Call to Order: The meeting of the Ft. Detrick Branch was called to order at 1845 with CAPT Steve Wickizer, LCDR Lucienne Nelson, LCDR Calvin Edwards, LCDR Rick Gussio, and LCDR Katherine Berkhousen present. As of this date, the following are hereby declared to be the Executive Committee of the Fort Detrick Branch of the Commissioned Officers Association:

LCDR Lucienne Nelson, President

LCDR Calvin Edwards, Vice President

LCDR Katherine Berkhousen, Secretary

CAPT Stephen Wickizer, Treasurer

Reading of the Minutes: Not done.

Treasurer’s Report: No funds have been received to date. LCDR Edwards, the Nat’l COA Liaison for our Branch reported that January is the next dispensation of funds from National COA. CAPT Wickizer to watch for funds at that time.

Other Reports: Nothing to report.

Reports of Standing Committees: Nothing to report.

Unfinished Business:

New Business:

• LCDR Nelson proposed that we (electronically) mail our meeting minutes to all of our members and include a standard greeting that the meeting minutes are provided as a courtesy.
• A concern was raised asking for clarification: if our branch could be dissolved if less than 10 members attended meetings. This was resolved in that the COA handbook that states there is no minimum number of members required for branch recognition. Telephone conferencing was discussed as an option for members who are unable to attend, although executive members are encouraged to be present in person at every Branch meeting.
• LCDR Gussio has graciously consented to remain the branch web master. Please send documents for posting to the web page to him in word format.
• The meeting dates for the upcoming year have been approved for the conference room at building 426 on post. Meetings are on Wednesdays of the 1^st full week of odd months. For year 2002, these dates are Jan 9, Mar 6, May 8, July 10, Sep 4 and Nov 6. These dates have been posted on the Branch website.
• LCDR Nelson had questions about the use of letterhead. LCDR Edwards will check with the national office as to whether we may use our own branch letterhead or are we required to use the National COA's standardized letterhead.
• LCDR Gussio requested and received from the National COA, a list of all active and retired members of the COA in our surrounding area i.e.: Frederick City, Harper’s Ferry, Gettysburg, Morgantown, Shepardstown, etc. The suggestion was made to obtain zip codes from additional areas, such as Frederick County, so that we can solicit membership by means of specific target areas. This zip code list will then be sent to the National COA membership section in order to be provided with a specific print out by zip code.
• All agreed it would be a nice idea if snacks were available at our meetings. LCDR Nelson volunteered to provide a protein snack for each meeting. Agenda ideas were discussed to attract inactive, active and new members to meetings. Topics that were thought to be of interest to members include:
  • Retirement benefits
  • Space A travel
  • PHS historian
  • Planning for retirement--other options
  • Survivor benefits
• The group explored ways to negotiate more time at local pools with minimum cost to assist individuals in "practicing for their physical fitness test" prior to the testing date. LCDR Nelson will contact the POC at the Hood College pool.
• LCDR Gussio will provide LCDR Berkhousen with information on the Ft Detrick POC for arranging dedicated space for USPHS officers to take their PT tests.
• LCDR Calvin reminded all members to submit an Outside Activities Authorization Form "DHHS 520" through their agencies requesting approval for COA membership.

  Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2000. Branch meeting planned for Jan 9, 2002.
  

  Submitted on 12/11/01by:
  

  LCDR Katherine Berkhousen

  Secretary, Ft Detrick Branch COA
  
  

  LCDR Lucienne Nelson

  President, Ft Detrick Branch COA