Job Descriptions

Valley Ho Power Squadron

Job Descriptions

	Executive Committee
Bridge
Commander	Nominating Committee	Past Commanders
Executive Officer (XEO)	Financial Review Committee
Squadron Educational Officer (SEO)	Rules Committee
Administrative Officer	Finance Committee
Treasurer
Secretary	Assistant Squadron Educational Officer(ASEO)
	Basic Boating Course Committee	Historian
	Advanced Grades Committee	Telephone Committee
Flag Lieutenant	Elective Courses Committee	Ensign Correspondent
Aide to Commander	Teaching Aids	District Publication Correspondent
Chaplain	Supplemental Program	Publications Committee (Full & By)
Merit Mark Committee	Educational Property Officer	Photographer
Medical Officer or Advisor		Information Technology
Hospitality Committee		Assistant Secretary
Parliamentary	Meetings, Programs
	Member Involvement Membership Committee
Duncan Gleason Award Judge	Cruise & Rendezvous	Assistant Treasurer
Legal
Port Captains	Hospitality
	Leadership Development Training
Boat Show Committee
Cooperative Charting Officer
Liaison Committee
Legislative Officer
Radio/Technical Officer
Safety Committee
Vessel Safety Check Committee

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee has the authority and responsible for approving all Valley Ho Squadron expenditures, to accept or reject applicants for membership, has legal custody of all squadron property, and carries on the normal business of the Squadron between meetings of the membership. The duties of the Valley Ho Executive Committee are fully described in Section 6.7 of the Valley Ho Squadron's By Laws. The Executive Committee is comprised of the Commander, Squadron Lieutenant Commanders, the immediate Past Commander, and seven active members from the general membership elected by the Squadron active members at the Annual Meeting each year. Members of the Nominating Committee and other elected Committees may be included in the seven active members. The Executive Committee prepares recommendations for annual dues for the following year and presents these recommendations to be voted on by the active members no later than the last regular member meeting prior to 1 August. The results of the annual Financial Review are to be voted on for submittal to and approval at the Annual Meeting in January before the Treasurer´s Annual Report can be approved. The Executive Committee has oversight and approval of all Appointed Committees and Committee members, and shall consult with the Commander regarding appointments to these Committees. The Executive Committee assists and cooperates with the Squadron Educational Officer in determining which programs and classes are to be offered each year, as well as assisting in determining the times and locations of such classes and programs.

Financial Review Committee

The Financial Review Committee examines the records of the Treasurer as of the last day of the Valley Ho Squadron fiscal year, 31 December, and submits a report at a Member Meeting no more than 45 days after the end of the fiscal year. An additional review is to be performed if a different person assumes the office of Treasurer prior to the end of the next fiscal year, usually at the Installation of Officers in February. The Financial Review Committee consists of two active members, one of whom is the Chairman, elected at the Annual Meeting. Members of the Valley Ho Squadron Financial Review Committee should be independent and may not be members of the Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee. The duties of the Valley Ho Squadron Financial Review Committee are fully described in Section 6.10 of the Valley Ho Squadron´s By Laws.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is responsible for preparing a list of nominees for all Bridge Offices, members of the Executive Committee, Rules Committee and Financial Review Committee. The duties of the Nominating Committee are fully described in Section 6.8 of the Valley Ho´s By Laws. Deliberations of the Nominating Committee during its meetings are not issued or discussed outside of the meeting and no one other than the prospective nominee is permitted to attend any of the meetings. However, the Commander-nominee may be consulted with regard to his opinions of potential Bridge nominees. The Nominating Committee is expected to obtain written agreement from nominees of their desire and ability to serve in the post for which they are to be nominated. Candidates for the position of Squadron Educational Officer and Assistant Squadron Educational Officer must be approved by the District and National Educational Officers prior to the election and installation. Nominations prepared by the Committee must be presented at a scheduled Executive Committee meeting no later than the first Thursday of December in order to provide sufficient time for notification of all members. It is recommended that Nominating Committee deliberations begin no later than September of each year. Members of the Nominating Committee serve for two years with three members elected in odd numbered years and two members elected in even numbered years. The Nominating Committee may not nominate one of its members for any Bridge Office.

