Holly Lake Ranch, Texas
Veterans Association
MINUTES OF THE
HOLLY LAKE RANCH VETERANS ASSOCIATION
AUGUST 25, 2009
I. Greg Demko opened the meeting. The Pledges to the Flags were given, followed by a prayer. Greg said this was the first meeting since he sent out the questionnaire, “Calling All Vets”. He has received over 50 replies to his questionnaire. Based on that he and some other veterans felt there was a desire for veterans to get together periodically for social events such as playing cards or dominoes. Perhaps the organization would be a support group for veterans, so they could exchange information and have speakers come to present topics of interest, such as information about VA Clinics or VA benefits.
II. After these opening remarks, Greg asked each veteran to introduce himself/herself and state which military unit he/she was a member. Greg thanked them for coming and gave a special thanks to veterans who had assisted him in arranging this meeting and getting information out to the veterans. He noted how much Tim Discher has worked on establishing a website. Tim said the site is HLRvets.org.
III. The following topics were discussed:
A. The name of the organization was discussed. It was brought to the group that if we are going to try and obtain 501c standing, we need to be an “association” or “organization”. With that, the members voted for the name, “Holly Lake Ranch Veterans Association”. The members also voted on having Association meetings the fourth Tuesday of every month. The meeting place will be Holly Hall at Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. The membership will be notified if there is a change in location. The Hall is used by a variety of organizations and there may be times we will not be able to obtain the Hall for our meetings.
B. A member asked if it is called “Holly Lake Ranch” could other veterans, who do not live at Holly Lake, join the association. All agreed that it would be open to any veteran.
C. By-laws, a constitution, and a mission statement need to be created. Greg said when he gets the application from the IRS to become a 501c organization; we will need these types of documents. Tim Discher, Al Murfin, Tom Shippey, and Sven Sterner volunteered to compile these items once the application was received.
D. Greg asked if dues would be appropriate so we can pay for the meeting room, office supplies, etc. The members voted to have annual dues of $25 to be collected at the meeting every September, beginning on September 22, 2009.
E. Greg said we need to nominate officers for the Association. It was suggested we use the term “Commander” like other military organizations/clubs, such as VFW. This would be better suited then the term “President”. The membership voted to accept this terminology.
1. Greg Demko was nominated and seconded to be the Commander.
The motion passed.
2. Dick Lathan was nominated and seconded to be the Vice Commander.
The motion passed.
3. Ron Szczepanski was nominated and seconded to be the Treasurer.
The motion passed.
4. Jeanette Sterner was nominated and seconded to be the Secretary.
The motion passed.
5. Bob Nystrom was nominated and seconded to be the Sergeant of Arms.
The motion passed.
6. The position of Chaplain was tabled until the next meeting.
F. Greg said he would like to have speakers come to our meetings to give information issues that, in particular, are of interest to veterans. He would like ideas concerning topics or speakers from the members so that we would feel this Association is here to serve the membership. Sven Sterner has a speaker from the VA Medical Clinic coming to speak with us at the September meeting. Sven has made contact with the VA Benefits Counselor for our area and he is tentatively scheduled to come the same evening. Jeanette will have an announcement of the meeting placed in the Gazette and the Big Sandy paper. It was also suggested we obtain a speaker from the Texas Veterans Commission.
G. Greg said the format of our meetings would be similar to other organizations, where you have a business, section that includes a presentation or speaker. He also would like to have a social activity to follow the regular meeting. This could be as simply as playing cards, dominoes, etc. Beverages will be available for a small charge. Greg said tonight the beverages have been donated by a couple of the vets. Greg said we need someone to volunteer to be the Activity Director. Dick Latham volunteered to chair this committee. Greg did encourage all vets to come up with ideas. Greg mentioned we might have some larger social activities where we might include the WAGS in our events. Greg wanted to stress the importance of all being comfortable with coming to the meetings. If you are only interested in coming to the meetings to enjoy the fellowship with other veterans, that is ok. There is no pressure to jump in and take on a lot of commitments.
H. The veterans discussed the purposes of this Association and the main point is to have an opportunity for veterans to help other veterans and their families. If you or your spouse needs help with a problem, such as a ride to the doctor, you should feel free to call on us to help you out.
I. Ron suggested we get some name tags to wear to help everyone get to know
each other.
IV. Announcements:
A. The Vietnam Wall is coming to the area on November 4-9, 2009. It will be in
Mineola, but it is also scheduled to stop at HLR. Time and place will be
announced at a later time.
B. The Hawkins Oil Festival on October 10 will feature a tribute to veterans and it is
entitled, “United We Stand”. The parade will include vehicles for veterans to ride
or you can walk the length of the parade if you desire. More information will be
given at the next meeting. Tim said he would include information concerning the
Wall and the festival on the website.
V. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The
veterans had a social hour following the meeting.
Minutes submitted by Jeanette L. Sterner, Secretary
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