JULY 1976 TO JULY 1977
The National Convention was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 22-24, 1976. Officers elected/appointed:
President - Vic Mercer
1st Vice - Lee Newton
2nd Vice - Floyd Stevens
3rd Vice - Arthur Lee
Treasurer - Al Gutierrez
Secretary - Floyd Stevens
Chaplain - Johnnie White
Sgt-At-Arms - Francis Clark
3-Yr. Trustee - E. J. Grayckowski
2-Yr. Trustee - Gene Henning
1-Yr. Trustee - Dean Sorell
Reading of the minutes for the 1975 National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland was given by Secretary Grayckowski. President Mercer stated the minutes would stand approved after the following corrections:
A. Page 4 referencing Congressman Evan as pertains to the National Charter should read, Mr. Orsak reported that he had written Congressman Rudino of Judiciary Committee and called his office upon arrival in Baltimore, and no replies were received.
B. Page 6, line 12 should read, Delegate McDonald (1) seconded.
Old Business:
Legislative: Vice President Stevens reported that the resolutions presented at the last convention were placed in Congressional Record and forwarded to the appropriate committees for guidance and usage. There was much discussion on the Commissary, MIA, Reduction in Force and Hatch Act matters.
Membership: Vice President Newton gave his report of the many potential new chapters to be formed - Washington, D.C., Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort Collins, Colorado, Fort McPherson, Georgia and Lamar, Colorado. After an initial inquiry by a retiree and learning what it takes to form a new chapter, it appears they felt it to be too much work and stop corresponding. Vice President Newton stated we must find new ways to recruit new membership and forming new chapters.
Ways and Means: Vice President Fletcher gave a report on the National Scholarship Program and methods used to make monies of the organization. He further reported on the method used for the selection of recipients and number of scholarships granted this past year.
Advertising: Vice President Newton recommended that our National Newsletter not be used for periodical advertising. He suggested that we use a type of advertising employed by another veterans' organization in Maryland. This periodical advertising would be published quarterly by National Headquarters with the Chapters submitting items to be used. By using this method of selling advertising, it would allow the National Newsletter to be for news only. Any changes in the current methods of publishing the National Newsletter should be only on approval of the Executive Committee.
By-Laws: Trustees Abbott and Sorell gave a report on the By-Laws and methods that should be used in changing this important publication of the REA. They spent much time on the current method of submitting changes to the By-Laws. It was further stated that only the changes approved by the Chapter membership should be forwarded to National Headquarters, where the Executive Committee would review and take the appropriate action to recommend approval or disapproval of submitted changes. Any approved changes would then be published in the National Newsletter.
Publicity: Secretary Grayckowski gave a report on publicity. Each Chapter should have a good publicity chairman, for on this individual rests the responsibility of the Chapter's publicity. Most newspapers, radio stations and TV, etc. will give the Chapters free advertising through news release if these items are well written. This is an item that should be pursued by each Chapter.
Insurance: Mr. Langley gave a report on the Disability Income Plan (DIP) and a brief report on how each member should prepare a last will and testament and keep them up to date. He stated that he was available for counseling, as was Mr. Gutierrez from Pueblo.
Trophies: President Mercer appointed Messrs. Maestus, Acosta and Edmonds to the Trophy Committee to determine the winners of the President's Trophy and Founder's Award. Secretary Grayckowski will assist the committee by furnishing rosters of the Chapters and required statistics needed by this Committee.
President Mercer gave a brief report on the Executive Committee meeting held on July 22 at the VFW Post 4051 Club. The Committee approved that Chapter 21" would be the number issued to the new Chapter being formulated in Atlanta, Georgia and new Chapter numbers would be issued up to Chapter 50, as required. Travel pay was approved for National Officers. Considerable time was spent on the amendments to National By-Laws.
Trophy Committee: Reports that Chapter 1 is the winner of the Founder's Award for membership over 150 persons. Chapter 9 is the winner of the President's Trophy for a Chapter of less than 150 persons. Awards will be made at the Annual Ball at the Antlers Hotel.
Delegate Acosta (Chapter 20), Chairman of the Outstanding President Award Committee, moved that a resolution of said Committee be accepted as a manner of determining the Outstanding Chapter President.
WHEREAS, the Chapter Presidents are the backbone of the REA; and
WHEREAS, the Chapter Presidents have not been recognized in the past for their contributing to the operation of the organization.
RESOLVED, that at each Convention, beginning in 1977, an Outstanding Chapter President be selected based on the following criteria:
1. Recruitment of new members; 2. Retention of present members; 3. Involvement in community affairs; 4. Involvement in veterans' affairs; 5. Good and welfare of the membership; 6. Inter-communications with other Chapters; 7. Communications with National Headquarters; and 8. Input into the organization policy making.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the nomination for Outstanding Chapter President of the year be submitted by a Chapter officer, other than the President, a minimum of 60 days prior to the Convention, by certified mail.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National President appoint a committee of delegates to review the Chapter recommendations and advise their selection of the Outstanding Chapter President of the year to the National President.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a plaque be awarded to the Outstanding Chapter President and a trophy cup to the Chapter. If the trophy cup is retained by the Chapter for a period of three consecutive years, that cup will remain with the Chapter permanently. The trophy cup is awarded to the President in recognition of the entire Chapter.
