· web viewgroup photo-7 dec 2019. companions who were in attendance: bg arthur morrill - moww...

THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARS

REGION 1

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

RE: MOWW Region I – Conference Meeting Minutes -7 Dec 2019, Mount Vernon Restaurant, Somerville, MA

The MOWW Region I, Semi-Annual Conference was hosted by Region I with the Commander making all the coordinating DETAILS. LTC Dennis V Christo, Regional Commander, presided over the Convention and LTC David A Anderson, Adjutant/Treasurer, recorded the minutes.

GUESTS: MOWW Chief of Staff, BG Arthur Morrill, USAF (Ret.) was the guest speaker and Rob Marshall, guest of LTC De Chant.

MOWW Region 1 Conference. Group Photo-7 Dec 2019

Companions who were in attendance: BG Arthur Morrill - MOWW Chief of Staff, LTC Dennis Christo – Region 1 Commander, COL Larry Willwerth - Boston Commander, COL Gerry Hayes, Region 1 Chaplain, BG Tom O’Donovan - Green Mountain Treasurer, CAPT Harry Weinberg - MA Department Commander, CAPT Al Rieper- Boston Chapter, LTC Walter Oppanasetts, Boston Chapter Treasurer, LTC Fred Maguire - Former Boston Commander, LTC David Anderson, Regional Adjutant /Treasurer & Worcester Chapter Commander, LTC Mike Jarvis - VT Commander and Director NEYLC, LTC Joseph De Chant - Commander Granite State Chapter, LCDR Tim Haraden, Boston Chapter, CPT Al Mundo - Boston Chapter and MAJ Chris Robbins - Worcester Chapter.

“It is nobler to serve than to be served”

MOWW Region 1 Meeting Report 7 Dec 2019

ITEM 0-Coffee and refreshments 0900-0930

Item 1 -Call to Order. LTC Christo called the meeting to order at 0930 hours.

Item 2- Pledge of Allegiance-CAPT Harry Weinberg led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Item 3 Invocation- COL Hayes, our Region Assistant Chaplain, gave the Invocation and brief moment of silence for 7 Dec 41 military personnel who lost their lives in the attack Pearl Harbor. We also recognized the Naval Personnel who recently lost their lives.

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-All Chapter Commanders and MA Department Commander. The Commander welcomed BG Morrill for his attendance.

Item 7-Roll Call- the Adjutant made a roll call –all chapters present with the exception of RI, ME and Cape Cod who were absent.

ITEM 8- Treasurer made his reportMOWW Region I-Treasurer’s Report (06/01/19-12/01/19)

DEBIT CREDITChecking Account balance 06/1/19 3,749.53Savings Account 12/1/19 707.66INCOME:5 Jun 19-Check deposits for Regional Mtg 8 Dec 18 273.0012 Jun 19- Check deposits; LTC Wilgen, COL Willwerth 90.0018 Jun 19-check deposit- Lt Jason Sokolov 30.00Sub-Total Checking 4,142.53savings account 707.66EXPENSES:06/1/19- Ck 302-LTC Dennis V Christo, Regional Expenses 345.49 Mtg-1 Jun 19=Mainstay Hotel & Conference CtrExpense Sub-Total 345.49Checking Account Balance 12/1/19 3,797.04 Savings Account 12/1/19 707.66

COMMENTS:1. When both CT Chapters folded, Region absorbed their checking funds which total $1600.When considering expenses for the Regional Display Case, we have to consider these funds to beIn quasi-escrow for CT.2. Dues- We waved the customary $1.00 dues are assessed per living member for each chapter, as of the 30 Jun 19 MOWW database. I’m proposing another six month waiver.3. COL Willwerth made a suggestion to move $1600 over to separate “MOWW Connecticut Escrow Account”.



