A 501C-3 Not for Profit Corporation
Our Motto:
Preserving Yesterday’s History Today for Tommorw
2nd US CAVALRY ASSOCIATION
Camp Courage Helena Montana Territory
Who we are, the 2nd US Cavalry Association is a Living History Veterans association that portrays the actual history of the 2nd U S Cavalry in the Montana Territory. The 2nd U S Cavalry’s long , gallant, and dedicated service to the United States of America no matter what mission they were asked to perform. In the Montana territory and later in the early days of Montana statehood where they earned the name “Montana’s Cavalry”. In the spring of 1869, three companies were sent to Montana. They would remain there for the next fifteen years and become known as the “Montana Battalion”. The 2nd served in notable fort such as Fort Keogh, Fort Custer, and The Helena Barracks.
How We accomplish our mission: Any U S Military active duty or veteran twenty-one (21) years of age or older not prohibited by law from owning a firearm and willing to participate in the customs of 19th and early 20th century cavalry life may become an active voting member. Any non-veteran twenty-one (21) years of age or older not prohibited by law from owning a firearm and willing to participate in the customs of 19th and early 20th century cavalry life may become an active voting member. Those over the age fifteen (15) and under the age of twenty-one (21) may become a junior associate member until the age of twenty-one (21).
Members must be willing to invest in maintaining their own uniforms/period clothing in accordance with period norms and equipment as prescribed by the military regulations of the period. Members must be willing to participate in history, parades, honor guards, reenactments, other living history events or activities associated with preserving the history of Montana.
PURPOSE
Originally formed in 2003 to preserve the history of the 2nd US Cavalry in Montana .
The 2nd was stationed in the state from the 1860’s to 1908 and was known as “Montana’s Cavalry”.
The Regiment is a Mutual Benefit corporation in the state of Montana incorporated under “The Montana Non-Profit Corporation Act” Title 35 chapter 2 MCA (D1373375) and under SECTION 501(C) of the INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE section 501 (C) 3 as a Nonprofit veteran’s organization.
The 2nd U S Cavalry Association is a living history veteran’s organization dedicated to the preservation of the customs, ceremonies, living conditions, life style and manner of military dress/clothing of the Montana cavalry troopers from 1865 to 1916. The Regiment encourages the study, research, and instruction of the cavalry life in a living history format it assure the continued remembrance of our proud Montana history.
This will be achieved through participation in a manner that benefits the education of the general public at no cost to the public. This includes but us not limited to participation history, parades, honor guards, reenactments, and other living history events though out Montana.
Montana 2nd Cavalry engagements
Introduction
Although the Wikipedia article contains a detailed history of the 2nd U S Cavalry’s long , gallant, and dedicated service to the United States of America no matter what mission they were asked to perform. In the Montana territory and later in the early days of Montana statehood where they earned the name “Montana’s Cavalry”. In the spring of 1869, three companies were sent to Montana. They would remain there for the next fifteen years and become known as the “Montana Battalion”. The 2nd served in notable fort such as Fort Keogh, Fort Custer, and The Helena Barracks.
They also were the peacekeeping force in the territory. They helped with the settle of most of the cities of the Montana territory, assisting civilians in building roads between towns, permeant building s in towns which eventually grew to the cities that settled the territory. Yes, they did great things for the territory but they also engaged in some of the most horrific events of the period.
In 1864 The 2nd was transferred to the Montana Territory where they became known as “ Montana’s Cavalry and remained here until the Spanish American War.
When the Civil War ended, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was sent west to fight against hostile Indian tribes and protect American settlers. With US troops focused on fighting Confederate forces in the east, the Indians of the frontier grew bolder. The vastness of the American frontier meant that the regiment was seldom together, and was spread out, often with only one troop occupying a post.
Engagements
In December 1866, 25 troopers of the 2nd Cavalry under LT George W. Grummond accompanied CPT William J. Fetterman in his expedition against Chief Red Cloud. In northern Wyoming, these 81 men were engaged by a force of roughly 1,000 Indians, where they were all massacred in a desperate battle. On 29 June 1867, a small party of 10 troopers and 1 Indian scout under LT Lyman Kidder were ordered to take dispatches from General William Sherman to LTC George A. Custer.
