Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting April 26, 2006

The Executive Committee [ExCom] of the Military Officers Association of America [MOAA], California Council of Chapters [CAL-MOAA] met at the Executive Inn and Suites, 1755 Embarcadero, Oakland, Calif.

Voting Members Present:
Lt. Col. Lawrence Stumpf, USAF [Ret.], President
Cmdr. John Sammons, USPHS [Ret.], Vice President/Director Area One North Counties
Col. Warren Enos, USAR [Ret.], Director Area Two, Bay Area
Col. Robert Colbern USA [Ret.] Proxy for Cmdr. David C. Faul, USN [Ret.], Director Area Three, Central Coast Area
Capt. Al Ashurst, USN [Ret.], Director Area Six, Southwest Area
Capt. William Sturman USN [Ret.], Convention Chairman, Proxy for Chief Warrant Off. Herbert Zimmerman, USN [Ret.], Director Area Seven, Inland Empire Area

Voting Members Absent:
Capt. David Albizo, USMC [Ret.], Director Area Four, San Joaquin Valley Area
Cmdr. Gene Talmadge, USN [Ret.], Director Area Five, Mission Trail Area [Proxy]
Capt. James Cahill, USNR [Ret.], Director Area Eight, San Diego Area [Proxy]

Non-Voting Members Present:
Cmdr Robert Burke, USN [Ret.], Past President/Website/Communications
Col. Arthur Isensee, USMC [Ret.], Treasurer/Budget and Finance Chair
Cmdr. Earl Gustafson, USN [Ret.], Secretary
Col. William Gavitt, USAF [Ret.], State Legislative Chair/MOAA Board of Directors

Others:
Lt. Cmdr. Steve Barber, USN [Ret.], President, San Francisco Chapter
Lt. Col. Jay Craddock, USAF [Ret.], President, Silicon Valley Chapter
Lt. Col. Bruce Evans, USAF [Ret.], Past President, Monterey County Chapter
Lt. Col. Mort Jarvis USAF [Ret.], President, Alta California Chapter
Mary Kalinyak, Auxiliary Liaison, Monterey County Chapter
John Kenney, Life member from Alameda
Col. John Loughran, USAF [Ret.], MOAA Board of Directors
Sam Major, Former Vice President, Alameda Chapter
Capt Warren McDonald, USCGR [Ret.], MOAA Board of Directors
Ed Meschinsky, Vice President, San Francisco Chapter
Capt. Gordon Nakagawa USN [Ret.] Past President, Monterey County Chapter
Col. Pete Peterka, USA [Ret.], President, Redwood Empire Chapter
Cmdr. Leighton Royston, USN [Ret.], President MRBF
Ann Patton, MOAA Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee
Duane Stratton, Member from Oakland
James D. Torres, Vice President, Contra Costa County Chapter
Chet Ward, Representing Valley Ridge Chapter

The meeting was called to order by the president at 9:30 a.m. Stumpf gave the invocation. Sammons led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance. Stumpf followed with his opening remarks. Noted requirement for two ExCom meetings annually and thanked Sammons for arranging the facilities.

Stumpf declared a quorum was present with five directors present or represented and two proxies. The assembly made self-introductions. Royston responded at length regarding the mission of the Military Retirees Benefit Foundation. Sturman responded regarding the status of CAL-MOAA conventions. Approval of Minutes of ExCom Meeting of Nov. 6, 2005: Isensee questioned the outcome of the entry in Para. 5 of Page 2 where there was a recommendation by Sammons to contribute $1,000 to the California State Commanders Veterans Council for the legislative advocate. Consensus was that the ExCom took no action and that the item was brought up by Isensee at the Council of Chapters where it was tabled by the chair [See Council minutes of Nov. 7, 2005, lines 5 and 6 from the bottom of Page 3].

Torres pointed out that on the 2nd line from the bottom of Page 1, should read "director of MOAA as well as national etc." Ashurst moved and Sammons seconded acceptance of the minutes as corrected. Motion carried without objection.

Treasurer's Report: Isensee presented the report of annual audit [Attachment A]. Ashurst moved and Sammons seconded acceptance. Motion carried without objection.

Isensee reported 17 chapters have paid 2006 dues including all chapters in Area 8. Torres asked for clarification on billing of dues. After discussion, the consensus was that it would be desirable to email invoices at the beginning of the year. Enos moved and Ashurst seconded a motion to approve the treasurer's report [Attachment B]. Motion carried without objection.

