Dear Shipmates:

We have discussed many times, at reunions and in the old Yahoo! Group forums, about taking the USS WS SIMS Association to the next level of organization. We currently have approximately 300 former shipmates in our database that have participated in various ways in our loosely-knit group, over the last six years.

As your new Board of Directors, we have moved forward in setting up a more formal structure for the Association. Some of the goals we foresee for a formally organized Association include among other aims:

     1. Legal incorporation of the USS WS SIMS Association and obtaining non-profit IRS Sec. 501(c) status

     2. The formation of an initial Board of Directors for the Association.

     3. Creation of an Association Statement of Purpose and Mission, Bylaws, and Annual objectives to benefit our Members and other      identified recipients.

     4. Development of an annual budget to benefit our Members and other identified recipients.

     5. Establishing a checking account and post office box, for the collection of dues and payment of Association expenses.

     6. A long range planning document for reunions and other activities of the Association.

This will take two important efforts on all our parts. First, we need the commitment and involvement of a significant portion of our group in the complete implementation of the Association goals. A fully complemented Board of Directors, means several additional Members stepping forward to fill the posts detailed in the Bylaws. We will also need other able-bodied Members to step up and help us organize a committees to carry out the Objectives and plan reunions each year.  Second, there are costs of a formal Association. Organizing, incorporating, and maintaining the formal organization of the Corporation requires out-of-pocket expenses that we cannot personally absorb.  We can accomplish our goals and plans with the establishment of a $25 per Member annual dues program.

     Sincerely,

     David Andrews (STG2, 1969-73, Plank Owner) President

     Kenneth Campbell (SN, 1971-74) Vice President

     Dennis Walterman (OS2, 1969-73, Plank Owner) Secretary/Treasurer   
     USS WS SIMS (DE/FF-1059) Association