Membership in the U.S.S. JOSEPH STRAUSS ASSOCIATION shall be open to any military personnel or federally approved civilian personnel who served aboard the U.S.S JOSEPH STRAUSS while underway. This will apply to any past, present or future personnel who have or will serve aboard any United States naval vessel bearing the name: U.S.S. JOSEPH STRAUSS.

Section 2. Life Time Membership

With the nomination by three or more members, including officers, Life Time Membership may be conferred on any ASSOCIATION member who has given extraordinary Service or Assistance to the organization.

The Executive Board shall examine the merits of the nominee and report the results at the next Designated Business Meeting with the recommendation Yea or Nay for the granting of the Life Time Membership. Members may also submit nominations at the Designated Business Meeting or by mail to the Executive Board prior to the Designated Business Meeting.

The ASSOCIATION shall award honorary membership to the Widow, Widower or next of Kin of any deceased member.

The ASSOCIATION may also confer Honorary Membership on any person nominated by three or more members, including officers, in the recognition of extraordinary service or assistance to the organization.

The Executive Board shall examine the merits of the nominee and report the results at the next Designated Business Meeting with the recommendation of Yea or Nay for the acceptance to the ASSOCIATION as an Honorary Member. Members may also submit nominations at the Designated Business Meeting or by mail to the Executive Board prior to the Business Meeting.

A. The ASSOCIATION may send newsletters to these members

B. These members shall pay no dues, nor will they have voting privileges.

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS AND VOTING

Section 1. Designated Reunion Meetings

The annual meeting of the ASSOCIATION shall be known officially as the “Designated Reunion Meeting” and will be held at least every two years in a locale as designated by the membership at the September or October meeting.

Section 2. Conduct of Meetings

The President, or in his absence, the ranking officer present shall conduct all meetings of the ASSOCIATION.

Section 3. Rules of Order

All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with these By-Laws. Robert’s Rules of Order, as revised, shall govern all issues not addressed by these By-Laws. The members shall transact such business as may properly come before them.

All issues to be decided during the Designated Business Meeting shall be presented in the form of a Motion and Seconded. Before a vote on any Motion, the Secretary will have made a written copy of the motion and shall read the written copy to the membership immediately before any vote. If any vote is too close to call or if three members challenge any vote, a paper ballot shall be issued to each member present. The President shall appoint a Ballot Committee of three voting members to count the ballots. Officers, Directors, and Members who challenge a vote may not serve on this Ballot Committee.

Section 4. Elections

The Nominating Committee shall nominate a candidate for each position of Officer or Director that is up for election. Voting members may submit additional nominations from the floor, but no member may nominate himself. All nominations from the floor must be seconded and the nominee must consent before the nomination can be accepted.

Section 5. Compensation

Members of the ASSOCIATION, including Officers, the Executive Board, and members of Committees shall receive no compensation for their services. The ASSOCIATION may reimburse all members for out of pocket expense.

ARTICLE V. DIRECTORS

A Board of Directors, hereafter called the Executive Board, shall be elected at the Designated Reunion Business Meeting. This Board shall consist of the Immediate Past-President, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

There shall also be four (4) members elected from those attending, bringing the total number of the Executive Board to nine (9). At the first Designated Business Meeting after these By-Laws are adopted, two of the four members will be elected for four years. The other two will be elected for two years. Thereafter, only the four year members will be elected, the first four year members will regress to the two year term.

A. the Executive Board shall be the Senior Governing Body of the Association
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS

Section 1. Precedence and Terms of Office

The Officers of this ASSOCIATION, in order of rank shall be;

A. President

B. Vice-President

C. Secretary

D. Treasurer

E. Chaplain - Appointed by the President and to serve at the pleasure of the President.

F. Master-At-Arms - Appointed by the President and to serve at the pleasure of the President.

These officers shall be elected for a term of two (2) years at the Designated Business Meeting.

Section 2. President

The President is the senior officer of the ASSOCIATION and responsible for its day- to-day activities. The President is the Chairman of the Executive Board.

A. The President may appoint another Officer or member to conduct portions of any meeting;

B. Receive written Quarterly Reports from all other ASSOCIATION Officers and Committee Chairman on the activities under their jurisdiction;

C. Have final authority in the appointments of Committee Chairmen as recommended by the Vice-President in Charge.

D. Make quarterly written reports to the membership in the ASSOCIATION Newsletter and at the Designated Reunion Meeting;

E. The President shall maintain the mailing address of the ASSOCIATION;

F. Conduct or supervise the agenda at all Designated Reunion Business Meetings;

G. Shall appoint a voting member to fill a vacated office until the next election.

Section 3. Vice-President

The Vice President is a senior officer second only to the President. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the event of the President’s absence or incapacity to act.

