The Military Order of the World Wars

2008 Midwinter General Staff Meeting

Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel, Tempe, Arizona 85281

February 5-10, 2008

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

1400-1700 Hours

CINC Col James D. Elmer called to order the 2008 Midwinter General Staff (GS) Executive Committee (EXCOM) of the GS meeting at 1400 hours, February 6, 2008, and followed with an Invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the Order's Preamble.

There was a MOTION to dispense with the roll call, SECONDED, and APPROVED. EXCOM members absent were JAG Lt Stuart Cowan and VCINC CAPT William Dibble, Jr. who was expected to arrive late.

CINC Col Elmer requested a motion to approve his invited guest, CDR Jack Fetner, II, Chair, MOWW Board of Trustees to sit in on the EXCOM meeting as an observer, MOTIONED, SECONDED, and APPROVED.

There was a MOTION to approve the draft agenda, as presented, SECONDED, and APPROVED.

CINC Col Elmer welcomed all of the EXCOM members and guest and thanked all of them for their hard work and dedication to doing the work of the Order.

Chief of Staff BG Bultman asked for a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes from 2007 Special EXCOM meeting (see page 110 in the Business Agenda and Reports Book) at MOWW HQs (November 9-10, 2007) and that they be accepted as written and presented, MOTIONED, SECONDED, and APPROVED.

(NOTE: VCINC CAPT Dibble joined the EXCOM meeting at 1452 Hours)

Treasurer General COL M. Hall Worthington discussed his report (see page 26 in the Business Agenda and Reports Book) and updated the EXCOM on the following items:

FY 07-08 Budget (midyear): Everything was on budget.

CINC's solicitation for FY 07-08 was very slow and he did not feel we would reach the goal and that a third mailing to "all" Companions will be required.

Most of the Chapters have returned their IRS postcards for FY 06-07 as required and that MOWW Headquarters was contacting all Chapters that did not return their postcards; plus, no funds would be paid by National HQs to those Chapters that did not return an IRS Postcard.

Chapter Annual financial reviews for FY 06-07 was reported by the Chapters on the IRS postcard and it appears that almost all chapters are complying with this new requirement.

He informed the EXCOM that the Honor Donor Wall program had raised about $85,000 to date. He stated that this program was moving slowly and that the hope was that more Companions and Chapters would consider making a donation to the MOWW Honor Donor Wall.

No votes were taken by the EXCOM on any these reports.

Treasurer General COL Worthington then discussed his efforts to prepare a new section for the MOWW Handbook on "How to Spend the Order’s Money" to be used by all levels of the Order. He stated that he and the Chair of the MOWW Board of Trustees, CDR Jack Fetner II, were working on writing this new section and that it should be ready for the 2008 National Convention. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

After the Treasurer General’s report the EXCOM received an update from the MOWW Board of Trustees Chairman, CDR Jack Fetner, II, who stated that the Board is in constant watch of the Order’s funds and has the ability to react to changes in the market in a timely manner to help protect the Order’s investments. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

The EXCOM received an update on FY 07-08 Membership (Recruiting and Retention efforts) as of December 31, 2007 by VCINC Fred Graves (see pages 61-66 in the Business Agenda and Reports Book). No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

Chief of Staff BG Bultman led a discussion on Chapters with less than 15 living members. Discussed were the following Chapters: Illowa, Illinois, Southern Maryland and Upstate Carolina, South Carolina from the 2007 National Convention and Monroe, Louisiana. After an in-depth discussion there was a request for a motion to continue Southern Maryland on "probation" and to put Monroe, Louisiana on "probation by sending them a letter putting them on "probation." These two Chapters would be re-evaluated at the 2008 National Convention in Columbus, Georgia, motioned, seconded, and approved.

Sr. VCINC LTG Robert L. "Sam" Wetzel gave an update on the MOWW 2010 Strategic Plan, Revision "B." He also stated that he was concerned that there is not enough information about the Plan at the Chapter level. The new version was not on the MOWW web site and he asked the Chief of Staff to have it put on the web site as soon as possible. In closing he told the EXCOM that Revision "A" would be printed and ready for the 2008 National Convention. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

VCINC COL Philemon "Phil" St. Amant, II, Chair, MOWW National Security Committee, gave the EXCOM an update on the work of the National Security Committee and the Committee’s web site. He said that the web site is up and running and that the information about the web site is published, monthly, in Officer Review magazine and that this web site is also linked to the MOWW web site. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

