President’s Report- June 2023

All AFHM Members and Supporters:

Our all-volunteer non-profit military history organization celebrated its first anniversary of the Lawrence House opening on June 10th with a “by invitation” reception that was well attended and enjoyed by all. Thanks to all who assisted with its planning and setup that included a food spread catered by Doc’s Pub, beer, wine. There was also a wine tasting of our own private label wines that are being offered as a future revenue generator for AFHM thanks to a partnership with One Hope Winery in Napa Valley and their local marketing representative Heather Viruet.

The reception was further enhanced by a stirring presentation by Gen George Washington (Sam Davis), and re-enactors Rich Hill and Colin Zimmerman who was accompanied by his WWI group and military equipment display. Well done all!

Other happenings of note for the month included:

• Awarding of four(4) $1000 scholarships to graduating JROTC seniors at Rancocas Valley Regional and Northern Burlington High Schools. This marks the third year of such awards on behalf of AFHM, with prior year totals of three for 2021 and 2022. Additionally we supported the funding for a fifth $1000 scholarship given by the JerseyMan Magazine Chairman’s Club business leaders group (of which we’re a member), as presented by owner Ken Dunek. The recipient has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy
• Attendance at two history conferences at the Grounds for Sculpture and Stockton University in Atlantic city where I was a presenter of an overview of AFHM and our opening “Rebirth” of the Lawrence House. Topics of interest also included board membership development and responsibilities protocols,  and the State’s upcoming “America 250” commemoration in 2026
• Introduction of our own private label wine that pays tribute to the Revolutionary War in New Jersey.  Promotional wine tastings have been scheduled for the Lawrence House reception (6/10), Legacy Club Networking Social at the Burlington Country Club (6/27), and the Cream Ridge Golf Tournament (6/28). Also being considered is a Mount Holly Rotary dinner at the Spellbound Brewing (6/29). Next up is an engraved wooden box gift presentation piece for the wine and future “Ten Crucial Days” bourbon! Thanks to Vic Ramos for his graphics label creations!
• Revolutionary War children’s book promotion at the above events, and at the upcoming Liberty Lakes family day on 6/30
• Our 1st Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser at the Cream Ridge Country Club on June 28th. The teams are coming together nicely as are the sponsorships. In addition the Amazon folks are providing a number of items for auction that will help greatly with the fundraising. Please plan to come out and support AFHM in making the event a success!
• Successful mobile exhibit events at the Bordentown Street Fair (5/21) and Jeeps on the Waterfront in Burlington city (6/3) that drew a record number of customized vehicles and a LOT of visitor draw for us! We also made contact with the State Historian for the Sons of the American Revolution who expressed great interest in our organization. He has agreed to become a member and assist us with promoting and funding our mission. Also participated in a table event at the Smithville Mansion grounds (5/21) for their annual History Day in promoting AFHM and our new children’s book on the Revolutionary War

Another great month with plenty yet ahead. Please continue your support to our military history mission and programs, and look for ways to volunteer as well – Just let us know where you feel you can contribute and we’ll work to make it happen!

Happy 4th of July!

Respectfully submitted,

Roy Plummer, President AFHM