Call to Order: The Fort Detrick Branch of the COA meeting convened at 1800 hrs at the FT Detrick facility under Force Protection Condition Delta. LCDR Rick Gussio, CAPT Steven Wickizer, and LCDR Katherine Berkhousen are present. Many members of the Branch are deployed or in the process of being deployed through the CCRF and DMAT to respond to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon and NYC. Some of these members include LCDR Nelson, CDR Doss, CAPT Caviness, and LCDR Edwards.

Reading of minutes: Last meeting's minutes found acceptable.

Treasurer’s Report: CAPT Wickizer will contact Nat. COA to find out about members contributions. These will be reported at the next branch meeting.

Other Reports: All officers (including inactive reserve) are encouraged to update all information with Division of Commissioned Personnel.

Introduction of newly elected members: No new elections held. Members are encouraged to consider serving on the Branch Executive Committee. Elections will be held in November.

Reports of Standing Committees: No Reports

Unfinished Business: Our mission and vision statements are important tasks to formulate with the members present. This will be a future agenda item.

New Business: LCDR Gussio opened the discussion for organization of November's election. Members present decided that a web-based ballot would be made available listing candidate members and voting options. The ballot could be faxed in once an officer decided on his/her choices. New should also sollicit candidates for nomination and self-nomination process. It was also decided that a general Email would be sent out to notify branch members of the pre-election details.

National COA reading and actions: No report

Program: LCDR Gussio announced that the swim test for the MSC, CCRF and DMAT (if acceptable) can now be tested at Fort Detrick during the summer or year around at the Hood Aquatics Facility. The barracks will supply October 22-26 for general testing for MSC and CCRF fitness qualifications.

Nominations and elections: Search for a C.O. for the Military Standards Cadre continues. This individual functions as a liaison regarding MSC and directs inquiries accordingly.

Adjournment: This meeting adjourned at 1845 hrs following plans to share the topics discussed with the membership for further discussion and dissemination. Next meeting is Wednesday, November 14, 2001 1800-1930 hrs at Building 426, Fort Detrick.

LCDR Rick Gussio for

LCDR Lucienne Nelson

Secretary of Fort Detrick COA