Post Commander Richard Rodriguez gaveled the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. In the absence of Chaplain Lee Becker, 2^nd Vice Mike Meyer delivered the opening prayer. After regular opening business, Commander Rodriquez asked if a quorum was present. With 15 members in attendance, there was a quorum for this meeting.

The minutes of the November meeting were distributed, and the members present accepted the minutes without objection.

There were no new members to be introduced.

Old Business

The Department-led audit continues without new developments. The Post continues to cooperate fully.

New Business

The following officers were absent, so there were no reports from Sgt-at-Arms Jason Thomas, Chaplain Lee Becker, Historian Frank Demeraski, Services and Rehabilitation Officer Robert Davis (Commander Rodriguez noted that Robert Davis had resigned his position early that day), or Judge Advocate Kayda Keleher. Adjutant Dave Lapan had nothing significant to report but noted he would later provide information on the Middle School Essay Contest.

Finance Officer Mike Grebb reported the Post had approximately $12,000 in income during January but had $13,000 in expenses, including $6,900 for repairs.  

In his report, 2^nd Vice Michael Meyer noted that with Robert Davis’s resignation, the Post needs a representative for the Arlington Military & Veterans Affairs Committee to attend monthly meetings on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month. He also announced that St Patrick’s Day festivities are being planned, and details will go out in text messages and on the Post 139 website. He also explained that the audio-visual company, BIG, conducted a site visit after the Post made a past due payment. Mike noted the IPAD for the system may need to be upgraded and reset. BIG will fix the projectors and conduct maintenance on the system. Some of the equipment in the main room, currently set on chairs, is meant to be removed when not in use and Mike will formulate a plan and present it to the Executive Committee and the Post members. He also asked that once the AV system work is completed, there will be training for interested members.

1^st Vice Commander Paul Selby provided the membership report. Post 139 is ranked #3 of 17 posts in District 17, at 91.90% of our annual membership goal (as of February 20, the District average is 87.39%). Post 139 has 37 new members, 41 Paid-up for Life (PUFL) members, and 145 renewals for a total of 227. The Post’s 2025 membership goal is 247.

Commander Rodriguez announced that the Post’s IRS Form 990 filing was received from our accountants on Feb 23 and will be completed the week of February 24. It was originally due on Nov. 15, 2024, but the Post received an extension until May 15, 2025. He reported we are already getting a start on our next filing, which is due Nov 15, 2025.

2^nd Vice Meyer, as “gaming manager,” provided an update noting the machines continue to generate $400-$600 a week in proceeds. He noted the permit renewal has been submitted and provided the results of the March – December annual report:

More than $803,000 was received and approximately $728,000 was paid out over that period. The “use of proceeds” fund stands at $17,800, with a balance earned for the Post of just over $8,650.

He also reported that the 2024 annual report as well as the 4th quarter of 2024 were submitted to the state.

Mark Hirshman provided an update on the transition from Verizon to Comcast, noting that the Post will make the transition in March, saving in monthly costs and gaining improved service. There was some conflict with Verizon over the contract conclusion date and the transfer of service that Mark is working through. Commander Rodriguez noted that our financial responsibility for the Verizon contract should not extend beyond the last date of the contract period.

Adjutant Dave Lapan reported on the progression of the American Legion’s Middle School Essay Contest, with the selection of a student from Veritas Collegiate Academy as the Post’s winning essay (subject: Why I like living in America). Eighth-grader Eloise Sumner’s essay was sent to District 17 and was selected for representation at the State level. As noted previously, Post 139 will provide certificates and checks to Ms. Sumner and her school. Commander Rodriguez has suggested inviting Ms. Sumner and her family to the Post for an event to recognize her accomplishments. We also plan to display in the Post a picture of her and her essay.

Announcements

• Post elections are coming soon – nominations for Post officers on April 30; election on May 28; installation of new executive committee on June 25.
• During Memorial Day weekend, from May 23 to 26, Post 139 will host our first-ever all-veteran art show. Pat Sergeant and Commander Rodriguez will work in collaboration with George Mason University to select the pieces, set up the layout, and host a small event to open the show on May 23. We encourage all members and veterans to come out and support our Northern Virginia veteran artists!
• As a reminder, the Department of Virginia increased its annual dues to $34 (from $29), and as a result, Post dues will increase from $45 to $50.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Veteran Services has an office in our Post, and Ms. Barbara Soto-Rodriguez is its on-site representative. She is available to assist with all manner of veteran-related issues, and her contact information and hours are posted by the office.
• Finally, thank you to 2^nd Vice Mike Meyer for coming in and completing small repair and maintenance work at the Post.

After normal closing activities, Commander Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 7:39 pm.

The next general membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 pm.