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WELCOME

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA 2010 STATE CONVENTION

 

OPENED W/PROPER CEREMONIES (DEPT. CMNDT. /SAGUARO DETACHMENT).  Mayor Scott Smith welcomed attendees and declared the month of June as Marine Corps League month in Mesa.

 

Cmndt. Walker welcomed attendees.  He pointed out the positioning of the officers at the front of the room.  This is the SOP for League meetings.  The Cmndt. encouraged detachments to follow the same layout.

 

MEMORIAL AND POW/MIA SERVICE.   Chaplain Harris, Asst. Chaplain Alger, Jr. and Adjutant Reese assisting.

 

INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES (SGT-AT-ARMS MacTavish)

 

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: On File/SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS STATE CONVENTION:  Motion made by Marine Silveria to accept the summary as read, seconded by Marine Boren; approved as read. / CORRESPONDENCE (ADJUTANT Reese):  Thank you letter for assisting a Wounded Marine, Brian Trestee, who needed financial assistance.  PNC MacIntye and other League members stepped in and helped out.  Exactly the type of thing we need to be known for.

 

REPORT OF PAYMASTER (MARINE Obrien): As Of May 31, 2010, our unaudited financial records show an YTD profit of $6,517.28.  Highlights from those records are as follows.  Attached is the financial statement for your review.

 

Scholarship Funds received.

Budgeted                     $2,000

Actual                          $9,267

 

Marines Helping Marines funds received

 Budgeted                    $   0.00

 Actual                         $2,915

 

PLM Rebate received

Budgeted                     $2,200

Actual                          $1,112

Interest Income received

Budgeted                     $   760

Actual                          $   295

 

Scholarship Funds dispersed

 Budgeted                    $1,500

 Actual                         $ 0.00

 

Marines Helping Marines Funds dispersed

Budgeted                     $ 0.00

Actual                          $2,915

 

We started the fiscal year with funds in these categories and amounts and as of May 31, 2010, we have the following:

 

                   July 1, 2009                May 31, 2010

 

General Funds            $10,458.87                  $ 9,661.50      

Nat’l Conv. Acct         $  2,153.39

Scholarship Funds      $ 16,480.83                 $25,948.87

Total                         $ 29,093.09                 $35,610.37

 

The transmittals and checks sent to National Hdqrtrs. on December 14, 2009 and their subsequent loss have not been completely resolved as of this report.  During the Spring Conference in March 2010, those detachments included in that transmission were advised to re-submit their paper work to me.  Although some have, with positive results, others have not. To the best of my knowledge, with the records sent to me, those detachments that need to re-submit are as follows.

 

Thanks to Mike Bellard for his help while she was on vacation.

 

In closing, may I thank you for your support.   It has been a year of home runs and strikeouts, ever challenging, but never boring.  I will hand over this position to my replacement and hope that he or she has as much fun as I have had, with none of the headaches or the heartaches.

 

If you know anything different, please contact the new Paymaster. My authority and participation end with this Convention.

 

AM Bellard stressed getting the transmittals re-submitted ASAP so those votes can be counted at the National Convention.  He updated the status of the detachments impacted by the missing transmittals:

 

Dean Reiter - no response to request to resubmit

White Tank Mtn. - resubmitted; no response from National

Old Breed - resubmitted as requested by Marine Paul Hastings per his instructions; lost again

Lake Havasu - resubmitted

Sedona - followed instructions to resubmit; lost again

Wild West - no response to request to resubmit   

Cpl. G. Salcido - resubmitted; no response from National

White Tank Mountain - no response to request to resubmit

Pvt. Joe Hardt - no response from request to resubmit

Rim Country - resolved

Saguaro - resolved

Price Page – resubmitted to National; no response.

Tucson – resolved

 

He has the voting strength and delegate counts for Detachments that made the decision to participate in the election process. 

 

AM Bellard processed transmittals while Marine Obrien was on vacation.  He has found incomplete and/or inaccurate mailing information on rosters.  Make sure your information is correct on Department rosters.

 

He created a “cheat sheet” for filling out transmittals to help with the process. He reminded that you must have your dues current to be a Life Member.  Be sure to put zip +four on the transmittals.  He has information on the website to help find the number.

