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TO&E
Colorado Veteran’s Coalition for the Article V Convention of States (COSVETS)
TABLE OF ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT
I. Table of Organization/ Duties and Responsibilities
NOTE: *While this documents use such descriptors as ‘commands’,
‘designates’, ‘is responsible-for’, or ‘appoints’, it is understood that actionsdone and accommodation-made by members and staff are done so strictly on a
voluntary basis.
NOTE:** Required monthly reports should be ready by the Staff meeting held
just prior to the final Zoom meeting for a given month. AARs should be
prepared within first week following an event.
NOTE:*** For planning purposes, COSVETS Fiscal year shall reflect
Calendar Year.
NOTE:**** Person listed as ‘designee’ in the following table will normally be
Executive Director, but may be otherwise designated if XD unavailable
1.) Veteran’s Coalition Director (C/O): Art Sickler
a. Has overall command responsibility for COSVETS staff and
membership.
b. Provides guidance to staff and members as appropriate or requested.
c. Coordinates with Colorado COS senior staff, National Veteran’s
Coalition Staff, COS Lobbyists, and COS District Captains.
d. Designates Staff members.
e. Provides final approval of COSVETS plans and operations.
f. Has overall responsibility for COSVETS recruitment.
g. Coordinates with or assigns designee to coordinate with any other COS
group, not listed above, necessary to fulfill the requirements of the
Colorado COS Veterans Coalition mission.
h. Coordinates with S-1 and S-3 to determine funding needs and submits
requests for funding to COS National Headquarters (minimum 3 weeks
before event to be funded).
i. Is responsible for all financial matters involved with COSVETS.
j. And is responsible for any digital information reflecting or referencing
the COSVETS official position.
k. Selects or approves the designated OIC for events.
l. Has final overall approval-of and distributes COSVETS newsletter.
2.) Executive Officer (X/O): Devon Stavrowsky
a. Provides assistance as required to VCD
b. Functions as Chief of Staff
c. Edits COSVETS newsletter
d. Assumes duties of VCD in VCD’s absence.
3.) Command Sergeant Major: (CSM): Lynn Ray
a. Reports to VCD or his designee in VCD’s absence.
b. Assists volunteers and members with problems relating to COSVETS
participation.
c. Assists the S-1 with preparation of a monthly report for staff on
numbers of COSVETS members, and numbers of volunteers available
for a given event.
d. Has final responsibility for assuring all event needs are met and team is
ready to go.
e. Prepares a written or digital After Action Report (AAR), in conjunction
with the event OIC on all events conducted-by or participated-in by
COSVETS members. AAR shall be in format as designated in TO&E
Appendix A, with copies forwarded to VCD, XO, and S-1 through S-4.
f. Coordinates collection and compiling of garnered petition signatures,
and coordinates their entry into the COS Database.
g. Coordinates activities of Flash Team Leaders and directs them to
appropriate staff as situation requires.
4.) Personnel Director (S-1) : Frank Vaughn
a. Coordinates personnel matters with VCD and Designee
b. Keeps track of COSVETS membership, to include names, member
approved contact information, (i.e. phone numbers, email addresses,
mailing address), COS education, personal background, and branch of
service. Provides this information only to members authorized to have
it in accordance with the VCD Manual and COS privacy policies.
c. Provides monthly ‘contact report’, listing VCD, XO, CSM, Staff
Members, Assistant Staff Members, and Special Staff, and any other
appropriate contact information, to include name, function, phone,
email address, and mailing address. Once original report is completed,
subsequent reports can be ‘by exception’ (i.e. only noting additions or
changes).
d. Tracks volunteers in 6 primary regions (VCD regions of focus…
corresponding to state Regional Captain regions) and coordinates with
CSM to make personnel available for an event.
e. Coordinates with Operations Director and event OIC to provide
sufficient volunteers for future events.
f. Provides other ‘personnel’ reports as requested by VCD or his
designee.
g. Designates Flash Teams, composed of 9 to 12 volunteers per team, and
assigns Flash Teams ‘identification numbers’ for easy personnel
identification. Flash Teams can be called-upon to fill ‘last minute’
personnel requirements, and depending on need may be combined for a
given event. Multiple flash teams may exist in a given region.
h. Coordinates with S-3 and VCD to ensure event funding requests are
submitted to national at least three weeks prior to a given event.
i. Designates Assistant S-1(s) and Special Staff as needed.
