MINUTES, REUNION, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, SEPTEMBER 2009
The business meeting was called to order at 10 AM.
I call on Joe Frazier, our new Chaplain, for the invocation and to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The first order of business is the approval of the 2008 business meeting minutes. You guys who hog
the newsletter and don’t let your wives see it. Let them see it. They remember things we (male
gender) don’t. Motion to approve, seconded. All in favor.
Approval of the 2007/08 financial statement. I would seek a motion but before you make the motion I
would like to say this. Our finances have never been better. We have a self-imposed budget, so we
don’t overspend. We are in the black. The programs we have initiated with the sale of tee shirts,
jackets, etc. have brought in a lot of money. We are in good shape. Could I get a motion to approve
the statement. Motion, Second and All in Favor.
Elliott Becker was called on for a Historian Report and report on supplies.
We don’t have any more communication with the 793rd in Iraq. So that means we are not going to
have the Art and Gerda Sherokow Awards any more until we hear more from the Commander. A
member asked that he doesn’t see the 793rd listed. Elliott answered that we are now in a Brigade and
there are different outfits in a Brigade.
One other thing. I have a very good friend – Bobby Huggins. He spoke last year about his socks and
drawers. What he is telling you is all fact. I have been to the hospital and I know it goes there. He
buys boxes of these things. When you get sent to the hospital you only have your uniform. So Bobby
provides them with underwear and socks. Motion to accept the historian’s report, seconded. All in
favor.
We call on Ann Wenzel to give us a newsletter & website report. There is nothing to report unless
there are questions. The website has not been updated because she is so busy. Ann has done a
tremendous job. We have added a little to the printing cost for the newsletter to make things easier
for her. It is very expensive to do the newsletter in color. We would like to send it by email, but the
email addresses change frequently and we are often not advised. Ann has nothing to add so we will
move on. Motion to accept report, seconded. All in favor.
I would just like to add one thing. Becker’s and Wenzel’s have done a terrific job and they deserve a
hand. Applause for Becker’s and Wenzel’s.
Frank and Dolly DeRosa could not attend because of illness. He did send a 3 page email to Schantz’
s, but when it was reprinted it was 5 pages with larger print to be read at this meeting. I don’t think it is
appropriate at this time. It is very lengthy. Most of what is in it is what has been done before. I will get
back to Frank on that
Elliott mentioned the Art and Gerda Sherokow Award. There was no Soldier of the Year chosen this
year but they did choose a NCO of the year – Belinda Salazar. We did get a receipt from her and she
did say she would support us as much as possible.
I would like to clear up a couple of things we have had a problem with. The reason we put the date,
say the first of August. If we get the registrations early we can get a lot more done. It only takes one
person and it messes everything up. If someone sends in a registration and can’t come they will get
their money back. If we have paid hotels, etc. for the meals and tours it is difficult to get our money
back. We had one individual who registered and paid for the banquet dinner and later told us they
would not be here for the dinner. No problem. We had enough notice and they got their money back.
Last year we had a couple leave early She was ill and they did not get their money back because the
hotel had already ordered the food and the meals were paid for. I don’t think it would be fair to the
members to go into the association funds to reimburse them.
We maintain a strict budget when we are on on-site trips. We eat at McDonalds, stay at Budget Inns
and get cheapest gas. We don’t overspend. I want you to know that. We do try to be fair to
everybody and I hope everybody appreciates that fact. Elliott Becker commented – They do an awful
lot of work for this association and they don’t spend a lot of money. They do go out of the way for the
different things. And I don’t think everyone appreciates as much as I do. Joe Frazier spoke – They
leave from here to go to Atlanta to get ready for next year and the 2010 reunion. It takes a full year to
get things in place whether it is 70 or 700 and Liz spends a great deal of time on the computer getting
things done.
This hotel is fantastic. Rooms good, meals and service. With this hotel there were things we could not
negotiate. This hotel stepped in and did a terrific job. With the hotel that went under, I called the lady
at the hotel as a consequence of that we got the down payment back. To my knowledge, not too
many other people did. They lost their money. .
