Koh Tang / Mayaguez Veterans Organization
5 August 2011
Odon IN
Minutes of Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 1307 hours by President Dan Hoffman, with the Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven other members present. Tom Noble led the organization in the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The minutes of the previous meeting from Branson MO on 15 May 2010 were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
Fred Morris reported that $4,716.00 was in the General Fund (GF) as of 28 July 2011. Over $8,000.00 in contributions from activities during the Campfire Gathering in Odon IN is in hand and pending deposit.
Because of a larger than expected amount of money being held by the Treasurer in the GF, Fred requested that an audit be conducted on a regular basis. Vice President Dan Darden agreed to perform the audit whenever requested.
The Treasurer’s Report was approved.
Announcements:
The Presidents Page has been added to the web site and will be updated every other month by the President.
Capt. Miller’s bunk and desk from the SS Mayaguez has found a permanent home aboard the restored Liberty Ship Museum - SS Jeremiah O'Brien at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco Harbor. Members are encouraged to visit whenever in the area.
In November 2010 there were two Marine Corps Birthday Balls dedicated to the memories of our fallen brothers. The LCpl Gregory S. Copenhaver Marine Corps League Detachment in Elkton MD was attended by the Hoffmans and Baileys.
President Dan Hoffman was the guest speaker for this event. Also, the LCpl Andres Garcia Marine Corps League Detachment in Carlsbad NM celebrated the event.
The Board of Directors (BOD) encourages the membership to consider joining the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines Network, and the 3rd Marine Division Association.
Rolling Thunder is highly endorsed and recommended for participation by the membership. James Gregory is point of contact for this event.
The 2012 Branson Reunion will have a new location: The Camden Hotel and Conference Center, 275 Tanger Blvd., Branson MO
Al Mahan will make pictures of our fallen brothers to be displayed at upcoming reunions.
Old Business:
Al Bailey continues to solicit the assistance of the BOD and membership in locating and contacting unfound brothers. President Dan Hoffman said he would make arrangements for new ads to be run in various military and veteran magazines and publications. Any suggestions, ideas, or methods that might be used in this endeavor, should be communicated directly to Al.
Tina Bailey continues to need help with articles, pictures and other items to be included in the annual mail-out newsletter. Please contact her directly.
New Business:
President Dan Hoffman extended thanks to Tom and Shelba Noble for planning and hosting the Campfire Gathering. A motion was made to reimburse Tom for expenditures accrued in this effort which he refused. After much discussion Tom agreed to accept $700.00.
The motion was seconded, and approved.
Fred Morris motioned that the web-master duties be transferred to Larry Barnett. Seconded and approved.
Thanks were extended to VP Dan Darden for preparing and mailing Christmas cards to the membership last year. Of the large number sent, only four were returned as undeliverable. A motion was made and seconded to reimburse Dan for the cost of the cards and mailing. Dan adamantly refused and the motion was withdrawn.
Treasurer Fred Morris reported that the Ronnie Hughes Fund currently has no money. Discussion: This fund was established to be specifically used for helping less fortunate members offset the cost of attending the biennial reunions, yet, no provision was made to replenish the fund other than new donations from individuals. Fred asked for a motion to provide a percentage of the GF to replenish the RHF. A motion was made and seconded to replenish the RHF in the amount of $2,500.00 from the GF for each reunion. The motion was approved.
Larry Barnett reminded the organization of our primary obligation to continue to press efforts to locate and recover the remains of our fallen brothers. A motion was made to allocate $600.00 to Larry Barnett to use for NOMA to assist in the recovery of our fallen brothers. The motion was seconded and approved.
Edd Prothro asked for consideration of exploring the idea to recover the anchor of the SS Mayaguez, which was cut free north of Koh Tang on 15 May 1975, and the building of a monument on the island. President Dan Hoffman said that he recalls hearing that it had already been salvaged by local Cambodians. Item was tabled for future discussions.
