The annual meeting of the membership convened in the Iron Mike Conference Center, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

Former Chapter Chaplain Tim Atkinson led the assembly in the singing of the National Anthem. Current Chapter Chaplain Williamson then delivered the invocation.

President Underwood welcomed all, stressed the importance of the meeting and its agenda, and thanked everyone for attending. Dinner was then served.

Following dinner, President Underwood introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Phil Harris, Executive Director of the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Harris’ presentation centered on the services and operations of the Red Cross at Fort Liberty and the wider Highlands Region and highlighted the recent relief efforts provided in the western parts of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene.

President Underwood began the business portion of the program by presenting a brief recap of the chapter’s accomplishments during the year and highlighted some of its events. He capped his report with the fact that the chapter earned a MOAA 5-star Levels of Excellence Award and a 5-Star Colonel Marvin Harris Communications Awards for the chapter’s website for the tenth consecutive year.

In accordance with the chapter's bylaws, the general membership voted to approve the dues structure for 2025 to remain at $20 for regular members and $10 for surviving spouses.

Being an election year, COL (Ret) Eli Ballard, Chairman of the 2024 Nominating Committee presented the slate of candidates for election to leadership positions for the 2-year term starting January 2025. Ballots were then passed out to all voting members present.

Chaplain Tim Atkinson led the singing of God Bless America and delivered the benediction. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Photos courtesy of Teresa Vaughn.