Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Location: Elkhart County Community Foundation, E. Jackson St., Elkhart, IN
Time: 10:00 AM
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 H/R Director J. Schrock.
Membership Applications:
No new applications reported.
Reading of Minutes:
Secretary J. Schrock read and distributed the minutes from the previous meeting via email.
Motion to accept the minutes as read was made by J. DeFrees and seconded by F. Schlorke. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer J. DeFrees presented the organization’s financial overview. Specific account balances are available upon request.
Motion to approve the report, subject to audit, was made by J. Schrock and seconded by L. Zeugner. Motion passed.
Bills:
Treasurer J. DeFrees reported all bills paid.
Motion to approve payment of bills was made by J. Schrock and seconded by S. Holmes. Motion passed.
IT Report:
Media Coordinator L. Zeugner’s laptop encountered an issue during the Windows 11 update that removed Office 365 and Teams. T. Buoscio will assist in restoring files.
Unfinished Business
The Remember Event
Marketing & Media:
President K. Holmes encouraged continued promotion of the event through social media and presented the newly produced radio spot. The board approved a motion, made by VP F. Schlorke and seconded by L. Zeugner, to spend up to $500 with Pop Marketing for advertising support.
Event Coordination:
C. Hendrickson discussed combining the Remember and Noise events in the future. While not possible for this year, it remains an option for 2026.
Attendance & Setup:
Executive Director S. Holmes reviewed the board’s availability for setup and attendance. Setup will take place Friday from 12:00–5:00 PM, and all members are expected to arrive no later than 3:00 PM on Saturday.
Desserts:
H/R Dir. J. Schrock reported on dessert options and pricing. C. Morris will explore alternatives through Mini Delights Shop.
Press & Interviews:
Media Coordinator L. Zeugner will provide a press release and coordinate interviews with J. Burk, K. Holmes, and C. Hendrickson during the event’s social hour (6:00–6:20 PM).
Check-In Table:
Discussion continued regarding staffing and procedures for managing guest lists and ticket sales.
Action Items:
H/R Dir. J. Schrock reviewed and updated the Action Items List, making adjustments before redistributing it.
Tickets:
Paper tickets were distributed to board members. Additional tickets will be available at Goshen VFW, Olympia, and George’s Gyros. Members are reminded to ensure names, phone numbers, and emails are written on ticket stubs for check-in tracking.
Weapons & Flag:
Reimbursement was approved for weapon purchases. The 8’x12’ U.S. Flag will be displayed at the event.
Wall of Heroes:
Guests will be invited to write and post names of their personal heroes on a simulated brick wall display, coordinated by C. Morris.
Green Room:
A 10’x10’ canopy with sides will serve as a private area for talent and performers.
Table Naming:
Twenty-eight (28) event tables will be named after Medal of Honor recipients, each featuring a framed 4”x6” card detailing their story.
Storage & Equipment:
Items from Fred’s storage unit will be brought for use at the event.
Poker Table:
C. Morris redesigned the poker table to be lighter; the new felt design was approved.
Gaming License & Volunteers:
E. Dir. S. Holmes will update the gaming license as needed. H/R Dir. Schrock continues to recruit volunteers, with possible support from N. Bugajski.
Sponsors:
Sponsors confirmed or in progress include Prime Table, Ferret, Michiana Troop Town, 1 Electric, In-Vets (pending), South Bend Cubs, Range USA, Cheryl Noblitt, RFI, Modway, and several individual donors.
Free Tickets:
Five (5) Veterans and their guests will receive complimentary tickets in recognition of their service.
Dress Code:
FSO polos and name tags with business casual attire are required for the evening.
Peer-to-Peer Training:
Scheduled for Saturday, November 15th, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Goshen VFW. Training participants include K. Holmes, F. Schlorke, E.W. Hawn, A. O’Toole, J. Vance, and H. Eichhorn. Group name: 4 Vets by Vets.
New Business
Podcast Schedule:
Upcoming recording dates were approved for:
- Monday, October 13 – 6:00 PM (Guest: V. Holmes)
- Monday, October 27 – 6:00 PM (Guest: C. Lauper, VA)
2026 Bike Programs:
A. O’Toole and F. Schlorke will prepare the 2026 schedules for the Mountain Bike and Road Bike programs and send to K. Holmes and J. Schrock for publication.
Cookout Partnership:
The Elkhart County Parks Department expressed interest in partnering with FSO for next year’s cookout, offering reduced or free park entry for veterans.
Good of the Order
After Action Review (AAR):
Scheduled for Sunday, November 16th at 1:00 PM via Microsoft Teams.
Annual Christmas Dinner:
Set for Saturday, December 6th, 6:00–9:00 PM at the Holmes residence.
Next Meeting:
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Location: RV Hall of Fame, Elkhart, IN
Event: The Remember Event
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn was made by F. Schlorke and seconded by L. Zeugner. Motion passed.
President K. Holmes delivered the closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes Submitted by:
Secretary J. Schrock
