Events, News & More
Board Meeting Minutes – December 7, 2020
Posted: 12/19/2020
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
COLUMBUS CHAPTER
VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 7, 2020
Roll Call:
Present: Tony Konecny ‘79 – President; Dave Goins ‘84 – Secretary/Communications Director; Jim Waddell ‘71 – Treasurer; Rob White ‘94 – Webmaster/Shipmate Coordinator; Jim Worthington ‘60 – Board Member; Todd Forney ‘86 – Board Member; Michel Plumley ‘09 – Board Member.
Absent: Ben Sandman ‘10 – Vice-President.
Board Minutes:
Board Minutes from May 5, 2020 were discussed. Motion to accept made by Waddell; seconded by Goins. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Old Business
- Pro forma procedures for personal events such as hospitalizations, deaths, etc. Motion made to expend funds for personal events such as hospitalizations and deaths as indicated in Attachment 1 made by Forney; seconded by Worthington. Furthermore, due consideration shall be given in situations where flowers may not be appropriate such as hospital restrictions. Additionally, routine hospitalization may not rise to the level of a monetary gift. In these cases a card from the Chapter may be more suitable. Motion passed unanimously.
- Shipmate submission IRT Janet Maroscher’s death and donation to Navy League. – (Konecny) – DONE
- Recruit new Shipmate contact person. (Board) – DONE. New contact is Rob White.
- Further discuss and design a process to incorporate Plumley’s suggestion (New Business Item #3 from May 5 Board Meeting ) as an integral part of annual event planning. – Plumley/Goins
- Work with Webmaster to design a simple process to identify new alumni to the area in USNA.com database. – White/Konecny
New Business
- Special announcement – Columbus Chapter has been selected as Distinguished Chapter and “Other Chapter” which will result in a seat on the US Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees for the next three years starting at the May 2021 meeting.
- President’s Vision
- Beat Army in head count in at least one social event – goal is 156;
- Engage in activity outside of ourselves (scholarship for Summer Seminar);
- Meet the criteria of a Distinguished Chapter/Other Chapter.
- Columbus Chapter has been designated as a Distinguished Chapter and an “Other Chapter” for seat on the USNAAA Board of Trustees.
- Award presentation is virtual on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 1600;
- The Chapter Board will have to select who will represent the Columbus Chapter on the USNAAA Board of Trustees – ACTION
- President’s Vision
- Purchase of Herff Jones (Chapel Domed) Challenge Coins
- Joe Stewat ‘66 has suggested that the Chapter purchase five Herff Jones Challenge Coins as a fund raising item;
- Total expense would be $537.45 (including shipping and handling);
- Coins could be used for fund raising or as a thank you gift for VERY SPECIAL guest speakers;
- Joe Stewart guarantees that he would buy the coins from the Chapter if they do not sell;
- Motion to authorize the expenditure of $537.45 from the Chapter checking account to purchase five Heff Jones challenge coins made by Waddell; seconded by Goins. Motions passed unanimously.
- Discussion concerning dues collection during COVID-19 pandemic. Motion made to adjust Chapter dues to $15.00 for 2021 and return to $25.00 thereafter made by Worthington; seconded by Waddell. Motion passed unanimously. Words will be included in Chapter correspondence encouraging members to contribute as they see fit to further the Chapter’s financial goals.
- New Chapter email address – usnaaacbus@gmail.com The Communications Director will no longer be using dgoins84@gmail.com Information on the new address will be promulgated to the Chapter shortly.
- Moving forward the Chapter will be using Google Docs for Chapter administration.
