July 2012 Meeting Minutes
Chief Petty Officers Association of Miami, Inc.
Thursday, July 5, 2012

Meeting called to order by AJ Drago: 1933.  Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. 
 

Officers:

Ø     President:          QMC Arthur Drago

Ø     Vice President:  ETC Rick Schuchman, Retired

Ø      Secretary:         ITC Karen Leonard, USSOUTHCOM

Ø      Treasurer:        OSCS Ronald B. Roy

Honorable members and guests present: (17)

Minutes from the Previous Meeting.  Motion to accept minutes as posted.  Duly seconded and approved. 

Treasurer’s Report:  

Ø     Checking balance:  $ 18,207.20

Ø     Savings:                  $ 3,139.16

Ø     Money Market:       $ 10,167.45

Ø     Total:                      $ 31,513.81

Ø     (0) Outstanding Check(s):

Total Outstanding: $0.00

Ø      (0) Outstanding Deposit:

Total Outstanding: $0.00

Ø     Ring fundraiser is currently at $1,910 - fee = $1,879.67 (No change since last month)

Ø     More money actually came in on behalf of QMC Stan Lesser. Total for scholarship fund donation is now at $513.00.

Ø     Motion to accept Treasurer’s report.  Duly seconded and approved.

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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Committees:

1. Race – (Mike Short/Norm Powell)

·      NASCAR will be 14-18 NOV so start planning to save those dates to volunteer and start getting names!

·      TIP training will need to be redone for everyone online. Cost is approx $40.00 but reimbursable by the CPOA. Link up on site.

·      Norm has already contacted the Homestead AB about rooms. Need to let him know soon if you need a room.

·      Sign up to volunteer on website- Norm/Mike/Ron will see.

·      Mike Short reported that (5) civilian personnel have already volunteered to help us out. He expressed his frustrations that if civilians can volunteer, where are the CHIEFS?! Step up people. We do this event every year; it should be no surprise to anyone.

·      CSCS Mike Mosley stated he would work with YNCS Jerry Kingsbury about reskeds for the Reservist so they can help out on 14/15 NOV.

·      Mike Short stated it would take 3-5 people on the Thursday to help out, 6-8 on Friday and at least 20 on SAT/SUN. AJ stated we would make up a watchbill but we cannot split shifts. You will be there for full day 12hrs+

·      NEW RULES!!!! Must now wear uniform clothing consisting of: black PANTS (no more shorts…I know…it’s going to make it hot), closed toe shoes, and must purchase a shirt from NASCAR for $4.50.

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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2. Scholarship –   (Rick Tedlow)

·       (4) applications submitted.

·       Submissions are now closed for this year (ended June 30, 2012).

·       Committee will review applications in SEPT.

·       Ken Larson brought up his request for grand nieces/nephews to be included. Committee discussed and by-laws will remain as written. Request was denied.

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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3. Philanthropy –  (Norm Powell)

·       Reminder that we support on a quarterly basis:

1.     Armed Forces Center at Miami International Airport ($2,000/yr)

2.     Thanksgiving Dinner for “needy” Sailor/Soldier/Airman/Coastie

·       Still looking for new opportunities to support (must support sea services). Ideas were suggested to think about included:

(1)  Wounded Warrior Project

(2)  New Armed Forces Center at FT Lauderdale Airport

(3)  Sea Cadets

(4)  National UDT Navy S.E.A.L Museum

(5)  Veteran’s Home in Pembroke Pines

·       Mike Short stated he would look into whether the Veteran’s Home meets our criteria for supporting sea services and if it does, we will take on buying gift cards to Wal-Mart as donation ($ would be most likely be used on Admin vice residents).

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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4. Ship Liaison –  (Chuck Black)

·       USCGC Richard Etheridge commissioning ceremony is Friday, August 3 @ 1100 @ Port Everglades Terminal #25 located at 1850 Eller Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Uniform is in Summer Whites.   (Must have put in a request for invitations.)

