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Plans are currently underway for the Annual Texas Chaplains Association Breakfast to be held during the Department Convention in Beaumont Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. The place of the breakfast will be announced at the respective Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. Convention meetings on Friday, June 25 once arrangements have been confirmed as to place January 22, 2010 Annual Meeting Minutes Texas Chaplains Association Annual Meeting 01-22-2010 The annual meeting of the Texas Chaplains Association was held Friday, January 22, 2010 in the South Park room of the Omni Hotel, Austin, Texas. President Klee called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Ed Kegley offered the opening prayer. New and current members were welcomed by President Klee. There being a quorum present, the meeting proceeded as follows. The minutes of the Association’s last meeting dated June 28, 2008 were approved unanimously by motion made and duly seconded. Treasurer Kegley reported on the balance in the TCA checking account; the newly designed membership cards; and that membership cards will only be sent to paid-up members. President Klee directed that the financial report be filed for future audit. A discussion followed suggesting that membership cards be laminated. It was decided that the expense would be prohibitive and that members could laminate their own cards if they so desired. It was also noted that the cards will be replaced yearly to paid-up members so that lamination might not be necessary for long term wear.. Election of Officers: Nominations by the Executive Board: President – Harvey H. Klee Vice President – Marv Howland Secretary/Treasurer – Ed Kegley No further nominations were made from the floor. Motion was made and duly seconded that nominations cease and that the above named individuals be elected to their respective offices by acclamation. Motion passed unanimously. Appointment to the Executive Board: The Executive Committee proposed the appointment of Mickie Prendergast to serve as a member of the Executive Board. Motion made and duly seconded that Mickie Prendergast be appointed to the TCA Executive Board. Motion passed unanimously Two By-Law Changes were proposed following the appropriate notices of same: The first was to change the annual meeting from the time of the Department’s annual convention to the mid-winter conference. Since the Auxiliary meets in the same hotel during the mid-winter conference than at the annual convention, more of the membership can attend the business meeting. By combining it with the annual workshop, the proposed change would kill two birds with one stone: ARTICLE 5 – Meetings Section 1. There shall be an annual meeting held during the Motion was made and duly seconded that the immediate above proposed amendment to the by-laws be adopted. Motion passed unanimously. The second by-law change proposed affects Article 4, Section 2 dealing with the signatures required to withdraw TCA funds. Currently, bylaw Article 4, Section 2 provides: "Funds may not be drawn from the association’s account without the signature of the president, vice president or secretary if such position is not held by the treasurer, in addition to the signature of the treasurer." Since we are a statewide association and those authorized to withdraw funds from the association’s account are at great distances to one another it is not feasible to require more than one authorized signature to draw against our account. Having checks pre-signed in blank defeats the purpose of a two-signature requirement yet, that is often done as a practical matter. At membership at $5 per year, and more members becoming PUFL members whereby they no longer pay dues, our checking account never has much of a balance. Our expenditures are mainly for clerical supplies, postage and web site maintenance. Accordingly, it is proposed that the above bylaw article 4, section 2 be amended as follows: "Funds may not be drawn from the association’s account without the signature of at least one of the following: president, vice president, secretary or treasurer." Motion was made and duly seconded that the immediate above proposed amendment to the by-laws be adopted. Motion passed unanimously. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. and was followed by the TCA annual Workshop. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Ed Kegley, Secretary Texas Chaplains Association Mid-Winter Workshop Friday, January 22, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Southpark A & B, Omni Hotel, Austin, Texas Plans are underway for the TCA Mid-Winter Workshop and Business Meeting scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in Southpark A & B of the Omni Hotel, Austin, Texas. There will be a short business meeting prior to the actual workshop to which all members and potential members are invited to attend. The business agenda will consist of the election of officers i.e. President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer, election to the Board of Directors, and proposed revisions to the bylaws that will change the annual meeting date to coincide with the Mid-Winter Conference and allow for single signature authorization to expend funds. The proposed bylaw changes are as follows: ARTICLE 5 – Meetings Section 1. There shall be an annual meeting held during
the This proposed bylaw change is a matter of convenience. At the Mid-Winter Conference both the Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. meet in the same hotel making it easier for members to attend the business meeting. In addition, most members are attending other committee meetings at the annual convention and can’t be at two places at once especially when it involves traveling to another hotel location. ARTICLE 4 – Officers & Executive Board Section 2. The officers of the association shall make
