tankercaptain
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 509
The Government Accountability Office, in its 2009/2012 landmark and definitive analysis of the financial dealings, contracts and agreements of the Academy (whose recommendations are being closely monitored and enforced by Congress), unequivocally defined the AAF as an “affiliate” of the Academy; and found nothing improper with respect to the Foundation being provided space on board the Academy without cost, the so-called “preferential treatment” Admiral Helis refers to. We are, in fact, included on the Academy’s organizational chart drawn up by the GAO in its report. In addition, the GAO particularly recognizes the significant financial contribution of the AAF to the Academy.
Where this situation began: Our previous high expectations of a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with the new Superintendent were shattered as a result of a meeting and letter initiated by Admiral Helis on November 30, 2012 with our Board Chairman and our AAF President.
In response to a request prior to the meeting for an agenda and the reason for the planned participation of the Academy’s attorney, since the AAF had not planned on having legal representation, Admiral Helis wrote “We would like to discuss improving the relationship between the Academy and the USMMAAAF to ensure that we are working together to support the continued success of the Academy”.
Instead, Admiral Helis, accompanied by his attorney, presented a letter containing numerous provisions, all of which required that the AAF surrender legal rights existing under several agreements.
That the new Superintendent would take such an unprecedented step, misrepresenting the purpose of the meeting, allowing an attorney by his side, indicating no AAF attorney need be present, and presenting a document which by its very nature was attempting to negate existing legal agreements negotiated by previous leadership in good faith was very telling of the actions we have since seen that meeting from the Superintendent’s office.
Since that time, we have been working quietly and cautiously to avert the present situation.
Attempt to Rescind the 2004 Academy-AAF Agreement and an unsigned attachment: In his November 30th letter, Admiral Helis stated that he was rescinding the 2004 agreement (noted previously) which defines the role of the Foundation as the principal fundraising agency for the Academy and the sole alumni organization representing its graduates. The agreement also binds the Academy and the Foundation “to cooperate fully with one another for the benefit of the USMMA and its Midshipmen, and to assist each other in fulfilling their respective charitable purposes.”
As part of this rescission, Admiral Helis produced what appeared to be an earlier 2008 rescission letter from the then Superintendent, addressed to the then Foundation COO. However, this document was not only unsigned, it was dated before either of them became employed by the Academy and the AAF respectively.
Where this situation began: Our previous high expectations of a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with the new Superintendent were shattered as a result of a meeting and letter initiated by Admiral Helis on November 30, 2012 with our Board Chairman and our AAF President.
In response to a request prior to the meeting for an agenda and the reason for the planned participation of the Academy’s attorney, since the AAF had not planned on having legal representation, Admiral Helis wrote “We would like to discuss improving the relationship between the Academy and the USMMAAAF to ensure that we are working together to support the continued success of the Academy”.
Instead, Admiral Helis, accompanied by his attorney, presented a letter containing numerous provisions, all of which required that the AAF surrender legal rights existing under several agreements.
That the new Superintendent would take such an unprecedented step, misrepresenting the purpose of the meeting, allowing an attorney by his side, indicating no AAF attorney need be present, and presenting a document which by its very nature was attempting to negate existing legal agreements negotiated by previous leadership in good faith was very telling of the actions we have since seen that meeting from the Superintendent’s office.
Since that time, we have been working quietly and cautiously to avert the present situation.
Attempt to Rescind the 2004 Academy-AAF Agreement and an unsigned attachment: In his November 30th letter, Admiral Helis stated that he was rescinding the 2004 agreement (noted previously) which defines the role of the Foundation as the principal fundraising agency for the Academy and the sole alumni organization representing its graduates. The agreement also binds the Academy and the Foundation “to cooperate fully with one another for the benefit of the USMMA and its Midshipmen, and to assist each other in fulfilling their respective charitable purposes.”
As part of this rescission, Admiral Helis produced what appeared to be an earlier 2008 rescission letter from the then Superintendent, addressed to the then Foundation COO. However, this document was not only unsigned, it was dated before either of them became employed by the Academy and the AAF respectively.