First, allow me the opportunity to thank all involved for the opportunity to serve the Texas Council of Chapters as your President. It is with great honor and pride that your charge is accepted. We will do our best to serve the great MOAA organization focusing on the most important element - the MOAA chapters. We have super people elected and appointed to Council Leadership positions and with their continuing support and unselfish volunteer efforts, we will do "our best" to do "the best" for each member chapter in our great state.
I thank Virginia Alloway, Immediate Past President, for her dedicated efforts over the years and her very unselfish role in the transition of leadership. I hasten to add that Virginia continues to serve with spirit and commitment. Thanks also to Borah Van Dormolen, 1st VP; Spencer Smith, 2nd VP; Louraine Robertson, Treasurer; James Cunningham, Secretary; James Lucas, "MOAA Texan" Editor and William Manno, Web Master for their willingness to serve. Also, let me thank our previous leaders, Gil Rodriguez, 2nd VP and Violet Jimenez, Treasurer for their dedicated volunteer service.
Our first quarterly meeting was very enjoyable and productive. The arrangements by the Heart of Texas (MOAA) Chapter, headed by their President, Jimmie Hanes were just outstanding. Thanks HOT for your hard work and willingness to help the council.
Your Council is committed to edit our e-mail/snail mail list so that all interested leaders/volunteers will be in the loop and be knowledgeable of what the council tries to do for the good of all officers, be they active, reserve or retired, and all veterans. This year National MOAA has determined that the legislative emphasis will be to revise the inequities in the Survivor Benefit Plan. We must all do our part to get this "Widows Tax" removed from those that it affects the most, the widow/widower of a deceased veteran. Just know we can call on each of you to do your part as this effort evolves. Please believe that our efforts are very important from a grass roots perspective to make something fair happen. Send in the postcards today.
I had the great honor to visit with John Brieden, National Commander of the American Legion at the recent Texas Veteran Commission Summit in Austin. He stated to me "I want to thank your organization for the outstanding efforts in getting the enhancement to the Concurrent Receipt Legislation passed." He further stated that without MOAA's outstanding support, especially that of our Chief Executive, Norb Ryan, it would not have happened. Dear volunteers, we do make a difference! Be proud of it! Please, please if any member has a legislative issue that we need to surface at the state level, get it to us now. We will do our best to move it forward in anticipation of the Texas Legislature convening in year 2005.
That does it for now. Do hope you make plans to attend the 16 - 17 April 2004 meeting in El Paso, Texas. This five star chapter is planning a great program. Please plan to attend.
To those that continue to serve,
Edward L. Marvin, President
The first meeting of the year was held at Waco hosted by The Heart of Texas, Waco Chapter and President , LT Col Jimmie Hanes who welcomed all of the visitors . A visitor was introduced as Joe Fanlini, a WWII French freedom fighter, Who helped the Allies defeat the Germans. His picture is below.
The dinner was followed by a talk from Representative Chet Baker, heralding the valor of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Veterans of our Wars Including the veterans of WWII. When they stood up to be recognized, they were met with a huge applause and many a tear was shed.
The new officers of 2004-05 were sworn in by Brig. Gen. J. Timothy Boddie, followed by an inspiring acceptance speech from our new President, Lt Col Ed Marvin.
Following the formal program we were treated to a wonderful musical program put on by Charlie Burch and Ann Harder , members of the Branson on the Brazos Show productions. Ann is the Anchor for the Evening news at channel 25 in Waco.
Below are some pictures taken at the meeting on Saturday and the dinner meeting
Friday evening where we had an outstanding Seafood Buffet.
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Please note that ten Texas Council Chapters were represented at this 1st Quarter meeting. Please see Attachment #1 for information regarding recent Texas Council meetings and scheduled meetings for the remainder of 2004.
Attachment #2 reflects a roster of Past Presidents of the Council. This history continues to be a work in progress. Please advise our President or Council Secretary if updated information is known by the reader and corrections need to be made. Some additions have been made as a result of information gotten at the 1st Quarter meeting.
Special thanks to the Heart of Texas Chapter for hosting this 1st Quarter meeting. All the arrangements were top notch. We are looking forward to the 2nd Quarter meeting in El Paso and hope that all possible chapters will be in attendance.
