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THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARS

“It is nobler to serve than to be served”

LTC Dennis V Christo, USA (Ret.), MOWW Region I, Commander

MOWW Region I – Minutes of Annual Conference -2 Jun 18-St John’s Masonic Lodge-Portsmouth, NH

The MOWW Region I, Annual Conference was held at St John’s Masonic Lodge-Portsmouth, NH on 2 Jun 2018. This Conference was hosted by the Maine Chapter with The Regional Commander coordinating all the logistics i.e. he made all arrangements with restaurant and lodge. LTC Dennis V Christo, Regional Commander presided over the Convention as Region I Commander, and LTC David A Anderson, Adjutant/Treasurer, recorded the minutes.

The CINC, COL David Gibson, USAF (Ret.) VCINC, Commander Robert Hartman, USN (Ret.) and LTC Mike Wilgen, USA (Ret.) Region III Commander were introduced as guests. Also in attendance was Dot Christo, wife of the commander, Bev Barton, wife of COL Robert Barton and the CINC’s wife, Diane-all are HPMs.

The following Companions were in attendance: LTC Dennis Christo, Col David Gibson, CINC, Commander Robert Hartman, VCINC, LTC Mike Wilgen, Region III Commander, COL Larry Willwerth, Boston Commander, COL Gerry Hayes, Regional Chaplain, BG Tom O’Donovan, Green Mountain Treasurer, COL Robert Barton, Former Regional Commander and ME Chapter Commander, LTC Fred Maguire, Former Boston Commander, Commander Robert Gillen, MA Dept. Commander, LTC David Anderson, Regional Adjutant /Treasurer, Worcester Commander, CPT Wm Maloney, Boston Adjutant, CPT Al Mundo, Former Regional Commander and Boston Commander and Lt Jason Sokolov, Assistant Adjutant Boston and Region.

ITEM 0-Coffee and refreshments 0900-0939

Item 1 -Call to Order. LTC Christo called the meeting to order at 0939 hours.

Item 2- Pledge of Allegiance-LTC Christo led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Item 3 Invocation- COL Hayes, our Region Assistant Chaplain, gave the Invocation.

Item 4- Preamble-COL (MA) Larry Willwerth, USA read the Preamble and at the end we all recited our motto (what Boston does) – ‘It is Nobler to serve than to be served”, followed by here/here.

Item 5-6-Welcome Remarks/Introduction- LTC Christo the Region Commander, made his welcoming remarks and thanked everyone for making the effort to be in attendance. He then welcomed and introduced the CINC, COL David Gibson, USAF (Ret.), VCINC, Commander, Robert Hartman USN (Ret.)

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and LTC Mike Wilgen, USA (Ret.) Region III Commander and Chairman of Council of Regional Commanders. The Regional Commander also thanked COL Barton for being in attendance representing the MG Joshua Chamberlain Chapter (ME). CPT Alan Johnston (ME Chapter) has some serious medical issues and cannot drive any more. Also, Dr. King O’Dell, Narragansett Chapter (RI) Commander has some medical issues and could not attend but passed on his regards.

Item 7-8-Remarks by CINC-Self Introductions- All gave their self-introductions followed by CINC’s remarks.

CINC’s remarks-

The CINC introduced himself, retired USAF COL living in Puget Sound, WA area. He met a lot of us last night at dinner and appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality. COL Gibson also thanked LTC Mike Wilgen for chauffeuring him and his wife the entire week around the East Coast. The CINC also quoted Mark Twain

“If you don’t read the newspapers you are uniformed but if you do read them you are misinformed”

“Go to Heaven for the weather but go to Hell for the company”

Heroes today are far and few between not like when we were growing up- John Wayne, etc.

Asked his grandsons about heroes especially his 9 year old grandson who retorted that Steve Jobs was hero for he invented the Smart Phone. He was wrong

Hero Attributes

1. Courage2. Outstanding Achievements3. Noble Qualities

MOWW has a lot of heroes just look around. Our founder, General John J Pershing was a hero. He led the doughboys in France during WWI. After the war, he wanted to keep the Officer Corps together and continue to serve the nation like they did during the war. Here we are 100 years later following the admonition of this great general. Keep it going for another 100 years.

The Pershing Story- As a young man growing up in Missouri, General Pershing wanted to be a lawyer but he had no money. He saved enough to become a teacher at the age of 17 even though he had no high school diploma. His sister read in the local newspaper that the exam was to be given for USMA-United States Military Academy at West Point. General Pershing took it and passed the exam. Even though he knew little about the Academy except it was free and he could study law. (This was not exactly true).

