Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.

Korean War and Korea Defense Veterans... A Continuity of Service in the Defense of Freedom
Incorporated June 14, 1985… Chartered by Congress June 30, 2008


 

Minutes Summary

KWVA Membership Meeting

September 24, 2004
Knoxville Hilton
Knoxville, Tennessee


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NOTE: These minutes are provided AS RECEIVED FOR PUBLICATION.  Any corrections or changes should be sent, in writing, to the Corporate Secretary as they are noticed.  Minutes will be corrected and approved at the next meeting of the body to which they pertain.

The Corporate Secretary is:
Don Duquette, Secretary, The KWVA
41 Overlook Drive
Centerville, MA 02632-3338
Ph 508.775.6155
kwvasecretary@comcast.net

NOTE: It is important to bear in mind that this is a summary of the actions taken AT the KWVA Membership Meeting.  An official, verbatim transcript will be available at a later date.


President Louis Dechert called the meeting to order at 1:45 p.m.

John Sonley, Sergeant-at-Arms, called for the presentation of the colors by the Tennessee Volunteer Veterans Honor Guard and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Second Vice President Byron Dickerson offered the invocation.

Sergeant-at-Arms Sonley offered a prayer for POW-MIA.

The Sergeant-at-Arms counted the audience to verify a quorum. President Dechert stated he was happy to announce that the requirement for a quorum had been met. There are 113 in attendance at this meeting.

Dechert asked that persons who wished to make a presentation at the meeting step to the microphone in the center aisle and state their name before beginning discussion.

Secretary Don Duquette called the roll:

Present:

President Louis Dechert
First Vice President Richard Adams
Second Vice President Byron Dickerson
Director Harley Coon
Secretary Don Duquette
Director Lee Dauster
Director James Ferris
Director James Jones
Director William Mac Swain
Director Larry McKinniss
Director Bob Morga
Director Warren Wiedhahn

Absent:

Director Stanley Grogan, with excused absence
Director Dorothy Wenzel, excused--subject to review

President Dechert introduced Charley Price (Acting Judge Advocate), Attorney Jimmy Faircloth, CPA Boyle Henderson, Assistant Parliamentarian Jake Feaster and many others.

Guests:

Dr. Tom Kim: Welcomed the veterans to the city and thanked American veterans for their service to Korea.

Mr. Charles Jones, Knox County Mayor's representative and Veterans Service Officer, invited attendees to visit the Korean War Monument donated by the people of Korea.

Eugene Chin Yu: I am here to honor the Korean War veterans who fought to offer democracy to Korea against communism. You are the men who drew the line in the sand--you are the ones who made the first big step. I salute you for a job well done. Thanks and may God continue to bless America.

Yu introduced the designer of the Korean war Medal which was distributed. Medals were presented to all who had not previously received one.

Dechert: Thanked Mr. Yu for the medals and the monument in Augusta, Georgia.

The meeting recessed at 2:40.

Dechert reconvened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. The Sergeant-at-arms reconfirmed that a quorum was present.

Dechert: Concerning our previous speaker, Korea has just completed deploying 2,900 troops in northern Iraq.


Federal Charter:

Robert Banker (Maryland): On trips back to Korea we were pleased to see what that country has become. I am truly impressed and I say that our comrades have not died in vain.

He presented the following written report:

Good afternoon, I am Bob Banker, President of the Maryland Chapter and with me is Carl Collier, our 1st Vice President. We are here as delegates from the chapter in support of all efforts to achieve a Federal Charter for the Korean War Veterans Association. Thank you for including us on your agenda. Packets of material (containing this report) were distributed to you for your review so that you can be aware of our activities in this arena. You will see that we have not been idle. Indeed since our chapter meeting on January 21st this year we have fully focused our determination, time and energies on keeping the Federal Charter ball rolling.

