United States Constabulary Association 

Bylaws

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United States Constabulary Association

Bylaws
You may print this page for your records or
save this page to a file in your computer to view it later.
 (Current as of membership vote and convention September, 2003)

ARTICLE I
Introduction
1.1 Organization: The formation of the Association grew out of the United States
   Constabulary, a former United States Army unit that served with distinction in the
   Army of Occupation of Germany and Austria at the end of World War II. The
   Association had its beginning as the United States Constabulary Veterans Group in
   the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee in June 1990. In November, 1991 the organization
   was renamed the United States Constabulary Association and incorporated in the
   State of Washington as a nonprofit corporation on November 12, 1991.
1.2 Purpose: The purpose of this Association is to promote a spirit of camaraderie,
   fellowship and brotherhood among the members and their spouses and to keep alive
   the spirit and history of the United States Constabulary.

ARTICLE II
Agent/Offices
2.1 Registered Agent: The registered agent for the corporation is Donald E. Purrington
   who maintains an office at 2325 SW 115th Court, Seattle, WA 98416-3434. Any
   person who agrees to serve as a registered agent must maintain an office in the State
   of Washington as long as the Association is incorporated in the State of Washington.
2.2 Other offices: The Association may have other offices within or outside of the
   State of Washington as such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time
   determine.

ARTICLE III
Structure
3.1 Organization: The Association will consist of a National Staff and Eight Outposts (administrative units) organized in the following manner:
Outpost One: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
     Rhode Island and Vermont
Outpost Two: Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania
Outpost Three: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,
     Washington DC, and West Virginia
Outpost Four: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and
     South Carolina
Outpost Five:  Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin
Outpost Six: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota
     and South Dakota
Outpost Seven: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas
Outpost Eight: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
     Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Western and Pacific Islands
3.2 National Staff: The National Commander, two Vice-Commanders, National
  Adjutant, National Sergeant-at-Arms and National Chaplain shall comprise the
  National Staff. Other officers that may be designated to serve on the National Staff
  would be appointed by the National Commander and may include, but are not limited
  to: Treasurer, Historian, Recruitment Coordinator, Public Information Officer,
  Quartermaster and Editor of the national newsletter. The National Commander, at his
  discretion and without cause, may dissolve any appointed office or remove any
  appointed officer.
3.3 Outpost Staff: The Outpost Staff will have as a minimum, a Commander and either
  a Vice-Commander or an Adjutant. It is strongly suggested that all three positions be
  filled whenever possible. These are the three elected positions of the Outpost Staff.
  All other staff members are appointed by the Outpost Commander and may include,
  but is not limited to: Treasurer, Historian, Chaplain, Assistant Vice-Commander, and
  Editor Outpost newsletter. The Outpost Commander, at his discretion and without
  cause, may dissolve any appointed office or remove any appointed officer.
3.4 Appointed positions: Normally, National and Outpost appointed positions would
  only be filled by a regular member of the Association in good standing. However, at
  the discretion of the National Commander at the National level, and the Outpost
  Commander at the Outpost level, and considering the availability of capable/willing
  regular members, Associate Members in good standing, as defined in paragraph 4.3,
  may be appointed to a National or Outpost appointed position as specified in these
  by-laws. This member will have all the authority and voting privileges that would be
  assigned to a regular member filling the position.
3.5 Inoperative Outposts: If an Outpost shall not be able to maintain officers and is
  unable to function, the Board of Directors will take action to solicit an Outpost willing
  to accept the defunct Outpost for administration and control. The Board has the
  option to appoint volunteer members of the Association to manage that Outpost until
  such time as the Outpost can recruit a proper staff, or may dissolve the Outpost and
  assign members to adjacent Outposts.

ARTICLE IV
Membership
4.1 Classes of Membership: There shall be two classes of members. That shall be
  either a Regular member, for all persons qualified for this category under the
  provisions of paragraph 4.2 below; or will be classified Associate members if
  qualified for membership under the provisions of paragraph 4.3 below. All members
  will be classified as Active (A) when they are current in paying their annual dues.
  Members will not be entitled to participate in or attend any Association function
  unless all fees (dues) are paid to date. Regular members may also be classified as Life
  (L) members if they paid for a Life Membership category prior to January 1, 2002. The
  Life Membership category was terminated on and after January 1, 2002. Applicants
  should be of moral, lawful and honorable character.
4.2 Regular Membership: Regular members shall consist of all veterans who were
  discharged/retired under honorable conditions and were assigned or attached to any
  United States Constabulary unit during the Occupation of Germany and Austria
  during the period 1946-1952, and/or any veteran assigned to or attached to a
  Constabulary training unit or a unit designated District Constabulary prior to that
  period. A member must be classified as a paid-up active member to participate in
 Association activities. Regular (Trooper) membership must be maintained at a minimum of 75% of total membership for National and/or Outpost total membership to maintain Tax Exempt Status.
 

