Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the United States Volunteers, Inc. Mechanicsburg, PA January 22, 2011

Transcription

1 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the United States Volunteers, Inc. Mechanicsburg, PA January 22, 2011 Call to Order It being determined that a quorum was present, the Meeting was called to order at 10:30AM with the members present being led in the Pledge of Allegiance by General Daniels. The General delivered his opening remarks then turned the meeting over to the Corporate Secretary, Lt Chambers. Special Comments - Historic Manassas representative Mr. Greg Jones, a representative from Historic Manassas, Inc spoke on the events scheduled for 150th Manassas. This event is funded by Prince William County. In addition to the reenactment there are a variety of other activities scheduled for the week leading to the reenactment. General Daniels s Comments General Daniels thanked the USV membership for allowing him to be their commander. He explained that the USV commander should be able to devote all his efforts to the organization and as he is commander of some of the 150 th events he chose not to stand for re-election. He noted two events not listed on this year s perspective calendar: Endview Spotsylvania 1. There were no Changes to the By Laws considered. 2. Actions of Executive Secretariat The following donations were made: $100 each for Mark Catona, Brian Webster $250 to Trevillian Station Future donation to memorial funds to be made instead to Scholarship Fund 3. Report of Commanders First Regiment: reported by Col. Childs No units coming off probation New Company Commanders 79 th NY John Turchick Page 1 of 18

2 New Probationary Units 1 st Ohio, Co D sponsored by 10 th PA 118 th NY sponsored by 2 nd Mich 149 Bucktails, Co H sponsored by Pa Reserves 3 rd Regulars Sponsored by 4 th Regulars USV balloon Corps Sponsored by 4 th Regulars The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. Second Regiment: reported by Col Young Units off probation 95 th NY New Company Commanders 71 st PA Capt. Goode 143 rd NY Capt. McComber 69 th PA Capt. Eller Open line slots 124 th NY 56 NY 72 PA 100 PA The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. 3 rd Regiment: reported by Col. Buffington No changes The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. Artillery: reported by Capt. Lynch No changes The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. Cavalry: reported by Col. Markijohn Company commanders Page 2 of 18

3 2 nd Company Capt. Sopko The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. Sharpshooters No changes The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. 4. Reports Secretary: Reported by Corporate Secretary Mike Chambers 2010 meeting minutes distributed (Refer to Attachment A) Motion by LTCOL Skaggs, seconded by LT COL Kline to approved minutes Motion carried Treasurer: Reported by Treasurer Mike Naliborski 2010 treasurers reported distributed (Refer to Attachment B) Summary Report Beginning Balance $20, Deposits $7, Expenses $10, Ending Balance $17, Outstanding Obligations $9, Adjusted Ending Balance $ 8, Budget $3, Motion by COL Waffler, seconded by LTCOL Kline to approve report Motion carried Civilian Coordinator: Reported Linda Dussinger Ladies meeting in progress, good guest speaker Quilting bee at Neshaminy Civilian handbook almost finished Yahoo group compromised An 1860s Cookbook will be published by the PA Historical Society There will be a brigade wide mail call at Bull Run Motion made by COL Waffler, seconded by LT Skaggs to accept report Motion carried Page 3 of 18

4 5. Election Committee Report - Capt Don Lee reported the following: Contested offices Col Rick Dennis elected Artillery commander Uncontested offices Brigade BGen Rick Dussinger Commander and Corporate President Mike Naliborski Treasurer Mike Chambers Secretary Linda Dussinger Civilian Coordinator 1st Regiment Col Dave Childs Commander LtCol Kevin Skaggs - Wing Commander Maj Ray Manzi Wing Commander 2nd Regiment Col Chuck Young Commander LtCol Tom Klein Wing Commander Maj Craig Mullins-Wing Commander 3rd Regiment Col Scott Buffington Commander LtCol Mark Herzog Wing Commander Maj Gary Peacock Wing Commander Sharp Shooters Maj John Carey Commander Cavalry Col Darrell Markijohn Commander Report accepted Commanding General s remarks Page 4 of 18

