The first meeting of the newly-elected Board commenced at 0900EST. Present were President Gerald E. Galloway, First Vice President Richard E. Stephenson, Second Vice President Theodore E. Voorhees, Secretary Paul J. Schwehm, Treasurer Lawrence F. McNeil (by telephone), Scribe Maxim I. Kovel, and Information Services Officer Thomas P. Kehoe (by telephone).

1. The Board approved the Agenda as presented.

2. Galloway led a review of the new Constitution with emphasis on the duties of the Regular Officers.

3. Schwehm addressed the constitutional provisions regarding Regional Groups and Representatives. The structure and maintenance of such organizations are entirely the responsibility of those involved, the Board’s sole oversight being to receive the elected Representatives’ confirmation that they indeed represent a minimum of 10% of the living Class membership. Kehoe will enter Regional Group information into the Class database. Regional Group Representatives are Executive Board Members, with all rights and responsibilities. Three groups led by Barrett, Gadd and Golden are known to be considering representation.

4. Galloway announced receipt of an AOG letter requesting nominations (due 15 March) for Trustee-at-Large. An AOG fact sheet detailing required qualifications was made available. Voorhees will search for prospects. Hatch is our Class Trustee and Dana Mead a Trustee Emeritus. It was agreed to ask Hatch to attend Executive Board meetings in an ex officio status.

5. McNeil explained the Class financial status and related arrangements with the AOG. We hold two types of funds, gift and administrative. He is steward of the Administrative Fund only. Our Administrative Fund consists of a checking account of approximately $3000 and approximately $18,000 held in trust for the Class by the AOG, to which he has access as required. The former account satisfies routine expenses. The latter is also used for Class expenses, but with the advantage of professional investment management and tax-free income. The source is monies that were received from past reunion proceeds that proved excess to needs. Rabe audited the checking account in October 2003. McNeil will provide a copy to Galloway.

The Gift Fund is held by the AOG in trust for the Academy and may be used only for Class gift purposes. It contains approximately $290,000; Galloway will monitor it.

Discussion moved to expenses, e.g., the cost of mailings ($800). Stephenson asked if we have or can obtain a state tax exemption and if there are AOG fees for managing our Class funds. There are fees, but the benefits are tax avoidance, professional investment management (for which there are also fees) and partnership in AOG gift activities. Galloway will enquire of Tony Ferraiuolo, Director, AOG Class Support Program, about state tax exemption and ask Hatch for details on AOG fees. The presumption is that they are transaction fees only, applied to major expenditures.

6. The Board accomplished the formality of selecting West Point as our 50^th Reunion locale and commenced planning. Galloway will attend to the long lead requirements of hotel choice and the feasibility of employing a facilitator.

7. Kovel provided samples of 50^th yearbooks from several classes. This project was approved by the previous leadership about two years ago. The Board determined that the Class should confirm that we still want such a book. Board members will comment on book outlines to Kovel and he will generate correspondence to the membership which includes a requirement for commitment before proceeding.

The project to gather personal information for self-written memorial articles has not progressed as well as hoped. Additionally, little has been accomplished to coordinate memorial articles on many long-deceased classmates. Kovel will prepare a plan for the latter project. Kehoe commented that names of deceased classmates are on our website, with a link to accomplished memorial articles.

8. The question of a Class gift to be presented at the 50^th reunion was discussed. Galloway will gather information on the possibilities and present proposals. Stephenson will analyze possible means of running future fund drives.

9. Kehoe gave an update on his responsibilities for communication with the Class: maintaining the data base and the class website. At present, 382 members use e-mail. We have five list servers, provided by WP.Org. He stressed the benefits of electronic communication to the Class and asked Kovel to include our website address (www.usma57.org) in Assembly. He cited the problems associated with maintaining an accurate roster, particularly keeping track of e-addresses when classmates change them frequently and don’t notify him. He noted that our Class database is separate from that maintained by the AOG. Thus, an address change provided to the AOG will not appear automatically in the Class database until reconciliation (usually quarterly). Recognizing that some do not want to be on the AOG list, it seems prudent to continue the current arrangement.

10. The current state of unrest among some alumni was discussed. Galloway will send a message to the membership alerting them to on-going issues with AOG governance and the means available to make comment. It will be requested that he and Hatch be provided info copies so that they are apprised of the spectrum of Class sentiment.

11. Leard had proposed to the Board of Governors the printing of copies of the artist’s proof of the mess hall mural. No decision had been made. Leard can contract for the prints for use as 50^th reunion souvenirs. at a cost of approximately $5 each. The Board approved; Galloway will inform him to proceed.

12. The Board approved the proposal to appropriately recognize the service of the previous leadership at the 50^th reunion.

13. Stephenson will consider storing the 49 year old class crest replica, relieving Stokes.