**EPFEA General Meetings**

**Collected Minutes - [1996]{.underline}**

**EPFEA Monthly Meeting**

January 22, 1996

Present:

Kathleen Cole, Social Security
Administration\...\...\...\...\...\....President

Joseph Gray, EMPO, VA Medical
Center\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....Speaker

Ms. Susan Pellish, CFC -
PCFO\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....Speaker

Ms. Elaine Smith, CFC -
PCFO\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...Guest

Mr. Mike Vojtasko,
EMPO\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....Guest

Ken Starnes, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Captain James Willis, Coast Guard

Dr. Steve Miller, Appalachian Fruit Research Center

Joan Sheldon, VA Medical Center

Paul Smit, VA Medical Center

Judy Gerdman, VA Medical Center

Gail Bellis, EMPO, VA Medical Center

Tom Cushing, EMPO

Robert Elliott, EMPO

Jerry Rabe, Martinsburg Computing Center

Barbara Hess, Martinsburg Computing Center

**I. OPENING:**

**A. DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS:** Copies of the following were distributed
to all persons attending the meeting: Agenda for today\'s meeting;
Minutes of November 27 FEA Meeting; Memo from OPM, Recent Legislative
Changes Affecting OPM and The Agencies; ERS Bulleting on Status of
Children; Ad - Quality Learning Services Satellite Seminars; Brochure
Department of Veterans Affairs, EMPO.

**B.INTRODUCTIONS:** The meeting was called to order by President
Kathleen Cole at 11:45 a.m., Joan Sheldon led us in the Pledge of
Allegiance. Meeting was held at the Bavarian Inn restaurant, in
Shepherdstown, WV.

**C. President\'s Report**

President Cole ask us to review the FEA minutes for November. Joan
Sheldon moved we accept the minutes as presented. Robert Elliott, 2nd
and the motion passed. Kathleen reported, Chip Slavin was not able to
attend, however he said Congressman Bob Wise was very pleased with the
FEA participation with \"Bob\'s Bus Tour\" and plans a secont tour later
this year.

Kathleen read an excerpt from \"Our Chosen Faith\" by John Buehrens nad
Forrester Church: \"\...the principal sin besetting many of us today is
the sin of sophisticated resignation. This sin is particularly insidious
because it comes with its own veil. That is, it appears respectable. It
allows us to feel strongly about injustices without prompting us to do
anything about them. This sin is tailor-made for many of us because it
is fed by knowledge. We know so much about the world\'s problems, and
their enormity, that however much we want to do about them, we feel
impotent. What could we do to affect hunger, homelessness, AIDS, or the
threat of nuclear annihilation? How much easier it is to watch our diets
and tone our bodies. For many of us, self-improvement (both physical and
spiritual) has displaced the transformation of society as our principal
moral concern.\" As community leaders, FEA executives should take the
lead and consider how we as an organization can have an impact on these
areas.

Break for Lunch at 11:55 a.m.

**D. SPEAKERS:**

Kathleen Cole introduced Ms. Susan Pellish, Executive Director for
United Way of Berkeley and Morgan Counties, Combined Federal Campaign
Principal Combined Fund Organization (PCFO). Sue wanted an opportunity
to thank all participating federal agencies for conducting the best
campaign in the history of the local United Way. We surpassed last years
goal despite federal employee downsizing. Sue referred to the handouts
in the folder that Elaine had previously passed out. Chart/graph of
previous campaigns compared to this years success. \$92,802 has been
pledged member organizations. A list of the organizations receiving
funds from your agency contributions. Total contributions from each
agency. She also reported; The \"Day of Caring\" will be held on
September 10, 1996. The FEderal employees may participate on Septermber
7. United Way will hold a \"Stragetic Planning Session\" Friday, January
26, at the Woods Resort near Hedgesville. Health and Human Resources
pphamplet recently published is available at the Chamber of Commerce for
\$18.00. Susan announced that they would make available \$2000 earmarked
to administrative expensis for prizes etc., to any federal employee in
need of financial assistance due to furlough. The financial assistance
would be for future layoffs\' and applications will be processed by
C-CAP. Q & A followed.

