N-SSA Board of Directors Minutes

Board of Director’s Meeting

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Virtual

The published minutes were approved with corrections by the Board of

Director’s March 3, 2022 by electronic vote. Commander Kindle called the meeting to order at 9:14 a.m.

Note: Due to technical difficulties, the meeting started 14 minutes later than planned.

National Commander, Charles Kindle welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked all attendees for their participation. He thanked the Board members for allowing the virtual meeting, versus the in person meeting. He felt this was the best way to keep everyone safe at this time. He announced that he planned to conduct the August meeting in person. He welcomed John Zebelean from the Chesapeake Region for sitting in for Regional Commander, Ed Thompson.

Commander Kindle led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Past Commander, David Booz offered the invocation.

National Adjutant, Richard Clements conducted the roll call and reported the following. The following Board of Director’s were reported as present: Charles Kindle, Jr., National Commander

David Booz, Past National Commander

Robert Hannula, National Deputy Commander

Richard Clements, National Adjutant

Michael Santarelli, National Inspector General

Bette Shepherd, National Paymaster

Judy Stoneburner, Executive Secretary Rex Cockerham, Carolina Region Commander

Ralph Shaw, Central Virginia Region Commander

John Zebelean, III, Chesapeake Region Officer

Charlie Bondurant, Deep South Region Commander

Roger Gray, Mid-Atlantic Region Commander

Eric Schuessler, Midwest Region Commander

Lou Ruggerio, New England Region Commander

Robert Kelley, Northeast Region Commander

Edward Walters, Northwest Region Commander

Davy Crockett, Potomac Region Commander

Mike Davenport, Tidewater Region Commander

John Mark, Western Region Commander

National Commander Kindle began the meeting by asking members to keep their responses to a minimum and do not repeat what has already been stated. It makes a long day on the computer. Commander Kindle announced that Todd Hess, Logistics Staff Officer had resigned. He thanked Todd for the many years of great service he provided the organization. Todd Hess whole heartily recommended Sean Shaffer for the position. Davy Crockett moved to approve Sean Shaffer of the 2nd Maryland (044-PT) as the National Logistics Officer. Motion was approved.

Commander Kindle announced that Ericka Hoffmann-Curly, National Photographer resigned last week. He thanked Ericka for the great work she did as the National Photographer. He stated that we are in the process of looking for a new National Photographer and this morning he had appointed Bobby Hannula, National Deputy Commander to take

Commander Kindle announced that this is an election year for national officers. He recommended Douglas Walter, of the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles (Bucktails), Allegheny Region as the Elections Committee Chairperson. David Cole moved to approve the recommendation to appoint Douglas Walter as the 2022 Elections Chair. Recommendation was approved.

Commander Kindle stated that he felt that the fall nationals went very well. The organization is doing well at this time and everyone seemed to like the membership meeting in Memorial Park. I think we should continue to conduct the meeting in Memorial Park when weather permits. There was discussion regarding the logistics of having the meeting outside and the items regarding audio, lighting and signage were addressed. These issues have been or are being resolved for the upcoming nationals. Bobby Hannula moved to hold the membership meeting in Memorial Park. The motion was approved.

Deputy Commander, Robert Hannula reported that he would like everyone to take a moment to appreciate and thank all the N-SSA employees, Officers, Staff Officers, Committee Chairs and members who donate countless hours to the N-SSA. We are an organization that survives on volunteers, without whom we would not be able to continue. If you have the time, or skill sets, please consider helping or joining these committees. Please also remember that when you say “the N-SSA needs to do….” that you are the N-SSA.

National Inspector General, Michael Santarelli stated that the cooperation from the competitors during the fall nationals with the IG’s was excellent. I am pleased to say that the IG Staff did an excellent job during this past national match. Of the thirteen regional IG’s, nine Regional Inspectors were present along with the Middle Atlantic Region’s assistant IG. The IG and staff logged sixty hours on the range conducting inspections.

Results of the inspections done during the shooting from Wednesday through Friday in • Forty-two long arms were inspected. All arms passed both half-cock and trigger pull tests. • Two revolvers were inspected. One revolver failed the trigger pull test and the competitors’ target was disqualified.