Isensee discussed the allocation of contributions to the State Veteran's Homes. Vacaville has ample funds and the contribution could be split between Barstow and Chula Vista Homes. Stumpf moved the topic to new business and complimented Isensee for his service as treasurer.

National MOAA Perspectives:
Loughran stated 60 percent of MOAA members are not chapter members. Chapters are important to MOAA. Coast Guard Alameda has vetoed a chapter on CG Island. Sammons stated that a representative of the California National Guard will brief the Area 1 and 2 assembly on the following day.

McDonald stated that there are 502 applications for the 12 MOAA board vacancies. He is on the finance and publications committees, the latter of which oversees the two awarding-winning MOAA magazines. Last month over a 100 people took part in "Storming the Hill." Senior enlisted membership was discussed by MOAA and rejected. Stumpf said that 40,000 mail-in cards were in the conference room before the Appropriations Subcommittee when MOAA testified on TRICARE increases.

Gavitt said 103,000 MOAA member are over age 80. Gavitt stated "Give me Ten" campaign was deemed a success by national but that can be debated. It got a late start and did not run throughout the year. It gained 1,400 members with 164 chapters participating. A chapter in Arkansas received $11,000 as a result of their efforts. Campaign will be run throughout the year. In 2006 it is forecast the 17,000 memberships will lapse and 17,000 members will die so 34,000 new members are needed to stay even. Only 22 percent of MOAA members belong to chapters.

MOAA has 70,000 auxiliary members. He advocated life members as a benefit for survivor. Cal-Vet Home Loan program only allow members who have service before a date in 1977 to participate. Five states have this program: Alaska, Oregon, Wisconsin, California and Texas. All Medal of Honor recipients get free membership in national MOAA. Urged that MOAA look for members in their areas. MOAA Scholarship Fund approved 1 out of 6 applications for $3,500 loans plus a grant of $500. Payback is 99.6 percent. Army colonel in Georgia has a goal of $1,000,000 by walking the Appalachian Trail for the American Patriot Scholarship Fund. Home Deport and Sears recognized for making up salaries of persons called up for military service. Torres stated Home Depot also includes Yardbird in the Bay Area.

Recessed at 10:42 a.m. Reconvened at 10:58 a.m.

Stumpf introduced Anne Patton, MOAA Auxiliary Member Advisor Committee. Patton stated that the committee's purpose is to get auxiliary members integrated into the chapters by each chapter appointing an auxiliary liaison member. Many auxiliary members belong to national but not the local chapter. Committee works on recruiting and retention and sits in on national committees. Patton sits on member services committee. Auxiliaries were present on "Storming the Hill." Have column in The Affiliate. Need to get articles to the chapters. Hope to have column in Military Officers Magazine. In response to a question, she said 52 chapters have appointed auxiliaries to their boards of directors. Ashurst asked about list of auxiliary members who do not belong to chapters. Stumpf discussed distribution of The Affiliate. McDonald pointed out that MOAA is installing a new computer system and some addresses may have been dropped.

Past President: Burke stated that number of MOAA members who are members of chapters in California is declining with only 16 percent membership. MOAA membership in California is under 30,000 with CAL-MOAA having between 5 and 6,000 as members. Auxiliary members are less than 10,000 in California.

Old Business:
Sammons distributed final drafts of mission statement, vision statement and strategic plan. Sammons described the homecoming welcome for the 250th Military Intelligence Battalion and exhibited the plaque that was received from the Battalion. After extended discussion of the mission statement, a version was agreed to by consensus. Ashurst moved and Sammons seconded a motion to adopt the mission statement as modified [Attachment C]. Motion carried without objection.

Recessed at 11:58 a.m. Reconvened at 1:36 p.m.

The committee considered the vision statement. After extended discussion, a version was agreed to by consensus. Enos moved and Ashurst seconded a motion to adopt the vision statement as modified [Attachment C]. Motion carried without objection.

Sammons discussed the strategic plan for 2006-2009 [Attachment C]. Stated strategic planning was necessary for organization to survive. Reviewed strengths, weaknesses and limitations, opportunities and challenges. Under Strategic Goals, Item 4 was inserted at the behest of three Area 1 chapters. There was one proposal to reduce the number of areas from eight to three, also a proposal for more vice presidents and to eliminate area concepts. Burke stated that planning was going on to assign chapters to legislative districts. It was stated that Sturman was the principal architect of the current CAL-MOAA organization. Stumpf declared no vote would be taken on the strategic plan at this time.

