Minutes of the 2017 Annual Meeting and Winter Social for the Alamo Chapter of the AOG

The meeting was held Friday, 10 Feb 17, at the Little Italy restaurant. The meeting began at 6:30PM and concluded at 8:30PM. The President of the Chapter, Jim Marshall, ’75, opened the meeting with remarks and recognition. Approximately 25 people attended the meeting with graduates and spouses in attendance representing classes spanning from ’64 to ’89.

A review of chapter activities were noted. Annual meeting tonight, Founders Day dinner in April, summer picnic at Canyon Lake, fall football watching parties (Navy, Army, and bowl game), and annual Tri-service golf tournament. Also, monthly Business And Networking Group (BANG) luncheon led by Jim Green, ’85, and held here at the Little Italy restaurant. The numerous events led to the chapter being recognized for the 5th year in a row as a Distinguish Chapter.

With no new officers running for the chapter positions the attendees confirmed the following elected board members for another year.  President – Jim Marshall, ‘75  Vice President – vacant  Treasurer – Jerry Perkins, ‘86  Secretary – Mike Forsyth, ‘86

Appointed positions are as follows:  Chairman for Graduate and Chapter Networking – Jim Green, ‘85  Director for Cadet Outreach and Liaison – Forrest James, ‘88  Website Editor – Jim Foster, ’69  Special Events – Kay Grosinske, ‘82

A discussion on finances confirmed that the Chapter is financially sound, with approximately $1600 in the bank. The chapter has been on a “pay as you go” model for the past two years versus an annual dues funded organization. Going forward we need to generate additional revenue to be sustainable.

The attendees voted that the organization should pursue obtaining nonprofit tax exempt status as a 501(c)19 or other IRS recognized structure which will allow tax deductible contributions to be made to the Chapter.

In the open discussion we discussed the following topics:  Communications. The Chapter should explore other communication channel than email and Facebook. Suggestions include social media channels including: Meetup, Nextdoor, Instagram, Messenger. Alex Archibald mentioned he has a current activities email list from a classmate in Colorado Springs which people can join.  Events. The Chapter should resurrect the “Noon Meal Formation” and have guest speakers. Alex Archibald volunteered several speakers to invite. Sean Scully suggested a tour of Brooks -City Base and its history. Kay Grosinske suggested a visit to Enchanted Springs Ranch owned by Steve Schmidt, a graduate.  Upcoming national AOG elections. Jim Wheeler shared the history of the AOG and his experience from three terms on the board. We discussed the proposed bylaw changes between the AOG and the USAFA Endowment. A letter opposing the bylaw changes was shared with the group. 

The meeting ended with a reminder that the next event is the Founders Day Dinner on March 31 st at the Petroleum Club in San Antonio. This year’s guest speaker is scheduled to be MG Dondi Costin ’86, Senior Scholar from the Center for Character and Leadership Development at USAFA. The attendees were encouraged to update their email address with Forrest James and also provide email information on graduates in the area who may not be receiving Chapter updates.