Results done during team matches • Breech-Loader - Twelve firearms were inspected and passed. • Single Shot – Sixteen firearms were inspected and passed. • Smoothbore – Thirty-two firearms were inspected and all passed. All competitors with sighted smoothbores had their SAC cards in their possession while on the line. • Carbine –

Forty carbines were inspected and all passed. • Musket – Sixteen muskets were inspected and all passed.

The total number of firearms inspected from Wednesday through Sunday was 160. Commander Kindle stated that it was a job well done.

National Adjutant, Richard Clements

stated he had nothing to report at

this time. Past Commander, Dave

Booz stated that he had nothing to

report at this time. Executive Secretary, Judy Stoneburner referenced the report in the board packet. We fully expect that team participation reporting will be back in practice for 2022. This means unit organizations must participate in a minimum of three skirmishes, either by participation as a team or in a hosting capacity. She recommended that Region Commanders check with their team’s mid-season to see where they stand in participation. If it becomes an issue, it can be discussed during the August Board meeting. She then discussed the memorial bricks and the taps listing, explaining that the numbers appear to be high, but memorials come in from members that were active many years

ago, and the numbers are not just for the current year. She reported that we did very well with our membership numbers in 2021. The final membership numbers for 2021 was 2,682. This was an increase of nine members from the final number in 2020. With the closing of skirmishing for all of 2020 and part of 2021, we ended well as far as membership numbers go. | Going forward, 2022 will be a rebuilding year for membership with the goal of reaching the 2019 ending membership of 2824. At this time, it is the first time in eight years that we exceeded a previous year’s membership and our current member deficit is the lowest it has been in eight years as well. As for new members, the numbers are very positive considering the short skirmish season. We gained 110 new members in 2021. The average age of new male members was 39 and new female members were 34 with an overall age average of 36.5. The average age of all members with 77% of birth years reported is 57 years of age. With the current membership numbers and renewals/returns/late and new members she reported that our membership is healthy. She reported team totals breakdown for 2022 to date: 5 to 10 members, 44 teams (26%), 11 to 19 members, 91 teams (52%), 20 to 25 members, 27 teams (16%), 26 to 47 members 11 teams (6%).

The following teams have notified the secretary that they would be folding in 2022. 268CV Company D, 33rd Virginia and 133PT and CSS Alabama.

Letters will be sent regarding removing campers from these sites. The National Adjutant will prepare the letters to the teams. 152PT Hart’s Battery had letters sent prior to Covid and this administration regarding their below required membership numbers. Davy Crockett moved that Hart’s Battery be placed on inactive status. Motion approved.

After action: The motion was made to rescind the vote to inactivate Hart’s Battery 152-PT. The unit had met the membership requirement on March 1, 2022. Motion to rescind inactive status was approved March 3, 2022.

The Iredell Blues (262CR) of the Carolina Region has submitted paperwork to transfer to the Chesapeake Region. The Chesapeake region has endorsed the transfer. Should this transfer be approved the Iredell Blues unit/region would become 262-CH. Roger Gray moved to approve the transfer. Transfer approved.

The 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade has made application as a new unit in the N-SSA. All the paperwork and fees have been submitted and the appropriate staff officers have reviewed the paperwork. Should the 1st MD PHB be approved on a probationary status their probationary number would be 982-PT. They have applied with (6) members. Davy Crockett moved to approve the 1st Maryland Potomac Home Brigade. Motion approved. This new probationary unit will stand for inspection at 10:00 a.m. on Friday of the spring nationals in Memorial Park.

Judy reminded everyone that the Release & Affirmation for Non-Member participation form must be completed before a non-member could shoot on the line per 16.2.2 Non-Member Firing Rule at Regional Skirmishes rule.

Deputy Commander Hannula moved to approve the 2022 skirmish dates with changes presented. Motion approved.

David Cole moved to approve

the 145th National patch. Motion

approved. Lou Ruggerio moved

to approve the 146th National

patch. Motion approved.

