Wreath Day at Fayetteville National Cemetery running every day this week on Fayetteville Public Access TV: See schedule at link below

Schedule for Fayetteville Public Television Cox 218 and AT&T Uverse in NW Arkansas for 29 Dec. 2013 through 2 Jan. 2014, includes Full Version of Wreath Day at Fayetteville National Cemetery 2013 several times.

Annual membership meeting of Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation set for Jan. 11, 2014, at Amerrican Legion Post 27 at 1195 S. Curtis Ave in Fayetteville

The Annual Meeting of the membership of the RNCIC will be held on January 11, 2014, at which time the Nominating Committee will present the names of four (4) nominees for three year terms expiring 2016, to fill four expiring terms on theBoard of Directors. 

 

The newly installed Board of Directors will then elect Officers of the RNCIC for a term of one year for the positions of: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  An Installation with the Oath of Office will follow.

 

(The above is per By-Laws of The Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corp., January 1, 2012  --  Article III, Section 3 and Article V, Section 2 respectively)

 

Regular meetings of the RNCIC are held at the American Legion Post 27, 1195 So. Curtis Avenue, Fayetteville, AR at 10:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month.

 

Lorna Sterrett, Secretary

Combined wreath-day video to run on public-access television

Video on You Tube from Dec. 15, 2013, at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Member of RNCIC takes high position in organization trying to help veterans affected by exposure to radiation

