The meeting commenced by teleconference at 2100 EST. Present were Galloway, Voorhees, Schwehm, McNeil, Kehoe, Kovel, Stevens, Gadd, Golden and Wells. Reunion facilitator Mrs. Joan Emmer also attended. Stephenson was absent. Class Trustee Hatch did not attend..

1. The agenda was approved as presented.

2. The minutes of the previous meeting, 28 November 2006, were approved.

3. Galloway reported satisfactory progress toward our gift fund goal of $650,000, and reiterated that the amount includes both a $50,000 endowment for upkeep of all our gifts, and the fees extracted by the AOG for administering the gift. He confirmed that "naming rights" mean that our library gift areas will carry a class recognition item, such as a plaque. Schwehm reported that graduate participation has reached 47% and 10% of those widows and ex-cadets with known addresses have contributed. Galloway expressed confidence that contributions will increase in January (new tax year), and suggested the December report to Company Representatives include appropriate reminders for a final push.

4. Galloway reported that the audit of 2005 finances is complete and will be presented at the next meeting.

5a. Mrs. Emmer reported 291 "principals" have registered, including 17 widows and ex-cadets. Total registered participation is 682

5b. Mrs. Emmer reported 513 registrants (deposits) for the evening dinner cruise. We are contracted for 520 participants minimum, but Mrs. Emmer is confident that such a small shortfall could be accommodated in some way. The forthcoming event final registration form will indicate that cruise space still exists.

5c. A golf outing on the Saturday prior to the reunion was proposed as an optional attraction. Voorhees, the presumptive organizer of such an event, pointed out that participation would be an expensive proposition, requiring two additional hotel nights, transportation problems, spouse considerations, etc. He deemed the option unappealing, and the matter was dropped.

5d. Galloway reviewed the contents of the next reunion mailing, a draft cover letter, agenda, menu, and final registration form. Changes to the letter were proposed in the instructions on appropriate dress and ordering of memorabilia. The use of Camp Buckner for the memorial service and lunch have been determined impractical. Trophy Point remains the preferred memorial service location if benches are available and weather is suitable. The chapel will be used otherwise, and the class lunch will be in Eisenhower Hall. Arrangements for spouses to visit the Cadet Store in lieu of attending the Superintendent’s briefing will be considered. A proposed reference to a late registration opportunity will be moved to a later letter, and some apparent conflicts in the Monday 12:15pm to 2:00pm period will be adjusted. Reference to Monday afternoon tours will be eliminated. A photo op after the Alumni Review will be added. Mrs. Emmer discussed meal arrangements and costs. She will look into children’s prices. Minor changes to the final registration form were suggested.

Noting that two classmates and one widow (five individuals) are planning to attend only a portion of the reunion events, the Board instructed Schwehm and Mrs. Emmer to levy registration fees commensurate with their level of participation. The board agreed that all, with one exception, should receive the standard memorabilia package.

A final reunion mailing, a letter of detailed instructions, is planned to be distributed by April 15, 2007.

Galloway questioned whether residuals from reunion registration fees will be sufficient to support class operating expenses in coming years. He and McNeil will analyze projected cash flow and report. Mrs. Emmer will soon confirm reunion costs, such as meals, that are not yet precisely known.

5e. Kovel reviewed the plan for "giveaway" memorabilia and associated costs. For the male classmates: hat, plastic pill box, coin. For their spouses and S/O’s: picture frame, necklace, metal pill box. For all: name tags, wine glasses. Included in the package for all principals will be an IOU for a CD of reunion photos. The CD will be mailed directly to the recipient by Academy Photo. His analysis indicates that total costs are within the amount budgeted for gifts in the registration fee schedule. Kovel will confirm that there will be no charges for transporting these items from West Point to the hotel. He will inquire about decorative shopping bags.

5f. Gadd and Mrs. Emmer discussed hospitality suite plans. The hotel will make a suitable conference room available. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided. Gadd has recruited several individuals as room monitors, but needs a few more and is accepting applications.

Voorhees discussed arrangements for tours of new facilities. The availability of guides is uncertain; Galloway will pursue. Moving groups between "three centers of mass" (The Plain, Michie Stadium area, and the Cadet Store) is complex and thus far has never been accomplished flawlessly, but he continues to work the problem.

Kovel described the planned memorial service. Deceased Air Force and Army classmates will be eulogized, and deceased wives. A Chaplain will give a benediction, and an organist and bugler will be arranged. The names of the departed will most likely not be read, a departure from previous services.

Academy Photo will provide their normal photographic support. A group picture after the parade, to be available at $20.00 per copy. They will produce some 200 to 400 candid shots taken at most of the reunion events. A CD of these will be prepared and mailed to reunion principals (see paragraph 5f above). Additional copies may be ordered at the reunion. Individuals purchasing a 50 Year Book but not attending the reunion may purchase one for the reduced bulk price of $20.00. At the Tuesday dinner, photos will be taken by cadet company. Kovel will organize.

Tuesday dinner entertainment: Kehoe reported that Seely is ready, willing and able to do his usual thing, minus a couple of the old regulars. Planning progresses.

A classmate who has a book in print has asked for the opportunity to sell his book during the reunion. The Board voiced no objection, but agreed that the several other classmates who have published be given the same opportunity. The sales, and signing, could be conducted in the same area as the AOG clothing sales. Galloway will handle arrangements.

The meeting adjourned at 2325 EST.