FREEDOM THROUGH VIGILANCE ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 691616
San Antonio, Texas 78269-1616

1. OCTOBER 16, 2015 FTVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING:  After ascertaining that we had a quorum, Vice President Andy Smith called the meeting to order at 1330 hours in the SSFCU Board Room.

2. Attendance:

3. MINUTES of the August 2015 meeting were read and approved. 

4. TREASURER’S REPORT: Was read and filed for audit.

5. CHAPTER REPORTS:

1. ALAMO CHAPTER:  NTR
2. ALOHA CHAPTER:  NTR
3. GOLD COUNTRY CHAPTER:  NTR
4. HERITAGE CHAPTER:  NTR
5. NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION CHAPTER: NTR
6. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER:  Greetings from a very snowy Colorado Springs.  Since Greg Roman and I have switched officer positions in our local FTVA chapter, let me begin by providing you with updated contact information from our Oct chapter meeting:
   • We had nine requests for the new style FTVA name tag which were worn at the annual meeting in Sep.  With the exception of Tom Baker, all wanted the magnet backing.  Also, the question was asked, does the Chapter Title (Rocky Mountain Chapter) also go on the front of the name tag?  Do the Chapter officers have a line for title?
   • Those members in attendance discussed and then voted that we would hold a “Winter Social w/spouses” after the Christmas Holidays.  We will confirm details at the Jan meeting.
   • The Rocky Mountain Chapter will most likely be making a donation to the George William’s family at Christmas.
   • A brief review of the situation between the estate of the late George Williams, TSgt (ret) and the Armed Forces Benefit Association was discussed.  There are few options left, but we have received great support out of the FTVA National Chapter.
   • Finally, we discussed the report from the Heritage Chapter in San Angelo and the recognition of local Vietnam Vets.  The Rocky Mountain Chapter is also interested in pursuing a similar recognition.  Our goal is to shoot for 30 April to coincide with the Fall of Saigon.
7. SUNSHINE CHAPTER: NTR

6. OLD BUSINESS:

1. FTVA Posters:  Dennis Rassmussen brought one of the posters and the FTVA banner to today’s meeting; Ron Haygood has the other poster and will ensure it gets displayed in HQ 25 AF spaces to increase awareness and visibility of the FTVA.  Rass will hang on to the one poster and the banner, and bring it to appropriate events for display.
2. Anniversary Week Recap:  Overall, everything was very well done.  The food and sound system at the club were about the best experienced to date; no known hitches with the base access roster held by the gate guards – but a special thanks to Ron Haygood for following up with Security Forces the day before to ensure the roster was available.  There was a short discussion about the PA system at the Memorial Ceremony, leaning towards recommending moving the lectern on the side towards the bleachers; but the discussion ended with nobody being aware of any issues and so the recommendation was tabled without further action.  For the Hall of Honor induction next year, we may recommend starting at least 30 minutes earlier; and also having the receiving line before the ceremony; Saturday activities this year lasted until 2 PM, much longer than desired.  A short discussion was held concerning sending the bagpiper “a little something” for his efforts, but nothing was decided.  Need to make sure ticket sales next year include a complete roster of names for each ticket sold.  That was not done this year, resulting in some accounting challenges.  The Band of the West already reached out to us to let us know they are interested in performing for us at next year’s banquet.  Need to think about guest speaker for next year.  Everyone enjoyed hearing the speech from the new 25th Air Force Commander.  The golf tournament only had 143 players this year; due to one last minute cancellation.  Dennis Buxton has $320.06 left over from the event, and after short discussion the decision was for him to hang on to that money and use it as “seed money” for next year’s golf tournament.

7. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Lapel Pins:  There is an initiative within the National Capital Region Chapter to procure lapel pins to be available for those who want one, for a small donation.  After short discussion, decision was made to keep this action as a chapter initiative. 
2. Larson Award Update:  Bob Cope presented the formal memo from 25 AF Command Chief, requesting funding support for the 2015 Larson Awards.  After short discussion, motion was made, seconded, and approved to provide $4250. 
3. Letter of Appreciation for the Bugler:  Ron Haygood prepared a Letter of Appreciation for the bugler who played Taps at the Memorial Ceremony this year; Bob Cope shared a copy of the letter with us. 

8. CORRESPONDENCE:  None.

9. AROUND THE ROOM:  

1. Bob Cope:  The Prop-Wash Gang is working to secure a USAFSS display at the Air Force museum in Dayton, Ohio.  They are working with 25 AF History Office (Gabe Marshall) on the initiative.  Once the project matures, there may be an opportunity to provide funding.  Also, we are working with SSFCU to update the account information to reflect the current FTVA BOD membership. 
2. Dennis Rassmussen:  1 November is suspense for articles for the next Newsletter.
3. Barnie Gavin:  Mike Neilsen has an idea for a project the Alamo Chapter will take on, more to follow as the idea materializes.

10.  There being no further business, motion was made, seconded, and approved to adjourn at 1433.  The next meeting will be in the SSFCU Board Room at 1330 on 20 November 2015.

      //Signed//
Loren R. “Phred” Sevening
FTVA Secretary