 

REPORT OF ELECTED OFFICERS

 

SW DIVISION VICE CMNDT Phillips:  We are making progress, but still at a 13% delinquency rate.  Our goal is 7.5%.  He and Cmndt. Walker are going to be talking regarding some issues with transmittals that are impacting Arizona detachments. 

 

Our growth rate is approximately 3.5% in the past year, which is good.  Within the Division there are four detachments with 100% paid up membership.  We are an organization that every Marine should be proud to join.  We should be a dynamic organization that every member would want to stay as a member. Mentoring is key in making sure a member continues to want to be involved and stays an active member of the League.  This includes following up when a member stops coming to meetings – are they ill, do they need transportation, have they lost interest??  (See Attachment A for complete report).  

 

Several years ago, the Department of California did a survey of why Marines continued to be members.  One answer was for the camaraderie and the other was that Marines get things done. 

 

We still have a couple weeks to improve our numbers before year-end.  Everyone can get involved in recruiting new members.  Marine Silveria asked about the lengthy delay in getting ID cards.  Can we get to a point of electronic renewals, or have everything sent to a Detachment for distribution to members?  One of the issues with electronic renewals is preparing detachments to do things differently.  This would require sending money directly to National with them returning funds to Departments and Detachments.  This is not something that will be happening anytime soon.  There are still detachments in Arizona that are not even linked to the National website.

 

Marine Phillips addressed the recent televised political event where League members were campaigning for a candidate.  He reminded that we cannot get involved in politics when wearing the League uniform.  You can support political causes as long as you in no way come across as doing so as a member of the Marine Corps League.

 

Speaking of uniforms, if you have questions on the khaki shirt, please talk to Marine Phillips.  There is a proposal regarding the khaki shirt that will be brought to the floor at this year’s National convention.  He stressed the importance of wearing the proper Marine Corps League uniform, which is the League cover.  When wearing additional items such as the white shirt with medals, make sure you are wearing it correctly.  Check the bylaws and administrative procedures for guidelines.  Remember that you cannot wear pins on your cover, only the gold or brass emblem, the devil dog patch, your office, detachment, department or life membership patch.

 

Marine Cause – Name Change of Department of the Navy to Department of Navy and Marine Corps.  Passed unanimously in the House.  The Senate Armed Services Committee version is meeting resistance.  Senators McCain and Webb are opposing it and Senator Levin has not indicated his position.  Log in to www.MarineCause.com to voice your support for the change.

 

General Conway has made remarks that have upset some in the administration and Secretary of Defense Gates pertaining to the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and that the Marine Corps needs to get back to its roots as a quick strike force.  In retaliation, Secretary of Defense Gates has hinted that funding may not be available for key equipment in the future. 

 

This is his last meeting as SW Division Sr. Vice.   Thanks to everyone for your support.  Arizona has been the flagship organization in terms of supporting the Expo in California each year.  Thanks also for the support during difficult personal times as well. 

 

SW NATIONAL ASST VICE CMNDT. Broderick:  Excused

 

CMNDT. Walker:   He provided an example of why the problem with transmittals is not the Department’s fault.  National had a detachment send a renewal return-receipt requested.  The detachment did so and has the signed receipt.  National still has not located that renewal.  Cmndt Walker and the incoming Cmndt. will be discussing this with National at the convention in August. 

 

He mentioned ad in Semper Fi magazine from Sprint advertising a 15% discount for businesses.  You can also get it for personal cell service.

 

Recruiting Initiatives Award – Recruit 15 or more new members in a year and be entered for a drawing for a ka-bar knife with one of the many famous Marine quotes. This information comes out with information on the National convention. 

 

SR. VICE Romero:  Commandant’s Council Update:  Diamondbacks game on August 8th will provide an opportunity for Detachments with Color Guards to muster on the field prior to the game.  For every ticket sold, one will be donated to a Wounded Marines.  There are many ways to raise funds for your Detachments:  Basha’s program linked to their shopper’s card, Fry’s is very receptive to allowing you to raise funds in front of their stores, work with local restaurants, offer small flags as a thank you for donating, etc.  His main goal in the coming year will be to help Detachment with retention problems.  If circumstances permit, he’ll hold Officer’s meeting today.

 

JR. VICE:  Position Vacant.

