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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMITTEE MINUTES - 10/27/1992 NOTICE: The next meeting of the 5 Sullivan Brothers 50th Commemorative Event Committee will be at 4 P.M. on Friday, November 6, 1992 at the Waterloo Public Library. FIVE SULLIVAN BROTHERS 50TH COMMEMORATIVE EVENT COMMITTEE MEETING October 27, 1992 MINUTES Present: Joe DeBonis, Jim Mount, Dale Lorenz, Marcia M. Courbat, Richard Blandin, Dudley K. Blandin II, Eddie Alexander, Kevin Alexander, Bob Kenny, Vic Gibson, Capt. Mark Bauer, Bea Cannon, Natalie Eilderts, Bob Schreiner, Bill Chamberlain, Donald Baker, George Hubbard, John Lambertson, Craig D. White, Pat Kinney, Ed Gallagher, Jr. , Bev Lind, Mayor Manning. Chair, Ed Gallagher, Jr. called the meeting to order at 4:10 P.M. in the meeting rooms at the Waterloo Public Library. He informed the committee members that taping had been done for a Focal Point the Community program highlighting the upcoming events on November 13 and 14 just an hour before the meeting, to be aired on Sunday, November 1 at 10:00 or 10:30 A.M. Those on the panel interviewed by Grant Price were Ed Gallagher, Jr. , Dave Swinehart, Mike Magee, and Bev Lind. It has been recommended that if anyonewants a copy of the broadcast, they should make arrangements to tape it off the air. Ed asked committee members who chose to tape it to please see that a copy, or copies are made available for our archives at the Grout Museum and the Waterloo Public Library. Ed showed the committee one of the limited edition posters which were now being signed by the artist and will be available by November 11, here in Waterloo. The poster was shown during the Focal Point taping at KWWL. Mr. Gallagher introduced the newest member of the committee, Bob Kenny, who had volunteered his time for whatever might need to be done at this time. Ed shared with the committee information about a contact with CBS news about our event and indicated that he was still working on NBC. Ed indicated that there were plans for a proclamation to be signed by the President, as well as a proclamation from Mayor Manning. Ed indicated that he had written Governor Branstad, but had not heard as of this date if he would be in attendance. One of the committee members reported for Mike Magee who was unable to attend that t} era 1 7 been conflicting times obtained ac to the exact hour of t_1-1e sinking to determine what that time would have been here in Waterloo. The plan had been to ask the churches to ring their church bells at that time. Mr. Bob Kenny indicated that he was willing to contact all the churches if we would give him the information. Captain Bauer offered to check the official records to confirm the exact time and indicated that he had the necessary materials to determine the exact time it would have been here in Waterloo. He would notify Bev who would contact Mr. Kenny. The committee agreed on the project, if feasible. Ed Gallagher indicated that he had not received biographical information on Admiral Clark, but Captain Bauer indicated that the information had been faxed to him and he gave a copy to Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher called for reports. Bob Schreiner, finance committee indicated that unless there were last minute decisions which affected finances, there should be sufficient funds to accomplish the projects agreed upon by the committee. He also pointed out that some monies would be realized from the sale of the limited edition of the poster which should help the treasury. He asked committee members to again send to him any revisions of their projected budgets so there would be no surprises. Page 2 Joe DeBonis reported that the cache, being sold by the Cedar Valley Stamp Club, will be done in the four colors as in the limited edition poster. He stated that this should be a real collector's item. Committee members indicated that posters had been hand delivered to television stations in Cedar Rapids, and several members reported that they had heard PSA's over Cedar Rapids radio stations promoting the banquet and parade. Don Irwin reported for the publicity committee that the limited edition posters were being mailed today to the artist for signing. A number of these unsigned posters were being used for promotional purposes to encourage the general public to purchase them. Additional mailings were goint out to the various veteran's groups and the media serving the area where the Juneau survivors live. A second news release is being sent to radio, TV stations, American Legion, AmVet and VFW posts. There are plans for a news release on the poem written for the event, and a release on the limited edition poster by Hellman's. Don reported that he had been contacted by Lt. Karen Jeffies of the Pentagon, indicating their willingness to assist in national promotion of our event. She had asked for information as towhere our mailings had been sent to avoid duplication. She has been sent the material requested. Don reported that there are still copies of the general event, gray and blue poster available at Allbee's and asked committee members to continue to assist in their distribution. 