Top of the World Chapter

United States Warrant Officer Association

Fort Wainwright, Alaska

2008 Chapter Minutes

Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 17 April 2008

Call to Order-Time: 0710       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: President CW2 Tom Sovulewski called the meeting to order                 

President:                     CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Vice President:             CW2 Dave Reid

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Jerry Boyd

Reading of minutes: Report was read and no changes were recommended. A motion to approve the minutes as read was submitted by Paul Harrell and seconded by Tracy Davis, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: Report was read and a motion to approve subject to audit was submitted by Mark Howdeshell and seconded by Tracy Davis, motion carried.  Monies collected at the meeting totaled $13.

Old Business:

Tom Sovulewski stated a need for a new association banner. Mark Howdeshell recommended allocating $200 for a new banner, Tracy Davis seconded and the motion carried. Tom asked members to submit design recommendations to him. New coin designs were discussed and Dave Reid said he will research cost for the approved design.

Committee Reports:

Awards – MAJ Tully presented the “Jackie McFarlane Technical Excellence Award” to SPC Robert Comeaux along with $200 in gift certificates and two web-cams that were donated by local businesses.

Social Events – Rick Romine was not present to discuss the summer picnic but Mark Howdeshell suggested it be held at Engineer Park this year to make it more convenient for everyone. The decision on when and where the picnic will eventually be was left for the committee to decide.

Fund Raising – Paul Harrell stated that the audit from last year’s raffle had been submitted and we had the green light to proceed with this year’s raffle. It was agreed that similar prizes should be offered so Paul was going to get with Joe Hines to see what was available. Bill Steele motioned that the raffle be conducted at the summer picnic, Mike Wagner seconded and the motion carried.

Community Outreach – May 10 is Community Clean-Up Day. Mark Howdeshell moved that we conduct our clean-up of Johannsen Expressway on that day so that community members will assist. Dave Hughes seconded and the motion carried.

Charity – Dave Reid suggested increasing school support donations. Mark Howdeshell mentioned participating in the Summer Food Drive and the Cancer Society Walk For Life. Tom Sovulewski said he will contact Carl Exom who coordinated those events in the past. Dave Reid suggested we make a contribution to the Rescue Mission. Jerry Boyd moved to give $150 to the Rescue Mission, Mike Wagner seconded and the motion carried.

New Business:

Due to the early departure of the President and Vice President, nominations for new ones can be submitted for a vote to be held in the near future.

Professional Development Topic: 

Tom Sovulewski stated he’d learned a lot about applying for Training with Industry and would provide information on it at next month’s meeting.

Membership, Recruiting and Retention:

Bill Steele asked if there was a means of contacting retired Warrant Officers living in the area to at least inform them of the association and offer them the opportunity to join. There is not but it was a good suggestion and was left at that.

Next Meeting: 15 May 2008

ADJOURNMENT: 0750

A motion was made by Mark Howdeshell to adjourn and seconded by Tracy Davis.

Total Present: 24

Officers: 3

Members: 52

Guests: 11

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 20 March 2008

Call to Order-Time: 0705       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: President CW2 Tom Sovulewski called the meeting to order                  

President:                     CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Vice President:             CW2 Dave Reid

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Jerry Boyd

Reading of minutes: Report was read and no changes were recommended. A motion to approve the minutes as read was submitted by, Paul Harrell and seconded by Jack Ivey, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: Report was read and a motion to approve subject to audit was submitted by Myron Garrett and seconded by Tracy Davis, motion carried.  Monies collected at the meeting totaled $12.

 Old Business:

No unfinished business at this time.

Committee Reports:

Awards – The award committee announced that SPC Robert Comeaux of C Co, 123 AVN had been selected as the Maintainer of the Year. A discussion followed with agreements that future awards would be open to all fields, with separate awards for lower enlisted Soldiers and NCO’s. Tracy Davis moved that Tom Sovulewski, Dave Reid, and Dave Hughes form a committee that will accept recommendations for an individual to name the award in honor of. Members would have until April 15^th to make recommendations. Paul Harrell seconded and the motion carried. Jerry Boyd moved that the Award be presented at the April meeting by SPC Comeaux’s commander, MAJ Tully. Tracy Davis seconded and the motion carried.

