Chandler Bonham South Central 282<br />
Third place Reg<strong>in</strong>a Nappi Northeast 229<br />
Grade 11<br />
First place Lydia Burns South Central 264<br />
Second place Tamiah Liebersbach Northwest 342<br />
Third place Bailey Jenk<strong>in</strong>s Southeast 089<br />
AP-1
Grade 12<br />
First place April Hoffman East Coast 142<br />
Second place Frederic T. Lu Southeast 089<br />
Third place Kasey Girton New England 003<br />
OVERALL WINNER<br />
Grade 9 Emily Diamond Northeast 001<br />
AP-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
RICHARD A. RUIZ<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON<br />
BUDGET AND FINANCE<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates and Guests.<br />
The f<strong>in</strong>ancial policy of the FRA, established by the delegates at the 79th National Convention <strong>in</strong> approv<strong>in</strong>g the 2007<br />
budget, has been followed.<br />
This report covers the activities of the Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee through its 29-30 August 2007 meet<strong>in</strong>g. Present<br />
at the 29-30 August meet<strong>in</strong>g were all committee members, advisors and NP Sweeney. One guest, PRPEC Wilho<br />
I. Tommila, attended a portion of the meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
CASH FLOW: Several times this fiscal year the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, Paul Rigby has had to use our l<strong>in</strong>e of credit at Sun-<br />
Trust Bank to meet current obligations. The loans were paid off after a short period of time but the cash flow issue<br />
will cont<strong>in</strong>ue, and possibly become more severe, simply because we have <strong>in</strong>sufficient monthly <strong>in</strong>come com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
from our two ma<strong>in</strong> sources of <strong>in</strong>come, membership dues and fund rais<strong>in</strong>g programs. Given projections based upon<br />
statistical data it is anticipated that we will have a decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> membership of approximately 3.3%. It is hoped that<br />
membership market<strong>in</strong>g will stop the losses from occurr<strong>in</strong>g. Other <strong>in</strong>come does not come <strong>in</strong> on a monthly basis and<br />
does little to assist <strong>in</strong> the day-to-day expenses.<br />
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO: Honorary Shipmate, Mr. James H. Webb, II, the FRA Investment Advisor, briefed<br />
and discussed the portfolio with the committee at the August meet<strong>in</strong>g. The portfolio is <strong>in</strong> good f<strong>in</strong>ancial shape and<br />
there are no problems to be addressed.<br />
Mr. Webb recommended that we re-allocate 33% of Funds currently <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> the Life Membership Fund, the Restricted<br />
<strong>Reserve</strong> Fund and the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund to the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately Managed Portfolio.<br />
This Committee agreed with the recommendation of Mr. Webb and NBR 47-07 has taken that action.<br />
Our Investment Advisor further recommended that an <strong>in</strong>vestment policy be established to diversify the Special Program<br />
<strong>Reserve</strong> Fund accord<strong>in</strong>g to an asset allocation of 50% <strong>in</strong> Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 25% <strong>in</strong><br />
the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately managed Portfolios and 25% <strong>in</strong> American Funds. This Committee agreed with the<br />
recommendation of Mr. Webb and NBR 48-08 has taken that action.<br />
Mr. Webb will update the “Investment Policy” statements of the above funds consistent with the objectives set forth<br />
by the FRA.<br />
FRA COUNSEL: Mr. David P. Goch, Esq. reviewed with the committee their fiduciary responsibilities.<br />
The Committee further discussed with Mr. Goch his e-mail of 14 August 2007 to FRA F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, Mr. Rigby<br />
(Subject: FRA: KVI/Marsh Aff<strong>in</strong>ity Agreement.) This e-mail is attached as Enclosure (1) to this report. In discussion<br />
Mr. Goch advised that the agreement def<strong>in</strong>es the FRA as the “Master Policy Holder” and the participants as the<br />
“Certificate Holders.”<br />
MARSH AFFINITY GROUP SERVICES – FRA ENDORSED INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Mr. Robert Nolan gave<br />
a visual presentation of the relationship between the FRA and Marsh.<br />
Mr. Nolan also discussed Premium Stabilization Fund (PSF) Components and the “Unassigned PSF <strong>Reserve</strong>s.” An<br />
e-mail from Mr. Nolan to NES Barnes is attached as Enclosure (2). In it, Mr. Nolan states that the FRA is the “Master<br />
Policy Holder” and the FRA owns the excess moneys generated by the program. He also suggests that us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
those moneys to generate new membership is one really good use to protect the health of the association and the<br />
health of the plans.<br />
B&F-1
STAFF BRIEFING: NES Barnes gave us an overview on the composition of the staff. Currently we have 17 fulltime<br />
staff plus the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer. There are currently two part-time employees and effective 1 September 2007 we<br />
will add a new part-time position of Scholarship Program Coord<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
AUDIT: The NBOD received the 2006 audit <strong>in</strong> NBR 40-07. There were only m<strong>in</strong>or issues that will be reviewed and,<br />
if needed, addressed by the NES and FO.<br />
The NBOD by NBR 41-07 designated the firm of Frye and Wolcott, CPAs, once aga<strong>in</strong>, to conduct the annual audit<br />
of the books and accounts of the <strong>Association</strong> for the fiscal year 2007 (1 Jan 07-31 Dec 07.)<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the FY2006 Audit a new Auditor, Kyle Logue, was added to FRA’s Audit Team by Frye & Wolcott and provided<br />
expanded depth <strong>in</strong> terms of audit tests and enhanced objectivity with regard to their op<strong>in</strong>ions.<br />
Mark Frye, a Senior Partner, with Frye and Wolcott, has historical and <strong>in</strong>valuable knowledge of the composition of<br />
FRA’s books, particularly the complexities of the exempt and non-exempt structure of FRA’s funds as well as the<br />
detailed track<strong>in</strong>g associated with expanded IRS requirements.<br />
LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND: The Life Membership Fund is still well funded. C&BL Resolution No. 4 recommends<br />
a change to <strong>in</strong>sure that monies from the MALs are transferred to the General Fund on an annual basis. This will <strong>in</strong>sure<br />
that all monies from the Life Membership Fund are properly transferred to the General Fund. It is anticipated<br />
that those funds will be transferred <strong>in</strong> the first quarter of each fiscal year.<br />
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS: Ms Eileen Murphy, Director of Market<strong>in</strong>g and Communications gave<br />
a brief<strong>in</strong>g on FRA market<strong>in</strong>g. The problem of sufficient funds to market is be<strong>in</strong>g addressed by the Committee and it<br />
is anticipated that there will be a significant improvement <strong>in</strong> market<strong>in</strong>g fund<strong>in</strong>g. Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the fund rais<strong>in</strong>g “<strong>in</strong> house”<br />
has been highly successful. As of 28 August 2007 the Calendar Program has generated a net profit of $87,477 and<br />
the Address Labels has a net profit of $74,877. There was an error <strong>in</strong> some of the labels orig<strong>in</strong>ally mailed. The pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />
company corrected the error and re-mailed those labels at no cost to the FRA. To date the FRA hat promotion<br />
has not generated sufficient funds to show a profit (help out-buy a hat.)<br />
OVER-EXPENDITURES: The Committee approved an over-expenditure of $5,000 for Real Estate Taxes. No other<br />
over-expenditures are anticipated at this time.<br />
RESOLUTIONS BEFORE THE NATIONAL CONVENTION: The Committee reviewed a resolution that will come<br />
before the national convention that will need to be reviewed and recommendations made by the National Convention<br />
Committee. Reviewed was C&BL Resolution No. 2 (Dues Increase.) A recommendation will be made to the delegates<br />
at the convention.<br />
BUDGET REVIEW: The 2008 Proposed Budget was reviewed and discussed. The follow<strong>in</strong>g actions were taken:<br />
1. The Committee unanimously voted to move $494,621 from the Budget <strong>Reserve</strong> to the General Fund for<br />
immediate use. The delegates at the 2006 convention approved the budget and no further action need be<br />
taken. The balance of $83,104 will be placed <strong>in</strong> a budget reserve money market fund for use on the Estimated<br />
Income page, L<strong>in</strong>e 6 <strong>in</strong> the 2008 budget.<br />
2. Unanimously voted to take $893,820 from the experience reserve money market and add to 2008 Estimate<br />
Income, L<strong>in</strong>e 10.<br />
3. Unanimously voted to provide a 10% premium credit to Certificate Holders payable <strong>in</strong> 2008.<br />
4. Unanimously voted to take approximately $323,540 from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal to provide the<br />
10% premium credit for 2007 certificate holders payable <strong>in</strong> 2008.<br />
5. Consideration was given <strong>in</strong> the 2008 budget to the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g requirement to keep NHQ equipment (computers,<br />
copiers, etc.) <strong>in</strong> optimal operat<strong>in</strong>g condition and replac<strong>in</strong>g and updat<strong>in</strong>g as necessary.<br />
B&F-2
6. The proposed 2008 budget has a shortfall of $108,379 at the conclusion of the 29-30 August meet<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
entire budget will be reviewed and worked aga<strong>in</strong> with more complete <strong>in</strong>formation at the national convention.<br />
It is anticipated that the shortfall will be elim<strong>in</strong>ated or reduced to a manageable number.<br />
In accordance with FRA C&BL, Article 8, Section 811(c), the proposed budget was promulgated to the NBOD<br />
with<strong>in</strong> 30 days of the 80th National Convention. Copies were provided to the B&F Committee members and advisors<br />
for review and remedial action. It was also made available to any Shipmate who requests a copy.<br />
GENERAL COMMENTS:<br />
1. Out of the $7,000 allocated to the National President for his trip to overseas Pacific branches he returned<br />
$2,830.72 to the General Fund. This was possible because of the generosity of some Philipp<strong>in</strong>e branches<br />
that paid for his airfare while travel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. The B&F Committee thanks those branches for<br />
their generous contribution.<br />
2. The NBOD has recommended by NBR 35-07 to renegotiation of agreement with Marsh commenc<strong>in</strong>g 1<br />
January 2008 and that successive NBODs evaluate proposals from other <strong>in</strong>surance broker firms dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
next three year contract period.<br />
3. The Headquarters staff was always available to answer questions and assist the committee <strong>in</strong> its work. The<br />
NES and the FO have been <strong>in</strong> regular contact with this Chairman on all matters of <strong>in</strong>terest to the B&F<br />
Committee. All reports, matters of <strong>in</strong>terest and questions posed have been answered <strong>in</strong> an expeditious manner.<br />
I wish to thank the members of the Committee and our Advisors for their thoughtful and timely responses to all<br />
budget issues: John W. Davis, Branch 44; PRPNW Ramona Greman, Branch 46; PNP William E. Combs, Branch 5;<br />
PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore, Branch 22 and PNP Richard B. Smith, Branch 70; NES Joseph L. Barnes, Branch 181; FO<br />
Paul Rigby; and, NVP Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Branch 275. Shipmates Greman and Kilgore will be complet<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
terms on the Committee and I wish them well <strong>in</strong> their future FRA endeavors. Their contributions to the Committee<br />
were valuable and much appreciated.<br />
I would also like to thank NP Jerry for hav<strong>in</strong>g the confidence <strong>in</strong> appo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g me as chairman to this important committee.<br />
All <strong>in</strong>quires and national correspondence was responded to <strong>in</strong> a timely manner and all funds received from the FRA<br />
were expended on <strong>Association</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
I respectfully move that this report be received. For the Committee.<br />
B&F-3<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
RALPH A. SCHMIDT<br />
Chairman
Enclosure (1)<br />
>>> "David P. Goch" 8/14/2007 4:34 PM >>><br />
Gentlepeople:<br />
You have asked for an op<strong>in</strong>ion as to whether the royalties paid to the FRA under the KVI Agreement dated 1996 and<br />
its subsequent amendment with Marsh, dated December 2004, is restricted <strong>in</strong> its use by the FRA or the funds should<br />
somehow be redistributed to the membership.<br />
Clearly under the agreement there is NO restriction as to FRA’s use of the money. The agreement’s payment provision<br />
is a l<strong>in</strong>ear statement of FRA be<strong>in</strong>g paid for licens<strong>in</strong>g use of its <strong>in</strong>tellectual property (trademark, service marks,<br />
name). As an aside, this is a very common arrangement between tax-exempt organizations and for-profit companies<br />
that desire to have the market<strong>in</strong>g access to the organization’s membership.<br />
Thus, the agreement does not limit the FRA's use (or non-use of the money if it wishes to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the amounts <strong>in</strong><br />
reserve).<br />
The only restriction placed on FRA for the royalty’s use, which is not conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the agreement but is explicit <strong>in</strong><br />
the US tax code, is that the money raised must be used to further the organization’s tax exempt purpose. However,<br />
this is generally <strong>in</strong>terpreted broadly so that the list of activities that fulfill it greatly exceeds the list of th<strong>in</strong>gs FRA<br />
could not do (e.g., the money can be used for: FRA rent, utilities, salaries, outsourced professional services, pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
organizational travel, fund<strong>in</strong>g staff pensions, Board meet<strong>in</strong>gs, Committee meet<strong>in</strong>g, office upkeep [pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g the build<strong>in</strong>g],<br />
placed <strong>in</strong> a sav<strong>in</strong>gs account, pay<strong>in</strong>g off outstand<strong>in</strong>g debt, etc.). The forego<strong>in</strong>g list is barely a beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
possible uses. Suffice it to say, that as the staff is directed by the FRA budget, or the FRA Board decides to use the<br />
money, it can be used.<br />
However, one of the ways the money could not be used is to be returned to the membership <strong>in</strong> a direct pay back.<br />
Please let me know if you have any questions regard<strong>in</strong>g the forego<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Dave<br />
B&F-4
Enclosure (2)<br />
>>> 8/23/2007 8:48 AM >>><br />
Joe,<br />
There are two different term<strong>in</strong>ologies on Retention Exhibits (obviously when that piece of bus<strong>in</strong>ess is on retention<br />
such as yours you have a Retention Exhibit):<br />
PSF - Premium Stabilization Fund, and<br />
CSR - Claims Stabilization <strong>Reserve</strong>.<br />
They both mean the same th<strong>in</strong>g and Hartford exhibits normally always say PSF while New York Life exhibits normally<br />
always say CSR. I have worked our largest account as well as Hartford's largest account (MOAA for almost<br />
14 years) and worked our largest eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g account as well as New York Life's largest account (IEEE) for five<br />
years. While the spreadsheets for end of year account<strong>in</strong>g may be set up slightly differently with slightly different<br />
term<strong>in</strong>ology, the cash flow through the exhibits is typically just about the same.<br />
I would be happy to sit down with you and/or Paul and go through the f<strong>in</strong>ancial exhibit so we all have the same understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of it. I will change the slide for the presentation to reflect unassigned PSF <strong>Reserve</strong>s. MiliCare Plus plans<br />
are on retention which means two th<strong>in</strong>gs:<br />
(1) You/FRA are the master policyholder, and<br />
(2) You/FRA own the excess moneys generated by the program. Us<strong>in</strong>g those moneys to generate new membership is<br />
one really good use to protect the health of the association and the health of the plans.<br />
Yell if you need me.<br />
Bob<br />
B&F-5
Shipmate National President,<br />
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON<br />
CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
The delegates to the National Convention, <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>, tasked this committee with review<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
proposed rewrite of the Constitution and Bylaws, and the proposed Policy and Procedure Manual. The convention<br />
committee had many questions on authorizations and stand<strong>in</strong>g rules, and where they should be placed.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the year, this committee worked extremely hard on this project, and recommended several changes to both<br />
manuals. The new package has been forwarded to the Branches <strong>in</strong> plenty of time for review and discussion at the<br />
National Convention <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
The committee is <strong>in</strong> receipt of n<strong>in</strong>eteen (19) resolutions to be acted on at the 80th National Convention. Eight (8)<br />
were referred to the Convention Committee on Honorary Membership and Certificate of Merit for presentation to the<br />
delegates. Five (5) were referred to other committees for recommendation and return to the Convention Committee<br />
on Constitution, bylaws, and Resolutions.<br />
Shipmate National President, this has been a truly busy and reward<strong>in</strong>g year. I thank you for the opportunity to serve<br />
our shipmates.<br />
I am grateful to the members of this committee for their hard work and timely advice.<br />
Shipmate National Executive Secretary Barnes, Director, Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, Alicia Landis, and the staff of our National<br />
Headquarters were <strong>in</strong>valuable <strong>in</strong> aid<strong>in</strong>g our efforts this year, and this committee thanks them.<br />
All monies advanced to me have been spent on FRA bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
CBL&R-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
GEORGE P. HYLAND<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON<br />
EMPLOYEES PENSION<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
In accordance with the FRA’s Constitution, Bylaws and Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules, Article 8, Section 810 (b), the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
report is submitted.<br />
FISCAL STATUS OF THE PLAN<br />
As of 31 July 2007, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Portfolio Evaluation of Capital F<strong>in</strong>ancial LLC, Investment Advisor to the Plan,<br />
the assets of the Plan had a market value of $2,261,003.<br />
ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION REQUIRED FROM THE ASSOCIATION<br />
As stated <strong>in</strong> the actuary’s report, no contribution is required, nor is it recommended, for Plan years 2006 and 2007 as<br />
the Plan is currently over funded on a current liability basis.<br />
1. Def<strong>in</strong>ed Benefit Pension Plan.<br />
ESTIMATED FUNDING FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2007<br />
Actuary Expenses $ 7,000 (any excess to be paid out of the plan)<br />
Amendments $ 3,000<br />
Legal Expenses $ 4,000<br />
Cont<strong>in</strong>gent Expenses $ 1,500<br />
2. Section 401(k) Plan.<br />
Annual Plan Adm<strong>in</strong>istration $ 1,100<br />
Annual Participants Fees $ 375<br />
Total Requested $16,975<br />
LAWSUIT STATUS<br />
The lawsuit <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the Plan has now moved through the Summary Judgment phase. The judge awarded Summary<br />
Judgment to the Pla<strong>in</strong>tiffs on the issue of Scriveners Error. This means that the Pension Plan would have to pay the<br />
Pla<strong>in</strong>tiffs the additional amounts, plus some <strong>in</strong>terest. On the other three issues, the Judge has given us, the Defendants,<br />
Summary Judgment. Initially, the judge has denied attorneys fees to the Pla<strong>in</strong>tiffs. The Plan has filed an Appeal<br />
regard<strong>in</strong>g the Scriveners Error’s defense, and the Pla<strong>in</strong>tiffs have filed an Appeal for attorney’s fees. Perhaps the<br />
entire lawsuit can be f<strong>in</strong>ished <strong>in</strong> calendar year 2008.<br />
MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYEE PENSIONS<br />
The Committee conducted its Quarterly Telephone Conference Call for the first quarter of calendar year 2007 at<br />
1430 EST on 19 January 2007. The meet<strong>in</strong>g was tape recorded. The Committee held its Annual <strong>in</strong> Person meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for calendar year 2007 on 15 May 2007 at the FRA National Headquarters. This meet<strong>in</strong>g also was tape recorded.<br />
M<strong>in</strong>utes, tapes, record<strong>in</strong>gs, etc. are <strong>in</strong> the files of the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer. The committee made two recommendations to<br />
the National Board of Directors dur<strong>in</strong>g their midyear meet<strong>in</strong>g. The committee recommended the approval of a<br />
change <strong>in</strong> the Custodian of the Plan from SunTrust and M&T Bank be appo<strong>in</strong>ted to be the new Custodian. The<br />
Amendment was approved by the National Board of Directors. This approval was assigned NBR 30-07. The committee<br />
also recommended that the National Board of Directors authorize the addition of a Roth provision to the Section<br />
401-k Plan. This recommendation also was approved and was assigned NBR 31-07.<br />
EP-1
All meet<strong>in</strong>gs of the committee <strong>in</strong>clude the follow<strong>in</strong>g agenda. 1) Receive, review and approve all Plan correspondence<br />
and reports generated by the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g any distributions from the Plan assets. 2) Receive the<br />
report of the Consult<strong>in</strong>g Actuary. 3) Review the need, if any, for amendments to the Plan. 4) Receive the report of<br />
the Investment Advisor. 5) Review the budget for expenses to be paid from the Plan assets. 6) Review any compliance<br />
matters that may have arisen. 7) Discuss tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g materials. The Consult<strong>in</strong>g Actuary, the Investment Advisor,<br />
and FRA Counsel participate <strong>in</strong> each meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
The report of the 79th National Convention Committee on Employee Pension Plans conta<strong>in</strong>ed certa<strong>in</strong> recommendations<br />
for the stand<strong>in</strong>g National Committee.<br />
1. That the National Committee on Employee Pension Plans for 2006/2007 cont<strong>in</strong>ue the <strong>in</strong>vestigative process <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
<strong>in</strong> the potential term<strong>in</strong>ation of the Employees Def<strong>in</strong>ed Benefit Pension Plan and submit resolutions as appropriate<br />
to the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
2. That the National Committee on Employees Pension Plans for 2006/2007 review Section 819 of the C&BL, FRA<br />
and submit resolutions, as appropriate, to br<strong>in</strong>g the language of Section 819 <strong>in</strong> consonance with the language of the<br />
exist<strong>in</strong>g pension plans with such resolutions be<strong>in</strong>g considered by the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention<br />
<strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
In view of the process of the lawsuit, the committee has taken no action on these two recommendations.<br />
The National Committee on Employee Pensions has appo<strong>in</strong>ted PRPNW Noel W. Bragg as the Plan Adm<strong>in</strong>istrator.<br />
The appo<strong>in</strong>tment was ratified by the National Board of Directors dur<strong>in</strong>g the post convention meet<strong>in</strong>g held <strong>in</strong><br />
Oconomowoc, WI. Any questions, comments, compla<strong>in</strong>ts, etc. should be directed to PRPNW Bragg, <strong>in</strong>formation to<br />
the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, via the follow<strong>in</strong>g, telephone 800-915-0052, direct email hometax@pixi.com, and regular mail<strong>in</strong>g<br />
address 900 Fort Street Mall #503, Honolulu HI 96813.<br />
EP-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
NOEL W. BRAGG<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE<br />
ON FRA BUILDING<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, delegates and shipmates, it has been a very<br />
busy year <strong>in</strong> regards to the NHQ Build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The Donors’ plaque still awaits <strong>in</strong>stallation as we are wait<strong>in</strong>g for the names from the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer which will be<br />
displayed on the plaque.<br />
In February, melt<strong>in</strong>g snow and erosion caused areas of the roof to leak water <strong>in</strong>to the build<strong>in</strong>g. The flood<strong>in</strong>g caused<br />
damage to several walls with<strong>in</strong> the build<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>advertently set off the build<strong>in</strong>g fire alarm. Insurance covered<br />
cleanup and repairs to the walls, roof and fire alarm system. I am here to report that the current roof is sound and we<br />
have had no further problems.<br />
This past year, FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) took custody of a model of the battleship “USS Arizona.” This<br />
model was previously on display at the memorial located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The <strong>Association</strong> was very <strong>in</strong>strumental<br />
<strong>in</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g the orig<strong>in</strong>al model’s construction <strong>in</strong> 1967. A display case was constructed and additional renovations<br />
were made <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stallation of new carpet<strong>in</strong>g and pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g to the first floor lobby area <strong>in</strong> preparations for<br />
showcas<strong>in</strong>g the newest addition to NHQ. The National President formally dedicated the model dur<strong>in</strong>g the mid-year<br />
Board of Directors meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> May. A majority of the costs associated with these renovations were paid for by a<br />
contribution made to the FRA by the estate of Emanuel Fox, a deceased Shipmate.<br />
As the membership is aware, NHQ now houses not only the membership database for the FRA but also the LAFRA.<br />
The servers are located with<strong>in</strong> the NHQ build<strong>in</strong>g. Until the addition of the new servers, the air-handl<strong>in</strong>g requirements<br />
for the computer room were sufficient. But, the additional equipment <strong>in</strong> the room, along with extreme temperatures<br />
caused by summer heat<strong>in</strong>g, placed an urgent need to address provid<strong>in</strong>g sufficient cool<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this area to<br />
protect vital equipment and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> operations. By an emergency approval of the National Board of Directors<br />
(NBOD), CSI Mechanical, our Heat<strong>in</strong>g, Ventilation and Air Condition<strong>in</strong>g (HVAC) contractor, <strong>in</strong>stalled an <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />
air-handl<strong>in</strong>g unit for the room. The new unit is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a constant temperature for the area, and servers<br />
are work<strong>in</strong>g at optimum capacity.<br />
Access to and security of the build<strong>in</strong>g was also an immediate issue which needed to be addressed. The entrance access<br />
system and alarm panel were outdated and needed to be upgraded because of the concern with the database security<br />
at NHQ. The build<strong>in</strong>g committee had recommended to budget for a partial upgrade to the system, but upon<br />
attempt<strong>in</strong>g to make the repairs, it was determ<strong>in</strong>ed that the entire system needed to be replaced. An NBOD resolution<br />
permitted for the emergency purchase of the new access and security system, and everyth<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong>stalled and is function<strong>in</strong>g<br />
properly.<br />
The office pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g project is <strong>in</strong> its second phase towards completion. Offices on the third floor have been pa<strong>in</strong>ted.<br />
We will cont<strong>in</strong>ue the project next year with offices on the first floor. George Betsko is the pa<strong>in</strong>ter who has been handl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this project and other pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g needs for NHQ. He came well recommended to the <strong>Association</strong> and has been<br />
very flexible with schedul<strong>in</strong>g to complete this project on time and under budget.<br />
Broken seals on two w<strong>in</strong>dow panes located on the third floor necessitated their replacement.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the year, the committee <strong>in</strong>stalled several fluorescent light ballasts, ceil<strong>in</strong>g tiles, batteries and other m<strong>in</strong>or repairs<br />
throughout the build<strong>in</strong>g, sav<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Association</strong> several hundred dollars.<br />
The committee chairman was questioned by the Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee on cost estimates for replac<strong>in</strong>g carpet<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
which was <strong>in</strong>itially <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong> 1998, and replac<strong>in</strong>g ceil<strong>in</strong>g tiles throughout the build<strong>in</strong>g. These costs estimates<br />
will be presented to the membership dur<strong>in</strong>g my f<strong>in</strong>al report to the National Convention.<br />
Shipmate National President, overall, the build<strong>in</strong>g is sound, thanks to the efforts of the NHQ staff.<br />
BLDG-1
I wish to conclude my report by thank<strong>in</strong>g the committee members, and the advisory members, PRPEC Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
and Shipmate V<strong>in</strong>cent Cuthie. I also want to thank Shipmates NES Joe Barnes, Ed Dockery, FO Paul Rigby,<br />
Eileen Murphy, Alicia Landis, Beth Wilson and the rest of the NHQ staff for all of their help, advice and counsel<br />
which they provided to the committee throughout the year.<br />
Shipmate National President, it has been an honor and privilege to serve you and all of my Shipmates. All money<br />
allocated to the Committee on FRA Build<strong>in</strong>g has been spent on FRA bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
BLDG-2<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
CHRISTOPHER J. SLAWSINSKI<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE<br />
ON HOSPITALS, WELFARE, AND REHABILITATION<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National officers and shipmates.<br />
The Stand<strong>in</strong>g Committee is composed of:<br />
Chairman: RPWC-Elect Lee M. Hollowell, Jr., Branch 281, Lake Shasta, CA<br />
Members: RPNEng-Elect William J. Waite, Branch 156 Brunswick, ME<br />
Robert M. Burness, Branch 13, Atlantic City, NJ<br />
Thomas De Byl, Branch 142, Frederick, MD<br />
Lee B. Downs, Branch 144, Leehigh Acres, FL<br />
John W. Dymond, Branch 14, Milwaukee, WI<br />
Leon R. Perk<strong>in</strong>s, Branch 371, Baton Rouge, LA<br />
Walter De Felice, Jr., Branch 9, San Diego, CA<br />
Charles M. Watk<strong>in</strong>s, Branch 244, Grand Junction, CO<br />
Vernon N. Fraser, Branch 198. Bend, OR<br />
Advisors: PRPSE John R. Mefford, Branch 30, Brunswick, GA<br />
PRPWC Gary C. Blackburn, Branch 8, Vallejo, CA<br />
The f<strong>in</strong>al work of this committee will be accomplished at the 80th National Convention when we will review the<br />
regional submissions and recommend branches <strong>in</strong> each membership group to the delegates for national recognition.<br />
A “Shipmate of the Year” will also be recommended to the delegates for approval.<br />
All funds received from the FRA for travel and expenses were/will be expended on FRA bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Shipmate National President, it has <strong>in</strong>deed been an honor and privilege to serve you and the FRA as Chairman of the<br />
Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation Committee.<br />
HW&R-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
LEE M. HOLLOWELL, JR.<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE<br />
ON LEGISLATIVE SERVICE<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
MEMBERS<br />
The National Committee on Legislative Service is comprised of the Chairman: NES Joseph Barnes, Branch 181;<br />
Members: PRPWC Thomas Ford, Branch 261; PRPSC Dwight Thompson, Branch 159; JrPRPNC Donald L. Gage,<br />
Branch 161; Ron Kruse, Branch 137; PRPEC Les Zavadil, Branch 204; and Shipmate Mark Allen, Branch 182; Advisors:<br />
PRPEC Robert Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Branch 181; MCPON-10 Terry Scott, Member-at-Large; MCPOCG-7 Rick<br />
Trent, Member-at-Large; and DLP John R. Davis, Branch 181.<br />
LEGISLATIVE TEAM<br />
In addition to myself, the <strong>Association</strong>’s Legislative Team <strong>in</strong>cludes John R. Davis, Director Legislative Programs;<br />
Edward Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs; Christopher Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski assists on VA related issues and<br />
Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton assists on health care issues.<br />
MEETING<br />
The National Committee on Legislative Service (NCLS) met via telephone conference call orig<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g at FRA Headquarters<br />
on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 at 1500 (EDT).<br />
Members participat<strong>in</strong>g were Chairman: NES Joe Barnes, Branch 181; Member: PRPEC Les Zavadil, Branch 204;<br />
Advisors: MCPON-10 Terry Scott, Member-at-Large; MCPOG-7 Rick Trent, Member-at-Large; DMD John Davis,<br />
Branch 181; ADLP Ed Dockery, Branch 181; NVSO Chris Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski, Branch 181; and DMD Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton,<br />
Branch 181. Shipmates PRPNC Donald Gage, Branch 161; Mark Allen, Branch 182; and PRPWC Thomas Ford,<br />
Branch 261 advised of conflicts and did not participate along with PRPSC Dwight W. Thompson, Branch 159 and<br />
Shipmate Ron Kruse, Branch 137.<br />
The agenda for the meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cluded discussions on health care, legislative responses to the Walter Reed scandal,<br />
SBP reform and other survivor benefit enhancements, concurrent receipt, Veterans Disability Benefits Commission,<br />
USFSPA, <strong>Reserve</strong> issues, commissary and MWR issues, VAVS program, usage of Capitol Advantage service via<br />
Cap Wiz, and nom<strong>in</strong>ations for the 2008 P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award.<br />
DLP John Davis briefed shipmates on proposed criteria for the P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award which was distributed to the Committee.<br />
Nom<strong>in</strong>ees for the 2008 P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award were solicited and none were proposed. Hav<strong>in</strong>g met all the criteria<br />
Rep. Vic Snyder was nom<strong>in</strong>ated by NES Joe Barnes. He is from Arkansas, and a member of the House Armed Service<br />
Committee. The proposal was unanimously approved.<br />
The proposed 2008 FRA Agenda was presented by DLP Davis. Follow<strong>in</strong>g discussion the agenda was approved by<br />
unanimously. (Attached).<br />
CONTINUING LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS<br />
The <strong>Association</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s a significant presence on Capitol Hill and the Legislative Team reports another successful<br />
year <strong>in</strong> implement<strong>in</strong>g FRA’s Legislative Agenda. At FRA’s, request Congressman Walter Jones <strong>in</strong>troduced “The<br />
Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act, H.R. 657, and Rep. Thelma Drake <strong>in</strong>troduced “The Military Retiree Dislocation<br />
Assistance Act, H.R. 2996. Both of these proposals are part of FRA’s 2007 Legislative Agenda. The <strong>Association</strong>’s<br />
testimony was also presented or submitted by team members to Congressional panels <strong>in</strong> 2007 and FRA is recognized<br />
as the lead<strong>in</strong>g enlisted organization <strong>in</strong> The Military Coalition, which is comprised of 35 military and veterans<br />
organizations.<br />
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FRA NP Jerry L. Sweeney testified before a jo<strong>in</strong>t meet<strong>in</strong>g of the House and Senate House Veterans Affairs Committees<br />
to express the deep concern of FRA members on the care of our wounded warriors and other veteran issues.<br />
NES Joe Barnes testified before the House Armed Services Committee Personnel Subcommittee to express FRA’s<br />
legislative agenda and DLP John Davis testified before the House MilCon/VA Appropriations Subcommittee on<br />
veterans issues and adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the VA, and the Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee<br />
on fund<strong>in</strong>g the DoD budget In addition NES Joe Barnes presented FRA’s legislative agenda and legislative process<br />
overview to the Navy/Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Retiree Council and DLP John Davis provided a legislative brief<strong>in</strong>g to the US<br />
Coast Guard Retiree Council.<br />
Further NES Joe Barnes testified before the DoD Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care express<strong>in</strong>g<br />
FRA’s concerns on health care issues, DLP John Davis testified before the Mental Health Task Force on mental<br />
health issues and testified before the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission on concurrent receipt reform. FRA<br />
legislative testimony can be found on the FRA website (www.FRA.org) under the “legislative” tab and is available<br />
<strong>in</strong> the “Legislative Agenda” by subject matter.<br />
FRA is also represented <strong>in</strong> extensive Congressional testimony and correspondence by The Military Coalition (TMC)<br />
on a broad range of personnel issues <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g health care issues, DoD compensation, MGIB reform, and Veterans<br />
issues, and <strong>Reserve</strong> benefits.<br />
Legislative Team members attend hear<strong>in</strong>gs, brief<strong>in</strong>gs and special events; they’ve had dozens of meet<strong>in</strong>gs with members<br />
of the House and Senate and Congressional staff; spearheaded lobby<strong>in</strong>g efforts; <strong>in</strong>creased correspondence; and<br />
researched, written and submitted testimony regard<strong>in</strong>g the Defense budget, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)<br />
budget, oppos<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE health care fee <strong>in</strong>creases, military construction, and Impact Aid.<br />
Significant legislative achievements so far this legislative year <strong>in</strong>clude block<strong>in</strong>g the TRICARE enrollment fee <strong>in</strong>creases,<br />
stopp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> the TRICARE pharmacy retail co-pays, support for full pay <strong>in</strong>creases for active duty<br />
and selected <strong>Reserve</strong> personnel ½ percent above the Employment Cost Index (ECI), fund<strong>in</strong>g for DoD health care,<br />
and obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a VA budget that is $6.7 billion above the FY 2007 level, the largest annual <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> the DVA’s 77<br />
year history. Further, the House version of the FY 2008 NDAA requires pay <strong>in</strong>creases ½ percent above the ECI for<br />
FY 2009-FY2012. In addition, FRA successfully supported concurrent receipt improvements <strong>in</strong> both the House and<br />
Senate. The House provision expands Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for personnel with fewer than<br />
20 years but more than 15 years of service with 60 percent or greater disability rat<strong>in</strong>g beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g 1 October 2007. The<br />
Senate provision expands CRSC to <strong>in</strong>clude medical retirees with less than 20 years of service. Currently CRSC is<br />
provided only to service members with 20 or more years of service. FRA supports a Senate floor amendment to the<br />
Senate NDAA (H. R. 1585) to shift the effective date for paid up coverage for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) from<br />
1 October 2008 to 1 October 2007 for those who have paid 30 or more years and have obta<strong>in</strong>ed the age of 70. Further,<br />
FRA supported <strong>in</strong>creased oversight and restructur<strong>in</strong>g of leadership at the Armed Forces Retirement Home<br />
(AFRH).<br />
Other important FRA supported legislation <strong>in</strong>cludes, “The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act (H.R.<br />
1538) sponsored by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Ike Skelton (MO) that is <strong>in</strong> response media<br />
revelations about conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). The legislation passed both chambers<br />
but was extensively amended <strong>in</strong> the Senate. House and Senate versions of the bill have some similarities but also<br />
many differences, creat<strong>in</strong>g some uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty about the f<strong>in</strong>al content of the bill that will be agreed to <strong>in</strong> a conference<br />
committee appo<strong>in</strong>ted to resolve the differences between the two chambers’ bills.<br />
The <strong>Association</strong> views the media revelations about conditions at WRAMC with deep concern and believes that DoD<br />
and the VA must work together to more effectively ensure a seamless transition from DoD to care <strong>in</strong> the VA health<br />
care system. In response to the situation the White House and Pentagon created eight overlapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigations,<br />
commissions, task forces, and study groups. The FRA Legislative Team closely monitored the work of these panels<br />
and provided <strong>in</strong>put to the key panels <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g the scandal that <strong>in</strong>clude the President’s Commission for Wounded<br />
Warriors Issues, the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, Government Account<strong>in</strong>g Office (GAO), Task Force<br />
on Return<strong>in</strong>g Global War on Terror Heroes, and the Independent Review Group (IRG). Several panels have already<br />
issued f<strong>in</strong>al reports with a common theme stress<strong>in</strong>g the need for more resources, reform and simplification of the<br />
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disability rat<strong>in</strong>g system overwhelmed by the demands produced by OIF/OEF. The NVSO report conta<strong>in</strong>s additional<br />
details on the work of these panels and commissions.<br />
Other FRA agenda issues <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> the 110th Congress <strong>in</strong>clude legislation to <strong>in</strong>crease USMC end strengths, an<br />
open enrollment period for the Montgomery GI Bill for certa<strong>in</strong> military personnel, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g from one to two POVs<br />
shipped to US territories for active duty, expand<strong>in</strong>g retiree access to VA health care system, reserve benefit enhancements,<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased appropriations for barracks and family hous<strong>in</strong>g construction, and supplemental Impact Aid<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g. Additionally, the <strong>Association</strong> is cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g its pursuit of reform of the USFSPA, <strong>in</strong> both the legislative and<br />
judicial arenas. (Additional details are provided <strong>in</strong> the enclosed 2007 Legislative Agenda Update.)<br />
FRA supported amendment to the Senate version of the Defense Authorization sponsored by Senator James Inhofe<br />
(OK), to allow service members and veterans out of uniform the option of salut<strong>in</strong>g the flag dur<strong>in</strong>g hoist<strong>in</strong>g, lower<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
pass<strong>in</strong>g, or dur<strong>in</strong>g the play<strong>in</strong>g of the National Anthem and a provision <strong>in</strong> the House legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the name of the Secretary of the Navy to Secretary of the Navy and Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps.<br />
FRA HILL VISITS<br />
FRA’s fourth annual “Storm the Hill” event was a huge success with the members of FRA National Board of Directors,<br />
Regional Vice Presidents, and the FRA Ladies Auxiliary National Board of Directors, participat<strong>in</strong>g. They visited<br />
their Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill <strong>in</strong> mid-May. In the nearly 40 meet<strong>in</strong>gs that took place that<br />
day, Shipmates and Ladies discussed FRA’s opposition to TRICARE fee <strong>in</strong>creases proposed for under-65 retirees<br />
and the <strong>Association</strong>’s support for advanc<strong>in</strong>g the implementation date (from 1 Oct. 2008 to 1 Oct. 2007) of paid-up<br />
status for Survivor Benefit Plans (SBP) participants who’ve paid <strong>in</strong>to the program for 30 years and reached the age<br />
of 70. Each member of Congress received an FRA po<strong>in</strong>t paper outl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g FRA’s position on these important issues,<br />
and the <strong>Association</strong>’s full legislative agenda.<br />
The Hill visits <strong>in</strong>cluded meet<strong>in</strong>gs with the follow<strong>in</strong>g Senators or key staff: John Warner (VA), Arlen Specter (PA),<br />
Elizabeth Dole (NC), Barbara Boxer (CA), Dianne Fe<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong> (CA), Christopher Bond (MO), Susan Coll<strong>in</strong>s (ME),<br />
Daniel Akaka (HI), Daniel Inouye (HI), Herbert Kohl (WI), Olympia Snowe (ME), Robert Casey (PA), Russ Fe<strong>in</strong>gold<br />
(WI), Claire McCaskill (MO), James Webb (VA), and Richard Burr (NC). In addition they met with the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Representatives or their key staff: John Doolittle (CA), Rick Larsen (WA), Jon Porter (NV), Jo Ann Davis (VA),<br />
Roy Blunt (MO), Bob Filner (CA), Michael Honda (CA), Paul Kanjorski (WI), Neil Abercrombie (HI), Thomas Allen<br />
(ME), Paul Kanjorski (PA), Dave Camp (MI), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Gabrielle Giffords (AZ), Marion Berry ( AR),<br />
Gene Green (TX) Jack K<strong>in</strong>gston (GA),Dave Loebsack (IA), Wally Herger (CA), John Sarbanes (MD), Cliff Stearns<br />
(FL), William Sali (ID), and Mike McIntyre (NC).<br />
These visits <strong>in</strong>troduced FRA leaders to their respective senators and representatives, and helped educate members of<br />
Congress and staffers about the FRA and its legislative priorities. S<strong>in</strong>ce the meet<strong>in</strong>gs, FRA has learned that an<br />
amendment to the Senate FY2008 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) was approved to shift the paid-up SBP<br />
date to 1 October 2007 and both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA prohibit TRICARE fee <strong>in</strong>creases.<br />
Shipmates stressed dur<strong>in</strong>g their Hill visits the importance of ensur<strong>in</strong>g DOD pursue all possible <strong>in</strong>ternal efficiencies<br />
before propos<strong>in</strong>g any cost shift<strong>in</strong>g to beneficiaries.<br />
The FRA leg team has also been work<strong>in</strong>g on restor<strong>in</strong>g VA health benefits for Priority Group 7 & 8 veterans, extend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the effective date (1 January 2008) for penalties for employers who offer <strong>in</strong>centives to retirees to use TRICARE,<br />
