USS Pursuit  AM108 / AGS17

 Minutes of the 2011 Reunion Business Meeting
At the Drury Inn, St. Louis MO
September 22, 2011

USS Pursuit AM108 / AGS17

Minutes of the 2011 Reunion Business Meeting

At the Drury Hotel, St Louis, MO.

The annual meeting of the USS Pursuit Reunion Association with the USS Pursuit crewmembers and their spouses and guests in attendance was held in St Louis, MO. at the Drury Hotel Thursday, September 22, 2011, commencing at 2030.

Meeting opened by President, Roger Cortivo, with a welcome for old friends and new friends with good wishes for all.

The Invocation was presented by Ray Coullard

Meeting called to order by Secretary, John Schulz. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ray Coullard who was joined by all.

Mary Donohue then led the group in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.

A Moment of Silence was led by Ray Coullard to remember and honor our deceased crewmembers after he read the names of the most recently deceased.

The minutes of our previous meeting, held during the 2010 reunion in Mystic CT. were accepted as written.

A special presentation to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the USS Pursuit reunions was made by Ann Arlauckas. She used a very complete storyboard to tell of the original reunion with many original pictures which brought back old memories for those who were involved. Many thanks to Ann for her excellent remembrance.

A call was made for Officer’s Reports

President, Roger Cortivo – Roger expressed his thanks and appreciation for the great turnout for the Reunion. He exclaimed “We Did It!”

Secretary, John Schulz – A master copy of the entire roster was passed around to assure correctness especially the phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The plan is to do more e-mails in addition to the newsletters.

Treasurer Report, Joe Venovich – as of 9/19/11 the treasury has $2729.18 in the treasury. In general, our treasury is holding up thanks to the dues paying members and the fact that the reunion Presidents are doing an excellent job of arranging superb reunions at minimal cost. There was a reminder to send in the $20 annual dues to Joe whenever you can. His address is on the website and will be in the next newsletter.

Publicity Chairman, Ray Coullard – Reported he will need a replacement for the coming year

Historian, Malcolm Milligan –reported that his efforts to get our Pursuit original material into Navy hands was unsuccessful due to Navy rules and red tape. Suggestions were made to see if other Museums would like some of our material.

Official Photographer, Bob Ciereck - Bob took many pictures during the reunion and he will coordinate with John Schulz who will make a CD for all the attendees.

Selection of Future Reunion Locations

During the reunion of 2010, Bob and Ginny Ciereck agreed to pursue a reunion on a Cruise ship for 2012. Ginny presented to the group a proposal for the 2012 cruise embarking in Florida. Prices and deadlines were discussed as the cruise line needs early commitments. Details will  be presented in the first newsletter to all members to get commitments to go on the cruise,

Selection of Officers for 2011 Reunion

          The floor was then opened for nominations and voting for 2012 Officers.

                   Bob Cierack was nominated for President

                   John Schulz was nominated for Secretary

                   Joe Venovich was nominated for Treasurer

                   Arlie Wooters was nominated for Publicity Chairman

                   Larry Gillim was nominated for Historian

                   Bob Ciereck was nominated for Official Photographer

          All nominees were voted into office by the members.

Presentations of Experiences of Crewmembers of the USS Pursuit.

Paul Lucas introduced his new Bride, Helen, who he married on August 7, 2010.

Paul then commenced to describe the wonderful courtship they had that led up to the marriage. It was a wonderful story and the entire crew enjoyed it.

New Business

The group was so pleased with the excellence of the Drury hotel and all the continuous support from the hotel staff that it was decided that the secretary would send a “thank you” letter to the company President (who is also the owner). ACTION for Secretary Schulz.

Door Prizes

There were many door prizes of a great variety of which the two American flags flown over the Congress, procured by Joe Venovich, were of major significance. 

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS to Roger and Ginny for preparing and hosting a very successful reunion in St Louis, MO.

Meeting Closed by Secretary Schulz