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee assures that Valley Ho Squadron adheres to the USPS By Laws, USPS policy, District 13 By Laws and Valley Ho Squadron By Laws. The Committee prepares recommendations to keep Valley Ho Squadron´s By Laws consistent with the policy and authority of USPS. The Committee prepares the wording of proposed amendments that may be directed by the Executive Committee or Squadron membership. The Valley Ho Rules Committee consists of five active members, one of whom is the Chairman. The duties of the Valley Ho Squadron Rules Committee are fully described in Section 6.9 of the Valley Ho Squadron´s By Laws.

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee is composed of the Commander, the Elected Lieutenant Commanders, one member of the Financial Review Committee, and such others as the Commander may appoint. The Committee should be convened by the outgoing Commander, preferably in January of each year, or immediately following the installation of Officers, and it will review and determine the extent of Valley Ho Squadron income from dues and all other sources utilizing best estimates from each source. The Committee will then prepare a budget of expected Valley Ho Squadron expenditures utilizing past expenditures and probable needs as a guide. The proposed expenditures need not be equal to the expected revenue, but in no case should the planned expenditures exceed Valley Ho Squadron income.

The proposed income and expenditure estimates should be presented to the Executive Committee for approval, and then be submitted to the Valley Ho Squadron membership for approval no later than 60 days following the installation of the new Bridge in February, but preferably sooner. Expenditures within each department which do not exceed the amount budgeted will need no further approval or review by the Executive Committee. Expenditures that exceed the amount budgeted, and any subsequently proposed expenditures beyond those included in the budget will require approval of the Executive Committee.

Commander

The Commander is the Administrative head of the Squadron; The Commander´s duties are fully described in Section 6.1 of the Valley Ho Squadron´s By Laws. The Administrative Officer must have completed at least one Advanced Grade Course and have at least one Merit Mark (record of USPS service) at the time of his installation. The Commander is ultimately responsible for the timely and proper conduct of all of the activities of the Squadron and is an ex-officio member of all appointed committees. He or she presides over all member and Executive Committee meetings and any other meetings that he may convene. The Commander establishes all appointed committees and makes all appointments to non-elective office with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, although this authority may be delegated to other bridge Officers. The Commander assures the proper attendance of necessary members and voting delegates to the District 13 Spring and Fall Conferences. The Commander has command of the Valley Ho fleet when the Squadron vessels are formally assembled. The Commander executes all written instruments in the name of Valley Ho Squadron when directed by the Executive Committee or the Membership, and makes recommendations for membership on National or District 13 committees. The Commander is authorized to invite anyone to meet with or speak to the Executive Committee, although such invited guests shall not be accorded the privilege of voting at such meetings. The Commander shall serve upon being elected by the Squadron Membership, but may serve no more than two consecutive terms. The Commander will convene meetings with his elected Bridge Officers to discuss, review, and possibly resolve any issues that may come before the Executive Committee. He will distribute to his Bridge Officers their job descriptions and review the performance and progress of each department at these meetings. He will also distribute job descriptions to members of the Executive Committee, Rules Committee, Nominating Committee, and Financial Review Committee as well as to the members of his appointed committees.

Executive Officer

The Executive Officer assists the Commander in the discharge of official duties, and in the absence or incapacity of the Commander acts in his stead. The Executive Officer must have completed at least one Advanced Grade Course and have at least one Merit Mark (record of USPS service) at the time of his installation, and will have the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The Executive Officer´s duties are fully described in Section 6.2 of the Valley Ho Squadron´s By Laws. The Executive Officer succeeds to the office of Commander if a vacancy occurs in that office other than by expiration of the term of office. The Executive Officer is responsible for the performance of all Committees within his department and is an ex-officio member of these committees, and shall be cognizant of and direct the activities of those committees. The Committees within this department are generally those with activities external to the Squadron and shall consist of, but not be limited to:

