PREAMBLE

eing mindful of the traditions, duties and purposes of the United States Coast Guard, our duty to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and believing that through social association and mutual acquaintance, we may further perpetuate the memory of our fallen comrades, assist their widows and orphans, assist honorably discharged and retired Coast Guard Combat Veterans, promote and enhance the image and posture of the United States Coast Guard.  Therefore, we do associate ourselves together and declare the following articles to be the Constitution and by-laws of the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association.

CONSTITUTION

e, past and present Officer and Enlisted members of the United States Coast Guard believing in our right to form an Association consistent with the precepts outlined in the Preamble above, do hereby declare the formation of such an association to be known as the “Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association”.

ARTICLE I- Organization

This Association formed under the authority of the foregoing Constitution will be organized as provided hereinafter.  That all meetings including the biennial meeting will be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules Of Order in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these by-laws and any special rules of order the Association may adopt.

1. Name:   This association shall be called the “Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association”.

2. Purpose:  The primary purpose of this Association shall be to foster good fellowship and social activities.

a.  The gravesite of Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, USCG (Deceased), recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, located at Cle Elum, Washington, has been designated a “Historical Site” by the State of Washington, and is in the process of being designated a 13^th Coast Guard District Unit.  When approved, it will be assigned an OPFAC number with funds budgeted for maintenance and utilities.  In the interim, in order to insure illumination of the Flags displayed at the site on a 24 hour daily basis, the Association assumes the responsibility of paying for the electrical power required, if billed by the Public Utility District”.

b. To accomplish the programs as outlined in the Preamble.

3. Association Officers:

a. The association shall be governed by a National President; National Vice President; National Secretary/Treasurer and an elected Board of Trustee's consisting of four (4) regular members and the fifth member being the immediate past National President.

b. No elected Officer or Trustee will be installed in office that does not have a support document to substantiate their combat qualification to be a member of the association.

4. Term of Office:  Officers shall be nominated and elected for the period of time between date elected and the next regular scheduled convention.  Candidates for office shall be regular voting members of the association who shall be nominated and elected by a “Show of Hand”.  The newly elected officers and appointees shall be sworn into office at the ceremonies during the awards banquet held on the final evening of the reunion/convention.  The offices of the National President and National Vice President shall not be succeeded by the same person, elected to that office more than two (2) times.  Exception will be made in situations where a member is appointed to complete a term in either position caused by the vacation of the office by the Elected Officer.  The office of the National Secretary/Treasurer due to the necessity of a consistent continuance of record management for the association, may be succeeded by the members without limitation to the succession rule above.  The offices of the Board Members are covered in Article IV, 5. Below.  In the event of a vacancy of any office caused by resignation; illness, death or removal for “cause”, a replacement shall be selected to serve in the vacated position until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the membership.  The selection shall be made by a committee appointed by the President.

5. Auxiliary:  Effective 16 July 1988, there shall be an Auxiliary providing for the membership of spouses of members in good standing.  Such Auxiliary may provide their own Organization and by-laws.  Such organization and by-laws shall not conflict with the Constitution and by-laws of the association.

6.Headquarters:  There is no permanent Headquarters site or location.  The President shall designate a Headquarters location.  The Administration Office(s) shall be designated by the President and will in most instances, be the residence of the National Secretary or National Treasurer or both as needs predicate.

ARTICLE II -Membership

Membership in this association shall be limited to:

1. Active duty members, retired members and honorably discharged former members of the United States Coast Guard or United States Coast Guard Reserve who served in, or provided direct support to combat situations recognized by an appropriate military award while serving as a member of the United States Coast Guard.

2. The Widow or Widower of members that were in good standing at the time of their demise, shall be considered members and shall be dues free without voting privilege.  These members shall not hold office.

