21 Oct 2023 FTVA Annual General Membership Meeting Minutes
After determining there was a quorum present, President Ted Colquhoun called the meeting to order and provided opening remarks:
He noted that since COVID-19 hit, this was the second “Zoom Only” meeting, and that to ensure maximum participation, that we’ll continue to have a Zoom option even if there is a local meeting.
Heprovidedarecapofthisyear’sAnniversaryeventsnoting that this year there was no 5K run; the golf tournament saw 23 teams (Joe Lopez’ team won while Ted’s team was the only team over par…but his eagle putt made up for it…); Ted thanked Bob Benitez for once again organizing a very successful event. He added that the new 16 AF Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Tim Hill, wants to explore ways to expand 16 AF support going forward.
Ted thanked Lee Anthony and the Hall of Honor Committee for their excellent work in choosing six deserving honorees this year.
HethankedPepitoFigueroaforamovingMemorial Ceremony and noted that MG Hensley, 16 AF/CV, and many in the room were extremely moved.
He also thanked JJ Graham for the Vietnam Memorialization noting it, as well, was incredibly moving.
He and Ken Williams noted that this year’s picnic at Stapelton Park saw the largest number of participants in many years. A couple of added notes for next year planning dealt with the proximity of food trucks and no adult beverages, but overall very nice event and active duty presence was significant because 16 AF/CC made it a place of duty and tied it to the NAF’S ‘Phoenix Friday” event series
The next agenda item was to determine the most senior (chronologically) and longest serving member of the Command, and participant furthest away participating in the meeting: While Tilley (78) and Harriet (81) pitched in for consideration, their youthfulness could not compete with Mr. David Martin (90) of San Angelo, who also had the earliest affiliation with Security Service
(1954, Chicksands). Tilley took furthest away honors, zooming in
from Hawaii.
Ken Maynard, Treasurer, had previously distributed the annual
Treasurer’s Report, and Ken Williams offered a motion to accept it that was seconded and carried. Ken M recapped the highlights: FTVA fund at $74,371.40K, USAFSS Memorial Fund at $68,981.44, total: $143,352.84; spent a bit less this year than last, mainly due to last year HoH include honorees & guests for two years due to COVID hiatus; we lost $3K on golf this year due to Golf club of Texas’ increased rates. He recommended for next year we consider the Lackland Golf Course as a cost-saving measure. Ron Haygood added that this year’s $45 cost was still very cheap for a golf tournament plus a meal to boot.
Dan Martin provided a History update noting that he’d sent the draft annual History Report to the Board the day prior for review and expected to have it posted to the FTVA org site by the following week. Ted added that he’d spoken with 16 AF Public Affairs and the History Office, and they asked for copies of Our History report and the most recent RIT. This relationship can go along way to spreading the word about the FTVA across the Command. Dan Martin inquired if there was anything the NAF could provide us for inclusion in our History. Ted took an action to speak with PA & HO about it. Ted also took an action to forward Dan the Heritage Chapter’s annual history input which JJ had sent to him.
Roy Burnett provided an update on the website and general membership activities noting that there was still some difficulties with Password updates, but overall a lot better off than in the past. Ted asked Roy to send another e-mail to the general membership with login instructions. Roy advised that that information was also included in every RIT. Ken M asked Roy to contact him following the meeting as they still needed to set up an auto pay for the monthly website maintenance contract.
Lee Anthony provided an update on the Hall of Honor efforts noting that he was ecstatic with how it went this this year. He credited AJ and Bob Sherwood for handing off the HoH program in good stead. He noted that FTVA has more responsibility with the event than in the past, and thanked Ken Williams for providing the programs this year. Lastly, he highlighted that the HoH
Committee is already looking for nominations for next year and that there is a lot of experience available to help with packages. Ron Haygood added that when the President meets with 16 AF leadership it needs to be discussed because we need the NAF’s partnership to get the word down through the Wings…need leadership push. Lee thanked Ted for personally working the base access list and stresses the need to get all guests’ names as early as possible. Pepito took an action to look into the possibility of reciprocity for base access with VA ID cards, as several guests had those available.
