<p> MINUTES OF BRANCH 11 August 2015</p><p>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.</p><p>The minutes of the 14 July 2015 meeting were provided. A Motion for approval as distributed was made – 2nd/Approved.</p><p>The minutes of the 4 August 2015 Board of Director’s meeting were provided. A Motion for approval as distributed was made – 2nd/Approved.</p><p>Treasurer’s Report: No bills need to be paid. </p><p>Americanism/Patriotism: The Essay Contest “What the United States Flag Stands for” has been announced.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Legislative Services: Blue Water recognition by the VA</p><p>Membership & Retention: current Branch 24 members = 1965 </p><p>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.</p><p>TWO BELL CEREMONY: The Two Bell Ceremony was conducted in memory of the following now serving on the staff of the Supreme Commander:</p><p>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.</p><p>Good of the Order: Veterans’ Open House will be on Saturday, August 15th. The Hawaii Raffle will be pulled.</p><p>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.</p><p>Awards were presented to Shipmate Curtis Jones for his recruiting efforts.</p><p>Next Branch Meeting: 7pm Tuesday, September 8th at the FRC, 100 Compromise Street.</p><p>ADJOURNMENT: After appropriate closing ceremonies, the meeting adjourned at 2000.</p><p>Submitted: Approved:</p><p>Valerie Reed Pat Fedorowicz Secretary/Treasurer President </p>