Kathleen introduced todays speaker, Mr. Joseph Gray, Director EMPO. He
gave a very informative talk on the role of EMPO. The Veterans
Administration role in emergency medical preparedness is a part of a
national program. It serves as a back-up to DOD and FEMA. It also
provides health to veterans and public during natural emergencies. It is
the largest federal organization outside of DOD.

**II. NEW BUSINESS:**

**1. Treasurer\'s Report**

The current balance is approximately \$6,266.

**2.EDUCATION**

There have been many cancellations due to furlough and weather.

**3.MEMBERSHIP**

A new membership list was passed out which contained 24 members and 3
associates. Joe Gray moved we accept the members listed on the handout.
Joan Sheldon 2nd and the motion passsed.

**4. NEWSLETTER**

Captain Willis requested written paragraphs to be faxed to him. Jim
announced he will be reassigned this summer. His repalacment will be
Captain Bill Ashforth. Jim has been reassigned to the Washington Office.

**5. SPEAKERS**

Joan Sheldon reported: Two speakers are needed to complete the year.

**6. AWARDS**

Steve Miller reported there are currently 2 members on teh committee, if
you are interested in serving, please contact him. Next meeting will be
within the next two weeks.

**7. Miscellaneous:**

Joseph Gray moved we contact our Congressional Representives; Senators
Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockafeller; Congressman Bob Wise, and ask them
to attend a meeting with the EPFEA members to discuss the impact of the
CR, and furlough on the community and employees. Ken 2nd and motion
passed.

Discussion items: Nothing in writing; The impact of the CR on agencies;
The impact of no debt ceiling; Local impact on government closing; We
need to take a more active role to inform congressional staff.

**7. ADJOURN:** Ken moved to adjourn. Tom Cushing 2nd and motion passed.

**EPFEA Monthly Meeting**

FEBRUARY 26, 1996

Present:

Kathleen Cole, Social Security
Administration\...\...\...\...\...\....President

Ms. Sandra Judd, 23 Judicial Circuit Probation
Officer\...\...\.....Speaker

Joseph Gray, OEMP, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Ken Starnes, National Park Service, HAFE

Mike Watson, National Park Service, MTC

Donald W. Campbell, National Park Service, HAFE

Dr. Steve Miller, Appalachian Fruit Research Center

Gail Belles, OEMP, VA

Tom Fowler, NICS, VA

Tom Cushing, OEMP, VA

Robert Elliott, OEMP, VA

Jerry Rabe, Martinsburg Computing Center

Barbara Hess, Martinsburg Computing Center

A.W. \"Bill\" Palmisano, National Biological Service

**I. OPENING:**

A. DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS: Copies of the following were

distributed to all persons attending the meeting: Agenda for today\'s

meeting; Minutes of January 22, FEA Meeting; Minutes from Policy

Board meeting February 13; National Performance Review Brochure,

\"The Vision Takes Hold\"; FEA Training Brochure \"Speaking

Objectively\"

B. INTRODUCTIONS: The meeting was called to order by President

Kathleen Cole at 11:45 a.m., Tom Fowler led us in the Pledge of

Allegiance. The meeting was held in the Library room at the Bavarian

Inn restaurant, in Shepherdstown, WV.

C. President\'s Report

President Cole ask us to review the FEA minutes for January and Policy
Board

minutes of February. Joseph Gray moved we accept the meeting minutes of

1/22/96 and Policy Board minutes for 2/13/96 as Corrected. Jerry Raze,
2nd.

Joseph Gray pointed out the \"A\" in VA stood for Affairs. The Name was

change a few years ago from Veterans Administration to Department of

Veterans Affairs. The motion passed.

Kathleen Called our attention to the new Committees listed on the
agenda.

Two New committees and chairpersons were appointed during the last
Policy

Board. External Affairs, Joseph Gray; Strategic Planning, Donald W.

