On behalf of the of the National AMVETS Riders Executive Board, I regret to inform the Riders Nation that because of an act of God, we must cancel this year’s Mid-Year Rally hosted by Illinois Chapter 169 in North Pekin, Ill. This is by no means the fault of the hosting Chapter; they have complied with all timelines and was actively preparing to host this event. The Governor of Illinois has shut down all establishments for the foreseeable future. We decided that we could not push the date of the Mid-Year because of the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 (Coronavirus). We feel that the only option at this point is to add a day onto the front of the National Riders Convention to conduct necessary business. 
 
If you had pre-registered for the Mid-Year rally, our National Treasurer, Paul Spuhl, will be contacting you for the return of your money.
 
We will be moving onto the planning of the Mid-Year for 2021, this is my personnel favorite meeting of the year. I hope to see all of you in Springfield Ill for the National Convention.
 
When our Post start to open up, please support them as many Post are small and it will be hard to recover monetarily. Please look out for one another and stay in contact with you Chapter Presidents.
 
 
LRB/S,
 
Tom McNamara
National President
AMVETS Riders

Good day Riders!

With Mid-Year 2019 approaching, we are once again accepting applications for the AMVETS Riders scholarship program. Three scholarships are to be awarded.

If you or a member of your chapter are interested in applying for a qualified family member or yourself, please complete the application form that can be found on the website under the publications tab. A direct link is provided below.

Qualifications and requirements are noted on the application. Please read carefully and fill out completely to avoid any delay/disqualification of your application. Be sure to submit by the deadline stated.

https://www.amvetsridersnational.org/uploads/6/3/4/7/63472693/national_riders_scholarship__application_revised_1-30-2017.pdf

sent from:
Kathy Campbell RNCO
amvets.rnco@outlook.com
kc.chptr7@suddenlink.net
(318)793-0263
(318)277-4593-cell

​National AMVETS Riders are now accepting bids to host the Mid-Year Rally 2021. We are looking to hold it in a central location to All Our Chapters. We would like to visit new states and chapters so please submit a bid if your chapter would like to be considered as the hosting chapter for 2021. The event must be held between the last 2 weeks of April and the first 2 weeks of May. If your Chapter would like to host the 2021 Mid-Year Rally, you must submit your bids to the Riders National Headquarters no later than 1 April, 2019.
All bids must be received by this date.
 
Mail your bids to:
Riders National Secretary
Karen Cox
​14 Reid Place
​Palm Coast, FL 32164
 
You may also submit by email (as long as copies of all signature pages are included) to:
ridersns3.kcox@yahoo.com
 
If your bid is not chosen, you will be asked if you would like to leave it in to be considered for the following year. If any bid information has changed, you will need to update and re-submit by the submission deadline. You must inform the National secretary if there are no changes and you would still like your bid considered so a copy can be given to the committee.
 
All bids will be presented to the Mid-Year Meeting Committee. They will then make recommendations to the Riders Mid-Year Body. A vote will be taken and location chosen during Mid-Year 2019.
 
You must include the following in your bids.
 
1. Your post has a meeting room capable of holding up to 50 people.
 
2. The Chapter must submit a letter from the Post Commander or Executive Board stating that they will support the Riders Mid-Year Rally.
 
3. The Chapter must submit a list of local Hotels/motels and room pricing.
 
4. The Chapter must submit a cost sheet for meals per person and which meals will be made available to the Rally if the Chapter/Post is providing food.
 
5. The Chapter must submit a comprehensive schedule for activities for a Riders get together to be held on Saturday night, which shall be funded by the Hosting Chapter.
 
6. The Chapter shall submit a detailed cost breakdown for any expenses the Riders National may incur.
 
7. The Chapter must submit a Point of Contact and an Alternate Point of Contact to include Phone Number, e-mail and mailing address.
 
LRB/LRS
 
AMVETS Riders National Secretary
Karen Cox
 
AMVETS Riders National Communications
Kathy Campbell

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

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

MID-YEAR RALLY HOTELS
APRIL 27 – 29 2018
Host Chapter is FL-113, Bunnell, FL
 
Hilton Garden Inn - (386)586-2463 …….……………………………$116+tax/night
55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast, FL
TELL THEM YOU ARE WITH AMVETS RIDERS FOR THE DISCOUNTED RATE-LIMITED ROOMS AVAILABLE
 
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – (386)445-3450 …………..$92+tax/night
400 Old Kings Rd., Palm Coast, FL
TELL THEM YOU ARE WITH AMVETS RIDERS FOR THE DISCOUNTED RATE-LIMITED ROOMS AVAILABLE
 
Hampton Inn – (386)439-8999 ……………………………………….$146+tax/night
150 Flagler Plaza Dr., Palm Coast, FL
 
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – (386)439-3939 …………………$135+tax/night
200 Flagler Plaza Dr., Palm Coast, FL
 
Econo Lodge – (386)446-4457 ………………………………………….…$72+tax/night
5 Kingswood Dr., Palm Coast, FL
 
Days Inn – (386)7734 ………………………………………………………….$87+tax/night
120 Garden, Palm Coast, FL
 
Red Roof Inn – (386)446-8180 …………………………………………...$87+tax/night
10 Kingswood Dr., Palm Coast, FL
 
MEETINGS WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY MORNING APRIL 27th.  YOU MAY WANT TO ARRIVE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 26th

SUBJECT:  Corrected 2017 Mid-Year Minutes                                                                      
September 22, 2017                                                                      
 
Correction to page 1, line 7 of both paragraphs under “GUESTS”.
 
PARAGRAPH 1 AS READS:  with a Gold Rider’s Honorary Beret, and made him an honorary rider;
IS CORRECTED TO READ:  with a Gold Rider’s Commemorative Beret, and made him an honorary rider;
 
PARAGRAPH  2 AS READS: him with a Rider’s Honorary Black Beret and made him an honorary rider.
IS CORRECTED TO READ: him with a Rider’s Commemorative Beret, and made him an honorary rider.
 
Thank You,
 
Karen Cox
Riders National Secretary

AMVETS RIDERS NATIONAL
OFFICERS TRAVEL EXPENSE POLICY

PDF File
 
The following policy is for the payment of expenses for AMVETS Riders National Officers and other members of the Riders Organization when authorized by the Riders National President and Riders National Executive Board.
 
Payment for attendance at National Executive Committee Meetings, Mid-Year Rally and National Conventions will be paid at the following Rates:
 
National President: Travel shall be paid either full airfare or mileage reimbursement rate, which will be choice of the RNP. RNP may have a suite when booking rooms and allotted days of reimbursed lodging shall be, maximum of FOUR (4) days for National Executive Committee Meetings plus Mid-Year Rally and SEVEN (7) days Maximum for the National Convention, additional days must be approved in writing by the NEB. RNP may rent a vehicle when needed while attending authorized functions for National Riders with prior approval of the NEB.

Elected Officers: Travel shall be paid at the lesser rate of mileage or airfare. Lodging shall be paid at the full rate of a regular room, any charges for a more expensive room will be paid by the Officer. Maximum of THREE (3) days for National Executive Committee Meetings, National Convention and Mid-Year Rally, additional days must be approved by the NEB. One of the following Appointed Officers RNS, RNCO, or RNPO shall be reimbursed for FOUR (4) days for Convention and Mid-Year in order to organize and set up for meetings ahead of time. Any additional expenses must have prior approval from the NEB.

​Immediate Past: Shall be reimbursed at the same rate as Elected Officers. Any additional expenses must have prior approval from the NEB.

Past National Presidents: Will receive up to $250.00 to cover travel and or lodging with approved receipts. Any additional expenses must have prior approval from the NEB.

Appointed Officers: Shall be reimbursed for full travel expenses with receipts, but shall not exceed the Elected Officers reimbursement rate. Any additional expenses must have prior approval from the NEB.

Official Business Travel: Individuals traveling on Official Business as directed by the Riders National President and Riders National Executive Board shall be reimbursed at actual cost unless different reimbursements are agreed upon before expenses are incurred.

REIMBURSEMENT RATES:                                                                  

Mileage shall be paid at a rate of $ 0.36 per mile based on Google Maps from home address to event. Air Fare shall be based on the lowest air fare available a minimum of 30 days prior to the scheduled event date, to include round trip mileage to the airport, parking and baggage fees. Air Fare shall be for Economy Class travel or the lowest priced airfare available on priceline.com. When booking airfare in advance any and all Officers can opt to take flight cancelation insurance as long as it does not exceed $25.00.

Misc. Expenses: Shall be paid at actual cost for expense as long as receipts are provided with proper documentation.

RECEIPTS and REPORTING

All expenses incurred while on official business shall be accounted for with legible RECIEPTS clearly stating the INDIVIDUAL’S NAME, DATE, PLACE of PURCHASE, and AMOUNT. The Treasurer shall date and initial receipts when received.

Expenses shall be listed on the Official AMVETS Riders Expense Report and submitted to the National Treasurer no later than FOURTEEN (14) days from the end of travel or expenditure in order to be reimbursed. All expense reports must be signed by a combination of TWO (2) National Riders Officers and ONE (1) shall be National Riders Treasurer and the other be either RNP, 1st Vice, or 2nd Vice. No Officer can be an approval signature on their own expense sheet.

TRAVEL and LODGING ARRANGMENTS and PAYMENT

Each individual is responsible for making their own Travel and Lodging arrangements unless the National Riders Treasurer has agreed to schedule it for them. Failure to make proper arrangements will be at the expense of the INDIVIDUAL and NOT the RIDERS ORGANIZATION. No reimbursements will be made for improper Travel, Lodging, or other expenses incurred.

There will be no advanced payment for Travel, Lodging, or other expenses except when authorized by the Riders National President and Riders National Executive Board whom shall assume responsibility for any and all costs or losses associated with any advance payment not used or recovered. Each National Officer has their own National Riders credit card and may use it for authorized travel expenses.

At no time will AMVETS Riders Credit Cards, Banking Account Information, or any check which is not properly completed be given to any individual or entity except by the individual authorized to do so.

Any reimbursement received or receiving from their Parent Organization, Chapter, or Department is to be used first before National Riders picks up the remaining cost of eligible expenses.
 
This Travel Expense Policy is not a guarantee of all reimbursements stated. If for acceptable financial reasons approved by 2/3 vote of the Riders National Executive Board any or all reimbursements may be reduced or eliminated. Prior notification of reimbursement changes will be given before expenses are incurred by individual.
​
This Policy was revised and adopted 5/5/2017 at Mid-Year Rally Meeting by National Riders Finance Committee. Approved and adopted by the body 5/6/2017, 2017 at Mid-Year Rally general meeting.

CORRECTION TO MID-YEAR RALLY MINUTES, DATED MAY 6th, 2017
 
The Department of GA was erroneously omitted from the attendance portion.
 
Page 1, under Roll Call and Credentials, then under RECAP:
 
INCORRECT PORTION READS:  6 Departments (FL, IA, KY, MI, MO and OH);
 
IS CORRECTED TO READ:  7 Departments (FL, GA, IA, KY, MI, MO and OH);
 
Karen Cox
Riders National Secretary

2017 NATIONAL RIDERS MID-YEAR RALLY
MEETING MINUTES
DESOTO, MO
 
Meeting was called to order by Don Cox, Riders National President (RNP), on May 6, 2017 at 1330 hours.
 
     Invocation by Jeremiah Botkin, Riders National Chaplain, (RNCHAP).  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Larry Saad, Riders National Sergeant-At-Arms (RNSAA). 
 
      Guests:  President Don Cox introduced our guests:  National Commander Harold Chapman and National Execute Director Joe Chenelly.    President Cox had each come to the podium.  Commander Chapman thanked us for the invite and thanked us for all we do, he said he was very pleased with the Riders.  He said to get on the AMVETS National Facebook page.  He also said the Camp Hope trailer was outside and to please support it.  President Cox presented him with a Gold Riders Honorary Beret, and made him an honorary rider; he was very pleased and appreciated the beret.
 
     National Executive Director, Joe Chenelly, thanked us for what we do. He stated HQ’s wants to support us.  He explained the difference between 501c (3) and c (19) and why we need to file under the 501c (19):  The c (19) is for veteran organizations who have members.  It’s against the law to hold a c (3) if you have members.  The c (3) is for the service foundations.  He explained the importance in getting the 990’s filed annually.   President Cox also presented him with a Rider’s Honorary Black Beret and made him an honorary rider.
 
      Roll Call and Credentials:  Given by Kathy Campbell, Riders National Communications Officer (RNCO).
All National Officers were in attendance, excluding Dan MacDonald, Riders National Treasurer who was excused.  Rob Quick and Bruce McElhaney, Past National Presidents (PNP) were present.   
 
Recap:  9 National Officers; 2 Past National Presidents (PNP); 6 Departments (FL, IA, KY, MI, MO and OH); 40 Chapter Delegates; 23 Alternates, 48 Non-voting; 103 are in attendance with 96 of those pre-registered.  Kathy also expressed the benefit of each Department and each Chapter appointing a Communications Officer and having conference calls between your Department and Chapters.
   
     Convention Rules: Jim Whitcraft, Riders National Judge Advocate (RNJA), called for a motion to adopt the Convention Rules, 2nd and passed.  The Convention Rules will be posted on our website.
 
COMMITEE MEETINGS
 
     1st Vice  George Cummings (RN1V): Recommended reinstatement of Awards Program for recruitment, by use of a patch with year and each year thereafter when eligible.  Motion was made, 2nd and passed.  Told the membership that it is their responsibility to ensure that their dues are paid up if they plan to be a delegate.
 
     Scholarships Awarded:  3 of the 5 scholarships will be awarded.  The 3 individuals are:  BROOKE RALLO, DONALD CLIFTON IV and MADISON GABRIEL.  Each will receive $1000.  Congratulations.
 
      2nd Vice:  Tom McNamara (RN2V) Money reported in programs was $867,557, 30,000 hours reported and 233 members have been reported since January 2017.  Keep up the great work.
 
     Mid-Year Rally Bids:  PNP Rob Quick headed up the Mid-Year Rally Committee.  The bids submitted to host the 2019 Mid-Year Rally were:  GA-10, KY-125, and OH-51.  Some of the criteria included, but not limited to, are location, space required and, financially stable.  The committee’s recommendation to the membership is OH-51, Thornville, OH.  Motion made, 2nd, passed.  Congratulations.  KY 125 agreed to take it if for some reason OH-51 could not do it.  GA-10 plans to put in for mid-year bid for the year 2020.
 
     CBL SOP’s:  Jim Whitcraft (RNJA), asked for a motion for an SOP changing the due date for Dues and Remittance Forms and dues checks be submitted to Headquarters by March 15th, with a drop-dead date of April 15th.  Motion made, 2nd and passed.   He also asked for a motion for an SOP naming what officers will chair which committees.  Motion made, 2nd and passed.  They will be posted on the website.
 
     Treasurer Report:  The credit card used by the National Officers for travel expenses has a “cash back” program.  Motion was made to use the awards towards convention goodies and door prizes.  Motion was 2nd and passed.  Ending balance of accounts at the end of February 2017 was $51,432.56.  Motion was made to authorize the Riders National President a rental car during Mid-Year Rally.  Motion was 2nd and passed.
 
     Old Business:  None
 
     New Business:  Nominations for National Officers.
 
      Position                                                            Nominations              
      Sergeant-At-Arms                                           Larry Saad
      Judge Advocate                                              Jim Whitcraft
      Treasurer                                                          Dan MacDonald
      2nd Vice                                                            John Reando
      1st Vice                                                             Tom MacNamara
      President                                                          George Cummings
 
     Good & Welfare:  None
 
Meeting adjourned at 1430 hours.  Benediction by Jeremiah Botkin RNCHAP; Retirement of Colors led by Larry Saad, RNSAA.
 
 
 
Karen Cox
Riders National Secretary
(419) 304-5310
ridersns3.kcox@yahoo.com
amvetsridersnational.org (Riders Website)