National Association of Atomic Veterans, Inc. N.A.A.V., Inc.A tax exempt organization NAAV HAS A NEW NATIONAL COMMANDER National Association of Atomic Veterans, Inc. ( A Non-profit Veteran’s Assistance Organization ) The NAAV  Mission  Purpose  NAAV  was founded in August, 1979 by the late Orville E. Kelly ( of Burlington, Iowa ) for the purposes of allowing the U. S. Atomic Veteran Community to speak, with a single voice, to their inability to get a fair hearing related to their developing ( radiogenic )  health issues  that may have been precipitated by their exposure to “ionizing” radiation while participating in a nuclear weapon test detonation, or a “post-test” event.   From the beginning, and to date, we continue to pursue our purpose to this dedicated cause. Who  is  an  Atomic Veteran  Atomic Veterans were members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in atmospheric and underwater nuclear weapons tests from 16 July, 1945 to 30 October 1962.  They also include veterans who were assigned to post test duties, such as “ground zero” nuclear warfare maneuvers & exercises, removing radiation cloud samples from aircraft wing pods, working in close proximity to radiated test animals,  de-contamination of aircraft and field test equipment, retrieval and transport of test instruments & devices, and a host of other duty assignments that provided an opportunity for a radiation exposure & contamination event.    Also included are military personnel who were a part of the Occupation Forces assigned to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan soon after the detonation of Atomic-Bombs over those respective cities, and those American prisoners of war ( POW’s ) who were housed in close proximity to those cities.  These Veterans fit the VA’s “official” description of an Atomic-Veteran.   There is a second group of veterans who may have been involved in radiation exposure events. These  include post test events related to nuclear weapon devices detonated  underground or in shafts ( after 1962 ) that may have provided a radiation exposure event, or those who’s duties involved regular use of radiation producing equipment or processes, such as power plant technicians aboard nuclear powered Aircraft Carriers and Submarines, X-ray technicians, and  those veterans assigned to the Enewetak Atoll radiation clean-up projects.  These veterans fit the VA’s “official”  description  as  Occupational  radiation  exposed veterans. The U. S. Nuclear Weapons Testing Program  There were more than one million U.S. Armed Forces personnel , civilian scientists and engineering technicians involved in the detonation of nuclear & thermonuclear weapon devices, from 16 July 1945 ( the “Trinity” test at Alamogordo, NM. ) to  23 September, 1992 ( the last test in the “Julin” series at the Nevada Test Site ).  The United States has sponsored a total of 1,054 nuclear weapons tests, and detonated two of these weapons over enemy soil during an act of war.   During this period of time there were 1,147 actual nuclear ( aka “bomb” ) tests.  Some of these nuclear and thermonuclear detonations failed to produce any noticeable explosion, either by design, or due to mechanical or electrical faults.  Several of these tests,  by official definition, were actually multiple detonations, two or more at the same time, designed for gathering specific data & information  or for instrument calibration purposes. Nuclear Testing and Health  Even since nuclear testing began, it has been very difficult to get a useful accounting of the effects of human exposure to the radiation particle fallout from these tests. This was largely motivated partly by military secrecy, partly by a desire to allay public fears ( i.e. public relations reasons ), and partly by a fear of possible legal actions by actual ( or potential ) radiation exposed victims.   Some exposure related incidents have been revealed due to the impossibility of hiding them, namely the high radiation exposures of the Marshallese and Japanese  fisherman  after the 1954 Castle “Bravo” disaster in the Marshall Islands.  But most information on this subject has been largely withheld, either deliberately buried in obscure reports, or never collected at all.  This was commonly known as the principle of being careful not to learn what you don’t want to know.  However;  this  information has slowly come to light, in bits and pieces, over the last 29  years.   What is probably the most important study of the health effects of testing were announced by the National Cancer Institute in August of 1997, and released in October of that same year.  The basic finding of the report is that internal exposures to Radioiodine ( I-131 ) in fallout from continental nuclear weapons testing was the most serious of all health consequences. Radioiodine concentrates in milk, when consumed by grazing cows, then concentrates in human thyroid glands after contaminated milk has been ingested into the body.  This concentration effect is especially strong in children. The effect of these exposures is to boost the chance of contracting thyroid cancer, sometime in the lifetime, of those effected.  No efforts were made to systematically study the nationwide effects of atmospheric nuclear weapon testing until Congress ordered such a study, which was finally released 15 years after the order.    Currently, there are approximately 195,000 Atomic Veterans across America who either do not know their oath-of-secrecy has been rescinded, and who are not aware of the potential monetary benefits due them for ( service connected ) radiation induced illnesses.  The VA is offering them ( no cost ) Ionizing Radiation Register examinations, including complete blood and urine testing.  Additionally, as an Atomic Veteran, they qualify for VA prescription drugs ( for a minor co-pay fee ) which,  in most cases, is a meaningful  benefit of  itself.   The Directors, Officers and members of NAAV will always salute the memory of those veterans who suffered and died from the after effects of radiation exposure, in the interest of U .S. National Security, and who’s conditions and suffering were totally ignored by their own Government,  their Congressional leaders and a host of  D.O.D. “Contract Consultants”. We hope you will join us in that salute to honor, duty and dedication to serving their country. Qualifications  for  NAAV  Membership  NAAV offers membership to any veteran who was assigned to participate in a  nuclear device detonation event or who may have been involved in post event assignments associated with  the  U.S. Nuclear Weapons Testing Program from 16 July, 1945 to 23 September, 1992, or any veteran who’s assigned  duties included association with nuclear reactors on Aircraft Carriers and Submarines, or the assembly, storage and deployment of nuclear weapon devices,  or who may have been involved with Depleted Uranium ( DU ) munitions events during and after the first Gulf War, or the surviving ( spouse, or child )  of a deceased Atomic Veteran.  NAAV  Operating  Funds  The Directors and Officers of NAAV are non-paid volunteers who have devote much of their free time to assisting Atomic Veterans, and their survivors, in gaining access to those VA benefits they may be entitled to, since 1979.   Given this, we have depended solely upon our annual membership dues and ( good   Samaritan ) contributions  from sympathetic & patriotic ( non-member ) individuals and small businesses.  All donations, contributions and / or sponsorships are tax exempt, and are 100% dedicated to assisting Atomic Veterans in these important areas.  Your monetary participation would be most welcome and appreciated.  We also welcome Newsletter Sponsorships, as well.  For additional information about tax -exempt contributions,  please  e-mail your inquiry  to:  commander.  You can help us ( and honor an Atomic Veteran )  by sending your contributions to: NAAV, Inc.  11214  Sageland   Houston, Tx. 77089

See link below for two fall events at Fayetteville National Cemetery in still photos by Aubrey James Shepherd

South Government Avenue Flickr set contains two most recent events at the Fayetteville National Cemetery: RNCIC veterans memorial 5 K run and Wreath Day 2013.
Link.

