Reserve Officers Association

Time & Place
Future Department Meetings

Event	Date & Time	Location
Board of Directors Meeting	Oct 2 2004	Northern VA
Annual Convention	Apr 2005	TBD

..

The Department endorsed three candidates for National office and all three were elected at the June 2004 convention in Salt Lake City. Chaplin (COL) Jack Marcom was re-elected National Chaplain.  And CAPT Mileva Hartman and COL Barton Campbell were both elected to voting positions on the National Executive Committee, as  a Navy National Executive Committeeman and  National VP Army, respectively.  Congratulations to all.

COL Dave Fleming taking bids during a fast paced auction..	Friends gather after the ROAL auction Friday.	2LT Hans Mumm addresses the convention on the Iraqi Most Wanted Deck of Cards and thinking outside the box in Iraq.
BG John Kern talking about Civil Affairs operations in Iraq.	COL Barton Campbell presents report from ROA National	LTC Amy Blumenthal inducted into The Brigade of Volunteers.
CAPT Fred Berck sworn in to seat on Department Board of Directors.	LTC Owen Waltman (L) inducted into The Brigade of Volunteers.	COL and Mrs. Fleming at the dinner
BG Kern (Center) with LTC Carmen Gentile (L) and LTC David Sitler (R)	Members of the Board of Directors at the dinner (l to r) LTC Sitler, CMDR George Gacser, CAPT Mileva Hartman, CAPT Kent Webber, LTC Gentile and CAPT Berck.

The Convention was convened at 0900 hours by President, LTC David Sitler, USAR (Ret), who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. COL Bart Campbell offered an invocation in absence of the chaplain.

Host chapter welcome was provided by COL Campbell, who noted that the JEB Stuart chapter president (and convention coordinator) was unable to be at the convention due to deployment to Afghanistan. The chapter vice president was also absent due to TDY orders on short notice.

LTC Carmen Gentile presented two personnel updates: Bill Wasko suffered a stroke in July 2003 and is now wheelchair bound. Bud Ford passed away in January 2004. CAPT Hartman stated that COL Nancy Thomas was retiring from active duty effective June.

COL Thomas was unable to attend the convention due to family wedding plans.

President Sitler gave an overview of the convention agenda. He appointed CAPT Hartman to serve as acting secretary in COL Reiss’s absence. The meeting was recessed briefly to permit the ROAL to assemble for their meeting.

The convention reconvened at approximately 0930 hours.

Roll Call: The following chapters were represented:

At-Large, Ft Lee, George Washington, Farragut, Fort Monroe, JEB Stuart, Langley, Lynchburg, Pentagon, Robert E. Lee

A total of 25 officers and members were present. The sign-in sheet is on file with the Department Secretary.

The following Board members were present:

Board of Directors: LTC Carmen D. Gentile, LCDR George R. Gacser, CAPT Mileva M. Hartman, LTC David K. Sitler., 1LT David Lands,
LtCol Thomas Smith, COL Thomas Stephen, CAPT Kent Webber,

Treasurer’s Report: LCDR Gacser presented the financial report, which showed a net worth of $37,985.18. The report was approved as presented. He also proposed a 2004 balanced budget of $20,500. This is a reduced budget from 2003, and reflects actual spending this previous year. The 2004 budget was accepted. It was noted that the Department is "flush" and we can afford to take on some new projects.

National Councilman’s Report: CAPT Kent Webber reported on the six proposed C&BL amendments that will be voted at the National Convention in Salt Lake City in June. Copies of the proposed amendments were distributed.

1. Duties of Officers (annual reports)
2. National Defense Trust Fund (distribution of funds)
3. Change for Associate Membership (voting rights)
4. New Class of Membership (Spouses and Widows)
5. National Council Meetings (codified for MidWinter)
6. National Council Steering Committee (deletes this committee)

CAPT Webber also commented on the excellent job that MajGen McIntosh is doing as Executive Director. He noted that staff morale and responsiveness is good.

Guest Speakers: 2LT Hans Mumm, USAR, and his wife were introduced. 2LT Mumm was a finalist for the ROA JO Award. He was the developer of the highly publicized Iraqi 52 Most Wanted deck of cards. He spoke about his experience in Iraq and what lead to the development of the deck of cards. He gave a deck of cards to all present.

COL Hulsey briefed the workings of the Joint Leadership Council for Veterans Service Organizations in VA. He noted that this council is called to assist in local issues, such as the naming of streets recently. He brought the Richmond War memorial to everyone’s attention.