and a constitutional amendment prohibit<strong>in</strong>g flag desecration.<br />
COMMUNICATIONS<br />
Use of the letter/message service on FRA’s web site cont<strong>in</strong>ues to grow. Pre-written letters to members of Congress<br />
are posted and may be utilized by shipmates as personal messages to legislators via the site’s “Action Center.” In<br />
addition FRA can e-mail FRA members through the FRA Action Center. The shipmate receiv<strong>in</strong>g the e-mail can click<br />
on the “Take Action” tab and will be sent to the specific Alert posted on the FRA Action Center. The FRA Action<br />
Center is an effective weapon <strong>in</strong> FRA’s grassroots arsenal. This year the usage of the Action Center has seen substantial<br />
growth (more than 20%). In calendar year 2006 more than 19,000 advocacy messages were sent to the Hill<br />
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through the Action Center. From 1 January 2007 to 4 October 2007 there were more than 22,650 advocacy messages<br />
sent to the Hill through the Action Center.<br />
Regard<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>t publications <strong>in</strong> addition to FRA Today and On Watch, the weekly e-mail update on legislative and<br />
benefit issues is entitled FRA News Bytes and is distributed to approximately 4,000 addressees. In addition NES Update<br />
by NES Joe Barnes is distributed weekly to association and senior enlisted leaders and DLP John Davis writes<br />
and distributes the FRA Legislative Talk<strong>in</strong>g Po<strong>in</strong>ts to the NBOD, NLSC Members, and FRA NHQ Staff.<br />
LOBBY DISCLOSURE<br />
FRA is <strong>in</strong> compliance with the Lobby Disclosure Law that requires registration of active lobbyists and report<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
lobby<strong>in</strong>g activities and expenditures. Members of FRA’s Legislative Team are registered and semi-annual reports<br />
are filed prior to February and August deadl<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
THE MILITARY COALITION<br />
FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ues as an active member of The Military Coalition (TMC) and is the organization’s lead<strong>in</strong>g enlisted organization.<br />
NES Joe Barnes is the co-chairman of The Military Coalition and there is grow<strong>in</strong>g awareness of TMC as<br />
the largest and most effective military organization work<strong>in</strong>g on Capitol Hill. TMC is <strong>in</strong>corporated as a nonprofit,<br />
tax-exempt organization under the Commonwealth of Virg<strong>in</strong>ia. The board is comprised of CEOs of member organizations<br />
and is responsible for manag<strong>in</strong>g TMC’s corporate affairs. In addition, ADLP Dockery is the TMC coord<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
FRA is represented on various TMC committees per the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
NES Barnes: Co-chair of TMC, Co-chair of the Personnel, Compensation, Commissaries<br />
Committee, and member of the Retirement Committee<br />
DLP Davis: Co-chair of Retirement Committee and member of Taxes/Soc. Sec. Committee<br />
DMD Wash<strong>in</strong>gton: Co-chair of the Health Care Committee<br />
ADLP Dockery: Member of the MWR/MilCon and Survivor Committees<br />
VSO Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski: Member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, and Guard & <strong>Reserve</strong> Committee<br />
TMC membership stands at 35 organizations with collective membership of approximately 5.5 million members.<br />
Most Coalition meet<strong>in</strong>gs are held at FRA Headquarters. Several TMC committees also meet at FRA, and there are<br />
also frequent brief<strong>in</strong>gs on health care, commissary/exchange/MWR and other issues there.<br />
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS<br />
FRA is also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, and the Navy-Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Council. FRA also hosted a special<br />
reception honor<strong>in</strong>g the Navy/Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps Retiree Council. In addition, NES Barnes briefed the USCG Retiree<br />
Council along with other TMC Reps.<br />
NES Barnes serves on the DOD Senior Health Care Advisory Panel and Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton is a member of DOD<br />
Health Care Work<strong>in</strong>g Group. Wash<strong>in</strong>gton has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted Chairman of the DOD Uniform Formulary Benefit<br />
Advisory Panel (BAP). NES Barnes serves as the FRA/Navy/TMC representative on the Defense Commissary<br />
Agency (DeCA) Patron Council.<br />
Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton is a member of the TriWest Healthcare Alliance Executive Advisory Board, which provides advice,<br />
research, beneficiary <strong>in</strong>put, guidance and measured results of TriWest’s accomplishments to this end.<br />
FRA CONGRESSIONAL RECEPTIONS<br />
The FRA P<strong>in</strong>nacle Award is presented annually. The award is FRA’s highest recognition and is presented annually<br />
to a dist<strong>in</strong>guished member of Congress for their outstand<strong>in</strong>g support for the Sea Services. The recipients are nom<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
by the National Legislative Service Committee and approved at the FRA National Convention. Last year Rep.<br />
Gene Taylor was given the award on 15 November 2006 and on 17 May 2007, Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young received the<br />
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award by NP Jerry Sweeney. The close schedul<strong>in</strong>g was due to a shift <strong>in</strong> the award date to co<strong>in</strong>cide with the spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
NBOD Hill visits.<br />
Other annual Congressional receptions on Capitol Hill sponsored by FRA honor the Navy Sailors of the Year (SOY)<br />
and Navy Recruiters of the Year (ROY). Both events have been expanded to <strong>in</strong>clude FRA-hosted tours of the Capitol<br />
and meet<strong>in</strong>g with the honoree’s respective members of Congress. For a n<strong>in</strong>th year <strong>in</strong> a row FRA sponsored a special<br />
breakfast honor<strong>in</strong>g the Congressional Coast Guard Caucus, hosted by the Coast Guard Caucus Co-chairman<br />
Reps. Howard Coble (NC), Gene Taylor (MS), and William Delahunt (MA). The Coast Guard Commandant Thad<br />
Allen attended the event this year.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g is an update on the status report on the FRA’s 2007 Legislative Agenda and a proposed 2008 Legislative<br />
Agenda.<br />
I rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> Loyalty, Protection, and Service,<br />
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JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
Chairman
NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE SERVICE<br />
UPDATE ON FRA'S 2007 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA<br />
3 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Expand Health Care Options<br />
Oppose TRICARE Standard Enrollment Fees – FRA believes that the Defense Department has not sufficiently<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigated other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shift<strong>in</strong>g costs for TRICARE<br />
Standard and other health care benefits to retiree beneficiaries under age 65.<br />
Current Status: The House version of the 2008 NDAA, extends last year’s prohibition of TRICARE fee <strong>in</strong>creases<br />
until 9/30/2009. The Senate version of the NDAA states that the SASC will not consider fee <strong>in</strong>creases until the Task<br />
Force on the Future of Military Health Care makes its f<strong>in</strong>al report <strong>in</strong> December 2007. The White House issued a<br />
Statement of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration Policy (SAP) after the marked up Senate FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill (H. R.<br />
1585) oppos<strong>in</strong>g the prohibition of any TRICARE fee or co-pay <strong>in</strong>creases. The Senate approved on 1 October, 2007.<br />
The Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care has recommended <strong>in</strong> its <strong>in</strong>terim report, released 31 May 2007,<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE fees and pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age 65. Further, the Task Force recommends that<br />
co-pays and fees be <strong>in</strong>dexed to keep pace with health care <strong>in</strong>flation cost. The Task Force endorsed a tiered schedule<br />
of fee <strong>in</strong>creases based on rank at time of retirement. FRA expressed its strong opposition to the Department of Defense’s<br />
(DoD’s) drastic health care fee <strong>in</strong>creases and authorization of a TRICARE Standard enrollment fee before<br />
the Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care <strong>in</strong> March 2007.<br />
The Defense Department has not elaborated on its FY 2008 TRICARE fee <strong>in</strong>crease proposal but did provide detail<br />
of its FY 2007 proposal that <strong>in</strong>cluded creat<strong>in</strong>g a TRICARE Standard enrollment fee and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE Prime<br />
enrollment fees as well as <strong>in</strong>crease pharmacy co-pays for all retired beneficiaries and family members of currently<br />
serv<strong>in</strong>g personnel beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> October 1, 2006. In addition enrollment fees for TRICARE Prime and Standard<br />
would be <strong>in</strong>creased annually by the rate of medical <strong>in</strong>flation start<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2008, and deductibles would be <strong>in</strong>creased. A<br />
summary of the proposed <strong>in</strong>creases beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Oct 1, 2006 <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• Rais<strong>in</strong>g $230 s<strong>in</strong>gle/$460 family TRICARE Prime enrollment fee as high as $700/$1,400<br />
• Rais<strong>in</strong>g annual $150 s<strong>in</strong>gle/$300 family TRICARE Standard fees as high as $560/$1,120<br />
• Prime and Standard fees would be <strong>in</strong>creased annually by medical <strong>in</strong>flation, start<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2008<br />
• $3 generic/$9 brand name retail pharmacy co-pay would be raised (for all retired beneficiaries and family<br />
members of currently serv<strong>in</strong>g personnel) to $5/$15, effective FY2007.<br />
Additional <strong>in</strong>formation is <strong>in</strong>cluded under Support Adequate Fund<strong>in</strong>g for DHP.<br />
Support Adequate Fund<strong>in</strong>g for Defense Health Program – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue work<strong>in</strong>g with Congress and DOD to ensure<br />
adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the Defense Health Program <strong>in</strong> order to meet read<strong>in</strong>ess needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve<br />
access for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status or location.<br />
Current Status: Before adjourn<strong>in</strong>g for the August recess the House passed H.R. 3222, the FY 2008 Appropriations<br />
legislation that provides $459.59 billion defense that <strong>in</strong>cludes additional fund<strong>in</strong>g for TRICARE ($1.9 billion) <strong>in</strong> lieu<br />
of fee <strong>in</strong>creases and <strong>in</strong>creased pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age 65, proposed by the Pentagon and opposed by<br />
FRA. The bill also adds money for improv<strong>in</strong>g DoD electronic health records. The Senate Appropriations Defense<br />
Subcommittee and the full Senate Appropriations Committee approved their version of the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations<br />
bill after the August recess. The full Senate approved the bill that will now go to Conference Committee.<br />
There are few differences between the Senate version and the bill the House already approved.<br />
Both the House and Senate passed their respective budget resolutions (H. Con. Res. 99 and S. Res. Con. 21) for FY<br />
2008. Both measures restore needed fund<strong>in</strong>g for TRICARE and reject the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s request for new health<br />
care fees for veterans and retirees under age 65. Both chambers now must agree on a f<strong>in</strong>al budget resolution. FRA<br />
successfully argued to have Congress add $1.2 billion to the Defense Health Program and $3.6 billion for VA health<br />
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care <strong>in</strong> the Cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g Resolution that conta<strong>in</strong>ed the FY 2007 budget. In addition FRA is monitor<strong>in</strong>g the appropriation<br />
process to ensure full fund<strong>in</strong>g of the DoD health care budget for FY 2008 and beyond.<br />
FRA opposes <strong>in</strong>creased TRICARE fees and co-payments for retirees under age 65 until other cost sav<strong>in</strong>g options are<br />
implemented <strong>in</strong> order to “susta<strong>in</strong> the military health benefit.” He also referenced results from the <strong>Association</strong>’s 2006<br />
web survey <strong>in</strong> which over 90 percent of respondents opposed the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s TRICARE fee <strong>in</strong>creases. More<br />
than 75 percent of the survey respondents said that health care benefits <strong>in</strong>fluenced their decision to rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the<br />
military.<br />
Reps. Chet Edwards (TX) and Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) <strong>in</strong>troduced FRA supported legislation, “The Military Retiree<br />
Health care Protection Act,” (H.R. 579) that would prohibit DoD from creat<strong>in</strong>g new fees and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g current fees<br />
for TRICARE beneficiaries unless approved by Congress. The bill references key health care pr<strong>in</strong>ciples and already<br />
has 123 co-sponsors. Also Senators Frank Lautenberg (NJ) and Chuck Hagel (NE) have <strong>in</strong>troduced “The Military<br />
Health Care Protection Act” (S. 604). NES Joe Barnes thanked the Senators for their leadership on this important<br />
issue at a press conference 15 February 2007 announc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>troduction. The legislation is listed on the FRA website<br />
under the Action Center.<br />
Support Health Care Enhancements for Reservists and Family Members – Support <strong>in</strong>creased access to<br />
TRICARE benefits for Reservists and their families.<br />
Current Status: A restructured TRICARE <strong>Reserve</strong> Select (TRS) health care program began on 1 October 2007.<br />
TRS is now more affordable and simpler, with one premium level <strong>in</strong>stead of the current three-tier system. <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
component members may purchase health care coverage <strong>in</strong> the program which was first authorized by Congress <strong>in</strong><br />
2005. Monthly premiums are now $81 for the Reservists and $253 for family coverage and TRS offers coverage<br />
comparable to TRICARE Standard and Extra.<br />
The revised program also <strong>in</strong>cludes expanded survivor coverage, cont<strong>in</strong>uous open enrollment and much more. The<br />
only two qualifications for TRS program are: 1) The member must be a Selected <strong>Reserve</strong> member of the Ready <strong>Reserve</strong>;<br />
and 2) The member must not be eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently<br />
covered under FEHB.<br />
DOD/VA Health Care Resource Shar<strong>in</strong>g – Support adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department<br />
of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care resource shar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> deliver<strong>in</strong>g seamless, cost effective, quality services<br />
to personnel wounded while participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Operation Endur<strong>in</strong>g Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom,<br />
(OIF) other veterans, service members, reservists, military retirees and their families.<br />
Current Status: The House passed the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 3222) total<strong>in</strong>g $459.59 billion.<br />
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed an appropriations bill after the August recess. The House and Senate<br />
measures <strong>in</strong>clude money to enhance DoD electronic health records and encourages cooperation between DoD and<br />
VA for care of wounded warriors.<br />
The Senate passed “The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act” (H.R. 1538) after substitut<strong>in</strong>g the text of its own version<br />
“The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act” (S. 1606) approved 14 June by the Senate Armed Services<br />
Committee and add<strong>in</strong>g a 3.5 percent pay raise for members of the military that would take effect 1 October 2007.<br />
Both are provisions of the broader Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) that was pulled from the Senate floor.<br />
“The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act” legislation establishes a comprehensive policy on the care and<br />
management of wounded warriors <strong>in</strong> order to facilitate and enhance their care, rehabilitation, physical evaluation,<br />
transition from care by the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and transition<br />
from military service to civilian life, was passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The bill will go back to<br />
the House where the House can either accept the Senate substitution or request a conference committee to resolve<br />
the differences between the two chambers.<br />
The bill would create a new system of case managers that would review and supervise medical care; advocates<br />
would assist with non-medical “welfare and quality of life” issues. Medical advocates would be <strong>in</strong>dependent health<br />
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professionals assigned to counsel service members whose cases are before evaluation boards. The measure would<br />
limit caseloads for employees <strong>in</strong> each job and would direct the Defense Department to give them more tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
bill also would establish a pilot program to test a more efficient way to transfer medical cases from the Defense Department<br />
to the VA.<br />
Expand Health Care Options for Retirees Under Age 65 – Expand health care alternatives <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE<br />
Standard, TRICARE Prime Remote, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) as options for active<br />
duty and military retirees under age 65 who do not have access to military treatment facilities.<br />
Current Status: FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ues to promote expanded health care options for retirees. Rep. Chris van Hollen (MD)<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduced H.R. 1222 “The Keep Our Promise to America’s Military Retirees Act” that would waive Medicare Part<br />
B premiums for all military retirees (and their dependents) that entered service before 7 December 1956. The bill<br />
would extend to all military retirees and family members the option of enroll<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> FEHBP, <strong>in</strong> recognition of the lack<br />
of TRICARE providers <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> parts of the country. Both proposals have been listed on the FRA Action Center,<br />
and 190 shipmates have sent advocacy messages to the Hill support<strong>in</strong>g H.R. 1222 and 233 shipmates have sent advocacy<br />
messages to the Hill support<strong>in</strong>g H.R. 1223.<br />
Rep. Chris Van Hollen also <strong>in</strong>troduced H.R. 1223 “Keep<strong>in</strong>g Faith With the Greatest Generation Military Retirees<br />
Act” to waive the monthly Medicare premium with respect to: (1) an <strong>in</strong>dividual who is entitled to military retired or<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>er pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals. Both legislative proposals rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> committee and are listed on the FRA Action Center.<br />
Expand Military Retiree Access to the VA Health Care System – Support legislation expand<strong>in</strong>g access to VA<br />
hospitals and cl<strong>in</strong>ics and to adopt VA Medicare Subvention. Also support opportunities to expand DoD/VA jo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
facilities demonstration projects and ensure that military retirees are not forced to pay for VA care or choose between<br />
DoD and VA for care.<br />
Current Status: FRA staff participated <strong>in</strong> a press conference announc<strong>in</strong>g the committee markup of the FY 2008<br />
House Military Construction/VA appropriations bill (H.R. 2642) that <strong>in</strong>cludes a significantly <strong>in</strong>creased VA budget<br />
that is $6.7 billion above the FY 2007 level, the largest annual <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> the Department of Veterans Affairs 77<br />
year history, and $3.8 billion above the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s request. The bill <strong>in</strong>cludes additional health care fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with emphasis on research and treatment for Traumatic Bra<strong>in</strong> Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder<br />
(PTSD). The bill also provides money for more than 1100 new VA case workers to reduce the major backlog of<br />
claims impact<strong>in</strong>g more than 400,000 veterans. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued<br />
a statement that if the additional spend<strong>in</strong>g above the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s request is not offset by spend<strong>in</strong>g reductions<br />
<strong>in</strong> other programs elsewhere, other spend<strong>in</strong>g bills would be vetoed. The bill passed the House and Senate on a<br />
bi-partisan, roll call vote, and a conference committee will resolve the differences between the two versions of the<br />
bill. Both House and Senate bills <strong>in</strong>clude major <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> health care and treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder<br />
(PTSD).<br />
FRA strongly opposes the plan to impose a tiered enrollment fee for veterans <strong>in</strong> Priority Groups 7 and 8 with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System <strong>in</strong> FY 2008. The Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s request also <strong>in</strong>cluded a<br />
recommendation to nearly double prescription drug co-payments from $8 to $15, for a 30-day supply – a plan FRA<br />
also opposes. The VA FY 2008 budget <strong>in</strong>cludes a request for a tiered annual enrollment health care fee based on<br />
annual family <strong>in</strong>come above $50,000 and an <strong>in</strong>crease on pharmacy co-pays from $8 to $15 for Priority Group 7 and<br />
8 beneficiaries. Annual family <strong>in</strong>come above $50,000-74,999 would require a $250 enrollment fee; $75,000-99,999<br />
would require $500 annual enrollment fee; and $100,000 and above would require $750 annual enrollment fee.<br />
There are approximately 1.3 million veterans <strong>in</strong> these Priority Groups and FRA adamantly opposes shift<strong>in</strong>g costs to<br />
them for care they’ve earned <strong>in</strong> service to our Nation. FRA is further concerned that the revenue from these fees,<br />
estimated at $310 million annually, will be directed to the Treasury and will not be re-<strong>in</strong>vested back <strong>in</strong>to the VA.<br />
Managed Health Care Plans – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor current programs to ensure the availability of best care for all<br />
beneficiaries.<br />
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Current Status: FRA staff cont<strong>in</strong>ues to monitor current programs. Health Care Advisor Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton is co-chair<br />
of the TMC Health Care Committee.<br />
Pharmaceutical Drug Benefit – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor the pharmacy benefit and ensure that the pharmacy program<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes a broad uniform formulary. FRA will work with DoD to encourage <strong>in</strong>creased utilization of mail-order prescriptions<br />
to reduce co-pays for beneficiaries and reduce costs to the program to forestall <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g fees, and copayments.<br />
Current Status: The Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care has recommended <strong>in</strong> its <strong>in</strong>terim report that<br />
pharmacy co-pays be <strong>in</strong>creased and <strong>in</strong>dexed to keep pace with health care <strong>in</strong>flation cost. FRA strongly opposes these<br />
proposed <strong>in</strong>creases. Impos<strong>in</strong>g higher health care costs on military retirees sends a powerful negative message not<br />
only to retirees, but to those currently serv<strong>in</strong>g about the value of their service to the Nation. The promise of access to<br />
health care benefits is an <strong>in</strong>tegral and long recognized part of the government’s commitment to those who have<br />
served our country <strong>in</strong> the past – and also those now serv<strong>in</strong>g our Nation <strong>in</strong> time of war.<br />
Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton is Chairman of the Benefit Advisory Panel (BAP) that comments on the pharmacy formulary recommendations.<br />
The panel’s efforts are directed at ensur<strong>in</strong>g that the formulary is as broad as possible, prior authorization<br />
requirements for obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g non-formulary drugs and procedures for appeal<strong>in</strong>g decisions are communicated<br />
clearly to beneficiaries, and that the guidel<strong>in</strong>es are adm<strong>in</strong>istered equitably. This panel acts as an advocate for beneficiary<br />
concerns with TRICARE<br />
NES Joe Barnes testified before the Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care on 7 March 2007 and recommended<br />
improvements to the pharmacy benefit as detailed <strong>in</strong> Congressional testimony.<br />
Long Term Care – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue monitor<strong>in</strong>g the Long Term Care Insurance program adm<strong>in</strong>istered by the Office of Personnel<br />
Management (OPM) for uniformed service members and gray area reservists.<br />
Current Status: The Leg Team is monitor<strong>in</strong>g this program.<br />
Medical Recovery Act Reform – Elim<strong>in</strong>ate a provision with<strong>in</strong> the Medical Recovery Act that allows the military to<br />
garnish <strong>in</strong>surance and court settlements from service members and dependents <strong>in</strong>jured <strong>in</strong> traffic accidents and other<br />
nonmilitary calamities that are not the fault of the member or dependent.<br />
Current Status: The Leg Team is work<strong>in</strong>g to raise awareness of this law and its impact on our members.<br />
Protect Personnel Programs<br />
Active Duty Pay - Secure additional annual active duty pay <strong>in</strong>creases that are at least 0.5% above the Employment<br />
Compensation Index (ECI) along with targeted <strong>in</strong>creases for mid- career and senior enlisted personnel to help close<br />
the pay gap between active duty and private sector pay, and work to restore the ratio of pay between junior and senior<br />
enlisted personnel which existed prior to the advent of the All Volunteer Force.<br />
Current Status: The House and Senate versions of the NDAA provide an additional 0.5 percent pay <strong>in</strong>crease above<br />
the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s request for military personnel (3.5 Percent, which is 0.5 percent above the Employment Compensation<br />
Index). In addition the House NDAA requires pay <strong>in</strong>creases for FY 2009-2012 to be at least 0.5 percent<br />
the Employment Compensation Index (ECI). A Senate floor amendment is identical to the House provision to require<br />
pay raises for FY 2009-2012 to be at least 0.5 percent the Employment Compensation Index (ECI) that was not<br />
adopted. The Adm<strong>in</strong>istration’s FY 2008 Budget <strong>in</strong>cludes a 3 percent across the board basic pay <strong>in</strong>crease but does not<br />
provide for targeted pay <strong>in</strong>creases for senior enlisted. FRA staff also worked with Hill staff to ensure that Coast<br />
Guard personnel also obta<strong>in</strong> a pay <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> FY 2008 that is equal to DoD pay <strong>in</strong>creases.<br />
A 2.2 percent across the board basic pay <strong>in</strong>crease for members of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard that was<br />
enacted for FY 2007. This <strong>in</strong>crease is the smallest <strong>in</strong>crease s<strong>in</strong>ce 1994. Also E-5s, E-6s and E-7s had targeted pay<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases 1 April 2007 up to 8.14 percent. Most of these targeted pay <strong>in</strong>creases are between two percent and five<br />
percent.<br />
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Effective 1 April 2007 the pay table is extended to 40 years of service from the previous 30 years of service allow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
senior enlisted, warrant officers, and officers to stay <strong>in</strong> uniform longer.<br />
Education Enhancements – Improve education benefits for active duty personnel and family members, reservists,<br />
and veterans, plus survivors of disabled or deceased veterans who died of a service-connected disability or were<br />
killed on active duty. Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to advocate for an open enrollment period for active duty personnel who did not enroll<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) or MGIB. Encourage DOD to reta<strong>in</strong> schools on military<br />
<strong>in</strong>stallations to ensure cont<strong>in</strong>uation of quality education for our military personnel.<br />
Current Status: The Senate adopted Sen. Blanche L<strong>in</strong>coln’s (AR) amendment to the Senate NDAA to provide 10year<br />
portability for benefits for mobilized Reservists. Another amendment that failed would <strong>in</strong>tegrate the MGIB programs<br />
(both active and <strong>Reserve</strong>) <strong>in</strong>to the VA. FRA also believes that the <strong>in</strong>tegration of active and <strong>Reserve</strong> force<br />
MGIB programs under Title 38 will improve adm<strong>in</strong>istration for the MGIB, and be a step toward an improved “total<br />
force MGIB.” National President (NP) Jerry Sweeney testified before a jo<strong>in</strong>t House and Senate Veterans Affairs<br />
Committees hear<strong>in</strong>g 29 March 2007 on this issue and FRA also has cont<strong>in</strong>ued to ask that any reform <strong>in</strong>clude open<br />
enrollment for those who did not enroll <strong>in</strong> VEAP or MGIB. In addition FRA advocates the creation of a benchmark<br />
for the MGIB so its benefits will keep pace with the cost of an average four year college education. Service members<br />
should be allowed the option to enroll <strong>in</strong> MGIB upon re-enlist<strong>in</strong>g. The statement is available on the FRA website<br />
under “Legislative” click<strong>in</strong>g “Our Legislative Agenda” and click<strong>in</strong>g on “Education Enhancements.”<br />
Chairman of the HASC Personnel Subcommittee, Rep. Vic Snyder (AR) has held subcommittee hear<strong>in</strong>gs on MGIB<br />
reform, and <strong>in</strong>troduced “The Total Force G.I. Bill” H.R. 1102 to make MGIB benefits adequate and equitable for the<br />
<strong>Reserve</strong> component of the Armed Forces. Senator Blanche L<strong>in</strong>coln <strong>in</strong>troduced an identical bill <strong>in</strong> the Senate S. 644.<br />
The Partnership for Veterans Education is a coalition of more than 50 education, and military/veterans groups that<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes FRA with the goal of moderniz<strong>in</strong>g the MGIB and supports the legislation. In 1985 <strong>Reserve</strong> and active duty<br />
programs were enacted <strong>in</strong>to law, and at that time the <strong>Reserve</strong> MGIB benefit was at 47 percent of the active duty<br />
benefit. Today the <strong>Reserve</strong> benefit is only 29 percent of the same active duty benefit.<br />
FRA believes that the <strong>in</strong>tegration of active and <strong>Reserve</strong> force MGIB programs under Title 38 will improve adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
for the MGIB. This legislation is at least a first step toward a “total force MGIB.”<br />
Dislocation Allowance – Work to authorize the payment of a dislocation allowance to members of the Armed<br />
Forces as part of their f<strong>in</strong>al compensation package upon retirement.<br />
Current Status: At the request of FRA, Rep. Thelma Drake (VA) <strong>in</strong>troduced “The Military Retiree Dislocation Allowance<br />
Act” (H.R. 2996) to authorize the payment of a dislocation allowance for service members who are execut<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their f<strong>in</strong>al orders to retire or transfer to an <strong>in</strong>active duty status. The bill applies to those with 20 or more years <strong>in</strong><br />
the military mov<strong>in</strong>g their households to a location <strong>in</strong> excess of 50 miles from their f<strong>in</strong>al duty station.<br />
Commissaries / MWR – Oppose privatization and ensure adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the Defense Commissary Agency<br />
(DeCA) to preserve the value of the current benefit for all patrons, protect the exchange benefit and ensure adequate<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g for MWR programs.<br />
Current Status: FRA hosted a recent brief<strong>in</strong>g by the senior leadership of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)<br />
for Military Coalition (TMC) organizations. The group was headed by Richard Page DeCA’s Chief Operat<strong>in</strong>g Officer,<br />
who discussed the agency’s mission, structure, fund<strong>in</strong>g, and benefits that DeCA augments military compensation<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g 12 million beneficiaries sav<strong>in</strong>gs that exceed 30 percent when compared to commercial stores.<br />
NES Joe Barnes is a member of the DeCA patron Council, and FRA seeks to protect access to the commissary benefit,<br />
and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to scrut<strong>in</strong>ize store closures, privatization, staff reductions, or other <strong>in</strong>itiatives that may dim<strong>in</strong>ish<br />
the scope and quality of the benefit.<br />
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Budgetary pressures, BRAC, and rebas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives are impact<strong>in</strong>g MWR programs and FRA is monitor<strong>in</strong>g the effects<br />
of these pressures with<strong>in</strong> the services. FRA believes that MWR programs are very important and a factor <strong>in</strong><br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g morale and read<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Active Duty and <strong>Reserve</strong> Component Personnel End Strengths – Track manpower levels to ensure there are an<br />
adequate number of personnel available to meet the demands of OIF, OEF and other operational requirements.<br />
Current Status: The FRA leg team welcomes the <strong>in</strong>creased end strength for the Mar<strong>in</strong>e Corps (from 180,000 to<br />
189,000) but is concerned about the draw down <strong>in</strong> Navy end strength (from 340,000 to 328,000). The Coast Guard<br />
end strength rema<strong>in</strong>s constant at 45,500.<br />
BAH – Enhance enlisted hous<strong>in</strong>g standards by allow<strong>in</strong>g E-7s and above to reside <strong>in</strong> separated homes. Track the Basic<br />
Allowance for Hous<strong>in</strong>g (BAH) to ensure it rema<strong>in</strong>s at the level of payments authorized commensurate with actual<br />
hous<strong>in</strong>g costs, as required by law. Ensure the hous<strong>in</strong>g privatization program rema<strong>in</strong>s favorable to military residents.<br />
Further oppose any <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> utility costs currently covered by rental payments to private contractors.<br />
Current Status: FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ues to track BAH to ensure payments are commensurate with actual hous<strong>in</strong>g costs. On 1<br />
April 2007 service members experienced on average a 3.5 percent hike <strong>in</strong> BAH. That is smaller than <strong>in</strong> recent years<br />
and follows the end of a 5-year plan to elim<strong>in</strong>ate out of pocket hous<strong>in</strong>g expenses.<br />
Reform of PCS Process – Track the implementation of improvements to the permanent change-of-station (PCS)<br />
process. Support the Families First HHG program and its early implementation and the cont<strong>in</strong>uation of adequate<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g of the Transition and Relocation Assistance Programs. Increase the weight limit for the amount of household<br />
goods enlisted personnel are allowed to ship dur<strong>in</strong>g PCS moves.<br />
Current Status: FRA staff attended a DoD brief<strong>in</strong>g on the long-delayed full replacement value (FRV) coverage for<br />
military personal property shipments. The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandated FRV by<br />
March 2008 and DoD will provide FRV <strong>in</strong> some <strong>in</strong>stances before the Congressionally mandated effective date.<br />
Shipments to and from overseas locations already have FRV coverage on 1 October 2007. Domestic shipments will<br />
be covered as of 1 November 2007 and non-temporary storage and local moves will be covered effective 1 March<br />
2008.<br />
FRA supports upgrad<strong>in</strong>g PCS allowances to reflect the expenses members are forced to <strong>in</strong>cur <strong>in</strong> comply<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
government-directed relocations. Specifically the overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g majority of service families own two privatelyowned<br />
vehicles, driven by the f<strong>in</strong>ancial need for the spouse to work, or the distance some families must live from an<br />
<strong>in</strong>stallation and its support services. Authority is needed to ship a second POV at government expense to overseas<br />
accompanied assignments. In many overseas locations, families have difficulty manag<strong>in</strong>g without a second family<br />
vehicle because family hous<strong>in</strong>g is often not co-located with <strong>in</strong>stallation support services.<br />
Coast Guard Parity – Ensure parity with DoD of pay and benefits for Coast Guard personnel with adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the U.S. Coast Guard budget.<br />
Current Status: FRA Leg Team is work<strong>in</strong>g with MCPOCG Bowen to authorize an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> E-9 positions for the<br />
Coast Guard. The Senate NDAA provides for 1% to 1.25% <strong>in</strong> E-9 authorizations. MCPOCG has requested FRA<br />
support for parity <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> Coast Guard authorization. With 40 year retirements appear<strong>in</strong>g to become a reality, not<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g promotion potential for the top enlisted grade could create grade stagnation. FRA is monitor<strong>in</strong>g the Coast<br />
Guard budget as it moves through the authorization and appropriations process. Coast Guard parity with DoD personnel<br />
programs rema<strong>in</strong>s a high priority for FRA.<br />
Support Full Fund<strong>in</strong>g for the Impact Aid Program – Ensure that the Department of Education has adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to reimburse local school districts for educat<strong>in</strong>g military children and that the DoD budget <strong>in</strong>cludes sufficient<br />
funds to provide support for highly impacted school districts and the cont<strong>in</strong>uation of the current DoD school system<br />
by reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the school facilities now <strong>in</strong> its <strong>in</strong>ventory.<br />
LEG-11
Current Status: The Senate version of the FY 2008 NDAA authorizes $50 million <strong>in</strong> supplemental aid to local<br />
school districts <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g $35 million <strong>in</strong> impact aid, $5 million for educational services to severely disabled children,<br />
and an additional $10 million for districts experienc<strong>in</strong>g rapid <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> number of students due to rebas<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
House NDAA authorizes $50 million for schools with at least 20% dependent population and $15 million for schools<br />
with rapid <strong>in</strong>crease or decrease due to rebas<strong>in</strong>g. The FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Provides<br />
$35 million <strong>in</strong> supplemental funds to schools comprised of at least 20 percent military dependents and provides $10<br />
million for schools that experience significant negative or positive shifts <strong>in</strong> military dependent attendance due to<br />
force structure changes. The FY 2007 fund<strong>in</strong>g of more than $1.2 billion is identical to FY 2006 fund<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor support for Sea Services recruiters – And work to ensure that they have unrestricted access<br />
to secondary schools, colleges and universities on the same basis as private sector employers.<br />
Current Status: FRA applauds the Supreme Court decision last year prohibit<strong>in</strong>g colleges and universities from bann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
military recruiters on campus. This is a major step <strong>in</strong> the right direction relative to the so-called Solomon<br />
Amendment enacted <strong>in</strong> the mid-1990s which l<strong>in</strong>ked receipt of federal fund<strong>in</strong>g for colleges and universities to access<br />
to military recruiters on their campuses. FRA ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s dialog and cont<strong>in</strong>ues as a strong supporter of Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Corps, and Coast Guard recruit<strong>in</strong>g programs.<br />
Vot<strong>in</strong>g Reform – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor and seek support for improved voter participation <strong>in</strong> Federal elections and<br />
expedite the military mail process<strong>in</strong>g of overseas ballots.<br />
Current Status: FRA hosted a Vot<strong>in</strong>g Information Teleconference on 11 October 2006 <strong>in</strong> conjunction with Absentee<br />
Vot<strong>in</strong>g Week 8-14 October. John R. Davis, FRA’s Director of Legislative Programs, hosted the teleconference<br />
and referenced the importance of vot<strong>in</strong>g and the <strong>Association</strong>’s efforts to improve voter participation <strong>in</strong> federal elections<br />
and monitor<strong>in</strong>g efforts to expedite the process<strong>in</strong>g of overseas absentee ballots. Ms. Polli Brunelli, Director,<br />
Federal Vot<strong>in</strong>g Assistance Program (FVAP) for Department of Defense, expla<strong>in</strong>ed how FVAP assists service members<br />
overseas with the vot<strong>in</strong>g process. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Brunelli, vot<strong>in</strong>g participation of personnel <strong>in</strong> the Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Corps and Coast Guard has <strong>in</strong>creased significantly s<strong>in</strong>ce the 2000 election.<br />
Safeguard Retiree Benefits<br />
SBP Paid Up Coverage – Shift the effective date for paid up coverage from 2008 to 2007.<br />
Current Status: The Senate approved Senator Bill Nelson’s floor amendment to the FY 2008 NDAA (H.R. 1585) to<br />
change the paid up date from 1 October 2008 to 1 October 2007 for those age 70 and older who have paid <strong>in</strong> 30<br />
years or more and elim<strong>in</strong>ate the DIC offset. The House version of the NDAA does not provide any changes to the<br />
paid-up date. Effective 1 April 2007 the SBP annuity <strong>in</strong>creased from 45% of retired pay to 50%, and will <strong>in</strong>crease to<br />
55% 1 April 2008. FRA successfully advocated for <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the annuity to 55% and is strongly support<strong>in</strong>g S. 935,<br />
sponsored by Senator Bill Nelson (FL) and H.R. 1927 sponsored by Rep. Ortiz (TX) to change the paid up date from<br />
1 October 2008 to 1 October 2007 for those age 70 and older who have paid <strong>in</strong> 30 years or more.<br />
Congress approved a provision <strong>in</strong> the FY 1999 Defense Authorization Act authoriz<strong>in</strong>g retired members who had<br />
atta<strong>in</strong>ed age 70 and paid SBP premiums for at least 30 years to enter “paid-up SBP” status, whereby they would stop<br />
pay<strong>in</strong>g any further premiums while reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g full SBP coverage for their survivors <strong>in</strong> the event of their death. Because<br />
of cost considerations, the effective date of the provision was delayed until 1 October 2008.<br />
FRA Congressional testimony on this issue is available on the FRA webpage www.fra.org by click<strong>in</strong>g the “Legislative”<br />
tab at the top of the page and then click<strong>in</strong>g the underl<strong>in</strong>ed “FRA legislative Agenda” and than go<strong>in</strong>g to “SBP<br />
Paid up Coverage.”<br />
Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and Veterans’ Disability Compensation – Support legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation<br />
for all disabled retirees.<br />
LEG-12
Current Status: The House version of the 2008 NDAA expands Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for<br />
personnel with fewer than 20 years but more than 15 years of service with 60 percent or greater disability rat<strong>in</strong>g beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1 Oct. 2008. The Senate version of the 2008 NDAA expands CRSC to <strong>in</strong>clude medical retirees with less<br />
than 20 years of service, who are disabled due to combat related activities or combat tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and expands concurrent<br />
receipt for Individual Unemployable (IU) retroactively to 1 Jan. 2005. FRA also supports legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all<br />
disabled retirees. Rep. Jim Marshall has <strong>in</strong>troduced H.R. 333, “The Disabled Veterans Tax Term<strong>in</strong>ation Act” that<br />
would provide comprehensive concurrent receipt reform that <strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
1. Extend<strong>in</strong>g eligibility for combat-related special compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement and Disability<br />
payments (CRDP) to Chapter 61 (disability) retirees with fewer than 20 years of service;<br />
2. Elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g the 10-year phase-<strong>in</strong> period for retirees with a disability rat<strong>in</strong>g of 50% - 90%; and those with<br />
service connected disabilities<br />
3. Extend<strong>in</strong>g concurrent retirement and disability payments’ (CRDP) eligibility to retirees rated less than 50%.<br />
FRA is track<strong>in</strong>g the work of the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission and has testified, submitted its own statement<br />
on this issue to the Commission and is also represented <strong>in</strong> a statement on behalf of the entire Military Coalition<br />
(TMC). FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ues to strongly support full concurrent receipt for all disabled military retirees and also supports<br />
expand<strong>in</strong>g Combat-Related Special Compensation to members who were medically compelled to retire short of 20<br />
years of service solely because of their combat-<strong>in</strong>curred disabilities, as envisioned <strong>in</strong> Senate Majority Leader Harry<br />
Reid (NV) S. 439 “The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007” that would permit retirees who receive serviceconnected<br />
disability from VA and their full retirement pay or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). The<br />
bill would elim<strong>in</strong>ate the phase-<strong>in</strong> period for concurrent receipt under the current law. The bill is identical to H.R.<br />
303, sponsored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL). Rep. Bilirakis has also <strong>in</strong>troduced H.R. 89 to extend eligibility for combat-related<br />
special compensation (CRSC) for those with fewer than 20 years of creditable service. FRA also supports<br />
