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Post by Stretch on Nov 1, 2007 12:26:36 GMT -5
Frequently, a member or two from the west coast has said we needed to have reunions there as well, since east coast-based reunions are cost-prohibitive to many people on the west coast. That's true. Most folks can't just hop across the country for a couple days.
The idea of alternating east coast / west coast reunions has been around for some time, with east coast reunions on odd-numbered years, and west coast on even-numbered years.
All it's going to take is somebody (or a group) to get together and make it happen. AFFR is a national organization, with members all over the country. But when ballots are counted, the reunions always end up on the east coast. Such is the will of the voters.
The location for every reunion is based on the wishes of the membership. About eight months before a reunion, we mail out ballots for the location of the following reunion and any AFFR Board officers whose terms will be coming to an end at the upcoming reunion.
So, a west coast reunion will not automatically be at Miramar. It could be anywhere the membership wishes... Camp Pendleton, MCRD SD, a hotel in L.A. It will most likely not be Hawaii, due to the expense. Some people did vote for Hawaii in this last election, but the majority of other voting members realize that it may not be very practical. Even if everyone did vote for Hawaii, how many would actually attend? The fewer that attend, the higher the price for everyone else (for meals, renting the hall, etc).
But it's entirely up to the membership. If the majority of the members vote to have a reunion in Hawaii, then it will happen.
The way our charter is currently set up, AFFR Ass'n won't be "losing" members to a West Coast Chapter. Members will still pay their annual dues to AFFRA, maintaining membership in the national organization, while the individual Chapters organize their reunions using capital from the AFFRA Treasury. Bear in mind, that with a reunion happening every year, the cost of annual dues may go up. But that's putting the cart before the horse.
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Post by jarhead32 on Nov 1, 2007 18:30:19 GMT -5
Stretch-thank you for straightening me out & you are right cost does play into it?-Rich W. P.S. My gender on my profile is 'Olde Male'!
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Post by Stretch on Nov 1, 2007 18:41:46 GMT -5
I want to put mine as 'Lesbian Trapped in a Man's Body', but it won't let me. Good thing, I guess. ;D
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Post by swanny on Nov 7, 2007 12:16:52 GMT -5
Stretch,As an official west coaster,I was the only one at Cherry Point this year,but in the two previous reunions we had quite a few from the west coast and Phil and i tried to get a West coast chapter started but it just fizzled out. I'm still interested in starting a west coast chapter so if anyone is interested they may e-mail me at dooleydale@hotmail.com. I don't mind traveling east as each of the Reunions were alot of fun,and I've enjoyed seeing guys that I haven't seen in 35+ years at each reunion!.....Come on Terry True you've got to make one!....Semper Fi! Dale
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Post by Stretch on Nov 7, 2007 21:04:06 GMT -5
It would probably be worth your while to call Bill and Lee and have them post your intentions in the newsletters. As folks become aware of the possible forming of a West Coast Chapter, I believe interest will grow. Count me in as attending a West Coast reunion as well as East Coast. I have lots of buds out your way as well, and would be happy to ride my bike out there. Any excuse will do.
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Post by swanny on Nov 8, 2007 11:26:20 GMT -5
Oscar Shaw is going to send me a list of names out here that might be interested in starting a west coast chapter.....Dale
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Post by LarryK on Nov 8, 2007 11:47:24 GMT -5
Dale, If there is any thing I can do from here, Computer or other wise, Let me know.........LarryK
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Post by swanny on Nov 8, 2007 19:20:07 GMT -5
Larry, When the time comes I will definitely tap into your willingness to help!..Thanks !...Dale
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Post by jarhead32 on Dec 17, 2007 23:22:32 GMT -5
Swanny- When you folks form up a West Coast Chapter,please consider me also? I previously,lived in Simi Valley & Vista,CA. I visit those areas at least twice a year. In fact,I am going to Simi Valley in early Jan.'08., & I will also visit a Son,down by Camp Pendleton. In Feb.'08,I plan to stop & see my brother,before I go up to Oregon,& visit another son & family. What I am trying to say is,'I do spend time in the West. There are also times,when I go to Las Vegas,to visit my son,who is in the Air Force *& a grandson whom lives there? Stretch- I would be a member of each chapter ,if that is aloud? Thx.-RichW/43 * He has a home in LV;however, is currently in Korea & will be moving over to Japan in the near future. This 'Crazy Old Man' hopes to see him,if he gets home leave(delay en route) & comes through 'Vegas';if not I'll have to go visit him in Japan,after he settles in?
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Post by jarhead32 on Dec 18, 2007 10:05:49 GMT -5
According to general conversation & a prior listing there are some 300 members of the AFFR Association;plus now a140 inside the total population,are signed to use this 'Forum'? Me as a relatively new guy to this organization & this posting? More of you need to get involved?=RichW/43
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Post by swanny on Dec 18, 2007 21:49:10 GMT -5
Rich, maybe we could get together over a cup of joe or lunch when you come out to the coast in Feb. I,m only 50 minutes away from Simi Valley or Oceanside. I'm still interested in a West Coast Chapter. Open for any idea's! Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!....Semper Fi...Dale
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Post by jarhead32 on Dec 20, 2007 3:35:42 GMT -5
Swanny, That sounds good to me,Dale-I will be in Simi Valley,at the 'Courtyard Ventura Simi Valley'Hotel/Motel Between Thursday,01/03/08 & leave back for Atlanta on 01/14/08. You call me there,leave a message & I can get back to you-Be glad to come down to HB again? Was down there when I worked for DOD!You ,also with your family have the best Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. Sorry, in Febnruary,I'll be in San Francisco & then on up to Oregon!'The Crazy Old Man'-RichW/43
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Post by jarhead32 on Dec 20, 2007 5:57:56 GMT -5
Swanny- I am not giving you a Phone Number,where you can reach me during my stay in Southern California? It is: 1-805-915-5000, & ask the operator to connect us &/or you leave me a message? I forgot,must have hit my head harder than I though? My best-Rich Watkin
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Post by jarhead32 on Jan 19, 2008 11:42:01 GMT -5
I am back here in Georgia until 2/11 & then I'm off traveling again? Be back on the Forum on 3/1/08. Major Goals: Continue to Contact Friends & Develop/Start a 'West Coast Chapter! Yes, at times I get into the middle of things? Would like to see more than Dale,Eric & myself make noises about starting growth of a WC chapter? There are at least 70 names & addresses listed,who would qualify & there are new members to be added to the 02/01/07 list,which will increase current AFFR members available for joining the WC chapter.-RichW/43
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Post by jarhead32 on Jan 24, 2008 16:50:05 GMT -5
Swanny-According to your earlier posting, Oscar Shaw is supposed to send you a list of personnel who might want to join a "West Coast Chapter(WCC)".You may need to touch base with him;plus since you are 'Known' to most of people,please put out a message asking people to contact you or Eric,since he to is known by all? Eric- I am taking the liberty to have friends contact you instead of this 'Crazy Old Man'. Back to Swanny again- After,you get things rolling;I will be glad to meet w/you & others-Everything ,has to fit w/in the AFFR Assn. By-Laws! I know in the past a 'WCC' has been discussed,but didn't get off the ground? It will succeed!-Semper Fi-RichW/43
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