AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN
S.E.C. MEETING
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Call to Order by the Department Commander:
Invocation by Chaplain Lisa Curtis:
Salute to the Colors and the Pledge:
Provost Marshall Rob Harris – Roll Call of Officers:
Commander: Nat Pulizzi, present
1st Vice Commander: Marlene Gaitan, present
2nd Vice Commander: Terry Lavis, present
3rd Vice Commander: Jessica Jones, present
Adjutant: Tim Hill, present
Finance Officer: Craig Robinson, Pro-Temp, excused
Judge Advocate: Kari Witte, present
Provost Marshal: Rob Harris, present
Immediate P.D.C.: Kari Witte, present
N.E.C. Rep: Jean Hall, present
Alt. N.E.C. Rep: John Hocherl, excused
Aide de Camp: P.D.C., Lenny Hogan, present
Legislative Director: P.D.C. Chuck Petch, present
Inspector General: Joe Salvia
Chaplain: Lisa Curtis, present
Web Master: Norm Zelony, present
Roll Call of District Commanders:
District 1: Tim Brown, present
District 2: Terry Lavis, present
District 3: Butch Cryderman, excused
District 5: Jake Reichert, present
District 6: Lisa Curtis, present
District 7: Mark List, present
15 Members present, No Guests
Reading of the Minutes of S.E.C. from Saturday August 9, 2025, by Adjutant Tim Hill.
Motion to approve by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis,
2nd by 6th District Commander Lisa Curtis.
Discussion:
J.A. Kari Witte asked if the entire S.E.C. was notified ahead of the meeting of the proposed Bylaws changes and Committee appointments.
Commander Pulizzi stated that all Members were notified. Commander Pulizzi stated that since J.A. Witte was not present on August 9th S.E.C. meeting, an example was given i.e. wherever it states Executive Director, it is now Adjutant.
J.A. Witte asked about the Bylaw change regarding the holding of two (2) positions, i.e. Department Commander cannot hold District or Post positions. This is to be re-worded by the J.A. and presented at the Winter Meeting 2026 prior to the June 2026 Convention.
J.A. Witte did check with National and was informed that we would not be able to do this without taking this to the main body for approval.
J.A. Witte then states that under New Business number 2, “holding of two (2) positions and reducing the S.E.C. body vote, the CMDR to extend to the non-voting Members of the S.E.C. the right to vote.
J.A. Witte stated that on number 6, changing the name of the Finance Committee would need a Bylaw change to make this happen. This would also affect our accounts.
J.A. Witte has concerns about the location of the mail in regards of confidentiality. Mail to be forwarded to a Mailbox Etc. 5186 Fenton Road Suite #9 Flint, Mi 48507. Mail is being forwarded to Flint Michigan, but the physical address is still 106 Thorpe Ave.
Question by 1st Vice Commander Gaitan; has National been informed of the new address. Not required as the physical address is still the same.
J.A. Witte addressed item number 21 concerning the CBL of the Auxiliary, Sons and Riders to ensure compliance with National, she has received none at this time.
J.A. Witte mentioned that in item number 23, Commander Pulizzi presented all the above-mentioned Bylaws changes.
J.A. Witte then asked in Article 3.a, how are we to enforce this when the Posts revalidate online. We no longer send revalidations into National. CMDR Pulizzi stated that if the Post is responsible for sending $60 into the Department. If they do not, they will receive a letter from the Department that they are in violation of the Department’s Bylaws.
J.A. Witte then asked about the CBL Committee. CMDR Pulizzi stated that since he appointed P.D.C. Hogan to the Committee, it was up to her to fill the remaining seats on that Committee.
J.A. Witte also questioned having the Women’s Advisory Committee. 1st Vice Commander Gaitan stated that it is covered in her report.
J.A. Witte and PDC Hogan corrected the spelling of the names on the Marina Committee.
Inspector General Joe Salvia corrected his name on the front page.
