09-08 General Membership Meeting: American Legion Post Updates, Events, Finance Report, and Police Chief Tyler Briefing

Date: September 8, 2026
Location: [MJPD]
Participants: [Cmdr Mike Faoro] [Adj Jeff Mattingly] [HG Cpt Steve Wren] [2nd Vice Wayne Smith] [Finance Officer Steve Iles] [Service Officer Patti Whitmore] [Speaker 7] [Speaker 8]

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Meeting Notes

Prior to turning on our recording device. Commander Faoro described a request for support from the Mt. Juliet High School Marines JROTC unit.  Subsequently the post responded with very generous donations and budget adjustments in order to present them with $1313.00 toward their $1900.00 goal.  

The Commander also suggested the food/fellowship & meeting time be moved from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.  A motion followed and was given a 2nd, voted upon and passed.

New Members, Walter and Faye Knochenmus were recognized and welcomed with post ball caps.

Member and Post Recognition

• Commander Mike Faoro and other officers recognized post members for their volunteer efforts, including multiple acknowledgments of members who repeatedly assisted the VVA during the fair: Roger Brugger (6), Patty Chatfield (5), Bob Ramsey (3), Delmar Smith (3), Patti Whitmore (2), Dale Attarian(2), John Herko (3), Don Moody (2–3), Mark Schueller (2), Terry Ward (2), Brandon Addererholt, Steve ILes, Bill Iman, Bruno Padovani, Hoss Peterson, Wayne Smith, and Mike Faoro.
• Recognized Bill Moss, Commander of VFW Post 515, for his appreciation for our support at the fair; thanked the Mount Juliet Exchange Club for donating the flags; Pat Unger, and Jeff Mattingly for erecting and taking down 50 flags.
• Noted the District 5 meeting was held at Post 82 on 2026-07-17.
• Presented Department of Tennessee certificates: Pat Unger and Terry Ward (state service), Steve Wren and the post honor guard (posting colors on short notice for convention)

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

• Patriot Day: A day of service and remembrance for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 will be held at VA cemeteries.
• Poppy Ball: The American Legion Post Auxiliary is hosting the 2026 Poppy Ball. Tickets are $50 each.
• Museum Trip: The post is considering a bus trip to the Medal of Honor Museum in Chattanooga, pending sufficient interest.
• Veteran Support: Plans to coordinate with the auxiliary to schedule visits to veterans in hospitals and homes.
• Post Picnic: October 10 at Charlie Daniel Park. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbecue will be provided. A sign-up sheet was circulated to estimate attendance.
• Halloween in the Park: Members are asked to bring candy to the next meeting on September 13 for this event.
• Christmas Banquet: December 8. A comedian and DJ will be featured. A menu preference survey is underway. Tickets must be pre-paid.

Officer and Committee Reports

• Reverse Raffle Committee: A committee was formed to organize a reverse raffle, and will meet likely in October or November; tickets are expected to be around $50.
• Post picnic scheduled for 2026-10-10 at pavilion number two, Charlie Daniel Park.
• Partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Association.
• The VVA to furnish hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbecue.
• Action Item: @Members – Sign the circulated list to provide a headcount, including any guests (+1, +2), for the 2026-10-10 picnic.
• Action Item: @Members – Bring candy to the 2026-10-13 meeting for Halloween in the Park distribution.

• Bylaw Amendment: Proposal to move nominations and elections to February was discussed. The required 20 signatures were collected. A vote will occur at the next meeting.
• Key Decision: The post will vote on the proposed bylaws amendment at the 2026-10-13 meeting.
• Membership target is 210; mid-year target approaches around 2026-09-15. Members urged to renew dues promptly.
• Key Decision: The post will vote on the proposed bylaws amendment at the 2026-10-13 meeting.
• Membership target is 210; mid-year target approaches around 2026-09-15. Members urged to renew dues promptly.
• Finalized menu items for the Christmas banquet to be announced; ticket sales begin in October 2026.

• Financial Report: Finances are in good standing. A $4,000 check was received from the honor American flag event.
• Bank balance at the end of August was $9,470.
• Approximately $23,700 is held in three CDs; one matures on September 14 and will be renewed.
• A $344 rebate was received from National.
• The new Financial Officer’s Guide is now available along with other financial reports on the members only section of the website.
• Sons of the American Legion: Membership has grown to 26. Plans to partner with Boy Scout Troop 150. Veterans are eligible to join as “Sons” and can see Jeff Mattingly for applications.

Guest Speaker: Police Chief Tyler Chandler

• Department Overview: The department recently moved into a new $34 million, purpose-built headquarters—the first such facility in its history.
• Crime Rate: Mount Juliet reported its lowest crime rate in 25 years. The department operates efficiently with 86 officers for a city that would typically average 130–140.
• Hiring and Recruitment: Over 200 applications per opening; high retention. Emphasis on hiring quality candidates, including many veterans.
• Technology: Uses advanced technology, including cameras, with strict controls and auditing to prevent misuse. Public concerns were addressed as largely due to misinformation.
• Community Programs: Offers a 10-week Citizens Police Academy for an in-depth look at operations. Graduates can join an alumni volunteer group.
• Recognition: The post presented Chief Tyler with a plaque and a challenge coin in recognition of his service and for hosting the meeting.

Next Arrangements

• Bring candy to the October 10 picnic and or the October 13 meeting for Halloween in the Park.
• Sign up if attending the post picnic on October 10 at Charlie Daniel Park.
• Complete the Christmas banquet menu preference survey; tickets must be pre-paid.
• Vote on the bylaw amendment will occur at the next meeting.
• Indicate interest in the bus trip to the Medal of Honor Museum (method to be determined).
• Coordinate with the auxiliary to plan and schedule veteran visits (timeline to be set).

AI Suggestions

AI Suggestions
AI has identified the following issues that were not concluded in the meeting or lack clear action items; please pay attention:

1. The plan to organize a bus trip to the Medal of Honor Museum in Chattanooga is dependent on member interest, but no formal method for gauging this interest was established.
2. The initiative to visit and support veterans in hospitals and homes was mentioned as a future plan, but no specific next steps or timeline were provided.
3. The price for tickets to the Christmas banquet was not finalized, with discussion planned for October or November.