4.3 Associate Membership: Associate membership is available to all persons related to a regular (Trooper) member as specified in paragraph 4.2 above,  and who are accepted by the Outpost in which they reside. Persons wishing to become Associate members will apply for membership to the Outpost in which they reside. Associate membership is limited to 25% of total membership of the National and/or Outpost total membership for spouses and/or widows of deceased regular (Trooper) members. Other family members related to regular (Trooper) members, as well as foreign nationals who served with Constabulary (ie: Border Guards, Polizei), may also be accepted as Associate members. However, the total of these members, aside from spouses and/or widows, may not exceed 2.5% of total membership of the National and/or Outpost total membership. This 2.5% is part of the Associate membership leaving only 22.5% of membership for spouses and/or widows. This is a requirement of the Internal Revenue Service so the Association may retain their Tax Exempt Status. Associate members will pay the same amount of dues as regular members and must be a paid-up active member to participate in Association activities. Outpost Commanders will continually monitor the category makeup of Outpost Membership to maintain this ratio of Associate members vs the total membership of the Outpost.

4.4 Survivor Membership: The surviving spouse of any member, regular or associate,
  may inherit the member’s paid up membership. The spouse will be classified an
  Associate member and will continue membership for the paid up period of the
  member. If the member was a Life member, then the spouse will be entitled to
  membership for the current year plus 2 additional calendar years which may/may not
  be covered by the prorated monies set aside for the future years when the original
  payment was received from the member. At the end of the paid up period, the spouse
  will have to pay annual dues if she wishes to continue membership. The spouse may,
  at any time, decline membership in the Association.
4.5 Outpost Assignments: Whenever a new member joins the Association, he/she will
  be assigned to the Outpost in which his/her state of residency is listed. (See
  paragraph 3.1). If a member from outside the United States joins the Association,
  he/she will be assigned to the Outpost of the member sponsoring the new applicant.
  If a person from outside the United States makes application without a sponsor, then
  he/she will be assigned to the Outpost nearest his home address. This assignment is
  normally made by the National Adjutant when the member is listed on the roster.
4.6 Transfers: If a member moves from a state in one Outpost to a state in another
  Outpost he must notify his original Outpost Commander and also advise the National
  Adjutant. In addition to advising of the change of address, he/she should note if
   he/she wants to remain assigned to his original Outpost or if he/she desires the
  membership be transferred to the new Outpost. If the member wants to transfer to
  the new Outpost, then the losing Commander will transfer any (and all) paperwork to
  the new Outpost Commander along with all dues money allotted for the member. The
  dues money is to provide for administration and the cost of sending the member the
  Outpost mailings and newsletter. In the event the member wants to remain with
  his/her original Outpost, there will be no transfer of funds or any paperwork. Should
  the member remain with the original Outpost, but want to receive mailings from the
  Outpost in which he/she now resides, the member must contact the local Outpost
  Commander and so advise him. The Outpost Commander will advise the fee the
  member must pay to receive local outpost Newsletter and mailings.
4.6A Money Transfer: Dues money will be transferred only if the amount is $10.00 or
  more. If the member paid dues for years in advance and the residual amount is more
  than $10.00, that money will be transferred.
4.6B Single year payment: If a member pays dues on an annual basis the dues money
  will not be transferred if the amount is $10.00 or less. If the dues amount is more
  than $10.00 per year, the money will only be transferred if the member transfers
  before April first of that year.
4.6C Life Membership: If a Life Member transfers and there is a balance of the Life
  dues payment of more than $10.00, that money will be transferred.
4.6D Reason for Transfer: Moving to a new state in another Outpost area is the only
  reason for transfer. The decision to stay in the original Outpost or to transfer to a       new Outpost can only be made at the time the member moves. Once the member decides to remain in the original outpost or to transfer, that decision is final.

