It's a temporary task - once we receive replies from everybody we should be all done, so I'll make sure to uncheck the option. Still, it doesn't seem like it would hurt to use the "remove after xx days" either seeing as how we should both receive the e-mails within minutes of them being sent (it can't hurt to be safe for things like weekends though).
Thanks again for the help. Personally, I think it's goofy how people won't respond to an e-mail if I write it (I'm new to the company) but if they see my manager's name they'll take the time to write back. Welcome to corporate America