A.V.M.S. Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025
Call to Order: Rich Greenberg, President, called the meeting to order at 6:30. Deb DiStefano, Director at Large led the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Turner, Vice President and Gail Boyle, Secretary were both absent from the meeting.
Invocation: led by Kelly Naughton.
Presentation of Donations for 2025:
Rich Greenberg presented checks to our Charity Partners and each of them spoke about their mission and how their organization support veterans. The following Charities were present:
- Ringling College of Art & Design Veteran’s Program – War Paint of Courage Program in its 7th year, featuring Vietnam.
- Dogs, Inc providing service dogs and companion programs for Gold Star Families.
- Operation Warrior Resolution – Brain-based healing through retreats and specialized programs. New facility will be ready in January.
- Jewish Family & Children’s Services concentrating on homeless veterans. Stand-down program will be held in February 2026.
- My Warrior’s Place – Providing affordable housing programs and services to veterans, law enforcement, and first responders.
Officer Reports
Treasurer’s Report – Steve Milbrod:
Bank activity for the month of September: We had a beginning balance of $23,828.14 and we ended the month with $43,358.58.
We deposited $20,610.50 in gross revenue which breaks down as follows:
- $325.00 from the Del Webb Feud
- $1,155.00 – proceeds from Lottapalooza
- $19,002.00 from Operation Thanksgiving
- $40.00 from meeting 50/50 raffle
- $88.50 membership dues
On the debit side there was a total of $1,080.06 spent:
- $800.00 remaining balance for the Lottapalooza band BYNGE
- $180.06 was for supplies for the Membership Appreciation Party.
Secretary’s Report
October’s meeting minutes were approved by the Board electronically and are available on the AVMS website. The By-Laws were also approved electronically and also will be posted to the AVMS website.
Operation Thanksgiving
Another record-breaking year! We grossed in excess of $23,000 which will be presented to MacDill Air Force Base as 428 gift cards and $1600 toward Operation Warm Heart which provides additional money to the neediest soldiers. Thanks to Deb DiStefano and Paul Roy for Co-chairing the event and a big thanks to all that donated.
Tribute to Heroes Parade
This was held on November 9 in downtown Lakewood Ranch. At the end of the parade, Rich Greenberg was given a donation check from the Lakewood Ranch Association for $3,000.
Upcoming Events
The Night at the Races will be held on January 31, 2026 and is expected to be bigger and better than last year. The ticket prices will remain the same, $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Operation Thanksgiving
Operation Thanksgiving kick-off headed up by Paul Roy and will run through the end of the month. Donations currently are at 50% of last year’s numbers. It was discussed that AVMS will exchange the donations for gift cards from Publix. The First Sargent’s Council will then distribute the cards on the basis of need. Publix has donated three additional $50 gift cards.
50/50 – Peggy
The 50/50 was drawn at the end of the meeting.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Deb DiStefano for Gail Boyle – Secretary