Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Scott Crouch, the new Troop 0 Rep. on the WVTA Board of Directors. I'm stationed in Fairmont on the Interstate Patrol in Special Ops. I can't guarantee that my list of Troop 0 members is completely accurate from the WVTA office, so if you would like to have your address deleted from my list, please let me know. Also, if you would prefer to use your personal email address for WVTA correspondence in the future, please let me know that too. We had a Board meeting yesterday in Charleston and I wanted to give you an update on the items discussed. 1. Marvin Masters discussed the two pending law suits that he is representing the WVTA on. He is suing the AAST (American Association of State Troopers) on their telemarketing practices in the State of WV. The information that we have is that the AAST has not distributed any of the money that they have collected in WV on their members in WV. The money that the AAST is collecting in WV by telemarketing could instead be available to the WVTA. He also said that the motions filed for Plan B have been sent to the WV Supreme Court by the Kanawha Co. judge hearing the case. This is intended to expedite the process. 2. Congratulations to Cpl. Donna Taylor! Through her hard work on the Purdue case, a $44 MILLION settlement to the WV State Police has been reached from forfeiture proceeds. The Department has a list of approximately 14 items that they would like to see the money used for (e.g. new cars, communications equip., detachment improvements, etc.) If you have any suggestions in an area that you would like to see the money spent, I will present these to the Board. It's my understanding that the WVTA will have an opportunity to make suggestions on how this money may be spent. Personally, I would like to see the Department purchase AR-15 assault rifles to be carried in our cruisers. 3. The Board has formed a committee to review the grievance system. If any troops have been affected by problems in the grievance system, the Board is soliciting examples of these problems. You may contact me directly to discuss personal issues and I will keep your identity in confidence if you wish when I present the problems to the Board. The Board will be discussing ways to assist troops with administrative matters. If you have any suggestions, please contact me. 4. Finally, I would like to offer my condolences to the family, class mates, and co-workers of Cpl. Gonzales. I'm sorry that I did not know Marlo, but I still feel the loss of one of our own. As an Association, we all need to concentrate on staying united. Watch for a letter from our new President, John Smith. Instead of routinely using the department email, I will be posting updates on the WVTA website. Again, if you would prefer to receive updates at your personal email, you may write me at: scottwvsp@aol.com. I can also be reached at the Fairmont Detachment, 367-2701. Stay safe and I'll be looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can. Scott