Meeting Minutes
General Membership Meeting Minutes for Aug 5, 2009 at 6:30 p.m at the Randolph AFB Kendrick (Enlisted) Club,
Tradition Room.
I. OPENING AND WELCOME: Chapter Executive Secretary Carol J. Alexander, called the meeting to order at 6:
35 p.m. Mr. Nelson led the members in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Lindsay. Mrs.
Alexander requested a moment of silence in tribute to the passing of Documented Original Tuskegee Airman
(DOTA), Mr. Edward O. Doyle. (CLOSED)
II. PRESIDENT’S FORUM: Mrs. Alexander welcomed all members and stated the several members of the
Chapter (Mr. Marv Abrams, President, Mr. Maurice Ripley, 2nd Vice President and Dr. Sarah Williams, Immediate
Past President) were attending the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention and Mr. Rick Sinkfield, 1st Vice
President was not in attendance because of illness. She thanked the Chapter’s membership for their continued
support and participation in all events that helped in the continued growth of the San Antonio Chapter. (CLOSED)
III. MEETING MINUTES/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Minutes of the July 2009 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Mrs. Alexander stated that in addition to announcements located on the bottom of the agenda, the Alamo City
Black Chamber of Commerce and associates would be hosting the South Texas Black Business Expo on
August 21, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. (CLOSED)
IV. FINANCIAL REPORTS: Mrs. Edwards presented the Financial Report for the period 1-31 July 2009.
Report was accepted. (CLOSED)
V. BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S (BOD)/COMMITTEE MILESTONE REPORTS:
A. Financial Projects: Mrs. Alexander stated that Mr. Marshall was still recuperating from previous surgery;
therefore Mr. Abrams and Mrs. Alexander had stepped in to oversee this project. Again, Mrs. Alexander stressed
that working ARAMARK booths during local events allowed the Chapter to provide annual education assistance
awards to deserving high school seniors and fund other youth activities. Further, she explained the Tobacco
Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC) certification class procedures and the normal agreement for Chapter
members to donate time and assist in working the weekend fundraisers in exchange for the Chapter paying the
$25.00 for training. Sign-up sheets were passed around for members to sign up for training dates as well as
volunteering for upcoming AT&T Center/Alamodome events with ARAMARK booths. She highly encouraged
everyone to attend training prior to the end of August. The Chapter also welcomed individuals who are unable to
obtain certification but are willing to donate their time to assist at these events. Attending the events required
work but members can attest to having fun and a chance to watch some of the events for free. Ms. McGarity
stated that she just worked an event for her child’s school and stated the earlier an organization gets their names
in, the better chance of obtaining a concession stand. Mr. Nelson stated that a good event to work would be the
Jamie Fox show which is scheduled for September. Mrs. Alexander stated she would research the date and
time. (OPEN)
B. Legends and Heroes Golf Tournament: Mr. Nelson stated that he was still negotiating with Olympia Hills
and the Republic golf course facilities to see who would give a better deal for the Chapter’s tournament to be
held on April 10, 2010. Although the Chapter previously agreed to Republic Golf Course, Mr. Nelson stated that
the facility may require a deposit without a weather cancellation clause, therefore he will proceed with
negotiating. Mrs. Alexander stated that the tournament was not just for men but for women also. She had an
opportunity to play a year ago and had fun and highly encouraged all women to find or make a team and take part
in the event. (OPEN)
C. Membership: Mrs. Alexander stated that this Chapter was currently the second largest chapter in the
Central Region. Further, although the Chapter had not reached its 100 membership goal, it was not too late. We
should always remember that everyone we meet, regardless of where, is a potential member. She distributed
new membership cards to those members on hand. (CLOSED)
D. History/Lonely Eagles:
(1) Mrs. Alexander stated that within the previous 30 days, the Chapter had lost two of its distinguished
Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen with the passing of Mr. Littleton P. Mitchell, who resided in Delaware City,
Delaware, on July 6, 2009 and Mr. Edward O. Doyle who resided in Austin, TX on July 19, 2009.
