Gentlemen,
In my Board Bits #4, I mentioned my intent to write to you about the future of the FMA.
I have touched the subject on a few occasions with the FMA BOD, and with the congregations of FMA reunion groups I’ve spoken to on the East and West Coasts.
We are approaching a crossroad when we may run out of volunteers to carry out the functions of the FMA. It is a serious matter. Better that we plan ahead to prepare for a solution that best fits all our interests.
I feel blessed to currently have a vibrant and strong administrative organization. All the key positions are filled by exceptionally qualified individuals. To name a few, what would I do without Roy Mantz, Executive Director, Bill Busse, LOG Editor and Dave Hardin, Webmaster? These fellows are the backbone of the organization.
Of late, I have tried to fill some actual and potential vacancies, so far to no avail. The reasons are understandable, people are getting older, not as well as they used to be, and their vigor to take on added responsibilities diminished.
I suggest that we think in terms of terminating the FMA and the AMF sometime in the not too distant future. The question revolves around how and when?
Judge Colby points out that the AMF could transfer all its funds to the Flying Midshipmen Endowment Fund with the San Diego Foundation, without tax consequences. The result would be that The LOG would have to be paid from FMA funds. I don’t see that as a problem.
Dissolution of the FMA presents more complex issues. On the surface it could mean a loose formation of individuals, perhaps split on the East and West Coasts, who get together as a fraternal organization, without a formal charter. What then happens to the FMA corpus? Perhaps there are other alternatives, hence the reason for this letter.
I’m inclined to set a date for some action along the lines suggested. What comes to mind is the reunion to take place in Pensacola in May, 2011 during the 100th anniversary celebration of naval aviation. On the other hand a later date might be apropos, perhaps five years ahead.
You should know that when I addressed this subject before reunion groups during the past year, the feeling was that it was too early to think of dissolution.
I have no hard and fast feeling about the matter. However, I think planning ahead would be beneficial. I ask myself, what would transpire if Roy, Bill and Dave should suddenly have to be relieved of their duties. My recent experience confirms that finding replacements would be a monumental, if not impossible, undertaking.
I ask each of you to provide me with thoughtful analysis by November 30, 2009 of your ideas respecting the future of the FMA.
Sincerely,
Lou Kriser
703-430-1242
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