FreedomSystem.org – Board Meeting Minutes
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Location: Goshen VFW, 1201 W. Pike St., Goshen, IN
Time: 4:00 PM
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order in due form by President K. Holmes, who also delivered the opening and closing prayers.
Roll Call of Officers:
Conducted by Secretary J. Schrock.
Membership Applications:
No new applications reported.
Reading of Minutes:
Secretary J. Schrock read the minutes from the previous meeting (also distributed via email).
Motion to accept the minutes as read was made by S. Holmes and seconded by C. Denney. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer J. DeFrees reported FSO’s financial status as of the end of December 2024.
Motion to approve the report, subject to audit, was made by H/R Director J. Schrock and seconded by S. Holmes. Motion passed.
Bills:
J. DeFrees reported all bills paid.
Motion to approve payment of bills was made by C. Denney, seconded by S. Holmes. Motion passed.
IT Report:
No reports of issues.
Unfinished Business
Poker Tournament – February 8, 2025:
Tournament will begin with three (3) foldable elimination tables and one (1) custom FreedomSystem table to be raffled off.
Format: Tournament-style, no cash at tables. All play is chip-based.
Early bird online buy-in: $5 discount, 1500 chips. At-door buy-in: 1200 chips.
No cash on tables due to gaming license restrictions; purchases for food/pull tabs are permitted.
Re-buys allowed until 7 PM. Jeff and Jenn will serve as bankers.
Top four (4) players paid out, plus one (1) payout per non-final table.
Treasurer will bring $300+ in small bills as startup cash. Cash only accepted at the event (except early bird online).
Gaming license has been updated. H/R Dir J. Schrock and VP F. Schlorke added and ready to submit by mail.
Raffle tickets are being sold for a firearm (see flyer).
Schedule:
Doors open: 4:30 PM
Buy-ins: 4:30–5:00 PM
Tournament: 5:00–9:30 PM
Awards & wrap-up: 10:00 PM
Food: Made-to-order food baskets ($10) prepared by C. Denney. Food served 5–9 PM. Proceeds go to the VFW.
No food allowed at tables; drinks permitted.
Final table dealer must be on gaming license. No tipping dealers.
BoD and volunteers must arrive by 3:00 PM. VFW opens at noon.
Option to observe the Syracuse Eagles’ weekly Thursday tournament for reference.
Volunteer t-shirts (labeled) to be ordered by C. Denney. Board shirts will be black.
Staff Roles:
MCs: Cami & John
Floaters: Lauren & Sarah
Dealers: Bo, Alyena, Kenny, Fred
Volunteers: Caleb (supervising)
Bankers: Jeff & Jenn
Media & Sponsorship:
Proposal for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Top-tier sponsorships.
Request to prepare mission statements for both FSO and VFW.
Promotional material and a 30–40 second recruiting video proposed—featuring a veteran and a veteran’s child. Cami and Sam suggested for production.
Battle of the Bands:
Prize structure: 1st – $1,000, 2nd – $500, 3rd – $300 (flexible based on funding).
Website is live with sign-up and music submission options. A “Donate” button is needed.
Push for additional sponsors and potential co-sponsorship opportunities.
Program Updates & Announcements
Podcast Dates:
Monday, January 27, 6:00 PM
Monday, February 10, 6:00 PM
Monday, February 24, 6:00 PM
Location: Holmes residence
Combatives Training:
Every Thursday, 6:30–8:00 PM at Cleveland Twp Fire Dept.
Free for veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, and kids 7+. Civilians: $40/month.
Insurance:
Goose quoted $1,600/year. FSO to cover cost; donation can to be placed out at events.
Mountain Bike Association:
Lauren requested ride schedule and publicity materials.
Civilians can ride for $5.
Discussion on acquiring a discounted trailer to transport gear—C. Denney offered storage at his facility.
Veteran’s Youth Baseball:
Currently 13 kids, with 17 expected. Cost per child: $600.
Encouraged to attend games in FSO attire for visibility and support.
Proposal to give team plaques with FSO group photo; discussion about providing Velcro uniform patches.
New Business
Road Biking Program:
Suggested by VP F. Schlorke for veterans not interested in mountain biking.
To be held separately, using trails like Pumpkinvine. Starting goal: 5K rides.
Good of the Order
No reports.
Next Meeting:
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Goshen VFW
Note: Breakfast available from 8:00–11:00 AM. Bring your calendars to finalize 2025 scheduling.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn made by J. Schrock, seconded by C. Denney. Motion passed.
President K. Holmes gave the closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes Submitted by:
Secretary J. Schrock