Rest of the Story- While serving in the Spanish American War in Cuba, CPT Pershing really distinguished himself. He served in the 10th CAV but they were poorly equipped with woolen uniforms and bolt action

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rifles. The unit adjacent to the 10th CAV was the Rough Riders commanded by COL Teddy Roosevelt. They were better equipped with khaki uniforms, Winchester rifles and two Browning machine guns. Opposing forces had canons and Moser rifles. The objective was San Juan Hill. The order was given to charge- yet a Colonel gave the following comment- “I will not give permission nor refuse the advance” The Americans were victorious and the machine guns were the deciding factor in routing the Spanish.

After the conflict, fellow West Point Alum pointed out that Pershing was the coolest and together officer who exuded great confidence. High ranking officers also noticed his performance as one of the coolest and bravest officers in the battle. This poor boy from Missouri thus became the hero of this conflict. What would he say today-?

1. Membership and recruiting-go where the vets are and recruit them. Have interesting meetings and apply online-pay too now online. CINC Complimented Region I for achieving their recruiting goal this year but stressed to continue the effort.

2. CINC Solicitation- HQS gets a lot of requests where there are no chapters and they fulfill each request. The budget is 90K a year. Again, the CINC commended Region I for meeting their solicitation goal. This is a TAX DEDUCTIBLE item.

3. National Convention- Great place to network and recharge your batteries. Chapters that do attend are more enthused and successful. CINC highly encourages your attendance.

Item 9.Roll Call of Departments, Chapters and States: Department of Mass, Cape Cod, Greater Boston, Worcester, Green Mountain and MG Joshua Chamberlain all present. Granite State and Narragansett Bay were absent.

Item 10. Minutes of Mid-Winter Conference 9 Dec 2017-Mt Vernon Restaurant –Somerville, MA were voted on and approved as distributed.

Item 11. Treasurer’s Report

MOWW Regional Treasurer’s Report (12/1/17-06/1/18)

DEBIT CREDIT

Checking Account Balance 6/1/18 3,508.46

Savings Account 6/1.18 672.66

INCOME:

12/2/17 Chapter Assessments Deposit 11/28/17

-Greater Boston 110.00

-Worcester 34.00

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-MG J. Chamberlain 40.00

-Narragansett Bay 36.00 229.00

3/10/18 Chapter Assessments

-Granite State 9.00

--Green Mountain 20.00 29.00

Sub-Total Checking 3,766.46

EXPENSES:

12/9/17- ck 298-LTC Dennis V Christo- CT Certificates 133.85

Sub-total expenses 133.85

Checking Account Balance (12/1/17) 3,632.61

Savings Account 672.66

COMMENTS:

1. As a result of last meeting’s comments regarding us (Region I) supporting CT, we have received compensation from HQS in the amount of $251.30. This was not done without us (LTC Christo) supplying the needed documentation. This check will be deposited with other checks. Also received Cape Cod assessment check for $14.00 that will be deposited.

2. Assessments –per SOP Region assesses $1.00 per living member as of 30 Jun –HQS database, there will be an assessment of $1.00 per living member. Billing to occur in July/August timeframe. (Item 21-Commander announced no assessment this Year thus negating this assessment issue).

3. CT deceased PM Dividends- There was a recap of these PM dividends that were assigned to other Chapters outside the Region. Upon further investigation and documentation (by CAPT Harry Weinberg) Region Chapters are to receive 50 PM dividends parceled out per CAPT Weinberg’s decision (2011). HQS had erroneously distributed these dividends to chapters outside the Region. These 50 PMs are now distributed accordingly: Worcester 15, Narragansett 5, Granite State 14 and Green Mountain 16. These chapters will now receive more PM dividend checks.

4. CT Certificates will now be supported by HQS

5. Chapters need submit Form 5- individual changes name, +,-, address email etc. while Form 6 is Chapter Officers changes.

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Item 12. Chapter Action Reports (Form 26/27)

a. Vermont-

NEYLC- On 25 Feb 2018, we completed the 26th session of the YLC with only eight students.

Flags for Veterans Committee (FFV)- COL Briggs, LTC Jarvis and the Treasurer continue to identify and mark over 2900 graves of local veterans with US Flags. We are aided by JROTC and other volunteers who decorate and maintain these graves from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day.