Campbell; Electronic Communications, Tom Fowler and Gail Belles; members

will be contacted for input to committee action. Nominating Committee is

actively perusing officers to serve the 1996‑97 FEA year. Please contact
Joan

Sheldon for input or volunteer to be a committee member. A slate of
officers

will be presented in April with Nominations from the floor.

Break for Lunch at 11:55 a.m.

D. SPEAKER:

Kathleen Cole introduced our speaker, Ms. Sondra Judd, Intake Officer
23rd

Judicial Circuit, State Probation Office. She spoke on juvenile crime in
the

eastern panhandle. Juvenile crime is found in every neighborhood in
America,

there are no restrictions to socioeconomic or ethnic backgrounds.
Parents

need to learn to give love and instill morals instead of providing
material

objects. Do things together instead of providing things to occupy their
time.

Lengthy Q & A followed.

**II. NEW BUSINESS:**

1\. Treasurer\'s Report

Mike Watson reported a current balance of \$6,091.19 with no outstanding

bills.

2\. EDUCATION

Mike reported; We are behind schedule due to furlough and weather. A two

hour training session \"Meeting Management\" was held February 22 at
Mather

Training Center and \"Speaking Objectively\" will be held March 5. A
pre‑

retirement seminar is planned for May. Information will be available in

March. The cost will be \$100 per which allows your spouse to attend.

3\. MEMBERSHIP

We currently have 31 paid members and anticipate four more by next
meeting.

4\. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Formal letters have been sent, however there was no large dissertation
on

agency involvement in area. Short paragraph was included on
contributions to

the local area and our purpose.

We are trying to ascertain the number of government employees who
commute

to Washington, D.C. A few years ago United Way determined the number to

be in access of 3000.

5\. NEWSLETTER

Captain Willis requested written paragraphs to be faxed to him. Next

newsletter will be mailed to all agencies next week.

6\. SPEAKERS

Major General Joseph A. Scaff will be our speaker for March.

7\. AWARDS

Steve Miller reported: Nomination forms have been mailed and are due by

March 18, 1996. Mike Causey writer for the Washington Post (Fed Page)
will

be the keynote speaker. We need to know the number of persons from each

agency that will be attending the awards luncheon. A number between 50
to

75 is desirable. A lengthy discussion ensued over number of guest
agencies

are allowed to invite. Jerry Raze moved to postpone discussion until
next

meeting. Tom Cushing 2nd and motion passed.

8\. STRATEGIC PLANNING:

Don Campbell reported: The organization was chartered over two and one‑

half years ago. Our membership has doubled and we continue to grow,

However we need to step back and take a good look at who we are, where
we

are going. The Strategic Planning Training has been rescheduled for
March

29 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Mather Training Center. Participants should
be

all officers, Policy Board members and Committee Chairpersons. Bonnie

Shires will facilitate the session which will compare our organization
with

other FEA\'s and FEB\'s.

9\. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS:

Tom Fowler reported: We are excited about the formation of this
committee

and I have ask Gail Belles to be a Co‑chairperson. A survey of various

technology and those which are promising in our work plans to better
serve the

public. There is a lot out there that we can share with other agencies.
FEA

membership has access to the VA WORLD. Access is available with any

communication program such as PROCOM, the number is 264‑4493. If you

experience any problems contact me (Tom) at 263‑4037, ext 4037.

Bill Palmisano ask if all agencies had a home page on the INTERNET. WE

could utilize this as an outreach tool. It is an easy way to summarize
what the

agency is doing and what they have to offer.

Ken will place all FEA records on the library of VA WORLD and all

members will have access to this information. There have been problems

trying to upload files from the hard drive. Tom will work with Ken to
learn

proper procedures for uploading files.

10\. ADJOURN: Tom Cushing moved to adjourn. Jerry Raze 2nd and motion

passed.