Custer grew impatient and moved out ahead of schedule, and when LT Kidder's party arrived, they found the camp to be deserted. Making their way to Fort Wallace the troopers were set upon by a band of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors near present-day Goodlan, Kansas. The 12 cavalrymen and scout were surrounded and killed to a man, and their bodies were scalped and mutilated. However, they managed to kill an enemy chief, Yellow Horse, in the fight (known as the Kidder Massacre).
On 23 January 1870, elements of Companies F, G, H, and L participated in the Marias Massacre in the Montana Territory, where 200 Piegan Blackfoot Indians were killed. After this massacre, Federal Indian policy changed under President Grant, and more peaceful solutions were sought. On 15 May 1870, SGT Patrick James Leonard was leading a party of 4 other troopers from C Company along the Little Blue River in Nebraska attempting to locate stray horses. A band of 50 Indians surrounded this detachment and the men raced for cover and made a fortified position with their two dead horses.
One trooper, PVT Thomas Hubbard, was wounded, but they managed to hold the Indians at bay and inflicted several casualties. When the hostile band retreated after an hour of fighting, the troopers left, took a settler family under their charge and returned safely. All 5 men were awarded the Medal of Honor (SGT Patrick J. Leonard, and PVTs Heth Canfield, Michael Himmelsback, Thomas Hubbard, and George W. Thompson). Today, junior NCOs in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment compete for the Sergeant Patrick James Leonard award.
On 17 March 1876, troopers from Companies E, I, and K (156 men) joined the 3rd US Cavalry Regiment under COL Joseph J. Reynolds to combat the Cheyenne and Lakota in the ill-fated Big Horn Expedition. During the Battle of Powder River, the cavalrymen attacked, but were repulsed, and the 2nd Cavalry lost 1 man killed and 5 wounded. 66 men also suffered from frostbite. The 2nd Cavalry was once again repulsed by the Cheyenne and Lakota at the Battle of the Rosebud on 17 June 1876, and only a few days later, Custer's 7th Cavalry were defeated at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
By April 1877, most of the US cavalry was in the west, fighting against bands of hostile Indians. The Cheyenne surrendered in December, Sitting Bull escaped to Canada, and Crazy Horse, the victorious chief in the Battles of the Rosebud and Little Bighorn, surrendered in April 1878. Chief Lame Deer was one of the last Lakota war-chiefs left resisting the US Government. The "Montana Battalion" of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment eventually caught up with his band near the Little Muddy Creek, Montana 6 May 1878. After a midnight march, the troopers surprised Lame Deer's warriors at dawn on 7 May.
H Company charged the village and scattered the enemy horses, while the remaining troopers charged and routed the band of Lakota. During the intense battle, PVT William Leonard of L Company became isolated, and defended his position behind a large rock for two hours before he was rescued by his comrades.
He, and PVT Samuel D. Phillips of H Company both earned the Medal of Honor for their gallantry in this battle. While searching the ruined village, the troopers found many uniforms, guidons, and weapons from the 7th Cavalry Regiment, and they left knowing that they had avenged those fallen at Little Bighorn.
On 20 August 1877, elements of the 2nd Cavalry which had been pursuing Chief Joseph’s band of Nez Perce Indians through Idaho reported that their quarry had turned on them, stole their pack train, and began attempting to escape to Canada. Despite being low on supplies, L Troop and two additional Troops of the 1st Cavalry were dispatched to retrieve the pack train. After a hard ride, the Indians were overtaken and a fierce battle ensued.
