ANNUAL MEETING
November 19, 2022
The annual meeting of the membership convened in the Iron Mike Conference Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The colors were presented by the Hoke County HS Army JROTC. Former Chapter Chaplain Tim Atkinson led the assembly in the signing of the National Anthem followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Underwood. Chaplain Atkinson then delivered the invocation.
President Underwood welcomed everyone and introduced a new chapter member MG Brian J. Mennes and his wife Kellie.
Following dinner, President Underwood began the business portion of the program by presenting a brief recap of the chapter’s accomplishments during the year as well as some of the shortcomings. He capped his report with the fact that the chapter earned a MOAA 5-star Levels of Excellence Award for the eighth consecutive year. He then pinned the MOAA award medallions streamer to the chapter colors adding the awards of a 5-Star Levels of Excellence for 2021 and two 5-Star Colonel Marvin Harris Communications Awards for website and electronic newsletter.
In accordance with the chapter's bylaws, the general membership voted to approve the dues structure for 2023 to remain at $20 for regular members and $10 for surviving spouses.
The general membership also voted and unanimously approved five amendments to the chapter’s constitution and bylaws.
Being an election year, COL (Ret) Eli Ballard, Chairman of the 2022 Nominating Committee was asked to present the slate of candidates for election to leadership positions for the 2-year term starting January 2023. During the presentation, William (Bill) Bell was nominated as a write-in candidate for the 2nd Vice President position and he accepted. Ballots were then passed out to all voting members present.
Following chapter business, President Underwood introduced MG Brian J. Mennes, Deputy Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps the keynote speaker for the evening. MG Mennes' excellent presentation focused on today's Army, its strengths, challenges, trends and future. Following a questions and answers session, President Underwood presented the General with a chapter coin mounted on a coin lock as a memento of appreciation.
Tim Atkinson, led the singing of God Bless America and delivered the benediction.
Keeping with tradition, a static display of chapter historical documents and awards was set up for leisure examination by members and their guests.
Event program and key speaker biography can be accessed at download bar above.