National Convention Report: LTC Sitler noted that VA has endorsed three national candidates up for election/re-election in Salt Lake City: COL (CH) Jack Marcom for National Chaplain, COL Campbell for Army VP, and CAPT Hartman for Navy Executive Committeeman. COL Campbell and CAPT Hartman were given the opportunity to make brief remarks.

LTC Sitler presented an RCAS resolution drafted by COL Nancy Thomas. Discussion followed. The resolution was approved, pending the addition of a fact sheet that would clarify why RCAS funding needed to be increased.

LTC Sitler requested delegates to the National Convention identify themselves and indicate their plans on the signup sheet that was distributed.

CAPT Hartman presented a brief update of the Mid Atlantic Caucus. She noted that the MAC has been dormant but Vice Chair Rene Jones-Woods (Dept of WV) was calling a meeting on June 10 in conjunction with the National Convention. All MAC principals have been informed of the upcoming meeting in Salt Lake City. There will not be a MAC Hospitality Suite this year.

The convention recessed for lunch at 1200 and reconvened at 1300.

JROTC/ROTC Support: LTC Blumenthal reported that this is the height of the Award season. Schools have received their letters. She continues to need Richmond-based presenters. Bobby Arnold is the Richmond coordinator. LTC Blumenthal indicated that she maintains a calendar with presentation times for the schools. She also noted the ongoing requirement volunteers.

LTC Sitler presented LTC Blumenthal with the Brigade of Volunteer award, accompanied by the Minuteman pin

ESGR: COL Stephen, as the Department liaison to the State ESGR, reported on recent activities, noting that the state is involved in presenting mobilization briefings as well as employer briefings to inform them about USERRA law (Uniform Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act). He noted that currently there are 130 volunteers in VA.

Guest Speaker: LTC Gentile introduced BG Jack Kerens, USAR, who headed up the 352^nd Civil Affairs unit in Iraq. BG Kerns served in Iraq as this senior Civil Affairs officer until September 2003. He presented a slide briefing, showing various projects, from water treatment facilities to school construction and medical aid that the military is involved with, though little is reported in the mass media.

National Headquarters Presentation: COL Campbell reported on his observations as member of the EXCOM. He is currently serving as Army Committeeman. He presented highlights of HQs activities: Several personnel changes, increased morale. Finance picture shows positive balance. He noted ongoing legislative actions. Membership continues to be affected by loss of "greatest generation." He briefed new initiatives, which include new membership categories, corporate sponsorship program, Civilian Patriot program, renaming former Endowment to Director, Resource Development, and expansion of the ROA Academy.

LTC Sitler introduced another member of the EXCOM present, CPT Kelly Leito, Army VP-Junior Officer. Kelly is member of Department of NY; currently on recall active duty in Pentagon.

Chapter Reports: RELee, CAPT Webber reported that the RE Lee and George Washington chapters are engaged in merger discussions. George Washington, COL Cohen reported that the annual dinner meeting October 2003 was a success. A Washington Post columnist was guest speaker and the topic was the war in Iraq. He noted the merging of GW and RE Lee was necessary due to aging leadership in GW. COL Campbell of JEB Stuart noted that mobilization has impacted the Richmond chapter. MAJ Alex D’Argistino was introduced as new president of the Pentagon chapter.

New business. LTC Sitler announced results of the Board of Directors election. The convention confirmed new terms for LTC Lisa Tepas-Army one year term.; 1LT David Lands-AF new 3 year term; CAPT Fred Berck-Navy new 3 year term.

It was announced that the national World War II Memorial dedication will be held May 30.

Meeting adjourned 1600 hours. There was no Board of Director meeting due to lack of quorum. Necessary Board business would be conducted by email.

Submitted by: CAPT Mileva Hartman

Date: 5/20/2004 9:58 AM
 
 

LTC David Sitler, President, convened the meeting at 0930 hours with the assembled members reciting the American‘s Creed. LTC Gentile rendered an opening prayer.

The following Board members were present: LTC Sitler, Col. Tom Smith, LTC Carmen Gentile, CDR George Gacser, Ltc. Shafer Case, 1Lt. David Lands and COL Phil Reiss. Advisors present included CAPT Kent Webber, National Councilman. LTC Amy Blumenthal, Chair, ROTC/JROTC Committee was present. Excused board members not present: CAPT Mileva Hartman, LTC Doug Stewart and COL Tom Stephen. CDR Hyman was not present. Board member-elect, LTC Lisa Tepas, was present.

Minutes for Board meeting on 27 Sep 03 are posted on the website.

