Virginia State AFA 13 Jun 09State Convention-Quarterly Meeting (CY09/2) Richmond, VA
MINUTES
1. The 2009 Virginia State AFA Convention and second quarter 2009, Virginia State Executive Council Meeting was called to order by Jeff Platte, State President. The Convention and Meeting was hosted by the Richmond Chapter and a proper greeting was provided by Dave Reisenwitz, Richmond Chapter President. Jeff led the assembled representatives in the Pledge of Allegiance and added his welcome and thanking the attendees for their service.
· Jeff introduced Gary Metzinger, James White & Al Pinalto from Leigh Wade Chapter. They responded to Jeff’s written call to re-energize the Chapter and will begin work immediately to that end. · Jeff passed KUDOs from Vince Burgess, Commonwealth Department of Veterans Services, for “outstanding service” on JLC to Mason Botts, AFA Central East Region President and Bass player for the Ken Smith Band. · Jeff welcomed Headquarters AFA representatives Jim Lauducci, AFA Vice Chairman of the Board for Field Operations, Jim Hannam, National Director, and Scott Van Cleef, National Director. · With those introductions, President Platte struck the gavel to open the annual State Convention. He noted that the Convention was convened as required by the State Constitution and Bylaws in Article IX that is controlling for delegate count, voting, establish quorum and rules/procedures. The agenda at Tab 00 was approved for the conduct of the meeting.
2. OFFICERS’ REPORTS:
· State Convention & Meeting notice was provided via email on 7 May 2009, by Jeff Platte, along with registration and attendance information, Tab 1.
· Chapter roll call was completed with all chapters represented by the president or designated vice with the exception of Leigh-Wade Chapter. o Leigh Wade #169: suspended o Steele #239: Present o Danville #240: Present o Tidewater #242: Present o Richmond #243: Present o Roanoke #285: Present o Langley #323: Present o Jones #345: Present o Gabriel #433: Present o N. Shenandoah #435: Present
· Quorum was confirmed for the Convention and delegate’s credentials for each Chapter were confirmed. · A motion to establish the rules and procedures for the Convention to be similar in all ways to those used for normal quarterly EXCOMs was provided by Jeff Platte and seconded by Tom Shepperd. · The Minutes of the first quarter, 2009, VA State ExCom meeting held on Feb 7, 2009, in Roanoke, were reviewed for completeness and accuracy. A motion to accept the minutes, as posted on the VA State website, was provided by Chip Moran, seconded by Al Berg and passed with unanimous voice ballot, Tab 2.
B. Treasurer’s report – Jim Holt · 2009 Budget expenditures were reviewed along with the Treasurer’s Report, at Tab 3, with a current bank balance of $11,811.63. Jim noted that the operations budget was extremely tight and that the Education Funds were currently under spent. Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report was offered by Jim McGuire, seconded by Kevin Levin, and approved by voice vote. · Hotel and mileage refunds were provided to attendees via check from treasurer.
C. VP/Admin – Al Berg · Update to the State Social Roster was provided, at Tab 4. All ExCom members are requested to provide updates to their personal and chapter entries to Al Berg, brgallan@verizon.net. · An updated State ExCom Meeting Schedule for CY 09-11was provided, at Tab 5. This update includes the ExCom’s decision to remove Steele Chapter from the quarterly rotation as agreed at the Nov ExCom. · The next quarter meeting will be held in conjunction with the National Convention and will be hosted by Steele Chapter.
3. CHAPTER PRESIDENTS’ REPORTS
Format 1) Overall Health of Chapter. 2) Last Quarter Accomplishments 3) Next Quarter Plans (With Tie-In To Strategic Plan) 4) Membership & Recruitment Status. 5) Areas of Concern.