 

JUDGE ADVOCATE Sorensen:  The first thing I would like to report is there are no outstanding Grievances to be handed over to the new Judge Advocate.  The last grievance board was held on 29 April, and the incident is now closed.  There are a couple of things I want to bring up about this.  If you feel you need to file a formal grievance, pick up the Department administrative procedures and read section 900.  Know what is expected of you and everyone else involved.  The whole process is outlined in section 900.  Make sure you report all the facts in your grievance.  Don’t just put the facts that you feel are pertinent to your grievance.  These things all get investigated and the truth does come out by the end of the hearing.  If you bring witnesses to the hearing, be sure they are going to stand up their previous submitted statements.  And the last thing I got to say on this issue is don’t bring something to Department that should be settled at the Detachment level.  I’m sure if two Marines have a dislike for each other there are other means to settle it than take it to Department.  This is very costly and time consuming for everyone involved. 

 

The second thing I have is that the Marine Corps League is a non-political organization.  I’m sure by now you have all heard of the gentleman that got up at a political rally and referred to himself as a member of the Marine Corps League on several occasions during his speech, leading everyone to believe he was speaking on behalf of the League.  The Marine Corps League was forced to write a statement contradicting this.  The National By-laws are very specific on this.  The Marine Corps League shall never take part in any labor or management dispute or issue, and it shall be ever non-sectarian, non-political, and non-partisan; nor shall it be used as a medium of political ambition or preferment”.

 

Last, I am missing about five Detachment By-laws.  I have sent emails to each of the detachments and I have only heard by from a couple.  Please, if I sent you an email about your by-laws make sure you get them to the new Judge Advocate.

 

REPORT OF APPOINTED OFFICERS

 

VAVS (Marine Connell) As of the 30th of April 2009, the Marine Corps League – Department of Arizona, had a total of approximately 193 volunteers on the Regularly Scheduled Volunteer Rolls at the 3 Arizona VA Health Care System facilities – 129 for Phoenix; 38 for Prescott and 26 for Tucson. These figures are based on the Spring Conference Report since I have not received up to date numbers of volunteers for Prescott or Tucson.  However, the total number of hours for the period 1 October 2009 to 30 April 2010 reflects that volunteers from the Phoenix and Tucson VA's total 8,555 hours. We are on track to exceed the numbers from last year.

 

I have sent an e-mail message to the Prescott Marine Corps League Commandant to urge his VAVS Representative to send me the necessary VS 26 report that summarizes the number of Volunteers and the hours served for those facilities covered by Prescott to no avail.    As I have done in the past, I would urge the VAVS Representatives for the Prescott and Tucson VA facilities to get to me the monthly totals of the number of volunteers assigned to each facility and the total number of hours worked so I can submit reports to National on a timely basis. If it is inconvenient for the monthly reports – then I will accept quarterly ones. It is only a one page report – VOLUNTEERS BY ORGANIZATION VS 26 – the last page of that report.  These reports are available after the 8th business day of each Month.

 

Based on the noncompliance of the VA Representative from Prescott, I have forwarded a request to the National VAVS Representative to remove the Prescott VAVS Representative from his position and have requested a replacement. Tucson’s future failure will result in the same action.   I have stood up here for the last several Conferences and Conventions imploring help from these Medical Centers and I must remind the Commandants of the respective Detachments that one of their duties is to ensure that their Representative is in compliance with the VAVS Regulations.

 

Please mail me the figures contained in report VS26 – Volunteers by Organization – to the address for the Old Breed Detachment listed on the Department Web Site.  Since all the outlying clinics and vet centers for Prescott and Tucson are incorporated into one system – there is no need to break down the number of volunteers assigned and hours worked for each individual entity. The report kept by the local Voluntary Service is a cumulative report that encompasses all the individual clinics and vet centers that fall under their umbrella of responsibility.

 

In addition, I have also been informed that Prescott and Tucson are not conducting their annual Joint Review Statements for VAVS which are completed by the Voluntary Staff.  Make an appointment with the Voluntary Staff at your respective medical center and get your Annual Joint Review submitted.  The Marine Corps League Joint Reviews are due in February of each year.

 

With the continued cooperation of our volunteers, the Department of Arizona can remain in the forefront of the national VAVS Program.  This lack of cooperation from 2 of the 3 VA facilities in Arizona is causing us to fall from the top ranks nationwide for the VAVS Program. I will not let this happen while I am the VAVS Representative for the Department of Arizona.  I was charged by the Department Commandant to see that the VAVS Program is successful and doing what it is charged to do and I will do everything so that I can to see that we maintain our standing nationwide as a premier Department within the scope of VAVS.  I know that we as Marines can do this and take care of not only our fellow Marines but all veterans that are currently receiving care from the VA.

