General Membership Meeting
Firestone VFW Akron, OH
January 5, 2025
- Pledge of Allegiance by Jim Jarrett
- Opening Prayer by Harold Murray
- Moment of silence by Jim Jarrett
- Mission Statement read by Jim Jarrett
President Bob Fankhauser called the January 5, 2025 meeting to order.
The minutes from the December 1, 2024 meeting were read by Carolyn Clement. A motion was made by Harold Murray, and 2nd by James Pierse to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report for the month of December, 2024 was read by Nancy Beisler. A motion was made by Donna Smith, and 2nd by JoAnn Suladie to accept the treasurers report, subject to audit. Motion carried.
Guests: Lee Gidden
Guest Speaker: Lee Gidden from Alpha 11 Veterans Logistics provided us information on his organization.
See the website for details on a spaghetti dinner fundraiser, Saturday, March 15rh.
Patches:
President Report: 2025 dues of $40 are due. Delinquent as of the March meeting.
Vice-President Report: Wes read a Thank you card from Stark State and a Christmas card from Joseph Stepka which included a $250 donation. We received a $250 donation from JohnDow Industries on behalf of Josh Stewart, a $400 donation from Dave and Sue Homan, a $500 donation from Mid-Ohio Mopar, and a $50 donation for the Suicide Prevention Fund from Carrie Mortinger.
Jim Smith read a letter from the North Canton Cares Food Pantry.
COB Report:
Ron Mani Award:
(Select at October Board Meeting and present at November general meeting)
Committees
Membership: Carolyn Liggett
Website: Gerry Beisler & Janet White
Gun Bash: Kevin:
Wellness: Kevin
Adopt a Family Project: Darlene & Kolleen: Kolleen reported to us that a grandmother and her 5 grandchildren were very grateful for their Christmas gifts.
Color Guard:
Scholarship Endowment: Janet White. Our scholarship was started in 2016 with $5000. We now have a balance of over $100,000. She and Jim Smith read thank you letters from two deserving recipients.
Suicide Prevention & Military Families: Moe & Marty. On Friday, December 6th, at the City of Akron Christmas party, Moe presented a Rolling Thunder gift basket to a mother whose son was injured in Afghanistan.
Quarter Master:
50/50 was won by
New Business
On Tuesday January 7th at 9:00am we will be serving coffee and donuts to Veterans at the Sprenger Health Care Heather Knoll Nursing Home located at 1134 North Ave, Tallmadge.
Other dates to remember:
February 4th. U.S Military Veteran Townhall
March 28, 29, & 30. Piston Power Show
May 10th. Chair of Honor Dedication at Sugarcreek Garaway High School Football Stadium located at
475 Dover Rd. NW, Sugarcreek, OH.
Our next meeting is February 2nd. Board and General
There being no further business to come before the chapter, a motion was made by Donna Smith, and 2nd by Jack Dowler to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.