Item 9- Treasurer’s Report-This report was voted on and approved.Item 10-MOWW National Convention Report- The Commander gave a brief overview of his previously distributed email on the National Convention at Simi Valley, CA. The last convention dinner was held in the pavilion where Air Force One is housed. A very beautiful and stunning facility. He further encouraged attendance to the upcoming National Convention scheduled for Detroit, actually Dearborn, MI. The C/S also encouraged attendance stating that the convention will be held at the Dearborn Hilton with shuttle service from the airport. Great tours- Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum, etc. Terrific location with these tours-this convention offers companionship of like-minded people. Detroit across river from Windsor, Ontario Canada. In this regard, LTC Christo mentioned there is a direct flight from Worcester to Detroit-parking only $7.00 a day in Worcester.

Item 11. National Awards-Message Put in for them!BOSTON Chapter-Chapter Activity Award, Large Chapter, presented Saturday evening at the Formal Convention Dinner.-Writing Prize-Honorable mention to CAPT Harry Weinberg $500; - Writing Prize-LTC Kevin Upton, $500-Information and Publicity Program Award, 1st runner up large chapter-certificate and banner.-Chapter Newsletter Award, 1st runner up large chapter-certificate and banner.- Law and Order Program Award, 1st runner up large chapter, certificate and banner.-Exceptional Law and Order Award, 1st runner up, Commissioner (former) William Evans-Scouting Program Award, 1st runner up large chapter, certificate and banner.-ROTC Program Award, 2 runner up (category 4-based on units supported) –certificate and banner.-Certificate of Excellence in Recruiting in new members as a percent of increase.-Honorable mention to CPT William Maloney for personally recruiting 7 new members in support of MOWW goal 1.

WORCESTER Chapter-ROTC Program Award, 1st runner up (category 2)-certificate and banner-Scouting Program Award-2d runner up small chapter-certificate and banner.

C/S- echoed the notion of putting in for awards particularly Small Chapters. Each year awards are not presented because no one puts in for them!QS-LTC Anderson asked C/S about OR Articles and subsequent prizes.The Chief mentioned there are two aspects to this endeavor. First, VADM Dyer established a trust fund managed by the trustees. The top written article author gets a $2k award, 2d place gets $1k and there are three $500 stipends for the last honorable mention articles. The second aspect is Chapter Activity which is in the back of the OR Magazine. What do you need to get an article in-Ans-Anything relevant. You also earn points for article which are placed in the magazine.

Item 12- Chapter Activity Report by Commanders

a. Worcester Update- Chapter Commander LTC Anderson’s ReportThe chapter conducts five meetings annually and recently conducted two; 19 Sep and 14 Nov. We held two staff meetings as well. On the 19 Sep meeting we also had LTC Heppe, PMS WPI attend. He is a Princeton, MA native and USMA graduate. He gave us an overview of WPI ROTC Program.



MAJ Chris Robbins was the featured speaker who reported on the PTSD Program he participated in at FT Bragg in the early 1970’s. This was a precursor to the PTSD treatments we now are currently providing.. MAJ Robbins is working with the C/S to write an article for the OR.b. On 14 Nov we had BG John Driscoll, MAANG Land Forces and gave an excellent talk on the salient issues of the day particularly China.We have three more meetings; Feb, April and May. We have three speakers lined up-CAPT MCClelland, PMS NROTC, Holy Cross in February, Hopefully Commander of US Constitution in April and May- Bill Moore, Director and Founder of Project New Hope. We will award Bill a BPH for his development of these veterans services agency. Support Girl Scouts which are centrally located. BSA is decentralized. c/s- suggested we go on BSA website and network.

B. Boston Chapter- Chapter Commander COL Willwerth’s ReportThe commander stated he is honored to represent a dedicated group of selfless professionals who give of themselves and accomplish these great programs. It is not the commander per se but a group accomplishment that makes our chapter great. I represent a continuation of long line of dedicated commanders who have given great service to the chapter. Gen Pershing was a member long time ago. Boston has 139 members and just last week celebrated its 100 anniversary. We hold 10 meetings a year along with 10 representative staff meetings.Boston has recruited 4 new members this year and encourages young officers to attend. In this regard, the chapter awards a PM to 7 ROTC cadets upon commissioning and one National Guard Officer. The challenge here is too properly track them for when they start their military careers and PCS. This is an investment in the future of the Order though and we will continue it. We have had 12 press releases and designate 3 photographers in order to get the proper photographs. Last year, we awarded 465 youth lradership awards to include ROTC, JROTC, & Scouting (BSA Eagle and GSA Gold Awards).