Wreath Day 2013 video from Fayetteville National Cemetery. Use link to open on You Tube and select box at bottom right to ENLARGE to full-screen view. Some portions of video may be too loud, sorry if you have to adjust sound level a few times to enjoy

Four video clips from Wreath Day 2013 at Fayetteville National Cemetery

Meeting postponed to January but Wreath program will occur at Fayetteville National cemetery. See RNCIC meeting agenda for January, 2014

REGIONAL NATIONAL CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT CORP

P. O. Box 4221 – Fayetteville, AR  72702

MEETING  HELD  AT  AMERICAN  LEGION  POST  27,  1195   SO.  CURTIS  AVE.,  FAYETTEVILLE, AR

AGENDA FOR THE DECEMBER 14, 2013 MEETING  -  10:30 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Prayer

Welcome to visitors

Approval of Oct. Minutes

Approval of Oct. Financial Statement

Publicity

Web Site

OLD BUSINESS:

5 K Race Recap – What went well - What needs changing

Future fund raisers

2014 Nominating Committee (Nomination of four Board members  for election at January 2014 meeting)

Annual Reports (due at January meeting)

NEW BUSINESS:

Appoint the 2013 Audit Committee

Any other new business

ADJOURN

Veterans Memorial 5 K begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Government Avenue entry to Fayetteville National Cemetery

Promoting RNCIC on government channel

July 13, 2013, photos from RNCIC meeting

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE.

Minutes of June 15, 2013, meeting of RNCIC in Fayetteville, Arkansas

REGIONAL  NATIONAL  CEMETERY  IMPROVEMENT  CORPORATION

P. O. Box 4221

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS  72702

Minutes from the June 15, 2013 Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President, Ron Butler, at 10:30 a.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Harold Crivello offered the prayer.

Board members present: Ron Butler, Merle Williams, Harold Crivello, Lorna Sterrett, Gary Culp, Jim Glover, Jake Lamkins, Peggy McClain, Roger McClain, Budd Saunders, Aubrey Shepherd, and Wes Stites.  Board members absent:  None.  Other RNCIC members present:  None.  Visitors present: None. 

Minutes of the May meeting were presented.  Wes made the motion to accept the minutes as written, it was seconded by Jake, and the vote was unanimous. The May 31, 2013, Financial Statement was presented with an ending balance of $20,301.33.  Peggy made the motion to accept the financial statement as written, it was seconded by Jim, and the vote was unanimous.

Publicity --  Merle’s submission of the article and picture to the newspaper regarding the $500 donation from Bo’s Project and the $500 donation from the Fayetteville Rotary Club is still pending.  It was mentioned that it would be good to also acknowledge the Pea Ridge VFW Auxiliary for its donation of $2,500 to the RNCIC.

Web Site --  Jake reported that there were 31 visits to the web site this month.  Jake maintains the web site plus two Facebook sites for the RNCIC.  He will be posting new items from Memorial Day.

OLD  BUSINESS –

Memorial Day 2013 --  Five hundred brochures were printed and passed out at the Cemetery on Memorial Day.  There was a good response from the brochure distribution.  Ron Butler was praised for being the Keynote Speaker for the ceremony.  The Program/Bulletin was dedicated to the RNCIC and names of the members were listed.

5K  Race --  Wes encouraged the group to continue soliciting the major sponsorships and to share their contacts and results with the group. 

LAND  ACQUISITION  --  There was lengthy discussion about the focus of direction for land acquisition.  Wes stressed the importance of personal contact.

DOG  RACE  --  Harold is still working on details of a possible Dachshund race next year.   He will be meeting with the person in charge of the Bella Vista dog race to get more detailed information.

NEW  BUSINESS – 

TRANSFER  OF  LAND  TO  THE  VA --   The environmental study and the survey have taken place this past week on the six lots.  It still looks favorable for the land transfer in early November in time for Veterans’ Day.

Lots 9, 9A, and 6 owned by Robert Jordan are available for sale at a revised asking price of $100,000.  After discussion Roger made the motion, it was seconded by Jim, and the vote was unanimous for Ron to contact Jeff Whitmer with Lindsey & Assoc. to begin negotiations and make an initial offer of $60,000-$70,000 for the three lots.  The house is in dire straits and would need demolition.

