RABE O WILKISON POST 38 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
Date: 02/05/2025
Post Phone Number: (239) 332-1853
Post Website: www.post38-swfl.org
OFFICERS PRESENT | Y/N/E | |
Commander | Tony Neil | Y |
Adjustant | Rich Beck | Y |
1st Vice | VACANT | |
2nd Vice | VACANT | |
3rd Vice | Ward Bubeck | Y |
Sgt-At-Arms | VACANT | |
Chaplin | VACANT | |
Historian | VACANT | |
Finance | Wayne Renner | Y |
Service Officer | Jon Delorenzo | E |
Judge Advocate | Ken Nerbak | Y |
OFFICERS EXCUSED
Jon Delorenzo
OFFICERS NOT EXCUSED
None
QUORUM ESTABLISHED (Y,N): Y
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT: 1825 (After Guest Speaker Finished)
NOTE: As previously mentioned, any item in italics is for your information BUT was NOT directly discussed at the actual meeting and is for you to have a better understanding of the operation of Post 38.
REGULAR OPENING CONDUCTED
- OPENING INVOCATION BY: Adjutant Rich Beck
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- RECITING OF LEGION CREED
- POW/MIA POSTED BY: Randy Eck
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
- Shari Shifrin, Fort Myers Murals Society
- As part of the city, Next Level Street Art, Ms. Shifrin proposed painting a mural to our specifications on the side of the building facing Martin Luther King Boulevard.
- The painting would be patriotic in keeping with our desires and would be on the right side of the armed forces plaques already there. To the left of the plaques would be a painted sign “Open to the Public”.
- There would be no cost to the Post, and the painting would be preserved with a preservation/anti-graffiti coating used on all murals. Going forward, coating will be refreshed as needed at no cost to the Post.
- On the day of the work there will be approximately 25 artists and helpers working on our building and another business, the Post’s kitchen, will be open selling lunch.
- After a group discussion it was motioned to move forward with the project with Past Commander Boyd and Member Mike Turner followed by a unanimous approval of those present.
- Weather permitting, majority of the work will be done on March 29th. As noted, we will be making lunch that day so if you are interested in volunteering to help out in the kitchen please contact Commander Neal.
READING OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
- Since the previous minutes were sent to members prior to the January meeting the Adjutant called for a motion to approve the November minutes. This was motioned and approved.
OFFICER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Officer
- Our current operating balance (cash on hand) is approximately $16,000 dollars.
- Finance Officer Renner feels that if there are no unexpected issues we should be able to work with this amount for the rest of the fiscal year.
- There was a brief discussion with the Past Commander Kevin Boyd about the July 4th Hot Dog Contest.
- Wayne also mentioned that the Post has received $1,300 dollars in donations from members of the Post.
- Kevin also brought up the issue of a great number of scams going around the community. We have had emails claiming to be from the Post Commander which if answered ask for funds also, there is a phone scam where caller, purporting to be an FPL agent demands money otherwise service will be cut off.
- All members are cautioned to be aware of these and proceed with caution. These scammers are getting very good and can suck you in.
Adjutant
- Recent resignations of several officer positions have occurred.
- First and second vice, chaplain, historian
- Anyone who can fill the remaining terms of these positions should contact the Commander or Adjutant. The term will be until the new officers are installed in June/July.
- The sign-up board for officer/appointed positions for the 2025/2026 year was shown to those in attendance. This board will be displayed by the bar beginning in March until elections (if needed) are held.
- Everyone is reminded that unless people are willing to serve in these positions the Post cannot move forward.
- Rich Beck, Adjutant and Wayne Renner, Finance took the opportunity to announce that they will not be filling these positions next year. However, people who are willing to step up can expect our help in learning the jobs.
- This month we should establish a Nominating Committee of three members in good standing. To evaluate the credentials of potential candidates for the 2025/2026 term.
- Rich Beck and Mike Turner will serve but we need one more name. Please contact Rich if you can help. This is a very low effort position and unless there is an election needed all we do is verify that a person who volunteers for a position is a member in good standing with Post 38.
- Rich Beck, Adjutant will NOT be at the March meeting. He has a Submarine Reunion aboard the Caribbean Princess.
- I will have the agenda and attendance sheets on my desk, I just need someone to take the notes so I can produce the minutes when I get back. Please contact me if you can attend the meeting and take notes.
Membership
- Eric Haskett, Coast Guard WWII has passed. He was a member for 44 years.
Transfers
- None
Oratorical Contest
- The District Oratorical evaluation was held at Post 38. Our candidate, Victory Bush did well but a person from Post 90, Cape Coral was selected.
Boys State
- Randy Eck announced that we have 16 young men asking to go to Boys State. We only have 3 with 3 backups to select. He needs some of us to evaluate their applications to pear the list down to a manageable 10 for the interview process. This is a key event for our Post and Randy needs your help.
- Please contact Randy at 239.218.5355 to help evaluate these people.
Veteran Service Officer
- It has been a busy month assisting Veterans and their families. However, none of the people were from Post 38.
Sick Call
- None
OLD BUSINESS
After more than a year of hard work the Department has accepted our Constitution and By Laws. This document is always available for review in the office.
NEW BUSINESS
- Anyone planning on attending the June 12th – 15th, Summer Department Convention in Orlando at the Hilton Orlando, please let Rich Beck know so he can submit your name to bring back all the paperwork and membership cards for the next year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- See for good of the order below
CORRESPONDENCE
- We have been asked to provide awards for the JROTC cadets this year. Last year we only made certificates without an award.
- It was decided to make up certificates again this year and Randy Eck volunteered to pay for each one to have a uniform ribbon at a cost of about six dollars each.
- Request to donate to Douglas T. Jacobson veteran home.
- Denied
- Fundraising letter
- Denied
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
- Mike Turner submitted the following…
- On February 16th at Post 303 Bonita Springs there will be a Veteran Suicide Prevention Walk beginning at 1300 to 1700.
- Commander Neal announced that on Monday the 10th of February our Post will host a celebration of life for a member from Post 351. Post 351 will supply all the food and our bar will be open. This is scheduled from 1000 to 1400.
CLOSING CEREMONIES AT: 1910