American GI Forum – General Membership Meeting Minutes📅 Date: June 26, 2025
- Peter Bernal
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM📍 Location: 3518 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201📞 (210) 732-1891
1. Call to Order
Commander Pete Bernal called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A Moment of Silence was observed.
Opening prayer was delivered by Commander Pete Bernal.
2. Swearing-In Ceremonies
A. Officer Installation
Cynthia Garcia was officially sworn in as Chairwoman of the Family, Friends & Allies of AGIF.
B. New Member Inductions
A motion was made and passed to accept all pending membership applications.
Oath of Membership was administered.
New members were welcomed and provided with pins, bylaws, and membership cards as available.
3. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer presented a financial overview.
BBQ Fundraiser Recap: The event raised $900+. A $100 payment was made to the pitmaster, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $800+.
A motion was made and passed to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
4. Officer Updates
Commander Bernal announced the resignation of Vice Commander Richard Martinez.
A motion was made and passed to accept the resignation with appreciation for his service.
Discussion followed on the process to fill the Vice Commander vacancy.
5. IRS Status Review
The membership discussed the differences between 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(19) IRS classifications and how each impacts endorsements, auxiliaries, and donations.
A motion was made and passed to proceed with changing the chapter’s IRS designation to 501(c)(19).
6. State Conference Preparation
Eligibility for 10 delegate votes was reviewed and confirmed.
A motion was made and passed to elect 10 delegates and alternates.
A motion was made and passed to approve the $300 payment for delegate registration.
Logistics including credentialing, travel, lodging, and table setup were reviewed and assignments were made.
7. National Conference Participation
A motion was made and passed to approve $1,000 for a chapter table at the National Conference.
The goal is to represent the chapter, network with national leadership, and showcase local initiatives.
Travel plans, table design, and delegate participation were discussed.
8. VASH Voucher Outreach Committee Update
Committee reported on outreach efforts to landlords and ongoing partnerships with HUD, the City of San Antonio, and local organizations.
Wins and challenges were shared.
Suggestions from the floor were invited.
A motion was made and passed to support the next phase of outreach efforts.
9. Chapter Rebranding Discussion
Members brainstormed potential new names for the chapter, including “Legacy Chapter,” “Valor Front,” and “Tejas Unity.”
A motion was made and passed to assign a rebranding committee to explore the options further.
10. Marketing & Storefront Initiative
Discussion held on branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, and pins.
Vendors and platforms were reviewed.
A motion was made and passed to approve a marketing budget of $500.
[Insert Name] was assigned as the point of contact for the initiative.
11. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made and passed.
The meeting officially adjourned at 7:05 PM.
Closing prayer was delivered by Commander Pete Bernal.
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