ARTICLE V
Membership fees (Dues)
5.1 Amount: Membership fees (dues) will be established by the Board of Directors, and
  may be raised periodically to keep the Association on a fiscally sound basis. The
  Board of Directors will request a recommendation from the Executive Committee as
  part of the study to determine the amount to increase dues if an increase is required.
  The amount of annual dues shall be published in the National (Lightning Bolt)
  Newsletter, communicated by special mailing and/or posted in the Outposts’ Bulletin.
5.2 When Payable: Annual membership fees (dues) are payable/due as of January 1st
  of each calendar year. Any person joining the Association on or after October 1st of
  any year, and paying the required annual membership fee at that time is considered
  paid for the following year. The annual membership fee is not prorated. Thus if a new
  member joins on or before September 30 of a calendar year, a full annual payment is
  due on the following January 1st. Annual members are encouraged to pay their
  annual dues in December of the preceding year.
5.3 Allocation of Dues: The Board of Directors will specify the allocation of dues
  received. This will be accomplished by a majority vote of the Board taking into
  consideration the fiscal status of the Association and the recommendation of the
  Executive Committee. All dues will be paid directly to the National Adjutant. The
  Adjutant will record the payment and credit the members as being paid, for whatever
  period dues are received, and then sends the dues on to the National Treasurer. The
  National Treasurer will deposit and record the dues received. The Treasurer will
 retain the portion allotted to the national treasury and forward the portion allotted to
 the Outpost to which the member is assigned. As of January 1, 2001 the allocation of
  dues has been determined to be 50% to the National Treasury and 50% to the Outpost
  of the member.
5.4 Delinquent Members: Members who are not Life Members (see para 4.1) and who
  have not paid their current year’s dues will remain on the Association roster, but will
  not receive the National Newsletter, or Association mailings and will not be eligible to
  vote or participate in any Association functions. The National Adjutant will contact
  the Outpost Commander and have the Commander follow up to seek payment of
  dues or determine the status of the member; ie: illness, moved or deceased. The
  Commander shall attempt to make personal contact, telephone or write the member
  at least once prior to March 1st, June 1st and October 1st. If there is no response, the
  member will be dropped from the Association roster on January 1st of the following
  year. Outposts, if they choose, may keep these members on their rosters for the
  purpose of reference and contact for renewal of membership. If a member wants to
  renew membership after October 1st of the year he is considered delinquent he will
  pay the annual fee plus an additional $10 for the outpost to cover follow up
  expenses. The OP Commander may waive this fee. If a member wants to rejoin the
  Association after 2 or more years, the Board of Directors will determine what, if any,
  additional penalty a member may have to pay.