 Keep up the good work that you all do.

Semper Fidelis,

Patrick J. Connell

 

10 Min Recess

 

At Cmndt. Walker’s request, motion made by Marine Reese for the Department to purchase name plates for the elected officers, Paymaster, Adjutant and Chaplain for Department meetings, seconded by Marine Connell and approved unanimously.

 

Cmndt. Walker asked Marine Connell to explain the VAVS process again as there is some confusion on the process.

 

Each organization can have one VA representative and 3 deputies. 

  • League volunteers specify that their hours go to the Marine Corps League

  • Volunteer hours are counted at the VA Hospitals, as well as at satellite clinics.

  • Volunteers log in at the hospital or clinic EVERY time they go.

  • At the end of the quarter the League VA representative or deputy goes to the VA Voluntary Service Office to get the cumulative report (VS26) of hours donated during that reporting period.  All Marine Connell needs is the LAST PAGE of the report. 

  • That report is forwarded to Marine Connell to prepare his report for Pat Cody.

LEGISLATIVE (Marine Bohach):  Excused.  Written report provided (Attachment B).

 

PR REPORT (Marine Boren/AM Bellard):  In accordance with the references, the following report is submitted to reflect proposed topics for the Public Relations Committee portion of the Department Conference Appointed Officers Report:

 

PR Committee overview: verbal update (Associate Bellard):

Internet & Communications Technology.

(Passing the word on what detachments are doing).

Continue to pass the word and share info with the PR Committee.

 

Opening Report: (Marine Boren):

  • Be sure to recognize sponsors.  Give plaques and certificates of recognitions.

  • Retired Marine Death Notice Form handout useful to help spouses

  • General Update from the Northern Region.

Closing Report: (Associate Bellard): (a re-cap)

  • Power of modern telecommunication technology.

  • Stress the innovative use of the computer and the internet.

  • Mention development of our PR Committee “information tree”.

  • Underscore and highlight that we are a Dept. staff function designed to expedite information flow; publicize the existence of the Marine Corps League; and project a positive image of the U. S. Marine Corps into the civilian community.

MARINES HELPING MARINES/WOUNDED MARINES (Marine Crick):  Excused

 

CHAPLAIN (Marine Harris):  Report of deceased members on file with Adjutant.  Death notices have been coming in timely.  If you need supplies let him know

 

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE (Marine Vogler)*:  Scholarship Committee report which covers the period of March 2010 until present.

 

Committee Members

Bill Ebright, Warren Quirk, Keith Vogler= Chair

 

Status

More letters were mailed out but no responses have been received.  This activity will continue. 

 

The scholarship committee received 14 applications from all over the state and selected Daniel Vilaubi, a member of the Saguaro Detachment, as the recipient of this year’s scholarship.  He is a Marine that is currently enrolled in Mesa Community College.  He works with disabled wheel-chair athletes while carrying a full caseload.

 

Currently there is $25,300 in the account.  This year the scholarship was named to the Frank Wienke Marine Corps League Scholarship Marine Vogler made a motion to make the name change permanent; seconded by Marine Cheek and approved unanimously.  

 

Financial

 

The Scholarship fund as of the end of the convention is *$25,362.

 

Future

*The Department started as”The Hideaway Lounge” scholarship by PDD Frank Weinke.  Last year it was changed to the “Marine Corps League Scholarship in Honor of Frank Weinke”.  I made a motion that the name be changed to “Frank Weinke, Marine Corps League Scholarship”.

*Report updated June 6, 2010

Respectfully submitted,

Keith Vogler for the Scholarship Committee

 

WEB/SGT. REPORT (Marine Dalton):  This Convention will complete my sixth year as your Web/Sgt. Along the way there has been some bumps, some big, some small, but all in all it has been my honor, and pleasure to serve in that capacity.  I will continue to be the Dept. Web/Sgt as long as the current Commandant requests it.

 

Here are a few things you have heard before, but I want to bring them to your attention again.

