Minutes of the January 15, 2003 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved

An update on production of the first quarter newsletter was provided by Tim W. and Jeni L. with specific reference to an interview with member Fred F. regarding his experiences in World War II.  An explanation was provided regarding proposed content for the newsletter along with a call for articles.  A suggestion was discussed about including a section on stories heard from veterans or friends and families of veterans.

An update was provided on ongoing improvements to the web site which included explanations from Scott S. who was complimented on the continued enhancements to the award-winning web site.

An after action report was made on the Boy Scout Parade which took place in Austin, Texas down Congress Avenue on February 8, 2003.  It was reported that the Boy Scout Parade went well despite persistent rain and temperatures in the 30s and low 40s.  Spectator turnout was as low as one could have expected.  Although there was some attrition of scouts and vehicles due to the weather, quite a few scouts and parents showed up including one or two bands.  The Lone Star MVPA made one of the strongest showings.  Thanks was expressed to those who were able to make it out: Danny K., Scott S., John K., Fred H., Toby C., Glen V., Tim W. and Warren C.  Special thanks was expressed to Warren for getting his truck out.  The club vehicles carried cub scouts from Pack 395.  No scouts or parents assigned to the Lone Star MVPA had to walk.  Breakfast burritos were provided by the pack and a monetary contribution was made to the club.  The membership was praised by the President for the excellent communication related to this event.

Upcoming events were discussed along with related details and logistical information to include: Camp Gruber Reenactment (Feb. 28 – March 1, 2003); Texas Independence Day Parade (March 1, 2003); Club meeting (March 19, 2003); VFW F4C Phantom Escort/Parade (TBA – May 2003); Brent Mullins Open House (March 21 – 22, 2003); Randolph AFB Tattoo (March 27, 2003); Burnet Air Show (April 12, 2003); Joe Van Slyke Memorial Event (TBA); Taylor Cotton Picking Festival (April 2003); Texas Flambeau Parade in San Antonio (April 2003); Temple Air Show (May 3-4, 2003).

It was noted that additional information on upcoming events can be found on the club web site and will be provided at future meetings as well as by email.

A suggestion was made to begin planning a convoy for 2003 with a target date in August or September.  Inquiries were made as to where to conduct the convoy and who might be interested in hosting the event.  Wimberly was considered to be a front-runner with assistance from Lewis S.  Additional ideas were solicited for future consideration and discussion.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Jeff M.  Year-to-date income was noted to be greater than year-to-date expenses.  Membership was reported at 57 members with 80% of the chapter members belonging to the national MVPA.

Tim W. presented draft liability waiver forms for adults and minors interacting with the club during events. Discussion followed regarding the limitations and practicality of using liability waivers.  It was explained that use of waivers does not guarantee that you will not be sued due to an accident; however, the advantage of using waivers was outlined as discouraging litigation, allowing for possible summary judgment, and reducing damage awards.  Suggestions were made to put the forms on the web site and to look into using carbon copy pads that could easily be carried in a glove box.  A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to begin using the waiver forms immediately.  Forms were provided to the members present.

The logo of the Lone Star MVPA was discussed and it was suggested that efforts be made to clean up and modernize it.  Claude V. volunteered to send out an electronic copy of the original logo to Tim W. and Jeni L. for revision and inclusion in the newsletter.

An issue was raised about the need for barriers to keep spectators, particularly children, from damaging the vehicles while on static display.  After considerable discussion about crowd control and individual approaches, it was determined that use of barriers would be on a case-by-case basis.

Club insurance was once again revisited.  It was acknowledged that locating insurance was proving difficult, but that some headway was being made that was encouraging.  Additional efforts to locate appropriate insurance will continue with updates provided as more information is available.  Discussion followed about the problems associated with allowing a lapse in individual coverage and the difficulties experienced when renewing after a lapse.  J.H. M. proposed bringing in an insurance agent to speak with the club.  This proposal was well received by the membership and a consensus was reached to do so at the next meeting if at all possible.

Items of interest related to the national association were discussed.  The possibility of changing the national bylaws regarding qualifications to serve on the national Board of Directors was discussed and alternative language for changing the bylaws was presented by Tim W.  Copies of the proposed changes were circulated with a support statement. Discussion followed as to the need to relax the requirements for service so that members of the Lone Star MVPA who were otherwise qualified would be eligible to serve.  The problem areas of the current language were identified as five years of membership in good standing and attendance at no less than two national conventions in five years.  After further discussion, a motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to allow the President to submit two alternative motions to national for consideration.  The first proposal would change the length of required membership to two years and the number of national conventions attended to one in the last five years.  The second alternative would be to give the Nominating Committee more discretion to include on the slate of candidates members who do not meet all the criteria, but who otherwise possess skills, experience, or expertise likely to benefit the association.  Copies of the approved proposed language changes are available on request to the Lone Star MVPA President or Secretary.

It was noted that the national convention in Alameda, California is still set to go and that next year the convention will be held in Mobile, Alabama.  Members were encouraged to attend.

Non-dues revenue options were discussed including the sale of temporary tattoos and the sale of disposable cameras at events such as air shows, static displays, and reenactments.  Possible use of funds to set up life-size dioramas at events was also discussed.  A motion was made by Danny K. and seconded by Barry F. to authorize the President to exercise his discretion to expend $250 for purchasing two or more types of temporary tattoos.  Discussion followed as to the exact images to be used.  It was determined that one would be an invasion star in black and the other would be in the discretion of the President based on input from the membership present suggesting a jeep image, Army Air Corps star, bullet hole, or weaponry.  The motion passed with one vote in opposition cast by John S. based primarily on one of the proposed designs not being likely to transfer well.

New business and items for the good of the club followed along with announcements.  Questions were raised and answered about the renewal and notice of renewal for military vehicle plates.  The members were advised of the movie Gods and Generals and fanfare surrounding it.  Mention was made as to a May 10 WWII vehicle convoy through the Missouri wine country.  Car shows of possible interest were referenced to include the Texas School for the Deaf Show set for April 5, 2003 at a registration cost of $20 per vehicle and the American Classic and Muscle Car Show set for March 22, 2003 with a registration fee of $15 per car.

Members were encouraged to pursue the national expert driver award and it was pointed out that the expiration date on membership recruitment reward forms only applied if the program was discontinued.  It was noted that expired forms would be honored by national so long as the program is active.

Claude V. was recognized for receipt of the 25-year pin from national.  Claude V. announced the “Contrails” Commemorative Air Force new recruitment program and Barry F. announced the upcoming Texas Heat Wave Show.