VCINC COL St. Amant II, informed the EXCOM that there were no proposed emergency resolutions for the Midwinter GS meeting. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

VCINC CAPT Dibble, Chair, MOWW Constitution and Bylaws (C&BLs) Committee informed the EXCOM that he has received some proposed changes to the C&BLs from Companions. CINC Col Elmer asked if there were any changes that the leadership of the Order might consider submitting since the deadline for submitting changes was February 15, 2008. After an in-depth discussion it was decided that the EXCOM members did not have any changes that they wished to submit. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

Since the JAG was absent, CINC Col Elmer updated the EXCOM on the JAG’s efforts to Patent & Trademark MOWW’s names and logo. He informed the EXCOM that all necessary applications have been submitted, processed, and completed. The EXCOM discussed having a policy for the use of the Order’s name and symbols. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

CINC Col Elmer led a discussion on the Order’s current policy for Chapters to change their names. After an in-depth discussion the EXCOM decided that the current policy of the Order was sufficient and no changes were needed to be made to this policy, however, a clear written policy should be put in the MOWW Handbook. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

CINC Col Elmer discussed with the EXCOM his efforts to refine and further develop the "Mentoring" program currently being used by the Order to help save or energize a Chapter. He stated that this effort has been successful in helping numerous Chapters and that he was counting on all EXCOM members to help with this program. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

Chief of Staff BG Bultman presented his report to the EXCOM. He highlighted issues reference National Headquarters operations, Officer Review magazine, the Order's web site, the new IRS 990-N reporting requirement for all elements of the Order with the first deadline being November 15, 2008, the publishing of the upcoming MOWW Harris Directory, and the MOWW Handbook. No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

Chief of Staff BG Bultman briefed the EXCOM on the status of the Order’s request for a $20,000 Grant from Hann-Buswell Chapter to help the Order cover the cost of membership services for FY 08-09, which is an unfunded requirement the Order has for FY 08-09. There was a recommendation to increase the amount of the Order’s grant request to $25,000, motioned, seconded, and approved.

Col Jim Elmer updated the EXCOM on his efforts to identify a State Commander for all 50 States. He said that the task was almost completed and that he would need the assistance of all VCINCs and Region Commanders to complete the last States. The EXCOM was informed that the Order had 25 States with State Commanders and 25 States with Department Commanders and Florida’s Department Commander position was currently vacant. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

CINC Col Elmer discussed some of the possible locations for the 2011 Midwinter GS meeting. Sr. VCINC LTG Wetzel strongly recommended that the Order hold this meeting somewhere in Florida. CINC Col Elmer asked that VCINC Graves take on this effort and find a chapter or chapters in Region VI to host the 2011 Midwinter GS meeting. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

CINC Col Elmer discussed his efforts to select a DSA recipient for his term. He informed the EXCOM that he was using a panel of distinguished Companions to finalize a list of Candidates to be considered and he was waiting to hear from Admiral Vernon Clark, former CNO of the US Navy. No vote was taken by the EXCOM on this report.

The EXCOM then heard reports from the Sr. VCINC and the other four VCINCs. Each of the five (5) VCINCs gave a short verbal update on all major activities and significant events in the following areas which they have oversight responsibility: Regions, States, Departments, Chapters, and Committees. They especially addressed challenges or troubled spots within these areas. When they identified a concern, they gave a short overview of what they planned to do to address these concerns. The VCINCs also addressed the activities and contribution that their GSOs made. The reports followed:

Sr. VCINC LTG Robert L. "Sam" Wetzel, with oversight of Region V (5) and two GSOs (LTC Gary Engen & Companion Mrs. Jennie McIntosh). He reported on his four (4) committees: Budget (including the HQs Pay & Compensation Subcommittee), Policy Planning, Patriotic Education, and ROTC. No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

VCINC COL Philemon A. "Phil" St. Amant II, with oversight of three (3) Regions: VII, VIII & XI (7, 8, & 11) and two GSOs (Col John W. Lazur and Col Clifford Way). He reported on his four (4) committees and one (1) Council: Law and Order, National Security, Homeland Security, Legislative and Resolutions, and The Council of Department and State Commanders. No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

