GRAND OF PACIFIC AREAS REPORT of 91 st SUPREME CONVENTION (Scratch) (Marriott East Indianapolis, Indiana August 26-29, 2010 Attendees: On the left Supreme District 15 Councilman Bill Wichmann, Grand SVC Jim Oden, center Past Supreme Commander Steve Mason and on right Grand Commander Orville Humfleet and Past Grand Commander Jim Malott. August 26 Mid-afternoon Outgoing Council Meeting: The Council reviewed the budget and made final adjustments with following report given by Jack Roberts the QM/Adj; Total Income: $249,565.70 (estimated) ~ $241,182.63 (actual) Total Budgeted: $246.882.00 (budgeted) ~ $216,496.93 (actual) Profit/Loss: + $24,685.70 August 27 Morning Joint Opening Ceremonies: A joint opening ceremonies of the MOC 91 st Supreme and MOCA 49 th Supreme Conventions commenced with distinguished guests introduced by Supreme Commander C. Maurice Theriac and a few short speeches were rendered. Then the MOC and MOCA were entertained by the National Home Buddy Poppy Girl and Home singers, with remarks by the staff of the Home. From left to right Jack Roberts, Supreme Commander C. Maurice Theriac, Ladies Auxiliary President Pamela Hamilton, SVC George Dennis, JVC Joe McCullough, Surgeon Darrell Olson and Judge Advocate Jerry Constable.
VFW National Home The Supreme Commander introduced the National Home Buddy Poppy Child Taylor Peek who told the Cooties about herself and how much the children of the home appreciated the funny Cooties. The VFW National Home Executive Director Patrice Green spoke on the Home and thanked the Cooties for the new car and scholarship awarded to a resident of the Home. Seen above from left to right are Patrice Green, Executive Director VFW National Home, Taylor Peek, the Buddy Poppy Child, Raymond Warren, President of the Board of Trustees VFW National Home, David Schmidt, Supreme VFW National Home Chairman, and sitting Supreme Ladies Auxiliary President Pamela Hamilton. Also, the National Home Children s singing group in decorative white with red butterflies shirts is seen above singing some loveable songs to the Coots. The Buddy Poppy Childl then took to the floor and mixed with the Cooties collecting donations for the National Home. Upon completion of the National Home entertainment the opening ceremonies were closed, with Cooties and Lady Cooties going their separate ways to their respective business sessions.
Seen above at the MOC 1 st Business Session from far left to right is Historian Cecil Reno, Chaplain Barry Walker, QM/Adj Jack Roberts, Supreme Commander Maurice Theriac, SVC George Dennis, JVC Joe McCullough, Surgeon Mark Newman and Judge Advocate Jerry Constable. MOC 1 st Business Session: The 91 st Supreme Scratch commenced in mid-morning with opening remarks by Supreme Commander C. Maurice Theriac and then followed by Supreme Quartermaster Jack Roberts (hereinafter, QM/Adj) reading the Rules of the Scratch that were moved and approved by the delegates. It was then moved that roll call vote be made on questionable motions and elections, which was adopted by the Scratch. Delegate strengths were then taken for those present. The published minutes of last year s 90 th Supreme Scratch were then read, moved and approved by the Scratch. The QM/Adj then briefed on the following; Budge and Investments The QM/Adj indicated because of the world economic situation in the past year that the investments of the MOC has been paying off better then a few years ago and that a profit was realized in final income/budget figure of $24,685.70. With that said, the following are some facts on life plans for Pup Tents: Life Member Plan A $4 pay per member Life Member Plan B $3 pay per member Life Member Plan C $6 pay per member (note plan only has 540 members) Life Member Rebate Checks The above rebate are considered anticipated, however the Life Fund custodians shall determine the final rebates paid on the plans. Pup Tent Bonds Cost of QM bond of $14 (two years coverage) will remain