Updated 18 Oct.. 2012

Why is there such a strong bond among Crusader drivers (and the ground troops too)? Ernest Hemingway has the answer:

"You love a lot of things if you live around them. But there isn't any woman and there isn't any horse, not any before nor after, that is as lovely as a great airplane. And men who love them are faithful to them even though they leave them for others. Man has one virginity to lose in fighters, and if it is a lovely airplane he loses it to, there is where his heart will forever be."

To ensure we continue the long tradition of annual get-togethers and to renew the bonds which tie those who associated with that magnificent Fighter aircraft, we have formed the F-8 CRUSADER ASSOCIATION INC. This will be a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide a real time organization to keep track of and communicate with those in our Crusader family.

A non-profit association provides some advantages which will help in the future as our numbers naturally diminish and will more clearly outline some ongoing and necessary administrative functions. We are not in competition with Tailhook and will continue to support them in every way possible. Further, there should be little or no cost to members.

CRUSADER ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013                                                                                                                                                                                                              revised 11/7/2012

PRESIDENT:
Joe Phaneuf          
 joe@hpcareer.net
9622 Basket Ring Rd. 
Columbia, MD 21045
(C) 443 803 3439
(H) 410 715 2268
Fax 720 247 1816
Board - Sep 2007, Pres - May 2011 

VICE-PRES:
John Holm          
badger1@san.rr.com
4515 Benhurst Ave. (H) 858 458 0640
San Diego, CA 92122 (C) 619 886 4314
Board-May 2008 , V/P May 2011

SECRETARY:
Jim Shardy       
jshardy1939@verizon.net
921 CR 2690 , Sundowner Stables (C) 817 455 8855
Alvord, Texas 76225 (H) 972 874 2992
Oct 2009

TREASURER:
Bob Pearl            
bobandgaypearl@att.net
5155-B Renaissance Ave (H) 858 587 8144
San Diego, CA 92122 (C) 858 337 1318
May 2008


VOTING MEMBERS

John Allen (Navy Rep)       
froose8@cox.net
1225 Plantation Lakes Circle 757 479-1168
Chesapeake, VA 23320
May 2011

Ken Langford (Marine Rep)       
liveoakken@ainternet.biz
311 Pebble Beach Drive (H) 361 643 8878
Portland, TX 78374 (C) 361 533 2992
May 2011

Dave Benson          
davidbenson61@comcast.net
61 N. Hickory Ave.
Tracy Ca. 95376
(H) 209-832-0910
(C) 203-209-1433
Sep 2012

 
NON-VOTING MEMBERS EMERITUS

Dave Morris         
dkmorris1@cox.net
23 Ivy Home Rd. 
Hampton, VA 23669
(H) 757 726 0192
(F) 757 726 0195
May 2008

Richard Brown      
hotdogf8@verizon.net
11132 Rich Meadows Dr 
Great Falls, VA 22066
(H) 703 444 3259
(O) 703 444 7978
(F) 703 444 4880
(C) 703 915 4318
May 2008 

Chuck Klusmann        
candek@bellsouth.net
1065 Chandelle Lake Drive 
Pensacola, Florida 32507
(H) 850 492 5806
(C) 850 723 0804
Pres- May 2008, BOD 2005

Jerry Unruh          
junruh1@cox.net
Pueblo Dr. 
Pensacola, FL 32507
(H/F) 850 492 1770
(C) 850 377 1771
May 2008

SERVICE MEMBERS

EMAIL OPERATIONS
Bull Durham         
durham@vt.edu
314 Sunset Blvd 
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540 552 4680
Jan 2011

F-8 CRUSADER WEB SITE
Dave Johnson (website)          
5979 17th SE                          
St. Cloud, MN 56304 
f8@cloudnet.com
djohnson@cloudnet.com
(H) 320 253 5364 
(C) 320 249 2545
(O) 320 255 9778
Aug. 1996

Michaela Conley
Michaela@hpcareer.net
9622 Basket Ring Rd. 
Columbia, MD 21045
410 715 2268
May 2011

ROSTER MANAGER
Bill Wright
wrightw@roadrunner.com
642 Windmill Ranch Rd 
Encinitas, CA 92024
(H) 760 753 2378
(C) 760 828 2042
(F) 760 753 2737
Dec 2001 
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
Of the Board of Directors
Of
The Crusader Association
2012
Minutes of LACB-26 Board meeting
- Annual meeting for LACB-26 was held at the Nugget Hotel , Reno Nevada    @1200 8 Sep 2012

- Meeting called to order by president Joe Phaneuf

- Board Members present were: Joe Phaneuf, John Holm, John Allen, and alternate, Dink Alderdink

- Minutes of the 2011 board meeting were read and accepted


Old Business

- John Holm recommended that seed money be allocated to establish a perpetual scholarship.  Seed money to be followed by donations until enough money is in fund to establish a perpetual scholarship.  Approximately $45,000 is required for that type scholarship.

