''The Elsie item'' - USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association

Shelby Smith took over the conduct of the meeting and introducedthe persons at the head table. He explained that we weregoing to deviate from normal procedures by holding the electionfirst. On a motion by Tom Moody, seconded by Mr. Hurst,Jim Talbert's name was placed in nomination for the office ofPresident. There were no other eligible candidates and the electionof Jim Talbert to the office of President was by acclamation.On a Lankin/Chappel motion the name of John Cum mer wasplaced in nomination for the position of Vice President. Theelection was accepted by acclamation.Ted Day of Armed Forces Reunion Services, reported on thesites recommended by the Executive Board for the Conventionin 2003. Cities mentioned were:-Baltimore, MD at $139.00 per night plus $12.00 per day parkingand the dates were in June.-Washington, DC, Crystal City, across the Potomac from Washington,DC at the Double Tree Hotel, $96.00 per day plus $5.00per day parking. Dates available were May 28 through June 1,2003.-Norfolk, Virginia, at the Sheraton Hotel, $89.00 per day plus$8.00 per day parking. Dates available were May 28 throughJune 1,2003.Mr. Robinson, LCI 1012 and Mr. Runkel, LCI 968, spoke infavor of Washington, DC.Washington, DC, was selected by a majority vote.On a MorriseyfMason motion, the minutes of the Convention in2000 were accepted as read by the Secretary.Howard Clarkson introduced Mr. Roy Age who had audited thebooks. Roy reported that he verified all accounts and recordsand found them to be in order and correct. $41,590 is the totalvalue as of 21/3112000, including the bank account and CDs.Tiny explained the use of a fiscal year for our membership. Ouryear starts June 1 and ends May 31. He then gave the receiptsand expenses of the Organization for the year. As of May 31,2001, the actual balance is $40,171.00.A Mr. Lemniak, LCI 958, questioned if it was legal to donatemoney to the Organization from a person's will. The answergiven was a definite Yes.The changing of the frequency of the newsletter was proposed,but shouted down by the members.Mr. Phillips, LCI 489, questioned if the Organization is having apositive cash flow. The answer was in the positive.On a DroudIRolenz motion, the Treasurer's Report was approvedas read.Mr. Bally, LCI 871, questioned how many life members were inthe Organization. The answer was over 500.Lewis Mason, LCI 407, reported that there are members whocannot afford to join and questioned how they can be located.A suggestion was made by Mr. Atkinson, LCllO12, to raise dues,but no action was taken.Director Sam Rizzo reported on the placing of models last year.He read a letter of thanks from the National Headquarters of theAmerican Legion .. John Cummer personally donated a model tothe D-Day Museum. Carl Chappel donated a model to RobertWeisser. Tom Moody reported on the model donated to the GreatLakes Museum.. A Mr. Little reported that he toured the museumat the San Diego Destroyer Base and saw our model there.Howard Clarkson was then appointed Treasurer and approvedby acclamation.Robert McLain was appointed Secretary and approved by acclamation.Jim Talbert spoke on the changing of the editor of the newsletterand requested that all information for printing should be sent toJohn Cummer. He informed the membership that all changes ofaddress should be sent to Howard Clarkson. He also spoke onthe members who did not pay their dues yet come to the convention.Mention was made of members who came to the conventionand stayed at a neighboring hotel and use the conventionhotel for meetings.Jim Talbert thanked Bob Johns for his efforts in promoting theConvention and also Jack Crocker for music in the hospitalityroom.31