National Paymaster, Bette Shepherd reported a review of the budget shows the association ended the year in a positive position. We met our budgeted income forecast; however, most of the favorable variance is due to the extremely high level of donations, memorial donations and miscellaneous income from the Federal PPP Loan that was forgiven. We also underspent on expenses for the year with most of the savings in the O&M budget. The fund balances show a

healthy set-aside for needed projects. We received $18,135.00 in memorial donations that were not designated for a specific project. These donations are being shown in the restricted funds balances to allow the Board to consider projects that might be accomplished in the memory of these past skirmishers. Overall, the Association is in decent shape financially. We have nine months of unrestricted cash for operations along with a healthy fund balance for projects to improve the property and support recruitment and retention. The proposed budget uses a conservative approach in forecasting income. Most of the income budgets are based on two or 3-year averages along with the assumption some of the restricted project funds will be used. The expense budgets are based on requests by committee chairs and averages of past actuals. The budget does show a small loss ($4,307.00) at the end of the year. Bobby Hannula moved to authorize Tim Scanlan to purchase the batwing mower with donations for that purpose and replacement funds and that any future donations that come in for the batwing go to replenish the Replacement Contingency Reserve fund. Motion was approved.

Old Business • Golf Cart Proposal has been postponed until

August 2022. • Northeast Region Commander, Bob Kelley reported that the Northeast Region trophy remains missing from the Historical Building.

A written report has been sent to the Virginia

State Police and the trophy is considered as stolen or a missing item.

Eddie Davenport, Skirmish Line Editor report that he had spoken with the printers regarding expedited shipping and the amount would be $2,500 to $3,000.00. This is significantly higher. As far as another issue (statistics issues), it could be put in the budget and would cost about the same as a regular issue with the mentioned shipping amount. He recommended that to put the statistics in a regular issue to avoid the extra shipping. Regarding general items in the four issues, he would like to limit each region to two pagers per issue. He reported that we have eight businesses that advertise and at the moment three individuals in the classified section. He is in negotiations with a few other businesses to advertise with us as well. These advertisements are important for the organization as they help offset the cost of the magazine as well as earn the association additional income. He has continued the tradition of allowing all committees to include sections and worked with the heads of committees to make sure the section is to their liking. The committees that have had items printed and hopefully continue to print are the Charitable Giving Committee, Small Arms Committee and the Costume Committee.

History Center Officer – Gary Crawford was unavailable. David Cole reported that Gary Crawford has taken the position of the History Center Staff Officer and he (David) along with Bill Jordan, Ken Winklepleck and Donna Crawford had gotten the center open and running for the fall nationals. We are currently working on the spring nationals. One item of discussion was having the propane tanks placed so that we can get some heat in the building. Property Management verified that this is in the plans for 2022 if their budget request is approved. We are planning to have a grand re-opening during the spring nationals. We have a couple of things that we are looking at. For the fall opening, we had over 200 people come through during the fall nationals. The request was made for Region Commanders ask what would be interesting in the history center on a temporary basis from their units. Example, rotating displays/items. We appreciate this and can incorporate this each nationals. We are working with the Property Management Committee to add an adjacent system of stairs from the upper parking lot level down to the fire-escape stair and on the entrance to the Veteran’s Building. Gary Crawford recommended a name change to the building. The name Historical Center (current) is usually reserved for some place or thing famous in history. This museum is not a historical site but is a place for members to view items and stories telling about the history of their organization, the N SSA. Charlie Bondurant moved to change the name of the center from the N-SSA Historical Center & A. C. Baird Research Center to the N-SSA History Center & A. C. Baird Research Center. 16 in favor, One opposed, the motion passed.

Program Officer’s, Jason Rexrode and Lynn Warner reviewed the selection for the 145th nationals under the 80% rule. The idea is to stretch out the time between hosting. We are still going to have the minim of 150 on the host staff. Going forward if we do not get the numbers that we are supposed to from host teams, the skirmish director has to be the one to report to the

Board that the particular team did not provide the number required. The 150th national skirmish is coming up. If the board would like to commemorate this event, we would suggest that the ideas be s ubmitted to the long-range planning committee so that they have time to work things out and get in the schedule. Commander Kindle stated that Charlie Bondurant, Skirmish Director for the 150th was working on this.

