Call to Order: The first meeting of the Ft. Detrick Branch was called to order at 1700 hrs with LCDR Rick Gussio, LCDR Calvin Edwards, LCDR Lucienne Nelson present and CPT Steve Wickizer on teleconference. As of this date, the following are hereby declared to be the Executive Committee of the Fort Detrick Branch of the Commissioned Officers Association:

LCDR Rick Gussio, President

LCDR Calvin Edwards, Vice President

LCDR Lucienne Nelson, Secretary

CAPT Stephen Wickizer, Treasurer

Reading of minutes: This is the first meeting.

Treasurer’s report: No official report was given. However discussion of the Military Standards Members (MSM) fee was presented by LCDR Gussio as five dollars for COA members and ten dollars for non-COA members. Branch dues are officially declared as five dollars.

Other reports: Nothing to report

Introduction of newly elected members: LCDR Gussio announced the acceptance of two committee chairs, CAPT Bonita Pyler as Professional Relations Committee Chair and LT Gregory Davis as Education and Legislation Committee Chair. Additional Committee formations to be filled are Membership, Branch Activities, Science and Practice of Public Health Professionals, and Nominating Committee. LCDR Edwards is our Branch Liaison to the National COA.

Reports of Standing Committees: Nothing to report

Unfinished Business: Nothing to report

New Business: LCDR Gussio previewed the new revised web site for the Ft. Detrick Branch to the executive committee and requested comments and suggestions. Revision of the background and logo of the Military Standards Cadre were primary changes from previous version. The web site of the Fort Detrick Branch of COA is:

http://www.comilstd.org/fdcoa

The executive committee discussed and voted on the Military Standards Cadre as an official Branch activity. The vote was unanimous in favor. The Military Standards Cadre Command Staff has done an enormous amount of work establishing the resources with the Army at Ft. Detrick to hold the Military Standards Testing twice a year at the Ft. Detrick Installation. The Army has been enthusiastically supportive in their efforts. They have provided facilities for testing at the Fort Detrick Barracks. The Military Standards Cadre meeting room (for processing, and UCMJ testing) will be the "Medal of Honor Room" located in the barracks. Military Standards Member candidates will also be given access to latrines, mats, stopwatches and writing implements during qualification. The Army has agreed to provide facilities to test up to 100 officers a day. The Army has formed a liaison between the Garrison Command Staff and the Military Standards Cadre that consists of the Barracks Commander Captain Mark Dick of the Army, and two of his staff consisting of Sgt. Miguel Ribera, and Sgt. Ruben Guietz. The first examination in the new facilities was held the last week of October 2000. For more on this program activity, current cadre members and more, please refer to the web site

http://www.comilstd.org

The planning for Branch Open House January 24, 2001 at 1700 hrs at Ft. Detrick was discussed. CAPT Wickizer contributed the wealth of his experience to this discussion. A formal invitation to the Base Commander will be made and a gift presentation of PHS historical book and emblem are planned should he accept. CAPT Wickizer offered to provide for the United States and PHS flags and PHS Seal for display at the open house. Simple refreshments will be provided at this informal meeting of executive committee, branch members, and potential members. A chance to voice concerns or needs, give suggestions of Branch activities and fundraisers, volunteer for committee participation and socialize with fellow officers are on the agenda for the evening. Consideration will be made for an inclement weather date pending site availability. Invitations will be sent to officers requesting RSVP by mail or online at the web site.

Formation of a Branch mission statement is to be given priority. LCDR Nelson is to provide the template for creating a mission statement and LCDRs Edwards and Gussio will begin the brainstorming of ideas. Wearing of the "Purple Uniform" is a top consideration for mission ideas.

National COA reading and actions: Official Acceptance of the Ft. Detrick Branch of COA came in late October. We will be listed on the National COA web site links and the COA Branch listings pamphlet.

Program: Potential future activities brought forth for initial consideration included hosting a COA lunch at the Community Center of Ft. Detrick, having a booth at the June 2001 National COA meeting in Washington D.C. representing our Branch and promoting the Military Standards Cadre activity, creation of a pamphlet presenting the Branch and its key activities for distribution, and collaborating with CCRF to provide for fitness testing of members should this become a qualification standard.

Nominations and elections: Deputy XOs and COs for the Military Standards Cadre are critically needed. These individuals will function as back-up personnel to the XO and CO roles. LCDR Edwards has agreed to investigate candidates for consideration.

Adjournment: This very productive first meeting adjourned at 2000 hrs following plans to meet again prior to the Open House.

Submitted by:

 LCDR Lucienne Nelson

Secretary of Fort Detrick Branch of COA