Adjutant Tim Hill made a motion to accept the report with corrections
2nd by P.D.C. Hogan
Motion Passed
REPORTS:
Finance Report: No report was submitted. CMDR Pulizzi went online and was able to share some account balances. Discussion ensued.
Motion by PDC Hogan to accept the report as pending full disclosure given at our next S.E.C., subject to audit.
2nd by 1st Vice Commander Gaitan
Motion passed.
1st Vice Commander Gaitan: See attached.
Motion to accept by 1st Vice Commander Gaitan,
2nd by PDC Hogan
Motion passed.
2nd Vice Commander Lavis: See Attached.
Motion by 2nd Vice Commander Lavis to accept as written,
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris,
Discussion ensued: Commander Pulizzi extended his personal thanks to Terry Lavis for all his hard work on this endeavor.
Motion passed.
3rd Vice Commander Jones: No report currently.
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris,
Passed
Adjutant Hill: No report currently.
Judge Advocate Witte: She did attend the National Convention. She presented Michigan’s view on National Bylaws changes. She reported the language on the subordinate to stand alone organization support the auxiliary was voted down.
The proposed increase in Dues to National has been voted down by great extreme.
Commander Pulizza had asked J.A. Witte to check with National for special dispensation to vote on Bylaws changes. No special permission was given.
N.E.C. Jean Hall stated that the Dues Bylaw change had indeed passed. J.A. Witte to clarify with National.
Commander Pulizzi asked J.A. Witte if non-voting Members are unable to vote due to their current language in our CBL.
J.A. Witte stated that on a personal note, she felt that she is being targeted because it was pointed out that she held two (2) positions.
CMDR Pulizzi stated that for example, Terry Lavis holds two (2) positions. One as 2nd Vice Commander and one as 2nd District Commander. It has nothing against you personally. Terry can still vote as 2nd Vice and have his 1st Vice from the District come and vote as the District. In your case, that wasn’t the case.
Motion by P.M. Rob Harris to accept the J.A.’s report as stated subject to the clarification of the Dues.
2nd by 2nd Vice Commander Lavis
Motion passed.
District Reports:
District 1 Commander Tim Brown: See Attached
Motion to accept by 6th District Commander Curtis,
2nd by 1st Vice Commander Gaitan,
Motion passed.
District 2 Commander, Terry Lavis: See Attached.
Motion by Commander Lavis to have report accepted as written,
2nd by Adjutant Hill
Motion passed.
District 3 Commander, Butch Cryderman: See Attached.
Motion to accept as written by P.M. Rob Harris,
2nd by PDC Hogan.
Discussion, Howell Post 362 states has surrendered their charter; has not been received by Commander or the Adjutant.
Motion Passed.
District 5 Commander Jake Reichert: See Attached.
Commander, this is my report, and I move that it be adopted.
2nd by Tim Hill
Motion passed.
District Commander’s Handbook, S.O.P., and Realignment Committee, Commander Jake Reichert:
See Attached.
P.M. Rob Harris commented that he would like to see ALL Districts to use the same template for their CBL’s for continuity.
Each District can have their own Standing Rules that fluctuate from District to District. P.M. Rob Harris asked why the Posts pay District Dues at all, just ask for donations. Isn’t that double dipping? They pay National, State and the Post and here we asked the Posts to pay District Dues. Web Master Zelony stated that he would like to see the Districts not collecting Dues from the Posts. The question is, who pays the operating costs of the Districts? Adjutant Hill stated that the 3rd District pays .50 per person in each Post.
Commander Reichert stated that this is a template. Take it, use it, it is up to each District to operate in its own way.
Commander Pulizzi states that this template is to be used by each District to use depending upon the decision of each District.
Commander Pulizzi stated that he has joined with our Web Master Harold Wright and we are creating a site that lists all our Posts websites or Facebook accounts so we can link it to our Department’s website and advertise what each Post is doing.
