Update on Membership Office Changes

The incorporation of the KWVA in New York state--and the Bylaws--have always stated that we would establish a headquarters in the Washington, DC area. There have been numerous Bylaws changes over the years. During my Administration two virtual rewrites of the Bylaws took place. One constant through all of the years is that the members have always voted to retain the DC Office requirement.

The Executive Council (now Board of Directors) meeting in February 2004 discussed establishing and opening the office and the costs of operations. They voted, and directed, that the office would be established and opened in the same building where we are now finally opening an office.

Concurrently, with the move of the current KWVA database operations, we are changing our computer system to a fully protected system, with a contract that will not exceed present costs. Actually several changes have been underway since the Knoxville Convention, 2004, when the Executive Council approved data base software improvements. One of the most noticeable changes is that our long-time employee, Nancy Monson, has chosen not to work at the new location. We thank her for her past service to the KWVA and wish her well in her future endeavors.

The Board has every expectation that current actions will result in greater accountability in membership and finances, as well as enhance efforts to obtain a federal charter while making better use of our very limited resources.

(12/13/06)

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I CAN ANNOUNCE THAT THE KWVA CAPITOL AREA OFFICE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND THAT WE HAVE OBTAINED AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL TO WORK WITH US THERE.

Mrs. William Weber, Annelie, wife of Colonel Bill Weber, the Director of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, has assumed her duties as the Executive Assistant in our Capitol office.

Annelie brings great experience to our organization. She has been a staffer on Capitol Hill and was the editor of The Commemorator for the Department of Defense during the 50th Commemoration Years.

The phones and FAX are now working in the new location and we can all call and welcome Annelie as the office begins operations.

I trust that this summary of office events will assist you in having answers to some of the questions you may be receiving from members and various other sources.

New Mailing and Email Addresses:

1. US Postal Mailing Address:
   Korean War Veterans Association,
   PO Box 22857
   Alexandria, VA 22304-9285

2. KWVA Membership Email Address: Membership@kwva.org
   Use this email address to report changes in Department, Chapter and Member information or to get information concerning same.

The new office telephone and FAX numbers are:

1. Phone Calls: 703-461-0061

2. FAX: 703-461-0062

A bit early, but I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you,

Louis T Dechert
National President and Chairman of the Board

(Posted 11/22/06, updated 12/13/06)