ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER

10 February 2012

SUBJECT: Minutes, Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting, 9 February 2012

The North Texas Chapter of AUSA EXCO convened at 1130 hrs, 9 February 2012 at Patrizio’s in Fairview.

Present:JP Hogan, President

Wesley Geary, Chaplain

John Antal, Leadership

Larry Thompson, VP/Programs

John Y. Baker, Webmaster

Morris Paulk, Treasurer

Bill Jimenez, Past President

TL Holden, Advisory Committee

Bob Epstein, Individual Membership

Woody Alexander, Secretary

Kevin Wentz, Auditor

John Miller, New Member

JR Atkins, Membership Expert

Not Present:Kermit Gable, 1st VP (deployed)

Chaplain Geary led us in the prayer and pledge.

The following topics were covered:

Financials

Morris delivered signed copies of the 2011 Annual Report to the auditors. He faxes the official report to National after the meeting. The annual audit will be carried out on 23 February by Wendall Ritz, Kevin and Woody. Balances as of February 9:

Cash in Checking Account 4244 / 5,841.90
Cash in Savings Account 4255 / 4,003.97
Cash in Golf Account 4833 / 570.07
Cash in All Three Accounts / 10,415.94

A check for $12,000 was delivered to the Warrior and FamilySupportCenter in San Antonio on 27 January by JP, Wes, Matt and Rich. JP talked about meeting and talking with Wounded Warriors and their families.

Fund Raising

2012 fund raising efforts:

  • Golf Classic scheduled for October 1st at Indian Creek course in Carrollton
  • Goal is to raise $20K and to assist Heroes on Water
  • Black TieSoiree will be held on September 29th at the Frontiers of Flight Museum with proceeds also going to help Wounded Warriors

Leadership and a Movie/ Staff Ride

Disys will host event at their HQ on North Dallas Parkway on 20 February at no cost to members and will supply pizza and soft drinks. Featured movie will be “The Alamo”. 35 ROTC cadets as well as Frisco firefighters will attend. Start time will be 1800 and sign up at link to web site

John Antal detailed a staff ride on the San Jacinto Battlefield on 24 & 25 March, with the team flying out of Love Field and staying at HobbyAirport. John discussed other great staff rides he has done, such as Gettysburg and Normandy. Woody discussed John and other AUSA members speaking 2012 memorial Day observances.

New Members

Corporate: Indian Creek Golf Course (Site of 2012 Golf Tournament)

Individual: John Miller

2012 Chapter Membership Goals

This year’s goals are 1000 individual members and 75 corporate members. Currently, we have 963 individual and 28 corporate members. Bob Epstein has agreed to lead individual membership.

Website Upgrade

John Baker gave the group a demo of his work on the new website which went live after the meeting at:

He needs pictures and bios on Chapter Leaders.

JROTC Medals

Jim Blunk received the medals. We will also send out an invitation to members to present the medals when we get the latest spreadsheet from Jim.

Regional Meeting

JP gave an update on the plans for the AUSA Fourth Region Meeting to be held at the Holiday Inn in Richardson on the last weekend in March. The quarterly GMM will also be held in conjunction with this meeting on Friday night. LTG Stroup will be one of the attendees as will LTG Don Jones, our former Regional President. A new Regional leadership will be elected on Saturday. The Saturday night dinner at Canyon Creek will feature a talk by UNTMilitaryHistoryCenter on Napoleon. The Chapter will pick up the $50 registration fee for Chapter Leaders who attend.

VA Outpatient Clinic

Woody is chairing a committee of veterans to champion the establishment of a clinic in the Richardson/ Plano area. They will be meeting with Congressman Sam Johnson on the matter next week.

Tips on Membership Growth and Maintenance

JR Atkins talked to us about membership:

  • Many are willing to participate but are unwilling to become a member because:
  • Long Term Commitment
  • Larger financial decision
  • Less Corporate support or reimbursement
  • Time constraints
  • Competing Choices
  • Recommendations:
  • Clearly define your value proposition
  • What you are, what you do and who benefits
  • What you are not and what you don’t do
  • Take a look at your Communication Methods
  • Online tools
  • Social Media

Action Items

  • Submit Chapter Activity Reports (CAR’s) on Website (JP) and EXCO (Woody)
  • Leadership and a Movie: Invite your friends to see “The Alamo” on 20 Feb at Disys
  • Battle Staff Ride: Reserve with John Antal by 17 Feb. See flyer from John.
  • Add Bob Epstein as VP Individual Membership (John Baker)

Next Meeting

The next EXCO Meeting will be held on Thursday, 8March, 11:30AM at Patrizio’s in Fairview.

Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 1345 hours.

Woody Alexander

Secretary

AUSA MinutesPage 1