Saturday, July 13, 2024
The business meeting was held at the Goshen VFW, 1201 W. Pike St., Goshen, Indiana, and commenced at 3:00 PM.
The meeting was opened in due form by President K. Holmes, who also led the opening and closing prayers. President Holmes then declared the business session open.
Roll Call of Officers:
Completed by Secretary J. Schrock.
Reading of Membership Applications:
President Holmes introduced Caleb Denney to the Board of Directors. Caleb brings valuable experience to FSO, currently leading “4 Vets, by Vets” and serving as a Goshen VFW Post officer. J. Schrock motioned to accept him onto the Board, seconded by S. Holmes. The motion passed.
Reading of the Minutes:
Secretary J. Schrock read the minutes (also sent via email) from the previous meeting and asked for corrections or amendments. C. Hendrickson motioned to accept the minutes as read. S. Holmes seconded, and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer J. DeFrees reported on the organization’s financial activity. [Note: Specific balances have been removed for public distribution to prevent misuse by bad actors. Full unedited versions of these minutes are available upon request.]
S. Holmes motioned to accept the report, subject to audit. J. Schrock seconded, and the motion passed.
Bills:
Treasurer J. DeFrees confirmed all bills/invoices from the recent event have been received and paid. Media Coordinator L. Zeugner motioned to pay the bills. S. Holmes seconded, and the motion passed.
IT:
T. Buoscio will add Caleb Denney to the FSO email list.
Unfinished Business
President Holmes reminded the group that T. Buoscio is working on starting an adult softball team, and FSO hopes to field a team.
New Business
Event Partnership – “Battle of the Bands” Fundraiser
President Holmes reaffirmed plans with C. Denney to bring the existing VFW fundraiser under the FSO banner. It will feature a Battle of the Bands, food, and an auction. Half the prize money will go to the top three winners, and the other half to the Goshen VFW. A cook-off between service branches will return, with $1 per vote. The proposed date is Saturday, May 10, 2025. Possible venues include the County Fairgrounds or Ignition.Annual FSO Fundraiser – November 8, 2025
Bands were discussed, including Saving Abel, recommended by C. Morris due to charitable pricing and a personal connection. S. Holmes motioned to approve the date and direction. L. Zeugner seconded, and the motion passed.Fundraiser Details
The same venue and caterer as prior years will be used. Sam Brown will be invited to perform (paid this time). Speaker ideas included John Burke, Omar “Crispy” Avila, Israel Toro Jr., and Dakota Meyer.Poker Tournament – February 8, 2025
C. Morris proposed co-hosting a poker fundraiser for the Goshen VFW. A custom poker table will be donated for the event. Five player tables and one final table are planned, with each representing a military branch. Proceeds will benefit the VFW. FSO’s role will be supportive and promotional. The VFW is expected to handle food.Marketing – Sponsorship Tiers
C. Morris requested a giving ladder or donation tier list for sponsors, outlining benefits and visibility based on contribution level. President Holmes suggested including FSO’s programs and a forward-looking business plan in this presentation.Partner Organization in Pennsylvania
C. Morris suggested linking FSO’s website to another veteran-run nonprofit in Pennsylvania that helps veterans recovering from addiction. This would be a goodwill gesture without formal partnership.Mountain Bike Donations
President Holmes shared that FSO recently provided mountain bikes to two veterans. The vendor has offered them at cost and is donating the proceeds back to FSO. The next group ride is July 20, 0900 at Myer Broadway.
Good of the Order
Alpha Nerds Disbanding
President Holmes noted that Alpha Nerds, a veteran-led organization that provided gaming systems to struggling veterans, is disbanding. They are considering donating their remaining funds to FSO.Youth Baseball Team
President Holmes praised the success of the FSO youth baseball team, which wraps up its season tomorrow in Walkerton, Indiana. Plans are underway to field two teams next year. Caleb Denney shared his personal motivation for leading the effort and the high costs involved, aiming to minimize financial burdens on families.Website Update
The new FSO website is now live and hosted on a faster server.Podcast Relaunch
The Common Veterans podcast will resume this Monday at 1830 at the Holmes residence.
Next Meetings (Dates & Locations):
Sat, Aug 24
Sat, Sep 14
Sat, Oct 12 (date may change)
Sat, Nov 16
Sat, Dec 7 (Christmas party location TBD – suggestions include Doc Pierce’s, McRee’s, The Rue, or Uptown Kitchen)
With no further business, L. Zeugner motioned to adjourn. C. Hendrickson seconded. The motion passed. President Holmes gave the closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
J. Schrock, Secretary
