AVMS Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026
Call to Order: Bob Turner, President, called the meeting to order at 6:30. Tom Gwiazdowski was absent.
Invocation: led by Kelly Naughton.
Guest Speaker: There was no guest speaker this month.
Officer Reports
Treasurer’s Report – Steve Milbrod:
There was a beginning balance of $ 8,232.14 and we ended the month with $9,315.89.
Deposits of $2,645.58 in gross revenue are as follows:
- $966.58 Dues collection
- $30.00 Merchandise sales
- $40.00 50/50 raffle proceeds
- $1,559.00 Income from Night At The Races 2026
- $50.00 Miscellaneous donations
On the expense side there was a total of $1,561.83 funds distributed as follows:
- $299.99 Annual Website hosting
- $240 QuickBooks 2-year online subscription
- $897.75 Night at the Races Vendor supplies and rental
- $124.18 Event and business supplies
Secretary’s Report – Gail Boyle:
January 2026 meeting minutes were approved by the Board electronically and are available on the AVMS website. A reminder was given about 2026 dues payable via check or Zeffy.
Gail thanked Beth and Joe Ward who was this month’s sponsor and asked for other members to sign the upcoming monthly meetings sponsorship list located on the counter with the snacks.
Attendance – 39 members.
Other Business
Bob Turner –
- Bob spoke of the JFCS Veteran’s Standdown on February 21st at 2200 Ringling Blvd in the Health & Human Services Building. The Standdown serves Veteran’s in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. He stressed that it was a great volunteer opportunity. Rich Greenberg added additional details and will be our lead contact for Standdown,
- There will be an upcoming DWLWR 10th anniversary celebration on March 21st called Del WebbStock and AVMS’s participation may be assistance in set up and break down of the stage. We will be able to hold our 50/50 as a fundraiser during the event. Steve Milbrod has been asked to MC the event,
- Future fundraising events are vital for AVMS to continue to support our charity partners as well as increasing membership and communications. Bob passed around focus group sign up sheets and asked for ideas on how to better serve our members and community. John Bastiani will assist with updating our website. A suggestion was given to have a military history blog,
- July 4th will be the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence and AVMS will line our community with flags. One suggestion was a banner or a flyover and to share a synopsis of our 250 years with the Inquisitive Minds group.
- Planning for the AVMS calendar was mentioned to solicit suggestions to increase participation. One suggestion was a movie night or presentations by Vietnam Veterans,
- Bob asked if there were any questions from members.
Steve Milbrod –
- Steve gave a recap of Night at the Races and stated that we netted just over $5,000. He thanked all who volunteered and attended for making the event a huge success.
Gerry Northrup – The Vice President’s Corner
- Gerry gave a presentation on the aircraft carrier Midway located in San Diego California. The presentation described its impact in various battles beginning from its commission in September 1945. The Midway is now a museum open to the public.
50/50 – Pina
The 50/50 was drawn at the end of the meeting.
Our next meeting will be Monday, March 9, 2026.
Respectfully submitted, Gail Boyle – Secretary