VCINC CAPT William W. "Bill" Dibble, JR., with oversight of three (3) Regions: II, IX, & X (2, 9, &10) and two GSOs (COL Richard A. Colson and CAPT Russell C. Vowinkel). He reported on his four (4) committees: Memorials, Honors and Protocol, Constitution and By-Laws, and Financial Development (Ad Hoc). No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

VCINC COL Frederick J. "Fred" Graves, with oversight of four (4) Regions: I, III, IV, & IV (1, 3, 4, & 6) and two GSOs (LTC Guthrie H. Ashton, Jr. and Maj Reynald A. "Rey" Moreau). He reported on his three (3) committees and one (1) Council: Chapter Activities, Membership, Information and Publicity, and The Council of Region Commanders. No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

VCINC COL Billie L. Stephens with oversight of (3) Regions: XIII, XIV, & XV (13, 14 & 15) and two GSOs (CWO4 Allan R. Peschek and Companion Mr. James C. Baird). He reported on his five (5) committees: Awards, Historical and Archives, National Convention, National Seminars, and Boy & Girl Scouts. No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

CINC COL James D. "Jim" Elmer chairs the Executive Committee, the Nominating, Ethics, and Magazine Committees, plus the Council of Past CINCs which is chaired by Past CINCs and is not under VCINC oversight; however, the Ethics and Magazine Committees report to the CINC. CINC Col Elmer reported on both of these committees and gave a short overview of his work during the first half of his term and commented on the many observations he had of the activities of the Order during his travels. No votes were taken by the EXCOM on these reports.

Following the VCINCs reports the CINC stated that input from all EXCOM members was important and requested reports from the remaining members of the EXCOM. They highlighted their concerns and plans for addressing these concerns within the areas that they are active or have responsibility for within the Order:

Treasurer General, COL M. Hall Worthington

Immediate Past CINC, LTC David R. Titus briefed the EXCOM on Patriotic Education, Inc. (PEI) and the changes that were being made to strengthen this important program. He also updated the EXCOM on the Gist Blair Trust Fund.

Chair, Council of Past CINCs, Chair, PCINC MG Franklin E. Miles

Chair, Council of Region Commanders, Col Fred W. Darley

Member-at-Large and Chair, Information & Publicity Committee, CAPT Russell C. Vowinkel updated the EXCOM on the new "Chapter Bulletin" award that would be started and presented at the 2008 National Convention. He stated that there would be awards for small, medium, and large Chapters. He also updated the EXCOM on his upcoming "Workshop" on Chapter Information & Publicity.

Member-at-Large and Chair, Awards Committee, MAJ JoAnne Barton

Member-at-Large Companion Mrs. Jennie McIntosh

No action was taken by the EXCOM on any of these reports.

"FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER" CINC Col Elmer asks if there were any issues "for the good of the Order."

There was a recommendation that the Order look at Southern California for a possible site for the 2011 Midwinter GS meeting.

CINC Col Elmer updated the EXCOM on his new program of paying for half of the membership fees for annual dues paying Regular Memberships for all newly Commissioned Officers. He said a Chapter or Companion would pay the other half of the membership fees. He has set aside a pool of funds to cover this program cost and was hoping that the Order could get 1,000-2000 new members with this program.

Chair, PCINC MG Miles recommended that the Order consider changing the location for the 2010 National Convention from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He said he is working with the Chapters and Region to work out the details and to change the sites.

There were many issues discussed for the good of the Order; however, no votes were taken by the EXCOM.

CINC Col Elmer gave his closing remarks to the EXCOM thanking all EXCOM members for their assistance, hard work and dedication to the Order.

CINC Col Elmer adjourned the EXCOM meeting for the 2008 Midwinter GS meeting, following a Benediction, at 1705 hours, Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY THE EXCOM AT THEIR PRE-CONVENTION EXCOM MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2008, DURING THE 2008 NATIONAL CONVENTION MEETING, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.

CINC Col James D. "Jim" Elmer called to order the 2008 Midwinter General Staff (GS) meeting at 0805 hours, February 8, 2008, followed by the Invocation, Posting of the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, Singing of the National Anthem, Retiring the Colors, reading of the Order's Preamble, and an Honoring of the POW/MIA Table.

CINC Col Elmer gave his welcoming remarks and welcomed The Honorable Hugh Hallman, Mayor of Tempe who gave a warm "welcome" to the GS from the City of Tempe, Arizona.

There was a motion for the Chief of Staff BG Roger Bultman to suspend the roll call of the General Staff, second, passed.