The Program Chairs recommend that host staff officers read all the materials in the Skirmish Director’s manual. There is a pre-nationals checklist that goes out to the Skirmish Director’s with specific items that are supposed to be provided to National staff prior to the nationals and this is not being done. Life will be much easier if Skirmish Directors plan ahead and inform their host staff of their duties prior to them arriving to the nationals. Commander Kindle agreed and stated it was the responsibility of the Skirmish Director to inform their staff of everything that they need to know and communication is key to a successful skirmish.

Roger Gray moved to accept the 145th National Program as a working document. Bobby Hannula moved to amend the motion that the National Program will always be a working document. Amended motion approved.

John Mark moved to change the nationals board meeting to an earlier time. Motion failed.

Property Management Committee reported that all normal routine maintenance has been performed. There is funding for bathroom updates in the range area. The bathroom at the Pistol Range is complete and we anticipate completion of the bathroom at the Stat house prior to the Snowball Skirmish. We plan to conduct the 2022 work skirmish Saturday, June 18, 2022; projects include but are not limited to the following: Paint as needed, outside stairway along left side to emergency stairway continuing to back of building, handrail on front porch. Maintenance of Cardiac Hill stairway, trim brush, playground maintenance and replace treads on main bridge. Many roads have been done; the area from the end of the barn to the house has been tarred and chipped. An asphalt swell has been put in. An asphalt transition at the bathhouse near sutlers has been put in. The stat house bathroom has been retiled. Tim Scanlan reported that there are not any more landlines on the property. Jeff Hall has performed a general inspection of the property and finds it to be in good condition. Bobby Hannula moved to approve the Property Management budget. Motion approved.

Provost Marshall, Robert Klutas spoke about the Mission Statement and Provost Rules. He reported that the National Skirmish went well in the eyes of the Provost. There was a problem with the batteries and radios and the problem was resolved. He thanked the Provost Deputies and Guards who went above and beyond in serving the Board and the membership at-large helping make the 144th a safe and an enjoyable skirmish. Copies of citations issued were given to the Executive secretary without recommendations.

PIO Bruce Miller stated that his report stands as presented in the board packet. He commented on the terrific job that Ericka Hoffmann-Curly has done as our Photographic Officer. Ericka and her staff have been an immense assistance to him. I know we will get someone that will approach the same professionalism that Ericka practiced.

Recruiting Officer, Robert Harrison, stated that he would not be able to do the recruiting item in his written report at the nationals. I think it is a good idea to hold the event; however, I am just not sure when this could happen. He discussed the idea of a recruiting skirmish. I have handled the incoming inquiries from the N-SSA website with alacrity on each inquiry. We maintain a high standard of follow-up and thus far, none have gone unanswered. Activities include shows and course evangelizing recruiting to the general membership as

well as Social Media driven activities to generate interest. We are putting a lot of focus on the regions for recruiting trying to help them acquire the tools necessary for effective recruiting and thus far, our efforts are bearing some fruit in the endeavor. We will continue to expand our efforts in the coming year with more shows and more outreach in the regions. Commander Kindle thanked Rob for the good work.

Chris De Francisci, Revolver Officer observed the operation of the revolver range during individual and team competition and thought the team did a commendable job. Larry Chiarizia did an excellent job in the tower and in running the individual and team matches. He reported that the safeties were not always aware of National Rules. It should be a requirement for safeties to review the National Rules prior to their duties at a nationals. Safeties should also be reminded that a respectful approach to issues works better than a heavy-handed approach. In regards to the Smoothbore Pistol Match, his observation was that the loading stands substantially reduced the chance of a safety violation and eliminated the chance of some safety issues previously noted. Other observers and safety officers shared this observation. Commander Kindle thanked him for a job well done.

Rules Officer, Sharon Myers presented the following.

Both currently read: “If a competitor’s 15th birthday…”

Since the Bylaws were changed to permit those 14 and older to compete in N-SSA live fire competition, both of these rules need to change from ‘15th birthday’ to ‘14th birthday’ in order to bring the rules into line with the By-laws

36.2.a

Rule currently reads: “All dependents and guests of N-SSA members who are under the age of 15 years and who are not members of the N-SSA are eligible to participate in Youth Competition in two age classifications: Juniors – ages 4 years through 10 years

Seniors – ages 11 years through 14 years

Proposed amendments: “All dependents and guests of N-SSA members who are under the age of 14 years and who are not members of the N-SSA are eligible to participate in Youth Competition in two age classifications: Juniors – ages 4 years through 9 years

Seniors – ages 10 years through 13 years

Davy Crockett moved to approve 36.2.c and 36.2.d, 36.2.a, 36.8.b as presented. Bobby Hannula amended the motion to table 36.2.c, 36.2.d and 36.2a until August 2022. The amended motion was approved.

