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Fall Meeting - October 21, 2006:

Chairman Michael Blum called the Meeting to order, welcomed and thanked the Council for their time and efforts, led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduced Brigadier General James B. Laster, Commanding General, Training Command, Training and Education Command, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia.

General Laster provided an overview of the Training Command’s depth and breadth.  He stressed the importance of people to our Corps, especially the junior Marines and Sailors, both enlisted and officer.  He further emphasized the tactical, operational, and strategic flexibility of the Corps over the several years as the Global War on Terrorism continues.  General Laster responded to several questions from the audience.

Ms. Nancy Walker from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund updated the Council on its success in the two and a half years since its inception.  She further explained the expansion of some of the services they have been able to offer, to include modifying passenger vans, homes, and accommodating many of our injured with assistance with the VA.  They are listed this year with the CFC (#2163) and they will have 150 runners in this year’s Marine Corps Marathon and share a tent with MCA for marketing purposes.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Russell provided a detailed update of the Marine-4-Life Program and various advances to included greater assistance for injured and wounded Marines and Sailors. Powerpoint Presentation is available upon request.

Colonel Ray Hord USMC (Ret) provided an overview of the planned events in conjunction with the Dedication and Official Opening of the National Museum of the Marine Corps on November 10, 2006.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Kessler, USMC (Ret) announced a highly successful program that the Young Marines have been involved with that sends DVDs to the troops overseas.  This project in concert with Mickey Rooney and his wife has a goal of sending 1 million DVDs overseas by the end of the year; they are currently at about 600,000.  Website is: www.operationdvd.us/

General Michael W. Hagee, USMC Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Birthday Message video was shown.

Chairman Mike Blum and Mr. Fred Lash surfaced the need to review and revisit the Standing Rules of the Council as presented last year.  The recommendation was made that members review the Standing Rules and submit to Mr. Lash any comments, changes, and or questions. The Executive Committee will meet and discuss them in conjunction with the preparations for the Spring Council Meeting in April 2007.

Old Business –

Mr. Blum announced that as a result of the last Meeting and the wishes of the Council there appeared to be no compelling reason to incorporate the Council.  Therefore, this initiative is no longer being considered.

Similarly, the opportunity to provide an affinity credit card and banking opportunity for the Council was terminated as well.

The Council Members were in full agreement with both actions.

New Business –

Mr. Blum summarized the current status of leadership positions within the Council, preparatory to conducting elections for the Executive Committee positions:

Chairman – Mr. Michael Blum was filling the balance of Brigadier General Brewer’s unexpired term.  That term ends in 2006.  Mr. Blum now stands for election as Chairman for a two year term, through 2008.

Vice Chairman – Mr. Fred Lash was filling the balance of Mr. Blum’s unexpired term.  That term ends in 2006.  Mr. Lash now stands for election as Vice-Chairman for a two year term, through 2008.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Kessler’s two year term ends in 2006 and he stands for re-election to another two year term, to expire in 2008.

Executive Chair – Colonel Walt Davis’s term expires in 2007.  He would be eligible for re-appointment at that time.

Secretary – Lieutenant Colonel John Hales’ term expires in 2007.  He would be eligible for re-election at that time.

Ms. Susan Hodges’ joined the Executive Committee in 2005.  Her term expires in 2007 and she would also be eligible for re-election at that time.

There was a motion and second to accept the entire slate of candidates as outlined above and the Council was in full agreement.

It was suggested that the Council formally welcome General James T. Conway, USMC as the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps with a resolution and letter.  Mr. Blum agreed and said he would take care of it.

The Meeting adjourned at 11:20.

 
Very Respectfully,

Michael Blum
Chairman

HANDOUTS & FILES:
Marine For Life Brief (PowerPoint Presentation 466 KB)
(To save on your computer, right click on any of the files above, select save target as)