end<strong>in</strong>g the disability offset to retired pay immediately for otherwise-qualify<strong>in</strong>g members rated as “unemployable” by<br />
the VA. The FY2005 Defense Authorization Act reduced the phase <strong>in</strong> period for disabled military retirees deemed<br />
“<strong>in</strong>dividual unemployable” (IU) from 2014 to 2009, and our members are extremely disappo<strong>in</strong>ted and perplexed that<br />
such undeserved discrim<strong>in</strong>ation will be allowed to cont<strong>in</strong>ue for three more years.<br />
FRA Congressional testimony is available on the FRA webpage www.fra.org by click<strong>in</strong>g the “Legislative” tab at the<br />
top of the page, than click<strong>in</strong>g the underl<strong>in</strong>ed “FRA legislative Agenda” and than click<strong>in</strong>g on “Concurrent Receipt of<br />
Military Retired Pay and Veterans’ Disability Compensation.”<br />
Retention of F<strong>in</strong>al Month’s Retired Pay at Time of Death – Support legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g the retention of the<br />
full f<strong>in</strong>al month’s retired pay by the surviv<strong>in</strong>g spouse (or other designated survivor) for the month <strong>in</strong> which the member<br />
was alive for at least 24 hours.<br />
Current Status: At the request of FRA, Rep. Walter Jones has <strong>in</strong>troduced (H.R. 657, “The Military Retiree Survivor<br />
Comfort Act”) legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g the retention of the full f<strong>in</strong>al month’s retired pay by the surviv<strong>in</strong>g spouse (or<br />
other designated survivor) for the month <strong>in</strong> which the member was alive for at least 24 hours. The legislation is listed<br />
on the FRA Action Center and currently has 36 co-sponsors.<br />
Base Closures – Support retention of military treatment and other facilities at BRAC sites that are patronized by<br />
sizeable retiree and reserve populations and closely monitor the impact of proposed 2005 closures and realignments.<br />
Current Status: Thousands military members and families will be under great stress <strong>in</strong> the months and years ahead<br />
as a result of rebas<strong>in</strong>g, closure, and transformation actions. But the impact extends beyond the active duty personnel<br />
currently assigned to the affected <strong>in</strong>stallations. The entire beneficiary community -<strong>Reserve</strong>, retirees, survivors, veterans,<br />
and others- experiences the traumatic impact of a realignment and closure actions. Support facilities are usually<br />
closed, and beneficiaries who relied on the base for support are forced to search elsewhere. FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ues to stress<br />
the importance of consider<strong>in</strong>g the impact of consider<strong>in</strong>g the impact on all beneficiaries <strong>in</strong> closure and realignment<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
LEG-13
USFSPA – Encourage the <strong>in</strong>troduction and enactment of legislation to elim<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong>equities <strong>in</strong> the Uniformed Services<br />
Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA).<br />
Current Status: FRA staff attended a brief<strong>in</strong>g on the Uniform Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA)<br />
at the Pentagon sponsored by Legal Assistance Policy Division, Client Services Branch that provided an overview of<br />
the current law and Pentagon efforts to reform it. DLP John Davis attended and stressed the fact that FRA is work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to get a floor amendment to the Senate NDAA to make improvements to the Act. The US Supreme Court also denied<br />
an FRA supported petition for a Writ of Certiorari to review the constitutionality of the Uniform Services Former<br />
Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). The Defense Department sent the follow<strong>in</strong>g recommendations to staff of the<br />
House and Senate Armed Services Committee regard<strong>in</strong>g amend<strong>in</strong>g the USFSPA that <strong>in</strong>clude several key provisions<br />
long supported by FRA (<strong>in</strong>dicated by “*”). The DoD recommendations <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• Base former spouse award amount on member’s grade/years of service at the time of divorce (and not retirement)*<br />
• Prohibit award of imputed <strong>in</strong>come while still on active duty*<br />
• Permit designation of multiple SBP beneficiaries*<br />
• Permit SBP premiums to be withheld from former spouse’s share of retired pay if directed by the court*<br />
• Elim<strong>in</strong>ate the “10 year rule” for direct payment by DFAS<br />
• Repeal one-year deemed election period requirement<br />
• Authorize DFAS to apply COLA to dollar-specific awards if court ordered<br />
• Elim<strong>in</strong>ate jurisdictional requirement or “forum shopp<strong>in</strong>g”<br />
• Authorize allocations of retired pay/SBP payments <strong>in</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gle lump sum if present value is less than $5,000<br />
• Allow service member to waive refund of overpayments of retired pay to former spouse as a result of retroactive<br />
disability determ<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
• Allow service member to submit application for direct payment to reduce tax liability<br />
• Allow service member to waive notice and provide court order upon request<br />
• Disregard periods of conf<strong>in</strong>ement for dependent’s victims of abuse<br />
The US Supreme Court denied an FRA supported petition for a Writ of Certiorari to review the constitutionality of<br />
the USFSPA. FRA is one of only a few associations support<strong>in</strong>g the petition. The <strong>Association</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ues to advocate<br />
for hear<strong>in</strong>gs and the <strong>in</strong>troduction of legislation address<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>equities of this law. FRA believes that USFSPA is a<br />
one-sided law and that Congress needs to review and amend it so that the Federal government is required to protect<br />
its service members aga<strong>in</strong>st State courts that ignore its provisions. The <strong>Association</strong> believes that this law should be<br />
more balanced <strong>in</strong> its protection for both the service member and the former spouse.<br />
Military Retired or Reta<strong>in</strong>er Pay COLA Equity – Fight any efforts to reduce military retired or reta<strong>in</strong>er pay and<br />
ensure equitable cost-of-liv<strong>in</strong>g adjustments (COLAs) for all military retirees.<br />
Current Status: FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ues to monitor this issue and is not aware of any major threats to retiree COLAs at this<br />
time.<br />
Monitor Benefits and Programs Adm<strong>in</strong>istered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Provide emphasis on<br />
benefits for military retired veterans to ensure equity for these and other veterans <strong>in</strong> the adm<strong>in</strong>istration of various VA<br />
programs.<br />
Current Status: In response to the media uproar about outpatient care at WRAMC, Chairman of the House Armed<br />
Forces Committee Rep. Ike Skelton (MO) <strong>in</strong>troduced “The Wounded Warriors Relief Act” (H. R. 1538), to improve<br />
the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who<br />
are receiv<strong>in</strong>g medical care <strong>in</strong> an outpatient status.<br />
H.R. 1538 passed out of Committee on a unanimous vote after be<strong>in</strong>g amended to make the transition from DoD to<br />
VA a more formal and regimented procedure and to mandate that the VA <strong>in</strong>crease the number of physicians at VA<br />
hospitals. The bill easily passed the House and passed the Senate after extensive amendments.<br />
LEG-14
FRA believes the veterans’ health care account should shift from discretionary to mandatory spend<strong>in</strong>g. FRA understands<br />
the jurisdictional and other challenges associated with this issue and believes that veterans’ health care is as<br />
important as other federal benefits funded <strong>in</strong> this manner. Regardless of the method used, the <strong>Association</strong> supports<br />
any efforts to help ensure full fund<strong>in</strong>g for VA health care to ensure care for all beneficiaries.<br />
Armed Forces Retirement Home – Support adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the operation of the Armed Forces Retirement<br />
Home’s two facilities and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to provide adequate care for its residents.<br />
Current Status: The Senate adopted Senator Trent Lott’s (MS) amendment to the Senate version of the 2008 Defense<br />
Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) to make changes to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) that is <strong>in</strong>tended<br />
to stop the “civilianization” of AFRH staff by creat<strong>in</strong>g a new adjunct position of Chief Medical Officer<br />
(CMO) that reports directly to the DoD not to the COO. This also broadens the oversight with mandatory accreditation<br />
for all aspects care (<strong>in</strong>dependent liv<strong>in</strong>g, assisted liv<strong>in</strong>g, and long term care) to ensure improved quality of care.<br />
The advisory board would also <strong>in</strong>clude a one-star general and report directly to DoD. This amendment is <strong>in</strong> response<br />
to concerns mentioned <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terim GAO report on the AFRH.<br />
FRA hosted an Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) brief<strong>in</strong>g at NHQ <strong>in</strong> April for an update on conditions at the<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C., campus and to learn more about the rebuild<strong>in</strong>g plan for the Gulfport, Mississippi, location to be<br />
completed May 2010. Members of The Military Coalition (TMC) organizations attended the brief<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
LEG-15
PROPOSED 2008 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR FRA<br />
FRA will fight to preserve and enhance benefits and quality-of-life programs for active, <strong>Reserve</strong>, retired, and veterans<br />
of the Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>es, and Coast Guard and their families and survivors. FRA’s legislative agenda for 2008 is<br />
listed below.<br />
Expand Health Care Options<br />
Oppose TRICARE Standard Enrollment Fees – FRA believes that the Defense Department has not sufficiently<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigated other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shift<strong>in</strong>g costs for TRICARE<br />
Standard and other health care benefits to retiree beneficiaries under age 65.<br />
Support Adequate Fund<strong>in</strong>g for Defense Health Program – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue work<strong>in</strong>g with Congress and DOD to ensure<br />
adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the Defense Health Program <strong>in</strong> order to meet read<strong>in</strong>ess needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve<br />
access for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status or location.<br />
Support Health Care Enhancements for Reservists and Family Members – Support <strong>in</strong>creased access to<br />
TRICARE benefits for reservists and their families.<br />
DOD/VA Health Care Resource Shar<strong>in</strong>g – Support adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department<br />
of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care resource shar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> deliver<strong>in</strong>g seamless, cost effective, quality services<br />
to personnel wounded while participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Operation Endur<strong>in</strong>g Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, other<br />
veterans, service members, reservists, military retirees and their families.<br />
Expand Health Care Options for Retirees Under Age 65 – Expand health care alternatives <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g TRICARE<br />
Standard, TRICARE Prime Remote, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) as options for active<br />
duty and military retirees under age 65 who do not have access to military treatment facilities.<br />
Expand Military Retiree Access to the VA Health Care System – Support legislation expand<strong>in</strong>g access to VA<br />
Hospitals and Cl<strong>in</strong>ics and to adopt VA Medicare Subvention. Also support opportunities to expand DOD/VA jo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
facilities demonstration projects and ensure that military retirees are not forced to pay for VA care or choose between<br />
DOD and VA for care.<br />
Managed Health Care Plans – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor current programs to ensure the availability of best care for all<br />
beneficiaries.<br />
Pharmaceutical Drug Benefit – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor the pharmacy benefit and ensure that the pharmacy program<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes a broad uniform formulary. FRA will work with DoD to encourage <strong>in</strong>creased utilization of mail-order prescriptions<br />
to reduce co-pays for beneficiaries and reduce costs to the program to forestall <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g fees, and copayments.<br />
Allow Military Retirees to Pay for Health Care with Pretax Dollars – Allow military retirees to pay health <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
premiums on a pretax basis and to allow for a tax deduction for TRICARE supplemental <strong>in</strong>surance premiums.<br />
(Addition)<br />
Protect Personnel Programs<br />
Active Duty Pay – Secure additional annual active duty pay <strong>in</strong>creases that are at least .05% above the Employment<br />
Cost Index (ECI) along with targeted <strong>in</strong>creases for mid-career and senior enlisted personnel to help close the pay gap<br />
between active duty and private sector pay.<br />
Education Enhancements – Improve education benefits for active duty personnel and family members, reservists,<br />
and veterans, plus survivors of disabled or deceased veterans who died of a service-connected disability or were<br />
killed on active duty. Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to advocate for an open enrollment period for active duty personnel who did not en-<br />
LEG-16
oll <strong>in</strong> the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) or MGIB. Encourage DoD to reta<strong>in</strong> schools on military<br />
<strong>in</strong>stallations to ensure cont<strong>in</strong>uation of quality education for our military personnel.<br />
Dislocation Allowance – Work to authorize the payment of a dislocation allowance to members of the Armed<br />
Forces as part of their f<strong>in</strong>al compensation package upon retirement.<br />
Commissaries / MWR – Oppose privatization and ensure adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the Defense Commissary Agency<br />
(DeCA) to preserve the value of the current benefit for all patrons, protect the exchange benefit and ensure adequate<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g for MWR programs.<br />
Active Duty and <strong>Reserve</strong> Component Personnel End Strengths – Track manpower levels to ensure there are an<br />
adequate number of personnel available to meet the demands of OIF, OEF and other operational requirements.<br />
BAH – Enhance enlisted hous<strong>in</strong>g standards by allow<strong>in</strong>g E-7s and above to reside <strong>in</strong> separate homes. Track the Basic<br />
Allowance for Hous<strong>in</strong>g (BAH) to ensure it rema<strong>in</strong>s at the level of payments authorized commensurate with actual<br />
hous<strong>in</strong>g costs, as required by law. Ensure the hous<strong>in</strong>g privatization program rema<strong>in</strong>s favorable to military residents.<br />
Further oppose any <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> utility costs currently covered by rental payments to private contractors.<br />
Reform of PCS Process – Track the implementation of improvements to the PCS process. Support the Families<br />
First HHG program and its early implementation and the cont<strong>in</strong>uation of adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g of the Transition and Relocation<br />
Assistance Programs. Increase the weight limit for the amount of household goods enlisted personnel are<br />
allowed to ship dur<strong>in</strong>g PCS moves.<br />
Predatory Lend<strong>in</strong>g Protections – Ensure that active duty personnel and their dependents have adequate protections<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st predatory lenders who target military personnel and their families.<br />
Coast Guard Parity – Ensure parity with DOD of pay and benefits for Coast Guard personnel with adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the U.S. Coast Guard budget.<br />
Support Full Fund<strong>in</strong>g for the Impact Aid Program – Ensure that the Department of Education has adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to reimburse local school districts for educat<strong>in</strong>g military children and that the DOD budget <strong>in</strong>cludes sufficient<br />
funds to provide support for highly impacted school districts and the cont<strong>in</strong>uation of the current DoD school system<br />
by reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the school facilities now <strong>in</strong> its <strong>in</strong>ventory.<br />
Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor support for Sea Services recruiters – And work to ensure that they have unrestricted access<br />
to secondary schools, colleges and universities on the same basis as private sector employers.<br />
Vot<strong>in</strong>g Reform – Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to monitor and seek support for improved voter participation <strong>in</strong> Federal elections and<br />
expedite the military mail process<strong>in</strong>g of overseas ballots.<br />
Safeguard Retiree Benefits<br />
SBP Paid Up Coverage – Shift the effective date for paid up coverage from 2008 to 2007.<br />
Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and Veterans’ Disability Compensation – Support legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation<br />
for all disabled retirees.<br />
Retention of F<strong>in</strong>al Month’s Retired Pay at Time of Death – Support legislation authoriz<strong>in</strong>g the retention of the<br />
full f<strong>in</strong>al month’s retired pay by the surviv<strong>in</strong>g spouse (or other designated survivor) for the month <strong>in</strong> which the member<br />
was alive for at least 24 hours.<br />
Base Closures – Support retention of military treatment and other facilities at BRAC sites that are patronized by<br />
sizeable retiree and reserve populations and closely monitor the impact of closures and realignments.<br />
LEG-17
USFSPA – Encourage the <strong>in</strong>troduction and enactment of legislation to elim<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong>equities <strong>in</strong> the Uniformed Services<br />
Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA).<br />
Military Retired or Reta<strong>in</strong>er Pay COLA Equity – Fight any efforts to reduce military retired or reta<strong>in</strong>er pay and<br />
ensure equitable cost-of-liv<strong>in</strong>g adjustments (COLAs) for all military retirees.<br />
Monitor Benefits and Programs Adm<strong>in</strong>istered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Advocate for benefit<br />
enhancements for Sea Service and military retirees to ensure equity for these and other beneficiaries <strong>in</strong> the adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
of various VA programs.<br />
Armed Forces Retirement Home – Support adequate fund<strong>in</strong>g for the operation of the Armed Forces Retirement<br />
Home’s two facilities and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to provide adequate care for its residents. FRA strongly supports the rebuild<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the Armed Forces Retirement Home at Gulfport, previously known as the U.S. Naval Home.<br />
LEG-18
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE<br />
ON MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President Sweeney, and members of the FRA.<br />
It is my privilege to render my first annual report of the National Committee on Membership and Retention assisted<br />
by former DMD Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton. I assumed the chair’s position as of September 1, 2007 after commenc<strong>in</strong>g work at<br />
the FRA Headquarters Staff as of July 30, 2007. I am a retired Chief Petty Officer from the United States Coast<br />
Guard <strong>Reserve</strong> and possess several years’ bus<strong>in</strong>ess experience <strong>in</strong> human resources management and development as<br />
well as community outreach. Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton has transitioned his role as DMD over to me and he is now the Manager-Outreach<br />
Programs. His overall responsibilities will be to enhance communications and awareness of FRA programs,<br />
establish partner relations with <strong>Fleet</strong>, Force, CNO-Directed, Command and other active/reserve senior leaders,<br />
develop close partnership with the healthcare contractors <strong>in</strong> order to dissem<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong>formation about changes <strong>in</strong><br />
coverage and/or fees, develop a FRA Speaker’s Bureau for presenters to participate as various events, establish partnerships<br />
with family service centers, Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) classes, as well as local branches to<br />
assist with recruit<strong>in</strong>g efforts.<br />
MEMBERSHIP TRENDS<br />
The <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> has experienced a decrease <strong>in</strong> membership for the 2006-07 membership year. The<br />
membership on 31 March 2007 stood at 98,629 as compared to 104,889 on 31 March 2006. In simple mathematics<br />
this is a decrease of 6,260 members. Of this total, 97,776 were members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g. This means 853 members<br />
were past due <strong>in</strong> remitt<strong>in</strong>g their membership dues.<br />
Our number one challenge cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be membership retention. Non-payment of dues was the number one reason<br />
for non-renewals. Last year we recruited approximately 3,619 new and re<strong>in</strong>stated members of which 1,377 were retirees,<br />
975 active duty/ reserves, and 596 veterans. On the flip side, 10762 members were lost last year. This number<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded deaths, 8,531 retirees, which 6,381 were over 65, and 2,056 were under 65, 1,815 active duty/reserve and<br />
17 veterans. In January 2007, we reported <strong>in</strong> order to susta<strong>in</strong> an even or a positive ga<strong>in</strong>, we must recruit 900 new<br />
and/or re<strong>in</strong>stated members, and stay below 500 non-payment of dues members. In July 2006, we established the<br />
“Br<strong>in</strong>g’em Back Call Program.” This <strong>in</strong>itiative was a variation of PNP George Kaye’s Member-Get-A-Member Program.<br />
There were 1200 calls completed to MALs s<strong>in</strong>ce July of 2006; 119 non-renewed members paid their dues,<br />
which showed a 9.9% response rate. In April 2007, 101 MAL shipmates were contacted and 45 paid their dues,<br />
which was a 44.5% response rate. This program re<strong>in</strong>forces the importance of personal contact and outreach efforts,<br />
which can also prove to be successful at the branch level, if <strong>in</strong>stituted.<br />
There are <strong>in</strong>structions on the website as to how to download the Non Payment of Dues (NPD) list. National President<br />
Sweeney has been provided with this list to brief branches on his visits throughout the <strong>Association</strong>. Regional<br />
Presidents received this list monthly on the branches <strong>in</strong> their respective Regions, and we have added phone numbers<br />
to the branch reports to call-em back. If we can get the branches <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the call program, the response rate<br />
would be vastly improved. We have completed several tasks <strong>in</strong> our market<strong>in</strong>g efforts. We updated our website,<br />
changed the name of our magaz<strong>in</strong>e, revised our brochures and recruit<strong>in</strong>g materials, and extended our outreach efforts.<br />
The Director of Membership Development is the permanent Chairman of the National Committee on Membership &<br />
Retention. There are n<strong>in</strong>e additional members, one from each region. A member’s term is three years. There are<br />
three members replaced or reappo<strong>in</strong>ted each year by the <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g National President. The primary duty of this<br />
committee is to advise ways and means of <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g FRA membership, improv<strong>in</strong>g membership retention and publiciz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the aims and purposes of the FRA among eligible potential members.<br />
The Membership & Retention Committee meets monthly by conference call to discuss membership issues and <strong>in</strong>itiatives.<br />
The Committee members by regions are:<br />
M&R-1
DMD Penny Coll<strong>in</strong>s, Chairman, Branch 24, East Coast (Effective 9/1/07)<br />
RPEC Bob Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Chairman, Branch 181, East Coast (Through 8/31/07)<br />
PRPNE Bill Reese, Branch 1, Northeast, (3 yrs)<br />
PRPSC Jerry Hobson, Branch 282, South Central, (3 yrs)<br />
PRPSW Gus Hermes, Branch 61, Southwest, (3 yrs)<br />
PRPNC Pat J. Farvour, Branch 180, North Central, (2 yrs)<br />
PRPNEng John Kotheimer, Branch 338, New England, (1 yr)<br />
Shipmate Cardell E. Campbell, Branch 67, East Coast, (2 yrs)<br />
Shipmate Art Archer, Branch 261, West Coast, (2 yrs)<br />
Shipmate Michael Wilson, Branch 103, Northwest, (1 yr)<br />
Shipmate Charles A. H<strong>in</strong>es, Branch 269, Southeast, (1 yr)<br />
NES Joe Barnes, Branch 181, East Coast (Advisor)<br />
The Membership & Retention Committee and the Staff at the National Headquarters can not do it alone. It is go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to take a team effort from all members of the FRA to make a serious concentrated effort to recruit members <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
<strong>Association</strong> and to stop the cont<strong>in</strong>uous downward trend <strong>in</strong> members.<br />
MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION COMMITTEE ADDITIONAL REPORTS<br />
This report conta<strong>in</strong>s two enclosures that are pert<strong>in</strong>ent to this report. It is requested you take the time to read these<br />
enclosures and familiarize yourselves with the <strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed there<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The enclosures are:<br />
1. Fourth Quarter 2006-07 Membership Report (Includ<strong>in</strong>g Transfers from MAL, Branch<br />
Vot<strong>in</strong>g Strength, and Assignment to Membership Groups) as of 31 March 2007.<br />
2. A list<strong>in</strong>g, by branch, of members who passed away dur<strong>in</strong>g the period 1 April 2006<br />
through 31 March 2007.<br />
TYPE<br />
Regular Dues Pay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Life<br />
Disability<br />
Honorary<br />
Over Age 90<br />
50 Plus Years<br />
Medal of Honor<br />
Total<br />
COMPOSITION OF FRA MEMBERSHIP BY MEMBER TYPE<br />
NUMBER OF MEMBERS<br />
M&R-2<br />
90,502<br />
6,008<br />
154<br />
152<br />
25<br />
1,269<br />
11<br />
98,629<br />
ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS<br />
YEAR END USN USMC USCG TOTALS<br />
PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS<br />
TOTAL<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
91.760%<br />
6.092%<br />
0.156%<br />
0.154%<br />
0.025%<br />
1.287%<br />
0.011%<br />
93.932%<br />
PERCENTAGE<br />
ACTIVE<br />
DUTY<br />
1979 34,687 2,490 422 37,599 147,609 25.47<br />
1980 34,699 2,287 414 37,400 147,934 25.28<br />
1981 33,565 2,231 396 36,192 147,908 24.47
YEAR END USN USMC USCG TOTALS<br />
M&R-3<br />
TOTAL<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
PERCENTAGE<br />
ACTIVE<br />
DUTY<br />
1982 25,730 1,681 338 27,749 156,191 17.77<br />
1983 25,635 1,590 406 27,631 157,829 17.51<br />
1984 26,288 1,629 263 28,180 162,422 17.35<br />
1985 25,036 1,546 273 26,855 167,709 16.01<br />
1986 23,636 1,410 330 25,376 163,610 15.51<br />
1987 22,268 1,282 345 23,895 156,114 15.31<br />
1988 22,595 1,296 438 24,329 150,535 16.16<br />
1989 23,609 1,381 565 25,555 153,207 16.68<br />
1990 23,306 1,342 684 25,332 154,657 16.38<br />
1991 22,375 1,274 712 24,361 151,398 16.09<br />
1992 22,708 1,413 917 25,038 152,886 16.38<br />
1993 17,436 1,129 952 19,517 170,786 11.43<br />
1994 13,419 741 799 14,959 164,076 9.12<br />
1995 11,647 609 932 13,188 160,951 8.19<br />
1996 10,314 565 717 11,596 158,109 7.33<br />
1997 9,276 532 601 10,409 163,137 6.38<br />
1998 8,402 502 565 9,469 158,330 5.98<br />
1999 8,794 599 585 9,978 154,638 6.45<br />
2000 8,662 590 561 9,813 150,944 6.50<br />
2001 8,347 579 566 9,492 145,352 6.53<br />
2002 7,506 543 513 8,562 139,157 6.15<br />
2003 6,467 446 441 7,354 131,667 5.58<br />
2004 6,149 413 422 6,984 124,325 5.62<br />
2005 Unavailable (*) 114,858<br />
2006 4,507 292 323 5,122 105,000 4.88<br />
2007 4,068 311 289 4,668 98,629 4.73<br />
(*) Data was not captured as of 31 March 2005 - iMIS related.
FRA MEMBERS WITH 60 OR MORE YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP<br />
(As of 31 March 2007)<br />
NAME BRANCH DATE JOINED FRA<br />
69 YEARS<br />
John H. Vandenbos 010 l February 1938<br />
67 YEARS<br />
William R. Thrift MAL l November 1940<br />
66 YEARS<br />
Clifford A. Chaffee 043 1 February 1941<br />
James P. Morrison 009 1 July 1941<br />
John Taras 002 1 December 1941<br />
65 YEARS<br />
Peter C. O’Conner 009 1 January 1942<br />
Harry R. Anderson 047 1 May 1942<br />
William J. Cusick 003 1 October 1942<br />
64 YEARS<br />
George M. Pearson MAL 1 August 1943<br />
Roy A. Teal 043 1 October 1943<br />
Carl J. Marble MAL 1 November 1943<br />
Glade Manwill MAL 1 November 1943<br />
63 YEARS<br />
James F. Terrell 001 1 February 1944<br />
John D. LeRoy 093 1 February 1944<br />
Michele Pastore 009 1 July 1944<br />
62 YEARS<br />
Jarrell M. Agee 009 1 February 1945<br />
Leonard L. Purifoy 091 1 February 1945<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> Schalbert 101 1 February 1945<br />
Michel Miller 043 1 March 1945<br />
Henry R. Griff<strong>in</strong>, Jr. MAL 1 June 1945<br />
Richard F. Herriman 010 1 July 1945<br />
R.E. Wachter 043 1 September 1945<br />
Pete Lisko 024 1 October 1945<br />
Raymond Barton MAL 1 December 1945<br />
Henry R. Harpe 024 1 December 1945<br />
Cleo E. Peterson 069 1 December 1945<br />
Kenneth E. Milke 113 1 December 1945<br />
Eugene K. Messersmith 347 1 December 1945<br />
M&R-4
61 YEARS<br />
August Egri 009 1 January 1946<br />
Stanley Tryzbiak 117 1 January 1946<br />
Glen Atk<strong>in</strong>s 061 1 January 1946<br />
Arthur Page 102 1 January 1946<br />
Marshall McSpadden 060 1 January 1946<br />
Joseph Wiczus MAL 1 February 1946<br />
Cletus Prieur 043 1 February 1946<br />
Peter Chang 048 1 February 1946<br />
Rupert Howell 004 1 February 1946<br />
Frank Kurtz 004 1 February 1946<br />
Ralph Johnson 101 1 March 1946<br />
Ernest Stahlberg 008 1 March 1946<br />
Ray Dustrude 151 1 April 1946<br />
Edward Nickelatti 043 1 April 1946<br />
Kenneth Goodale 067 1 April 1946<br />
Jack Barr 245 1 April 1946<br />
Francis Baglioni 006 1 May 1946<br />
Herbert Zobel 029 1 May 1946<br />
Roland Stack 022 1 May 1946<br />
Richard Law 090 1 May 1946<br />
William Gardner MAL 1 May 1946<br />
Noah Booth 147 1 May 1946<br />
Joseph Carlsen MAL 1 May 1946<br />
John Yed<strong>in</strong>ak 124 1 May 1946<br />
Leroy Hirni 097 1 May 1946<br />
Charley Odom 194 1 June 1946<br />
Owen Brown 061 1 June 1946<br />
William Coffey 020 1 July 1946<br />
Dean Benoy 068 1 July 1946<br />
Michael Prawlocki 051 1 August 1946<br />
John Childs 020 1 September 1946<br />
George Flanders 009 1 September 1946<br />
L Latouche MAL 1 September 1946<br />
Roy Brown 113 1 October 1946<br />
Eugene Lake 004 1 October 1946<br />
Royal Lester 043 1 November 1946<br />
George Thomas 008 1 November 1946<br />
Robert Hawk<strong>in</strong>s 347 1 November 1946<br />
John Johnson 096 1 December 1946<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Germonto MAL 1 December 1946<br />
60 YEARS<br />
Fred Ivey MAL 1 January 1947<br />
Glen Smith 096 1 February 1947<br />
Lehman Bryant 009 1 February 1947<br />
Mancel May 191 1 February 1947<br />
Robert Haigler 123 1 March 1947<br />
J Ballman MAL 1 April 1947<br />
Sam Goodman 274 1 April 1947<br />
Frank Adamich 174 1 May 1947<br />
Victor Miranda 009 1 May 1947<br />
Larry Barr 004 1 May 1947<br />
M&R-5
Frank Bald<strong>in</strong>o 366 1 May 1947<br />
James Thomas 061 1 July 1947<br />
Theodore Watson MAL 1 July 1947<br />
Arthur Christoff 009 1 July 1947<br />
Jessie Dye 009 1 July 1947<br />
James Vorhes 313 1 July 1947<br />
Theodore Sanderson MAL 1 August 1947<br />
MEMBERSHIP AWARDS<br />
2006-07 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ’06 AWARDS<br />
FRA’s 2006-2007 Membership Award Program closed as of 31 March 2007. Recruit<strong>in</strong>g award w<strong>in</strong>ners were selected<br />
from the 785 Shipmates and Ladies who recruited members dur<strong>in</strong>g the past year.<br />
1 st Prize ($400)<br />
Karl W. Zuege, Branch 235<br />
2 nd Prize ($300)<br />
Michael P. Norman, Branch 46<br />
3 rd Prize ($200)<br />
Michael T. Wilson 103<br />
4 th through 10th Prizes<br />
5 Years Paid Membership Dues<br />
<strong>in</strong> FRA or LA FRA<br />
Ralph A. Preston, Branch 99<br />
Edward J. Nutick, Branch 94<br />
Kenneth Carter, Branch 24<br />
George N. Kollarik, Branch 124<br />
Paul J. Hendry, Branch 290<br />
James Hammond, Branch 283<br />
George N. Dorsey, Branch 24<br />
GOLD LAPEL BUTTON AWARD<br />
Any member of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> or Ladies Auxiliary of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> who recruits ten<br />
new or re<strong>in</strong>stated members for the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> shall be presented with a Gold Lapel emblem of the<br />
<strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, a Gold Membership Card, and a Letter of Commendation signed by the National President.<br />
The Gold Lapel Button Award was presented to the follow<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g the 2006-07 membership year:<br />
NAME BR/UNIT NAME BR/UNIT<br />
Coy L. Gillenwater 162 Lori L. Dearth 070<br />
SILVER ANCHOR SQUADRON AWARD<br />
Any member of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> or Ladies Auxiliary of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> who recruits<br />
fifty new or re<strong>in</strong>stated members for the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> subsequent to 13 September 1974 shall be presented<br />
with a Silver Anchor Squadron Award P<strong>in</strong>, Silver Anchor Squadron Certificate and a Letter of Commendation<br />
signed by the National President.<br />
M&R-6
The follow<strong>in</strong>g members qualified for and was awarded the Silver Squadron Award dur<strong>in</strong>g the 2006-07 Membership<br />
Year:<br />
AWARD NO. DATE ISSUED RECIPIENT BR/UNIT<br />
None None None None<br />
THE INDIVIDUAL AND BRANCH CHARLES E. LOFGREN AWARDS<br />
The Charles E. Lofgren Awards for excellence <strong>in</strong> FRA membership recruit<strong>in</strong>g is to perpetuate and honor the memory<br />
of our late National Secretary, Charles E. Lofgren.<br />
There are ten Charles E. Lofgren Awards, five for <strong>in</strong>dividual top recruiters and five for the top FRA branches <strong>in</strong> recruit<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
They are awarded to <strong>in</strong>dividual recruiters and branches <strong>in</strong> each of the <strong>Association</strong>’s five membership<br />
groups. The <strong>in</strong>dividual awards consist of a commemorative watch. The branch award is a ship’s bell mounted on a<br />
handsome base. The recipients are determ<strong>in</strong>ed at the national convention each year. The 2006-07 recipients for the<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual Charles E. Lofgren awards were:<br />
Group I: George N. Dorsey Jr., Annapolis Branch 24 (36 members)<br />
Group II: Richard Moriarty, B. Duke Woody Branch 147 (31 members)<br />
Group III: Dale P. Kaiser, Detroit Branch 27 (8 members)<br />
Group IV: PNP George Hyland, Niantic Branch 237 (10 members)<br />
Group V: Michael Bevill, Lone Star Branch 11 (19 members)<br />
The FRA branches that received the Branch Charles E. Lofgren Awards:<br />
Group I: Goose Creek Branch 269, Goose Creek, South Carol<strong>in</strong>a<br />
(17.18% recruit<strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong> with a 13.06% suspension loss)<br />
Group II: Yokosuka Branch 103, Yokosuka, Japan<br />
(78.93% recruit<strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong> with 21.27% suspension loss)<br />
Group III: St Andrews Bay branch 346, Panama City Beach, Florida<br />
(7.01% recruit<strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong> with 3.69% suspension loss)<br />
Group IV: Putnam Country Branch 183, Interlachen, Florida<br />
(6.61% recruit<strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong> with 8.26% suspension loss)<br />
Group V: Green Mounta<strong>in</strong> Branch 235, Rutland, Vermont<br />
(24.19% recruit<strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong> with 5% suspension loss)<br />
Our s<strong>in</strong>cerest congratulations to the hard work<strong>in</strong>g and deserv<strong>in</strong>g Charles E. Lofgren Award recipients. Their <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
and collective endeavors <strong>in</strong> membership promotion and retention are deeply appreciated.<br />
THE ABRAHAM M. ROSENBERG MEMBERSHIP AWARD<br />
From the five branches w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Charles E. Lofgren Award, one branch is selected for its achievements <strong>in</strong> outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
membership promotion. Shipmate Abraham M. Rosenberg served as National President <strong>in</strong> 1934-35. He was<br />
a member of Cleveland Branch 17 and is credited with establish<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Association</strong>’s f<strong>in</strong>ancial stability <strong>in</strong> the late<br />
1930’s. Yokosuka Branch 103, Yokosuka, Japan, was selected as the Abraham M. Rosenberg Award recipient.<br />
FRANK J. McPHERSON MEMORIAL AWARD<br />
This award is competitively awarded by the National Convention Membership and Retention Committee to one<br />
shipmate who exemplifies the three Card<strong>in</strong>al Pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, especially <strong>in</strong> membership<br />
endeavors. The shipmate selected must have expended extensive effort towards the overall growth of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong>. The selectee need not necessarily be a top recruiter, but an <strong>in</strong>dividual who has ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed a positive<br />
public attitude as it affects the membership and retention of members of the <strong>Association</strong>. Names of qualified<br />
nom<strong>in</strong>ees for this award, accompanied by an affidavit support<strong>in</strong>g the nom<strong>in</strong>ation may be submitted by branches, to<br />
M&R-7
the respective Regional Chairman, Membership and Retention Committee not later than 30 June. Regional Presidents<br />
shall forward their region’s nom<strong>in</strong>ee, along with support<strong>in</strong>g documents, to the Chairman, National Committee<br />
on Membership and Retention not later than 7 days prior to the conven<strong>in</strong>g of the national convention. (The deadl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
for 2007 is 23 October.)<br />
FRA 100% AWARD<br />
At the 68th National Convention <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>, this committee was tasked to <strong>in</strong>itiate a new award for<br />
excellence <strong>in</strong> membership retention. The FRA 100% Award is awarded to each branch who ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s the same<br />
membership total or <strong>in</strong>creases their branch membership by one or more members from 1 April through 31 March of<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g year. This total must <strong>in</strong>dicate the branch has ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed or <strong>in</strong>creased total members on board overcom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deaths and suspensions. In addition, those members transferred <strong>in</strong>to the branch from the Membership-at-Large<br />
rolls are not <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the retention figures. Only those branch whose membership was the same or <strong>in</strong>creased by<br />
one or more through normal recruit<strong>in</strong>g and retention efforts will be recognized.<br />
The results of this program by year are as follows:<br />
1995-96 - 41 branches<br />
1996-97 - 38 branches<br />
1997-98 - 40 branches<br />
1998-99 - 55 branches<br />
1999-00 - 63 branches<br />
2000-01 - 59 branches<br />
2001-02 - 74 branches<br />
2002-03 - 40 branches<br />
2003-04 - 50 branches<br />
2004-05 - 22 branches<br />
2005-06 - 53 branches<br />
2006-07 - 46 branches<br />
Of the 283 branches, 46 branches (16.25%) qualified for the Award for 2006-07. Those branches qualify<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
percentage recruit<strong>in</strong>g ga<strong>in</strong> are as follows:<br />
GROUP I<br />
(1 of 9 Branches 11.11%)<br />
Goose Creek Branch 269 – 17.18% - Southeast Region<br />
GROUP II<br />
(4 of 27 Branches – 14.81%)<br />
Yokosuka Branch 103 – 78.93% - Northwest Region<br />
Corpus Christi Branch 94 – 7.37% - South Central Region<br />
Tom Vallee Branch 93 – 3.18% - East Coast Region<br />
Atlanta Branch 89 – 0.46% - South East Region<br />
GROUP III<br />
(1 of 41 Branches – 02.43%)<br />
St Andrews Bay branch 346 – 3.19% - Southeast Region<br />
M&R-8
GROUP IV<br />
(3 of 68 Branches – 04.41%)<br />
Putnam County Branch 183 – 6.61% - Southeast Region<br />
Indianapolis Memorial Branch 130 – 3.01% - North Central Region<br />
Baton Rouge Branch 371 – 2.29% - South Central Region<br />
GROUP V<br />
(37 of 137 Branches 27.01%)<br />
Green Mounta<strong>in</strong> Branch 235 – 24.19% - New England Region<br />
Davenport Iowa Branch 242 – 15.00% - North Central Region<br />
Cheyenne Branch 59 – 13.92% - North West Region<br />
Lone Star Branch 11 – 13.41% - South Central Region<br />
Dagupan City Branch 247 – 12.90% - North West Region<br />
Grand Strand Branch 254 – 12.50% - Southeast Region<br />
Hangtown Branch 275 – 12.22% West Coast Region<br />
Air Capitol Branch 241 – 11.84% - North Central Region<br />
Fayetteville NC Branch 259 – 11.36% - East Coast Region<br />
Upper Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Branch 138 – 10.34% - North Central Region<br />
Tennessee Valley Branch 44 – 9.09% - Southeast Region<br />
Calusa Branch 118 – 9.09% - Southeast Region<br />
Miagao Branch 64 – 8.11% - Northwest Region<br />
San Angelo Branch 295 – 6.67% - South Central Region<br />
Slidell Branch 222 – 6.49% - South Central Region<br />
Ft Wayne Branch 348 – 5.41% - North Central Region<br />
Bicol Region Branch 127 – 5.26% - Northwest Region<br />
Green Valley Branch 77 – 4.69% - Southwest Region<br />
USS Idaho Branch 133 – 4.41% - Northwest Region<br />
Bluegrass Branch 284 – 4.35% - North Central Region<br />
Chattanooga Choo Choo Branch 187 – 3.85% - Southeast Region<br />
Bedford Spr<strong>in</strong>gs Branch 87 – 3.57% - New England Region<br />
Mohave County Branch 260 – 3.37% - Southwest Region<br />
Colo-Wyo Border Branch 21 – 2.44% - West Coast Region<br />
Baguio City Branch 154 – 2.22% - Northwest Region<br />
Colorado West Branch 244 – 2.17% - West Coast Region<br />
Lewis Clark Valley Branch 63 – 2.04% - Northwest Region<br />
Sarasota Branch 250 – 1.92% - Southeast Region<br />
Capital Olympia Branch 191 – 1.75% - Northwest Region<br />
Golden Empire Branch 26 – 0.00% - Southwest Region<br />
Antietam Branch 142 – 0.00% - East Coast Region<br />
Southern Luzon Branch 171 – 0.00% - Northwest Region<br />
Ga<strong>in</strong>esville Branch 179 – 0.00% - Southeast Region<br />
Peoria Branch 221 – 0.00% - North Central Region<br />
Ozark Branch 227 – 0.00% - South Central Region<br />
Volusia County Branch 335 – 0.00% - Southeast Region<br />
M&R-9
BRANCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM<br />
NEW BRANCHES CHARTERED<br />
(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)<br />
BRANCH NO. LOCATION REGION AUTHORIZATION<br />
283 Elsmere, KY North Central NBR 63-06 of 18 September 2006<br />
BRANCHES THAT MERGED<br />
(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)<br />
Branch 213 - Tara Branch (Southeast Region) merged with Atlanta Branch 089 by<br />
NBR 28-06 of 13 April 2006 (53 members transferred)<br />
Branch 125 - East Bay Branch (West Coast Region) merged with Vallejo Branch 08 by<br />
NBR 54-06 of 28 July 2006 (28 members transferred)<br />
Branch 002 - Schuyler S. Pyle Branch (Northeast Region) merged with Staten Island Branch 226 by<br />
NBR 64-06 of 18 September 2006 (128 members transferred)<br />
BRANCHES SURRENDERING CHARTER<br />
(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)<br />
Branch 231 - Memphis, TN, Charter Surrendered by NBR 29-06 of 31 March 2006<br />
(197 members transferred to MAL)<br />
Branch 157 - Yuma, AZ, charter surrendered by NBR 37-06 of 19/20 May 2006<br />
(65 members transferred to MAL)<br />
BRANCH CHARTER SUSPENDED<br />
(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)<br />
Branch 40 - Chesapeake, VA (East Coast Region) by NBR 36-06 of 19/20 May 2006<br />
Branch 103 - Yokosuka, JA (Northwest Region) by NBR 57-06 of 18 September 2006<br />
Branch 111 - Batangas, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 58-06 of 18 September 2006<br />
Branch 154 - Baguio City, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 59-06 of 18 September 2006<br />
Branch 374 - Salem, OR, (Northwest Region) by NBR 60-06 of 18 September 2006<br />
Branch 232 - Cape May, NJ (Northeast Region) by NBR 61-06 of 18 September 2006<br />
BRANCH CHARTER SUSPENSION LIFTED<br />
(1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007)<br />
Branch 40 - Chesapeake, VA (East Coast Region) by NBR 52-06 of 11 July 2006<br />
Branch 154 - Baguio City, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 13-07 of 6 October 2006<br />
Branch 103 - Yokosuka, JA (Northwest Region) by NBR 14-07 of 6 October 2006<br />
Branch 374 - Salem, OR, (Northwest Region) by NBR 18-07 of 31 January 2007<br />
M&R-10
BRANCH CHARTER REVOKED<br />
(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007)<br />
Branch 82 - Manila, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 56-06 of 18 September 2006.<br />
(15 members transferred to MAL)<br />
GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS<br />
The FRA is comprised of n<strong>in</strong>e geographical regions. As of 31 March 2007 there were 273 FRA branches throughout<br />
the n<strong>in</strong>e regions. The number of branches <strong>in</strong> each region is as follows:<br />
North Central: 48 West Coast: 26<br />
Southeast: 49 South Central: 24<br />
East Coast: 37 Northeast: 22<br />
Northwest: 37 New England: 16<br />
Southwest: 27<br />
FRA’S OPERATION FRA ’07-’08<br />
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM<br />
FRA kicked off its new 2007-08 Membership Award Program on 1 April 2007. The Program is referred to as Operation<br />
FRA ’07-’08 Membership Program. This promotion will run from 1 April 2007 and will term<strong>in</strong>ate on 31 March<br />
2008. All one needs to do to qualify for the award is: (1) Recruit three new or re<strong>in</strong>stated members and receive the<br />
Operation FRA ’07-’08 lapel p<strong>in</strong> along with one entry <strong>in</strong> the FRA ‘08 draw<strong>in</strong>g. (2) Submit the dues and membership<br />
application to: FRA, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. (3) You do not need to hold the applications,<br />
we will track them for you. Once you have earned the award, re-qualify<strong>in</strong>g will earn additional entries, i.e., recruit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
additional new or re<strong>in</strong>stated members, after the <strong>in</strong>itial three, earns you an additional entry, <strong>in</strong> the draw<strong>in</strong>g, for<br />
each. (4) BONUS-Recruit a total of 32 new or re<strong>in</strong>stated shipmates and receive a free lifetime membership <strong>in</strong> FRA!<br />
(Current life members will receive a $200.00 cash prize for recruit<strong>in</strong>g 32 new/re<strong>in</strong>stated members.)<br />
As this report is written, through the efforts of the shipmates <strong>in</strong> the FRA and the ladies <strong>in</strong> the LA FRA, we have<br />
1702 new or re<strong>in</strong>stated members.<br />
The complete details of the program were <strong>in</strong> the April 2007 issue of FRA Today.<br />
M&R-11<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
PENNY COLLINS<br />
Chairman<br />
Shipmate National President, this concludes my report and I move that it be received.
