Fleet Reserve Association holds first meeting at Gravois Mills

By Vicki Wood Lake Sun

After receiving its official charter in early August, the new chapter of the Lake of the Ozarks Fleet Reserve Association made their home at the GravoisMills VFW on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The first meeting of Lake of the Ozarks FRA included induction of new officers, articles of organization and structuring of committees. National Regional President Maria Behm called the meeting to order and explained the bylaws and goal of the Branch #32 organization and their plans for community involvement.

Versailles Coast Guard Veteran Stephanie Roberson was inducted as the new Fleet Reserve Association Branch 32 President. Curtis Sprinkler is the branch Vice President, and William Hilt is the secretary. Bob Behm serves as the branch treasurer. Tom Jacobson was named Chaplain, and Hugh Mills is Master at Arms.

Children's activities were one focus when talking about outreach and service to the surrounding communities of the Lake area. Fleet Reserve Association hosts a scholarship program similar in nature to the long standing college opportunities afforded

by the VFW and American Legion. An Americanism and Patriotism Essay scholarship for FRA will be headed by committee chairman Behm.

The group was informed that branch awards are available in the form of cash prizes for activities such as picture journaling of members in action, working in the surrounding community by Maria Behm. Recruitment was discussed with a goal of reaching 200 members within the Lake area FRA branch in the future.

Bob Behm reported that he had filed and received a non-profit 501(c) status for the branch.

The FRA mission is to represent members as one voice for the protection of benefits and pay for active members, reserves, veterans, and retirees of sea service personnel of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard by maintaining a line of communication between members and government Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Congress.

The Lake of the Ozarks

Fleet Reserve Association Branch 32 will meet the second Thursday monthly at 6 p.m. at the Gravois Mills VFW board room. Membership is open to all that have served in maritime branches of the Armed Forces.