These Resolutions were approved by the present and past President's Chapter Presidents and/or representatives on July 24, 1976 at the National Convention in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Delegate B. L. Edmonds (Chapter 20) is the first recipient of the annual Outstanding Chapter President Award for 1976.
Second Vice President Stevens (Chapter 18), Chairman of the National Resolution Committee, moved that the following resolution be adopted by the delegates to the 1976 National Convention:
RESOLVED, that the Dual Compensation Act of 1964 be amended;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Federal Employees Compensation Act be amended; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hatch Act be amended.
RESOLUTION
Commissaries Credit for reserve time of service Memorial Day No blanket amnesty for dissenters and deserters of the Vietnam era Our MIA servicemen Recomputation of military retired pay Retain medical care in service facilities for retired military personnel and their dependents Retain Panama Canal Unions in the military
The motion was seconded by Delegate Henning (Chapter 18) and carried.
Delegate Stancil (Chapter 1) moved that the National Executive Committee investigate the feasibility of having a legislative representative in Washington, D.C. The motion was seconded by Delegate Orsak (Chapter 1) and carried.
Delegate Edmonds (Chapter 19) moved that the above motion be amended to read, All chapters would help defray the expense of the legislative representative. The motion was seconded by Delegate Gutierrez (Chapter 20) and carried.
Delegate Gutierrez (Chapter 20) moved that Article XIX as reads, The National By- Laws may only be amended by the National Executive Committee be amended to read, By-Laws will only be changed at the National Convention. A majority vote of the delegates present will be required to affect changes to the By-Laws and a 15 minute recess for the National Executive Committee to review the appropriate action. The motion was seconded by Delegate Orsak (Chapter 1).
Delegate Gutierrez (Chapter 20) moved that the By-Laws be amended as follows: Any chapter proposing changes to the National By-Laws will forward the proposed changes to the National Headquarters to arrive not later than 60 days prior to the National Convention. The National Headquarters will decimate to all Chapters the proposed changes for their information and consideration. The motion was seconded by Delegate McDonald (Chapter 1) and carried.
Delegate Thrice (Chapter 1) moved that, George Skonce was the first President of the Retired Enlisted Association. The motion was seconded by Delegate Henning (Chapter 18) and carried.
Delegate Orsak (Chapter 1) moved that, AJ. Orsak was elected at a National Convention as the first National president elected by delegates. The motion was seconded by Delegate Gutierrez (Chapter 20) and carried.
Delegate Samms moved that a feasibility study be made on State Headquarters with the possibility of setting geographic boundaries for Chapters. The motion was seconded by Delegate Gutierrez (Chapter 20) and carried.
REA members urged to write their Congressmen expressing their disapproval of President Carter's Amnesty Plan.
National Scholarships Awarded: Four at $500.00 equals $2,000.00.
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 1977
President Mercer appointed a committee to make a feasibility study of State Headquarters, i.e., the designation, geographical boundaries, etc. of Chapters. (Sorell, Grayckowski, Mercer)
President Mercer appointed a committee to design, procure, etc. a Chapter President Trophy in accordance with the 1976 Convention. (Sorell, Gutierrez)
Parliamentarian service for Convention was discussed. It was determined to procure the services of a current qualified parliamentarian for the 1977 National Convention. Mr. Dearing and/or Mr. Trice of Chapter 1 are to be contacted for this position. In the event of their declination, the services of local qualified parliamentarian shall be contacted for estimate of their cost for the service. No funds will be committed without approval of the Executive Board. President Mercer shall notify all Executive Board members the vote of each member.
Third Vice President Lee brought up the subject of Carman and Associates on floor that National Headquarters is not supporting the program. The Board determined that the allegations were unfounded due to the non-delivery of merchandise, very frequent relocation of manufacturing facilities and unauthorized contact with REA membership. Treasurer Gutierrez suggested that any bills pending be forwarded to National with written authorization. This matter will be held in abeyance pending further investigation and receipt of correspondence from Subject Company.
MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING JULY 22, 1977
Trustee Sorell and President Mercer made report on the feasibility of State Headquarters.
Trustee Sorell and Treasurer Gutierrez reported that a Chapter President trophy had been secured to be awarded to the Outstanding Chapter President. After the Outstanding President is selected, his name and year will be entered on the plate prior to presentation.
President Mercer reported that Mr. Dearing (Chapter 1) had agreed to be the Parliamentarian for the 1977 National Convention.
Lynnie R. Samms, President of Chapter 4, gave a short dissertation on caps, uniforms, patches, etc. that cold be supplied by Tower Garments, P.O. Box 348, Wakefield, Kansas 67487 to include prices, etc.
1st. Vice President Lee Newton stated that he understood that Carman and Associates would sue the organization if we entered into an agreement with Tower Garments until REA had settled all differences with Carman and Associates.
RESOLUTION
Amnesty Amend the Dual Compensation Act of 1964 Enlisted representation Commitment of American troops Commissaries Credit for reserve time served Recommendation of the military retired pay Retain Cuban embargo Retail medical care in service facilities for retired military personnel and their dependents Retain the Panama Canal The right to bear arms Unions in the military? Veterans' affairs Veterans' functions realignment Vietnam recognition and aid.