During the week of February 14^th through 21^st, Veterans of Safety (VOS) sponsored Sail Onto Safety 2004.  This safety gathering took place during an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Holland America Lines ms Zaandam.

During the sailing days, there was a full schedule of safety training and safety equipment vendors were available for consultation.

When the ship was in port, members and guests had opportunities to experience the local environment and shopping.

Members aboard the cruise included Ben Williamson
(pictured with his wife Mimi and family)

Dianna Bryant
(pictured with her husband and a family member)

The Officers and Board of Directors convened at Central Missouri State University (CMSU) on March 26^th and 27^th for the Midyear Meeting.  During the meeting, our President, Oscar “Bud” Smith, presented the first Benjamin F. Williamson, Jr. Fellowship Award to Dianna Bryant. 

This picture shows Dianna with Ben Williamson.

The Midyear meeting closed with a semi-formal dinner and a Memorial Service to recognize those VOS members who had died during the preceding 12 months.

On September 12^th, the Officers and Board of Directors assembled in a meeting room at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, LA, for the annual VOS meeting.  As usual, the VOS meetings were held during the time frame of the National Safety Council Congress and Exhibition.

Unfortunately, some Directors and members were not able to attend as a result of the series of hurricanes that had struck the Southeastern United States.  The approach of Hurricane Ivan meant that the Congress and Exhibition were terminated early and the Safety and Health Hall of Fame Induction Dinner did not take place.

During the Annual Meeting, the new officers were installed along with those newly elected members of the Board of Directors who were able to be present.

Past President “Safety Herb” Everett installs the officers, Chris Gates, President, L.M. Rice, President Elect, Terry Grism, Vice President, Wendell Wahlstedt, Secretary, and Jeane’ Furber, Treasurer.

President Elect, L.M. Rice, installs newly elected members of the Board of Directors (from left) “Safety Herb” Everett, Dave Langton, and Wendell Wahlstedt.  Not pictured: Leanna Depue and A.J. Scardino.

As a symbol of a renewed drive for new members, Director Dave Langton received a membership application from Charles Kelly of New Hampshire.

Following the Annual Meeting, the Officers and Directors and a number of members and potential members were hosted at a shrimp fry at the Pass Christian, MS, home of A.J. Scardino and his lovely wife, Loislyn.

Hope to see you all again for a Happy and Safe 2005!