FreedomSystem.org
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Saturday, January 24, 2026
10:00 AM
Elkhart County Community Foundation
E. Jackson Street, Elkhart, Indiana
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Kenny Holmes, in due form.
Opening Prayer
The opening prayer was given by Chaplain Wayne Hawn, who also provided the closing prayer.
Guest Recognition
President Holmes introduced Harold Eichhorn and his family (Jessica, Harold Jr., and Benjamin) to the Board.
Through his Trigger Therapy group, Harold presented a donation that brings his total contribution to $1,000 to FreedomSystem.org, collected over the past year.
Declaration of Business Session
President Holmes declared the business session open.
Officer Reports & Business
1. Roll Call of Officers
Roll call was completed by H/R Director Jason Schrock.
2. Reading of Membership Applications
No applications were presented.
3. Reading and Approval of Previous Minutes
Secretary Jason Schrock read (via email) the minutes from the previous meeting.
- Motion: Accept minutes as read
- Moved by: Wayne Hawn
- Seconded by: Larry Zeugner
- Result: Motion passed
4. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Jason Defrees presented the financial report as of December 31, 2025, including an overview of all organizational accounts, gaming funds, and PayPal activity. Income and expenses for the reporting period were reviewed, along with financial results from the Remember Event.
Account balances and detailed financial information were reviewed by the Board and are available upon request.
- Motion: Approve the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit
- Moved by: Jason Schrock
- Seconded by: Larry Zeugner
- Result: Motion passed
(Final itemized listings are on file.)
5. Bills
Treasurer Defrees reported all bills paid, with the exception of the youth baseball field rental, which was mistakenly re-billed after early payment last year.
Treasurer was instructed to hold the bill until approximately March for payment.
- Motion: Pay bills as presented
- Moved by: Jason Schrock
- Seconded by: Stephanie Holmes
- Result: Motion passed
6. IT Report
President Holmes requested Tony Buoscio to assist with a CoPilot sign-in issue following the meeting.
Tony also requested an updated list of Board Officers and OneDrive access permissions.
Unfinished Business
1. Poker Tournament
Secretary Schrock reported on discussions with the VFW regarding the Poker Tournament. Due to scheduling conflicts, licensing requirements, and staffing needs, an alternative venue was proposed.
Syracuse Eagles was offered by John O’Neal, who volunteered his time, tables, dealers, and assistance in securing the venue (donated or approximately $300). The Eagles also hold a valid poker permit.
Event Details (Approved):
- Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Buy-In: $175 flat rate
- $125 Pot
- $25 Knockout
- $25 Event Cost/Profit
- Live-streamed cash game
- Food and beverage handled by Syracuse Eagles
- Estimated time: 10–11 AM start, ending around 10 PM
Board members were encouraged to be present throughout the day.
- Motion: Move Poker Tournament to Syracuse Eagles
- Moved by: Larry Zeugner
- Seconded by: Jason Defrees
- Result: Motion passed
(A confirming motion was also made and passed by Caleb Denney and Chris Hendrickson.)
2. Battle of the Bands / Battle of the Meats
Caleb Denney reported progress on securing the VFW for the event.
Key Decisions:
- Three (3) bands confirmed
- Band payout set at 50% of the day’s take-in
- Entry fee: $5–$10, wristbands required
- Under age 13 admitted free
- VFW closes at 5:00 PM; event runs 5:00–7:00 PM
- Food proceeds benefit FreedomSystem.org
- Beverage proceeds benefit the VFW
- Marketing to include flyers with QR codes
After discussion:
- Motion: Move Battle of the Meats to the FreedomSystem Cookout/BBQ and approve all outlined plans
- Moved by: Larry Zeugner
- Seconded by: Wayne Hawn
- Result: Motion passed in entirety
T-shirt discussion tabled.
New Business
1. Board Resignation
The Board reluctantly accepted the resignation of Mark Kauffman.
2. Election of 2026 Officers
President Holmes opened nominations.
- Motion: Retain all current officers and cast one ballot for all uncontested positions
- Moved by: Jason Schrock
- Seconded by: Wayne Hawn
- Result: Motion passed
3. Marketing Opportunity – HomeLiving Magazine
Larry Zeugner presented an opportunity for a $1,300 cover feature, including an article in the October issue, reaching four counties.
Board consensus was favorable, but the matter was tabled pending further information.
4. The Bear 103.9 Fundraiser
FreedomSystem.org was selected as a beneficiary.
- Trivia Night: Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 6:00 PM
- Location: Monterrey Mexican Bar, Mishawaka
5. Veteran Assistance Tracking
President Holmes emphasized the need for improved tracking of Veteran assistance, including time, resources, and outcomes.
Secretary Schrock will manage the template, with monthly reporting required for all programs and events.
6. 4 Vets, By Vets Peer Support
Peer-to-peer counseling approved at the Goshen VFW, meeting:
- 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
- 6:30 PM (1830 hours)
Press release to be coordinated with local radio.
7. Alpha Nerds Guild
FreedomSystem.org formally accepted administration of the Alpha Nerds Guild, a Veteran-run gaming community providing consoles and games to Veterans in need.
- Board approval required for spending
- Initial 3-month fees approved
- Veteran status verification required
- Motion: Approve Alpha Nerds Guild program
- Moved by: Jason Schrock
- Seconded by: Caleb Denney
- Result: Motion passed
Good of the Order
- Podcast reminder (Monday, 6:00 PM); sponsorship opportunities discussed
- Bike programs active (Mountain & Road); Veterans in need encouraged to reach out
- Bible Study at Goshen VFW: 3rd Tuesday, 5:30 PM
- Get Wet for a Vet dinner pending
Next Meeting
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 AM
Elkhart Community Center (E. Jackson St.), Elkhart, Indiana
Adjournment
With no further business:
- Motion: Adjourn
- Moved by: Larry Zeugner
- Seconded by: Jason Schrock
- Result: Motion passed
The meeting was closed with a prayer by Chaplain Wayne Hawn.
Respectfully submitted,
Jason Schrock
Secretary, FreedomSystem.org
