General Membership Meeting
Firestone VFW Akron, OH
November 3, 2024
- Pledge of Allegiance by Jack Dowler
- Opening Prayer by Kevin Ivey
- Moment of silence by Jack Dowler
- Mission Statement read by Jack Dowler
President Bob Fankhauser called the November 3, 2024 meeting to order.
The minutes from the October 6, 2024 meeting were read by Carolyn Clement. A motion was made by Moe Pelkey, and 2nd by James Pierse to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report for the month of October, 2024 was read by Carolyn Clement. A motion was made by Janet White, and 2nd by JoAnn Suladie to accept the treasurers report, subject to audit. Motion carried.
Guests: Welcome to our newest member, Elana Pierse.
Guest Speaker
Patches:
President Report: Bob thanked all the members who showed up to help at the gun bash. There were 31 members at Friday’s set up and 40 members, plus 2 Jr members, at the event on Saturday. Also, we had 13 non-members who helped.
Congratulation to Gerry Beisler on receiving the Ron Mani Award. It was well deserved.
Jack Dowler was presented a plaque in recognition of his dedication to Veterans Suicide Prevention.
The chapter received a plaque from the Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
VFW hosts dinners on the following Fridays:
1st Friday: fish 2nd Friday: spaghetti 3rd Friday: Hamburgers. There are no dinners on the 4th Friday.
Rose Lane Nursing Home visits with the Veterans will be on Tuesday, November 12th and Tuesday, November 26th at 9:00am. We will be serving breakfast to the Vets Tuesday the 12th, starting at 10:00am. Arrive to help by 9:15. Also, we will be handing out lap blankets.
Wreaths Across America: We will be placing wreaths at OWRC on December 14th. We have been given a designated parking location which is at Jarrett Fleet Services, located at 8860 Wooster Pike Rd, Seville. We will then be shuttled to the cemetery. Take 224 to 76 to Exit #3. Turn left and location is on the right-hand side. Be there at 7:30am. Only designated handicapped vehicles will be allowed to park at OWRNC.
Vice-President Report: Wes read a thank you card from Warrior2Warrior Ministry.
COB Report: Jim advised everyone to review their 3/3 status.
Ron Mani Award:
(Select at October Board Meeting and present at November general meeting)
Committees
Membership: Carolyn Liggett
Website: Gerry Beisler & Janet White
Christmas party: Carolyn. There’s still time to sign up for our chapter Christmas party, December 14th at Mulligans at 6:00pm. If you want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a $10-$15 generic wrapped gift.
Gun Bash: Kevin: Kevin thanked everyone who helped with the set-up, as well as with the event. There were 435 attendees and we earned $45,813.40.
Wellness: Kevin
Adopt a Family Project: Darlene and Kolleen. We have 3 families so far.
Color Guard: Contact Chris Duncan or Wes Suladie if you are interested in joining the color guard.
Scholarship Endowment: Janet White. Our current balance is $99,215. We have awarded $9,153 in scholarships.
Suicide Prevention & Military Families: Moe & Marty. Contact Moe or Marty If you are aware of anyone
with PTSD issues outside of Summit County.
Quarter Master: Tim Hess presented James with a beautiful flag rock that he painted.
50/50 was won by
New Business
Monday, November 11th the Sam Salem CLC Elementary school will be presenting a Veterans Program at 9:30am. Be there at 9:15am. Located at 1222 W Waterloo Rd, Akron. All are welcome.
Our next board and general meeting will be held on December 1st. If you have any business to come before the board, contact Bob or Jim Smith.
There being no further business to come before the chapter, a motion was made by James Pierse, and 2nd by Janet White to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.