36.8.b

Rule currently reads: “Individual Youth Competition awards shall be presented as follows: Juniors: Six places BB gun. Juniors may compete in the Senior pellet rifle competition. Seniors: Three places pellet rifle; six places BB gun.”

Proposed amendments: “Individual Youth Competition awards shall be presented as follows: 1. Juniors – Six places BB gun.

2. Seniors – Six places BB gun.

3. Unclassified pellet rifle – Three places.

Davy Crockett moved to approve 36.8.b. Motion approved.

Rule 29.4 currently reads: “Challenges and protests in company matches may be made for the same reasons as in individual matches as set forth in rules 29.1 and 29.2 above, except that no fee shall be required.” Rule 29.5 currently reads: “Challenges and protests in Artillery Matches must be made by the gunner in the same manner as a protest made in the company matches.”

Proposed combined rule 29.4: “Challenges and protests in all company matches, including mortar and artillery, may be made for the same reasons as in individual matches as set forth in rules 29.1 and 29.2 above, except that no fee shall be required.”

29.6.1 Protest Times for National Skirmishes

Currently reads:

a. Protests for all competed company matches, including mortar, will

close Saturday at 3:00 pm.

b. Protests for musket company matches will close Sunday 1/2 hour after the final results are posted.

Proposed

a. Protests for individual matches shall be Saturday morning with times posted in the National

Skirmish Schedule. The reconcile period shall end forty-five minutes after the protest period ends.

b. Protests for all completed company matches, including mortar, shall close Saturday at 3:00 pm. c. Protests for artillery matches shall close Sunday at 10:00 am.

d. Protests for musket company matches shall close Sunday, 30 minutes after

the final results are posted.

Dave Cole moved to approve combining 29.4 and 29.5 and proposed 29.6.1 change. Motion approved

There are a number of rules in various chapters of the rulebook that serve to guide the Statistics Office in the matters of applying penalties and or disqualifications during the various matches. We are requesting the board approve the clarifications as listed below in order to make things simpler for the volunteers in the data entry corps.

18.11.1.b

Currently reads: “The failure of an individual on a company to pass inspection shall cause that company to be disqualified from the previous event and penalized under rule 18.10.”

Proposed amendment: “The failure of an individual or their firearm on a company to pass inspection shall cause that company to be penalized under rule 18.10.”

18.11.3

Currently reads: “Any company in which a competitor or a competitor’s firearm is found not to comply with these skirmish rules shall be disqualified for the event immediately preceding the discovery of the violation, and penalized according to rule 18.10.”

18.12

Currently reads: “If a firearm has been disabled and cleared three times in one skirmish, it shall be declared unfit for competition, and may not be used again in that skirmish.”

Proposed amendment: “If a firearm has been disabled and cleared three times in one skirmish, it shall be declared unfit for competition, and shall not be used again in that skirmish.”

19.8.2.c

Currently reads: “Use of a non-production firearm for which proof is required, but which cannot be shown, shall cause the individual (and his company, if in a company match) to be disqualified under rules 18.11.1 or 18.11.2 as appropriate.”

Proposed amendment: “Use of a non-production firearm for which proof is required, but which cannot be shown, shall cause the individual (and his

company, if during a company match) to be penalized under rules 18.11.1 or 18.11.2 as appropriate.” Currently reads: “An individual disqualified because of failure to pass inspection may be penalized according to appropriate parts of rule 18.11 and its subsections.”

21.7.d

Currently reads: “A company disqualified because of failure to pass inspection shall be penalized according to rule 18.11.1.”

Proposed amendment: “A company with members who fail to pass inspection shall be penalized in accordance with rule 18.11.1.b.”

25.1.1.c

Currently reads: “The penalty for violation shall be disqualification under rules 18.10 and 18.11. This penalty may be assessed by the line judge or range staff, but only after the competitor has been warned and has failed to correct his/her stance.”