BRANCH 1 (11)<br />
GEORGE L. CARLIN<br />
William O. Braxton<br />
Elmer Chorba<br />
Laureto A. Far<strong>in</strong>as<br />
James W. Hairston<br />
Daniel F. McDade<br />
Thomas J. Moore<br />
William C. Nikovits<br />
Thomas J. Travis<br />
William C. Weber<br />
Stephen P. Yorden<br />
John W. Zaengle<br />
BRANCH 3 (8)<br />
USS CONSTITUTION<br />
Donald E. Bush<br />
Guido Card<strong>in</strong>elli<br />
Abbott G. Davis<br />
Edna F. Ebbs<br />
Clifford F. Ennis<br />
Edward P. Kornotowski<br />
Charles Walter Ross<br />
Stanley L. Spangler<br />
BRANCH 4 (10)<br />
WASHINGTON, D.C.<br />
Richard J. Chenoweth<br />
George J. Daley<br />
Fred W. Evans<br />
Lenora I. Kitts<br />
Jaroam Price<br />
William C. Shalag<br />
Paul R. Spencer<br />
Donald L. Stillson<br />
Simeon B. Terpak<br />
Arthur R. T<strong>in</strong>torri<br />
BRANCH 5 (17)<br />
NORFOLK<br />
John W. Blair<br />
Angel C. Dajon<br />
Jackson E. Ellis<br />
Rufo G. Estaris<br />
John C. Herub<strong>in</strong><br />
Irv<strong>in</strong>g E. Hughes<br />
Thomas A. Imeson, Jr.<br />
Emmett K. Jenn<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Paul R. Myers, Jr.<br />
Ray H. Nelson<br />
Claude Porter<br />
IN MEMORIAM<br />
William Ra<strong>in</strong>ey<br />
Richard R. Saburn<br />
Anthony J. Scarangella<br />
Ralph W. Shook<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> N. Sikes<br />
Jose Solis<br />
BRANCH 6 (13)<br />
BALTIMORE<br />
Frank V. Bolla<br />
John R. Burt<br />
Roseanne Caruso<br />
Frank E. Cashman<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Crane<br />
Charles W. Diehl<br />
Mark J. Dondero<br />
Emanuel Fox<br />
Stanley G. Garty<br />
Vernon M. Kershaw<br />
Jean M. Sauerwald<br />
Lloyd B. Spencer<br />
Louis A. Wood<br />
BRANCH 7 (1)<br />
PORTSMOUTH, N.H.<br />
Donald M. Anderson<br />
BRANCH 8 (18)<br />
VALLEJO<br />
John M. Beaton<br />
Henry V. Bouscaren, Jr.<br />
Junior L. Carey<br />
George P. Czifro<br />
Robert E. Dowd<br />
Raymond W. Egbert<br />
Norman C. Frid<br />
Leo E. Graff<br />
William E. Herig<br />
Richard W. Kistler<br />
Thomas B. Kuykendall<br />
Walter I. Libby<br />
John D. Pas<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Ralph D. Patton<br />
Kenneth W. Pierce<br />
Harold J. Skov<br />
Howard T. Varley<br />
Edward O. Watson<br />
BRANCH 9 (61)<br />
SAN DIEGO<br />
Eduardo C. Abuyen<br />
D-1<br />
Terrance W. Andrews<br />
Leonard J. Breen<br />
Alv<strong>in</strong> R. Brooks<br />
Cois G. Burchett<br />
James H. Calder<br />
John Chrzan<br />
Albert R. Cl<strong>in</strong>ton<br />
Douglas W. Coleman<br />
John A. Cormier<br />
Donald G. Disney<br />
August Egri<br />
Walter G. Erickson<br />
Floyd T. Estes<br />
Lowell D. Farris<br />
Roy Gale<br />
Willie R. Gallimore<br />
Walter Gardon<br />
Eugene D. Garner<br />
Grover L. Handley<br />
Michael C. Haney<br />
John H. Harshbarger<br />
Forrest M. Haynes<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> W. Holmes<br />
Arthur R. Holtry<br />
Jesse R. Jackson<br />
Walter L. Knight<br />
Ga<strong>in</strong>es H. Knight<br />
Frank Kulischak<br />
Jeset S. Lazo<br />
Frankl<strong>in</strong> H. Lehr<br />
Thomas M. Lester<br />
James H. Longest<br />
James R. Lord<br />
James K. Lovsted<br />
George L. Markle<br />
Harold L. Masden<br />
Carl H. Matteson<br />
John G. Moore<br />
James H. Nieuwenhuis<br />
Otis C. Novell<br />
Oscar W. Olsen<br />
Bennie C. Page<br />
William J. Phillips<br />
Eugene C. Price<br />
Antonio Regalado<br />
Francis H. Richardson<br />
William R. Schultz<br />
William Simmons<br />
Carl D. Sowell<br />
Joseph J. Sp<strong>in</strong>ello<br />
Ira E. Strahl
Douglas Tice<br />
Leonard V. Toml<strong>in</strong><br />
Charles A. VanHise<br />
Louis Vothel<strong>in</strong><br />
H. D. Warden<br />
George W. Williams<br />
Roscoe Williams<br />
Jacob J. Yost<br />
Robert J. Young<br />
BRANCH 10 (14)<br />
OAKLAND/SAN LEANDRO<br />
Vicente R. Academia<br />
Dudley A. Colloran<br />
Robert D. Humphrey<br />
George G. Lawless<br />
Lyle M. Maracc<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Darrell H. Murphy<br />
George S. Nilsson<br />
Frederick L. Pa<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
Richard D. Peoples<br />
Walter N. Po<strong>in</strong>dexter<br />
Myron A. Solversen<br />
Cecil D. Thomas<br />
David J. V<strong>in</strong>cent<br />
BRANCH 11 (1)<br />
LONE STAR<br />
Freddie W. McMeans<br />
BRANCH 12 (3)<br />
CHICAGO<br />
Granville E. Erickson<br />
George B. Owen, Jr.<br />
Roger K. Smith<br />
BRANCH 13 (3)<br />
ATLANTIC CITY<br />
Robert Cleveland<br />
William G. Higdon<br />
Carroll J. H<strong>in</strong>ton<br />
BRANCH 14 (8)<br />
MILWAUKEE<br />
John H. Foley<br />
Robert A. Getty<br />
William C. Haynes<br />
Edward G. Kotschi<br />
William H. Lunn<br />
John W. Perry<br />
Herman J. Rader<br />
William Starr<br />
BRANCH 15 (2)<br />
THE LELAND ALEXANDER<br />
MEMORIAL GOLDEN<br />
CORNER<br />
Dee L. Combs<br />
Robert W. Lecroy<br />
BRANCH 17 (4)<br />
CLEVELAND<br />
Lynn Keck<br />
Lester T. O’Brien<br />
Raymond C. Richards<br />
Thomas W. Urick<br />
BRANCH 18 (31)<br />
SEATTLE<br />
Thomas W. Arata<br />
Gerard Barta<br />
Dale R. Bradley<br />
Lloyd H. Brown<br />
William C. Carbaugh<br />
Leslie J. Click<br />
Ronald J. Cook<br />
Elbert B. Cornelison<br />
Russell A. Davis<br />
William W. Dodson<br />
Andrew J. Esp<strong>in</strong>oza<br />
Robert F. Frederick<br />
Eugene R. Garrow<br />
Frederick E. Gloede<br />
Clifford F. Hester<br />
Robert E. Holt<br />
Joseph C. Howard<br />
Norman F. Johnson<br />
Donald J. Major<br />
Harvey E. Markley<br />
John M. McFarland<br />
Marian E. McNamara<br />
Keith W. Morey<br />
Phillip G. Poeppel<br />
Joseph Popp<br />
Bernard F. Rossman<br />
Lester D. Thompson<br />
William F. Vance<br />
Earl Walker<br />
Ernest B. Williams<br />
John Woloszyn<br />
BRANCH 19 (12)<br />
NEWPORT<br />
Thomas B. Archambault<br />
Damien Blanchette<br />
William R. Bower<br />
John C. Clark<br />
Douglas W. Demoss<br />
D-2<br />
Joseph P. Dermody<br />
Paul E. Lee<br />
Allen R. McGuire, Sr.<br />
Jeremiah P. Murphy<br />
Dennis L. Selleck<br />
Earl J. Taylor<br />
William F. Wilk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
BRANCH 20 (16)<br />
GROTON<br />
Brian E. Burger<br />
Anthony Cherwa<br />
William S. Eck<br />
Albert A. Ferris<br />
John Flatley<br />
Edward M. Gulowsen<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> Heisser<br />
Richard E. H<strong>in</strong>cken<br />
Bobby G. Hodges<br />
Joseph J. Holmes<br />
Roderick C. Huggan<br />
Raymond E. K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
James D. Lemerl<strong>in</strong><br />
Walter E. Mitchell<br />
Peter Piazza<br />
Daniel J. Westhus<strong>in</strong><br />
BRANCH 22 (50)<br />
PENSACOLA<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> S. Adams<br />
Thomas J. Andreola<br />
Floyd B. Athow<br />
Harold K. Bechtel<br />
James L. Bland<br />
Roy K. Brooks<br />
Alv<strong>in</strong> D. Bruce<br />
Maxwell Burke<br />
Charles E. Cephas<br />
Victor Christ<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Leo O. Davenport<br />
Peter H. Derby<br />
Herbert L. Dobb<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Quent<strong>in</strong> L. Dolbier<br />
James D. Elder<br />
Jesse A. Fairley<br />
Robert R. Goens<br />
Kenneth H. Guild<br />
Milton P. Hebert<br />
A. J. Holder<br />
Sidney E. Hull<br />
Fred W. Jordan<br />
Stanley A. Kijanka<br />
Walter L. K<strong>in</strong>sey<br />
Albert F. Langnau
Alv<strong>in</strong> D. Lewis<br />
Michael E. Lowey<br />
Raymond P. McDaniel<br />
Carl Ernest McKee<br />
Cl<strong>in</strong>ton P. Monroe<br />
William P. Nodhturft<br />
William C. Owens<br />
Donald V. Page<br />
Victor J. Parello<br />
Raymond F. Pitman<br />
Edgar W. Raulerson<br />
Wayne A. Reed<br />
Dev P. Riddlebarger<br />
Dale L. Roberts<br />
Maurice Sandson<br />
David J. Saporito<br />
Raymond J. Smith<br />
Edgar L. Stewart<br />
Felix P. Thompson<br />
Alberto S. Tolent<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Joe E. Usher<br />
John M. Ward<br />
Ronald Lee Weckerly<br />
Elra H. Wilday<br />
Archie Willoughby<br />
BRANCH 23 (5)<br />
BUFFALO<br />
William Carruthers<br />
Foster A. Marth<br />
Edmund M. Mason<br />
Mack Paxton<br />
Thaddeus F. Plisak<br />
BRANCH 24 (27)<br />
ANNAPOLIS<br />
Robert C. Ashley<br />
John A. Bachmann<br />
Ronald C. Br<strong>in</strong>ster<br />
John P. Cavanaugh<br />
George J. Coleman<br />
Albert A. Demboski<br />
Robert C. D’urso<br />
William Emery<br />
Donald E. Evans<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> L. Gibbs<br />
Frederick E. Harr<br />
William H. Healey, Jr.<br />
John T. Holloway<br />
Dudley Holste<strong>in</strong><br />
Robert M. Leonard<br />
Robert Lewis, Jr.<br />
Stephen Lowe<br />
Joe D. Murphy<br />
Michael P. Nash<br />
Richard D. Neyhart<br />
Donald L. Nichols<br />
Peter P. Panyon, Sr.<br />
Walter L. Prediger<br />
Russell W. Rogers<br />
Douglas A. Whitcher<br />
Louis G. W<strong>in</strong>gate<br />
Gerard H. Wirth<br />
BRANCH 25 (3)<br />
ST. AUGUSTINE<br />
Gerald L. Crowder<br />
Henry W. Ford<br />
Thomas E. McDaniel<br />
BRANCH 26 (1)<br />
GOLDEN EMPIRE<br />
Anthony Briseno<br />
BRANCH 27 (7)<br />
DETROIT<br />
Jackie L. Adk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Clarence Gorski<br />
James R. Reno<br />
John J. Smoke<br />
Walter W. Wardell<br />
F<strong>in</strong>is A. Wynn<br />
Richard R. Ziemer<br />
BRANCH 28 (1)<br />
O-K-I<br />
Stanley Kakol<br />
BRANCH 29 (13)<br />
BREMERTON<br />
Wallis M. Belyea<br />
George A. Freeman<br />
Ralph A. Gonzales<br />
John N. Jur<strong>in</strong>ski<br />
Elmer H. L<strong>in</strong>enbroker<br />
John F. McDonald<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> Meyer<br />
Harold M. Miller<br />
Bernard H. Ouellet<br />
Kenneth M. Salmon<br />
Alton C. Shimkovitz<br />
William F. Vedder<br />
James W. Wells<br />
BRANCH 30 (2)<br />
BRUNSWICK<br />
Paul L. Davenport<br />
Billie C. Murphy<br />
D-3<br />
BRANCH 31 (1)<br />
NORTH SHORE<br />
Anthony Morano<br />
BRANCH 32 (4)<br />
SHOW ME<br />
William J. Burks<br />
Henry C. Cooper<br />
James W. Remer<br />
James Rose<br />
BRANCH 33 (6)<br />
MOUNTAIN STATE<br />
Robert D. Bell<br />
Ga<strong>in</strong>es J. Brown<br />
John J. Burke<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> L. Clouston<br />
Michael F. Ralbusky<br />
Henry S. Shepherd<br />
BRANCH 34 (1)<br />
TALLAHASSEE<br />
Roy W. Markus<br />
BRANCH 36 (2<br />
CAVITE CITY<br />
Constancio Cosme<br />
Candido Olivares<br />
BRANCH 37 (3)<br />
PORTSMOUTH, VA<br />
Ottis D. Morris<br />
James C. Rob<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Roy L. Tucker<br />
BRANCH 38 (5)<br />
INLAND-EMPIRE<br />
Dan E. Carlson<br />
Robert Garten<br />
Edward W. Granek<br />
George E. Hoffman<br />
Leroy P. Selberg<br />
BRANCH 40 (6)<br />
CHESAPEAKE<br />
Henry G. Agnew<br />
Carl Maxie Brashear<br />
Dennis D. Lillefloren<br />
George E. Outten<br />
Frank Piercy<br />
Daniel Sanderl<strong>in</strong><br />
BRANCH 41 (8)
ROANOKE VALLEY<br />
Gordon G. Alley<br />
Boyd G. Hart<br />
Harry R. Hill, Jr.<br />
George Kirby<br />
Donald J. Mette<br />
Ralph E. Smith<br />
John A. St<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Richard P. Williams<br />
BRANCH 42 (20)<br />
QUONSET/DAVISVILLE<br />
George R. Baetzel<br />
Raymond Bass<br />
Andrew Bloschichak, Jr.<br />
Malcolm L. Craig<br />
Frederick F. Dyrdal<br />
Kenneth E. Green<br />
Archie R. Johnson<br />
Joseph K. Kuzman<br />
Gabriel H. Lavay<br />
Harvey L. Lehman<br />
Howard S. Lufk<strong>in</strong><br />
William R. Moore<br />
George W. Myers<br />
Manuel Pontes, Jr.<br />
Walter H. Pracht<br />
Keith E. Randall<br />
Thomas L. Raught<br />
Jackie Rogers<br />
Russell E. Sarna<br />
Herman C. Tudone<br />
BRANCH 43 (29)<br />
LONG BEACH<br />
Frank M. Adkisson<br />
Eugene V. Cameron<br />
Harry E. Collier<br />
Claudius C. Colv<strong>in</strong><br />
Leslie D. Earl<br />
Guy R. Evatt<br />
Walter Gartner<br />
Lyttle J. Goade<br />
Andrew Guna<br />
Grover T. Hailey<br />
Archie E. Hammond<br />
Thomas Hessie<br />
Edmund P. Howell<br />
Oscar M. Hurt<br />
Daniel J. Murphy, Jr.<br />
Robert G. Newell<br />
George W. Norris<br />
William Peden<br />
Harold F. Pierce<br />
Stuart H. Proffitt<br />
Richard D. Reed<br />
Ray Regiani<br />
Floyd P. Rogers<br />
Rafael G. Sanchez<br />
Donald E. Schlaich<br />
Frank W. Slater<br />
Claud A. Thomas<br />
Harold Thomas<br />
Fred A. Walton<br />
BRANCH 44 (1)<br />
TENNESSEE VALLEY<br />
Orville Mangrum<br />
BRANCH 46 (19)<br />
PEARL HARBOR-<br />
HONOLULU<br />
Richard K. Augenste<strong>in</strong><br />
Ermal R. Bishop, Jr.<br />
Warren F. Brooks<br />
William W. Daves<br />
Charles L. Groom<br />
Johnnie Jenk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Howard J. Knoepfler<br />
Hamilton R. Kupper<br />
Lewis R. Lafonta<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Ralph A. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
William E. Mol<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Frederick E. Moorhead<br />
James O. Murchison, Jr.<br />
Clemet H. Rogers<br />
Ansil L. Saunders<br />
Daniel F. Sullivan<br />
Leonard Tom Tumbelty<br />
Archie O. Wadsack<br />
Ronald A. Young<br />
BRANCH 47 (31)<br />
JAMES HUNTER<br />
Elv<strong>in</strong> W. Allen<br />
Clifford Briggs<br />
Paul R. Brunn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Edward R. Coleman<br />
Sampson Foster<br />
George J. Frank<br />
John D. Gammon<br />
Louis V. Hoeniger<br />
Lofton L. Holdford<br />
Deerwood J. Honeycutt<br />
Raymond R. Horner<br />
Herbert J. Horstman<br />
Frank L. Inman<br />
William F. Knaust<br />
D-4<br />
Ernest N. Maynard<br />
Carl E. McAdoo<br />
Timothy R. McMaster<br />
Howard G. Moebus<br />
George A. Parrott<br />
Raymond B. Paul<br />
Julius M. Rayfield<br />
Jim T. Roberts, III<br />
Frank L. Rodi<br />
James E. Stegall<br />
Herbert O. Stoner<br />
Paul A. Thatcher<br />
Douglas B. Tipton<br />
Ersk<strong>in</strong>e B. Trotter<br />
Ollie G. Webb<br />
Ira A. Whitten<br />
Wallace J. Worden<br />
BRANCH 48 (7)<br />
SAN FRANCISCO<br />
Lester E. Andersen<br />
Jesus P. Carol<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Henry C. Choromanski<br />
Gordon F. Dyer<br />
Edward L. Koehler<br />
Leonard D. Thogmart<strong>in</strong><br />
Allan A. Thompson<br />
BRANCH 49 (5)<br />
MILE-HIGH<br />
Clarence B. Daley<br />
Donald C. Garlick<br />
Foster A. Jones<br />
George E. Stre<strong>in</strong><br />
Monroe T. White<br />
BRANCH 50 (25)<br />
L. MENDEL RIVERS<br />
Charles D. Benjam<strong>in</strong>, Jr.<br />
James F. Bennett<br />
Cass M. Cassillas<br />
Owens E. Cook<br />
Clair V. Cumm<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Joseph F. Dickmann<br />
Boyce A. Garrick<br />
Curtis O. Groom<br />
John R. Harper<br />
Lawrence C. Hazen<br />
John H. Heiland, Jr.<br />
John B. Herchak<br />
Guy E. Johnson<br />
Michael S. K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Morell F. Lopez<br />
Donald W. McGraw
Aldo W. Paglierni<br />
John C. Pike<br />
Joseph G. Pire<br />
Michael Roman<br />
Charles O. Ruby<br />
Elbert L. Russell<br />
Troy E. Stevenson<br />
James L. White<br />
Claude R. Willis, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 51 (8)<br />
FLAMINGO<br />
Bernard D. Anlage, Jr.<br />
James H. Apperson<br />
Alv<strong>in</strong> R. Davis<br />
Arthur C. Downey<br />
Eugene R. Hutch<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Charles G. Mood<br />
Nathaniel R. Williams<br />
Jeff D. Willmon<br />
BRANCH 52 (8)<br />
DURHAM-RALEIGH<br />
William Grady<br />
Jessie R. Hall<br />
Odell F. Hardee<br />
Eugene Johnson<br />
Robert F. Matthews<br />
Richard J. Reynolds<br />
Bruce C. Shorts<br />
Joseph T. Wilson<br />
BRANCH 53 (11)<br />
GREAT LAKES<br />
Homer D. Brown<br />
Ralph Cragg<br />
Thomas W. Farmer<br />
Cloyd J. Hartman<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> W. Huska<br />
Olaf R. Iverson<br />
Thomas J. Kirk<br />
Roger L. Lans<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Morris D. Meeke<br />
Orr<strong>in</strong> P. Ryan<br />
Frank Sterioti<br />
BRANCH 54 (1)<br />
INDIAN NATIONS<br />
Clifford O. Wood<br />
BRANCH 55 (11)<br />
CITY OF ROSES<br />
Charles W. Adams<br />
Glenn Baldw<strong>in</strong><br />
James L. Bodack<br />
Edward L. Johnson<br />
Charles G. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Richard T. Ray<br />
Bobby D. Scdoris<br />
Wilson T. Scott<br />
Howard W. Shope<br />
John J. Turnbull<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> R. Westover<br />
BRANCH 57 (18)<br />
SOUTH JERSEY<br />
Bate H. Beaty<br />
James E. Conway<br />
Andrew F. Dell<br />
John H. Helmick<br />
Arthur W. Hill, Jr.<br />
William Homan<br />
Stanley H. Kaftanowicz<br />
William A. Kuhn<br />
Norman Lee<br />
John F. Lewis<br />
George Lunn<br />
Henry F. Lutz<br />
John Moore<br />
Raymond Musciano<br />
James M. Rush<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Charles J. Schiers<br />
John C. Wilbiekaitis<br />
William W. Yoder<br />
BRANCH 59 (1)<br />
CHEYENNE<br />
Faith M. Cohick<br />
BRANCH 60 (44)<br />
OCEAN VIEW<br />
John S. Beasley<br />
Wilbur D. Boroughs<br />
Murry L. Buck<br />
Dale R. Callison<br />
Robert W. Carter<br />
Malcolm G. Clark<br />
Joseph H. Cochran<br />
John Coleman<br />
Steve Dembitsky<br />
Freeland Everett<br />
David E. Farley<br />
Larry D. Gordon<br />
Harold E. Henl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Gerald L. Holtz<br />
Maurice E. Langley<br />
Nicholas Larry<br />
Joseph M. Lenihan<br />
D-5<br />
James V. Letizia<br />
William P. Lewis, Jr.<br />
William E. L<strong>in</strong>k<br />
Robert D. Loar<br />
Donald B. Lusk<br />
Paul N. Martens<br />
Donald B. McKigney<br />
Clifford F. McRorie<br />
Gene N. Meier<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> Miller<br />
Charles O. Mitchell<br />
Glenn A. Ross<br />
Albert J. Sands<br />
Eugene Savage<br />
Carl H. Schank<br />
Casimer T. Sobczak<br />
Edward C. Soblotne<br />
Billie Jo Spencer<br />
William R. Thomashefski<br />
Andrew J. T<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> L. Twisdale<br />
Owen Unterberger<br />
Alfonso Vardaro<br />
Allan R. Waters<br />
Wallace H. Watts<br />
Jack M. Waugh<br />
Leonard N. Webb<br />
BRANCH 61 (39)<br />
CHULA VISTA<br />
Michael J. Abraham<br />
William E. Arns<br />
Edward A. Beam<br />
Glen A. Bennion<br />
Cl<strong>in</strong>ton A. Bol<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Larry Boyette<br />
Glen C. Down<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Larrabee F. Foster<br />
Clayton P. G<strong>in</strong>gerich<br />
John G. Green<br />
William O. Hall<br />
Lawrence H. Hallock<br />
Carl E. Hanker<br />
Cory Helman<br />
Ralph S. Horne<br />
Phillip D. Hunt<br />
Kenneth D. Hutch<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Wayne R. Klipfel<br />
Lester D. Knox<br />
Thomas J. Langston<br />
Ralph D. Lilley<br />
Arthur F. Loader<br />
Paul C. Mackey<br />
William Mart<strong>in</strong>
Henry C. Mueller<br />
Lester E. Murphy<br />
George T. Parmelee<br />
Joseph Pasternak<br />
Charles D. Phillips<br />
Richard H. Quigley<br />
Neville E. Rosser<br />
Namon L. Scott<br />
Reg<strong>in</strong>ald E. Smay<br />
Felipe D. Tambio<br />
Harland A. Vanness<br />
Clarence Warner<br />
Jarrett R. Williams<br />
Dick C. Wilson<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> J. Wujek<br />
BRANCH 62 (4)<br />
SAN DIEGO<br />
Clarence F. Adams<br />
Theodore J. Carter<br />
Maple Grant<br />
James C. Hagler<br />
BRANCH 63 (2)<br />
LEWIS CLARK VALLEY<br />
John M. Anderson<br />
Larry W. Barnes<br />
BRANCH 64 (2)<br />
MIAGAO<br />
Norberto D. Galeno<br />
Antonio Portillo<br />
BRANCH 66 (6)<br />
SOUTH SHORE<br />
Samuel T. Beck<br />
W. F. Creeden<br />
John V. Curran<br />
Joseph Degrace<br />
William R. Lown<br />
Paul A. Roy<br />
BRANCH 67 (7)<br />
CAPITAL CITY<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> C. Davis<br />
Francis Ehrenreich<br />
Robert Hacker<br />
William A. Holdforth<br />
Aust<strong>in</strong> R. Knox<br />
William J. Palmer<br />
Paul T. Tressler<br />
BRANCH 68 (6)<br />
CAVEMAN<br />
George D. Boyle<br />
Rudolph M. Buselmeier<br />
Arden M. Dietz<br />
Rex R. Fifield<br />
Robert R. Gross<br />
Andrew J. Sagi<br />
BRANCH 69 (3)<br />
CAMELLIA CITY<br />
John Armstrong<br />
Richard G. Holmes<br />
Francis W. Patton<br />
BRANCH 70 (15)<br />
POWAY VALLEY<br />
Ross E. Campbell<br />
Anthony S. Creider<br />
James R. Cuddihy<br />
Adrian R. Edick<br />
Glen K. Engsberg<br />
James H. Fillyaw<br />
Ignatius J. Goula<br />
Wayne R. Harrison<br />
George A. Johnson, Jr.<br />
Forrest R. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Max E. Murdock<br />
Woodrow H. Norris<br />
Edward J. Pearson<br />
Charles F. Proctor<br />
Wilfredo G. Santos<br />
BRANCH 71 (6)<br />
LONG ISLAND<br />
Richard V. Brew<br />
Edward J. Narlesky<br />
Joseph G. Olah<br />
Paul L. Peters<br />
Nelson L. Smallwood<br />
Robert K. Weiss<br />
BRANCH 72 (4)<br />
FALL RIVER<br />
Arthur L. Boisclair<br />
Normand P. Guay<br />
Daniel L. Lowe<br />
Paul L. Pimental<br />
BRANCH 75 (2)<br />
GEORGE T. HIGGINS<br />
Arthur Daniels<br />
Albert J. Richard, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 77 (3)<br />
GREEN VALLEY<br />
D-6<br />
William W. Cernosek<br />
Raymond F. Dees, Jr.<br />
James E. Richards<br />
BRANCH 83 (1)<br />
SAN NARCISO<br />
Francisco Dumlao<br />
BRANCH 84 (12)<br />
SAN DIEGO<br />
Carlito S. Calabia<br />
Lorenzo V. Cruz<br />
Cefer<strong>in</strong>o Federe<br />
Wilson M. Felarca<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> B. Felizardo<br />
Carlos R. L<strong>in</strong>ayao<br />
Dom<strong>in</strong>go Monta<br />
Apol<strong>in</strong>ar Olaes<br />
Lucio S. Pontanares<br />
Taquio Redondo<br />
Payne Sahagun<br />
Florencio V. Tambio<br />
BRANCH 85 (4)<br />
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY<br />
Edward T. Carroll<br />
Calv<strong>in</strong> A. Catl<strong>in</strong><br />
Fred W. Markert<br />
Roy V. Wishart<br />
BRANCH 86 (4)<br />
MILLINGTON<br />
Hugh O. Gill<br />
Glenn J. Mitchell<br />
Joseph<strong>in</strong>e R. Noah<br />
Charles R. Reedy<br />
BRANCH 89 (19)<br />
ATLANTA<br />
Francis J. Beckley<br />
James G. Boyer<br />
James C. Brooks<br />
Charles R. Burge<br />
Don C. Bursey<br />
John R. Edmondson<br />
Quilla C. Edwards<br />
Gordon R. Gaddis<br />
John B. Henderson<br />
Carl G. Luiz<br />
William G. McCarley<br />
Raymond G. Phillips<br />
Erv<strong>in</strong> P. Rayfield<br />
Samuel E. Riddle<br />
Carol B. Smith
Richard C. Smith<br />
Philip M. Vaughan<br />
Ara L. Weldon<br />
Joseph Wells<br />
BRANCH 90 (2)<br />
BONANZA<br />
Gerald V. Eastey<br />
Donald C. Herr<br />
BRANCH 91 (40)<br />
FIRST COAST<br />
Norman T. Abrams<br />
E<strong>in</strong>ar H. Anderson<br />
Vernon W. Becvar<br />
Harvey P. Beland<br />
Maxie H. Benton<br />
Robert H. Buckner<br />
James H. Byers<br />
Harvey N. Coker<br />
Donald E. Coll<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Robert F. Conley<br />
John G. Cooke<br />
Charles G. Cooper, Sr.<br />
John T. Eason<br />
Walter B. Glennon<br />
Charles H. Guest<br />
Richard H. Halterman<br />
Alfred A. Hysmith<br />
George W. Jacobs<br />
Johnnie F. Johnson<br />
Harold F. Langford<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> F. McCulley<br />
Joseph Montorsi<br />
Richard J. Mullaney<br />
Arthur L. Nichols<br />
Ernest C. Nicholson<br />
George R. Page<br />
Perry O. Peckham<br />
William E. Penny<br />
Roland R. Reel<br />
James W. Reynolds<br />
Christopher J. Richter<br />
Anthony C. Riek<br />
Edward E. Rogers<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> Santos<br />
Robert Scharpff<br />
Wilfred J. Schofield<br />
Harry P. Sirr<strong>in</strong>e<br />
George A. Skog<br />
Louis C. Warren<br />
Jimmy Don Wright<br />
BRANCH 92 (7)<br />
NEW ORLEANS<br />
Richard J. Achee<br />
John C. Ball, Jr.<br />
Clarke R. Harwood<br />
Albert J. Lachney<br />
Nellie D. Lee<br />
Charles E. Mason<br />
Evans M. St. Roma<strong>in</strong><br />
BRANCH 93 (8)<br />
TOM VALLEE<br />
Ronald P. Clarke<br />
John K. Claugherty<br />
Wayne Fisher<br />
Bob Halasz<br />
Palmer A. K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Andy LeBlanc<br />
Lawrence P. Malone<br />
Lawrence T. Nosek<br />
BRANCH 94 (9)<br />
CORPUS CHRISTI<br />
James D. Friend<br />
Virgil D. Lewis<br />
Howell E. Moreland<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> F. Mullik<strong>in</strong><br />
Wallace W. Page<br />
Joseph S. Rose<br />
Elton H. Simmons, Jr.<br />
Frederick A. Waldbauer<br />
John J. Whalen<br />
BRANCH 95 (3)<br />
CHINA LAKE<br />
James B. Goforth, Sr.<br />
James C. Herman<br />
Norman F. Miller<br />
BRANCH 96 (20)<br />
DALLAS<br />
Jimmie D. Adams<br />
Roger L. Brady<br />
William B. Chighizola<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>tice B. Crouch<br />
Raymond Cumm<strong>in</strong>s, Jr.<br />
Ronald Hewitt<br />
J. B. Johnson, Jr.<br />
Fred E. Jones<br />
Durwood T. Long<br />
Charles E. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Burl W. McGahey<br />
James Miller<br />
Patrick H. Moore<br />
William J. Morgan<br />
D-7<br />
James F. Tabor<br />
Horace J. Walker<br />
Edward D. Weaver<br />
Guy M. Whetstone<br />
John L. Williams<br />
Carvel D. Yarbrough<br />
BRANCH 97 (9)<br />
WHIDBEY ISLAND<br />
Robert J. Barclay<br />
William S. Brandenburg<br />
Oscar L. Carter<br />
Milton C. Early<br />
Clifford A. Hornung<br />
Victor C. Slough<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> M. Spromberg<br />
Herbert W. Williams<br />
Vaughn Wilson<br />
BRANCH 98 (1)<br />
SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER<br />
James H. Wood<br />
BRANCH 99 (28)<br />
KEMPSVILLE<br />
James A. Ba<strong>in</strong>bridge<br />
Everett G. Coe<br />
Raymond J. Crem<strong>in</strong><br />
George F. Daniels<br />
Thomas F. Fike<br />
Harold W. F<strong>in</strong>chem<br />
Jack Helsley<br />
Frankl<strong>in</strong> C. Hubbard<br />
Gerald F. Jorgensen<br />
Daniel L. Kolaczyk<br />
Charles R. Lee<br />
Don Lizada<br />
Homer C. Mantz<br />
James E. Morrissey<br />
Harry E. Morter, Jr.<br />
Karl O. Morton<br />
F<strong>in</strong>as R. Moss<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> D. Newell<br />
Delph<strong>in</strong>o F. Qu<strong>in</strong>to<br />
William J. Richmeier<br />
Eugene T. Siebels<br />
James M. Slider<br />
Richard A. Ughetto<br />
Richard Walsh<br />
Harold L. Wasson<br />
Earl T. Wilson<br />
Ashley V. Wilson<br />
Thomas G. Wood
BRANCH 101 (26)<br />
SANTA CLARA VALLEY<br />
Bernhard A. Ackert<br />
Dale R. Annesley<br />
Roscoe J. Brown<br />
Marcelo M. Campano<br />
Richard W. Cox, Jr.<br />
Estill P. Earls<br />
Daniel G. Elliott<br />
John W. Gallant<br />
Lester Gudger<br />
Joseph E. Heacock<br />
Max W. Kuhne<br />
Arthur H. Lacey<br />
Edgar D. Madden<br />
Gerald F. McK<strong>in</strong>ney<br />
Elvious E. Moore<br />
Ronald W. Morgan<br />
Gilbert J. Morgan<br />
Jacob E. Opp<br />
Theodore Pianko<br />
Antonio A. Quebec<br />
Frank Joseph Sedlar<br />
Stanley J. Stanavitch<br />
Richard D. Toml<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Charles W. Traughber<br />
Julian L. Tuazon<br />
Rudolph F. Wimmer<br />
BRANCH 102 (4)<br />
SUNSHINE<br />
Stephen J. Fundak, Sr.<br />
David W. Hellen<br />
James L. Schoenberger<br />
William L. Sellers<br />
BRANCH 103 (2)<br />
YOKOSUKA<br />
John E. Leonard<br />
David R. Moreland<br />
BRANCH 104 (7)<br />
MT. RAINIER<br />
Virgil W. Allen<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> E. Bennitt<br />
Robert J. Chabo<br />
Anthony L. Miller<br />
John G. Pantelis<br />
Jay D. Skidmore<br />
Charles E. Tank<br />
BRANCH 105 (1)<br />
TRI-STATE<br />
Harry L. Phillips<br />
BRANCH 106 (16)<br />
HARRISBURG<br />
Robert B. Cassell<br />
William L. Enders<br />
Ragnar W. Franzen<br />
Ira G. Gilleland, Jr.<br />
Col<strong>in</strong> N. Gurganious<br />
Joseph Manura<br />
Murray J. Mart<strong>in</strong>, Jr.<br />
Lewis R. Masters, Sr.<br />
Nelson G. Matt<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
Eugene L. Miller, Jr.<br />
Earl E. Ober, Jr.<br />
Richard N. Peterson<br />
Earl S. Price<br />
Roy E. Rowe<br />
Mack I. Thrasher<br />
Ralph J. Wright<br />
BRANCH 108 (9)<br />
NORCO<br />
Delbert D. Bennett<br />
Kenneth M. Boblett<br />
Gerald A. Johnson<br />
Robert S. Kronberger<br />
Thomas L. Lyons<br />
Francis E. Marcotte<br />
Frank J. Neider<br />
William F. Newbury<br />
Thomas A. Schoebel, Sr.<br />
BRANCH 109 (4)<br />
FUN ‘N SUN<br />
Francis L. Broedel<br />
John E. Feidt<br />
Frederick C. Macnamee<br />
Paul L. Veon<br />
BRANCH 110 (8)<br />
MIDDLE TENNESSEE<br />
Virgil A. Barton<br />
George D. Dial<br />
Shirley H. Griggs<br />
Herbert H. Holt<br />
Carl J. Mayfield<br />
Morris Lee Pence<br />
Claudie L. Richardson<br />
Elmer D. Thornton<br />
BRANCH 111 (1)<br />
BATANGAS<br />
Joe Buquid<br />
D-8<br />
BRANCH 112 (2)<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
Donald H. Ledyard<br />
Billy H. Robertson<br />
BRANCH 113 (5)<br />
P.W. “BILL” GROOM<br />
Robert S. Baer<br />
Jackie D. Clark<br />
Jack R. Dewitt<br />
Elmer Higg<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Jerry D. Tessaro<br />
BRANCH 115 (3)<br />
BLACK DIAMOND<br />
Carl C. Funk<br />
Andrew Koval<br />
William F. Uhl<br />
BRANCH 117 (10)<br />
THE DELBERT D. BLACK<br />
Stuart W. Baldick<br />
Alonzo W. Bishop<br />
Leo S. Dean<br />
Forrest G. Fernaays<br />
James R. Foster<br />
Richard V. Reeve<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> L. Smith<br />
William T. Stone<br />
E. J. Urban<br />
Robert E. White<br />
BRANCH 118 (2)<br />
CALUSA<br />
Adolph O. Furstenberg<br />
Hugh W. Piper<br />
BRANCH 119 (2)<br />
OUACHITA VALLEY<br />
Coleman Y. Bennett<br />
John W. Griff<strong>in</strong>g<br />
BRANCH 120 (14)<br />
OXNARD<br />
George N. Adelman<br />
Thomas H. Bowen<br />
Joseph R. Deluca<br />
John H. Eberly<br />
John H. Fields<br />
William L. Fillyaw<br />
Homer L. Fullbright<br />
James W. Hungerford<br />
Norman L. Lammer<br />
Leroy A. Miller
Donald F. Morris<br />
Bryan W. Piechota<br />
Harold L. Stewart, Jr.<br />
Lynn A. W<strong>in</strong>k<br />
BRANCH 124 (9)<br />
LAKEHURST<br />
Lewis W. Gibson<br />
Forrest Graves<br />
Robert L. Jones<br />
Eugene A. Kasper<br />
Stephen Lazorchak<br />
John Matluk<br />
Ward J. Maxson<br />
Edward J. Reih<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Kenneth K. T<strong>in</strong>sley<br />
BRANCH 126 (33)<br />
WEST JACKSONVILLE<br />
Joe L. Bailey<br />
Hubert L. Black<br />
Edgar Buell<br />
Joseph F. Cahill<br />
Raymond C. Cluey<br />
Felix Doro<br />
Roy Fenstermaker<br />
Robert M. Fulton<br />
William S. Gates<br />
Glenn H. Gentry<br />
Robert J. Griff<strong>in</strong><br />
Herbert P. Hakenewerth<br />
Millard Hard<strong>in</strong><br />
Robert T. Hawes<br />
Virgil H. Henderson<br />
Darw<strong>in</strong> L. Herndon<br />
Charles C. Irw<strong>in</strong><br />
Horace A. Johnson<br />
Joseph K. Kaufmann<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> G. Kersey, Jr.<br />
Henry B. Kolsom<br />
Harold L. Leblanc, Jr.<br />
Murl J. Lucas<br />
Edward S. Macomber, Jr.<br />
Donald P. McIntire<br />
Aloysius R. Mueller<br />
Teodulo T. Pangan<br />
Gerald R. Petitpas<br />
Eugene C. Rudy<br />
Ollie D. Taylor<br />
Walter H. Ward<br />
Paul Harden West<br />
Harold N. Wilson<br />
BRANCH 127 (1)<br />
BICOL REGION<br />
James Ray Vanek<br />
BRANCH 130 (4)<br />
USS INDIANAPOLIS<br />
MEMORIAL<br />
Peter Vaughn Arnold<br />
Carl V. Dobbs<br />
A. J. Scheidelmeier<br />
Loren E. Van Ness, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 132 (5)<br />
BLACKSTONE VALLEY<br />
Desmond E. Cherry<br />
Richard H. Krepp<br />
Robert E. Michaud<br />
William O’Connor<br />
Travis C. Ridgway<br />
BRANCH 136 (24)<br />
VIKING<br />
Roy G. Aslagson<br />
James D. Baker<br />
Jerome Blaisdell<br />
William L. Clark<br />
Douglas L. Davis<br />
Bernard G. Decent<br />
Donald E. Emslander<br />
Frank Christopher Gores, Jr.<br />
Russell E. Haugen<br />
Steve Hudak<br />
John I. Huju<br />
Joseph E. Magiera<br />
Miles J. McDermott<br />
David R. Monitor<br />
David R. Olsen<br />
Sylvester M. Pauly<br />
Richard E. Prochaska<br />
Curtis R. Sommerdorf<br />
Karl S. Speak<br />
Edward L. Swanson<br />
Darrell A. Tutt<br />
Robert E. Wagner<br />
Thomas J. Widel<br />
Everett M. Youngdahl<br />
BRANCH 137 (3)<br />
SIERRA-TAHOE<br />
Carl J. Griggs<br />
Lawrence E. Jacobsen<br />
Paul R. Mumford<br />
BRANCH 140 (6)<br />
SAN JOSE<br />
D-9<br />
Harry E. Fries<br />
Raymond F. Jones<br />
Juan S. Orap<br />
John W. Runcie<br />
Jack H. Westerman<br />
Leslie A. Williams<br />
BRANCH 141 (14)<br />
CHERRY POINT<br />
Neil Baker<br />
Michael J. Burke<br />
John R. Duke<br />
Robert B. Ham<br />
Jack S. Hancock<br />
Jack R. Harmon<br />
Harold Joseph Hart, Jr.<br />
Ellis E. Ireland<br />
Larry F. K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Murray T. Lewis<br />
Jeffrey J. McAllister<br />
William Oehl<br />
Louis J. Real<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Aaron Smith<br />
BRANCH 144 (1)<br />
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA<br />
James J. Reddy<br />
BRANCH 145 (3)<br />
LINCOLN<br />
Max W. Gordon<br />
Maynard D. Kuenn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Lora<strong>in</strong>e Stamler<br />
BRANCH 146 (4)<br />
JOHNSVILLE/WILLOW<br />
GROVE<br />
John E. Antonitis<br />
Gerald A. Leggett<br />
Lex M. Neal<br />
Gerald H. Swarm<br />
BRANCH 147 (32)<br />
B. DUKE WOODY<br />
Hilton Aust<strong>in</strong><br />
James M. Bailey<br />
Peter Barby<br />
William H. Clark<br />
Earl C. Cordoni<br />
Clarence Crouch<br />
John C. Cutillo<br />
Bennie L. Davis<br />
Walter L. Dixon<br />
Loren F. Dougherty
Nicholas Gledich<br />
John C. Grady<br />
Frank G. Hendry<br />
Glenn G. Jacob<br />
George T. K<strong>in</strong>g, Jr.<br />
Francis C. Mahanke<br />
John P. Mc mullen<br />
Walter B. Moore<br />
Conover E. Morton<br />
Joseph G. Odette<br />
Robert W. Repp<br />
Harrison I. Roberts<br />
Robert J. Rutkoskie<br />
Frankl<strong>in</strong> P. Skeen<br />
James F. Sneed<br />
Marion G. Spa<strong>in</strong><br />
Charles R. Tisdale<br />
Edward Vanzura<br />
Robert F. Watson<br />
John H. Wilde<br />
Thomas Raymond Wiley<br />
Lenord Williams<br />
BRANCH 151 (4)<br />
EUGENE<br />
Gustve E. Aronson<br />
Vern Delowls Campbell<br />
John C. Huddleston<br />
Normond F. Humphrey<br />
BRANCH 156 (5)<br />
PINETREE<br />
David A. French<br />
Edward E. Lozier<br />
Donald T. Soiett<br />
Floyd E. Staples<br />
Donald L. Stark<br />
BRANCH 158 (1)<br />
PIKES PEAK<br />
James C. Messer<br />
BRANCH 159 (14)<br />
SPACE CITY<br />
Ollie J. Bolner<br />
John C. Bookout<br />
Charles E. Cole<br />
William Z. Davis<br />
Ruster J. Duhon<br />
James C. Grimsley<br />
Fred B. Grissom<br />
William H. Hockaday<br />
Gilbert E. Murray<br />
John S. Oliver<br />
Clayton F. Porter<br />
Richard L. Sheppard<br />
Billie J. Strait<br />
Wayne K. Wall<br />
BRANCH 160 (2)<br />
GREEN COUNTRY<br />
Carl N. Blair<br />
Douglas W. Jones<br />
BRANCH 161 (13)<br />
MO-KAN<br />
Donald C. Foltz<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> E. Forster<br />
Lynn L. Gregg<br />
Isaac H. Harris<br />
Joseph A. Hatfield<br />
Victor J. Kasper<br />
Howard L. Lightw<strong>in</strong>e<br />
James R. Lord<br />
Joseph A. Mogusar<br />
Leroy Norton<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> J. Owen<br />
Orvel E. Shafer<br />
Kenneth L. Womack<br />
BRANCH 162 (14)<br />
NOLA<br />
Sam F. Anzalone<br />
Robert D. Benson<br />
Frank R. Brown<br />
Richard E. Garrison<br />
Wanda P. Hurst<br />
Herman O. McK<strong>in</strong>ney<br />
W<strong>in</strong>nfred K. Mitchell<br />
Charles A. Page<br />
Jack M. Register<br />
Remmel Wayne Ridge<br />
Paul F. Rott<br />
John Wells Schassar<br />
Theodore L. Shope<br />
Arthur W .Z<strong>in</strong>k<br />
BRANCH 163 (26)<br />
VALLEY OF THE SUN<br />
Earl Allison<br />
James Balogh<br />
Emerson F. Batchelder<br />
Donald R. Dennis<br />
John L. Devous<br />
Robert O. Dixon, Sr.<br />
Joseph F. Doherty<br />
John H. Falconer<br />
Gene F. Foshe<br />
D-10<br />
Lee R. Gault<br />
James C. Hampton<br />
Joseph E. Hock<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Guy C. Huck<strong>in</strong>s<br />
William F. McKenna<br />
Everett L. Mills<br />
William Murnane<br />
Arthur R. Netherton<br />
Francis M. Petty<br />
Frank W. Rumbaugh<br />
Joseph W. Schneider<br />
Bernard Shrewsbury<br />
William C. Sk<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
Eldon E. Smart<br />
Charles S. Swab<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> Talcott<br />
Jack E. Warth<br />
BRANCH 166 (15)<br />
VIRGINIA BEACH<br />
Alberto R. Asercion<br />
William H. Caten, Jr.<br />
Ted W. Chapman<br />
Stanley W. Collier<br />
Charles T. Coral<br />
John G. Ferguson<br />
John He<strong>in</strong><br />
Richard H. Kilroy<br />
Charles S. K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Jenro Lambaiso<br />
Dewey R. Mariott<br />
Eugene D. Matthews<br />
Albert H. Osborne<br />
Allen E.I. Thompson<br />
Maurice E. Tower<br />
BRANCH 167 (1)<br />
SUNFLOWER<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> E. Hett<br />
BRANCH 168 (4)<br />
BAINBRIDGE<br />
Richard J. Cotton<br />
Walter S. Gorsuch<br />
Tom Jenk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Donald E. Wolfe<br />
BRANCH 170 (3)<br />
EVERETT<br />
Stephen E. Cl<strong>in</strong>ko<br />
Donald L. Hoffner<br />
Sevilla G. Jimenez<br />
BRANCH 171 (2)
SOUTHERN LUZON<br />
Eugenio Caldo<br />
Isaias E. Reyes<br />
BRANCH 172 (2)<br />
PENINSULA<br />
Leon E. Paquette<br />
John W. Tittman<br />
BRANCH 174 (10)<br />
DUNGENESS<br />
Robert A. Genn<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Kenneth D. Hafner<br />
Ralph J. Helser<br />
Calv<strong>in</strong> L. Larsen<br />
Theodore E. Peterson<br />
Michael M. Pritzos<br />
Jimmy R. Snodgrass<br />
Gustav A. Stenbom<br />
Burr K. Vail<br />
Dee L. Yager<br />
BRANCH 175 (29)<br />
ORANGE COUNTY<br />
Frank A. Beutler<br />
Robert E. Bittenbender<br />
Harry E. Brooks<br />
William R. Burkes, Jr.<br />
Stanton L. Costner<br />
Clarence L. Dalen<br />
Leo L. Dausel<br />
Ruth I. Delacqua<br />
Raymond W. D<strong>in</strong>nan, Jr.<br />
Albert L. Eichler<br />
Richard M. Elliott<br />
Santo H. Formolo<br />
Armen W. Griess<br />
Amos W. Houser<br />
Charles R. Howlett<br />
Joseph T. Leavy<br />
Walter K. Lesser<br />
Oscar L. Montgomery<br />
Charles R. Moore, Jr.<br />
Alfred N. Nossokoff<br />
John L. Rennebu<br />
Walter A. Rogers<br />
Joseph Rowen, Sr.<br />
Frank H. Satz<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Clyde F. Stuart<br />
Billie J. Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
Robert E. W<strong>in</strong>dham<br />
Johnnie Wright<br />
Curtis G. Zimmerman<br />
BRANCH 176 (7)<br />
OLD PUEBLO<br />
Edward A. Blackburn<br />
John T. Holbery<br />
Paul K. Huber, Jr.<br />
Murrel S. Owen<br />
Rudolph E. Radau<br />
Gerald R. Sylvester<br />
Glenn R. Wilson<br />
BRANCH 177 (4)<br />
DERBY<br />
Charles G. Bard<br />
Raymond E. Meador<br />
William H. White<br />
George J. Wilke<br />
BRANCH 178 (5)<br />
MONTEREY PENINSULA<br />
Thomas E. Avilla<br />
Johnnie B. Borum<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> C. Frigerio, Jr.<br />
Hershel G. Gilbert<br />
Jack W. Rogers<br />
BRANCH 179 (2)<br />
GAINESVILLE<br />
William A. Tharp<br />
Robert S. Yelle<br />
BRANCH 180 (6)<br />
PACKERLAND<br />
Roger A. Bender<br />
Charles E. Bird<br />
Anthony J. Ebersberger<br />
Kenneth G. Hagen<br />
Algene R. Hendrickson<br />
Henry K. Sorenson<br />
BRANCH 181 (8)<br />
NAVY DEPARTMENT<br />
William H. Gibbs<br />
Larry H. Harris<br />
Joseph R. Hutch<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Ralph McCall<br />
Anthony S. Santilli<br />
Robert W. Sullivan<br />
Maurice J. Warner<br />
Chester L. Witherspoon<br />
BRANCH 182 (11)<br />
TRIANGLE<br />
C. L. Bransford<br />
Leon R. Bryan<br />
D-11<br />
George W. Gilkenson<br />
Ernest E. Huffman<br />
Michael M. Loe<br />
William H. Mackey<br />
John E. Rhodes<br />
Albert Ruberg<br />
John G. Shannon<br />
James M. Tarwater<br />
Thomas E. Ward<br />
BRANCH 183 (4)<br />
PUTNAM COUNTY<br />
Thomas R. Frith<br />
Thomas H. Keith<br />
Louis W. Mobley<br />
Everett E. Rid<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
BRANCH 185 (3)<br />
SALT LAKE CITY<br />
Lon N. Christensen<br />
Richard E. Snelson<br />
Artie J. Stocks<br />
BRANCH 186 (13)<br />
CITRUS FLORIDA<br />
Jimmy R. Baker<br />
James E. Blocker<br />
James Brannon<br />
V<strong>in</strong>cent T. Gulfo<br />
Francis F. Loughrey<br />
Alan R. Luger<br />
Francis A. Mal<strong>in</strong>ski<br />
Stephen I. Melnik<br />
Matthew Morse<br />
Walter E. Roush<br />
Dewey J. Shipp<br />
George A. Staples<br />
Richard H. Welch<br />
BRANCH 188 (3)<br />
GASPARILLA<br />
Benjam<strong>in</strong> Berger<br />
Claude D. Branch<br />
Clayton F. Parker<br />
BRANCH 191 (1)<br />
CAPITAL OLYMPIA<br />
Beran J. Timmermeyer<br />
BRANCH 192 (5)<br />
SILVER DOLLAR<br />
Arlene K. Babbitt<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> C. Gradick<br />
Terry J. Her<strong>in</strong>g
Jack C. McCoy<br />
Lester L. Rouse<br />
BRANCH 194 (2)<br />
KNOXVILLE<br />
W. C. Brandon<br />
Robert Carr Crawford<br />
BRANCH 197 (4)<br />
MODESTO<br />
Stephen O. Gray<br />
Jerome F. Jenn<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
James D. Maynard<br />
Bill D. Willis<br />
BRANCH 198 (3)<br />
CENTRAL OREGON<br />
Louis A. Cubero<br />
Joseph A. Maltby<br />
William W. Skill<strong>in</strong>g<br />
BRANCH 200 (3)<br />
USS NEW MEXICO<br />
G. G. Hard<strong>in</strong><br />
Dean F. Harmeson<br />
Robert E. Lapp<br />
BRANCH 201 (6)<br />
CAPITAL AREA<br />
Lewis Bullard<br />
Robert J. Creech<br />
Robert W. Fuqua<br />
Wilfred H. Ohlmeier<br />
Lewis H. Richey<br />
Wade L. Smith, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 202 (3)<br />
COLUMBIA<br />
John R. Combs<br />
Robert R. Hammond, Jr.<br />
J. Carl Vaughan, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 203 (3)<br />
ALAMO CITY<br />
Elbert L. Cassell<br />
Edgar R. Gaver<br />
Stephen K. Morrison<br />
BRANCH 204 (2)<br />
TAR RIVER<br />
Raymond Gene Crites<br />
Robert Lewis Viverette<br />
BRANCH 206 (2)<br />
CAVELAND<br />
William W. Flowers<br />
James E. Taylor, Sr.<br />
BRANCH 207 (2)<br />
POTOMAC REGION<br />
Norman W. Dunlap, Jr.<br />
Merle S. Wass<br />
BRANCH 208 (12)<br />
CAMP LEJEUNE<br />
John Baran<br />
Robert P. Broadhead<br />
William P. Burke<br />
Roy K. Ehrisman<br />
John F. Gallagher, Jr.<br />
Jefferson W. Hamby<br />
Douglas J. Lamora<br />
Richard B. Mank<strong>in</strong><br />
Robert G. Oswald<br />
John A. Rodriguez<br />
Hubert G. Seeker<br />
Emile Sporbert<br />
BRANCH 210 (7)<br />
BOB "HE-COON" SIKES<br />
Harry M. Butler<br />
Richard T. Jernigan<br />
Richard E. McMichael<br />
Dennis F. O’Hara<br />
Harold S. Rawl<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Charles I. Rekl<strong>in</strong>ski<br />
Breese Wallace<br />
BRANCH 212 (6)<br />
MEADE<br />
Thomas P. Cl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Reynaldo V. Custodio<br />
James L. Downs<br />
Isaac A. Fisher<br />
Richard C. Schaub<br />
Charles Schellhammer<br />
BRANCH 215 (1)<br />
J.J. BURKE<br />
Walter H. Dixon, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 216 (6)<br />
HAWKEYE<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> W. Balhorn<br />
M. J. Bideaux<br />
Lloyd E. Close<br />
Duane T. Gordon<br />
Charles B. Prickett, Jr.<br />
D-12<br />
Darrell M. Walters, Sr.<br />
BRANCH 217 (3)<br />
PIEDMONT TRIAD<br />
Joseph Norris<br />
Ralph J. Rowe<br />
Thomas C. Smith, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 219 (9)<br />
JOHN CHAPELL<br />
James H. Carwile<br />
Roland M. Deane<br />
William D. Depoy<br />
William E. Meadows<br />
William S. Moore<br />
Merle E. Niedentohl<br />
Richard E. Poe<br />
Giro C. Privitera<br />
Joseph E. Schaperjahn<br />
BRANCH 221 (2)<br />
PEORIA<br />
George A. Richardson<br />
Bernard A. Tollendorf<br />
BRANCH 222 (1)<br />
OZONE<br />
Raymond W. Adam<br />
BRANCH 223 (1)<br />
WESTERN KENTUCKY<br />
Solon T. Williams<br />
BRANCH 225 (4)<br />
POPLAR BLUFF<br />
Francis C. Boyer<br />
Clarence A. Cobb<br />
Bill Furlong<br />
Bennie G. Stovall<br />
BRANCH 226 (3)<br />
STATEN ISLAND<br />
Ralph G. Blickenstaff<br />
Fred E. Fulton<br />
Frank S. Handler<br />
BRANCH 227 (1)<br />
OZARK<br />
Donald E. Hutch<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
BRANCH 228 (6)<br />
CHARLOTTE<br />
Bruce B. Gardner<br />
Charles R. Hostetler
Joseph C. Hoyle<br />
William R. Mathers<br />
Harvey J. Saunders<br />
Junior E. Thompson<br />
BRANCH 229 (9)<br />
MID-HUDSON<br />
Francis E. Allmond<br />
John A. Corey<br />
Stanley S. Czernik<br />
George P. Ford<br />
Fred P. Green<br />
Nicholas J. Grosso<br />
Randy L. Hutson<br />
Gilbert A. Schreihofer<br />
Leon C. Stevens<br />
BRANCH 230 (6)<br />
SUNRISE<br />
John L. Grilley<br />
Paul C. Helms<br />
Donald F. Kerwick<br />
Hugh L. Price<br />
Clifton B. Thompson<br />
Robert L. Wright<br />
BRANCH 232 (1)<br />
JERSEY CAPE<br />
Donald J. Waltz<br />
BRANCH 234 (10)<br />
FOOTHILLS<br />
Roy H. Angl<strong>in</strong><br />
Roy S. Arnold<br />
William M. Barbee<br />
Glenn R. Cannon<br />
Lee J. Cloar<br />
James D. Cody<br />
Darrell E. Curry<br />
Edmund Gleaton<br />
Jesse O. Rearden<br />
Walter T. Seawright<br />
BRANCH 237 (5)<br />
NIANTIC<br />
V<strong>in</strong>cent J. Amodeo<br />
Louis P. Giordano<br />
Donald J. Kamuf<br />
Wallace R. Larson<br />
Clarence A. May<br />
BRANCH 238 (1)<br />
CENTRAL WISCONSIN<br />
Wayne A. Munro<br />
BRANCH 239 (1)<br />
PINEY WOODS<br />
Grady L. K<strong>in</strong>g, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 241 (3)<br />
AIR CAPITAL<br />
Cornelius Fast<br />
Richard D. Korbe<br />
Robert Kristek<br />
BRANCH 246 (6)<br />
PIONEER VALLEY<br />
Robert R. Cadieux, Sr.<br />
Joseph J. Cumm<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Clayton K. Hough, Jr.<br />
James S. Rasmussen<br />
Ronald R. Scott<br />
Edward J. Sullivan<br />
BRANCH 247 (1)<br />
DAGUPAN CITY<br />
Inocencio Calimlim<br />
BRANCH 248 (2)<br />
KINGS BAY<br />
Gary G. Hodgson<br />
Calv<strong>in</strong> A. Payne, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 249 (6)<br />
FRESNO<br />
Henry R. Bautista<br />
Charles N. Garabedian<br />
George W. Johnson<br />
James B. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Frank J. Reagan<br />
Peter Tomich, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 250 (1)<br />
SARASOTA<br />
Robert R. Taylor<br />
BRANCH 251 (4)<br />
MOUNTAIN HOME<br />
Albert L. Harmon<br />
Guy D. Jones<br />
Wallace A. Vannatta<br />
Edward R. Wilk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
BRANCH 253 (5)<br />
STEEL CITY<br />
D-13<br />
Stanley C. Bates<br />
John S. Brat<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Gerald H. Racicot<br />
Alex S. Randolph<br />
Michael Trusz<br />
BRANCH 254 (1)<br />
GRAND STRANG<br />
Wallace W. Weiss<br />
BRANCH 256 (8)<br />
FT. LAUDERDALE<br />
Paul H. Brandt<br />
William E. Fulton<br />
Anthony J. Gregus<br />
Edward E. Hall<br />
George B. McK<strong>in</strong>ney<br />
Stephen F. Pipa<br />
Herman G. Stange<br />
John A. Tranford<br />
BRANCH 257 (2)<br />
PORTSMOUTH<br />
Andrew Bowens<br />
Sidney Foster<br />
BRANCH 259 (1)<br />
CAPE FEAR REGION<br />
Carlie H. Edwards, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 260 (2)<br />
MOHAVE COUNTY<br />
John H. Craft<br />
Truman J. Hickcox<br />
BRANCH 261 (12)<br />
LEMOORE<br />
James R. Allen<br />
Arthur W. Cole, Jr.<br />
Or<strong>in</strong> L. French<br />
Bert H. From<br />
Lawrence Kle<strong>in</strong><br />
James Lillich<br />
Stanislaus A. Luczak<br />
Howard L. Nelson<br />
Michael C. Pruss<strong>in</strong>ski<br />
Robert A. Ryan<br />
Robert F. Shoemaker<br />
Lawrence D. Stone<br />
BRANCH 263 (3)<br />
CAPE CANAVERAL<br />
Lloyd W. Beeby, Sr.<br />
Clair R. Leonard
William F. Vickers<br />
BRANCH 264 (12)<br />
MERIDIAN<br />
Anthony M. Bender<br />
Kenneth I. Boatright<br />
Hilman L. Brown, Jr.<br />
Nicholas R. Cappello<br />
Clyde R. Donnell<br />
Bobby Ray Fontan<br />
William C. Grimes<br />
Wendell L. Marsden<br />
G. V. Montgomery<br />
Ernest G. Patrolia<br />
William E. Pigott<br />
Hugh D. Trivitt<br />
BRANCH 267 (18)<br />
GREATER ST. LOUIS<br />
Ronald W. Bobb<br />
August J. Brethauer<br />
Robert L. Carnahan<br />
David Comfort<br />
William A. Dalton<br />
George A. Everd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Edward C. Gieskieng<br />
Carl W. Goddard<br />
William A. Heddy<br />
Dan L. Magers<br />
H. G. Palmer<br />
William J. Schott<br />
Louis Schumacher<br />
Clarence H. Semmel<br />
William N. Vogt<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> M. Wheeler<br />
Norvell C. White<br />
R. O. Williams<br />
BRANCH 268 (8)<br />
USS OKLAHOMA<br />
Ralph E. Brown<br />
Kenneth N. Freeman<br />
Jerry C. Jones<br />
James L. Nichols<br />
Herman A. Reese<br />
David R. Shugart<br />
Jerry L. Snyder<br />
William C. Waggoner<br />
BRANCH 269 (6)<br />
LOW COUNTRY<br />
Tommy D. Bongbonga<br />
Charles E. Branham<br />
Elbert J. Jeffcoat<br />
Charles Kimmel<br />
Nicholas T. Kolesar<br />
Dale E. Swanson<br />
BRANCH 272 (5)<br />
CENTRAL COAST<br />
William R. Barber<br />
Glenn E. Brixey<br />
Peter J. Gendron<br />
Arthur D. Hoffmann<br />
Frederick V. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
BRANCH 273 (3)<br />
ROUGH RIDER<br />
Clarence J. Longie<br />
John M. Macal<br />
Frank W. Stauss<br />
BRANCH 274 (2)<br />
HIGH SIERRA<br />
Jerry L. Frank<br />
Harold R. Wischmann<br />
BRANCH 275 (5)<br />
HANGTOWN<br />
Herbert M. Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham<br />
Charles E. Johnson<br />
Dick Moody<br />
Riley T. Mosby<br />
Billy P. Walker<br />
BRANCH 276 (14)<br />
OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS<br />
Robert L. Albright<br />
Jack R. Chadwell<br />
Carl C. Cihal<br />
William C. Copeland<br />