5,000 more copies of the general brochure have been printed and are being distributed. He reviewed again that the limited edition posters will be 500 in number, the size is 16 x 20 and is designed to allow for matting before framing. A news conference with the Juneau survivors has been set for 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 13, 1992 in Room 10 of the 5 Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Mike Magee is assisting the committee in getting biographical information on each survivor for the press packets. Don indicated that he is still trying to get KWWL to consider showing the film, The Fighting Sullivans, on TV prior to the event to help promote the upcoming events. Bev Lind reminded the committee that the library still has the print of the film which was obtained by the committee in 1988 and plans are to show the film at the convention center on the day of the event. Natalie indicated that Room 12 had been reserved at the convention center as a film room. Ed Gallagher asked that plans be made to show the video of the 1988 event when the convention center was renamed. Film showings will be on Saturday. It was suggested that contact be made with Mark Mathis at KWWL to see about the showing of the film. Don concluded his report to say that the billboard was up at 1st and Sycamore Streets. He suggested that free banquet tickets be considered for the donor of this billboard. Don is still working on contacting Nagle Signs about a banner to be hung on the skywalk connecting the Holiday Inn and the Convention Center. This might cost about $350. Bob Schreiner was called upon for his finance committee report. He indicated that there was not much changed from last week. He presently had about $10,000 with a projection of about $2,000 more. He estimated that we would probably have expenditures of about $13,500. There is no contingency built into this budget, so if there are unknown expenses he hoped they would come to light soon. He encouraged committee members to be in touch with him about expenses. He expressed concerns about not knowing about housing expenses for the military coming. Bea Cannon of the Holiday Inn indicated that she could work with him on that. Bob indicated that it would help the treasury with the sale of the posters which might yield $4,000 ,to $5,000. Bob reported to the committee members that the City of Waterloo's liability insurance would cover the events as scheduled. Ed Gallagher reported that he had expressed on behalf of the committee thanks and goodby to Dave Koontz who had helped us so much from the Chicago Navy public relations office. Ed and Capt. Bauer continue to be in touch with that office. Page 3 Ed Gallagher asked Captain Bauer to report on the parade. He indicated that we would have 60 servicemen from the Recruit Training Command from Great Lakes, Illinois. They will be arriving in a Marine Corps C 130 transport at about 14:00 in Waterloo on Friday, November 13. They plan to leave Great Lakes at 12:00. We will have a Navy Band, Color Guard, and Drill Team. As planned they will be met by MET busses and brought to the Holiday Inn. There has been a brief holdup on information on the flyovers as planned. Plans are for 4 squadrons, representing 16 planes, including all branches of the service. Military regulations allow only one type of aircraft normally, and Command is currently working on getting the necessary permission to allow for all flyovers as planned. He was confident that this will be accomplished. The parade unit signup is going well, and he distributed the list of those participating in the parade and encouraged committee members to enlist other units. Mr. Kenny asked if John Deere was contacted. There was discussion on other community businesses which had some military work connection. The subject was discussed as to allowing commercial entries in the parade. It was the consensus of the committee that commercial entries not be allowed in the parade. Captain Bauer indicated that units for the parade would be accepted up to one week ahead. Captain Bauer reported that the entire Navy Reserve unit would participate. There will be from 60-70 Marines. The parade will be approximately 1 1/2 hours in length. Since KWWL is planning to cover the parade, Capt. Bauer will need information on the various units for the media. The Recruiters are responsible for the car for Admiral Clark, and there is a suite for him at the Holiday Inn. Captain Bauer has asked that the band members, drill team and color guard all be housed, if possible at the Holiday Inn, or nearby for ease in moving them. There will one troup of 9-20 Explorer Scouts. Don Baker asked if there could be scouts available to carry the very large flag from Cedar Falls, He was