My letter to Col. Charles Price, summarizes our activities. Since that time, I have received a copy of a press release from the joint offices of Senator Paul Sarbanes, MD, Congressman Steny Hoyer, MD, and Congressman James Walsh, NY. These legislators have proved themselves to be most friendly to our cause. Congressman Walsh is currently the lead sponsor of HR 1043, however, Congressman Hoyer initiated the original Federal Charter Bill in 1999. Senator Sarbanes has assisted the process by adding an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization Bill to provide for a Federal Charter. Unfortunately, in past years a similar amendment was deleted due to the influence and recommendation of the House Judiciary Committee. This year may reflect the same disappointing pattern if we do not voice our strong support directly to congress. I do not believe that we can afford to simply sit back and wait for approval to be given. If there is any matter before Congress that is worthy of our strong support it is the amendment sponsored by Senator Sarbanes and approved by the Senate.

I understand that other congressional personnel have indicated that the next Congressional term may prove successful, but there are no guarantees. I also understand that there are some conflicting problems within the KWVA and, if that is the case they should be resolved rapidly and without delay. Yet the amendment in the Senate version of the Defense Authorization Bill is here and now and if it survives in the final version of the bill, our quest has been met.

We believe that our Maryland Chapter can provide valuable assistance to Col. Price. When we commenced work on HR 1043 in January of this year, there were 110 co-sponsors and, as of September 22nd there are 153--an increase of 39% in a seven month period. The support of those co-sponsors on both sides of the political spectrum, forms the foundation for more fruitful discussions with ranking Members of Congress. Of course, it is possible that the proposed amendment may fail and, in that case, we should be prepared with an alternate plan.

We recommend the following:

  • make the Amendment, as described above, a priority;
     
  • initiate contact with the Chairman of the House Committee and the minority leader; followed by contact with their Senate counterparts;
     
  • review the regulations of the Judiciary Committee. They currently forego the granting of any Federal Charter, not just at this time, but at any future time. We believe that our nationwide survey, which uncovered some discriminatory rules and regulations in 24% of the states, may help to change some points of view; and
     
  • continue the efforts of the Maryland Chapter to solicit additional co-sponsors.

The use of contacts with the ranking majority leadership, of course, could prove to be the most powerful factor of all.

Please know that whatever decision of the National KWVA in this matter, the Maryland Chapter will diligently cooperate with all concerned and do whatever necessary to work toward a Federal Charter for the KWVA. Thank you.


Revisit Program:

Warren Weidhahn: Asked for a show of hands of those who had taken advantage of the Revisit Program. Many indicated that they had.

The eligibility requirements have been changed:

  1. 1. A veteran of the Korean War and/or a war corespondent of any of the 21 nations which came to the assistance of the Republic of Korea between 25 June 1950 and 25 October 1954.
     
  2. 2. An immediate family member of one who was killed in action in the Korean War.

Note: You are permitted to take a spouse or one immediate descendent with you to Korea. You may not take a sister, brother, companion or friend.

The program has been extended indefinitely in the interest of good will. Application blanks were offered.


Approval of July 2003 Minutes:

Secretary Don Duquette: Presented Minutes of last Membership Meeting (July 2003) as previously printed in The Graybeards.

Dechert: Are there any additions or corrections? If there are no corrections, the minutes are correct as read.


Treasurer's Report:

Treasurer Clyde Durham: The financial report will of necessary be brief simply because of the change over. As there are still unresolved matters from the old administration, I can only report what has happened during the new administration. Prior to today, we only had information as of July 31, 2004. That's when we opened the account. The end of the month balance was $19,679.54 in checking, $44,451.82 in savings. In the future we will have more accurate information as matters are turned over to the new administration.

McKinniss: The CD's he mentioned are in government high yield.

Walter Ade: What was the correct amount that was transferred?

Boyle Henderson, CPA: $1000.00 and $57,000 were the initial accounts. The operating accounts. They were transferred to pay bills. This morning we got a Smith Barney investment account, dated August 29, 2004, which is valued at $485,442.78. We are attempting to assemble bookkeeping through 2003 and will be transferring this information. You will get a year end statement.

MOTION: Roger Haas moved to accept the Treasurer's Report. Paul Shook second. The motion carried.