(2) Mrs. Alexander thanked those members of the Chapter who were able to attend the funeral services of Mr.
Doyle (Mr. Marv Abrams, Mr. Booker Alexander, Mrs. Carol J. Alexander, Ms. Chelsea McGarity, Ms. Marie McGarity
and Dr. Sarah Williams). Further, she stated that although the Chapter was not a part of the official program it did
issue a Proclamation to the Doyle family. Further she read the Proclamation and upon completion gave it to Mr.
Alexander for entering in the Chapter’s Historical files. (CLOSED)
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Chapter Logo Trademark: Due to the absence of Mr. Abrams and Mr. Sinkfield, item was tabled until
September’s Monthly Membership Meeting. (OPEN)
B. 2010 National Convention: Mrs. Alexander stated that the 2010 National Tuskegee Airmen Convention hosted
by the San Antonio Chapter will be held July 28 – 1 August 2010 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Further, she stated that
Mr. Abrams and Mr. Ripley will be discussing with the National Tuskegee Airmen Board of Directors the
possibility of extending the convention to a five (5) day event because of the large amount of business and
training that is necessary to get the job done. She stressed how important it was to place the right person in the
right position and provide the training necessary to get the job done. Further, she asked that everyone think
about what role they would like to take on during the Convention. Some areas that will require special attention
will be DOTA escorts, registration and youth day activities. More information will be forthcoming. Rest assured
that this will be the best Convention since 2000 because there are a lot of people who have expressed their
desire to return to San Antonio for this noteworthy event. (OPEN)
C. Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy: Mr. Abrams provided a briefing to twenty (20) cadets on 14 July
2009 enrolled in the OBAP Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, hosted locally by Delta Airlines Captain
Calvin Allen. Mr. Allen stated that he would assist the Chapter in any way possible for the upcoming Convention
2010 events. (OPEN)
D. Chapter Pocket Patches: Mrs. Alexander distributed Chapter Pocket Patches to members on hand. (OPEN)
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
A. 2010 Event Scheduling: Mrs. Alexander stated that she had compiled a draft of the Chapter’s 2010
Schedule of Events/Calendar, however, if members were aware of any additional organizational requests for the
Chapter’s Speakers Bureau, to please contact her. She further stated that it was our responsibility to educate our
youth as well as our more mature counterparts throughout the year, not just in February, to ensure they do not
miss out on the history not printed in past or current textbooks. Anyone who would like to become a member of
the Speaker’s Bureau should contact Mrs. Alexander. (OPEN)
B. Birthday Request: Mrs. Alexander sent via e-mail a request for individuals to provide her the day and
month of each Chapter member’s birthday, and requested DOTAs to submit their spouse’s information as well.
Information will be used to give a shout out on your special day. (OPEN)
VIII. GOOD OF THE ORDER:
A. Chapter member Capt. Saunya Bright (Maxwell AFB Alabama) has been selected for promotion to Major.
B. Chapter member Lt Col Sheila Gilliard-Sewell recently married and has been reassigned to an instructor
post at the Air Command Staff College (ACSC) at the Air University, Maxwell AFB Alabama.
C. Chapter member Major Shelia Beville has been promoted to Flight Commander, Behavioral Health
Outpatient Services.
D. Mr. Nelson announced that based on Resurrection Baptist Church’s continued support, the Chapter
donated reserved box seating to their Senior Citizens to attend an AT&T Event. Further, a lot of them had never
attended a professional hockey game. They really enjoyed it and would like to thank the Chapter for their
donation.
E. Ms. Laureen Howard extended an invitation to the Vitas Innovative Hospice
Care Organization Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, to be held at Morningside Manor at 602 Babcock Road, on August
19, 2009 from 4-8 p.m, and requested RSVPs by August 14 to Adriana Trevino at (210) 348-4310.
IX. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 p.m.
San Antonio Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. P.O. Box 264 Randolph Air Force Base, Texas 78148-0264
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