2 June 2005

The Meeting commenced at 0830EDT. Present were Galloway, Stephenson, Voorhees, Kehoe, Kovel, Stevens, Gadd and Class Trustee Hatch. Schwehm, McNeil and Wells participated by telephone. Absent was Golden.

1. The agenda was approved as presented.

2. The minutes of the previous meeting, 10 May 2005, were approved.

3a. Schwehm provided an update on the response to reunion interest surveys. Two hundred twenty-eight classmates, widows, and ex-cadets have responded with an intention to attend. They, plus those accompanying, total 541. A significant number are bringing many family members, as many as 11 in two cases. Very few responses have been received informing of an intention not to attend, and approximately 200 classmates have not responded at all. While we know that not all attendees will require hotel rooms, we expect that the great majority will, raising concerns that we may exceed the ability of the hotel to accommodate all. Galloway will pursue the matter with the hotel as much as is practical at this early date, and will determine when the hotel will accept reservations. Discussion ensued, without resolution, as to whether a limitation should be imposed on the number of rooms a classmate could reserve, and nearby hotels used for others in his party if necessary.

3b. Schwehm reported that intentions to take the dinner cruise total 473. This number includes a modest number of larger parties where the classmate provided a clear intent. A certain number of responses indicated uncertainty about the number of their guests that would participate, and in these cases, those numbers were not included. Mrs. Emmer has previously advised that the craft she has selected is the largest available and comfortably seats 450 to 475. Schwehm will inform her of the current numbers and seek her advice.

3c. Schwehm and Kehoe will contact those who have not yet responded to develop more accurate estimates of participation, and hotel and dinner cruise requirements.

4a. Galloway reported little success in seeking one of our class gift options, an area in the new library, with an honor theme, overlooking our Honor Plaza. He analyzed the west side plan of each floor for the board. Most suitable space has been previously arranged for by other classes or for necessary support systems and facilities. Other options that have been presented before were again discussed, e.g., endowing an honor and ethics lecture series, and cadet field trips. A suggestion that the class subsidize rings for the class of 2007 was also broached. It was noted that such a gift would benefit only one class and not all of West Point. The Board’s interest in the honor area remained high, the obstacles notwithstanding. Galloway will continue his contact with the Academy to find a desirable area.

4b. Stephenson reported that some company reps have been identified. Discussion ensued as to whether one individual per company could do both fund raising and managing inputs to the 50th Yearbook. Those willing to do both will be sought, and if unsuccessful, two will be used, one for each function. The amount of money to be raised was discussed and tacit agreement reached that $400,000 would be appropriate for our purposes, considering that approximately $300,000 is now in our gift fund held by the AOG. The proposed subscription donation amount was discussed, experience having shown that in the past, some have given considerably more than asked, some the precise amount sought, and others, none. Galloway reminded the board that the amount to be raised and the amount asked per giver multiplied by the number of givers were not necessarily the same, precipitating discussion reminiscent of previous meetings. Should an amount be sought in excess of that anticipated with the remainder to be carried forward to 2017, or something less? How can such a figure be determined without knowing the nature of the gift and its price? Meanwhile, Stephenson will prepare draft letters announcing the fund-raising campaign.

5. Kovel presented drafts of several documents in support of the 50^th Yearbook; a letter of instruction for company reps, a letter to classmates and widows, a book outline, and a questionnaire. He asked for board members’ comment/approval with a rapid response. Company reps will be provided materials to forward to their people, the expense to be borne by book receipts. Kehoe believes some classmates missed the e-mailed book information and survey attachment; Schwehm will include a reminder in the next reunion update message.

6. Voorhees reported that Bill Ray, our proposed candidate for AOG Director has accepted the nomination. The required materials to be forwarded with his nomination are near completion. His search committee proposed Len Marrella and Warne Mead be nominated as Advisory Council Advisors-at -Large. The board concurred, noting their military careers and their service to West Point and the AOG, respectively.

7. Kehoe related details behind some recent heated words exchanged in the class forum over the propriety of introducing political subjects. Two forum members proposed guidelines be established for forum subject material which Kovel had formalized and polished. Kehoe provided three options for action: do nothing and allow the forum to self-govern, publicize guidelines written by Kovel synthesizing input from Ramsey and Bodenhamer, or info the class by a letter from the president advising temperance. Kehoe will prepare such a letter for Galloway’s approval.

8. Galloway reported on his conversations with Stokes, during which he sought the benefit of John’s experience in preparation for the upcoming AOG meeting for class and society leaders.

9. Galloway presented a document in draft by the AOG Director, Class Support on the Fifty-year Affiliation Program ( interactions between a class and that class 50 years their senior). Four events are a formal part of the program at this time: representation at the acceptance parade, provision of a class flag, a miniature replica of the flag gifted to the class president, and graduation gifts of 2LT bars. The draft cited other interactions that have been initiated by classes (both senior and junior) or carried out by the AOG but have not been formalized, noting the awkwardness that can arise when a class initiates an event and the following class does not continue it. The board found two options; a coin to the Class of 2007, and "first brass," a gift of branch insignia to be worthy of consideration. Galloway will investigate both.

10. Hatch presented highlights from a recent AOG meeting. General Lenox (no relation to the Supe) of Accessions Command (formerly Recruiting Command) spoke on retention issues. The Army is 132% overmanned at O-1 and O-2, short at O-3 and 4, and without manning problems at higher grades. Academy and scholarship ROTC graduates attrition rates are higher than other ROTC and OCS. At 90 months, only 40% of academy and scholarship ROTC graduates remain on active duty, OCS 67% and ROTC non-scholarship 60%. Time away from family was the most frequent resignation reason. The Army’s goal is six months deployed every three years. Retention initiatives being considered include an array of bonuses, early branch choice and graduate school enticements.

The Superintendent reported 11,800 applications for 1200 vacancies in the Class of 2009. Their average SAT score is 1281. Responding to a question, he said his biggest problem is the new IMA program (Installation Management Activity). The prep school will move to West Point (Buffalo Soldier Field).

11. McNeil stated the administrative fund contains sufficient monies to support anticipated expenditures for reunion events before collections come in from the attendees. Kehoe advised that we must prepare a budget of expenses, not only for the reunion, but also for the class gift and gifts to the Class of 2007. McNeil, Kehoe and Galloway will address the task.

12. The next meeting is TBD. Stevens will query members regarding their personal schedules and preferences. A face-to-face meeting is scheduled for 30 September.

The meeting adjourned at 1130EDT.