THE 2009 UPORFA ANNUAL ASSEMBLY IN COLUMBIA

The 2009 UPORFA Annual Assembly will be held in Armenia, Colombia on 9-12 October 2009.
UPORFA will be the guest of the Colombia Reserve Officer Forum, who will include UPORFA activities in their agenda. This will mark the entry of Columbia's ASOPOR (Association of Professional Reservists) into membership in UPORFA. The Reserve Officer strength in Colombia is about 7000 members, with the Army having the largest membership. Most of the members are Lieutenants and Captains.

UPORFA delegates will be airlifted from Bogota, Colombia to Armenia, Colombia where all activities will be held. More information will be forthcoming after the ROA Convention in Orlando. Airlift will be courtesy of the Colombian Air Force Reserve Personnel.

The 2008 UPORFA Annual Assembly In Miami

PAN-AMERICAN UNION OF RESERVE OFFICERS OF THE ARMED FORCES

The “Unión Pan Americana de Oficiales de Reserva de las Fuerzas Armadas” (UPORFA) is an inter-America organization of Reserve Officers of the Armed Forces, founded in 1995. UPORFA maintains and encourages reserve officer contacts with a number of South and Central American states. The United States is one of the founding states. The seat of UPORFA is located at the headquarters of the Argentina Reserve officers Union in Buenos Aires, Republic of Argentina.

The primary objective of UPORFA is to serve as a forum “of willing states” dedicated to the development and preservation of democracy as the foundation necessary to assure the mutual security of nations within the hemisphere. Beyond that, UPORFA seeks to promote civic and military values and standards of ethics and moral virtues that characterize Reserve officers. Within the practical framework, UPORFA sets out to conduct the exchange of ideas and experiences among Reserve officers and enhance the education and training, training exchanges of Reserves, and Reserve Association visits among member nations.
This year the annual reunion of UPORFA was hosted by the United States, 16-18 October at Homestead Air Reserve Base south of Miami, Florida. UPORFA President Lt. Col. Eduardo Stafforini, brought a delegation of seven Argentine Reserve officers to the reunion. Sixteen ROA members from the United States and Puerto Rico participated in the convention.

MG Robert Smith III organized and coordinated the UPORFA reunion at Homestead Air Reserve Base. The program was designed to provide our South American friends with a first-hand and broad appreciation for the roles and missions assigned to US Reserve Components. The focus was on those reserve activities, such as medical, military police and homeland security that may be of particular interest and application to UPORFA members.

UPORFA President Lt. Col. Stafforini welcomed members to the reunion at this time in our history when many of our nations are experiencing political and economic uncertainties that do more to separate rather than unite us. He expressed regret that the delegation from Columbia had to cancel its participation at the last minute. In his capacity as Coordinator of Reserve Activities in Argentina, Lt. Col. Stafforini gave an update on the progress underway to improve the Argentine reserve system allowing it to make a more viable and contemporary contribution to the national security. Together with Lt. Col. Stafforini two other Argentine Reserve officers serve on active duty heading up the Departments of Education and Reserve Systems. These departments report directly to the Chief of Army Reserve, General Jose Luis Figeroa (Regular Army.) LT. Col. Stafforini announced the recent creation of two reserve units, the first of a number of reserve units to be establish in regions throughout Argentina. Our own Capt. Vicente Ventura was assigned to command the first unit to be stood up in the Buenos Aires area.

The convention program opened with a briefing on US Army Reserve capabilities, roles and missions and visit to the 482d US Air Force Reserve Fighter wing stationed at Homestead. MG Adolf McQueen, Commander of the US Army Reserve 220th Military Police Command briefed on the broad military police roles and missions performed by Reserve unites under his command. The 220th is charged with the responsibility for operating all US Army’s detention facilities to include the detention center at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. The concept of Reservists in the conduct of military police roles met with considerable interest by the Argentine Reserve officers. Briefing on the “Utilization of Medical Reserve Assets,” MG Robert J. Kasulke, Deputy Army Surgeon General for Reserve Affairs, briefed on the latest medical innovative technologies now available to combat units. He explained innovations that provide life saving medical supplies and equipment and training down to the level of the individual combatant. These new applications based on studies for the immediate treatment of life-threatening injuries are shown to be instrumental for the decline in battlefield mortality in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Needless to say, MG Kasulke’s briefing was well received since medical personnel are reservists in most countries. The program also included a visit to the Homeland Security site at Homestead, a briefing on customs and border protection and visit to the hangars housing the various aircraft used in border protection and drug interdiction at sea and in the air.

Capt. Vicente Ventura, author and co-chairman of the UPOFRA Hemispheric Academy,
updated the audience with his personal views regarding the threat that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez represents to the stability of the region. Capt. Ventura addressed the excessive arms buildup in Venezuela used as an instrument to intimidate neighboring countries, and the establishment of Bolivarian Clubs throughout South and Central America which are funded by Chavez to peddle his brand of political ideas aimed at fostering political opposition to the more traditional forms of government in the hemisphere.

