Category Archives: ACA Virginia Chapter

Posts related to the ACA Virginia Chapter

26 Sep 09 ACA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting

The next ACAMC meeting will be held at Mike and Myong Robertson’s house on 26 Sep 09 at 1300 hours. The Agenda will be posted son. After the meeting, we’ll enjoy some good food and camradarie!

Please mark your calendars!

As the meeting time approaches, we will send out a reminder and get a refined head count for Mike.

Directions to Mike and Myong’s house:

Address: 4542 Rincon Place, Dumfries, VA 22025
Phone: 703-590-7321 (In case you get lost)

From I-95 Heading North or South:

1. Take appropriate routes to get to I-95

2. Take I-95 North from Richmond or South from D.C./Maryland to Woodbridge

3. Take I-95 Exit 152-B (234 North to Manassas)

4. Proceed on 234 west approx. 2 miles (3 or 4 lights); move to right lane

5. Turn Right on Country Club Drive (After Mall and Panera Bread)

6. Turn right onto Waterway Drive

7. After the stop sign, proceed straight on Waterway Dr approx. 2 more miles

8. Take Left turn at first signal onto Spring Branch Blvd

9. Take first Right onto Holleyside Dr. (Right behind the fire station)

10. Turn first Left onto Huntgate Lane/Dr.

11. Turn first Left onto Rincon Place

12. 4th house (white) on the Left (4542 Rincon Place)

18 Jul 09 – ACA Mid-Atlantic Chapter (ACAMC) Meeting Minutes

To: ACAMC Membership July 18, 2009

Subject: ACAMC Meeting Minutes

1. Date, Time, Location: July 18, 2009, 1:15 pm (1315 hours), Langley AFB, HQ ACC/A4W Conference Room.

2. Purpose: General membership meeting. The ACAMC General Membership meeting was conducted and the group socialized with a Burger burn after the meeting.

3. Attendees: A quorum was present (11 of 19 members – 5 proxies) and 2 Associate members.

PRESENT
Michael Gavin (President)
Jack Miller – (Vice President)
Wilbur McCullough – Proxy (Secretary/Treasurer)
Michael Robertson – Proxy
Richard Pennington
Kevin Lewis
George Heinlein
Tom McConnell – Proxy
Frank Waterman – Proxy
Yvonne Watts – Proxy
Eddie Fuquay – New Member

ASSOCIATES
TJ Jensen (Associate)
John Usefara (Associate)

4. The following Agenda Items were discussed:

a. The President skimmed the minutes from the March 28, 2009 meeting.
i. Motion to accept – Kevin Lewis
ii. Seconded – George Heinlien
iii. Unanimously approved.

b. The President provided a brief fiscal status from the recent LCFU Statement. Overall fiscal health of the ACA is good with a Current Balance of $851.65. Over the quarter we had deposits of $161.00 from coin sales. Outlays were for Post Office box ($60) and SJ awards ($50). AFCOMAC acknowledge receipt of the $250.00 check for the Richard Gauvin Memorial Fund and sent a letter of thanks to our Chapter. Both Jerry Merichko and Eddie Fuquay joined the ranks of the ACA and paid ACA and ACAMC dues. Numbered coins were provided (29/30). This is the last of our numbered coins so at the next coin order and additional 10 numbered coins will be ordered. The Chapter still has numerous ACAVC shirts and coins for sale. All 5 trailer hitches ordered from Roger Jennings at cost have been sold (non-profit). 4 of 12 ACAMC hats were sold ($15 per) at the meeting and the funds went to Mike Gavin whom is carrying that cost as a non-profit – member requested initiative. A complete fiscal report will be sent with minutes after the meeting.
i. Motion to accept fiscal report as presented – George Heinlein
ii. Seconded – Kevin Lewis.
iii. Unanimously approved.

5. Old Business:

a. Awards Committee:
– The Chapter presented quarterly Awards to MSgt Huff at Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC.
— CMSgt Munroe at SJ will present the Award Pkg to MSgt Huff at the end of the month

b. Membership: The President sent out an email note to some of the other AMMO Chiefs in our region soliciting their participation. We received positive feedback from the email and hope to have increased participation at the next meeting. It was noted that our Chapter Membership has risen significantly since we established the 1st ACA Chapter in 2003. We started with 8 members and have increased to 19 active members. We welcome the following new members:
– Jerry Merichko
– Eddie Fuquay

c. Fundraising: The coins sales continue to do well and with the recent CAF Munitions Conference sales spiked very high. We took in $216 from coin sales this quarter. All members should continue to look for ways to raise funds for our Chapter.

