Post 335- Annual Report for 2025

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The Post made significant progress in 2025, along several fronts. We saw gains in recruitment, fund-raising, finance, social activities, and outreach. The blend of social and support activities was fulfilling and taught us all something about our Post and our community.

We brought aboard 9 new members to the Post in 2025 following Mike Collins, John   Pike, Ed Giovannucci, John Carter, Kathy Lang, Henry LeBlanc, Brad Walker, Gary, Ravinski, Tom Weeks and lost the following Veterans: Bill and Cathy Ward, Jim Brown, and Derick White. 

At the Veteran’s Day Dinner four people were recruited.

The second annual, highly successful Veteran’s Day Dinner at Lake Pearl in Wrentham brought 110-120 veterans and their guests to the free event. Al Bozza was chief designer and MC for the dazzling event which honoured two veterans of the Korean conflict (Bucky Calleaux and Victor Pizzini). Jim Schweitzer used the event to recruit and raise the Post profile.

The budget established for the dinner was slightly exceeded. This was due to about $900 unanticipated expenses, primarily due to about 20 no-shows, some walk-ins and postage.

Fund-raising activities ticked up to the highest level in recent history as several new activities were uncovered and utilized. The poppy drive netted $7272, through expanded locations and increased number of days. Last year we only raised $2600.We believe the total could be raised next time.

Jim S. set-up Poker Tourney fund raising which increased revenue and decreased the work required. This produced net revenue of $1684 for our first year, we believe we could raise more next year. Post built 27 birdhouses for sale at various venues.

Under the leadership of Brad McCreedy, all bills were paid on time, expenses were reimbursed, and bank totals explained. At the outset of the year (1/1/2025), the checking account contained $5520. On 12/31/2025, the balance was $12440. No withdrawals were made from the Savings Account. 

Relatively few members have unpaid dues. Dues will be $60 this coming year.

Several programs providing outreach to the Norfolk community were completed. Field of Flags, with the Lions in May, Memorial Day Parade in May, Community Day in June, Sixth Grade Graduation May. Monthly Senior Center Veterans Roundtable, visits to other Posts: Millis, Franklin, Wrentham.

Boys State/Girls State, DARE contribution. Boy Scouts.

The Norfolk County Sheriff sponsored a reach out to veterans’ day. The post visited perhaps 100 veterans’ homes and shook hands.

Air Force Dance Band at KPHS, Army/Navy football   at Wrentham, Christmas Party. Bucky Calleaux   recognition. Combination fund raiser and meal: Hot Table, Texas Roadhouse.

Continued efforts to increase wearing of uniform, subsidy for purchase of cap. Continued growth of website. Adopted single message call list with added communications to members via email, telephone blast reminder of meeting day before. 

Tom Sharkey continues to provide service as Adjutant and is adding element of AI to the job. Tom Thompson has agreed to coordinate the establishment and training of a Post color guard.