Proposed amendment: “The penalty for violation shall be applied under rules 18.10 and 18.11.”

Approved 16 in favor and 1 opposed

This section often conflates insurance c ertificates with host skirmish applications. What we would like to do is clarify to teams

who host regionals what is required and when. This will ease the burden on both the Executive Secretary and Insurance Officer in providing the necessary documentation to regional ranges that require it.

Current rules:

30.6 REGIONAL SKIRMISH INSURANCE

a. The N-SSA shall provide liability insurance for Regional Skirmishes and the Veterans Skirmish. b. The host organization of a Regional Skirmish shall apply for this coverage through its Region Commander. c. The Region Commander shall forward the application only after he has determined that the proposed skirmish program conforms to the Skirmish Rules.

d. Official skirmishes, as defined in ARTICLE VIII, Sections 1 and 3, regional specialty skirmishes, drawn-team regional skirmishes, and the Veterans Skirmish shall be covered by the liability insurance of the N-SSA.

Proposed rules:

30.6 REGIONAL SKIRMISHES

a. The N-SSA shall provide liability insurance for official skirmishes as defined in Article VIII, Sections 1 and 3, regional skirmishes, regional specialty skirmishes, drawn team regional skirmishes, and the Veterans Skirmish. b. The host organization of a regional skirmish shall apply for this coverage through its Region Commander via the Application to Host a Regional Skirmish. c. The Region Commander shall forward the Application to Host only after he/she has determined that the proposed skirmish program conforms to the Skirmish Rules. Completed Applications to Host must be received by the Executive Secretary no later than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled skirmish date. d. Region Commanders with venues requiring proof of insurance shall apply for those insurance certificates no later than February 15th of the skirmish year. Roger Gray moved to approve rule 30.6. and rescind Policy 1991.1. Motion approved.

Match Targeting at Nationals When the Board voted in 2018 to go back to 4 person teams from 5, the “quantity of targeting was never changed in the rules. What is being proposed is to change the number of targets per shooter to accurately reflect how we’re currently doing business. Since it is a separate rules change, it requires a Board vote.

3.1.2.5.1 15 12 clay pigeons on a backer, 25 yards

3.1.2.5.2 10 8 hanging 4” tiles, 25 yards

3.1.2.5.3 10 8 hanging pot silhouettes, 25 yards

3.1.2.5.4 7 6 hanging 6” tiles, 50 yards

Bobby Hannula moved to approve targeting

change to 3.1.2.5. Motion approved. Clarification

of Rule 3.1.2.4.1 – Single Shot Breechloading Ri-

A determination from the Board has been requested on the correct number of targets for Single Shot Breechloaders to shoot at 100 yards is needed. When SS was broken out of the BL/Carbine II class and made its own entity, it was voted to use half the standard number of targets for SS that are shot by cartridge BL firearms. While this formula works for all targeting at 50 yards, it brings up an issue for 6” tiles at 100 yards. In all other firearms disciplines, the number of tiles shot at 100 yards is one per competitor plus two hospital targets as spelled out in Rules 5.4.2.b.1, 6.4.2.b.1, and 9.4.2.2.a. This brings us in to a conflict with Rule 3.1.2.4.1 that states SS Teams shall shoot at 5 6” tiles at 100 yards.

We are requesting that the Board make a decision on whether to use the practice of ‘1 per plus two’ as is done in all other team matches or if SSBL Team competition will continue to use 5 6”

tiles at 100 yards for national competition. Bobby Hannula made the motion to use the practice of “1 per plus two” for Single Shot at 100 yards during National Competition. Motion approved. The penalty table will be presented at August meeting.

Single Shot Pistol Company Matches

Dave Cole moved to approve the Single Shot Pistol Company Matches beginning spring of 2023 become a permanent part of the national Schedule. The Single Shot Pistol Company match will be a demonstration match during 2022. Motion approved. 16 in favor and 1 opposed. Rules chapter for Single Shot Pistol Company Match will be presented at the August Board meeting.

