PRESENT: Tom Horst President
Jim Bergen Vice President
Tom Phillips Secretary
Norm Blahuta Treasurer
Dan Ludwig Historian
Dick Baker Chair, Widows' Support Program
ABSENT: Jack Campbell ISO
The 16 October 2019 teleconference of the USMA Class of '55 Executive Committee (EXCOM) was called to order by President Tom Horst at 2:00 PM EST. There being five (5) members present, a quorum was obtained.
MIINUTES: The minutes of the 5 June 2019 teleconference had been approved by the EXCOM electronically.
CLASS FUNDS: The Treasurer's Report had previously been submitted to the EXCOM by email. The summary of the balances is as follows:
AOG Memory Pages $21,000
Memorial (Flower Fund) 46, 671
Memorial Terrace Fund 92, 427
Gift Fund 162,993
Admin Fund 86,212
Working Capital 34,309
All funds are deemed more than adequate for their intended purposes, and are in good shape.
REUNION PLANNING: Reunion Chairman Jim Bergen reported on the status of the questionnaire he sent out requesting classmate plans on attending the upcoming 65th reunion in 2020 as follows:
Yes 51
No 24
Maybe 20
With spouses and other guests, Bergen estimates that 125-150 classmates and guests will attend. Discussion was held relative to the potential flight arrangements classmates may use to attend the reunion. It was recognized that Stewart Airport in Newburgh, Albany, and New York City were among the likely alternatives.
WIDOWS' SUPPORT PROGRAM: Chair Dick Baker reported that many of the Regional Coordinators had recommended to him that the Class discontinue the program, since there was now very little activity to coordinate with the widows, but emphasized that the Program had been a success in performing the job when there was a job to be performed. Baker agreed, and reported that Dick Wargowsky, the prior chair, also agreed. As an example, Bergen noted that of the 120-125 widows notified of the 65th reunion, only six (6) responded, and one (1) planned to attend. A motion to discontinue the Program was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Baker is to send a letter to all widows notifying them of this action, with another letter to all those who had performed the job now and in the past commending them for their efforts.
LEADERS' CONFERENCE: Dan Ludwig summarized the excellent report he had previously sent to the EXCOM regarding the 2019 Leaders' Conference at West Point. One of the primary issues raised was the USMA 2035 Program, designed to improve West Point's ability to best educate and prepare highly qualified 2nd Lieutenants by 2035. It is apparently a massive undertaking encompassing improvements to the USMA post proper, Camp Buckner, Camp Natural Bridge, and perhaps others.
COACHES' HOUSING AREA BROCHURES: Horst reported that Dave Wheeler is , with AOG help, leading the effort to develop brochures to display in each of the donated coaches' houses a summary of the individual for whom the house is named. Wheeler is now obtaining data on each of the individuals, and AOG has volunteered to print and maintain the brochures. Ludwig is preparing a history to include in the brochures. It is planned to present the brochures during the 65th reunion.
NEW BUSINESS: Baker asked about any plans to help finance Oscar Raynal's attendance at the reunion, if he desires to come and is able to do so. Bergen will confirm Raynal's response to the questionnaire, and whether or not he received it.
There being no further business, the teleconference was adjourned at 2:40 PM EST.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Philllips
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