5 BG Dussinger announced the brigade staff would be comprised of his Second Regiment Staff LTCOL Mike Chambers Major Wagner Major Kopich Major Buckler Major Brasko Capt. Prohaska Chief of Staff Adjutant Quartermaster Ordinance Medical Provost Motion made by LTCOL Skaggs, seconded by COL Young to approve staff Motion carried The USV will continue to support General Daniels in his commands in the 150th cycle 6. Major Commander Reports COL Childs, First Regiment Regimental Max effort events Neshaminy Philippi First Bull Run Cedar Creek Remembrance Day COL Young, Second Regiment Regimental max efforts Neshaminy First Bull Run Cedar Creek Remembrance Day COL Buffington Third Regiment Regimental max effort events First Bull Run Elizabethtown, PA Ball s Bluff Remembrance Day COL Markijohn, Cavalry Cavalry max effort events First bull Run Page 5 of 18

6 Cedar Creek Cavalry meeting at Gettysburg to discuss impressions for Bull Run COL Dennis, Artillery Regiment Artillery max effort events Ft Sumter Gettysburg Fairmont Park Cedar Creek Sharpshooters Neshaminy Bull Run Cedar Creek Brigade max efforts were voted as Neshaminy Bull Run Cedar creek 7. Old Business 1. Safety item tabled at 2010 Annual meeting dropped th Cycle Planning general discussion with no decisions made. 3. Bull Run COL Childs spoke on planning for Bull Run event Three main events: Historic Manassas, NPS & reenactment President Obama has been invited rules may change There will be a march thru Town of Manassas Reenactment sponsored by Prince William County Camps open Wednesday the week of the event One ticket can be bought for all related events Bus system to transport between events All proceeds to preservation and seed money for 2 nd Bull Run (estimated 15,000 4 lane highways to within a mile of reenactment site Early war impression in order Page 6 of 18

7 Artillery Concerns with Bull Run. Major Lynch asked to speak to the Congress on Artillery at Bull Run Crisis in the Making at Bull Run USV drill declared unsafe All units must qualify and be certified by National Civil War Artillery Association Certification card a condition of acceptance to event No notification of ruling to artillery USV artillery has never had an incident on the field Artillery wants USV to demand that the organizing committee: o Decision to require certification be rescinded o ANV be banned from inspecting USV artillery o Artillery by invitation only be removed from event application COL Childs responded to remarks: There are limited gun slots at the event as per actual battle Some USV guns are certified (3 out of 7) No one has declared the USV Artillery drill or the Safety SOP as unsafe. The requirement was established by the event sponsors and, as a matter of information, the ANV already follows this policy as a way to assist in insurance defense if that should become necessary. Discussion followed General Dussinger suggested a USV certification/qualification standard for artillery be developed Motion made by Mike Shaffner, seconded by COL Young to turn problem over to BG Dussinger and staff Motion approved Question from floor: When was the last time tubes were x-rayed in the last 5 years? 6 NY stated their tube was x-rayed by Cornwall Furnace, which originally cast it 8. New Business Les Salisbury spoke on National Field Music School at Pamplin Park, VA o Motion made by LTCOL Kline, seconded by COL Waffler to approve 3 scholarships in the amount of $135 each. o Motion carried Col Markijohn requested the Congress to authorize the Cavalry a permanent LtCol to help with the command and control supervision and safety requirements of the Regiment. It was determined that the By Laws authorized the position and therefore no vote was required. LtCol Hoerer was appointed with the understanding that he would have to stand for election in 2012 just like any other field grade officer. Page 7 of 18

