MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING
DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, VFW
HELD AT THE SHERATON RICHMOND WEST,
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Thursday, June 19, 2003

The Council of Administration Meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department of Virginia, was called to order at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2003, in Capital Room of the Sheraton Richmond West, Richmond, Virginia, by State Commander Lawrence F. Mattera.

Prayer was offered by State Chaplain Edward Powers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

State Commander Mattera conducted Roll Call of Council Members. All were present with the exception of Chief-of-Staff E. Ray Chappell and Kenneth Suthard, Twelfth District Commander, who were excused.

At this time, State Commander Mattera recognized all of the Past Department Commanders, by asking them to stand.

State Commander Mattera stated everyone should have a copy of the Minutes of the Council of Administration Meeting held January 17-19, 2003 in Williamsburg.

Senior Vice Commander Peter M. Snelling, Bedford Post 2157, made a motion for the approval of the Council of Administration Meeting Minutes, which was held January 17-19, 2003 at the George Washington Inn, Williamsburg, Virginia. State Surgeon Tom W. Hines, South Hill Post 7166, seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Membership Chairman Peter M. Snelling stated there are 189 Posts in the Department of Virginia, and 99 of them are 100% or more. As of June 13^th our Membership Quota is 35,584 we have 34,255 standup members leaving us a requirement of 1,329 for a 100% Membership. We also have 740 MIP's subtracting them out and as of June 13^th we need 588 members for a 100% Department. We have until June 30^th to get these members in.

Budget/Finance Vice-Chairman Bobby R. Walls stated the Committee met with Otis Berry, John Edwards, Daniel Boyer and himself. Comrade Walls stated the Budget does not look good. We have already exceeded the income by more than $9,000.00. State Commander has asked for a $4,000.00 increase; Senior Vice Commander a $1,400.00 increase; Adjutant/Quartermaster a $2,000.00 increase; Judge Advocate a $1,000.00 increase; Surgeon an $850.00 increase; Chaplain a $1,000.00 increase; Chief-of-Staff a $500.00 increase; Second District Commander a $150.00 increase and the Fourth District Commander a $500.00 increase. The Committee recommends these increase to be paid. This recommendation is to pay the expenses for this State Convention and any outstanding Vouchers. The State Adjutant/Quartermaster has asked for an increase of $7,000.00 to pay for the cell phones and the 800 number we have at State Headquarters' along with a $5,500.00 increase for the website at State Headquarters and $900.00 increase to Vehicle Maintenance. The Committee also recommends approval for these expenses also.

Past Department Commander James E. Tucker made to motion to accept the Committee's recommendation seconded by Past Department Commander James W. Rickard and the motion carried.

Budget/Finance Vice-Chairman Walls made a motion that in years to come the State Quartermaster is to put out bids for the State Van instead of going across the street, seconded by Past Department Commander Tucker and after some discussion the motion carried (by show of hands).

State Commander Mattera asked for the reading of Communications. There were none.

State Commander Mattera asked if there was any unfinished business. There was none.

At this time, State Commander Mattera asked if there was any new business. There was none.

State Commander Mattera then went to the Good of the Order.

State Commander Mattera asked if there was any other Good of the Order or if anyone would like to speak.

Past Department Commander Tucker stated he traveled with the State Color Guard to the Post Office this morning for the Purple Heart Commemorative Stamp Ceremony and he passed out a brochure for that program. It was quite impressive and if we have any Purple Heart recipients in the room, he does have a copy of the stamp for all the participants to wear and all Purple Heart recipients may wear it.

Parliamentarian Charles B. Wilkerson stated he just learned this morning that we are not going to have the Virginia Veterans anymore. There are no advertisements, but they (Heritage) are taking contributions and they are giving the Department of Virginia $15,000.00 to do their own thing. Asked do we get a report of how much money they take in on our behalf?

State Adjutant/Quartermaster Wolking said he would call Heritage and ask for an accounting. The account subsequently provided to State Adjutant/Quartermaster Kim DeShano.

State Commander Mattera stated the money was in but the report has not arrived.

There was more discussion on the Virginia Veteran.

There was discussion on the control of expenses that State Headquarters pays out.

State Commander Mattera stated the National Representative had arrived but that he had to go address the Pentagon and that the Awards Ceremony is tonight and it will be different, it will be Larry and Pat's way (he hopes). For those who are getting a white hat, the Commander and Quartermaster's come up when called and at that time the Ladies will call two people for their Banners.

State Commander Mattera asked if there was anything else under the Good of the Order.

State Commander Mattera thanked everyone for the work that they have done.

There being no further business, State Chaplain Powers closed the Bible with prayer, followed by the Comrades Saluting the Colors.

The meeting closed at 11:20 a.m. in due form according to Ritual.

Submitted by
Fred L. Wolking
State Adjutant/Quartermaster