Minutes of Executive Board Meeting - 0700 hours 06 December 2011
MG John S. Lekson Chapter
Association of the US Army
Minutes of Executive Board Meeting
Weck’s Restaurant on Louisiana Blvd.
0700 hours, 06 December 2011
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. President Gary Kloppenburg called the meeting to order at 0715. Members present included: Al Baye, Larry Blair, George Cherolis, MAJ Rick Collins, Gary Kloppenburg, Roger Knight, Joe Loisel, Angie McKinstry, Joe Opuszenski, Steve Overman & Dave Townsend
Introduction of New Members / Guests: 1SG Mike Benton, 21st EOD (WMD)
Secretary’s Report: the 01 November 2011 minutes were approved without comment (Encl 1).
Treasurer’s Report:
Request for Wounded Warrior Program-Christin Barden: Christin Barden asked if the Chapter could support a New Mexican Army wounded warrior currently going to school in Phoenix. Tempur-Pedic has donated a mattress for his use but funds to ship the mattress to AZ are required; shipping cost is $127.88. The chapter approved a motion to support the cause up to an amount of $200.
Treasurer Cherolis Status Report: George Cherolis provided a handout of account balances / transactions reports (Encl 2). A motion was made for report approval, the motion passed.
Appointment of Replacement or Assistant Treasurer: George Cherolis has taken a job at Edwards AFB and will be home only one weekend a month. He will be leaving on December 12th. Don Brown has expressed an interest in assuming or assisting George, whatever the case may be. Larry suggested appointing Don as an assistant treasurer. There are signature cards to be completed and end of year reports that must be compiled. It was agreed that in the interim Don Brown will be appointed as Assistant Treasurer.
Old Business
Yard Sign Project: 450 signs were donated to the Valencia County Blue Star Mothers and 150 signs to the Rio Rancho Blue Star Mothers. There are approximately 500 signs left; they are stored in George Cherolis' garage.
By-laws Revision: The bylaws were approved by National on 21 November 2011. An announcement will be made by Al Baye to the membership that a vote to approve the bylaws by the general membership will be taken at the end of the next Coalition meeting (28 January). Larry Blair will provide Angie McKinstry with the new bylaws for posting on the website. The December Coalition meeting will be hosted by AUSA.
Corporate Membership: Steve Overman stated that the NM Educators Credit Union was a possibility for corporate membership. Corporate applications were available.
Website: Angie posted photos of the November 2011 Fallen Warrior Tribute to the website. The website can be accessed at www.johnleksonchapterausa.org
Contacts with Organizations-Guard, Reserve, COE, and USAREC: Contacts have been established with all except the Army Reserve. Larry suggested that SGM Liz Bryant, NM Army NG be considered as a NMANG POC when she returns from her deployment in Kosovo. The SGM has indicated in the past that she would be willing to help.
New Business
New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial (NMVM) Duty, 10 December 2011: Al Baye and Dave Townsend will man the morning shift and Gary Kloppenburg and Joe Opuszenski the afternoon shift.
Appointment of NMVM Shift Coordinator: This position has been held by George Cherolis for many years. Roger Knight volunteered to assume the Shift Coordinator position. George will provide Roger with his contacts list. Larry will notify Rick DeMello of the change.
Wounded Warrior Luncheon, 9 November 2011: Six AUSA members attended the function at Kirtland AFB.
Veterans Day/Fallen Warrior Tribute -after action report: Larry Blair conducted the event. Forty to fifty young men and women enlisted in the Army in a ceremony conducted by Larry. $1,240 was spent on the event with approximately $3,000 being taken in as donations. The extra amount will serve as a cushion for the next event. At this time there are no new New Mexican casualties.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Facilities: The Goodwill organization was awarded a $500,000 grant to support low-income New Mexico veterans. Gary reported that at this time there is a waiting line to take advantage of the program.
21st EOD (WMD) Family Readiness Group (FRG) Holiday Support: A motion was made and approved to support the 21st EOD (WMD) FRG Holiday Party to be held in the Veterans Memorial. An amount of $500 was approved.
The previously scheduled Albuquerque Armed Forces Advisory Association luncheon at the Mountain View Club has been rescheduled for 16 December. COL Paul Tibbets IV, grandson of the Enola Gay pilot, will be the guest speaker.
Correspondence from National / ILW: Larry passed around an article concerning Military Retiree Health Care.
Chapter Activity Reports (CARs): No activity
Announcements / Good of the Order
On Dec 8th there will be an ROTC function, 1500 at the Student Union Bldg. An AUSA medal will be awarded.
Challenge Coin: 1SG Benton contributed to the cause.
A schedule of upcoming Military Coalition Activities was handed out (Encl 3)
Adjourned: 0810. Next meeting 03 January, 2012, 0700 at Wecks.