A. Supervise activities of the Designated Reunion Meeting and be responsible for coordinating the activities of committee chairmen involved with reunion affairs;

B. Supervise the activities of the Budget Committee, Public Relations Committee, Members, Recruiting Committee, and Museum Committee;

C. Make detailed written reports quarterly to the President.

Section 4. Secretary

A. Keep minutes of Designated Business Meetings and publish said minutes in the newsletter immediately following the reunion;

B. Keep records and files of ASSOCIATION correspondence;

C. Sign membership cards received from the Treasurer and mail or deliver to the member;

D. Keep an Up-To-Date membership file;

E. Prepare Annual Roster or supplement and mail to paid-up members;

F. Be custodian of ASSOCIATION property;

G. May appoint an Assistant who shall perform any of the above duties as delegated by the Secretary and in addition, shall act as liaison with the Chairman of the Membership Recruiting Committee;

H. Make a detailed quarterly written report to the President;

I. Maintain the ASSOCIATION mailing address should the President be unable to do so.

Section 5. Treasurer

A. Collect all moneys due the ASSOCIATION;

1) Members ASSOCIATION dues

2) Moneys collected through contributions, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws

3) Moneys collected by officers or members in the discharge of their duties

4) Issue receipts for all moneys received

5) Deposit all moneys in the ASSOCIATION bank accounts

B. Shall maintain accounts and provide full and accurate reports of all funds collected, disbursed, and on hand;

C. Prepare and mail all membership cards to each paid-up member.

D. The President and/or Treasurer shall have authority to sign checks or withdraw funds for ASSOCIATION purposes;

1) The President will sign checks provided for his signature by the Treasurer. In the event the President becomes incapacitated or an urgent situation occurs, the Vice President will then be authorized to sign checks or withdraw funds for ASSOCIATION purposes.

E. Ensures the payment all just debts of the ASSOCIATION by check;

1) Reasonable funds may be maintained for petty cash.

F. Holds all monies paid in advance for reunion activities, in escrow, until he settles the associated expenses;

G. Maintains separate records for General Fund, Ship’s Store Account and Ladies Fund.;

1) Need not maintain separate bank accounts unless deemed necessary

H. When requested, shall submit reports to the President or Executive Board;

I. Shall submit annual reports for each fiscal year ending September 30th;

1) These reports shall be prepared and audited prior to the Designated Business

Meeting

J. Although this is a non-profit association, the Treasurer shall be aware of all reports required by State and Federal Governments, and if needed, file such reports;

K. Shall be Chairman of the Budget Committee.

Section 6. Chaplain

A. Shall provide “Spiritual Guidance” in all endeavors of the ASSOCIATION;

B. Be of service, if possible, to bereaved members and families of ASSOCIATION members.

Section 7. Master-At-Arms

A. Shall assist the President or other presiding officer with the maintenance of order at business meetings.

Section 8. President Emeritus

This Officer is selected from the Past Presidents in order of their election to office and acceptance is at the discretion of the nominee. The President Emeritus serves to ensure that the Association By-laws are followed and kept updated, sees to the continuity of the Association and is there for advisement to the Acting President. He shall serve until called to his Maker or resigns at which time the Office shall automatically pass to the next most Senior Past President.

ARTICLE VII. CONDUCT OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

All members of this ASSOCIATION are expected to act and bring credit to the ASSOCIATION at all times.

A. All members are responsible for the actions of their guests who accompany them to the Designated Reunion or any other function;

B. Should disciplinary action become necessary due to the actions of any member or guest, the Executive Board shall make all decisions in regards to the measures to be taken;

C. A two-thirds vote of the Executive Board is required to impose any disciplinary action.

ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES

Section 1. Responsibility

The President shall have supervisory responsibility for all committees, but shall exercise this authority only through the designated elected officer, if any, assigned to oversee or supervise a committee.

Section 2. Organization

Committees shall be of three types:

A. Special Purpose Committees whose chairmen are appointed by and report directly to the President of the ASSOCIATION;

1) The Audit Committee

2) The By-Laws Committee

3) The Budget Committee

B. Standing Committees whose chairmen are appointed jointly by the ASSOCIATION President and designated supervisory officer, but report only to their designated supervisory officer;

1) Designated Reunion Committee

2) Public Relations Committee

3) Newsletter, Publication Committee

4) Membership Recruiting Committee

5) Museum Committee

C. Nominating Committee shall be the President, immediate past president and up to five additional members as appointed by the President.

Section 3. Audit Committee

This committee is appointed by the ASSOCIATION President and shall audit the records or books of the Treasurer annually prior to the Designated Reunion Meeting and report their findings to the ASSOCIATION President prior the said meeting.

