PRESENT: Charles Bush, Ernie Dean, Bill Del Vecchio, Pat Eagan, Leon Holland, Joyce Hoover, Merlen Howe, Wes Lokken, Fred Lord, John Musgrove, Roger Rabago, John Rehm

The meeting was called to order at 1330 hrs. by President Merlen Howe

Chaplain Dean opened the meeting with an Invocation

MINUTES of the June Board Meeting were approved as corrected: Correction: President's Comments - Item 7 - should read: "Leon Holland and Ernie Dean were asked by Roger Rabago to contact Sandy at BAE to determine the best way to handle gratuity for servers at the dinner meetings."

TREASURER'S REPORT - Bank Balance as of 31 Aug. 2008 - $8,287.43

OLD BUSINESS

A. A gratuity for the servers at dinner meetings is not currently included in the cost of the meal. Sandy advised that $.65 gratuity per meal would be acceptable. It was the consensus of the Board that a larger amount should be established. A committee comprised of John Musgrove, Roger Rabago and Charles Bush was appointed to determine an equitable amount that would not compromise our budget. It will be determined at a later time if it is necessary to increase the cost of the dinner accordingly.

B. It was decided to send all money currently collected by the chapter ($4651.00) to the Patriot Fund Committee. Roger will do so. Contributions will continue to be accepted.

NEW BUSINESS

A. The Chapter's 50th Anniversary Celebration will be in January 2009. Pat Eagan and Bill Del Vecchio - with suggestions from the Board - will compile ideas for the commemoration at the January dinner meeting. There is a possibility that the National MOAA President, ADM Ryan, will be the speaker for the evening.

B President's report on the 3rd. quarter TCC meeting - Aug. 23

1. National is developing initiatives to assist chapter in obtaining sponsors to advertise in chapter newsletter and directories. Guidelines for the format and prices are being developed.

2. In 2009 a revised Policies and Procedures Guide will be available.

3. A MOAA Leadership Award lapel pin is available from National. A short write-up providing justification needs to be submitted to National. Pres. Howe requested that each of us write up our recommendation of a chapter member who has done exceptional leadership in our chapter. These recommendations are to be sent to him for consideration and submission to National.

4. In conjunction with The Year of the Chapter, there is a Year of the Chapter coin which can be given by National officers to honor someone who has done a great job for MOAA.

C. It was decided that our Preamble should be read at the beginning of each dinner meeting following the Salute to the Flag. The reading of the Preamble will be rotated among Board Members each month. Bill Del Vecchio will begin this practice in October.

D. There is to be a meeting each month at 6:00 on the night of our dinner meeting at BAE for all new members for welcoming and orientation regarding our chapter.

E Our chapter will host the TCC in Austin February 4-6, 2009. Details will be forthcoming.

OFFICERS REPORTS

1st. V.P. - Wes Lokken reported that RADM Don Bullard will be the guest speaker for the October meeting commemorating the Navy's birthday

2nd. V.P. - John Musgrove reported that we had 6 new members at the September meeting. He will speak at the ROWC meeting to encourage members' husbands to join AMOAA

3rd. V.P. - Charles Bush reported we would use round tables for future dinners as they are more popular and sociable

Treasurer - Roger Rabago distributed spread sheets detailing the chapter's receipts and expenditures for 2007-2008. He also reported there is one JROTC scholarship pending.

ROTC - Fred Lord reported that we have one new high school in Georgetown for JROTC. He plans to order certificates early.

Chaplain - Ernie Dean reported that COL B. J. Martin, USAF, had passed away and that his widow, Donna, was doing well. He also reported that Lou DiDonato was recovering well from the health episode he experienced at the September meeting.

Personal Affairs Chairman - Leon Holland reported the next Personal Affairs Committee meeting will be at 12:30 on Monday Oct. 20 prior to the October Board Meeting. He will list information available at the dinner meeting in the October newsletter.

Navy Rep. - Joyce Hoover reported that she had 4 responses to the letters sent out to potential members. She also had a new member, CAPT John Sullivan, at the September meeting.

Newsletter - The October newsletter deadline is Sept. 26

Past President - Bill Del Vecchio presented John Rehm with an Appreciation Certificate from the chapter for his outstanding work with the Newsletter.

Chaplain Dean closed the meeting with a Benediction

Meeting adjourned at 1450 hrs.

PAT EAGAN
SECRETARY

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY 20 OCTOBER 2008 AT 1330 HRS. AT THE TEXAS MUSEUM AT CAMP MABRY