The Texas Council met the evening of January 23, 2004, at the Ridgewood Country Club, in Waco, TX. The Heart of Texas Chapter was the host. This was a social evening, which included the installation of the new Council officers. That installation was done by BGEN J. Timothy Boddie at 2035.
The Social hour began at 1815 and concluded at 1900 hours, when introductions were made by Jimmie Haynes. Congressman Edwards was in attendance and he made a few remarks regarding his support of MOAA and its efforts for a better military for both active and retired soldiers, especially in this time of war.
President Marvin made short remarks about his pride in being selected President and his commitment to do all that he could to help military officers both active and retired. He also recognized the veterans of WWII and Korea, who we are losing in increasing numbers each year.
Entertainment was provided by Charles Burch of the Texas Playhouse, located in Waco, who sang the National Anthem and provided singing entertainment later during the meal.
Back to TopThe Business meeting was called to order by President Marvin at 0830 hours, 24 January 2004 at the Ridgewood Country Club meeting room.
Vi Jimenez, Highland Lakes Chapter, presented the prayer to open the meeting.
President Marvin provided introductions and an outline of the agenda to the group. He apologized that he did not have a written agenda, however, it was residing on his desk in his office, having forgotten to bring it. He indicated, however, that he would walk us through what he wanted to do. President Marvin also recognized Jimmie Haynes and the Lone Star Chapter for all of their efforts in putting together the meeting. Following that the directors were recognized.
As the outgoing Secretary, President Marvin presented the 4th Qtr minutes for approval. These had been distributed earlier via e-mail.
A suggestion was made that Chapter names be added to past Presidents listed on Attachment #2. Also a typographical error was found on page 6, DL214 should be corrected to DD214.
President Marvin called for acceptance of the minutes, as corrected. BGEN Boddie moved for acceptance and COL Alloway 2nd the motion. The minutes were accepted by acclamation.
Louraine Robertson then presented the Treasurer's report. This was for the period from 22 November through December 31st. Since we were changing Treasurers, an audit report from January through December 2003 was also presented. This was done by LTC Jamie F. Palm. Both reports were approved and copies provided to those attending the meeting. Col Alloway made the motion to accept and CPT Bob Rymal 2nd that motion. Treasurer Robertson also reminded all of her address:
Mrs. Louraine Robertson
P.O. Box 88858
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657-8858
She also reminded the chapters that dues to the council are $.40/member up to a maximum of $200.00.
At this time, President Marvin stated that he would send a thank-you letter to LTC Palm for her efforts and then asked that the Chapter reports be given.
It is time for Chapter dues. Please try to pay dues early. It is only $.40 per person with a limit of $200 as of October of last year. Example: If you have 357 members, the dues are 357 x $.40 =142.80. Send them to Our Treasurer, Louraine Robertson at :
PO Box 8858
Horseshoe Bay, Texas, 78657-8858
Vice President Spencer Smith was called to the podium. VP Smith called for the chapters to call on him when they need assistance in recruitment. He suggested that potential members should be engaged in such a way to explain to them how MOAA and their membership in the Chapters can mean much to them monetarily, particularly where it concerns concurrent receipt and benefits to their spouses. VP Smith then called upon CPT John Biggerstaff to give the first report. President Marvin spoke beforehand, though, emphasizing the importance of the Chapters in forming legislative activity to support veterans. He further requested that the Chapters provide current information to the Secretary with information as to who the officers are and who their contacts are. He told those attending that he had assigned Chapters in Distress to the officers to work on this project.
Northeast Texas TX-23, John Biggerstaff, President, reported that they have been having success at recruitment. They announced a meeting and invited potential members to this meeting and have signed up 21 new members. They are going to continue this strategy this year. There are 66 non-affiliated members in the area that they are going to try to recruit. Personal Affairs is extremely important. He gave the example of a widow who called 11 months after the death of her husband and had not gotten any monies from the military during that time since she did not know what to do. He got all back pay for the widow and continuing compensation. His members are beginning to get the idea that Personal Affairs is important to the membership. He is looking to provide training for his new members and officers so that they will know what they need to do where MOAA, the Texas Council and the local are concerned. He is faced with both apathy on the part of potential members and the rural nature of where they live.
