Summer Board Meeting Discussion Thread

[DakRadz]

I did not want to hijack another thread for this purpose, and I haven't seen one specifically for this.

For thoughts, comments, opinions, and civil discussion of the Board meeting.

[Eclipse]

There are already three others...

[DakRadz]

Asking questions about who is attending the meeting, any news on the meeting, and about the live stream.

The AAR thread would be most relevant, but once again I didn't want to hijack a thread.

EDIT: I'll go to the After Action thread for now, and return here if that one is locked...

[IceNine]

Item 20 Confirmations- Passed as written
Chazel Chief of Staff
Vest National Finance
Herrin NLO
Charles Controller
Woodward Chaplain

All Confirmed as national officer

[Mustang]

Aaaand....Chitwood is out!  I bet he's FURIOUS.

He shouldn't be, he gets to keep his star for doing absolutely nothing for two years.

[IceNine]

Not until the NEC decides so, and they can drag their feet for up to 18 months.

[ZigZag911]

NEC should do it immediately -- turn it into a non-issue -- make him just another "used-to-was"!

[Earhart1971]

Aaaand....Chitwood is out!  I bet he's FURIOUS.

He shouldn't be, he gets to keep his star for doing absolutely nothing for two years.

An Interesting point, Keeping the STAR!

How many on the Board come across as "Hey look at me types"?

You know the CAP LT COLONEL in ten years, with all the online and in residence courses and tickets punched, the rows of ribbons.
And have no clue how to steer CAP.

[Eclipse]

Actually very few, and when you consider the pressure of trying to "lead" 60K cats who aren't even required to show up,
you might give them a bit more slack.

[Patterson]

Actually very few, and when you consider the pressure of trying to "lead" 60K cats who aren't even required to show up,
you might give them a bit more slack.

Why give anyone slack?!?  If they are in a prominent position of power....they wanted that and need to meet the standards.  Giving slack is a compromise of standards and everyone needs to be held accountable for their actions or inactions as in the case of some of our leaders.

I also do not understand how we are being led either!  I follow the guidelines laid out in regulations and manuals, and occasionally have to meet requirements passed to me by Wing and Group.  If anything, we are poorly being led as our national command team does not even follow the rules regarding policy changes and proper procedures when a change is needed.  (reference change letters, that have not been incorporated into the regulation it is in regard to)

We have too many people pushing their own ideas on all of us at the same time that it seems like they are not communicating with each other. 

I also like how not a single person at this meeting had the moral bravery to question the marketing and branding schemes that are being implemented in absolute disregard for the rules, common sense or normalcy of what it is we need. 

[JC004]

...
I also like how not a single person at this meeting had the moral bravery to question the marketing and branding schemes that are being implemented in absolute disregard for the rules, common sense or normalcy of what it is we need.

:clap:  The issue continues to gain a lot of attention among the membership.  In time, hopefully, it will gain sufficient attention at the National Board level.  Hopefully then someone will stand up to say "this has to end."  Someone has to take leadership on this issue as it continues to spiral out of control in a thousand directions.  We are simultaneously putting DIFFERENT logos on the web site, letterhead, aircraft/vans, regulations, random publications, marketing materials, and junk that Vanguard produces.  One organization heading in a crap ton of different directions.  That's a problem.

[Earhart1971]

Logos and Marketing: You got to understand, with NO SPENDABLE MONEY in the CAP Budget, the only thing you can do is create neat little Power Point Gizmos, and marketing plans on paper. It goes nowhere except a web site and looks nice in the objectives power point at each NB meeting. Then they adjourn for lunch.

Ok, I am being a little too sarcastic? Its all in fun!

[JC004]

That's what we've been hoping for...a marketing plan on PAPER. 

We want to say...ok, this is our logo, this is how you use it.  These are our colors, this is how you use them.  This is our tagline, this is how you use it. 

It's simple and easy.  That's the point.  Having 20 logos is hard.  We are spending money on marketing - just doing it wrong.  How much do you figure we paid the Marketing Diva lady to tell us to blog?  Heck...the PowerPoint that she presented even had the name of another company on one of the slides - where it should have said "Civil Air Patrol."  Waste.