c. Granite State-NH Chapter Chapter Commander LTC Joe De Chant’s ReportIt has been a challenge last year since Joe has had two knee operations and is recovering. His daughter is a member and has been an active companion. We lost four members last year and the chapter presently has four active members.

d. Green Mountain- VT- Chapter Chapter Commander LTC Mike Jarvis’ Report-The commander gave an update of the Vermont Chapter. We have 28 living members on books and 15 PMs when in actuality it is only four running the chapter. LTC Jarvis, BG O’Donovan, LTC Brechbuhl. And MAJ Davis. These four comprise the YLC team which runs the YLC. The last two officers are Norwich employees and chapter members. We have been conducting this program for 12 years. The chapter might look healthy on paper but there are only four functional officers/members.New Member- 1 HRM LTC Jarvis and COL Briggs, Treasurer/Adjutant continue the leadership of Barre Flags for Veterans Committee- where they mark 2900 veterans graves with US Flags before Memorial Day and maintain them until after Veterans Day. BG O’Donovan volunteers over 200 hours annually at the VTNG Museum at Camp Johnson-Colchester, VT for furtherance of patriotic education.Chapter meetings are conducted before each regional meetings and YLC.

COL Willwerth –commended and thanked LTC Maguire for obtaining USAA goodies and CPT Al Mundo for his annual Holiday Ornament donation.



Item 13. Tiger Team Update Region CommanderThe current CINC LTC Chamberlain has declared and designated Tiger Teams to invigorate recruiting. The Order since 1987 has been declining (18K members then-currently under 7K). We need to recruit so if you are not recruiting, you are not growing. There are three Region I chapters that are designated Red- ( NH, ME and RI) i.e. did not recruit a member last year. The Regional Commander commented there is other criteria one could judge chapters and they too could be deemed red but the bottom line is numbers. Team Leader is the Regional Commander with the Adjutant as XOLTC Anderson visited Joshua Chamberlain (ME Chapter) on 19 Oct. They have committed to do some activity here.LTC Christo visited Granite State (NH) likewise the Commander has agreed on some plan.Both the Regional Commander and Adjutant visited RI on 5 Dec 19. This might be solvable if the COL Robert Germani takes an active role. He is 59 years old and recently retired from RI Air Guard plus he knows a lot of military people in RI such as COL John Riccitelli, RIROA Chapter President. Furthermore, COL Germani also runs a RI veterans agency. The Commander stated that he wants all chapters to be viable and Region I remain intact.C/S commented that the JROTC Departments remain a prime area for recruiting. The ROTC assigned staff might be on a ‘sunset cruise’ while the JROTC remain a great recruiting venue. When we do recruit a new member get him (or her) involved. If they have no job they lose interest. Also, 10% of all companion information is incorrect-need to maintain an accurate database otherwise how can you contact all parties. The Chief also noted that Region I should network and collect ‘best practices’ and post of website for all to review.

LTC Anderson brought up the notion of NCO Membership.The Chief responded that he is a ‘Mustanger’ and understands but he is also an officer. He further commented that there are some EM organizations that preclude officers from joining because they want “like minded or a common culture’ group. This issue was tabled at the recently conducted convention. About three years ago-the then CINC did a survey of Officer/NCO numbers and locations. FINDINGS, there are literally millions of officers out there-our challenge is to network, locate and sell them of MOWW Program. The issue is RECRUITING! It is a constant proposition and everyone needs to be involved. Success comes from Persistence.

LTС Anderson- Suggested the Order to make MOWW video for collateral purposes-i.e. common message throughout order.- C/S answers-Yes- Order is presently contracting for one.

All volunteer organizations face this same challenge-American Legion, MOAA etc. Younger people join organizations for camaraderie. –they want dynamic leadership and action; results oriented. They want activity. No perfect answer but if you go to the convention you may your thoughts known.

COL Hayes-brought up the notion of actual NCO availability numbers and location? Are they out there?CAPT H. Weinberg-QS-Can State Guard Officers be eligible to join-currently they do not have Federal Commission. STATUS?