- Active duty alumni attached to central Ohio commands:
- Rear Admiral Kristen Fabry – Commander, DLA Land & Maritime
- Captain Mark McCulloch – Commanding Officer, Professor of Naval Science, The Ohio State University
- Commander John Mullen – Executive Officer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group – Ohio River Valley
- White suggested that we look to other local organizations for USNA alumni to participate in the Chapter (i.e.; FBI, Secret Service, etc)
Action Items
- Board to vote on USNAAA Board of Trustee representative. Email Dave Goins (dgoins84@gmail.com) with choice by noon on December 10, 2020. – Goins
- Purchase five Herff Jones challenge coins (three with Tecumseh and two with John Paul Jones). Also investigate if there are any quantity discounts offered by Herff Jones and inquire about the cost of casting a die for a Columbus Chapter challenge coin. – Konecny
- OUTSTANDING – Further discuss and design a process to incorporate Plumley’s suggestion (New Business Item #3 from May 5 Board Meeting ) as an integral part of annual event planning. – Plumley/Goins
- OUTSTANDING – Work with Webmaster to design a simple process to identify new alumni to the area in USNA.com database. – White/Konecny
ATTACHMENT 1
STANDARDIZED PROCEDURE FOR RECOGNIZING PERSONAL EVENTS
SUCH AS HOSPITALISATIONS, DEATHS, ETC
Monetary expenditures for “personal events” (hospitalizations, deaths, etc) shall adhere to the following guidelines :
- Non-member – up to and including $25.00
- Member – up to and including $50.00
- Very active member – up to and including $100.00
- Officer/Board Member
- Blue & Gold Officers
- A Chapter member that contributed significantly to the US Navy, USNA, or Columbus Chapter
Notes:
- No further Board approval is required provided guidelines are followed;
- Hospitalizations that are not of a serious nature or life-threatening shall not involve a monetary expenditure. Instead, a “get well” card from the Chapter is deemed appropriate;
- Examples of monetary expenditures include the purchase of flowers, donations to a non-profit organization, and a contribution to an alumni or an alumni family member that is experiencing financial distress;
- Consideration of purchasing flowers should include care facility restrictions and personal allergies.
Columbus Chapter is recognized as a Distinguished Chapter
Posted: 12/14/2020
From Tony Konecny, class of 1979, President of the Columbus Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association:
I would like to share some exceptionally good news with you. Each year the national office of the Alumni Association evaluates local chapters that meet certain criteria as to their overall organization and effectiveness. The areas that are considered are the chapter’s leadership team, communications, promoting & supporting the Naval Academy’s mission, coordination with local affiliated organizations, and membership growth. It is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Columbus Chapter excelled in each of these categories and has been designated as a Distinguished Chapter. This award is in recognition of very hard work by the chapter’s officers and board members and the support of a great many alumni and associate members.
Along with the designation of being a Distinguished Chapter, the Columbus Chapter has also been offered a seat on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees. This seat will give us the opportunity to provide input on the issues that are important to us.
Receiving this recognition does not mean that we are done. We plan on building on our efforts to date by increasing our membership, continuing to offer our members rewarding activities, and furthering our efforts of promoting the Chapter, the Naval Academy, and the US Navy.
2020 has been a tough year for many of us, but our Country will eventually work through it. Once we are on the other side of this pandemic, I see the opportunity for continuous improvement and a bright future for the Columbus Chapter. Thank you for the honor of your time while I shared this very exciting news.
Letter from the President
Posted: 7/24/2020
Dear fellow USNA alumni:
Welcome to the Columbus Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. I hope you use this site to keep informed of Chapter events and stay connected with alumni in Columbus and Central Ohio. In our region, there are more than 115 USNA alumni who have already expressed interest in participating in Chapter activities.
To provide the most worthwhile experience for local alumni, the Columbus Chapter leadership will focus on the following objectives:
• Maintaining an up-to-date roster of local alumni interested in participating in the Chapter;
• Providing ample and diverse opportunities for alumni and their families to socialize, network, and have fun;
• Leveraging local Military and Air Force Academy organizations to enhance the overall experience of our members;
• Supporting and interacting with Navy entities such as visiting Navy sports teams/clubs, the local Naval Academy Parent Club, and the Columbus Navy League;
• Hosting an enjoyable and engaging Army-Navy football event; and
• Communicating effectively and consistently with local alumni.
