Post on 16-Dec-2015
Doubletree Hotel Lobby
AMRA invites hotel guests and staff to a “group
singing” of the National Anthem at 4:00pm on
June 14th to celebrate
the 200th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner
Ed Singer, Executive Vice President
Of ASI gives his annual report on AMRA’s TRICARE Supplement Program.
Jeff Ray, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Selman Co.
meets the AMRA Board. Selman recently acquired ASI.
(L-R) National Director Bill Knepshield, National Chaplain John Babcock, National Directors Bill Boyle, J.B. Kump, David Cook, Vincent La Valle.
National Director and Scholarship Committee Chair,
Debbie Smith, presents recommendation for $35,000
in collegiate scholarships and $5,000 in vocational skills scholarships for the 2015-
2016 academic year.
National Director J.B. Kump reports on proposed
amendments to the Bylaws to be presented to delegates for approval at the National
Convention.
National Director and Legislative Affairs Committee
Chair, Bill Knepshield, reports on the past year’s legislative activities and
accomplishments.
National Director Ted Painter reports on AMRA’s Legislative
efforts to amend Section 707 of the 2007 NDAA.
National First Vice President Kirk Bennett presents a railroad lantern to President Knepshield before the meeting starts.
Keynote Speaker
Matt Stiner, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
as the Secretary’s Liaison to Veterans’ Service Organizations
In the absence of the Resolutions Chair, Executive Director Peg Bergeron presents Resolutions for approval by the delegation.
National Chaplain John Babcock conducts a Memorial Service for all departed military retirees. This year special tribute was paid
to Past National President John Ricci of Plattsburgh, NY.
Legislative Affairs Committee members in attendance
L-R: Bill Knepshield, Chair (VA); Barry Cox (VA); Director Ted Painter (MA) and J.B. Kump (FL), Vice Chair.
Guest Speaker
AMRA member and author Rick Campbell spoke of the
writing process and provided intriguing clues to
the premise of his book, The Trident Deception.
President Knepshield presents the
Chapter Communications Award to Chapter President
Cathy La Valle for the Treasure Coast Chapter FL1.
Kirk Bennett, Texas Department President, accepts the Top Department Performance Award. Kirk is also National Membership Committee Chair
and received AMRA’s Top Recruiter Award for the 3rd year in a row. That’s leading by example!
Honorable Mention for recruiting went to (L-R) “Doc” Holloway (FL) and J.B. Kump. President Knepshield presented the awards.
The Top Chapter Performance Award was present by President Knepshield to Treasure Coast FL1 Chapter President Cathy La Valle
(right). Kathy Baumgarten (left), President, Lake Champlain Chapter NY1, accepted an award for the chapter’s increase in membership.
Expressing his appreciation to his officers, President Knepshield presents certificates of appreciation to (left) Kirk Bennett, National First
Vice President and (right) Bill Knepshield, Second Vice President.
President Knepshield presents Le Roy “Doc” Holloway with a citation and plaque for his service
as he leaves the AMRA Board.
The prestigious President’s Award was presented by
President Knepshield to Fred Gilman for his continuous
service to AMRA since 1993 as National First Vice
President and National Director. Fred has chaired a
multitude of committees over the years and is currently
serving as National Director and President of the
Foundation.
Director Vincent La Valle (right) presents an award to President Knepshield and Executive Director Peg Bergeron for AMRA’s
sponsorship of the United Veterans of Port St. Lucie County Golf Tournament, which raises funds to purchase vans used to
transport vets to the VA.
Director J.B. Kump presents amendments to the National, Department and Chapter bylaws for approval by delegates.
Guest Speaker
Master chief Eugene Crabtree, USN (Ret.), Coordinator of Retiree Activities for the
Mid-Atlantic Region.
Master Chief Crabtree accepts AMRA’s $1,500
donation to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society
at Norfolk Naval Base.
AMRA National Board of Directors Installing Officer - Past National President Catherine La Valle
(L-R) John Babcock, Chaplain; Debbie Smith, Director; David Cook, Director; J.B. Kump, Secretary; Bill Knepshield, Second Vice President; Ronald K. Knepshield, President; Kirk Bennett, First Vice President; Stephen Wood,
Treasurer; Ted Painter, Director and James Dennie, Director.
Foundation Board of Directors
(L-R) J.B. Kump, Vice President; Fred Gilman, President; Donald Waterworth, Secretary and Timothy Riggins, Director.
AMRA National Board of Directors Back Row: Ted Painter, Stephen Wood, J.B. Kump, Kirk Bennett, John
Babcock, Bill Knepshield, David Cook and Bill Boyle.Front Row: Catherine La Valle, Vincent La Valle, Ronald Knepshield,
James Dennie, Debbie Smith, and Fred Gilman.
National Officers
(L-R) Treasurer Stephen Wood, Secretary J.B. Kump, President Ronald K. Knepshield, First Vice President Kirk Bennett,
Second Vice President Bill Knepshield.