Election report:

The July 12, 2004, report of Michael D. Witherspoon, CPA, who verified election results was as follows:

This year I set up the tabulation to get separate totals for POW, PO LP, LC, LR Members which is column Life and R0, CO Members which is column RO below:

For President (Vote for ONE) Life RO Total
 Official Count
Jack Edwards 869 884 1,753
J.D. Randolph 195 231 426
Louis T. Dechert, Sr. 944 1,163 *2,107
       

For 1st Vice President (Vote for ONE)

     
Donald M. Byers 825 866 1,691
Charles A. Stephan 203 223 426
Richard L. Adams 951 1,175 *2,126
       

For 2nd Vice President (Vote for ONE)

     
Michael E. Mahoney 802 814 1,616
Bryon W. Dickerson 1,151 1,433 *2,584
       

For Director (Vote no more than FIVE)

     
Kenneth B. Cook 798 844 1,642
Harley J. Coon 908 983 *1,891
John (Jack) Delap 776 832 1,608
Paul W. Sutphin 464 479 943
James K. Hall 599 682 1,281
Harry L. Rawley 339 350 689
Bob Morga 909 1,154 *2,063
Edward L. Cutler 738 948 1,686
Dean B. McClain 1,027 1,246 *2,273
E. Lee Dauster 1,081 1,301 *2,382
       
Referendum Options:      
No consecutive term maximum 291 310 601
2 consecutive terms maximum 1,121 1,327 *2,448
3 consecutive terms maximum 230 245 475

*-Denotes Winners.

There were 37 ballots received from members that had not paid their dues and were not counted. There were 130 ballots received that did not include member label and member number and were not counted.

Thirty-two ballots voted for more than 4 directors. One ballot voted for more than one referendum item. One ballot voted for more than one 2nd Vice President. These ballots were tabulated in other areas that did not exceed the stipulations.

I (Witherspoon) am prepared to store these ballots for up to one year to allow time for any challenges, verifications, recounts, or legal proceedings. I still desire a written direction from the Board of Directors that said ballots can be destroyed.

It is always a pleasure to serve you. I wish each the best.

Ed Buckman: I would like to have copy sent to each chapter.

Dechert: Asked that the individual chapters please disseminate the information. (As the results are herewith published, all members will be informed of the official results.)


Web Site:

Dechert: The web site is now up and running under the old name.


2005 Reunion:

Dickerson: presented the proposals for the reunions for the years 2005 and 2006 and the action of the Executive Council.

Roger Haas: What are the towns?

Dickerson: Fredericksburg, Texas and Alexandria, Louisiana.

MOTION: Haas moved that the decision for the site and dates of the 2005 and 2006 reunions be granted to the Executive Council. Buckman seconded.

Approved by voice vote.


Budget and Finance:

Ferris presented the following budget:

Income:  
Membership   $240,000.00
Donations   25,000.00
Interest   20,000.00
Advertising   10,000.00
Total Income $295,000.00
     
Expenses:    
Miscellaneous   $ 5,000.00
Advertising   2,000.00
Telephone   5,000.00
Office Supplies   4,000.00
Insurance   15,000.00
Graybeards   130,000.00
Legal Fees   4,000.00
VSVA Representative   1,500.00
Meeting Expenses   32,000.00

(Includes annual Convention of approx $12,000)

Nominatory Elections   3,000.00
Editor   250.00
Bank Service Charges   500.00
Postage   2,000.00
Chapter Expense   7,000.00
Nancy Monson   30,000.00
(Membership Office)    
Nancy Monson   3,000.00
(Software Up-grade)    
Accounting Fees   6,000.00
President's Travel Fund   10,000.00
1st Vice President Travel Fund   2,500.00
2nd Vice President Travel Fund   2,500.00
Annual Dues IFKWVA   100.00
  Total Budget 2004 (past administration)   $299,200.00
  Total Budget 2005 (new administration)   $265,350.00
     

This is merely a budget and can be modified at any time by the Executive Council. It is an estimate based on past history as far as I can ascertain.

Preparing the budget was difficult because I did not have previous year's actual income and expenses available. Total income will be approximately $270,000. Some expenses were reduced because we will not have rental for Washington, DC office, Beavercreek office, contract labor, repairs and maintenance of the Beavercreek Office, etc. The Executive Council recommended increases for legal and accounting fees which are reflected in the above figures.

MOTION: Blake Hill moved acceptance of the budget. George Czynewski second.

Approved by voice vote.


Membership:

McClain: I am excited at the opportunity to be membership chairman. We received approximately five new members in this area.

Will ask all chapters to take part expanding and forming new chapters throughout the states and asked that an all out effort be made.