Item 14-Region Plan to maintain contact with New ROTC CompanionsCOL Willwerth commented on the general idea of staying in touch with newly commissioned officers. This is particularly germane to Boston since they pay for approximately 7-8 officers a year to become PMs. How to stay involved?



One way is to give a packet with a roster of all chapters with relevant contact information. Assign sponsor and regularly follow up either thru email or phone making comment or in Boston’s case place placing any relevant personal info in their newsletter such as recent promotions. Message- We need to to stay in touch. We need a method for tracking and staying in touch. Boston Chapter new member follow-up guideline, enclosed, was handed out.

Item 15- BG Morrill’s Comments-First a heartfelt appreciation for all that you do!Also, thank you for recognizing Pearl Harbor and the sacrifices the military made.A. Commarderie and Companions-Like to call it ‘In Reach/Out Reach’ In reach is inwardly focused ourselves, chapters etc. while outreach is focused on outside the organization. Need a combination of both in order to be successful.B. Need up to date contact information otherwise how do you communicate with each other.C. What are we supposed to do- Serving youth, community and nation. Our goal is to make the organization better than we found it. -When you recruit people give them jobs. There are two needs; Chapter and Companion. Both need to satisfied. Recognize excellence either through awards or verbal on the spot recognition. Expand reach and visibility of the organization. Visibility outside MOWW so people recognize our logo..D. Develop successor plans and encourage rotation. Every organization needs new ideas. -Encourage leadershipE. Being there- Need to attend convention, chapter meetings and regional ones too. If you are not there you are not involved!F. Recruiting-Chief recruiting officer is the commander –he needs to be out front setting the example.In closing, thank you for being here and what you do. Order is most important to USA.

Item 16. Regional Website- www.region-1-moww.orgBill Maloney maintains-does great work-Region Convention and meeting reports-minutes; -Region I Operational Leadership-Chapter Information

Item 17. Break

Item 18. Department of MA CaucusDepartment of MA met elected unanimously CAPT Harry Weinberg CommanderLTC Anderson commended Boston Chapter and Jason Sokolov, Boston Newsletter- Outstanding job by including Worcester Articles. Terrific job and really a Regional Newsletter. Need to recognize him!

Item 19. YLC Report-LTC Michael J. Jarvis, USA (Ret.) NEYLC DirectorSTATE OF THE PROGRAMAs I reported in June, we conducted the 27th and 28th YLC the end of January and the e4nd of March with a total enrollment of 46 students which may be the new normal. We now compete with December and January Leadership Challenge Weekends (LCW) held at Norwich which follows the same POPI as the YLC without the citizenship and free enterprise components.The enrollment numbers for the past year were encouraging as they exceeded our expectations for a total of 98 students (LCW V-52/YLC-46). There are many factors that contribute to the enrollment issue-


http://www.region-1-moww.org/


weather, SAT, and sport conflicts, and dwindling JROTC interest. (Only Oxford NJROTC, Oxford, MA continues to send large numbers to the NEYLC).There was a concern at Norwich that the YLC essay requirement and greater amount of classroom time as opposed to the LCW might be hindering enrollment. This year’s enrollment did not lend credence to this concern. These programs after all are recruiting tools for Norwich and over 35% choosing NU upon graduation from HS. The University has realized that respective students who visit campus for any reason are more likely to enroll which is why the $100 fee has been waived.In 2020, we will follow the same schedule with two YLC’s 24-26 Jan 19 and again in 27-29 Mar 2019. We expect the enrollment to remain around 50 students in the out years. Our concerns after4 straight years of dwindling enrollment in the program at NU was in danger of going away have been somewhat allayed by the rise in enrollment and the i9nnovative changes made to the POI by LTC Ann Brechbuhl and her deputy MAJ Mike Davis, both members of the Green Mountain Chapter and willing to take leadership of the YLC gives us hope that the program will survive and thrive.THE 2019 PHOENICIAQN AWARD (Pending)Last year’s Outstanding Students: Luke Boland from East Catholic HS, Tolland, CT and John Walsh from Winchester HS, Winchester, MA both submitted great essays on the topic “Term Limits for Congressmen” in November. Winners will be announced o/a 7 Jan 2020.THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKEIn addition to handing out the Pocket Constitution to aid the students in understanding how our government is supposed to work, I acquired a new publication produced in White River, VT by the Center for Cartoon Studies. It is graphic guide (comic book) to governance in America more suited to the learning style of today’s students (Pass copies around)