CPL Harry Garland, wounded and unable to stand, continued to direct his men in the battle until the Indians withdrew. For his actions, he would receive the Medal of Honor along with three other men from L Troop; 1SG Henry Wilkens, PVT Clark, and Farrier William H. Jones. Today, the annual award for the most outstanding trooper in the 2nd Cavalry is called the Farrier Jones Award. On 18 September, a force of 600 men under General Oliver Otis Howard and Colonel Nelson A. Miles, including Troops F, G, and H of the 2nd Cavalry, marched to stop Chief Joseph's band from reaching Canada. L Troop was sent back to Fort Ellis to gather supplies but would join the expedition later.
On 30 September 1877, the Battle of Bear Paw Mountain began. The three Troops of 2nd Cavalry were dispatched to drive away the Indians' ponies by attacking their rear. G Troop, under LT Edward John McClernand, caught up with Chief White Bird as he and his band tried to escape to Canada. The ensuing engagement was brief, but violent, and resulted in the capture of the Indians and their mounts. Lt McClernand was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry. After a four-day siege, Chief Joseph surrendered his band to General Howard on 4 October 1877.
In the fall of 1878, the 2nd Cavalry was posted in two forts in Montana; Fort Custer and Fort Keogh with the mission of preventing Chief Sitting Bull from returning to US territory after escaping to Canada. In early winter, Chiefs Dull Knife and Little Wolf left their reservations in Oklahoma and began moving northwards. Dull Knife was intercepted and surrendered at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, but Little Wolf sought shelter in the Sand Hills of Wyoming. Elements of E and I Troop under LT William P. Clark (who had earned a special rapport with the Indians) were sent to negotiate with these stalwarts.
The band was located near Box Elder Creek, Montana on 25 March 1879, and was persuaded to accompany the troopers back to Fort Keogh. During the march back, on 5 April, several Indians escaped and attacked the soldiers. SGT T.B. Glover took 10 men of B Troop and charged the numerically superior enemy, forcing them to surrender. SGT Glover received the Medal of Honor for this action. Chief Little Wolf eventually surrendered his band when the party returned to Fort Keogh.
In the winter of 1886, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was charged with preventing Indians from crossing the border from Canada and protecting settlers in Montana and Wyoming. In early March 1887, a large band of Sioux entered Montana from Canada without warning, and C Troop from Camp Stambaugh, Wyoming and E Troop from Fort Sanders, Wyoming were sent to pursue them. After a 150-mile chase, the combatants met at O'Fallon's Creek, Montana. In the fierce battle that followed, the cavalrymen killed many braves and captured 46 of their horses.
CPT Eli L. Higgins and 2LT Lloyd M. Brett both earned the Medal of Honor during this battle for their intrepid leadership and courage. This action forced the Sioux to flee back to Canada. CPT Huggins became the 12th Colonel of the 2nd Cavalry, and today, the annual Regimental award for the most outstanding junior officer is named in honor of CPT Eli L. Huggins.
During the Indian Wars, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment earned 13 battle streamers to add to their flag, and 15 troopers received the Medal of Honor for their gallantry.
Notable Cavalry Officers and Trooper of the Period
Noteable Cavalry members
Brigadier General Alfred Terry
CPT William J Fetterman
LT George W. Grummond
LT Lyman Kidder
LTC George A. Custer
Colonel Nelson A. Miles
General Oliver Otis Howard
LT Edward John McClernand
LT William P. Clark
Capt. George L. Tyler
Major Eugene Baker
Lt. Charles Roe
Lt L.H. Jerome
2nd Cavalry Medal of Honor Recipients
Private Heth Canfield. Indian Wars. On 15 May 1870, while serving with Company C at Little Blue, Nebraska, for displaying gallantry in action.[
Private Michael Himmelsback. Indian Wars. On 15 May 1870, while serving with Company C at Little Blue, Nebraska, for displaying gallantry in action.
Private Patrick James Leonard. Indian Wars. On 15 May 1870, while serving with Company C at Little Blue, Nebraska, for displaying gallantry in action.
Private Thomas Hubbard. Indian Wars. On 15 May 1870, while serving with Company C at Little Blue, Nebraska, for displaying gallantry in action.
Private George W. Thompson. Indian Wars. On 15 May 1870. while serving with Company C at Little Blue, Nebraska, for gallantry in action.
