Tampa Chapter, Sons of American Revolution

Minutes of the February 18, 2012 meeting

The meeting convened at 12:02 PM. President John E. Skillman chaired the meeting.

Luke Lloyd gave the invocation. Leo Kelly led the Pledge of Allegiance. President Skillman led the SAR Pledge.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Bearss, Alan Bell, Edward Clark, Chuck Copeland, Terry Doan, Paul Ergler, Bill Floyd, Mike Frayn, Cy Gamber, Chuck Hawley, Leo Kelly, Charles Klug, Robert Koehler, Luke Lloyd, David McCallister, Martin Miller, Ed Neugaard, Roger Quackenbush, Gray Reese, John Sessums, Terrell Sessums, Ryan Shelton, John Skillman, Jack Spangler, Davis Whipkey, Bob Yarnell and Dick Young

GUESTS ATTENDING: Judy Copeland, Glenn Clepper, Jeanne Lloyd, William Ludlum, Barbara Ludlum, Bob O’Donnell, Margie Reese, Beth Shelton, Ellie Skillman, Lillian Spangler, Kay Whipkey and Lisette Young

At the direction of President John E. Skillman, members and guests introduced themselves. Then President Skillman recognized all Past Presidents in attendance and thanked them for their service.

SECRETARY: It was moved, and seconded that the minutes of the January 21, 2012 meeting be approved. No discussion. Unanimously approved. A brief description of the Eagle Scout Competition program was given and interested members were asked to raise their hand. Subsequently, a number of members signed up indicating interest in serving on a Boy Scout Committee.

TREASURER: Chuck Copeland reported a balance of funds available in the amount of $2,093.62. A copy of the Financial Reports dated 02/08/12 are attached to, and made a part of, these minutes.

REGISTRAR: Compatriot Alan Bell reported that several new members will receive their certificates at this meeting. Additionally, there are 3 or 4 supplemental applications pending and 8 to 10 prospective members at various stages of research and application preparation.

COLOR GUARD: The color guard will participate at the Saramana Chapter’s Wounded Warrior luncheon on Saturday February25, 2012. The dinner will host 35 service veterans who have been wounded in action and are recipients of the Purple Heart. It is expected about 200 people will attend and each of the wounded soldiers will receive a Sons of the American Revolution medal.

President Skillman :

a. Reminded members that the proposed, revised Constitution and Bylaws are posted on the Chapter website. The proposal will be voted upon at the March 2012 general membership meeting.

b. Mentioned February is the month for recognizing Presidents , particularly by DAR and SAR, and encouraged the reading of a recently published book, Washington A Life, by Ron Chernow

c. Offered challenge coins to members who bring in the first 10 new member during his Presidency

d. Mentioned the celebration of “The Last Naval Battle” of the revolution that took place off Cape Canaveral. The celebration will be held March 2 and 3, 2012. Members are encouraged to participate.

e. Explained “Mail Chimp” software that allows him to see if you’ve read the email he sent you.

f. Delivered a letter from the SAR Foundation to the Secretary for retention. The letter is recognition of our chapter having donated to the Foundation.

g. Made the following awards: John Yates Sessums received a bronze Color Guard Medal and Certificate for his more than 3 years dedicated service in the guard. Luke Lloyd received the Meritorious Service Medal and Certificate for his exemplary service as President for the past 2 years and his service as Registrar for 4 years.

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, etc. A sign-up sheet was circulated which was retained by President Skillman.

The meeting recessed for members and guests to dine. The meeting reconvened about 1:10 PM.

President Skillman recognized, awarded certificates to, and welcomed four new members: Edward W. Clark, III, Michael T. Frayn, Ryan R. Shelton, and David E. Whipkey.

Vice President Bob Yarnell introduced our guest Speaker, Professor Robert O’Donnell who gave an interesting and informative address on “African Americans in the Revolution”. Professor O’Donnell was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Vice President Bob Yarnell.

Vice President Bob Yarnell mentioned he would schedule a program on Florida in the Revolution at the March 17, 2012 meeting.

The meeting adjourned about 1:50 PM