Boat Show	- Staffing of USPS booth at District 13 Boat Show entries
General Safety	- Boating safety and safety activities
Legislative Information	- Actions of the State and Federal legislatures
Cooperative Charting	- Gathering and disseminating Coop Charting data
Liaison	- Liaisons with the Squadron Auxiliary (Sea Gals)
Coast Guard and other Squadrons
Public Relations	- Dissemination of information to the public regarding Valley Ho activities and Boating Course information
Radio/Technical	- Maintain Squadron awareness of technical advances or official regulations regarding marine radios and other electronic devices

Executive Officer (EO)

The Valley Ho Executive Officer will provide coffee and edibles for scheduled Executive Committee meetings, utilizing petty cash from donations for these refreshments collected at each meeting.The Executive Officer will distribute written job descriptions to members of his appointed committees.

Squadron Education Officer (SEO)

The Squadron Education Officer assists the Commander in the discharge of official duties, and is the head of the Education Department. The Education Officer must have completed at least one Advanced Grade Course and have at least one Merit Mark (record of USPS service) at the time of his installation, and will have the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The Squadron Educational Officer must be approved by the District and National Educational Officers prior to the election and installation of officers. The Education Officer´s duties are fully described in Section 6.3 of the Valley Ho Squadron By Laws. The Education Officer is responsible for planning and organizing the educational classes within Valley Ho Squadron, obtaining qualified instructors, arranging locations for all classes, ordering and distributing class materials for the students and instructors and establishing costs for each class, although some or all of these tasks may be delegated to the Chairmen of the Local Boards of Basic Boating, Advanced Grades or Elective Courses. The Education Officer is responsible to assure that classes are presented and taught in accordance with USPS requirements. He will assure that final exams will be ordered and given to the students with the appropriate proctoring, and that the exams are forwarded to the National Headquarters as required. The Educational Officer recommends a recipient of the annual Al Zalon Award for teaching excellence to the Commander.

Administrative Officer

The Administrative Officer assists the Commander in the discharge of official duties, and in the absence or incapacity of the Executive Officer acts in his stead. The Administrative Officer must have completed at least one Advanced Grade Course and have at least one Merit Mark (record of USPS service) at the time of his installation, and will have the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The Administrative Officer´s duties are fully described in Section 6.4 of the Valley Ho Squadron´s By Laws. The Administrative Officer succeeds to the office of Executive Officer if a vacancy occurs in that office other than by expiration of the term of office. The Administrative Officer is responsible for the performance of all Committees within his department and is an ex-officio member of these committees, and shall be cognizant of and direct the activities of those committees. The Administrative Officer will distribute written job descriptions to members of his appointed committees which are generally those with activities internal to the Squadron and shall consist of, but not be limited to:

Membership	- Arranges and submits applications for membership
Member Involvement
New Member Orientation	-Provides orientation and information to newly inducted members
Operations Training	- Classes to describe and explain operations within Valley Ho Squadron
Member Involvement
New Member Orientation
Cruise and Rendezvous	-Plans and arranges Squadron cruises and on-the-water events & assures timely issuance of proper flyers or other notices
Meetings and Programs	-Plans and arranges Squadron meetings and Programs & assures timely issuance of proper flyers or other notices

The Administrative Officer should participate in (if possible) all Valley Squadron scheduled cruises, and keep track of attendance at all Valley Ho Squadron cruises in order to make recommendations for award presentations. The Administrative Officer should keep track of on-the-water or near-shore foibles by any member, and present the Valley Ho Squadron "Ding Dong Award" at the next Membership or Executive Committee meeting. The Administrative Officer will recommend to the Commander recipients for the following Valley Ho Squadron awards:

Howard Leighty

J Robertson Cruising

Great Sail Race trophy

Predicted Log Trophy

Mr. Lucky Trophy

Welcome Trophy

Treasurer

The Treasurer´s duties are fully described in Section 6.6 of the Valley Ho Squadron By Laws. The Treasurer must have completed at least one Advanced Grade Course and have at least one Merit Mark (record of USPS service) at the time of his installation, and will have the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The Treasurer holds, in the name of Valley Ho Squadron, all monies received and belonging to the Squadron, and pays all authorized bills presented to him. He will keep a true and complete record of all these receipts and expenditures. He will report to the Commander and Executive Committee the receipts and expenses incurred each month or as the Executive may direct.

