busch2fan 
Posts: 337
Wauconda, IL
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| 11 Feb 2007 9:06 PM |
 Alert
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PGR Brothers and Sisters,
It's been a busy few days across the nation. Sadly, there are so many missions right now... I can only lower my head in somber reverence as I scroll through the list on our homepage. The only solace I can find is that I know our family will graciously support all those in need, without care nor concern for our own. I am continually amazed at the strength of this organization. Even today, in temperatures that barely reached the mid-teens... over twenty of our members stood outside over six hours to honor a fallen hero. I stand in awe... truly.
Since this is the first of the regular postings, let me take some time to lay a framework of expectations. As I said in my introduction post, this is not going to be a "answer all" forum. I am sure that questions will be generated in from the updates herein. That is ok and healthy. What I am posting is meant to give everyone some insight to what the BOD is currently grapling with, any national annoucements, and anything else that the BOD needs to get out to the membership. If you see something that you would like additional details on, drop me an email and I will add it to a list of follow ups to cover.
That being said... let's get started.
HELP ON THE HOMEFRONT
No doubt the PGR was founded with one mission in mind, protecting mourning families at military funerals. Yet, over time, as our numbers have increased, some of our membership began to see a need for an organization to "fill in the gaps" where other veteran support organizations have not. While this can be a broad scope, the BOD embraced the notion and Help On the Homefront was born. It's tough to see its impact on a national level, if it isn't occurring in your community... but let me say... your organization is positively impacting lives every day.
- $1,500 was approved for a soldier whose brother and children were recently killed in a car accident.
- $1,500 was approved for a veteran in Texas. He is a Vietnam vet who is battling many health issues, has lost his wife, and whose home has fallen into considerable disrepair.The thread for this HOTH request can be found here: http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/111/postid/397156/view/topic/Default.aspx
- The BOD discussed and approved actively supporting the organization The Silver Star Families (www.silverstarfamilies.org) as they try to get May 1st recognized yearly as "Silver Star Day for the Wounded".
- Dinky Dau informed the BOD of a young girl in Alabama that is actively seeking signed sports memorabilia to send to troops overseas. If you know of a way to contribute to this girl's efforts, please get in touch with Dinky Dau (his contact information can be found on the State and Regional Captain page).
ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS
Not everything I get to report is heartwarming news like above. Some of it is... well... tedious. But, this is the details of the conversation, thus I bring it to you.
- It has been noticed that members at all levels have begun using PGR distribution lists for personal emails and forwards. This contributes to the PGR as being viewed as a spamming organization and leads to the question of the PGR's commitment to member privacy. A policy was discussed and accepted - and sent to all State Captains - stating that PGR distribution lists are to be used for PGR business only and any broadcast email should list the members of that email in the BCC field to protect our members email addresses.
- It has been requested by our members in Canada and Britain to use the PGR logo but change the flag to reflect their respective countries. This was discussed and approved. (From one person... to a worldwide organization... again - amazed.)
- 501(c)3 update: At the time of the call, our accountant was putting the final touches on the 2006 financials which was the last outlying task to be completed in order to complete our 501(c)3 filing. It was stated that a completed filing should be in the mail and enroute no later than 12 FEB 06.
FINANCIAL ITEMS
I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a "numbers" guy. Julie (my wife) and I were blessed and became parents for the first time on 17 JAN 07. I'm proud to say that our son Cameron Elias Lockhart is doing well and he already has a leather vest with PGR patches sewn on. It's never to early to do the right thing. But... my point? I'm going to be worthless if he ever asks me to help him with math...
- The uniform company, Marlow/White, had pledged to donate 1% of its sales for a specified time period to the PGR Scholarship Fund. Details can be found on their site:
http://www.marlowwhite.com/fallen-warrior-fund.html
- We were also notified of a $2000 donation from the parents of Spc. Andrew Daul's parents to support the Wounded Warrior Fund.
PGR GEAR STORE
- January orders were $46,116.72. Cost of goods shipped was $23,003.73. Let me add some clarity here. The difference between the orders total dollar value and the cost of goods shipped dollar value is not profit. There are current backorders (not shipped) included in the January orders total that are not included in the cost of goods shipped total. Since this is our first full month in operation, and our product mix for sales is in constant flux, we are not quite to the point of saying what our precise profit margin is for the month. However, it is a safe estimate to place our current profit margin @ 33% or $15,218.52.
- Additional product is coming: large back patches, additional smaller patches, women's clothing, Thank You pins, RC/SC hats, plates for cages and bikes, motorcycle tank magnets, and a PGR National Challenge Coin.
MISCELLANEOUS
- PGR Bylaws: The bylaws are complete and I have (hopefully successfully) attached them to this post in PDF format. The bylaws were reviewed and approved by our attorney and deamed complete, legal, and safe for operation. You may note that the bylaws are signed by Jeff Brown (PGR President at the time). Per our attorney, the bylaws do not need to reflect a change in signature with each change in officer as long as the change is noted and recorded in BOD minutes as was done when Snap took over when Jeff stepped down. In addition, keep in mind that the bylaws of any organization represent a living document. Changes can - and will - be made as the organization requires to continue to run smoothly and responsibly.
CLOSING
I've typed more today than I think I did for my collegiate finals...
I hope that what I've put out here has been well received - and found to be useful, imformative... and maybe even insightful.
I'd like to keep typing for another hour... but quite frankly... I've got a nasty finger cramp - and Cameron is crying for some quality "Dad" time.
Until next time, that's the word --- on the line.
Respectfully,
Jeff |
Attachment: PGR by laws.pdf
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"Life... Liberty... and the pursuit of all who threaten it."
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