Treasurer Report: CDR Gascer indicated among other things that for the period 5/1/2003 through 2/27/2004 total income, primarily from dues amounted to $16,111.57, and expenses amounted to $11,416.13, netting a balance of $4,695.44. Three chapters, Holland, Fort Monroe and Langley did not receive a dues distribution for failing to render an annual election report, periodic "Chapter Activity Report" or an "Annual Financial Report".

CDR Gascer advised that several chapters have not cashed distribution checks, and so long as there is no exploration date on a check a bank will honor it whenever it is submitted for payment. In order to limit the amount of outstanding funds from accumulating, hence forth he will stamp checks with an expiration date.

National Councilman’s Report: CAPT Webber indicated several resolutions have been approved by the National Council at its meeting during the 2004 Mid-Winter, such as, elimination of the National Steering Committee; endorsement of a new membership grade to include widows, and establishment of full military retirement benefits at age 62. In addition, other changes contemplated include a special dues program, $100 for 5 years with departments receiving 30 percent, for virtual members; requiring the Executive Director to file an annual report by 31 December each year; call for 50 percent of all donated funds for the DEF be held in the Defense Education Trust Fund with only earning from the trust being available for budgeted purposes; associate members would be permitted to hold office below the National level; restoration of wording to identify the National Council meeting as the principal assembly during Mid-Winter; and dues for spousal members to be half of full time members with 30 percent going to departments.

ROTC/JROTC Support: LTC Blumenthal provided a status report of this activity, noting that medals are available and schools have been notified. The first presentation is scheduled at the University of Virginia in April. There is a need for volunteers to serve as presenters.

Chapter Reports

Langley, COL Smith advised that chapter activities have been on hold, since all AGRs are either deployed or on TDY. A meeting is scheduled for 2 March in part to elect new officers. With the activation of the 703^rd Fighter Group with its program to have Guard and Reserve in the cockpit he sees improved chapter activity. Richmond Air Guard is moving to Langley.

Robert E. Lee: CAPT Webber reported that he has had a discussion with Col. Syd Cohen, George Washington Chapter, concerning the prospects of a merger of the 2 chapter. The combined chapter may be known as the Washington & Lee Chapter. A dinner meeting is planned for 24 March at Fort Myer; the subject of the meeting is the attack by the Israel on the USS Liberty.

Convention

JEB Stuart Chapter is host, and has made arrangements with the Holiday Inn Crossroads, 2000 Staples Mill Road, Richmond for the meeting dates of 23-25 April 2004. A meeting suite will be provided at no cost, 15 bedrooms at a rate of $77 plus 12.5% tax to accommodate attendees, the setup fee for the bar will be $120.00. The room includes a continental breakfast.

It was the consensus of the Board that the following fees would be charged: Full Registration $50. However, options would be available: Basic registration $20, Lunch $13, and Banquet $22. The Friday evening reception would be compliments of the Department.

1Lt. Lands expressed the view that junior officers should be encouraged to attend, and a resolution was approved to waive the full registration fee, $50, for the first 10 ROA department members in active reserve components, 04 and below, including IRRs, who responded via email to CDR Gacser once the spring Vigil was mailed. CDR Gacser will advise those qualifying for the waiver, as well as those who don’t qualify that they should submit a remittance in order to attend.

National Candidates

Two member of the Department are running for office: COL J. Barton Campbell, USAR (Ret) for Vice President Army, and CAPT Mileva Hartman, USNR, Navy Executive Committeeperson. A resolution was approved to provide COL Campbell up to $200 in support of his campaign, subject to receipt of expense vouchers. Prior to the meeting the Board CAPT Hartman had indicated that all she needed was our spoken support.

ROA Endowment Liaison Officer

COL Reiss to serve as the POC for the Department

BRAC

Two bases in Virginia have been identified for base closing: Fort Monroe and Fort Belivor. It is our understanding at this time that the Congress has not approved funds for the closings.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 1430 hours,

  LTC David Sitler, President, convened the meeting at 0930 hours with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

  The following Board members were present: LTC Sitler, LTC Carmen Gentile, CAPT Mileva Hartman, LTC Doug Stewart, COL Tom Stephen, Lt. Col. Tom  Smith, 2Lt. David Lands and COL Phil Reiss.  Advisors present included CAPT Kent Webber, National Councilman. Also in attendance representing the
George Washington Chapter were COL Daren Stephens, President and Col. Syd Cohen, Secretary-Treasurer.

 Audit Report: CAPT Webber advised that and audit of the Department financial records was performed on 3 August 2003, and records reflect an accounting of income and expenditures.

