Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMITTEE MINUTES - 03/02/1992 SULLIVAN BROTHERS COMMEMORATIVE EVENT 1992 COMMITTEE MEETING March 2, 1992 MINUTES Present: Al Brennan, Kevin R. Alexander, Eddie Alexander, Capt. Rich Schafer, Lt. Dean Fuller, Vic Gibson, Billie Bailey, Dale Loring, John W. Lambertson, Bette Wubbena, Sarah Barth, Jan Payne, Del Bowers, Will Chamberlain, Donald L. Baker, Bob Schreiner, Craig White, Al Manning, Bev Lind, Ed Gallagher, Jr. The meeting was called to order at 4: 15 P.M. by Chair Ed Gallagher, Jr. in the meeting room of the Grout Museum of History and Science. First order of business was to serenade Bob Schreiner with our rendition of Happy Birthday. Ed invited everyone to have a piece of birthday cake. He extended a welcome to those in attendance to the Grout Museum and invited anyone to look around when the meeting adjourned. Introductions were made of first timers to the committee and everyone identified their name and organization they represented. Copies of committees and those who had volunteered for various committees as listed were distributed. A few changes were made and Billie Bailey pointed out that the trees which were to be planted at the Grout Museum will be flowering crab trees, not cherry trees as noted. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Mr. Gallagher reported to the group the results of a small committee meeting held on February 13, 1992. Lt. Fuller and Capt. Shafer reported that the reserve centers could not house the navy personnel who might be coming. Lt. Fuller indicated that unless practice changes, generally each person assigned to come to Waterloo would be provided a per diem amount, $26, in advance to pay for food. There were some further comments on possible places to house the personnel but this matter will have to be finalized when we have some idea as to how many would be coming. Mr. Gallagher reported that Admiral Ramage had written to the Secretary of the Navy about his being present for the commemorative event. Word had been received from Captain Socum of a tentative acceptance for the November event. It will be difficult for final plans to be made until closer to the event, and the outcome of the presidential election. Mr. Gallagher called on Bob Schreiner for a financial report. Mr. Schreiner indicated that $811.00 remained from the fund raising campaign for the program two years ago. The funds are in the Waterloo Civic Foundation. He indicated that there were many individual gifts. $1,000 corporate gifts were received from Waterloo Industries, Zeidlers, Inc. , Northland Oil, IPS, Courier, and a number of the local banks. He expressed the need to set a budget soon so that necessary fund raising could begin. It was pointed out that John Deere requests that projects be made known to them one year prior to the event, otherwise the amount will not exceed $100. It was suggested that IBP be contacted. Bob reported that the veterans groups had come through last time with funds. Craig White reported that his post would have 1,500 hat pins which could be sold with the proceeds going to the event. It was suggested that the Professional Association for Naval Reserve Officers might be a potential source of some funds, MINUTES, March 2, 1992 Page 2 as would the Retired Officers Association, the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, and the Fleet Reserve Association. Lt. Fuller provided these addresses to Bev Lind. Mr. Gallagher called on Capt Shafer to report on the parade. He indicated that the mailing list was being compiled. There is much interest, and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association had indicated that there would be some vehicles. If there were some cash incentives, and/or gas discounts, places to park these vehicles, accomodations, etc. there would be greater interest. It was pointed out that early November is not the best time to try to drive some of these open vehicles on the highways. It was suggested that Terry Poe, who has done so much in planning the "My Waterloo Days" parades could be of some help. Ed Gallagher indicated that he had written to the local high school bands, but had not had a response. Betty Wubbena indicated that Chuck Wubbena will follow up on that. Chuck had worked closely with Terry Poe. Betty also suggested that it might be worth contacting all parade entrants for the "My Waterloo Days". She also indicated that in that parade all bands are paid cash. All military veterans groups and their auxiliaries would be contacted. Mr. Gallagher indicated that he would write to Lt. Koontz to inquire about the Navy Jazz band, the dance band being in the parade as well as being available for the banquet. He was also visiting with him about material on the Sullivans from the Naval Archives, especially photos. He was also corresponding with Chicago about a military flyover. Kevin Alexander reported that he had read an article about the Air Force's Glenn Miller