Current membership figures prepared by Nancy Monson (dated September 15, 2004, are:

Total this date on active mailing list 16,896

Those who do not pay annual dues:

Life Members (active) 6,915
Others:    
Medal of Honor   22
Gold Star   44
Complimentary   20
Total   86
     

Those who pay dues annually:

Regular Members @ $20.00 annually 9,473
Associate Members @ $12.00 annually   422


Activities:

In August 2004, a letter was sent to those members we had lost during 2002 and 2003 along with a reminder for those whose dues would become delinquent at some date during 2004 (all totaling approximately 4,000). As a result we received the following:

Life members - 54
Reinstating members - 580

Arthur Mullins: We have a chapter here in Knoxville.

Mahoney: Questioned the disposition of DD-214's.

Dechert: They are a confidential document and will always be treated that way.

Jack Edwards was commended for two years of diligent work on membership.


Bylaws:

Mac Swain: The Executive Council recommends the application of the 2000 bylaws as the rules under which we will function. This was done because the past Judge Advocate (Sherman Pratt) ruled that three previous amendments were not proper. Also present Acting Judge Advocate Charley Price ruled the same. Legal Counsel also ruled that these changes were not proper. Therefore a motion was passed to revert to the 2000 bylaws. We will now take all motions approved by the Executive Council and incorporate them back into the bylaws properly. The only one thrown out is the term limits. This is not because they are wrong but because Executive Council did not approve them. It was overwhelming that the members wanted to return to the two year term limit. You received a letter asking for any member, chapter, or state department to submit changes for the bylaws. The 2002 bylaws will be on website so you can check them. Any library will pull it up for up for you to print same.

Feaster: The September-October 2000 issue of The Graybeards contains the 2000 bylaws. The standard procedure manual will also be on the web page. This will be helpful for all to operate on the same wave length.

Mac Swain: We will try to take all amendments and put them in The Graybeards as soon as possible so you can look at them. As more are received (before January 31st) the committee will reproduce them for the next Council meeting. Then the Council can approve for presentation to you in the fall. With respect to the 75 members for a quorum, we went against the bylaws when we solicited ballot votes. We would like to have this all straightened out by next year. We need bylaws that we can read and understand.

Feaster: Bylaws say how changes will be made and you can't alter that.

Jordan Czynewski: Can I tell my chapter they do not have to be a national member to be a chapter member? (No response.)

Clyde Hooks: In minutes of previous meeting there were certain matters that were to be voted on at this meeting such as changing Chapter "president" to "commander," etc. Is that not to take place?

Price: It was not printed as a separate consideration "change to the bylaws". That is not sufficient for the members to recognize a change and therefore not legal notice.

McKinniss: You keep stating that we are under the 2000 bylaws. The membership has not voted on this.

MOTION: Moved by Haas and seconded by Dauster that the action of the Executive Council to revert to the 2000 bylaws for operation be approved.

Clyde Hook: Mr. Faircloth and Mr. Price, etc., made a good case why all these changes should be void. Majority of directors were convinced and they voiced in support.

Ray Toleno: If the bylaws were incorrectly adopted aren't they null and void. Then what are we discussing?

Action on motion: Out of 111 quorum: 89 stood in favor. 5 stood in opposition. 5 abstained.


Tell America:

Dick Adams: Discussed the Tell America program.

Discussion: There was considerable discussion regarding individual and chapter efforts with respect to the Tell America Program.

Other Business:

Harley Coon: I would like to say that Lou Dechert and I had a meeting and I would like to extend my support to the new president. I offer him my support. I believe he is on the right track. I made mistakes and he will make mistakes.

Thomas Gregory has been very ill and Howard Camp has also been very ill. I would like to suggest that a letter be sent to them.

Question from the floor: Is there a KWVA uniform?

Mahoney: The light blue jacket which is part of the uniform was advertised in the American Legion magazine as available from Haband for the price of $31.50.


Adjournment:

MOTION: It was moved that there being no further business discussed the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by voice vote and passed. The meeting adjourned with closing ceremonies and honors at approximately 5:15 p.m.

 

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Korean War Veterans Association
PO Box 407
Charleston, IL 61920

☏ (217) 345-4414

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