Jake made the motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded by Roger, and the meeting was closed at 11:45 a.m.  If members have suggestions for matters to be discussed at the July meeting, please notify Ron Butler at 479-445-8336 or via email.  Please don’t wait for the meeting; they need to be included in the meeting agenda.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorna Sterrett, Secretary

THE  NEXT  MEETING  WILL  BE  JULY  13, 2013,  10:30 A.M.  AT  THE  AMERICAN  LEGION  POST  27,  1195  SO.  CURTIS  AVENUE, FAYETTEVILLE,  ARKANSAS.

May 11, 2013, meeting of the RNCIC

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE.

RNCIC meeting 10 :30 a.m. Saturday April 13, 2013

Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation

Post Office Box 4221

Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702

Meeting Agenda for 13 April 2013

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

Introduction of New Members & Guests

Minutes of the March 2013 Meeting

Treasurers Report

Publicity Report

Web Managers Report

Old Business

5K Run Milestone Update

Lots 9, 9A & 6 Motion  Results

Status of Goals for 2013

Other Old Business

New Business

Supplemental Grant from NW Arkansas Economic Development

Transfer of RNCIC land to Veterans Affairs

Other New Business

Cemetery fund-raising group meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013

• RNCIC Agenda for Mar. 9‏

Actions

lornaRNCIC sterrett (lornasterrett@yahoo.com)

11:36 AM

To: Lorna Sterrett

REGIONAL NATIONAL CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION Post Office Box 4221 Fayetteville, AR 72702 AGENDA for 9 March 2013 Meeting 　 　 Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Invocation Recognize New Members & Guests Minutes of January 2013 Meeting Treasurers Report Publicity Report Web Manager’s Report 　 　 OLD BUSINESS 5 KM Race - Timeline Update (See New Business) Annual Reports - Review of 2012 Reports Certification of 2012 Financial Audit The $100,000 from State of Arkansas Any Other Old Business?? 　 　 　 NEW BUSINESS Goal & Objectives for 2013 Membership - Need Volunteer Financial Posture - Chairman (Treasurer) Land Acquisition - Committee (to be appointed) 5 KM Race(On time/On Track) Assign Duties & Responsibilities 　 Marketing for 2013 - Monitor ‘Katya’s Blog’ for information 　 RNCIC Corporate Seal - Has anyone seen it? 　 Any Other New Business ?? 　 　 　 Motion to Adjourn

RNCIC members thank ARVEST for financial support

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE.

RNCIC meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Agenda and minutes of previous meeting below

