1stBn4thMar ASSOCIATION MTG of 25 October, 2014
Held at the Camden Hotel and Conference Center, Branson, MO.
11:15 Opening Prayer by acting Chaplain Neil "Doc" Downey as Chaplain Pete Cignorella was absent due to family matters.
11:20-After providing copies of same, President Thurman Moore invited members to peruse 1) Minutes of 2013 Re-Union, 2) Association By-Laws and 3) Recent Amendments to said By-Laws, pursuant to discussion which would follow.
11:23-Minutes of 2013 approved and passed by majority vote.
11:25Discussion of By-Laws- Events of 2013 reviewed by President Thurman Moore, and the necessity of amendment secondary to the situation that transpired, which threatened to "scuttle" the upcoming re-union in Charleston at that time.
11:27- Thurman Moore- In dealing with the resignations that transpired, of the President and Vice-President, immediate action was needed wherein Thurman assumed the Presidency, Mike LeBlanc was appointed Vice-President, and Larry Koepp assumed the role of Master At Arms. The other offices remained intact. The choice of Officers was deemed valid and appropriate, given the situation at the time. It became clear, however, that there needed to be an amendment made to the aforementioned by-laws, as there was nothing in place to confront said situation.
By-Laws and amendments explained by President Moore- Mainly:
A) That should a President resign or be removed from office, the previous President would assume leadership and the Board would appoint the vacated positions.
B) The Treasurer, henceforth, would be the only person to handle the money for the organization and the only one to manage the account and write checks.
11:30- Invitation to members for input/questions after reading of amendments
11:34 Questions:
Ron Layman- What if something happens to the Treasurer or he is not accessible?
Glenn Suires-It might be a good idea to have an assistant to the Treasurer in case of the above.
Sam Millati-Proposed two signatures required for any check. Thurm gave assurance that both Treasurer Jack Kinser and his (President Thurman Moore) signature would be on every check.
Thurm- The time sequence of request and check signing in relation to Bn needs is of paramount importance. Anecdote to illustrate problem.
11:40-Thurm emphasized the importance of keeping Association together.
Vice-President Mike LeBlanc-If Jack is out of the picture, and then VP would administer funds.
11:42 Bruce Aruta-Posed question regarding membership qualifications for attending a first re-union.
Thurm assured that it is not necessary to be a Member of the Association in order to attend a Re-Union. Just send in the fee for the registration.
Thurm -Explained how the Tee/Golf shirts and hats work. That they must be pre-ordered, as purchasing in bulk would in the past result in wasted surplus.
Bruce Aruta-How do you make a donation to the Association?
Thurm- Write a check and give it to Jack. (Treasurer)
11:45 Thurm- Explained the Membership dues and necessity of remaining in good standing regarding payment of same.
11:48 Amendments to By-Laws-Approved, seconded and passed by majority vote.
NEXT RE-UNION
Re-Union 2015 San-Antonio- Dates- Menu and prices discussed: Although it is a year away, the predicted price is $12.50 - $15.00 per person for all you can eat. Narcy will cook and the BBQ will be held in the same VFW hall as the previous Texas Re-Union. Room prices are pending.
Motion to hold Re-Union 2015 in San Antonio approved, seconded and passed by majority vote.
11:55 Re-Union 2016- "Doc" Downey proposed Sturbridge, Massachusetts as the site , and gave a short verbal presentation to that end. Room rates would be $100.00 per night which would include a full breakfast. Meeting spaces and hospitality suite would be provided gratis and as always, we would provide our own beer, liquor and snacks. "The Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center" is beside a lake with a sandy beach and features extensive grounds. The Re-Union 2016 will be held in August when the above rate is feasible for the hotel and travel will be easiest for members driving from Colorado or other mountainous areas.
11:47- Wilbur Downy- Supported the idea of having a re-union in Massachusetts, because it is the place from where he enlisted along with his partner Seymour Sadberry, KIA, October, 1965, one of the first casualties of the war.
12:00- Re-Union 2017 -Ron Baldwin proposed French Lick, INDIANA as the site. The site he proposed "French Lick Hotel and Resort" is of historical significance, comprising two hotels dating from the early 1900s. They are asking only $83.00/night Sun.-Thursday, hence, we will meet during that time, as opposed to our usual Wed. to Sun. schedule. -A Local VFW will host for the BBQ which would be held on Wednesday as opposed to Saturday. The dates will be the first week in October.
12:04- Motion for Re-Union 2017 to be held in French Lick Indiana during the first week in October. Ron Baldwin to lock in the above rates and dates.
Proposal to table above motion until rates and dates are confirmed, conceivably by next re-union. This was approved, seconded and passed by majority vote.
12:05 Glenn Suires- Proposed show of appreciation for those who put together Branson which was very well done. Members strongly responded with applause and exclamation for a job well done.
12:05 Discussion re: color of next year's shirts (red vs. green)
12:06 Motion to make color of shirts for San Antonio Re-Union RED, approved, seconded, and passed by majority vote.
12:08-Thurm indicated that there would be one open office that of Membership Secretary as Ron Baldwin would be leaving that post. There were no offers to run or nominations proffered.
12:12-"Doc" Downey suggested that all re-unions henceforth be dedicated to the memory of fallen comrades, names to be proposed according to State hosting. Ron Baldwin- Proposed present Re-Union (Branson) is dedicated to Sgt. Tony Price. Ron gave brief presentation of the Military Career of Sgt. Price and their personal relationship.
12:13-Ron and Kirk Hauser reviewed common experiences of Tony Price. Two books by LTC H. John Poole reviewed: "Gung-Ho", in which Sgt. Price is a prominent figure and "Strategic Rifleman".
12:15 Ron mentioned the size of Lt. Poole and the frustration of Sgt. Price in hiding his towering frame in combat situations.
12:16 Larry Quinn inquired regarding previously mentioned movie about LZ Loon. Thurm replied that he had no further information.
12:17 Robbie Robertson mentioned that he was writing a book, and has finished a Synopsis of Operation "Oregon".
12:18 Thurm mentioned being contacted by a gentleman who wanted to attend re-unions for the purpose of gathering research and listening to stories.
12:20 Richard Everington- Loon survivor. Pointed out another member, Bruce Aruta who also was in that battle, paying homage to all who fought, especially those who paid the ultimate price.
12:22 Closing without ceremony.