Private Wilfred Clark. Indian Wars. On 9 August 1877 at Big Hole, Montana, and on 20 August 1877 at Camas Meadows, Idaho, while serving with Company L, for displaying conspicuous gallantry, especial skill as sharpshooter.
Private William Leonard. Indian Wars. On 7 May 1877, while serving with Company L, for bravery in action.
First Sergeant Henry Wilkens. Indian Wars. On 7 May 1877, at Little Muddy Creek, Montana, and 20 August 1877 at Camas Meadows, Idaho, for gallantry in action.
Private Samuel D. Phillips. Indian Wars. On 7 May 1877, while serving with Company H at Little Muddy Creek, Montana, for gallantry in action.
Corporal Harry Garland. Indian Wars. On 7 May 1877 at Little Muddy Creek, Montana, and on 29 August 1877 at Camas Meadows, Idaho, while serving with Company L, for gallantry in action with hostile Sioux, at Little Muddy Creek, Mont.; having been wounded in the hip so as to be unable to stand, at Camas Meadows, Idaho, he still continued to direct the men under his charge until the enemy withdrew.
William H. Jones. Indian Wars. While serving with Company L, on 7 May 1877 at Little Muddy Creek, Montana for gallantry in the attack against hostile Sioux Indians, and on 20 August 1877 at Camas Meadows for the engagement with Nez Perces Indians in which he sustained a painful knee wound.
Second Lieutenant Edward J. McClernand. Indian Wars. On 20 September 1877, for gallantly attacking a band of hostiles and conducting the combat with excellent skill and boldness.
Sergeant T.B. Glover. Indian Wars. On 10 April 1879 at Mizpah Creek, Montana, and at Pumpkin Creek, Montana on 10 February 1880, while serving with Troop B, he was in charge of small scouting parties, fought, charged, surrounded, and captured war parties of Sioux Indians.
Captain Eli L. Huggins. Indian Wars. On 1 April 1880, at O'Fallons Creek, Montana, for surprising the Indians in their strong position and fighting them until dark with great boldness.
Second Lieutenant Lloyd M. Brett. Indian Wars. On 1 April 1880, at O'Fallons Creek, Montana, his fearless exposure and dashing bravery in cutting off the Indians' pony herd, thereby greatly crippling the hostiles.
Living History Events attended by the 2nd U S Cavalry Association used to instruct the public
2nd U.S. CAVALRY ASSOCIATION
A 501C-3 NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION
MT D1373375 Ein93-2261162
Originally established in 2003 our Originally established in 2003 our moto is the “ Preservation of Yesterday’s History Today for Tomorrow”.
The 2nd U S Cavalry Association is a living history veteran’s organization dedicated to the preservation of the customs, ceremonies, living conditions, life style and manner of military dress/clothing of the Montana cavalry troopers from 1865 to 1916. The Regiment encourages the study, research, and instruction of the cavalry life in a living history format it assure the continued remembrance of our proud Montana history.
This will be achieved through participation in a manner that benefits the education of the general public at no cost to the public. This includes but us not limited to participation history, parades, honor guards, reenactments, and other living history events throughout Montana.
Our events since 2003 have included
Along with members from the Montana Living History Program
Bannock Days
The Wild West Fests with the Montana Living History Program
Fort Benton Days
Helena’s Living History Weekend
Virginia City.
The 2nd was the first to present a weekend at the Big Hole Battlefield
Helena Living History Day 2022 and 2024
Civil War Live 2024 at the Huntley Museum Huntley Montana
2024 Clancy Days
Old Bannack Days 2024 at Bannack City Montana
Awards
In 2008 the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame awarded their Legacy Award of Honor to the 2nd for the contribution to 1860-1920 Western Heritage
In 2012 the Lewis and Clark Heritage Commission awarded the Historic Preservation Award to the 2nd U S Cavalry for of Preservation Montana’s History
Pre 2024 events
Event Photos
Civil war Live 2024 Huntley Museum Huntly Montana May 9-11
Civil War Life exhibits to school children
2nd Cavalry Saloon Night at Civil War Live
Old Bannack Day 2024
3rd Annual Helena Living History Day 2024
Contact information
By Mail:
Regimental Adjutant
2975 Howard Road
Helena, Montana 56302
For information on membership or other areas Please contact the Regimental Adjutant
at the following
Via Email at: By Telephone at:
vpontillo@bresnan.net 406-431-3288
At the 2nd’s Facebook page:
The 2nd U S Cavalry Association Helena Montana
We will respond as soon as possible to all requests.