Recessed at 2:32 p.m. Reconvened at 2:52 p.m.

Stumpf briefed the assembly on the Military Retirees Benefit Foundation. MRBF's mission was to lobby for recomputation of retired pay and was charged with the management of a fund for this purpose. It is aligned with CAL-MOAA and its officers are members of one of the CAL-MOAA chapters. The MRBF invests funds and issues grants for support of activities that serve the rights and benefits of military retirees. Burke said funds accumulated from contributions for the original purposes of the MRBF. Grants are available to CAL-MOAA chapters. Ideas are needed for grants. A recent grant was for a legislative directory. CAL-MOAA is requesting $1,400 for support of the website. Requests for grants must be based on a program in the future. There are eight authorized directors. Terms are for six years with two new ones every two years.

Stumpf reminded the assembly that area directors are to be elected prior to the November annual meeting of the Council. Both incoming and outgoing area directors can claim expenses for the annual meeting.

Stumpf stated that a volunteer is needed to provide the location for the annual meeting. Jarvis suggested the Sacramento Chapter. Sturman enumerated the desirabilities of holding a convention. He suggested taking a cruise or going to an Indian casino. He believes that it would stimulate interest in the organization. Torres questioned the appropriateness of holding a convention at a casino. McDonald stated that MOAA will no longer have conventions because it does not attract new people and the cost is increasing to $5 to 6 hundred per person. Annual meetings will be substituted, alternating between Washington D.C. and elsewhere.

Stumpf introduced the topic of support for the legislative advocate. He stated that minutes of the previous ExCom meeting indicates CAL-MOAA will contribute $1,000 through the CSCVC that will be paid by May 13 when the CSCVC meets. Gavitt spoke on the value of the legislative advocate and the fact that the Armed Forces Retirees Association used to contribute $5,000 per year. He noted that neither the CAL-MOAA ExCom nor the Council of Chapters had voted the $1,000 at their last meetings. Burke explained that it had been tabled at the Council meeting with the intent of bringing it up for a vote at next meeting of the ExCom that, at that time, was expected to take place in February 2006. Gavitt recommended the contribution be increased to $2,000. Isensee objected because he believes the legislative advocate does not support the aims of CAL-MOAA. Sammons moved and Enos seconded a motion to contribute $1,000 to the CSCVC for the legislative advocate. Motion carried with no objections.

Stumpf brought up the topic of recruiting. Craddock discussed Silicon Valley Chapter's efforts and the result. Colbern stated the best way to recruit is by members calling prospects that they know.

Stumpf noted that he had received some input on the DFAS survey saying that he had about 14 responses. MOAA is working on the problem with DFAS. Gavitt said Steve Strobridge at MOAA is also working with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the problem. The question arose that it is possible some widows may not know they have a problem.

Evans spoke on the effort to build a cemetery at Monterey. VA will build but the State has to maintain in perpetuity. Needs at $300,000 per year to maintain. Suggested that CAL-MOAA issue a resolution supporting the cemetery. Gavitt suggested it be introduced at the CSCVC on May 13. Nakagawa spoke in support of veterans' hospitals and the means of gaining support for the cemetery.

Roundtable Comments:
Ashurst [Area 6] stated it was a productive meeting and he will take it back to his area. Colbern [Area 3] spoke of dedication of Area Director Dave Faul. Santa Barbara Chapter is considering subchapter status. Enos [Area 2] stated all seven chapters reasonably healthy; San Francisco has a new leadership team [Attachment D]. Sturman [Area 7] commented that Area meeting had poor attendance. Burke commented that the CAL-MOAA webmaster is doing a good job.

Isensee recommended that reimbursement for meeting expenses for ExCom members be increased. Sammons moved and Sturman seconded that reimbursement be increased as follows effective April 1, 2006: Mileage $0.15 per mile; Lodging $65 per day and Meals $40 per day. Motion carried without objection.