J.A. Kari Witte stated that we are over an hour past the time and requests that we continue and ask if we re-zone if a new Post that pops up will be a part of that Zone and our new District.
Commander Reichert stated that yes, if we have a new Post pop up in the new District or zone, it becomes a part of said District.
District 6 Commander Lisa Curtis: See Attached.
Commander, this is my report, and I move that it be accepted.
2nd by Jake Reichert,
Motion passed.
District 7 Commander Mark List: See Attached.
Commander, this is my report, and I move that it be adopted.
2nd by Vice Commander Terry Lavis.
1st Vice Commander Gaitan stated that District Commander Mark List rode his motorcycle from Escanaba to Baldwin to receive his District’s membership cards.
Motion Passed.
Web Master Norm Zelony: I really don’t have a report as such, I just have a problem trying to keep up with Harold as he is creating more stuff for our page and I am still learning how things work.
Motion to accept this report as given by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis,
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris,
Motion passed.
Americanism Committee: No report
Constitution & Bylaws Committee:
J.A. Witte stated No report at this time.
Department Convention:
Commander Pulizzi stated that since our upcoming Convention ends on Father’s Day, I would like to meet with all the past Department Commanders to come up with an agenda to see if we can have the first round of nominations on Friday evening with the second round of nominations and elections on Saturday.
Immediately following the Closing of the Convention on Sunday, we will have a post-convention meeting. It is Father’s Day for the next two (2) years, and we need to take a hard look at this.
Finance Committee:
No report
Great Lakes National Cemetery:
This past weekend was to be the headstone cleaning and our 20th year anniversary. Due to the Government shut down, it was cancelled. The only thing happening at the cemetery is the burials.
Higgins Lake Report:
P.D.C. Hogan stated that it is an honor to serve once again. I am still in the process of filling my Committee. We have had a very busy summer at the Lodge. We have received a donation from Auxiliary 110 who purchased new dinnerware for each of the cabins. Many thanks to Karen Purer for her assistance as well. The shed has finally been painted to match the cabins. Thanks to our Marina Chairperson for coming and power washing the shed in preparations for the painting. We are looking to have a new roof installed on the Lodge by the end of October subject to the S.E.C. approval. We are also in the process of replacing four twin bed frames in the Lodge. They were like forty (40) year-old beds that we have replaced with new lightweight metal-framed beds. I would like to thank Craig and Roberta Robinson for all their support during this transition period at the Lodge. This concludes my report, and I move that it be accepted.
2nd by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis.
Any Discussion? Hearing none, all in favor by saying aye,
Motion passed.
Honors and Awards Committee:
No Report.
P.D.C. Hogan is the Chairperson of this Committee and I, Commander Pulizzi, have asked him to check with National to see what templates that they have that we can get our hands upon so we can implement them here in the Department.
P.D.C. Petch stated that first, I think we missed the State’s Veteran of the Year award nomination but for Macomb County, it is still open until the 21st of this month.
Commander Pulizzi stated that we need to get that information out so we can get people nominated and asked if this if only for Macomb County residents; yes was the reply.
Inspector General Salvia stated that he has an Inspector General’s Report.
Commander Pulizzi stated that we are not there yet.
Legislative Director’s Report:
N.E.C. Mark List reported that Danny Garza was awarded the AMVET of the Year and he still has not received a plaque. J.A. Witte to investigate this matter.
Legislative Director’s Report:
P.D.C. Charles Petch’s report, see attached.
Motion to approve by 5th District Commander Reichert,
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris,
Motion passed.
Membership Report:
1st Vice Commander Gaitan stated that District Commanders do have access to all their Posts within their District. Contact Warren Cox at National and let him know what Posts are in your District and he will grant you access.
Motion to accept by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis,
2nd by 5th District Commander Jake Reichert,
Motion passed.
Commanders’ Group Legislative Committee Meeting:
See Attached Zoom Meeting minutes.
