Oregon MOAA - Minutes 14March2006

THE OREGON COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS

THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Minutes of the March 14, 2006 Meeting
Denny’s Resturant
3155 Ryan Dr. SE
Salem, OR

1. The meeting was called to order by the President, LTC Gary Zwicker, at 11:40 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

2. The 12 members present introduced themselves, South West Chapter, Southern Oregon, Lower Columbia, and Corvallis did not have any representatives in attendance.

NAME OFFICE CHAPTER

LTC Gary Zwicker Council President Willamette

MAJ Jack Herring Council Secretary/Treasurer Willamette

CAPT Woody Tiernan President Willamette

LTC Bill O’Neill 1^st VP Willamette

CDR Ben Tabler Treasurer Portland

COL John H. Hill 1^st VP Portland

COL Bert Toepel Secretary Emerald Empire

CW4 John R. Meredith President Central Oregon

CWO Al Drenkhahn Secretary Portland

BGEN Norm Hoffman President Emerald Empire

LTC “Mac” McDonnald Legislative Liaison Willamette

LTC Norb Murray Council 1^st VP Portland

3. The minutes of the October 8, 2005 meeting were read and approved with a change of rank for Parks Walker to CAPT USN.

4. Secretary/Treasurer. Treasurers report, the Council had a $538.96 balance in the Check book as of March 10, 2006 and as of January 31, 2006 $4190.71 in our money market account with AG Edwards. The total assets on March 10, 2006 are $4729.67. The 2005 Convention seed money of $2500.00 has been returned by Central Oregon. Chuck Kuhlman’s check for $188.90 convention expenses has not cleared at this time. Lower Columbia has not paid Council dues for 2005/2006.

Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

5. Committee Reports

a. Web Site, Bill Kellogg was unable to be here today. The web address is OREGON-MOAA.ORG. Please send Bill any changes to your chapter officers so the Web site can be kept current.

b. Legislative, Mac McDonald discussed that in the next legislative session trying to get Veterans licence plate, one plate for all veterans. The proposed plate will have a flag on one side and the name of the organization on the other side. There will be three plates Purple Heart, former pow’s, and disabled veterans.

At the State Fair this year the first weekend will be Veteran’s Weekend. Veteran’s will be able to get in at no cost.

At the Capitol during the month of May will be the military display of uniforms and other related military items. The display does two things it is educational for young people and the second way it lets the legislators know that there are veterans in Oregon.

June 14th there will be a massing of the colors on the Capitol Mall. Veterans organizations are being asked to participate.

There will be a storming of the Oregon State Legislature this year, it will be in the Veterans newspaper. We need to be there, last time we only had about 150 to 200 people, we need more people to be effective.

On the23^rd of March there is a women’s veterans conference in Albany. Doors open at 0800. Conference starts at 0900. There will be 70 different American women’s uniforms on display.

Removing DD-214's from county records in Oregon was discussed. The counties say mass removal is cost prohibitive. Individuals may request their DD-214's be removed from the records.

6. Old Business

a. BGEN Hoffman said that Emerald Empire will host the 2007 Biannual convention. CAPT Charlie Cole will be the Chair and CDR Dick Kimbell will be Executive Secretary. We want to keep our eye on the Navy doing the whole thing. This could be challenging. Bend sent a complete wrap up document of the 2005 convention to each chapter. They would like each chapter to appoint a representative as a point of contact thru which all convention information will be conveyed. They would like the names of the chapter reps. ASAP. The preliminary date picked is October 19, 20, & 21. There were conflicts with every weekend and the selected weekend appeared to be the best option. A preliminary agenda was provided to the chapters at the meeting. A discussion was conducted about how long the convention should be. No activities need be scheduled for Sunday which has normally has been the time for the Council meeting.

b. Public relations, Oregon Military Department web site does not have a link to MOAA. We should try to get the MOAA logo out to the National Guard troops. Could ODVA help? We should have a link to National MOAA as well as Oregon MOAA Council of Chapters.

We need better cooperation between the military organizations in the State.

c. John Meridith thanked those who attended the October 2005 convention in Bend.

-- Approximately 10 minutes of my tape was blank, therefor I have no records for this interval--

7. New Business

a. Gary will be storming the hill at the end of March.

b. John Meridith, reported on a Presentation Medal that he was developing that could be used as a presentation to those in the community who do outstanding things, speakers, dignitary’s, etc..

John also said that he uses the VA van drivers position as a recruiting tool for the chapter. Other chapters who provide van drivers for the VA could also use the van driver position as a recruiting tool.

c. BGEN Hoffman discussed the “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” which the employer can display in his establishment. The General challenged each chapter to support displaying the certificate for “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” in local businesses. Also discussed was Operation Love Boxes for the troops.