There was a motion to approve the agenda, as presented, seconded, and approved.

CINC Col Elmer reviewed the goals that he presented at the beginning of his term as CINC that were published in the October 2008 issue of Officer Review magazine.

OLD BUSINESS:

Chief of Staff BG Bultman asked for a motion to dispense with the reading of the 2007 Post-Convention General Staff (GS) meeting minutes (page 5-GS meeting book) held in Overland Park (KC), Kansas (August 4, 2007) and that they be accepted as written, presented, and corrected, motioned, seconded, and passed.

CINC Col Elmer informed the GS that at the 2007 National Convention Post GS meeting the nomination to the MOWW Ethics Committee was missed. He nominated Col Maureen Lofberg for a three year appointment (expires 2010) to the MOWW Ethics Committee, motioned, seconded, and passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

CINC Col Elmer presented his report (page 9-GS meeting book) by giving the GS a brief update of his activities in support of the Order. The CINC announced that all National Officers' reports received by MOWW National Headquarters were provided to the GS in the Business Agenda and Reports booklet. The CINC thanked the VCINCs, National Officer, Committee Chairs, and General Staff for their hard work in support of the Order's Preamble. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

Chief of Staff BG Bultman presented his report (page 12-GS meeting book) to the GS. He highlighted issues reference National Headquarters operations, Officer Review magazine, the Order's web site, and the MOWW Handbook. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

After his report the Chief of Staff took roll call of Chapter Commanders and Adjutants present to determine the winner of the annual Post award that will be announced at the CINC’s Banquet.

CINC Col Elmer invited the five VCINCs to give a brief update on their reports.

Sr. VCINC LTG Sam Wetzel and VCINCs, CAPT Bill Dibble, Jr., Col Fred Graves, COL Phil St. Amant II, and COL Billie Stephens gave their reports (pages 13 to 24-GS meeting book) to the GS. Each VCINC gave the GS an update on all major activities in their Regions and a report on all significant activities occurring in the Committees they have oversight responsibility for and also highlighted the work of their GSOs. No vote was taken by the GS on any of the VCINCs reports.

The Treasurer General COL M. Hall Worthington covered his report (page 26-GS meeting book) and gave the GS an update on the following items:

FY 07-08 Budget (midyear), everything was on budget (page 27-GS meeting book)

CINC's solicitation for FY 07-08 was very slow and he did not feel we would reach the goal. He expressed his concern that the goal projected in the budget may be a tough challenge for the Order and that the Order may fall short in solicitations for these funds.

Chapter IRS postcard/letter for FY 06-07 were not returned by seven (7) Chapters as required and MOWW Headquarters has contacted these Chapters. He reported that chapters that did not return their IRS postcard/letter to National Headquarters will not receive any funds due them from National Headquarters. All Chapters must have their own EIN from the IRS.

Chapter Annual financial reviews for FY 06-07 indicated that t eight (8) Chapters did not complete their annual financial review or failed to answer the question. These eight, plus the seven Chapters that did not return their IRS postcard/letter, makes 15 chapters with concern. All other Chapters are complying with this new requirement.

It was requested that the amount per "PM" be indicated on the transmittal letter being sent to the Chapters with their Perpetual Members dividend check.

An IRS postcard/letter will be developed for the Regions and Departments asking if they have an EIN and did they file a 990-N with the IRS.

After his presentation there was a motion to have the CINCs third solicitation letter be mailed to all Companions, even those Companions who have already donated to the CINCs solicitation for this fiscal year, seconded, and passed. After the GS approval of this motion the Chief of Staff informed the GS that the third letter will be mailed it in two weeks and that it will be mailed to all Companions.

CINC Col Elmer asked if there were any other National Officers or Committee Chairs that wished to add something important to their submitted written reports. Past CINC LTC Alfred Shehab informed the GS of the 2007 Officer Review Magazine Admiral Dyer Award winners (page 59-GS meeting book). Historian General Maj John G. Brady informed the GS that his report (page 30-GS meeting book) was an old report and that he had submitted an updated report that did not make it into the GS Meeting Book. No vote was taken by the GS on any of these reports.