·       There will be (2) documentaries about Richard Etheridge and a book signing (Fire on the Beach) that will be happening 19 and 21 July at the Mid Town Commerce Center located at 1033 NW 6th St in Ft Lauderdale. Time TBD. Look for times on our website.

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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5.      Induction –  (Chris Marcello/AJ Drago/Jerry Kingsbury(NOSC Miami)/Mike Mosley(NOSC WPB)

·       This year we are focusing not on fundraising events but on CPO Heritage. Therefore; it is CRITICAL that the Miami CPOA GET INVOLVED and share their knowledge and experiences this season (and every season).

·       We are bringing back the Sheriff Committee and HMCS Richard George is going to serve as the Sheriff.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

·       Pinning will be Fri, Sept 14^th  at either SOUTHCOM or NOSC Miami

·       “Night Of” will be Thurs, Sept 13 at either Markham Park or SOCSOUTH 

·       Khaki Ball will either be 24 hrs later or the following week.

·       Meet and Greet will most likely be at the Sea Cadet bldg but need to confirm with Al Starr who was not here tonight

·       PT Sessions will be M, W, F and alternate between the different commands and different locations (i.e. Markham Park and the pool).

·       Fundraising/Training will be Tues/Thurs morning for breakfasts (locations to vary).

·       Every Thursday night @ 1900, starting 2 AUG thru 6 SEPT, here at the VFW, WE (The Miami CPOA), will be hosting training sessions for the “S.L.U.G.S”. A training objective/lesson plan will be provided. It will be a good opportunity to challenge them on their tasking and possibly earn some $$$ for “performing” for us.  There are only (5) opportunities to help train or replacements so please make an effort to come.  Put aside feelings of “Why bother? They will never come see us again or join our Association, etc etc”. You need to do this cause you are a DAMN CHIEF and that’s how we roll! NO DRINKING WILL TAKE PLACE ON THESE NIGHTS (even if we are at the VFW)!!! Uniform is Khaki.

·       Jerry promised they would order more t-shirts this year.

·       The results for Active Duty are expected almost 3 weeks BEFORE the Reserves this year; therefore, we will only have (1) INDOC session.

·       The Miami CPOA will meet again with YNCS Kingsbury and CSCS Mosley in (2) weeks (19 July) here at the VFW @1900 to discuss committees and training plans. All are invited to attend and sign up or voice thoughts and concerns.

6.      Awards –  (Dave Cohen/Mike Short)

·       Dave is asking for a list of all past Presidents that did not receive a plaque so he can make it right. Way to go Dave!
 

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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 Old Business:

·       Mobile Canteen: Mike Short reported he was up there last week but the guy is in the hospital. He will try next time he is up.

·       Ring Fundraiser: Never got word from Robin Viggiano as to what the ring fundraiser cost is going to be to the CPOA so we made a decision under NEW BUSINESS.

·       25^th Anniversary Cruise: See NEW BUSINESS for more input.

·       CPOA Coffee Mugs: Tabled till next month. See NEW BUSINESS.

·       USCGC Richard Etheridge Commissioning: See NEW BUSINESS.

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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New Business:

·       25^th Anniversary Suggestions: Gloria Drago has come up with (4) new ideas to decide on:

                             We MUST make a decision soon for ANYTHING we want to do.

§       Celebration Cruise Line out of Palm Beach is a small organization compared to Carnival or Norwegian BUT……they can give us a 2.5 day cruise to the Bahamas for only $358.00 per cabin (double occupancy). This INCLUDES port fees and taxes and all meals. Gratuity and alcohol is separate of course. Dates are very flexible. The Celebration 2-Night Cruise departs every other day of the week from the Port of Palm Beach at 5:30pm, spend the day in the Bahamas, and return home. Check out the website to get an idea if you want to go with this. http://bahamascelebration.com/

§       Private 72’ Yacht- Serenity III. Cost is $700.00 for 2 hrs and $1200 for 4 hours. Lunch would be $12.50

§       Yacht-Anticipation. Cost is $55.00 per person and is 90 minutes. Would pull into a port for a restaurant stop.

