Fleet Reservation Association

Branch 104 Minutes

09 NOV 2020

Meeting for November was conducted via online meeting application, ZOOM.COM, and was hosted by S/M Branch President Len Barrett. Following Shipmates checked in and participated in the meeting: Mike Batnick, Bill Casto, Rex Faubion, Don Felthouse, Jerry Fugich, Mary Jean Hrbacek, Jim Jones, John Johnson, Ernie LaChapelle, Tim Moss, Russ Peters, Alvie Robbins, Tom Shriver, Mark Thompson, and Jim Wallace.

1909 Opening Prayer Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble.

The minutes were called and approved as previously submitted via newsletter.

Committee Reports:

Legislative: S/M Fugich, VLC Chairman. Large deficit at State. Need to ensure DVA is supported in budget. Fundraising and welfare of Veterans are being affected by COVID restrictions. Important to note that not all Veterans are computer literate or actually have access to the internet. Zoom meetings are not all encompassing but is what we have to deal with. Electronic meetings are fine but a lot of Veterans are being left by the wayside. How do we get others involved? Veterans Legislative Coalition (VLC) meetings currently being held on Zoom.

Youth Activities: NTR

Americanism/Patriotism: Deadline for inputs is 01 DEC. Awaitiing inputs. Email from National Chairman indicated that he had mailed out a ribbon for the Branch. Assume this is an award for past years A/P Committee report.

Membership: 94 members in good standing. Life Member Cecil Bruce (65 year member) deceased Newest Life Member Abe Crus. “Ready to Renew”: Barger, Brooks, Burdette, Eller, Leaf, Wallace and Zavadil. One member past due – Kincaid.

Public Relations: Newsletter, Website up to date. Facebook page is active

Finance and Audit: Looking good.

Health and Welfare: Binnacle list: S/M Doug Eller, ill Casto, Car Leaf, Alvie Robbins, John Johnson and Jorge Ramirez.

VAVS: S/M Felthouse advised that the Halloween activities at the American Lake Community Living Center were supported. Provided 15 masks and candy. Email received from Voluntary Service Officer asking for support in providing basic needs for residents at American Lake. Needs list is not holiday specific but a reoccurring needs list. S/M Felthouse to forward for inclusion in the Newsletter. S/M Wallace is meeting with S/M Felthouse to get additional candy donations for American Lake.

Communications: (1) NW Region Branch Officers Report undated. (2) FRA Newsbytes.

Treasurers Report: Submitted via Newsletter (1) Bill from National to pay for Widows subscription to FRA Today - $21.00 (2) New debit card received from bank..(3) Annual Branch Liability Bond subtracted from months PCT - $40.00

Unfinished Business: (1) Auburn Veterans Day Procession – S/M Johnson and Jones participated representing Branch 104. Note, it was a procession, not a parade. Mix reviews. (2) contact list – still in process.

New Business: Christmas Breakfast – tabled until later due to COVID restrictions.

Good of the Order: (1) Post 2 in Parkland holding a Veterans Day Breakfast. (2) Happy Birthday Marine Corps 245 Years. (3) Happy Birthday FRA, 96 years on Nov 11. (4) No Thanksgiving dinner at VFW. (5) Chili Cook Off, 14 NOV at VFW Post 2224. No fee to enter. $50.00 prize. If you want to taste, $10.00 Proceeds to Wreath Across America. Gun Raffle will be held. (6) Support the VFW meals, breakfast every Sunday 0800-1100. VFW kitchen shuts down 16 NOV for renovations. (7) S/M Hrbacek spoke about Women Veterans. Always remember that Women are Veterans too. Frequently overlooked. S/M Barrett request she provide information for inclusion in the newsletter.

2014 Meeting adjourned.

Next regularly scheduled meeting will be on 14 DEC 2020.

Rex Faubion

Mt. Rainier Branch 104, Secretary