CONSTITUTION and BY-L AWS

            
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CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS

 

HUNTSVILLE CHAPTER

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

 

PREAMBLE

 

To inculcate and stimulate love of our Country and Flag.

 

To defend the honor, integrity and supremacy of our National Government and the Constitution of the United States of America.

 

To advocate military forces adequate to defend our Country.

 

To foster fraternal relations among all branches of the various services from which our members are drawn.

 

To further the education of past and present service personnel and their dependents.

 

To aid in every proper and legitimate manner, the active and retired personnel of the uniformed services, their dependents and survivors.

 

BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE 1 NAME

 

Section 1. The name of this organization is Huntsville Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, hereinafter referred to as HCMOAA.

 

Section 2. The geographic area from which members may be admitted is unlimited. Eligible applicants may apply for membership in accordance with Article III of these By-Laws.

 

Section 3. The HCMOAA is a nonprofit organization, operating exclusively for the purposes stated in Article II.

 

Section 4.  If the organization is dissolved, all funds in the treasury at the time will be used to meet any outstanding debts, liabilities, or obligations.  The balance of these assets will be disposed of as determined by the membership or be given to an Exempt Organization, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, and whose purposes and objectives are similar to those of the HCMOAA. Unless theft or criminal fraud is involved, the individual members of the chapter shall not be held personally liable for debts of, or claims against, the chapter.

 

ARTICLE II PURPOSE

 

The purpose of the HCMOAA shall be to bring together commissioned and warrant officers, active and retired, and persons who have held status as commissioned or warrant officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Public Health Service, including all components thereof, hereafter called the Uniformed Services, for the purpose of supporting the objectives stated in the preamble hereof and for such worthy causes as may be determined proper by the Huntsville Chapter, including the following:

 

a) Provide a social organization for Military Officers whereby they can meet periodically and enjoy fellowship with people of similar interests and backgrounds.

 

b) Counsel and advise members relative to their entitlement under laws administered by the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Tricare, Tricare for Life, and Medicare.

 

c) Counsel and advise survivors of deceased members concerning benefits to which they are entitled and assist such survivors in every way possible.  Counsel and advice must be in accord with Uniformed Service Policies.

 

d) Provide periodic programs on subjects of particular interest to members of the HCMOAA.

 

e) Provide to the public general information concerning the Military Officers Association of America, its history and objectives and obtain favorable publicity for the Uniformed Services, both active and retired.

 

f) Promote better understanding and more cordial relations among members of the Uniformed Services, both active and retired, and the communities in which they reside.

 

g) Maintain liaison with appropriate commands of all Uniformed Services in the North Alabama area and promote cooperation in matters of mutual interest.

 

h) Provide representation to the Alabama Council of Chapters of MOAA in order to better coordinate common goals and objectives with affiliated Chapters of MOAA.

 

i) Study and evaluate proposed state and national legislation affecting the Uniformed Services and make recommendations through appropriate channels.

 

j) Promote and assist worthy community activities. The Governing Board and members present and voting at a regular or special meeting shall approve any monetary assistance.

 

k) Maintain liaison with the Redstone Arsenal Retirement Services Office and Military Retiree Council.

 

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS

 

Section 1. Subject to the provisions hereof, membership shall be composed of:

 

a) Active, retired, reserve, national guard, former officers and warrant officers of the following services:  Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

 

b) Individuals elected as Honorary Members as set forth in Section 2(c) of this Article.

 

There shall be no discrimination in membership or participation in the affairs of the Association based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age.

 

Section 2. Membership shall be of three (3) classes, as follows:

 

a) ANNUAL MEMBERS. Those eligible for membership, as prescribed in Section I (a) of this Article, who apply for membership and pay the prescribed annual dues.

 

b) LIFE MEMBERS.  Any chapter member described in Article III, Section 2(a), in good standing may apply for life membership. The applicant must have dues paid one year in advance and the application accompanied by the required amount of deposit to the LIFE MEMBER TRUST, recognized by Article V, Dues, Section 3. The LIFE MEMBER TRUST (LMT) is administered according to APPENDIX 1 of these By-Laws.

 

c) HONORARY MEMBERS.  Upon approval of the majority of the members present and voting at a regular Governing Board meeting, the Chapter President, or designated representative, may extend Honorary Membership to distinguished individuals of the military or civilian service while serving in a position of responsibility deemed appropriate. Honorary Membership will be for one year only, but may be extended each year by the President without further vote, as long as the individual continues serving in the same position of responsibility.