Abilene Area Chapter TX-01, David Wilson, Chaplain, reported new officers sworn in this month. Bernie Taylor is the new President, 2nd Vice President is the Base Commander, which is quite a coup and they are working on more active duty officers. Invited all to come to Abilene in August.
Lone Star Chapter (LSOC) - Greater Fort Worth TX-11 COL Jim Costin reported: Lone Star Chapter November meeting, conducted at Desert Storm Conference Center was another success! Another large turnout enjoyed an outstanding Italian dinner, elected LSOC 2004 Officers, and received an informative presentation by associates of Town Village Ridgmar Independent Community For Active Seniors.
One hundred twenty-five LSOC members, spouses, and guests attended our function of the year...LSOC's formal Christmas dinner/dance. Considered one our most outstanding Christmas chapter meetings, the function was held at the NAS FTW/Joint Reserve Base Desert Storm Conference Center. President Col. Jim Costin presented the membership the LSOC annual report, and formally installed LSOC 2004 Officers. 2004 LSOC Officers are: Lt. Col. Jim Nerger, President; CWO Wallace Posey, 1st Vice President; Maj. Betty Hunter, 2nd Vice President; Cdr. John Whitsell, Secretary; and Lt. Col. "Ol Reliable" Jim Boyd, Treasurer. Buzz Murphy's seven-piece dance band provided the music and beef round was the main course. Suffice to say all enjoyed a great evening.
Lone Star Chapter concluded a very successful 2003. First order of business was change of our Chapter name to Lone Star Officers Club. All administrative and business requirements associated with orderly transition from TROA to MOOA were completed by March 03. Next and continuing order of business was formulation of required initiatives/actions to ensure continued Chapter vitality. Several innovations were instituted to support that vitality and ensure proper/effective continuity of chapter operation. As 2003 concluded new fiscal controls had been instituted, membership was up and attendance at chapter meetings had increased by over 20%. Some of the successful mechanisms and innovations conceived/instituted during 2003 were detailed in November TCC Minutes.
2004 was kicked off with another well attended and successful chapter meeting held at the newly renovated Green Oaks Hotel (GOH). As usual, the GOH Staff did an outstanding job accommodating LSOC. Highlight of the evening was a presentation by Commander NAS DFW/JRB, and fellow MOAA member, Capt. Paul Paine. Capt. Paine detailed current NAS/JRB unit/base missions, ongoing operations, and future unit/facility plans/concerns. The presentation added emphasis to the requirement for chapter members to continue active involvement in legislative initiatives identified by MOAA as well as others directly affecting active duty, Reserve, Guard, and retired personnel.
North DFW TX-31 Bob Little, President reported that a new board of directors had been installed at their last meeting and had amended their by-laws so that past presidents can remain on the board of directors. Lost 15-20 members in the last year. They now have about 90 members and are trying to recruit new members. Trying to recruit new members, but having difficulty in doing so since they have other priorities. They are using a free first year membership to the local chapter as an incentive to join. Dave Maynard is publishing a great newsletter that they are using as a recruiting tool. Another recruiting tool is using business cards with the chapter numbers just to get the name out. Chapter has just applied and received 501c19 status. This proved to be easy to do.
The chapter is presently supporting one ROTC and seven jrROTC chapters with a $500. scholarship and presentation of MOAA medals. May raise this to two $500. awards in the future. Have established a unit award grant of $400. for any project or program which will benefit the organization. Donated $250.00 to MOAA scholarship fund this year. Of the eight ROTC units supported, seven of the senior instructors are members of the local chapter. This tends to keep them in the loop. They invite one of the jrROTC schools to act as their color guard at each meeting.
Greater Dallas TX-03 Charles Gibbs, Immediate Past President reporting: Chapter has closed the year in reasonably good shape. Christmas dinner party was held and new chapter officers were elected and installed at this meeting. COL Lyle Metsler is the President. He could not attend because of moving to a new house. They are completing their membership drive. They presently have 441 members. They are going to have a luncheon meeting to accommodate new members. They have created a Personal Affairs Department organized by Wally Williamson and Bobl Rymal and it has been functioning well and has been well received. They are doing a fine job. Personal Affairs is a significant part of all of their meetings and was set up as a result of the Kansas City meeting.