For membership forms please use Email and we will send you a form
2nd U.S. CAVALRY ASSOCIATION
CAMP COURAGE
HELENA, MONTANA TERRITORY
Articles of Incorporation
DATE: the 11th day of the 7th month in the year of 2023
ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION
The name of the organization is: the 2ND U.S. Cavalry association, herein referred to as the REGIMENT headquartered at Camp Courage, Helena Montana Territory. The period of duration of the corporation is perpetual. The mailing address for the corporation is 2975 Howard Road Helena, Montana 59602.
1: The organization shall have a Trademark and seal, which is in the following form:
The Cavalry Crossed sabers with the number “2” centered enclosed in a circle.
This is contained within a rope circle containing, centered at the top the words “* 2nd U.S. Cavalry Association * “and centered at the bottom the words “Helena, Montana Territory”
2: The Address shall be known as “Camp Courage”
3: The Regiment may at it’s pleasure by a majority vote of the active members change the name of the Regiment and the corporate seal
4: The Regiment shall be formatted in the manner of the Original 2nd U.S. Cavalry Regiment establish in August 1861 from the 2nd U.S. Dragoons (1836), with a headquarters company and Troops A to J. The Regiment will adopt a 19th century with a Military chain of command.
The Regiment at it’s pleasure may form a relationship with a detachment of the 5th Infantry or The Montana Living History Program.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Any U S Military active duty or veteran twenty-one (21) years of age or older not prohibited by law from owning a firearm and willing to participate in the customs of 19th and early 20th century cavalry life may become an active voting member. Any non-veteran twenty-one (21) years of age or older not prohibited by law from owning a firearm and willing to participate in the customs of 19th and early 20th century cavalry life may become an active voting member. Those over the age fifteen (15) and under the age of twenty-one (21) may become a junior associate member until the age of twenty-one (21).
Members must be willing to invest in maintaining their own uniforms/period clothing in accordance with period norms and equipment as prescribed by the military regulations of the period. Members must be willing to participate in history, parades, honor guards, reenactments, other living history events or activities associated with preserving the history of Montana.
All new members must be approved by the Board of Directors as qualified for membership. Based on skills and needs of the Regiment new members will be assigned a breveted rank constant with the U S Cavalry of the period not to exceed Major.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The management and of the Regiment are under the direction of the Board of Directors whose operations in governing the Regiment shall be defined by statute and by the Regiments By-Laws.
The Board of Directors may present business items to the entire Regiment for review and comment at it’s discretion. The Officers and Board of the Regiment shall consist of:
Regimental Commanding Officer (President) Officer
Currently:
Regimental Executive Officer (Vice-President) Officer
Currently:
Regimental Adjutant (Secretary/Treasurer) / Officer
Currently: Bvt Captain Vincent Pontillo
Board of Directors (as troops will be added as need to J)
Headquarters Troop Commanding Office
A Troop Commanding Office
B Troop Commanding Office
C Troop Commanding Office
By virtue of their office Regimental Officer shall be members of Board of Directors.
No Regimental Officer of Member of the Board shall be entitled to any compensation or salary, but nothing herein shall be construed to prevent an officer, board member from receiving compensation for Regimental expenses incurred as a director or officer.
ARTICLE V: SALARIES
Officers and Troopers of the Regiment shall not be entitled to any compensation or salary, but nothing herein shall be construed to prevent an Officers, Troopers from receiving compensation for Regimental expenses incurred. Should the occasion arise that the Regiment be required to hire an outside contractor a majority vote of the Board of Directors is required.
