FTVA Board Meeting Minutes — 16 Aug 2024

1. The FTVA Board of Directors met at the Gateway Club, Lackland AFB, on 16 August 2024. At 1258 PM, President Bill Brockmiller determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Members in attendance: Bill Brockmiller (President), Pepito Figueroa (Vice President), Andy Smith (Treasurer), Evan Smith (Secretary), Ted Colquhoun, Ken Williams, A.J. Harrison, J.J. Graham (Heritage Chapter), Roy Burnett, Lee Anthony, Dennis Buxton, Paul Turner, John “Tilly” Tillson (Aloha Chapter), and Dan Martin.
2. Andy provided a Treasurer’s report and advised of the need to re-sign the SSFCU paperwork. Additionally, he noted that we should have another Debit Card holder so as not to have a single point of failure. Pepito agreed to become a cardholder and they made arrangements to meet at SSFCU to set it up.
3. Anniversary events update.
   1. Bill advised that he’d sent the formal request for Lt Gen Hensley to be the guest speaker to the front office. If he is unavailable, hopefully the Vice Commander will be designated.
   2. Bill is in touch with the NAF Booster Club to see what will be the best option for the Picnic this year. Last year the food truck “lost” money even though the FTVA provided some funding support. A.J. reminded everyone that last year the NAF’s designation of the picnic as a place of duty came extremely late; need to advise the NAF POC once designated to prevent it from happening again. Hope to have an answer back from the Booster Club by this coming week. Open item.

C. Hall of Honor. Back-up location is the Gateway Club; 60 days out, need staff engagement ASAP. We hope to learn who the guest speaker will be this coming week, and then NAF support should start moving. It was noted that the on-going Air Force re-organization has been occupying the staff, and that will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. If the CC is the guest speaker, there is a good possibility that the BALA Auditorium will be the event forum. Open item.

1. Security Office can provide the form to get uncleared individuals into the building if events are held in the BALA. Evan will check with SO to get an advance copy of the form to prevent the mad scramble that occurred last year with Ted having to hand-jam the names on the form the day of the event.
2. 5K is a NAF event. It’ll be up to the NAF to decide if they wish to hold one this year. In the past we have provided some funds for T-shirts. Last year there was no 5K. Open item.
3. Golf. All is on-track. Ted confirmed that per Bob Benitez, the cost this year will be $61. Still a good deal.
4. Memorial Ceremony. Location preference would be outside at the EC-

47. Last year it was held in-doors in the BALA. This year’s alternate

location will be the LAFB Parade Field Bomb Run, if HoH is conducted at the club. Open item.

1. Brock will check with PA this coming week to confirm they have the checklist and to see what, if any, planning has commenced.
2. Tilly inquired about whether the escort would reach out in advance to Hoppy’s family to coordinate post-arrival details. Lee addressed the process and will appoint an appropriate escort. Tilly suggested Ras would be a good choice. Lee will engage with him on it.

1. Other Business:
   1. Web Updates. Dan asked for all of the Board Meeting minutes to be posted to the web. They are helpful for when he’s compiling the history.
   2. Vigilant Partners. Discussed Barn taking over the program and the need to engage with her to ensure she has all of the program history and is aware of the Board Meeting times and location. Brock will engage with her next week. Mutley received a check for $975 from ret Col Tony Jensen and will mail to Andy to be deposited.
   3. Selection of Officers. At this year’s General Annual Membership meeting, votes will need to be taken to confirm Pepito as the V.P., and Andy as the Treasurer as they took the posts out-of-cycle. Additionally Evan’s term as Secretary is coming to a close and nominees should be solicited for the post, and a voted taken at the meeting.
   4. Brian Cook and Toby were suggested as possible future guest speakers to be considered.
   5. Brock offered the last meeting minutes for approval. Motion made and carried.
   6. Ted noted that next year’s Anniversary Events would be 16-18 Oct, if the current schedule holds.
   7. Pepito advised that he’ll be pushing out the initial e-mail to the membership with contact information. Once sent a PDF version will be posted behind the firewall on the FTVA page. He recommended a proviso be included in the RIT about it recommending members provide at least a good e-mail address and home state for the list.
   8. Tilly advised that the Aloha Chapter is ecstatic over Hoppy’s selection to the Hall of Honor. Hoppy’s wife, son, and daughter are expected to attend.
   9. Lee noted that he’d sent the HoH list with biographies to Lt Gen Hensley as a courtesy and that the General had a number of questions about the selection process. He was happy with the list and satisfied with Lee’s explanation of the selection process. Lee will be looking for escorts for the selectees or designated reps. Lee will work the plaques and short bios, all in all in good shape.
   10. Ted advised the Banquet Cost would be $40 this year.
   11. Dennis noted that RIT inputs are due by 1 Sept, but earlier is always better.
       1. Ken William noted he’d been the guest speaker recently at a Misawa Partnership event. Their membership has dwindled from several hundred to just 75. This relates to FTVA declining membership. Lots of similar organizations facing the same challenges.

1. JJ provided an update on the Heritage Chapter. They’re excited about Ed’s selection to the HoH. It’s still up in the air as to whether his wife or son will be accepting the award. He expressed his gratitude for those who attended his retirement ceremony. They are hoping to get the travelling Vietnam Memorial Wall again this year. If successful, it’ll be at Ft. Concho once again. Wayne Bascom is looking for a copy of the FTVA Constitution. Roy will confirm that it is available on the web.
2. Next meeting is scheduled for 20 Sept.

1. Brock adjourned the meeting at 1414L.