We are heading down to Atlanta. We have three Marriotts we are looking at. One hasn’t been built
yet but they gave us a heck of a rate. They have assured us they will be built by September. They
have given us a rate of $89 including full breakfast. You don’t get that at Marriott, but we did. We will
make a verbal contract with the condition they can get us another hotel if things aren’t complete. (A
construction clause.)
There is lots to do there and someone from the Atlanta area (Charles Weeks) suggested Cyclorama.
We are going to go there and check out tours. We are going to stay with Becker’s for three days.
And we are going to stay with Week’s for a couple of days. We will get things together and will advise
you as soon as possible when we get the information on the hotel and tours..
Now something dear to my heart. Commander Huggins has done a terrific job. We have given him
soap and shampoo from the hotels. You don’t realize how many homeless vets are sleeping outside
at night. Bobby goes around physically and looks after these people. I am going to make a proposal
we donate $300 to the Disabled American Veterans. Tom Bolser said “since our finances are in such
good condition could we up the amount to $500?”.
Bobby Huggins was asked to speak. Bobby was asked by a member where this money goes. He
replied, To the DAV, Chapter 55. We send clothes to six VA hospitals and two Veterans homes. Also
to Tuskeegee, Alabama; Lake City, Florida; Charleston, S.C.; and Augusta and Atlanta, Georgia.
Question – What do you get from National? Nothing. We have 400 members and we get $2.00 a year
from National for each member. Question – Do you have to send money to National? Answer - Yes.
The main thing National spends money on is training people like myself to be of service for vets who
come back.
We still have people who have never had an Agent Orange exam. There are 27 different kinds of
cancers caused by Agent Orange. The Agent Orange exam is guaranteed for anyone who has been
in Vietnam. You need to get checked out. Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension are all caused by
Agent Orange.
The state didn’t ask us to do this but Charles Weeks and I started going to military homes and we saw
the need. We have been going for 4 years and they will be there till they quit breathing. Our Chapter
has been lucky enough to give away $2500 in food certificates, $50 each. This year we are hoping
for $3000. What you give us helps. We send 48 tee shirts, $1 each. Drawers – underwear. Sock
hats 80c each for homeless. Nursing homes dump old vets because nobody else wants them. We
donate clothes to them. The money just does not go to Georgia boys. North Carolina is doing a lot
better than other states. We go to the American Legion. We try our best to help. If you live close to a
hospital go and volunteer. They need it. Four hours a week. Do anything. Seal envelopes. The
money is not there to do everything that needs to be done. The reason I am doing this is because I
laid in Walter Reed for six months and know the need. When checking in to a hotel if you won’t use it,
save soap, shampoo, etc for us, in new condition, and we distribute it to the homeless vets. Motion for
the donation, seconded. All in favor.
For those who donated prizes for tonight. Thank you so much. The little teddy bear brought in a lot of
money and Ann is still selling tickets. We have 5 bears to give away.
Liz and I really enjoy this job. There are some aspects we don’t enjoy but that goes with the job. Ann
and Elliott have agreed to stay on. Your present group will continue if you so wish. I didn’t ask for
anyone else, but I know I won’t get anybody. Motion to accept, seconded. All in favor.
We have two new members that I neglected to speak about. Wilburn Gibson and Trudy. Wilburn was
the best man for Dennis and Ursula Ellis and they met for the first time after over 40 years.. William
Bland and Mary are also new members. They will be attending the dinner tonight.
By the way, our membership has never been better. We have over 450 members. It is my personal
opinion the economy has affected our attendance. We had some members pass away and some are
ill. I am hoping Atlanta will turn things around. I am not disappointed with the small group. I am
hoping more people will come out – those in their 60s. They have not fully retired and they have
family obligations. We hope that will turn around and we will get more people at the reunions in the
future.
Joe Frazier. our new Chaplain, was called on for the Memorial Service. This was followed by Taps
and the Benediction.
We have been asked by one of our oldest members, who is one of the greatest guys I know, George
Schum, to end the meeting with the Star Spangled Banner.
This was followed by “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” suggested by George Schum.
