Presidents Report May 2024

To: All AFHM Members and Supporters 

 

We welcomed May with our mobile making it’s first 2024 season appearance at the Burlington Mercer Chamber of Commerce Street Fair in Roebling on the 19th that featured 170+ vendors, food trucks, entertainment,  dog costume contest, corn hole competition and more! Attendance was robust with continued interest in our military history exhibit. 

With this first event in the books we look forward to its participation in 20+ more community programs and celebrations through early November. Other items of note for the month include:

• Introduction of a digital “Mobile Wallet Card” app that uses  QR-CODE technology to introduce the public to AFHM and our mission programs. A sweepstakes promotion has been linked to it the encourage adding the app to one’s mobile phone for a chance to win a free Lawrence House tour and $50 Amazon gift card
• Installation of four(4) Revolutionary War “Ten Crucial Days” reader rail posters on the mobile unit along with an accompanying video on the 90″ TV screen
• Participated in a Joint Base History Heritage Conference hosted by a team of Base historians. AFHM as well as 20+ other area community history-related organizations presented overviews of their missions and programs. The goal is to foster better mutually beneficial relationships between the Joint Base and the surrounding communities
• Pursuit of an AFHM phone contact service with voice mail and text capability. The monthly cost is minimal and will enable and facilitate inquiries from an interested audience public
• Staffed an information table at the Joint Base Annual Retirees Day on May 4th. Much interest was generated by attendees including pending tours of the Lawrence House. Additionally a Base support organization is considering a donation to AFHM for its contributions to the region from a military history education and awareness standpoint
• Identification of five(5) JROTC seniors for AFHM scholarships of $1000 each. Award ceremonies are scheduled for late May(Rancocas Valley Regional High School) and early June(Northern Burlington)
• Met with a local videographer business to pursue potential Living History interview and documentary services as may be desired, including marketing and promotion initiatives 

On a more somber note it is with great sadness that we marked the passing of two AFHM family members – Barbara Dutko,  wife of Gen. Bob Dutko, and Mick Shanklin. Please keep their families in your prayers an thoughts as they deal with their loss. Rest in peace Barbara and Mick.

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

Roy Plummer, President AFHM www.afhmus.org