This chapter was first conceived around January 1997 and presented to the organization at the Denver Annual Convention in 1997. The plan was to close the Charter Membership at the conclusion of this last convention in Seattle, but the 50-odd attendees opted to keep it open for another year for two reasons, 1) to have more Charter Members, and 2) get us through another MIP cycle, which brings in more revenue to operate from. I asked for donations at both conventions, as well as the Mid-winter in Columbia, SC, with success, but we still need Charter money. Our Constitution and By-Laws were approved unanimously and without amendment by the membership at this past Annual Convention on June 25, 1998. Our current membership stands at 60. The Charter Top.

The Chapter's stated meetings are at the Mid-winter Meeting and Annual Convention.  Called meetings are elsewhere about the world, as appropriate. Although not captured, yet, we will establish a Muster Report that recognizes when three or more members meet in distant climes. These meetings will be captured in the minutes of the Chapter, when details are provided to the Secretary. Likewise, we want the Internet meetings. This will permit those-so-inclined to get updates/info through this medium, which we feel is most important. 

The Chapter emphasizes membership by those who have served our country in times of contingency or war with an emphasis on overseas duty, but recognizes those that stood "Ready" or participated in Crisis Action Planning and Readiness. Clearly, there are other considerations. One member for example was the Communications Officer at Anawetok (spelling?) for Operation Hardtack, which was a nuclear development and testing activity necessary for national defense evolution. Another key element toward the growth of the Chapter is to take up the slack in meeting/luncheons/camaraderie that would otherwise evolve with the demise of Saigon Chapter #409 and Da Nang Chapter #498.  Their Constitutions are an epitaph of their demise in the relatively near future, as Vietnam era members pass to the Great Beyond. The vision is that ultimately the residual members will migrate toward Expeditionary Chapter, whose life is directly tied to the existence of National Sojourners.