Bud Schneeweis from MOAA National will be their speaker for the 2/24 meeting. They have an active scholarship program in the chapter which is dynamic and growing.
Their chapter website had cobwebs, but it has recently been updated. He recommended that MOAA National is a good source of help in updating these websites.
Heart of Texas TX-07 COL Jimmie W. Hanes, Jr. reported that his Chapter was glad to have been able to sponsor this 1st Qtr Texas Council meeting. The Chapter will be hosting a golf tournament in May 2004. The tournament will be followed by a Bar-B-Q. Jimmie commented that he had asked each member to provided the names of at least three potential members. He then plans to write individual letters to each to try and get them to join.
San Antonio TX-16 Col Ed McCarthy reported that things had been relatively quiet in San Antonio due to the holidays. Had some activity in Personal Affairs and TOPS. The Chapter is becoming involved in working with some 200+ Guard and Reservists that are presently at Ft. Sam for evaluation of burns or orthopedic problems. The troop center that is being provided for them is only minimally providing activity for them and the Chapter is trying to help work up different activities for them to participate in to keep them busy during long periods of down time.
The Chapter is now considering names to replace the SAROA name. This change is coming probably in October. The Chapter has also identified that many retired military have no idea as to what their benefits are and it is our charge to inform them. The Chapter is also in the midst of its membership campaign.
San Antonio will be the host of the MOAA Annual meeting November 18-19, 2005.
Highland Lakes TX-08 LT Gene Robbins, immediate past President, was asked to make the Chapter report since the new President, John Anderson, had to attend a funeral. The Chapter had its meeting in November with an election of officers. John Anderson was elected President, Virginia Alloway, 1st Vice President, she will be the program chairman; Jaime Palm, 3rd Vice President, meeting arrangements; Vi Jimenez, Secretary; no candidate could be found for 2nd VP Membership, so John Anderson has accepted that task in addition to that of President. Louraine Robertson is the Treasurer. Membership dues have been increased from $10. to $12. Appointed an audit committee and recognized past Presidents and members. Annual Dinner dance in December had a good turnout. Had a big band and served prime rib. Ed Marvin installed the new officers at that time. Have 103 members. Currently working on project to prepare members for TAPS.
Rose Capital TX-25 LTC Addie Lux Gustafson reported that she had discovered that they had not paid their dues in 2003 or for 2004. She will take care of this upon her return. She also suggested that it had been some time since the Chapter had sponsored a meeting of the Texas Council. It appears that 2004 dates are taken, but she will suggest that they host a date in 2005. The Chapter had their Christmas dinner at the Women's building and have concluded that they will have all future meeting there because the take such good care of them. Officers will be installed in February. Mr. Albert Scott was recognized as being a World War II veteran. In June of 2003, Mr. Scott attended the 50th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion and was recognized by the French government, along with other veterans, with a special certificate and a specially struck medal. His unit has been holding yearly reunions for over 50 years and he and many others in his group are still acting as leaders. In addition, Mr. Jack Noland is a Korean War Veteran Pilot and is very active in the Chapter. Mr. Leo Berman, State Representative, is also a member who represents the district and attends all meetings in full dress uniform. His wife is a full professor at the university, who is a very active chapter member.
At the conclusion of the Chapter Reports, President Marvin thanked them for the reports.
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He then introduced the Immediate Past President of the Texas Council, Col Virginia Alloway for comments.
Col Alloway commented on a couple of chapters who castigated National MOAA during the 4th QTR meeting for not passing on information. Unfortunately, she said, this information that they were requesting was information that has to come from the Chapters and not the National. It is apparent that the Chapters have become very remiss in not keeping information up to date. She is probably as guilty as anyone else, however, it is incumbent on our representatives to get the information back to the membership. Many members do not have e-mail and it is important that information get to them via other means.
The TCC website and newsletter are being submitted to National for recognition.
Chapters in distress are of concern. Corpus Christi Chapter, which is in distress, may be invited to join the new chapter, North Coastal Bend, in order to keep that chapter viable. Other chapters in distress are Midland, Corpus Christi, Lubbock and Texarkana. We don't know what is going on with Texarkana since they will not communicate with the Council.
