WELCOME ABOARD NEW SHIPMATES:

BRANCH 24 Ceremonial Initiations: Shipmate David Myers was initiated. Welcome aboard! We appreciate members who are active in Branch affairs.

MINUTES OF BRANCH 024

GENERAL MEETING

8 MAY 2012

Shipmate President, Don Hoover called the meeting to order at 1902. S/M MAA David Guerra introduced visiting Shipmates & Guests: PRPEC Claire Purdy, PRPEC Paul Dix, Mr. and Mrs.Vance Morrison who is a son of one of the Squalus’ rescue diver. After appropriate opening ceremonies, the meeting was declared convened.

The minutes of the 10 April 2012 meeting were provided for review and were approved as published.

Treasurer’s Report: Was provided to the members for review. No bills need to be paid.

Communications: FRA 68th East Coast Regional Convention to be held 26-28 July, in Greenville, NC at the City Hotel & Bistro; Banquet forms were handed out to all delegates. This is a fun event for all FRA members. For hotel reservations call (877) 271-2616 Rates are $79 per night plus taxes; cut-off date for block rates is 26 June.

FRA 85th National Convention at the Silver Legacy hotel in Reno, Nevada to be held October 15-21, 2012. For reservations call 800-687-8733 block Fleet12; rates are $65-95 per night plus taxes. Full detailed information is available online on the homepage of the FRA website: www.FRA.org

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Americanism/Patriotism: Arrangements are now in preparation for Branch and Unit 024 to participate in the Annapolis City Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on 28 May. A City Trolley Car has been arranged for the members ride in the parade. Immediately after, arrangements have been made for the Branch, the Unit members and guests (no more than 50 total) to board the YP and sail out in the Chesapeake Bay for our annual Memorial Day Ceremony to include participation of a bugler sounding taps, and the casting of wreaths into the water by the Branch and ladies of the Unit; and then return to the City Dock at which time we will proceed to the FRC for refreshments for the Memorial Ceremony participants.

·  NJROTC: Award presentation and Change of Command Ceremonies will be attended by Shipmate Claire Purdy.

·  Navy Memorial Service in D.C.

Audit, Budget Finance: The annual budget for FY 2012-2013 was presented to the Branch by Shipmate O’Neill; A motion was made to amend line 35 2nd/approved.

A motion was made to accept the budget as amended, 2nd/approved. Shipmates David Guerra and Jack O’Neil will audit the books before the installation ceremony.

Hospital, Welfare, & Rehabilitation: Shipmate Ken Carter is on his way to recovery; he is at Heritage Harbour Rehabilitation. Shipmate Honke has been released from the hospital. Shipmate Ida Guerra is doing well and is at this meeting.

Legislative Services: N/A

Membership & Retention: Shipmate Collins gave the current membership report. Discussion was had on holding a Membership Drive in Baltimore. In addition, FRA will have a recruiting booth on the Mall in D.C. during Rolling Thunder, Memorial Weekend.

Bylaws/Standing Rules: Shipmate Paul Dix is compiling a Branch 24 Operation Manual. Branch 24 may want submit changes to the National Bylaws for the Convention. Copies of Branch and National Bylaws and Standing Rules are available online.

Public Relations: NTR

Youth Activities: Shipmate Hoover is actively working on the soap box derby. This year they have 9 drivers in all 3 divisions. A motion was made/seconded to donate $350 to help with changes to this year’s rules; The vote passed unanimously.

Contributions: A Motion was made to contribute $100 to the Navy Memorial in Anna Dervartanian’s honor, 2nd/approved. A motion was made to contribute $100 to Fisher House, 2nd approved.

Adopt-A-Highway: Shipmate Fred Grady lead shipmates in attendance to pick up trash and debris from 4 miles of Cape St. Claire Road. Please Contact Chairman Shipmate Grady to volunteer and keep the roadsides looking great. Thank you to those who utilized their Saturday morning to make the area a little cleaner and keep the bay clean.

Club Liason: May 20th is the Deck Opening party at the FRC. The Blue Angels will be performing in Baltimore for the War of 1812 anniversary celebration.

TWO BELL CEREMONY: The Two Bell Ceremony was held in honor of those who perished on the submarine USS Squalus. This ceremony is conducted each May at the request of Shipmate Bill Badders who tolled the bell while on the bottom in honor of the entombed shipmates. “It is the only bell in the world to have been tolled for departed shipmates while both were under 242 feet of water.” -William Badders. Mr. Vance Morrison was in attendance for this special event as his father was one of the rescue divers for the Squalus’.

Unfinished Business: Election of Branch 24 Officers and B.O.D. for the Fiscal year 2012-13: President Penny Collins, 1st Vice President Richard Bonnett, 2nd Vice President David Guerra, Sec/Treasurer Valerie Reed. B.O.D: PRPEC Claire Purdy, George Dorsey, Jim Duffy, Jack O’Neil, Jack Waini, Jr.PP, Don Hoover.

NEW BUSINESS: Installation of Branch 24 Officers & BOD at next meeting. Branch 24 will coordinate with FRA headquarters to hold a recruiting booth at the Baltimore War of 1812 anniversary celebration.

Shipmate Dix introduced the proposal of 2 resolutions to be voted on at the next meeting. Copies will be available online.

Delegates for the East Coast Regional Convention:V. Reed; P. Collins (chair); D. Hoover; J. O’Neill; C. Purdy; J. Wainio; V. Cuthie

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Next Branch Meeting: Will be the Initiation Ceremony & Dinner.

ADJOURNMENT: After appropriate closing ceremonies, the meeting adjourned at 2110.

Submitted: Approved:

Valerie Reed Don Hoover

Secretary/Treasurer President