APPROVED: 03 January 2012
Fallen Warrior Tribute - November 11, 2011
Minutes of Executive Board Meeting - 0700 hours 01 November 2011
MG John S. Lekson Chapter
Association of the US Army
Minutes of Executive Board Meeting (FINAL)
Weck’s Restaurant on Louisiana Blvd.
0700 hours, 01 November 2011
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. President Gary Kloppenburg called the meeting to order at 0715. Members present included: Al Baye, Larry Blair, George Cherolis, MAJ Rick Collins, MAJ Jason Green, Gary Kloppenburg, Roger Knight, Joe Loisel, Don Loftis, Angie McKinstry, Joe Opuszenski and MAJ Patrick Stamm
Introduction of New Members / Guests: 2LT Amanda Wilson, UNM ROTC, MAJ Phil Bundy, Corps of Engr.
21st EOD Company Trip Report. Maj Stamm, Commander of the 21st EOD, reported on the outcome of his unit participation in the recent AUSA 10-Miler and National Convention. MAJ Stamm felt the younger members got a lot out of the trip and all stayed the entire length of the event. The participants brought back a lot of “stuff’ for the unit. It was good for professional development. Lt France will provide a summary.
The Chapter supported six 21st EOD soldiers and it was our privilege to do so. The chapter is open to sponsoring the UNM ROTC and the Corp of Engineers in the future.
Secretary’s Report: the 04 October 2011 minutes were approved without comment (Encl 1).
Treasurer’s Report: George Cherolis, the Treasurer, provided a “close estimate” handout of account balances / transactions reports (Encl 2). A motion was made for report approval, the motion passed.
Old Business
Resolutions: all were passed; Larry Blair said he would take care of them on behalf of the Chapter President.
Yard Sign Project: No action, 50 signs were donated to the Veterans Memorial.
By-laws Revision: Larry Blair will forward the revised Chapter bylaws to National.
Corporate Membership: No activity.
Website: The website can be accessed at www.johnleksonchapterausa.org
Contacts with Organizations-Guard, Reserve, COE, and USAREC: The Chapter now has a contact with the National Guard. Gary Kloppenburg will contact the member to promote participation with our Chapter. 2LT Wilson of the UNM ROTC was urged to have her students participate also. Soldier of the Year is a possible area for participation. Board member, Steve Overman, is the Chapter point of contact.
New Business
Sara Gist-Bernasconi Memorial Service: 1130 Friday 04 Nov at the NM Veterans Memorial. There was a motion to donate $25 to support purchase of a bench in memory of Sara. The bench would be emplaced at the Veterans Memorial. The motion passed.
Wounded Warrior Luncheon: Wednesday 09 Nov. Lunch at 11:30. Must RSVP 853-1703.
Veterans Day Friday 11 Nov.: There will be a parade with the Veterans Day Ceremony to follow. The event speaker will be NM Congressman Martin Heinrich. A special tribute to New Mexico’s two fallen warriors, MAJ Jeffrey Ausborn, USAF, and SSG Christopher Diaz, USMC, will be memorialized. Larry Blair will officiate. Larry has the plaques. Families are coming in from El Paso and Colorado Springs. MOAA has contributed $500, the Vietnam Vets $500, Dave Townsend $75. AUSA sponsors the Fallen Warrior portion of the Veterans Day ceremony (Encl 3).
New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial (NMVM) Duty 11 November 2011: Al Baye and Don Brown will man the morning shift and George Cherolis and Roger Knight the afternoon shift.
Military Coalition Luncheon: A schedule was provided of upcoming Coalition activities (Encl 4), The November luncheon will feature US Congressmen Steve Pearce.
There is an upcoming Albuquerque Armed Forces Advisory Association luncheon at the Mountain View Club. COL Paul Tibbets IV, grandson of the Enola Gay pilot, will be the guest speaker.
Correspondence from National / ILW: Several documents were received concerning the Army budget, Army Squad, resolution voting, family programs update.
Chapter Activity Reports (CARs): No activity
Announcements / Good of the Order
On Dec 8th there will be an ROTC function, 1500. There is an opportunity for AUSA participation, possible awards. Gary will pursue; Roger Knight volunteered to represent the Chapter.
Challenge Coin: Al Baye, Maj Green, Larry Blair, Don Loftis all contributed $1 to the cause.
Adjourned: 0832. Next meeting 06 December, 2011, 0700 at Wecks.
APPROVED: 06 December 2011
Minutes of Executive Board Meeting - 0700 hours 06 October 2011
MG John S. Lekson Chapter
Association of the US Army
Minutes of Executive Board Meeting (FINAL)
Weck’s Restaurant on Louisiana Blvd.
