Minutes of the General Meeting of

The Southeast Texas USAFA Parents’ Association

 

January 23, 2005

Ellington Air Force Base

 

The meeting was called to order at 3:05 PM by President John DeFillippo.  Motion was made, seconded, and approved to open the meeting.

 

John thanked John and Peggy Omohundro for making arrangements for the catered barbeque dinner that everyone enjoyed.  John announced the newsletter was running behind schedule and would be posted on the website soon and that minutes of the last meeting had been passed around and would be approved at the end of the meeting.

 

The floor was turned over to Lt. Col. Gary Morgan who introduced ALO’s for our area:  Lt. Col. Maurer – areas east of Seabrook, Major Ruddell – SW Houston,  Major Stanley -  League City, Capt. Rivera – Pearland, and Roy Reiber – W. Houston.  Lt. Col. Morgan stated the SETXAFAPA is no. 1 in the region and country for having the most cadets at the AFA.  There are currently 49 cadets, 2 preps, and 5 Falcons.  It was also noted Capt. Rivera was recently selected as one of the top three of 1860 ALO’s and as Chairman of the Year for the Minority ALO’s Affairs Committee.  Lt. Col. Morgan asked the parents to notify their cadets that he is at the academy on Wednesday night of  2nd week of January each year and would encourage all our cadets to drop by and visit or have dinner with him.

 

John recognized the current board and reminded members he and Marilyn, Lynn Brooks, and Matt Godar would be retiring their positions.  He then asked nominees for those positions:  Mike and Frankie Berry – President, Frank Buehner – Communications, and Louanne Reeves – Secretary to stand.  A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the new officers.

 

John thanked Donda Thomasson for organizing plans to have our club support the USAFA men’s basketball team by attending the Lamar University game in Beaumont on December 13th, 2004, and providing snack boxes to the players and coaches the night before the game.  A great time was had by all who participated.

 

John asked Marilyn to speak to the members about the upcoming Military Ball which our club will sponsor this year.  Three members have volunteered to co-chair the ball:  Louanne Reeves, Sandy Carp, and Elizabeth May.  They stood and asked for volunteers to head up the various committees.  Volunteers were Robyn Tompkins – Treasurer, and Larry Martinez and Bruce May – golf tournament.  It was announced that those wishing to help with the ball would have a short meeting following the general meeting.

 

Reports:

 

Fundraising: Sandy Carp was asked to speak about the laser graphic fundraiser she is heading up.  She announced the sample fames, paper weights, and ring boxes were on display on the side table for all to see and order forms and photos are now on the club website.  She also announced the Colorado parents’ club is ordering 50 paperweights for their cadets.  These items will make great gifts for sponsors, our own cadets, or for our cadets to give to fellow cadets.  Following Sandy’s presentation, John thanked Sandy and Matt for their work to get this information on the website.

 

Mentor Mom Program: Elizabeth May stated she and Sandy Carp are still heading that up and if anyone has any questions or concerns, to please feel free to contact either of them.

 

Treasurer: Nelly Pena gave the report. Our current balance is $1,817.00.  Nelly announced the total of membership dues received for the 2004-2005 year was $1,530.00.  We will now be going into the new 2005-2006 membership year.

 

Communications: Vice President Matt Godar, announced he needs senior’s photos and bio’s for the April newsletter.  Senior parents need to get that information to him as soon as possible.

 

Meetings: Vice President, John Omohundro announced the next meeting would be April 24, 2005 at Fuddrucker’s in the Woodlands. Watch for an announcement as to time and address.  John thanked Tommy Thomas for selecting the bar-b-que restaurant that catered the meal for today’s meeting

 

John asked the members to consider the yearbook ad for this year; current prices being $300 for a one-half page ad, and $500 -$550 for a full-page ad.   Matt Godar suggested we support a one-half page ad.  Motion was made, seconded, and approved.

 

The meeting was then turned over to our guest speaker, Michael Fossum.  His son recently received an appointment to USAFA, being our club’s first ’09 appointee.  Mr. Fossum spoke about his career in the Air Force, including time as a test pilot and later being trained as an astronaut.  Once NASA shuttle missions resume, he is scheduled to go up on the second mission.  It will be a 7-10 day mission to the space station, carrying supplies and a crewmember for the space station.   Mr. Fossum concluded by discussing the minimum requirements for astronauts. 

 

A discussion was opened regarding butter bars and coins for the seniors.  Matt announced an email with details and order form will be going out to parents.

 

John and Marilyn thanked the general membership for the help and support they have been given during the time they have served as president of the club. The group gave a standing ovation to them.

 

Nelly Pena offered a personal thank you to Marilyn and John and the ALO’s for their friendship and support though the years.

 

John asked for corrections to the minutes from the prior meeting.  Those corrections consisted of name changes in paragraph three.  Changes were noted.

 

There being no further business to come before the membership, a motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to close the meeting.

 

Signed on April 24, 2005.

 

 

 

________________________________                                        ________________________________

Michael Berry, President                                                                   Louanne Reeves, Secretary