up the executive board. The executive board is the legal entity charged with
the management and responsibility for the association. The board shall
establish the objectives of the committees and determine the policy for the
development of such objectives. This proposed bylaw change is a matter of practicality. Since we are a statewide Association and those authorized to withdraw funds from the Association’s account are at great distances to one another, it is not feasible to require more than one authorized signature to draw against our account. The common practice of pre-signing checks defeats the purpose of the two signature requirement. The checks and balances are the integrity of those authorized to withdraw funds, the notification requirement, the annual audit and the minimal funds involved. The Association will also consider any other business that may properly come before the meeting. The Chaplains Workshop will focus primarily on two areas: An Orientation Program for new or returning Chaplains in their office. This will be geared to the Post Chaplain, whether Legion, Auxiliary or S.A.L. with helpful suggestions on how best to assume the duties incumbent to the position, resources and a chance to ask questions of more experienced Chaplains. The second section will focus on issues of the day confronting Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. Chaplains such as sectarian references in public prayers, the accommodation of those of the Muslim faith in light of 9/11, the Muslim shooting at an Arkansas recruitment center and, more recently, the murder of 13 soldiers and the wounding of 30 others by a Muslim at Ft. Hood. These Workshops are not intended to be a “one-man show.” Ideas, suggestions and participation are welcomed from all members. I hope to see you all there on January 22. Harvey H. Klee, President, TCA 2010 Mid-Conference Schedule of Meetings and Events THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS & EVENTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2010 8:00 A.M. - Registration Desk Lobby Foyer 8:00 A.M. - Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Oaks Joseph Schaefer, Chairman 10:30 A.M. - Legislative Commission Southpark A & B Janet Martin, Chairman 1:00 P.M. - Finance and Budget Committee Oaks John Morris, Chairman 3:00 P.M. - Board of Trustees Oaks C. W. Sparks, Chairman FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 8:00 A.M. - Registration Desk Lobby Foyer 8:00 A.M. - Texas American Legion Development Foundation Southpark A & B Ronald Cherry, President 9:00 A.M. - Membership and Organization Commission Oaks Ron Bell, Chairman 9:00 A.M. - Texas Chaplains Association Workshop Southpark A&B 11:00 A.M. - Twenty and Four Bivouac Conference Center Patricia Erickson, Director VIP 1:00 P.M. - Convention City Commission Oaks Herbert Odell, Chairman 2:00 P.M. - Long Range Planning Committee 14th Floor Boardroom Dellano Simmons, Chairman 3:00 P.M. - Judge Advocate Workshop Southpark A & B Dan Corbin Judge Advocate 6:00 P.M. - Joint Session - Legion/Auxiliary/SAL Salons C, D, E, F Don Daft, Department Commander Barbara Kundert, Department President Robert Sonnier, Detachment Commander 2 SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010 7:00 A.M. - Past District Commander’s Breakfast Southpark A & B Tom Tvrdik, President 8:00 A.M. - Registration Desk Opens Lobby Foyer 8:00 A.M. - Membership Workshop Salons D, E, F Ron Bell, Chairman 8:30 A.M. - SAL Detachment Executive Committee Meeting Conference Center Robert Sonnier, Detachment Commander 10:00 A.M. - VA & R Workshop Salons D, E, F Joseph Schaefer, Chairman 1:00 P.M. - Department Executive Committee Meeting Salons D, E, F Don Daft, Department Commander TBA - Hubmaster Training Salons D, E, F Don Daft, Department Commander Immediately after the DEC Meeting 4:00 P.M. - American Legion Riders Meeting Oaks Sonny Star, ALR Liaison 4:31 P.M. - GNUTS Meeting Southpark A & B Kenneth Jan, Emperor XXXVIIII 6:30 P.M. - GNUTS Bash Knebel Post 83 Kenneth Jan, Emperor XXXVIIII SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2010 7:00 A.M. - TEXALPA Breakfast Southpark A & B Eldon Erickson, President 8:00 A.M. - Joint Memorial Service - Legion/Auxiliary/SAL Salons A, B, C Charles Edwards, Department Chaplain 8:45 A.M. - Department Executive Committee Meeting Salons D, E, F Don Daft, Department Commander 8:45 A.M. - SAL Detachment Executive Meeting Conference Center Robert Sonnier, Detachment Commander
January 23, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., Omni Hotel We had good attendance at the recently held Texas Chaplains Association Workshop held at the Omni Hotel In Austin on January 23, 2009. We were pleased to have the National Commander, David K. Rehbein visit with us for a spell. Also in attendance were the Department Commander, James A. McNair, National Executive Committeeman Conrad Roberson and department Sergeant-at-Arms Austin Berry. We followed the posted agenda with Department Chaplain Charles Edwards giving an excellent presentation on his background and his insights while attending the National Chaplains Conference in Indianapolis, IN. Ed Kegley presented the workshop portion on Funeral Services while Harvey H. Klee presented the Dedication of Monuments and American and Texas Flag segments of the Workshop. Next year's 2010 Mid-Winter Workshop will also include a short business meeting. It was decided to postpone the annual business meeting generally held during the Department Convention until the 2010 Mid-Winter Conference. Let us know what you would like next year's Workshop to cover. If you would like to present a segment of the Workshop let us know that as well.
