Minutes for 20 Mar 26
FTVA Board of Directors Meeting
- Call to order 1307L
- Quorum: Y
- Attendees: Figueroa/Rolirad via Zoom/Smith/Burnett Colquhoun/Martin/Radabaugh/Ken Williams (via Zoom)/JJ Graham (Heritage Chapter) /Brockmiller
- Introduce those present, in person and via Zoom
- Previous meeting minutes (Feb 26) Approved
- Treasurer’s Report/Update given and approved
- a. Pepito noted he wants to get the $75 to Andy for several hats
- Strategic
- a. Establishing new chapters – Omaha wants to be 1st and host part of the annual reunion. It was suggested to potentially get them with the Propwash Gang. Hurlburt next
- – Pepito to get info from Wasatch Chapter as they were the most recent.
- b. Review by-laws and amend as necessary (example, codify emeritus and establish chapters). Pepito will start pushing this, discussions with Col Cook (ret) to help get cyber involved
- c. Pepito talked to MSgt Estefany Ortiz-Hoban/Offutt AFB on 3/25/2026
- i. She is going to gauge Wing/Group/Squadron leadership interest in hosting veterans from Security Service and succeeding organizations to picnic, dinner, and plane tour (like we used to do when I was there). Picnics are highly attended by active duty Airmen
- 1. They have hosted local tour recently (to include plane tour) for local leaders civilian leaders and she has experience setting it up (EAL, Protocol, etc.)
- ii. If military leaders agree to support, told Estefany will get her in touch with Propwash Gang and MKs (oh wait, she and I are MKs…got that one covered)
- 1. She is very motivated…told me she has four years left and this tradition isn’t dying on her watch…love it!
- iii. Plenty of volunteers…key is leadership buy-in
- iv. We shared lessons learned from when I set those up over there (key is the aircraft tour with group pictures in front of plane)
- v. Recommended Aug or Oct…definitely not Sep due to our events
- vi. Stressed nice and steady is fine…we can plan for 2027 reunion instead if we’re too far into year already
- vii. She also volunteered to take lead on setting up local FTVA Chapter
- viii. Told her we need to “relearn” how to set up a chapter
- ix. Have to do it by book since we’re an official nonprofit
- x. Following up first week of April
- a. Establishing new chapters – Omaha wants to be 1st and host part of the annual reunion. It was suggested to potentially get them with the Propwash Gang. Hurlburt next
- Operational
- a. Attain services of Certified Public Accountant – virtually met with Debora Hartman, seemed to be Very knowledgeable and helpful.
- b. Membership software/IT support. Need to confirm it comes with its own app.
- c. Replacement for Ted Colquhoon (social events). Ted’s contributions, almost 20 years, have been numerous. Ted to approach one as a possible replacement
- d. Board recommended Steve contact Julie about replacing Ted
- e. Board attendees signed card for Bob and Debbie Cope 60th anniversary. Daniel Martin took great pics. Card and pics mailed
- f. JJ Graham presented Ted with nice memento on behalf of Heritage Chapter
- g. Replacement for Andy Smith (Treasurer) in time for observation through tax season. (Existing plans will put him OCONUS for reunion this year)
- h. Bill Brockmiller gave Pepito keys to shed. He will pass templates to requests for support to enable Roy and myself to get those turned in
- i. Pepito going to actively reach out to alumni such as Evan Smith /Cook, etc. to ensure they know they’re invited to meetings. Also even if they don’t attend meetings, want to pick their brains regularly.
- j. Coordinating Spring social
- i. Set dates – Possibly in conjunction with 16 AF Phoenix Games – since confirmed we can “tag along” and support
- ii. Set location – A lot of discussion, still considering Big’s
- iii. Set POC(s)
- Admin/Other
- a. Pepito gave a detailed summary of visit with the 16 AF Chief of Staff, Mr. Tim Hill (retired Army)
- i. Hall of Honor induction – in Building 2007 (BALA), Mr. Pohl as officiant
- ii. Remembrance Ceremony – at EC-47 (weather alternate in BALA, Mr. Pohl as officiant, FTVA is responsible putting the stands in place
- iii. Picnic – team with 16 AF Booster Club, they can reserve Stapleton park
- iv. Annual Membership meeting
- v. Banquet – Gateway reserved, will ask 16 AF/CC to be guest speaker
- a. Pepito gave a detailed summary of visit with the 16 AF Chief of Staff, Mr. Tim Hill (retired Army)
- Correspondence – None
- Around the room
- a. JJ Graham reported that the Heritage Chapter is doing well
- i. Preparing for their ceremony on 27 March
- ii. working on getting the “Wall that Heals” to stay on base o/a 20 April
- iii. 17 TRW/CC is working to get a static U-2 display
- iv. Tom Nurre will get inaugural “Service Beyond Service” award
- b. Remain In Touch inputs due 1 June
- a. JJ Graham reported that the Heritage Chapter is doing well
- Next meeting will be 17 April, 1300L
- Adjourn 1416L
Action Items
Joseph “Pepito” Figueroa:
- Get letters to 16 AF for their support for the annual reunion, including guest speaker.
- Consult with Scott Lawson to obtain example charter and guidelines for establishing new chapters; proceed with Omaha and Hurlburt Field chapter formation as appropriate
Roy Burnett:
- Update lifetime member cards with new shield and correct website/Facebook/LinkedIn links; distribute to new life members
- Add Hall of Honor nomination info on website frontpage