[Comments continued] Gavitt commented that Council is moving forward with utilization of new technology. Torres noted his chapter has the same problems as others with the need to get people to volunteer for leadership positions. Stumpf thanked members for their attendance. Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Earl F. Gustafson, CDR, USN Ret. Secretary, CAL-MOAA

Attachments:
A - Annual Audit Report for 2005
B - Treasurer's Report
C - Mission and Vision Statements and Strategic Plan 2006-2009
D - Area 2 Director's Report

Attachment B

CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS, MOAA FINAL STRATEGIC PLAN 2006-2009

INTRODUCTION

The California Council of Chapters Military Officers Association of America [CAL-MOAA] includes all chartered Chapters throughout California who are in good standing with the Military Officers Association of America and who desire to belong to the Council.

MISSION

The mission of CAL-MOAA is to:
Support directly and through our affiliated chapters, the military community. This includes active, retired, former commissioned and warrant officers of all seven Uniformed Services including the National Guard and Reserve components and their surviving spouses; Support the membership in any way possible to preserve and enhance their rights, benefits and entitlements, and quality of life; Support the mission of MOAA.

VISION

CAL-MOAA will accomplish its mission by being one of the leading professional military organizations in the State of California. CAL-MOAA will organize itself with strong local chapters to support key political issues in California that impact the membership.

STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Strengths

1. 1. CAL-MOAA is a statewide organization with 45 Chapters and 5 subchapters
2. 2. CAL-MOAA is affiliated with a professional uniformed services association with sufficient clout to directly affect outcomes of items affecting the pay, benefits and quality of life of its members
3. 3. CAL-MOAA has the potential and capability through its website and the use of electronic mail to develop internal and external communications capability to support our chapters and inform appropriate legislative, political and community organizations.

Weaknesses and Limitations

1. 1. Decreasing population from which to recruit new members with concomitant decline in membership
2. 2. Inability at all levels to attract enough vital and effective individuals to fill leadership positions
3. 3. Communications-internal and external
4. 4. Leadership in failing or troubled chapters are not provided sufficient support and information to allow them to embrace the concept of a sub-chapter to lessen the management requirements
5. 5. Inability of Council to implement decisions, obtain chapter participation and affect change where required.

Attachment C

Opportunities

1. 1. Reach out to prospective membership from the Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard components utilizing National MOAA's proven record as basis for contact to include former officers and the widows/widowers of deceased officers
2. 2. Increased cooperation and/or integration with similar organizations
3. 3. Increased opportunity for coalition building
4. 4. Identification of and/or initiation of "relevant" state issues
5. 5. Become a more relevant and responsive professional organization
6. 6. Develop a communications capability that utilizes the electronic media as well as supporting those members who choose not to become Internet capable

Challenges

1. 1. Regenerate and sustain membership
2. 2. Prevent the loss of Chapters
3. 3. Inability of Council to engage its member chapters in any affective way
4. 4. Institutional complacency within CAL-MOAA and its member chapters
5. 5. Continued increase of the generation gap between current and eligible members
6. 6. Increased competition with similar organizations for eligible members
7. 7. Continued loss of political power
8. 8. The expansion of the internet that has resulted in the exponential increase of information that might serve to diffuse or dilute targeted information
9. 9. Overload of volunteer officers in meeting the challenge of the information age

STRATEGIC GOALS 2006 - 2009

1. 1. Develop Strategic Planning Initiatives
2. 2. Revise the Council Bylaws to reflect the strategic planning initiatives
3. 3. Develop and implement specific operations plans to implement the strategic planning initiatives
4. 4. Actively seek fully qualified leaders for current and future Council positions
5. 5. Establish a form of governance that fully engages the member chapters in all aspects of Council management and encourages them to be active participants in the decision making process. Each chapter should have a vote with the right of authorizing proxy votes
6. 6. Assist chapters with personnel issues, including membership recruitment and leader succession planning
7. 7. Implement a comprehensive public/community relations & publicity program
8. 8. Develop the current CAL-MOAA website into a statewide newsletter and information sharing site
9. 9. Work with veterans and other groups throughout the state to advance mutual interests
10. 10. Establish a legislative center to monitor and influence state level legislation in the interest of members

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

1. 1. Adopt the Strategic Plan as a working document towards the revitalization effort
2. 2. Adopt new by-laws tailored specifically towards California and its unique problems
3. 3. Reorganize CAL-MOAA into an active and responsive organization
4. 4. Develop CAL-MOAA's outstanding website into a statewide newsletter and information sharing site to help unite the various chapters as well as encourage the participation of MOAA members who are not Chapter members

Attachment D [As adopted and/or reviewed by ExCom 26 Apr 2006]

Area 2 Report [26 Apr 2006]

Monterey County Chapter