COMMANDER'S  CORNER

 

Bernard J. Doyle

National Commander

I begin my first commanders corner on a sad note, Just ten days before I was to assume office and John Bartick was to assume the office of vice commander, John died suddenly. My first duties as commander were to appoint an interim vice commander and an interim member of the board of directors.

 

I have appointed William C. "Bill" Morgan as vice commander. Bill will serve until an election is held following the procedeure given in the VUMS by-laws.

 

I have appointed Jack Lutz to fill the seat on the board of directors formerly held by John Bartick. Jack is currently the Oregon State commander. Since assuming that position he has recruited 15 new members. I look forward to working with him.

 

Recently I opened my dictionary and looked up the word "LISTEN."  Here's what it said; Listen  - to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; to pay attention. During my tour as National Commander of VUMS, I intend to do just that -  listen to the membership.  This doesn't mean that I will do all that is suggested or asked of me.  No one can be everything to everybody all the time.  I will listen with an open mind and then make decisions based on what I, the board members, and national officers feel is in the best interest of our unique association.

 

Last year our Immediate Past Commander, Ken Buster, initiated a meeting of State Commanders during our annual reunion.  This, I feel, was an excellent example of getting people together to share thoughts, consider new ideas, and to communicate needs and concerns.  I most definitely plan to continue this program.

Bill Morgan, George Rogers and I follow a long line of outstanding and well serving officers.  Al Stover, Ed Gilley, Ray Jackson, Ken Buster, Bob Dodson and Carl Goodman set high standards of leadership.  We will call on them for advice and counsel and try to walk in their footsteps as we serve.  Bernie

 

 

Kenneth R. Buster
Past Commander 2005-07 

The opportunity to serve as the National Commander is one that I would not trade for anything. These past three years have allowed me to meet, and become friends with, individuals who gave their youth to their country and would do it again, given the chance. Their spirit of "can do" carried on past their military years and is reflected in

the accomplishments of their lives. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I will cherish it forever.  Ken

Ray D. Jackson

Past Commander 2002-04

 

I have had the privilege of serving as national vice commander, national commander, newsletter editor, and editor of three books of stories about underage veterans.  I came to know well many of our members personally, and many others indirectly by editing their stories.  What impresses me the most about these men and women who, as youngsters, rushed the cadence to enlist in the military before they could legally do so, is that many went on to be very successful in business, academics, the military, and other endeavors.  I have never met a finer group of people.   Ray

 

 

 

Edward E. Gilley

Past Commander 1999-01

 

VUMS had a long and hard administrative road between 1998 to 2001. Ray Jackson and I were duly elected by a written and secret ballot. The organization was then 'out of step' and being run by others while Al Stover was working in Saudi Arabia. We needed a leadership with built-in checks and balances instead of the 'One Man' rule.  We spent the next three years counting cadence to wayward dissidents, etc. 

 

Afterwards unit pride, with peace and harmony, prevailed within the ranks.  In January 1999  we appointed a bonded Secretary/Treasurer and a Board of Directors which were all later duly elected by the membership, We also made changes in some state commanders positions. We changed the by-laws after due input from the rank and file.  We initiated  a public relations drive by the press and television nationwide. The VUMS Organization is now essentially the same today as it was after these changes.  I am proud to be a member of this fine organization.   Ed

 

 

 

 

Allan C. Stover

Founder & Past Commander

I STILL FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE!

I never imagined when I founded Veterans of Underage Military Service in 1991 that it would grow as large as it has. We have identified more than 2,600 “kids” and more than half of them are still active members. Along the way, we’ve had some wonderful reunions, made some wonderful friends, and heard some great war stories. All of that wouldn’t have been possible if VUMS had never existed. Sometimes at a reunion banquet, I’ll look over the crowd and am truly humbled by the role I played in forming VUMS. I still find it hard to believe how far we’ve come.

VUMS’ success has been possible because of the people involved. We were blessed to have some great National Commanders and their wives who were dedicated to VUMS. They worked long hours and made some tough decisions. We have also been blessed with a great group of members who served their country and are proud of their underage service. God bless you all.  Al