[RADIOMAN015]

It was interesting to watch the presentation of National Awards to the various dedicated volunteers, as well as listen to the narrative for each award.

I should have kept count of which uniforms were worn by the awardees.  Seemed like most of the comm guys wore the blazer.   Even our commander wore the blazer outfit.

Don't know if they used a separate video feed sponsored by someone else, but there were no issues in watching it :clap:
RM

[RADIOMAN015]

It's simple and easy.  That's the point.  Having 20 logos is hard.  We are spending money on marketing - just doing it wrong.  How much do you figure we paid the Marketing Diva lady to tell us to blog?  Heck...the PowerPoint that she presented even had the name of another company on one of the slides - where it should have said "Civil Air Patrol."  Waste.

Looks like the triangle and "spinning" red propeller is going to be the new logo.  At the end of the Annual Conference Banquet the presentation included the new logo.  Additionally centered above the head table was also the same logo.

Actual I like it, not sure how it would fit on the typical CAP military uniform but definitely would look good on the blazer.   Gentlemen, spin your propeller :angel:
RM

[RickFranz]

I should have kept count of which uniforms were worn by the awardees.  Seemed like most of the comm guys wore the blazer.   Even our commander wore the blazer outfit.

RM

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

[Slim]

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

I hope I just read that comment the wrong way

How so?  Having known him ( and consider him a friend) for going on 30 years, I can tell you that he's a dedicated, active member of CAP.  Former cadet, Spaatz (749), worked his way up through the senior program as well.  Has held positions at all levels, has a couple of master ratings, a few senior ratings, is an IC, MP, and a couple other ES quals.  He's one of the few people in MIWG who has been to more encampments than I have (32, I want to say), has run a week-long AE activity for the last couple of years.  There are very few seniors around our wing who are current and fluent in all three program areas, and he's one of them.  This was-I'm sure-helpful in his selection for both SMOY, and MIWG/CC.

Or, was it really all about the uniform?

[JCJ]

CV work is mostly behind the scenes, and is limited to what the CC directs the CV to do.  I am in an informed position to tell you that Brig. Gen. Chitwood has worked very hard in several arenas (mostly out of the spotlight) and has supported very well both the corporation and the National CC.  If you look closely at the details, you will also discover he has stood above & refused to allow himself to be drug into recent controversies - which is exactly as he should do.

Aaaand....Chitwood is out!  I bet he's FURIOUS.

He shouldn't be, he gets to keep his star for doing absolutely nothing for two years.

[JC004]

It's simple and easy.  That's the point.  Having 20 logos is hard.  We are spending money on marketing - just doing it wrong.  How much do you figure we paid the Marketing Diva lady to tell us to blog?  Heck...the PowerPoint that she presented even had the name of another company on one of the slides - where it should have said "Civil Air Patrol."  Waste.

Looks like the triangle and "spinning" red propeller is going to be the new logo.  At the end of the Annual Conference Banquet the presentation included the new logo.  Additionally centered above the head table was also the same logo.

Actual I like it, not sure how it would fit on the typical CAP military uniform but definitely would look good on the blazer.   Gentlemen, spin your propeller :angel:
RM

Ah, yes.  The spinning propeller.  The mark of professional branding.

I've field tested various uses of the spinning propeller and have been able to make a decision on how it would best be used.  I feel that this usage matches its feeling of professionalism, yet provides a distinctive that the Air Force is currently not using - although once they see this baby, they are going to want to steal it.  Available in Air Force blue, woodland camo, blueberry, orange for PAWG, and ultramarine blue.

[RickFranz]

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

I hope I just read that comment the wrong way

How so?  Having known him ( and consider him a friend) for going on 30 years, I can tell you that he's a dedicated, active member of CAP.  Former cadet, Spaatz (749), worked his way up through the senior program as well.  Has held positions at all levels, has a couple of master ratings, a few senior ratings, is an IC, MP, and a couple other ES quals.  He's one of the few people in MIWG who has been to more encampments than I have (32, I want to say), has run a week-long AE activity for the last couple of years.  There are very few seniors around our wing who are current and fluent in all three program areas, and he's one of them.  This was-I'm sure-helpful in his selection for both SMOY, and MIWG/CC.

