The Battery’s annual meeting was called to order by Captain Brown at 1:08 pm.

Attendance:

The following members were in attendance at this meeting:

Battery:

Capt. Terry Brown
Sgt. John Utterback
Cpl. Brant Doty
Cpl. Lyle Laufenberg
Pvt. Chris Bestul
Pvt. David Fleischer
Pvt. Skip McCutchin
Pvt. Brian Staples

Auxiliary:

Teri Brown
Karna Doty
Linda Laufenberg
Charlene Staples

Minutes

The reading of the 2004 annual meeting minutes was bypassed as Captain Brown did not have a copy of them. A copy has since been obtained and will be sent out as an addendum to these minutes.

Treasury Report

The starting balance for the 2005 season is $4,520.51. The treasury report for 2004 was approved as read. This report includes the 2004 balance sheet and budget for the 2005 season. Dues: Reminder dues need to be sent in as soon as possible as the Association dues is due by 1 April, 2005.

Old Business

Roster: The Battery roster was reviewed. Additions and changes were made. An updated roster is attached to these minutes. Please note that member’s names shown in italic print are listed as inactive for the 2005 season until otherwise notified.

2004 Schedule Review:  The 2004 season was reviewed. NCOs are to make sure that all event information gets communicated to those who do not have E-mail. Timely and accurate headcounts still have a tendency to hinder logistics for events. We will continue to improve this communication loop

Limber Fund: The limber fund was reviewed as part of the treasury reporting. It is now closed, as the purchase of our limber was made last summer.

New Business

Association Meeting: Capt. Brown was unable to attend this years meeting on January 29 due to a work conflict. The meeting was attended by Lyle Laufenberg, Brant Doty, and Chris Bestul. Chris was sworn in at this meeting. The minutes from this meeting are also attached.

The Auxiliary members have broken out into their own meeting.

Gun Maintenance: 

The following items are to be worked during the scheduled maintenance days scheduled.

• Repaint the carriage and limber to match
• Install limber straps
• Grease axles
• Revent the tube
• Recable the winch

John Utterback will obtain the proper ammo and fuse chart for the limber lid, as well as the appropriate stencil for the labeling of the ammunition box as 12#.

Terry Brown will obtain the appropriate sized fly for the limber.

Guideon Project: During the off season Captain Brown has researched the proper guideon for our unit and has made inquiries into sewing services available. The guideon which would be most appropriate is the Model 1833, red and white with the designation of U.S., Lt. Co. B painted on one side and painted in reverse on the other side to cover the bleed through.

Brant Doty will do the follow-up research at the Veteran’s Museum of the appropriate weight silk to be used and get detail dimensions for the staff and finial to be used. Once all of this information is gathered, the construction of the guideon will begin.

For the Good of the Battery

Brant Doty has access to copies of the Holiday 2004 issue of Blue & Gray Magazine, where there is an article written on the Iron Brigade and Battery B during the Maryland Campaign including the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. It is written by Allan T. Nolan and Marc Storch. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy for their library is to contact Brant.

Adjournment

Following the end of business, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 4:05 pm.

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