PREAMBLE
The Association is composed of past and present members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their descendants. It is a Non-Profit corporation per Washington State Certificate of Incorporation dated January 11, 2001 and is a Tax-Exempt 501 (c) (19) organization per the Internal Revenue Service.
These Interim Bylaws (26 September 2026) supersede the original Bylaws of the Association approved on 14 September 2001 and all amendments thereafter.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1. Name – 14th Cavalry Association. Hereafter, the “Association.”
Section 2. Purpose
- Bring together past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces:
(1) Who served in a 14th Cavalry unit or a formation derived therefrom,
(2) Who were assigned or attached to a 14th Cavalry a unit or a formation derived therefrom, and
- To:
(1) Honor and support 14th Cavalry Veteran and Active Duty Members and those associated with 14th Cavalry units and formations.
(2) Honor and pay respects to 14th Cavalry Veteran and Active Duty Members who gave their life or were wounded in service to our nation.
(3) Publicize the history, traditions and achievements of the 14th Cavalry.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERS AND MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
Veterans and Active Duty personnel who served in a 14th Cavalry unit or a formation derived therefrom, whether assigned or attached thereto, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.
Section 2 – Privileges of Membership and Exceptions
Current members may nominate Members for office, vote, be an Officer, attend Association functions, and make recommendations about Association affairs.
ARTICLE III
GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION
Section 1 – Officers
- Officers: President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Supply Room Officer constitute the Executive Council (XC).
Section 2 –Executive Council and Committees
- Executive Council (XC)
(1) Purpose: Formulates and manages policies, plans, administration, programs, activities and budget and financial operations to benefit the Association and its Members. Perform duties prescribed by these bylaws and the parliamentary authority adopted by the Association. Fulfill duties and functional interrelationships specified in the Association’s Standing Operating Procedure.
(2) Members: Elected officers and chaired by President.
(3) Election and Terms of Office: Elections are held as required to select each member of the XC. Terms of office are permanent unless removed by a majority vote of the Officers or the Officer chooses to resign the position.
(4) Meetings: Called by the President at least quarterly. May be conducted electronically. Minutes are recorded by the Secretary or a person appointed by the XC and made permanent records of the Association.
(5) Quorum and Voting Majorities: A majority of XC members and at least more than half of the votes cast. Voting may occur in person, by telephone or by e-mail.
- Committees and Committee Membership
(1) The President creates and appoints such committees for particular objectives and temporary purposes (eg. Reunions, Communication) as required. Membership should be representative of the Association or the assigned task. Term is commensurate with the task.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERS’ MEETINGS
Section 1- Purpose and Frequency.
- Meetings are called to elect officers, receive reports from officers and others, conduct business determined by the President, and select the next reunion site.
- Meetings occur bi-annually, usually in conjunction with a reunion or significant gathering.
Section 2- Quorum.
Twenty-five (25) or more members in good standing physically present at meetings and those whose absentee ballots have been received prior to the meeting.
Section 3- Voting.
- Voting is conducted at meetings by show of hands or ballot, including absentee ballots certified by the secretary to be valid, for election of officers, proposed expenditures exceeding $5,000 within a budget-year, selection of future reunion sites, and for other purposes established by the President.
- Absentee ballots will be managed by the secretary.
Section 4- Nominations for Officer Positions & Voting for Matters before Meetings.
- At least sixty (60) days prior to meetings the Secretary asks members to vote in elections or on other matters as set forth by the President; and if not attending a meeting, to be provided access to an Absentee Ballot for election of officers and to vote on planned motions.
- Absentee voting ends ten (10) days prior to meetings.
Section 5 – Election & Other Matters.
- President or Secretary
Call for nominations from the floor and commence voting for the position. Announce results of absentee votes and results of total votes.
Section 6 – Rules.
