2017 Semi-Annual

15-16 Sep 2017                                   Newport News, VA

Marriott City Center, Newport News, VA

     The 2017 Semi-Annual meeting of the Virginia Society was held on September 15th and 16th at the Marriott City Center in Newport News, VA and was hosted by the George Washington Chapter.  This will also  be the site of the AMSA 2018 Conference next August.  The schedule was modified by President Elston to allow for better attendance and more opportunity for workshops, which were held on Friday evening after the Board of Managers Meeting. 74 compatriots, and 39 guests attended.  Eighteen Virginia Chapters were represented.  Also attending were Lou Raborg, Vice-President General of the Mid-Atlantic States, and Historian General John Thornhill.

Registration was smoothly and efficiently handled. Manning the registration desk at this time were, left to right: Dave Thomas, Jay Henn, and Paul Wladen.

     The Board of Managers includes all elected officers and two representatives from each chapter.  Th Board of Managers meeting was productive, and included deciding what proposals to bring before the General Membership meeting for a vote

President Mike Elston calls the Board of Managers to order.

Attendees at Board of Managers meeting.

President Mike Elston address the Board of Managers.

Secretary Wayne Rouse took the podium to announce awards.

     The society officers and committee chairmen made their reports to the Board of managers, and some awards were presented.  One significant award, previously presented at Congress, but appropriately acknowledged here, was the Florence Kendall Medal presented to Barry Schwoerer for being one of the two top first-line signers for last year with fifty-two.

At Knoxville our society was presented a streamer and the George Washington Chapter a certificate for participation in the Eagle Scout Awards Program. Left to right: President Elston, Color Guard Commander Bill Schwetke, Historian Tom Roth, and Eagle Scout Chairman Lance Lyngar.

Additionaly we received a streamer for participation in the Sgt Moses Adams Brochure Contest.

President Mike Elston, on left, and Barry Schwoerer of the Colonel William Grayson Chapter on the right with the Florence Kendall Medal.