Meeting Minutes 11 March 2025
1. The Shipmates monthly meeting of FRA Branch 208, Camp Lejeune, NC was called to order at 1830 on 11 March 2025 by Shipmate President Raymond Applewhite.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance, Opening Prayer and Preamble to the FRA Constitution were recited by all present.
3. The following Shipmates were present:
Raymond Applewhite – President
Lou Alers – Chairman, Board-of-Directors
Sonny Bell
John Caskey
George Cleveland
Gerald Gray – Master-At-Arms
James Hill – Treasurer
Paul Levesque
Mike Maddox
Tim Manchester – Webmaster
Paul H. Miethker – Secretary
Alexander Nevgloski – Chaplain
John Rooney
Mike Rooney
Terry Scott
Darrell Taylor
Steve Tracy
The following guests were present:
N/A
4. NEW SHIPMATES
N/A
5. MINUTES
The minutes of the 11 February 2025 meeting were accepted.
6. FINANCIAL REPORT
Approved Pending Audit
7. COMMUNICATIONS
a. S/M Secretary Miethker indicated the Branch received the following:
(1) List of paid S/M’s for Mar 25 from National HQ.
(2) List of deceased S/M’s for Mar 25 from National HQ
(3) Letter from the Salvation Army requesting a monetary donation.
(4) Letter from Special Olympics, North Carolina requesting a monetary donation.
(5) Letter from Jones Onslow Electric Membership about the annual dividends option.
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. The Branch appreciation letter for the MCB Commissary will be presented soon. We are
waiting to hear back from the commissary on a good day to present the letter.
b. The floor was opened for nominations for FY 25-26 Branch Officers. All current Branch
officers were nominated to remain in their current position. Elections will be held at the April meeting.
c. The Quarterly Road-Side-Cleanup has been rescheduled for 26 Apr 25 at 0730.
d. S/M President Applewhite, informed the Branch that he is still waiting to hear back from
the various civilian police departments for a date and time for the Branch, Coffee-With-A-Cop Program.
e. S/M Levesque reminded the Branch that any Retiree that still has the Military Paper
Retired ID Card will have to get the new CAC version soon. The Base ID Card Center has put out further guidance on the required items needed to get the new ID Card. It is recommended that you make an appointment, but the ID Center does walk-ins every Friday.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. S//M Secretary Miethker brought up the numerous requests for monetary donations.
The Branch voted not to donate.
b. S/M Tracy presented an idea for a Branch fundraiser. Under discussion it was decided to purchase various Yeti products to make up a beach package. Included are a cooler, backpack cooler, 4 cups and a beach wind screen. The tickets will be sold for $10.00 each, with the drawing to be held on 14 Jun 25. The Branch voted to approve the idea at a cost not to exceed $1,000.00.
c. S/M Board Chairman Alers informed the Branch that there will be a BOD meeting 8 Apr 25 at 1800, prior to the monthly Branch meeting. All S/M’s are invited to attend.
d. S/M Tracy informed the Branch of the successful Toys for Western North Carolina
campaign after hurricane Helene and thanked the Branch for their support.
f. S/M PAO Manchester informed the Branch that the monthly FRA magazine was digital
this month. The Branch has more pictures waiting to be included in future issues.
g. S/M PAO Manchester informed the Branch that Swansboro MCL 1407 is selling raffle
tickets for a battery powered kayak for $10.00 each, drawing is scheduled 14 Jun 25.
h. S/M Levesque informed the Branch that the NMCCL Pharmacy will be closed
20-21 Mar 25 for the required transition to MHS Genesis.
i. S/M President Applewhite informed the Branch that the City of Jacksonville will
recognize our Branch on 8 Apr 25 at 1630 prior to the City Council meeting. We will wear the Blue Polo, Gray Slacks and Cover.
j. S/M Treasurer Hill informed the Branch that he is having right ankle surgery 27 Mar 25.
10. GOOD OF THE ORDER.
a. First Saturday of the month: Reading of the North Carolina POW/MIA Names, Vietnam Memorial, Lejeune Memorial Gardens @ 1200.
b. Every Friday, Veterans Coffee, Lowe’s Foods, Cape Carteret @ 0800.
c. Second Saturday of the month, Navy Retired Chiefs Breakfast, Jacksonville Golden
Corral, @ 0830
d. NMCCL Townhall, lower galley, 27 Mar 25 @ 1400.
e. Regiment of Retired Marines breakfast, All Ranks Club, 12 Apr 25 @ 0700.
f. Viet Nam Recognition Day Ceremony, Lejeune Memorial Gardens @ 1000.
g. CL MCB Retiree Appreciation Day, Marston Pavilion, 27 Sep 25 @ 0900-1400
h. Regiment of Retired Marines Ball, 8 Nov 25, New Bern Convention Center @ 1730.
11. BIRTHDAYS
2 Mar – Duane Richardson
5 Mar – Sammy Mancari
5 Mar – Jeffrey Ricks
7 Mar – Darrell Taylor
13 Mar – Bernard Gorcenski
13 Mar – Sonny Bell
18 Mar – Ron Cozzolino
21 Mar – Franklin Rosa
12. TWO BELL CEREMONY
John L. Gangwer, Capt, USMC, RET (date of death 9 May 22).
John R. Buffington, HMCM, USN RET (date of death 18 Oct 14).
13. There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn. The Closing Prayer was recited, and honors rendered to the American Flag. The meeting was adjourned at 1940. The next meeting will be held on 8 April 2025 @ 1830 at the DAV Building.
Paul H. Miethker
Shipmate Secretary