3. The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and the person selected as the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association “Person of the Year”, if not otherwise eligible shall be recognized as Honorary Life Members without voting privilege.  The Master Chief  Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, if not otherwise eligible, shall be recognized as an Honorary Member without voting privilege during his tour as MCPOCG.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, previous Commandants of the United States Coast Guard, including living  previous Commandants that served prior to establishment of the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association, and all persons, previously selected as the CGCVA Person of the year, if not otherwise eligible, shall be recognized as Honorary Life Members without voting privilege.  These Honorary members may not hold office unless they qualify for regular membership as outlined in paragraph (1) above.

4. The National President, with the concurrence of the Board of Trustee's may authorize additional Honorary Membership without voting privilege to any person who has performed in an “Outstanding” manner for the betterment of either the United States Coast Guard or the Association. Such Honorary Membership will be accomplished by the issuing of a Certificate of Appreciation and Honorary Membership suitable for framing.  Any member in good standing may make a recommendation to the National President for an Honorary Membership.  The recommendation shall be in writing and accompanied with supporting information substantiating the individual's qualifications.

5. Associate Membership:  Non Voting Associate Membership is established for:

a. Those persons in the United States Coast Guard who met the combat criteria while in the service of another Armed Force (United States or Foreign).

b. Members of the United States Public Health Service who served as members of a United States Coast Guard combat command.

c. A spouse, child or orphan of a deceased Coast Guard Combat Veteran who died prior to the founding of the Association may be eligible for Associate Membership.  Determinations will be made upon receipt of application for membership in each case.  Support documents of combat service and relationship must be provided.

ARTICLE III -Dues

Dues shall be fixed by Board of Trustee's.

1. Dues are considered due and payable  commencing with the next regularly scheduled meeting of the members after the date of initial membership.  The membership expiration date will be affixed to the address label of the quarterly newsletter and will be the notice for the renewal of membership.  The National Treasurer will send out an “Overdue Notice” to members not responding after approximately thirty (30) days.  Members not responding to the “Overdue Notice” after sixty (60) days will be dropped from the active rolls.  A member dropped for Non-Payment of dues may be reinstated by submitting the necessary dues and Application Form.

2. Life Membership:   Persons meeting the requirements for membership, as outlined in Article II, may apply for life membership at the following fees:

Under age 30                 200.00
31-40                    185.00
41-50                    165.00
51-60                    145.00
61-70                    115.00
71-80                      85.00
81-89                      50.00
90 & Up.                    0

Life Members shall not be subject to further levies.  The National Treasurer shall deposit Life Membership moneys in a “Restricted Fund” called “The Life Membership Account” which will be held in reserve at $35.00 for each living Life Member. These funds that do not exceed the total reserve of funds may be used in general fund expenditures and/or invested according to the needs of the Association, but will be duly noted in the accounts ledger.

ARTICLE IV -Officers

Officers of this Association named in Article I are vested with authority and charged to perform duties as follows:

1. National President:

a. As the National President and Chief Executive Officer of the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association call meetings of Officers and Trustee's as necessary.  Preside over all meetings and determine the order of business.

b. Shall review the recommendations received from the Convention Chairman and with the concurrence of the Board of Trustee's, determine the time and place to convene the next reunion/convention.

c. Is vested with overall responsibility for conducting the official business of the association within the constraints of the Constitution and by-laws giving careful attention to the work of the Association as well as carrying into effect the policies determined upon by the majority of the membership.

d. Represent the CGCVA at business and social functions of various veterans organizations.  Military, veterans legislative meetings on local state, and national levels.  Or, assign officers of the association to attend in his stead.

e. Approve all expenditures and disbursements of the Associations funds within the limitations of these by-laws and is authorized to sign drafts for these expenditures.

f. The President-elect may  make appointments as necessary.  They may include, but not limited to: Budget, by-laws, Chaplain, Convention/Reunion, Editor-In-Chief, Historian, Master-At-Arms, Membership, Nominating, Parliamentarian and Ways and Means.

g.     Shall issue an annual “State of the Association” to be published in the first issue of the Quarterdeck Log each new calendar year.