: Special Staff 1: Disabled Vets Coordinator:
: Special Staff 2: Reserve Component Coordinator:
: Assistant S-1: Arnold Gonzales
Coordinates directly with Flash Team
Leaders while building Flash teams.
5.) Intelligence Director (S-2): Lowell Harris
a. Answers to VCD or his designee
b. Coordinates with Operations Director (S-3) to assure he is aware of
upcoming events.
c. Prepares monthly report of upcoming Zoom meetings, web casts, and
webinars that could affect COSVETS members.
d. Tracks weather and reports on potential weather-related problems for
event planning.
e. Tracks and advises Staff of pending event attendance by COS
hierarchy.
f. Provides research as requested by VCD or Staff
g. Oversees COSVETS Facebook.
h. Oversees entry of materials into COSVETS Landing Page.
i. Designates Assistant S-2(s) or research assistants as needed
: Special Staff 1: Research Assistant: Chuck Beck
: Special Staff 2: IT specialist: Jesse Wisniewski
6.) Operations Director: (S-3): Ken Kusluch
a. Answers to VCD or his designee
b. Anticipates upcoming events and coordinates with CSM and other staff
to ensure all responsible parties are involved.
c. Tracks status of legislators as to Primary Region served, Political Party,
and COS activism or opposition.
d. Does long-term event planning and prepares a monthly calendar of
upcoming events. Event calendar should go out as far as can be
reasonably anticipated,
e. Makes recommendations to VCD or his designee as to where COS
assets can be most effectively applied in upcoming month.
f. Consolidates and Develops Operations Orders for events utilizing the
written information from the input of the staff positions and
commanders’ intent. Provides a written Operations Order (OPORD to
VCD for final approval NLT two weeks before an upcoming event.
OPORDs should be in the format designated in TO&E Appendix B ,
and should be consecutively numbered by year (e.g. 23-001).
g. Coordinates with S-1 and VCD with regard to funding requests.
h. Designates Flash Team Areas of Operation
i. Assumes duties of VCD in absence of both VCD and XO.
j. Designates Assistant S-3(s) as needed.
7.) Logistics Director (S-4)
a. Tracks, stores, and maintains as required COSVETS logistical supplies
designated in the COSVETS Table of Equipment.
b. Develops plans for tracking equipment on loan for events.
c. Coordinates provision of meals when required.
d. Advised VCD or his designee of future logistics requirements.
e. Makes logistics supplies available as needed for upcoming events.
f. Coordinates with CSM to ensure logistics requirements for events are
finalized.
g. Designates Assistant S-4(s) as needed.
8.) Civil Affairs Information and Interaction Coordinator (S-5)
a. Falls under direct supervision of Executive Staff (VCD and X/O) and
advises same on recommendations for information dissemination with
and among non-Veteran’s Coalition organizations or PACs.
b. Researches and prepares written, auditory, and audio-visual
communications as directed.
c. Disseminates such communications material as directed (may be
published, for example, as a Tick Tock or You Tube Video, a slide
presentation, or a training and orientation presentation to be used by
outside agencies such as COSU with proper approval).
d. Receives, evaluates, and organizes suggestions regarding COSVETS
communications with any outside group from any COSVETS member
and presents same to Executive staff (which will in turn coordinate with
other staff members or direct S-5 to coordinate with other staff
members as appropriate).
e. Develops strategies for disseminating and implementing COS goals,
objectives and desired outcomes among the Non-Veteran’s Coalition
groups or the general public and presents them to the Executive Staff
for evaluation and implementation upon approval.
f. Coordinates-with and assists other Staff Members as appropriate.
g. Designates Assistant S-5(s) as needed.