A. Leigh Wade #169, no report B. Steele #239, provided by Nick Abate, Tab 6 C. Danville #240, provided by Jerry Hovatter, Tab 7 D. Tidewater #242, provided by Bill Cuthriell, Tab 8 E. Richmond #243, provided by Chip Moran, Tab 9 F. Roanoke #285, provided by Jim McGuire, Tab 10 G. Langley #323, provided by Blair Ellis, Tab 11 H. Jones #345, provided by Kevin Lavin, Tab 12 I. Gabriel #433, provided by Ken Spencer, Tab 13 J. N. Shenandoah #435, provided by Norm Brander, Tab 14
4. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS’ REPORTS:Format 1) Cross-Fertilization of Good Ideas. 2) Problem Areas
A. VP – North, provided by Tom Shepherd, Tab 15 B. VP – East, provided by Chip Moran, Tab 16 C. VP – West John Ree · Highlighted the Roanoke Chapter programs
5. STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
o Jeff Platte provided the Convention an inspiring President’s Report on recent activities. See PowerPoint slides at Tab 17. The following areas were highlighted: § Many thanks to all of you for recognizing your team members during our awards cycle and keeping the paperwork flowing. § Thank you from Veterans Services Foundation for the $500 donation supporting the Virginia Wounded Warrior program. § During a recent Langley Chapter General Membership meeting, MG Frank Gorenc, ACC/A3 (aka DO) put the current Air Force challenge in perspective. In the context of the “ground war” aka Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) or GWOT no matter what the “Air” Force does it isn’t resonating since the “ground” forces are more visible, BUT be assured that without the Airmen in all phases the US would not be winning the way it is. When the after action is written the Air Force will stand tall. In the mean time the Air Force needs the AFA like no time in its history, so please keep doing what you do. Please keep spreading the Airmen’s story at all levels. § Strategic Communications Goal: Letters § Air Force Magazine issues are available to raise your chapter profile: § Spoke to the Mercury Kiwanis on the Air Force aging fleet § Tidewater, Langley and I met with Congressman Nye to present AFA issues § Met with Congressman Wittman conveying AFA issues as part of his Veterans Affairs Committee. Interest in the history program? § Supported Gordon Strong and a plethora of other AFA leaders with senior guidance for the AFJROTC State Drill meet. § Represented the State at the Langley Gala along with Jim Lauducci and Scott Van Cleef where MG Mike Worden gave an unqualified endorsement to all that AFA does and had all members stand. There were some notable non-members is mess dress uniforms. § Represented you at the JLC-Veterans Service Organizations. Have a thank you from the Wounded Warrior contribution provided in February. Details in JLC Report. 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
· Chapter matching Education Grant requests o ROE for National Grants – this is your Chapter money, annotate it as such. · Cyber Patriot POC/Mentor for High School teams: Jim Hannam led discussion on the recently successfully completed pilot program at the Orlando Conference. He noted that any AFJROTC program may qualify to participate in the next cycle. Over 220 schools have registered to date. Jeff thought this concept would benefit AFJROTC connections/expansion for Chapters in need of Aerospace Education projects. Jeff pointed out that Chapters work best with deep programs – don’t spread your efforts to such an extent you can’t sustain successful programs. At the same, he cautioned that Chapters should not be one dimensional in their program planning. · Discussion continued from the last meeting on an initiative to offer a Teacher of Year Workshop. The Objectives would be to develop statewide network of AFA-recognized educators; expand our educational activities within VA; provide incentive for schools to participate in TOY. Bring winners back as mentors. Additional ideas included: o 1st year just ’08 & ’09 winners as initial cadre; becomes cumulative but featuring the current year TOYs annually o Could possibly be piggybacked with a current Langley/Museum activity and include a “walk-about” of the flightline at Langley o ½ day at Langley; ½ day at museum; provide take-aways from NASA, the Museum, contractor posters, etc. o Cost: (model is Hurlburt);1 night lodging (Fri) & Sat box lunch; Charge Workshop fee of $40 (includes 1 yr AFA membership)
Jeff offered that this idea could be modified to an Annual Spring Aerospace Education Workshop. This annual Spring workshop (1 day) for our State and Chapter TOYs at the Hampton Air & Space Museum. A proposed implementation date for the first/trial event could be this spring with a goal for a full-up event in 2010. Langley Chapter was asked to consider hosting with support from the State EXCOM. Discussion of this topic will be continued at the next EXCOM.
B. Awards/Recognition – Jeff led a discussion on the naming of State level recognition awards including State President’s, Special Achievement and Sustained Leadership Awards. Pros and cons were discussed as well as the result of an on line poll indicated more problems than solutions. The concept will not be pursued further.
C. Communications – John Ree reported on the status of VA State communications. The State website is running well. Along with other resources, the minutes of the State EXCOM is posted to the website along with all available presentations for the last two meetings. These are a good reference resource for Chapter EXCOMs. The State website is at http://www.virginiaafa.org/VAAFA.