ARTICLE VI
Duties of Officers
6.1 National Commander: The National Commander is the Chief Executive /
  Operations Officer of the Association. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of
  Directors, the Executive Committee and at meetings at the National
  Convention/Reunion till a new commander is elected. (The new commander’s term
 officially starts the day after the convention). He shall, as authorized by these bylaws,
 make personnel appointments and committee assignments. He shall be the primary
 spokesman for the association. Whenever necessary, he shall consult with the Board of
 Directors and/or the Executive Committee on important matters not covered by these
 bylaws. A written request is the preferred method of communication. E-mail for
 official communications is to be sent only to those parties with an interest in the
 communication. The sender and those receiving the message should retain a copy of
 the e-mail. A response is always required, if only confirmation of receipt, and will only
  be sent to the person who initiated the request. Telephone should be used only when
  the urgency of the situation demands its use. Both parties should retain a written
  record of the telephone conference. As the Chief Executive/ Operations Officer the
  National Commander may act as necessary when his advisors fail to respond to his
  communications in a timely manner.
6.2 National Vice-Commanders: The two National Vice-Commanders shall serve as
  liaison between the National Commander and the four Outposts assigned to them.
  Vice-Commander West will oversee and administer Outposts Five, Six, Seven and
  Eight, while the Vice-Commander East will oversee and administer Outposts One,
  Two, Three and Four. They will act as advisors to the Outpost Commanders where
  help is required and will advise the National Commander when there is a problem
  requiring him to render a decision. Once the two new Vice-Commanders are elected,
  the National Commander will appoint one as Senior Vice-Commander. The Senior VC
  will assume the duties of National Commander in the latter’s absence. The other Vice-
  Commander is next in line of succession and is followed by the National Adjutant.
6.3 National Adjutant: The National Adjutant is the key assistant to the National
  Commander and maintains the national roster of all members. He receives all dues
  monies from members, records payments and forwards the money to the National
  Treasurer and advises the Treasurer of the allocation of the dues monies and the
  Outposts to receive the monies. As a member of the Board of Directors and Executive
  Committee he votes on all matters brought before him. He maintains the master copy
  of the bylaws and sees to the up dating as it occurs. He provides a list of active
  regular members to the Election Proctor to ensure that only paid up regular members
  vote when they are required to vote in a national election, or for an amendment to the
  bylaws, or to authorize a large cash expenditure of $500 or more except as noted
  herein.
6.4 National Trustee: The immediate past National Commander shall serve as the
  National Trustee for the two-year period immediately following his term as National
  Commander. The Trustee will use his experience as Past National Commander to aid
  the new National Commander during the transition period. The role of Trustee is
  advisory only.
6.5 National Treasurer: The National Treasurer is appointed by the National
  Commander and is considered a standing appointed officer that will continue to
  serve under a new Commander. This is considered a standing appointment for
  continuity of accounting for funds and maintenance of fiscal records. The Treasurer
  will continue to serve until such time that the Commander terminates his/her
  appointment and appoints a new Treasurer under the provisions of paragraph 3.2.
  The Treasurer will cause to be deposited in a reputable financial institution (bank) all
  funds entrusted to his/her care and maintain records for same. The Treasurer will
  establish the procedure for receiving and disbursing all funds and the record keeping
  for same. These procedures will be presented to the National Commander for
  approval. When approved, the National Commander will issue a Standard Operating
  Procedure (SOP) and distribute it to all staff members and Outpost Commanders.
  These procedures will remain in force and be passed on by staff members and
  commanders to their successors. This SOP may be amended by the National
  Commander.
6.5A Commander's Allowance: The Treasurer will set aside $500 the National
  Commander may draw upon to be used at his discretion. This is a one-time allocation
  during the Commander's term of office from September of one odd number year to
  September of the next odd number year. (Authorized by Executive Committee
  October 7, 1995). Whenever a new Commander permanently replaces a National
  Commander, for any reason, only funds not already distributed may be allocated. If
   no funds are available, $250 may be allocated if the permanent  replacement is for a
   year or more and is approved by the Executive Committee.
6.6 National Historian: The National Historian is appointed by the National
  Commander and is considered a standing appointed officer that will continue to
  serve under a new Commander. This is considered a standing appointment for
  continuity and maintenance of research, gathering data, record keeping and storage
  of records and material. The Historian will continue to serve until such time that the
  Commander terminates his/her appointment and appoints a new Historian under the
   provisions of paragraph 3.2.
6.7 Appointed National Officers: The National Commander will select capable
  members in good standing to fill the appointed posts of the Association. Their duties
  will be assigned by the National Commander. The appointment shall be in writing and
  where applicable announced in the National Newsletter. A job description shall be
  written, if required, specifying duties, responsibilities and authority. Appointments
  expire and are automatically terminated with the term of office of the National
  Commander, unless there is a reappointment by the new National Commander. (See
  exceptions, paragraph 6.5 and 6.6).
6.8 Director-at-large: The two Directors-at-large primarily serve as advisors to the
  National Commander, Board of Directors and Executive Committee. They vote as
  members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee on all matters
  brought before them.
6.9 Outpost Officers: The Outpost Commander, Vice-Commander and Adjutant all
  have duties, within the Outpost, similar to their national counterparts. The
  Commander may also make necessary appointments from members of his Outpost
  similar to the National Commander. Outpost appointments will also expire when a
  new Commander is elected to head the Outpost. The Vice-Commander will assume
  the duties of Outpost Commander in the latter’s absence. The Outpost Adjutant is
  next in line of succession.

ARTICLE VII
Board of Directors
7.1 Composition of the Board: The Board of Directors will consist of the National
  Commander, the two Vice-Commanders, the National Adjutant and the two Directors-
  at-large. The National Commander is Chairman of the Board.
7.2 Duties: In addition to carrying out the duties assigned to the Board by these
  bylaws, the Board of Directors will also be responsible to determine a solution for any
  matters not covered by these bylaws. Where the solution to a situation may have a
  far-reaching affect on the Association, the Board members will seek
  recommendations from the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE VIII
Committees
8.1 Appointment Authority: The National Commander and the Outpost Commanders
  at their respective levels, may appoint committees they deem necessary. Committee
  members shall be instructed as to the purpose and authority of their committee and
  where appropriate, the longevity of the committee. Committees may be dissolved
  and/or committee members removed by the office that appointed them. All
  committees will be dissolved, excepting for the two standing committees specified in
  paragraphs 8.2 and 8.3 below, when a new Commander is installed unless
  reappointed by the new commander.
8.2 Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is established as a standing
  committee to primarily act as advisors to the National Commander and Board of
  Directors and to vote on all matters brought before it. The Executive Committee will
  be comprised of The National Commander, who will be the Chairman, the two Vice-
  Commanders, the National Adjutant, the two Directors-at-large, the Treasurer and the
  eight Outpost Commanders. All matters that will have a far-reaching affect on the
  majority of the membership shall be brought before the Executive Committee for
  discussion and recommendations prior to any decisions being made.
8.2A Museum Funds: The Executive Committee will be responsible to authorize the
  expenditure and distribution of $500 or more from the Museum Fund.
8.3 Bylaws Committee: The Bylaws Committee is established as a standing committee to maintain and interpret the bylaws and to receive, review and evaluate recommendations for amendments. This committee will consist of a Chairman and four additional members of the Association appointed by the National Commander for a total of five members in good standing. The Chairman will be the Senior Vice-Commander of the Association. If a SVC is not able to serve, then the Junior VC will be the Chairman. If a Junior VC is not able to serve, then the National Commander will appoint a Chairman until a Vice-Commander is elected and installed. The four committee members will serve till replaced by the National Commander. The committee will receive, discuss, evaluate and act on all suggestions for amendments to these bylaws as specified in ARTICLE XV, paragraph 15.2.