**FEA Monthly Meeting**

April 20, 1996

Present:

Kathleen Cole, Social Security
Administration\...\...\...\...\...\....President

Joseph Gray, OEMP, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Captain Jim Willis, Coast Guard

Mike Watson, National Park Service, MTC

Ken Starnes, National Park Service, HAFE

Donald W. Campbell, National Park Service, HAFE

David Wright, National Park Service, HFC

Don King, Appalachian Trail Acquisition Office, NPS

Dr. Stephen Miller, Appalachian Fruit Research Center

Richard Pell, VA Medical Center

Joan Sheldon, VA Medical Center

Judy Gerdman, VA Medical Center

Mary Stewart, U.S. Probation Office

Barbara Hess, Martins Computing Center

**I. OPENING:**

**A. DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS:** Copies of the following were distributed
to all persons attending the meeting: Agenda for today\'s meeting;
Minutes of March 25, FEA Meeting; Minutes from Policy Board meeting
April 16; Strategic Planning topics; Education, Right Sizing/Down
Sizing, Emergency Plan, and Visibility; Education Committee minutes of
April 10, 1996; \"Questioning Skills\" training brochure for May 21,
1996.

**B.INTRODUCTIONS:**

The meeting was called to order by President Kathleen Cole at 11:45
a.m., Jim Willis led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was
held in the upstairs room at the Bavarian Inn restaurant, in
Shepherdstown, WV.

**C. President\'s Report**

President Cole ask us to review the FEA minutes for March and April
Policy Board minutes. Joan moved we accept the meeting minutes as
presented. Captain Willis 2nd. The motion passed.

Kathleen Called for committees reports.

**D. Education**

Report is the same as recorded in Policy Board minutes of April 16,
1996. Future courses are: \"Questioning Skills\" May 21 at MTC and
Pre-Retirement Workshop May 29 & 30 also at MTC.

**E. Treasurer\'s Report**

We currently have \$5,878.10 in the our account and the check for the
awards certificates has not cleared. Award certificates will be
purchased today.

**F.Awards**

The awards ceremony is on schedule for May 20, judging has been
completed. The plaques have been ordered. Mike Causey, Staff Writer for
the Washington Post has been contacted and is confirmed. The Judge for
our awards this year, Bruce VanWyk is unable to attend our ceremony, due
to a prior commitment. He would be a good candidate for a Guest Speaker
for next year. Due to lack of submissions this year, awards will be
presented in three (3) categories only! Judy Gerdman contacted the
Journal Photographer and he would not make a commitment until one week
prior to the event. Stephen Miller and Don Campbell will work on
publicity for the event. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m., May 20th,
1996.

Break for Lunch at 11:55 a.m.

**II. NEW BUSINESS:**

**1.Nominations for 1996 - 97 FEA Officers**

Joan Sheldon Presented the slate of officers proposed by the committee
for the new year. They are:

President\...\...\...\...\...\...\...Kathleen Cole, SSA

First Vice President\...\.....Joseph Gray, OEMP

Second Vice President\.....Jerry Rabe, IRS

Treasurer\...\...\...\...\...\...\...Mike Watson, NPS/MTC

Secretary\...\...\...\...\...\...\...Ken Starnes, NPS/HAFE

President: The floor is open to receive additional nominations. Since
there are no other nominations at this time Nominations are closed.

Barbara Hess moved we accept the slate of Officers as presented by the
committee. Steve Miller 2nd and the motion passed.

**2. STRATEGIC PLANNING:**

Don Campbell reported: An attempt was made at the Policy Board meeting
to present assigned summaries of the priority items as a result of the
Strategic Planning Training. Our purpose was to select three or four
areas the FEA could concentrate our efforts. The intent was to get a
better idea of how the membership felt and the newly elected officers
could begin working in these areas during the summer. The list would not
be all inclusive, if new ideas surfaced in the membership they could be
incorporated into the plan or even replace others at the desires of the
membership. Committees could get a head start on planning and working
toward their goals. Six areas surfaced as the highest priorities for the
FEA to channel our efforts. 1) Training; 2) Electronic Communication; 3)
Down Sizing; 4) Public Affairs; 5) Emergency Plan; and 6) Visibility.
The FEA has cooperated in several areas during the past tow years of our
existence, such as; CFC, awards, congressional affairs, community
contact with speakers and training. All agencies can and have benefitted
from joint training. The committee will meet and develop a future vision
for the organization. We will not forget our successes but build upon
them and expand into other areas. Ideas will be solicited for
cooperation in other areas of common ground. A very long list was
generated and much time and effort was spent selecting six areas of
potential cooperation. Action will take place in two or three areas
depending upon support of the organization.