- Board voted to allow John Holm to do the research on obtaining $2,500 from the association fund for the scholarship seed money.  This money would be deposited in escrow and followed with donations until the target of $40,00-$45,000 is reached and the scholarship is established.

Treasury Report   

Gents,
Sorry that this is so late. Although I did not see a Board Meeting scheduled for LACB this year I wanted to remind you of how our accounts stand. The Crusader Account at "charles SCHWAB", has an account balance of $29,264.56. The only expenditures this year were to Paul Ward our Attorney, Dave Johnson for "Last Charlie" and associated fees, and Corporation fees to the State of Virginia. We are in good shape and all tax filings are current.

The associated account, "F8 Ready Room", has a balance of $19,203.88. The only income this year came from a new donor in the amount of $250.00. It essentially offset expenditures. We need to maintain this account to ensure continued support for the Ready Room which is a popular attraction in Midway. This input from various Docents and personal visits. Midway continues to be a major attraction in San Diego.

I am aware this is not a detailed report and stand at the ready to submit any more information required. Suggest we discuss any new initiatives as a board by Email, since we are not all able to make the LACB. Have a great time and I regret I will miss it!!

Respectfully;

Bob Pearl
Treasurer

New Business

- Joe Phaneuf Will search for a replacement website manager and report findings to board members by 15 Nov 2012.

- Joe Phaneuf recruited Dave Benson to replace Jerry Unruh as a board member.  An unofficial vote was taken after the meeting and Dave was accepted.

- San Diego was the board’s unanimous selection for the next LACB to be held in early May 2014.  Joe Phaneuf will seek volunteers for a committee to select actual dates and cause LACB-27 to occur.


Meeting was adjourned at 1307, 8 Sep 2012

Submitted on 15 Oct 2012 by:  Jim Shardy, Secretary
                           John Allen, Attending Secretary

Authenicated by:  Joe Phaneuf, President   


Minutes of the Annual Meeting
Of the Board of Directors
Of
The Crusader Association
2011
The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors for the LACB-25 was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Pensacola, Florida on 5 May 2011.

The meeting was called to order at 1000 by President Chuck Klusmann.

Board Officers present were:  Chuck Klusmann (President); Joe Phaneuf (Vice- President); Jim Shardy(Secretary);  Bob Pearl (Treasurer)

Voting Members: John Holm

Non-Voting Members: Richard Brown

Absent Members:  Don Keast, Jerry Unruh, Dave Morris

President Chuck Klusmann opened discussion for replacement members:
    -    recommending Bill Bauer to replace Don Keast as Marine rep.  Richard Brown to coordinate.  

    -    John Allen was welcomed to the Board in place of Wes Clarke as new Navy rep.

    -    Joe Phaneuf was nominated by Bob Pearl to relieve Chuck Klusmann as President-  seconded by Richard Brown-  motion passed-   Joe Phaneuf is now Association President effective 1 June 2011.

    -    Estimated profit from LACB-25 will be $ 10,000
     Distribution as follows:  $2,000 – Museum  at PNS
                           $2,000 – Midway at SAN
                           Remainder-  Crusader Assoc.
Bob Pearl – Finance Report
    -    F-8 Crusader Association Fund --$19,918.47
    -    F-8 Crusader Ready Room Fund - $ 16,704.00
    -    V-P John Holm will be back-up signatory for all funds.
    -    Cal Swanson will be relieved of financial duties.

Discussion-  How to spend monies?
    - plaques for deceased members?
  Present policy of letting members contribute $250 to place deceased members on RR plaque to continue.  No Association money will be allocated.

    - perpetual maintenance fund for Ready Room and aircraft on USS Midway ?