William L. Dunlevy<br />
Robert L. Goodman<br />
Leverne R. Halcomb<br />
Robert C. Huey<br />
James G. Hurless<br />
Leslie Johnson<br />
Joseph J. Kupres<br />
Paul R. Oliver<br />
Ralph Thornton<br />
Phillip L. Waters<br />
BRANCH 278 (1)<br />
USS ENTERPRISE<br />
James C. Hall, Sr.<br />
BRANCH 279 (3)<br />
FABULOUS VEGAS<br />
D-14<br />
Kay L. Dixon<br />
Glen C. Lamb<br />
James F. Lawton<br />
BRANCH 280 (4)<br />
USS TULSA MEMORIAL<br />
Donald L. Benson<br />
Raymond C. Holler<br />
John L. Kennedy, Sr.<br />
Edward H. Krokroskia<br />
BRANCH 281 (5)<br />
LAKE SHASTA<br />
Bryan C. Cannon<br />
Clifford H. Debler<br />
Jack J. Scott<br />
Otis Swanson<br />
Jack D. Wheeler<br />
BRANCH 282 (7)<br />
ARKANSAS<br />
Kenneth L. Aaron<br />
Seldon R. Bradke<br />
Edgar R. Brown<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ford Caldwell<br />
Howard S. Shaw<br />
Donald R. Smith<br />
Robert Wegner<br />
BRANCH 284 (1)<br />
BLUEGRASS<br />
Bobby J. Looper<br />
BRANCH 285 (1)<br />
CENTRAL NEW YORK<br />
Paul E. Tuttle<br />
BRANCH 287 (2)<br />
LIVERMORE<br />
Harry L. Spears<br />
Albert E. Welham<br />
BRANCH 288 (3)<br />
ANTHRACITE<br />
Alice M. Dailey<br />
John J. McCarthy<br />
Thomas G. Weirick<br />
BRANCH 289 (28)<br />
IMPERIAL BEACH<br />
Milton W. Ashby<br />
Frank Babitsky<br />
Carl M. Bishop<br />
Giles E. Brown
Robert T. Brown<br />
John B. Carpenter<br />
Robert M. Cody<br />
Richard L. Giffen<br />
Carlton C. Haga<br />
Stanley B. Hall<br />
Glen L. Hansen<br />
Earl Edw<strong>in</strong> Hopk<strong>in</strong>s, Sr.<br />
Thomas L. Howard<br />
Harold Jones<br />
William P. Kennedy<br />
Roy L. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
William H. McIlveen<br />
Harold P. Robison<br />
William Rose<br />
Wade Russell<br />
Jaime B. San Miguel<br />
Gilbert G. Simpson<br />
Perry L. Stephenson<br />
Carl Swanson<br />
Charles W. Tippie<br />
Charles H. Van <strong>Fleet</strong><br />
Carl D. Westermeyer<br />
Donald A. Young<br />
BRANCH 290 (15)<br />
ATLANTIC BEACH<br />
Francis J. Arch<br />
William C. Barker<br />
Jack Dorman<br />
James C. Hammock<br />
Thomas E. Hilburn<br />
Erv<strong>in</strong> A. Horst<br />
Frederick R. Keene<br />
William S. Kerns, Jr.<br />
Emile P. Lalande, Jr.<br />
Henry R. Mears<br />
Lawrence E. Mikelson<br />
Joseph H. Picola<br />
St. Clair Rougeau<br />
Joseph H. Shanks, Jr.<br />
Edward Sidorski<br />
BRANCH 291 (3)<br />
SUNCOAST<br />
Robert J. Auchu<br />
John F. Donovan<br />
John N. Sheppard<br />
BRANCH 293 (7)<br />
ELIZABETH CITY<br />
Edgar M. Kalvik<br />
Wayne E. Lund<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Coston L. Sawyer<br />
John D. Smith<br />
Claud G. Vickrey, Jr.<br />
Reg<strong>in</strong>ald E. Whitehurst<br />
John E. Williams<br />
BRANCH 295 (2)<br />
SAN ANGELO<br />
Aubrey R. Jarrett<br />
A. L. Padilla<br />
BRANCH 296 (4)<br />
MOTHER LODE<br />
Richard L. Anderson<br />
Lew W. Huxtable, Jr.<br />
Howard A. Shaw<br />
Gabe A. Wright<br />
BRANCH 298 (8)<br />
WOLVERINE<br />
George J. Allen<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> D. Barkhuff<br />
George J. Coopmans<br />
Leonard T. Koziolek<br />
Richard N. Menger<br />
Arthur C. Ott<br />
Perry C. Sharp<br />
Robert Tickner<br />
BRANCH 299 (2)<br />
WILMINGTON<br />
L<strong>in</strong>wood Gideons<br />
Advil M. Wallace<br />
BRANCH 300 (4)<br />
OTTUMWA<br />
Leroy B. Decker<br />
Robert C. Gray<br />
Buford E. Pemberton<br />
Ross B. Simcox<br />
BRANCH 302 (2)<br />
CARSON<br />
Pablo C. Alferos<br />
Manuel P. Coquia<br />
BRANCH 303 (3)<br />
TEXOMA<br />
Fred W. Plaag, Jr.<br />
Ray D. Sutton<br />
Neal R. Young<br />
BRANCH 306 (1)<br />
LEATHER STOCKING<br />
COUNTRY<br />
D-15<br />
Frank J. Potrzeba<br />
BRANCH 307 (4)<br />
OLD NAVAL HOME<br />
Charles J. Bruno<br />
Cleveland Little<br />
Howard S. Reeves<br />
Robert M. Spide<br />
BRANCH 309 (3)<br />
DIAMOND STATE<br />
Rodney L. Hearne<br />
Andrew B. Likovich<br />
Theodore E. Roloff<br />
BRANCH 310 (2)<br />
SILVERDALE<br />
George L. Coombs<br />
Robert G. Johnson<br />
BRANCH 311 (4)<br />
MAGNOLIA STATE<br />
Peter J. Gillum<br />
Robert L. Molloy<br />
Raymond I. Moore<br />
Don E. Osborn<br />
BRANCH 312 (8)<br />
NW SAN DIEGO<br />
Paul H. Dom<strong>in</strong>gues<br />
Robert E. Hiestand<br />
Loren R. K<strong>in</strong>g, Jr.<br />
Jose L.G. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez<br />
George H. Rose<br />
Almario Santos<br />
Eugene Sever<strong>in</strong>o, Jr.<br />
Cyril E. Spencer<br />
BRANCH 313 (13)<br />
CAMP PENDLETON<br />
Russell E. Armstrong<br />
Leland M. Averett<br />
John W. Barber<br />
Lew A. Coll<strong>in</strong>s<br />
David L. Denison<br />
Thomas G. Fields<br />
Thomas V. Hummel<br />
Frank Magdich<br />
James R. McEnaney<br />
William E. Paris<br />
Clarence O. Picker<br />
Robert W. Pratt<br />
Edmund N. Trudell
BRANCH 315 (1)<br />
AKOM<br />
Boyd E. Milleson<br />
BRANCH 316 (6)<br />
OZARK EMPIRE<br />
Edward J. Cron<strong>in</strong><br />
Joseph M. Darter<br />
Fred Edwards<br />
Kenneth C. Harrison<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> E. Kl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Paul Simonton<br />
BRANCH 317 (14)<br />
LOS ALAMITOS<br />
William K. Attebery<br />
Donald Y. Beaver<br />
Gene I. Bens<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Bob F. Bowen<br />
Marl<strong>in</strong> D. Buirge<br />
Burton R. Conner<br />
Dayton E. Gillam<br />
Roger E. Harris<br />
Charles T. Harris<br />
James A. Matone<br />
Thomas J. Meade<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> D. Norton<br />
Walter R. Smith<br />
Willard K. W<strong>in</strong>ston<br />
BRANCH 320 (2)<br />
ARGONAUTS<br />
Basil Krivonyak<br />
George W. Smith<br />
BRANCH 324 (3)<br />
AKRON/CANTON<br />
H. Gene Bryan<br />
Richard R. Fenton<br />
John Ondrusko<br />
BRANCH 326 (2)<br />
REDWOOD EMPIRE<br />
J. S. Cherry<br />
Howard L. Logan<br />
BRANCH 327 (6)<br />
MIAMI VALLEY<br />
Michael Alexicko<br />
Thomas F. Gnau<br />
Jack B. Napier<br />
Floyd G. Richards<br />
Preston L. Seard<br />
Ralph R. Snavley<br />
BRANCH 333 (3)<br />
LEWIS COUNTY<br />
Alw<strong>in</strong> N. Adams<br />
Ernest R. Johnson<br />
Harry F. Lane, Jr.<br />
BRANCH 334 (3)<br />
OSAGE HERITAGE<br />
George M. Ar<strong>in</strong>ge<br />
Dale A. Berke<br />
Loyd Myers<br />
BRANCH 335 (1)<br />
VOLUSIA COUNTY<br />
Marion W. Jenk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
BRANCH 339 (1)<br />
ALBANY, GA<br />
Walter E. Kyle<br />
BRANCH 342 (2)<br />
HARRINGTON CLEMMONS<br />
Harry M. Cottrell<br />
Thomas V. Ruff<br />
BRANCH 344 (3)<br />
CASCO BAY<br />
George P. Cawthon<br />
Stanley Paul Follett<br />
Robert A. Locey<br />
BRANCH 346 (10)<br />
ST. ANDREWS BAY<br />
Roy Chance<br />
William Chrast<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Dale M. Colemere<br />
Thomas E. Kelly<br />
Charles Brendan Kennedy<br />
Paul P. Kunel<br />
Wendell H. Mc graw<br />
Grady L. Roland<br />
Charles R. Shank<br />
Ellis P. Shirley<br />
BRANCH 347 (2)<br />
D-16<br />
SALISBURY<br />
Duffy N. McKenzie<br />
Jenn<strong>in</strong>gs L. Muir<br />
BRANCH 358 (5)<br />
PAUL BUNYAN<br />
Frank W. Jones<br />
George R. Konen, Jr.<br />
Frankl<strong>in</strong> R. Madill<br />
Fenton E. Marr<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Jerry L. Tripp<br />
BRANCH 361 (1)<br />
ASHEVILLE<br />
Rudolph H. Kittel<br />
BRANCH 363 (5)<br />
LOWER COLUMBIA<br />
Jack Gray<br />
Henry J. Loran<br />
Clifford T. Mak<strong>in</strong>ster<br />
Robert Pierce, Jr.<br />
Robert W. Read<br />
BRANCH 364 (2)<br />
HEART OF THE OZARKS<br />
Lyndell G. Featherston<br />
George G. McCleary<br />
BRANCH 365 (4)<br />
RIVER CITY<br />
Gary Billotte<br />
James W. Chap<strong>in</strong>, Jr.<br />
Robert E. Gentry<br />
William H. Snapp<br />
BRANCH 366 (6)<br />
SOUTH BREVARD<br />
Carl W. Ablett<br />
Virgil Ra<strong>in</strong>ey<br />
Rufus Reams, Jr.<br />
Homer L. Speer<br />
James E. Walsh<br />
William I. Wilson<br />
BRANCH 367 (1)<br />
SAN MIGUEL<br />
William A. Exum<br />
BRANCH 369 (2)<br />
TRI-STATE MOUNTAINEERS<br />
Bernard W. M<strong>in</strong>shall<br />
Joseph D. Shober, Sr.
BRANCH 371 (6)<br />
BATON ROUGE<br />
Robert S. Bourgeois<br />
Yves Dupre<br />
Juel Griff<strong>in</strong>, Jr.<br />
Stanley S. Nahill<br />
Nicholas J. Thibodeaux<br />
Robert L. Wallis<br />
BRANCH 374 (3)<br />
CHERRY CITY<br />
Barry G. Barnes<br />
Elmer G. Melby<br />
David T. Wilson<br />
BRANCH 375 (2)<br />
ARL/TEX<br />
J. W. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Clifford H. Wilkes<br />
BRANCH 376 (1)<br />
MADISON<br />
Lloyd F. Gutsmiedel<br />
BRANCH 377 (5)<br />
WABASH VALLEY<br />
Americo P. Draffone<br />
Leonard C. Horn<br />
Thomas E. Moore<br />
Billie R. Stader<br />
Lester L. White<br />
BRANCH 379 (1)<br />
MIDLAND EMPIRE<br />
Ray H. Seever<br />
BRANCH 380 (4)<br />
CENTRAL MISSOURI<br />
James Albert Brown<br />
Michael G. Ciprian<br />
Bruce H. Little<br />
Vernon W. Ramsey<br />
BRANCH 382 (2)<br />
GEM STATE<br />
Richard L. Anderson<br />
Robert D. Green<br />
BRANCH 386 (1)<br />
WIREGRASS<br />
J. D. Chappell<br />
M-A-L (887)<br />
Fernando Abad<br />
Kenneth B. Abel<br />
William O. Abernathy<br />
Henry H. Achilles, Jr.<br />
Thomas E. Acton<br />
Neilam D. Adams<br />
Charlie J. Adams<br />
Donald W. Adie<br />
John R. Agar<br />
Vernon D. Albright<br />
William B. Alcorn<br />
Clifford Allen<br />
John J. Anders<br />
Leonard Andersen<br />
George D. Anderson<br />
Robert L. Anderson<br />
C. O. Anderson<br />
George W. Appel<br />
Delmar L. Archer<br />
Donald Archer<br />
James C. Arnold<br />
Davis C. Arrant<br />
Henry B. Askey<br />
Donald R. Atwood<br />
Joseph J. Atzert<br />
James Aust<strong>in</strong><br />
Wesley I. Ayers, Jr.<br />
George H. Babcock, Jr.<br />
Matthew A. Backes<br />
Charle H. Badger<br />
James Bailey, Jr.<br />
Donald E. Bailey<br />
Hubert Bailey<br />
James R. Ba<strong>in</strong><br />
James S. Ba<strong>in</strong><br />
Herbert G. Baker<br />
Richard L. Baker<br />
Victor L. Balander<br />
George B. Balbaugh<br />
Hugh W. Ballew<br />
Steve Balogh<br />
Richard Barber<br />
Donald C. Barker<br />
Coleman Barnett<br />
Louis G. Barone<br />
William C. Barr<strong>in</strong>eau<br />
Dennis L. Basler<br />
Kenneth D. Batdorff<br />
Ousbon A. Bateman<br />
James L. Bauermeister<br />
Donald G. Baumer<br />
Maurice E. Bays<br />
Walter Beavers<br />
Theron C. Beck<br />
Lois M. Beck<br />
D-17<br />
Lee H. Beckstead<br />
Allan Behel<br />
Archie T. Bell<br />
Michael R. Bell<br />
Pedro Benitez<br />
William Bennett<br />
William X. Bereznik<br />
Norman C. Berg<br />
William R. Bergey<br />
David M. Berry<br />
Kenneth L. Berry<br />
Louis Bias<br />
Maxwell D. Birkholz<br />
William Blakely<br />
Arthur F. Blanchard<br />
Albert Blanchette<br />
Joe Bland<br />
Leburton N. Blodgett<br />
Leon N. Blue<br />
Frederick A. Blume<br />
Michael Bogoslawski, Sr.<br />
Ernest A. Boice<br />
Robert C. Boldyga<br />
Sammy H. Bonds<br />
Ian E. Bookste<strong>in</strong><br />
Joseph Booth<br />
Oscar W. Bordenave<br />
Raymond Bordonaro<br />
James W. Boren<br />
William L. Bovee<br />
Alphonse J. Bovi<br />
Charlie J. Bowen<br />
David H. Boyd, Jr.<br />
John T. Boyle<br />
Jess T. Bradford<br />
Lyle E. Bramwell<br />
Clyde E. Brendle<br />
Stanley E. Bridge<br />
Lenuel R. Brigman<br />
Joel Britt<br />
Homer L. Brock<br />
John Broderick<br />
John F. Brommer<br />
Charles L. Brooks<br />
Harry A. Brooks<br />
Bud D. Brough<br />
Walter Brower<br />
Jack P. Brown<br />
Hugh T. Brown<br />
John O. Brown<br />
Raymond J. Brown<br />
Lemuel O. Brown<br />
Robert Brown<br />
Thomas H. Brown
Harry Brown<br />
Thomas L. Bryan<br />
Howard E. Budd<br />
Charles L. Buddes<br />
Richard R. Buelow<br />
Marshall Bugg<br />
James A. Burch<br />
Robert D. Burgess<br />
Francis B. Burke<br />
Arleigh A. Burke<br />
Bernard B. Burklund<br />
James F. Burns<br />
Ralph E. Burrow<br />
Daniel M. Bustamante<br />
Leonard M. Butler<br />
Allen J. Buttke, Sr.<br />
Edward B. Caldwell, Jr.<br />
George M. Callan<br />
John R. Campbell<br />
Burnham Cantwell<br />
John C. Canupp<br />
Raymund G. Carberry, Jr.<br />
William E. Carey<br />
Ralph L. Carl<strong>in</strong><br />
Leland E. Carlson<br />
Fleta V. Carlton<br />
James R. Carnes<br />
Donald E. Carpenter<br />
Robert Carpenter<br />
Orvill N. Carr<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
Raymond Carter<br />
Harman R. Carter<br />
Leonard E. Cartrite<br />
James M. Catalfamo<br />
Garry L. Catura<br />
Lulus C. Caya<br />
David F. Chaney<br />
Russell F. Chatard<br />
John W. Chatham<br />
Gene A. Chegwidden<br />
Edward W. Chesler<br />
Leonard Chester<br />
Vern Christensen<br />
Mario J. Cicchetto<br />
Chester Cisowski<br />
Byron S. Clark<br />
Stephen J. Clerico<br />
William E. Clibrey<br />
Gerald Cl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Charles D. Coakley<br />
Elroy J. Codd<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
Leo Coffman<br />
Jerry W. Coleman<br />
Leonard L. Collier<br />
Robert B. Colton<br />
Donald L. Conley, Sr.<br />
Clarence W. Connell<br />
Phillip R. Conner<br />
Jerome C. Consid<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Fred Cook<br />
L<strong>in</strong>coln Cook<br />
Keith Cook<br />
Allen W. Cooley<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> Cooper<br />
Joseph H. Copeland<br />
Armand V. Cormier<br />
Robert C. Cous<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Joseph H. Cowham<br />
Ira C. Cox, Jr.<br />
Mervyn Crandell<br />
Richard H. Crangle<br />
James C. Creamer<br />
Donald Cree<br />
James A. Crist<br />
Donal Crouch<br />
Harold E. Cruser<br />
Don H. Cumm<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Donald E. Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham<br />
Gerald W. Curtis<br />
Joseph P. Cygirt<br />
Henry P. Dabkowski<br />
Frank L. Dailey<br />
Redman D. Daniel<br />
Harold E. Davis<br />
Lee W. Davis<br />
Charles Davis<br />
Norman Davis<br />
Allison D. Deal<br />
Richard E. Decker<br />
Ellis Decker<br />
William S. Deer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
David L. Degroff<br />
Harry Deiss<br />
Pasquale J. Demuro<br />
John J. Dent, Jr.<br />
Donald Desimone<br />
Joseph G. Despres<br />
Jasper O. Dewitt<br />
John Di Cerbo<br />
Roy E. Dickerson<br />
Kenneth J. Dienberg, Sr.<br />
James W. Dill<br />
Richard Dion<br />
John G. Disher<br />
Roy A. Ditzler<br />
Clair W. Divert<br />
Forrest J. Dixon<br />
J. D. Dodson<br />
D-18<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> E. Dodson<br />
Terry Doerr<br />
William A. Donnelly<br />
Richard M. Donnelly<br />
James T. Dotson<br />
John A. Douglas<br />
Bernard F. Dowdy<br />
Wesley Draper<br />
Clifford Dreaney<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> H. Dubard<br />
Roger F. Dufault<br />
James Duke<br />
Jimmie D. Dunahoe<br />
Gordon Duncan<br />
David M. Dunn<br />
Robert Dunn<br />
Clarence W. Earnhardt<br />
Dennis E. Eash<br />
R. Eastep<br />
Albert L. Eaton<br />
Francis E. Edsell<br />
Arthur R. Ehscheid<br />
Robert A. Ellis<br />
David A. Ellis<br />
Robert G. Erb<br />
Ralph H. Eriksen<br />
Earl B. Erw<strong>in</strong><br />
Robert B. Eson<br />
Robert L. Evans<br />
Alva C. Everett<br />
John J. Faherty<br />
Hilda H. Farmer<br />
Thomas E. Fauchald<br />
Clarence E. Fend<br />
Gene W. Ferris<br />
J. W. Fickl<strong>in</strong><br />
George O. Fill<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Carl E. F<strong>in</strong>ch<br />
Frank D. Fisher<br />
James W. Fitzsimmons<br />
James D. Fiveash<br />
Paul F. Flem<strong>in</strong>g<br />
George H. Floyd<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> L. Fogelman<br />
Jefferson D. Fogle<br />
Jackie Fondren<br />
Eldon R. Force<br />
John L. Fortenberry<br />
Clarence Fowler<br />
Jerome E. Frame<br />
Charles L. Francis<br />
Raymond L. Fransen<br />
Wilton J. Frazee<br />
Frederick W. Freeman
Walter H. Freeman<br />
Max G. Freudenberg<br />
Ronald Friend<br />
Jack M. Frost<br />
Glenn E. Frye<br />
Jackie R. Fuller<br />
William Fuller<br />
James Ganoe<br />
Philip T. Gans<br />
James W. Gardner<br />
Charles R. Garrett<br />
John J. Garten<br />
Joseph Gass<br />
James H. Geitz<br />
Anthony R. Giangrande<br />
A. W. Gibson<br />
Robert D. Gibson<br />
Michael J. Gideos<br />
Louis Gignac<br />
Jack A. Gilbert<br />
George R. Gilbert<br />
Don M. Gillham<br />
Armenag J. D Giragosian<br />
Joe I. Giron<br />
Doyle Richard Glaze<br />
Eleodore D. God<strong>in</strong><br />
Nick E. Gonatos<br />
Jay W. Goodman<br />
Walter D. Gravat<br />
Robert Z. Gravel<br />
Billy Green<br />
Lee P. Greenawalt<br />
William Greenfield<br />
Harold R. Greenhalgh<br />
Raymond D. Gregory<br />
Hadie M. Griffis<br />
Walter C. Grist<br />
Eugene F. Griswold<br />
Barney W. Guidry<br />
Francis X. Guidry<br />
Joe E. Gurule<br />
George Gutierrez<br />
Urbano Gutierrez<br />
William J. Hackbarth<br />
George M. Hackney<br />
John Haegen<br />
Robert E. Hahn<br />
William B. Ha<strong>in</strong>es<br />
William A. Ha<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Jack M. Hake<br />
Charles E. Hall<br />
Walter H. Hallfarth<br />
Richard Hallman<br />
William T. Haltom<br />
Arnold Hamm<br />
James E. Hannigan<br />
Donald J. Hanson<br />
Herbert F. Harabidian<br />
Wm Hard<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Byron H. Harris<br />
David R. Harris<br />
Thomas P. Haugh<br />
Loren L. Hawk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Ernest R. Hayek<br />
Robert L. Hays<br />
Richard Hazen<br />
William Hazley<br />
Warren Hegelmeyer<br />
Jerald Helmer<br />
Roy L. Helson<br />
Robert W. Herbert<br />
Alfred Simmons Herbert<br />
John E. Hickey, Jr.<br />
Haston A. Hicks<br />
Arthur Higgs<br />
Charles Higgs<br />
John R. Hilberry<br />
Glen Hills<br />
Leslie L. H<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Louie C. H<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Robert E. H<strong>in</strong>ton<br />
Raymond T. Hitrick<br />
Leo P. Hoag<br />
Joseph Hochstrasser<br />
Lavosia D. Hodges<br />
Ronald Hodgson<br />
Ralph A. Hoffman<br />
John W. Hogston<br />
Carleton M. Holbrook<br />
Philip Holland<br />
Daniel B. Holloway, Jr.<br />
Edward J. Holmes<br />
Max H. Holsomback<br />
Harris H. Hoover<br />
Gary J. Hopper<br />
Alex L. Horvath<br />
Edward M. Hough<br />
David E. Howcroft<br />
Richard J. Huff<br />
Tommy J. Hughes<br />
Howard H. Hughson<br />
Leondus Hull<br />
David Hunt<br />
Charles Hurst<br />
Robert D. Hussey<br />
David R. Hutcheson<br />
Warren C. Ihrke<br />
Roland Imbriaco<br />
D-19<br />
Charles D. Impson<br />
John Ingle<br />
Clyde A. Jacobson<br />
Albert Janke<br />
Larry Jeffery<br />
Charles L. Jenn<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Jerry J. Jensen<br />
Charles E. Jeter<br />
Dewey G. Jewell<br />
Joseph H. Jodo<strong>in</strong><br />
Jesse L. Johnson<br />
James R. Johnson<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> S. Johnson<br />
Robert L. Johnson<br />
Stanwood W. Johnson<br />
Larry Johnson<br />
Bill Johnson<br />
Victor Johnson<br />
C. R. Johnson<br />
Howard M. Jones<br />
Terry W. Jones<br />
William H. Jones<br />
Billy Jones<br />
John T. Jozwiak<br />
John Kahles<br />
Karl D. Kaiser<br />
Herbert Kaltenback<br />
John K. Karoly<br />
James Keat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Charles P. Kellejian<br />
John E. Kelley<br />
Gerald W. Kelley<br />
R. S. Kelly<br />
Terry Kelly<br />
Lucious Kennedy<br />
Robert E. Kenney<br />
Lloyd R. Kenn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
George A. Kerrigan<br />
Frederic H. Kidder<br />
George W. K<strong>in</strong>gston<br />
Thomas J. Kitchens<br />
George J. Klug<br />
Farrell L. Kluttz<br />
Fred R. Knoebel<br />
Richard F. Knowles<br />
L. M. Kopsky<br />
Stanley F. Kowalczyk<br />
Lawrence R. Krahn<br />
Myron J. Kriz<br />
John G. Kuptz<br />
Harrison K. Kyle, Jr.<br />
James LaBanca<br />
George F. Labash<br />
Raymond F. Lacey
Walter A. Laidlaw<br />
Ted E. Lamb<br />
Floyd L. Lamb<br />
Orville Lambert<br />
Richard Lambert<br />
John H. Lapo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
John T. Lark<strong>in</strong><br />
William H. Lashmit<br />
Garry M. Leach<br />
Frank R. Leach, Jr.<br />
Louis F. Leavy<br />
Elwood N. Lebouef<br />
Gene E. Ledbury<br />
Harold W. Lehner<br />
L. P. Leonard<br />
Eugene J. Lewandowski<br />
Robert R. Lewis<br />
Dalton E. Lewis<br />
Thomas L. Lewis<br />
Arron Lewis<br />
Bruce V. Lisle<br />
Sherwood Littlefield<br />
Michael J. Llewellyn<br />
Robert Locke<br />
Howard Lockey<br />
Billy H. Locklar<br />
Thomas L. Lockrouit<br />
Robert F. Long<br />
Henry L. Longton<br />
Raymond E. Lott<br />
Paul H. Lougee<br />
Johnny Lovorn<br />
George J. Lubben<br />
Richard E. Lundquist<br />
John E. Lynch<br />
Hayward D. Lynch<br />
Otho A. Lyons<br />
Simpson Machen<br />
Delbert A. Madsen<br />
Richard M. Mahaffey<br />
Alan Maillard<br />
James A. Mann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Robert A. Mann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Robert L. Maples<br />
Benedict J. Maraf<strong>in</strong>o, Sr.<br />
Magtangol O. Marcelo<br />
James C. Marcom<br />
Fred H. Marquardt<br />
Adolph E. Marshuetz<br />
Roy F. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Bobbie J. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Lawrence J. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Thomas Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Paul Masser<br />
Louis C. Masur<br />
Daniel J. Matson<br />
Frank H. Matthews<br />
Freddy Mayes<br />
Francis McAvoy<br />
Earl McCall<br />
Wayne J. McCla<strong>in</strong><br />
Daniel W. McCla<strong>in</strong><br />
Raymond F. McConnell<br />
Lee McCoy<br />
Sam R. McCrow<br />
Jack D. McCullars<br />
Richard D. McCulloch<br />
Robert E. McCullough<br />
William F. McDaniel<br />
John E. McDonald, Jr.<br />
Robert D. McDonald<br />
John McDonald<br />
Robert L. McElroy<br />
Robert F. McElroy<br />
Edward McGowan<br />
Hermon L. McK<strong>in</strong>ney<br />
James McKnight<br />
William D. McLamb<br />
John McMullen, Jr.<br />
Gerald McSpadden<br />
John W. Meadows<br />
James C. Means<br />
John W. Mellor<br />
Wilber D. Melv<strong>in</strong><br />
Thomas L. Mentus<br />
William C. Merkle<br />
Robert S. Merry<br />
Rodger J. Mesler<br />
Lewis Metz<br />
Paul E. Michau<br />
Edward N. Michek, II<br />
Robert J. Mick<br />
Arthur J. Milani<br />
Richard D. Miller<br />
Urcel D. Miller<br />
Theodore C. Miller<br />
Michael C. Miller<br />
Raymond Miller<br />
Ethelbert H. Mills<br />
Peter Mirich, Jr.<br />
Charles B. Miss<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> E. Mitchell<br />
James E. Mitchell<br />
George Mitchell<br />
Roger Mitchell<br />
Charles Monahan<br />
Frank Mongelli<br />
Richard S. Moore<br />
D-20<br />
Leo Moran<br />
Gordon L. Moreland<br />
Raymond A. Moreno<br />
Perry S. Morris<br />
Richard Morris<br />
Willard Morris<br />
Gerald Morrow<br />
Joseph W. Morton<br />
Curtis Moss<br />
David P. Murphy<br />
James R. Murphy<br />
James T. Murphy<br />
James E. Murphy<br />
William Murray<br />
Henry M. Myers<br />
Robert H. Myers<br />
N. J. Napiantek<br />
James M. Neel<br />
George L. Neibaur<br />
Arthur Neild<br />
Edgar C. Neisler<br />
Helen M. Nelson<br />
Wilfred G. Nelson<br />
Thomas E. Nelson<br />
Gordon E. Nelson<br />
Terry D. Nelson<br />
Walter A. Nelson<br />
Allan Nelson<br />
Kenneth T. Newell<br />
Robert A. Newkirk<br />
William T. Nichols<br />
Clair M. Nicholson<br />
Roger Nickerson<br />
George Nicol<br />
Walter H. Niemeyer<br />
Michael J. Niemiec<br />
Thomas L. Nixon<br />
James Nixon<br />
Jack W. Nooney<br />
Edward C. Norris<br />
Harold F. Northup<br />
Donald L. Norton<br />
Kenneth E. Novaria<br />
Donald E. Nowak<br />
Jack D. O’Brien<br />
Stephen P. O’Connell<br />
Elv<strong>in</strong> C. Ogle<br />
Stanley T. Oley<br />
Lewis C. Olive<br />
James D. Oliver<br />
V<strong>in</strong>cent A. Orbish<br />
William F. O’Sullivan<br />
Arden Otberg<br />
Bobby D. Otts
Raymond H. Ovel<br />
Jerry A. Pacilio<br />
Noel A. Palm<br />
William O. Park<br />
Bernard Parker<br />
Louis H. Park<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Leland W. Parmelee<br />
John E. Parnell<br />
Johnny Parrish<br />
Thadeus A. Paskiewicz<br />
Glen E. Patterson<br />
Norman F. Payne<br />
Orville Payne<br />
Royden A. Pearson<br />
Harry L. Peckham<br />
George F. Peek<br />
George Peery<br />
Joseph J. Pemp<br />
E. J. Penn<br />
Harold F. Perry<br />
Howard M. Peterson<br />
Carl Pettice<br />
William M. Pitt<br />
Charles Plaugher<br />
Theodore H. Poch, Jr.<br />
Jennie Pogliano<br />
James W. Porter<br />
Kenneth R. Potv<strong>in</strong><br />
Aust<strong>in</strong> C. Powell<br />
Theodore W. Powell<br />
Noah B. Praytor, Jr.<br />
Leonard G. Preston<br />
Cecil R. Proffitt<br />
Jack H. Pruitt<br />
John W. Pullen<br />
Glen E. Pull<strong>in</strong><br />
John Pur<strong>in</strong>ton<br />
Charles R. Quillian<br />
Raymond D. Rabanus<br />
Robert Raber<br />
Robert N. Rabidoux<br />
Alden A. Race<br />
Emile J. Racek<br />
Hugh A. Radford<br />
Wiley A. Ramsey<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> A. Randisi<br />
William H. Ranney, Jr.<br />
Albert J. Rappold<br />
Richard C. Rasmussen<br />
Thadeous Rawls<br />
Francis A. Raz<strong>in</strong>ha<br />
Paul L. Ream<br />
N<strong>in</strong>a B. Redditt<br />
Oscar Redman<br />
Herbert H. Reed<br />
Robert E. Reed<br />
James R. Reget<br />
Dan Reichstadt<br />
Allen D. Reid<br />
David Reid<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> A. Remaley<br />
Henry J. Restorff<br />
Bernabe Reyes<br />
Richard H. Reysen<br />
Joseph Richard<br />
Harry S. Richard<br />
Ola T. Richbourg<br />
Monty Richerson<br />
Donald Riker<br />
James B. Riles<br />
James H. Riley<br />
Leocadio A. Rios<br />
Viva J. Rivers<br />
Eldred L. Roberts<br />
Jimmie H. Roberts<br />
Dwight J. Roberts<br />
Edward J. Roberts<br />
James Robertson<br />
Donald E. Rob<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Jessie H. Robison<br />
Icle N. Robuck<br />
Virgil R. Rodden<br />
Erv<strong>in</strong> Roelke<br />
Gordon E. Rogers<br />
Thomas E. Rogers, Sr.<br />
Claude E. Rose<br />
William A. Rose<br />
John W. Rowe<br />
Rodrigo T. Roxas<br />
Pablo P. Rozul<br />
Estern H. Ruble<br />
Richard Ruel<br />
Albert H. Rukes, Jr.<br />
Raymond Rush<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Billy L. Russell<br />
Barton O. Russell<br />
Charles M. Russell<br />
James L. Russell<br />
John R. Rutter<br />
James Saich<br />
Rose Sand<br />
W<strong>in</strong>del L. Sandefur<br />
Charles E. Sanders<br />
Edward L. Sarcevicz<br />
George W. Saunders<br />
John Scanlon<br />
Leo V. Schaller<br />
Virgil D. Scheer<br />
D-21<br />
Russell E. Scherr<br />
Edward Schibbelhute<br />
John F. Schlagel<br />
William H. Schultz<br />
Melv<strong>in</strong> R. Schultz<br />
Richard W. Schumaker<br />
Eugene A. Scott<br />
Richard S. Sears<br />
William R. Semple<br />
Wilbur Sendoya<br />
Irv<strong>in</strong>g W. Seyle<br />
Kenneth V. Seymour<br />
Warren Shannon<br />
Daniel Shea<br />
Paul N. Shelley<br />
Ross P. Sherard<br />
Sayward Sherburne<br />
James L. Sh<strong>in</strong>n<br />
Roy C. Sholes<br />
Leo W. Shores<br />
Daryle Shropshire<br />
John Sigler<br />
Rufus L. Siler<br />
Frederick Simms<br />
Alan J. S<strong>in</strong>clair<br />
Willis J. Sisson<br />
Wallace A. Skelton<br />
Vernon Sk<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
James M. Skipple<br />
Charles Slayton<br />
Glen Sloan<br />
John W. Smart<br />
Charles W. Smith<br />
Paul J. Smith<br />
Viencel J. Smith<br />
George R. Smith<br />
George W. Smith<br />
James Smith<br />
Gerald G. Smith<br />
Joseph Smith<br />
Lawrence K. Snowden<br />
William Snyder<br />
Robert C. Somerville<br />
Theodore Sparks<br />
Paul R. Speece<br />
Heyward Spires<br />
Robert J. Spr<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Donald M. Staats<br />
Anthony Stanis<br />
John L. Steele<br />
Wencil H. Stengl<br />
William E. Stephenson<br />
Richard W. Stevens<br />
Richard St<strong>in</strong>edurf
Charles L. Stone<br />
Jere V. Stoner<br />
Marie M. Stout<br />
Randolph T. Strickland<br />
James L. Stuart<br />
Robert J. Sugrue<br />
Francis Sullivan<br />
Warren R. Suter<br />
Louis N. Szuch<br />
Thomas T. Taggart<br />
Robert L. Tait<br />
Leroy M. Taylor<br />
Donald Taylor<br />
Leon Taylor<br />
Daniel S. Taylor<br />
John G. Taylor<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> E. Tener<br />
Weldon O. Terrell<br />
Spencer A. Terry<br />
Richard E. Thacker<br />
Robert L. Thennis<br />
Marrion R. Thompson<br />
Curtis Thompson<br />
Ronald K. Thornton<br />
Thomas N. Thorsen<br />
Broyce E. Tibbitts<br />
Arthur M. Tilley, Jr.<br />
William P. T<strong>in</strong>der<br />
Allen A. Tobias<br />
Alfred L. Todd, Jr.<br />
Earl M. Toler, Sr.<br />
Aaron L. Toml<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Prudencio S. Torres<br />
Jack R. Totten<br />
David H. Tracy<br />
John E. Tra<strong>in</strong>or<br />
Salvatore C. Trapani<br />
John W. Travasos<br />
William L. Treese<br />
Marv<strong>in</strong> R. Tucker<br />
Wayne Tuell<br />
Albert Udell<br />
Dahl W. Usher<br />
Leonard M. Van Gemert<br />
Raleigh Vansickle<br />
Edw<strong>in</strong> Varnadoe<br />
Howard F. Vaughan<br />
Carvel L. Vaughan<br />
Michael Vaughn<br />
Victor Velky<br />
J. Veylupek<br />
Richard C. Villa<br />
Bernard Visser<br />
Raymond Von Saunder<br />
Gervaise R. Wade<br />
Clarence Wagner<br />
Robert Waid<br />
Albert Waldow<br />
Joseph M. Wall<br />
Raymond L. Wallace<br />
Roy Walsh<br />
George C. Walters<br />
Daniel L. Walters<br />
James E. Ward, Jr.<br />
John R. Ward<br />
William M. Ward, Jr.<br />
Kenneth L. Ward<br />
Floyd Ward<br />
Kenneth Warden<br />
James Warren<br />
Dan R. Watt<br />
Robert Waus<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Cyrus Wear<br />
James H. Webb<br />
Robert E. Webb<br />
D. H. Webster<br />
Hobson Webster<br />
Edgar R. Weidner<br />
Edward Weimer<br />
James D. Welch<br />
Henry E. Welch<br />
Jean R. Weldy<br />
Danny Wells<br />
John Welsh<br />
Russell D. West<br />
Willie Westberry<br />
Albert Westlake<br />
William A. Wheeler<br />
Lester H. Whetstone<br />
Forest D. White<br />
Charles White<br />
Tommy B. Whitfield<br />
Harold D. Whitson<br />
John Whittaker<br />
Harlan L. Whitten<br />
John L. Wilbanks<br />
Jack Wilks<br />
James H. Williams<br />
Joel L. Wilson<br />
Donald K. Wilson<br />
William W. Wimbish<br />
Robert B. W<strong>in</strong>ans<br />
Robert R. W<strong>in</strong>slow<br />
William E. Wise<br />
V. N. Withrow<br />
James Otis Womack<br />
Delmer L. Wood<br />
Theodore L. Wood<br />
D-22<br />
Charles Wood<br />
Brent T. Wooddell<br />
Joseph F. Woods<br />
Fred Woods<br />
Paul L. Woollard<br />
Richard B. Woolley<br />
Cecil N. Wooten<br />
Harold Wratten<br />
Dudley Wray<br />
Robert L. Wright<br />
John Wysh<strong>in</strong>ski<br />
Harold Yahn<br />
Gregory J. York<br />
Emery W. Young<br />
George T. I. Yuen<br />
Joe L. Zachary<br />
Leo L. Zdziarski<br />
William J. Zeigler<br />
Lucy Elizabeth Zierdt<br />
Philip H. Z<strong>in</strong>smeister<br />
Anthony W. Zoske<br />
Joseph Zur
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON<br />
PUBLIC RELATIONS<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President and Shipmates.<br />
The National Committee on Public Relations for Year 2006-2007 is composed of the follow<strong>in</strong>g Shipmates:<br />
Chairman: PRPSC Donald Larson, Branch 94<br />
Ray E. Santee, Branch 166<br />
Darlene Kay H<strong>in</strong>es, Branch 269<br />
Clarence T. White, Branch 72<br />
Charles H. Goodman, Branch 276<br />
Norman M. Sivertsen, Jr., Branch 229<br />
Lonnie Vessell, Branch 11<br />
Fred W. Ballard, Branch 46<br />
Advisors: PRPSW Victor Miranda, Branch 9<br />
JrPRPNE James R. Smith, Branch 253<br />
As recommended by previous committees, this years Public Relations Committee will utilize the same standard format<br />
as the previous years committee. This practice will allow for a standard judg<strong>in</strong>g format that will aid this committee<br />
to best evaluate public relations reports.<br />
The committee recommends that Regional Presidents become more active with branch Public Relations chairmen to<br />
ensure that all of their branches submit reports for assessment. Various committee members know that their branches<br />
are active <strong>in</strong> Public Relations but were surprises to f<strong>in</strong>d that reports were not submitted.<br />
Ensure that Regional Public Relations Chairmen forward their first place w<strong>in</strong>ners to the National Committee Chairmen<br />
immediately upon their regional convention adjourn<strong>in</strong>g and follow<strong>in</strong>g up with a phone call to ensure they are<br />
received.<br />
One last suggestion was for the Region Presidents to hand carry a copy of their regional w<strong>in</strong>ners assessment to ensure<br />
judg<strong>in</strong>g by the National Committee<br />
I would like to take this time to thank the members who served on the committee along with the faithful service of<br />
our National Headquarters who throughout the year gave me the support I requested.<br />
All funds received from the FRA for travel and expenses were expended on association bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
PR-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service<br />
DONALD LARSON<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON<br />
YOUTH ACTIVITIES<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, delegates and Shipmates<br />
The 2006 – 2007 National Youth Activities Committee Consisted of the follow<strong>in</strong>g Shipmates:<br />
Chairman: Stanley Lewandowski, Branch 289<br />
Members: Karl W. Zuege, Branch 235<br />
George N. Kollarik Branch 124<br />
Charles A. Baldw<strong>in</strong>, Branch 99<br />
Robert F. Waterman, Branch 215<br />
Fred J. Pester, Branch 180<br />
Charley Randall, II, Branch 201<br />
Jimmy D. Freedle, Branch 47<br />
Roy D. Warner, Branch 287<br />
Robert M. Otteraaen, Branch 363<br />
Advisors: PRPEC W.G. “Jerry” Butler, Branch 141<br />
PRPNC H. Gene Bryan, Branch 324<br />
I have contacted the above shipmates on attend<strong>in</strong>g the national convention. I have also mentioned the various feel<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
I heard from shipmates on the issue of documentation of report<strong>in</strong>g the contribution of over 500 hours on Youth<br />
Activities, this topic will be discussed at the 80th National Convention.<br />
A budget request for the year 2007-2008 was submitted on 12 June 2007 to the Chairman of the Budget & F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
Committee.<br />
A detailed report of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g branches and shipmates of the year will be made <strong>in</strong> our convention report.<br />
There are no recommendations at this time, if any, they will be presented <strong>in</strong> our convention report.<br />
Budget l<strong>in</strong>e item funds received as of this date have been expended on <strong>Association</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess. A f<strong>in</strong>al report on travel<br />
will be submitted IAW National President memorandum dated 3 August 2007.<br />
I would like to thank National President Sweeney for the privilege to serve as National Chairman of Youth Activities<br />
Committee. I’d also like to thank the members of the committee for their assistance.<br />
I move that my report be received.<br />
YA-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service,<br />
STANLEY J. LEWANDOWSKI<br />
Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SPECIAL NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO<br />
EVALUATE THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE FRA REGIONS<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, and Shipmates this is the Annual Report of<br />
the Special National Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions.<br />
The committee is currently evaluat<strong>in</strong>g the present n<strong>in</strong>e FRA regions with respect to:<br />
1. Regional President coverage of each geographic area,<br />
2. Best allocation and expenditure of FRA funds,<br />
3. What recommendations best serve the <strong>in</strong>terests of the FRA.<br />
There are several proposals that are be<strong>in</strong>g exam<strong>in</strong>ed to determ<strong>in</strong>e the specific advantages and disadvantages of each:<br />
1. Ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the status quo,<br />
2. Comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g one or more regions,<br />
3. Divid<strong>in</strong>g large regions,<br />
4. Divid<strong>in</strong>g states with respect to branch location,<br />
5. Oversight of the overseas branches.<br />
As this is a two-year committee and there are many variables to be taken <strong>in</strong>to consideration; therefore, it is premature<br />
to mention any specifics of the proposals as each is still be<strong>in</strong>g evaluated. Any and all suggestions are welcome.<br />
Please submit them to your Regional Committee Member by December 31, 2007: New England – James F. Hollis,<br />
Branch 132; Northeast – JrPRPNE James R. Smith, Branch 253; East Coast – PNP Thomas L. Leisher, Branch 5;<br />
Southeast – PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore, Branch 22; North Central – PNP Eugene Smith, Branch 105; South Central –<br />
PRPSC Terry D. Merten, Branch 159; Northwest – PNP Marv<strong>in</strong> W. Johnson, Branch 104; West Coast – Peter J.<br />
McNamara, Branch 274; and Southwest – Dennis L. Reynolds, Branch 289.<br />
All <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> funds received have been expended on <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
SP-1<br />
In Loyalty, Protection and Service,<br />
MARK A. KILGORE<br />
Chairman
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTIONS<br />
NBR 1-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the FRA be the host of the 80th National Convention, to be held <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas, 31 October<br />
– 3 November 2007.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 2-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the expenses of the 80th National Convention Committee be paid <strong>in</strong> accordance with Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule<br />
2.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 3-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the profits from the 80th National Convention be distributed 50/50 between the FRA/LA FRA.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 4-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the salary of the NES be set <strong>in</strong> the amount of $105,000.<br />
Vote: 11 affirmative; RPSC excused absence; NES absta<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
NBR 5-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That approval be granted for the 2006-2007 LA FRA National President’s Project — USO (Phone<br />
Home/Operation USO Care Packages/Gifts from Home Front Programs).<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 6-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the Bylaws of the New England Region be ratified.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 7-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the elim<strong>in</strong>ation of Section SR-46 of the Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules of the Ladies Auxiliary, FRA be ratified.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 8-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the revision of Section 301 of the C&BL of the Ladies Auxiliary, FRA be ratified.<br />
Vote: 9 affirmative. RPSC excused absence. RPEC, RPSE, & RPWC negative.<br />
NBR-1
NBR 9-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That appo<strong>in</strong>tments to certa<strong>in</strong> special and stand<strong>in</strong>g national committees be ratified.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 10-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the appo<strong>in</strong>tment of the Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions<br />
be ratified.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence.<br />
NBR 11-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That the NBOD <strong>in</strong>terpret Article 12, Section 1226(d), C&BL, FRA, to mean that no member serv<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
the Branch Board of Directors can serve on the Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Enterprise (Club) Board of Governors.<br />
Vote: 9 affirmative; RPSC excused absence; RPEC, RPSW, & RPNW negative.<br />
NBR 12-07 OF 6 OCTOBER 2006<br />
Whereas, A request for f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance has been received from PNChap Jeanetta Mundis, Chairman, HW&R<br />
Committee, New England Region, on behalf of Shipmate Frederick Bishop; and<br />
Whereas, A copy of the request from PNChap Jeanetta Mundis is enclosed, which expla<strong>in</strong>s the reason; and<br />
Whereas, RPNEng Paul F. Loveless, Jr., has approved of this request; and<br />
Whereas, I have directed the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer to prepare a check <strong>in</strong> the amount of $500 as authorized by Article 9,<br />
Section 909(d) C&BL, FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer and I feel that Shipmate Bishop’s f<strong>in</strong>ancial situation warrants additional funds, I am<br />
request<strong>in</strong>g an additional $1,350 for Shipmate Bishop from the Welfare and Rehabilitation <strong>Reserve</strong>, now; therefore be<br />
it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an mail vote:<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 12-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors authorize<br />
the expenditure of an additional $1,350 from the Welfare and Rehabilitation <strong>Reserve</strong> for a total grant of $1,850 as<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the provisions of Article 9, Section 909(d), C&BL, FRA.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPNW not received.<br />
NBR 13-07 OF 6 OCTOBER 2006<br />
Whereas, The Charter for Branch 154 was suspended for failure to comply with Article 12, Section 1203(b) C&BL,<br />
FRA (Branch Officers Report had not been submitted) by the National Board of Directors, dur<strong>in</strong>g their Pre-<br />
Convention Meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 18 September <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>; and<br />
Whereas, The Branch Officer Report for Branch 154 has s<strong>in</strong>ce been received at the National Headquarters; now,<br />
therefore be it<br />
Resolved, The follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is promulgated to the National Board of Director’s for a vote:<br />
NBR-2
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 13-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, lift the charter suspension of Branch 154.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPNW not received.<br />
NBR 14-07 OF 6 OCTOBER 2006<br />
Whereas, The Charter for Branch 103 was suspended for failure to comply with Article 12, Section 1203(b) C&BL,<br />
FRA (Branch Officers Report had not been submitted) by the National Board of Directors, dur<strong>in</strong>g their Pre-<br />
Convention Meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 18 September <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>; and<br />
Whereas, The Branch Officer Report for Branch 103 has s<strong>in</strong>ce been received at the National Headquarters; now,<br />
therefore be it<br />
Resolved, The follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is promulgated to the National Board of Director’s for a vote:<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 14-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, lift the charter suspension of Branch 103.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPNW not received.<br />
NBR 15-07 OF 29 NOVEMBER 2006<br />
Resolved, That Section SR-12(d) FRA Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules be amended to read as follows:<br />
“SR-12(d). Essay Contest Rules:<br />
“(1) All entrants shall be students <strong>in</strong> grades seven through twelve (or equivalent).<br />
“(2) Entrants must be sponsored by a branch of the FRA or a unit of the LA FRA.<br />
“(3) The essay shall be on the theme designated and shall not exceed 350 words.<br />
“(4) The essay shall be legibly written or typed on one side of the paper.<br />
“(5) A student may only submit one entry each year.<br />
“(6) Each entry must be accompanied by a separate sheet stat<strong>in</strong>g: the entrant’s name; address;<br />
zip code; telephone number; school grade (or equivalent); name of school or the words “home<br />
schooled;” student’s social security number (optional); number of words <strong>in</strong> essay; and the sponsor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branch/unit or sponsor’s name.<br />
“(7) If selected a “contest w<strong>in</strong>ner,” the student's social security number shall be provided for<br />
the sole purpose of comply<strong>in</strong>g with the rules of issuance of a U.S. Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Bond.”<br />
Vote 12 affirmative; RPEC excused absence.<br />
NBR 16-07 OF 3 JANUARY 2007<br />
Whereas, Due to the resignation of PNP Marv<strong>in</strong> W. Johnson, Branch 104 as Chairman of the Special Committee to<br />
Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions (he’ll rema<strong>in</strong> as a member of the committee), I wish to<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>t PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore as his replacement; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 4 January, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NBR-3
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 16-07: Resolved, that the National Board of Directors ratify the<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>tment of PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore as Chairman of the Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries<br />
of the FRA Regions for a term of two years.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 17-07 OF 18 JANUARY 2007<br />
Whereas, At the Midyear National Board of Directors meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 19-20 May 2006, the National Board of Directors<br />
took action <strong>in</strong> NBR 36-06 to suspend Chesapeake Branch 40’s Charter for non-compliance with the C&BL,<br />
FRA; and<br />
Whereas, After notification from then Regional President East Coast Gunther that the Branch had complied with the<br />
C&BL, the NBOD (per NBR. 52-06) lifted the suspension of the Charter with the stipulation that the Club was to<br />
rema<strong>in</strong> closed until their Bylaws were brought <strong>in</strong>to compliance, Branch Officers were to be elected and <strong>in</strong>stalled, and<br />
that the Branch provide a roster of the new Board of Governors to oversee the Club; and<br />
Whereas, Chesapeake Branch 40 has complied with the above stipulations (see attachments) and requests permission<br />
to open the Club; now, therefore be it.<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Friday, 19 January, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 17-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, allow Branch 40 to open their Club.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 18-07 OF 31 JANUARY 2007<br />
Whereas, The Charter for Branch 374 was suspended for failure to comply with Article 12, Section 1203(b) C&BL,<br />
FRA (Branch Officers Report had not been submitted) by the National Board of Directors, dur<strong>in</strong>g their Pre-<br />
Convention Meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 18 September <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>; and<br />
Whereas, The Branch Officer Report for Branch 374 has s<strong>in</strong>ce been received at the National Headquarters; now,<br />
therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Wednesday, 7 February, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 18-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, lift the charter suspension of Branch 374.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 19-07 OF 27 FEBRUARY 2007<br />
Whereas, The <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> Club of Annapolis, Inc. (FRC) served a request for the entry of an <strong>in</strong>junction aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
FRA (Case No: C-06-115223) <strong>in</strong> the Circuit Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County <strong>in</strong> July 2006; and<br />
Whereas, FRA (NP Sweeney, NES Barnes, and Frank Northam, Esq.) met with FRC’s attorney and representatives<br />
at a settlement conference on Friday, 23 February 2007 <strong>in</strong> an effort to settle the lawsuit amicably; and<br />
NBR-4
Whereas, Both FRA (pend<strong>in</strong>g ratification of the National Board of Directors) and FRC agreed to sign a Consent Decree,<br />
consistent with FRA’s C&BL, which states:<br />
“The Parties hereto hav<strong>in</strong>g consented to the with<strong>in</strong>, and the Court hav<strong>in</strong>g reviewed the Compla<strong>in</strong>t,<br />
Motions and various other plead<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> the Court file, and hav<strong>in</strong>g determ<strong>in</strong>ed that the terms of the<br />
with<strong>in</strong> Decree resolve the issues and fairly state the applicable law, it is this ______ day of February,<br />
2007 by the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County DECREED as follows:<br />
“1. That PLAINTIFF, FLEET RESERVE CLUB OF ANNAPOLIS, INC., is a valid Maryland<br />
corporation entitled to the privileges associated therewith and subject to the requirements of<br />