8 9. Election Committee Chairman for 2012 Elections - Capt Perlotto, Third regiment appointed chair 10. Safety Regulation Committee- Safety SOP review Report to be completed by October 1, Members as follows: Brigade Staff: Major Buckler Infantry: Jim Rathenberger Artillery: Capt. Kuhn Cavalry: Open 11. Scholarship Fundraiser - LTCOL Kline s unit will sponsor a fundraiser for the Scholarship fund A drawing for a Pocono resort weekend cycle USV Congress approved researching road trips to western events 13. Good of the Order Walkie Talkies o 8 radios for $2000 o Maintained by brigade staff Tabled until 2012 Meeting so more research can be conducted. Authenticity - Sgt-Major Cavalone spoke on concealing cell phone and TV use at events Anniversary recognition - COL Buffington spoke on the 20 th anniversary of the USV and the need to recognize the founders of the USV (UO) It was suggested that the Secretary coordinate gathering data and setting up a page honoring reenactors who have passed away. Philadelphia Parade - A parade from Fairmont Park for preservation will be held. Website: Meeting adjourned Page 8 of 18

9 Attachment A Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the United States Volunteers Mechanicsburg, PA January 23, 2010 It being determined that a quorum was present, the Meeting was called to order at 12:10 P.M. with the members present being led in the Pledge of Allegiance by General Daniels. The General delivered his opening remarks then turned the meeting over to the Corporate Secretary, Lt Chambers. 1. By Laws Changes. The Congress voted unanimously to modify the last portion of Article XII Section 5 which currently reads, All nominations shall be in writing. Incumbents shall be deemed to be automatically re-nominated for election to their current position, unless they submit a written withdrawal from the election process. And replace the last (struck out) portion with subject to the requirement that they specifically notify either the Corporate Secretary or Head of the Elections Committee in writing of their willingness to serve for another year. 2. Actions of the Executive Secretariat no actions were reported for the previous year. 3. Report of Commanders 1 st Regiment Col. Childs reported that Capt Mark McBride was moving up to Line Company Commander of the 3 rd Company, consisting of 25 th Mass, Company B, 20 th Mass, 18 th Mass, and the 18 th Mass Medical. Capt. Patrick Browne was now in command of the 4 th Company, consisting of 22 nd Mass and the 15 th Mass. Motions were made to accept this report. The membership voted to accept the report unanimously. 2 nd Regiment Col. Dussinger reported that Two units came off of probation this year, Co F, 2 nd RI and the Field Music of the 1 st P.R.V.C. The commander of the Field Music of the 1 st P.R.V.C. will be Mike Cassidy. The 95 th New York has asked to join 2 nd Regiment, USV in probationary status. The 123 rd NY has volunteered to sponsor them. Page 9 of 18

10 The motion was made and seconded to accept the report, and the motion was carried unanimously. 3 rd Regiment Col. Buffington announced that the 69 th New York had served their year of probation and proposed their acceptance as a member company of the USV. Attachment (A) John Tuohy was the new commander of the 28 th Mass., Co B. The motion was made and seconded to accept the report. The membership voted this unanimously. Artillery Col Fischer announced that they had restructured into 8 batteries. Command of these eight batteries is as follows: Battery Commander 1 st New Jersey, Battery A Bill Piper 1 st PA, Battery B Jack Rushoe 1 st PA, Battery B Ron Fulmer Hampton s Battery, Battery F Bob Brown 6 th New York Independent Jeff Cohen Reynolds, Battery L Rich Henderson Thompson s, Battery C Gary Hoover 19 th Ohio Artillery Bill Smith USV Artillery Staff Larry Fisher The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. The motion carried unanimously. Cavalry Regiment - The Cavalry had no new business to report. Sharpshooter Bn. Major Carey announced that Jason Crawford was now in command of the Battalion s 2 nd company (2 nd USSS, Company C). The motion was made and seconded to accept this report. This was carried unanimously. [At this point, the new commanders were excused to vote while the meeting continued.] 4. Minutes from Lt Chambers commented that the minutes had been provided to the Congress and called for discussion on their content. The motion was made and seconded to accept the 2009 Minutes. This was carried unanimously. Page 10 of 18