8.3A Parliamentarian: The Chairman of the Bylaws Committee will maintain an
  updated copy of the bylaws and act as the Parliamentarian for the Association and
  Advisor to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee on all matters of
  interpretation of the bylaws. The Parliamentarian will be a non-voting member of the
  Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
8.4 Outpost Standing Committees: While there would appear to be no reason for an
  Outpost to appoint a standing committee, nothing in these by-laws prevents them
  from doing so. Outpost Commanders are cautioned that a standing committee will be
  passed on to a new Commander which may hinder him and cause him to dissolve the
  committee. It is strongly suggested that Commanders only appoint committees for
  their term of office as specified in paragraph 8.1 above.
8.5 Ex-Officio Officers: The National Commander and the Outpost Commanders are
  Ex-Officio Members of any committee appointed by them.

ARTICLE IX
Meetings
9.1 Purpose of Meetings: The primary purpose of any meeting of Association members
  is to provide a place for members to come together to renew and enjoy old
  friendships and to make new ones. Members may recount their adventures of long
  ago when we all served in Germany and Austria in the United States Constabulary as
  young men charged with restoring and maintaining peace and holding the line against
 overwhelming odds from the then Soviet Union. The secondary purpose is to conduct
   any business required by the National Staff or local Outpost.
9.2 National Convention/Reunion: The National Convention/Reunion will be held in
  September of the odd numbered year. While the primary purpose is to bring
  Association members together, this is the time when new National Officers and
  Directors are elected and installed, and any business of a national nature is
  conducted. Plans are also made for the next National Convention two years in the
  future. An Outpost may be appointed to host the next National Convention, or the
  Executive Committee will carry out the plans. When the planning committee does
  have a site selected and details available, they will publish the information for all
  members, but NO LATER THAN the December issue of the even number year or via
  special mailing at that time. While no national meeting has been scheduled for an
  even number year, nothing in these bylaws prevents a committee planning and
  executing a national reunion for all members for camaraderie, brotherhood and a
  good time. Business brought before the floor could be conducted if necessary.
9.3 Outpost Meetings: Outpost Commanders and their staffs are encouraged to hold at
  least one Outpost reunion per year for the benefit of their members and their friends.
  Outpost meetings in the even numbered years will be for the purpose of electing new
  officers. Outpost reunions shall be advertised in the national newsletter as well as the
  Outpost Newsletter to afford members in other Outposts an opportunity to attend
  the reunion of another Outpost should they wish. These meetings are important to
  many who cannot travel long distances to a national reunion. The primary purpose of
  the Outpost reunion is as specified in paragraph 9.1 above.
9.4 Conduct of Business: The National Commander, the two Vice-Commanders,
  National Adjutant, the two Directors, Board of Directors and the Executive
  Committee, along with appointed officers and committees will conduct the business
  affairs of the Association during the period between the National Meetings. The
  Outpost Commander, Vice-Commander and/or Adjutant, along with their appointed
  officers and committees will conduct the business affairs of the Outpost during the
  period between Outpost meetings. All conduct of business will be in accordance with
  the bylaws of the Association.