9.) Flash Team Leader (FTL)
a. Checks Citizen Builder weekly or as needed for new potential Flash
Team recruits
b. Follows up Citizen Builder check results with follow-up email, phone
call, or text message.
c. Invites positive respondents to Zoom meeting, and provides login
information.
d. Maintains contact information data, including those who have lost
interest appropriately annotated. Reports changes to CSM or S-1.
e. Coordinates with other FTLs and DC s as needed for event planning
and staffing.
f. Reports personnel problems or status changes (e.g.. ‘ready’ or known
absence) to CSM
g. Coordinates all Flash Team business through CSM.
Region 1 FTL
Region 2 FTL:
Region 3 FTL:
Region 4 FTL:
Region 5 FTL:
Region 6 FTL:
Region 7 FTL:
Region 8A FTL:
Region 8B FTL:
10.) Flash Team
a. Consists of 9 to 12 members, geographically co-located in numbered
Team Region, with 1 member chosen as Team Leader.
b. Team Leader chosen by team members, may be on a rotational basis.
c. Responds to VCD, X/O, CSM, and Staff as requested
d. Participates in events and event planning as requested
e. Usually supports events in designated Team Region (1 through 8A or
8B)
f. May be requested to assist in other than designated Team Region
g. May be requested to support non-COSVETS (COS Action) activities.
h. Is prepared to respond to event-support-request on short notice
i. Suggests potential events in Team Region to S-3 or CSM
j. May be combined with other designated Flash Teams for event support.
k. Attends Zoom meetings as requested when available
l. Is expected to interact socially and participate in ‘Team Building’
events when feasible.
11.) Member
a. Volunteers for events or operations as available
b. Provides assistance to staff members and VCD or his designee as
requested
c. Attends appropriate meetings when available
d. Updates S-1 with any change to their personal data. i.e. phone numbers,
email address, etc.
e. Keeps CSM and S-1 advised of conflicts, or lack of availability due to
either foreseen or unforeseen events (e.g. vacations, time off, illnesses,
family obligations), and requests assistance from CSM as needed in
availing one’s self of full COSVETS participation.
f. Makes suggestions for improvements to CSM, Staff, VCD, or his
designee
g. Voices opinion on politics, COS, and events that have occurred around
the country on COS Facebook Page, and in ‘letters to the editor’
(“FALL IN!”) along with suggestions for information distribution to
members in monthly newsletter: Send to: Devon Stavrowsky
(stavrowsky@hotmail.com) for submission.
TABLE OF EQUIPMENT
NOTE: * S-4 to append and /or modify this list with approval of VCD to keep
current with available supplies.
1) Trailer, Utility, 1/4 ton, VIN:
2) Flags: US and Colorado State
3) Flags, Service: ARMY, NAVY, USMC, USCG, USAF, USSF, CANG, CANG
(air), COSVETS (2)
4) Service Flag Desk sets (2)
5) 11 Flag poles and stands
6) Folding Chairs (6)
7) 8 foot table covers (3)
8) Folding Tables, 8 feet in length (3)
9) Popcorn Machine
10) Popcorn Bags
11) COSVETS Stamps (3)
12) Office Supplies to support three locations.
a. Clip boards (12) {4 per table set up}
b. Pens (10) per table
c. COS Flyer display stands (9) {3 per table set up}
13) COS forms (TBD)
14) COS Tee Shirts (as available)
TO&E APPENDIX A
After Action Report (AAR) Format:
AAR Report # (to correspond with OPORD report number for event)
Event Date:
Event Name:
Number of COSVETS participants:
Man hours at event:
Number of Petition Signatures gleaned:
Volunteer information: (Names and contact information for petition signers who
also selected the volunteer option):
Estimated foot traffic number:
What went well:
What needs change for next event:
Report prepared by: (Name and Staff Position)
TO&E APPENDIX B
OPORD Format: (cut and paste as required) OPORD 23-002 used as example:
EXAMPLE
OPORD # e.g. 23 – 002 : Capital Rally April 20, 2023
SITUATION:
1. Colorado State representatives failed to pass the Convention of
States Resolution out of committee.
a. Forces opposing the resolution are not taking this grass
roots movement seriously.
i. Legislators opposed to this effort have without
explanation voted it down.
ii. Legislators in opposition from both houses will
likely try to avoid or ignore this movement.