informed that this would be the only group of scouts who would be in the parade, and others will have to be recruited for that purpose. Captain Bauer reported that the point of contact with the dignitaries would be at the reviewing stand which will be in the City parking lot near the Courier on 4th Street. Chairs would be provided for those on the reviewing stand. Captain Bauer was informed that those with convertibles will not show if the weather is 40° or less. He is searching for enclosed vehicles if this is necessary and it was suggested that he contact the car dealers. The antique vehicles will be coming. Captain Bauer asked about the facility for the drill team on the night of the banquet. He indicated that they would need a 60' x 90' staging area. If the banquet room is full of diners there will be no room there. It was asked if they could perform in the lobby of the convention center. He indicated that with so many diners this might be difficult. He asked that the dimensions for this event be given him no later than one week ahead of the event so he can transmit that information to Great Lakes and the team could practice in the size available. Bea Cannon of the Holiday Inn indicated that the Holiday Inn was full and additional housing, if needed will have to come from other inns. Accomodations have been made for the Admiral and his staff at the Holiday Inn. Reservations for the Juneau survivors are also at the Holiday Inn. Mr. Gallagher reported that a crewman from the rescue plane which Wyatt Butterfield told us about in 1988 was planning to attend. Captain Bauer suggested that arrangements be made with radio stations to notify them by Friday evening if the parade is to be called off due to weather. There is every intent to continue the parade, but this matter will be checked into. He suggested that he could inform parade units to stay tuned to certain stations if there was a question as to whether the parade is a go. Page 4 There were no members of the banquet committee in attendance due to other commitments. Bev Lind indicated that she had a few tickets for the banquet at this moment if committ members wanted to purchase them today. Will Chamberlain asked that 160 reservations for the banquet be made for members of the Juneau reunion group. It was unknown if the count had been turned into the Chamber for the Sullivan reunion group. Will Chamberlain asked if wives were invited to the luncheon at the Grout Museum. Since the facility could only accomodate 100 and their were 60 military to be fed it was questionable as to whether there would be room for many more. Ed indicated that the decision on who attended lunch at the Grout would need to be made. He asked if decisions such as this could be made by the Executive Committee. It was agreed by the consensus of the committee, that such decisions, as well as those decisions necessary, and as yet unforseen could be made by the Executive Committee. In reviewing logistics for the banquet, it was suggested by Bea and Natalie of the Holiday Inn that the doors to the banquet hall be opened at 7:00 P.M. to allow time for the diners to be seated. The cash bar will be from 6:30 - 7:15 P.M. Captain Bauer asked the appropriate dress for the evening. It was agreed that it would be full dress with ribbons and medals. It is not a black tie dinner. Bob Schreiner indicated that he had made the decision, when approached, to provide from the committee up- to $250 toward expenses of Stan LeMasters who was responsible for seeing that we had the grafts of the trees which will be planted at the Grout. Kevin Alexander asked if there would be a desire for a 21 gun salute at the park rededication, or there could be a performance by the Alamo Scouts from St. Ansgar who will be in the parade. Captain Bauer indicated that he would be in touch with Rick Tagtow about the plans for the rededication. Craig White asked if there could be a new flag at Sullivan Park and at the park on 4th and Water Streets. There was some discussion on how city facilities obtain flags, and Craig offered to assist in getting flags at the discount realized by veteran organizations. Bev asked if arrangements had been made for going to the cemetery by reunion members who wanted to lay a wreath at the grave of Mr. & Mrs. Sullivan. Captain Bauer indicated that the recruiters had other commitments that day, but he would assist in providing personnel if necessary. George Hubbard asked if a banner representing the banner of the Gold Star Mothers could be made since the National president was coming. It was suggested that if George wanted to make arrangements for that he should feel free to do so. George indicated that he would. Ed reported that the name of the PBY crew member who was involved in the rescue of the Juneau survivors is Bill Anderson, and he indicated that he was coming. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 P.M. with a date to be set for next week. Committee members will be notified.