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private person, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof.
ARTICLE VI: DEBT OBLIGATIONS AND PERSONAL LIABILITY
No Officer, Director, or Troopers of the Regiment shall be personally liable for the debts and obligations of the Regiment of any nature what so ever, nor shall any property of the Officer, Director, or Troopers of the Regiment be subject to the payments of the debts or obligations of the Regiment.
ARTICLE VII: REGIMENTAL MEETINGS
There should be at least one in person annual meeting of the Regiment a year at a time and place established by the Board of Directors. Members must be provided with a minimum of one months’ notice in via telephone, email, or US Postal mail. For a quorum at a Regimental meeting, a minimum of fifty percent or two thirds of the Board of Directors must be present to conduct any business.
Board and Special meetings may be called at any time as required. Meetings may be held in person, via email, or telephone. For a quorum am majority of the Board of Directors must be present to conduct business.
All formal meetings must be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE VIII: AFFILLIATIONS
Affiliations with any local or national organizations or any other activity except for those stated in Article I section 4 must be approved by two thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX: DSOLUTION
The Regiment can be dissolved if:
It is the wish of two-thirds majority vote of the active membership, and
The Regiment has sufficient assets to discharge its liabilities.
Upon the time of dissolution of the R, the Board of Directors shall distribute assets after paying or making provisions for the payment of all debts, obligations, costs, liabilities, and expenses of the Regiment in accordance with Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Service.
The membership understands any remaining assets of the Regiment will be distributed to the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison, Montana.
Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE X: PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
No substantial part of the activities of the Regiment shall be in the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
In the conduct of all aspects of its activities the Regiment shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or gender.
A conflict of interest occurs when a person under a duty to promote the interests of the Regiment (a “fiduciary”) in is a position to promote a competing interest instead of the Regiment.
Fiduciaries include all Regimental directors, officers, and members of any approved committee.
Undisclosed or unresolved conflicts of interest are a breach of duty to act in the best interests of the Regiment and work to the detriment of the Regiment.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS
Except for the addition of names of the officers and board of directors and minor corrections, these Articles and By-Laws may be altered, amended, repealed, or added to by an affirmative vote of the majority of active members.
2nd U.S. CAVALRY ASSOCIATION
CAMP COURAGE
HELENA, MONTANA TERRITORY
By-Laws
DATE: the 11th of the 11th month in the year of 2023
ARTICLE 1: MEMBERSHIP
Any legal resident of the United States eighteen (18) years of age or older not prohibited from firearms ownership. Membership in REGIMENT shall not be restricted in any way by the applicant’s race, religion, sex, or country of origin.
Section 1 Membership categories shall include:
Veteran and spouse
Non-Veteran and spouse
Woman (Veteran or Non-veteran) Note: Veteran female members may hold a military rank as part of the Army Medical Corp of the period.
Junior
Honorary (Visiting instructors i.e., NRA Training Counselors, and to business owners who provide no cost services Regiment, Montana Government officials, visiting living history groups.
Section 2 Membership Dues
The REGIMENT dues structure for 2023 shall be as follows:
$1.00 for the balance of 2023for all membership categories except Junior and Honorary
$10.00 going forward from 2024 for all membership categories except Junior and Honorary, until revised by the Board of Directors and approved by the membership
Same as veteran or nonveteran
$0.00 going forward from 2024 for Junior and Honorary memberships, until revised by the Board of Directors and approved by the membership
Section 3 Payment of dues
Dues shall be payable annually to the Regiment on the 1st of January
Section 4 Members in Good Standing
Unless prohibited in section 1 all active members in good standing will be eligible to vote on all maters presented at a general or special meeting.
ARTICLE 2: DISSMISAL OF MEMBERS
By a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, any membership may be revoked. The accused member must be given written notice of the action being taken against them and the reasons for such action.
The member must be allowed to appeal the action to the general membership. A 2/3-majority vote of the eligible members is required to terminate the membership.
