NATIONAL RIDERS CONVENTION
ORLANDO, FL
AUGUST 11, 2018, 3:00 PM
 
The meeting was called to order by RNP, George Cummings at 3:00pm.  Prayer by RNCHAP, Jeremiah Botkin.  Pledge of Allegiance was led by RNSAA, Larry Saad.  Riders Mission Statement was read by RNP Cummings. 
 
Roll call of officers:   President, George Cummings; 1st Vice, Tom McNamara; 2nd Vice, John Reando; JA, Jim Whitcraft; Treasurer, Dan Macdonald; Sergeant-At-Arms, Larry Saad; PNP, Don Cox; Chaplain, Jeremiah Botkin; Communications, Kathy Campbell; Publications, Kelly Reando; Historian, David Ray; Secretary, Karen Cox.  All present.
 
 Roll call of Delegates:    90 registrations; 62 voting delegates present.  The majority vote is 32.  2/3’s vote is 42.
 
DEPT REPORTS
 
FL-No report.
 
GA-No report.
 
IA-Currently have 4 chapters, working on 2 more.
 
IN-No report.
 
KY-Currently have 6 chapters.  Annual department ride, Fire & Ice coming up, everyone is welcome.
 
MI-No report.
 
MO- 12 chapters, 9 of the 12 reported programs.  333 members: 283-Riders, 50-Supporters, 159 are Veterans, 97 are sons, and 77 are ladies auxiliary.
 
NY-139 members, 17 are supporters, 122 are riders. 8 chapters, working on another.
 
OH-Thank you to National for your help.  Kenton chapter reporting is big.
 
WI-No report.
 
CHAPTER REPORTS
AK-2 This is the 1st convention they’ve been to.  Getting things going in AK.
 
TN-104:  MIKE INMAN -  Chapter has been in existence for 9 years, proud of that.  Just built a new Veterans cemetery.  No one in chapter has done the reporting.  Mike is a past recipient of a SILVER HELMET AWARD for AMVETS Member of the Year.
 
LA-7:  MIKE CAMPBELL - Just got their 2nd chapter in LA, Chapter 66.  LA-7 has 34 members, LA-66 has 23 members and both are growing.
 
Bob Wills - Department of FL Riders President welcomes all to their great state.
 
OFFICER REPORTS
 
RN1V-TOM MCNAMARA
We have 123 chapters.  We are down 4 from last year.  We have 2,414 members.  We have 10 departments and 18 Quality Chapters.  Eight chapters were sent a Revocation of Charter letters:  FL-20, GA-2011, IN-13, NC-905, NM-14, NY-8, OH-40 and OH-112.  Motion made to give those 8 chapters, 30 days to revalidate, 2nd, discussion:  What happens when a chapter closes, what happens with those members?  CBL says they have 90 days to find a new chapter to join.  When chapters close, the money in their account and their charter are sent to the department.  The department holds it for a year to see if they can reopen. Motion passed.
 
RN2V-JOHN REANDO
Programs reporting was well over $5 mil; $200,000 more than last year.   Thank you all for raffle ticket selling.  If you still want to buy tickets, see me during our break.  I have a 2nd vice conference call every 2nd Sunday of each month.  It is at 7 Central/8 Eastern time. Everyone is invited if you’d like to call in.  Let me know and I’ll send an email with the phone number and access code.
 
Reporting period is July 1st thru June 30th.  It is broken into 2-six-month periods.  Here is the breakdown:
 
FL             $1.5 mil
GA            $205,000
IA              $197,000
IN             $152,000
KY             $442,000
MI            $224,000
MO          $873,000
 
The Long-Range Planning Committee discussed what we can do in the future to better the organization.
 
Moving from regular business to welcome the AMVETS National Commander, Rege Riley.  He plans to work with the Riders.  Past National Commander Marion Polk also visited.  He said he enjoyed working with us and was proud of what we do.  At the Mid-Year Rally, he had won a patriotic box.  He gave the Riders National President, George Cummings, that same box as a gift.  He had put gold plated engraved tags on it of each Past National Riders Presidents.  He said it should be passed on to each president, and the previous presidents name needs to be added.
 
JA – JIM WHITCRAFT
My report is in the book and I ask that it be accepted as written.  Here are 3 resolutions that need to be voted on.
 
