In accordance with the bylaws, the Swift Boat Sailors Association business meeting is held in conjunction with each national reunion, typically every two years. In 2007 this meeting was held in the Kona Room of the Crown Plaza Hotel on Friday, May 4.

The first item on the meeting agenda was to receive a report from all of the primary officers of the association. Each BOD member and Officer gave a report of his activities.

Chairman of the Board Report From Robert Brant President's Report From Raul Hererra     Vice President's Report From Joe Ponder Treasurer's Report From Gene Hart

The next item on the agenda was to select, by secret membership vote, replacements for retiring members of the Board of Directors. Up for selection were the four year expiring posts of Robert Brant, Ed Bergin, and Larry Wazikowski. Nominations submitted prior to the reunion as possible replacements for these three positions were: Robert Brant, Dave Wallace, Dr. Mike Solhaug and Virg Erwin. Each of these nominees were given an opportunity to voice their opinions about their qualifications and desire to be selected to the Board of Directors

Robert Brant Dr. Mike Solhaug     Dave Wallace Virg Erwin

The results of the member's voting are that a) Robert Brant will retain his postion on the Board of Directors and continue to serve as it's Chairman, b) That Dave Wallace and Virg Erwin will replace the positions left vacant by the departure of Ed Bergin and Larry Wazikowski. Virg will also assume the office of Vice President of the association. c) All other officers will remain in the posts to which they had been elected and/or appointed to prior to this year's business meeting Other items were also discussed at the meeting. The one of most interest to the membership was the choice of location for the next national reunion in the year 2009. Four possible cities had been placed on a short list for final consideration by the Board of Diretors: Boston, Washington DC, Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL. The members present at the meeting were asked for their opinions and the overwhelming majority present indicated that they would prefer Charleston. However, the decision was deferred for later consideration by the newly elected Board of Directors, who have the final authority for selection of the reunion site location, the dates, times and compostition of the group designated to plan and conduct the reunion. The membership will be notified at a later date of the Board's final decision in this matter. Also available for the first time in many years was a hard copy list of association members with contact information for those members that have indicated they are willing to have this information made available within the association. Copies were handed out at the meeting and may be obtained by contacting Gene Hart through normal association communication channels: ie via email, a post on one of the forums or by USPS letter to the association mailing address.

VA rep

At the conclusion of the business meeting, a representative of the local San Diego Veteran's Administration organization and Bob Hunt were available to answer questions from members concerning application for and receiving VA benefits for which they are elegible