Social Events – Tom Sovulewski announced that the Warrant Officer Dinner was a great success. The next event will be the Summer BBQ. Paul Harrell reiterated the benefits of participating in Warrant Officer Association events. Myron Garrett recommended that the BBQ be planned for the 3^rd week in June to allow maximum participation due to upcoming deployments.

Fund Raising – Paul Harrell provided an update on the audit from last year’s raffle. Tom Sovulewski stressed that he’d like to see the audit completed by May in order to conduct this years raffle before the deployments. Tom stated many of the worthy causes that the funds get used for.

Community Outreach – The Johansson Expressway Clean-Up won’t likely take place until May, due to the amount of snow still on the ground.

New Business:

Paul Harrell stated that the coins need to be replenished for memorabilia.

Community Affairs:  Tom Sovulewski had information concerning the National Meeting but advised holding off until next month in the interest of time. Dave Reid said that he could attend for minimal costs for the TOW Chapter since he would be in Virginia at that time anyways. The suggestion met with approval but no formal decision was made.

Charity:  Tom Sovulewski and Dave Reid will be going to the Lathrop and West Valley High Schools with checks for $100 each to support their Seniors programs.

Guest Speaker: COL Thompson spoke about the good impression he had of the TOW Chapter of the Warrant Officer Association. He stated that our involvement in the community was one of the reasons Fairbanks was so supportive of the military. He applauded our recognition efforts for Soldiers and pledged his support of our organization. His views were echoed by CSM Cervantes who also voiced his support for our Warrant Officer Recruitment efforts.

Next Meeting: 17 Apr 2008

ADJOURNMENT: 0750

A motion was made by Myron Garrett to adjourn and seconded by Keith Genter.

Total Present: 10

Officers: 3

Members: 52

Guests: 2

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 21 February 2008

Call to Order-Time: 0710       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: President CW2 Tom Sovulewski called the meeting to order                

President:                     CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Vice President:             CW2 Dave Reid

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Jerry Boyd

Reading of minutes: Copy of Report was unavailable and minutes were not read. Tabled reading of last month’s minutes to next meeting.

Treasurer’s report: Report was read and a motion to approve subject to audit was submitted by, Mark Howdeshell and seconded by Tracy Davis, motion carried.  Monies collected at the meeting totaled $18.

 Old Business:

No unfinished business at this time.

Committee Reports:

Awards – After a discussion of how the Maintenance Award could be moved forward, Jerry Boyd moved that the Award Judges be himself, Tracy Davis, and Myron Garrett, that the deadline for submissions be March 15^th, and that the award be presented at the April meeting. Movement was seconded by Rod Mitchell and motion carried.

Social Events – Tom Sovulewski announced that the Chapter dinner was set for Feb 29^th at Gallo’s, the cost is $22 per ticket, and that the attire is casual. Rick Romine stated that another 20 tickets needed to be sold to meet the obligation for a separate bar to be set up by Gallo’s.

Fund Raising – Alex D stated that Bingo, suggested at earlier meetings, would not be popular with young soldiers and was scratched. Paul Harrell stated the Raffle was still valid and the only remaining obstacle to getting it established for this year was the audit of last year’s raffle, which should be completed soon.

New Business:

Paul Harrell stated that the minutes should contain a record of monies received at each meeting to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Community Affairs:  Mark Howdeshell stated that renewal fees for the Chapter web site were coming due. He also suggested that the Chapter consider sponsoring someone to attend the National Meeting in this or future years. After some discussion it was left open as an option to be taken up later. Tom Sovulewski stated he would gather information on what transpires at the National Meetings

Next Meeting: 20 Mar 2008

ADJOURNMENT: 0750

A motion was made by Myron Garrett to adjourn and seconded by Mike Wagner.

Total Present: 15

Officers: 3

Members: 52

Guests: 0

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 17 January 2008

Call to Order-Time: 0720       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: Vice President CW2 Dave Reid called the meeting to order                 

President:                     CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Vice President:             CW2 Dave Reid

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Jerry Boyd

Reading of minutes: Report was read and a change was made for the New Business to change Paul Harrell, Secretary to Paul Harrell, Treasurer. A motion to approve subject to correction was submitted by, Myron Garrett and seconded by Dave Reynolds, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: Report was read and a motion to approve subject to audit was submitted by, Alex D. and seconded by Myron Garrett, motion carried.

