Tampa Chapter, Sons of American Revolution

Minutes of the January 21, 2012 meeting

The meeting convened at 12:00 noon.  President Luke Lloyd chaired the meeting.

Jack Bolen gave the invocation.  Chuck Copeland led the Pledge of Allegiance.  President Lloyd led the SAR Pledge.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Charles Bearss, Alan Bell, Jack Bolen, Larry Coats, Chuck Copeland, Gilbert Doan, Paul Ergler, Paul Farley, Bill Floyd, Cy Gamber, Chuck Hawley, Leo Kelly, Charles Klug,  Luke Lloyd,  Martin Miller, Gray Reese, John Sessums, Terrell Sessums, John Skillman,  Jack Spangler, Dwight Tetrick, Bob Yarnell and Dick Young

GUESTS ATTENDING:   June Bolen, Dave Brown, Edna Broyles, Judy Copeland , Bailey Fleming, Casey Fleming, Lee Fleming, Mike Frayn, Irene Jantzen, Nelson Jantzen, Lin Coats, Glenn Clepper,  Jeanne Lloyd, Margie Reese, Ellie Skillman, Ken Skillman, Kumi Skillman, Natalie Skillman, Olivia Skillman,  Deena Valdez, Linette Young,  and one other whose name is illegible. 

Minutes of the December 17, 2011 meeting were adopted.

President Lloyd introduced FLSSAR Regional Vice President Nelson Jantzen who then installed the Tampa Chapter officers for 2012; to wit,

                President:                           John E. Skillman

                Vice President:                 Robert Yarnell

                Secretary:                           John F. Spangler

                Treasurer:                           Charles Copeland

                Registrar                              Alan Bell

                Chaplain                              Jack Bolen

                Our new President, Compatriot John E. Skillman, accepted the gavel and congratulation; then, assumed the chair for the meeting and announced a break for lunch.

Following lunch, Regional Vice President Jantzen then led the Chapter and guests in singing “God Bless America” followed by remarks on building camaraderie, and the Society. 

SECRETARY:  No report.

TREASURER: Chuck Copeland reported a balance of funds available in the amount of $2,451.86.  Compatriot Jack Bolen, reported that his recent audit found that the accounting and procedures for same are all in order.  He further commented on the thoroughness Compatriot Copeland applied to revising and improving procedures over the past two years. 

REGISTRAR:  Compatriot Alan Bell reported that there are two certificates on hand awaiting a meeting at which they can be presented to the successful applicants; to wit, Ryan Shelton and Ed Clark.  Further, Mike Frayn was approved on January 17, 2012; but, certificate has not yet been received.   J. Wilkes and J Mancini applications are being reviewed at national level.  There are several more applicants preparing paperwork and/ or at state level review

ROTC RECOGNITION:  Compatriot Jack Bolen reminded members that he still needs a few more members to volunteer to be point(s) of contact with some high schools.  Please call Jack at (813) 685-4026 or email him at jbolen@tampabay.rr.com.   There have been 2 more high schools added to the ROTC program this year.  So, there is an even greater need for volunteers to “adopt” a school ROTC Unit to present recognition to the cadets.  PLEASE CONTACT COMPATRIOT JACK – It’s a pleasant and worthwhile task.

BRIEF COMMENTS:  President Skillman indicated an interest in having our chapter participate in Constitution Day (September 17th) activities which are generally coordinated by Daughters of the American Revolution in our area

SUN CITY CENTER:  Compatriot Luke Lloyd advised of his interest in establishing a new chapter in Sun City Center in South East Hillsborough County.   He has determined there are some men who may wish to join our society but find the distance a bit too far from the Saramana or Tampa chapters. He further encouraged all to read American’s Creed and emphasized the nature of our governmental design of a “democracy within a Republic”.

                President Skillman thanked the members for their confidence in him and his election to the Presidency.   He followed by citing the great work done by Past President Luke Lloyd over the past two years.  He also thanked Dwight Tetrick for the example he set as President of the Chapter when John joined in 2004.   President Skillman awarded Compatriot Luke with a “Past President’s Pin” and again thanked him for the fine example he provided to all our members.   

                President Skillman noted that he will have a committee address a review and revision to our chapter constitution and bylaws which have not been so addressed since 1996 and are clearly out of date.  The proposed revision will be posted on the chapter website before the February meeting and will be voted on at the March meeting.

                President Skillman requested that all members consider serving on at least one committee; such as: Medals & Awards, ROTC Recognition, Membership & Recruiting, Fundraising, Publicity, Eagle Scout, competition, Constitution & Bylaws, etc. 

Regional Vice President Jantzen also offered observations on a myriad of activities other chapters are involved in which we might consider.

                The Board of Governors will meet Saturday February 4, 2012 from 9:30 AM to about Noon at the Piccadilly Cafeteria for an organizational meeting.   All officers, and certain other designated members, are to attend.  All members are welcome to attend.

The meeting adjourned about 1:45 PM