UPORFA Presidency 2008-210

Col Alfred Michaud, who has served in many leadership capacities for the eleven years assumed the new Presidency of UPORFA for 2008-2010. Col Michaud pledged to work towards constructive, educational reunions and attempt to bring in two more nations as UPORFA members. Pending the results of ongoing discussions with the nations, the venue for the next reunion will not be announced until the end of January 2009.

President Michaud announced his new team:

Col John Hauschild is appointed as the new treasurer with the task to ensure funds are maintained to assist a new member nation in hosting a future UPORFA reunion.

MG Robert Smith III takes over as the Chief of the US Delegation for the next two years.

LTC Joan Boose and Capt. Maxilmiliano Schlez are appointed to the Audit Committee.

LTC Joe Glebocki and Captain Augusto Aguer are appointed to head the Legal Committee and to review the Statutes.

The Training Committee will be led by Col Fernando Fernandez and Teniente Gaston Vierya.

The Junior Officer Committee will be headed by CPT Michael Kistler and Sub Teniente Rodrigo Bravo.

The UPORFA blog will continue under the direction of Maj. Tim Salazar ensuring timely links to ROA and UNOR.

The Medical Committee (ad hoc) is established under the direction of LTC Donna Wandeloski. All medical personnel are assigned to this important committee.

The UPORFA Hemispheric Academy will be led by Col Charles Lardent and Captain Vicente Ventura. The academy will undertake studies of interest to the security of the Hemisphere to include studies for safeguarding democracy and democratic institutions, and publishing papers on the impact of drug and arms trafficking and threats to the stability of nations from outside and within the Hemisphere.

Col. Alexander Gerry has been elected as UPORFA International Secretary General.

Inspired by a new momentum and enthusiasm, UPORFA is prepared consistent with its mandate to be a part of the process that makes a real contribution to the common interests and unique cultural values of our hemisphere.

PREPARED BY:

Col. Alexander A. C. Gerry
International Secretary General UPORFA

APPROVED BY:

Col. Alfred L. Michaud
President of UPORFA

BYLAWS OF THE PAN-AMERICAN UNION OF RESERVE OFFICERS OF THE ARMED FORCES

ARTICLE ONE. – NAME: In the city of Buenos Aires, an organization has been founded and will be known as PAN-AMERICAN UNION OF RESERVE OFFICERS OF THE ARMED FORCES (UPORFA).

ARTICLE TWO. – MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: UPORFA consists of reserve officer organizations of Western Hemisphere countries which are members of the INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE BOARD plus Canada, said organizations being properly incorporated and law-abiding under the laws of their respective countries. Those organizations which later seek admission should apply to the President, who will in turn submit their application to the Executive Committee, and said admission will be ratified by the Assembly. UPORFA can admit only a single reserve organization for each country, said selection also having the consent of the civilian and military authorities of that country.

ARTICLE THREE. – PURPOSE: The purpose of this entity is to constitute a forum of goodwill, that promotes and advances the development and preservation of Democracy in order to assure mutual security and to develop military values within civilian societies that their respective Armed Forces defend, preserving the ethical, moral, and physical virtues that characterize military service. It will encourage the consistent development of policies, exchange training, other training, qualification, modernization and the necessary changes for reserve officers within the framework of and in accordance with the regulations of the military authorities of the member countries. It is anticipated that the development of the aforementioned objectives will bring about the exchange of information between the armed forces and cooperation with governmental institutions and organizations. Within this framework the organization anticipates that meetings of good fellowship will be organized, including congresses, courses and military competitions. UPORFA will be guided by a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to religion and ethnic origin.

ARTICLE FOUR. – DURATION: The organization created here will continue in effect for ninety-nine years, a term which can be extended.

ARTICLE FIVE. – HEADQUARTERS: The headquarters of UPORFA will be in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentine Republic, and the site of the Assembly will rotate to countries as determined by the Executive Committee and ratified by the Assembly.

ARTICLE SIX. – ASSEMBLIES: The representatives of the member organizations will meet in Assembly at least annually with the purpose of adopting policies of common interest with due consideration of the goals and programs being fulfilled by each of the member nations. In the Assembly they will prepare a budget based on resources available, predetermined aims and sources of funding. Each Assembly will firmly determine the date of the next Assembly. The agenda for each Assembly will have been published at least 60 days in advance. Said Agenda will have been distributed to all member organizations. However, additions to the agenda can be made by the simple majority of the representatives of each of the member countries who are present in any properly convened Assembly. The representatives designated by each member organization to participate in any Assembly, will be accredited by that organization prior to the beginning of the first session of the Assembly. The President or his successor will preside at all UPORFA Assembly sessions. In all Assembly matters, each member organization will have a single vote, with the President being empowered to cast an additional vote incase of a tie.