Section 4. By-Laws Committee

A. The By-Laws Committee shall form at the call of the President;

B. When in session, they shall communicate by telephone and mail;

C. When feasible, the committee shall meet at least one month prior to the Designated Reunion Meeting;

D. All proposed amendments to the By-Laws are to be transmitted to paid-up member as they register for the Designated Reunion;

E. the Chairman of the Committee shall introduce the proposed amendments to the membership during the By-Laws Committee report portion of the business meeting.

Section 5. Budget Committee

This committee shall be under the direct supervision of the ASSOCIATION President and its’ chairman shall be the Treasurer.

A. This committee shall prepare a proposed ASSOCIATION Budget for each fiscal year beginning October 1 and ending September 30th.

B. The committee chairman will submit the proposed budget to the ASSOCIATION President for his approval and the President will submit the proposed budget to the membership for their approval at the Designated Reunion Meeting.

Section 6. Designated Reunion Site Committee

As designated by the membership at the previous Reunion’s Business Meeting, the locale for the next Designated Reunion shall be held at a place that will attract a majority of the membership to attend. The locale should be represented at the business meeting by a member or members who are from the area or within a 150 mile radius to ensure adequate reunion facilities are provided.

A. The Designated Reunion Site Committee is under the direct supervision of the Vice President;

B. The chairman of the Designated Reunion Site Committee shall be appointed at the previous September or October Designated Reunion Meeting;

C. The chairman shall select the members of the committee from the locale, or from within a 150 mile radius thereof;

D. This committee shall investigate and negotiate housing and accommodations at this locale

Or shall utilize the services of a commercial reunion service to do the same;

E. This committee is responsible for the dates of the Designated Reunion as well as all activities, photographers and the Banquet and may utilize the services of a commercial reunion service to accomplish this task.

Section 7. Public Relations Committee

The Public Relations Committee shall be under the supervision of the Vice President.

A. This committee shall be responsible for recommending appropriate action in support of memorial programs already adopted by the ASSOCIATION;

B. This committee shall insure that each Designated Reunion is given ample publicity by the local news media, national media, and organizational press, and provide Press Releases for other member’s usage.

Section 8. Newsletter, Publications Committee

The Editor of the Newsletter shall be the chairman of the Newsletter, Publications Committee which is under the direct supervision of the Vice President.

A. The committee shall publish the ASSOCIATIONS newsletter at least quarterly;

B. The newsletter shall contain the President’s message, reunion information and updates, the Secretary’s Report, the Treasurer’s Report, reports of all committees, and other information of interest to members. Additional newsletters may be published as necessary.

Section 9. Membership Recruiting Committee

The Membership Recruiting Committee is under the supervision of the Vice President.

A. This committee shall endeavor to locate and encourage eligible shipmates in becoming members of the ASSOCIATION;

B. This committee shall work with the Vice President and his responsibility for Public Relations

Section 10. Museum Committee

The Museum Committee is under the direct supervision of the Vice President.

A The chairman shall be the Official Historian of the ASSOCIATION;

B. The committee shall recommend such aid, sustenance and financial support within the limits of available funds to establish and maintain exhibits of artifacts, photographs and memorabilia of the U.S.S. JOSEPH STRAUSS;

C. (to be changed to our Association name at a later date) shall be the Official Designated Museum of this ASSOCIATION;

D. The Museum Committee shall turn over all monies received to the Treasurer in exchange for his receipt.

Section 11. Nominating Committee

Four months before any election of officers and / or Executive Board Members the President shall appoint at least three (3) members to select candidates for each office. Also to fill any openings on the Executive Board. The Nominating Committee shall not nominate a member without first obtaining the members consent.

A. The Nominating Committee is under the direct supervision of the ASSOCIATION

President;

B. The immediate Past President shall be the chairman of the committee;

C. This committee shall present their recommended slate of officers at the Designated Reunion Meeting.

ARTICLE IX. DUES

Section 1. Membership Dues

The dues of the U.S.S. JOSEPH STRAUSS ASSOCIATION shall be $10.00 per member per year for the calendar year January 1 to December 31st.

Section 2. Delinquency

Members shall be considered delinquent with unpaid dues for one year at time of the Designated Reunion. Members who are not current will not be allowed to vote.

Section 3. Non Current Members

Members who are not current will not be allowed to vote, hold office, or be nominated for any office.

By Resolution; Dues were raised to $15.00 a year and the members would receive quarterly newsletters. Voted and passed unanimously at the 2001 Annual Business meeting held at San Antonio, TX.

By Resolution; Dues were raised to $20.00 a year and the members would receive quarterly newsletters. Voted and passed unanimously at the 2003 Annual Business meeting held at Charleston, SC.