The Treasurer collects money due to Valley Ho Squadron, District 13, and USPS for dues and other assessments, and transmits the appropriate amounts to the District and National offices.

The Treasurer notifies members whose dues are in arrears, and transmits to the Valley Ho Squadron Secretary the names of those members who have renewed and of any person who joins the Squadron during his term. The Treasurer prepares and files all required federal, state, and local tax and information forms and makes payment of such taxes and fees as may be due. The Treasurer prepares an Annual Report as of the last day of the Valley Ho Squadron fiscal year, 31 December, for submittal to the Financial Review Committee, and for approval by the members following member approval of the Financial Review Committee Report. The Treasurer will distribute written job descriptions to members of his appointed committees, which are as follows, but not limited to

Supply

Educational Supply

Property Control

Finance Committee

Secretary

The Secretary´s duties are fully described in Section 6.5 of the Valley Ho Squadron By Laws. The Secretary must have completed at least one Advanced Grade Course and have at least one Merit Mark (record of USPS service) at the time of his installation, and will have the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The Secretary has custody of all Valley Ho Squadron corporate records, By Laws, and the corporate seal. The Secretary keeps records of the Valley Ho Squadron Member and Executive Committee meetings, and of the attendance at Executive Committee Meetings, except records regarding votes on invitations to membership. The Secretary keeps a record of all Valley Squadron members, and reports this information to the National Secretary. The Secretary keeps and preserves all documents, records, reports, and official Valley ho Squadron correspondence The Secretary assures that required notices of all Valley Squadron and Executive Committee meetings are sent or reported in the Full & By in a timely manner, including lists of candidates to be voted on at the any election. The Secretary will distribute written job descriptions to members of his appointed committees, which include, but are not limited to the following:

Full & By	Full & By
Ensign Correspondent	- Assures submittal of articles and news items to the USPS publication THE ENSIGN
Historian
Ten Year Record
Mailing
Roster
Computer Communications
Member Communications

Past Commanders

The Past Commanders who are active members of Valley Ho Squadron constitute an Advisory Committee to the Commander, and shall stand ready to provide advice and counsel on Valley Ho Squadron issues when requested by the Valley Ho Commander. The Past Commanders will have no other votes than those already existing by virtue of their active membership or election to Official Committees. The Past Commanders may initiate an advisory activity in the event that any one or several of them have a concern for actions taken by the Commander or any of the elected Bridge or other elected Committees. The Past Commander Advisory Committee may publish the results of any independent advisory findings with recommendations to the membership of Valley Ho Squadron for actions deemed necessary by a consensus of this Committee. Actions proposed by the Committee may be taken based on a telephonic poll or by an assembly of available Past Commanders.

Merit Mark Committee

The Valley Ho Squadron Merit Mark Committee is composed of a Chairman and up to two other members one of whom should be the immediate Past Commander, if possible. The Committee distributes informal Merit Mark reporting forms to the Bridge Officers so they can write up the efforts performed by appointed committee members in their respective departments. The forms are collected by the Merit Mark Committee members, and the efforts performed by each Valley Ho Squadron member is gathered onto an official USPS form for approval and signature by the Commander prior to transmittal to the USPS National Merit Mark Committee.

Merit Marks should be collected by the Valley Ho Merit Mark Committee no later than 15 November of each year so there is sufficient time to compile, edit, and otherwise revise the compilation in preparation for the Commander´s review and signature.

The Committee does not pass judgment on the sufficiency or quality of the efforts nor the eligibility of any member´s work for Merit Mark consideration, but rather gathers the facts and information submitted by the various Bridge Officers, combining the data into one summary. A member may perform tasks for more than one Bridge Department, each of which may be to little individually to warrant a Merit Mark, but which in sum would be sufficient for recognition.

