Jan 2001 Minutes
Indiana Chapter DINFOS Alumni Association
PO Box 26925
Indianapolis, IN 46226-9001
The fourteenth meeting of the Indiana Chapter of the
DINFOS Alumni Association was held at 11:30 am on January
27, 2001, at The Garrison at Ft. Harrison State Park.
The President, Jack Rubak, opened the meeting. He
welcomed all and asked them to stand and introduce
themselves.
He then introduced the guest speaker, MG Ronald Brooks,
(USA-Ret), former Ft. Benjamin Harrison Post Commander and
currently Executive Director of Marketing Services Group for
the American Legion.
- MG Brooks' remarks included some reminiscences about
his days as School Secretary at DINFOS and then about the
American Legion. He said the American Legion represents all
of the military veterans throughout the United States and is
the point-of-contact for issues that arise concerning the
military and veterans. He mentioned that the American Legion
sponsors a variety of activities such as a camp for boys
called “Boy’s State.” He pointed out that “Boy’s
State” has had many successes over the years and read a
listing of well-known persons who had attended in their
youth. - He further stated the American Legion was concerned
about the many military votes that were thrown out during
the last presidential election, and an investigation is
under way. About the “US Flag Burning Amendment Ban,” he
said this will be coming up again before the House and the
Senate. He expects it will pass this year and that President
Bush will sign the Amendment - MG Brooks also mentioned that
he had been invited to attend the inauguration of President
Bush. - A question was asked about recruiting younger
veterans to join the American Legion. MG Brooks said this
was a concern. As about 72,000 World War II veterans die
each year, the American Legion is launching an all out
effort to recruit younger members.
The President thanked MG Brooks for his most interesting
and informative presentation and presented him with an
engraved clock and a DINFOS cap to show the Alumni
Association’s appreciation.
Next was an update on “What’s New in Lawrence and at
Ft. Harrison,” by LTC Chuck Ricks, (USA-Ret), who is the
Director of Economic Development for the City of Lawrence. -
Of particular interest is what use has been made of Building
#400 where the Defense Information School was located. LTC
Ricks said Building #400 is now called the “Theodore
Roosevelt Building. The agenda is to retain the military
ties and tradition. - On the post there are new buildings
with about 900 occupants. There are still 70 acres left to
sell. - Yet to come will be a town square with a bandstand
in the middle, the Ivy Tech Campus, and across from the
steam plant, some offices and restaurants. The objective is
to get people to stop by instead of just driving through. -
A new fire station is being built and plans are being made
to raise money for firefighting equipment. - The Reuse
Authority would like to see a development area established
off post.
Dr. Rubak thanked LTC Ricks for his excellent
presentation and presented him with an Alumni Association
pin and bookmark.
New business was discussed. Dr. Rubak reported that
Colonel Hiram Bell replaced Colonel Larry Icenogle. Colonel
Bell has expressed interest in reviving the Alumni
Association at the school. We are hoping to have him as our
guest speaker at our June meeting.
Colonel Bell’s update on the school at Ft. Meade was
read by Dr. Rubak. The school also has a new Deputy
Commandant – LTC Thomas.
Dr. Rubak mentioned that the Alumni Association currently
has 123 members.
Nominations for Treasurer and for 2nd Vice President in
Charge of Plans were asked for. Steve Lawson submitted his
name for Treasurer. Voting will take place at the next
meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jack Rubak, President
Helen Stritt, Secretary