 

The Dept. website is not just for the use of the Dept. Cmndt. and Staff, nor is it just for the Detachment Commandants.  ALL members of the Dept. can submit items for the site. Of course all items are subject to the approval of the Dept. Cmndt.

 

My goal is two fold.  One is to keep the Marine Corps League and the Marine Corps information current and pertinent. The second is to keep it interesting with new entries and remove old items that are no longer pertinent. One way I can do this, is input from all of you. If you think you have something worth putting on the site send it to me.

 

As the Hospitality Room Chair I hope all of you find it more than adequate for your needs!

Respectfully Submitted,

PDD Don Dalton

Web/Sgt Dept. AZ. MCL

                       

HOMELESS VETERANS (Marine Roy):   Homeless Veteran’s now have a toll-free number to call for assistance.  They will also have access to suicide prevention information.  Homeless Veterans will now have their paperwork expedited to be completed within 75 days. VA has appropriated $25M for programs.

 

I’m pleased to report that the Department of Arizona – Marine Corps League – Homeless Veterans Program is finally up and running. As of today we have a total of 24 Individuals Coordinators Representing 24 Detachments throughout the state. We are still waiting from National concerning a Mandate on how National wishes to deliver their program, they have a new Chairman and that committee will receive a copy of this report also. Hopefully in the near future they will deliver their program to all Department Homeless Chairperson. In the mean time here in Arizona we have taken the bull by the horn or the javelins by its tail and going forward with the full determination that only MARINES have.

 

A Guideline has been sent to all Homeless Coordinators, Detachment Commandants and Department Officers on how and what is expected of the Coordinators on this issue. We are not here to create a new Homeless Shelter, Food Banks, Social Club or Education Port for the Homeless, but to utilize all available resources out there for all the above purposes. We are to get involved in our local VA Stand-down Program, assist with and volunteer in feeding the homeless, visiting the shelters and support transitional housing and educational programs to assist our homeless Veterans to return and become again a value and responsible American. Assistance should be in areas of personal support and compassion in their needs, volunteering as an individual and on the Detachment level giving support as in time, financial assistance and work parties and the involvement in the new H3 Project (Home, Health, Hope).

 

In the past couple of months I have been in contact and had personal meetings with Brad Bridwell – Homeless Veterans Services Coordinator for the AZ Department of Veterans Services, Arthur Sloane – “Veteran’s Voice” Columnist Arizona Republic Newspaper and Stand-down Coordinator, Joan Sisco – President of Veterans First Ltd – Mary Ellen’s Place – Affordable Housing targeting Woman Veterans of all ages, Terry Araman, Bruce Roberts and Frank Leitter of the Madison Street Veterans Associations – all previous homeless veterans themselves – operators of the 50 bed Veterans Housing Center with employment, housing, transportation and social justice concerns, Janice White-Smith – Female Veterans Coordinator, to name just a few.

 

I fully encourage and expect that all our Homeless Veterans Coordinators will do the same and contact their local resources, at shelters, VA hospital, Veterans Outreach Programs and law enforcement entities. Set up their own local database resource network with name, telephone #, e-mail and street address. Send them to me, with all follow-up on any changes and I will send them to all Coordinators so that everybody will have a State of Arizona Reference Guide to assist all Veterans of all Services.

 

The AZ MCL List of Homeless Veterans Coordinators have been given to the AZ Department Veterans Services and to Art Sloane – Coordinator for the Stand-down for purposes of sending everybody timely and important information on upcoming events and/or news about all subject on Homeless Veterans. Please read and pass onto your Detachments and follow thru on getting involved.

 

MISSION:

-    Promote recovery oriented care for Homeless Arizona Veterans who are homeless or at-risk for Homelessness.

 

PRIMARY GOALS:

- Partner with Department of Veterans Affairs and other Federal Agencies, State and Local Agencies, Community and Faith-Based Organizations, Private Sectors and any others to ensure no VETERANS remain on the streets.

 

- Assist our Homeless Veterans by volunteering yourself and/or your Detachment in your local Homeless Shelters, Food Kitchens, VA Sponsored “Stand Down” (Veteran Specific Outreach Events) etc. (List not all inclusive).

 

- Compiled an listing of all Service Providers Agencies in your Regional Area to assist them with Legal, Transitional or Emergency Housing, Employment, Education, ID/Licenses, VA Medical or Mental Health and Veterans Support Services, Social Security, Ombudsman, etc. (List not all inclusive). List shared with all coordinators of MCL via Dept. AZ – MCL Homeless Veterans Chairperson.