 Old Business:

-Jackets - Chapter jackets are available. Contact CW3 (Ret) Mark Howdeshell

 Committee Reports:

Awards – Tabled, chairman not available for information. The webmaster is requesting information to place on the website.

 Social Events – CW3 (Ret) Rick Romine discussed menu and rates at Gallos and passed around a menu. Members chose the Fajitas menu. Tickets would cost $20 each and Rick will begin making the tickets to pass them out. A motion to approve was submitted by, Rick Romine and seconded by Mark Howdeshell, motion carried.

 Fund Raising – A committee was created to be headed by CW2 Alex D. and members of the committee will include Dave Reynolds and Mike Wagner. Bingo was proposed by President Tom Sovulewski. More information will be gathered by the committee and report next meeting.

 Community Outreach

Village Outreach – Pastor Ron Pratt and Pastor Dennis from Village Outreach expressed their gratitude in a presentation on the impact of the TOW-WOA’s contribution in December for remote villages on the Yukon River. Pastor Ron presented the Association a pictorial portfolio of the villagers receiving the gifts as well as a certificate of appreciation.

Yukon Quest – Mike the coordinator for the Yukon Quest gave a presentation about the support needed for the event. It was suggested and agreed on by the members to supply members for security. The request is 15+ members and support. The event is on February 9, 2008 and all members were told to email Jerry Boyd or sign up online on the website to request a spot to support the event. A motion to approve was submitted by, Jerry Boyd and seconded by Paul Harrell, motion carried.

New Business:  None

Guest Speaker:

Pastor Ron Pratt and Pastor Dennis for Village Outreach, Mike for Yukon Quest

Next Meeting: 21 Feb 2008

ADJOURNMENT: 0804

A motion was made by Myron Garrett to adjourn and seconded by Mike Wagner.

Total Present: 11

Officers: 3

Members: 52

Guests: 6

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2007 Chapter Minutes

Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 20 December 2007

Call to Order-Time: 0713       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: Vice President CW2 Dave Reid called the meeting to order                 

President:                     CW2 Dave Reid

Vice President:             CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Rod Mitchell

Reading of minutes: Copy of Report was unavailable and minutes were not read.  Tabled reading of last months minutes to next meeting.

Treasurer’s report: Report was read and a motion to approve subject to audit was submitted by, Myron Garrett and seconded by Dave Reynolds, motion carried.

 Old Business:

-Jackets - Chapter jackets are available. Contact CW3 (Ret) Mark Howdeshell

-Member Contact Information – some members have agreed to publish their contact information within the chapter. A user name and password has been established. Expect and email soon with the details.

Committee Reports:

Awards – Discussed requirements for Maintainer Award.  The chapter is planning to present the first award in March then November as annual date.

Social Events – CW3 (Ret) Rick Romine discussed menu and rates at Silver Gulch for a February dinner/social.  Members agreed that Silver Gulch may be too expensive.  Members opted for another social location, Gallos was top choice.

Fund Raising – Poker Tournament for the Chapter was cancelled due to gaming commission rules

Community Outreach – Myron Garrett presented an opportunity to support Village Outreach program.  Motion to approve by Paul Harrell and seconded by Mike Wagner.   An amount of $500 was proposed to donate to Village Outreach.  Paul Harrell motioned and Rick Romine second, motion carried.

New Business:

Elections:  Tom Sovulewski, President; Dave Reid, Vice President; Paul Harrell, Treasurer

Next Meeting: 17 Jan 2008

ADJOURNMENT: 0800

A motion was made by CW2 Alex D. to adjourn and seconded by WO1 Dave Reynolds. Meeting adjourned at 0800 hours

Total Present: 23

Officers: 3

Members: 50

Guests: 3

                                                                                   CW4 Rod Mitchell

                                                                                    Secretary 

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 15 November 2007

Call to Order-Time: 0700       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: Vice President Thomas Sovulewski.                 

President:                     CW2 Dave Reid

Vice President:             CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Rod Mitchell

Reading of minutes: Report was read and a motion to approve was submitted by WO1 Dave Reynolds, seconded by CW4 Myron Garrett, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: Report was read and a motion to approve subject to audit was submitted by, WO1 Dave Reynolds seconded by, CW4 (Ret) Joe Hines motion carried.