REGIONAL NATIONAL CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION Post Office Box 4221 Fayetteville, AR  72702  Meeting at the American Legion Post 27, 1195 So. Curtis Ave., Fayetteville at 10:30 a.m. AGENDA for  9 February 2013 Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance  Invocation  Recognize New Members & Guests  Minutes of January 2013 Meeting  Treasurers Report  Publicity Report  Web Manager’s Report  OLD BUSINESS Fourth Annual 5 KM Race -  Timeline Update (Wes)    Annual Reports - (See Sheet)  Any Other Old Business??  NEW BUSINESS  Goals & Objectives for 2013  Membership  Financial Posture  Land Acquisition  Timeline for 2013 Veterans 5 KM Race (On time - On Track) Marketing for 2013   Any Other New Business ??  Motion to Adjourn  REGIONAL NATIONAL CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT  CORPORATION P.O. BOX 4221 FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS  72702  Minutes from the JANUARY 12, 2013, Meeting  The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by President Ron Butler.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Harold offered the prayer. This meeting followed the presentation of a check for $3,000 to the RNCIC as a project award from the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District.  The presentation took place at 10 a.m. on the most recently purchased lots 20 and 20A on the southwest corner of the Cemetery.  Board members present were:  Ron Butler, Merle Williams, Lorna Sterrett, Harold Crivello, Jake Lamkins, Aubrey Shepherd, and Wes Stites.  Board members absent:  Peggy McClain, Roger McClain, and Budd Saunders.  Other RNCIC members present – Jim Glover, Josh Sakon, and new life member, Gary Culp.  Visitors present - None.  Minutes of the December meeting were presented.  Wes made the motion to accept the minutes as written, it was seconded by Jim, and the vote was unanimous. The December 31, 2012,Financial Statement was presented with an ending balance of $6,352.51.  Jake made the motion to accept the financial statement as written, it was seconded by Aubrey, and the vote was unanimous.  The financial report from the Nov. 10, 2012, 5K Race was presented with a net profit of $9, 264.60 – the best so far.  PUBLICITY  Merle reported that he had contacted the three local TV stations and the newspaper regarding the project award presented this morning.  Merle attended the Fayetteville Rotary Club meeting in January, and will learn the amount of donations for the RNCIC in February.  Ron also spoke at the United Lutheran Church Men’s Club program in Bella Vista on Jan. 7.  WEB MASTER  Jake reported that in the past month there were 44 visits to the web site. OLD BUSINESS  5K RACE  Merle submitted a Thank You letter to the newspapers thanking the sponsors, donors, runners, and support volunteers who made the race a success. Wes reported that there were 130 runners signed up for the 2012 race not counting the ROTC group.  Ron presented a timeline for the 5th annual 5K Race to be held in Nov. 2013.  Wes will manage the timeline, and it will be discussed each month.  Wes will start by updating the race letter, sponsorship levels, and draft brochure for earlier distribution.  Jake made a motion to change the Sponsorship Levels to “Four Star **** - Three Star *** - Two Star ** - and One Star *”.  It was seconded by Harold, and the vote was unanimous.  Annual Reports from the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity, Web Master, and Special Projects (Race, etc.) will be due at the February meeting. NEW BUSINESS Ron presented the Goals & Objectives for 2013:  (1) Membership, (2) Improving financial posture, (3) Land acquisition.  Ron has submitted a letter to the owner of Lot #19, and read the response to the membership.  It remains a source of rental income for the owners, but they know that ultimately the property should be sold for Cemetery use.  The group discussed getting a written letter from the owners giving the RNCIC the first option to buy; and in the meantime we should pursue purchasing other properties to the north to expand our boundaries in that direction.  Ron will ask Peggy to prepare an updated RNCIC Property List.  Ron read a letter which he had received from Mrs. Alan Ames expressing interest in purchasing the RNCIC’s newly acquired property of Lots 20 & 20A.  It was agreed that Ron would send a reply stating that “The RNCIC Board of Directors is not interested in selling the property. Instead, it will be turned over to the Veterans Administration for National Cemetery expansion.”  Ron appointed three members – Gary Culp, Jim Glover, and Aubrey Shepherd – to conduct a year-end financial audit of the RNCIC treasurer’s records at the close of the February meeting.  Ron suggested that someone monitor a web site for non-profits, that being “KATYA’S Non-Profit Marketing Blog,” in an effort to develop marketing.  It was also reported by Ron that he has received correspondence from the IRS accepting the RNCIC as a PC (Public Charity).  The Annual Meeting was held with the election of members for the Board of Directors.  Jake presented an amended Nominating Report.  Merle made the motion to elect Jake Lamkins, Peggy McClain, Lorna Sterrett, and Wes Stites for a three year term at the end of  2015.  Jim Glover and Gary Culp were nominated to fill the terms of Virginia Middleton and Beverley Swaim both at the end of 2014.  The motion was seconded by Aubrey and the vote was unanimous. Ron installed the new members of the Board of Directors. Jake made the motion to elect the incumbents for the Officers for the 2013 Year.  They are: Ron Butler, President; Merle Williams, Vice President; Lorna Sterrett, Secretary, and Harold Crivello, Treasurer.  Aubrey seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Jake read the installation for the Officers for 2013.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:55.  If members have any items to be discussed at next month’s meeting, please notify Ron Butler so they may be placed on the agenda.  Respectfully submitted, Lorna Sterrett, Secretary  THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE  FEBRUARY 9, 2013, 10:30 A.M. AT THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 27, 1195 SO. CURTIS AVENUE, FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS.  Attendance at the monthly RNCIC Board meetings is required according to Article IV, Section 8.  Failure of any of the 12 elected Board members to attend four consecutive  Board meetings may result in their removal by a vote of the Board.