Look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta next year.
The business meeting was called to order at 10 AM.
I call on Joe Frazier, our new Chaplain, for the invocation and to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The first order of business is the approval of the 2008 business meeting minutes. You guys who hog
the newsletter and don’t let your wives see it. Let them see it. They remember things we (male
gender) don’t. Motion to approve, seconded. All in favor.
Approval of the 2007/08 financial statement. I would seek a motion but before you make the motion I
would like to say this. Our finances have never been better. We have a self-imposed budget, so we
don’t overspend. We are in the black. The programs we have initiated with the sale of tee shirts,
jackets, etc. have brought in a lot of money. We are in good shape. Could I get a motion to approve
the statement. Motion, Second and All in Favor.
Elliott Becker was called on for a Historian Report and report on supplies.
We don’t have any more communication with the 793rd in Iraq. So that means we are not going to
have the Art and Gerda Sherokow Awards any more until we hear more from the Commander. A
member asked that he doesn’t see the 793rd listed. Elliott answered that we are now in a Brigade and
there are different outfits in a Brigade.
One other thing. I have a very good friend – Bobby Huggins. He spoke last year about his socks and
drawers. What he is telling you is all fact. I have been to the hospital and I know it goes there. He
buys boxes of these things. When you get sent to the hospital you only have your uniform. So Bobby
provides them with underwear and socks. Motion to accept the historian’s report, seconded. All in
favor.
We call on Ann Wenzel to give us a newsletter & website report. There is nothing to report unless
there are questions. The website has not been updated because she is so busy. Ann has done a
tremendous job. We have added a little to the printing cost for the newsletter to make things easier
for her. It is very expensive to do the newsletter in color. We would like to send it by email, but the
email addresses change frequently and we are often not advised. Ann has nothing to add so we will
move on. Motion to accept report, seconded. All in favor.
I would just like to add one thing. Becker’s and Wenzel’s have done a terrific job and they deserve a
hand. Applause for Becker’s and Wenzel’s.
Frank and Dolly DeRosa could not attend because of illness. He did send a 3 page email to Schantz’
s, but when it was reprinted it was 5 pages with larger print to be read at this meeting. I don’t think it is
appropriate at this time. It is very lengthy. Most of what is in it is what has been done before. I will get
back to Frank on that
Elliott mentioned the Art and Gerda Sherokow Award. There was no Soldier of the Year chosen this
year but they did choose a NCO of the year – Belinda Salazar. We did get a receipt from her and she
did say she would support us as much as possible.
I would like to clear up a couple of things we have had a problem with. The reason we put the date,
say the first of August. If we get the registrations early we can get a lot more done. It only takes one
person and it messes everything up. If someone sends in a registration and can’t come they will get
their money back. If we have paid hotels, etc. for the meals and tours it is difficult to get our money
back. We had one individual who registered and paid for the banquet dinner and later told us they
would not be here for the dinner. No problem. We had enough notice and they got their money back.
Last year we had a couple leave early She was ill and they did not get their money back because the
hotel had already ordered the food and the meals were paid for. I don’t think it would be fair to the
members to go into the association funds to reimburse them.
We maintain a strict budget when we are on on-site trips. We eat at McDonalds, stay at Budget Inns
and get cheapest gas. We don’t overspend. I want you to know that. We do try to be fair to
everybody and I hope everybody appreciates that fact. Elliott Becker commented – They do an awful
lot of work for this association and they don’t spend a lot of money. They do go out of the way for the
different things. And I don’t think everyone appreciates as much as I do. Joe Frazier spoke – They
leave from here to go to Atlanta to get ready for next year and the 2010 reunion. It takes a full year to
get things in place whether it is 70 or 700 and Liz spends a great deal of time on the computer getting
things done.
This hotel is fantastic. Rooms good, meals and service. With this hotel there were things we could not
negotiate. This hotel stepped in and did a terrific job. With the hotel that went under, I called the lady
at the hotel as a consequence of that we got the down payment back. To my knowledge, not too
many other people did. They lost their money. .
We are heading down to Atlanta. We have three Marriotts we are looking at. One hasn’t been built
yet but they gave us a heck of a rate. They have assured us they will be built by September. They
have given us a rate of $89 including full breakfast. You don’t get that at Marriott, but we did. We will
make a verbal contract with the condition they can get us another hotel if things aren’t complete. (A
construction clause.)
There is lots to do there and someone from the Atlanta area (Charles Weeks) suggested Cyclorama.
We are going to go there and check out tours. We are going to stay with Becker’s for three days.
And we are going to stay with Week’s for a couple of days. We will get things together and will advise
you as soon as possible when we get the information on the hotel and tours..
Now something dear to my heart. Commander Huggins has done a terrific job. We have given him
soap and shampoo from the hotels. You don’t realize how many homeless vets are sleeping outside
at night. Bobby goes around physically and looks after these people. I am going to make a proposal
we donate $300 to the Disabled American Veterans. Tom Bolser said “since our finances are in such
good condition could we up the amount to $500?”.
Bobby Huggins was asked to speak. Bobby was asked by a member where this money goes. He
replied, To the DAV, Chapter 55. We send clothes to six VA hospitals and two Veterans homes. Also
to Tuskeegee, Alabama; Lake City, Florida; Charleston, S.C.; and Augusta and Atlanta, Georgia.
Question – What do you get from National? Nothing. We have 400 members and we get $2.00 a year
from National for each member. Question – Do you have to send money to National? Answer - Yes.
The main thing National spends money on is training people like myself to be of service for vets who
come back.
We still have people who have never had an Agent Orange exam. There are 27 different kinds of
cancers caused by Agent Orange. The Agent Orange exam is guaranteed for anyone who has been
in Vietnam. You need to get checked out. Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension are all caused by
Agent Orange.
The state didn’t ask us to do this but Charles Weeks and I started going to military homes and we saw
the need. We have been going for 4 years and they will be there till they quit breathing. Our Chapter
has been lucky enough to give away $2500 in food certificates, $50 each. This year we are hoping
for $3000. What you give us helps. We send 48 tee shirts, $1 each. Drawers – underwear. Sock
hats 80c each for homeless. Nursing homes dump old vets because nobody else wants them. We
donate clothes to them. The money just does not go to Georgia boys. North Carolina is doing a lot
better than other states. We go to the American Legion. We try our best to help. If you live close to a
hospital go and volunteer. They need it. Four hours a week. Do anything. Seal envelopes. The
money is not there to do everything that needs to be done. The reason I am doing this is because I
laid in Walter Reed for six months and know the need. When checking in to a hotel if you won’t use it,
save soap, shampoo, etc for us, in new condition, and we distribute it to the homeless vets. Motion for
the donation, seconded. All in favor.
For those who donated prizes for tonight. Thank you so much. The little teddy bear brought in a lot of
money and Ann is still selling tickets. We have 5 bears to give away.
Liz and I really enjoy this job. There are some aspects we don’t enjoy but that goes with the job. Ann
and Elliott have agreed to stay on. Your present group will continue if you so wish. I didn’t ask for
anyone else, but I know I won’t get anybody. Motion to accept, seconded. All in favor.
We have two new members that I neglected to speak about. Wilburn Gibson and Trudy. Wilburn was
the best man for Dennis and Ursula Ellis and they met for the first time after over 40 years.. William
Bland and Mary are also new members. They will be attending the dinner tonight.
By the way, our membership has never been better. We have over 450 members. It is my personal
opinion the economy has affected our attendance. We had some members pass away and some are
ill. I am hoping Atlanta will turn things around. I am not disappointed with the small group. I am
hoping more people will come out – those in their 60s. They have not fully retired and they have
family obligations. We hope that will turn around and we will get more people at the reunions in the
future.
Joe Frazier. our new Chaplain, was called on for the Memorial Service. This was followed by Taps
and the Benediction.
We have been asked by one of our oldest members, who is one of the greatest guys I know, George
Schum, to end the meeting with the Star Spangled Banner.
This was followed by “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” suggested by George Schum.
Look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta next year.
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