Old Business:

-Webmaster Duties – CW2 Alex D. will assume duties as Chapter Webmaster

-Jackets - Chapter jackets are available. Contact CW3 (Ret) Mark Howdeshell

-Member Contact Information – some members have agreed to publish their contact information within the chapter. A user name and password has been established. Expect and email soon with the details.

-Awards – CW3 Dave Hughes gave a report on the maintainer award. The chapter is planning to present the first award in March.

-Social Events – CW3 (Ret) Rick Romine is planning to contact Silver Gulch to setup a February dinner/social.

New Business:

-Nominations – New officers will be elected in Dec 2007. An electronic voting process will be established via the web site.

-Fund Raising – CW2 Alex D. has agreed to coordinate a Poker Tournament for the Chapter

-Community Outreach – CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell has coordinated volunteer efforts for the Food Bank on Wed 21 Nov 07. Please show at 1300.

-CW4 Jerry Boyd has agreed to coordinate the Chapter’s activities in support of the 2008 Yukon Quest.

Next Meeting: 13 Dec 2007

ADJOURNMENT: 0737

A motion was made by CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell to adjourn and seconded by CW3 Dave Hughes. Meeting adjourned at 0737 hours.

Total Present: 23

Officers: 3

Members: 20

Guests: 3

                                                                                   CW4 Rod Mitchell

                                                                                    Secretary 

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 18 October 2007

Call to Order-Time: 0632       - Location: The HomeTown Rest.

Called to Order by: Vice President Thomas Sovulewski.                 

President:                     CW2 Dave Reid

Vice President:             CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Treasurer:                     CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                      CW4 Rod Mitchell

Reading of minutes: Minutes read by WO1 Dave Reynolds, CW3 (Ret) Mark Howdeshell moved and WO1 Wagner seconded that the minutes be accepted. Vote was unanimous.

Treasurer’s report: Treasurers report cannot be read as it is not present at this time, neither is the treasurer.  Reading of the report will be put off to the next meeting.

Old Business:

-The website and warrant officer contact information was discussed

-The members agreed to post business contact information on the web site

-A standard for expressing condolences to fallen soldiers from Ft. Wainwright was discussed. It was agreed that a letter of condolence be sent to the immediate family and the donation of funds to assist with the installation memorial efforts with approval from the chapter members.

-A donation will be given to the Chaplain/SGM fund next month. This is a standard annual donation that provides assistance to the needy soldiers. No vote is required for this donation, it is usually around $200.00.

New Business:

-We should expect to help at the food bank in the near future with Thanksgiving approaching

-There may be other opportunities for us to assist the community. If a member becomes aware of needy families or organizations that require support please let the chapter know

-Mark Howdeshell reminded members of the jackets that are available.

-Members asked that we have a social at Silver Gulch in Fox. CW3 (Ret) Rick Romine agreed that he would schedule a social for January/February 2008.

-CW3 Dave Hughes suggest that we have a special incentive program for honoring standout soldiers. The chapter agreed and Dave accepted the responsibility of spearheading the program.

Next Meeting: 15 Nov 2007

ADJOURNMENT: 0712

CW3 (Ret) Mark Howdeshell moved and WO1 Jack Ivy seconded that the meeting be closed, the vote was unanimous at 0712.

Total Present: 11

Officers: 2

Members: 9

Guests: 0

                                                                                   CW4 Rod Mitchell

                                                                                    Secretary

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 27 September 2007     

 Call to Order-Time: 0621       - Location: DENNY’S

 Called to Order by: Vice President Thomas Sovulewski.                   

President:                    CW2 Dave Reid

Vice President:            CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Treasurer:                    CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                    CW4 Rod Mitchell 

Reading of minutes: CW4 Myron Garrett. CW3 (Ret) Rick Romine moved and CW4 Garrett seconded that the minutes be accepted. Vote was unanimous. 

Treasurer’s report: CW3 (Ret) Harrell. CW4 Garrett moved and CW4 (Ret) Joe Hines seconded that the report be accepted subject to audit. Vote was unanimous. 

Old Business:

-The results of the annual raffle were discussed. It was agreed by all to attempt to get certified earlier to allow for more time to sell tickets. It was noted that this year was the closest the TOW-WOA came to selling all tickets with only three hundred tickets unsold.

