JULY 1978 TO JULY 1979
The National Convention was held in Aurora, Colorado on July 20-22, 1978. Officers elected/appointed:
President - E. J. Grayckowski
1st Vice - Leo Acosta
2nd Vice - J. Early
3rd Vice - Lynnie Samms
Chaplain - Johnnie White
Treasurer - Dean Sorell
Secretary - H. Trujillo
Sgt-At-Arms - Floyd Fletcher
3-Yr. Trustee - Lee Newton
2-Yr. Trustee - Vic Mercer
1-Yr. Trustee - Gene Henning
President Newton appointed Delegate J. McDonald (Chapter 1) to chair a committee with Delegates E. Reed (Chapter 3) and J. Galmore, Jr. (Chapter 9), to determine the recipient of the Chapter President Award for 1978 in accordance with the current resolution of 1977.
President Newton appointed delegate D. Duden (Chapter 3) to chair a committee with Delegates A. Garcia (Chapter 20) and E. Henning (Chapter 18) to determine the most deserving Chapters on membership trophies, founders (pioneers) and special recognition according to the classification of their membership.
Old Business:
Legislative: Vice President L. Acosta (Chapter 20) reported on many activities of this committee and mentioned that we should spend about 44% of our resources on legislative matters. He highlighted the testimony of the committee before congressional panels, successful action to stop aid for North Vietnam and joint effort with other Veterans' organizations to increase disability payments to disabled Veterans. He also stated many act of discrimination that occur in the hiring of the Veterans under the Veterans Employment Act.
Membership: Vice President Lynnie Samms (Chapter 4) reported possibly two or three new groups are interested in forming Chapters. A new program to promote membership was started since the mid-year executive meeting by Do Your Friend A Favor card. This method of promotion will give the membership an opportunity to introduce names of friends to the REA. Chapter 16 is not all lost because of a recent meeting that showed a great deal of interest. Probably Chapters are: Topeka, Wichita and Abilene, Kansas; Columbus, Maryland; El Paso, Texas; and Merced, California.
President Newton introduced a letter on the subject of a full-time staff, dated June 15, 1978, to the floor. This motion was referred to new business.
Action is being taken to obtain a supplier for patches and necessary paperwork was received from the government to obtain a copyright for the patent for our emblem.
Treasurer Dean Sorell (Chapter 1) gave a breakdown of the $3.00 annual dues paid to National Headquarters for a member. The proration of members' annual dues is:
$1.23 Newsletter 1.20 Travel .46 Postage .23 Telephone .18 $ 3.30
This breakdown shows that the annual raffle and support by the members of volunteer help and contribution has proven very successful in operation at National Headquarters. Delegate F. Murphy (Chapter 3) was applauded for the undying effort in her ticket sales of the 1978 raffle.
Scholarships: Sgt-at-Arms F. Fletcher (Chapter 1) reported that six applications were forwarded to member dependents and only three were received for consideration. Two scholarships were awarded and one application was disqualified. He recommended a new approach for a calendar as a means of raising funds for the scholarships. This action was referred to new business.
Publicity: Secretary Grayckowski (Chapter 1) gave a review of action of the staff of the Newsletter for the past year. Again, a plea was put on the floor for assistance in reporting from Chapter Executive Boards and members for articles and/or items for the Newsletter. Also, a request for a news editor and/or overseen to do the Newsletter.
Rosters: Secretary Grayckowski (Chapter 1) gave a review of the numerous products and statistical findings of the national Headquarters rostering of the personnel by computer processes. A few of the products are in a alphabetized roster by Chapter, labels for general members and selected by Chapter, officer roster, consolidated alphabetical roster of members and lifetime registry record with a statistical capability by Chapter or on the National level. It was noted that once a member is in the REA system, his or her name is never removed from the files and periodically a former member has been regain as an active member to the rolls through different promotional and recruiting programs. The importance of timely reporting and up-to-date cycle must be re-established to provide more effective utilization of personnel rostering by National Headquarters.
Publication of a new color printed magazine was discussed by the Executive Board this past year and was tabled due to the cost of $15,000.00 to start and monthly maintenance of $8,000.00 to $10,000.00.
Office Manager: Secretary Grayckowski (Chapter 1) reviewed the past year's action by the office staff and indicted a full-time staff was needed, but was very skeptical of the funding. (A matter of later business.)
