SEPTEMBER 1997 TO SEPTEMBER 1998
The National Convention was held in Mobile, Alabama on September 24-27, 1997. Officers elected/appointed:
President - Dottie Holmes
1st Vice - Dave Pahl
2nd Vice - Ralph McCutchen
3rd Vice - Fred Athens
Treasurer - Bill Everet
Director – J. H. "Jack" Jackson
Director – Manuel Sanchez-Rivera
Director – H. E. "Woody" Woodward
Director – Isidoro Cerpa-Alicia
Memorial Foundation – Daniel J. O'Connell
Parliamentarian – George Miles
TSCL Chair - Al Ybanez
As Congress was considering the 1998 Federal budget, TREA lobbied hard to get a Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project approved within the budget. Congress passed the budget with this in it – TREA DID IT!!! Through the hard efforts of many, Congress has approved allowing military retirees over the age of 65 the ability to be treated in military health care facilities and then have the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) which controls the Medicare program reimburse Department of Defense for that care. This will go into effect on Jan 1, 1998.
National Board of Directors Mid-Term Meeting May 15, 1998
Memorial Foundation Representative, Dan O'Connell reported that a mailing was sent out in August 1997. Approximately 5500 letters were sent out but only one donation was received. This 5500 represented a sampling of an overall 26,000. Because of the low return on the sample mailing, the remainder was suspended.
Concern was raised about AGE properly maintaining the membership programs it is accountable for.
A new membership card made of plastic and showing the expiration date with a stick-on label was discussed. This plastic, permanent card will initially be more expensive but will save a great deal in the long run due to the cheaper cost of sending out only a stick and not a card to members each year. This card is proposed only for regular members.
A total of 175 applications had been received to date for one of 40 scholarships awarded to TREA member dependants.
PRE-CONVENTION BOD MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 1997 Mobile, Alabama
Technology was discussed including skyrocketing hits on TREA's web page due to an article in the current issue of the VOICE. All chapters are now equipped with fax machines. This has produced many favorable comments concerning receipt of legislative updates and access to National Headquarters, the Washington DC office and Congressional Representatives. E-mail has also become a growing method of communications.
The remodeling of TREA National HQ building will begin to accommodate new printing and postal equipment. The new equipment was purchased from Pitney Bowes for $3,000 per month. This will allow in-house mailings, BANC mailings, pre- sorts, etc.
TREA membership at this time consists of 16.7% (13,117) chapter members and 83.3% (65.631) MAL's. There are 16,497 life members and 1,277 QPL's. As of June 30, 1997 TREA had 78,748 members.
Past President Cotton presented to the Board the TREA rings. Mr. Cotton stated that the Board had decided that the membership would be offered these rings and would have their choice of silver or gold. The National Officers wear the blue sapphire gem for identification of highest position held. Chapter officers wear emerald and a member is entitled to wear a ruby. The 24-K gold ring is $283 with a $7.50 shipping fee. The sterling silver ring is $61.50. The stainless steel ring is $54.00. Mr. Cotton stated if a member gets a ring and moves up the ladder, the stone can be changed for $20.
A policy was past concerning the demise of co-founders/past National Presidents/Current Board members.
TREA National Convention, 1st. Business Session, September 25, 1997
National Resolutions for 1997-1998
1) COLA for Military Resolutions for 1997/1998 2) Protection for the United States Flag 3) Social Security Notch 4) Accountability of POW/MIA's 5) Concurrent Receipt of Retired Pay and Disability Compensation 6) Department of Veterans Affairs Benefit Programs 7) Health Care Proposal for Retired Members and Families 8) Medical Services for Retired Military Personnel & Dependants 9) Dental Services for Military Retirees & their Dependants 10) Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) 11) Former Spouse Protection Act 12) Survivor Benefit Plan 13) Restructuring Veterans' Benefits 14) Continuation of the National Veterans' Training Institute 15) Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) 16) TRICARE Prime Fee Structure 17) Reserve / Guard Mobilization Insurance 18) Unlimited Access to Military Commissary
TREA National Convention, 2nd. Business Session, September 26, 1997
It was announced that Canadian Red blazers are now authorized for Chapter President of the Year award winners.
Pittsburgh was selected as the site for the 1998 TREA National Convention. Kansas City was selected as the site for the 2000 TREA National Convention. 1997
National BOD meeting mid-term Friday May 16, 1997
It was announced that TREA raised $50,000 for t he flood resulting from Hurricane Hortense in Puerto Rico.
It was reported that TSCL (TREA Senior Citizens League) has recruited 437 members and has brought in approximately $400,000 to TREA in the first quarter of 1997.
Four sites for the 2000 TREA National Convention were discussed. They were: Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, Missouri, Nashville, TN; New Orleans, LA.
Status of Chapter 61 was raised do to a lack of correspondence. A letter was sent indicating that their Chapter Charter was to be suspended on September 1, 1997 unless correspondence was brought up to date.