0700 hours, 04 October 2011
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. President Gary Kloppenburg called the meeting to order at 0715. Members present included: Larry Blair, Joe Loisel, Don Loftis, Angie McKinstry, Joe Opuszenski, Erik Sevigny and Dave Townsend.
Introduction of New Members / Guests: None
Secretary’s Report: the 06 September 2011 minutes were approved without comment (Encl 1).
Treasurer’s Report: George Cherolis, the Treasurer, was absent and a report was unavailable. Larry Blair mentioned that the Chapter’s donation check to the Albuquerque Veteran’s Integration Center was returned by the post office as “address unknown”. Other board members confirmed that the address was indeed correct. Larry will do a follow-up.
Larry purchased tickets for the 21st Ordnance Co (WMD) 10-Miler participants with his credit card and needs to be reimbursed. Funding for this event was previously approved and Larry needs to request payment from the Treasurer. The Team is ready to depart.
Old Business
Yard Sign Project: Unchanged, there are plenty of signs left.
By-laws Revision: The Chapter by-laws were updated and sent to National for review. John Davies (National) provided constructive comments and the by-laws were then modified to incorporate John’s suggested changes. Larry decided to postpone forwarding of the finalized version of the by-laws to sometime after National’s convention. The by-laws will be distributed when final approval is granted by National.
Corporate Membership: Gary has a list of companies to contact. An AUSA/Chapter mission statement needs to be obtained. Last month’s meeting addressed the possibility of obtaining an AUSA booth at this month’s Kirtland AFB open house. Joe Loisel reported that all booths had already been taken.
Website: The website can be accessed at www.johnleksonchapterausa.org Angie reported that she posts minutes to the website as they are approved and forwarded to her by the Secretary. There is still a need for the past Veteran’s Day write-up and photos. Memorial Day is approaching and this should be a planned website entry.
Contacts with Organizations-Guard, Reserve, COE, USAREC: Col Brian Baca of the NM NG was recently contacted and was supportive. Col Baca’s email address will be put on the monthly meeting email notification list. The Chapter currently has contact with the Corps of Engineers (COE), USAREC and the 377th Quartermaster Co, an Army Reserve unit. Gary will send a letter to Col Baca explaining who we are and that we would like a NG member to participate in our activities.
New Business
Sara Gist-Bernasconi: Sara died suddenly on Friday, Sept 30th. Sara was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial.
New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial (NMVM) Duty 8 October 2011: Al Baye and Dave Townsend will man the morning shift and Joe Opuszenski and Don Brown the afternoon shift.
AUSA National /10-Miler 10-12 Oct 2011: Six runners, NCOs and 1Lt France, will be leaving Friday to participate in the 10-miler. Larry Blair had a meeting with the participants last Friday and explained what events, luncheons, seminars etc. that they should attend. All the participants were given AUSA membership applications.
Military Coalition Luncheon: The October luncheon will be our’s to host. The guest speaker will be NM Secretary of State, Dianna Duran, and is sure to be a sell-out event. Ms Duran’s husband is an Army Vietnam Vet and is enthused about the luncheon; it was suggested that Mr Duran be given an AUSA membership. (Encl 2)
Wounded Warrior Luncheon: Larry received an email from Christian Barden, requesting support for sponsoring 10 to 13 Army wounded warriors at an upcoming KAFB luncheon. A motion was made to sponsor 10 wounded warriors and their caregivers/sponsors up to $300 maximum. The motion passed. Larry will contact Christian and get further details. The will be another Board meeting before this luncheon takes place so there is still time for discussion. Four board members indicated a desire to attend.
Wounded Warrior SPC Allen (MOPH): SPC Allen recently returned to Albuquerque. SPC Allen lost a leg in Afghanistan. His father is a retired SGM in the NM Guard and his mother is a SGM currently serving in Kosovo. The mother, SGM Liz Bryant, is a possible contact when she returns from overseas. Her husband said he would carry on.
Veteran’s Day 2011-Two Casualties: There are currently two casualties to honor. One is an Air Force major and the other a Marine sergeant. Larry will contact the local Marine and Air Force organizations to pay for the memorial bricks. Joe Loisel mentioned that $300 is due in from MOAA. Other donations should also be arriving. Steve Overman has agreed to help Larry with the planning.
Correspondence from National / ILW / Leader Links: None
Chapter Activity Reports (CARs): greater attention needs to be made to submitting member event attendance to Joe O for CAR submission. Estimated Dollar cost amounts should be attached to volunteer services. The creation of a Chapter newsletter was discussed. Joe O will look into it and provide a sample at the next meeting.
Announcements / Good of the Order
The Albuquerque Military Coalition’s luncheon will be 22 September.
Challenge Coin: Larry Blair contributed $1 to the cause.
Adjourned: 0810. Next meeting 01 November 2011, 0700 at Wecks.
