SEPTEMBER 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 1996
The National Convention was held in Rapid City, South Dakota on September 5-10, 1995. Officers elected/appointed:
President - Jack Cotton
1st Vice - Dottie Holmes
2nd Vice - David Pahl
3rd Vice - Ralph McCutchen
Treasurer - Bill Everet
2 Yr. Director – Isidoro Cerpa, Jr.
2 Yr. Director – Fred Athans
1 Yr. Director – Tom DeWeese
1 Yr. Director – C. D. Rice
PPAC & TSCL Chair – Al Ybanez
Memorial Foundation Chair – George Smith
Parliamentarian – George Miles
MID-TERM MEETING MAY 18, 1996
Motion was passed to no longer accept deficit spending from vendors in the future.
A committee was formed to assess what can be done to assist struggling chapters.
Sites considered for the 1999 National Convention were discussed and include San Diego, Los Angeles and Seattle.
PRE-CONVENTION BOD MEETING SEPTEMBER 6, 1995
TREA Foundation Chairman George Smith announced that when the Foundation went out on a Sunday requesting donations for the Oklahoma City tragedy, by the following Wednesday they had collected $50,000. The Foundation gave 29 $1,000 scholarships and one $1,500 scholarship in memory of Frank Cusamano from AGE. That scholarship is based on need and what the applicant has done within the community rather than grade point average.
Mr. Pacino of AGE advised that as of June 30, 1995 TREA membership was 79,342 up from 72,280 in 1994 and 67,800 in 1993.
It was announced that the 1996 Convention would be held in Philadelphia during the first week of September.
A special project was introduced called BANC, or Build A New Chapter. Past President Ybanez explained that TREA's efforts to increase the number of chapters was necessary. He further stated that funds would be necessary to accomplish this. Reviewing the steps involved in BANC he explained they were : 1) Selection of a site for a new chapter 2) News media 'blitz' in the targeted community to build name recognition 3) Development of a list of potential members. Development of invitation to potential members inviting them to attend a New Chapter Seminar. After the first seminar, the BANC committee representative will schedule another meeting in 3-4 weeks. After each meeting, those that attend will be asked to invite other retirees to future meetings.
The primary function of BANC is to initiate the action, and to provide encouragement and guidance as the effort continues.
Membership goals were outlined during the discussion by the five-year plan Committee. They include: 1995 – 80,000 1996 – 94,000 1997 – 108,000 1998 – 122,000 1999 – 136,000 2000 – 150,000
In addition, having a Veteran Service Officer in every state by the year 2000.
Following a letter sent by Bob Gilbert, located in the Philippines requesting information on chapters available in the Philippines, a motion was passed to contact Mr. Gilbert and give him permission to form a chapter there as long as he abides by the laws and tax laws of that country.