 

Section 3. All members of the HCMOAA are encouraged to be members in good standing of the National Military Officers Association of America (MOAA.).  All members of the Governing Board (Article VII, Section 6) shall be members in good standing of National MOAA.

 

Section 4. Application for membership shall be in writing and approved by the HCMOAA Membership Committee (Article VII, Section 3).

 

Section 5. Each dues paying MEMBER shall be entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the membership for vote.

 

Section 6.  A member may be removed for cause from HCMOAA by the Executive Committee, after having an opportunity to be heard.

 

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS

 

Section 1. The elected officers of the HCMOAA shall consist of President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and service representatives for Army, Navy/Marines, and Air Force.

 

Section 2. The officers of the HCMOAA shall be elected by members present and voting at a regular

or special meeting and shall hold office for 2 years.

 

Section 3. After an opportunity to be heard, any officer may be removed from office by a majority vote of voting members present at a regular meeting of the HCMOAA or at a special meeting called for that purpose.

 

Section 4. The 1st Vice President or 2nd Vice President, in succession, shall fill a vacancy in the office of the President for the unexpired term. The 2nd Vice President will fill a vacancy in the office of the 1st Vice President. A vacancy in the office of the 2nd Vice President and all other elected officers (except the President and 1st Vice President) will be filled by appointment of the Executive Committee (Article VII, Section 1), to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. Officers filling a new position will be installed at the first regular meeting of the Chapter, or at the first Governing Board meeting following acceptance.

 

Section 5. The officers of the HCMOAA shall serve without compensation from the Chapter funds.  Reimbursement of expenses are subject to approval by the Governing Board.

 

ARTICLE V DUES

 

Section 1. The dues of the HCMOAA shall be a specified amount as determined by majority vote at a meeting called at least 30 days following an announcement in THE SENTINEL newsletter.  Dues shall be payable for membership each January 1st and shall be good for that calendar year. New members added to the roster after 1 July shall pay 1/2 the annual rate. New members added to the roster after 1 November will have their dues extended through the following calendar year.

 

Section 2. Members may elect to pay annual dues for one, two, or three years in advance at the prevailing rate. These dues shall not be subject to subsequent increases or decreases. Dues paid in advance will be placed in a savings account or equivalent and will not be available for expenditure by the chapter until the year for which they are applicable.

 

Section 3.  LIFE MEMBERSHIP TRUST.  This section recognizes the establishment of a "LIFE MEMBER TRUST" (LMT) for those members who voluntarily desire to participate.  The purpose of the LMT is to make lifetime payment of dues to the Chapter.  The Chapter Membership-At-Large is not responsible for any shortages resulting from the LMT.

 

It is the sole responsibility of those who choose to participate as LMT members, under the guidelines established by APPENDIX 1, to meet the dues requirement of the HCMOAA. If the LMT fund is unable to fully meet the committed dues obligations for a year, the Chapter membership may delay the shortfall for one year.  However, if the shortage occurs for a second consecutive year, the Chapter shall take action to dissolve or make necessary corrections to the operation of the LMT fund.

 

ARTICLE VI MEETINGS

 

Section 1. The regular meeting of the HCMOAA shall be held monthly on a date designated by the

Executive Committee or the President. The Programs Committee shall make the necessary arrangements for the place and time of each meeting.  

 

Section 2. Installation of officers of the HCMOAA shall be conducted at the January monthly meeting of the appropriate year (currently odd numbered years).

 

Section 3. The rules contained in the most current revision of "Robert's Rules of Order" shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with the ByLaws or special rules of the HCMOAA.

 

ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES AND CHAPTER GOVERNING BOARD

 

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Committee composed of the elected officers of the HCMOAA, the immediate past President and the preceding past President.  Past presidents may resign from the Executive Committee and, as available, past Presidents in succession will be invited to fill the vacant position.

 

Section 2. The President shall annually appoint such standing and special committees as may be required by the By-Laws or as he/she may find advisable.

 

Section 3. The standing committees of the chapter shall include, but not be limited to: membership, personal affairs, programs, legislative, public affairs, surviving spouses / auxiliary (see Appendix 2), hospitality, historian, finance, and Constitution and By-Laws.  The President shall also appoint a chapter chaplain.

 

Section 4. It shall be the duty of the President to appoint an auditing committee (3 members minimum), subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, to audit the Treasurer's financial accounts annually (fiscal year) or before (if greater than 120 days since the last audit) the financial accounts are transferred to a new Treasurer. The auditors shall submit a formal report to the membership via the Chapter President showing their findings. The report will become a part of the Chapter records.