Band. They are not allowed to perform for civilians. There appear to be standards of conduct, and it was suggested that our plans avoid the appearance of wrongdoing. It was pointed out that many marching bands are competition oriented, so if that would attract additional bands that might want to be pursued. Betty Wubbena and Jim Wilson reported that the menu had been selected for the Friday banquet. Iowa chop will be the entree. Betty brought the proposal from the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that their organization would be willing to co-sponsor the banquet. If this were acceptable the Chamber would take over registration and printing. The Diplomats from the Chamber would be asked to assist the evening of the banquet where needed. Mr. Gallagher indicated that since this committee had been appointed by the Mayor, he would have to be consulted. Mr. Gallagher gave special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for offering to handle the banquet. Billie Bailey reported on the exhibits. The committee is working on obtaining the newsreels shown at the time of the sinking of the Juneau, and the various newsreels showing the Sullivan family and their efforts to help the war effort. Discussion returned to the parade. Mr. Gallagher asked about having a Grand Marshal and suggested the name of Admiral Rammage. This was agreed to by the members of the committee. It was suggested that we had a number of events at which various dignitaries could participate in a special manner, such as the tree planting. It was pointed out that many of these folk, including General Evan Hultman would also be on the reviewing stand during the parade. Mr. Gallagher indicated that it is his wish that at some time a large bronze plaque could be placed within the airport indicating "Waterloo - Home of the Five Fighting Sullivan Brothers". He would like a ceremony there with an unveiling of the plaque. It is the intent to finalize the plaque which will placed in the convention center in time for the event this November. Bev Lind Minutes, March 2, 1992 Page 3 indicated she would get in touch with the architect prior to the next meeting. Mr. Gallagher directed the discussion to promotions and publicity. Jan Payne indicated that she had offered to help with this committee, but would not be able to chair it. It was suggested that Mary Ann Moore might be willing to serve as chair of that committee, or a co-chair with Jan. Bev Lind volunteered to contact her to determine her interest. There was a brief discussion on the need to begin to have news releases so that the community and others would be aware of the event. There was a discussion of possible money raising ideas. Kevin Alexander reminded that to raise money during WW II, people paid money to stitch the name of their loved ones in the service onto a quilt which was later raffled off to raise additional funds. Several on the committee remarked that the quilt had been donated for the display case two years ago by the family who had won the raffle. It was later returned to them. Kevin suggested Mary Eisinon might be available to help with that if the committee was interested. Craig White indicated that perhaps the quilting group at St. Mary's church might be interested. There was no report on the interest of Hellman Design in doing a limited edition poster and Mayor Manning indicated that he would check with Larry Burger who was going to check into this. Paper weights, coasters, key chains were also suggested. Mayor Manning indicated that he would check into the availability of gas at the airport for military planes. Mike Magee reported on the tree planting. The trees are here and have been potted. They are being kept at Meyers Nursery. Kevin White reported that belt buckles, T-shirts and sweatshirts are available from their post for anyone interested in them. Captain Shafer and Lt. Fuller both suggested that a direct campaign for contributions should be made first. Bob Schreiner agreed that before great expenditures of energy be made, that the solicitation for funds be made first, as soon as a budget is forthcoming. Committee chairs were asked to prepare their budget figures as soon as possible. Mr. Schreiner will call a meeting of committee chairs in the near future to develop the budget. Mike Magee reported that National Geographic would be producing a television program on the Solomon Islands and the WW II battles fought there to be aired in the summer or fall of 1993. They are interested in attending the event to obtain some possible material for that production. He indicated that he had seen to the marking of the grave of Madison Abel, great grandfather of the Sullivan brothers, himself a Civil War veteran. It has a military marker and Mike thought if there was interest, a dedication of this marker would be a fitting event as part of the commemoration. It was pointed out that any flags in Sullivan Park are covered by the park department rules so that if special plans are made regarding this park, these should be checked first. Craig White indicated that Congressman Nagle had recently obtained 3 flags for the Sullivan Post. Craig also showed some photos of the Sullivan family which are to be donated to the Sullivan post, but would be available for loan for the exhibits. The next meeting was set for the end of April or early May. Committee members will be notified. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 P.M. Bev Lind, notetaker SULLIVAN BROTHERS COMMEMORATIVE EVENT 1992 Small Committee Meeting February 13, 1992 MINUTES Present: Ed Gallagher, Jr. , Capt. Schafer, Billie Bailey, Bob Schreiner, Jim Wilson, Betty Wubbena, Larry Burger, Mayor Manning, Bev Lind. The meeting was called to order by Ed Gallagher at 4: 10 P.M. at the Waterloo Public Library. Ed reported that Lt. Dave Koontz had told him that money was really tightening up because of the cutbacks at the federal level for the Department of Defense. He indicated that we would have a better chance of getting some of the bands and drill teams, etc. if we could provide meals and lodging. We would need to consider lodging for up to 200. It was suggested that we might want to prepare a letter to solicit donations from organizations and individuals in the area. Mr. Gallagher reported that Admiral Ramage was working on the Secretary of the _ Navy to encourage him to attend the event. At Mr. Gallagher's request, Bob Schreiner indicated that we had on hand, through the Waterloo Civic Foundation, the sum of $811.00. For the project two years ago, we raised $12,500 and the City of Waterloo contributed $8,000. It was suggested that we may need to raise somewhat the same amount for this year's program. Billie Bailey reported on the display to be prepared at the Grout Museum. She continues to seek mementos of the Sullivan Brothers in Waterloo for that display. She suggested that perhaps Hellman Design would be willing to do a poster which could be sold to raise money. This same poster, or design, could be used throughout all printed items, programs, etc. for the event. It was agreed that all money raised would again be deposited with Waterloo Civic Foundation. Possible sources of contributions would be Fleet Naval Reserve Association, a national organization of veterans, many of the WW II era; Retired Officers Association. Jim Wilson volunteered to contact Curly Hultman, originally from Waterloo who is affiliated with the latter organization. Larry Burger volunteered to contact Hellman Design about their interest in doing a print or poster. Bev Lind showed some sketches which had been done by Marilyn Hurley. This might be a possibility if the Hellman contact does not work out. All in attendance were asked to make or come up with potential contacts for fund raising by the March 2 meeting. Mr. Gallagher asked Mr. Burger and Mayor Manning if the City Airport could accomodate us with providing fuel, as they did last time for the planes coming in from the military. Larry indicated he would check with the Airport director. Capt. Schafer indicated that those in the military attending should receive some expense monies as part of their assignment to Waterloo for the occasion, so all of the servicemen's expenses would not have to be covered. Mr. Gallagher suggested that he might contact Leonard Katoski about the slide program he did last time, to see if he were interested in doing the same or similar for this year's program. Page 2 2/13/92 mtg It was agreed that the invitation list would be compiled at the April meeting. Betty Wubbena and Jim Wilson read through the choices we had for the banquet meal. It was agreed that the Iowa chop would be the entree and would cost $12.67. They would be responsible for finding someone who could provide flowers for the tables or the head table. The schedule as of this meeting is as follows: Friday - Evening Banquet and Program Saturday - 8:00 A.M. Mass at St. Mary's Church 10:00 A.M. Parade - from Sullivan Park to Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center 11:15 A.M. Memorial - U.S.S. Juneau Reunion Members - Cedar River -Veterans' Memorial Hall Flowe�i4, arab 11:30 A.M. Gke-E.E tree planting - Grout Museum Noon Buffet lunch for military personnel brought in for program and parade. (Betty will see if HyVee might donate food) . The following committees were approved: PARADE - Capt. R. Schafer, Chair assisted by Terry Poe and Chuck Wubbena Kevin Alexander Craig White Henry Zanders BANQUET - Betty Wubbena Jim Wilson FUND RAISING - Bob Schreiner LIAISON TO REUNION COMMITTEES Will Chamberlain Mike Magee EXHIBITS - Billie Bailey MEMORABILIA -PROMOTIONS- PUBLICITY Jan Payne Mary Ann Moore (ask her by next meeting) Larry Burger Judy McVey (Mayor's Office) TREE PLANTING - Mike Magee Billie Bailey PRINTING - City Print Shop The next meeting will be of the full committee at 4 P.M. on Monday, March 2, 1992 at the Grout Museum. The meeting adjourned at 5: 15 P.M.