USNAAA Chapter Officers and Board Members are volunteers, and I encourage you to contact them to indicate your interest in activities and events. The leadership of the Columbus Chapter is:
• President – Tony Konecny 1979 – adkonecny@gmail.com
• Vice-President – Ben Sandman 2010 – bensandman2@gmail.com
• Secretary/Communications Director – Dave Goins 1984 – dgoins84@gmail.com
• Treasurer – Jim Waddell 1971 – jbwaddell@columbus.rr.com
• Shipmate Contact/Webmaster – Rob White 1994 – robwhite614@gmail.com
• Board Members
Jim Worthington 1960
Todd Forney 1986
Michel Plumley 2009
Additional information about Chapter Officers and Chapter By-Laws and can be found on the website. We also share frequent updates via various social media platforms:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/100549757152451/
LinkedIn – USNA Alumni Association – Columbus Chapter Group
Twitter – @USNAAACbus
Instagram – USNAAACbus
Shipmate – Chapter News
I look forward to meeting you at our next event. I am excited about the Chapter’s future, and I hope you will join us in making the Columbus Chapter an organization in which you are proud to belong.
Go Navy,
Tony Konecny
A Message from ADM Samuel Locklear III ’77, USN (Ret.)
Posted: 6/22/2020
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U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
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Our Core Values – USNA Alumni Association
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U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
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Our Core Values: Special Committee
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U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
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I hope you’re having a meaningful Memorial Day.
Posted: 5/24/2020
It’s the Memorial Day weekend, and many of us are thinking of shipmates we lost along the way. In central Ohio, there are typically many notable events and places where you can reflect and honor fallen servicemembers for their extraordinary sacrifices. Unfortunately, under the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, such gatherings have been curtailed, so I offer something you could do something virtually.
Check out the Naval Academy’s virtual Memorial Hall at https://usnamemorialhall.org. The site has excellent photos and class information, as well as extended biographies and links to other resources. Of the 109 Ohio Honorees there are five from Columbus:
Gordon Cone, 2LT, USMC (’29 age 25)
Harold E. Fisher, LTJG, USN (’42 age 22)
James H. Eversole, ENS, USN (’43 age 23)
Theodore Tallmadge, CAPT, USAF (’53 age 27)
Brian L. Cardiff, LTJG, USN (’73 age 25)
I am struck by how young they were when they died, and it reminds me of something President Reagan said, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem.”
I hope that you and your families have a pleasant and safe weekend.
Go Navy,
Tony Konecny
Board Meeting Minutes – 5 May 2020
Posted: 5/21/2020
Board Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2020
Roll Call:
Present: Tony Konecny ‘79 – President; Dave Goins ‘84 – Secretary/Communications Director; Jim Waddell ‘71 – Treasurer; Rob White ‘94 – Webmaster; Eric Marquardt ‘07 – Shipmate Coordinator; Todd Forney ‘86 – Board Member; Michel Plumley ‘09 – Board Member.
Absent: Ben Sandman ‘10 – Vice-President; Jim Worthington ‘60 – Board Member.
Special Board Minutes from January 9, 2020 appointing Jim Waddell as Treasurer of the Columbus Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association were discussed. The minutes were unanimously approved by all present.
Treasurer’s Report. Presented by Waddell. Moved by Goins to be acknowledged and filed for audit.
- Konecny pointed out that $150 was donated in memory of Janet Maroscher, wife of Udo Maroscher (associate member of the Chapter). $50.00 was provided by Captain Chris Peppel, former CO of NOSC Columbus. The amount donated was in light of the Maroscher’s significant contributions to the Chapter and Navy organization throughout Columbus.
- White suggested that an entry be submitted to Shipmate notifying the Chapter of Jan’s passing. – ACTION.
- Forney suggested that a standard memorial document be prepared and approved by the Board such that future actions will be pro forma. Konecny and Forney will work on a document – ACTION.
Old Business – None
New Business
Board feedback on virtual meeting – tabled until more data is available;
How do we get more people involved:
- White suggested getting support from outside businesses for some chapter activities. For providing the expenses for refreshments, an organization could present information concerning their business to the chapter. In so doing, the business could advertise for customers or employees. Alumni attending would benefit from the networking opportunity.
- Forney suggested investigating a virtual Happy Hour. Konecny asked Forney to investigate and report his findings to the Board.