 

Section 5. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee.

 

Section 6. A Chapter "Governing Board" shall consist of the Executive Committee, Chairmen of each standing committee and Chairmen of such committees and other Board Members as the president may designate. The Chapter Governing Board exists for the purpose of coordinating all Chapter activities, providing increased representation and participation of members in all Chapter activities and will normally meet with the Executive Committee as a Chapter Governing Board at meetings called by the President. The President, or his representative, will preside at all Chapter Governing Board meetings. The Chapter Secretary will serve as Secretary for the Chapter Governing Board meetings. When appropriate, the Chapter Governing Board meetings may replace the Executive Committee meetings and the minutes will be kept by the Secretary and submitted in writing for review, correction and approval at the subsequent meeting.  Copies of the Governing Board minutes shall be made available to the general membership upon request.

 

Section 7.  The Finance Committee and the Treasurer shall prepare an Annual Fiscal Year Budget for review and modification and approval of the Governing Board and the majority of members present

and voting at the September meeting of HCMOAA.  The budget cycle shall be 1 October through 30 September.

 

ARTICLE VIII ELECTIONS

 

Section 1. Regular elections of officers will be held biannually on even numbered years. Prior to the July membership meeting of the HCMOAA, the President shall appoint a nominating committee chaired by the immediate past President and a representative from each of the uniformed services represented in the HCMOAA. Available past Presidents of the HCMOAA are also designated as members of the nominating committee. The Committee Chairman or his representative shall present the names of candidates proposed at the September membership meeting. Names of the nominees shall be published in the October edition (electronic and printed) of THE SENTINEL.

 

Section 2. At the October membership meeting the recommended slate of nominees shall be read and additional nominations called for from the floor. Nominations shall then be closed and election of officers will take place. The results of the election shall be published in the November and January (printed only) editions of THE SENTINEL. The newly elected officers will take office at a formal installation at the January meeting.

 

ARTICLE IX CHANGES IN CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

 

Section 1. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Huntsville Chapter may be altered, amended, or changed, or a new Constitution and By-Laws may be adopted, by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Chapter called for that purpose.

 

ARTICLE X THE AMERICAN FLAG

 

The American Flag shall be displayed and honored at all meetings of the Huntsville Chapter.

 

APPROVED AND ADOPTED AT THE ORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE HUNTSVILLE (FORMERLY REDSTONE) CHAPTER OF THE MILITARY (FORMERLY RETIRED) OFFICERS ASSOCIATION IN THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1961. Revised 26 September 1965, March 1970, 26 November 1975, 27 December 1978, 27 March 1985, 29 July 1987, 18 October 1993, 10 January 1995, 1 January 1997, 28 May 1997, 10 March 1998, 19 February 2003, 26 November 2003, 28 January 2004. 29 August 2007, 30 July 2008, 25 January 2012, 25 March 2015, XX July 2016.

 

Amendment 1:  Personal liability clarification required by RSA JAG.  Amendment approved by General Membership on 28 May 1997

 

Amendment 2:  The original Paragraph 2 (LIMITED TRANSITION PERIOD) of Appendix No.1,

 

 

LIFE MEMBER TRUST of the Constitution and By Laws effective 1 January 1997, was deleted in

view of the fact that the period of applicability expired on 31 December 1997.  The provisions for the disposition of a deceased LMT members original deposit and the prerogatives of the surviving spouse

 

---originally part of Paragraph 1: (Establishment)---were extracted and separately listed as the new Paragraph 2, for clarity.  Approved by the HCTROA Executive Board on 10 March 1998.

 

Amendment 3:  On 19 February 2003, the general membership voted to change the name to Huntsville Chapter Military Officers Association of America (HCMOAA.)  All references to The Retired Officers Association and TROA were changed to Military Officers Association of America and MOAA respectively.

 

Amendment 4:  Changed Huntsville Chapter MOAA to HCMOAA, made editorial corrections, eliminated the requirement that the Executive Committee approve appointments to standing and special committees, established a requirement that the Auditor or Audit Committee be approved by the Executive Committee, and made the Chairperson of the Auxiliary Standing Committee (ASC) a voting member of the governing Board.  These changes were approved by the general membership on 26 November 2003.