-The chapter reimbursed CW3 (Ret) Howdeshell for memorabilia purchases as was CW3 (Ret) Romine for the summer BBQ supplies.  

New Business:

-Distribution of raffle proceeds was discussed and the chapter’s historical commitments of the Thanksgiving and Christmas soldier funds, local high school graduation lock-in programs, and the restocking of memorabilia will remain. Additional distributions will be voted on by the Chapter as issues arise.

-A standard for expressing condolences to fallen soldiers from Ft. Wainwright was discussed. It was agreed that a letter of condolence be sent to the immediate family and the donation of funds to assist with the installation memorial efforts with approval from the chapter members.

-It was recommended that a member contact list be available to enhance the chapters networking capabilities. CW2 Sovulewski said he would get the member roster from National and get it out to the members.

-With winter fast approaching, it was agreed that one final road clean up take place Thursday 4 Oct 07. The Chapter will meet at 0700 at the Bakery for breakfast and proceed with cleanup at 0800. 

Next Meeting: 18 Oct 2007 

ADJOURNMENT 

CW4 (Ret) Hines moved and WO1 Mike Wagner seconded that the meeting be closed, the vote was unanimous at 0708. 

Total Present: 9

Officers: 2

Members: 7

Guests: 0                                                                                                

                                                                                   CW2 Thomas Sovulewski

                                                                                    Vice President

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 16 Aug 2007                         

Call to Order-Time: 0715       - Location: BACH

Called to Order by: President CW2 David Reid.                  

President:                    CW2 Dave Reid

Vice President:            CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Treasurer:                    CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                    CW4 Rod Mitchell

Reading of minutes: CW4 Mitchell. CW3 (Ret) Howdeshell moved and CW4 Garrett seconded that the minutes be accepted with necessary corrections. Vote was unanimous. 

Treasurer’s report: CW3 (Ret) Harrell. CW4 Garrett moved and WO1 Reynolds seconded that the report be accepted. Vote was unanimous. 

Old Business:

-Ticket sales was discussed. On-hand stubs and cash were turned in. WO1 Reynolds will check into selling tickets and holding raffle drawing at the PX from 1100 to 1300 with the drawing occurring at 1300.

-The chapter should reimburse CW3 (Ret) Howdeshell as soon as possible for the jacket and patches purchases.

-Sec. will send an email asking everyone to turn-in all tickets on 28 August to CW2 Sovulewski. This includes stubs and unsold tickets.

-CW3 (Ret) Romine gave a report on the picnic. The picnic had about 30 participants and the following BBQ had about 20 participants.

New Business:

-OPD next month – CW3 (Ret) Howdeshell will give a presentation on the Distribution Management Team (DMT).

-When the names are released we should do something for our fallen Warrants of B Co. 1-52 AVN. 

Next Meeting: 27 Sep 2007 

ADJOURNMENT 

CW4 Garrett moved and CW3 (Ret) Romine seconded that the meeting be closed , the vote was unanimous at 0745.

 Total Present: 11

Officers: 4

Members: 7

Guests: 0                                                                                               

                                                                                   CW4 Rod Mitchell

                                                                                    Secretary

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Top of the World Chapter

United States Army

Warrant Officer Association

www.tow-woa.com

Date: 19 July 2007                      

 Call to Order-Time: 0724       - Location: Bakery Rest.

 Called to Order by: President CW2 David Reid.                   

President:                    CW2 Dave Reid

Vice President:            CW2 Tom Sovulewski

Treasurer:                    CW3 (Ret) Paul Harrell

Secretary:                    CW4 Rod Mitchell

 Reading of minutes: Forgone – Distribute through email.

 Treasurer’s report: Forgone – Distribute through email.

 Old Business:

 -Waiting on gaming permit.

-Picnic next Friday, 27 July 1200 to 1800.

-Meeting held after the roadside clean-up was conducted.

 New Business:

None. 

Next Meeting: 16 Aug 2007 

ADJOURNMENT 0744 Hours 

CW4 Jerry Boyd moved and CW4 Myron Garrett seconded that the meeting be closed, the vote was unanimous.

Total Present: 11

Officers: 4

Members: 7

Guests: 0                                                                                              

                                                                                   CW4 Rod Mitchell

                                                                                    Secretary

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