Kathleen: You must find value for your organization in these or other
areas. The floor is open for discussion.

Dave Wright: Persons working on committees would not necessarily become
a member of FEA.

Kathleen: Public Affairs Officer may work with a committee to develop a
plan similar to the education committee. Since we are a voluntary
organization, we need to expand completion of functions beyond the
general membership. I am not aware of any Personnel Manager of human
resources working through FEA .

Mike Watson: Working on a committee is valuable to each other. Expanding
the visibility of FEA within the ranks is a goal to work toward. The
committee chairperson would be a full member of FEA.

Barbara Hess: will contact the president of PMA to determine their
activity.

Richard Pell: Right Sizing/Down Sizing is currently underway in the VA
structure. We need to include the private sector as well as federal
vacancies in job placement for displaced employees. The VA is beginning
to Furlough employees.

Private Industry was sympathetic to our cause during the furlough and
offered to work with effected.

General discussion resulted in an agreement on the areas of concern and
will be very useful for the next year. We must know where we are going
to place support in the right place.

**3.ADJOURN:** Dave Wright moved to adjourn. Joan Sheldon 2nd and motion
passed.

**EPFEA Monthly Meeting**

September 23, 1996

Present:

Joseph Gray, OEMP, VA Medical
Center\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....Presiding

Ms. Theresa Hess, CFC -
PCFO\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....Speaker

Richard Pell, Director VA Medical Center Chairperson
EPCFC\...\.....Speaker

Jerry Rabe, Martinsburg Computing Center

Ken Starnes, Natoinal Park Service, HAFE

Don Campbell, National Park Service, HAFE

Mike Watson, National Park Service, SMTC

Chris Perry, National Park Service, SMTC

Don King, National Park Service, ATLAFO

Joe Nagel, National Park Service, JCCC

Jerry Ingram, National Park Service, JCCC

Carol Beard, VA Medical Center

Bill Palmasino, National Biological Service

Debora Gantt, VA Medical Center

Denise O\'Dell, VA Medical Center

David Ranck, VA Medical Center

Stan Mansfield, VA Medical Center

Mary Morris, U.S. Probation Office

Robert Elliott, OEMP, VA Medical Center

**I. OPENING:**

**A. DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS:** Copies of the following were distributed
to all persons attending the meeting: \"96-97\" Membership List; Fall
Quarter FY-97 Training Plan; \"96-97\" Committee List with Goals; Menu
for remainder of Year; Minutes of September 18 Policy Board Meeting.

**B. INTRODUCTIONS:** The meeting was called to order by 1ST
Vice-President Joseph Gray at 11:45 a.m., Jerry Rabe led us in the
Pledge of Allegiance. Meeting was held at the Bavarian Inn restaurant,
in Shepherdstown, WV. President Gray ask everyone to introduce
themselves

**C. President\'s Report**

Acting President Gray explained the membership packets which weregiven
to all members. Membership will continue to grow, there are a few
appliactions which have not been processed.

Jerry Rabe moved we accept the Policy Board minutes of September 18 as
presented. Don Campbell 2nd and motion passed.

**II. OLD BUSINESS:** None

**III. NEW BUSINESS:**

**1. AWARDS**

Jerry Rabe requested volunteers to serve. Two or Three members are
needed by January to plan the awards luncheon.

**2.EDUCATION**

Membership is more than sufficient. There have been two very successful
\"Retirement Seminars\" and another is scheduled for November 25 & 26.
Each agency has a contact person for dissemination of information.

**3. Treasurer\'s Report**

The current balance is \$1,966.08, with receipts of \$5,900 due from
agencies that attended past seminars. When all is received we should
have approximately \$8,000 which includes membership fees.

