27 MAR 1996
Virginia Beach, VA
The meeting was opened by AFAA Vice President Capt Linda Morris at 1520. Capt Morris extended a welcome to new members Lt Jill Juvan, Lt Bridget McMullen and Capt Thia Sabin. AFAA President Capt Joe Narrigan was absent due to a family emergency.
Secretary’s Report:
Capt Bob Eppens distributed minutes from last year’s meeting. A list of members’ names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses was passed out, and address updates were collected. It was moved the minutes be approved. The motion was seconded and carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Major Bob Edris reported a balance of $1684.97, with one reimbursement to be paid to Awards, History and Archives Committee Chairman Capt Mickra Hamilton for expenses related to the archives (binder purchase). Several members were delinquent with dues payment, and prompt payment was solicited.
Committee Reports:
1. Constitution and By-Laws Committee: Committee Chairman Lt Col Beth Cargo was absent.
2. Membership Committee: Committee Chairman Capt Stacey Marks was absent. It was noted that Capt Marks will be separating from the Air Force, and a new chairman will need to be appointed.
3. Awards, History and Archives Committee: Committee Chairman Capt Hamilton presented the membership with an archives binder, which includes photos, Military Audiology Short Course programs and AFAA minutes from previous meetings. Members were encouraged to forward copies of news items and articles for inclusion into this binder. Those with mementos from the Seattle meeting were asked to share them, as few items are included in the binder from that meeting. Capt Hamilton reported that she will pursue a career broadening assignment in recruiting this summer, and due to the new duties, resigned her duties as chairman of this committee.
4. Newsletter Committee: Co-editor Capt Rob Pluta was absent; co-editor Capt Thia Sabin was present. Capt Sabin reported a new newsletter will be sent soon, and will include abstracts from this year’s short course, awards, addresses and an Air Force insert earphone policy. Members were encouraged to share their own articles for inclusion into the newsletter. A directory of military audiologists will be distributed separately from the newsletter, which would save the AFAA costs. Members are to forward address changes (including fax numbers) to a co-editor. A query of the membership indicated all had received the last issue of the newsletter. Lt Col John Allen mentioned that the newsletter is sent to various offices and agencies, and gives the AFAA great visibility.
5. Public Relations Committee: Committee Chairman Capt Denise West was absent. Recent graduates of the Medical Indoctrination for Medical Officers (MIMSO) course were asked if they received the specialty package for audiologists and speech-language therapists, called the New Bees Guild. All had.
6. Education and Training Committee: Committee Chairman Janet Deltuva was absent. Maj Ann Stokes volunteered to update future editions of the New Bees Guild. Capt Morris inquired if Wilford Hall Medical Center members were maintaining a repository of teaching aids and articles. Lt Col John Schleifer responded that the library was incomplete and needed more work. Lt Col Cari Sharris mentioned that her Army contacts at Ft Detrick, MD, have anatomy physiology and other slides available. Lt Col Schleifer agreed to maintain and safeguard items sent to WHMC.
Old Business:
Capt Morris stated Capt Narrigan and Lt Col Allen will report on the October 1995 Joint Audiology Commission (JAC) held at Myrtle Beach, SC, in the upcoming AFAA newsletter.
A brief discussion was held regarding the five specific awards proposed last year for AFAA members. The proposed awards remain pending.
Propay issues are to be reported on at the Military Audiology Association meeting.
New Business:
Capt Morris led a discussion involving AFAA involvement with JAC. JAC had requested monetary support, but was not able to specify what the money is to be used for. AFAA donations could lead to potential increases in AFAA dues. Lt Col Allen recommended withholding any donations until JAC can detail how the money is to be used.
Maj Theresa Schulz motioned to have the immediate past president of AFAA be a non-voting member of the executive council to enhance continuity. A Constitution and By-Law change may be necessary, and would need to be investigated by the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and/or the Executive Board. The motion was seconded and carried.
Capt John Hall suggested including material from the Self-Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH) organization in AFAA material. The question was asked why can’t SHHH promote themselves. Capt Hall was tasked to gather more information.
Lt Col Allen asked the membership to promote such programs as Be Aware of Noise Generation (BANG) and Better Speech and Hearing Month, as these provide great visibility and enhance public relations of our duties.
A sympathy card was circulated for Capt Narrigan related to his family emergency.
All business concluded, the vice president asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. A motion was made by Maj Stokes and seconded by Capt Tressie Waldo.
The meeting adjourned at 1545