    - What happens when lease on Midway expires ?  (Bob Pearl to investigate)

    - fraud possibilities for Aviation Museum @ PNS ? (Sleuth “Hotdog” Brown to investigate).

    - Crusader Scholarship Fund administration through the tailhook Association?  (John Holm to investigate)

 Summary of Replacements and Additions:
     - Association President—Joe Phaneuf
    - Association V-P – John Holm
    - Email operations – Bull Durham relieving Walt Quist
    - Emeritus member --  Cal Swanson retiring
    - Emeritus member added--  Chuck Klusmann
    - Navy Rep. --John Allen
    - Marine Rep. – Ken Langford
    - F-8 Crusader Fund Manager -- Karen Black
    - F-8 Web operations assistant --  Michaela Conley
    
Special notes:
    - Karen Black will assume management of F-8 Crusader Fund on Midway. (Bob Pearl will coordinate).

    - Michaela Conley (Joe Phaneuf’s spouse) to assist Dave Johnson with   F-8 website operations.

LACB-26 will be held in Reno, Nevada,  September 2012, piggy backing Tailhook Convention.

SPECIAL BULLETIN
The Association is looking for a LACB-26 Chairman and a few good men to organize event in Reno-2012

Motion to adjourn at 1200 by Bob Pearl; seconded by John Holm, Passed.

Date:  May 15, 2011        By: _____JES__________
                        Jim Shardy, Secretary

Authenticated: ___JP______________
            Joe Phaneuf, President

Minutes of the Annual Meeting
Of the Board of Directors
Of
The Crusader Association

The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors for the 24th Last Annual Crusader Ball (LACB) was held at the Hilton Hotel, DFW Airport, Grapevine, TX on October 9, 2009.

The meeting was called to order at 1600 by President Chuck Klusmann.

Board Officers present were: Chuck Klusmann (President); Robert Pearl (Treasurer); Don Keast (Marine Rep); Jim Shardy (Secretary). Absent- Joe Phaneuf (Vice President).  
 
Voting members: Don Keast; John Holm; Jerry Unruh.

Non-voting members: Dave Morris, Richard Brown, Cal Swanson, Vic Riley.

The President declared a quorum and opened meeting for business.

President Chuck Klusmann complimented Dennis Duffy for the huge success of 24th LACB while overcoming major difficulties with late attendee commitments and large guarantees for facilities.

Dennis Duffy, 24th LACB Chairman, gave a report of lessons learned.
Problems:
 - Lack of timely commitment and payment from attendees to allow for planning of events which necessitated having to guarantee hotel space with my credit card. In the future, Dennis recommended an early non-refundable commitment to cover deposits for planning purposes.
- Silent auction not successful; need ideas to generate profits.

Success:  Lockheed/ Martin tour very highly rated by all attendees.

Chuck Klusmann opened discussion for location of next LACB recommending Pensacola in May 2011 coinciding with 100th year Naval Aviation celebration. A major problem of finding hotel space and facilities will be researched ASAP.  

Jerry Unruh briefed members on 100th year Naval Aviation celebration as being a huge event involving ships, aircraft and many exhibits available for us to enjoy.   Consequently, our events should be limited to the Ball, Happy Hour and perhaps individual squadron activities which should make our planning easier. Also, 18 month cycle for LACB events recommended.

Motion:
Bob Pearl made motion to schedule 25th LACB for May 2011 in Pensacola; 18 month cycle and 26th LACB to be held in San Diego in October 2012; seconded by Chuck Klusmann.  Motion passed unanimously.

USS Midway Ready Room report:  Bob Pearl
-    Completed with a great location on ship for maximum people traffic.
-    The F-8 drivers, through their contributions, allowed this project to succeed without outside help. Other projects failed because of lack of commitment.
-    The donation board will be changed due to difficulty of reading the names.
-    Our financial status is excellent; $61,161 received in contributions, $46,379.07 expenditures, balance of $15,221.93.  
-    However, we still need donations.
-    All donation checks must to made out to “Crusader Association”;  (must be exact words for IRS rules as a non-profit tax-exempt organization)

Crusader Association Finance Report:  Bob Pearl  
-    As of Jan 2009, operating balance of $19,622.65
-    Expenditures, $175
-    Cash on hand, $15,947.65  (Charles Schwab Account)
-    Loan to LACB 24 committee, $3,500
-    Total Assets,  $19,447.65

Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum: Chuck Klusmann
F-8 finances have dwindled to $1000 from $12,000. Account will be investigated for expenditures.  A RF-8 has been located for possible restoration for the museum and donations are needed.