  National Councilman's Report: ROA Headquarters staff has gone through changes, some consolidation, as the result of the employment of MAJ GEN Robert  A. McIntosh, USAFR (Ret) as Executive Director.

  Committee Reports:

  Electronic: LTC Sitler advised that BOD minutes have been posted on the website.

  Nominations:  Expiring terms in 2004 for the following positions: At-Large-Reiss, Army-Gentile, Air Force-Smith, Navy-Hyman. Nominations were made and  seconded for 3 year terms beginning May 2003: At-Large- COL Nancy Thomas, USAR; Army- LTC Lisa Tepas, USAR (Ret); CAPT Fred Berck, USNR (Ret),  and Air Force- 2Lt. David Lands, USAF, VaANG.

   ESGR: COL Stephen advised that a Boss Lift took place in August with travel to Fort Sam Huston and Brook Army medical Hospital, and an instate Boss Lift is planned for 15 October 2003.
  ACTION: Provide a list of Virginia firms that were represented in the Boss Lift for publication in the Vigil-COL Stephen.

  Chapter Reports

  Reports were made by Pentagon (03): LTC Stewart; George Washington (15): Col Cohen;  J. E. B. Stuart (24): COL Stephen;  R. E. Lee (25): CAPT Webber;
Langley (59): LTC Smith.

  New Business

  Mid-Atlantic Caucus: CAPT Hartman reported that (Rank) Martin (?) Kent, USPHS, was elected President at the ROA Convention in New Orleans.

  ROA Mid-Winter Meeting: It will be held in the Hilton, Washington, DC on 25-28 January 2004.

  MG Strom Thurmond Outstanding Army Junior Officer Award: It was moved and seconded and approved that the Department endorse 2LT Hans Mumm, USAR for the award. The Department was advised that Lieutenant Mumm is a military intelligence officer, who during a tour of duty in Iraq initiated deck of card for the  "Most Wanted List".   He was recommended by his commander.

  Membership: LTC Stewart volunteered to serve as Chair of the Membership Committee.
 
 

The Convention was convened at 0900 hours by President, LTC Carmen D. Gentile, USAR (Ret), who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Dr (LT) Ira Gould conducted the invocation.

Host chapter welcome was provided by Farragut Chapter President, CDR Ron Hyman, USNR (Ret).

Mrs. Ki Chapman, ROAL President, noted that the auction held during the reception on Friday evening, 3 April 2003, raised $185.00, and she congratulated CAPT Mileva Hartman, USNR, for her efforts as auctioneer.

President Gentile gave an overview of the proceeding to take place during the convention, and recessed the meeting to permit the ROAL to assemble for their meeting.

The convention reconvened at approximately 0930 hours.

Roll Call, The following members were present:

ESGR: COL Stephen as the Department liaison to the State ESGR reported on the activities, noting that the state is trying to set up meetings with employer groups to understand the implementation requirements under USERRA (Uniform Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act). CAPT Berck explained BossLift, a program for employers to learn first hand the contribution their employees make when on reserve duty.

Tribute: COL Lazelere recognized LTC Bill Wasko, former President of the now deactivated Jubal Early Chapter, for his steadfast contributions to ROA and his spirit in spite of a stoke. He also recognized Colonel Wasko’s son, CPT Steve Wasko, for the attention and care he is providing his father.

Guest Speakers: LTC Gentile introduced the following speakers.

2003 ROA NATIONAL CONVENTION

Proposed Constitution and Bylaws Changes: COL Reiss presented proposals for Department consideration and action.

1. Article A-11, par. 4 a. would be changed as follows: Newly Appointer Officers: The amount of annual dues for any officers or warrant officers who apply [to ROA] within the first year of their initial appointment shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00), for the first year only, of which nor portion shall be remitted to departments. Par. 4 b would be changed to read Recently Released Officers: The amount of annual dues for any officers or warrant officer recently released from active duty, who apply within the first year of their release, shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00), for the first year only, of which no portion shall be remitted to the departments.

ACTION: It was the consensus of the membership that the DVA delegates to the Convention support the proposed changes to Article A-11. pars 4 and 4 b.

2. Article A-11, Section 3, Dues and Department Rebates: Change par. 2. c. to read, No portion of dues from officer candidates [added the words in () (and electronic members) shall be remitted to departments.

Par 4.b. (added) Electronic Life Membership: The amount of life dues for Electronic Membership shall be $100, full amount of which must be paid within a year and of which no portion shall be remitted to the departments. The dues may be paid in one lump sum or with $25 down and the member being billed by National Headquarters for 3 equal ($25) installments within the year. Dues paid for an Electronic Membership will count toward conversion to a full life membership (in paragraph 3 above)

ACTION: It was the consensus of the membership to endorse the changes.