ARTICLE X. ASSOCIATION PROPERTY

Section 1. Custody

All material donated to or purchased with ASSOCIATION Funds, including pictures, display materials, files, artifacts, printed material, etc., shall be actually or constructively in the custody of the Secretary.

Section 2. Property Control

Historian and Museum Committees shall provide the President and Secretary with an itemized listing showing the whereabouts of property entrusted to them for purposes of safekeeping and display.

Section 3. Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the U.S.S JOSEPH STRAUSS ASSOCIATION, any artifacts of museum value shall be donated to the designated museum: (to be changed at a later date)

ARTICLE XI. SHIP’S STORE

Section 1. Storekeeper

The Ship’s Storekeeper shall be under the direct supervision of the ASSOCIATION President.

A. The Ship’s Storekeeper shall be responsible for the operation of the Ship’s Store;

B. Souvenir items will be available from the Ship’s Store at the Designated Reunion and by mail order;

C. The Ship’s Storekeeper shall collect all revenues from the sales of articles in the Ship’s Store and turn them over, on a regular basis, to the Treasurer in exchange for his receipt;

D. The Ship’s Storekeeper shall approve all bills for merchandise and postage and promptly forward them to the Treasurer for payment or reimbursement;

E. The Ship’s Storekeeper will submit an annual inventory as of the end of the ASSOCIATION’S fiscal year to the Treasurer and shall forward a copy thereof to the Audit Committee Chairman;

F. The Ship’s Storekeeper may appoint members to assist him in the operation of the ship’s store as necessary.

ARTICLE XII. MEMORIALS

Section 1. Establishment and Support

The ASSOCIATION shall establish and support, within the limits of available funds, such suitable memorials to veterans of the U.S.S. JOSEPH STRAUSS as are recommended by the Memorial Committee or Museum Committee and as approved and adopted by majority vote of the members attending its Designated Reunion Meeting.

ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be amended by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the membership attending the Designated Business Meeting. Pros and Cons of the amendment be presented by hand to each individual member attending the designated meeting.

A. For amendment purposes, the By-Laws Committee shall form at the call of the President;

B. When in session, they shall communicate by telephone and mail;

C. The By-Laws Committee Chairman shall introduce the proposed amendment(s) to the membership during the Designated Business Meeting.

ARTICLE XIV. TERMINATION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. Vote to Terminate

As long as the ASSOCIATION has three or more active members, it may only be terminated by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the active members voting.

A. A certified letter, along with a ballot, giving the PRO and CON reasons for the termination must be sent to all active members;

B. An active member is a voting member whose dues have been paid up-to-date;

C. A copy of the certified letter must be sent to the designated museum to be filed with the Artifacts of the ship.

Section 2. Disposition of Assets

Upon termination of the ASSOCIATION, the Executive Board shall dispose of all assets of the ASSOCIATION to organizations or memorial funds set-up for educational or scientific purposes.

A. It is here expressed that the desire of the members that any artifacts of museum value shall be donated to the ASSOCIATION’S designated museum;

B. “Any remaining monetary funds are to be divided equally between the Designated Museum, an Educational Fund, or, (to be changed at a later date)”

ARTICLE XV. ACCEPTANCE and EFFECTIVE DATE

These By-Laws shall become effective immediately upon approval of the Voting Members at the Designated Business Meeting held at: Olathe, KS.

Dated: ___9__/__28___/_1998__

President ___O.W. “Bart” Bartholomew__ Secretary ____Rodney Keith______

Amendment # 2 approved at October 3rd, 2009 Business Meeting, 13th Annual Reunion, Niagara Falls, NY

Approved on a Motion by ___Bob Wilson_____ Seconded by __Wm. Pratt_____

Voted: UNANIMOUS

_________________________ ________________________

President James Hansen Secretary Joseph McVay

ORIGINAL BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

Chairman: Wesley Jones

Secretary: Rodney Keith

Committeemen: O. W. Bartholomew, Assoc. President

John Aldredge, Assoc. Vice President

Venner Milewski, Assoc. Treasurer

AMENDMENT # 1

: Article VI. Officers

Section 1. Precedence and Terms of Office

B. Executive Vice President

C. First Vice-President

D. Second Vice-President

These Vice Presidents are intended for a large organization and each have explicit duties to perform. At the meeting when the Strauss adopted these By-Laws, an amendment was entertained to waiver these three Vice President positions and elect only one Vice President. This was carried and is in the minutes of the meeting at Olathe, KS in October 1998. The three Vice President positions were never abolished and may, at some time in the future, be brought back into being when the USS Joseph Strauss Association, Inc. grows to the point of needing extensive VP’s to carry out the work.

O. Winston “Bart” Bartholomew, President,

USS Joseph Strauss Assoc.