NU/CHAPTER RECRUITING EFFORTSThe Norwich Admissions Office aggressively recruits for the YLC and LCW on Facebook (lots of photos) direct mailings, and school visits. I expect the Chapters to make a direct mail appeal to every high school in their AO. With NU waiving the $100 fee, Chapters should be able to provide transportation or a flat rate stipend for every student from their AO.FUNDINGAt the June meeting, it was agreed to assess each chapter $3.50 per living member. All the Chapters have complied except New Hampshire. Still waiting? Planning for two YLC sessions each year requires a starting balance in excess of $1,000. The current fund balance is $1,945.00FUTUREThe prospect of the program at Norwich continuing hinges on the two Admissions personnel; LTC Ann Brechbuhl and MAJ Mike Davis, both members of the Green Mountain Chapter, being willing to continue the program when Tom and I give it up. While several of you have assisted in running the program over the years, the distance factor and finding willing/able members to assume the administrative duties of the Director, precludes the continuation of the program in Region I without a functioning Green Mountain Chapter. They have agreed to continue YLC POI with Region I personnel overseeing the funding and administ5rative support necessary for MOWW sponsorship. I plan to continue as the Region I liaison to NU to oversee the program and provide administrative and financial assistance.https://www.norwich.edu/all-of-admissions/790-youth-leadership-conferenceAs a voluntary contribution the MOWW Chief of Staff presented $2,000 check to NEYLC Director, LTC Jarvis. BG Morrell did this to lighten our financial load so we can now focus on getting students there. To


https://www.norwich.edu/all-of-admissions/790-youth-leadership-conference


that end, LTC Anderson mentioned that we need collateral email piece we can email to prospective schools and students.

ITEM 20. National HQS Items of InterestA. 990N- All Chapters were in compliance and reported their 990N in a timely manner thus were eligible for PM Dividends. Congratulations. There is no longer Form 9 report.B. FY Reporting- Within 60 days of the end FY, a chapter must report to IRS (Form 990N). The Order is working towards a common FY (1 Jul-30 Jun). Certain chapters are not currently aligned.There was a significant discussion on PM calculations and the need for transparency. The Chief agreed to publish how the PM Dividends are calculated at time of distribution. The PM Dividend process is clearly mapped out in Policy Manuals and on the Website. In fact, the dividend info is there as well. In the recent past, there was a big variance of PM Dividend which was a direct result of various Chapter FY end dates and common FY investments. By regulation, these financial assets had to be sold in order to be in compliance which resulted in a very large amount of distributed capital in the form of PM dividends. It seems in the future, this issue will be alleviated with a common FY of all Chapter including investments. Regional Commander stressed the need to consult Convention Book for financial reports and the website.C/S made a comment when he assumed his current position the Order practice at that time was to sell off capital and distribute. He stopped this practice otherwise it would have significantly diminished the investment capital- prior practice certainly was not self-sustaining for the long run.Trustees have changed the investment portfolio and are reviewing it annually. Doing right thing!C. Form 27- Chapter Activity Report- (Automated) This report is due HQS NLT 31 Jul each year however the Regional Commander needs this input to compile his report to the VCINC so he needs input early May in order to complete this requirement.D. Form 26- Chapter Activity Plan- Operating Plan for current Year, including Recruiting and Retention Plan plus Guest speakers.E. Tiger Teams- already discussed

MAJ Robbins mentioned how the Chamber of Commerce changed focus by inviting women. When this occurred, membership went up. He also stressed the need for current contact info and new programs on website. F. Region Contacts:1. Recruiting and Retention- LTC Fred Maguire2. Scouting-COL John Folloni3. Homeland Security-CPT Alan Johnston5. Law and Order-CPT Alan Johnston6. National Security-COL Gerry Hayes7. Patriotic Education- LTC Mike Jarvis8. ROTC- LTC Mike Jarvis9. Chapter Activity Plans- LTC ChristoG. MOWW Form 6-Update officer positions- organizational.H. MOWW Form 5- Individual Officer Changes; name, address, phone, email, etc.



