Presidents Report -January 2024

To: All AFHM Members and Supporters*

With the first snowfall of the winter having arrived we might want to reflect on the harsh conditions George Washington and his army had to endure at Valley Forge. As the winter weather didn’t deter him in his quest for victory and American independence, we also must push on in this New Year to meet the challenges that achieve the successes needed to support our military history program initiatives. To this end here are some of the areas we’re already focused on in January:
– The restart of the “Saturday Speakers” program that will begin with a preview of the “Right to Fight” minorities in the military documentary series currently in development. These monthly sessions are planned to be scheduled at the Burlington County Historical Society main building beginning February 24th at 2pm. Stay tuned for additional programs being lined up through the June timeframe at this time
– Mobile unit panel and reader rail updates that will showcase the Revolutionary War as we position exhibits for the “America 250th” celebration statewide in 2026
– Revamping of certain Lawrence House exhibits and displays to open up additional space for other military history and war era stories
– Pending grant awards from Burlington County and a military history foundation that will help fund the “Right to Fight” project and an augmented reality enhanced tour experience capability for the Lawrence House 
– Renewal of our Chairman’s Club executive leadership group membership that will enable us to broaden our reach and brand exposure within the greater Philadelphia and South Jersey business networking community 
– Pursuit of a NJ gaming license that will enable us to promote a “Super 50/50” campaign as an added fundraising initiative in 2024
– Research possible Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications that have potential benefit to AFHM. To this end an AI guest speaker has been identified to share his expertise at the February meeting 

These initiatives and possibilities offer a great start to the 2024 year. It also marks my last year as AFHM President as I look to transition out of the role and embrace other support roles, mainly in the areas of community outreach/networking,  grant pursuits and fundraising opportunities. In this regard i will be working with the executive team to name my replacement for the 2025 year. 
All the best to everyone for 2024 and, again,  thank you for all that you do in support of our all-volunteer non-profit military history organization and its mission!

Respectfully, 
Roy Plummer, President AFHM