 

- Collaborate with area Funeral Directors to assure that any Homeless Veteran receives the proper Military Funeral and Burial.

 

OUTCOME:

- Establish a working and friendly relationship with your local Police Dept., Fire Dept., State Police, Sheriff Dept., Tribal Organizations, County Offices etc.(List not all inclusive).

 

- Department of Arizona – MCL – Resource and Reference Listing.

 

- Chairperson will Establish and Share with all the Department Homeless Veterans Coordinators, Department Officers and Detachment Commandants. The listing of all Agencies, Resources, Shelters, etc. that are reported to the Dept. of AZ – MCL Homeless Veterans Chairperson from the Local Homeless Veterans Coordinators, for all to use when the needs arises to assist the Veterans, in or out of their Regional Area.

 

- Locate Homeless Veterans via Local Homeless Veterans Coordinator and Resource Listing for Emergency or Family Situations.

 

- Work and Communicate with the Area’s MCL Homeless Veterans Coordinator for expedited and concerted efforts to assist the Homeless Veteran in need.

 

- Homeless Veterans Assistance = Male or Female Veteran, Spouses, Siblings and or the Immediate Family.

 

ULTIMATE OUTCOME AND GOALS:  “End Homeless among all Arizona Veterans”

 

Mary Ellen’s Place will house 15 homeless female veterans when it opens.  The Old Breed Detachment has been assisting with painting and other prep work.  If all goes well, they will have a limited opening in late July.  They are registered at Target but prefer monetary donations.  A shelter for veterans with children is planned for Tucson.

Respectfully submitted 

Semper Fidelis,

PDD Michael A. Roy

 

MARINE 4 LIFE (AM Bellard):  There has been little activity since our last meeting.  I am waiting to meet GySgt Marquez’s replacement.  When that happens I have made plans with Don Dalton, your Department Web Sgt. to start posting the new announcements from the Marine for Life program in the blog section of the Department Website.  I will keep you posted of any new developments as they happen.

 

QUARTERMASTER (AM Bellard):  This is my final report as your Department Quartermaster.  Past Department Commandant Frank Wienke asked me to serve in this post in 2001 and he had a vision that we develop a local version of the Ships Store so that members attending the Department staff conferences and the State Convention could purchase items locally when they needed them much like you can at a National Convention.  During this time, I found many interesting Marine Corps related items to sell along with the customary items found in the National Ships Store.  What I enjoyed the most over the last nine years was being able to meet all of you as I provided the items you needed for those emergency purchases like a devil dog passport minutes before the growl or having the sunburst collar devices in stock for those of you that forgot to bring them.  However, the best part of serving as your quartermaster is all the new friendships I made as I became more involved in the Marine Corps League.  I will be available to assist the new quartermaster as they continue to grow Frank Wienke’s dream of bringing the ships store to you when you need it.  In closing I want to thank everyone that helped me perform my duties and I look forward to my continued service to Marine Corps League. 

Semper Fidelis.

 

HISTORIAN (Marine Alger, Jr.):  I will contact Detachments again to get a scrapbook prepared for the 2011 National Convention.  Detachments can also enter their individual scrapbooks for National competition.

 

YOUNG MARINES (Marine Alger, Jr.):  Past year has been very busy.  In the past year, we’ve lost two units due to lack of adult leadership and one due to improper leadership.  We need more adults to help out.

 

EASTERN MOUNTAN YOUNG MARINES UNIT COMMENDATION :  Cmndt. Walker and Marine Phillips have signed and forwarded the recommendation for the award to National.  The award is based on their efforts when the traveling wall was in Payson.

 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT (Marine Cheek):  As reported at the March Staff Meeting, the Nominating Committee Report is as follows:

Commandant-Alex Romero  

Sr Vice-Comm-Tali Volbergs           

Jr Vice-Comm:-Doug Sorensen

Judge Advocate- Bill Bright

 

As indicated, nominations may be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting, assuming the nominee is either present to agree to serve, or a letter to that effect is presented to the Nominating Committee Chair at the time of the nomination.  He went over the election and voting process

Semper Fi

W Cheek

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Marine Roy made a motion that the Department of Arizona make a $1,500 donation to the Mary Ellen shelter for women veterans shelter; seconded.  Discussion:  can the department afford that amount? It was suggested that the detachments contribute $125 each.  The department cannot“ require” detachments to do so.  When is the money needed?  Can detachments volunteer funds then department put in the remaining up to $1,500?  Marine Sekardi of Saguaro will donate $500; Sedona $500.  Marine Silveria called the question - Department of Arizona will donate $1,500 to the Mary Ellen shelter for women veterans.  Motion carried

 

Anyone that wants to donate additional funds can do so. 