ARTICLE X
Quorums
10.1 National Business: In order to conduct business at a national convention there
  must be at least five percent (5%) of the Association’s regular members in good
  standing present. This constitutes all matters except voting for National Officers,
  amendments or authorization of an expenditure of $500 or more from the national
  treasury (see paragraph 13.1). Where a matter is brought before the floor that may
  have a far-reaching affect on the association, any member may make a motion to
  table the matter and have it voted upon by the membership in a mail-in ballot. If this
  is the case, the National Adjutant shall initiate action to have a special ballot mailed
  to the membership, or may opt to include a ballot in the next national newsletter.
10.2 Outpost Business: The Outpost Commander and his staff are to establish the
  percent of regular Outpost members that must be present at a meeting that will
  constitute a quorum. Consideration must be given to number of members in the
  Outpost, number physically able to attend reunions and the distance from a
  member’s home to a reunion site. Wherever possible consideration should be given to
  mail-in ballots published in the Outpost newsletter or a special mailing.
10.3 Quorums for: National Elections, Amendments to the bylaws and expenditures of
    $500 or more -see ARTICLE XIII - Voting.

ARTICLE XI
Standards of Conduct
11.1 Termination: A member’s membership may be terminated by a majority vote of
  the Board of Directors if found guilty of misconduct, malfeasance or any unlawful or
  immoral act that would bring discredit to himself/herself or the Association. Once
  charges are brought against any member, the National Commander will appoint a
  committee to investigate and evaluate the charges and submit a written report and
  recommendation to the Board of Directors. The committee will forward the report
  directly to the National Commander who is Chairman of the Board. Once the report is
  reviewed and discussed by the Board of Directors a vote will be taken to determine if
  the charges are substantiated or if charges are to be dropped. The National
  Commander, or the National Adjutant if so designated, will inform the member and
  the Outpost Commander of the Boards’ decision.
11.2 Suspension: When charges are brought against any member, the National
  Commander is authorized to suspend the member from all Association activities until
  an evaluation of the charges brought against the individual can be made or dismissed.
  The member charged may, if he so desires, appear in person before the committee
  appointed to investigate the charges. If the member is found guilty of the charges he
  may appeal to the membership at the next National Convention/Reunion Business
  Meeting.

ARTICLE XII
Elections
12.1 National Elections: An election of National Officers will be held every two years,
  in the odd numbered year, via mail in ballot (see ARTICLE XIII, paragraph 13.1).
  Officers to be elected are The National Commander, two Vice-Commanders, National
  Adjutant and two Directors-at-large. Any regular member in good standing may be
  nominated, or a regular member in good standing may declare himself a candidate
  for a specific office.
12.2 Term of Office: All Officer positions specified in paragraph 12.1 above are for a
  two-year period from the National Convention/Reunion till the next National
  Convention/Reunion. The National Officers will serve until a new officer is elected to
  replace him. All officers are eligible to be reelected.
12.3 Nominations: Any member in good standing may nominate any other regular
  member in good standing for a specific National officer position. The person
  nominated must agree to accept the nomination to run for office. Nominations may
  be made from the floor at the national convention for the next national convention
  two years hence, at Outpost reunion/business meetings or in writing to the National
  Adjutant. The National Adjutant shall receive/record all nominations for national
  officers and publish the listing in the December issue of the National newsletter of
  the even numbered year and repeat the listing, with any additions or deletions, in the
  March issue. Nominations will be closed upon the publication of the March national
  newsletter. The copy of the candidate list to be published in the March Newsletter is
  to be proofread for accuracy and completeness by the National Commander and/or
  the National Adjutant, prior to going to the printer. It is suggested that candidates
  write at least a 4 or 5-line comment for the March issue noting their acceptance of the
  nomination and requesting votes.
 
 

12.4 Outpost Elections: The Outpost will hold election of officers in each even year.
  The Officers normally to be elected are the Outpost Commander, Vice-Commander
  and Adjutant. Their term of office is also for two years. Nominees must be regular
  members in good standing. Nominations may be made in writing to the Outpost
  Commander, or nominations may be made at the Outpost reunion in the odd number
  year for the following year. The Commander, or adjutant as appropriate, should
  ensure everyone has an opportunity to make a nomination or declare himself a
  nominee for an office. It is suggested that Outpost elections also be held by mail-in
  ballot published in the Outpost newsletter.