Passage of the electronic membership necessitates changes under Article A-3 Membership to recognize 5 classes of membership, active, associate, electronic, officer candidate and honorary life membership, and specifics that the electronic member cannot be considered a delegate at the conventions.

ACTION: The membership expressed consensus to that the department support these changes.

Article A-7, National Officers

Establishes the position of a National president-elect, and under Article B-3, Duties of Officers, establishes the duties of the National President-Elect.

ACTION: The consensus of the membership was NOT to endorse the establishment of the National President-Elect.

Article B-5, Section 9, Annual Budget

The proposed change, after the annual budget is adopted by the National Executive Committee, a three-fourths affirmative vote by the National Executive Committee shall be required for any increase in the total adopted annual budget. No officer or employee of this Association is authorized to order the expenditure of or to spend money in excess of the total adopted annual budget without prior approval of the National Executive Committee.

ACTION: The consensus of the membership was TO endorse the above addition.

Article A-4, Organization, Section 3 (a) and (b), Article A-7, National Officers, Sections 1 and 2, and Article B-10, Standing Committees.

ACTION: The consensus is to maintain the current officer structure, excepted as note below, by having the last national ROA president serve as our representative at the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR). In other words it did not agree to the establishment of an assistant secretary general as an elected officer, nor increase the number of elected offices (Article A-7, Section 1) by including a CIOR vice president, and a CIOR assistant secretary general, nor provide for their term of office to be 3 years.

It did endorse the stipulation that a junior officer be a member of the CIOR Executive Committee.

National Officer Election: CAPT Hartman advised that ADM Merrilees is being advanced as a nominee for national president.

Chapter Reports

RELee: In conjunction with MOWW(?), a dinner meeting was conducted at the Ft. Myer Officers Club, Arlington; Adrian Cronauerwas the speaker.

George Washington: Col. Cohen advised that Mr. William Pope, head of the Center on Terrorism at the US Department of State was the speaker at a chapter dinner in September 2002. The next meeting is planned of October 2003.

Farragut: President, CDR Ron Hyman, reported that they had four meetings, their website is operational, and they have a "member get a member" program.

JEB Stuart: LTC Stephen advised that COL Davenport, National President, was a speaker at a dinner meeting. In March 2003 a tour of the Museum of the Confederacy was conducted, and part of a continuing action ROTC awards are being given at University of Richmond, University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary.

Ft. Monroe: LTC Gentile advised of contact with MG Bill Baron, Deputy at TRADOC.

New Business

Host chapter for 74^th Annual convention, JEB Stuart; location Richmond; date: April 2004

Meeting adjourned 1500 hours

Submitted by: COL Reiss

Date: 8/11/2003 10:16 PM
 
 

Each year the Department of Virginia ROA awards medals and certificates to deserving candidates in Virginia colleges and high schools with ROTC/JROTC programs.  We always need volunteers who are available to attend award ceremonies and present the medal and certificate on behalf of the Department of Virginia ROA.  Having our medal personally awarded to the deserving candidates is not only very important to the recipients, it also shows that the Department of Virginia ROA as an organization cares enough to attend the ceremony and present the award.  If you are a member of the Department of Virginia and you are interested in presenting the ROA medal and certificate during a college or high school awards ceremony, please send the following information to LTC Blumenthal via e-mail to stevenandmsbee@worldnet.att.net (h) or ablumenthal@dscr.dla.mil (w) or fax 804-863-4825 or snail mail to PO Box 457, Colonial Hts, VA 23834:  send Name, Rank, Branch of Service, address, phone no. (h&w) and e-mail.

Richmond Area Chapter #24 MG JEB Stuart
Tidewater Area Chapter #20 ADM Faragut
  Chapter #03 Pentagon

U.S. Army Human Resources Command St. Louis (Reserve)

Army Reserve Web Sites in Virginia

142nd Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Detachment Home Page
301st Signal Company (USAR)
310th TSC
343rd Medical Company (Ambulance)
4215th USA Hospital (USAR)
4th Brigade, 78th Division (Exercise)
7202nd MSU
80th Division (IT)

Army ROTC Web Sites in Virginia

U.S. Army Cadet Command
College of William and Mary
George Mason University
James Madison University
Longwood College
Radford University
University of Richmond
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Tech
Virginia State University
VMI

USCGRNOAAUSPHS

Navy ROTC Web Sites in Virginia
Hampton University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
VMI