September 2006

Members of the Third Marine Division Association:

Another family reunion has come and gone. We had over 300 members and guests in attendance with us in Milwaukee this year and it was a great time for us. I want to thank the Alan Loper Chapter for the fine job they did with putting together an excellent program.

I was honored this year to be elected Association President for another year and wish to thank all of you who have given me support. I will do all in my power to ensure the future of our Association. But as I have said, I cannot do this without the help and commitment of our membership. It is our Association and we are all responsible for its success.

We had to make some difficult but necessary decisions at our Membership Meeting this year. The most significant decisions were centered around the Association's financial situation and our Life Membership program. Though we have worked hard over the past several years to cut our expenses, we are still spending more than we are bringing in. It costs the Association an average of $25 per year per member to cover the cost of operation. Today, our Association is comprised of 83% Life Members. While this demonstrates the dedication of our members to the long term value of our Association, it also puts us into a difficult financial position. 83% of our membership is no longer required to help cover our operational expense. This had to be changed.

At our Membership meeting on Saturday, a motion was presented that would require all Life Members to be assessed a yearly $10 fee. When this motion was opened for discussion, it soon became obvious that our Life Members want to continue to contribute to the Association and support the proposal. This motion was voted in by an overwhelming majority of those present.

What does this change mean for the Association? The increased revenue generated by this policy will bring in more than $40,000 a year to our Association. With this money, we will be able to support the humanitarian programs that give our Association purpose. We will be able to help our Marines and families of the Third Marine Division who have suffered from the conflicts in which they are engaged. We will also be able to support the Marine Museums that ensure the sacrifices made by our Marines do not go forgotten. Also, by increasing our revenue, we can expand our advertising budget to promote our Association to new members.

Ten dollars a year is not much to ask for the amount of return we will gain. For less than a dollar a month we can make a difference to so many. I ask our Life Members to support this change in policy and encourage those who can to offer more than is required. I thank all of you for helping give us the means to ensure our future.

Semper Fidelis,

Bill Ervin
President, 3rd Marine Division Association