[Lou Dechert Note: Due to information received after President Ferris sent his letter, I have made some changes in his letter... my edits are in RED. ltd ]

28 September, 2004

To all Chapter Presidents and Commanders:

I have just returned from Knoxville Tennessee where the annual membership conference and convention was held. I wish to report that it was the finest conference I have attended since taking office as National Director. Our new President Lou Dechert did an outstanding job of coordinating the conference.

Harley Coon has come to grips with the situation and has turned over approximately $450,000.00 of investments that should have been transferred last July 25th in Dayton Ohio. It was approved by the membership, 89-5, that we would resort to the 2000 bylaws, until the Bylaw Committee can revisit the bylaws and update them properly. Civil Legal Counsel informed us that this is necessary due to the improper changing of the bylaws subsequent to the enacting of the 2000 Bylaws.

This is a large step in the right direction. One of the items that came up was Sherman Pratt's opinions. As you recall as long as three years ago I said that Harley Coon is not listening to his JAG. I told him repeatedly to pay attention to what Sherm Pratt was telling him especially when it came to Harley running for a third term. Sherm at that time advised Harley that he did not change the bylaws correctly to allow him a third term. Harley said that Sherm was only the JAG and he did not have to abide by his decisions.  Ironically our civil lawyer told us at the meeting that his recommendation to resort to the old bylaws was based on the opinions of Sherman Pratt. I felt vindicated and elated.

I do not have the total amount of assets that were turned over and as soon as I receive that figure I will let you know or you will read it in the Graybeards. I have developed a new budget for 2005 and that too will be in the Graybeards. There were many other subjects attended to but too lengthy for this memo.

The regional meetings I held in Middletown and Waterloo were very successful. If you and your members wish for me to hold another meeting soon to discuss the National situation let me know and I will arrange to do that.

We are off and running and the KWVA is in good shape for a change.

I remain for the good of the organization.

Jim Ferris, President NY Dept.
National Director