§       Local hotel on the beach somewhere. Kelley Saulnier will look into some more.

·       CPOA 25^th Anniversary Coin: Norm Powell made a suggestion that we might want to mint a coin to commemorate our 25^th anniversary but Ron pointed out the cost (approx $500) may outweigh the demand. It was then mentioned why not make the Coffee Mugs Paul LaCoursiere is looking into an option. Paul will check it out.

·       Purchase/Renting of old WWI bldg next to VFW: This is no longer an option.

·       Renaming Scholarship Fund: Rick Tedlow made a motion that we rename our Scholarship fund the Stan Lesser Scholarship. Chuck Robertson seconded and was passed.

·       Brick Memorials: Rick Tedlow made a motion to purchase an engraved brick for $100 and have it placed outside the Sea Cadet building for those that have passed away this year and for future years. Paul LaCoursiere seconded. Tim Neary and Stan Lesser will get a brick in their honor.

·       Donation to the USCG Richard Etheridge: The different supporting levels were discussed. Chuck Black and Rick Tedlow voted on $2,500 but the vote was opposed and not passed. A motion was then made by Chuck Robertson and Dave Cohen that the amount is $1,000 and this was voted on and approved. This level gives us a Plankowner Plaque, (2) invites to the commemorative dinner on 2 August at Pier 66, and (2) commemorative coins. During the 50/50 drawing we raffled off the coins and dinner tickets.  Paul LaCoursiere won a coin and donated to the CPOA, Dave Cohen won the other coin, and AJ and Kelley Saulnier won the dinner tickets.

·       Selectee Training opportunity: Karen Leonard brought up the fact that we should visit the UDT/SEAL Museum as a CPO Heritage visit and take the opportunity to PT the guys on the beach while we are out there after the visit. Could utilize the government vehicles from the respective commands for transportation. Paul LaCoursiere made a motion and a Chuck Robertson seconded.  Induction Committee will look into.

Notes:____________________________________________________________________

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Good of the Order:

·       Military Monday with the Marlins: Attend free games on below dates as long as you have a military id card. Just go to the Marlins box office. You get (2) tickets per ID.

Games available are:

1.     July 16 vs. Nationals  (1910 game time)

2.     July 23 vs. Braves      (1910 game time)

3.     Aug 13 vs. Phillies     (1910 game time)

4.     Sept 3 vs. Brewers      (1310 game time)

5.     Sept 17 vs. Braves      (1910 game time)

6.     Oct 1 vs. Mets             (1910 game time)

·       Gayle Malone wanted us to know that Ken Brown had passed away at the age of 65. He was one of the people responsible for getting us into CRYC for Fleet Week reception.

·       AJ put out that Lisa LeMarier is going to be undergoing spinal cord surgery as soon as she gets VA approval (next month probably). She will then have over 5 weeks of recovery time. She’ll need our thoughts and prayers.

·       Dave Cohen won $7.00 at the 50/50 drawing. $7.00 went into CPOA funds.

Notes:_____________________________________________________________

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JULY BIRTHDAYS:                           JULY ANNIVERSARIES:

CTOCS STARR 7/21/47                      CTTC(SW) DIA 7/2/1995

                                                              CTOCS STARR 7/7/1968

                                                              HMC LOMBARDO 7/23/2004

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS:                    AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES:

NCC BELTRAN 8/2/XXX                  NCCS TRIPPETT 8/14/2004

CTTC(SW) DIA 8/2/68                       ITC LYNCH 8/18/1988

QMC LIPPENCOTT 8/10/47              CUCM(SCW) PERRINE 8/19/1990

ENCM BURNETT 8/19/63

QMC DRAGO 8/19/69

ISC(SW) NOLAND 8/19/77

HMC LOMBARDO 8/21/77

ETC SCHUCHMAN 8/22/59

OSC HANNAHAN 8/30/65

Motion to adjourn:  2127.  Duly seconded and passed.

//SIGNED//

ITC(SW/AW) Karen Leonard

2012 CPOA Secretary