D. Fund Raising/Virginia Suite – Mac MacAloon briefed the EXCOM on the plan for the Virginia Suite during the National Convention. The Suite will be opened on Monday – Wednesday evenings. The specific room number will be provided in a subsequent email. All Chapters were reminded to continue their generous support with normal manning and “gifts.” Peter also announced that he would transferring the mantle for the VA Suite to Gavin MacAloon due to his election as the new Steele Chapter President. The EXCOM demonstrated its appreciation for his leadership with a loud and raucous round of applause and acknowledgement of his efforts in the smooth transition to the new location at the Gaylord National.
E.Membership – Nick Abate provided an energetic and motivational presentation from the Membership Committee. His briefing, at Tab 18, provides a good rundown on Chapter membership process. The following are conclusions for Chapter Membership VPs:
•Be sure to put Chapter number on Front and Back, and the words “Recruited by Chapter” are included. •Make list of new member submittals •Expect 30 day Processing •Inquire by New Members name •Watch out for Auto Affiliation
Nick then offered the EXCOM a new challenge to spur membership growth. He provided specially marked applications to each present with a charge that he would provide $10 to the VA Aerospace Education Fund for each application processed prior to the National Convention. Conversely, no application process requires the EXCOM member to provide $10 into the fund. Jim Lauducci then matched the challenge up to $400. An honor system basket will be provided at the Sept Quarterly EXCOM to recover proceeds from the challenge.
F.Veterans Affairs – provided by Dave Ellis, Tab 19. Dave also recommended a recent book, “Eyes on the Horizon” by Gen Richard Meyers, USAF retired, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
7. CENTRAL EAST REGION (CER) UPDATE – Mason Botts provided a combined CER update and Leadership Development report at Tab 20. He emphasized the need for a CyberPatriot II point of contact for Virginia. Duties would not be onerous and would mainly be a conduit of information for those JRAFROTC units that were participating in this new National Level program. Mason also noted that an event/activity could be recorded on the Chapter Activity Report by having an event with a speaker, including a member, on a relative topic.
Kevin Lavin noted that Chapters must consider that some of its members may not be as use to electronic communication as others and there must remain means to ensure the word gets out to all members.
8. OLD BUSINESS: A. Newsletter excusals for Jul - Sep Quarter: o Langley #323
B. Chapter Reporting – Jeff Platte o Did very well this quarter ¾ of chapters at 125% reimbursement. o Need reports to Jeff NLT 20 Jul (also CER) due to National 15 Aug o Meeting the spirit and intent of the plan. Program vs meeting vs contribution o Donations count as “conduct or support” o Membership targeting is critical – ½ % miss hurts. o Dispensation for slipping of a planned event? Need to explore backward looking recovery for “goals.” C. Virginia State AFA 501 (c) (3) status – Jeff Platte o When the question of pursuing this status was put to the Chapter presidents, only three indicated they thought it would help their funding - Danville, Tidewater and Richmond. o As to the question of whether the State AFA is a separate entity or a Chartered Unit – National HQ responded a Chartered Unit o After discussion and as this issue is active at the National level, the committee determined that the issue would be continued to be discussed further after obtaining information from the HQ AFA leadership and at the National Convention D. State Quarterly Meetings Format – Al Berg o This discussion continued from the Roanoke meeting. o After some discussion a motion was presented by Bart Barton to modify the wording of the VA State AFA Standard Operation Procedures, Section 4, State Meeting Guide, paragraph 4.1, third bullet to read: “An evening dinner with a guest speaker should be considered and at the option of the organizing chapter be held for all…” The motion was defeated by a show of hands after a Call for the Question motion was approved. o Discussion continued on the same section of the SOP and a Motion to add a fifth bullet to paragraph 4.1 as follows “Chapters that cannot comply should bring exceptions to the EXCOM” was presented by Mason Botts, seconded by Jim McGuire and approved by show of hands. All EXCOM members will pen& ink this addition into their copy of the SOP that will be modified on the next printing. E. Leigh Wade Future o This is not just about LW. LW highlights our larger challenge. o Chapter success hinges on 1) Leadership succession 2) Membership Size 3) Execution of a core mission o Gary Metzinger, James White & Al Pinalto have taken a courageous stand and pledge to worked to bring the Chapter back on line. Update at the next EXCOM. o They have commitments from other Chapter members to bring back the success of LW Chapter. A 2009 Chapter Plan is in the system and they will submit a report for the 1st & 2nd quarters to get back on track. o A motion to authorize the State President to disburse as required up to $500 of Aerospace Education Funds for valid re-start costs was defeated by show of hands. o A motion, presented by Nick Abate and seconded by Bill Cuthriell, to remove Leigh-Wade Chapter from suspended status was unanimously approved by voice vote. Jeff Platte will send the request to National HQ to take LW out of suspended status.