its Charter, By-Laws and the laws of the State of Maryland.<br />
“2. That DEFENDANT, FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION, is a valid Pennsylvania corporation<br />
located <strong>in</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia and is entitled to the privileges associated therewith and subject to the<br />
requirements of its Charter, By-Laws and the laws of the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong>ia law, <strong>in</strong> addition to the laws of any other jurisdiction <strong>in</strong> which it conducts its affairs.<br />
“3. That each party is entitled to conduct its affairs separate and apart from the other;” now,<br />
therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote [please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Tuesday, 27 February (if possible), and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy]:<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 19-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with Article 12, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, authorize the National President to sign the Consent Decree to<br />
be submitted to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 20-07 OF 5 MARCH 2007<br />
Whereas, A request for f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance has been received from PRPSC David A. Field on behalf of Shipmate<br />
Raymond Cook; and<br />
Whereas, A copy of the request from PRPSC Field is enclosed, which expla<strong>in</strong>s the reason; and<br />
Whereas, I have directed the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer to prepare a check <strong>in</strong> the amount of $500 as authorized by Article 9,<br />
Section 909(d) C&BL, FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer and I feel that Shipmate Cook’s f<strong>in</strong>ancial situation warrants additional funds, I am<br />
request<strong>in</strong>g an additional $2,000 for Shipmate Cook from the Welfare and Rehabilitation <strong>Reserve</strong>, now; therefore be<br />
it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 8 March, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 20-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors authorize<br />
the expenditure of an additional $2,000 from the Welfare and Rehabilitation <strong>Reserve</strong> for a total grant of $2,500 as<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the provisions of Article 9, Section 909(d), C&BL, FRA.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR-5
NBR 21-07 OF 27 APRIL 2007<br />
Whereas, Per Article 8, Section 809(p), C&BL, FRA, those contracts which exceed $5,000 require the approval of<br />
the National Board of Directors, unless previously approved by the delegates <strong>in</strong> convention; and<br />
Whereas, The FRA Build<strong>in</strong>g Committee Chairman reports the need for enhanced security related to the access of<br />
computer data storage systems at National Headquarters, and the need to upgrade the access control system for the<br />
National Headquarters Build<strong>in</strong>g as soon as possible; and<br />
Whereas, The overall security system upgrade is required <strong>in</strong> order to accommodate the new access control software,<br />
and the new FRA provided PC, s<strong>in</strong>ce technological advancements do not allow for the <strong>in</strong>terface of FRA’s exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
control boards with the new software; and<br />
Whereas, The estimated total upgrade cost is $12,876.00 and only $4,114 of this amount was approved <strong>in</strong> the current<br />
year’s budget accord<strong>in</strong>g to l<strong>in</strong>e item 5080-00-10-i; and<br />
Whereas, Per Article 9, Section 902, C&BL, FRA, $15,000 is transferred from the General Operat<strong>in</strong>g Fund to the<br />
Capital Improvement <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund, annually, to replenish this fund, and that this fund has a current balance of<br />
$126,440.65 as of 31 March 2007; and<br />
Whereas, FRA has contracted with CIS Security Systems Corporation for all of its security system upgrades and<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>tenance s<strong>in</strong>ce the purchase of the build<strong>in</strong>g and has had excellent bus<strong>in</strong>ess relations; and<br />
Whereas, FRA is keenly aware of the past performance of CIS Security Systems Corporation; and<br />
Whereas, The FRA Build<strong>in</strong>g Committee, and the F<strong>in</strong>ancial Officer highly recommend the selection of CIS Security<br />
Systems Corporation; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Tuesday, 1 May and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 21-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors authorize<br />
the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer to sign a contract with CIS Security Systems Corporation for $12,876.00 to upgrade computer<br />
and build<strong>in</strong>g security with costs to be paid from the Capital Improvement <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund.<br />
Vote: 11 affirmative; RPWC negative; RPNC not received.<br />
NBR 22-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 12, Section 1201, C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution,<br />
Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration at the 80th National Convention.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 23-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 12, Section 1206, C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution,<br />
Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration at the 80th National Convention.<br />
Vote: 10 affirmative; RPEC and RPWC negative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 24-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 12, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution,<br />
Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration at the 80th National Convention.<br />
NBR-6
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 25-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors accept the voluntary surrender of the Charter of Newport Branch 19,<br />
effective immediately.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 26-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That upon the surrender of the charter, all books and records of Newport Branch and Club 19 be fully audited<br />
by professional auditors to ensure that no wrong do<strong>in</strong>g has taken place.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 27-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That Newport Branch 19’s land and branch home be placed for sale at market value.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 28-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the proceeds from the sale of Newport Branch 19's land and branch home be used to pay its outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bills, with the balance to be held <strong>in</strong> escrow by the National Treasury <strong>in</strong> accordance with Article 12, Section<br />
1207, C&BL, FRA.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 29-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That Old Naval Home Branch 307 be granted an extension <strong>in</strong> accordance with Article 12, C&BL, FRA,<br />
until such time as a new Naval Home <strong>in</strong> Gulfport, Mississippi, is built.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 30-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the Custodian Agreement with SunTrust Bank be term<strong>in</strong>ated, that a new Custodian Agreement with<br />
M&T Bank be executed, and that the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, as aided by the Investment Advisor, be authorized to coord<strong>in</strong>ate<br />
and negotiate the transition of Custodial services.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 31-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors approve the addition of Roth provisions to the exist<strong>in</strong>g NHQ Staff<br />
401(k) Plan, and that the Trustees to the Plan, the NES and the FO, be authorized to coord<strong>in</strong>ate such addition.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR-7
NBR 32-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors accept the voluntary surrender of the Charter of Ch<strong>in</strong>a Lake Branch<br />
95 and permit Branch 95 to merge with Golden Empire Branch 26, effective immediately.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 33-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 9, Section 914(c), C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution,<br />
Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration at the 80th National Convention.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 34-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors did vote unanimously to place the name of Shipmate PRPEC Edward<br />
Huylebroeck, Jr., <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for a Certificate of Merit Award; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, FRA does earnestly solicit the full support of the delegates assembled<br />
at the 80th National Convention to be held <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas, to ensure the award<strong>in</strong>g of this prestigious<br />
award.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 35-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors table the AGIA proposal and monitor renegotiation of agreement<br />
with Marsh commenc<strong>in</strong>g 1 January 2008 and that successive NBODs evaluate proposals from other <strong>in</strong>surance broker<br />
firms dur<strong>in</strong>g the next three year contract period.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 36-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That Marsh be permitted to test market the Simplified Issue Term Life with Critical Illness Benefit program.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 37-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That Marsh be permitted to test market the 10 Year Level Term Life Plan.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 38-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That authorization be granted to Branch 161 to use the Swoosh Logo on items for sale <strong>in</strong> conjunction with<br />
the 81st National Convention.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR-8
NBR 39-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That <strong>in</strong> accordance with the provisions of Section 510, C&BL, FRA, that PRPSW James H. Katzenberger<br />
be removed from elected office as the Regional Secretary, Southwest Region for failure to perform the duties of office<br />
to which he was elected.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
Resolved, That the Fiscal Year 2006 Audit be received.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 40-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
NBR 41-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007<br />
Resolved, That Frye and Wolcott, CPAs be designated <strong>in</strong> accordance with Section 802(i), C&BL, FRA to conduct<br />
the annual audit of the books and accounts of the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer for the fiscal year 2007 (1 January 2007 - 31 December<br />
2007).<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence.<br />
NBR 42-07 OF 31 MAY 2007<br />
Whereas, A petition has been received <strong>in</strong> which a merger of Suwanne Valley Branch 220 with Ga<strong>in</strong>esville Branch<br />
179 is requested. Enclosure (1) provides the details on the requested merger; and<br />
Whereas, Branch 220 orig<strong>in</strong>ated the request and has complied with the provisions of reference (a). Branch 179 has<br />
approved the proposed merger; and<br />
Whereas, The Regional President Southeast recommends approval of this merger; and<br />
Whereas, The Chairman, Membership & Retention Committee will effect the transfer of members of Branch 220 to<br />
Branch 179; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Wednesday, 6 June and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 42-07: Resolved, That Branch 220 <strong>in</strong> accordance with the provisions<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Section 1212, C&BL, FRA, be merged with Branch 179.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 43-07 OF 1 JUNE 2007<br />
Whereas, Article 15, Section 1506, C&BL, FRA, provides that a Certificate of Merit may by a two-thirds vote of the<br />
National Convention be presented to an <strong>in</strong>dividual person <strong>in</strong> the name of the body, who has rendered some dist<strong>in</strong>guishes<br />
service to the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors, FRA is honored to nom<strong>in</strong>ate Shipmate V<strong>in</strong>cent Cuthie, Jr., for a Certificate<br />
of Merit, <strong>in</strong> recognition of his many years of untir<strong>in</strong>g and dedicated service to the FRA and its members; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been employed <strong>in</strong> the National Headquarters for twenty-five years dur<strong>in</strong>g which time<br />
he has faithfully and loyally served the FRA; and<br />
NBR-9
Whereas, Dur<strong>in</strong>g his many years of service, Shipmate Cuthie has successfully served <strong>in</strong> the positions of Photographer;<br />
Editor, Naval Affairs; Membership Assistant; Communications Assistant; Webmaster; and most recently as<br />
Manager, Information Technologies with major responsibility for the oversight of the FRA computer network; and<br />
Whereas, This versatile and talented Shipmate has over his many years of cont<strong>in</strong>uous and dedicated service proven<br />
himself to be a tremendous asset to the National Headquarters through his vigorous efforts, photographic expertise,<br />
computer knowledge, and adm<strong>in</strong>istrator of the FRA Scholarship Program; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie approaches each and every person, project, or task with a friendly disposition, helpful<br />
attitude, and effusiveness that puts both employees and members of the FRA at ease and projects an excellent image<br />
as a provider of service to the Shipmates of the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> just about every major accomplishment or task undertaken by the<br />
National Headquarters dur<strong>in</strong>g his long tenure as an employee and he has met the challenges successfully and proven<br />
himself exceptionally proficient, a good steward of the Shipmates’ money, and a loyal employee who will go that<br />
extra mile to achieve an objective; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie will retire from employment with the FRA on 4 July 2007 and is most deserv<strong>in</strong>g of recognition<br />
by the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention for his many years of dedicated service and<br />
excellent performance as an employee of the National Headquarters; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 7 June and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 43-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors place the<br />
name of Shipmate V<strong>in</strong>cent Cuthie, Jr., <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for consideration of a Certificate of Merit Award at the 80th<br />
National Convention <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 44-07 OF 19 JUNE 2007<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors has received an e-mail request<strong>in</strong>g the voluntary surrender of the Charter<br />
of Mounta<strong>in</strong> State Branch 33; and<br />
Whereas, Mounta<strong>in</strong> State Branch 33 has complied with the provisions of Article 12, Section 1211, C&BL, FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Regional President East Coast Delbert L. Herrmann, believes it is <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the FRA<br />
that the voluntary surrender of the Charter be accepted; and<br />
Whereas, All members of Mounta<strong>in</strong> State Branch 33 who have not voluntarily transferred to another branch by 30<br />
June 2007 will be transferred to the Membership-at-Large Roll; now; therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the request of Mounta<strong>in</strong> State Branch 33 to voluntarily surrender the Branch Charter be approved;<br />
and be it further<br />
Resolved, That by copy of this Resolution, the Regional President East Coast is re-quested to forward all branch<br />
funds and property to the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer as soon as possible; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the Chairman, Membership & Retention Committee is directed to transfer all members to the Membership-at-Large<br />
Roll on 30 June 2007; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Friday, 22 June, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NBR-10
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 44-07: Resolved, That the request of Mounta<strong>in</strong> State 33 to voluntarily<br />
surrender the Branch Charter be approved.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 45-07 OF 5 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors has received a letter request<strong>in</strong>g the voluntary surrender of the Charter of<br />
Sunflower Branch 167; and<br />
Whereas, Sunflower Branch 167 has complied with the provisions of Article 12, Section 1211, C&BL, FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Regional President North Central Leon J. Zalewski, believes it is <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the FRA<br />
that the voluntary surrender of the Charter be accepted; and<br />
Whereas, All members of Sunflower Branch 167 who have not voluntarily transferred to another branch by 31 July<br />
2007 will be transferred to the Membership-at-Large Roll; now; therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the request of Sunflower Branch 167 to voluntarily surrender the Branch Charter be approved; and be<br />
it further<br />
Resolved, That by copy of this Resolution, the Regional President North Central is requested to forward all branch<br />
funds and property to the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer as soon as possible; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the Chairman, Membership & Retention Committee is directed to transfer all rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g members to<br />
the Membership-at-Large Roll on 31 July 2007; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Monday, 9 July, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 45-07: Resolved, That the request of Sunflower Branch 167 to voluntarily<br />
surrender the Branch Charter be approved.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 46-07 OF 10 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, Regional President East Coast (RPEC) Herrmann and Regional Vice President East Coast (RVPEC) Purdy<br />
have attempted several times to make contact with the Officers of Dahlgren Branch 131 by telephone, email, and<br />
mail to no avail; and<br />
Whereas, The RPEC attempted to attend Branch 131’s meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> April and both the RPEC and RVPEC attempted<br />
to attend a meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> June, but no meet<strong>in</strong>g was held <strong>in</strong> either month: and<br />
Whereas, The RPEC nor the National Headquarters have received the Branch Officers Report for <strong>Association</strong> Year<br />
2007-08; and<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors has received an e-mail from the RPEC request<strong>in</strong>g the immediate suspension<br />
of the Charter of Dahlgren Branch 131 for failure to comply with the provisions of Article 12, Section 1203,<br />
C&BL, FRA; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 12 July, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NBR-11
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 46-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors suspend the<br />
charter of Dahlgren Branch 131 for failure to comply with Article 12 until such time as the branch has complied with<br />
the C&BL, FRA, and the Regional President East Coast has ruled the branch is <strong>in</strong> proper work<strong>in</strong>g order.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPWC not received.<br />
NBR 47-07 OF 13 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, In the Fiscal Year 2006 Management Letter to the National Board of Directors, the Auditor, Mark Frye of<br />
Frye and Wolcott, CPAs, <strong>in</strong> his comments on Investment Portfolios and Policies, repeated his prior year’s advice on<br />
the importance of a well diversified portfolio, and further stated that “lead<strong>in</strong>g economic <strong>in</strong>dicators are project<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
period of <strong>in</strong>flation and potential <strong>in</strong>terest rate hikes which will most certa<strong>in</strong>ly have an impact on stock markets and<br />
mutual funds; and<br />
Whereas, FRA Investment Advisor, James H. Webb, II, of Capital F<strong>in</strong>ancial, LLC <strong>in</strong> his address to the National<br />
Board of Directors (NBOD), at the 18 May 2007 Midyear meet<strong>in</strong>g, replicated the Auditor’s comments, with the advice<br />
that as the assets <strong>in</strong>-vested by the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>in</strong> the American Funds Group have grown to substantial<br />
amounts, this may be a good time to reallocate some assets currently <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> these funds, <strong>in</strong> order to provide<br />
wider diversity of asset classes; and<br />
Whereas, The Investment Advisor briefed the NBOD on the <strong>in</strong>vestment merits associated with the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
Privately Managed Portfolios, which <strong>in</strong>clude the use of a system that <strong>in</strong>sure the safety of the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>vested<br />
<strong>in</strong> a market downturn, as well as an actively managed portfolio protection service, and market reports that show better<br />
performance results aga<strong>in</strong>st American Funds, <strong>in</strong> part due to the possession of more assets class allocations; and<br />
Whereas, The Investment Advisor, recommended the reallocation of 33% of the assets currently <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> American<br />
Funds for the Life Membership Fund, the Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> and the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong>, be reallocated to the<br />
Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately managed Portfolios, and<br />
Whereas, The Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee <strong>in</strong> concurrence with the Investments Advisor’ counsel, has also recommended<br />
the reallocation of 33% of the assets currently <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> American Funds for the Life Membership<br />
Fund, the Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> and the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong>, be reallocated to the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately managed<br />
Portfolios; now be it therefore<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Monday, 23 July and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 47-07: Resolved, That 33% of Funds currently <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Life Member-ship Fund, the Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund and the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund be re-allocated to the Genworth<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately Managed Portfolios.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 48-07 OF 13 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, FRA Investment Advisor, James H. Webb, II, of Capital F<strong>in</strong>ancial, LLC advised the National Board of<br />
Directors at the midyear meet<strong>in</strong>g on 18 May 2007, that currently, the assets <strong>in</strong> the Special Program <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund are<br />
exclusively <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> a Federated U.S. Treasury Money Market Funds’ <strong>in</strong>terest bear<strong>in</strong>g account and that this may<br />
be the time to diversify this <strong>in</strong>vestment, and<br />
Whereas, The FRA Investment Advisor further advised that an <strong>in</strong>vestment policy be established to diversify the Special<br />
Program <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund accord<strong>in</strong>g to an asset allocation of 50% <strong>in</strong> Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds,<br />
25% <strong>in</strong> the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately Managed Portfolios and 25% <strong>in</strong> American Funds, and<br />
NBR-12
Whereas, The Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee has concurred with FRA Investment Advisor’s counsel and has recommended<br />
the establishment of this <strong>in</strong>vestment policy <strong>in</strong> order to diversify the Special Program <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to an asset allocation of 50% <strong>in</strong> Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 25% <strong>in</strong> the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
Privately Managed Portfolios and 25% <strong>in</strong> American Funds; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Monday, 23 July and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 48-07: Resolved, That assets <strong>in</strong> the Special Program <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
Fund be diversified accord<strong>in</strong>g to an asset allocation of 50% <strong>in</strong> Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 25% <strong>in</strong><br />
the Genworth F<strong>in</strong>ancial Privately Managed Portfolios and 25% <strong>in</strong> American Funds.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 49-07 OF 16 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, Per Article 8, Section 809(p), C&BL, FRA, those contracts which exceed $5,000 require the approval of<br />
the National Board of Directors, unless previously approved by the delegates <strong>in</strong> convention; and<br />
Whereas, The FRA Build<strong>in</strong>g Committee Chairman reports the critical need for improved air cool<strong>in</strong>g/condition<strong>in</strong>g<br />
system for the computer data storage systems room at National Headquarters; and<br />
Whereas, The computer room houses servers conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g not only adm<strong>in</strong>istrative, web site and email data for the <strong>Association</strong>,<br />
but also the entire membership data-base for the FRA and the LAFRA; and<br />
Whereas, The current build<strong>in</strong>g air system does not allow sufficient cool<strong>in</strong>g air flow for the computer room, and an<br />
emergency arises when computer manufacturer guidel<strong>in</strong>es regard<strong>in</strong>g the required constant mean room temperature of<br />
approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit cannot be susta<strong>in</strong>ed; and<br />
Whereas, Summer temperatures for the Northern Virg<strong>in</strong>ia area at times exceed 90 degrees, plac<strong>in</strong>g additional stress<br />
on the overall build<strong>in</strong>g air handl<strong>in</strong>g system, lead<strong>in</strong>g to temperatures <strong>in</strong> the computer room <strong>in</strong> excess of 85 degrees;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, The excessive heat <strong>in</strong> the room places additional stress on the mach<strong>in</strong>ery which could cause critical failure<br />
of the systems; and<br />
Whereas, The estimated total cost for the <strong>in</strong>stallation of a new <strong>in</strong>dependent air handl<strong>in</strong>g system, as per a quote provided<br />
by CSI Mechanical, Incorporated is $9,500; and<br />
Whereas, Per Article 9, Section 902, C&BL, FRA, $15,000 is transferred from the General Operat<strong>in</strong>g Fund to the<br />
Capital Improvement <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund, annually, to replenish this fund, and this fund has a current balance of<br />
$126,440.65 as of 31 March 2007; and<br />
Whereas, FRA has contracted with CSI Mechanical, Inc. for all of its HVAC service s<strong>in</strong>ce the purchase of the build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and has received excellent service; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Monday, 23 July and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 49-07: Resolved, That with the concurrence of the National<br />
Committee on Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance, that the National Board of Directors authorize the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer to sign a contract<br />
with CSI Mechanical, Inc. for $9,500 for the immediate <strong>in</strong>stallation of the new air handl<strong>in</strong>g system for the computer<br />
room with costs to be paid from the Capital Improvement <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR-13
NBR 50-07 OF 25 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, The Charter for Branch 232 was suspended for failure to comply with Article 12, Section 1203(b) C&BL,<br />
FRA (Branch Officers Report had not been submitted) by the National Board of Directors, dur<strong>in</strong>g their Pre-<br />
Convention Meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 18 September <strong>in</strong> Oconomowoc, Wiscons<strong>in</strong>; and<br />
Whereas, The Branch Officer Report for Branch 232 (2007-2008) has s<strong>in</strong>ce been received at the National Headquarters;<br />
now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Friday, 27 July, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 50-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, lift the charter suspension of Branch 232.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 51-07 OF 30 JULY 2007<br />
Whereas, The <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (FRA) general operations expenses are currently paid from revenue from<br />
membership dues, fund rais<strong>in</strong>g programs and royalties; and<br />
Whereas, Dur<strong>in</strong>g the past five years, the <strong>in</strong>come from membership dues and fund rais<strong>in</strong>g programs have decl<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> cash flow challenges <strong>in</strong> pay<strong>in</strong>g bills for day to day NHQ operations and required the slow<strong>in</strong>g of membership<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiative; and<br />
Whereas, Article 9, Section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, states that the net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
Fund, may be used by the National Committee on Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance for budget<strong>in</strong>g commitments and shall be restricted<br />
to undertak<strong>in</strong>gs for fund<strong>in</strong>g educational, charitable or exempt function activities; and<br />
Whereas, Although the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal of the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund is restricted by Federal statute to purposes for<br />
which exemption to Federal <strong>in</strong>come tax is granted, the net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund is<br />
free from Federal <strong>in</strong>come tax assessment to the FRA and can be used for any purpose under the FRA 501C (19) rul<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, FRA auditors, Frye & Wolcott, CPAs, have repeatedly questioned the limited use of <strong>in</strong>come from both the<br />
Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> and Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> funds given the <strong>Association</strong>’s cash flow challenges; and<br />
Whereas, Use of the <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund for operat<strong>in</strong>g expenses will ease FRA cash flow<br />
challenges; and<br />
Whereas, In order to afford the National Committee on Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance (the Committee) the flexibility to use the<br />
net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come derived from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund as an estimated source of <strong>in</strong>-come for exempt or<br />
non-exempt purposes, the Committee recommends that Article 9, section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, be amended <strong>in</strong> order<br />
to authorize use of the net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience Re-serve Fund as a revenue source for exempt or<br />
non-exempt purposes; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 9, Section 912 (c), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 912(c). The Net Investment Income from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund may be used as a<br />
budgetary source of <strong>in</strong>come for exempt or non-exempt purposes by the National Committee on<br />
Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance <strong>in</strong> accordance with annual budget requirements;” and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Wednesday, 1 August and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NBR-14
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 51-07: Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 9,<br />
Section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration<br />
at the 80th National Convention.<br />
Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE negative.<br />
NBR 52-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That NBR 11-07 of 24 September 2007 be resc<strong>in</strong>ded.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 53-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer be authorized to sign contracts <strong>in</strong> excess of $5,000 <strong>in</strong> regards to transactions related<br />
to Branch 19.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
Resolved, That the Charter of Branch 131 be revoked.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 54-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
NBR 55-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Executive Secretary negotiate an agreement with Veterans Direct to market funeral caskets<br />
to FRA’s membership<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 56-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That Marsh Aff<strong>in</strong>ity Group Services be authorized to offer H&R Block Services to FRA’s membership for<br />
the 2007 tax year.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 57-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That Branch 69 be merged with Branch 230 effective immediately<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 58-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That Branch 342’s Charter be suspended for failure to comply with Section 1214 and 1217(b), FRA,<br />
C&BL<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR-15
NBR 59-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That the proposed resolution - provid<strong>in</strong>g FRA membership at no cost to every Sea Service enlisted person<br />
be referred to the Stand<strong>in</strong>g Committee on Membership and Retention and their recommendation be presented to the<br />
midyear NBOD meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 60-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors authorize an over-expenditure of Budget L<strong>in</strong>e Item 5554-00-50-A<br />
(Real Estate Taxes) <strong>in</strong> the amount of $5,000.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 61-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That the Bylaws of the East Coast Region be ratified.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR 62-07 OF 30 OCTOBER 2007<br />
Resolved, That the Bylaws of the Southeast Region be ratified.<br />
Vote: 13 affirmative.<br />
NBR-16
NOMINATING RESOLUTIONS FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS<br />
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE 80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
NATIONAL PRESIDENT<br />
HANGTOWN BRANCH 275 NOMINATING RESOLUTION<br />
Whereas, It will be the duty and responsibility of the delegates assembled at the 80 th National Convention of the<br />
FRA <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas, <strong>in</strong> October and November 2007, to elect a respected, dedicated, experienced, and<br />
qualified shipmate to serve <strong>in</strong> the office of National President for the <strong>Association</strong> Year 2007-2008; and<br />
Whereas, The delegates fully realize that the office of National President is the highest National Office with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
FRA and the shipmate elected must posses leadership, <strong>in</strong>tegrity, and perseverance necessary for this most important<br />
office; and at the same time ensur<strong>in</strong>g he meets the prerequisites of Loyalty, Protection, and Service; and<br />
Whereas, Hangtown Branch 275 is extremely proud to have with<strong>in</strong> its membership a shipmate who is highly qualified<br />
to serve as National President of the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate has been a Life Member for twenty-one years and a dedicated member of the FRA for<br />
twenty-two years; and<br />
Whereas, At the regional level, he has served as chairman, member, or advisor on most regional committees and was<br />
elected as Regional Vice President West Coast for the <strong>Association</strong> Year 1995-1996; and<br />
Whereas, At the national level, he has served as Regional President West Coast and member of the Board of Directors<br />
1996-1997, Chairman of the Americanism-Patriotism Committee 1998-1999, National Treasurer, member of the<br />
Board of Directors and Advisor to the Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee 2000-2003, member of the Special Committee<br />
to Modernize the FRA’s Constitution and Bylaws, and Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules 2003-2006, and currently serv<strong>in</strong>g as National<br />
Vice President, FRA; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, After careful consideration, Hangtown Branch 275, at a regular scheduled meet<strong>in</strong>g held on 25 October<br />
2006, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present, did with great pleasure and pride, unanimously vote to nom<strong>in</strong>ate Lawrence J.<br />
Boudreaux for election to the Office of National President for <strong>Association</strong> Year 2007-2008; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That Hangtown Branch 275 earnestly solicits the support for this outstand<strong>in</strong>g candidate from all shipmates<br />
and branches, we urge each branch to endorse his candidacy and to assure this dedicated shipmate is elected to the<br />
Office of National President.<br />
WILLIAM O. DAVIDSON LAWRENCE J. BOUDREAUX<br />
President Secretary<br />
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
THE ABOVE NOMINATION HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY BRANCHES 077, 204, 014, 267, 159, 208, 290, 004,<br />
060, 176, 182, 212, 096, 259, 335, 108, 049, 156, 050, 070, 216, 175, 033, 210, 141, 037, 251, 046, 009, 094, 257,<br />
202, 001, 230, 298, 099, 147, 197, 105, 008, 309, 333, 299, 162, 215, 237, 047, 363, 059, and 003<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
NR-1
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT<br />
L. MENDEL RIVERS BRANCH 50 NOMINATING RESOLUTION<br />
Whereas, It will be the duty and responsibility of the delegates assembled at the 80 th National Convention of the<br />
FRA <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas, to elect a knowledgeable and dedicated Shipmate to the office of National Vice<br />
President for the <strong>Association</strong> year 2007-2008; and<br />
Whereas, It is the solemn duty and responsibility of the entire membership of the FRA to give profound and serious<br />
consideration <strong>in</strong> election of a shipmate for this most important office, ensur<strong>in</strong>g that he possesses such outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
qualifications as leadership, <strong>in</strong>tegrity, foresight, tact, and other necessary traditions of the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50 has with<strong>in</strong> its membership a shipmate who possesses such traits and qualities<br />
and who has cont<strong>in</strong>ually dedicated himself to serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest and for the welfare of the FRA and whose<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrity is unquestionable; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmates has served <strong>in</strong> all elected offices while a member of L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
served as vice president three terms, president six terms, secretary-treasurer five terms, and member of the board of<br />
directors for n<strong>in</strong>eteen years; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate has been active <strong>in</strong> local and civic affairs, hav<strong>in</strong>g served as a chairman of the Human Relations<br />
Council, chairman of the Goose Creek Community Council, has played an active part <strong>in</strong> his church’s affairs,<br />
State of South Carol<strong>in</strong>a Knight of Columbus public relations director, f<strong>in</strong>ancial secretary of his local Knights of Columbus<br />
Council, master of ceremonies and keynote speaker at numerous memorial functions, and keynote speaker at<br />
wives clubs and various veteran’s organizations speak<strong>in</strong>g on retired and active duty benefits; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate served on or chaired all branch stand<strong>in</strong>g and special committees and has been highly responsible<br />
for numerous awards to his branch on the regional and national level, hav<strong>in</strong>g himself received the Leonard<br />
D. “Swede” Nelson Award for National Shipmate of the Year for Americanism-Patriotism and the National Public<br />
Relations Award for Shipmate of the Year, and various other coveted organizational and civic awards; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate has chaired and/or served on many important regional stand<strong>in</strong>g committees <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Bylaws<br />
and Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules six years, F<strong>in</strong>ance and Audit four years, Parliamentarian five years, Americanism-<br />
Patriotism, Public Relations, and Legislative Service. He was chairman of the 1982 Southeast Regional Convention<br />
and chairman of the 1993 and 2001 Southeast Regional Midyear meet<strong>in</strong>g hosted by L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50 and<br />
Low Country Branch 269, respectively; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate has been a cont<strong>in</strong>uous FRA member for thirty-three years <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g twelve years while<br />
serv<strong>in</strong>g on active duty. Dur<strong>in</strong>g his active duty service he was directly <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the affairs of L. Mendel Rivers<br />
Branch 50, serv<strong>in</strong>g his shipmates as branch president for three terms; and<br />
Whereas, The shipmates of the Southeast Region <strong>in</strong> recognition of his qualifications and commitment to the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples<br />
of the FRA, elected him as their Regional Vice President <strong>in</strong> 1986-1987 and subsequently as the Regional President<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1987-1988; and<br />
Whereas, On the national level he has served on various national stand<strong>in</strong>g and convention committees, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
chairman of the Future Plann<strong>in</strong>g Committee, chairman of Americanism-Patriotism Committee, advisor to the Constitution<br />
and Bylaws Committee, Membership and Retention Committee, Time and Place Committee, Public Relations<br />
Committee, the Special National Committee on Family Resource Advisors, Employees Pension Committee, and is<br />
currently serv<strong>in</strong>g on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee; and<br />
Whereas, He has cont<strong>in</strong>ued to keep himself <strong>in</strong>formed on matters concern<strong>in</strong>g the affairs of the <strong>Association</strong> by his<br />
attendance at Southeast Region midyear meet<strong>in</strong>gs, midyear Board of Directors meet<strong>in</strong>gs, Employees Pension meet<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
and midyear F<strong>in</strong>ance meet<strong>in</strong>gs, whenever possible, and attends regional and national conventions; and<br />
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Whereas, His extensive experience and dedicated service to our great <strong>Association</strong> and his pr<strong>in</strong>ciples have demonstrated<br />
his ability to fulfill the duties of this elected high office; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, FRA, at the regular monthly bus<strong>in</strong>ess meet<strong>in</strong>g of 9 July 2006, a quorum<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g present, did unanimously vote to place the name of F. Donald Mucheck <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for the Office of National<br />
Vice President, FRA, for <strong>Association</strong> Year 2007-2008; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the members of L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, FRA, earnestly solicits the support and endorsement<br />
from all branches of the FRA for the candidacy of F. Donald Mucheck for the office of National Vice President<br />
F. DONALD MUCHECK HARVEY M. TAYLOR<br />
President Secretary<br />
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THE ABOVE NOMINATION HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY BRANCHES 207, 335, 005, 022, 118, 030, 188, 234,<br />
238, 253, 014, 204, 089, 011, 269, 208, 166, 060, 077, 290, 071, 176, 323, 086, 171, 254, 251, 096, 259, 109, 108,<br />
049, 156, 216, 291, 102, 067, 182, 175, 033, 084, 187, 034, 210, 110, 141, 037, 140, 009, 257, 144, 202, 001, 230,<br />
366, 298, 226, 099, 147, 283, 250, 197, 105, 008, 070, 137, 184, 309, 041, 333, 299, 162, 003, 303, 215, 237, 047,<br />
369, and 363.<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY<br />
NAVY DEPARTMENT BRANCH 181 NOMINATING RESOLUTION<br />
Whereas, It is the responsibility of the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention of the FRA to elect a<br />
respected, dedicated, qualified, and experienced shipmate to the office of National Executive Secretary, FRA, for the<br />
association years 2007-2010; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate NES Joseph L. Barnes was appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the National Board of Directors at the 77th National<br />
Convention to fulfill the unexpired term of the then National Executive Secretary and was elected by unanimous<br />
vote to a three year term from 2004-2007; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate has a comprehensive knowledge of the legislative process and the association at all levels<br />
and effectively assumed the responsibilities associated with the association’s third highest office; and<br />
Whereas, The delegates fully realize that the office of National Executive Secretary is one of the most important<br />
national offices and the shipmate elected to that position must be fully familiar with all aspects <strong>in</strong> the operation of<br />
that office; and<br />
Whereas, This shipmate, by his performance over the past five years, has demonstrated that he meets the highest<br />
standards of <strong>in</strong>tegrity, leadership, and experience required by this high office and of an elected national officer of the<br />
FRA; and<br />
Whereas, National Executive Secretary Barnes has exhibited <strong>in</strong>itiative, resourcefulness, management skills, and<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess acumen to advance awareness and support of our beloved association and his accomplishments are important<br />
to the future of the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Over the past five years, National Executive Secretary Barnes has ga<strong>in</strong>ed cont<strong>in</strong>ued recognition on Capitol<br />
Hill; reestablished effective work<strong>in</strong>g relationships with the Sea Services E-10’s; revamped NHQ staff<strong>in</strong>g, improved<br />
employee benefits and the morale of NHQ employees; earned the professional designation as a Certified <strong>Association</strong><br />
Executive (CAE) – one of only 3,000 with this designation; was appo<strong>in</strong>ted to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation<br />
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Board of Directors; awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award Certificate with accompany<strong>in</strong>g<br />
medal; and was elected co-chair of The Military Coalition; and<br />
