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KANSAS COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS

Jack Strukel, Jr., MGen, USA-Ret, President

     Major Frank Sisson was recognized by kind words from the attendees for his two years as Council president. Under Council President Sisson's leadership, immense strides were witnessed in promoting the cause of the Council and chapters which includes support of veterans and their families, a strong national defense, diversified interests of the chapters in state and community affairs, and of course special attention to the comfort and enjoyment of members thru their active relationship with MOAA.

     It is my pleasure to announce a Council-sponsored awards program to recognize the leadership and efforts of individuals and chapters. Some of the areas for recognition include:

Regular attendance of Council and chapter officers to the quarterly Council meetings.

* Recognition of chapters for being represented at all the four quarterly Council meetings.

Recognition of individuals for success in recruiting new chapter members.

* Recognition of chapters for membership improvement for each quarter and the year.

Recognition of chapter newsletters for exceptional quality and appearance.

* Involvement of chapters in worthy community projects.

Some other items of interest from the Council meeting included:

A committee consisting of Colonel John Halladay, Captain Jim Henry, Major Frank Sisson, and Colonel Bill Wunder will review the Council ByLaws and recommend changes for approval at the next Council meeting.

2. Under CWO Dave Kennedy, assistance will be rendered to chapters in initiating/upgrading websites.

3. A major topic of discussion for the next Council meeting will be to review/update the role and purposes of the MOAA Council as a step to upgrade the entire MOAA program in Kansas.

5. There was discussion concerning the recognition of past-presidents and special program activities for spouses at a quarterly meeting. .

6. The value of holding frequent business meetings of the chapter executive committee was discussed and emphasized as vital for promoting the overall success of chapters.

The importance of nominating and electing officers who are committed and involved in chapter affairs was discussed as vital to the ongoing success of each chapter.

8. Dates for the annual "Storming The Hill" at Washington, D. C. were announced as 26-28 March 03 with Council President Jack Strukel to attend.

There was discussion of the forthcoming Regional Chapters' Seminar sponsored by MOAA National to be held at the Doubletree in Overland Park, Kansas, on 11-13 September 03. The Sunflower Chapter of Overland Park will be the host chapter with assistance provided by other chapters as requested/volunteered.

10. There was discussion about new lapel pins, certificates, etc., with MOAA logo.

As usual, the highlight of the Council meeting were the chapter reports where the attending chapter officers shared in their recent chapter activities, membership trends, future plans, and best practices.

Compliments to all chapters for getting in their annual dues to the Council on time. This could be a first in many years.

A personal word: I encourage each officer and auxiliary to be more active in the affairs of MOAA in Kansas. One area with which each member can assist is that of "asking eligible other persons to join their chapter and serve initially as their sponsor." It is believed by the Council and chapter officers that through a dedicated effort, the overall MOAA membership count in Kansas chapters could be increased by at least 20 percent. Please get involved by asking and inviting new members to join and prior active members who have dropped their chapter membership to again be part of an important program. Ideas/thoughts on any aspect of MOAA in Kansas can be forwarded to me at 5125 SE 10th, Tecumseh, Kansas 66542, (785-379-5616), or email at jstrukel@cox.net.

Jack