2. The Colorado COS State team has called for a “Surge Event” at
the state capital.
a. COS state leaders are calling on all COS members to
attend this surge event.
b. The sponsors and cosponsors of the COS Resolution
will be in attendance.
c. Members from the COSVET Group along with
nonveteran and their guests will also be in attendance.
MISSION: COS Veterans will muster at the Colorado state capitol
building at 200 E. Colfax Avenue Denver, CO on April 20th starting at
0830hrs. to show maximum veteran participation during the Capitol Surge
event.
EXECUTION:
1. Commanders’ intent is to have maximum participation from
all veterans to make a sufficient statement noticeable to all
Colorado State Representatives.
2. Concept of the Operation
a. We want to be seen all over the capitol grounds, both
inside and outside. No representative should be able to
move anywhere without seeing a COS member.
b. The initial intent is to fill the gallery with COS activists
in plain view of the floors of the house and senate.
c. Then fill the west steps of the capital building with
clearly identifiable COS supporters, activists, veterans,
and nonveterans alike.
d. Individuals should try to carpool and bring a friend to
show maximum participation of veterans and civilians at
all locations.
3. Tasks
a. Pre-register at
https://conventionofstates.com/surveys/colorado-2023-
rally-volunteers/take or call John Graboski directly at
XXX-XXX-XXXX
b. Coordinate days prior to the event with your
representatives if your intent is to visit with them in
person.
c. Veterans sign in at the registration table outside the west
end of the capital building upon arrival.
d. Those who have preregistered can pick up your rally
shirt at the registration table.
4. Coordination instructions
a. 0830hrs. Veterans sitting in on the legislative sessions
meet John Graboski or his designated representative at
the south entrance on 14
th street for your group
assignment.
b. 0900-1000hrs sit in on either the house or senate session
based on your assignment.
c. 1000-1100hrs leave the legislative chambers get lunch
and move to capitol steps.
d. 1100-1300hrs Everyone rally at the west steps for
official ceremonies.
e. 1300hrs to complete, visit with your respective
representative if they are available.
5. Scheme of maneuver:
a. We will first show as large a presence as possible in the
State Chambers.
b. After moving from the state chambers there will be
enough time to grab a quick lunch and rally at the west
steps.
c. The call to order will be given by Laura Neimeister our
State Director.
d. A prayer followed by the Pledge of allegiance and
national anthem.
e. A tribute to veterans presented by a COS Member from
the Veterans Coalition. (person TBD)
f. The key note speaker is a representative from the COS
National Leadership team with a tentative question and
answer session to follow.
g. Legislators from House district 15 and 19 along with
Senators from senate districts 4 and 12 will speak to the
group.
h. Closing remarks from Laura Neimeister
i. Visit with your Legislators in the State Capital and/or
State Services Building.
j. S-2 will provide a weather forecast 5 days prior to the
event and an update the day prior. Normal weather
conditions for this time of year are upper 30’s to lower
40’s in the morning hours. Mid to upper 60’s in the
afternoon.
ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS:
1. Administration
a. VCD to facilitate the positioning of the United States
flag and the Colorado State flag at the west steps of the
capital.
b. Meals are at your own expense. There are restaurants in
the immediate area and a vending machine type of
cafeteria in the basement of the capital. Water will be
available at the registration tables.
c. Uniform for COSVETS when sitting in on the
legislative sessions and the rally is a collared shirt with
the COS rally T-shirt worn over CSM, and collar
showing outside of the T-Shirt. Pants are clean without
holes patches or tears. Head gear (cover) is a hat
designating your branch of service and service status.
i.e., Captain, USMC Retired and may have appropriate
accoutrements representative of your individual military
service.
d. Uniform for COSVETS when visiting with your
legislatures is a collared shirt preferably with a COS
logo or COS button. Your cover and pants as listed
above.