ARTICLE XIII
Voting
13.1 General Membership: Every regular member in good standing is entitled to one
  vote on each matter submitted to a vote of members. Examples of matters, which
  would be submitted to the members, would be the election of National Officers,
  amendments to the bylaws and/or a proposal, expenditure or donation of $500 or
  more from the national treasury aside from routine administrative expenses. All votes
  for these three matters will be via mail-in ballot distributed to the membership.
  Distribution may be made by separate ballot letter, or having the ballot published in
  the National Lightning Bolt Newsletter. The ballot for election of national officers will
  be published in/distributed with the June issue prior to the National Meeting in
  September of the odd number year. A simple majority of all ballots received by the
  Proctor on or before the deadline date to receive ballots is all that is required for the
  vote to be official.
13.2 Election Proctor: Whenever a ballot is distributed to the general membership for a
  vote, the National Commander will designate a Proctor to receive the ballots. The
  Commander will also specify who will count the ballots and where the ballots are to
  be counted. To ensure the ballots are from qualified voters only, the National
  Adjutant will provide the Proctor with a list of all regular members authorized to cast
  a ballot. The Commander will announce the results, normally in the next issue of the
  national newsletter.
13.3 Board of Directors and Executive Committee: All members of the Board of
  Directors and/or the Executive Committee will have one vote on all matters brought
  before them. The National Commander, as chairman of these committees will not cast
  a vote unless there is a tie in the committee vote. (See paragraph 13.5 below)
13.4 Outpost members: All regular members of the Outpost in good standing are
  entitled to one vote to elect Outpost Officers. The Outpost Commander and the
  members will determine specifications for voting on all other matters within the
  Outpost.
13.5 Tie Votes: The National Commander and the Outpost Commander will not cast a
  ballot on any matter of business before them. In the rare instance that there shall be
  a tie in the vote process, then the National Commander on national votes, and the
  concerned Outpost Commander on Outpost votes, shall cast the tie-breaking vote. In
  the rare instance that a tie vote occurs in the vote for a national officer, an
  amendment to the bylaws or to authorize an expenditure of $500 or more, the matter
  will be passed on to the Executive Committee to cast the tie breaking vote. The
  Executive Committee will vote under the provisions of paragraph 13.3 above.
 
 

ARTICLE XIV
Audits
14.1 National Audit: The national financial records are to be audited annually by a
  disinterested committee of two or more Association members in good standing
  appointed by the National Commander. The audit will be for the period 1 January
  through 31 December of the same year and will include all financial records of funds
  received as dues from members as well as donations and other income. While the
  report will only list totals, the National Treasurer will retain the details of all financial
  transactions. The committee will fill in and sign the National audit form and make
  two photocopies. The committee chairman shall retain one copy till the report is
  approved and the second copy shall be given to the National Treasurer. The target
  date to send the signed original directly to the National Commander is January 31st.
  The audit committee should be appointed in December of the audit year, but no later
  than the 10th of January so they may complete and forward their report no later than
  the target date.
14.2 Outpost Audits: The financial records of each Outpost is to be audited annually
  by a disinterested committee of two or more Association members in good standing
  appointed by the Outpost Commander. In the event the Outpost Commander is the
  custodian of the funds, then the National Commander will appoint the committee to
  audit the financial records of the Outpost. The audit will be for the period 1 January
  through 31 December of the same year, for the financial records of funds received as
  dues from the National Treasurer as well as donations and other income. The
  committee will report their findings on the Outpost Audit form. While the report will
  only list totals, the Outpost is responsible for retaining the details of all financial
  transactions. The committee shall fill in and sign the original form and make two
  photocopies. The committee chairman will retain one copy until the report is
  approved and the second copy shall be given to the Outpost Commander. Target date
  to send signed original directly to the National Commander is March 1sr. The
  audit committee should be appointed in December of the audit year, but no later than
  the 10th of January so they may complete and forward their report no later than the
  target date.
14.3 Special Funds: Any fund, separate from the National Treasury or any Outpost
  Treasury, that is set up to fund a special approved project (ie: the current museum
  fund) will be audited in the same manner as the National Treasury. The National
  Commander shall appoint a disinterested committee or two or more Association
  members in good standing to audit the financial records of the fund. The audit will be
  for the period 1 January through 31 December of the same year, and will include all
  financial records of funds received as donations as well as other income. The
  committee will report their findings on the Special Fund audit form, similar to the
  Outpost form (the Outpost form may be used just noting the title of the fund). While
  the report will only list totals, the Custodian of the Fund is responsible to retain the
  details of all financial transactions. The committee shall fill in and sign the original
  form and make two photocopies. The committee chairman shall retain one copy till
  the report is approved, and a second copy shall be given to the Fund Custodian.
  Target date to send the signed original directly to the National Commander is
  January 31st. The audit committee should be appointed in December of the audit
  year, but no later than the 10th of January so they may complete and forward their
  report no later than the target date.
 

14.4 Audit Record: When the National Commander approves the audits, he will sign
   and return the original National audit form to the National Treasurer and that will
   become a permanent part of the National Financial Records. In turn he will sign each
   of the Outpost’s audit forms and return them to each Outpost Commander, and that
  will become a permanent part of the Outpost Financial Records. The National
  Commander will sign approval of any Special fund audit form and return it to the
  Custodian of the fund, and that will become a permanent part of the financial records
  of the Special fund.

