Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 2.djvu/498

 112 STAT. 1382 PUBLIC LAW 105-225—AUG. 12, 1998 (1) commemorating all national patriotic holidays; (2) maintaining true allegiance to the Government of the United States and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; (3) preserving and strengthening comradeship and patriotism among its members; (4) assisting, comforting, and aiding all needy and distressed members and their dependents; (5) giving needed hospital and service work through its Department of Veterans Affairs certified service officers; (6) cooperating with other civic and patriotic organizations having worthy objectives; (7) keeping alive the achievements and memory of our country's founders; (8) ever cherishing the memory of General George Washington, who founded the Purple Heart at his headquarters at Newburgh-on-the-Hudson on August 7, 1782; (9) influencing and teaching our citizenry, in a loyal appreciation of the heritages of American citizenship, with its responsibilities and privileges; and (10) preserving and defending the United States from all enemies. §140503. Membership (a) ACTIVE MEMBERS.— An individual is eligible for active membership in the corporation if the individual— (1) is of good moral character; and (2) has received the Purple Heart for wounds received as a member, of any rank, of the Armed Forces of the United States or any foreign country during military or naval combat against an armed enemy of the United States. (b) ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.— The corporation may extend eligibility for membership as associate members to parents and lineal descendants of an individual described in subsection (a) of this section on terms provided in its constitution and bylaws. (c) VOTING.— Each member described in subsection (a) of this section has one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. §140504. Governing body (a) BOARD OF DIRECTORS. —(1) The board of directors is the governing body of the corporation. Between meetings of the corporation, the board is responsible for the general policies and program of the corporation. The board is responsible for all funds of the corporation. (2) The number of directors, their manner of selection (including the filling of vacancies), and their term of office are as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the corporation. However, the board shall have at least 18 directors. (b) OFFICERS.— (1) The officers of the corporation are a commander, a senior vice commander, a chaplain, an adjutant, a finance officer, a judge advocate, an inspector, a surgeon, a historian, and other elected officers as provided in the constitution and bylaws. (2) The manner of election, term of office, and duties of the officers are as provided in the constitution and bylaws. §140505. Powers The corporation may—

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