**4. LFCC:** The report is contained in the minutes of the Policy Board.

**5. MISCELLANEOUS**

New applications will be processed October 1 at the Policy Board
meeting, materials not received today will be mailed. The training
schedule for this fall is: \"INTERNET\"; Security /Violence in the
Workplace; Pre-retirement and Customer Service & Satisfaction.

The 50th anniversary of the VA Medical Center will be on November 14,
from 1 p.m. to 4:00p.m. Tours will be available.

Donna Roberts will take reservations for the next FEA meeting, please
call 264-4825

11:45 a.m. Recessed for lunch. President Gray ask Robert Elliott to
offer thanks for the food.

**6. SPEAKERS:**

Joseph Gray introduced Richard Pell Director, VA Medical Center and
\"96\" CFC Chairperson. He discussed the importance of the campaign and
the need of giving and briefly discussed last year\'s successful
campaign. The goal for tis year\'s campaign is \$79,000. He introduced
Ms. Theresa Hess, Acting Executive Director for United Way of Berkeley
and Morgan Counties, Combined Federal Campaign Principal Combined Fund
Organization (PCFO).

Theresa wanted an opportunity to thank all participating federal
agencies for conducting the best campaign in the history of the local
United Way. We surpassed last years goal. She gave a brief outline of
this years campaign, agency mailings, and reported the 25 word brochure
will be ready on September 27. Last year\'s contributions netted
\$93,000of which \$30,000 was distributed to local agencies. She also
reported; the Regional Director of teh Postmasters is taking a more
active role in the campaign this year. a meeting has been called on
October 1, to encourage all Post Offices\' be become involved in CFC.

**7.ADJOURN:** President Gray declared the meeting adjourned.

**FEA Monthly Meeting**

October 28, 1996

> Present:
>
> Kathleen Cole,
> SSA\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....President
>
> Mr. Bruce Van Wyk\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....Guest
> Speaker
>
> Joseph Gray, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Mike Watson, National Park Service, SMTC
>
> Ken Starnes, National Park Service, HAFE
>
> Don Campbell, National Park Service, HAFE
>
> Pam Underhill, National Park Service, ATPO
>
> Diana Ropelewski , National Park Service, ATLAFO
>
> Richard Pell, VA Medical Center
>
> Joan Sheldon, VA Medical Center
>
> Patricia Kinder, VA Medical Center
>
> Judy Gerdeman, VA Medical Center
>
> David Ranck, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Ruth Grubb, VA Medical Center
>
> Bill Stallcup, Martinsburg Computing Center
>
> Robert Elliott, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Tom Cushing, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> **I. OPENING:**
>
> **A. DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS:** Copies of the following were
> distributed to all persons attending the meeting: \"Minutes of
> September 18 Policy Board Meeting; Minutes of the September 23, FEA
> meeting and an agenda for the meeting.
>
> **B. INTRODUCTIONS:** The meeting was called to order Kathleen Cole
> President 11:45 a.m., and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Meeting
> was held at the Bavarian Inn restaurant, in Shepherdstown, WV.

**C. PRESIDENT\'S REPORT:** The focus for this year will be the
committee charges, Constitution and By-laws and implementation of the
Strategic Plan.

> **II. OLD BUSINESS:** Joe Gray moved we accept the Policy Board
> minutes of September 18 and the meeting minutes of September 23. Don
> Campbell 2nd and motion passed.

**III. NEW BUSINESS:**

**A. SPEAKER**

Mr. Bruce Van Wyk, President, Van Wyk Enterprises, Inc. spoke concerning
the economy of the Eastern Panhandle, emphasis on Berkeley County. There
was a lengthy Q & A.

> **B. EDUCATION**
>
> Membership is more than sufficient. There have been two very
> successful \"Retirement Seminars\" and another is scheduled for
> November 25 & 26. Each agency has a contact person for dissemination
> of information.

