Mark Beisswenger called the meeting to order with the Pledge and Invocation.

 

Garry Johnson introduced his guest, Brian Daniels.  Brian is Garry's District Manager at Farmer's Insurance.

 

We welcomed Todd Kruse back from his teaching leave and Bev Aplikowski back after leg problems had prevented her from attending.

 

Dave Hoel reported that he is making rapid progress in his recovery from breaking his leg while skiing.

 

Gerry Tietz  has anointed Paul Fournier as "Club Entrepreneur" to spearhead the search for sustainable fundraising opportunities for our club.

 

On behalf of the Club, Geoff Hollimon presented a card and monetary gift to the Staff at the Exchange in appreciation for their excellent food and service.

 

Mark Beisswenger introduced our speaker, Gary Fredrick.  Gary is working to increase community awareness of Homes For Our Troops, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to building specially adapted homes for severely injured Veterans across the nation to enable them to rebuild their lives.  Disabled Veterans face many barriers as they attempt to reestablish themselves as active and productive community members.  One of the biggest challenges is finding affordable housing that meets the requirements of their particular disabilities.  Homes For Our Troops is working to provide mortgage-free homes for these Veterans.  Each single-level home is equipped with over 150 special adaptations such as widened doorways, lower countertops and roll-under cook tops and sinks to allow full wheel chair accessibility.  Gary said that, nationwide, 229 mortgage-free homes have been provided so far and 82 projects are in the planning or construction phase.  Gary described the application process as "very rigorous" and indicated that financial counseling is an integral part of the process.  Homes for Our Troops is privately funded, relying on the generosity of donors, with 70% of its operating budget coming from individuals and community groups.  Since its inception in 2004, fully 90% of those contributions have gone to Veterans, earning H.F.O.T. a top rating with Charity Watch, an audited charity watchdog.  The average cost of one of these specially adapted homes is $430,000, and with 1,900 service men and women dealing with life altering injuries, the need is great.  If you'd like to be part of the solution, click here for more information.  Mark John and Gary are pictured below.