THE HISTORY OF THE RETIRED ENLISTED ASSOCIATION

JULY 1987 TO JUNE 1988

The National Convention was held in Phoenix, Arizona on July 21-25, 1987. Officers elected/appointed:

President - George Carnes

1st Vice - George Smith

2nd Vice - Joe Porter

3rd Vice - Ben Pearson

Treasurer - Jim Waddy

2 Yr. Director - Jack Cotton

2 Yr. Director - Ed Reynolds

2 Yr. Director - Chuck Wright

1 Yr. Director - Faye Custenborder

1 Yr. Director - Bob Eckford

1 Yr. Director - Glenn Hughes

1 Yr. Director - Al Mandell

Parliamentarian - Al Gutierrez

PRE-CONVENTION BOD MEETING JULY 20, 1987

National Charter Committee: Co-Founder Skonce

During our National Convention held in Jacksonville, Florida in July, 1986, we received good news from Senator Armstrong's office that SB524 passed in the Senate. The House Bill, HB1436, was waiting action in the Judiciary Committee. At the close of the 99th Congress, with over 60 co-sponsors, this bill died due to lack of action.

All 32 members of the House Judiciary Committee were sent packets and letters requesting action. Two members from Colorado on the House Judiciary Committee, Representatives Schroeder and Brown, were visited by the National charter Committee and letters were received from them offering support. Chairman Rodino also responded favorably.

In December, 1986, Senator Armstrong stated that he would re-introduce a new bill for a National Charter and would pursue it to a favorable conclusion.

As promised, Senator Armstrong introduced SB542. Representative McMillen of Maryland introduced the new bill for TREA's National Charter in the House of Representatives. Although the Senate Bill does not appear to be a problem, the House Bill may present a problem. TREA was informed that 218 co-sponsors were needed to force the House Bill out of the Judiciary Committee and on to the floor for a vote. As of this meeting there was 95 co-sponsors.

To get this bill passed, the National Charter Committee challenged all TREA members in the coming year to follow predescribed methods to help TREA in it's goal to attain a National Charter.

Member Services Committee: Director Pearson

Under the Member Services Committee, the Veteran Service Officer Program was established to assist TREA members, their widows and dependents by providing them with information or direct personal assistance in filling VA claims, obtaining VA benefits, and providing representatives to accompany eligible persons who are required to appear before VA review boards.

TREA launched its first effort in the Member Service Program through a pilot test in Colorado and South Dakota. As a result, the Colorado and South Dakota Divisions of Veteran Affairs have signed agreements to provide direct assistance to TREA members who need to file VA claims, obtain military records, appeal VA decisions on claims, and provide information about VA benefits or entitlement programs. Not long ago, Arizona and Maryland agreed to provide the same assistance to TREA members.

Computer System for National Headquarters: Treasurer Waddy

As a result of subsequent research and documentation, TREA has purchased two microcomputers. One is set up for word processing and the other is set up for finance and accounting applications. Many of the Convention materials distributed that year were a product of the new computer system.

The newly-acquired computer system will be compatible with any future expansion, such as networking, etc.

Executive Director Weibel announced that Mr. Bill Allan was hired in March, and after he completed his 90-day probation period, his title was changed to Controller. Mr. Allan effectively demonstrated that he has all the qualifications to fill the Controller position in a responsible manner. Mr. Weibel stated that he is confident that Mr. Allan will certainly be an asset to the TREA staff. His salary was increased accordingly.

Full-Time Government Affairs Position: Executive Director Weibel

Mr. Weibel stated that at the 1987 Mid-Term Board of Directors' Meeting, a proposal was submitted that TREA establish a full-time Government Affairs Position, rather than contract through AGE for a part-time Legislative Representative.

Although the increase from a part-time position at AGE to a full-time position under TREA is a substantial amount of money, it is time for TREA to take the step in order to provide MALs the effective and necessary legislative support they have been promised. MALs comprise 80% of TREA's total membership. A full-time Government Affairs person could also provide assistance with TREA's new Veterans Service Officer Program.

If the position's budget is approved, Mr. Bill Hazelton has been selected to fill the position. We did not advertise for the full-time position, because Mr. Hazelton has proven that he is well qualified to fill the position and the fact is that we are just upgrading the part-time position to a full-time TREA staff position.

MINUTES OF 1987 NATIONAL CONVENTION

Executive Director's Report:

(1) Announced new employee positions:

a. Controller Bill Allan. b. Government Affairs - Bill Hazelton c. Membership Program Coordinator to be hired within 30 days.

(2) New computer system installed at National Headquarters has already saved TREA money in various areas.

(3) Move in October 1987 to new TREA National Headquarters office in Aurora, Colorado.

Old Business:

TREA Logo:

(1) Director Cotton explained that in February, 1987 the Board of Directors approved a proposal for presenting each TREA Chapter with a new Chapter Banner. The banner will be 6'x3' and made of quality nylon. TREA's logo will be placed in the center of the banner.

(2) Forty banners will be made by the Carrot Top Banner Company in Chicago, which will keep them on hand. As we order the banners, Carrot Top will place the Chapter name and number on it and ship it to the Chapter.

(3) The banners will have gold fringe on the bottom and a pole hem on the top to hang it with. The banners will be weather proof , so that the Chapters may display them at outside functions such as parades.

(4) Regarding the current TREA logo, Director Cotton submitted a revision for a new TREA logo. He stated that Co-Founders Skonce and Sorell have given their blessings for TREA to use the revised logo as the official logo for TREA.

(5) Director Cotton then made a motion to approve the newly-revised logo with the stipulation that the current logo used on jewelry, plaques, clothing, stationery, etc. be used until the entire stock is depleted. The newly-revised logo will then appear on all future TREA documents and products with the exception of jewelry. Standing Rule No. 17 must be changed to reflect the new logo.

(6) The motion was seconded by Delegate Galvadon (Chapter 3). No discussion. Vote was taken. The motion passed unanimously.

Scholarships awarded: 20 at $1,000.00 totaling $20,000.00.

Research into the concept of a TREA Retirement Community is begun.

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