2. National Vice President:

a. Shall be the first assistant to the National President in conducting the official business of the association.

b. In the absence of the National President, preside in his behalf over official or social activities as outlined in these by-laws.

c. Furnish an annual written report of activities of the year to the National President in sufficient time for inclusion into the “State of the Association” message to members.

d. Assume the office of National President should the office become vacant for any reason.

3. National Secretary/Treasurer:

a. Assist the National President by conducting the official administrative and financial business of the association.

b. Maintain files of all official communications of the association.  Maintain membership files, both in the computer and in file folders with support documents verifying eligibility.

c. Maintain the association mailing lists.  The association mailing list will not be given to any “non-member” or member in “Good Standing” for their personal gain.  It shall be the responsibility of the National Secretary/Treasurer to ensure that the names of the members not be given out indiscriminately.

d. Respond to the membership questions and/or requests within the capabilities of the means available.

e. Maintain all records the National Secretary/Treasurer deems appropriate.  All  designated fiscal records to be kept in the computer.

f. Establish and distribute budgets for all officers and appointees' of the association.

g. Furnish notification to the membership of the Time and Place of Reunion/Conventions as well as all official meetings called by the National President.

h. In conjunction with the National President, prepare agenda's for all meetings.

i. Provide the membership with all official notices through the most rapid and economical means available.

j. Have prepared and distributed the Associations official publication, the Quarterdeck Log on a quarterly basis.  Provide guidance and support to the Editor of the publication.  In cooperation with the Editor, establish “Deadlines” and publication dates and assure the ir compliance.

k.     Keep a record (minutes) of all  proceedings of the association.  Publish and make the minutes and records available to members upon request.

l. Furnish an annual written report of activities of the year to the President in sufficient time for inclusion into the “State of the Association” message to members.

m. Maintain accurate fiscal records of the association.  Account for all moneys received from whatever source and deposit them into the associations authorized account(s) at the earliest reasonable time.

n. Prepare all drafts against the association funds for settling association financial obligations as authorized by the National President and in accordance with these by-laws.  In addition to the National President, the National Secretary/Treasurer is authorized to sign drafts described herein.

o. Establish annual budgets for the National President, National vice-president, National Secretary/Treasurer, Board of Trustee's, the Quarterdeck Log, National Membership Director, Ways & Means Director, Convention/Reunion Chairman.  Prepare the budget to show line items for a minimum of: Travel, Supplies, Postage, Equipment, Services i.e., Printing, etc.

p. Maintain records of association property with a description and location of all items.

q. Provide an annual financial statement, for presentation at the annual business meeting, that has been audited as outlined in 5 (h), below.

r. Furnish an annual written report of activities of the year to the National President in sufficient time for inclusion into the “State of the Association” message to members.

5. Board of Trustee's:

a. The Board shall consist of not less than five (5) members.

b. Of the four (4) elected Board Members, two (2) shall be elected at each convention for periods covering the time between the next two  regularly scheduled conventions.

c. The fifth (5) member of the Board shall be  the immediate Past National President, who shall also serve as the chairman of the board.  Should he decline the position of Chairman, the members of the board shall elect a Chairman from the four remaining members..

d. As directed by the National President, review recommendations received from the Convention Chairman as to the time and place of the biennial reunion/convention and advise the President of the Boards recommendations.

e. Approve expenditures of Two-Thousand dollars ($2,000.00) or more.

f. Review and approve the annual budget.

g. When directed by the National President, but no less often than annually, cause an audit of the association Financial Records in Custody of the National Secretary/Treasurer.

h. Establish the amount of dues required for membership.

i. Review proposed changes to the by-laws as submitted in accordance with Article IX and forward to the Chairman of the by-laws Committee with recommendations.

ARTICLE V- Committees

1.   Standing committees shall be appointed by the National President but shall not exceed the tenure of the President's term in office.