11 5 Treasurer s Report. Reminding the Congress that the cutoff date for the Report was December 31, 2009 with the result that an un-reviewed report had been distributed to the Congress via the chain, and that the report had been reviewed subsequently by a CPA and had been certified as correct, Lt Naliborski presented his report. See Enclosure (1) Attachment (A) Summary Report as follows Beginning Cash Balance $16, Sources of Funds: 2009 Unit dues $ Unit Dues 3, Dinner and Meeting Fees Dinner and Meeting Fees 3, Arlington Memorial Event 10, Gordon Palmer Memorial Fund 1, $19, Uses of Funds: USV Insurance premiums $ USV Web site USV Scholarship USV Music Scholarship Meeting and Dinner 6, NRA Membership (Insurance) Dinner Music deposit Postage, Filing & Bank Fees Arlington Memorial Event Costs 7, $15, Ending Cash Balance $20, Immediate Commitments and restricted funds: 2010 Annual Dinner and Meeting $6, USV Annual scholarship Gordon Palmer Fund balance 1, $8, Adjusted balance available $11, Budgeted Commitments USV Scholarship Fund $ USV Insurance Premium USV Music Scholarship Page 11 of 18

12 USV Annual Dinner Contribution 2, Web site Estimated Corporate Expense $4, Civilian Coord - Linda Dussinger reported the following: Cherie Wagner won the Cast Iron Cook Off competition. The Civilians are also working on a Civilian Handbook. Attachment (A) The Civilians have been collecting squares for a quilt. Each unit in the Brigade has been asked to provide a square. The Civilians will put these squares together in a quilt, and the quilt will be raffled off. 7. The Safety Officer submitted his report as follows: The Safety Officer announced that there was one reportable incident in the 2009 Campaign Season. The incident involved a dog tent catching fire at Cedar Creek. The problem was the soldier was using a bayonet as a candle holder. The Safety Officer further stated that he has noticed that a few in the ranks are beginning to demonstrate poor weapons safety while standing in the ranks. He asked that Battalion Commanders, Company Commanders and all NCO s help correct and prevent this in an effort to avoid any serious injury. A motion was made to accept the Safety Officer s Report. It was seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Discussion under Safety Lt. Paul Buckler, 2 nd Regiment s Ordnance Officer had submitted an inquiry and a proposal for a safety perimeter for Infantry around Artillery. As there was no clear safe distance listed in the USV Safety SOP, Col. Larry Fisher, Commander of the USV Artillery and Capt. James Lynch, Chief Adjutant of the USV Artillery responded with a clearly defined diagram of the danger area surrounding an Artillery Battery. This diagram has been included in the USV Safety SOP. The Safety Officer proposed that a Medical Staff/Team of certified EMT s from the ranks of the Brigade, modeled on the same protocols and procedures of the Mifflin Guard. After much discussion, a motion was made to table this discussion until next year. The motion was seconded and after a unanimous vote, this discussion was tabled until next year. Page 12 of 18

13 8. Elections Committee Report The Safety Officer proposed that the Brigade implement a bore light inspection of all muskets carried onto the field. This Bore Light inspection will be in addition and used in conjunction with the current weapons inspection used by the USV. Following each inspection, each Company Commander will submit a Weapons Inspection Certification, listing each Soldier s rank, name, manufacturer of the weapon and the weapon s serial number. The Inspecting NCO will sign the document, counter signed by the company commander. The Regimental commander will sign the document and the paper will be submitted to Brigade HQ. After some Attachment (A) discussion, a motion was made to table this discussion until next year. The motion was seconded, and with three votes opposing, the motion was carried. It was determined that a committee be formed with members from each of the three Infantry Regiments, SS Bn., Artillery and Cavalry. Names would be submitted to the Brigade Safety Officer. Maj Jeff Cohen, Artillery Reserve, Chairman of the Elections Committee, presented the following report: Brigade Anthony Daniels Commander and Corporate President Mike Naliborski Treasurer Mike Chambers Secretary Linda Dussinger Civilian Coordinator 1 st Regiment 2 nd Regiment Dave Childs Commander Kevin Skaggs - Wing Commander Ray Manzi Wing Commander Rick Dussinger Commander Chuck Young Wing Commander Tom Klein Wing Commander 3 rd Regiment Sharp Shooters Scot Buffington Commander Mark Herzog Wing Commander Gary Peacock Wing Commander Artillery Larry Fischer Commander John Carey Commander Cavalry Darrell Markijohn Commander Page 13 of 18