**C. TREASURER\'S REPORT**

> The current balance is \$6,651.07, with receipts of \$1,300 due from
> agencies that attended past seminars.
>
> **D. ADJOURN:**
>
> Ken Starnes moved we adjourn. Richard Pell 2nd and motion passed.

**EPFEA Monthly Meeting**

November 25, 1996

> Present:
>
> Kathleen Cole,
> SSA...............\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....President
>
> Ms. Margaret Wendy, Training Specialist, NETC\...\...Guest Speaker
>
> Joseph Gray, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Mike Watson, National Park Service, SMTC
>
> Ken Starnes, National Park Service, HAFE
>
> Don Campbell, National Park Service, HAFE
>
> David Wright, National Park Service, HFC
>
> Joseph Nagel, National Park Service, JCCC
>
> John Lemon, Fish & Wildlife Service, NETC
>
> Joan Sheldon, VA Medical Center
>
> Patricia Kinder, VA Medical Center
>
> Ruth Grubb, VA Medical Center
>
> Judy Gerdeman, VA Medical Center
>
> Carol Beard, VA Medical Center
>
> Debroa Gantt, VA Medical Center
>
> Marie Nichols, VA Medical Center
>
> David Ranck, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Mike Vjtasko, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Tom Cushing, OEMP, VA Medical Center
>
> Jerry Rabe, Martinsburg Computing Center
>
> Bill Stalcup, Martinsburg Computing Center
>
> Glenn Stampler, Martinsburg Computing Center
>
> Tom Willis, U.S. Coast Guard VDOC
>
> Patricia Williams, U.S. Coast Guard VDOC
>
> **I. OPENING:**
>
> **A. DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS:** Copies of the following were
> distributed to all persons attending the meeting: \"Minutes of
> November 5, Policy Board Meeting; Minutes of the October 28, FEA
> meeting and an agenda for the meeting.
>
> **B. INTRODUCTIONS:** The meeting was called to order Kathleen Cole
> President 11:45 a.m. and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The
> meeting was held at the Bavarian Inn restaurant, in Shepherdstown, WV.

**II. OLD BUSINESS:**

Tom Cushing moved we accept the Policy Board minutes of November 5, and
General Meeting minutes of October 28, as presented. Rick Lemon 2nd and
motion passed.

**III. NEW BUSINESS:**

**1. SPEAKER**

Ms. Margaret Wendy, Training Specialist for Fish & Wildlife National
Education and Training Center. She gave us a brief overview of the
\"Personal Liability Course\" which will be offered at the NETC. Certain
areas are covered by law and congressional mandates, other areas the
federal manager is liable for their own actions. Court cost and legal
fees are very expensive even if you may be innocent. Environmental cases
are extremely expensive and ignorance of the law or policy is not an
avenue for exoneration.

**2. EDUCATION**

The \"Retirement Seminar\" will be held today and tomorrow (25 & 26th).
Crisis Management will be held December 12, there are 30+ enrolled.
Internet training will be held at Shepherd College on December 15.
Customer Service will be held on January 22. .

**3. AWARDS**

A memo is being prepared outlining various award programs available to
federal employees. A program will be presented during the January or
February meeting.

**4. LFCC:**

> A meeting is scheduled for December 4th in the Coast Guard Blue Room.
> Discussion will center on the wrap-up of the campaign. Preliminary
> reports indicate we have exceeded our goal.

**5. NEWSLETTER**

> Pat Williams will publish the newsletter this week, integrated photos
> are used when available. Her secretary Carloyn is assisting this
> effort.

**6. MISCELLANEOUS**

> The Department of Labor is working with FEB\'s and FEA\'s to develop
> \"Disaster/Emergency Action Plans\". We must develop an Emergency
> Plan. FEB/FEA\'s are to coordinate employee benefits as a result of
> the Oklahoma City incident.
>
> Captain Ashforth is working on \"Security in the Workplace\", he has
> contacted ATF for their input.
>
> David Wright will retire January 1, 1997 this will be his last meeting
> as a government employee, we wish him well during his retirement.
>
> The meeting was declared adjourned by President Cole at 1 p.m.