2.   The Chairpersons of all committees shall be designated by the National President.  The Chairperson shall appoint members to serve on the committee.

ARTICLE VI- Voting

1. Regular members, in good standing, in attendance at properly assembled association Reunion/Conventions shall be eligible to vote on matters limited to association business.

ARTICLE VII -Awards

Awards presented by this association will be based on the following criteria:

1.      The Association shall award a CGCVA plaque annually to the person selected as “C.G. Person of the Year”.  The selection will be made from a list of 3 candidates received from Coast Guard Headquarters that had been chosen by USCG for recognition as a result of outstanding/heroic performance.  Presentation will be made at the associations next  scheduled Reunion/Convention. In the years between the association Reunion/Convention presentation will be made at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. by the Coast Guard Commandant or his designated representative.  The National President or designated alternate members, will be present to represent CGCVA.

a. Criteria:   The candidate for the CGCVA recognition should have been awarded, or nominated for a Coast Guard award during the period of the previous year 1 July through 30 June of the current year.

The feat involved should indicate a high degree of risk on the part of the candidate and merits a recommendation for the award of the Coast Guard Medal, Coast Guard Gold Lifesaving Medal, Coast Guard Silver Lifesaving Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross or Air Medal for the CGCVA recognition. The individual is to be on Active Duty, Regular or Reserve, Officer or Enlisted personnel.

2.     U.S. Senator/U.S. Congressman:  

At the regular Association Convention/Reunion a maximum of two (2) awards for members of the U.S. Congress (1 Senate, 1 House, 2 Senate or 2 House) may be awarded to those who have provided exceptional support to the U.S. Coast Guard. Recommendations will be solicited/accepted from the USCG Liaison Officer(s) to Congress.

ARTICLE VIII -Quorum

1.     In a general meeting, the quorum is the number of members present at the time, since they constitute the entire membership at that time.

2. Officers and Trustee's meetings, the quorum is a majority of all the Officers or Trustee's or combination of both.

          Officers:      3        Trustee's:    3           Joint:          5

ARTICLE IX- Change & Correction

1. Changes:   A request for change in the by-laws may be submitted by any member in good standing.  Requests for changes must be submitted to the Board of Trustee's at least six (6) months prior to the regularly scheduled Reunion/Convention.  A change is defined as any alteration that materially affects the intent and/or meaning of the Article being considered.

2. Corrections : A request for correction to the by-laws that change neither the meaning nor the intent of the Article under consideration.

3. Procedures:

a. Corrections as defined above shall be considered by the Association Officers.  Notice of such corrections will be presented and read to the membership at the next regularly convened reunion/convention for information only.

b. Changes, as defined above, that have met all requirements, shall be presented to the membership at the regularly convened reunion/convention where they will be read and voted on by a “Show of Hand”.  (If the changes have been circulated to the membership in no less than thirty (30) days prior to the reunion/convention, reading of the changes may be suspended).

c. Proposed changes to the by-laws will be published in the Association Newsletter immediately prior to the scheduled Reunion/Convention.

Originally Adopted: July, 1988 at Reno, NV

Corrected/Amended/Approved July, 1990 at Baltimore, MD

Approved: Board of Directors December 8-9, 1990 at Reno, NV

Corrected/Amended/Approved October, 1992 at Reno, NV

Corrected/Amended/Approved October 28, 1994 at Norfolk, VA

Corrected/Amended/Approved November 2, 1996 at San Diego, CA

Corrected/Amended/Approved November 6, 1998 at Corpus Christi, TX

Corrected/Amended/Approved October 24, 2000 at Ft. Mitchell, KY

Corrected/Amended/Approved October 30, 2002 at Reno, NV

Corrected/Amended/Approved April 24, 2004 at Ft. Mitchell, KY  

Corrected/Amended/Approved October 22, 2005 at Tampa, FL