442ndRCT Soldier's Forum

[davep]

Meeting Notes: As taken, these are not official and our may account.

Most units were in attendance, and there was just over the numbers for a quorum.

1- Jan 27 minutes where accepted as prepared

2- Quorum Meet

3- Pass on Treasurer Report

4- Bob Blair (President's Report)
Bob had several issue to share, bring up and address:
a) Camp Roberts Organization
In the Future the Camp Robert's Event needs more organization and coordination. Bob shared that he had been doing the openings and closings for a long time down, and wants to evolve others in the process. Bob told the group that there is a lot to do, and the functions and duties should be spread out. There is pre-organization, check-out, there is coordinating with those bringing and using armor, as well as getting Class 3 dealers to attend.

Bob recommended that the CHG have a committee of 2-3 guys to insure things are getting done, and getting done correctly. Keeping track of the steps and requirements for the CHG. This is a big job and involves things like:
- Dealing with base housing to reserve barracks
- Coordinating with base range control on the area we battle at
- Call the Mess to let them know we are they, so they prepare enough food
- Check to see if barracks have been left clean
- Check the bathrooms

b) Centralization of CHG Documents regarding Sites
Bob, told the group that the CHG needs to document the where, when and how we do our events, which include things like:
- List of Sites
- Contacts
- Sample of the forms and paperwork

Stan Wolcott shared that he had a whole file of all this information, and that it just needed to be converted to a electronic version and accessible to unit leaders.

C) Board Meeting Length
Bob explained that a lot of guys bring up the issue that the CHG meetings were too long (3 plus hours). A short discussion amoung the members followed. Between Stan and Bob they recommended that the communication and handout part of the meeting be cut back.

5- Stan Wolcott (Secretary’s Report)
a)The Want Ad for Someone handle blanks
Stan communicated that we have had no luck in finding anyone to take of blanks. Stan shared that he had done it for 10 years, and Matt has done it for 5 years. Matt was willing to do it until we found someone, but given that didn't seem likely, the board recommended that units be responsible for supplying their respective units with blanks

It was disappointing as Bob pointed out, because being able to offer blanks at the events, allows late comers and guest units to come at the last minute. John Marketello with the 12SS told the group that his unit would be a partial supplier of blanks, to help fill the gap. John felt it was important for the CHG to have blanks at events.

b) - Unit Members not receiving the CHG Flyer
Stan explain the Unit Rosters received are transfer to the official CHG Roster, which in turn is given to an outside vendor (Mini Mailers) who prepares and mails out the flyers.

c) - Government Legislation and bills on the horizon
SB1549 - California Senate Bill, regarding requiring smog equipment on pre-1978 vehicles

6- Catherine, in for Becca Metzger (HQ Report)
Catherine shared that they were still working on the article posting project, and was looking for and waiting for articles to be submitted

7 - Old Business
a) Feb-Russian Front Battle
It was very cold 5 degrees at night. 2 ft of snow all around. At an elevation of 7,500 ft. The amount of snow was unexpected. There was a discussion of moving the event back to December or out past Feb. Stan brought up the idea of swapping out the event between Russian Front, and a “Battle of Bulge” event each year.


b) Mar-Camp Roberts
Bob Blair shared how Gary Harper had been contacted, but when the date was changed he had to op-out. This put the CHG in a position to look for another Class-3 vendor. Tom, the Chino Sherman guy was contacted, but when Tom's wife had an important work related business that came up, he had to cancel.

Stan shared that the March Battle's attendance was 239, down from the November Battle which had about 270 people. Stan said the CHG Board would have to consider 100% subsidy

Stan continued, and shared the fact that in order to get the Class 3 vendor to attend bring his Stuart and extra Halftrack, we (CHG) may have to provide a 100% subsidy and pay a $500 fee (example). Along those lines there was a discussion of which battle (March or November) to offer more transportation subsidies.


Everyone mentioned how well please with the event, and special attention and thanks went to Chris and Drew from the 9thID

On the issue of drinking at Camp Roberts, things went fine. It was decided to maintain, “high awareness” of amounts and who and where drinking is occurring.

7-New Business
New Secondary Impression
The Levine Brothers from the 442ndRCT came, and Jacob made their presentation for a secondary impression at the upcoming Desert Battle. This secondary impression would be the “British Long Range Patrol” or “Desert Rats”, also some time called “Rat Patrol”. Jacob shared with the group it was formed in September of 1940, was a light mechanized unit, and was set up to pestor the Germans. The wore light gear, didn’t shave (because of access to water), but did get hair cuts.

Stan shared that since the Desert Battle is a “2nd Impression” Battle, that he(Jacob) didn’t need approval for his secondary impression

Desert Battle
Woody shared some comments about the upcoming event. Reminding everyone, everything you take in must be packed out, including your trash.

Also because the area allows NO FIREARMS but more importantly live firing, it has confused the motorcyclist in the area in the past, because they have here “rifle fire”. According the BLM is requiring us(CHG) to put up signs saying “The Gun Fire you Heard is part of a Mock Battle”

May Battle – Ozena
Not much said or discussed about this battle

PTO Battle – June
Tim Kano shared that “tactical area” had been move across he road/highway in front of National Guard Base. Because of the Guard doesn’t most of it’s training in the summer, we will not have access to the barracks this time around. Accordingly we may have to camp on the site, or stay at a Hotel close by. Tim shared that the Japanese Units would have three wall tents. Some Allied units may have a tent. Also we will not be allowed to have fires or do any digging.

Tim is looking for an alternative site in the future.

Russian Front Battle – August
A new potential site being considered is “Lowel Pines” and Christian Camp. It 8,000 ft, and as one member called it, it’s “straight up and straight down”. It has courtyards, warehouses, buildings and a conference center. It was being looked at as a possible replacement site for Holcomb.

Displinary Matter
Omitted from this report and notes, due to it's nature

Huntington Beach Parade
Stan asked if the units where still interested and if so would put the application in on Monday for the CHG’s entry into the parade

Chino Airshow – 2008
Expected 10,000 more people, and the County of Los Angeles was taking over the event and putting $250,000 into advertising and promotion. This year we would have all the German Halftracks, and the Hetlzer. In addition the Sherman tanks is repair and operational and it would be there as well.

Participants will have to be there by 7:30 in the morning, cars and trucks will be locked into a protective area. If you miss the 7:30 time, you can still come, but will have to park about three quarters of a mile away and walk in.

We will be in a new area, larger and the mock battle area and static display areas will all be together.


Combat Stress Seminar
Jerry Berry’s Combat Stress Meeting has been cancelled

Rules of Engagement
Discussion of issues with Infantry vs. Armor. The rules for armor vs. armor work fine. The recommendation was to have a Infantry vs. Armor matrix or chart posted on the CHG website. (Which is now there)