112 STAT. 1438 PUBLIC LAW 105-225—AUG. 12, 1998 (5) fostering fraternal and social activities among its members in recognition that cooperative action is required for the furtherance of their common interests, § 154704. Membership (a) ELIGIBILITY. — Except as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and privileges of members are as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the corporation. (b) NONDISCRIMINATION.— The terms of membership may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, or national origin. §154705. Governing body (a) BOARD OF DIRECTORS. — The board of directors and the responsibilities of the board are as provided in the articles of incorporation. (b) OFFICERS. —The officers and the election of officers are as provided in the articles of incorporation. (c) NONDISCRIMINATION. — The requirements for serving as a director or officer may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, or national origin. §154706. Powers The corporation has only the powers provided in its bylaws and articles of incorporation filed in each State in which it is incorporated. § 154707. Exclusive right to name, seals, emblems, and badges The corporation has the exclusive right to use the names 'The Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America", "Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America", "Non Commissioned Officers Association", and "NCOA", and seals, emblems, and badges the corporation adopts. This section does not affect any vested rights. §154708. Restrictions (a) STOCK AND DIVIDENDS.— The corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend. (b) DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME OR ASSETS.— The income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member during the life of the charter granted by this chapter. This subsection does not prevent the pay- ment of reasonable compensation to an officer or reimbursement for actual necessary expenses in amounts approved by the board of directors. (c) LOANS,—The corporation may not make a loan to a director, officer, or employee. (d) CLAIM OF GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL OR AUTHORITY.—The corporation may not claim congressional approval or the authority of the United States Government for any of its activities. § 154709. Duty to maintain tax-exempt status The corporation shall maintain its status as an organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
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