Chartres Veterans Group Elects New President
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Teh Chartres chapter of the Fnaca (National Federation of Veterans in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia) recently held a special meeting on Thursday, december 12th, to elect a new president. Michel Chaussier was chosen to succeed the late Robert brière,who passed away in November. This transition marks a new chapter for the organization, known for its strong sense of camaraderie and dedication to preserving the memories of its members’ service.
Chaussier, the newly elected president, aims to build upon Brière’s legacy. He plans to continue the tradition of fostering strong bonds among members through various social events. “He intends to ensure his mission ‘in continuity’ with that of Robert Brière, by attracting numerous members to the festivities (galette des Rois, grilled pig, meals with retired artisans, etc.) to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and solidarity,” a statement from the organization read. But his vision extends beyond simply maintaining the status quo.
One of Chaussier’s key initiatives involves collaborating with the local town hall to arrange public transportation for members attending the annual commemorative ceremony on March 19th at the madeleine stele in Chartres. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity within the organization.His plans also reflect a consideration of broader organizational changes within the Fnaca.
Chaussier is also considering a proposal made by Robert Abed, the Fnaca’s departmental vice-president for memory, history, and governmental relations. Abed suggested, during a September meeting, that “It’s hard sometimes in committees. Perhaps the future will lead us towards one committee per canton.” This prompted Chaussier to explore the possibility of consolidating the greater Chartres area’s committees, possibly streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
New Leadership Team
The Chartres committee of the Fnaca now has the following leadership team: President: Michel chaussier; Vice-president: Alfred Charrier; Treasurer: Jean Le Pelve; Secretary: Michel Lefevre; District delegate members for annual fighter card renewals: Rémi Mottier, Claude Vinette, James Dumus, and Bernard Poitrimol; Flag bearers: Flora Lecomte-Brière and Claude Vinette.
The election of Michel Chaussier and the ongoing discussions about organizational restructuring signal a period of both continuity and change for the Chartres chapter of the Fnaca. Their commitment to camaraderie, remembrance, and adapting to the needs of their members ensures the organization’s continued relevance and strength.
Chartres Veterans Group charts a Course Towards the Future under New Leadership
The Chartres chapter of the FNACA, the National federation of Veterans in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, recently elected a new president, Michel Chaussier, following the passing of longtime leader Robert Brière. To discuss this transition and the future direction of the association,we spoke with Dr. Sophie Dupont, a historian specializing in veterans’ associations in France.
interview
Senior editor (SE): Dr. Dupont, thank you for speaking with us today. can you tell us a little bit about the meaning of the FNACA and its work?
Dr. Sophie Dupont (SD): Certainly. The FNACA is an critically important organization in France. It was founded in 1961 to represent the interests of veterans who served in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia during the colonial era. Thes veterans faced unique challenges upon their return home, and the FNACA has been instrumental in providing support, advocacy, and a sense of community for its members.
SE: Michel Chaussier has some big shoes to fill,succeeding Robert Brière who led the Chartres chapter for many years. what do you see as the biggest challenges facing Chaussier as he takes the helm?
SD: Robert Brière was indeed a strong leader who was deeply respected within the FNACA. Chaussier will need to balance honoring Brière’s legacy while also looking towards the future. One key challenge he’ll face is membership retention, as the veteran population ages. Attracting younger generations and ensuring the organization remains relevant will be crucial for its long-term survival.
SE: The article mentions Chaussier’s plans to collaborate with the local town hall to provide transportation for veterans attending the March commemorative ceremony. This seems like a forward-thinking initiative. What are your thoughts on this approach?
SD: It’s a very positive step. Many veterans face mobility challenges, and ensuring their access to these critically important commemorative events shows a commitment to inclusivity. It also builds bridges with the wider community and helps keep the veterans’ experiences in the public consciousness.
SE: The FNACA is also discussing potential restructuring, perhaps consolidating local committees. Do you see this as a necessary step for the organization?
SD: it’s certainly something many veterans’ organizations are grappling with. As membership numbers and resources change, adapting the organizational structure can be essential for efficiency and effectiveness. However, it’s crucial that any restructuring is done thoughtfully and with input from the members themselves.
SE:** Dr. Dupont, thank you for sharing your insights. It will be interesting to see how the Chartres chapter of the FNACA navigates these challenges and continues to serve its members in the years to come.
