Minutes: 2025 Mar 11

FreedomSystem.org – Board Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Location: Community Foundation, Elkhart, IN
Time: 6:00 PM

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order in due form by President K. Holmes, who also offered the opening and closing prayers.

Roll Call of Officers:
Conducted by Executive Director S. Holmes.

Membership Applications:
No new applications reported.

Reading of Minutes:
Executive Director S. Holmes read the minutes from the previous meeting (also distributed via email).

• Motion to accept the minutes as read was made by J. DeFrees and seconded by C. Denney. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer J. DeFrees delivered the report.

• Motion to approve was made by S. Holmes and seconded by R. Billapando (Goose). Motion passed.

• An in-depth review of the Poker Tournament financials was also completed.

Bills:
Treasurer J. DeFrees reported all bills paid.

• Motion to approve payment was made by C. Denney and seconded by S. Holmes. Motion passed.

IT Report:
C. Denney reported issues with OneDrive. President K. Holmes offered to assist.

Unfinished Business

1. Battle of the Bands – “For Vets By Vets”:

   • Food and cooks (one per military branch) confirmed.

   • Three bands currently registered. Additional bands being recruited; Mr. G’s and Olupas’s suggested. C. Morris and C. Denney will follow up.

   • Event proceeds to be split 50/50 between the VFW and FSO.

   • Returning volunteers from last year confirmed.

   • No auction items this year.

   • Prize structure: 1st – $3,000, 2nd – $1,000, 3rd – $500.

   • Ticket pricing:

     • Pre-sale: $20 general, $35 combo

     • At the door: $20 general, $40 combo

   • $1 donation buckets at each food station = one vote. Winning cook gets bragging rights. Jell-O and pudding shots will be available.

2. Donation Tiers:

   • Goal: $10,000

   • VIP Tier ($2,000): Private table, champagne, drink tickets, swag, wristbands, and voting rights.

   • Other tiers in development.

   • Committee Assignments:

     • Set-up/Decor: All hands

     • Volunteers: Cami & Goose

     • Merch Table: Jenn D. & Sarah

     • Raffles: Jeff & Fred

     • Band Coordinator: Kenny

     • Clean-up: Everyone

3. Advertising:

   • This year: 95.3 FM

   • Next year: The Bear

   • Additional promotion via Goose’s network

4. Event Cross-Promotion:

   • Reminder to promote all FSO programs and events at every opportunity.

5. Podcast:

   • Going well; next episode scheduled for March 25, 2025.

   • Mentioned in the Goshen VFW newsletter.

6. Combatives Training:

   • Begins March 20, 2025 at Cleveland Twp. Fire Dept.

   • Attendance is low; more advertising needed.

   • Open to veterans, first responders, and the public (public must pay).

7. Mountain Bike & Road Bike Programs:

   • A coordination meeting scheduled for Saturday.

   • Leaders: Brad, Dave, and Adam.

8. Veterans Youth Baseball League:

   • Six invoices sent; three paid.

   • $1,100 spent on bags and jerseys.

   • Additional $1,000 spent on equipment.

   • Sarah to confirm number of patches needed for hats.

9. Road Bike Club – “Easy Riders”:

   • Will ride the Pumpkinvine Trail (Abshire Park to Ox Bow).

   • Season: May through September (weather permitting).

   • Fred designated as program lead.

10. Poker Tournament AAR (After-Action Report):

• Described as “controlled chaos” – well-run overall.

• John recognized for excellent work.

• Oversupply of volunteers noted, but not problematic.

• Attendance could have been better – more advertising needed.

• Weather impacted turnout; consider seasonal timing in the future.

• FSO may host up to four tournaments per year.

• Minimal overhead; staffing should consist of John, three dealers/bankers, and raffle support.

• Profit was made, but VFW noted confusion over food/beverage revenue splits.

New Business

1. Stolen Valor Accusation:

   • President K. Holmes addressed a video posted by Ben Dallas on Real News Michiana.

   • The video named board members, including Casey Hendrickson, accusing him of stolen valor.

   • Photos were pulled from FSO’s website without permission.

   • Federated Media is involved and considering legal action.

   • Use of MNC logos is being reviewed; Casey is meeting with corporate.

   • FSO may pursue a cease-and-desist order.

Good of the Order

No additional reports.

Next Meeting:
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Goshen VFW
Note: Bring calendars to finalize 2025 scheduling.

Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn was made by R. Billapando (Goose), seconded by C. Denney. Motion passed.
President K. Holmes gave the closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.

Minutes Submitted by:
Executive Director S. Holmes