August Meeting Minutes

General Membership Meeting

Firestone VFW Akron, OH

August 6, 2023

  1. Pledge of Allegiance by Jim Jarrett
  2. Opening Prayer by Harold Murray
  3. Moment of silence by Jim Jarrett
  4. Mission Statement read by Jim Jarrett

President Bob Fankhauser called the August 6, 2023 meeting to order.

The minutes from the July 9, 2023 meeting were approved as read by Carolyn Clement.

Treasurer’s report was read by Carolyn Clement.  A motion was made by Dave Noaker and 2nd by Judi Willgues to accept the report, subject to audit.  Motion carried.

President Report:  Bob.

Vetfest:  August 26th from 3:00-9:00, set-up at 2:00. A sign up sheet for workers was sent around.

Vice-President Report:  We received another $100 donation from Jack Dowler to be deposited into our suicide prevention fund, and a $50 donation from Carolyn Liggett to help with Wreaths across America.

A motion was made by Jim Smith and 2nd by Merry Ingraldi to reimburse Wes Suladi up to $250 for the purchase of a US Air Force Flight Suit for the POW cage.  Motion carried.

C.O.B.: Oppie:  A motion was made by Pat McPherson and 2nd by Moe Pelkey to donate $300 to Christina O’Hare, wife of a terminally ill Ohio State Highway Patrolman.  Motion carried. Chapter members donated an additional $300.

Saturday, September 16th the Overseas Veterans Association and US Military Vets MC are hosting a classic car and motorcycle show in Maybee, Michigan from noon-4:00.  For more information contact Jack Dowler or Bob Fankhauser.

Guests:

Guest Speaker:

Patches:

Ron Mani Award:

(Select at October Board Meeting and present at November general meeting)

Committees

Events: Darlene

Website: Janet White:

Gun Bash: Kevin:  Breakdown of unsold tickets: Main 115/600, Yellow 128/500, Green 143/500. There have been unsold tickets returned so contact Kevin Ivey or Carolyn Clement if you need tickets.

Adopt a Family Project:  Darlene and Kolleen: If anyone knows of a veteran or veteran family member in need, let Darlene or Kolleen know.  Also, contact Harold Fields if you know of a veteran who needs a lift chair or other items.

Color Guard: Chris Duncan

Membership: Carolyn Liggett:

Scholarship Endowment:  Janet White:  Current balance is $78,585.03

Suicide Prevention & Military Families :  Moe & Sara

Wellness Committee: Kevin.

Quarter Master: Tim Hess has “in memoriam” patches for Jim Myers.  Cost is $5 each.

On September 23rd starting at 11:00am, PW Cheers will be hosting a Harvest Veterans Festival at 285 31st   street SW, Barberton.  For more information, contact Sandy Wilfong.

Nominations: Dave Noaker conducted the second round of nominations.

President: A unanimous ballot was cast for Bob Fankhauser.

Secretary: A unanimous ballot was cast for Carolyn Clement

Board of Directors: Harold Murray accepted nomination.

The following members will be on the ballot at the September meeting

James Pierse, Carolyn Liggett, Tim Hess, Janet White, and Harold Murray.

50/50:  Was won by Moe Pelkey.  $23 will be deposited to the general fund.

New Business

Friday, August 18th funeral escort to OWRNC for Jim Myers.  Leave VFW at noon in Dress Code.  Or meet at Zak-Thacker & Monbarren funeral home located at 132 Portage Street, Doylestown.

A motion was made by Mark Lacey and 2nd by JoAnn Suladie to donate $250 to OWRNC.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Jarrett and 2nd by Paulette Pinczes to donate $250 to the Keith Nepsa Ride for Pride Foundation.  Motion carried.

Saturday, September 9th Dedication of the POW/MIA Statue at Plain Township Veterans Memorial Park, located at 1742 Schneider St NE, Canton. Leave VFW at 11:00am in Dress Code.

Tuesday, September 12th Summit County Stand Down at Guys Party Center, located at 500 E Waterloo Rd, Akron, 9:00am-3:00pm. Set-up will be on Monday, September 11th 8:00am-4:00pm.   Anyone interested in volunteering contact Bob Fankhauser.

Saturday, September 23rd Silent Watch at Belden Village Mall.  This event will start at noon.  Contact Sara Chambers at 330-418-2161 or Dana Stilianos at 330-451-7439 if you wish to participate.  This is a

Dress Code event.

Sunday, October 1st Honor Trip Welcome Home Escort from Tri-Way High School to downtown Shreve Ohio at 5:00pm. We will leave the VFW right after our meeting.  This is a Dress Code event.

A motion was made by Pat McPherson and 2nd by Janet White to donate $1870 to Wreaths across America.  Motion carried.

Next meeting is September 10th.  (Elections)

There being no further business to come before the chapter, a motion was made by Pat McPherson and 2nd by Merry Ingraldi to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.