ARTICLE 3: OFFICERS and Board of Directors
Section 1: Election of Officers and Board members
The Officers and members of the Board of Directors shall be elected on an annual basis by a majority vote of members attending the meeting and hold the office for one year. In the event of a vacancy between elections, the President shall select a temporary successor to complete the term.
The management of the Regiment is under the direction of a Board of Directors whose operations in governing the Regiment shall be defined by MCA Title 35, Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Regimental by-laws.
The Board of Directors may present business items to the entire Regiment membership for comment at its discretion.
The Officers and Board Members shall consist of:
Regimental Commanding Officer (President)
Regimental Executive Officer (Vice-President)
Regimental Adjutant (Secretary/Treasurer)
Board of Directors (as troops will be added as need to J)
Headquarters Troop Commanding Office
A Troop Commanding Office
B Troop Commanding Office
C Troop Commanding Office
Section 2 Duties of the Corporate Officers
The Regimental Commanding Officer t: shall preside at all membership meetings, he shall by virtue of his office be Chairman of the Board of Directors. He/She shall be present at each annual meeting of the organization and provide an annual report of the work of the organization.
He/She shall appoint all committees, temporary or permanent. He shall see all books; reports and certificates required by law are properly kept or filed. He shall be one of the officers who may sign the checks or drafts of the organization. He shall have such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging to the chief executive of any organization.
Regimental Executive Officer: shall in the event of the absence or inability of the President to exercise his/her office become acting president of the organization with all the rights, privileges, and powers as if he had been the duly elected president.
The Regimental Adjutant (secretary) shall keep the minutes and records of the organization in appropriate books. It shall be his/her duty to file any certificate required by any statute, federal or state. He/She shall give and serve all notices to members of this organization. He/She shall be the official custodian of the records and seal of this organization. He/She may be one of the officers required to sign the checks and drafts of the organization. He/She shall present to the membership at any meetings any communication addressed to him/her as Secretary of the organization. He/She shall submit to the Board of Directors any communications, which shall be addressed to him/her as Secretary of the organization. He/She shall attend to all correspondence of the organization and shall exercise all duties incident to the office of Secretary.
The Regimental Adjutant (Treasurer) shall have the care and custody of all monies belonging to the organization and shall be solely responsible for such monies or securities of the organization. He/She must be one of the officers who shall sign checks or drafts of the organization. No special fund may be set aside that shall make it unnecessary for the Treasurer to sign the checks issued upon it. He/She shall render at stated periods as the Board of Directors shall determine a written account of the finances of the organization and such report shall be physically affixed to the minutes of the Board of Directors of such meeting. He/She shall exercise all duties incident to the office of Treasurer.
No Officer or Member of the Board of Directors shall for reason of his office be entitled to receive any salary or compensation, but nothing herein shall be construed to prevent an officer or director fro receiving compensation from the Regiment for expenses incurred as a director or officer.
Section 3: Composition of the Board of Director’s
The governing body of the Regiment shall be the Board of Directors.
The Board shall consist of the:
Regimental Commanding Officer (President)
Regimental Executive Officer (Vice-President)
Regimental Adjutant (Secretary/Treasurer)
Headquarters Troop Commanding Office
A Troop Commanding Office
B Troop Commanding Office
C Troop Commanding Office
Section 4: Authority
The Board shall exercise general supervision of all Regiment business at regular board meetings and between regular Regiment meetings. The Executive board shall have the power to authorize payment of bills and to make recommendations to the membership to fill vacancies between regular meetings.
Section 5: Spending authority
The Officers can spend up to $1,000, per month on general Regiment expenses. Except for normal costs of liability insurance any single expenditure over $1,000 must be approved by a majority of the full board of directors.
ARTICLE 4: SALARIES
Officers and Members of the Regiment will not be entitled to any compensation other than for Regiment expenses paid on the behalf of the Regiment. Should the occasion arise that the Regiment is required to employee a non-member a majority vote of the Board of Directors is required.
