President's report

I have completed my year as president of the Reserve Officers Association. It has been very eventful and rewarding and it has been an honor and a privilege to serve this great Association. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I was aware early in my tour of the pressure to serve competently, implement needed changes, and help to improve our financial and membership posture. But that pressure quickly turned into positive energy because of the great human resources available. I had the benefit of working with many outstanding ROA leaders and members. Maj Gen Bob McIntosh has been great to work with and has contributed immensely to our Association. I have experienced the benefit of tremendous teamwork from General McIntosh, the ROA staff, the executive committee, national council, past presidents, and many other ROA members.

This impressive team has worked in the best interest of ROA and I believe we have accomplished much. For example, we set obtainable goals; completed the reorganization of the ROA headquarters staff; rapidly completed the committee selection process; initiated an effective training session for the ExCom; improved the ROA Academy program; created a formal legislation and policy impact process and re-energized legislative agenda work; trained ROA members on how to interface with elected officials; updated the Strategic Planning Direction; implemented an ROA Industry Affairs Program; upgraded the interior of the Minuteman Memorial Building; assisted the Reserve Enlisted Association (REA) in getting started; implemented the Civilian Patriot Program; implemented an updated Grand Membership Strategy; updated the ROA Web site; re-energized Defense Education Programs; selected future convention sites; implemented a virtual membership test program; formalized the ROA-U.S. FreedomWalk event; developed a new membership category proposal (spouses, widows, and widowers); witnessed a 16 percent growth in the overall ROA investment portfolio; established a blue-ribbon committee to give advice on increasing income (started e-commerce initiative and increased fifth floor rental income by 20 percent); revitalized the Wall of Gold program; initiated process for annual reporting of progress; created an archives area in the ROA building; initiated new credit card member program; initiated new home mortgage program for members; enhanced the situation reporting (SITREP) communication tool; improved specific ROA internal communications processes; improved the ROA national president's weekly report; upgraded the magazine and increased advertising revenue; improved communications and synergy with the Reserve Forces Policy Board, OSD/Reserve Affairs, and with Service/Joint Reserve Component leaders; established communications with the Department of Homeland Security and improved communications with the Public Health Service; improved liaison with White House representatives; improved teamwork with other associations; created and implemented a new public outreach program; created and implemented a prioritized contribution and gifts plan; created an improved budget for FY 2004/2005; and created a disciplined committee reporting and feedback process.

There are other accomplishments and work not listed above, but in the interest of space I'll stop here.

I hope to see many of you at the National Convention in Salt Lake City. This particular Convention will be historic because of some proposed changes to our constitution and bylaws. ROA has the opportunity to become a more inclusive and more influential association by adding a category of membership for spouses, widows, and widowers. If you attend as a Convention delegate and have questions about this vital proposal, the executive director, ROAL president, members of the ExCom, members of the staff, and others join me in being available to answer your questions.

Final thoughts: Beverly and I are extremely grateful for what all of you have done to make my tour as your president an eventful and rewarding 12 months. I look forward to thanking many of you personally lot what you have done and for what you will continue to do to accomplish ROA's mission. We are living in dangerous and dynamic times, and the nation is counting on ROA to be a bold and committed proponent of national security and strong Reserve Components. I cannot think of anything more important now than Homeland Security--and our Reserve forces are, and will continue to be, heavily involved.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience.

RADM G. Robert Merrilees, USCGR (Ret.) ROA National President, 2003-2004

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