The completed Merit Mark form is submitted to the Commander for transmittal to the USPS National Merit Mark Committee. The Valley Ho Squadron Committee should maintain a "lookout" for additional work performed by members following this submittal in order to provide an amended submittal to the USPS National Merit Mark Committee to assure that no member is deprived of a rightful recognition of his service.

Parliamentarian

The Valley Ho Squadron Parliamentarian assists the Commander in the Conduct of Executive Committee and Membership Meetings by assuring that these meetings are conducted in accordance with the Valley Ho Squadron and National USPS By-Laws. The Parliamentarian should be conversant with both sets of By-Laws and with parliamentary procedures so that he can answer all questions of protocol and procedure. Although there is no official constraint on the Parliamentarian´s other assignments or appointments, it would be preferable that he not be a member of the Executive Committee so that any rulings he makes or recommends not be in a conflict of interest with those other duties. The Parliamentarian may be called upon by the Commander for an opinion, or he may interject his procedural opinion into any Executive Committee or Member Meeting when he deems that rendering such an opinion is necessary.

Port Captains

Port Captains will be appointed for each of the Harbors or Anchorages where Valley Ho Squadron members might keep their boats or do their primary boating activity including Avalon/Two Harbors, Castaic/Piru/Pyramid Lakes, Channel Islands/Ventura Harbors, Marina del Rey, King Harbor, Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbors. Each Port Captain is expected to have knowledge of the Harbor area within his purview regarding guest moorings, repair facilities, restaurants, shops, marine chandleries, and other supply facilities, and should be ready to provide any of this information to guest or visiting USPS members who may have specific needs. The Port Captains will provide this information with impartiality, and without favoring one facility over another.

If necessary the Port Captains will provide personal assistance whenever possible to any visiting boaters, or when it is within the capability of the Port Captain.

Meetings and Programs Chairman

The Valley Ho Squadron Meetings and Programs Chairman works at the direction and under the auspices of the Administrative Officer and has the responsibility for finding locations for Dinner and Barbecue Meetings. The Chairman will negotiate with the selected venues regarding the times for serving, the meal selections, and the per member costs, all in consultation with the Commander and the Administrative Officer. The Chairman will also make contact with potential speakers or other presenters or entertainment to provide a program of interest for members and guests. The Chairman will then prepare a meeting "flyer" or advertising broadside suitable for printing or posting on the Valley Ho Squadron web site. Members should be able to obtain a paper copy of this flyer suitable for posting on home bulletin boards (or refrigerators) to provide reminders to the members and their families of the dates, times, and conditions of the meeting. The flyers are considered the proper notification of all Valley Ho Squadron Meetings, and will be issued in a timely manner as required by the Valley Ho Squadron By-Laws. A program may not be required for all Dinner/Barbecue Meetings, and the Chairman should ascertain the particular needs as specified by the Commander and the Administrative Officer. The Chairman will coordinate any necessary movement of tables, chairs and other equipment before and after the Meeting, assembling the necessary volunteers to perform such tasks.

Cruise and Rendezvous Chairman

The Valley Ho Squadron Cruise and Rendezvous Chairman works at the direction and under the auspices of the Administrative Officer and has the responsibility for coordinating the activities necessary for all Valley Ho Squadron cruises established at the Cruise Planning Meeting, including the making of any reservations at the Marina or Anchorage where the cruise will be held. He may also assign a Cruise Captain who will make all of the arrangements for a particular Cruise. The Chairman should prepare a "flyer", or broadside, announcing the date, time, and location of the Cruise, as well as any other necessary information. This flyer or advertising broadside should be suitable for printing or posting on the Valley Ho Squadron web site. Members should be able to obtain a paper copy of this flyer suitable for posting on home bulletin boards (or refrigerators) to provide reminders to the members and their families of the impending Cruise.