 

Amendment 5:  Deleted the Assistant 1st Vice President and the Assistant 2nd Vice President from Section 1, ARTICLE IV, Elected Officers, effective with the 2005-2006 slate of officers; and changed the designation of changes from "Note" to "Amendment."  These changes were approved by the general membership on 28 January 2004.

 

Amendment 6: Made minor editorial corrections and removed extraneous editorial references to Amendments 4 & 5. Changed “CHAMPUS” to “Tricare and Tricare for Life”. Added “Membership Roster”, “Historian” and “Benevolence” to the standing committees. Deleted “Article IX-Benevolent Trust Fund” and all references to it and renumbered the succeeding sections and articles. These changes were approved by the general membership on 29 August 2007.

 

Amendment 7:  In response to MWR requirement for organizations allowed to meet on Redstone Arsenal, made minor editorial corrections to the wording of Article I, Section 4.   This change was approved by the general membership 30 July 2008. 

 

Amendment 8:  Changed to allow past presidents to resign from the Executive Committee, and provided for their replacement.  This change was approved by the general membership on 25 January 2012.

 

Amendment 9:  Changed the deposits of new LMT members after 1 June 2012 to become nonrefundable and their surviving spouses to automatically assume life membership. This change was approved by the LMT membership on 30 May 2012.

 

Amendment 10:  Made minor editorial and administrative changes/corrections. Mandated that members of the Governing Board be members of National MOAA. Defined the reporting requirements for auditing committee and for LMT financials. Removed the “benevolence” standing committee from Article VII, Section 3, as it has never been defined.  Changed election of officers timeline to match “Sentinel” publishing dates.  Added a provision for the expenditure of funds for interim period prior to budget approval. Introduced the term “Auxiliary Liaison” in Appendix 2, in keeping with terminology established by National MOAA.  Added a provision in Appendix 1 that allows LMT funds in excess of what is required to meet all LMT obligations to be donated to the Huntsville Chapter treasury.  These changes were approved by the general and LMT membership on 25 March 2015.

 

Amendment 11:  Made minor editorial and administrative changes/corrections. Updated some references and terminology.  Clarified some meanings. Added reference to HCMOAA relationship with RSA Military Retiree Council. Removed reference to Auxiliaries under membership classes.

Clarified prorated dues for new members. Changed financial references / requirements to Fiscal Year. Appendix 1 – LMT:  Updated survivor notification requirements; clarified requirements for joining LMT; aligned LMT financials with Fiscal Year and adjusted reporting requirements; clarified refund of LMT deposits. Appendix 2 – Auxiliary Standing Committee.  To align with IRS code for 501(c)(19) “tax deductible” status, Auxiliaries were removed as a membership class of HCMOAA and established as a separate but related auxiliary organization – the Surviving Spouses / Auxiliaries Organization (SSA).  Objectives and administration of SSA are detailed in this Appendix. These changes were approved by the general and LMT membership on 27 July 2016.

 

/S/ 

 

Lt Col Charles T. Clements, USAF (Ret)

President, Huntsville Chapter

Military Officers Association of America

 

ATTEST:

 

/S/

 

CAPT Richard C. West, USN (Ret.)

Chairman, Constitution & Bylaws Committee

 

 


APPENDIX 1

LIFE MEMBER TRUST

 

1. ESTABLISHMENT:

This Appendix is for the purpose of establishing and administering a Life Member Trust (hereinafter known as LMT) for those members of the Huntsville Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (HCMOAA) who voluntarily desire to participate. The establishment of Life Membership will help to maintain a stable chapter membership and assist in dues collection from its members.  The original concept was that, upon payment of a lump sum deposit to the LMT, the funds would be invested with a secure investment system such that the interest would pay dues for all members of the LMT during January of each year.  The post-2008 economy and market rates make the original investment concept unfeasible.

2. SURVIVING SPOUSE:

Upon the death of a LMT member, the amount of the original deposit shall be offered to his/her beneficiary as designated by the member. A surviving spouse has the option of declining the LMT refund and electing to assume membership in the HCMOAA Surviving Spouses and Auxiliaries (SSA) Organization. The survivor shall have 90 days from the date of notification by the HCMOAA LMT to exercise these options. Effective 1 June 2012, new member deposits are not refundable.  Their surviving spouses will still be offered an annual SSA membership.

3. ADMINISTRATION:

An LMT Board, consisting of three members who are (1) members of the LMT and (2) appointed by the Chapter President as follows, shall administer the LMT:

A. Three individuals will be appointed for three-year terms. The position of Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, and Secretary will be filled by mutual agreement among the three LMT Board members and with concurrence of the Chapter President. In the event no agreement is reached, the Chapter President will make the assignments.