Scholarship Program: Chuck Klusmann
In order to establish a program, $40,000 dollars is required which is not feasible for the Crusader Association.  Possible alternative is using the Tail Hook organization to facilitate this program.  John Holm is researching this process.

BOD Replacements
-    Jim Shardy replaced Vic Riley as Secretary on 1 Oct 2009.
-    3 Board members will be replaced in Pensacola, May 2011 and 3 Board members will be replaced in San Diego, Oct 2012.
-    Chuck Klusmann and Don Keast volunteered to remain on the board.

Motion:
John Holm made motion to have Chuck Klusmann and Don Keast remain on the board. Seconded by Bob Pearl.  Motion passed unanimously.


Motion to adjourn at 1700 by Bob Pearl; seconded by Don Keast,  Passed


Date:_________________________                 By:__________________________

                                                                                     Jim Shardy    
                                                                                         Secretary

Authenticated:________________________________

                            Chuck Klusmann
                            President
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
Of the Members
Of
The Crusader Association

The Annual meeting of the Members of the F-8 Crusader Association for the 24th Last Annual Crusader Ball (LACB) was held at Hilton Hotel, DFW Airport, Grapevine, TX. on October  10, 2009.

The meeting was called to order at 1700 by President Chuck Klusmann.  Board members present were Chuck Klusmann (President),  Vice-President Joe Phaneuf; Secretary Jim Shardy, Treasurer  Bob Pearl, Don Keast, and Jerry Unruh.

President Klusmann complimented Dennis Duffy for an outstanding LACB event.  The Lockheed/Martin tour received excellent compliments from all attendees.  The L/M test pilot giving the tour stated that the Crusader pilots asked the best questions of any group he has lead.

    - USS Midway F-8 Ready Room is complete and financially sound but will continue to need donations.  Your tax-deductible donations must be made payable to the “Crusader Association”.
    - F-8 at Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola  financial balance has dwindled down to $1000 from $12000 and an investigation is in progress.
    - Crusader Association finances are excellent at this time but can always use more of your tax-deductible donations.

Jim Bloomberg representing Veterans Memorial Air Park, Fort Worth, TX., was introduced by President Klusmann and stated that military history is fading.  The Air Park is used to educate and help youngsters appreciate the aviation history of our country.  They have just received delivery of an RF-8 that was severely damaged in hurricane Katrina and need donations (tax-deductible) for its restoration.  This particular aircraft 898 was flown by Chuck Klusmann on his first flight over Laos in 1964 and heavily damaged during that mission.  They only need $12,000 for the restoration. Send your tax-deductible donation to:
Veterans Memorial Air Park   “Crusader”   P. O. Box 161966   Fort Worth, TX. 76161   

BOD Meeting Recap:

- Chuck Klusmann and Don Keast remaining on the board through LACB 25.
- LACB 25 will be in Pensacola, May 2011 in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation.
- Facilities to house our event is in progress.
-  Please contact all your F-8 friends to inform them of this great celebration.

100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation – Jerry Unruh

Briefed members of celebration as being a huge event involving ships, aircraft, Blue Angels and many exhibits available for us to enjoy.  Consequently, our events should be limited to the Ball, Happy Hour and perhaps individual squadron activities which should make our planning easier.

Scholarship Program: Chuck Klusmann
       -  In order to establish a program, $40,000 dollars is required which is not feasible for the Crusader Association.  Possible alternative is using the Tail Hook organization to facilitate this program.  John Holm is researching this process.
- Dennis Duffy reminded everyone that the tax-deductible donations must be made payable to the “Crusader Association” (exact title necessary).
        
Motion to adjourn at 17:27.  Passed.

Date   _______________
By__________________                               Authenticated______________________
       Jim Shardy                                                                      Charles Klusmann
       LACB Secretary                                                                LACB President

It is apparent by your continued interest and attendance at the annual Last Crusader Balls that our experiences and friendships as Crusader pilots are extraordinary in Naval Aviation. I feel it is important we don't lose that spark. -- Snake Morris

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED!
Almost all Assoc. work is done by the above mentioned group. Reunion planning is a major undertaking, and requires many volunteers to assist the Chairman. If you are willing to pitch in, click here to contact us!

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