Whereas, Navy Department Branch 181 is extremely proud that one of its members has lived up to the expectations<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicated <strong>in</strong> our three card<strong>in</strong>al pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of Loyalty, Protection, and Service; now, therefore, be it<br />
Resolved, That Navy Department Branch 181, FRA, at a regularly scheduled meet<strong>in</strong>g, held on 6 July 2006, a quorum<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g present, did with great pride and pleasure, unanimously nom<strong>in</strong>ate NES Joseph L. Barnes for reelection to the<br />
office of National Executive Secretary, FRA, for the association years 2007-2010; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That Navy Department Branch 181 s<strong>in</strong>cerely solicits support for this outstand<strong>in</strong>g candidate, and we urge<br />
each branch to endorse his candidacy to assure election of this most able and dedicated shipmate.<br />
CHRISTOPHER J. SLAWINSKI EDWARD HUYLEBROECK, JR.<br />
President Secretary<br />
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THE ABOVE NOMINATION HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY BRANCHES 060, 207, 335, 070, 022, 094, 077, 159,<br />
014, 204, 267, 208, 166, 290, 004, 251, 176, 182, 212, 096, 108, 156, 050, 067, 216, 175, 033, 141, 037, 144, 046,<br />
009, 257, 202, 230, 298, 259, 099, 147, 197, 105, 008, 309, 333, 299, 162, 001, 215, 237, 047, 363, 059, 102, and<br />
003.<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
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HONORARY MEMBERSHIP<br />
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION BOB “HE-COON” SIKES BRANCH 210<br />
Whereas, Article 3, Section 306, C&BL, FRA, provides for the election to Honorary Membership persons not otherwise<br />
eligible for membership, but who have rendered dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, This <strong>in</strong>dividual will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to serve the FRA, <strong>in</strong> adherence to our three card<strong>in</strong>al pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of “Loyalty,<br />
Protection, and Service;” and<br />
Whereas, This <strong>in</strong>dividual cont<strong>in</strong>ues to demonstrate a passion to assist the FRA <strong>in</strong> all its endeavors; and<br />
Whereas, The members of Bob “He-Coon” Sikes Branch 210 are personally aware of a highly dedicated citizen who<br />
has by thought, word, and deed, provided service of profound value to active duty and retired members of this<br />
branch, as well as prior Sea Service persons <strong>in</strong> and around Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties, Florida, and the<br />
FRA; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the Shipmates of Bob “He-Coon” Sikes Branch 210, FRA, at a regularly scheduled bus<strong>in</strong>ess meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
conducted on 7 March 2007, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present, did unanimously and without reservation, vote to place the<br />
name of Michael W. Janes <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for Honorary Membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nom<strong>in</strong>ation of Michael W. Janes for<br />
Honorary Membership.<br />
WILLIAM J. GALLAGHER RUSSELL E. BELT<br />
President Secretary<br />
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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP BOB “HE-COON” SIKES BRANCH 210<br />
Michael W. Janes is a non-veteran, but he participates <strong>in</strong> all actives, such as build<strong>in</strong>g repairs, field days, and jo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
functions with Unit 210, held at the Branch Memorial Home.<br />
Michael W. Janes has provided many hours of his time to make repairs, as well as <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g new equipment. Mike<br />
Janes has repaired and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed all five air conditioners, the ice mach<strong>in</strong>e, and walk-<strong>in</strong> refrigeration unit, sav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Branch 210 thousands of dollars.<br />
Michael W. Janes provided the skills and labor to make the repairs to the branch home, such as replac<strong>in</strong>g the dry<br />
wall and ceil<strong>in</strong>g damaged by the hurricanes.<br />
Michael W. Janes provided professional skills to help many of our members with repairs to their homes caused by<br />
recent hurricanes. He also, provided a dump trailer to members to use to get dirt to fill <strong>in</strong> the holes <strong>in</strong> their yards<br />
caused by the removal of tree stumps of downed trees after the hurricanes.<br />
Michael W. Janes also has assisted members of the branch and unit with home repairs; on plumb<strong>in</strong>g problems, electrical,<br />
and structural repairs.<br />
Bob “He-Coon” Sikes Branch 210 certifies that this nom<strong>in</strong>ee for Honorary Membership, Michael W. Janes is not<br />
otherwise eligible for membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA <strong>in</strong> compliance with Section 306, C&BL, FRA.<br />
WILLIAM J. GALLAGHER RUSSELL E. BELT<br />
President Secretary<br />
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HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION ATLANTIC BEACH BRANCH 290<br />
Whereas, Article 2, Section 307(a) and 307(b), C&BL, FRA provides for the election to Honorary Membership of<br />
persons not otherwise eligible for membership, but who have rendered dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The shipmates of Mayport Florida FRA Branch 290 are personally aware of a highly dedicated <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
who has, by thought, word, and deed, provided services of great value to all the shipmates and veterans of Northeast<br />
Florida. This <strong>in</strong>dividual has demonstrated his adherence to our three card<strong>in</strong>al pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of Loyalty, Protection, and<br />
Service and the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, This <strong>in</strong>dividual has consistently assisted members of FRA Branch 290 and the surround<strong>in</strong>g community<br />
through his work as a general contractor and has served and participated <strong>in</strong> several military oriented committees and<br />
agencies, <strong>in</strong> particular, those of Branch 290 s<strong>in</strong>ce 2003; and<br />
Whereas, This <strong>in</strong>dividual has consistently assisted members of FRA Branch 290 with improvements to the Branch<br />
Home, <strong>in</strong>side and outside. He is dedicated to the betterment of FRA and its members, freely giv<strong>in</strong>g of his time and<br />
personal funds; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the shipmates of Mayport FRA Branch 290, at a regularly convened membership meet<strong>in</strong>g conducted<br />
5 April 2007, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present, did unanimously and without reservation, vote to recommend Mr. Raymond<br />
B. H<strong>in</strong>son, for Honorary Membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nom<strong>in</strong>ation of Mr. Raymond B. H<strong>in</strong>son<br />
for Honorary Membership.<br />
CHARLES R. DeWITT JOAN DELCOGLIANO<br />
President Secretary<br />
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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP ATLANTIC BEACH BRANCH 290<br />
Mayport FRA Branch 290 strongly requests consideration for Mr. Raymond B. H<strong>in</strong>son for Honorary Membership<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the FRA. I certify that Mr. H<strong>in</strong>son is not eligible to jo<strong>in</strong> the FRA as a regular member under Article 3 – Membership.<br />
I further certify that Mr. H<strong>in</strong>son is qualified for Honorary consideration <strong>in</strong> that he has supported Branch 290<br />
<strong>in</strong> every way possible as a concerned citizen of this community. He has provided assistance <strong>in</strong> recruit<strong>in</strong>g new members,<br />
assist<strong>in</strong>g the branch <strong>in</strong> areas of volunteer<strong>in</strong>g his service <strong>in</strong> various functions sponsored by Branch 290, cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for lunches, d<strong>in</strong>ners, fund raisers, and most importantly, assist<strong>in</strong>g the renovation of the branch home with talents as a<br />
general contractor <strong>in</strong> the local area, from repair<strong>in</strong>g decks to build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terior walls to enhance the appearance of the<br />
branch home as well as outside repairs.<br />
In clos<strong>in</strong>g, Mr. H<strong>in</strong>son cont<strong>in</strong>ues to assist this branch <strong>in</strong> any and all sponsored events and his attitude <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
all phases of volunteer<strong>in</strong>g is a welcomed addition to Branch 290 endeavors to assist the local community. Mr.<br />
H<strong>in</strong>son his highly dedicated to his beliefs and desire to assist the FRA <strong>in</strong> any fashion possible. The members of<br />
Branch 290 unanimously voted to submit Mr. Raymond H<strong>in</strong>son for Honorary Membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA.<br />
CHARLES R. DeWITT JOAN DELCOGLIANO<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
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HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION LOW COUNTRY BRANCH 269<br />
Whereas, The Constitution and Bylaws of the FRA, Article 3, Sections 307 and 308 provide for the election to honorary<br />
membership of persons not otherwise eligible for membership, but who have rendered dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to<br />
the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The Shipmates of Low Country Branch 269 are personally aware of a highly dedicated <strong>in</strong>dividual who by<br />
thought, word, and deed, epitomizes, “Loyalty, Protection, and Service;” and<br />
Whereas, This person has supported and cont<strong>in</strong>ues to serve the goals of the FRA <strong>in</strong> its efforts to enhance quality of<br />
life of active duty, and retired Sea Services personnel; and<br />
Whereas, This person has assisted countless numbers of our Shipmates, active duty, retired, reserve, and veterans;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, This person has provided services of great value <strong>in</strong> the areas of membership, and hospital, welfare, and<br />
rehabilitation for the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, This person encourages <strong>in</strong>dividuals who are eligible for membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA to become members and<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ues to demonstrate a will<strong>in</strong>gness to assist the FRA <strong>in</strong> all its endeavors; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the Shipmates of Low Country Branch 269, FRA, at a regular bus<strong>in</strong>ess meet<strong>in</strong>g on 17 May 2007, a<br />
quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present, did unanimously and without reservation, vote to recommend Mr. Jack Bullis for honorary<br />
membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nom<strong>in</strong>ation of Mr. Jack Bullis for honorary<br />
membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA.<br />
CHUCK HINES DARLENE HINES<br />
President Secretary<br />
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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP LOW COUNTRY BRANCH 269<br />
Mr. Jack Bullis is <strong>in</strong>eligible for membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA. However, his unend<strong>in</strong>g support of the members of Branch<br />
269, FRA, and the uniformed services make him an excellent candidate for honorary membership.<br />
Mr. Bullis is a professional, local enterta<strong>in</strong>er, recognizable to a significant portion of the population of the low country<br />
of South Carol<strong>in</strong>a and the Charleston and Goose Creek metropolitan areas. He has volunteered his talents, perform<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at FRA events on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and on FRA Branch 269 visits to the VA hospital <strong>in</strong><br />
Charleston. (His enterta<strong>in</strong>ment of veterans at the VA hospital, alone, warrants special recognition and consideration<br />
as an honorary member.)<br />
Mr. Bullis is an active recruiter on behalf of the FRA, advocat<strong>in</strong>g membership to those eligible with<strong>in</strong> his significant<br />
sphere of <strong>in</strong>fluence <strong>in</strong> the low country community of South Carol<strong>in</strong>a.<br />
Mr. Bullis has been an active participant <strong>in</strong> Branch 269’s quarterly golf tournaments. These events represent the<br />
most significant fund rais<strong>in</strong>g efforts of both Branch 269 and LA FRA Unit 269. Mr. Bullis has recruited new FRA<br />
members at these events.<br />
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Mr. Bullis has provided many hours of volunteer labor <strong>in</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g FRA Low Country Branch 269’s annual picnic<br />
as well as the annual Memorial Day ceremony, the annual Fourth of July celebration and Branch and Unit 269 fund<br />
rais<strong>in</strong>g events.<br />
Mr. Bullis was a significant contributor to the construction of Branch 269’s new FRA Low Country Home build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The home is a major recruitment tool for the FRA and Branch 269.<br />
Mrs. Bullis’ wife is a member of LA FRA Unit 269 and former president of the unit. (Her brother is a member of<br />
Branch 269.)<br />
The members of Low Country Branch 269 enthusiastically submit Mr. Jack Bullis for honorary membership and<br />
believe he has demonstrated unfail<strong>in</strong>g dedication to the men and women of the Sea Services and the FRA. Branch<br />
269 members most strongly recommend that he be duly selected.<br />
CHUCK HINES DARLENE HINES<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION LONG ISLAND BRANCH 71<br />
Whereas, The Constitution and Bylaws of the FRA, Article 3, Section 306(a) provides for the election to honorary<br />
membership of persons not otherwise eligible for membership, but who have rendered dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to the<br />
FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The shipmates of Long Island Branch 71 are personally aware of a highly dedicated <strong>in</strong>dividual who has by<br />
thought, word, and deed, provided service of great value to the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, This person has consistently assisted the members of Long Island Branch 71 pay<strong>in</strong>g tribute to Teddy Roosevelt<br />
at Sagamore Hill, Long Island, New York. On this occasion National Officers usually attend to pay our respects<br />
to the Father of our modern Navy; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, By acclamation and unanimous vote, that Mr. Nicholas LaBella, Sr., be nom<strong>in</strong>ated as Honorary Member<br />
of Branch 71 at our April meet<strong>in</strong>g, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nom<strong>in</strong>ation of Mr. Nicholas LaBella for<br />
Honorary Membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA this com<strong>in</strong>g 80 th National Convention of the FRA.<br />
BERNARD ZLOTKIN MICHAEL DROZD<br />
President Secretary<br />
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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP LONG ISLAND BRANCH 71<br />
Mr. Nicholas LaBella has assisted the FRA <strong>in</strong> the past 30 years at Sagamore Hill, the home and burial site of Teddy<br />
Roosevelt, the Father of the modern Navy. Through his efforts and zealous knowledge of Sagamore Hill, Home of T.<br />
Roosevelt, his presentation to the public has been of outstand<strong>in</strong>g knowledge.<br />
Many members have through the years attended the Sagamore Hill ceremony at the lay<strong>in</strong>g of the wreaths on the<br />
grave site and have come away with a feel<strong>in</strong>g of complete understand<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Mr. Nicholas LaBella has become familiar with the <strong>Association</strong>, National Officers, and members attend<strong>in</strong>g the ceremony,<br />
that everyone feels at ease.<br />
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Mr. Nicholas LaBella is not eligible for membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA, so we are ask<strong>in</strong>g the members to accept him as one<br />
of our very own.<br />
BERNARD ZLOTKIN MICHAEL DROZD<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION LONE STAR BRANCH 11<br />
Whereas, Section 306 of the C&BL, FRA states persons not eligible for regular membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA, but who<br />
have rendered some dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to the <strong>Association</strong> may, by two-thirds vote of the delegates attend<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
national convention, be elected to Honorary Membership. Honorary members shall not pay dues, nor will they be<br />
eligible to hold any elected office, vote, or accept any benefit associated with regular membership; and<br />
Whereas, FRA Lone Star Branch 11, Fort Worth, Texas, are personally aware of a truly dedicated <strong>in</strong>dividual, who<br />
for many years has consistently and without hesitation provided assistance to the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, This <strong>in</strong>dividual has cont<strong>in</strong>uously demonstrated the concept of Loyalty, Protection, and Service; now, therefore<br />
be it<br />
Resolved, That Lone Star Branch 11, FRA, at a regularly scheduled bus<strong>in</strong>ess meet<strong>in</strong>g held June 16, 2007, a quorum<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g present, did unanimously adopt the motion to place the name of Andy Fontenot, <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for honorary<br />
membership <strong>in</strong> the FRA; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the members of Lone Star Branch 11, FRA, most strongly support the nom<strong>in</strong>ation of Andy Fontenot<br />
for Honorary Membership and asks the support and a vote <strong>in</strong> affirmation of the assembled delegates at the national<br />
convention <strong>in</strong> this year 2007.<br />
ARTHUR McAVOY MICHAEL BEVILL<br />
President Secretary<br />
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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP LONE STAR BRANCH 11<br />
It is a high honor and privilege for the membership of Lone Star Branch 11, FRA, to submit this resolution <strong>in</strong> the<br />
case of the Honorable Andrew “Andy” Fontenot, Mayor of the City of Westworth Village, for Honorary Membership<br />
<strong>in</strong> the FRA.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g June 1994, the Navy was <strong>in</strong> the process of transition<strong>in</strong>g Carswell Air Force Base to an active Naval Air Station.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the transition, Navy personnel were constantly the target of criticism, derogatory comments, and other<br />
negative actions of Air Force retirees.<br />
Andy Fontenot, City Councilman for the City of Westworth Village asked if there was anyth<strong>in</strong>g that he could do to<br />
help the Navy and the sailors. He apologized for the barrage of anti-Navy sentiment <strong>in</strong> the community. Councilman<br />
Andy Fontenot went out of his way to speak highly of the Navy and its personnel. He took every opportunity to<br />
speak on behalf of the Navy as a good neighbor and that the men and women were serv<strong>in</strong>g their country just as Air<br />
Force personnel have.<br />
In time, Councilman Fontenot became Mayor of the City of Westworth Village and cont<strong>in</strong>ued his support for the<br />
Navy and its personnel.<br />
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He was an active member of a group of local citizens who raised money for Base MWR programs and to improve<br />
the Quality of Life for the junior sailors.<br />
Mayor Fontenot wholeheartedly supported the establishment of FRA Lone Star Branch 11, and he has participated <strong>in</strong><br />
numerous branch events every year. This year alone, Mayor Fontenot has participated <strong>in</strong> 15 branch meet<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
special projects.<br />
Mayor Fontenot has supported branch fund rais<strong>in</strong>g events, participated <strong>in</strong> service projects, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g donations for<br />
the branch care package program, flag disposal ceremony, and Christmas cards for the troops, as well as personally<br />
donat<strong>in</strong>g money and prizes for raffles. Mayor Fontenot has been a special guest at the <strong>in</strong>stallation of branch officers<br />
each year, is an active participant <strong>in</strong> branch Two Bell Ceremonies, and was a guest and presenter at the <strong>in</strong>stitution<br />
and <strong>in</strong>stallation of our LA FRA Unit.<br />
Mayor Fontenot has attended more branch meet<strong>in</strong>gs and participated <strong>in</strong> more events than many of the membership.<br />
Unfortunately, he is not eligible for membership as Andy is retired from the Air Force.<br />
Mayor Fontenot cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be an active supporter of and a vocal advocate of the FRA and Branch 11. He is most<br />
deserv<strong>in</strong>g of the honor of be<strong>in</strong>g made an honorary shipmate of the FRA.<br />
ARTHUR McAVOY MICHAEL BEVILL<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
HM-6
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT<br />
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RESOLUTION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, Article 15, Section 1506, C&BL, FRA, def<strong>in</strong>es the pre-requisites for recognition of an <strong>in</strong>dividual person<br />
and/or body of organized persons <strong>in</strong> the name of the body, who have rendered some dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to the<br />
FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The FRA has knowledge of such a person; and<br />
Whereas, This person was employed by the National Headquarters as a full time employee from 1969-1997, a period<br />
of 28 years; and as a part-time employee from 1997-2001, a period of four years; and<br />
Whereas, S<strong>in</strong>ce retirement from National Headquarters, this person not only has performed dist<strong>in</strong>guished service to<br />
the FRA, but has spent many volunteer hours writ<strong>in</strong>g obituaries of Past National Presidents and assist<strong>in</strong>g with other<br />
projects important to National Headquarters and FRA; and<br />
Whereas, By so do<strong>in</strong>g he has saved FRA hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars by perform<strong>in</strong>g these tasks thus limit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
demands on National Headquarters staff; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors did vote unanimously to place the name of Shipmate PRPEC Edward<br />
Huylebroeck, Jr., <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for a Certificate of Merit Award; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, FRA does earnestly solicit the full support of the delegates assembled<br />
at the 80th National Convention to be held <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas, to ensure the award<strong>in</strong>g of this prestigious<br />
award.<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RESOLUTION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, Article 15, Section 1506, C&BL, FRA, provides that a Certificate of Merit may by a two-thirds vote of the<br />
National Convention be presented to an <strong>in</strong>dividual person <strong>in</strong> the name of the body, who has rendered some dist<strong>in</strong>guishes<br />
service to the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors, FRA is honored to nom<strong>in</strong>ate Shipmate V<strong>in</strong>cent Cuthie, Jr., for a Certificate<br />
of Merit, <strong>in</strong> recognition of his many years of untir<strong>in</strong>g and dedicated service to the FRA and its members; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been employed <strong>in</strong> the National Headquarters for twenty-five years dur<strong>in</strong>g which time<br />
he has faithfully and loyally served the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Dur<strong>in</strong>g his many years of service, Shipmate Cuthie has successfully served <strong>in</strong> the positions of Photographer;<br />
Editor, Naval Affairs; Membership Assistant; Communications Assistant; Webmaster; and most recently as<br />
Manager, Information Technologies with major responsibility for the oversight of the FRA computer network; and<br />
Whereas, This versatile and talented Shipmate has over his many years of cont<strong>in</strong>uous and dedicated service proven<br />
himself to be a tremendous asset to the National Headquarters through his vigorous efforts, photo-graphic expertise,<br />
computer knowledge, and adm<strong>in</strong>istrator of the FRA Scholarship Program; and<br />
CM-1
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie approaches each and every person, project, or task with a friendly disposition, helpful<br />
attitude, and effusiveness that puts both employees and members of the FRA at ease and projects an excellent image<br />
as a provider of service to the Shipmates of the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> just about every major accomplishment or task undertaken by the<br />
National Headquarters dur<strong>in</strong>g his long tenure as an employee and he has met the challenges success-fully and proven<br />
himself exceptionally proficient, a good steward of the Shipmates’ money, and a loyal employee who will go that<br />
extra mile to achieve an objective; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie will retire from employment with the FRA on 4 July 2007 and is most deserv<strong>in</strong>g of recognition<br />
by the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention for his many years of dedicated service and<br />
excellent performance as an employee of the National Headquarters; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That the follow<strong>in</strong>g Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please<br />
respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 7 June and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy):<br />
NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 43-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors place the<br />
name of Shipmate V<strong>in</strong>cent Cuthie, Jr., <strong>in</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation for consideration of a Certificate of Merit Award at the 80th<br />
National Convention <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RESOLUTION OMAHA COUNCIL BLUFFS BRANCH 276<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Charles H. Goodman, II, has been a proud member of the FRA s<strong>in</strong>ce September 1968, is a Life<br />
Member, has served Branch 276 as Secretary/Treasurer for 27 years; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Goodman’s membership recruit<strong>in</strong>g and retention efforts have enabled Omaha Council Bluffs<br />
Branch 276 to consistently rank high <strong>in</strong> Membership Group III, and<br />
Whereas, These efforts have resulted <strong>in</strong> Shipmate Goodman receiv<strong>in</strong>g numerous recruit<strong>in</strong>g awards, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Silver<br />
Anchor Squadron Award, Gold Label Button, and thirteen Silver Pendant Awards; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Goodman has a wide knowledge of association matters, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g recruit<strong>in</strong>g, communicat<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ances and iMIS. He readily shares this knowledge at all association levels; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Goodman is very active <strong>in</strong> community and church activities <strong>in</strong> the Omaha area; and<br />
Whereas, Shipmate Goodman’s pride and dedication to the FRA is reflected <strong>in</strong> his automobile license USN FRA;<br />
now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, At a regular branch meet<strong>in</strong>g of Omaha Council Bluffs Branch 276, that Shipmate Charles H. Goodman, II,<br />
be awarded the FRA Certificate of Merit.<br />
CARL BURNHAM KEITH JANOUSEK<br />
President Vice President<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CM-2
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTIONS<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 1 SILVER DOLLAR BRANCH 192<br />
Whereas, It will be the duty and responsibility of the delegates assembled at the 80 th National Convention of the<br />
FRA <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi, Texas, <strong>in</strong> October/November 2007 to read carefully and consider this resolution; and<br />
Whereas, The Preamble is recited at every meet<strong>in</strong>g on the branch, regional, and national level, it is clearly noted that<br />
the assembly has trouble read<strong>in</strong>g the Preamble as a group and us<strong>in</strong>g the same comma’s and period stop breaks; and<br />
Whereas, After careful study of the Preamble <strong>in</strong> its current paragraph format that this was not the way the found<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fathers had <strong>in</strong>tended that the Preamble be written; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That at a regular bus<strong>in</strong>ess meet<strong>in</strong>g of the FRA Silver Dollar Branch 192 on February 22, 2007, a motion<br />
was made with a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present, did vote unanimously to place this resolution before the general assembly of<br />
the 80 th National Convention 2007 for their approval; and be it further<br />
Resolved, That the shipmates of Silver Dollar Branch 192 do earnestly solicit the support of each delegate <strong>in</strong> approv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this resolution.<br />
NATHAN J. NASH PATRICK H. LeCLAIRE<br />
President Secretary<br />
THE PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION<br />
OF THE FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION<br />
(Resolution)<br />
With reverence for God and country, be<strong>in</strong>g ever m<strong>in</strong>dful, of the glorious traditions, of the United States Navy, Mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Corps, and Coast Guard;<br />
-Our Duty*to uphold and defend, the Constitution of the United States of America;<br />
-Our Responsibility*to aid <strong>in</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, adequate defense, for our beloved country;<br />
-Our Desire*to assist <strong>in</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, the best type of personnel, for our Sea Services;<br />
-Our Interest*<strong>in</strong> the welfare, of those who served and are now serv<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
-Our Devotion*to our shipmates, <strong>in</strong> good fortune or distress;<br />
-Our Reverence*for the memory, of our departed shipmates;<br />
-we associate ourselves together, and declare this to be, the Preamble to the Constitution of the FRA.<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 2 SPACE CITY BRANCH 159<br />
Whereas, Article 4, Section 401, C&BL, FRA, perta<strong>in</strong>s to membership dues <strong>in</strong> the FRA; and<br />
Whereas, Membership dues <strong>in</strong> the FRA have rema<strong>in</strong>ed constant s<strong>in</strong>ce 1 January 2004, a period of four years; and<br />
Whereas, Dur<strong>in</strong>g that same period of time, the cost-of-liv<strong>in</strong>g adjustments (COLA’s) have <strong>in</strong>creased n<strong>in</strong>e po<strong>in</strong>t four<br />
percent (9.4%); and<br />
Whereas, The cost of day-to-day operations for the FRA and its branches has <strong>in</strong>creased at the equivalent percentage;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, The services provided to the members of the FRA cont<strong>in</strong>ue even though the expense of provid<strong>in</strong>g those<br />
services has <strong>in</strong>creased dur<strong>in</strong>g the past four years; and<br />
C&BL-1
Whereas, It is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly difficult to susta<strong>in</strong> day-to-day services to our members at the current dues rate; now,<br />
therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 4, Section 401(a) and 401(b), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read as follows:<br />
“Section 401(a). Membership dues <strong>in</strong> the FRA shall be thirty dollars ($30) per annum, payable <strong>in</strong><br />
advance, except as provided <strong>in</strong> Section 401(b). No refund of membership dues is authorized subsequent<br />
to receipt by the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, except as provided for <strong>in</strong> Article 5, Section 511.<br />
“Section 401(b). A membership dues discount may be obta<strong>in</strong>ed at the follow<strong>in</strong>g standard rates and<br />
conditions:<br />
“(1). For a payment of two years, a discount of twenty percent (20%) of the total dues sum ($48) is<br />
authorized for new members with an annual renewal rate of thirty dollars ($30) thereafter.<br />
“(2). For an advance payment of two or three years, a discount of five percent (5%) of the total<br />
dues sum ($57 and $85.50 respectively) is authorized.<br />
“(3). For an advance payment of five years, a discount of ten percent (10%) of the total dues sum<br />
($135) is authorized.<br />
“(4). For payment by allotment, a discount of six percent (6%) of the total dues sum ($28.20) is authorized.<br />
That is a monthly allotment amount of $2.35;” and be it further<br />
Resolved, That this amendment become effective 1 January 2008.<br />
This is to certify that this resolution was proposed at a regular meet<strong>in</strong>g of Branch 159 held on the 11 th day of February<br />
2007, read, debated, and adopted by unanimous vote at a subsequent regular meet<strong>in</strong>g held on the 11 th day of<br />
March 2007, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present.<br />
MICHAEL D. CHANCE LEO V. VANCE<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 3 MEADE BRANCH 212<br />
Whereas, Article 7, Section 701(a), C&BL, FRA, sets forth the titles of the National Officers of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong> to <strong>in</strong>clude the National Executive Secretary; and<br />
Whereas, The title National Executive Secretary is not readily understood as the manag<strong>in</strong>g officer of the National<br />
Executive Offices when deal<strong>in</strong>g with Congressional offices, other <strong>Association</strong>s and the civilian community <strong>in</strong> general;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, With<strong>in</strong> the Government civil service system, <strong>in</strong> the civilian community, and <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Association</strong> field the<br />
most common application of the title “executive secretary” is to the position of secretary to a major official or the<br />
secretary <strong>in</strong> charge of the typist/word process<strong>in</strong>g pool as evidenced by the job descriptions <strong>in</strong> the “help wanted” section<br />
of newspaper classified ads; and<br />
Whereas, A Special Committee, appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the National President, recommended <strong>in</strong> May 2002 that the office of<br />
National Executive Secretary be redef<strong>in</strong>ed under the title “Executive Director” at the end of the 2004 association<br />
year; and<br />
C&BL-2
Whereas, Act<strong>in</strong>g on the recommendation, the National Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions proposed<br />
a resolution to amendment Article 7, Section 701, C&BL for consideration of the delegates to the 77th National<br />
Convention <strong>in</strong> 2004; and<br />
Whereas, Due to some questionable parliamentary maneuver<strong>in</strong>g, the resolution never made it before the delegates to<br />
that convention for a vote; and<br />
Whereas, The title Executive Director is more descriptive of the duties outl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Section 808, C&BL, FRA which<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude serv<strong>in</strong>g as the manag<strong>in</strong>g officer of the National Headquarters and as the chief assistant to the National President<br />
and National Board of Directors <strong>in</strong> carry<strong>in</strong>g out the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative duties of their offices; and<br />
Whereas, It is <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the FRA that the title National Executive Secretary be changed to National Executive<br />
Director; now, therefore, be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 7, Section 701(a) be amended to read:<br />
“Section 701(a). The National Officers of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> shall be: National President,<br />
National Vice President, National Executive Director, F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer, President of each region,<br />
Junior Past National President, National Parliamentarian, and National Chapla<strong>in</strong>;” and be it<br />
further<br />
Resolved, That the title National Executive Director be substituted for the title National Executive Secretary <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Constitution and Bylaws on Page C-III <strong>in</strong> Table of Contents, Sections 606(c), 611(f), 701(b), 701(c), 701(d),<br />
701(e)(2), 705(c), 802(h), 807(a), 807(b), 808, 809(m),809(u), 1102(b), 1201(a), 1406, and Index pages 8 and 14,<br />
and <strong>in</strong> the Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules SR-3(b) and (c), SR-4(r), SR-6(b), SR-7(b)(3) and, SR-7(b)(4).<br />
This is to certify that this resolution was proposed at a regular meet<strong>in</strong>g of Branch 212, held on the 11th day of April<br />
2007, read, debated, and adopted by a unanimous vote at a subsequent regular meet<strong>in</strong>g held on the 9th day of May,<br />
2007, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present.<br />
LOWELL P. THRONGARD JAMES W. CURRAN, JR.<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 4 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, Article 9, Section 914 (b), C&BL, FRA, states that, “Branch shares of life membership dues will be disbursed<br />
from the fund utiliz<strong>in</strong>g adm<strong>in</strong>istrative procedures determ<strong>in</strong>ed by the FO.” and<br />
Whereas, Article 9, Section 914(c), C&BL, FRA, states that, “The national treasury’s portion of dues for each life<br />
member will be an amount equal to 50% of annual dues <strong>in</strong> effect on the effective date of the life membership for that<br />
member;” and<br />
Whereas, Article 9, Section 914 (d), C&BL, FRA, states, “The branch portion of dues for each life member will be<br />
an amount equal to 50% of annual dues <strong>in</strong> effect on the effective date of the life membership for that member;” and<br />
Whereas, The current life membership records comprise members of branches and members who are members at<br />
large (MAL); and<br />
Whereas, The application of Article 9, Section 914(c), C&BL, FRA, to those life members who are MAL is not<br />
specified; and<br />
C&BL-3
Whereas, Annually, based on the accrual account<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>ciple, book entries are made to National Treasury General<br />
Operat<strong>in</strong>g Fund to recognize 100% of dues revenue for both MAL and Branch Life Members; and<br />
Whereas, Match<strong>in</strong>g and correspond<strong>in</strong>g proportions of funds for the annually recognized life membership dues revenue<br />
have not been disbursed from the Life Membership Investment Account to the National Treasury General Operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Account for MAL members; and<br />
Whereas, The Life Membership Investment Account is over-funded; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 9, Section 914 (c), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
Section 914(c). The national treasury’s portion of annual dues for each life member, who belong to<br />
a branch, will be an amount equal to 50% of annual dues <strong>in</strong> effect on the effective date of the life<br />
membership for that member. The national treasury’s amount of dues for each MAL life member<br />
will be 100% of annual dues <strong>in</strong> effect on the effective date of the life membership for that member.”<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 5 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, The mis<strong>in</strong>terpretation of the C&BL, FRA, has resulted <strong>in</strong> operational problems and legal challenges <strong>in</strong> the<br />
operation of clubs as separate branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises;” and<br />
Whereas, Recent changes with regard to laws govern<strong>in</strong>g non-profit organizations requires a review of our govern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
documents to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws; and<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors has significant oversight and fiduciary responsibilities associated with<br />
FRA branches and branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 12, Section 1201, C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 1201. Branches<br />
“Section 1201(a). Application to form a new branch may be made by a group of not less than<br />
twenty-five persons eligible for membership <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> who subscribe to and<br />
accept the C&BL of the FRA, ten of whom shall be new or re<strong>in</strong>stated members and fifteen of<br />
whom may be members of the <strong>Association</strong>. If the application is approved by the National Board of<br />
Directors, a charter will be issued bear<strong>in</strong>g the signatures of the National President, National Executive<br />
Secretary, and the Regional President of the region where<strong>in</strong> the branch is to be located.<br />
“Section 1201(b). No branch shall be organized or chartered on board any United States Naval or<br />
Coast Guard vessel.<br />
“Section 1201(c). Membership applications of new and re<strong>in</strong>stated members petition<strong>in</strong>g the formation<br />
of a new branch, accompanied by dues, shall be processed upon receipt by the branch organizer.<br />
“Section 1201(d). Membership dues received under the terms of Section 1201(g) shall be prorated<br />
and the branch share held <strong>in</strong> escrow <strong>in</strong> the General Fund until the applicable branch has been <strong>in</strong>sti-<br />
C&BL-4
tuted. Subsequent to <strong>in</strong>stitution, dues shall be distributed by the F<strong>in</strong>ance Officer as provided <strong>in</strong> Article<br />
4.<br />
“Section 1201(e). New and re<strong>in</strong>stated members accepted for membership under the terms of this<br />
section shall be carried on the Membership-at-Large Roll until the provisions of Section 1201(a)<br />
have been complied with.<br />
“Section 1201(f). When efforts to organize a new branch are not successful, or if the application<br />
for charter has been denied, or authorization resc<strong>in</strong>ded, the new and re<strong>in</strong>stated petitioners shall be<br />
offered an opportunity to transfer to a branch of their choice, rema<strong>in</strong> on the Membership-at-Large<br />
Roll or shall have their dues refunded. Dues held <strong>in</strong> escrow shall be distributed <strong>in</strong> accordance with<br />
Article 4.<br />
“Section 1201(g). After the National Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of a charter<br />
for a new branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, the National President shall deliver said charter<br />
to the Regional President hav<strong>in</strong>g jurisdiction of said branch. The Regional President shall arrange<br />
for the <strong>in</strong>stitution, and if he cannot be the <strong>in</strong>stitut<strong>in</strong>g officer, he may delegate this duty to a national<br />
officer, a past national officer, a past branch president or some other competent member. The <strong>in</strong>stitut<strong>in</strong>g<br />
officer shall present the <strong>in</strong>stalled branch president with the charter and a copy of the C&BL<br />
and shall <strong>in</strong>struct the branch officers <strong>in</strong> the duties of their office.<br />
“Section 1201(h). Branches of the FRA shall use their best efforts to cooperate <strong>in</strong> the pursuit of<br />
their common mission with the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> as embodied <strong>in</strong> the FRA Bylaws. The<br />
FRA grants to recognized Branches, <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g with the FRA, a limited license to use<br />
FRA’s <strong>in</strong>tellectual property, specifically: the name, “<strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>,” the acronym<br />
“FRA” and any and all FRA logos or designs that represent the organization, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, but not<br />
limited to, the “FRA swoosh” logo and the FRA shield logo (collectively referred to as “FRA Intellectual<br />
Property”). Such license shall term<strong>in</strong>ate upon a Branch’s status with the FRA be<strong>in</strong>g altered<br />
or upon the determ<strong>in</strong>ation of the National Board of Directors.”<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 6 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, The mis<strong>in</strong>terpretation of the C&BL, FRA, has resulted <strong>in</strong> operational problems and legal challenges <strong>in</strong> the<br />
operation of clubs as separate branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises;” and<br />
Whereas, Recent changes with regard to laws govern<strong>in</strong>g non-profit organizations requires a review of our govern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
documents to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws; and<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors has significant oversight and fiduciary responsibilities associated with<br />
FRA branches and branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 12, Section 1206, C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 1206. Deactivated Charter – If a branch is declared defunct, its charter revoked or voluntarily<br />
surrendered, the National Board of Directors shall assume control of all books, records,<br />
properties and monies, keep<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong> trust until a vote of the members <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g, at the<br />
time the charter was rel<strong>in</strong>quished, decides as to the f<strong>in</strong>al disposition of same, provided at no time<br />
shall the assets of the branch be distributed among the <strong>in</strong>dividual members thereof, but they may<br />
be donated to charity, another branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, the national treasury of the<br />
C&BL-5
<strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, or to some other worthy nonprofit organization. The forego<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
all assets and bus<strong>in</strong>ess ventures of a Branch (which must cease operation, or take action, consistent<br />
with the Branch). Any and all assets of the Branch or Branch controlled bus<strong>in</strong>esses shall be surrendered<br />
to the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> for disposition <strong>in</strong> accordance with FRA directives and<br />
policy.”<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 7 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, The mis<strong>in</strong>terpretation of Article 12, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, has resulted <strong>in</strong> operational problems and<br />
legal challenges <strong>in</strong> the operation of clubs as separate branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises;” and<br />
Whereas, Recent changes with regard to laws govern<strong>in</strong>g non-profit organizations requires a review of our govern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
documents to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws; and<br />
Whereas, The National Board of Directors has significant oversight and fiduciary responsibilities associated with<br />
FRA branches and branch bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 12, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 1226. Branch Clubs or Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Enterprises<br />
