Date: December 4, 2011

Compiled By _____________________

James H. McKenzie

Approved By______________________

Jerry Blaylock

Minutes of

American Legion 22^nd District-Department of Texas

District Executive Committee Meeting-Sunday December 4, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 1400 in the usual manner by Commander Jerry Blaylock at Post 521, 2221 Preston Road, Pasadena, Texas 77503. The Roll Call of Officers and Post was taken. Two district Officers and two Post were not present. The meeting was carried out as required by the American Legion Department of Texas 22^nd District Dispatch dated November 21, 2011.

I. Guests- Each guest who attended the meeting were introduced.

II. Minutes- District Fall Convention meeting minutes were corrected and approved.

Officer Reports (only those officers that gave reports are listed)

III. Vice-Commander-Johnny Torres, reviewed the Post Ranking which lists the District 22 (14 Post) with a 69.55% rating. The Vice-Commander also gave a talk on Membership Retention and The Key To Membership Growth. It is from a document that can be found on the internet in the membership training manual.

IV. Adjutant-James H. McKenzie gave a talk on Veteran Info Regarding Form DD-214. Its official DD-214 discharge papers are now online. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided a website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online. The e-mail address is: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.

V. Finance Officer-Tom Larsen, gave a report on the District 22 Finances. The check book balance, as of December 4, 2011, was $4,133.73. The total balance of District and Division funds is $53,408.12. The Finance report was approved as noted. It this point, the Commander asked to see a copy of the membership form that each member should carry with them. Several members did not have a copy of the membership form and were fined $1.00.

VI. Chaplain-Cal Gruetzmaker, noted the there were 98 flag foldings this year. One flag was given to a 105 year old lady who’s husband was a prisoner of war during WW2.

VII. Service Officer-Greg Tracey, noted that the VA is increasing the disability pay by 3.6% starting January 1, 2012. Also, gave a talk on what is required for the burial of veterans. To make sure that the funeral home has a copy of the veterans DD-214 so that proper military honors can be set up for the veteran and to allow for representation of the branch of service, a flag, grave marker and any assistance needed. To make sure that the dependent (s) receive any compensation, when the veteran dies from service related disability, that they are entitled too.

VIII. Commander-Jerry Blaylock, noted that there are over 200 DMS (Direct Member Soliciting) members in the holding Post 345 in the 22^nd District. Department also has information on past and potential American Legion members. You can request this information from the Department for the ZIP Codes in your area. Additional information is available on mylegion.org. Also, that you should have them sign a Data Sheet which is available on the internet: http://www.txlegion.org/files/member%20data%20form.pdf. Completion of this form will transfer them from Post 345 to your Post. Any questions regarding this procedure, contact the Commander.

22^nd District Committee Chairman

IX Baseball- Terry Messinger, a motion was made by the Committee Chairman

to have a District raffle to fund the District baseball teams. A discussion was

held and a diction was made to table the motion until the next District

meeting. A second motion was made to table the first motion and it was

second and all members excepted the motion.

X Boys Scouts/SAL-Dan King, the Chairman noted that the SAL is now at 44%.

XI Community Service-Juan Torres, the following Posts performed some type of

community service: Post 472, color guard had a raffle to collect funds to

purchase toys for kids, Post 490 had a lunch for veterans and a raffle to collect

funds for the 40/8, also, Post 77 and Post 521 also had community functions.

XII Oratorical/School Awards-Tom Larsen, requested application(s) from any

Post. At this time, no applications were handed in but, several Posts noted

that they will have applications in the near future. The Chairman noted that a

Oratorical contest will be held at Post 490 June 5, 2012 at 7pm. The District

Commander requested the Chairman to contact Posts 416, 366 and 428 to

instruct them on how to obtain students for the oratorical function.

XIII Hubmaster-Butch Sparks, continually sends info to Posts. (the District

Commander noted that the Hubmaster only has the e-mail addresses for each

Post)

XIV Webmaster-Jerry Blaylock, has e-mail addresses for all members who have

a e-mail address.

XV The District Commander noted that the following members have 100%

attendance since July 2010: Johnny Torres, Filex White and Tom Larson

and Post Commander Bob Osborn. Dam King and Bill Hutson missed one

meeting each.

XVI Resalution-Buch Sparks, noted the he will present a draft resolution to the

Department to employ a full time person to cover Membership.

XVII New Business- Commander, Terry Messinger noted that the baseball check

book was turned over to him and made a motion to have the District approve

his use of the moneys as Baseball Committee Chairman. Butch Sparks noted

that the District money is the responsibility of the District Finance Officer.

The motion did not pass for lack of a second.

XVIII For the Good of the Legion- Commander-Jerry Blaylock, Buch Sparks noted

that the Department Convention will be at the Crown Plaza July 12, 2012.

XVIX Next District meeting will be at Post 521, January 8, 2012, February 12, 2012

(no meeting place), March 18, 2012 at Post 416, April 20-22 Convention and

June 10, 2012 (no meeting place)

XVX The District Chaplain Cal Gruetzmacher said a prayer and the District

Commander closed the meeting.