Or, was it really all about the uniform?

At times on the\is board it would seem that the CSU and those who wear it have little to offer and therefore should not be around. 

I was very impressed by his record and I have nothing but respect for what he has done for Civil Air Patrol.  I was trying to point out that those that can not wear a regular AF uniform do have a great deal to offer this fine organization.  That was all I was trying to say.

[JCJ]

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

I hope I just read that comment the wrong way

How so?  Having known him ( and consider him a friend) for going on 30 years, I can tell you that he's a dedicated, active member of CAP.  Former cadet, Spaatz (749), worked his way up through the senior program as well.  Has held positions at all levels, has a couple of master ratings, a few senior ratings, is an IC, MP, and a couple other ES quals.  He's one of the few people in MIWG who has been to more encampments than I have (32, I want to say), has run a week-long AE activity for the last couple of years.  There are very few seniors around our wing who are current and fluent in all three program areas, and he's one of them.  This was-I'm sure-helpful in his selection for both SMOY, and MIWG/CC.

Or, was it really all about the uniform?

At times on the\is board it would seem that the CSU and those who wear it have little to offer and therefore should not be around. 

I was very impressed by his record and I have nothing but respect for what he has done for Civil Air Patrol.  I was trying to point out that those that can not wear a regular AF uniform do have a great deal to offer this fine organization.  That was all I was trying to say.

^ this

[RADIOMAN015]

I watched the Ceremony/Banquet (till 0030 hrs local here in the wild east), and it was gratifying to hear the comments made by the Commander lst Air Force, regarding the AF's, DOD's, & other federal agencies opinion of CAP and our ability to get things done over a wide region & inter region basis.

It was also interesting to hear the comments from CAP direct supervisor, Commander Holms Center, regarding how long she has been associated with CAP (15 years), and her son's participation as a cadet Captain, as well as her speech on "partnering" with our various customers.   She also mentioned something about writing the ECI 13 course???   What did you all think about her glasses versus her official AF photo

I thought the aircrew members receiving their outstanding crew award would have been better off wearing their flight suit versus their civilian non CAP suits   I think it's very typical for CAP flight crew dogs to not have ANY other uniforms other than a flight suit (maybe a golf shirt)

Also interestingly the Commander CAP wore civilian attire and not a CAP type uniform.  If I remember correctly she worn that same civilian attire at other banquets.   Is there a subtle message here that we are the CIVIL Air Patrol :clap:    

RM

[Eclipse]

Also interestingly the Commander CAP wore civilian attire and not a CAP type uniform.  If I remember correctly she worn that same civilian attire at other banquets.   Is there a subtle message here that we are the CIVIL Air Patrol

No.

[arajca]

Also interestingly the Commander CAP wore civilian attire and not a CAP type uniform.  If I remember correctly she worn that same civilian attire at other banquets.   Is there a subtle message here that we are the CIVIL Air Patrol :clap:    

RM

I doubt it. I think it's more that since she can't wear a formal uniform, she wears civilian clothes, which *is* authorized by reg.

[JC004]

...
Is there a subtle message here that we are the CIVIL Air Patrol :clap:    
...

  Civil ≠ Civilian

[Major Carrales]

Also interestingly the Commander CAP wore civilian attire and not a CAP type uniform.  If I remember correctly she worn that same civilian attire at other banquets.   Is there a subtle message here that we are the CIVIL Air Patrol

No.

I am glad you made that comment.  I grow tired of people trying to make "sweeping" policy predictions based on what uniform is being worn.

I think, for the sake of "cuteness," I will apply the moniker of "The Boxers or Briefs Debate" to that issue.   Meaning, if a certain percentage of CAP and USAF personal are wearing "Boxers" or if a certain percenatage is wearing "Briefs" it positively and absolutely means the same unalterable fact...NOTHING!!!!

[Slim]

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

I hope I just read that comment the wrong way

How so?  Having known him ( and consider him a friend) for going on 30 years, I can tell you that he's a dedicated, active member of CAP.  Former cadet, Spaatz (749), worked his way up through the senior program as well.  Has held positions at all levels, has a couple of master ratings, a few senior ratings, is an IC, MP, and a couple other ES quals.  He's one of the few people in MIWG who has been to more encampments than I have (32, I want to say), has run a week-long AE activity for the last couple of years.  There are very few seniors around our wing who are current and fluent in all three program areas, and he's one of them.  This was-I'm sure-helpful in his selection for both SMOY, and MIWG/CC.