the same for ensuing year. Units not bonding with the Supreme Organization must furnish a copy of any commercial bond to Supreme Headquarters that they may purchase to fulfill the bonding requirement of Supreme By-Laws. Pup Tent QM Kits It was reported all kits have been mailed and those Pup Tents that do not have warrants on file with Supreme will get no kits issued until warrants are received. MOC Store QM/Adj indicated the store had been backlogged on Cootie caps and it will take six to eight weeks to ship from time ordered to shipping out. The QM/Adj did investigate in purchasing hats from overseas at cheaper costing; however, it was found that a license to ship would be too costly, so hats are made in the USA. Jack Roberts says he ll still attempt to outsource for hats, but for now they will be made locally. VFW National Home It was reported by the QM/Adj that donations of $12,923.45 were received this year for the special projects program in support for certain areas of the home. The Ladies Auxiliary also donated $8,000.00 to the Home. This year a car and scholarship was presented the National home. Scholarship Program The $148,330.86 Scholarship Fund paid for one scholarship of $4,000.00 that went to the National Home. This was first scholarship given since 1984 from this fund. Membership It was reported by QM/Adj that the MOC membership ended up at 98% of last year s 21,105 members. He indicated that membership was the heart beat of the organization and we need to gain more Cooties as membership was over 30,000 a few years ago. He emphasized that loss in membership meant a good amount in moneys loss to run the organization. August 27 Afternoon MOC 2 nd Business Session: The Scratch commenced in the afternoon with a visit by VFW National s three chair officers, Awards presentation, and nominations for next year elected officers. VFW Commander-in-Chief Visit The Commander-in-Chief Richard Eubank, SVC Richard DeNoyer and JVC John Hamilton visited with and made some remarks. It is noteworthy that all three National chairs are marines and cooties. With the JVC John Hamilton also a Past Supreme Commander dating
back to1993 from the state of Florida. He is the only PSC ever to server in the chairs at National level, which ought to be put in Guinness Book of Record. The Chief is seen here addressing the MOC and MOCA stating among other things that his priority this year is membership and he knows the Cooties can provide the bullets for the rifles to build the organization. The chairs then departed receiving a standing ovation of applause from the convention floor. Awards Supreme Commander Theriac announced that awards would be presented with the All Star Grand Commanders awards presented last. The following are the awards that were presented to the Grand of Pacific Areas: Seen here is Supreme Commander Theriac presenting Grand Commander Orville Humfleet the Grand of Pacific 1 st Place Membership (Silver Division) Award with Supreme Membership Director Franky Hicks seen on the left side. Also, Grand Commander Humfleet was presented the 2 nd Place Hospital (Division 6) Award plaque for the Grand s outstanding work in the Hospital Program.
Picture on the left Supreme Command Theriac presenting 32 sets of Booster Awards patches and pins for those Cooties recruiting 5 plus new/reinstated VFW members during the year. Also, Grand received a Certificate of Achievement Booster 1 st Place (Silver Division). It was noted that Grand recruited the most new/reinstated members for the VFW in Supreme at 1,052 members as reported by the end of June. The picture on the right shows Grand Commander Humfleet being presented All Star Pup Tent Award Certificates for Pup Tents 1, 6, 7,8,15 and 303 for outstanding work in Supreme programs and membership during the year. Shown above is Supreme Commander presenting to Grand Commander Humfleet the Certificate of Achievement 1 st Place Special Projects (Silver Division) for Grand.