The latest newly revised edition of Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the form and conduct of meetings except if otherwise provided in the Association’s Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE V
REGIMENTAL SUPPLY ROOM
Section 1- Purpose
Provide items that promote esprit de corps and pride in the 14th Cavalry and the Association at costs that cover operating expenses and generate funds to perpetuate operations and support activities that benefit Members.
Section 2- Operation
- Supply Room Officer manages with assistance of a contracted business that specializes in such operations; Oversees operations; and Ensures purchases of new and restock items do not exceed net revenue at time of purchases and can be sold at prices that result in a positive margin.
- Contract, purchases and operational matters are subject to the approval of the XC. Reports revenue, profit, expenses and losses quarterly to the XC and at annual meeting.
ARTICLE VI
FINANCES, DUES, FEES AND DONATIONS
Section 1 Finances
- Annual Operating Budget is approved by a majority vote of the XC.
- All funds of the Association are to be maintained in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) institutions. The Association Treasurer or his designee may use his judgement regarding the Return on Investment (ROI) on individual securities within the Association’s capital investments, however, he is required to make and keep these investments into FDIC insured securities. The Treasurer shall seek advice from the full XC regarding future need to access these funds so invested.
- Officers, Directors, Advisors or Members of the Association will not be remunerated for their services to the Association. Expenses incurred in the performance of Association business may be reimbursed.
Section 2 Spending Authority of Association Operating Funds
- The President, Executive Vice President and Secretary as defined in Article III, Section 1 are granted a Spending Authority of $500 each. Spending Authority is defined as the maximum amount of the Association’s funds that the individual may spend for an individual purchase. Exceeding this authority requires the approval by simple majority of the XC voting in person or by electronic means.
Section 3 Dues and Fees
- No dues are required for membership and will not be levied upon Members of the Association.
- Activity fees are zero based. Excess funds generated by Fee based and other activities of the Association will be returned to the operating fund. When the operating funds exceed an amount of $10,000.00 plus any forecasted short-term significant expenditures beyond normal operating expenses, the Treasurer shall consider the re-characterization of the excess funds into the Association’s capital investments.
Section 4 Donations
The Association may solicit donations from its members or individuals, groups and organizations outside of the Association for the purpose of commemorating the history of the 14th Cavalry or providing non-monetary recognition of service to the Regiment.
ARTICLE VII
PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY
The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order governs the Association in all applicable cases not inconsistent with these bylaws or any special rules of order the Association adopts.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
Section – 1 These bylaws may be amended by two-thirds vote by absentee or in-person ballot at any Annual Members’ Meeting provided the proposed amendment is submitted in writing to the President at least 90 days prior to such meetings.
Section 2 – The XC can amend these bylaws for emergency or special purposes on an interim basis. If the emergency or special purpose exists at the time of the next Annual Meeting the amendment must be voted on by the members in attendance. If the need for the amendment does not exist at that time, the interim amendment and reason it was adopted must be reported by the XC to members at the next Members’ Meeting.
Section 3 – Amendments that may change the Association’s Certificate of Incorporation or IRS status will be sent to either or both agencies to ensure the amendments will not adversely affect the Association.
Section 4- The complete text of amendments, date, and name of the presiding officer at the time they are ratified will be recorded, appended to these bylaws, and archived with the Association’s governing documents by the Secretary or a person designated by the President.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION
In the absence of violation of law or bad faith no Officers, Advisers or Directors are liable for the debts, liabilities or obligations of the Association.
ARTICLE X
DISSOLUTION
Upon discharge of all Association liabilities all of its remaining assets are to be contributed to one or more non-profit organizations having a purpose or purposes similar to the Association’s and are at the time exempt organizations per Section 501 (c) (3) of the current IRS Code or corresponding provision of the current U.S. Internal Revenue Act. Final disposition is determined by the XC or as directed by legal authority.
// Jeff Peterson// //Brian Shover//
Association President Association Executive Vice President
//Stephen Dotson// //Jim Dunivan//
Association Vice President Association Secretary
//Adam DeWinne// //Barb Brown//
Association Treasurer Association Supply Room Officer