Workshop Agenda National Chaplains Conference Report:
Dedication Ceremonies: Many cities across Texas are in full support of our troops and our veterans. It seems more so now than ever before. Often as Chaplains we are called upon to present a variety of dedication ceremonies: monuments, parks, new or replacement flags, flag poles, etc. In this workshop we will discuss how to prepare such a dedication ceremony. Sample dedication ceremonies are illustrated in the handout materials. Funeral Services:
Flag Etiquette: The American Flag:
The basic reference for proper flag etiquette regarding the United States
Flag is found in the United States Flag Code Title 36, Chapter 10. This
portion of the workshop will present ways of introducing the flag during
posting ceremonies and will include a special Pledge of Allegiance ceremony
available in then handout materials.
The Texas Flag: Also covered will be ceremonies applicable to presenting the Texas flag and related portions of the Texas Flag Code i.e. Texas Government Code, Chapter 3100. A sample introduction of the Texas Flag during posting ceremonies will be presented. Sample flag ceremonies are illustrated in the handout materials. All Workshop attendees received copies of the handout materials at no cost. Because of the proprietary nature of the handout materials, however, they will not be published on the Texas Chaplains Website. Copies of the handout materials can be e-mailed to TCA members upon request at no charge. E-mail requests should be directed to Jason R. Denny at jason@thealtar.info. A hard copy of the 12 page handout materials can be mailed to you at a nominal cost of $3 to cover shipping and handling. Send a check in the amount of $3 made out to Jason R. Denny at 2900 West Anderson Lane, Suite 200-329, Austin, Texas 78757 requesting same. Hope to see you all at next year's Workshop! Harvey H. Klee, President Texas Chaplains Association
Texas Chaplains Association Annual Membership Meeting Minutes June 28, 2008 The annual membership meeting of the Texas Chaplains Association was held at the restaurant of the Omni Tower Hotel restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 29, 2007 at 7:00 a.m. The following were present: Harvey H. Klee, President, Ed Kegley, Secretary/Treasurer, Karen Paris, Shirley Rogers, Robert C. Reece, Jean Palmer, William Palmer, Jason R. Denny, Charles W. Edwards, Roxanna Ovants and Oscar R. Reyes thereby creating a quorum. Charles Edwards offered the opening invocation. President Klee welcomed all members and invited each member to introduce themselves and share some of their personal background with the group. Mention was also made of the excellent private dining arrangements provided by the Hotel for our breakfast meeting. Motion was then made and duly seconded to accept the minutes of June 29, 2007 as previously presented. Motion carried. Treasurer Kegley gave a Treasurer’s report and stated the organization has a bank balance of $1,764.96 and that our membership is currently at 145. There are still some outstanding Charter members who have not paid their dues and arrangements will be made to contact them further. President Klee directed the Treasurer’s report be filed for reference and future audit. All members were encouraged to check the Association’s web site to stay current as to TCA news. E-mails are sent to members with e-mail addresses concerning special matters. They are urged to keep their e-mail addresses current and active. Vice-President Howland graciously mails TCA information to those without e-mail addresses to keep them informed as well. President Klee announced that there will be a Chaplain’s Workshop again at next year’s Mid-Winter conference and encouraged all members to let him know what subjects they might be interested in having covered. Members who would like to participate by presenting a 15-20 minute session should contact Harvey with an outline of what they would like to present. Usually we have two hours allocated for the Workshop but members seem to prefer a shorter session not to go beyond one and one half hours. The Saturday TCA breakfast at 7:00 a.m. for the annual Department convention seems to work out well for all concerned and will be continued although there is some minor inconvenience for those staying at a different hotel that can’t be helped. Motion was made and duly seconded to amend the bylaws to expand membership in the TCA to include chaplains from other veterans’ organizations such as the VFW, DAV, AmVets, etc. as follows: ARTICLE 3 – Membership Section 1. Membership shall be open to all present and past Chaplains of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion, and affiliated organizations as may be represented by the membership, and may include those members of the aforementioned organizations who are interested and supportive of the same goals and objectives of the Texas Chaplains Association but have never held the position of Chaplain in any of them provided: no person shall be eligible for TCA membership unless they are a member in good standing in any of those organizations. Section 2. Ancillary Membership is available for those members of other veterans organizations who have served or are now serving as Chaplains in their respective organizations and are interested in and supportive of the goals and objectives of the Texas Chaplains Association. Such members shall be non-voting members.
