Presidents Report August 225
August 2025 Presidents report
During the week of July 22 – 25, the AFHM partnered with the Burlington County Historical Society at the Burlington County Fair. We had adjoining tables in the History tent. Marvel Carrol handled the scheduling and display with our members who volunteered for this event. I want to thank all who were involved. I was at Myrtle Beach that week so missed the excitement. I think next year we might consider taking our 250th themed Mobile Museum. We will discuss that idea next year.
On August 1, I was sworn in as the Honorary Commander of the 514th Air Wing as the HC for the Wing Commander. We toured their Headquarters; Operations and a C-17 transport aircraft. Colonel Amundson spent the day filling me in on the unit and their operation. Our guide was SMSGT. Crystal Malsom. Her father and I were High School classmates in Nampa, Idaho many years ago. It is indeed a small world. Crystal has agreed to speak at our September membership meeting. She will give us an overview of the 514th mission and also tell us about the “Attic” at Joint Base. The “Attic“ is a donation center where members of the military can acquire needed items at a very low price point. They also take monetary donations. We may be able to support this endeavor with some donations for the troops in need.
On August 5, National Night Out, we took the Mobile Museum to Delran Twp. It was the most attended event we have been to as an organization in a long time. The estimated attendance was nearly 10,000 according to the Fire Chief. We were given the premier spot to set up and were right across from the food and ice cream trucks, so we did not go hungry. The Mobile Museum was very well received by the audience and we had a great night with donations. Marvel pushed 50/50s all night and I believe we sold 20.
On August 7, Springfield Twp. had a Patriotic event at their municipal park. The Mobile Museum was right on the main walkway, so we had visitors and we sold a few 50/50s.
On August 12, Sandra Conville and I met with Mike Ferraro from “Bridging the Gap” and Brett Seltzer from “Slice” who have an exciting plan to help us with fundraising and Community Recognition. We agreed to a follow-up meeting probably at Adventure Crossing in early September to discuss their entire plan with the Executive Committee. There will be more to follow as we pursue this potential opportunity.
On August 13, we were prepared to attend the Amazon “Back to School Event” at Florence Fire house. Rosie Rivera from Amazon invited us as part of their outreach to the community but for the second time this summer the weather got in the way. We cannot open the Mobile Museum in the rain, so we did not attend.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bryan Branson, President
August 14, 2025