All Star Grand Commanders The presentation of All Star Hats for outstanding Grand Commander s including their Quartermaster and Adjutant were given out. However, the Grand of Pacific was not mentioned nor were two other Grands who took many awards in their respective divisions. Mistake in Calculations? Not to be outdone after taking more awards then the majority of Grands that were presented All Star hats the Supreme Commander was approach by me as a Supreme District officer and PGC Jim Malott, to ask WHY no hat. His answer; it was a mistake in calculations by my staff. He offered apologies and stated that after nominations he would announce the mistake to the Convention delegates and present the names of Grands left out during the All Star Grand Commander presentations. Sounds buggy Where s my All Star Hat? Nominations Opened Nominations were made for officers elect, with nominations held open until the final business secession of the Supreme Scratch. Those Cooties nominated for office were Supreme Commander George Dennis, SVC Joe McCullough, JVC Jerry Constable, QM Jack Roberts, Surgeon Mark Newman, Chaplain Berry Walker, Judge Advocate Jessie Kitson, and Supreme Historian Cecil Reno. All Star Grands Commanders Recognized The Supreme Commander true to his word announced on the floor of the Supreme Scratch the mistake in not honoring all of the All Star Grand Commanders. Then he presented All Star Grand Commanders George Brown (New Mexico), Orville Humfleet (Pacific Areas) and Bert Logan (Oregon) their recognition with hats ordered latter. Shown above from left to right are George, Orville and smiling Bert comforting the Supreme Commander for mistakes made in determining the All Star Grand Commanders. (Note: Someone is wearing Orville s shorts.)
August 28 Morning MOC 3 rd Business Session: In the morning the Supreme Scratch continued with a visit by the MOCA Clowns dancing away with Cooties and the By-Laws Committee presented amendments to be voted on by the delegates. MOCA Clowns The Clowns of the Ladies Auxiliary entered the room in gala fashion and stopped the scratch to collect donations for their Hospital Program. The Cooties dug deep for duffle to donate for a most worthy cause, which the ladies were very grateful. Hi, Cooties I have candy for duffel. Hay there Coot, dig deeper and I ll give you candies By-Laws and Resolutions Committee Past Supreme Commander Steve Mason was Co-Chairperson of the committee and introduced the proposed amendments. He stated notification was given on proposals to Supreme By-Laws In the July 15, 2010, issue of the Cootie Courier and then explained details of each amendment. The following are amendments to the by-laws that were adopted at the Scratch: B 1 Adopted (deleted section wording and substituted a new paragraph.) ARTICLE I ~ Membership Section 108 Admission Fees Each local Pup Tent may fix its own initiation fee, but in no case shall this fee be less than the total of two ($2.00) dollars. The two ($2.00) dollars is to be sent to the Grand Quartermaster, together with the Grand and Supreme copies of the membership card. The Grand Quartermaster retains one ($1.00) dollar and the Grand copy of the card and forwards one ($1.00) dollar along with the Supreme Record Card to the Supreme Quartermaster. The Admission fee shall accompany the application in all cases, and upon obligation, the applicant shall subscribe to a copy of the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations. The Nit shall receive a membership card only when all Admission fees and dues have been paid. The official Cootie Hat Style #102, less tassels, shall be issued at the time the Nit degree is conferred or as soon after as possible. One green tassel shall be issued and affixed to he left tip of the Cootie Hat at the time the Grayback Degree is conferred. The second green tassel and official pin will be issued at the time the Cootie Degree is conferred. In case there is no Grand Pup Tent having jurisdiction, the local Pup Tent shall send the Grand Record Card and the Supreme Record Card and one ($1.00) dollar to the Supreme Quartermaster direct. Comment: The above change to this section is effectively eliminating the Admission Fee from the MOC. The Extension Fee of $1.00 remains in place. This fee, known over the years as the Initiation Fee, or New Member Fee was set as the cost to produce the Basic Member Hat, and lately was $40.00. This hat will still need to be purchased, but from this point on will be at the Supply Department price. New members will now pay the $9.00 Supreme Per Capita Tax, the Grand Per Capita Tax and the $2.00 extension fee to their Grand Quartermaster for each new member. New members will then be required to purchase a model 201 New Members Hat and Tassels and a collar pin at Supply Department Pricing. Also, the Supreme Supply Department now will have a new item that may be purchased in bulk by Pup Tents so that they can present a cover for their head while they wait for their Cootie hat to arrive.