Motion Passed. It was moved and duly seconded that the following be reelected to the following office for the year 2008-2009: Harvey H. Klee, President Marv Howland Vice-President Ed Kegley Secretary/Treasurer Motion Passed. Next, it was moved and duly seconded that Jason R. Denny be elected to the TCA Board of Directors. Motion Passed. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 a.m. ________________________ Ed Kegley, SecretaryName the new Chaplain's Web Site Page We thought it would be neat to have a special web page set aside for member contributions e.g. articles, resources, suggestions or other ideas that might help make our Association more helpful to our membership. So...we're having a contest to name the new Chaplain's page. Any ideas for a name? E-mail or mail your creative suggestions to: hklee@texaschaplains.org
New and Updated Resources A Chaplains Story - Manual & Guide 2nd Ed. Now available on CD and in Print Format The 1st edition of “A Chaplain’s Story – Manual & Guide” was published in 2001. It was made available solely on CD due to the prohibited cost of printing a limited number of copies without knowing how well it would be received. The response to the 1st edition, however, was greater than expected. This 2nd edition adds to and greatly expands upon the earlier material. It is again available as an electronic book on CD for $12 plus shipping cost. Print copies are available for $25 plus shipping cost. Eleven new Memorial Services have been added in the new edition as well as a Chapter on The Texas Chaplains Association. The book has been increased 50% from the 1st Ed. Photos have been also added to break the monotony of reading sheer text. Chaplains Card and Funeral Handbook This is a new publication made available by our Secretary/Treasurer Ed Kegley that should be of immeasurable assistance to Chaplains in writing letters of sympathy, condolences, concern, etc. as well as officiating at funeral services - both graveside, post and funeral homes. It's about 72 pages in length and small enough to carry with you i.e. 4.25" X 5.5." Unbound paperback version is $20 plus shipping; loose leaf notebook with hard cover and sheet protectors is $30 plus shipping. Ed's publication is also available as an electronic book on CD for $10 plus shipping cost To order any of the above, use the order form below ORDER FORM Please note: Electronic Book CDs can only viewed on a computer, not on a stand alone CD or DVD player. The Electronic Book can be downloaded into your computer or read directly from the CD disk. HARVEY’S "A Chaplains Story" Electronic Book on CD @ $12.00 EA. $ ___________ HARVEY'S "A Chaplain's Story" Bound Print Copy @ $25.00 EA. $ ___________ ED’S Book, "Chaplains Card & Funeral" Paperback @ $20.00 EA. $ ___________ ED’S "Chaplains Card & Funeral" Hard cover notebook @ $30.00 EA $ ___________ ED's "Chaplains Card & Funeral" Electronic Book on CD @ $10 $ ___________
TOTAL……………………………………………..................................................$ __________ Add: $2.00 for Shipping per item.....................................................$___________ PLEASE SEND ORDERS TO: TEXAS CHAPLAINS ASSOCIATION c/o ED KEGLEY P. O. BOX 31
BEASLEY, TEXAS
77417-0031
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This site was last updated 02/13/10
Charles Edwards, Department Chaplain 2008-09, will
focus on his experiences at the National Chaplains Conference held in
October, 2008 in Indianapolis. This is an annual gathering of Legion and
Auxiliary state Chaplains from across the country that shares their
experiences with others; attend workshops and presentations on important
topics of interest to all Chaplains, and present excellent resource
materials to help us in our jobs.
Chaplains may be called upon to perform funeral
services at the request of a deceased veteran’s family member or funeral
home. This is most likely when the decedent has no church affiliation or
family minister. In this workshop we will discuss how to prepare such a
service including the decedent’s biography, eulogy, suggested prayers,
scripture readings and commitment prayer. Sample funeral ceremonies are
illustrated in the handout materials.