14.5 Publication of Audits: Once all the audits are approved, the National Commander
  will prepare a listing of the audits to be published in the next available issue of the
  National Newsletter (normally March). That listing will include the balance in the
  National Treasury and any Special Project Funds as these are funds that belong to all
  members of the Association. It will also list the member’s dues and donations
  disbursed to each Outpost by the National Treasurer. Separate donations and other
  Outpost income will not be published in the national newsletter. The Outpost
  Commanders will, in their newsletter, a separate mailing, or at the annual Outpost
   business meeting make a full report of the financial standing of the Outpost to
   Outpost members.

ARTICLE XV
Amendments
15.1 Quorum: These bylaws may be amended by a simple majority of those ballots
  received from regular members entitled to vote as specified in paragraph 13.1 above.
15.2 Submission: Proposed amendments may be submitted by any member in good
  standing through his/her Outpost Commander. The proposed amendment must be in
  complete written form and must cite the article and paragraph it is proposed to
  amend. The member must also state the reason for the proposed amendment. The
  Outpost Commander will forward the proposed amendment to the Chairman of the
  Bylaws Committee or a bylaws Committee member nearest his Outpost. A copy of
  this communication should be forwarded to the Vice-Commander of the Outpost for
  possible follow-up. The bylaws Committee will review and evaluate the proposed
  amendment, and if three or more members agree it is valid, it will be passed on to the
  National Commander for distribution to, and a vote by, the membership. This will
  normally be accomplished by publication in the national newsletter. This may happen
  at any time, but it is strongly suggested that this distribution be limited to each June
  issue of the newsletter. Where the amendment is of no value, or a duplication of an
  existing bylaw, the committee will respond to the member who submitted it,
  explaining why it is not in the best interest of the Association. If the member feels the
  reason is unjust or the proposal misunderstood, he/she may appeal through channels
  to the Board of Directors, or present his appeal to the general membership at the next
  National Convention/Reunion Business Meeting.
15.3 Tie Vote: In the unlikely event a tie vote results in the vote for the amendment,
  the matter will be resolved as specified in paragraph 13.5 above.

ARTICLE XVI
Dissolving the Association
16.1 Consolidation: When individual Outposts can no longer maintain activities and
  staffing it will become necessary to transfer members to an adjoining Outpost that is
  still capable of functioning. All records and funds of that defunct Outpost will also be
  transferred to the surviving Outpost. It is entirely possible that, in time, there will be
  only one surviving Outpost. At that time, Outpost designation will be dropped and
  that surviving Outpost will be designated as The United States Constabulary
  Association. Bylaws are to be amended (probably rewritten in its entirety) to
  accommodate this transformation. This ‘headquarters’ will carry on the purpose and
  operations of the Association as was originally constituted, for as long as possible.
16.2 Dissolution: While it is fervently envisioned that Associate members will step
  forward and maintain the Association in the memory of their family veteran, or to
  preserve the history of the United States Constabulary for the future, it is understood
  that there may come a time to cease operations and dissolve the Association. All
  members of the Association at that time shall vote to agree to dissolve the
  Association. If there is a majority vote, the National Commander and Board of
  Directors will then make preparations to dissolve the Association. If there are
  sufficient funds in the treasury, then these preparations may/should include one
  final National Convention with the treasury paying for registration fees, Hospitality
  room ‘refreshments’ and dinners.
16.3 Historical Records: Any historical records maintained by the Association shall be
  given to a US Army facility having a museum or memorial for the US Constabulary.
  The National Staff at that time will research all available facilities and pass the
  records on to the facility they deem will make proper use and display of all materials.
16.4 Funds: All funds remaining in the Association Treasury, after paying all bills
  incurred in Association Operations, may be donated to the US Army facility accepting
  our historical records or a percent may be donated to some other worthwhile cause
  or facility at that time, or one or more Veteran’s Hospitals. Split donations should
  only be considered where there is a great deal of money to be disbursed (ie: $5,000 or
  more).
16.5 Final Roster:  Just prior to beginning dissolving operations one final membership
  roster is to be prepared and given free-of-charge to all remaining members.
 
 

ARTICLE XVII
Effective Date

These bylaws, approved by a majority of the votes cast by the membership, supercede bylaws dated September 4, 1999 and are effective February 22, 2002.
            (This version includes administrative update 14 February 2003).
          (Includes amendments approved by membership September 2003).

Web Editor Irene Moore