Motion to accept report as given by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis,
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris
Programs Report:
None reported by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis.
Inspector General:
Joseph Salvia: See Attached report.
I move that this report be accepted,
2nd by P. M. Rob Harris
Motion passed.
Commander Pulizzi stated that he would like to appoint Larry Begin a Patent Attorney who is currently the J.A. for Post 2006 of District 3, knows our Constitution and Bylaws inside and out. I would like to appoint him as a Deputy to our Inspector General and available to our J.A. as needed.
Motion by 5th District Commander Reichert,
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris,
Motion passed.
AMVETS Riders Commander Joel Trombley:
See Attached.
Old Business:
1. Commander Pulizzi stated that we need to get our 1st Vice Commander a debit card for membership only if there is an issue with Dues.
2nd Vice Commander Lavis made a motion to give the 1st Vice Commander a debit card,
2nd by 3rd Vice Commander Jones.
Discussion:
P.D.C. Witte stated that the only reason we didn’t do that in the past was that we wanted the Posts to get involved and process membership. If they had problems, they were to call Department, and we would walk them through the procedure.
Motion passed.
New Business:
1. Commander Pulizzi stated that we owe 1st Vice Commander Gaitan $75.00 X three (3) for the Commanders Group Meeting representing the AMVETS, postage to mail out the Dues Cards, all of this has been out of pocket. I am sure that she has submitted paperwork for this, but it is somewhere at the Lodge.
P.D.C. Witte made a motion to reimburse 1st Vice Commander Gaitan up to $500.00 for prior expenses,
2nd by 2nd Vice Commander Lavis.
Discussion:
P.M. Rob Harris states receipts needed to be submitted if available
Motion passed.
2. Adjutant Hill made a motion to get the 2nd Vice Commander a debit card as well. No second, the motion dies.
3. Commander Pulizzi, I want to acknowledge the Cadillac Ladies Auxiliary Post 110. They donated up to $1000.00 for new dinnerware for the cabins.
4. Commander Pulizzi stated that I would also like to personally thank Karen Purer for stepping up to the plate and helping Craig and Roberta Robinson up at the Lodge.
5. Commander Pulizzi stated that Harold Wright has been working on our website. He is very creative, and we now have a map showing the locations of our Posts with Google Maps. I am currently working on getting him a membership to SAR, Sons of the American Revolution, because he is not a veteran, but we are looking up the family tree.
6. Commander Pulizzi stated that as P.D.C. Hogan mentioned, we were going to have a new roof by today at the Lodge but it was brought to my attention that in the minutes of prior meetings and I read the minutes, the minutes never made mention of a vendor but it did make mention of a proposal that was presented to the S.E.C. last February and it was approved to spend up to $57,107.00, give or take. I was able to get that information, it was submitted by Northern Michigan Metal Roofing Company from Roscommon that submitted the proposal.
J.A. Witte stated that I (she) can clarify that because I (she) was Department Commander at that time.
That Vote was on the proposal that we received with the Certificate of Liability Insurance and the Bonding. If we were to move on, that is what we would need to have brought before us. Commander Pulizzi stated that if you remember at the August 9th S.E.C. meeting, he mentioned a man named Joe Torre and we had talk about a list that was prepared by Craig and Roberta Robinson. Commander Pulizzi, with the help of P.D.C. Hogan listed the priorities of 1. The roof, 2. The trimming of the trees. 3. Some kind of fencing at the beach.
Mr. Torre said that he would be willing to assist. Commander Pulizzi met with his people and Mr. Torre made a $15,000.00 donation and Commander Pulizzi made that deposit into our account for Lodge and Cabins and is earmarked for the roof.
Commander Pulizzi approached Craftsman Exteriors and asked if they would go to Higgins Lake. He said he would go anywhere in the State of Michigan and Ohio. Commander Pulizzi said here is the address. He sent one of his employees who happened to be in Gaylord at the time over to our place and he walked our roof. He came back and provided a bid to Commander Pulizzi. Then, Commander Pulizzi began comparing the bids of Craftsman Exteriors to Metal Roof of Roscommon. With either bid, there were additional costs involved once the roof is torn off. Commander Pulizzi got the guy down to a price.