VTNG Museum- BG O’Donovan volunteers over 200 hours annually to operation of this museum at Camp Johnson in Colchester, VT.

Massing of Colors- This is annual event conducted at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph which the chapter established along with the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs that was held 30 May with Governor Scott and Senator Leahy as keynote speakers and approximately 130 persons in attendance. The Spaulding JROTC Cadets (17) carried the Colors and MOWW Flags plus providing the firing party.

Chapter Meetings- These meetings are conducted before the YLC in order to discuss present and future plans. Currently, only two of the 27 living members participate in these sessions.

JROTC Medals- Three medals were presented; one each at North Country Union HS, Enosburgh HS and Spaulding HS-all Army.

ROTC Medals- Twelve were presented; (3 Army) at UVM-University of Vermont, and (9) presented at Norwich University; (3) Army, (3) Navy/Marines, and (3) Air Force.

b. Boston Chapter-

MEMBERSHIP- Increased membership >4%- Added 16 new members but had difficulty with the database reflecting these changes. Overall the Chapter increased membership by> 4%.

The Chapter held 10 meetings throughout the year with 8 guest speakers.

YLC- sponsored two students by offering scholarships for their successful completion of the course.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP- Boston recognizes cadets in 8 senior ROTC and 18 JROTC units. GSA Gold Awards were given to 53 recipients. Four BSA Eagle Certificates were awarded. Four BPH Awards to “Women of Distinction” were presented at the State House. Each year, Boston awards a $500 cash reward to a Boston HS student in a patriotic essay contest.

AWARDS-Two SPH Awards presented-Mr. Harold Shaw-Special FBI Agent and LTC Kevin Upton-Pershing Rifles. A GPH Award to be conferred to a Region Member at a later date-name withheld.

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COMMUNICATION- 10 monthly newsletter and one summer newsletters are published each year.LT Jason Sokolov does a terrific job in accomplishing this task.

PUBLICATION- CAPT Harry Weinberg authored an article which appeared in the Officer Review of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company Trip to France commemorating the USA involvement in WWI.

Boston led the rewrite effort of the Region Chapter By-laws.

c. Worcester Report (Although the Commander did not call on Worcester, here’s the report anyway)

Membership- Worcester gained 3 new members and one converted to PM.

Meetings- Worcester held five regular meetings and staff sessions throughout the year. The last regular meeting, 19 May culminated in an evening session where spouses were invited and the Law and Order-SPH was presented to MAJ Francis Leahy, retired MA State Police. Vin Perrone, CEO and President of Veterans Inc. was guest speaker in April. He was presented with Coin of Excellence. Other speakers were CAPT Mark Edwards, PMS Holy Cross and LTC (P) Patrick O’Sullivan, PMS, WPI.

OBSERVANCES- Various Companions took part in Veterans’ Day observances from State House to local community gatherings. Other observances of note were Memorial Day events- Quabbin HS Assembly, 27 May Water Ceremony Elm Park Worcester, 28 May New Hope Cemetery, Leominster Cemetery for fallen vets, Johnny Ro Memorial in Leominster, West Boylston Memorial Day Ceremony, Webster Square AL Post, Korean War Memorial Observances and VN Ceremony Green Hill Park-Worcester and Northeastern University Memorial Ceremony.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP-

BSA- Two Eagle Awards and 26 Gold Awards for GSA split evenly in Worcester and South Hadley.

JROTC 7 units were awarded certificates and medal sets while five AFROTC were awarded certificates and medals. Six Schools supported; North, South, Oxford, Burncoat, Assabet, and Chicopee.

ROTC-Five Units with three certificates and medal sets each- Holy Cross (Navy), WPI (Army and Air Force), UMASS (Army and Air Force).

HS Essay Contest- “What Does Bill of Rights Means to Me” an essay contest was conducted at the HS level with over 23 participants where we awarded three $100 cash prizes. Four Companions were involved in grading and awarding these prizes.

Item 13. YLC Report and Discussion for future for the Region and Norwich.

THE STATE OF THE PROGRAM

We conducted only two sessions in the 2017/18 school year. We had only 10/8 students attend both sessions. While a good group of students, it does not portend well regarding enrollment. The March session had to be canceled as it conflicted with Easter weekend. In order to accommodate the eight students signed up for March, we moved the YLC back to February. LCW class which had 32

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students enrolled, but couldn’t counted as YLC students as they missed out on the Citizenship and Free Enterprise Classes.

