Saturday, Aug. 9, 1 p.m., Westin Crown Center, Kansas City MO

The meeting of the new board of directors was called to order by president B.O. Wilkins.

Those attending included Wilkins, Herb Knapp, Ron Kraemer, H.C. “Sully” Sullivan, Kent Stanger, Jesse Coulter, Howard Bowers, Phil Benefiel, J.R. McIlroy, Harry Clifton, John Vasa, Donna Bernhardt, and guests George Bissette, Lawrence Bissette, and Kenneth Bissette.

New board members Kent Stanger, Arnold Taylor, and H.C. Sullivan were introduced and welcomed.

Jesse Coulter introduced George and Lawrence Bissette, who addressed the board about an organization for families of 99th veterans – Friends & Family of the 99th. The purpose would be to help maintain continuity and communication of the 99th.

They told the board they were looking for moral support and legal advice about how to form the organization. They would like to have additional information by next year’s convention and may try to schedule an organizational meeting at the St. Louis convention.

The objective of the new association would be the perpetuation of the 99th Infantry Division.

The board agreed to cooperate with them.

The following appointments were made by Wilkins: Phil Benefiel, legal adviser; Harry Clifton, auditor and assistant treasurer, authorized to sign checks; Joe Johnson and Arnold Taylor, chaplains; Jesse Coulter and Howard Bowers, sergeants-at-arms; Donna Bernhardt, Checkerboard editor.

Ron Kraemer asked the board to recognize Harry McCracken as chairman of the archives committee.

The board approved a resolution in recognition of McCracken and a resolution recognizing Herm Saunders’ tireless dedication as pianist for the 99th Infantry Division Association.

Kraemer was named co-chairman of the archives committee to cover for McCracken who is unable to attend conventions.

The meeting was adjourned.