"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." The opening phrases of Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” aptly encapsulate 2007 for DOCA!
The best of times were our five extraordinary trips reviewed in detail later in this annual report. For me the most long lasting memories will be of: our lengthy meeting with Colombian President Uribe and his principal ministers, dinner on the Colombian Navy's tall sailing ship ARC Gloria and a 50 knot ride on one of its Midnight Express boats, tours of a trident missile submarine and guided missile cruiser, a morning with General Sir John Reith and his staff at SHAPE Command in Belgium, the US Thunderbirds air show at a Romanian air base, briefings by Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace at the Pentagon and Maj. Gen. Dana Atkins at Pacific Command, and the sunset Pearl Harbor historical tour and USS Arizona visit. Each of our trips provided participating DOCA members a wealth of information and experiences to share in their respective communities.
The "worst of times" relates to DOCA's notification by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs in April that the Privacy Act prevents DoD from providing DOCA with contact information for JCOC participants. This obviously makes it more difficult for us to make JCOC participants aware of the opportunity DOCA provides to continue the educational experience they enjoyed on JCOC. The wonders of the internet, however, have allowed us to continue to identify and reach out to those folks.
Our annual meeting in Hawaii marked the completion of several years' work through the adoption of bylaws revisions designed to facilitate better and more transparent governance of DOCA. Our Board of Directors has accepted a greater role in governing our organization through a revised meeting structure and new committees.
Our DOCA Defense Fund received over $102,000 in gifts from 164 DOCA members for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 and had a carry forward Fund balance of $705,000. About $37,000 in FY ’07 contributions was directed to the DOCA Operating Fund allowing our organization to end the year in the black. Thanks to all who contributed!
Our number of members varied in the mid to upper 400's throughout the year. Although we have a steady flow of new members from JCOC and member nominations, attrition from death, resignation or non-renewal has left our total membership level fairly flat for the past two years. With support from all of you, a new membership committee will try to once again break through to the 500's in membership in 2008!
Finally, my particular thanks go to each of you who serve DOCA as an officer, director or committee member. Without your efforts---and those of the many members who participate in our programs and then "spread the word" in their communities, DOCA could not continue its long tradition of service to our country. God bless you all!
Sincerely,
John R. Stahr
DOCA President 2006-2008
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