After looking at the bids, Commander Pulizzi approached Craftsman Exteriors and stated if you give us a Veterans discount and a reduced price, we will put you and your company on our website as a veteran friendly business and provide veteran discounts. Commander Pulizzi offered him $29,500.00 and he accepted. Commander Pulizzi signed a proposal pending S.E.C. approval. Commander Pulizzi sent a copy of the proposal to the Lodge Chairperson and our Finance Officer. A copy of Liability Insurance, the disability and a copy of his business license, all of that was included in the package.
Craftsman Exteriors stated for $29,500.00, we can have a new roof verse Metal Roofing $57,107.00. However, just like the other one, if they tear off the roof, every board, this wanted $2.25 per square foot plus an additional $50 per square foot for the plywood. That was for a December 18, 2024, proposal.
So, there would be additional costs. Craftsman Exteriors came back and said that they wanted $65.00 and will throw in first 3 boards that will be included in the bid. Commander Pulizzi stated you are not charging me more than $50.00 per board and they accepted.
We need say 80 boards, that is an additional $4000.00. Now here is my proposal, Mr. Torre gave us $15,000.00 and we have $29,005.00 that we raised selling raffle tickets to offset the $57,107.00 so we are already there. Mr. Torre gave me a check for $15,000.00 that has been deposited and is earmarked for the roof.
I would like permission to advance $14,500.00 so Craftsman Exteriors can order the material. The deal was that Commander Pulizzi would give him fifty (50) percent up front. Commander Pulizzi will provide a cashier’s check to Craftsman Exteriors for $14,500.00 that will be his financial contribution.
We have $15,000.00 in our account, which was a donation from Mr. Torre, to go towards the roof. Commander Pulizzi stated that if worse comes to worse and we have to replace every board, prior S.E.C. states that we were approved for up to $57,107.00 that we have the money available.
Commander Pulizzi stated that we would put his crew up in one of the cabins at no cost as part of the deal.
J.A. Witte: I have a question, has this contract already been signed?
Commander Pulizzi said No. Commander Pulizzi stated that he only signed the Craftman Proposal subject to S.E.C. approval.
J.A. Witte: so you have already agreed and given him a down payment?
Commander Pulizzi replied, No; I have not given him a down payment. I told him he had to wait until after the S.E.C. meeting.
J.A. Witte: so are we locked into this contract with him already?
J.A. Witte stated that she was under the impression that we were locked in this contract with him.
Commander Pulizzi stated No; this is the proposal that I have agreed to.
J.A. Witte: usually you have three (3) to five (5) days to withdraw.
Commander Pulizzi stated that he would contact Craftsman Exteriors and would give him an answer by Monday.
J.A. Witte said that my next question would be if we have taken this proposal back to the other proposal to see if they want to counter that.
Commander Pulizzi stated that Mr. Torre did if you recall the original bid was $57,107.00 and when Metal Roofing was approached by Mr. Torre they came down to $55,000.00.
J.A. Witte asked, “but we have not.”
Commander Pulizzi stated that No, Commander Pulizzi did not. Commander Pulizzi stated that Finance Officer Robinson was upset because he spoke to Metal Roofing thinking they would get the job. Commander Pulizzi said why spend $57,000.00 or $55,000.00 for a roof when I can get a new roof for $29,500.00? It makes no sense.
J.A. Witte stated that this has nothing to do with Craig, what I am asking is have we went back to consult the prior proposal that we have asked the reason I understand that they say they will come from three (3) to four (4) hours away should there be an issue but we are in winter here in the Northern part and if that roof springs a leak we would have a local company that would somewhat match it we can have that company come right out and repair it verses having to wait for someone else.