7. Ken Williams provided a Social Activities update highlighting the first Spring Social held at the Gateway Club where 81x folks participated. Prior years had seen participation numbers decline, but this year’s event was well attended. Additionally, the Club is less expensive than the hotel venue. For this year’s banquet there was 164 people signed up in comparison to last year’s 104. This year there was a price increase from $30 to $35 for the traditional buffet style meal and that we are covering the cost of the meal for the combination band; Band of the West was already booked when we checked with them, have to book them early. Last year the NAF POC coordinated that effort, this coming year the President will ensure that request goes in early. For next year, the dates are set for 18-20 October. Lt Gen Koziol has offered to be the guest speaker if desired. We have reserved the Gateway Club for all events for the next year as an alternate planning option and the Lackland Parade Field could be used for the Memorial Ceremony. Because building 2007 is rapidly deteriorating with no repair funds available, there is no way of knowing if the BALA will be available next year. Some concerns were raised about reduced participation across the HQ if the HoH was is held at the Club however. While NAF top GO leadership support is still there for the FTVA and Anniversary Events, there are still some pockets of resistance. The JA recommended the NAF minimize manpower support, which is why more is falling on the FTVA. The HoH, Remembrance, and picnic events are the NAFs with FTVA in support while the Golf Tournament and Banquet are FTVA events with NAF voluntary participation. Pepito noted that the short- notice change of venue for the Memorial Ceremony this year caused some confusion, just need to get the word out as soon as
possible when changes like that are made. He also asked the general membership to promptly pass on any obituary information to help him with compiling the annual list of the fallen.
Dennis Buxton provided an update for the RIT via Ted asking for photos for this year’s events and Chapter events throughout the year. Also looking for any photos from 16 AF/PA that can be added to the RIT.
Tilley provided an Aloha Chapter update noting that they are a small group of 4 or 5 that meet quarterly for social outings. He’ll be reaching out for assistance with an HoH nomination for Hoppy Hopkins in the coming months and offered up Hawaii as a great place to consider future FTVA eventsJ. Kathyna Williams in the NCR noted that she’ll speak with Bob Bastian about the current situation there and see what may be viable in the future. For the Alamo chapter, Ken Williams and Dan Martin noted that their last monthly meeting was a lunch instead of a dinner and over 30 people showed up…will continue with lunches in the future.
10. Election of Officers: Ted advised that his tenure was coming to a close and that the norm has been for the sitting Vice President to fleet up. Bill Brockmiller, current VP, accepted the nomination and Ted made a motion to approved Brock as the next President that was seconded by Dan Martin and carried by the general membership. Thee was no immediate nominee for the VP position, but several potentials were offered for future discussion and consideration to be carried forward as an open item for the Board.
11. Around the room: Ted made a suggestion that the Board consider changing the quorum requirements from a minimum of two Board Executives to allow project chairs (RIT, Remembrance, Social, HoH etc.) to count towards that requirement. The Secretary noted that any change would require an update to the Charter. After brief discussion, Ted withdrew the proposal. Ken Maynard suggested considering adding a “Member at Large” from the Chapters be added to Executive Board to ensure Chapter equities are represented. This proposal will be carried forward by the Board as an open item. Roy advised he’ll soon be pushing out the invite for the 17 Nov Executive Board meeting to be held at the Gateway Club and via Zoom. General discussion followed
about the need for more outreach and growth. AJ commended Lee for his excellent efforts with HoH this year. Dan Martin asked about getting close-up photos on all of the HoH plaques in the Bala. David Martin (90) noted that this was his first time participating and that he enjoyed it.
12. Closing Remarks: Ted noted that he was looking forward to the banquet and that he’d seen a draft of MG Hensley’s remarks and that it would be well received. Also, there will be an opportunity to continue the Vietnam service recognition during the event. Ted thanked everyone for their participation, he again thanked Ken Williams for the HoH programs; he congratulated Brock on becoming the new President and let him know that it’s a team effort and we’re all here to help make hi tenure a success.
13. ThePresidentadjournedthemeetingat1220PM.