CINC Col Elmer then opened the CINC’s Symposium for all Committees and Councils of the Order (see page 36-GS meeting book for the rule for the Symposium). This was the second time the Order has attempted to include this Symposium as part of the Midwinter GS meeting agenda. All National Committees and Councils plus any Ad Hoc Committees gave oral reports to the GS. Each Committee/Counsel Chair (or Vice Chair or Committee/Counsel representative) "highlighted" their Committee’s "successes and future challenges." This Symposium was an open discussion with questions from the GS after each Committee/Counsel presentation, facilitated by CINC Col Elmer. These were the key discussions:

The Chapter Activities Committee announced that they changed the "submittal date" for the material needed for the annual Chapter Activates Awards to July 10^th and that this date change would be posted in the MOWW Handbook.

The Historical and Archives Committee raised the issue of the importance of Companions completing the Companion Profile forms and mailing them to the Historian General to have them put into the MOWW files being maintained by the Hoover Institute at Stanford University in California.

The MOWW Ethics Committee announced that the new "Oath of Office" form in the MOWW Handbook will cover the Ethics statement requirement for the Order at all levels (Chapter, Department, State, Regions, all elected Officers, and all National Officers).

The Information and Publicity Committee announced that they were going to start an award for the "Best Chapter Bulletin/Newsletter" and the first award would be for FY 07-08 to be awarded at the 2008 National Convention.

The ROTC Committee announced that the "submittal date" for the material needed for the annual ROTC Awards is June 15^th and that this date is posted in the MOWW Handbook.

COL Richard E. Minor, Chair, Patriotic Education Committee (PEC) informed the GS that the PEC was developing a "Youth Protection Program" and that training and background checks will be done for all Companions who have direct contact with the students at all MOWW YLCs. This program will require new policy development, the development of new procedures for the faculty and staff of all YLCs, and new insurance coverage for MOWW and all Companions working at YLCs. He closed by telling the GS that more work was to be done and an update on these issues would be presented at the 2008 National Convention.

No vote was taken by the GS on any of the Committee/Counsel reports.

After the completion of the CINC’s Symposium the Historian General addressed the GS about the concern of "not many Companions completing the Order’s Companion Profile form." After an in-depth discussion there was a motion by the GS to approve the following process for the handling of all Companion Profile forms:

All Companions will complete the MOWW Companion Profile form.

Chapters will collect these completed forms, retain a copy, and send the original to the Historian General’s home.

The Historian General will take all Companion Profile forms received and take them to the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, were they will be filed with the MOWW records.

The Historian General will get a complete list (annually) of all Companion Profile forms on file at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University and send a copy of this list to MOWW National HQs to be posted on the MOWW web site.

This motion was seconded, and passed.

CINC Col Elmer recessed the first session of the 2008 Midwinter GS Meeting at 1140 hours, Friday, February 8, 2008.

CINC Col Elmer reconvened the second session of the 2008 Midwinter GS Meeting at 1345 hours, Saturday, February 9, 2008.

Chief of Staff BG Bultman led a discussion on Chapters with less than 15 living members. Discussed were the following Chapters: Illowa, Illinois, Southern Maryland Central Missouri, and Upstate Carolina, South Carolina from the 2007 National Convention and Monroe, Louisiana. After an in-depth discussion there was a call for a motion to remove Illowa and Central Missouri from probation; continue Southern Maryland on probation; and to put Monroe, Louisiana on "probation and send them a letter notifying them of their "probation" status. All of these Chapters would be re-evaluated at the 2008 National Convention in Columbus, Georgia, motioned, seconded, and approved.

This motion was followed by a motion to certify the New York and New Jersey Chapters as Cadre Chapters, seconded, and approved.

This motion was followed by a motion to merge the Garden City, Georgia, Chapter into the Savannah, Georgia Chapter, seconded, and approved.

This motion was followed by a motion to merge the Upstate Carolina, South Carolina Chapter into the Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter, seconded, and approved.

This motion was followed by a motion to merge the Southern Maryland Chapter into the PG County, Maryland, Chapter, seconded, and during the discussion there was a motion to table this item until the 2008 National Convention, seconded, and approved.

CINC Col Elmer led a discussion on concerns about "Chapters with one Companion holding all Chapter-elected officer positions." After an in-depth discussion the CINC tasked the Council of Region Commanders and the Council of Department and State Commanders to look into this issue and prepare a joint report for "fixing this issue" to be presented to the GS at the 2008 National Convention in Columbus, Georgia. The CINC stated that the Council of Region Commanders should have the lead on preparing this report.