“Section 1226(a). Branches of the FRA may engage <strong>in</strong> the operation of a branch club or other<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprise. Any branch that sponsors or endorses the operation of a club or bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprise<br />
shall have responsibility for the operation, oversight and management of such, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the club or bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises’ adherence to the FRA mission, Constitution and Bylaws.<br />
“Section 1226(b). The National Organization of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> shall not be responsible<br />
or f<strong>in</strong>ancially liable for the operation or management of any club or other bus<strong>in</strong>ess ventures<br />
either sponsored or endorsed by a branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>. Club/ enterprise sponsor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches agree to <strong>in</strong>demnify and hold the FRA, its directors, officers, employees, agents,<br />
and members harmless with respect to any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments,<br />
or settlements, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and other expenses <strong>in</strong>curred by the<br />
named parties on account of any activities conducted by a branch, its club or bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprise.<br />
“Section 1226(c). No branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> will endorse or sponsor a club or<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprise unless such club or enterprise shall be <strong>in</strong>corporated under the state laws, that<br />
the branch is <strong>in</strong>corporated or located, prior to be<strong>in</strong>g placed <strong>in</strong> operation. To the greatest extent of<br />
the law <strong>in</strong> the state of mutual <strong>in</strong>corporation, branch shall control the club/enterprise through common<br />
membership of its board of directors and officers. Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g the forego<strong>in</strong>g, aga<strong>in</strong> to the<br />
greatest extent possible under the laws of the <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g jurisdiction, any sponsored<br />
club/enterprise’s govern<strong>in</strong>g documents (e.g., Constitution, Articles, Bylaws) may not be altered or<br />
amended without the prior approval of the board of directors of the sponsor<strong>in</strong>g branch.<br />
“Section 1226(d). The FRA grants to a branch sponsored club/bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprise, <strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with the FRA and the branch, a limited license to use FRA’s <strong>in</strong>tellectual property, specifically:<br />
the name” “<strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>”, the acronym “FRA” and any and all FRA logos or designs<br />
that represent the organization, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, but not limited to, the “FRA swoosh” logo and the FRA<br />
shield logo (collectively referred to as “FRA Intellectual Property”). Such license shall term<strong>in</strong>ate<br />
upon either the branch or the club/enterprise’s status with the FRA be<strong>in</strong>g altered.<br />
C&BL-6
“Section 1226(e). All branches, or members of branches, of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> sponsor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g clubs, halls, or other activities, the nature of which implies and<br />
is cont<strong>in</strong>gent upon membership <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, shall prom<strong>in</strong>ently display the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
notice, <strong>in</strong> a manner and size so that it can be read from at least ten feet distant: “This club<br />
(enterprise) is <strong>in</strong>corporated under the laws of the state of ………It is a nonprofit organization under<br />
the sponsorship of Branch #………..of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> and members thereof.<br />
The National Organization of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> assumes no f<strong>in</strong>ancial responsibility or<br />
liability for the operation or management of this club (enterprise.)”<br />
“Section 1226(f). The National Board of Directors shall act to curtail operations of clubs and other<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises if the operations of such are <strong>in</strong>consistent with the FRA mission, Constitution<br />
and Bylaws or if they pose any f<strong>in</strong>ancial risk or risk of <strong>in</strong>jury to the reputation of the FRA its<br />
branches or members.<br />
“Section 1226(g). Failure of any branch to comply with the provisions of Section 1226 will be<br />
considered sufficient cause for the revocation or suspension of such branch’s charter <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />
with the provisions of Section 1203.”<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 8 ANNAPOLIS BRANCH 24<br />
Whereas, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, perta<strong>in</strong>s to branch clubs and bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises; and<br />
Whereas, Section 1226(b) states that, “No branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> will endorse or sponsor a club or<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess unless such club or enterprise shall be <strong>in</strong>corporated under the local country, and/or state laws prior to be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
placed <strong>in</strong> operation;” and<br />
Whereas, Branch 24 does operate such a club, <strong>in</strong>corporated under the laws of the State of Maryland; and<br />
Whereas, Due to the fact that the <strong>in</strong>corporation charter for the club does not conta<strong>in</strong> any reference to Branch 24, the<br />
Board of Governors of the club feel that they are not required to abide by any rules specified by Branch 24, or the<br />
FRA <strong>in</strong> the operation of said club; and<br />
Whereas, This fact has resulted <strong>in</strong> legal action be<strong>in</strong>g brought aga<strong>in</strong>st Branch 24 and some of its members and has<br />
resulted <strong>in</strong> legal action be<strong>in</strong>g brought aga<strong>in</strong>st the FRA by the Club 24 Board of Governors, to prohibit the FRA from<br />
exercis<strong>in</strong>g its rights under Section 1226(g) of the C&BL, FRA, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g discredit upon Branch 24; and<br />
Whereas, The C&BL, FRA, should be amended to preclude this type of action from happen<strong>in</strong>g to other branches <strong>in</strong><br />
the future; and<br />
Whereas, This recommended C&BL amendment was voted on and approved by a majority vote of the Branch 24<br />
members at the 13 March 2007 Branch 24 meet<strong>in</strong>g, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Section 1226(b), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 1226(b). No branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> will endorse or sponsor a club or<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess unless such club or bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprise is <strong>in</strong>corporated, <strong>in</strong> trust for the sponsor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branch, under the local, county, and/or state laws prior to be<strong>in</strong>g placed <strong>in</strong> operation. (Note: Except<br />
<strong>in</strong> those states and/or other areas where laws of <strong>in</strong>corporation preclude any possibility of f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
C&BL-7
or other responsibility reflect<strong>in</strong>g upon the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, and a branch is properly <strong>in</strong>corporated<br />
there<strong>in</strong>, the National Board of Directors <strong>in</strong>terpretation of Section 1226(b) shall apply.)”<br />
DONALD HOOVER GEORGE DORSEY<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 9 OCEAN VIEW BRANCH 60<br />
Whereas, Article 12, Section 1226(d), C&BL, FRA, states that, “No elected or appo<strong>in</strong>ted officer <strong>in</strong> a branch of the<br />
<strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> shall, by virtue of such election or appo<strong>in</strong>tment, hold office as an officer, member of the<br />
Board of Directors, or member of the Board of Governors of an enterprise sponsored by the branch or members of<br />
the branch, when hold<strong>in</strong>g such an office shall signify or imply sponsorship or supervision or supervisory control of<br />
the enterprise by the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>;” and<br />
Whereas, Article 12, Section 1226(a) already states that FRA is <strong>in</strong> no way responsible for the operation or management<br />
of any such enterprise; and<br />
Whereas, The verbiage of Section 1226(d) is confus<strong>in</strong>g and therefore <strong>in</strong>terpreted differently by those who read it,<br />
specifically the phrase, “by virtue of such election or appo<strong>in</strong>tment;” and<br />
Whereas, Some branches have difficulty f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a sufficient number of members will<strong>in</strong>g to serve on the branch<br />
board of directors (BOD) either as an officer or director; and<br />
Whereas, Some clubs (or other bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises) sponsored by branches of the FRA also have difficulty f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
sufficient number of members will<strong>in</strong>g to serve on the club’s (or other bus<strong>in</strong>ess enterprises) board of governors<br />
(BOG) or BOD; and<br />
Whereas, There are a few dedicated members who are will<strong>in</strong>g to serve <strong>in</strong> more than one capacity and on more than<br />
one BOD or BOG, and who understand and accept the separation of powers between the FRA, the branch and a club<br />
or other enterprise; and<br />
Whereas, Branches and clubs hold separate elections for the purpose of elect<strong>in</strong>g new officers and directors or governors;<br />
now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 12, Section 1226(d), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 1226(d). A member of a branch of the <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, duly elected or appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
to the branch board of directors, may also serve as an officer or director or governor of the<br />
board of directors or board of governors of an enterprise by the branch, provided that the member<br />
is duly elected at a separate election to the enterprise’s board of directors or board of governors by<br />
the members of the enterprise.”<br />
This is to certify that this resolution was proposed at a regular meet<strong>in</strong>g of Branch 60, held on the 14 th day of December<br />
2006, read, debated, and adopted by unanimous vote at a subsequent regular meet<strong>in</strong>g held on the 11 th day of<br />
January 2007, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present.<br />
LAURA R. FERGUSON NORMAN W. LARSON<br />
President Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
C&BL-8
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 10 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Whereas, The <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (FRA) general operations expenses are currently paid from revenue from<br />
membership dues, fund rais<strong>in</strong>g programs and royalties; and<br />
Whereas, Dur<strong>in</strong>g the past five years, the <strong>in</strong>come from membership dues and fund rais<strong>in</strong>g programs have decl<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> cash flow challenges <strong>in</strong> pay<strong>in</strong>g bills for day to day NHQ operations and required the slow<strong>in</strong>g of membership<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiative; and<br />
Whereas, Article 9, Section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, states that the net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong><br />
Fund, may be used by the National Committee on Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance for budget<strong>in</strong>g commitments and shall be restricted<br />
to undertak<strong>in</strong>gs for fund<strong>in</strong>g educational, charitable or exempt function activities; and<br />
Whereas, Although the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal of the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund is restricted by Federal statute to purposes for<br />
which exemption to Federal <strong>in</strong>come tax is granted, the net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund is<br />
free from Federal <strong>in</strong>come tax assessment to the FRA and can be used for any purpose under the FRA 501C (19) rul<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, FRA auditors, Frye & Wolcott, CPAs, have repeatedly questioned the limited use of <strong>in</strong>come from both the<br />
Restricted <strong>Reserve</strong> and Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> funds given the <strong>Association</strong>’s cash flow challenges; and<br />
Whereas, Use of the <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund for operat<strong>in</strong>g expenses will ease FRA cash flow<br />
challenges; and<br />
Whereas, In order to afford the National Committee on Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance (the Committee) the flexibility to use the<br />
net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come derived from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund as an estimated source of <strong>in</strong>-come for exempt or<br />
non-exempt purposes, the Committee recommends that Article 9, section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, be amended <strong>in</strong> order<br />
to authorize use of the net <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>come from the Experience Re-serve Fund as a revenue source for exempt or<br />
non-exempt purposes; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Article 9, Section 912 (c), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read:<br />
“Section 912(c). The Net Investment Income from the Experience <strong>Reserve</strong> Fund may be used as a<br />
budgetary source of <strong>in</strong>come for exempt or non-exempt purposes by the National Committee on<br />
Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance <strong>in</strong> accordance with annual budget requirements.”<br />
JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES<br />
National President National Executive Secretary<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
C&BL-9
STANDING RULE RESOLUTIONS<br />
STANDING RULE RESOLUTION NO. 1 STEEL CITY BRANCH 253<br />
Whereas, Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 6, Section 6(j) should be amended to let the Special Committee receive and review the Request<br />
for Proposal (RFP) <strong>in</strong> a timely fashion; and<br />
Whereas, To elect an Interim Chairman to preside over the Special Committee until a Convention Site has been selected;<br />
and<br />
Whereas, Once a Convention Site has been selected elect a Convention Chairman, who is nearest the Convention<br />
Site; and<br />
Whereas, By delet<strong>in</strong>g the m<strong>in</strong>imum requirement of RFPs to the convention bureaus throughout the country this<br />
would facilitate the process of select<strong>in</strong>g an appropriate site for the National Convention; and<br />
Whereas, The committee could work with a professional hotel site selection firm or each committee member work<br />
with the convention bureaus with<strong>in</strong> their respective area or region; and<br />
Whereas, The committee must <strong>in</strong>spect the sites prior to submitt<strong>in</strong>g their recommendation to the National President<br />
and the National Executive Secretary for approval; and<br />
Whereas, Shorten<strong>in</strong>g the solicitation process will allow the committee additional time to f<strong>in</strong>alize a letter of agreement<br />
with the hotel or facility hous<strong>in</strong>g the National Convention <strong>in</strong> accordance with Article 6 Section 604(b) C&BL,<br />
FRA; and<br />
Whereas, It will also allow the committee time to file for <strong>in</strong>corporation under the laws of the state or jurisdiction <strong>in</strong><br />
which the National Convention is to be held immediately after the site has been selected; and<br />
Whereas, A “Hospitality Room” is expected by the delegates to a national convention to reduce out-of-pocket expenses<br />
and to provide a place of relaxation and camaraderie; and<br />
Whereas, It would be difficult for a convention committee with members spread across the country to prepare and<br />
manage a hospitality room; and<br />
Whereas, A branch, Unit, Coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g Council or comb<strong>in</strong>ation thereof could be selected to sponsor the hospitality<br />
room with the understand<strong>in</strong>g that any profits would go to the sponsor provided the sponsor agreed to absorb any<br />
loss; now, therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 6(j) be amended to read:<br />
“SR-6(j). The committee approved by the delegates shall:<br />
“(1) Elect <strong>in</strong>terim chairman until a hotel site has been selected.<br />
“(2) Elect convention chairman once a hotel site has been selected.<br />
“( 3) The committee shall solicit proposals to host the National Convention us<strong>in</strong>g one<br />
of the follow<strong>in</strong>g options:<br />
“a. Work<strong>in</strong>g with a professional hotel site selection firm to send a Request<br />
for Proposal (RFP) to host the National Convention to convention bureaus<br />
throughout the country.<br />
SR-1
“b. Each committee member send a Request for Proposal (RFP) to host a<br />
National Convention to convention bureaus with<strong>in</strong> their respective Area<br />
or Region.<br />
“(4) Select a site from among the proposals received.<br />
“(5) Comply with the applicable provisions of Article 6, C&BL, FRA.<br />
“(6) Host the convention.<br />
“(7) When desired, select a Branch, Unit, Coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g Council or comb<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
thereof to sponsor a hospitality room with the understand<strong>in</strong>g that any profit will<br />
accrue to the sponsor provided the sponsor agrees to absorb any loss.”<br />
This is to certify that this resolution was read, debated and adopted by unanimous vote at a regular meet<strong>in</strong>g held on<br />
the Twenty-First Day of April 2007, a quorum be<strong>in</strong>g present.<br />
JOHN F. DONOVAN MICHAEL J. WALSH<br />
President Secretary<br />
SR-2
Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 4<br />
SR-4. Parliamentary Law and Procedure and Convention Rules<br />
SR-4(a). All provisions of the C&BL shall govern, and are hereby <strong>in</strong>corporated by reference. Robert’s<br />
Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority <strong>in</strong> all cases not covered by the C&BL. In cases<br />
where neither the C&BL nor the said rules covers a given situation, the convention shall decide the same.<br />
SR-4(b). The order of bus<strong>in</strong>ess at the national convention shall be as follows:<br />
(1) Parad<strong>in</strong>g of colors<br />
(2) Open<strong>in</strong>g prayer<br />
(3) Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag<br />
(4) Recitation of preamble<br />
(5) Introduction of officers and guests<br />
(6) Addresses of <strong>in</strong>vited guests<br />
(7) “Two Bell Ceremony”<br />
(8) Recess<br />
(9) Roll call of officers<br />
(10) Report of credentials committee<br />
(11) Appo<strong>in</strong>tment of convention committees<br />
(12) Reports of officers<br />
(13) Reports of stand<strong>in</strong>g committees<br />
(14) Submission of resolutions<br />
(15) Unf<strong>in</strong>ished bus<strong>in</strong>ess and action on committee reports<br />
(16) New bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
(17) Nom<strong>in</strong>ation and election of officers<br />
(18) Good of the order<br />
(19) Installation of officers<br />
(20) “Two Bell Ceremony”<br />
(21) Clos<strong>in</strong>g prayer<br />
(22) Retir<strong>in</strong>g of colors<br />
(23) Adjournment<br />
SR-4(c). When a delegate desires the privilege of the floor, he/she shall rise, face the Chair, address the presid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
officer as, “Shipmate National President,” and when recognized shall give his/her name and the name and<br />
number of his/her branch.<br />
SR-4(d). A delegate granted the privilege of the floor, shall address the chair, and conf<strong>in</strong>e his/her remarks<br />
to the question. In speak<strong>in</strong>g, he/she shall avoid personalities and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> public decorum. If called to order, he/she<br />
shall wait until permission to proceed is given by the presid<strong>in</strong>g officer.<br />
SR-4(e). Only duly accredited delegates or their alternates, as selected by a branch delegation from the list<br />
of eligible alternates, or an accredited proxy delegate, shall participate <strong>in</strong> the bus<strong>in</strong>ess com<strong>in</strong>g before the convention,<br />
except national officers and past national presidents, who are not otherwise eligible to participate, may be granted<br />
the privilege of the floor, but without a vote. Only those delegates or proxy delegates who qualify <strong>in</strong> accordance with<br />
Section 606(c), C&BL will be recognized at the convention.<br />
SR-4(f). Unless specifically authorized by another stand<strong>in</strong>g rule, no person shall be given the privilege of<br />
the floor for a second time on any question until others privileged and who desire to speak have done so, except convention<br />
committee chairmen, who may speak more than once on matters perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to their committees. Delegates<br />
and proxies shall be limited <strong>in</strong> speak<strong>in</strong>g to three m<strong>in</strong>utes and the committee chairmen and co-chairmen to five m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />
The presid<strong>in</strong>g officer may, at his/her discretion, grant additional speak<strong>in</strong>g time to delegates request<strong>in</strong>g such<br />
privilege.<br />
Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 4-1
SR-4(g). Except where the C&BL requires a two-thirds vote, action on all resolutions submitted to the convention<br />
shall be decided by a majority vote.<br />
SR-4(h). The convention steer<strong>in</strong>g committee, under the direction of the presid<strong>in</strong>g officer, shall be responsible<br />
for the order <strong>in</strong> which the resolutions are presented to the convention for action.<br />
SR-4(i). When a resolution has been adopted or rejected, it shall be considered as f<strong>in</strong>ished bus<strong>in</strong>ess for the<br />
convention and be given no further consideration except when otherwise directed by proper majority vote of the<br />
convention.<br />
SR-4(j). All resolutions adopted by the convention shall become effective immediately upon adjournment,<br />
unless otherwise specified by the convention.<br />
SR-4(k). A motion to commit, recommit, postpone <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong>itely, postpone to a certa<strong>in</strong> time, lay on the table,<br />
take from the table, reconsider, resc<strong>in</strong>d, or move the previous question, shall require five seconds, each from a different<br />
branch, each by a different delegate. Each such motion shall require majority approval of the delegates.<br />
SR-4(l). Unless a specific method of vot<strong>in</strong>g is authorized by another stand<strong>in</strong>g rule, a roll call vote shall be<br />
held upon the call of the presid<strong>in</strong>g officer or upon a call of five delegates, each from a separate branch, but only<br />
when the results of a voice vote are <strong>in</strong> doubt.<br />
SR-4(m). A five m<strong>in</strong>ute recess for a caucus prior to roll call vote shall be declared upon a call of five different<br />
branches and by five different delegates.<br />
SR-4(n). On a roll call vote at a national convention, vot<strong>in</strong>g shall be conducted accord<strong>in</strong>g to the numerical<br />
order of the branches <strong>in</strong> even years and reverse numerical order <strong>in</strong> odd number years.<br />
SR-4(o). On a roll call vote there shall be no pass<strong>in</strong>g. The chairman or the act<strong>in</strong>g chairman of the branch<br />
delegation shall announce the vote of the branch or rel<strong>in</strong>quish the right of that branch to vote, when the branch number<br />
has been called three times.<br />
SR-4(p). On a roll call vote, the chairman or act<strong>in</strong>g chairman of the branch delegation or a proxy act<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
a branch shall rise, face the chair, announce his/her name, and announce the vote of the branch he/she represents and<br />
rema<strong>in</strong> stand<strong>in</strong>g until the convention secretary confirms record<strong>in</strong>g the name and vote.<br />
SR-4(q). Convention Credential Report<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(1) The National President shall annually appo<strong>in</strong>t, no later than the last day of March, a National Convention<br />
Credentials and Registration Committee comprised of a m<strong>in</strong>imum of one member from each region, with a<br />
member designated as Chairman and a member designated as Vice Chairman, to serve until the adjournment of the<br />
national convention <strong>in</strong> that calendar year.<br />
(2) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Chairman of the National Convention Credentials and Registration<br />
Committee to ensure:<br />
a. That each branch delegate and branch proxy delegate who checks <strong>in</strong> at the registration<br />
desk is correctly registered and his credentials are verified at the time of registration.<br />
b. That an accurate and up-to-date credentials report is ready for delivery to the delegates at<br />
the commencement of the first scheduled bus<strong>in</strong>ess session.<br />
c. That an accurate and up-to-date credentials status is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed throughout the national<br />
convention and is ready for delivery to the delegates when called upon by the<br />
National President or prior to all record or roll call votes.<br />
Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 4-2
(3) The follow<strong>in</strong>g format will be followed when mak<strong>in</strong>g credentials reports:<br />
a. Authorized vot<strong>in</strong>g strength - This convention:<br />
IAW Section 608, C&BL. ________<br />
b. Number of branches represented by delegates: ________<br />
c. Number of votes represented by delegates: ________<br />
d. Number of branches registered by proxy: ________<br />
e. Number of votes registered by proxy: ________<br />
f. Number of branches not registered: ________<br />
g. Number of delegates registered: ________<br />
h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: ________<br />
i. Number of votes not registered: ________<br />
j. Two-thirds vote is: ________<br />
k. Majority vote is: ________<br />
r. Branches not represented are: ________<br />
SR-4(r). The presentation of reports to the convention by national officers and chairmen of national and<br />
special committees shall not exceed one hour duration, except as otherwise decreed by the convention. Reports shall<br />
be <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g and specifically <strong>in</strong>clude the f<strong>in</strong>ancial requirements and impacts of the recommendations there<strong>in</strong>. Furthermore,<br />
the report shall specify the responsible party to execute the recommendations, that is, the National President,<br />
the National Executive Secretary, the chairman of the national committee, etc. In absence of a motion on the<br />
floor, a delegate shall not be deprived of the privilege of ask<strong>in</strong>g a question of <strong>in</strong>formation on any such report as received<br />
by the presid<strong>in</strong>g officer.<br />
SR-4(s). Nom<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g speeches shall be limited to five m<strong>in</strong>utes, second<strong>in</strong>g speeches to two m<strong>in</strong>utes, and the<br />
number of second<strong>in</strong>g speeches for each candidate may not exceed three.<br />
SR-4(t). Nom<strong>in</strong>ations and elections shall be held <strong>in</strong> accordance with Section 701(d), C&BL.<br />
SR-4(u). Nom<strong>in</strong>ations and election of each officer shall be completed and the results announced by the presid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
officer before proceed<strong>in</strong>g to the nom<strong>in</strong>ation and election of the next officer.<br />
SR-4(v). In the event two or more candidates are nom<strong>in</strong>ated for the same office, the ballot<strong>in</strong>g shall be by<br />
roll call.<br />
SR-4(w). In the event three or more candidates for the same office are on the ballot and no candidate receives<br />
a majority of votes cast, the candidate receiv<strong>in</strong>g the lowest number of votes after the second ballot will be<br />
elim<strong>in</strong>ated if he/she has not shown a ga<strong>in</strong> on the second ballot. This method of elim<strong>in</strong>ation will be followed after<br />
each subsequent ballot.<br />
SR-4(x). If a nom<strong>in</strong>ation for national office, not previously dissem<strong>in</strong>ated by resolution from the National<br />
Headquarters, is made from the floor, a ten m<strong>in</strong>ute recess may be called, if requested by five different branches and<br />
by five different delegates, at the close of nom<strong>in</strong>ations.<br />
Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 4-3
SR-4(y). The “Order of the Day” shall be as conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the official convention program unless otherwise<br />
specified by the convention.<br />
SR-4(z). Visitors and non-accredited shipmates shall occupy seats provided for their use apart from the<br />
delegates and alternates.<br />
SR-4(aa). M<strong>in</strong>utes of the convention shall be recorded with no omissions, deletions, or alterations, except as<br />
directed by the delegates assembled at the convention.<br />
SR-4(bb). These rules may be suspended, resc<strong>in</strong>ded, or amended by a two-thirds vote.<br />
SR-4(cc). Unless suspended, resc<strong>in</strong>ded, or amended, these rules shall rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> force throughout the convention.<br />
SR-4(dd). No expenditure of <strong>Association</strong> funds may be voted by a national convention without prior recommendation<br />
of the Convention Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance Committee.<br />
Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rule 4-4
NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES<br />
Americanism-Patriotism<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Texas Suite (Hospitality Room).<br />
Chairman Richard A. Ruiz 101 WC<br />
Members Michael J. Walsh 253 NE<br />
Donald R. Gray 25 SE<br />
PNC Hugh M. Thomason, Jr. 289 SW<br />
PRPNW Louise R. Miller 18 NW<br />
Daniel L. May 275 WC<br />
Kris A. Smith 93 EC<br />
PRPNEng Robert J. Gallagher 3 NEng<br />
Samuel Vechter 324 NC<br />
PRPSC Michael F. Snyder 96 SC<br />
Bobbie E. Combs 316 NC<br />
Terrence M. Louis 251 SC<br />
Advisors Donald L. Johnson 261 WC<br />
Peter J. McNamara 274 WC<br />
PRPEC Jeffrey A. Gilmart<strong>in</strong> 207 EC<br />
Budget and F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Aransas Room.<br />
Chairman PNP Ralph A. Schmidt 159 SC<br />
Members PNP Richard B. Smith 70 SW<br />
PNP William E. Combs 5 EC<br />
John W. Davis 44 SE<br />
PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore 22 SE<br />
PRPNW Ramona Greman 46 NW<br />
PNP Edgar M. Zerr 276 NC<br />
PRPNW Donald L. Bordwell 174 NW<br />
Ex Officio NP Jerry L. Sweeney 181 EC<br />
Advisors NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC<br />
FO Paul Rigby<br />
NVP Lawrence J. Boudreaux 275 WC<br />
Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Matagorda Room.<br />
Chairman PNP George P. Hyland 237 NEng<br />
Members PNP Thomas A. Heaney 77 SW<br />
James W. Marshall 59 NW<br />
PRPSW Peter R. “Tony” Tonelli 230 WC<br />
PRPSE Robert L. French 126 SE<br />
Norman F. Gapter 99 EC<br />
Advisors NVP Lawrence J. Boudreaux 275 WC<br />
NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC<br />
PNP J.C. “Jim” Eblen 9 SW<br />
Credentials and Registration<br />
Registration <strong>in</strong> Preassembly.<br />
Chairman PNP Marv<strong>in</strong> W. Johnson 104 NW<br />
Vice Chairman JrPRPWC Virgil P. Courneya 274 WC<br />
CMTES-1
Members PRPNEng Robert J. Gallagher 3 NEng<br />
PRPNE William H. Reese 1 NE<br />
PNP Robert L. Bastian 4 EC<br />
Bobby L. Smith 194 SE<br />
Rosemary Posekany 298 NC<br />
Charley A. Randall, II 201 SC<br />
PRPSW James A. Fox 289 SW<br />
PRPWC Gary C. Blackburn 8 WC<br />
Dennis Egge 46 NW<br />
Alternate Members PRPNEng John C. Kotheimer 3 NEng<br />
PRPNE J. Earl Norman 106 NE<br />
RPNE Francis D. Tyson 288 NE<br />
PRPEC Otto W. Ritter 208 EC<br />
Kenneth E. Cowles 234 SE<br />
William D. Cole 254 SE<br />
JrPRPNC Donald L. Gage 161 NC<br />
George P. Cavros 14 NC<br />
William F. Smith 159 SC<br />
Al Lewless, Jr. 175 SW<br />
RPWC Charles R. McIntyre 140 WC<br />
PRPNW Thomas W. Flanik 245 NW<br />
Employees Pension<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Laguna Madre Room.<br />
Chairman PRPNW Noel W. Bragg 46 NW<br />
Members PNP Charles R. McIntyre 212 EC<br />
PNP Joseph L. Maez 274 WC<br />
Advisors PNP Eugene Smith 105 NC<br />
PRPSE F. Donald Mucheck 50 SE<br />
FO Paul Rigby<br />
Employee Rep. Alicia A. Landis Unit 181 EC<br />
FRA Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Wednesday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Restaurant Alcove.<br />
Chairman Christopher J. Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski 181 EC<br />
Members Robert J. Jenk<strong>in</strong>s 24 EC<br />
M<strong>in</strong>try R. Muse 67 EC<br />
Advisors FO Paul Rigby<br />
PRPEC Robert Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Sr. 181 EC<br />
C. Lee Reichard 142 EC<br />
Honorary Membership and Certificate of Merit<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi Ballroom A&B.<br />
Chairman PNP Robert G. Beese 175 SE<br />
Members PRPNC Norman G. Combs 161 NC<br />
PRPSE Frank A. Smith 210 SE<br />
RPEC-Elect Claire Haynes Purdy 24 EC<br />
PRPNW Thomas W. Flanik 245 NW<br />
Advisor PNP George R. Kaye 60 EC<br />
CMTES-2
Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi Ballroom A&B.<br />
Chairman RPWC-Elect Lee M. Hollowell, Jr. 281 WC<br />
Members RPNEng-Elect William J. Waite 156 NEng<br />
Robert M. Burness 13 NE<br />
Thomas De Byl 142 EC<br />
Lee B. Downs 144 SE<br />
John W. Dymond 14 NC<br />
Leon R. Perk<strong>in</strong>s 371 SC<br />
Walter DeFelice, Jr. 9 SW<br />
Charles M. Watk<strong>in</strong>s 244 WC<br />
Vernon N. Fraser 198 NW<br />
PRPNEng Richard E. Hamilton 7 NEng<br />
PRPEC Paul R. Gunther 182 EC<br />
Kent H. Davis 215 SE<br />
George P. Cavros 14 NC<br />
Charles F. Burkhardt, Jr. 98 SC<br />
PRPSW James A. Fox 289 SW<br />
PRPWC Gary C. Blackburn 8 WC<br />
Advisor PRPSE John R. Mefford 30 SE<br />
Legislative Service<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 1130, Wednesday, 31 October 2007 <strong>in</strong> Laguna Madre Room.<br />
Chairman NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC<br />
Members Ronald A. Kruse 137 WC<br />
Mark H. Allen 182 EC<br />
JrPRPNC Donald L. Gage 180 NC<br />
PRPEC Les Zavadil 204 EC<br />
PRPWC Thomas H. Ford 261 WC<br />
John R. Davis 181 EC<br />
Darv<strong>in</strong> F. Dalrymple 70 SW<br />
Advisors PRPEC Robert Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Sr. 181 EC<br />
MCPON-10 Terry D. Scott 000 MAL<br />
MCPOCG-7 Rick Trent 000 MAL<br />
Membership and Retention<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Glass House.<br />
Chairman Penny Coll<strong>in</strong>s 24 EC<br />
Members PRPEC Robert Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Sr. 181 EC<br />
PRPNE William H. Reese 1 NE<br />
PRPSC Jerry L. Hobson 282 SC<br />
JrPRPSW Agustive A. Hermes, Jr. 61 SW<br />
Cardell E. Campbell 67 EC<br />
PRPNC Patrick J Farvour 180 NC<br />
Arthur C. Archer 261 WC<br />
Michael T. Wilson 103 NW<br />
PRPNEng John C. Kotheimer 338 NEng<br />
Charles A. H<strong>in</strong>es 269 SE<br />
RPNEng Paul F. Loveless, Jr. 156 NEng<br />
Robert D. Cumm<strong>in</strong>gs 290 SE<br />
Bud Bessey 328 NW<br />
Advisors NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC<br />
CMTES-3
Public Relations<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2001 <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi Ballroom C.<br />
Chairman RVPSC Donald Larson 94 SC<br />
Members Clarence T. White 72 NEng<br />
Norman Sivertsen 229 NE<br />
RVPEC Ray E. Santee 166 EC<br />
Darlene K. H<strong>in</strong>es 269 SE<br />
Charles H. Goodman, II 276 NC<br />
Lonnie Vessell 11 SC<br />
Eric McGregory 289 SW<br />
RVPWC Nathan “Joe” Nash 192 WC<br />
Fred W. Ballard 46 NW<br />
PRPNEng Roy W. Grayden 338 NEng<br />
Randy L. Phillipp 182 EC<br />
Bobby L. Smith 194 SE<br />
Wilfred O. Bowers 324 NC<br />
Jesse M. Newton 239 SC<br />
PRPSW Victor Miranda 9 SW<br />
RPNW John Ippert 46 NW<br />
Advisors JrPRPNE James R. Smith 253 NE<br />
RPSW Charles F. Smedley 70 SW<br />
Steer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Location: Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Session — Table near podium.<br />
Other times: FRA National Headquarters Office <strong>in</strong> Copano Room.<br />
Chairman Christopher J. Slaw<strong>in</strong>ski 181 EC<br />
Members PRPEC Robert Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Sr. 181 EC<br />
John R. Davis 181 EC<br />
Tally<br />
Chairman PNP George R. Kaye 60 EC<br />
Members RPSE-Elect Roger E. Mitchell (PRPSE Mucheck) 188 SE<br />
PRPSC Terry D. Merten (NVP Boudreaux) 159 SC<br />
PRPEC Robert Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, Sr. (NES Barnes) 181 EC<br />
Youth Activities<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi Ballroom A&B.<br />
Chairman Stanley J. Lewandowski 289 SW<br />
Members Karl W. Zuege 235 NEng<br />
George N. Kollarik 124 NE<br />
Charles A. Baldw<strong>in</strong> 99 EC<br />
Robert F. Waterman 215 SE<br />
Fred J. Pester 180 NC<br />
Charley Randall, II 201 SC<br />
Jimmy D. Freedle 47 SW<br />
Roy D. Warner 287 WC<br />
Robert M. Otteraaen 363 NW<br />
RVPNEng Robert E. K<strong>in</strong>g 3 NEng<br />
James E. Robb<strong>in</strong>s, Jr. 91 SE<br />
Donald A. Hoover 24 EC<br />
CMTES-4
RVPNC Robert A. Melson 130 NC<br />
Arthur R. McAvoy 11 SC<br />
Advisors PRPEC W.G. “Jerry” Butler 141 EC<br />
RPSC Leo V. Vance 159 SC<br />
Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 <strong>in</strong> Corpus Christi Ballroom A&B.<br />
Chairman PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore 22 SE<br />
Members James F. Hollis 132 NEng<br />
JrPRPNE James R. Smith 253 NE<br />
PNP Thomas L. Leisher 5 EC<br />
PNP Eugene Smith 105 NC<br />
PRPSC Terry D. Merten 159 SC<br />
Dennis L. Reynolds 289 SW<br />
Peter J. McNamara 274 WC<br />
PNP Marv<strong>in</strong> W. Johnson 104 NW<br />
CMTES-5
VOTING STRENGTH: 2,736<br />
BRANCH VOTES<br />
386 3<br />
382 6<br />
380 5<br />
379 3<br />
377 3<br />
376 5<br />
375 6<br />
374 4<br />
371 6<br />
369 2<br />
367 7<br />
366 5<br />
365 6<br />
364 3<br />
363 3<br />
361 5<br />
358 6<br />
348 3<br />
347 4<br />
346 14<br />
344 4<br />
342 5<br />
339 4<br />
338 6<br />
335 3<br />
334 13<br />
333 2<br />
328 2<br />
327 4<br />
326 3<br />
324 7<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007<br />
OMNI HOTEL BAYFRONT TOWER<br />
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
TALLY-1
BRANCH VOTES<br />
323 3<br />
320 3<br />
319 3<br />
317 15<br />
316 11<br />
315 3<br />
313 12<br />
312 6<br />
311 9<br />
310 5<br />
309 4<br />
308 3<br />
307 0<br />
306 3<br />
303 2<br />
302 5<br />
300 5<br />
299 4<br />
298 7<br />
296 4<br />
295 3<br />
293 6<br />
291 4<br />
290 34<br />
289 52<br />
288 5<br />
287 3<br />
285 5<br />
284 3<br />
283 3<br />
282 12<br />
281 5<br />
280 6<br />
279 6<br />
278 5<br />
TALLY-2
BRANCH VOTES<br />
276 16<br />
275 5<br />
274 9<br />
273 5<br />
272 3<br />
269 41<br />
268 6<br />
267 14<br />
264 12<br />
263 9<br />
261 24<br />
260 5<br />
259 3<br />
258 3<br />
257 4<br />
256 5<br />
254 4<br />
253 7<br />
252 2<br />
251 5<br />
250 3<br />
249 5<br />
248 6<br />
247 4<br />
246 5<br />
245 6<br />
244 3<br />
242 2<br />
241 4<br />
239 3<br />
238 6<br />
237 6<br />
235 4<br />
234 11<br />
232 0<br />
TALLY-3
BRANCH VOTES<br />
231 0<br />
230 5<br />
229 6<br />
228 7<br />
227 3<br />
226 8<br />
225 3<br />
223 4<br />
222 4<br />
221 3<br />
220 2<br />
219 8<br />
217 6<br />
216 8<br />
215 3<br />
214 4<br />
213 0<br />
212 7<br />
210 17<br />
208 22<br />
207 7<br />
206 2<br />
204 3<br />
203 8<br />
202 6<br />
201 7<br />
200 10<br />
198 3<br />
197 4<br />
194 6<br />
192 7<br />
191 3<br />
188 7<br />
187 3<br />
186 9<br />
TALLY-4
BRANCH VOTES<br />
185 4<br />
184 3<br />
183 6<br />
182 12<br />
181 17<br />
180 5<br />
179 4<br />
178 5<br />
177 6<br />
176 6<br />
175 22<br />
174 5<br />
172 11<br />
171 2<br />
170 12<br />
168 6<br />
167 3<br />
166 22<br />
163 23<br />
162 17<br />
161 17<br />
160 4<br />
159 11<br />
158 3<br />
157 0<br />
156 14<br />
154 3<br />
151 5<br />
147 26<br />
146 7<br />
145 4<br />
144 8<br />
142 4<br />
141 15<br />
140 4<br />
TALLY-5
BRANCH VOTES<br />
138 2<br />
137 3<br />
136 27<br />
133 4<br />
132 4<br />
131 3<br />
130 6<br />
127 5<br />
126 31<br />
125 0<br />
124 12<br />
123 3<br />
120 20<br />
119 3<br />
118 3<br />
117 14<br />
115 9<br />
113 4<br />
112 5<br />
111 0<br />
110 10<br />
109 6<br />
108 8<br />
106 12<br />
105 7<br />
104 7<br />
103 20<br />
102 5<br />
101 19<br />
99 59<br />
98 3<br />
97 31<br />
96 20<br />
95 5<br />
94 21<br />
TALLY-6
BRANCH VOTES<br />
93 28<br />
92 4<br />
91 69<br />
90 5<br />
89 27<br />
87 3<br />
86 13<br />
85 8<br />
84 13<br />
83 2<br />
82 0<br />
77 4<br />
75 3<br />
74 3<br />
73 4<br />
72 4<br />
71 9<br />
70 28<br />
69 6<br />
68 10<br />
67 18<br />
66 8<br />
64 3<br />
63 3<br />
62 5<br />
61 53<br />
60 60<br />
59 5<br />
57 13<br />
55 12<br />
54 3<br />
53 27<br />
52 10<br />
51 7<br />
50 27<br />
TALLY-7
BRANCH VOTES<br />
49 12<br />
48 7<br />
47 22<br />
46 64<br />
44 3<br />
43 21<br />
42 18<br />
41 8<br />
40 25<br />
38 8<br />
37 5<br />
36 3<br />
34 4<br />
33 9<br />
32 2<br />
31 4<br />
30 6<br />
29 33<br />
28 6<br />
27 11<br />
26 3<br />
25 4<br />
24 102<br />
23 8<br />
22 45<br />
21 3<br />
20 25<br />
19 14<br />
18 18<br />
17 7<br />
15 3<br />
14 10<br />
13 4<br />
12 6<br />
11 5<br />
TALLY-8
BRANCH VOTES<br />
10 17<br />
9 34<br />
8 25<br />
7 4<br />
6 6<br />
5 20<br />
4 7<br />
3 9<br />
2 0<br />
1 16<br />
TALLY-9
FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION<br />
80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION<br />
CORPUS CHRIST, TEXAS<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007<br />
CREDENTIALS REPORTS FORM<br />
a. Authorized Vot<strong>in</strong>g Strength - This Convention: 2,736<br />
1st REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 2nd REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE<br />
b. Number of branches represented b. Number of branches represented<br />
by delegates: _____ by delegates: _____<br />
c. Number of votes represented by c. Number of votes represented by<br />
delegates: _____ delegates: _____<br />
d. Number of branches registered d. Number of branches registered<br />
by proxy: _____ by proxy: _____<br />
e. Number of votes registered by proxy: _____ e. Number of votes registered by proxy _____<br />
f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____ f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____<br />
g. Number of delegates registered: _____ g. Number of delegates registered: _____<br />
h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____ h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____<br />
i. Number of votes not registered: _____ i. Number of votes not registered: _____<br />
j. Two-thirds vote is: _____ j. Two-thirds vote is: _____<br />
k. Majority vote is: _____ k. Majority vote is: _____<br />
3rd REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 4th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE<br />
b. Number of branches represented b. Number of branches represented<br />
by delegates: _____ by delegates: _____<br />
c. Number of votes represented by c. Number of votes represented by<br />
delegates: _____ delegates: _____<br />
d. Number of branches registered d. Number of branches registered<br />
by proxy: _____ by proxy: _____<br />
e. Number of votes registered by proxy: _____ e. Number of votes registered by proxy _____<br />
f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____ f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____<br />
g. Number of delegates registered: _____ g. Number of delegates registered: _____<br />
h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____ h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____<br />
i. Number of votes not registered: _____ i. Number of votes not registered: _____<br />
j. Two-thirds vote is: _____ j. Two-thirds vote is: _____<br />
k. Majority vote is: _____ k. Majority vote is: _____<br />
CRED-1
5th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 6th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE<br />
b. Number of branches represented b. Number of branches represented<br />
by delegates: _____ by delegates: _____<br />
c. Number of votes represented by c. Number of votes represented by<br />
delegates: _____ delegates: _____<br />
d. Number of branches registered d. Number of branches registered<br />
by proxy: _____ by proxy: _____<br />
e. Number of votes registered by proxy: _____ e. Number of votes registered by proxy _____<br />
f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____ f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____<br />
g. Number of delegates registered: _____ g. Number of delegates registered: _____<br />
h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____ h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____<br />
i. Number of votes not registered: _____ i. Number of votes not registered: _____<br />
j. Two-thirds vote is: _____ j. Two-thirds vote is: _____<br />
k. Majority vote is: _____ k. Majority vote is: _____<br />
7th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE<br />
b. Number of branches represented b. Number of branches represented<br />
by delegates: _____ by delegates: _____<br />
c. Number of votes represented by c. Number of votes represented by<br />
delegates: _____ delegates: _____<br />
d. Number of branches registered d. Number of branches registered<br />
by proxy: _____ by proxy: _____<br />
e. Number of votes registered by proxy: _____ e. Number of votes registered by proxy _____<br />
f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____ f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____<br />
g. Number of delegates registered: _____ g. Number of delegates registered: _____<br />
h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____ h. Registered vot<strong>in</strong>g strength: _____<br />
i. Number of votes not registered: _____ i. Number of votes not registered: _____<br />
j. Two-thirds vote is: _____ j. Two-thirds vote is: _____<br />
k. Majority vote is: _____ k. Majority vote is: _____<br />
l. Branches NOT represented are: (Mark these on your Tally Sheet)<br />
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
CRED-2
Americanism-Patriotism<br />
1st Place<br />
2nd Place<br />
3rd Place<br />
WINNERS OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE AWARDS<br />
FRA 80th NATIONAL CONVENTION<br />
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS<br />
31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007<br />
Group I<br />
Walter C. “Step” Rowell Award:<br />
Leonard D. “Swede” Nelson Award:<br />
Robert E. Doherty Award:<br />
Hospitals, Welfare, and Rehabilitation<br />
1st Place<br />
2nd Place<br />
3rd Place<br />
Shipmate of the Year:<br />
Membership and Retention<br />
Group I<br />
Group II<br />
Group II<br />
Charles E. Lofgren Membership Award for Branches<br />
Group I<br />
Group II<br />
Group III<br />
Group IV<br />
Group V<br />
Charles E. Lofgren Membership Award for Individuals<br />
Group I<br />
Group II<br />
WIN-1<br />
Group III<br />
Group III<br />
Group IV<br />
Group IV<br />
Group V<br />
Group V
Group III<br />
Group IV<br />
Group V<br />
Abraham M. Rosenburg Membership Trophy:<br />
Frank J. McPherson Memorial Membership Award:<br />
Public Relations<br />
1st Place<br />
2nd Place<br />
3rd Place<br />
Shipmate of the Year:<br />
Youth Activities<br />
1st Place<br />
2nd Place<br />
3rd Place<br />
Shipmate of the Year:<br />
Group I<br />
Group I<br />
Membership and Retention Cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />
Group II<br />
Group II<br />
WIN-2<br />
Group III<br />
Group III<br />
Group IV<br />
Group IV<br />
Group V<br />
Group V