9. ANNUAL AWARDS RECOGNITION CEREMONY
A. Jeff Platte and Nick Abate presided over the presentation ceremony for the 2009 Virginia State Annual Awards, Tab 21. The following awards were presented:
· Citations of Achievement: presented to multiple members of Langley, Roanoke, Tidewater, Gabriel, Steele, Richmond, and No. Shenandoah Chapters
· VA President’s Award o Ken Spencer, Gabriel o Barry Creighton, Langley o Stephen Petterson, N. Shenandoah Valley o Harper Alford, Richmond o Robin L. Thompson, Roanoke o Tom Veltry, D.W. Steele o Randy Couger, Tidewater o Jerry Hovatter, Danville
· VA Sustained Leadership Award o Shawn Ryan, D.W. Steele o Steve Mosier, Langley o Jim McGuire, Roanoke
· VA Special Achievement Award o Dave Reisenwitz, Richmond o Dave Ellis, Richmond o Gordon Strong, Tidewater o Bart Barton, Langley
· Outstanding Chapter of the Year: D.W. Steele Chapter #239 · AF JROTC Unit of the Year: E.C. Glass High School · Member of the Year: Peter Jones, D.W. Steele Chapter
The VA State Teacher of the Year award and includes a specially embroidered jacket, a certificate, cash awards of $500 each from National AFA and Virginia State AFA for a total of $1,000, and a plaque. This Award bears the name and memory of the late Glenn Edward Thompson, who hailed from the Leigh Wade Chapter and our Virginia AFA “Mr. Aerospace Education”. This year we again had 6 nominations and all were of very high quality. The “rules of engagement” at National have changed so that states can only submit one current package for national TOY consideration. But most of our candidates were certainly worthy of that competition.
10. NEW BUSINESS
A. AFA National Update – Jim Lauducci, Vice Chairman, Field Operations, provided an extensive update on National issues at Tab 23. He noted that AFA President, Mike Dunn, had been very active in recent budget discussions in Washington and had written an official position in a letter to President Obama. Additionally, he highlighted AFA focus areas, work within Congress on air power related issues, and the National Convention in Sept.
Jim also provided the listed announcing National AFA Individual, Tab 24, and Unit, Tab 25, Award winners. Virginia was well represented on both lists.
· Individual Awards:Distinguished Sustained Aerospace Education Award-Mary Anne Thompson; Medal of Merit: Carl Bess, Norm Brander, Peter Jones, Wade McRoberts, Terry Young; Exceptional Service Award: Keith Ebert, Blair Ellis, James McGuire. · Unit Awards: Outstanding Medium Chapter Of The Year (201-400) - Roanoke Chapter; Aerospace Education Excellence Award (Medium Chapter) - Northern Shenandoah Chapter.
B. AFA Convention September 2009 – Jeff Platte o Sign up today, need about 27 delegates for Saturday afternoon and Sunday. o Agreeing to be a delegate does carry the responsibility of attending the meeting. C. Virginia Joint Leadership Council Report – Jeff Platteo Budget under stress limiting objectives o 2010 Legislative goals look for low or no cost issues. Draft shows 1) Real Estate Tax relief for 100% Disabled Vets 2) Burial Vaults for State Veteran Cemeteries 3) Fund Virginia Wounded Warrior Program 4) Tax relief of Military Family Relief Funds 5) Special Veterans Courts 6) Continue Funding for Virginia War Memorial – education wing 7) “Turbo Vet” supported for Federal backing. D. Congressional Reception – Jim Holt E. National Elections – In the interest of providing all available information on candidates for National Director we will view a DVD from Marv Tooman, Iowa, and pass out Eric Taylor’s, Pennsylvania, flyer. More to follow from them personally in September. F. State Elections – Scott Van Cleef offered the recommendation of the Nomination Committee for the elected state officers. No second is required as this was a Committee Report. With a loud and thunderous vote of affirmation, the following were elected to begin their term in Oct:
§ President- Jeff Platte § Exec VP- Skip Williams § Secretary- Bart Barton § Treasurer- Jim Holt
11. ADJOURN
Respectfully submitted,
Harold H. Barton, Jr. Virginia State Secretary
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