Insurance: Delegate Orsak (Chapter 1) presented a new program for CHAMPUS supplement with interested companies. Details are to be worked out and other Chapters may use Chapter 1 as a pilot program under the direction of President Langley (Chapter 1).
Our Man in Washington': President Newton provided an update of our status on the Our Man in Washington. He summarized a report to US President Carter and a response of urgency on the subject matter from the Chapters was excellent. A letter was received authorizing space in the REA building about the first of November in 1978 in Arlington, Virginia.
Retiree Council: President Newton advised a telephone call from Mr. E.A. Jackson, the coordinator for Retired Activities in the Office of the Adjutant General, Washington, D.C., that the President of the Retired Enlisted Association make a presentation in legislation activity of the U.S. Congress to the annual meeting of the Department of the Army Retirees Council in late October or early November. More information will be forthcoming in the near future. The delegation was overwhelmed by the honor of their National president to address the members of the Department of the Army Retiree Council to discuss matters and make recommendations to the Chief of Staff. Matters of great concern to both active and retired personnel.
President Newton commented on the next publication of Help Your Widow will offer your wife a very informative publication of the Retired Officers Association (TROA) which the Retired Enlisted Association will include with an application to Colonel Werner.
National Chapter: President Grayckowski (Chapter 1) reported no action due to the lame ducks in Congress. We should re-address the bill for appropriate action. This matter will be reconsidered by the new Executive Board next sessions.
President Grayckowski announced the awarding of the Founder's Cup to Chapter 1 of Colorado Springs, Colorado and the President's Cup to Chapter 9 of Baltimore, Maryland for the retention of their membership standing. The President's Trophy will be returned to the National Headquarters in an inactive status until the 1979 Convention due to no recommendation being received from any Chapter.
Delegate J. Beldon (Chapter 1) made a motion to accept the Resolutions recommended by the Committee. Acceptance of the Resolutions of the 1978 Convention were:
A. Amnesty B. Amend the Dual Compensation Act of 1974 C. Enlisted Representation D. Recomputation of Retired Military Pay E. Credit for Reserve Time Service F. Commissaries G. Commitment of American Troops H. Retain Medical Care and Facilities for Retired Military Personnel I. The Right to Bear Arms J. Veteran's Function Realignment K. Vietnam Recognition and Aid
Delegate J. White (Chapter 3) requested consideration for an additional day of National Convention each year. After much discussion, President Grayckowski indicated that an adjustment in the Convention agenda could be realized and enable more working time for delegates and provide for more relaxation. This will be discussed at a later Executive Board meeting.
Delegate E. Henning (Chapter 18) moved that March 31 of each year shall be the cut-off date for statistical data in awarding the Founder's and President's Cups.
Delegate N. Perry (Chapter 1) made a motion that the appointment of a committee be made to explore the full-time, paid staff of the National Headquarters.
Delegate G. Skonce (Chapter 1) moved that the agenda of future Conventions should include items for the good of the order. This item on the agenda is extremely useful for the delegates to place points of interest to better the enhancement of the REA.
National Scholarships awarded: 2 at $500 totaling $1,000.
Semi-Annual Executive Meeting for 1978-1979 was held on January 25, 1979.
MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 1979
President Grayckowski reported on the meeting held with Mr. Flanagan of Denver, Colorado in regard to the insurance program sought by National. The committee comprised of V. Mercer, J. Beldon and D. Sorell (all from Chapter 1) attended this meeting. Rates are to be submitted with pamphlets on insurance plans: life, term life, etc. Administrative Associates, Inc. will be our agent of record. Reports will be mailed to Chapters when received. CHAMPUS and Medicare plans will be first plans to be implemented about mid-March, 1979. First Vice President L. Acosta (Chapter 20) mentioned that in Pueblo, Colorado, the Health, Education and Welfare can provide health care based on income for about $3.00 per person.
Legislation: First Vice President L. Acosta (Chapter 20) requested more participation by Chapters and members in writing to their representatives about problems in their particular region. Members should get more involved in the legislative running of our government. A write-up of legislation needing attention was received and will be published i the April Newsletter.
MINI-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING APRIL 14, 1979
President Grayckowski advised the Board that the insurance program was with Kemper Insurance Company on CHAMPUS and the Medicare supplement is in the final stages with the review of the brochure by Trustee V. Mercer (Chapter 1), D. Belden (Chapter 1) and himself on Thursday, April 12, 1979. The mailing should take place by May 1, 1979 to all members.