FreedomSystem.org – Board Meeting Minutes
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Location: Not specified
Time: Not specified
Call to Order:
Meeting opened in due form by President K. Holmes. Opening and closing prayers offered by President Holmes.
Officer Reports
Treasurer’s Report:
Report was accepted. Jen was asked to send a copy to Comma.
Bills:
All bills have been paid. As of this meeting date, Jen had not received any new bills.
IT Report
All board members should now have access to Microsoft Teams. President Holmes is assisting Cami with her account due to a recent phone change.
Unfinished Business
Baseball Field Usage:
Kenny contacted Faith United Methodist Church regarding field usage. Jen was instructed to send a $200 check for the rental.
For Vets By Vets / Cook-Off (May 10, 2025):
Event will include the traditional military branch cook-off format, with the addition of a Battle of the Bands.
Proceeds: 50% to the Veterans Baseball Team, 50% to the VFW.
This event will replace the traditional Remember Event.
Caleb was absent due to a family matter.
Kenny is handling marketing and will distribute updates via Teams.
Caleb requested logo T-shirts for sale and separate shirts for volunteers.
Poker Tournament (Feb 8, 2025 at Goshen VFW):
FSO to finalize table selection; cost reduced if FSO picks materials.
Each military branch will have its own table.
One “master” table will be raffled off at the Remember Event.
Event to be held under the VFW gaming license; they will handle food and drinks.
Proceeds benefit FSO.
Sick PowerTables may donate the master table if a basic model is chosen.
Buy-In: $25; final buy-in cutoff at 8 PM. Tournament starts at 5 PM.
Kenny requested logo files for marketing.
A conversation with Jeff is needed to clarify VFW profit-sharing or support.
Remember Event (Nov 8, 2024):
Sponsorship efforts are ongoing for the 2025 event.
Entertainment: Sam will provide entertainment for the entire event (motion by Sarah, seconded by Adam and Lauren – passed).
Speakers Discussed: Daniel Green (Vet Center – South Bend, Pat Tillman Award Winner), John Birch.
Theme Idea: “Remember Then and Now” — highlighting the Iraq War.
Kenny is beginning design work.
Media:
Radio – Casey & Kenny
TV – Jen to follow up for earlier coverage
Press – Lauren will handle press releases
Kenny has video from last year for promotional use
Committee Assignments & Planning:
Jeff to pull up individual committee info (note unclear in original).
Cami to join Marketing/Media Committee (focus on sponsorships).
Food:
Voted to use Chubby Trout as caterer again, with requests for:
Better silverware
Higher-quality beer options
Orange juice available at the bar
Menu:
Main entrées: Chicken and Brisket
Appetizer: Pho (proposed)
POW Toast to be made with sake
Swag & Merchandise:
Adam to lead merchandise efforts.
Items under consideration:
Keychains
Challenge coin holders
Wallets with military branch engravings
Ongoing Business
Resume Writing Class:
Now by appointment only due to low turnout.
Adam recommended at least one annual workshop.
Casey suggested developing partnerships with local businesses to assist veteran job seekers.
Podcast:
Sponsored by Jeff’s publisher ($40/year).
Promos to be recorded.
Currently 125 Spotify listeners; more on Apple.
Hometown Hero Program:
Suspended until 2025.
2024 funding will be reallocated to Giving Tuesday.
Casey suggested changing to a quarterly format for 2025.
This allows HTH recipients +1 to fit comfortably at one table.
Mountain Bike Association:
Brad Howard brought on to manage social media.
Weekly rides continue.
Brad moving ride announcements from Strava to Facebook.
Cookout:
Tabled for now.
Road Biking Program:
Discussion raised; may be added alongside mountain biking.
Veterans Baseball Team:
Practices held Thursdays.
Next Meeting
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Location: Holmes Residence
Time: Not specified