d. Sunset Committee: There have been numerous health issues recently with our Chapter members and within the munitions community. It was great to have Rich Pennington back in the fold after his recent medical situation. We continue to think about John Cecere who has been facing some medical challenges. Mike read a medical update on the injured AMMO Troop (John) from SJ who was hit by a door. It was discussed that another AMMO troop (Chris Parks) had went to Wilford Hall and his medical update is as follows:

OUTSTANDING NEWS! The results are in from the biopsy on Chris’s chest….benign and not related to the problem with his thyroid. There is a consult in the system to talk about the removal of this mass because it is active (“collecting things”). Additionally, there are no other spots than those in his neck. The plan remains the same… surgery on 22 Jul 09 (next Wednesday) to partially remove his thyroid. Once tests come back from that, they will determine the course of action to take on the remaining spots in his neck.

e. Constitution and Bylaws: At the last ACAMC Chapter meeting a line by line review of the By-Laws was conducted. The cover page will be signed and the entire package will be provided to the ACA for approval and posting to the site.

6. New Business:

a. ACAMC Chapter By-Laws are ready to be forwarded to the ACA for Approval. Signature page was signed by both the President and Vice President in the presence of the attending members and will be scanned and sent to our Sec/Treasurer for his signature.

b. There was a good discussion around Rich Pennington’s topic submission regarding ACAMC recognition of awards outside the Quarterly/Annual unit awards the membership agreed to support with cover letter, Certificate, coin and $50 cash award. Overall the membership agrees that any recognition we can provide gives the group positive recognition to our great troops that are at the top of their game. It was agreed that the Chapter will provide a cover letter, recognition certificate and Chapter coin to these great troops. The 1st such winner is SSgt Chappell (1st EMS) as the Air Force 2008 AMRAAM Outstanding Performer. There was additional discussion regarding the ACA mother ship and the recognition they should be providing to the AMMO community winners at the Air Force level.

c. John Matthews submitted a discussion topic regarding ACAMC involvement in a 50th (Golden) Anniversary Dinner function similar to the event being sponsored at Wright-Patterson AFB by their base Chiefs Group. Mike Gavin briefed he had contacted the Langley AFB Chief Group and they had indicated there was going to be a base event. Mike went to the Chiefs Website and did not see a date posted yet. The ACAMC membership discussed this at length and the overall feeling was this is a base type event and would be way to large for a Chapter to take on and was not an ACA specific function. This is a good input and all agreed to approach it from two directions as follows:

Option A: Once the base event has been determined the key dates will be sent out to our membership and our membership can attend if they desire.

Option B: During the annual meeting/social at Bill McCullough’s home in Dec we could take a time out and have a general discussion on where we as Chiefs feel we have come from over the years to recognize this very significant event.

d. The new CMSgt of the Air Force Announcement was provided to the membership: CMSgt James A Roy has taken the AF enlisted helm.

e. Mike Gavin informed the group that there had been a recent incident regarding a public email and it was discussed that no one should make off-hand comments on public emails as there is a possibility that someone could take offense. The Chapter considers this a dead issue.

f. AMMO Networking: It was discussed that the group overall should continue to provide a networking venue for our folks retiring and looking for future employment. Yvonne Watts was picked up at PAX River as a direct result of networking within our community.

g. Frank Waterman asked if Proxy’s could be made to stand longer than one meeting. The issue was discussed and the general consensus was that for meeting protocol a new proxy should be submitted for each meeting.

h. Phil Kennedy sent in an item about trying to get an Air Force license plate for Virginia. The group thought this was a good idea and it should be doable with a large quantity of Air Force personnel being stationed in Virginia. We need to get the details on how this process works. The group recommended Phil dig into this.
– Update: None provided

i. Phil also asked the group to approach the ACA regarding getting a marble bench dedicated to Ammo at the Air Force Aerospace Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.  John Cecere took this on as an action item. (Post-meeting Note: John passed the request to Fred and it will be discussed/considered as a revision to the ACA strategic plan.)
– Update: None provided

j. Mike Gavin briefed that John Matthews had passed the torch on the ACA Newsletter to Pat Adams. Rich Pennington asked that more submissions be sent in. Mike will submit an ACMC update whenever a call for topics comes out.

k. Mike Gavin informed the group that Jack Miller’s tenure as VP is about to expire (2 yrs). He asked the group to think about possible nominees. Jack Miller suggested that nominations should be submitted by the December meeting/social at Wilbur McCullough’s home in preparation for an election process in Jan 2010. Mike will send out a call for submissions.

l. Rich Pennington briefed the group on the following:
— The 2010 ACA Reunion is still in planning phase and the date has not been determined, but it will be in the Fort Walton Beach area.
— ACA is entertaining a motion to extend the term of office for ACA Officers to two years
— Rich thanked the group for the heartfelt cards, emails, and phone calls – he says he’s doing well and now back at work

m. It was noted that we have an ACAMC member (CMSgt Kevin Lewis) retiring in Oct 09.

7. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 pm (14:15 hrs).
i. Motion to adjourn – Mike Gavin.
ii. Seconded – Jack Miller.
iii. Adjourned.

8. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting planned for Sept, 2009 at Mike
Robertson’s home. The date and directions to follow will be sent out in the next few weeks.

9. The group socialized with a cookout for a few hours and ate some food donated by the Chapter and Mike Gavin (burgers, hotdogs, chips, and beverages). Thanks to all for their active participation and great inputs! This Chapter continues to do things right and sets a standard for other ACA organizations to follow.

//signed//
Michael R Gavin
President, ACAMC

ACAVC Meeting Minutes, 28 Mar 2009

To: ACAVC Membership                                      April 17, 2009

Subject: ACAVC Meeting Minutes

1.  Date, Time, Location: March 28, 2009, 1:06 pm (1306 hours), Langley AFB, VA Munitions Storage Area Administrative Facility.

2.  Purpose: General membership meeting.  The ACAVC General Membership meeting was conducted and the group socialized for a while after the meeting.

3.  Attendees:  A quorum was present (13 of 16 members – 6 proxies).

PRESENT     

Michael Gavin (President)

Wilbur McCullough (Secretary/Treasurer)

John Cecere

Tom McConnell

Ed Weisheit

Michael Robertson

Rick Bussell

TJ Jensen (Associate)

John Usefara (Associate)

Jack Miller (Vice President) (Proxy)

Philip Kennedy (Proxy)

Rich Pennington (Proxy)

Frank Waterman (Proxy)

John A. Matthews (Proxy)

Kevin Lewis (Proxy)

4.  The following Agenda Items were discussed:

a.  The Secretary read the minutes from the December 6, 2008 meeting.

i.            Motion to accept – Mike Robertson.

ii.            Seconded – Ed Weisheit. 

iii.            Unanimously approved.

b.      The Treasurer went over the current fiscal status.  The previous balance was $790.65.  We had a total input of

$921.00 from dues, coin sales, and the football pool.  Outlays were the ACA dues, awards, holiday help, and the

Original Chiefs coins ($643.00).  The current balance is $1068.65.  $325.00 in checks is outstanding.  The main

concern is the $250.00 check for the Richard Gauvin Memorial Fund check sent to AFCOMAC on 29 Dec 08. 

Mike Gavin will follow up on this. 

[Post-meeting Note:  Mike Gavin contacted CMSgt Pat Adams at AFCOMAC.  Pat said he found the empty

envelope and is looking for the check (#184)].  The Original Chiefs coins were passed out.  Chapter dues are

due.  Please mail to AMMO Chiefs Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter, P.O. Box 65944, Hampton, VA 

23665-5944.  ACA dues may be sent to the above address or straight to: ACA, 6046 SW 98 Loop, Ocala, FL 

34476.  John Cecere and Rick Bussell paid their ACAVC dues during the meeting. 

i.            Motion to accept – John Cecere.

ii.            Seconded – Tom McConnell. 

iii.            Unanimously approved.

5.  Old Business:

a.  Awards Committee:  The Chapter presented quarterly and annual awards to personnel at Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC.  Frank Waterman is to present the First-term Airman Award to AIC Jones at McGuire AFB on 6 Apr 09.

b.  Membership:  Scott Heistercamp and Eddie Fuquay have not committed to joining the Chapter.  We will still pursue them.  Rick Bussell joined the Chapter at the meeting and was welcomed aboard.  He was given coin #28.  However, Rick will only be at Langley for about 2 years.  Yvonne Watts also joined but was not able to make the meeting.  She was assigned coin #27.

c.  Fundraising:  The coins sales are going well.  The planned Bar B Q at Langley was put on hold due to inclement weather.  Mike Gavin was going to have a chili cook-off but the Loaders had one on his planned date. 

d.  Sunset Committee:  Don Hamilton recently passed away.  The group was brought up to date on John Matthews’ health issues.

e.  Constitution and Bylaws:  The group reviewed the DRAFT Chapter Constitution and Bylaws developed by the committee.  Mike Robertson did the presentation.  The group decided South Carolina was too far south and could be better served under the Emerald Coast chapter.  A question arose as to the Mary Ester address used in the ACA chartering document.  John Cecere took this as an action item. 

(Post-meeting Note:  The address is based on the current registered agent for the association and therefore changes as the person holding that position does.)  A question arose regarding whether civil servant or contractors performing Ammo jobs could be associate members.  John Cecere took this as an action item. 

(Post-meeting Note:  John Cecere learned they are not eligible for membership but may join as members as an Auxiliary member as specified in the governing chapter documents.) Mike Robertson wanted to validate the most current ACA Constitution.  The one on the ACA web site was dated 2 Aug 07 but it did not match the one Fred sent to the committee to do their review.  John Cecere took this as an action item. 

(Post-meeting Note:  The 2 Aug 07 edition is the most current one.  Mike Robertson will compare the areas related to the Chapter effort to ensure there were no other changes needed to our constitution and bylaws.)  The group agreed with the new definition for a quorum.  Verbiage was added about appointing a temporary Vice President until the next special or general membership meeting is held.  Based on the changes, we will start to place our new Ammo Chiefs Association Mid-Atlantic chapter (ACAMC) logo on documents and paraphernalia.

i.      Motion to accept – John Cecere.

ii.      Seconded – Ed Weisheit. 

iii.      Unanimously approved.

6.  New Business:

a.  Rick Bussell was welcomed again as our newest member.

b.  Mike Gavin developed a welcome letter for new members.  Our first recipient was Yvonne. Rick Bussell is to receive one also.

c.  John Cecere brought up the Don Hamilton Memorial fund.  The group was not totally sure of what the fund was to be used for and how it would be managed.  Also, with the passing of other Ammo Chiefs, it seemed like Don was being singled out.  John took this on as an action item to present to the ACA.

d.  The question was asked if AFCOMAC made any progress in getting the Richard Gauvin Memorial Fund listed in the CFC.  It is listed locally in California but not yet nationally.

e.  John Cecere asked about the status of the SSgt from Seymour-Johnson who had the severe head injury.  It appears our input and pressure helped the troop get the right level of treatment.  Mike Gavin will try to check on this.

f.  The CAF SMMC will now be held 15-19 Jun at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Hampton, VA.

g.  The 2009 Worldwide Ammo Bowl will be held at Wichita Falls, TX over Labor Day weekend.

h.  Phil Kennedy sent in an item about trying to get an Air Force license plate for Virginia.  The group thought this was a good idea and it should be doable with a large quantity of Air Force personnel being stationed in Virginia.  We need to get the details on how this process works.  The group recommended Phil dig into this. 

i.  Phil also asked the group to approach the ACA regarding getting a marble bench dedicated to Ammo at the Air Force Aerospace Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB.  John Cecere took this on as an action item. 

(Post-meeting Note:  John passed the request to Fred and it will be discussed/considered as a revision to the ACA strategic plan.)

j.  Mike Gavin showed the group the proposed hat design with the pisspot in the Chiefs’ stripe.

7.  The meeting was adjourned at 3:42  pm (1542 hours).

i.            Motion to adjourn – Bill McCullough.

ii.            Seconded – John Cecere.

iii.            Unanimously passed and meeting adjourned. 

8.  The group socialized and ate some of the food donated by Mike Gavin (sandwiches, chips, and sodas).  Thank you Mike! 

9.  The next meeting is planned for July 18, 2009 at Langley AFB (on-base site TBD).

//signed//

Wilbur C. McCullough III

ACAVC Secretary-Treasurer

ACA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Active Members

Active ACA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Membership Roster

Jeffrey Bunney (Associate)     Retired     Virginia

Richard Bussell     Retired     Virginia

John Cecere     Retired     Virginia

Michael R. Gavin (President)     Retired     Virginia

George Heinlein     Retired     North Carolina

Melvin E. Hill Jr.     Retired     Virginia

John Hough     Retired     Pennsylvania

Theron “TJ” Jensen (Associate)     Retired     Virginia

Phillip R. Kennedy     Retired     Virginia

Kevin Lewis     Active     Virginia

John A. Matthews Sr.     Retired     Maryland

Thomas O. McConnell     Active     Virginia

Wilbur (Bill) McCullough (Secretary/Treasurer)     Retired     Virginia

Jackie Miller (V. President)     Retired     North Carolina

Richard W. Pennington     Retired     Virginia

Michael E. Robertson     Retired     Virginia

John Usefara (Associate)     Retired     Virginia

Frank Waterman     Retired     New Jersey

Yvonne Davis-Watts     Retired     Maryland

Edward J. Weisheit     Active     Virginia

Bernard L. White     Retired     Virginia