- Plumely suggested that at the time before an event such as the Founders Day Dinner alumni be presented with a plan for the year and allow groups to form in a competitive manner to encourage innovation and friendly competition. – ACTION
- Eric Marquardt requested to be relieved of Shipmate contact duties after 3 years of service to the Chapter. A new Shipmate contact will need to be assigned. – ACTION
Events
- Konecny discussed the existing scheduled events – Founders Day/Annual Meeting, lunches with speakers, and pub nights. Mentioned that due to COVID-19 pandemic, it may not be possible to schedule any events for the remainder of 2020. Encouraged discussion on other possibilities from the Board;
- Forney suggested that we consider a 3 level plan for the Founders Day/Annual Meeting in light of the 175th anniversary of the founding of USNA – schedule a normal event, schedule a “social distancing” event, schedule a virtual event. Depending on the state of “shelter-in-place” in September 2020, one of the options could be implemented. Also recommended considering a virtual happy hour.
Chapter scholarship status – Konecny discussed the intent of providing a scholarship to a worthy, needs-based central Ohio candidate to attend either the STEM Program or Summer Seminar at USNA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all activities at USNA are cancelled so no scholarship will be offered for 2020.
Communications – Konecny discussed the various means of communication available to keep Chapter members informed. He encouraged use of all means to ensure the Chapter is well informed.
Webmaster report – White discussed:
- That the Columbus chapter was instrumental in getting the Alumni Association to get proper SSL certification for the national and chapter websites (Word Press);
- Explained that using technology could improve member experience. For example, alumni that move in or move out could be automatically identified thus providing for initial contact and recognition at some type of hail and farewell event – ACTION.
Action Items:
- Pro forma memorial procedures for personal events such as hospitalizations, deaths, etc. – Forney/Konecny
- Shipmate submission IRT Janet Maroscher passing and donation to Navy League. – Konecny
- Recruit new Shipmate contact person. – Boad
- Further discuss and design a process to incorporate Plumley’s suggestion (New Business #3) as an integral part of annual event planning. – Plumley/Goins
- Work with Webmaster to design a simple process to identify new alumni to the area in USNA.com database. – White/Konecny
Chapter Annual Dues Campaign
Posted: 2/19/2020
The Chapter’s Annual Dues campaign is in progress and will close February 29, 2020. Annual membership dues are $25. Both alumni and friends of the Chapter are invited to renew or join. If you have already sent your dues, THANK YOU!
Chapter treasury funds are used to pay for items such as:
* Challenge Coins presented to incoming midshipmen at the annual Hail and Farewell
* Chapter administrative expenses such as name tag holders, basic supplies, mailings
* Cost of dinner for guest speakers and other distinguished guests
* Covering meals for midshipmen and sea cadets at chapter functions
* Other necessary expenses as authorized by the Board
In 2020, the Chapter will sponsor a local student by paying tuition to attend either a Naval Academy STEM Camp or Summer Seminar. Your dues payments along with modest fundraising efforts allow the Chapter to make a difference for a deserving local student and support USNA.
Per the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association bylaws, an individual must be a dues paying member to be included as a voting member of the Chapter.
Dues payments may be made as follows:
Online using Zelle (payment can be directly deposited into chapter bank account. Must have a Zelle account. Use email address below to direct deposit)
Zelle (anthony_konecny@yahoo.com) use underscore between first and last name
2.5% processing fee (please pay $25.63 so the chapter does not have to absorb the cost of processing)
By Check
Make check payable to: USNA Alumni Association – Columbus Chapter
Mail to Chapter Treasurer:
Jim Waddell
1330 Wyandotte Rd.
Columbus, OH 43212
*** If you wish to make a donation above and beyond the annual dues amount or target an amount above the $25 dues to the STEM/Summer Seminar sponsorship, your contribution will be gratefully accepted.
Your dues and donations are much appreciated and will help our Chapter become more meaningful to members and our USNA community.
Please direct any questions to Dave Goins at dgoins84@gmail.com.
Dark Ages Pub Night
Columbus Chapter USNA Alumni Association
Dark Ages Pub Night
Saturday, February 29, 2020
5:30 – 8:00 pm
The Blarney Stone Tavern
2245 W. Dublin – Granville Rd (Linworth)
Worthington, OH 43085
No RSVP necessary Order from menu or bar
Beat Army!