National Safety Officer, Doug Walters reported that things went well during the fall nationals. He conducted a safety briefing Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. for all Safety Officers, Line Judges and Ordnance personnel as required using the “Procedures for Safety Officers” handbook as a guideline for the briefing. Several safety officers stated that they referenced these booklets several times during the individual matches and that they were able to resolve issues quickly by doing so. He recommended that handing out the “Procedures for Safety Officers” handbook continue in future events. This handbook is posted online. Commander Kindle thanked Doug for a job well done.

Signal Officer, Bobby Hannula reported the main range revolver range PA systems were assessed prior to the fall nationals. Prior to the national, a separate PA system was purchased by the Youth Committee and installed at sub tower three for their use during the children’s BB gun match. The awards ceremony at the fall national afforded the first opportunity to use the portable PA system that was purchased through a donation by the 110th Ohio Volunteers. This system was a dramatic improvement over our previous one and would like to thank the 110th for their donation. The podium has been refinished as well as replacing the microphone stand. Plans for 2022 are to maintain the systems we have and to investigate making the PA system in the barn more intelligible for the membership meeting and whatever other uses deemed necessary for.

Small Arms Staff Officer, John Holland reported 44 arms inspected and issued permanent Small Arms Individual Approval cards. This is a total of 76 SAC cards issued in 2021. Two arms presented and given approval in October 2021 were the Remington Model 1863 Rifle, aka “Zouave”, in .58” caliber and the Henry Model 1860 Lever Action Rifle, Iron Frame.

The Small Arms Committee was authorized at the August 2021 meeting to be given a computer for official business use. The computer has been purchased through the IT Department and set up. Commander Kindle thanked John for all of his hard work.

Statistics Officer, Jeff Knauss reported that the fall nationals went well. He reported that he is fully staffed and thanked the host staff that ran the stat house during the nationals. In addition, he stated that the plan is to close down the stat house between 5:00 and 5:30 each day of the nationals.

The request when re-ordering the N-SSA 1 and N-SSA 2 individual targets is to have the following done. To line up the centerline of 3-bull target with the line between 8 & 7 in the scoring box, and the same on the 100-yard 2 bull target as well. The revolver targets are in line. Tim Scanlan stated this can happened, however, not until the fall nationals, as there is already inventory for the spring.

Items for end of protest decision to be added to the program

To be added to the National Program schedule:

Saturday Individual targets protest period ends at 11:00 a.m. Add a new line the reconcile period will end at 11:45a.m.

The National Statistics Office request the permission of the N-SSA Board of Directors to use their own

golf cart for Official Statistic Office business at the National Skirmishes. The golf cart has been offered to the Association to be used exclusively at Nationals. The cart will be clearly identified by signage STAT House Only. Arrangements have been made to store cart off Fort Shenandoah property between nationals. Davy Crockett moved to allow use of golf cart. Approved.

The Board of Director’s assembled in Executive Session.

Upon returning to the General Session, Davy Crockett moved to approve the actions taken in executive session. Motion approved.

Charitable Giving Committee Chair, Wayne Jordan was unavailable. Bette Shepherd presented his report as written. The committee has collected over $55,000.00 in donations. He expected a significant additional amount to come in by the end of the year. On November 30, 2021, a request from a skirmisher was made to donate shares of stock for the first time. Wayne is coordinating with Bette Shepherd to handle this transfer. The fund raising campaign included two articles in the Skirmish Line and a listing of 2020 donors. There were two direct mail solicitations. At the fall nationals, a postcard type flyer was given to everyone who passed through registration. Wayne has coordinated with the N-SSA Retail store managers to also accept donations. Presently there have been 200 donations from approximately 180 different donors. Once money is raised, we need to put it to work. Besides the project planned by the Property Management Committee, this money was intended for skirmishers or teams to use to improve facilities (bathrooms) near their campsites as a few teams have already done. He encouraged Regional Commanders in making sure their members are aware of this opportunity. The dual strategies of looking for both immediate donations and the strategy of playing the long game by planting the seeds for bigger donations from more people in the future is on track. I am hearing more talk about the IRA accounts for donations. I am hoping that the big tax advantages of using the IRA’s will lead to very significant donations in the coming years, and now the idea of donors using appreciated stock is also coming into fruition. A $5,000.00 budget request was History & Education Committee Chair, John Zebelean stated that the chief contributor, John Sharrett has passed away. John has been one of the stalwart backbones of the whole history and education program in terms of the number of reports that he submitted.