2. Logistics
a. There are no Fees for this event.
b. S-4 to make available the flags listed in (IV.a.i.) above
along with individual flag stands.
c. If available veterans should bring a flag to the rally.
United States Flag, your military affiliation flag and of
course the COS flag for examples.
COMMAND AND SIGNAL:
1. Signal
a. Coordinate any last-minute problems through S-1. If
unavailable, advise S-3, XO, and VCD in that order.
b. Phone numbers for S-1, S-3:, X/O and VCD are as
follows: (XXX) XXX-XXXX etc.
c. Event coordinator John Grabowski (XXX) XXXXXXX
2. Command
a. Event Coordinator John Graboski will be on site for
set up at 0730hrs.
b. VCD will be on site by 0800hrs
c. John Graboski or his designate will be located at the
south steps at 0830hrs.
d. S-3 will arrive at 0830hrs
APPROVED FOR DISTRIBUTION: A.S./ VCD
MISSION STATEMENT:
COSVETS was created with the intention of organizing US Military Veterans (and their affiliates) in the state of Colorado in support of The Article V Convention of States (COS) movement. It is understood that the decentralization of federal power and re-institution of state governments acting in states' interest and as the voice of the people is among the surest of ways to thwart tyranny, and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, as having been sworn in un-expiring oath by COSVET members. The establishment of the Convention of States (COS) as a legitimate method of proposing Constitutional amendments was seen by the founding fathers as the Failsafe guarantee against federal over-reach, and the takeover of the federal government by unscrupulous actors, elected or un-elected. COSVETS exists to promote the COS with ultimate goal of having such a convention realized and becoming an active element in the structuring and limiting of federal power.
ALSO:
ZOOM MEETING LOGON INFO:
Meetings will normally be held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month at 1900 Hrs, Mountain Standard Time. To attend the meeting, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85096171398 If the link doesn't work directly, copy and paste it into your URL.
If you do not have the Zoom client installed on your computer, there is a download link in the middle of the screen. Clicking it will install the Zoom client on your machine. It will operate seamlessly in the background, and will only operate when you are on the Zoom site. Once you have the client installed, click the button in the center of the screen that says "Launch Meeting". A pop-up screen will ask you to "Enter meeting Pass Code". Enter the passcode: 922885. You will be brought to the 'room' where the meeting will take place. If the meeting's host has not yet arrived, you will be given notice, and the opportunity to test your audio. You can also select the option to test your video if you have a camera. Video is not required for attendance, but is appreciated. When you first come on, it will take a moment for the meeting coordinator to turn on your microphone. Once that is accomplished you can speak right up as if you were sitting at a table with the other participants.
If you manage to get to Zoom using other than the link provided above, you can still join the meeting by pressing the "join" button located near the upper right portion of the Home screen. In that case, you will need the Meeting ID: 850 9617 1398, and will subsequently be asked to enter the Pass Code: 922885
You can join the meeting at any time it is in progress, so if you happen to be a little late, jump right in nonetheless. We'll be happy to have you.
LASTLY:
THE UNIFORM OF THE DAY
Remember, you will normally be supplying the ‘uniform’ yourself, and there will be a slight cost involved. However, the sale supports the COS, so you are contributing to the cause in addition acquiring the ‘uniform’. You will bring your own cover, and you can get the shirt at the COS store: https://shopconventionofstates.com/products/the-rallyhttps://shopconventionofstates.com/collections/apparel-1-tee
The Rally Tee (Unisex Tee)
Convention of States supporters stand out in a crowd. Is it because of our devilish good looks? Perhaps. Is it that unmistakable air of confidence, knowing that we’re doing the real work to save the republic? Likely. Is it because we’re all wearing the same, classic white tee emblazoned with a huge Convention of States Logo.
BASEBALL CAP
For our ‘covers’, we would like to see each member in a black baseball cap bearing indication the member’s service, rank, and other indicia of accomplishment or deployment as the member chooses to display. The caps can be easily acquired at Amazon, and generally range between $13.00 and $20.00 plus tax and shipping.
Examples are:
