in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association

COMMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
All of the concerns from the shipmates above have been referred to the National Headquarters Staff and
each member will be contacted by a NHQ Staff Member with a resolve to the matter in question.
JAPAN
Yokosuka Branch 103 is a very active branch within the FRA. After some initial setbacks including declining
membership and the non-submission of the Branch Officers Report for 2006 which resulted in having the Branch
Charter suspended by the National Board of Directors, Shipmate President Misiura has “taken charge” of the branch
and rectified the previous problems. The branch donates over $12,000 annually to outside activities and organizations
within the Yokosuka Naval Base and the City of Yokosuka. The branch has shown an increase of membership
of nearly 50% during the past couple of years. The branch, and most especially Shipmate Misiura, should be commended
for their “can do spirit.” Shipmate Misiura is a retired Master Chief Petty Officer and plans to live in the
Yokosuka area for several more years, so I am sure the branch will be in “good hands.”
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
As a footnote to the visit to the branches in the Republic of the Philippine Islands, I was able to make contact
and visit with members from seven of the ten branches in the Philippines Islands. Cavite City Branch 36, Batangas
Branch 111 and Southern Luzon Branch 171 (Laguna) were contacted in October 2006 by me utilizing the USPS
informing them of my planned visit to the Philippines. No responses were received by the National President and no
responses were received by the local branches after querying them about my visit. None of the three branches have
an email contact address. Branch 111’s Charter was suspended by the NBOD in September 2006 for non-compliance
with the C&BL, FRA, i.e., failure to submit their Branch Officer Report. As this report is written, it is unknown
whether Branch 36 and 171 are in working order in, addition to Branch 111.
During the meetings with the seven branches, I broached the concept of re-vitalizing the Philippine Coordinating
Council to promote cohesive bonding, enhance closer relationship and coordination of efforts among area
branches and units that would be in the best interest of the FRA and the LA FRA in the Philippines.
The Branches and Units were divided amongst themselves on this issue. It is recommended that any action
on this issue be left with those branches and units to determine if they want to re-establish the Council in the future.
It is my recommendation that FRA continue to abide by the provisions in Article 11, Section 1101(h),
C&BL, FRA for the foreseeable future.
GUAM
Latte Stone Branch 73 is a dynamic branch with members who are dedicated to the branch and the FRA.
The branch (and unit) is involved in many local community affairs on the Island and should be commended for those
continuing efforts.
Shipmate President Rick Losongco has excellent control of the branch and should be commended for his
excellent leadership – indeed all active members are very instrumental in the branch’s success.
NATIONAL PRESIDENT OVERSEAS PACIFIC BRANCH VISITS
4 FEBRUARY THROUGH 22 FEBRUARY 2007
TRAVEL & EXPENSE REPORT
Travel & Expense Allowance Received from FRA $7,000.00
Airline Fares 2,046.98
Taxi Fares 82.29
Hotels 1,297.77
Food 567.62
NP-25