DAV Glenn F. Renicker Chapter 17, Hammond, IN
Monthly Meeting Minutes
October 01, 2020
Commander Bob Carnagey called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm., then turned the meeting over to Senior Vice Commander Steve Bramer.
Officer of the Day Frank Garcia led the meeting reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice Commander Steve Bramer recited the DAV Mission Statement.
Commander Carnagey introduced Amelda Ferreira, Director of the Greater Gary Vet Center, and she spoke of the various programs that are available at the Center.
Adjutant John Sarnecki read the Roll Call of Officers:
Junior Vice Commander John Cap was not present / excused.
Adjutant John Sarnecki presented the printed copy of the previous meetings minutes and asked if there were any corrections, or questions about the minutes. Minutes were approved as printed.
Vice Commander Bramer asked if there were any first time visitors and two were present, and they introduced themselves to the Chapter.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Dave Taborski reported that they had to open up a separate account for all of the monies that we receive from the ForgetMeNots donations. This account will be to help Veterans and their families. The ForgetMeNot account has a total of $29,311.48 from this year’s collections. The General Fund has a total of $37,248.20, which includes a donation of $10,000.00 from the Majestic Star Casino.
Chaplain’s Report: James Bibbs reported that Kid Roberts is in the ICU at St. Anthony in Crown Point. Paul Penkala is hospitalized due to internal bleeding. Tony Molina is hospitalized for observation. John Cap’s Wife (she is a nurse) is quarantined because she tested positive for Covid-19. DAV Chapter 17 member Joseph Florez SR. passed on September 13th.
Commander Carnagey and Steve Bramer completed the installation of Theresa Bryant and her young daughter Danielle, as members of DAV Chapter 17.
Service Officer Report: Chapter Service Officer Jim Daugherty reported that they will be cutting back to being at VFW Post 802 only on the 1st & 3rd Mondays until the Covid-19 pandemic is over. National Service Officers, and members of DAV Chapter 17, Ben Fugate and Robert Nolbertowicz, were introduced. They both said that they would be available to assist anyone with claims after the meeting. Department Service Officer John Papka was present but did not have any comments today.
Radio Show: Pat O’Donnell reported on the Radio Show. Judge Julie Cantrell will be on the program this Friday to report on the Veterans’ Court.
Volunteer Committee: Tony Trzupek reported that he submitted a total of 554 Volunteer hours for the September Report.
Old Business: Commander Carnagey reminded everyone that in the future if any member wants to order a DAV Cap, Shirt, or Jacket, that they must do so through the DAV Catalog, or
the DAV On-Line catalog. The only items that Chapter 17 will be involved in ordering are the
Forget Me Not Shirts, along with the black DAV Chapter 17 jackets, through a vendor in Valparaiso.
Commander Carnagey reported that last year’s Annual Report has been completed by Myra Perea, and that the books for the year of July 01, 2019 to June 30th 2020 are closed.
Good of the Order: Frank Wayne made a motion to donate $200.00 to the Joseph Florez family from Chapter 17. Pat O’Donnell seconded the motion, and the motion was passed.
Tony Trzupek made the motion that Chapter 17 purchase a Pop UP Tent (for no more than $200.00) to be used at Post activities when needed. Seconded by David Hinshaw, and the motion was passed.
Frank Wayne made the motion that we pay for the Majestic Stat / DAV tee shirts that were used for the July DAV program at the Casino. Pat O’Donnell seconded the motion, and the motion was passed. Commander Carnegy then reported that with this payment, the Majestic Star donation of $10,000.00 is actually only $7,600.00.
David Hinshaw made the motion to purchase socks and gloves for the Veterans at the Veterans Life Changing Services. Frank Wayne seconded the motion and the motion was passed.
John Sarnecki reported on the $250.00 assistance that is available to help Service-Connected Disabled Veterans who have lost employment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
NSO Robert Nolbertowicz reported further on the program and also explained the Pen Fed program where a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran can get up to $5,000.00 to assist them with their Mortgage, Rent, Car Payment, or Utilities. This is a one time program that must be done through a National Service Officer.
Officer of the Day Frank Garcia led the meeting in a moment of silence.
Commander Carnagey closed the meeting at 8:25 pm.
Commander Adjutant
Bob Carnagey John Sarnecki