B. In August, the Chapter President shall appoint an individual(s) from the LMT membership to the LMT Board for a three-year term. Ideally, at any one point in time, the three LMT Board members will be serving "staggered" three-year terms, i.e., one member will have one year remaining in his/her term, another will have two years, and one will be newly appointed to a three-year term. Effort will be made to accomplish this in order to achieve continuity on the LMT Board. It is recognized, however, due to transfers, resignations, etc., that this may be an unattainable goal, in which case the HCMOAA President will appoint someone to fill the unexpired term.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. It shall be the responsibility of the LMT Board, with assistance from Life Members, to administer the fund to keep the LMT sound, and to meet or exceed dues requirements in perpetuity. If income from the LMT exceeds dues requirements by over 50% after annual payment of dues, the excess over 50% may be donated to the Huntsville Chapter treasury. Membership in the LMT will require that the applicant be a member of the Huntsville Chapter in good standing, have dues paid one year in advance (or include a pro-rata amount for one year's dues) and deposit the amount as set by the LMT Board.

B. It shall be the responsibility of the Secretary and the Treasurer of the LMT Board, in conjunction with the HCMOAA Membership Chair and Treasurer, to maintain records of Life Members and

beneficiaries documented in the HCMOAA master database, pay annual dues for Life Members to the Huntsville Chapter and carry out the investment objectives as directed by the LMT Board. By the 10th of the month following each fiscal quarter (10 January, 10 April, 10 July, 10 Oct), the LMT Treasurer will present a financial report of the previous quarter to the LMT Chairman who shall approve the report and forward a copy to the Chapter President and Treasurer.  On or before 15 October, the Secretary and the Treasurer of the LMT, with the assistance of the LMT Chairman, shall submit a consolidated report of Life Members and a financial statement as of 30 September to the Chairman of the LMT Board.  The Chairman of the LMT Board will have the past fiscal year’s LMT finances audited by three chapter members - at least one of whom is not a member of the LMT. This audit will be completed by 31 October and submitted to the Chapter President.  Should the financial statement indicate that the LMT fund exceeds the amount required to fulfill its obligations to refund LMT deposits and pay annual dues of all members through their life expectancies, then any or all of the excess may be donated to the Huntsville Chapter treasury.

5. OTHER PROVISIONS:

If a member of the LMT (who joined prior to 1 June 2012) permanently moves from the Huntsville vicinity and/or desires to discontinue his/her membership in the HCMOAA, he/she may apply for a refund of his/her LMT deposit. The LMT deposit will be returned to him/her within one year after termination of membership in the HCMOAA.

6. CHANGES:

This Appendix may be amended with the concurrence of the Chapter President by a majority vote of LMT members present and voting.

 

 

 

APPENDIX 2

SURVIVING SPOUSES / AUXILIARIES ORGANIZATION

 

1. OBJECTIVE:

 

The purpose of this appendix is to define the interrelations and interactions of HCMOAA and the HCMOAA Surviving Spouses and Auxiliaries Organization (SSA) – an entity fully separate from and not contained within the HCMOAA.

 

2. ADMINISTRATION:

 

(a) Membership in the SSA is limited to spouses of HCMOAA members and widows / widowers of deceased members or any deceased individual who would have been eligible for membership. 

 

(b) Dues:  Spouses of current members pay no dues. Widows / widowers of LMT members will have dues paid by LMT, if LMT member joined LMT prior to 1 June 2012 and the widow/widower elected to continue their spouse’s membership.  Non-LMT widows / widowers will pay the same dues as assessed to regular members of HCMOAA.  Dues payment will be overseen by the HCMOAA Membership Committee Chairperson and will be utilized to fund newsletters and chapter events that SSA members attend.  Dues will be paid to the HCMOAA chapter.

 

(c) SSA members are eligible to participate in all HCMOAA events at the same level as members of HCMOAA.  SSA members are not regular members of HCMOAA and do not vote for any HCMOAA matters.

 

(d) SSA members are eligible be appointed to any HCMOAA committee and may chair any committee or hold any office other than the Executive Board.  SSA members serving in one of these positions will have voting rights for all HCMOAA matters.

 

(e) A SSA Committee Chairperson will be proposed by the SSA and approved by the HCMOAA President.  This Chairperson will be a fully invested Governing Board member and will attend Governing Board and General Membership meetings and present a summary of current activities of the SSA.