Or, was it really all about the uniform?

At times on the\is board it would seem that the CSU and those who wear it have little to offer and therefore should not be around.

Concur, sad as that is. 

I was very impressed by his record and I have nothing but respect for what he has done for Civil Air Patrol.  I was trying to point out that those that can not wear a regular AF uniform do have a great deal to offer this fine organization.  That was all I was trying to say.

Good enough, I was hoping that was what you meant.  Thanks.

I'm somewhat surprised that nobody has commented on the last two SMOYs being from MIWG.

[spacecommand]

Maybe it was just me, but the MC seemed to want to rush right through everything. 

Then he got int some of the photographs, though I don't think he was doing that intentionally, he moved out of the way after the Aerospace Teacher of the Year photo, which btw was a fantastic resume for the teacher, a well deserved award.

[Майор Хаткевич]

It is disappointing the issue of the triangle-thingy didn't come up.

This is what I do: MBSMFG.com

A little backstory:

MBS Manufacturing is the machine shop business.
Heartland Products is the ecommerce business.

When it started out, the ecommerce side was run under the machine shop name, so the website was developed on top of the machine shop website, the ebay ID became the machine shop name, and the amazon.com store was also under mbsmfg.

Overtime, we began to expand, and incorporated the ecommerce business under Heartland Products Inc. I designed the Chicago city skyline logo, which can be seen on every item picture (except for Amazon, their rules call for the item image on a white background). That logo appears on: every image, every business card, every item package, every forum avatar, every item listing where it's appropriate. When people call us/contact us, they ask for Heartland Products, because every item and even the logo have those words. Here are the examples:







Here's my recent "deviation", in order to adopt the logo onto instruction pages without putting it at the bottom corner:



And with all that, it still bugs me that the HeartlandProducts user ID on ebay is taken, that the website HeartlandProducts.com is for some reason not available, and we're stuck using MBSMFG.com for the time being.

When all of this was designed, I was 18. I knew that if we're going with the theme, it should be everywhere! When I find the trackbacks to our site, the forums mention products from Heartland Products. They may have a link to mbsmfg.com, but everywhere it comes out to Heartland Products. Why can't CAP do that?

[MSG Mac]

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

[

I'm somewhat surprised that nobody has commented on the last two SMOYs being from MIWG.

I am more concerned that the CC and CV are both from the same Wing and Region.

[Eclipse]

I am more concerned that the CC and CV are both from the same Wing and Region.

The new CV is from OHWG, the CC is from MIWG.

Considering there are only 8 regions the odds of the #1&2 being from the same region are generally pretty good.

What is the concern?  They will work together and quell the infighting?  They will be on the same page and get things done?
There will be loyalty in both directions and perhaps if they have a difference of opinion they will handle like adults?

[RRLE]

that the website HeartlandProducts.com is for some reason not available

Two different whois services state the domain is for sale. It appears the owner is THIS-DOMAIN-FOR-SALE.COM

[jimmydeanno]

that the website HeartlandProducts.com is for some reason not available

Two different whois services state the domain is for sale. It appears the owner is THIS-DOMAIN-FOR-SALE.COM

Godaddy.com is selling it for $2,998.00

[FW]

What is the concern?  They will work together and quell the infighting?  They will be on the same page and get things done?
There will be loyalty in both directions and perhaps if they have a difference of opinion they will handle like adults?

 

[DakRadz]

What is the concern?  They will work together and quell the infighting?  They will be on the same page and get things done?
There will be loyalty in both directions and perhaps if they have a difference of opinion they will handle like adults?

Heard them call your name at the meeting, sir. No close-up though ^_^

[tarheel gumby]

I should have kept count of which uniforms were worn by the awardees.  Seemed like most of the comm guys wore the blazer.   Even our commander wore the blazer outfit.

RM

I thought is was interesting that our Senior Member of the Year was wearing the CSU,

So was the Historian of the Year