ARTICLE SEVEN. – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: UPORFA will be directed and administered by an Executive Committee which must faithfully fulfill the policies that the Assembly will have approved. The Executive Committee will consist of five members approved by the simple majority of the member organizations present at the corresponding annual Assembly. The terms of the members will be for two years and they may be reelected. The Executive Committee will consist of a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Secretary General, and a Treasurer. The Committee will meet as needed, but not less than once a year. No more than one member per country will sit on the Executive Committee. Except for the President, the members of the Executive Committee shall designate alternates for them selves from their own countries. Emeritus Presidents may participate in the discussions of, but may not vote in, the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE EIGHT. – THE PRESIDENT: The duties of the President are to represent UPORFA under all circumstances universally, to preside over the Assembly and the Executive Committee, summoning the meetings and conducting debates, causing minutes to be taken of these proceedings by an ad hoc secretary he may designate according to internal procedures and signing all official documentation cosigned by the Secretary General.

ARTICLE NINE. – FIRST AND SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS: In the absence of the President, the Vice Presidents (in the agreed order of their titles) will act in place of the President, subject to the guidance and pronouncements of the President, at all meetings except those of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE TEN. – THE SECRETARY GENERAL: The Secretary General will assist the President at meetings and in all circumstances, cosigning every UPORFA document. The Secretary General will keep an organized file of correspondence according to internal procedures. The Secretary General will prepare the agenda for meetings of the Executive Committee and Assemblies, making sure that all member organizations are duly notified of the date and place of the Assemblies.

ARTICLE ELEVEN. – THE TREASURER: The management of the funds available to and for UPORFA will be under the responsibility of the Treasurer. The Treasurer will render accounts to the Assembly. The monetary funds available to and for UPORFA for the fulfillment of its objectives will be those which derive from annual assessments on the member organizations. In addition, The Treasurer will be empowered to receive and use all types of subventions, donations, and legacies payable to UPORFA and authorized by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer, to whom these funds are entrusted, will maintain a current record of financial activity, which he shall transfer together with any remaining funds to a successor Treasurer upon termination of duties. The Treasurer will administer delays by any member in meeting financial obligations through internal procedures.

ARTICLE TWELVE. – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: The Executive Director may participate in the discussions of, but may not vote in, the Executive Committee. He will maintain the files and other documentation of UPORFA at the headquarters in the city of Buenos Aires, and will report as chief of staff to the Executive Committee. The Executive Director will be designated and removed by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN. – AUDIT COMMITTEE: There will be an Audit Committee composed of not more than three members, not more than one of which may be from the same country as the Treasurer. Its function will be to review or audit the accounts of UPORFA. It will report its findings during Assemblies or as requested by the Assembly. The members of the Committee will be appointed by the Assembly.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN. - LIAISON TO THE INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE BOARD: In order to have permanent representation before the Inter-American defense Board, the Executive Committee will appoint and have power to remove, a representative who will reside in the United States of America as this is the seat of this body.

ARTICLE FIFTEEN. - LEGAL REPRESENTATION: UPORFA does not need its own legal counsel as it will not act without the will of the Member Organizations it represents. Any formal or solemn legal acts will take place through the intervention of the member organization present in that specific country, said determination to be clearly and strictly defined in every case.

ARTICLE SIXTEEN. – RELATIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: The Executive Committee will determine the nature of relations between UPORFA, the OAS, other Interamerican organizations, the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR) and other international organizations.

ARTICLE SEVENTEEN. – COMMISSIONS AND OTHER WORK GROUPS: The Executive Committee may be assisted by commissions and work groups as defined in internal regulations to be adopted.

ARTICLE EIGTHTEEN. – AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS: Any modification to be proposed to the present Bylaws together with rationale for the change will be presented in writing to the Executive Committee at least 120 days prior to the next meeting. It may be adopted by two thirds of the members present. The proposed amendment shall be included in the agenda sent to all member organizations together with the text of the proposed amendment.

ARTICLE NINETEEN. – INTERNAL REGULATIONS: The Executive Committee will develop internal regulations, which are subordinate, complementary and absolutely consistent with the sense of these Bylaws. Approved, they will be considered mandatory for all members. Any amendments needed later may be approved by a simple majority of the members present.

ARTICLE TWENTY. – OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: The official languages of UPORFA will be Spanish, Portuguese and English.

TRANSITIONAL ARTICLE: Three countries approved the present Bylaws: Argentina, United States of America and Uruguay. In addition, electronic communication was received from Chile, signed by Brigadier Arturo Aranda Salazar, Commander of the Former Cadets Center of the “Cien Aguilas” Military Academy expressing his support and agreement with the Bylaws completed in Buenos Aires, in which he stated that Chile would send its approval. Since the Bylaws provide that five members of different countries will constitute the Executive Committee, said requirement being initially impossible to fulfill, the three countries present to be joined by Chile when it formally sends its approval will be sufficient for compliance. When the membership reaches five or more countries. This transitional article will be automatically repealed without further express declaration.

Signed in the city of Buenos Aires, 28 September 1996.

Amended in Assembly in the city of Buenos Aires, 22 November 2003