Enrollment has hovered around 80 for the past three years which may be the new norm. We have seen a large drop in enrollment from NE JROTC programs despite Norwich’s and our recruiting efforts. The February 2018 Session was the 26th NEYLC conducted at NU since 2009 for a total enrollment of 826 students (average class of 32 students over 10 years, cost per student $19). I maintain that the NEYLC at Norwich is unique for being jointly sponsored by a university, is the most effective program, and the University assumes all the liability and most of the admin costs.

When we started the program in 2009, and for the first three years, we conducted only one YLC in March. Between 2012 and 2014, we offered four sessions per year and enrollment tripled to around 135 students per year. Beginning in 2015 to this year, enrollment fell to approximately 78 students total and one of the four sessions had to be cancelled for lack of students.

At the end of last season, we agreed with NU to conduct only two YLC’s while to other two sessions reverted back to Leadership Challenge Weekends offering more physical training w/o the embedded YLC POI. There is a sense at NU that some students, especially JROTC dislike the essay requirement and any classroom instruction regardless of the topic. Looking at the numbers for SY 18/18, it appears NU was right in that 58 students signed up for LCW as opposed to only 18 students for the YLC. These programs are recruiting tools for Norwich with over 35% choosing NU upon graduation from HS. These numbers may not prove anything as students often choose which session to attend based on their availability and not whether it is an YLC or LCW. YLC is sponsored by MOWW while LCW-Leadership Challenge Weekend is sponsored by Norwich.

Next year the program is up in the air as we struggle to adapt to the Millennial’s learning ways. Pending further discussions with NU, we have decided to go back to the original plan of conducting only one per year in late March. (No Easter conflict next year).

THE PHOENICIAN AWARD

Only two of last year’s three Outstanding Students competed for the award this year and they were not among the winners. I have objected to the change in topic format from a controversial issue on the Constitution to a more historical topic. However, the changes regarding the submission process and trying to meet the deadlines of the OR have greatly improved the process now that we have gone to a four quarter publication of the OR.

CHAPTER RECRUITING EFFORTS

The Norwich brochure featuring the NEYLC, LCW, and Future Leaders Course is available for your use in recruiting students. The brochure lists no dates for these courses. Students must go to : “nit.ly/NorwichYLCW” to find the various dates and information regarding the differences between these three courses.

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Norwich no longer sends this pamphlet out to all New England schools so we should make sure our school contacts get the YLC date. They (Norwich) claim their Facebook Page does a better job recruiting?

Reaching out to students attending each YLC and reimbursing selected students based on their performance is a passive and convenient way for chapters to directly sponsor students. The Chapters however have to get more proactive to boost enrollment!

FUNDING

Going to one or two sessions per year will reduce operating costs and will require lowering Chapter assessments in the future. We waived this year’s assessment. The current balance of $1,418.50 is about right going forward.

FUTURE

Attempts to institutionalize the YLC program at Norwich hinges on whether or not the two administrative personnel; LTC Anne Brechbuhl and MAJ Mike Davis, both members of the Green Mountain Chapter will continue the program when I retire. While several of you have assisted in running the program over the years, the distance factor and dealing with members’ health precludes the continuance of the program in Region I when I retire. However, if they decide to teach in our place, it would only require one Region member to be present and/or to oversee the logistical support necessary for MOWW sponsorship.

It would be a shame to give up such a successful program that fully meets the goals of MOWW.

Submitted by: LTC Michael J Jarvis. USA (Ret.), NEYLC DirectorNE YLC ENROLLMENT 2012-2018

Month 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Avg 2012-18

December 28 28 23 16 25 13 10 16January 25 24 13 11 22 (26)* 16February 17 16 38 31 26 (32)* 22March 76 46 73 43 47 45

TOTALS 146 114 147 70 78 86 (58)*18 78

*=LCW

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NEYLC Statistics 2009-18

Class Date Students Direct Cost PEC ChapterFund Cost per MOWWSponsor FundingFunds BalanceStudentCadre

1 9-Mar 67 20 1,643 2,000 500 22 10-Mar 55 25 707 234 625 23 Mar-11 55 26 353 686 675 2

4 Dec-11 28 0 781 392 0 35 Feb-12 25 1 781 392 0 46 Mar-12 17 2 258 234 0 27 Apr-12 76 0 479 854 0 2

8 Dec-12 28 0 664 326 159 39 Feb-13 24 1 426 280 159 210 Mar-13 16 0 527 195 159 311 Apr-13 46 4 234 644 159 2

12 Dec-13 23 0 699 196 275 413 Feb-14 38 0 575 126 275 314 Mar-14 38 1 575 476 275 315 Apr-14 73 8 660 952 275 3

16 Dec-14 16 4 445 168 355 317 Jan-15 11 3 438 126 355 218 Mar-15 43 16 666 532 355 4

19 Dec-15 25 7 908 210 341 420 Jan-16 22 10 532 288 341 321 Feb-16 31 1 419 396 341 3

22 Dec-16 13 4 674 0 341 323 Feb-17 26 3 383 192 341 224 Mar-17 47 5 799 617 341 2

25 Dec-17 10 2 447 144 303 226 Feb-18 8 7 349 90 259 2

TOTALS 826 150 15,969 10,654 5,315 1,418 19Avg 32 614

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ITEM 14. Maintenance of Master Data Base (Use Form 5 and 6)- The Commander encourages us all to submit these forms as applicable and to use HQS D/B. Form 5 individual changes, +, -, additions, deletions address changes etc. while Form 6 organizational changes new commander, adjutant etc. Useful tool to manage your chapter’s membership and dues etc.

COL Willwerth-commented that CINC solicitation should NOT be so noted on d/b per individual. This was followed by a discussion. It was brought up for vote that NO Recognition at all on D/B- Vote passed and this is Region I’s position.

Item 15. Membership Status-Dues/PM-Again, the Commander encouraged all to utilize the HQS d/b for online reporting and to track overdue dues. Keep members from becoming delinquent. Also, stressed the need for Companions to be PM is most appropriate.

Item 16. IRS and MOWW Tax reporting- (Form 990N and Form 9)-The Commander urged all chapters to submit these forms in a timely manner otherwise you will be denied your PM dividend check. Submit NLT 30 Sep each year.

Item 17. Chapter ROTC Reporting (Form 27) and Chapter National Awards-

Form 27 is due HQS 10 Jul and Chapters were encouraged to submit both especially for National Awards. Document our work and submit for National Awards.

After a discussion, Region I was unanimous agreement that award process should be simplified -current requirements are too arduous.

BREAK FOR LUNCH 1215-1245 hours

Item 18. Region One By-Laws Update/Review/ Approval.

After much discussion, the by-law changes were approved (as distributed) with the following changes; each chapter would determine their respective quorum (Quorum left blank) and Chapter Dissolution- if Chapter dissolves-records and monies to be kept at Region level and not HQS. Voted on and approved.

Region I will have a MS Word Copy of these By-Laws on the website. Each Chapter will be sent a customized copy of their respective By-Laws for adoption. Ratification of the new By-Laws requires utilizing the provisions of the existing (old) by-laws. ARTIVLE XI-

“2. These By-Laws may be amended by two thirds vote at any regular meeting, provided that the proposed amendments have been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting, and have been discussed at the following meeting of the Chapter Staff and have been printed in the Chapter Bulletin prior to being voted on. Amending a proposed amendment to the By-Laws may be accomplished by a majority vote, without notice, provided that such amendment does not change the substance of the published amendment.”

Bottom Line each chapter will have to rewrite and approve their respective By-Laws.

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Item 19. National Convention Columbus, GA (7-12 Aug 18) The Commander encouraged all to consider attending.

Item 20-Old Business-

CPT Al Mundo suggested storing our Regional Trophies at NG HQS Hanscom Field-Bedford, MA- Trophies to be displayed with small plaques explaining each and the Order. Potential Cost $2500? If we are to pay then we would need an assessment. Motion to place trophies at central place- Voted and approved. Next motion regarding funding was tabled with details to follow -voted and approved.

Item 21-Chapter Assessments for coming year. The Commander announced that there will be no Regional assessments this year (per the treasurer’s recommendation). This was followed by Dept. MA Commander- no assessment this year.

Item 22. New Business

a. MA Dept. Caucus- Continue to march-same Commander

b. Report of Nominating Committee- Regional Commander to stay in office until new one is nominated. LTC Christo stated December is it-finito

c. Election of Region I Officers for 2018-19- Current slate officers to remain-voted on and approved.

d. Installation of Officers- N/A

e. Commander Hartman- GPH Award for Patriotic Achievement to LTC Dennis V Christo

LTC Dennis V Christo, USA (Retired) is presented the Gold Patrick Henry Medallion for Patriotic Achievement by Commander Robert Hartman, VCINC.