Even before the reopening of skirmishing at Fort Shenandoah home range this fall, we saw a resurgence of N-SSA participation in community historical events that help tell the story of the nation’s most crucial event. At the History & Education Speaker Series held on Friday evening in conjunction with the Fall National Skirmish, Kernstown Battlefield Association President Gary Sheppard and the N-SSA member gave a report on the battle of Kernstown. Regional Commanders encourage their teams and individuals to report participation in school visits, ceremonies, commemorations and parades. Documentation forms are available on the N-SSA website. The reports substantiate our IRS tax-exempt status as an educational organization.

Long Range Committee Chairs, Ed Thompson and Bobby Hannula had nothing to report. They would like to make the request to the membership to please submit ideas or suggestions for the committee to pursue. The basis of this committee is to flush out ideas that could be things to implement 1-5 years down the road and we need the membership to help with what they would like to see.

Marketing Committee Chair, Chris De Francisci stated that we continue to see a backlash against all things Confederate in 2021. On the positive side our print media efforts, spearheaded by Bruce Miller continue to reach a substantial number of people interested in the Civil War and who are likely spending more time reading the publications in which we advertise due to being at home as a result of the Wuhan COVID-19 virus. The VMI summer camp coordinator is quite interested in educating and promoting awareness of the Civil War. We will continue conversations with them and try to arrange a program for 2022. The

committee is working with the Skirmish Line Editor to review content and promote N-SSA authors to submit articles. Reciprocal ads with the Single Shot Exchange and with the NMLRA Muzzle Blasts continue. We are looking for venues to increase our visibility in positive ways. We also participated in the recent inaugural N-SSA Firearms Seminar that was held on the main range across from the stat house prior to the Fall National. We also engaged with Wayne Jordan, Charitable Giving to see about assisting with ideas for charitable donations. Bruce Miller stated that our advertising campaign is designed to create awareness of and positive image of the N SSA. In the enthusiastic community in which we are currently advertising, they know re enactors, but skirmishers are a mystery. We are presenting what skirmishing is all about and the ads are designed to drive traffic to the website and have interested people to click on the recruiting link. We have formed relationships with these publications. We are reaching two target audiences, Civil War enthusiast and firearm enthusiast. Davy Crockett moved to approve the budget request of $11,885.00. Motion approved

The following written reports were acknowledged: Artillery Officer, Bivouac Officer, IT Manager, Youth Program Coordinator, Costume Committee Chair, Registration Officer and Retail Sales Managers.

National Paymaster, Bette Shepherd returned with the updates to the 2022 budget. Based on some items from executive session to balance the proposals and with a few minor adjustments she reported the revenue as $343,732.00. This is a considered a balanced budget. David Booz moved to approve the 2022 budget. Budget approved.

Final Board member comments:

Dave Booz: I have nothing to add, thank you Chuck for leading the meeting Rick Clements: Good meeting John Zebelean: Thank you for allowing me to sit in on this meeting. This is the first time I have participated. Charlie Bondurant: Here is to an in person meeting in David Cole: Nothing to add.

John Mark: Another successful meeting .

Rex Cockerham: Repeat what has been said and appreciate the input.

Bob Kelley: Stay safe and healthy.

Eric Schuessler: Don’t like computers or cell phones

Roger Gray: Looking forward to seeing everyone and new leadership in Virginia. Mike Davenport: Looking forward to 2022, we did loose John Sharrett this year from COVID, be vigilant and safe. Bette Shepperd: Nothing to add.

Mike Santarelli: Good meeting

Bobby Hannula: Good meeting, thanks

Ralph Shaw: Great meeting for our last virtual meeting

Ed Walter: Glad I didn’t have to drive to the meeting, good meeting.

Lou Ruggerio: Nothing to add

Davy Crockett: Good meeting

Judy: Thanks for everything that you do for the association, it is most appreciated. Chuck: Thanks to Lars and Sherry for their hard work. Thanks to everyone that took the time to attend today.

At 2:58 p.m., Davy Crockett moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion to adjourn was approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy O. Stoneburner

Executive Secretary

February 15, 2022