Stan introduced the minutes of the last meeting and they were accepted without change
Treasury’s Report- Ralph Preston
- Was not present
President Report – Bob Blair
Bob shared that he had nothing formal to report at this point in the meeting
Chairman’s Report – Stan Walcott
- There was a not of an after the fact approval of $300.00 reimbursement of transportation charges to move the halftracks and Hetzer to the Chino Airshow. Apparently that was half price as the total bill was $600.00. There was some question as to why the cost was paid for by the Chino Airshow.
- Small issues still remain with one person not receiving their CHG Flyers
- Stan shared a concern about Fort MacArthur possibility losing their status as being a “museum”. To which one of the members, indicated that was old news and they had received they status.
-Sunday August 17, 2008 there was going to be a swing Dance at the Mayflower in Inglewood
Stan share concern expressed in a mailer he got regarding the fact that the Great War Historical Society was building numerous WWI style trenches on the Ozena Site. John Marketto commented that while the place has been up for sell for over 15 years, that the “For Sale” sign had been recently removed. Mike Wasson from the Russian unit, commented that he heard that the WWI reenactors were going to abandon their present series of trenches and move and re-dig a whole new series, that would be better spaced and provide more distance between each side. The trenches do not cause a problem with the area or “diggings” that CHG members have made.
Bylaw change which deals with approval of unit Safety Officers
Many units had turn in the names, address and resumes, and many of these people have or will be contacting Gerry Berry
2nd Armor – Name turned in
2nd Rangers – Name turned in, but person needs to contact Gerry Berry
4th Marines – Nothing Received
9th ID – Doc Winters
442nd – Richard Bledsoe, and Bob Beville
669th
2nd Fallschirmjäger – Nothing turn in
2nd Senai – Alex Sheen
10th SS – Nothing turn in
12th SS – Names turned in
21th Panzers – Nothing turned in
352th Nothing turned in
German Nurses – Name turned in
150th Rifles – Name turned in
101st Airborne – Nothing Turn in
After this, it was mentioned that units with more than 20 people must have “two” safety officers. This was mentioned because the 442nd had turn in two names. Bob Blair comment that due to the nature of things, that at battles where a unit’s designated saftety officer is not present that, someone could be appointed by the Unit Leader on a temporary basis. It was stressed that all safety officer “know” Gerry Berry. Becca requested that at the events at the line up, that both Gerry and the unit safety officers be introduced.
At this point in the meeting Stan Walcott proposed a vote be made on the new Bylaw/Amendment to Section 9 – Article 3. Before the vote was taken there was a small and orderly debate. Issue were brought up the new bylaw dealt with gun safety but not about vehicle safety. And while there were qualifications for Safety Officers there were was nothing related to vehicles and more specific to the qualifications of those driving vehicles.
In the end people were comfortable with Gerry Berry, and felt what ever the bylaws wording was, that Gerry would cover matters more than adequately.
Bob asked Matt Caffrey why the website still lists Jim Fry as the Deputy Safety Officer, when in fact Gerry Berry has been holding that position for many months. Bob indicated that we really need to get that updated.
A vote was taken and it was unanimously accepted by the unit leaders
New Business
The Russian Unit of the RPS has decided to leave and split off from the RPS. After a period of time in which they have problems with RPS management, they have decided to branch off and start there own organization called “Great Patriotic War Association” or GPWA. This organization will start with 24-30 people and hope to host two events a year, mainly in the central and northern California. They were asking for the CHG to recognized their organization so that they could go to CHG events, and in turn we could go to theirs.
Stan asked Brian the leader of the CHG’s Russian unit (150th Rifles) for his thoughts and opinions. Brian indorsed them and the CHG recognition. Stan asked Brian about their authenticity. Brian shared their authenticity is good for everything except for haircuts. Stan that was acceptable, but that for CHG events they would have to meet our haircut standards.
A vote was taken, and the GPWA is now a recognized organization by the CHG.
Rick Wasson introduced or better put unveiled his new flyer concept. A two-side color brochure style Flyer. The artwork and layout was done by Mike Burns who is with 12thSS German Unit. Together the Flyer was a Marketing Gem.
Here is a sample of what was shared with the members in attendance
Battles
Summer Battle – Russian Front
- Organized lunch break in order to make sure everyone is properly hydrated. This was due the high temperatures expected
Narrow Battle Area
- A small group from the Russian Unit are coming as 2nd Impression – Finnish Unit
September Battle – Sponsored by 2nd Rangers
Dave Session – was not in attendance
-This battle will be at Holcomb Valley, this event last year was cancelled due the big fire in the Big Bear area last year.
October Battle – Sponsored by 2nd ID
- No one from the 2ndID was in attendance at the meeting
- This Battle will be at the Ozena
November – Camp Roberts Battle – Sponsored by the 2nd and 3rd Fallschirmjäger
Fallschirmjäger National Battle
December Battles – Sponsored by the 442nd
Scenario – Lost Battalion depending on attendance
Because of the time of year we will be limited by people and vehicles
Stan Wolcott shared that he main several last attempts at contact the owner of a piece of property in Ventura, that work as site for small CHG Battles. But was unable to make contact, even though he tried e-mails and phone calls.
Public Relations
- Huntington Beach Parade
– Good Attendance, but this year the nurses were missed accordingly we didn’t have the CHG battle carried like year past.
Ron Lane shared that a women came out of the crowd have gave him a big hug and kiss
It was also disclosed that at the end of the parade a drunk women came onto the Halftrack, and refused to leave. In the end the police had to be called in.
- Fort Mac Event –
Congrats to the German Nurses unit. This was there first event and they won the “Espirt de Core” award. This award is awarded to the unit which present the best sense of enthusiasm, and togetherness, and cohesiveness
At this point Bob Blair brought up the fact that he received a call after the Ft Mac Event regarding a safety issue. He was under the impression there had been a safety violation. But it was explained to him the incident was nothing more than a reenactment between a Japanese soldier and a 4th marine that lack choreograph. Even though it was unplanned the crowd thought it was all part of the act and love it. So much so they we did the stunt and incorporated into the next day events.
Webmaster –Matt Caffrey
Matt shared again the need to upgrade the photograph section of the CHG website. The current pictures are two years old. Also the pictures are all black and white, and all toll there are only thirty-three picture. (On our website we have over ninety pictures per event). Mark Wasson from the Russian unit asked that if there is going to be Russian Picture Section, it would be nice to have Russian Pictures. What is there now is Russians in German Pictures. Matt share what he would like to see, but conceded he isn’t getting much in the way of pictures.
Bob Blair, also added again the fact that the website really needs to be updated for Gerry Berry position as Safety Officer, Jim Fry’s name should have been removed long ago.
Closing
Bob Blair decided to use this point in the meeting to announce that he would not run for another term as President. Bob said he is not going to be running for President this go around.
Next Meeting will be September 28th – August meeting would be a bye.
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