Boat Show Chairman

The Valley Ho Squadron Boat Show Chairman works at the direction and under the auspices of the Executive Officer and has the responsibility for coordinating the assigned or selected times for Valley Ho Squadron to supply volunteers to staff the District 13 booth at the several boat shows held in the greater Los Angeles area. The Chairman will obtain commitments from these volunteers to to perform the staffing duties, and will obtain any necessary entry passes from the District 13 Boat Show Chairman. The Chairman then provides the volunteers with instructions as to their duties, including providing them with the written District 13 boat show description from the Valley Ho Squadron Activity Page. Volunteers may wear their USPS uniforms, although this is not mandatory. The volunteers spend their time soliciting passers-by to stop and look at the USPS literature on display, answering questions the passers-by may have, and encouraging them to sign up for the Basic Boating Class in their home area. Names, addresses and phone numbers of interested visitors to the booth are retained for the District 13 Boat Show chairman to distribute to the SEO´ of the appropriate Squadrons. If possible husband and wife teams should staff the booth to illustrate the family aspect of the USPS. Volunteers may put in shifts of two to four hours, and are encouraged to remain until their replacement arrives, after which they may visit any or all other displays at the boat show.

The Ensign Correspondent

THE ENSIGN Correspondent is responsible for submitting articles, stories and photographs, or Full & By articles to THE ENSIGN magazine regarding Valley Ho Squadron activities that would be of interest to readers nationwide. The Correspondent may write these articles or stories himself, and take the photographs himself, or the Correspondent may submit such items written by other Valley Ho Squadron members.

Printed articles should be double spaced with 1-inch (or more) margins on all sides to permit easy editing with the Correspondents name, address, phone number, and e-mail address on the first and last pages. If possible, articles should be submitted at least two months before the intended publication date, especially if the article is written in support of THE ENSIGN special topic schedule.

Photographs submitted as attachments to articles may be either glossy (not matte) photos, slides, negatives mailed to THE ENSIGN, or high resolution digital photos using a "best" quality setting and e-mailed to the editor. All persons in any photograph should be identified as to rank, grade, and Squadron affiliation. All locations - city, state, lake, rivere, marina, etc. - should be clearly identified. Such information may be attached by post-it or other means to the photographs, but in no case should anything be written on the back of the photograph.
Correspondent may solicit articles from members of the Valley Ho Squadron either directly or through notes published in the Full & By.

The Assistant Squadron Education Officer (ASEO)

The Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee may authorize election of an Assistant Squadron Education Officer to assist the SEO, act for the SEO in the latter’s absence, and perform such Educational Department tasks that the SEO may assign. Approval of the Assistant SEO by the District 13 Educational Officer and the National Education Officer must be obtained before the ASEO can be elected and installed. The ASEO will have the rank of Lieutenant but will not be eligible to vote at Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee meetings.

Duties of the Valley Ho Squadron Education Officer, and thus of the ASEO as may be necessary are fully described in Section 6.3 of the Valley Ho By Laws and in the Job Description for the Valley Ho SEO.

Assistant Secretary

The Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee may authorize election of an Assistant Secretary to assist the Secretary, act for the Secretary in the latter’s absence, and perform such Department tasks that the Secretary may assign. The Assistant Secretary will have the rank of Lieutenant but will not be eligible to vote at Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee meetings. Although there is no official constraint, it would be preferable that the Assistant Secretary not have authorization to sign or co-sign Valley Ho Squadron checks.

Duties of the Valley Ho Squadron Secretary, and thus of the Assistant Secretary as may be necessary are fully described in Section 6.5 of the Valley Ho By Laws and in the Job Description for the Valley Ho Secretary.

Assistant Treasurer

The Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee may authorize election of an Assistant Treasurer to assist the Treasurer, act for the Treasurer in the latter’s absence, and perform such Department tasks that the Treasurer may assign. The Assistant Treasurer will have the rank of Lieutenant but will not be eligible to vote at Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee meetings. Although there is no official constraint, it would be preferable in the interests of the appearance of propriety that the Assistant Treasurer not have authorization to sign or co-sign Valley Ho Squadron checks.