Resolution 01-2018-Submitted by Riders National CBL Committee: Article XI, Sections 11.1 through 11.10, reads “other duties as may assigned by the Executive Committee/Executive Board or the President”.   Amend Article 11, Sections 11-2 through 11-10 to read “other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board or the President”.  Committee recommends Adoption.  Motion made, 2nd, passed.
 
Resolution 02-2018- Riders Unified Constitution.  Submitted by the Department of Georgia Executive Committee, Article VII: Membership.  Article VII, add Section 7.7 to read:  The AMVETS Riders do not accept Members At Large of the AMVETS, Son’s of AMVETS, or AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, nor does the AMVETS Riders permit any Riders Member’s at Large.  The committee recommends adoption.  Motion made, 2nd.  To be passed by membership, 2/3’s vote is needed.  Motion passed.
 
Resolution 03-2018-Riders Unified By-Laws.  Submit by the Department of Georgia Executive Committee, Article V Section 5.2 sets the qualifications for membership.  Amend Article V Section 5.2 to add Subsection 5.2D) to read:  The AMVETS Riders do not accept Members at Large of the AMVETS, Son’s of AMVETS, or AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, nor does the AMVETS Riders permit any Riders Members at Large.  The committee recommends adoption.  Motion made, 2nd and passed.
 
The committee discussed changing the terminology from Standard Operating Procedures to Standing Rules.  That change will happen next year.
 
Any changes or provisions to our Standard Operating Procedures from the floor:  Ed Flack, Department of Florida would like to add:  That if any disciplinary action is brought against a Rider Officer by their parent organization, that the officer be prohibited from holding any level office in the Riders for a period of 2 years, to begin upon reinstatement by parent organization.  Discussion:  Motion to change from disciplinary action to suspension from parent organization.  Call for a vote:  2nd motion, passed.
 
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR-BEVERLY MUNOZ – Books are in immaculate condition.  Went from 3 accounts to 1 and it’s so much easier.  Everything was perfect.
 
TREASURER-DAN MACDONALD – Expenses are now broken down under each officer.
Big changes proposed:   Proposing that we change the budget year from September through August to July through June. That way the budget year will be complete by the time we get to convention and it will be easier for the audit committee.  Whatever is left over will be donated.  It will be up to the body to decide on where we will donate.  Send suggestions to the secretary.
 
Cashed $300 of Rewards money from credit cards to buy 12-$25 Visa gift cards to give out as door prizes at convention.  Motorcycle flags were randomly given also.  We have 90 registrations at convention.  Used random drawing system from a website with 90 numbers.  Your name corresponded with where you fall on the list, 1 to 90. 
 
We have $50,000 in a money market that we don’t touch.  We have $74,456.66 in the bank, which is more than we ever had.
 
I want to thank you for your trust for the past 6 years.  Next year I plan on running for 2nd Vice.
 
Motion to accept report, 2nd, motion passed.  Motion to change Budget Year, 2nd, motion passed.
Motion to pay President Cummings $100 for snacks, 2nd, passed.              By changing budget year, the next one will be from 9-1-2018 through 6-30-2019, then full year will begin July 1, 2019 through 6-30-2020, motion 2nd, passed.  Motion to donate $5000 at convention next year and remaining budget funds from each year will be donated at convention each following year, delegates choice of where, motion 2nd, passed.  Send suggestions to the secretary. 
 
Travel Expense Voucher   Motion made that national officers cannot double dip by being paid twice for the same event.  2nd, passed.
 
Motion to compile list of places to donate, finance committee will narrow it down at Mid-Year Rally, 2nd and passed.
 
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER-KATHY CAMPBELL – Pleasure to be re-appointed.  The media policy is on the website.  I have 623 POC’s and 95.8% are good emails.  Goal to get to 100%.  Motion to accept report, 2nd, passed.
 
PUBLICATIONS OFFICER-KELLY REANDO – Member brochures are available.    Instructions will be available on the website to complete your 990’s.  Motion to accept report, 2nd, passed.
 
CHAPLAIN-JEREMIAH BOTKIN – We have the death benefit available.  Please honor those who have passed by placing them in our “LAST CHAPTER”.  We have the scholarship fund also.  Motion to accept report, 2nd passed.
 
SARGEANT-AT-ARMS – LARRY SAAD  -  Link will be placed on website for 990   Motion to accept report, 2nd passed.
 
HISTORIAN – DAVID RAY   No report.
 
IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT -DON COX - No report.
 
SECRETARY-KAREN COX – Motion to accept report as written, 2nd passed.
 
President Cummings:  No old business. New business:  AK-2 donated $500 to President Cummings cause.
 
NOMINATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS:
JA – Jim Whitcraft nominated.  He accepts nomination, no others, nominations closed.
SAA – Larry Saad nominated.  He accepts nomination, no others, nominations closed.
Treasurer - Dan Macdonald nominated.  He accepts nomination, no others, nominations closed.
2nd Vice – John Reando nominated; Mike Campbell nominated; both accept, no others nominated.
                  Hand vote taken, John Reando is elected 2nd Vice.
1st Vice – Tom McNamara nominated. He accepts nomination, no others, nominations closed.
President – George Cummings nominated.  He accepts nomination, no others, nominations closed.
 
Motion to make 1 vote for all unopposed, 2nd, passed.
 
Motion to adjourn at 6:10pm, 2nd passed.  Colors were retired, Prayer was led by Jeremiah Botkin.
 
NOTE:  FOR COMPLETE DETAILS OF THIS MEETING, YOU MAY VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE THE VIDEOS.
 
KAREN COX
National Riders Secretary

As the National Convention gets closer, the National Executive Board has voted to eliminate the need for the individual Chapters to submit for the “Quality Chapter Award”.

​We have decided to go to a much simpler formulation as we have done in the past. It’s simple, we are going to keep it to increased membership, programs reporting for both semi-annual periods prior to the National Convention and have your Dues and Remittance and Revalidations in on time. It is your job to submit on time and ours to keep track of those items. I sincerely hope that this brings back the prestige and honor of the Quality Chapter award as we enjoy presenting this award. If you have any questions, contact me at hueycchief@yahoo.com.

Please remember to send in your 990’s with your Revalidations, this is imperative to keep your Chapters in good standing with the IRS.

I look forward to seeing as many Riders as can come to Orlando for the National Convention.
 
LRB/LRS,
Tom McNamara
National 1st Vice President
AMVETS Riders 

Hello Riders!
​
It is that time of year again. Time to submit Chapter nominations for "Chapter Rider of the Year 2018 ".
 
If you have a member of your Chapter that you feel has gone above and beyond in his/her service this year, you may submit a nomination for "Chapter Rider of the Year 2018".
 
Nominees must be a current Chapter member in good standing.
 
To nominate a member of your Chapter: Please send their name, a short bio of why you feel they are a candidate to be recognized as "Chapter Rider of the Year 2018". Also include any articles you feel are associated, such as newspaper clippings if available (not required).
 
Chapters with a Department: Send your nominations to your Department President no later than June 30th, 2018. 
 
Chapters without a Department: Email your nominations to National Riders Secretary Karen Cox @ ridersns3.kcox@yahoo.com no later than June 30th, 2018.
 
Remember: Deadline for submission is June 30th, 2018. ALL nominations must be RECEIVED by this date.
Please do not reply to this email with your nominations. Nomination names and information must be emailed as mentioned above.
 
Kathy Campbell RNCO
amvets.rnco@outlook.com
kc.chptr7@suddenlink.net
(318)793-0263
(318)277-4593-cell

It is once again time for Department and Chapter elections throughout the Country, Congratulations to all the new and returning Officers. If you have accepted a position within the organization, I challenge you to perform your duties to the best of your abilities. This means read the Unified Constitution and By-Laws to become familiar with your duties and responsibilities. These documents can be found at www.amvetsridersnational.org on the Publications page.

One of the first responsibilities for the 1st Vices is to ensure that the Revalidations are received in a timely manner to the National AMVETS Riders. Chapters must revalidate to the Riders Department (or National, if no Department) no later than 1st of July each year to maintain their Charter. Chapters must submit to Department Headquarters (or National, if no Department) a copy of their most current IRS tax filing with the revalidation paperwork, (990, 1023, 1024).

Departments must revalidate no later than the 15th of July each year to maintain their Charter along with copy of their most current IRS tax filing with the revalidation paperwork, (990, 1023, 1024).
​
Just a reminder, to be eligible for the Quality Chapter award, National must have your Chapter revalidation by 1 July. The requirements can also be found at www.amvetsriders.org.
Again, Congratulations to all the new and reelected Officers nationwide.
 
LRB/LRS,
Tom McNamara
National 1st Vice President
AMVETS Riders

2018 RIDERS NATIONAL MID-YEAR RALLY
MEETING MINUTES
April 26-28, 2018, Bunnell, FL
 
Meeting was called to order by President George Cummings, April 28, 2018 at 2:30 pm.
Invocation given by Jeremiah Botkin, RNCHAP.  Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Larry Saad, RNSAA.  Mission statement was read by President George Cummings.
Roll call of officers, all present.

OFFICER REPORTS
1st Vice Tom McNamara -  We have a total of 1,902 members that we can account for.  Approximately 100 cannot be accounted for because their status as a Rider or Supporter isn’t known and therefore not marked on the National roster.  It’s important that the DRF’s are filled out completely.  The Department Rosters were sent to each department to be corrected and marked that dues were paid and sent back to Karen.
2nd Vice John Reando -  If you have a new email address, send it in.  Program reporting is going good.  The following departments have reported 100%: GA, IA, KY and OH.  National raffle tickets:  sell them and get the stubs and money back to me.  Do not send cash.  The drawing will be held at the National Convention in August.  In order to get Quality Chapter, you must sell at least $100 worth of tickets.  LRP:  Committee members are Kristin Orem, David Ray, Richard Dean, George Cummings and John Reando.
Past National President Don Cox   No Report.
 
Judge Advocate   Jim Whitcraft     My report is in the book.  I ask that it
be accepted as written.
Treasurer Dan Macdonald -  Finance committee gave him ideas on tracking expenses.  Suggest he have sub-groups under some line items, so it’ll be broke down.  Not all the membership money has come in yet because not all DRF’s are in yet.  Audit Committee – No discrepancies found, it was perfect.  They did have recommendations:  When officers get receipts, make a copy right away because store receipts tend to fade.  Also, have a running total on the spreadsheet.
Communications Officer Kathy Campbell - I ask that my report be accepted as written in the book.
Secretary Karen Cox  -  I ask that my report be accepted as written in the book.
Publications Officer Kelly Webber - I ask that my report be accepted as written in the book.
Sergeant-At-Arms Larry Saad - No uniform issues.  Dealing with the 990’s.
Motion to accept officers’ reports from David Ray, 2nd by Dave Wilkins, no discussion, passed.

NEW BUSINESS
    Kurt Knechtle - President of Chapter 113 – Thanked everyone for attending.  Said he received help throughout the planning of the rally.  All raffle winners will be drawn today.
      Richard Dean – 2nd Vice MO 48 – Has PLEASE STAND patches for sale for $6.00.  Funds from sold patches will go to Hero’s Care.
    David Ray – Department of GA President, has been appointed as National Historian.  He was presented with a red beret.
 
Move from regular business to nominations for National Officers:
  Sergeant-At-Arms      Larry Saad nominated           Accepted
  Treasurer                    Dan Macdonald                     Accepted
  Judge Advocate          Jim Whitcraft                         Accepted
  2nd Vice                       John Reando                          Accepted
  1st Vice                        Tom McNamara                    Accepted
  President                    George Cummings                 Accepted

Back to regular business.  Cindy Zebley, 1st Vice Riders Chapter 113 thanked everyone for coming.
The National Executive Board thanked everyone.
President George Cummings gave a personal thank you to everyone for coming.
Motion made to adjourn.  No discussion, passed.  Adjourned at 3:25pm.
Prayer by RNCHAP Jeremiah Botkin.
Colors retired by RNSAA Larry Saad.
 
Karen Cox
Riders National Secretary

To: All AMVETS Riders Members 

2018 Marks the 10th anniversary of the AMVETS Riders National Charter.

In celebration of this milestone National AMVETS Riders is looking to have a “10 Year” commemorative patch made and available at convention in August.

We are opening this up to the membership as a “10 Year” patch contest!

The patch design must be approximately 3” to 4” in size, round or oval and must represent the 10 years.

The person who submits the chosen patch design will receive $100!

All designs must be submitted by email to the Riders National Secretary no later than June 10th, 2018.

We look forward to seeing your ideas!

Submit your patch design to:
Karen Cox – RNS
ridersns3.kcox@yahoo.com

​Remember the deadline to submit is June 10th!

Hello, Nation!!

It’s about Mid Year time, and there is work to be done. I will be getting a letter out regarding EVERY Chapter 990 tax status.

Department Presidents, please insure your chapters and Dept are current. Those chapters without a Dept, please make sure you are current...

Please go to National's web page, and find my email address and forward a copy of 990 to me. Please add your chapter# and Dept in the subject line, as to weed out spam.

​If you’re as computer illiterate as I am, and you’d rather mail a copy, that’s fine, too.

Thanks in advance.

Larry Saad, RNSAA