OLD BUSINESS

A. Regional Display Case-Massachusetts National Guard point of contact: BG Len Krondatcuk. The proposed Region 1 Display Case is too small for items needed to be displayed and appropriate size needs to be determined. Will figure out a proper case size & and propose recommendation.B. By-Laws- Boston Commander provided Region electronic copy of By-Laws with a tailored copy for each chapter to approve. All chapters need to approve. Currently only Boston and Worcester Chapters has approved the region By-Laws. Item 21. Recognition

A. AWARDS

(1.) CAPT Harry Weinberg,- Boston Chapter presents to Region 1 Boston’s 100th Anniversary

Proclamation from Massachusetts Governor Baker to be placed in the Region 1 display case.



(2.) The Commander awarded LTC David Anderson, Region 1 Adjutant/Treasurer an MOWW Outstanding Service Award for seven

years’ service to the Region as Adjutant/Treasurer.

(3.). BG Morrill presenting Gold Patrick Henry (GPH) to COL Larry Willwerth (MA). The Chief presented this award for the VCINC LTC Michael A. Okin. This award is only presented to extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and significant performance. It is the highest MOWW AWARD.

COL WILLWERTH (MA) LAWRENCE A. WILLWERTH, USA (Ret.)GPH- Gold Patrick Henry -CITATIONCOLONEL (MA) LAWRENCE A. WILLWERTH, USA (Ret.) distinguished himself by extraordinary service to the Military Order of the World Wars by his exceptional contributions to patriotism in the community and for his exceptional leadership to his chapter and the Order. He has unselfishly devoted himself to the work of his Chapter while also engaged in many other civic, community and veterans organizations. He served as an outstanding Adjutant and Senior vice Commander before becoming the Chapter Commander. Colonel Willwerth has devoted his heart and soul to the work of his Chapter and Order with remarkable results. He has guided Companion support of the Order’s Strategic Goals and Program efforts, leading to an unprecedented number of awards and culminating with the coveted Chapter Activities Award (Large Chapter). His personal recruiting efforts resulted in many new Companions being added to the Chapter and Order, including many from other VSO and local university ROTC programs. He instituted a new program effort for Scout Awards to Eagle and Gold Scouts, resulting in the award of approximately 650 Eagle Certificates in 2018 and 2019; he has personally awarded approximately 225 Gold Award certificates to Girl Scouts at the Massachusetts State House. His efforts sustained the Chapter’s support to all 20 local JROTC programs. He has guided a highly active outreach program to Greater Boston Companions and other New England Chapters, as well as to the cadre of all senior ROTC programs in the Eastern Massachusetts area. His selfless dedication exemplifies the Order’s Motto: “It is Nobler to Serve than to be Served.” His admirable, dynamic, selfless, and untiring service to the Greater Boston Chapter and the Military Order over many years of service, demonstrates his dedication to the ideals of patriotism and public service, and reflects great credit upon himself and the Military Order of World Wars.1 Dec 2019 /s/Michael A Okin



LTC USA (Ret.)VCINC

COL Willwerth accepted this award on behalf of all the Companions in the Chapter who have participated in these achievements.

B. The Commander commented that anyone interested in command to see COL Hayes.

C. The commander again pitched attendance at National Convention-Dearborn, MI

D. d. Next Region’s Meeting-6 Jun 2020-Portsmouth, NH.

BG Arthur Morrill presented waitress Kathy with MOWW Challenge Coin for taking group photo.

Item 21-For the Good of the Order- None

Item 22. The Commander thanked the Chief and Region Personnel for coming to the meeting and participating.

Item 23. Benediction- COL Hayes

Item 24, Adjourn -1345 hours

Respectfully submitted:

LTC David A. AndersonMOWW Region 1 Adjutant/Treasurer


· web viewgroup photo-7 dec 2019. companions who were in attendance: bg arthur morrill - moww...

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