COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING

MID WINTER CONFERENCE 2008

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

State Commander Edward Pritchard called the Council of Administration to order in due form on January 25, 2008 at 1400 hours. Opening prayer led by State Chaplain Val Obregon, Pledge of Flag led by Commander Pritchard. Adjutant Hancock held roll call of officers. Wayne Dial gave the Finance Committee report. Chairman Dial requested that member Susan Price be replaced on the Finance Committee. Chairman Dial recommended purchasing a new lap top computer for the Department. Finance Chairman also recommended to eliminate delegate fees to State Convention. Finance Committee found the Department in good financial shape. Motion made to accept by Tom Ferguson and seconded by James Farley, motion passed. Next, the Convention Committee report was given by Charles Stephens. Charles reported that the State Conventions through 2010 will be at the Marriott in Birmingham and the next Fall Conference will be in Decatur and that the Mid Winter will move to Mobile, AL for 2009-2011. Travis Whaley introduced Benny Bachand for his comments about their candidate for Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief, 2010, John E. Hamilton. Commander Pritchard called on Randy Coggins for any comments that he may have. Commander Pritchard introduced Glen Gardner, National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief for his comments. Commander Pritchard called on Sr. Vice Commander Dave Alvey for membership report and transmittals. A total of 146 members were turned in. Presented Bronze Merit Award to Curtis Latta, Snead Memorial Post 5624. Presentation of Silver Merit Award to Buddy Pound, District Eight Commander. Commander called for staff officer’s reports. Adjutant John Hancock, Quartermaster Report Travis Whaley, Judge Advocate Wayne Dial. Wayne also gave report for the Veterans Affairs Board. Surgeon Tom Baltzell gave report of money collected to remodel bathroom for needy veteran, the work is now complete. Tom Baltzell made a motion that $325.00 left over be placed in a special account to help needy veterans, seconded by Frank Rhodes, motion passed. Chaplain Val Obregon, Past State Commander Roland Day, Chief of Staff Jim Giles, Inspector Don Bender and Department Service Officer Mickey Payne. Recess 1600 hours. Reopen meeting Sunday, January 27, 2005 at 0900 hours. Prayer led by Chaplain Val Obregon and Pledge of Flag led by Commander Ed Pritchard. Jr. Vice Commander George Jones held program discussion, Veterans Employment Chairman Les Kapelka, MAPS Chairman Greg Usrey and Legislative Member Larry Sepanski. District Commanders reports and Council of Administration member’s reports.

Unfinished Business: None.

New Business: Motion by John Hancock and seconded by Dave Alvey to approve the appointment of J. J. Artez to Assistant Service Officer, motion passed. Motion by Travis Whaley, seconded by Dave Alvey to pay full rate to Council at Commander’s Homecoming and State Convention, motion passed. Motion made by Travis Whaley to give $5,000.00 to UNMET Needs, seconded by Roland Day, motion passed. Motion by Travis Whaley to pay utilities and insurance for Post 3212 Lake Harding, motion passed. Adjutant Hancock read request from Post 4850 Jasper, Alabama for money to purchase new uniforms. No motion made.

Good of the Order: Introduction of Glen Gardner for his comments. Travis Whaley asked each District to submit newspaper journalists or TV reporters in their District doing good articles about veterans to the Department Headquarters so we can give proper recognition. Closing prayer by Chaplain Val Obregon. Hand salute - meeting adjourned 1025 hours.

Respectfully Submitted:

John Hancock

State Adjutant