14 Maj Cohen was thanked for his efforts in coordinating the elections process. Col Markijohn agreed to provide the Elections Committee Chairman for the 2010 elections. 9. Report of Maximum Effort Events 1 st Regiment 2 nd Regiment 3 rd Regiment Bentonville Bentonville Cross Keys Neshaminy Neshaminy 2 nd Bull Run Gettysburg Cedar Creek Cedar Creek 2 nd Bull Run Liberty Elizabeth Town Cedar Creek Lambertville Day Farm Artillery Cavalry Sharpshooter No Report Drill Weekend Neshaminy Mumford Trevilian Station 2 nd Manassas Cedar Creek Cedar Creek 10. Old Business The Treasurer that, as required by the Congress at the 2009 meeting, the 2008 Treasurer s Report was reviewed and verified by and independent, qualified individual. General Daniels discussed the Safety issue resulting by problems with Confederate Cavalry and a Confederate Infantry Regiment at 2008 Cedar Creek. The General was thanked for looking into the problems and determining appropriate corrective action was taken. 11. New Business General Daniels announced his staff for the upcoming year. Maj John Sirlin Chief of Staff Capt. Mike Belgie Provost Capt Bob Otterstein Safety & Ordnance Capt Tony Scacifero Quartermaster Sgt Mike Lassuta Standard Bearer Page 14 of 18

15 It was announced that Lt Don Lee, Cavalry Regiment, would be the Elections Committee Chairman for the 2011 elections. Lt Chambers reminded Col Markijohn that the Committee Chairman has to be a Line Company Commander and Col Markijohn indicated he would look for another individual to fill the post. It was moved that the Field Musician of the Year, as nominated by the 1 st Sergeants of the USV, and recommended by the Principle Musician, will be awarded a scholarship equal to the costs of The National Field Music School currently held at Pamplin Park, VA. After discussion it was moved and passed that a total of three (3) scholarships would be awarded based on the above criterion. The total cost of the three scholarships to be $ Col Markijohn answered questions concerning the USV s insurance policy. Col Childs briefed the Congress on the 2010 encampment at Manassas Museum. Col Fischer briefed the Congress on the Artillery School of Movement to be held at Carlisle Barracks in the spring. He invited infantry members to attend. The topics to be covered would include moving guns through troop formations, and moving troops through gun lines. General Daniels covered several topics. He briefed the Congress on his attendance at the Civil War Leadership Conference which was a meeting of major organizational commanders to set the 150 th cycle events into play and act as a negotiator with event coordinators. He asked that the company commanders enhance their recruiting efforts this coming year. Specifically, he advanced the concept of having a recruiting booth in the subtler area to answer questions and provide useful information to potential recruits. He discussed the concept of forming an organization of members who were available for and desirous of traveling to distant events. This USV Expeditionary Force would provide a way for such a group to see the hobby outside of the east coast area. He discussed plans for the upcoming 145 th Bentonville. Upcoming Events Mike Schaffner briefed the Congress on the Return to Manassas event scheduled for August 27 & 28. Lou Kaufer briefed the Congress on upcoming events sponsored by the NJ Civil War Heritage Foundation. These events included Monmouth (May 15-16), Gettysburg Freedom March (June 12), Monroe, Cold Springs and Allentown. Marge Bucjolz was scheduled to brief the Congress on Connecticut s 2011 Sesquicentennial plans; however, she was not in attendance. 12. Good of the Order Page 15 of 18

16 There was a discussion of whether the USV should use Huzzah or Hurrah. No position was taken. General Daniels discussed the possibility of having T-shirts made for the USV. He further presented a bust that he suggested could be raffled off at the dinner [once the heavily discounted costs were covered all funds were to go for preservation]. There was a discussion in general of door prizes for the dinner. 13. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. J. M. Chambers, Jr. Corporate Secretary Enclosure: (1) 2009 Treasurer s Report Page 16 of 18

17 Attachment B Page 17 of 18

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