Last night was our monthly VFW Riders Group meeting. Normally, I look forward to these, not only for the feedback, but because I am the Secretary and the positive feedback I get from members of how good my minutes, or agenda, or the calendar of events. But lately, our Director has started some "bad habits" that I do not like. The biggest one is paying receipts (especially his) from proceeds gained from things like our monthly dinners, etc. His complaint is that it takes the Quartermaster too long to reimburse him, citing it takes over a month (not true) and it is just easier and faster this way. Sounds way to shady for me, as no one sees the receipts he is claiming, so how do we know he isn't taking more? The second issue I had, was brought up at the meeting last night. Director wants to do a couple raffles, each for a handgun, and have the drawing in mid-December. Sounds fine, right? Well, he wants to buy the guns out of pocket (instead of from our account) and reimburse him the cost(s) from the proceeds of the raffles, as ticket sales come in.
Tonight, I decided I wasn't going to stand for it.
Tonight we had our Quarterly Post/Auxiliary meeting, where we basically go over our calendar of events, and give status reports for some of them, or additional information that has been brought up. Our Post Commander was there tonight (he is also the Treasurer for our Riders chapter, but do to Commander duties, is not able to make every meeting). After the meeting, I sat with him and explained I had some contention about the actions of the Riders Director. I explained the self-reimbursement from proceeds. Big no-no. As a non-profit entity (the VFW) when proceeds are collected, they need to be recorded for audit, then the reimbursements are dispersed by the Quartermaster. So the Commander was not happy. Then I brought up the issue about the raffles for the handguns. Another big no-no. We, as the Riders, Post, or Auxiliary, should never have possession of a fireman we are raffling off. Proper procedure is to place it on lay-away at whatever gun shop, use some of the raffle proceeds to make payments on it, excluding the final $1.00. Thus, the gun shop has the gun. When drawing, three tickets are drawn. the first draw is the winner, who will at agreed time, meet with our delegate at the gun shop, do their background check, and if passes, we pay the final $1, they go home with the weapon. If they don't pass, then the second ticket drawn gets to repeat the same process. We are never in possession of the weapon. Our Riders Director wants to do some kind of electronic raffle draw (online) and reimburse his own pocket, as well as have possession of the weapons.
The Commander told me "I will take care of speaking to him", and I was relieved. I am sure my name will not be mentioned but I know the Director will still find out it was me. Why? Because I completed our minutes from last night's meeting tonight, and sent to him for approval, or any corrections, prior to sending to the group. Regarding the gun raffles, I phrased it we are still looking into information about doing the raffle "as the VFWRG should not be in possession of said weapon at any point during the raffle". I am sure he is smart enough to put it together. Oh well. What he is doing goes against Rider bylaws, Post bylaws, and frankly, is just shady as all get out.
The next couple of weeks shall be interesting.
Tomorrow I have my appointment with my PCP, to catch her up on the hospital visit/stay, and was able to print off many of the reports from the hospital for her to 'add to my file'. I am not sure she will change anything at this point, as I have the Kidney specialist next Thursday. Shall be interesting. Friday I have nothing on my calendar (thank goodness). Saturday I am at the Post helping with Inventory (done monthly). Sunday the Riders are providing breakfast 9-noon, so I will be there to help with that.
Some days, I feel I am just too involved at the Post. But, at least now it gives me a better outlet than just going to the bar (though they have a canteen - and cheaper prices). And, I feel better being involved in helping reach out to the communities through events the Aux and Post put on.
Alright, it is late, and I need to get to bed to try to get some sleep (hopefully). Doctor at the hospital told me to stop taking the edibles I use to relax and sleep, at least until I see the specialists and find out what they think. Also, I'm getting tired of water - even with the electrolyte flavor packs RM gave me. Worse, being told to limit my water intake as much as possible (goal was under 1500mL - 50oz per day).
PeacE
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