B 4 Adopted (deleted wording in first sentence prior to semi-colon and substituted new wording as shown below.) ARTICLE II ~ Pup Tents Section 201 Formation of A Pup Tent may be formed by charter from the Supreme Pup Tent on application of not less than fifteen (15) members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States who are members of the Military Order of the Cootie in accordance with Section 101 of the MOC By-Laws ; With all remaining sections/provision remaining the same. Comment: The above wording change in the first sentence of the section allows more flexibility in standing up viable Pup Tents. Note: The above amendments still require approval by the VFW National Headquarters to become effective. August 28 th Afternoon MOC 4 th Business Session: The afternoon started with an announcement, introduction of the VFW National Organizations three chairs and ended with final nominations and elections for 2010-11 year. Tomb Trek Announcements QM/Adj made an announcement concerning Tomb Trek that; 1) 76 th Annual Tomb Trek is schedule 5 th, 6 th and 7 th November, 2) advance registration and checks for hotel must be received before 10 October, and 3) wreath ordered and check to be received before 13 th of October at cost of $25.00. Nomination and Elections The Supreme Commander announced that nominations were again open with elections to follow. The QM/Adj reviewed the delegate strengths with those present and nominations continued with no positions contested. The vote was then taken with following results: Commander George Dennis Senior Vice Joe McCullough Junior Vice Jerry Constable Quartermaster Jack Roberts Surgeon Mark Newman Chaplain Barry M. Walker Judge Advocate Jessie Kitson Historian Cecil Reno WOWEE I M ELECTED August 28 Evening Supreme Installation Banquet: The installation banquet commenced in early evening with Master of Ceremonies Supreme Senior Vice Commander (elect) Joe McCullough introducing the guests and dignitaries. He first introduced the VFW representative the National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief John Hamilton who just happens to be a Past Supreme Commander. He made a short effective speech ending with a Marine Semper Fideles. Then Supreme Commander C. Maurice Theriac was recognized and thanked all the Cooties for their outstanding hospital work and community support ending his remarks saying I Care, You Care, We All Care. Finally, the MOCA Ladies Auxiliary President Pamela Hamilton was introduced and gave her blessings on the MOC Cooties for all their support for the Auxiliary during the past year. With speeches over dinner was served followed by the installation officers. The Ladies Auxiliary installed their officers first and the new President K. Rosemarie Brown gave a short acceptance speech. Then Past Supreme Commander Fred Garcia who was the installing officer for Supreme called to order officers to be installed that included elected, appointed and councilmen. After the officers installation the newly installed Supreme Commander George Dennis expressed his appreciation of the MOC and the work of the Cooties and requested full support in the coming year to advance the Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. He stated his motto for this coming year is WE TEAM. He further stated the WE TEAM is the VFW and the MOC. There is no I in TEAM. With both installations completed the closing ceremonies were conducted and the Cooties 91 st Supreme Convention (Scratch) and Ladies Cooties 49 th Supreme Convention closed.
Supreme officers seen above being installed taking the oath of office from front center Commander George Dennis, SVC Joe McCullough to the right and on his left JVC Jerry Constable with other officers in the back. August 29 In the morning the Incoming Council meeting was held. Since, those attending from the Pacific Areas had to catch early flights no member attended the meeting, which only reviewed the budget and approved it for the ensuing year. A copy of the approved budget should be forwarded to the District 15 Council member. At the conclusion of this report I would like to thank All Star Grand Commander Orville Humfleet, SVC Jim Oden and PGC Jim Malott who attended the entire Supreme Convention representing the Grand of Pacific. This proved to be a fantastic year for the Grand as the awards showed that the Cooties of the Pacific were on top of all programs. My congratulations go out to all the Pup Tents who contributed their time and efforts in doing hospital work, booster recruiting, special projects and membership, plus other donations to the cause of MOC. Again, well done, and remember the Supreme Staff knows that the Grand of Pacific is one of the better Grand s in the MOC, so let s do it again this year and keep pumping out All Star Pup Tents so we can be an All Star Grand again. Just remember you can do it, as the We Team and Keep Them Smiling in Beds of White. Yours in L.O.T.C.S., Bill Wichmann Supreme District 15 Councilman