CINC Col Elmer led a discussion on having all elements of the Order (Chapters, Departments, and Regions) get an EIN number from the IRS. This requirement is needed because of the IRS’s new requirement to have "all elements" of a non-profit organization file with the IRS (Form 990-N) even if they have zero income. This filing with the IRS will be "electronic filing form 990-N" and can only be done on-line. After an in-depth discussion there was a motion to have all "elements" of the Order (Chapters, Departments, and Regions) get their own EIN from the IRS prior to the 2008 National Convention and to then file an electronic form 990-N with the IRS for their "element" for FY 07-08 between July 1, 2008 and November 15, 2008, seconded, and approved.

CINC Col Elmer led a discussion on the Order’s current policy for Chapters to change their names. After an in-depth discussion it was concluded that the current policy of the Order was sufficient and no changes needed to be made to this policy; however, a clear written policy should be put in the MOWW Handbook. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

CINC Col Elmer introduced Mr. David Roberts, President and CEO of the Joe Foss Institute (JFI) and Mr. Ron Gillet, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) and each addressed the GS. No vote was taken by the GS on these presentations.

Treasurer General COL Worthington discussed his efforts to prepare a new section for the MOWW Handbook on "How to Spend the Order’s Money" to be used by all levels of the Order. He stated that he and the Chair of the MOWW Board of Trustees, CDR Jack Fetner II, were working together to write this new section and that it should be ready for the 2008 National Convention. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

COL D. Michael Duggan, Chair, Legislation & Resolution Committee reported to the GS that there were no proposed emergency Resolutions for the Midwinter GS meeting. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

The Chief of Staff led a discussion on proposed sites for National Conventions & GS Meetings which are currently approved, as follows:

2008 National Convention approved for Columbus, Georgia

2009 Midwinter GS Meeting approved for Huntsville, Alabama

2009 National Convention--OPEN--(Seattle/Tacoma, Washington withdrew)

2010 Midwinter GS Meeting approved for Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD area

2010 National Convention approved for Albuquerque, New Mexico

2011 Midwinter GS Meeting--OPEN--(To be approved by the EXCOM)

2011 National Convention--OPEN--(Louisville, Kentucky has been proposed)

There was a motion to honor the request from the Puget Sound, Washington State, Chapter to be removed as the host of the 2009 National Convention, seconded, and approved.

There was the a motion to have the General George Meade, Maryland, Chapter removed from the 2010 Midwinter GS meeting and approved to host the 2009 National Convention, seconded, and approved. CINC Col Elmer complimented the General Meade Chapter for stepping in and taking on this critical task for the Order, especially with such short notice.

There was then a motion to approve the San Diego, California, Chapter to host the 2010 Midwinter GS meeting, seconded, and approved. The GS was informed that the

EXCOM approves all sites for the Midwinter GS meetings and that they would be approving this request for San Diego at the Post-Midwinter GS EXCOM meeting

There was then a motion to change the host of the 2010 National Convention from the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chapter to the Santa Fe, New Mexico, Chapter. After an in-depth discussion this motion was seconded, and approved.

At the end of these votes the Chief of Staff announced the "revised" list of approved sites for National Convention & GS Meeting, as follows:

2008 National Convention approved for Columbus, Georgia

2009 Midwinter GS Meeting approved for Huntsville, Alabama

2009 National Convention approved for Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD area

2010 Midwinter GS Meeting approved for San Diego, California

2010 National Convention approved for Santa Fe, New Mexico

2011 Midwinter GS Meeting--OPEN--(Region VI has expressed interest)

2011 National Convention—OPEN

(Louisville, Kentucky and St Louis, Missouri have expressed interest)

Past CINC CAPT R. M. "Rollie" Stevens, President, Youth Enrichment Foundation (YEF), Inc. (formerly called the Youth Development Foundation (YDF), Inc. (see their report on page 106-GS meeting book) gave the GS an update and overview of the Foundation. He informed the GS about the YEF’s efforts to support all of the MOWW youth programs and specifically their efforts to raise funds to help support the Order’s YLC program. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

Past CINC 1^st LT Donald G. Allen, President, Patriotic Education Foundation (PEF), Inc. (see their report on page 105-GS meeting book) gave the GS an update and overview of the Foundation. He informed the GS about the PEF’s efforts to support all of the MOWW youth programs and specifically their efforts to raise funds to help support the Order’s YLC program. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

Past CINC COL Brion V. "Bri" Chabot, President, Patriotic Education, Inc. (PEI) gave the GS an update and overview of the PEI. He also gave the GS a brief update on the results of the Order’s partnership with the PEI and stated that he looked forward to the continued support of Companions. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

CINC Col Elmer asked for a motion to accept all reports presented orally to the GS or as written and presented to the GS in the Business Agenda and Reports booklet provided to all members of the GS, motioned by the GS, second, and passed.

