17 April 2012

The meeting commenced by teleconference at 2000 EDT. Present were Galloway, Voorhees, Schwehm, McNeil, Sadler (sitting in for Kehoe), Kovel, Stevens, Golden and Gadd. Stephenson, Kehoe and Faulkender were absent.

The meeting was devoted entirely to reunion planning.

Schwehm reported updated attendance data. One hundred sixty classmates are expected, along with six widows and 38 guests. Total attendance should be about 347. Fourteen classmates and widows who have registered have not yet paid for meals and tours; several are known to be delaying because of personal uncertainties. Mrs. Emmer will contact them, and Galloway asked any Board member who learns of any intended cancellation to notify him. Participation in the four major meal events is at the level originally anticipated. Mrs. Emmer, Galloway and Schwehm all reported numerous errors and misunderstandings in completing and addressing the event forms that have been distributed. RTP. Galloway has seen similar problems with misdirected election ballots.

The Board reviewed and approved the proposed badge (two-sided, in Arial) and lanyard designs. The ladies’ version will include a string lanyard for dressier occasions.

Providing for those with special physical needs was discussed. It appears that the number of those needing such assistance is somewhat higher than forecast and may rise further. Galloway indicated a van or two will be available and extra wheelchairs can be obtained from the post hospital. Kovel suggested classmate volunteers be used to help with the chairs, and questioned whether handicapped parking would be available at the parade. Galloway explained that a military ID and DOD sticker were required to drive onto the post and a handicapped tag or sign would gain access to parking spaces.

Galloway introduced a draft letter reiterating reunion details and instructions. He requested Board members to submit comments on it promptly. It will be sent both electronically and by USPS.

Class aides will be assigned shortly, and will begin working with Mrs. Emmer.

Voorhees reported that tour books for those wishing to do a self-directed tour of West Point will be available at the reunion registration desk both Saturday and Sunday. Stevens will pick up markers at the hotel (Galloway will confirm this with Mrs. Emmer) and plant them at classmates’ gravesites in the afternoon of the reunion Saturday. The tour book has the deceaseds’ names and locations.

Golden will contact Mrs. Emmer to coordinate details regarding the hospitality suite.

The sequence of events for the Monday business meeting was discussed. Galloway will bring suitable materials for the election, which will be the first event. Voorhees will bring the completed absentee ballots. Tellers will be selected from the Board. The second event will be a presentation on current matters of interest at West Point by a senior faculty member. Galloway will then give a president’s report and McNeil will present a financial report on our administrative and gift funds. Finally, the election results will be announced and the president-elect will be recognized.

The process of making tour choices has gone very smoothly. Everyone seems to be getting their first choice, the selections are spread quite evenly and filling both the supply of pre-paid tickets and the bus capacities. Various Board members will monitor the four tours. Ground Zero-Gadd, Ellis Island-Voorhees, Kykuit-Schwehm, West Point-Stevens. All except Kykuit will require box lunches; Galloway and Mrs. Emmer will devise a scheme for individuals to pre-order them.

Galloway selected Voorhees to make welcoming remarks in his stead at the Sunday reception buffet.

The schedule for Tuesday was reviewed. The "uniform" for the men will be as previously determined. The order of events will be Form up, March On, Alumni Ceremony, Parade, Photo, Mess Hall Luncheon, Climb or Bus to the Cadet Chapel (a revision from the previous plan), Memorial Service.

Kovel relayed his planning for the service. Opening and closing prayers, a reading for deceased wives, "The Corps" and the Alma Mater. He will ask Webb to lead the singing. The names of classmates deceased since the 50th reunion will be entered in the book, but not read. He has not yet planned orations by Army and Air Force classmates.

Following the service there will be many options for the remainder of the afternoon. Reunion-goers may tour the stadium area and return to the central area by foot, others may take a bus down the hill and tour there, some may bus to the cemetery and tour it, and others may take a bus directly to the hotel. Additionally, some returning to the hotel will stop briefly at Camp Buckner. This is admittedly complex, both in timing and properly filling the buses Kovel suggested the plan be explained at the business meeting, perhaps with a poster, and sign-up sheets be presented at the Monday evening dinner.

The Tuesday dinner was discussed. Kovel will produce a program. Galloway will make welcoming remarks, recognitions, and following dinner, turn the proceedings over to Master of Ceremonies Hatch. Stevens will introduce the guest speakers (Kovel needs their names and the presentation’s subject for the program.) A disc jockey is planned.

Galloway will contact Faulkender regarding a table for the authors in the Class.

Arrangements for photography remain to be coordinated, both for the post-parade picture and by circulating photographers during reunion events.

Arrangements will be made for delivering reunion items, e.g., the hat, to those who do not attend after paying the registration fee.

Galloway concluded the meeting by expressing his satisfaction with the planning, the popularity of the tours, and our having slowed down the activities appropriately.

The meeting was adjourned 2052 EDT.