8. Chapter Reports

a. Emerald Empire -- BGEN Hoffman, Committees, doing activities have been reorganized. Goals of the chapter have been redefined for the year. They have a new and improved newsletter. Several new members who are excited about the “Give Me 10" program. The years program of Speakers have been laid out and are being filled in. They have better attendance when people know the programs in advance.

b. Willamette Chapter -- CAPT Woody Tiernan, Membership has been going down slightly since October. One loss was Col Bob Newton who died in a surfing accident. The memorial for Bob Newton will be on the 31^st of March.

Jim Willis, Director of The Department of Veterans Affairs was made an honorary member of the Willamette Chapter.

Jim Pauls, from MOAA will be at the Chapter luncheon on April 19^th. General Reese will also be attending. A presentation will be made by Jim Pauls recognizing the 35^th anniversary of the Chapter. All past presidents and charter members have been invited.

c. Central Oregon Chapter -- CW4 John Meridith, The chapter is working with Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) as a liaison with others in the community. The chapter has gone to bulk mailing, significant break on postage. Minimum mailing is 200 items. The Chapter is very active in a Homeless Veterans Outreach program in central Oregon. There are over 800 homeless veterans in the area.

Support the Veterans Home, a case of Odoul’s will put you in good stead with everyone up in the home.

Everyone is invited.to the Central Oregon’s Annual picnic. Mark you calendars for August 6^th, the cost is $10.00 per person the doors open at 11am and the steaks come off the grill at 1pm.

d. Portland Chapter -- COL John Hill, Ron Youngman could not be here today due to a family emergency. We were involved in the “Give Me 10" program and the chapter received $50 from MOAA. In the Portland area MOAA has over 1500 members but we only have 296 members. Many of the 3000 are over 80 and do not get around well at night or don’t like to drive in Portland. 115 attended the annual St. Pat’s get together with the Vancouver Chapter, they had 38 members. The 23^rd of April will be our 50^th Anniversary, we are planning a June event Vice Adm. Ryan from MOAA will be invited. We could only identify one living charter member who will be invited.

9. Next Meeting:

The next meeting will be June 13, 2006 in The Dalles, OR at the Oregon Veterans Home.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

John C. (Jack) Herring
Major USAF (Ret.)
Secretary/Treasurer


Welcome Council Page Local Chapters Convention News Documents and Reference Material Photo's Contact Us Links Council Meetings: Agendas and Minutes THE OREGON COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Minutes of the March 14, 2006 Meeting Denny’s Resturant 3155 Ryan Dr. SE Salem, OR 1. The meeting was called to order by the President, LTC Gary Zwicker, at 11:40 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. The 12 members present introduced themselves, South West Chapter, Southern Oregon, Lower Columbia, and Corvallis did not have any representatives in attendance. NAME OFFICE CHAPTER LTC Gary Zwicker Council President Willamette MAJ Jack Herring Council Secretary/Treasurer Willamette CAPT Woody Tiernan President Willamette LTC Bill O’Neill 1^st VP Willamette CDR Ben Tabler Treasurer Portland COL John H. Hill 1^st VP Portland COL Bert Toepel Secretary Emerald Empire CW4 John R. Meredith President Central Oregon CWO Al Drenkhahn Secretary Portland BGEN Norm Hoffman President Emerald Empire LTC “Mac” McDonnald Legislative Liaison Willamette LTC Norb Murray Council 1^st VP Portland 3. The minutes of the October 8, 2005 meeting were read and approved with a change of rank for Parks Walker to CAPT USN. 4. Secretary/Treasurer. Treasurers report, the Council had a $538.96 balance in the Check book as of March 10, 2006 and as of January 31, 2006 $4190.71 in our money market account with AG Edwards. The total assets on March 10, 2006 are $4729.67. The 2005 Convention seed money of $2500.00 has been returned by Central Oregon. Chuck Kuhlman’s check for $188.90 convention expenses has not cleared at this time. Lower Columbia has not paid Council dues for 2005/2006. Treasurer’s report was approved as presented. 5. Committee Reports a. Web Site, Bill Kellogg was unable to be here today. The web address is OREGON-MOAA.ORG. Please send Bill any changes to your chapter officers so the Web site can be kept current. b. Legislative, Mac McDonald discussed that in the next legislative session trying to get Veterans licence plate, one plate for all veterans. The proposed plate will have a flag on one side and the name of the organization on the other side. There will be three plates Purple Heart, former pow’s, and disabled veterans. At the State Fair this year the first weekend will be Veteran’s Weekend. Veteran’s will be able to get in at no cost. At the Capitol during the month of May will be the military display of uniforms and other related military items. The display does two things it is educational for young people and the second way it lets the legislators know that there are veterans in Oregon. June 14th there will be a massing of the colors on the Capitol Mall. Veterans organizations are being asked to participate. There will be a storming of the Oregon State Legislature this year, it will be in the Veterans newspaper. We need to be there, last time we only had about 150 to 200 people, we need more people to be effective. On the23^rd of March there is a women’s veterans conference in Albany. Doors open at 0800. Conference starts at 0900. There will be 70 different American women’s uniforms on display. Removing DD-214's from county records in Oregon was discussed. The counties say mass removal is cost prohibitive. Individuals may request their DD-214's be removed from the records. 6. Old Business a. BGEN Hoffman said that Emerald Empire will host the 2007 Biannual convention. CAPT Charlie Cole will be the Chair and CDR Dick Kimbell will be Executive Secretary. We want to keep our eye on the Navy doing the whole thing. This could be challenging. Bend sent a complete wrap up document of the 2005 convention to each chapter. They would like each chapter to appoint a representative as a point of contact thru which all convention information will be conveyed. They would like the names of the chapter reps. ASAP. The preliminary date picked is October 19, 20, & 21. There were conflicts with every weekend and the selected weekend appeared to be the best option. A preliminary agenda was provided to the chapters at the meeting. A discussion was conducted about how long the convention should be. No activities need be scheduled for Sunday which has normally has been the time for the Council meeting. b. Public relations, Oregon Military Department web site does not have a link to MOAA. We should try to get the MOAA logo out to the National Guard troops. Could ODVA help? We should have a link to National MOAA as well as Oregon MOAA Council of Chapters. We need better cooperation between the military organizations in the State. c. John Meridith thanked those who attended the October 2005 convention in Bend. -- Approximately 10 minutes of my tape was blank, therefor I have no records for this interval-- 7. New Business a. Gary will be storming the hill at the end of March. b. John Meridith, reported on a Presentation Medal that he was developing that could be used as a presentation to those in the community who do outstanding things, speakers, dignitary’s, etc.. John also said that he uses the VA van drivers position as a recruiting tool for the chapter. Other chapters who provide van drivers for the VA could also use the van driver position as a recruiting tool. c. BGEN Hoffman discussed the “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” which the employer can display in his establishment. The General challenged each chapter to support displaying the certificate for “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” in local businesses. Also discussed was Operation Love Boxes for the troops. 8. Chapter Reports a. Emerald Empire -- BGEN Hoffman, Committees, doing activities have been reorganized. Goals of the chapter have been redefined for the year. They have a new and improved newsletter. Several new members who are excited about the “Give Me 10" program. The years program of Speakers have been laid out and are being filled in. They have better attendance when people know the programs in advance. b. Willamette Chapter -- CAPT Woody Tiernan, Membership has been going down slightly since October. One loss was Col Bob Newton who died in a surfing accident. The memorial for Bob Newton will be on the 31^st of March. Jim Willis, Director of The Department of Veterans Affairs was made an honorary member of the Willamette Chapter. Jim Pauls, from MOAA will be at the Chapter luncheon on April 19^th. General Reese will also be attending. A presentation will be made by Jim Pauls recognizing the 35^th anniversary of the Chapter. All past presidents and charter members have been invited. c. Central Oregon Chapter -- CW4 John Meridith, The chapter is working with Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) as a liaison with others in the community. The chapter has gone to bulk mailing, significant break on postage. Minimum mailing is 200 items. The Chapter is very active in a Homeless Veterans Outreach program in central Oregon. There are over 800 homeless veterans in the area. Support the Veterans Home, a case of Odoul’s will put you in good stead with everyone up in the home. Everyone is invited.to the Central Oregon’s Annual picnic. Mark you calendars for August 6^th, the cost is $10.00 per person the doors open at 11am and the steaks come off the grill at 1pm. d. Portland Chapter -- COL John Hill, Ron Youngman could not be here today due to a family emergency. We were involved in the “Give Me 10" program and the chapter received $50 from MOAA. In the Portland area MOAA has over 1500 members but we only have 296 members. Many of the 3000 are over 80 and do not get around well at night or don’t like to drive in Portland. 115 attended the annual St. Pat’s get together with the Vancouver Chapter, they had 38 members. The 23^rd of April will be our 50^th Anniversary, we are planning a June event Vice Adm. Ryan from MOAA will be invited. We could only identify one living charter member who will be invited. 9. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be June 13, 2006 in The Dalles, OR at the Oregon Veterans Home. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, John C. (Jack) Herring Major USAF (Ret.) Secretary/Treasurer