CINC Col Elmer asked if there were any items "For the Good of the Order."

The Chief of Staff reported to the GS that Region XV won the Horace Port Award for having the best percentage of their GS members in attendance at the 2008 Midwinter GS meeting. No vote was taken by the GS on this report.

Magazine Committee Chairman, Past CINC LTC Alfred Shehab gave the GS an oral report on the winners of the Vice Admiral George C. Dyer Magazine Award for 2007 as follows:

First Place: VCINC COL Philemon "Phil" St. Amant II, LTG Troy Middleton, Louisiana, Chapter for his article "Arousing Ancient Ghosts," page 4, January/February 2007 issue.

Second Place: Companion Dr. Jeffrey H. Norwitz, Columbus, Georgia, Chapter for his article "Personal Contingency Plans: More than an Ounce of Prevention," page 4, October 2007 issue.

Honorable Mentions (3): LTC Richard L. Ardisson, Ft Knox, Kentucky, Chapter for his article "Our Flag is a Living Monument" page 6, June 2007; CW4 Robert Ozier, Catalina Mountain, Arizona, Chapter for his article "How Do You Support Veterans Day?" page 9, November 2007; CAPT LeRoy Reinburg, Bethesda, Maryland, Chapter for his article "An Army Aviator" page 7, April, 2007, No vote was taken by the GS on the Magazine Committee report.

There was a motion and second to have the Order change its tax status from

501 c)19 to 501(c)3. This motion was declared out of Order and no vote was taken on this motion. After an in-depth discussion, there was a motion to have a committee established by the CINC to look at the "possibilities" of the Order changing its tax status from 501(c)19 to 501(c)19, seconded, and approved. CINC Col Elmer said he would take the recommendation under consideration.

CINC Col Elmer reported that he and COL Dick Minor, Chair Patriotic Education Committee, along with Past VCINC and Rocky Mountain YLC Director Col Watt Hill, Jr., would be presenting the 2007 Phoenician Award and a $1,000 check to Ms. Jordann R. Zbylski, from Monument, Colorado, at the CINC’s Banquet. Ms. Zbylski attended the Rocky Mountain YLC in Pueblo, Colorado. Ms. Zbylski will be accompanied by her parents Dr. David and Renee Zbylski and her sister Alexandra.

The GS discussed many additional items for the "Good of the Order" however, there were no votes taken by the GS during any of these discussions.

CINC Col Elmer restated his new recruiting initiative "to recruit newly Commissioned Officers." He stated "if every Chapter will recruit a top senior student in every Senior ROTC unit that they support, or could support from their area, and give them a "Scholarship" of a paid Annual Membership, we will increase our MOWW membership by almost 500 new Commissioned Officers. In addition, some Chapters are close to the Military Academies or other commissioning programs such as Officer Candidate Schools (OCS) and each graduating class can yield another possible candidate, for graduates from these organizations are also eligible for a "Scholarship" Annual Membership. To cover the cost, I will split that cost with the Chapter or Companion sponsoring the recruit (they pay half of the annual membership cost ($20) and I personally will pay the other half ($20). Nearly all of us talk about younger members. I am willing to "step-up" and cover half the cost of these "Scholarship" Annual Memberships. This approach is surely worth the time and money it takes to make a positive step forward for the future of the Order."

For his closing remarks, CINC Col Elmer complimented the GS on the excellent work they accomplished at the CINC's Committee Chairmen Symposium. He stated that the National Officers and Committees were working hard for the Order and that it appeared that all Committees were being successful. The CINC again thanked all National Officers, Committee Chairmen, and GS members for their dedication and hard work for the Order and for taking the time to attend the GS meeting.

CINC Col Elmer concluded the GS meeting with a Benediction and adjourned the 2008 Midwinter GS Meeting at 1540 hours, Saturday, February 9, 2008.

THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY THE GENERAL STAFF AT THE FIRST SESSION OF THE JOINT SESSION OF THE PRE-CONVENTION GS MEETING AND THE 2008 NATIONAL CONVENTION ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2008, IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA