Monthly Minutes Posted

American Legion

Jeremy E. Ray Post 324

Jersey Village, TX

March 10, 2024

Regular Meeting – Minutes

Commander Stefanie Otto called the meeting to order at 1601 hours.  There were 8 officers present:

                Commander Stefanie Otto

                1st Vice Commander David Pyke

                2nd Vice Commander   Open

                Service Officer Bill Brown

                Adjutant Terry Coon

                Finance Officer Michael LaRose

                Sgt-at-Arms Wayne Huebner                                                                                                        

                Chaplin Richard Ater - Absent          

                Judge Advocate Trey Pryor

                Historian Robert Howard

                And 14 other members and 0 visitor for a total of 22 were present.  A quorum was met, and the meeting continued.

New Members: 

                Returning member Jeff Mueller is a 15-year Navy Veteran during the Desert Storm campaign.  He is returning to the Jersey Village Post.

Minutes:

                Adjutant Terry Coon requested a motion to forgo reading the minutes from the last meeting by distribution of minutes via email to all members. Wayne Huebner motioned to accept the minutes and it was seconded by Jim Bramble.  Motion was then passed by membership.

Finance Report:

                Finance Officer:  Michael LaRose reported that the available funds of Post 324 were $8,564.01 as of 03/01/2024 (not including the $500.00 set aside for Veterans in need, return of check from Irene Infante and $57.00 restricted funds for Women’s Auxiliary.)  Motion to accept finance report pending further audit was made by Jimmy Baughman  and seconded by Wayne Huebner. The motion passed by membership.

Committees

1^st Vice:  The District meeting on March 5^th  announced the election of new officers to be voted on at the District convention on April 6, 2024 in Crosby at Post 658.  We know that George Snell is a candidate for District Commander and Irene Infante is a candidate for 1^st Vice Commander.

2^nd Vice: N/A

Chaplin: Absent

Sgt of Arms:  Nothing to report.

JAG:  Absent

Service Officer: Nothing to report.

Judge Adjutant:  Nothing to report.

Historian: Nothing to report.

Old Business:                                  

1. Commander Stefanie Otto brought to members the nominations and election of Post 324 officers.

The nominees for officers:

1. Commander – Stefanie Otto
2. 1^st Vice – David Pyke
3. 2^nd Vice – James Bramble
4. Adjutant – Terry Coon
5. Chaplin – Richard Ater
6. Finance Officer – Mike LaRose
7. Judge Adjutant – Trey Pryor
8. Service officer – Bill Brown
9. Historian – Irene Infante
10. Sergent of Arms – Wayne Heubner

A motion was made by Jimmy Baughman and Seconded by Jerry Roberts to vote for all nominees and elect these members as officers for stated positions.  Motion was passed by the members.  Commander announced all officers will be sworn in at the April 14^th regular meeting.

2. Trey Pryor reminded everyone of the March 23^rd Bus trip to the Giddings Wendish Museum and Church with Lunch there.  Meet at the Weekly Community Center by 8:15am to leave at 8:30am.  We will return by 3:30pm.  Cost is $20.  Request Adjutant send information out again to all members.

New Business: 

1. Commander Stefanie Otto announced that District 8 Spring Convention is on April 6^th in Crosby TX at Post 658 from 8:30am to about 3pm.  Our post will pay the $20 fee for those who wish to attend.  This includes breakfast and lunch.
2. We will be hosting the Tuesday May 7^th DEC meeting here at the VFW main hall.  Meeting starts at 6pm and conclude around 8:30pm.  We will be serving pizza for dinner.
3. Mother’s Day is May 12^th so we will have our monthly meeting om May 19^th.  June has no conflict since Father’s Day is on the 3^rd Sunday.
4. Camp Hope is our 1^st quarter charity and starting in April our 2^nd quarter charity is Grace After Fire.  Grace After Fire could use donations of Walmart gift cards to give to women with emergency needs.
5. Jimmy Baughman moved that the Post should donate $150 to Camp Hope.  This was seconded by Bill Brown.  Under discussion the motion was passed then amended to donate $200 by same individuals.  Amended motion was passed by the members.
6. If anyone needs shirts, please see Commander Stefanie Otto after the meeting.  Cost is generally $35.00 each.

Good of the Legion:

1. Irene Infante has brochure of other needs for homeless veterans housing.  Casual wear for men is needed.  VA needs volunteers.  She has books on eligibility.  Anyone rated at 30 percent or more can apply for travel to care reimbursement.  Don’t forget to fill out donation declaration forms when you donate items.
2. The VA care app for your phone has a blue button to obtain your health records.  James Bramble commented that the Premium Account setup was GREAT.
3. Vietnam Veteran’s Day Car Show is Saturday 30^th sponsored by Post 586.  Adjutant sending out information to members.
4. Texas Veteran’s Land Day is March 16^th in Conroe at the Civic Center.  This is a property ownership and job fair.  Adjutant sending our information to members.
5. Boy’s state currently has 10 candidates with 3 having paid so far.

Adjourn:

                There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 1638 hours. Our next scheduled meeting will be on Sunday, April 14^th at 1600 hours (4pm) at VFW 8905, HWY 290 next to Carl’s BBQ.

Respectfully Submitted:

Terry Coon, Adjutant