Prior to the meeting, Wendy Hall of HP Hospice gave a presentation on services provided by the organization.

The meeting was called to order by Commander Richard Floyd at 1410.

There were 16 members and 2 guests present.

Proper opening ceremonies were held.

Roll call of officers - all present.

The Adjutant read the minutes of the 11 January 2011 meeting.
The minutes were accepted as read.

Treasurer Paul Curry presented the Treasurers Report for this period.
The report was accepted as read.
There were no outstanding bills.

Chaplain John Seaman reported that 2 members passed away since our last meeting.
They were:
David Genobles age 72 of Inverness on 3 Feb, (USA) and Richard Diederich age 87 of St. Petersburg (death reported to chapter on Dec. Monthly Activity Report).
Ray Raphael and his wife Shirley are both on our sick list.

Service Officer Bill Geden reported that the food pantry is now serving 391 families.

Guests Harold Koontz of Hernando (Ch. 15 KY) and Lloyd Dickerson of Floral City Ch. 96 FL) were introduced.
Membership Chairman Archie Gooding transferred them into the Chapter.

The Adjutant read the following correspondence:
1. Jan. DAV News Service - VA checks will be by direct deposit by 3-31-13. Link
2. Notice - The company, Veterans Affairs Services (or VAS) is not authorized by the VA for veterans services. Link
3. VA lists class of Navy and Coast Guard ships that qualify for Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure. Link
4. VA New Personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbook. Link
5. Korean Medal & Certificates. Link
6. Veterans Benefits Forum on 28 Feb. 2011 at Cornerstone Baptist Church at 1830.
Note: Copies of the above may be obtained from the Adjutant or by going online to the Chapters website.

Under Old Business - The Adjutant displayed the plaque to be presented to the Golden Corral.
The Commander stated that he has not been able to meet with Carol (Career Choice Uniforms) in regards to salvaging parts from the DAV flag.

On this years scholarship, The chapter will offer one $1,000.00 scholarship.
Rolling Thunder will offer a $500.00 scholarship but will meet to raise that amount to $1,000.00.

The Commander announced that the Civil Air Patrol will be moving into the building.
As part of their rent, they will handle building cleanup as well as making a monetary donation.
A written agreement will be created and presented to the membership.

Under New Business - The Commander presented a plaque to Neville Anderson for his unselfish duty to the Chapter.
Paul Curry also presented Neville a hand carved walking stick to guide him thru life.

Ray Michael made a motion to donate $200.00 to the welcome home fund for the National Guard unit.
The motion was seconded & approved.

Al Hayes made a motion to donate $100.00 a month to the Veterans Foundation.
The motion was amended to "if funds are available" and approved.

The Commander stated a copy machine was donated to the chapter by the MCL.
It appears to be in need of repair.
It is offered to anyone for a donation or whatever.

Garry Williamson is working on a deal to combine cable, phone and internet with a possible savings of $8.00 over our existing limited service.
Members approved the move.

Archie Gooding stated that Rolling Thunder Ch. 7 approached the County Commission in regards to flying the POW/MIA flag.
The Commission approved that the flag will be flown 24/7.
A ceremony will be held at the old courthouse on 22 Feb. at 1:30 in honor of the event.
(Rolling Thunder will also provide the flags free of charge).

Ray Michael stated that Aaron Weaver Ch. 776 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will hold its Purple Heart Ceremony on 12 Feb. at 1100 at the National Guard Armory

Joe Stephens stated that our new van is now scheduled for delivery on or about 1 May.
Joe also provided the members with a rundown on the chapters website and recent changes in the program.

Neville Anderson made a motion to repeal his previous motion of setting aside 20% of fund raising money to the van fund.
The motion was seconded and approved.

John Seaman informed the members that American Legion Post 225 in Floral City is sponsoring a Nature Coast All Veterans Reunion to be held the second week in October.
The Viet Nam Traveling Wall will be there as well as other exhibits and vendors.

A design for a pin was shown and will be available in March. Further information will be provided as received.

Mac Armitage questioned the proper way to pay tribute to the Amercan Flag at ceremonies.
The new rules were discussed.

Being no other business proper closing ceremonies were held and the meeting was adjourned at 1520.

Respectfully submitted,
John Seaman, Adjutant