Tuesday, August 16th, 2016
The business meeting was held at Rulli’s Restaurant on CR-17 in Elkhart at 7 PM. The meeting was opened in due form by President K Holmes.
Vice President Josh Elliott gave the opening prayer.
President K Holmes declared the business session open.
- Roll call of Officers: Completed by Secretary J Schrock.
- Reading of Membership Applications: None
- Reading of the minutes: Secretary J Schrock read (passed out) the minutes from the last meeting, and asked if there were any corrections or amendments. Seeing none Treasurer B Elliott made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Vice President J Elliott seconded the motion and the motion passed.
- Treasurers Report: Treasurer B Elliott reported FS Inc. currently has (redacted) in the TCU account. Paypal has (redacted) pending. Treasurer B Elliott reminded the group that we still have some money from the Military Stand Down; we are simply waiting for notification of where to send that money.
- Bills: Treasurer B Elliott reported that all bills were paid and any/all accounts are settled and none are pending (see above). VP J Elliott made a motion to accept the report. Secretary J Schrock seconded it, and the motion passed.
Unfinished Business: 1) President K Holmes told the group that we are still waiting on producing the RAC cards. 2) President K Holmes brought up the introduction video he would like to see produced, to introduce the staff/BoD (Board or Directors) of FS Inc. He reminded the group that it would be professional in nature, and discussion on set design and location ensued. A brief bio on all the Board of Directors was discussed and thought to be an attribute that could also be put on the web page too; this would also include a photo of each board member. The video would be shown at events, as well as on the FS web page. It was suggested that a script should be produced and President K Holmes wanted a rough draft by the next meeting (a month out). President K Holmes volunteered to do the introduction and VP J Elliott volunteered to write the script for the services that are, or will be provided by FS Inc. Those would include (but are not limited to): Social Media; Article writing; RAC Cards; PE/Martial Arts classes; Spousal support; Resume’ writing; PTSD assistance; Job placement assistance; Social networking; Reintegration into society; Gold-Star parents networking; breakdown of various veteran issues; Suicide prevention; Depression; Homeless vets needs, etc. The Summary or Conclusion was left open.
New Business: 1) President K Holmes brought up fundraising events as a topic for discussion. It had been suggested to him to host a pancake and sausage breakfast. High school students need volunteer hours, and they might be a great asset to bring into the group. 2) President K Holmes announced to the group that a new location is pending. Part of a building in Elkhart may become available to FS Inc. It’s around 800 sq feet, with limited heat and/or A/C. There would be no rent and the deal is still pending at this point in time. 3) VP J Elliott brought up a new idea to the group. He and President K Holmes had been talking recently, about starting an auto repair shop for vets. This would help give the vets a purpose to focus on, buying a car in need of repair, fixing it up, and selling it. Any proceeds would go directly to FS Inc. This could help turn some of our local vets around and become something they can sink their teeth into, and provide ongoing vocation training for them to reenter society.
Good of the Order: 1) President K Holmes announced that he is willing and ready to help teach martial arts to students/vets. Since he is a black belt, he is willing to host training sessions. A waiver will be signed by each “student” to release him and FS Inc from any liability. A discussion on buying mats was brought up. VP J Elliott made a motion to buy mats, hopefully, used but in good condition, and spend up to $200. Treasurer B Elliott seconded the motion, and the motion passed. 2) President K Holmes announced after a lengthy discussion with the group, that the “Tournament for Hero’s” martial arts competition would be Saturday, April 22nd, 2017. The location is pending, but we can start advertising for the event now. 3) Other fundraising events were brought up for discussion. Nelson’s Chicken; Scrappers Rescue – donation; hosting our own Military Stand Down; Elkhart County Fundraisers; MFRI; things we could list as needed items are: RAC Cards, office furniture, misc clothing to hand out, toiletries, backpacks, cots, sleeping bags, other camping equipment, blankets, non-perishable food items, etc.
Next Meeting: it was decided to hold our next meeting on Tuesday, September 13th at 7 PM and again at Rulli’s.
President K Holmes asked if there was any further business. Seeing none, VP J Elliott made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Treasurer B Elliott seconded the motion. The motion passed.
President K Holmes gave the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.
Secretary J Schrock