President Marvin's secretary, Vici, was presented with a gift certificate at the last quarterly meeting for her work on the TCC activities over a four year period. She sent a thank-you note, which was given to the Secretary. Also the TCC contributed to the MOAA scholarship fund and a thank-you was received for that. She will talk with President Marvin after the meeting to give him pointers regarding the TCC and its board of directors.
A suggestion was made that the President of the TCC write a letter to each of the Chapters to inform them of what the TCC does, where information can be located, etc. This can be used as a recruiting tool. Major Cunningham pointed out that the Chapters need to go onto the MOAA website and update their information. This is a simple thing to do and once done, he requested that a copy of this be sent to him on jimbob48@sbcglobal.net. Col Alloway emphasized that this must be done and kept current.
Future dates were discussed.
President Marvin recognized Nelson Ringmacher of the North DFW Chapter who has helped along with Bill Manno in developing the TCC Webpage. He asked Bill to address progress on the website. Bill told everyone that we now had a dedicated domain for the website which can be found under Texas-MOAA.org and it is also linked to the National website. There is also the ability to have the website forward e-mails to individual Chapter officers. Historical copies of the newsletter are on the website. It was also suggested that a calendar of events be added. All were in agreement that this should be done. Col McCarthy, SAROA, asked if a hit register had been put on the site. The answer was no, but it is thought that the site is looked at quite often.
President Marvin recognized Jim Lucas for his superb work on the MOAA Texan newsletter and the fact that it has been submitted to MOAA National for recognition. Jim was asked to talk about the newsletter and what he needs from the Chapters. Jim requested that he get more articles and input from the TCC Chapters. He is getting TCC Officer information, but needs more from the Chapters. Deadlines for the newsletter are generally three to four weeks after the Quarterly meeting, but her would prefer to get them as early as possible.
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Gil Rodriguez presented a talk on benefits offered to veterans via the Texas Land Board, which we learned about at the Texas Veterans Commission meeting in Austin on January 21st. The meeting was conducted by Mr. James Nier is the Executive Director of the TVC and Leonard Barraza who is the chairman of the TVC and the Honorable Jerry Patterson, who is the Commissioner of the Texas Land Board. Mr Glen M. Gardner, Jr who is the Chairman of the Texas Coalition of Veterans was also there. Mr. Gardner has the ear of the Governor and the Legislator.
The Land Board programs are very attractive to Veterans, but don't seem to be generally well known. We have brought many brochures and a CD, which we would like to have each Chapter take back with them.
The Texas Veterans Land Board has four veterans assistance programs. These are:
Qualifications for these programs are:
1. 90 days or more on active duty; or 2. been a member of the National Guard or Reserves: 3. or have qualified in
the Guard or Reserve for retirement at 20 years or more of service; or 4. or
served in the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam from February 28, 1961
through May 7, 1975; or 5. or have served after September 16,
1940; or 6. have listed Texas as a home of record upon enlistment; or 7. been a
resident of Texas, at least one year prior to application; or 8. Any previous
loans in the loan program must have been successfully been repaid; or 9. be the
unmarried spouse of a Texas Veteran, who is missing in action, killed in the
line of duty or died of a service connected cause. There are additional program
discounts available that can reduce the interest costs. A veteran can use these
programs multiple times, but cannot have more than one loan in each area at one
time.
Gil went through all of the programs in detail and the following is a summary of each:
All of this information can be found on the website www.texasveterans.com or by calling (800) 252-VETS.
There was some discussion regarding the merit of these programs.
President Marvin stated that we had come to the end of the agenda and asked if there was any other business that needed to be taken up. There being none, the meeting was adjourned with the request that all communicate with Major Dexter Lyerly of the El Paso Chapter as to their intent to attend the 2nd Quarterly Meeting of TCC on 16/17 April so that he can complete his planning. Dexter's e-mail is (dlyerlya@elp.rr.com) and his commercial number is 915-585-9619.
I would like to make a small request from our readers.
If any one has items of interest for our readers please take a few minutes and transmit it to me via E-mail at JJLU4923@sbcglobal.net. Also, Take pictures at your Clubs activities and send them to me for publication.
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