WELCOME ABOARD NEW SHIPMATES: Rafael Meneses, John Barker, Steven Barzal, Richard Brewer

MINUTES OF BRANCH 11 August 2015

Shipmate President Pat Fedorowicz called the meeting to order at 1911. The Master At Arms introduced distinguished shipmates: Past Regional President EC (PRPEC) Paul Dix; PRPEC Claire Purdy; PRPEC Don Hoover. After appropriate opening ceremonies, the meeting was declared convened.

The minutes of the 14 July 2015 meeting were provided. A Motion for approval as distributed was made – 2nd/Approved.

The minutes of the 4 August 2015 Board of Director’s meeting were provided. A Motion for approval as distributed was made – 2nd/Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: No bills need to be paid.

Americanism/Patriotism: The Essay Contest “What the United States Flag Stands for” has been announced.

Budget: Shipmate O’Neill presented a budget for FY 2015-16. A Motion was made to accept as presented: 2nd/Approved. A Motion was made to contribute $250 to the 2015 Rock-On Warriors from the contributions line item: 2nd/approved.

Bylaws: Shipmate PRPEC Paul Dix submitted a proposed change to Branch 24 bylaws, Section 603 for filling of vacated elected officer positions. A Motion was made to accept as presented: 2nd/Approved.

Hospital, Welfare & Rehabilitation: Flowers and cards were sent to Ed McGrath & Don Hoover for their recent loss of a child. PRPEC Claire Purdy reported that the support from the Branch during Randolph’s hospital visit was uplifting; he has since recovered.

Legislative Services: Blue Water recognition by the VA

Membership & Retention: current Branch 24 members = 1965

Public Relations: Shipmate PRPEC Don Hoover reported the results of the FRA sponsored Soap Box Derby race in Akron, Ohio. Branch 4 of Suitland, MD donated $200 and the CLC donated $200.

TWO BELL CEREMONY: The Two Bell Ceremony was conducted in memory of the following now serving on the staff of the Supreme Commander:

Thomas R. Kelly Old Business: East Coast Regional Convention, Penny Collins was elected to President. Tom Vatter from Patuxent River, Branch 93 was elected Vice President. The FRA scholarship was awarded to a Branch 24 member’s daughter. HW&R SOY was awarded to Branch 24 S/M Mike Patria. A/P SOY was awarded to Branch 24 S/M Carleton Weidemeyer.

Good of the Order: Veterans’ Open House will be on Saturday, August 15th. The Hawaii Raffle will be pulled.

FRA/Auxiliary/FRC picnic is on September 26th. Tickets are $10. S/M McGrath and wife, Mary Ellen will host the children’s games. Other volunteers are needed to set-up and clean-up.

Awards were presented to Shipmate Curtis Jones for his recruiting efforts.

Next Branch Meeting: 7pm Tuesday, September 8th at the FRC, 100 Compromise Street.

ADJOURNMENT: After appropriate closing ceremonies, the meeting adjourned at 2000.

Submitted: Approved:

Valerie Reed Pat Fedorowicz Secretary/Treasurer President