ARTICLE 5: DEBT OBLIGATIONS AND PERSONAL LIABILITY
No Officers or Member of the Regiment shall be personally liable for the debts and obligations of the Regiment of any nature what so ever, nor shall any property of the Officers or Members be subject to the payments of the debts or obligations of the Regiment.
ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS
Section 1: Regimental meetings
There should be at least one regular meeting of the Regiment a year at a time and place established by the Executive Board.
For a quorum at a Regiment meeting, a minimum of fifty percent of the voting membership or two thirds of the board of directors must be present to conduct any business unless one-third or more of the eligible voters is present in person or by proxy, the only matters that may be voted upon at an annual or regular meeting of members are those matters that are described in the meeting notice.
Special meetings of the membership may be called by the Board of Directors at any time during the year if there are items that must be voted on by the entire membership. All formal meetings must be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 2: Officer meetings
Officer meetings may be called at any time. Meetings may be held in person, via email or telephone. For a quorum at an in-person officers meeting, minimum two thirds of the board of directors must be present to conduct any business. Email or teleconferences require all officers. All formal meetings must be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 3: Board of Directors meetings
Board of Director’s meetings may be called at any time but shall be held at a quarterly minimum. Meetings may be held in person, via email or telephone. For a quorum at an in person Executive Board meeting, minimum two thirds of the board of directors must be present to conduct any business. Email or teleconferences require the entire executive board. All formal meetings must be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE 7: AFFILIATIONS
Except for affiliation noted in Article I section 4 of the Articles of Incorporation, affiliations with any local or national organization or other activity must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 8: DISSOLUTION
The Regiment can be dissolved if:
1.It is the wish of two-thirds majority vote of the active membership, and
The Regiment has sufficient assets to discharge its liabilities.
Upon the time of dissolution of the Regiment, the Board of Directors shall distribute assets after paying or making provisions for the payment of all debts, obligations, costs, liabilities, and expenses of the Regiment in accordance with Section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Service.
The membership understands any remaining assets of the Regiment will be distributed to the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison, Montana.
Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE 9: PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
This Regiment shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income taxes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law.
Section 1: Actions Jeopardizing Tax Status
The Regiment shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income taxes under of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law.
Section 2: Lobbying and Political Activities
The Regiment shall not lobby (including the publishing or distribution of statements) or otherwise attempt to influence legislation except as authorized by a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. The Regiment shall not participate or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political or judicial campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office whatsoever.
Section 3: Non-Discrimination
In the conduct of all aspects of its activities, the Regiment shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or gender.
Section 4: Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when a person under a duty to promote the interests of the Regiment (a "fiduciary") can promote a competing interest instead. Fiduciaries include all Regimental directors or officers, and members of any approved committee. Undisclosed or unresolved conflicts of interest are a breach of the duty to act in the best interests of the Regiment and work to the detriment of the Regiment.
Section 5: Other Prohibited Activities
Any activity, which will cause a member to be discharged from the Regiment or bring dishonor to the Regiment, is a prohibited activity. The Regiment shall not lobby (including the publishing or distribution of statements) or otherwise attempt to influence legislation except as authorized by a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.
The Regiment shall not participate or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political or judicial campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office whatsoever. In the conduct of all aspects of its activities, the Regiment shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or gender.
A conflict of interest occurs when a person under a duty to promote the interests of the Regiment (a "fiduciary") can promote a competing interest instead. Fiduciaries include all Regiment directors or officers, and members of any approved committee.
Undisclosed or unresolved conflicts of interest are a breach of the duty to act in the best interests of the Regiment and work to the detriment of the Regiment.
ARTICLE 10: COMITTEES
Committees shall be appointed, as the Board of Directors deems necessary. The Board of Directors shall appoint the chair of all committees. Committees shall work for the wellbeing of the Regiment and report to the President.
ARTICLE 11: AMENDMENTS
These Articles of Incorporation and these By-Laws may be altered, amended, repealed, or added to by a majority vote of the active members attending the Annual Meeting as described in Article 5 section 1.