Call to Order: The Fort Detrick Branch COA meeting convened 1800 hrs at the FT Detrick facility with LCDR Rick Gussio, LCDR Calvin Edwards, CAPT Steve Wickizer and LCDR Lucienne Nelson of the Executive Committee present. Members present included CAPT Richard Potter, and LCDR Katherine Berkhousen.

Reading of minutes: Review of last meeting minutes were unavailable at this time.

Treasurer’s report: The membership fees from National have still not been dispersed to the Branch. CAPT Wickizer reported the difficulties he experienced with National COA regarding member listing and dues to LCDR Gussio as our Branch President. LCDR Gussio responded with an assertive Email to National COA. The correspondence indicated that the Nat’l COA website member change of address and branch feature was non-functional for a period of approximately four months. This made it difficult for branch members to correct their memberships. Jerry Farrell (Mike Lord’s replacement) responded directly to LCDR Gussio with assurances the problem would be corrected.

Other reports: LCDR Gussio reported the success of the Fall MSC fitness testing which we opened to CCRF members to conduct their new January testing. We tested six members (3 MSC and five CCRF). The swim test is now available throughout the year at the Hood College Aquatics Facility with a special thanks to its director Don Feinberg. We look forward to the ability to use this option during our biannual general PT testing sessions. Individual testing is open at any time for all officers. CCRF testing option has given us great exposure in Frontline, CC Bulletin and several of the PACs. We hope to be utilized much more by CCRF officers who desire to attain their fitness qualifications by the January 2002 deadline.

Membership was further addressed as part of the Treasurer’s report. LCDR Gussio found, as of two weeks ago, there were seven members listed on the Nat’l roster as Ft. Detrick Branch Members. According to LCDR Gussio’s count there were at least 25 officers responding as members. LCDR Edwards will address this further as our Nat’l COA Liaison. LCDR Gussio reminded members to individually designate on the Nat’l COA website their local branch affiliation. Officers should keep in mind that membership to more than one local branch is allowed. This is particularly directed towards officers who wish to maintain their local affiliation with their current branch, and wish to support Fort Detrick Branch activities (such as the MSC and PT testing for CCRF and DMAT) by joining the Fort Detrick branch ($5.00 fee). Member’s affiliation can be altered in the "Members Only" link on the national COA web site, as well as members' addresses.

Introduction of newly elected committee members: Nothing to report.

Reports of Standing Committees: No other committees reported. LCDR Gussio was encouraged by LCDR Nelson to continue to coordinate the MSC activity as he has made the partnerships with the Base Commander and others critical to this important Branch activity.

Unfinished Business: Our mission statement is an important task the membership needs to undertake. Search for a C.O. for the Military Standards Cadre continues. This individual functions as a liaison regarding MSC and directs inquiries accordingly.

New Business:

• LCDR Gussio introduced two new Branch members, CAPT Richard Potter and LT Lisa Marunycz. CAPT Potter was present and warmly received. LT Marunycz was unable to attend due to unexpected houseguests. We welcome both members eagerly.
• The new Executive Committee will hold a first official executive meeting in early December. LCDR Gussio will forward the newly elected names to National COA for official recording. The Branch members will meet at the January 9, 2001.
• The Branch meeting time was discussed and several members stated they could come regularly if the time were later than 1800 hrs. Unanimously, the group voted on 1900 hrs as the new meeting time to be held every first full week on Wednesday of odd months for now. Should Branch activities require more frequent meetings, this will be addressed then. The location of the meetings will remain unchanged.
• CAPT Wickizer recommended our Branch consider applying for "New Branch Award from Nat’l COA this year. With this in mind, we can plan activities to list as our accomplishments. CAPT Wickizer noted our Open House, MSC and fitness testing, Branch website, CCRF briefing by OEP, and others activities.
• General discussion on special topics of interest to feature at Branch meetings to draw members to participate was brought up. CAPT Wickizer shared his experience of many years with Nat’l COA. Topics of importance that will interest CC Officers include retirement planning, Space-A-Training. Ideas such as holding fund raisers (a car wash) or having social times (a fun day at a park) for family members to come as well were proposed. A day at the beach in Cunningham Falls and kayaks/canoes from Ft. Detrick rentals, a Base Pool Party with food were ideas put up for thought. Also proposed for consideration in the future was rotating the location of the meetings. Perhaps a meeting could precede a social event or be held at a breakfast/dinner meeting at a local restaurant. Many ideas were generated for further consider at our next members meeting.

  Nat’l COA reading and actions:

  LCDR Edwards remains our National COA Liaison and will continue to report events and news from Nat’l. He is willing to work on the membership list acquisition for our executive group meeting. Legislative actions and proposals will continue to be presented for members’ information and discussion.

Program:

Our Branch priority continues to focus on increasing our membership. LCDR Gussio will obtain the list of potential members with category designation for members present to view. Current Branch members will continue to seek potential members of their own category with a personal invitation. CAPT Wickizer demonstrated this to be quite successful with several new members to his credit.

Nominations and elections: LCDR Gussio announced the results of the annual election for executive committee members. President; LCDR Lucienne Nelson, Vice President; LCDR Calvin Edwards, Treasurer; CAPT Wickizer, Secretary; LCDR Katherine Berkhousen.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1920 hrs following plans to meet again every first Wednesday of a full week for every odd month. Next meeting set for January 9, 2002 1900 hrs in Bldg. 426 on the Ft. Detrick installation. This is our regular meeting place. Future meeting dates are posted on the Branch web page.

LCDR Lucienne Nelson

Secretary of the Fort Detrick COA