Military Vehicle Association Meeting
June 4th 2006
Transcribed and edited from tape recording
Richard Crane, President, called the meeting to order at 2 P.M. Seeing that
other people were still arriving, and with the consent with others present,
the meeting was delayed 15 minutes. President opened with challenges to
the meeting “is this a lawful meeting according to the bylaws, according
to the Military Vehicle Association?” All were in agreement that it
was. Second president challenged “any member who not in good standing.”
Recognizing that there were some unknown faces, three guests which included
Larry Bryant, a prospective member, and John Mansfield, a visitor, who were
present at the meeting.
Treasurer’s report, previous bank balance was $500, 005.20. Plus a
donation of $500.00 from the VFW, some bank interest, a payment of $45.00,
mailing expense to Diane of $34.50, $15.00 from Tom Barlow of Glen Allen,
a new prospective member who is subject to board approval. Current balance
is $5563.50. The club voted on a motion by Stephanie Wirth to increase the
M-20 liability insurance from $100,000.00 to $500,000.00 - a cost increase
from $100.50 a year to $150.50 a year. “Our technical error - however
the previous bill due was for $4.00, paid by President, Richard Crane.”
On several occasions, the treasurer’s report was interrupted by Carl
Kindervar, questioning why the president was supplying so much financial
information to the treasurer’s report. The treasurer stated that all
debits that had been presented to the corporation had been paid.
In the secretary’s absents, the President presented the written minutes
from the board of director’s meeting - March 22nd, 2006. At that meeting,
the board of directors voted to increase the dues by $5.00 across the board.
Single memberships will now be $20.00 a year, and family memberships will
be $25.00 a year.
On a motion by Paul Dunnington, the club voted to display the M-20 at the
State wide VFW convention at the Sheraton (I64 and West Broad) from 9 A.M.
Saturday morning to 10 PM Saturday night. The move would be accomplished
on Friday the 16th in the afternoon, and back to Wade’s shop on Sunday
the 18th. Other private vehicles will be displayed if they are there prior
to 9 A.M. Saturday. All members are invited to come and help, and we need
volunteered to move the M-20. Paul Cook has invited the club to participate
in his 4th of July Party on the 4th of July ,and only on the 4th of July
- not the weekend preceding. Paul also stated that there will not be a party
at his house next year. On a motion by Fritz Eley, the club voted to drive
in the Brandermill parade on the 4th of July. Paul Dunnington will be the
POC. There will be a quarterly business meeting on July the 23rd at Randy
Haase’s shop in Petersburg at 2 P.M. For August, we have a pool party
at Nancy Lewis’s - final details will be announced later. On a motion
by Fritz Eley, the club voted to drive the M-20 to the Rockville Field Days
of The Past event, September 15th, 16th and 17th. CWO2 Frederic A. Behrens,
Army retired, suggested that the club attend in September in Charlotesville
the Color Guard event in Charlottesville, and promised to write an article
giving us details. Carl Kindervar mentioned placing a museum in Manassas
sponsored by Allan Coors. CWO2 Frederic A. Behrens, Army retired, also mentioned
the Urbana Oyster Festival on the first weekend in November. Fred promised
to write a report with DETAILS!!!
On a motion by Carol Kindervar, the club voted to reimburse by receipt the
amount for any refreshments and snacks provided for the club business meetings.
The President notified the membership that he was in possession of the resignation
of the secretary, Diane Knapp. It was not accepted then in hopes that she
would still change her mind. The club expressed regret at the loss of such
a fine person, and commented at what a fine job she had done as a secretary,
and she will be greatly missed. On a personal note, the President knows
BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE how many hours, and hours, and hours Diane put in
working for the benefit of the club, and would publicly like to express
his appreciation for her service.
Fred Behrens and Mary Jean Terrell left after remarks made by Carl Kindervar,
who later apologized.
Fritz Eley presented a revised set of by-laws which the club reviewed line
- by - line. The highlights of which are: limits on the actions of the president
(“the treasurer, at the request of the President, approved by the
Board of Directors, my* release funds up to $75.00 for the Association needs.
The dispersment will be reported at the next General meeting, for ratification
by vote of the membership.”)... (“the expending/firing of “live”
ammunition”... is not part of any official event.”). No problems
experienced recently that could be rectified by amendments to the by-laws
were addressed. (Quorum requirements, meeting schedules or delays, emergency
provisions, or defining who has final decision of interpreting the by-laws.)
Lacking the required sponsorship, no action was taken.
Respectfully submitted, acting for the secretary,
Richard A. Crane, President
Veterans of Foreign Wars Display
Well sooner or later, it had to happen. We planned an event, and the weather was good - not good but great! Friday night, James Boykin and Warren Newsome and I rendezvoused at Wade’s house to drive the M-20 to the Sheraton.
After checking the oil and the water, she started instantly. Verry good for not having been run in four months. Paul Cook and Bill Gagnon were waiting for us at the Sheraton. Paul delivered his M-29 “weasel” but had to leave early. The ride down Midlothian Turn Pike, 288, and Patterson Avenue was glorious! Wade drove and James rode “ring gun”. I followed in my duce, and Warren Newsome rode trail in his 151.
We arrived att he Sheraton relieved and hungry at 19:30. We were generously welcomed by the Veterans and directed tot he hospitality suite sponsored by the 3rd District. We were treated to shrimp, hot wings, hourderves and adult beverages. Bill Gagnon was our designated driver, and it was after midnight before we got home. Bill drive a total of 135 miles. I know I’ve said this before, but half the fun of these events is driving the M-20.
By 09:30, we were joined by the jeeps of Fritz Eily, Jim Callier and Tom Barlowe. It was a great display featuring two World War II jeeps, two Korean War Jeeps, two Vietnam Jeeps, Paul Cook’s “Weasel”, my Duce, the M-20, and later on, Wayne Walker brought his Hummvi.
Again, the hospitality of VFW Post 10657 and the 3rd District, provided us with lunch and beverage. Not only did the Post 10657 donate $500.00 in April, butt he also picked up the tab for five new signs at the price of $275.00. Later on in the day, we were joined by Randy Weeks, Eric Houser, and Carl Kindivar, and Stephanie Wirth.
At 17:00, we retired the colors with a 21 gun salute with Jim Callier’s Gas 50 cal. And again, it was back to the Hospitality suite. I received many comments from the veterans on how much they appreciated our display. I hope we can do something like this again, and soon.
Sunday, we were joined by Stan Sitzman and James Boykin (who put in his 3rd day of service to the club) to return the M-20 to Wades house.