President’s Report- March 18,2022

March 18, 2022

President Report

As we complete the first quarter of the year we are preparing for an interesting and exciting schedule of events. We have had several comments indicating the meetings are too long, and we will attempt to streamline the process to accommodate attendees the opportunity to enjoy lunch and continue to their planned activities for the day. The purpose of the monthly meeting was intended to be a membership meeting with guest speakers. Over the past two pandemic years the meetings have included both regular and Board of Director type of activities that has extended the length of the meetings. With the opening of the Lawrence House, it will provide us the opportunity to conduct Executive and Board of Director meetings or by the ZOOM process in preparing for our monthly meetings. The results of those meetings will be presented to the membership in a monthly newsletter. Actions requiring approval in accordance with the Bylaw’s will be presented at the membership meeting and reflected in the minutes of the meeting. We will evaluate the timeframe of today’s meeting to determine how to proceed in the future.

At the December Executive meeting two major decisions were made. The appointment of Roy Plummer as the Manager of the Lawrence House and the establishment of Marc Iroff to chair the Annual Dinner for 2022. Roy is doing a fabulous job preparing the Lawrence House for a scheduled Official opening on June 12, 2022. He has recruited new members with a background in Military History who are also reenactors and created several Manhattan Projects that will establish the Lawrence House a delight to visit and allow us to accomplish the mission of the Armed Forces Heritage Museum. Marc Iroff has conducted the initial planning meeting for the Annual dinner on March 8, 2022, at Joanne and Joe Tilghman’s home and they provided an excellent dinner for the attendees. He outlined an aggressive program to increase participation and promote advertisement in the Ad Journal. Since the meeting October 29, 2022, has been established as the date for the dinner and it will be conducted at O’Connor’s Restaurant, the same location as last year. So please place the date on your calendars. Thanks Roy and Marc for the work you are doing to support the AFHM.

Bryan Branson has been a great assistant to Roy as they prepare the Lawrence House. Unfortunately, he did suffer our first injury but has recovered nicely. So, whenever we work at the facility, please ensure safety is of paramount importance. Bryan also is preparing for the deployment of Mini Mo with the first event scheduled for April 23, 2022, at the Pemberton Legion. We expect to have a busy schedule with events this year and will need support from our membership so please be prepared to donate some of your time to work the events.

Sandy Conville continues to provide excellent work with the social media and Website programs. You will read the results of her work in the report she has submitted. Marc Iroff continues to provide new enhancements to the website to make it more effective. We have come a long way during the past 12 months and looking forward to a bright future.

Joanne Tilghman is providing excellent work as the Treasurer. We are also fortunate to have Don Cammus on board to assist with the fiscal management of the organization. He has implemented and consented to manage a software program that will enhance the effectiveness of the organization. Don also manages the filing of our tax returns each year.

We will be having a sales store at the Lawrence House and Marvel Carrol has accepted the responsibility to manage the store. Thanks, Marvel for taking on this task. More info to follow.

Myra Wille and Ron Hathaway have accepted the responsibility to publish and post a monthly newsletter. It will contain special interest items and updates on the activities of the organization. It will be distributed to our membership and posted through our social media programs.

Bob Vonbargen continues to manage the Living History program and continues to work with Nick Mellis and Ron Hathaway to schedule and conduct interviews. Much of the work they are doing will be featured at the Lawrence House soon. Thanks for the outstanding work you are doing.

Mick Shanklin continues to improve and hopefully be able to attend meetings soon. When I return Bryan Branson and I will visit Mick to determine how we might be able to assist him in his recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

We are looking forward to a year of new and exciting activity for the organization and it can only be accomplished with the participation and support of our Officer’s, Board of Directors, and members. So please pay attention to scheduled events and plan to volunteer some of your time when we announce scheduled activities. Be Well and Stay Safe.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                                                                                                                                Robert S Dutko, Sr.

                                                                                                                                                                                                AFHM President