 

TRAVELING TROPHY:  Membership trophy was awarded to the Old Breed Detachment 

 

DIAMONDBACKS GAME (Marine Ebright):  Diamondbacks are giving us tickets to sell.  For every one we sell, they will give a ticket to a wound warrior for the game.  Every detachment that has a Color Guard that wants to participate needs to contact him ASAPTickets cost $15-$45; send checks to Saguaro and include your Detachment number by July 23rd.  San Diego vs. Diamondbacks at 1:20 pm. 

 

GOOD OF THE LEAGUE

 

Marine Amorose – on page 19 of program book picture of Marine Gordon Buck Weaver a charter member of their Detachment.  He recommended that the Department recognize these members.

 

All Valley Color Guards invited to the Mesa Market Place on Flag Day. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FALL STAFF MEETING (Marine Connell):  September 10-11, 2010.  Cut-off date is September 3rd; room rate is $69. 

 

BANQUET REMINDER (Marine Sekardi):  Starts at 1915 in the meeting room.   

 

2011 MEETINGS (Adjutant):  Spring-Green Valley; State-Tucson; Fall-Lake Havasu.  Detachments should be thinking about hosting meetings in 2012.

 

Recess for lunch

 

ELECTIONS (Marines Cheek & AM Bellard):  Cmndt. Walker announced that this will be a roll call ballot.  Marines MacIntyre, Reese, Fraiser and Nabors will tally the votes.  Marine Cheek reminded that any Marine in good standing can be nominated for the four elected officers of the Department.  To be nominated from the floor must be present or submit a written confirmation that they wish to serve.   Per Department Bylaws, the following Marines declared their willingness to serve at the spring staff conference:  Marine Romero for Cmndt., Marine Volbergs for Sr. Vice, Marine Sorensen for Jr. Vice, for JA Marine Ebright.  Marine Cheek began the elections.

 

Commandant – No further nominations; nominations closed.

 

Sr. Vice -   Marine Connell nominated Marine Mike Roy; no further nominees; nominations closed. 

 

Jr. Vice – No further nominations; nominations closed.

 

Judge Advocate - Marine Flynn nominated Marine LaVetter; no further nominations.

 

For the offices of Commandant and Jr. Vice Commandant, a motion was made by Marine Silveria to elect Marine Romero as Commandant and Marine Sorensen as Jr. Vice by acclamation, seconded by Marine Pat Connell and approved unanimously

 

AM Bellard read the allocated delegates for each detachment prior to voting for the offices of Sr. Vice Commandant and Judge Advocate.  Total votes: 1,183; 50% + 1 required = 593 votes to be elected.  Each candidate was given two minutes to state their qualifications then escorted outside of the meeting room.  Attendees were given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the candidates. 


Motion made by Marine Flynn to take a 10 minute recess to caucus to determine how to vote on the candidates for Sr. Vice Commandant, seconded by Marine Carper; motion did not carry. 

 

Marine Cheek continued with the election process, giving the Judge Advocate candidates an opportunity to give their qualifications.  Afterwards, they left the room and the candidates for Sr. Vice returned.  Attendees were given an opportunity to speak on behalf of the Judge Advocate candidates.   

 

15 minute recess to caucus

 

Election for Sr. Vice Commandant; Marine Roy was elected. 

Election for Judge Advocate; Marine Ebright was elected.

 

Candidates were brought back in and winners were announced.

 

Marine Carper made a motion that the Department select an Associate Member of the Year every year, seconded by Marine Silveria and approved unanimously

 

MEETING RECESSED WITH PROPER CEREMONIES UNTIL THE BANQUET @ 1445.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kathy L. Reese

Kathy L. Robinson, Adjutant

Tucson Detachment, Department of Arizona

 and Southwest Division

 

 

 

 

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