Citation reads as follows: “Lieutenant Colonel Dennis V Christo, United States Army (Retired), and a dedicated member of the Order since 1992. Distinguished himself in Leadership roles of ever-increasing responsibility. He has served as the Commander of Worcester Chapter, and more recently as Commander Region I. When he took command of Worcester Chapter, it was facing closure. His energetic leadership restored the chapter to a prominent position in the Order and local community. After serving as Region I Staff Officer, in 2014 he became the Commander of Region I. As such, he skillfully led the Region’s seven chapters in achieving the Order’s Strategic Goals. A leader in Community Affairs, Colonel Christo’s distinctive accomplishments exemplifies the Order’s enduring Motto “ It is Nobler to Serve than to be Served”, and reflects extraordinary credit upon himself and the Military Order of the World Wars. “

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/s/ Robert F. Hartman, III

Commander USN (Retired)

Vice Commander in Chief

LTC Christo thanked all and was humbled by the award. As you know it is not a one man show, it is all of us especially his Chief of Staff-wife, Dot Christo.

Commander Robert Hartman, VCINC Left presenting GPH to LTC Dennis Christo, center, with COL David Gibson, CINC, right, is congratulating Colonel Christo.

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Col Larry Willwerth and LTC Fred Maguire presenting Greater Boston Chapter 2017 Commander’s Award for Exceptional Service to Lt Jason A. Sokolov.

Citation reads as follows:

“Demonstrating tremendous patriotism, and also serving as a staff officer for several years as the Chapter’s Senior Vice Commander, Second Lieutenant Sokolov has brought success to the Greater Boston Chapter of the Military of World Wars. His quite wisdom and selfless dedication has guided many commanders and staffs through the initiation of several highly innovative and successful programs that have that have continually earned the chapter numerous national awards including: The Girl Scouts Gold Award Program, guest speakers program, his authoring and publishing the chapter’s award winning newsletter, authoring and editing many articles published in Officer Review, and Chapter Activity Reports. Second Lieutenant Jason Sokolov’s character and leadership are of the highest standards achievable by a military officer and brings great honor on himself and the Greater Boston Chapter of the Military of World Wars.”

/s/ Lawrence A. Willwerth

COL (MA), USA (Ret.)

Commander, Boston Chapter

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COL Larry Willweth, left , Lt Jason Sokolov, center, and LTC Fred Maguire, right.

Lt Sokolov-

Jason stated I realize this is an awkward moment for me but I’d like to mention two things. First, I joined the MOWW these were and are my friends; secondly as we progress in the Order, it is dedicated to higher purposes of Patriotic Youth Education which is entirely lacking in the schools today. Thank you to my friends and Order for this Award.

LTC Christo mentioned he had recently spoken with LTC Al Shahib and he also stated that Order needs to emphasize Youth Patriotic Education. This is an enduring quality of the Order and future of our country. LT Sokolov got it exactly right.

Item 23. For the Good of the Order

Lt Jason Sokolov stated that the Boston Chapter publishes the only newsletter in New England as such is willing to include other chapter events and activities. Just notify him of your chapter happenings for enclosure.

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Item 24. Closing Remarks-

CINC-observed we are all working hard here in Region I and motivating others. There is vibrant leadership in Region I and you are moving in the right direction. Hope to see most of you at the National Convention. He thanked us for the warm hospitality.

Question was raised about “Wreaths across America” whether it was a national program or not. Some chapter support it however it is not a National Program.

LTC Christo thanked all for coming and contributing in an honest and forth right manner. It is particularly noteworthy that we are all working for a common cause.

The Adjutant asked that the various chapters email him their chapter activity reports for enclosure in this newsletter.

TBD- Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 1st weekend in December. Details will be forth coming by Dept. of MA Commander. Mt Vernon Restaurant- Sommerville, MA.

Item 25. Benediction –N/A

Meeting Adjourned 1337 hours

-Points of Contact have been Identified. Thanks to all volunteers who have become Regional POCs.

1. Recruiting and Membership- LTC Fred Maguire2. Scouting-COL John Folloni

` 3. Homeland Security- CPT Alan Johnson4. Law and Order- CPT Alan Johnson5. Monuments and Memorials- CAPT Harry Weinberg6. National Security- COL Jerry Hayes7. Patriotic Education- LTC Mike Jarvis8. ROTC- LTC Mike Jarvis9. Chapter Action Plans- COL Larry Willwerth

Respectfully submitted by the Adjutant, LTC David A. Anderson