Duties of the Valley Ho Squadron Treasurer, and thus of the Assistant Treasurer as may be necessary are fully described in Section 6.6 of the Valley Ho By Laws and in the Job Description for the Valley Ho Treasurer.

Cooperative Charting Officer

The Valley Ho Squadron Cooperative Charting Officer is appointed to oversee the Cooperative Charting activities of the members of the Valley Ho Squadron. The Cooperative Charting effort consists of comparing actual locations and appearances of charted aids to navigation with the locations and symbols shown on the most recent official government (NOAA) chart of the area. Discrepancies should be reported to the Valley Hoi Squadron Executive Officer and the Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee, and submitted on an official USPS form to the National Cooperative Charting Officer.

The Cooperative Charting Officer or the Executive Officer may schedule cruises specifically for checking navigational aids in any of the boating areas where Valley Ho Squadron members maintain or utilize their vessels.

Legislative Officer

The Valley Ho Squadron Legislative Officer is appointed to maintain cognizance of any legislative activities or proposals by federal, state, or local agencies which might affect the boating public. He will make reports to the Valley Ho Squadron Executive Officer and the Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee on a regular basis, and may submit articles for publication in the Full & By for the edification of the Valley Ho Squadron membership. Although no USPS entity may lobby elected officials, recommendations may be made for individual members to express their opinions to any elected officials or government bodies.

The Legislative Officer may utilize electronic or printed sources to obtain the information necessary to keep abreast of described governmental actions or proposals.

Publications Committee

The Publication Committee consists of an Editor and as many assistants and contributors as are needed to assure publication of the Valley Ho Squadron Full & By, the Squadron “news letter.” The Editor is responsible for maintaining the general format , and for publishing at least six issues each year, although the specific format may reflect the style of the particular Editor. The Editor must obtain inputs or articles or “messages” from each of the Bridge Officers. He should encourage submittal of articles prepared by Valley Ho Squadron members as well, obtaining reports of Valley Ho Squadron cruises from the Cruise Captains or Administrative Officer, and also should include a brief note regarding the awarding of the Ding Dong trophy, with an explanation of the “boo-boo“ committed, and the name of the recipient, all in good humor.. If the Editor is is unable to get a message from the Commander, he may substitute an “Editor’s Message” in its place, although this is not preferred.

The Editor may construct articles for publication at any time, as deemed necessary to fill out an issue. At no time should the Editorial Staff include any political references, although individual authors might include brief comments within the context of their article, inasmuch as submitted articles do not represent the views of Valley Ho Squadron or USPS, but only those of the author.

Unless the spelling and grammar in texts submitted by contributors is egregiously faulty, the Editor should refrain from editing or abstracting the material so that the substance and any nuances of meaning in the articles will remain as the authors intended.

The Editor must follow through to assure distribution to all members of Valley Ho Squadron in a timely manner, either electronically or with postal mailing of “hard copies.” If or when the Full & By is posted on the Valley Ho Squadron web site members should be notified by a specific e-mail message.

Finance Committee Meeting

The proposed income and expenditure estimates should be presented to the Executive Committee for approval, and then be submitted to the Valley Ho Squadron membership for approval no later than 60 days following the installation of the new Bridge in February, but preferably sooner.

Expenditures within each department which do not exceed the amount budgeted will need no further approval or review by the Executive Committee. Expenditures that exceed the amount budgeted, and any subsequently proposed expenditures beyond those included in the budget will require approval of the Executive Committee.

Radio/Technical Officer

The Valley Ho Squadron Radio/Technical Officer is appointed to maintain cognizance of any changes or improvements to the use of electronic navigation and communication instruments or systems, as well as any changes to Coast Guard or FCC regulations.

The Radio/Technical Officer should report any of this information to the Valley Ho Squadron Executive Officer and to the Valley Ho Squadron Executive Committee. He should report any found information to the Valley Ho Squadron membership with an article prepared for publication in the Full & By, if it is deemed of sufficient interest and importance.