Commander Pulizzi stated that I, Nat Pulizzi, did not contact Metal Roof because Mr. Torre represented to me that he had and they came down $2000.00.
Commander Pulizzi stated that he was surprised because Finance Officer Robinson always said that it was over $60,000.00 then I saw in the minutes that this body had approved $57,107.00 and all I am asking is for this body to move forward. This roof will not cost us a penny unless that roof is so rotten and each board must be replaced, and you are looking at eighty (80) sheets.
Motion by 2nd Vice Commander Terry Lavis to approve the new roof.
2nd by Adjutant Tim Hill.
Discussion:
J.A. Witte: before doing that, because of the likelihood, we all know how old that roof is and there being a ton of damage, I would like to see us, not Mr. Torre, to go back to the company that gave us the first proposal because they are a local company and we would like to keep our business in our own community and they are available to come out for repairs very quickly instead of traveling for four (4) hours; why not defer this out and say if we need to call another S.E.C. meeting then so be it and let the original Company have a chance to talk with us and not Mr. Torre and say, here is the proposal we have, can you match it and offer the same individual that gave us the first proposal the same perks as the second proposal.
2nd Vice Commander Lavis stated that since we are under discussion I would like to clarify for everyone that what we have on the table is a clear cut, no cost to the AMVETS, and getting a new roof for free. Commander Pulizzi is paying half, Mr. Torre is paying half, there is no cost to us. The only cost that we can possibly see is if there would be extra wood should there be any.
Commander Pulizzi stated that this is the same as Metal Roof company wants $50.00 per square foot and another $2.25 per square foot if there is any underlining damage.
2nd Vice Commander Lavis stated that right now, we need to get this done.
Adjutant Tim Hill: I call the question.
Commander Pulizzi: wait for one, there is a hand up.
P.M. Rob Harris stated that in February’s meeting the whole thing had to be fixed first was the chimneys. Has that been done?
P.D.C. Hogan stated no.
Two (2) chimneys are coming down.
Commander Pulizzi stated that this deal has two (2) chimneys are coming down. This guy recommended putting up one (1) pipe for an exhaust. Two (2) of the three (3) chimneys are coming down.
P.M. Harris stated that you have been talking about the roof but not the chimneys.
Commander Pulizzi stated that the chimneys were a $9,500.00 approved fix through the Service Foundation. We just saved the Foundation $9,500.00.
J.A. Witte stated that based on what Terry said, we have got to get this done. Does this guy have a time frame if we don’t accept his proposal, it goes away? Why can’t we go out there and negotiate this; and again, this is putting money back into our community. If he can even somewhat match it, that would give us the security that we have someone local.
Adjutant Tim Hill stated: Commander, we have a motion on the floor and I call the Question.
Commander Pulizzi, I have a call for the Question so all in favor of me moving forward with this proposal signify by saying aye,
Motion passed with one (1) nay.
Commander Pulizzi stated that once Craig saw all the documents, he was going to send me an email telling me that he supported moving forward with this new roof. Once I give this guy a down payment he will schedule the date for the new roof.
J.A. Witte: so is it in the proposal that this guy will be fixing the chimneys as well?
Commander Pulizzi stated the two (2) small ones are in the proposal.
Commander Pulizzi was going to ask him about the big chimney being strapped to the Lodge when P.D.C. Hogan brought it up to me and saw what he would charge.
Commander Pulizzi stated that it does include wood siding around the windows so that is included as a 130-mile rated roof with baseball-sized hail. Once we get this roof, we file with our insurance company, and our insurance rates should go down.
Chaplain Curtis: so it won’t cost us a thing.
Commander Pulizzi: only if they must rip every board off the roof. That would cost estimated $5000.00
9:05 p.m.
5th District Commander Jake Reichert made the motion to adjourn the meeting.
2nd by P.M. Rob Harris and everyone else in the room.
PASSED!
Respectfully Submitted:
Timothy W. Hill – Adjutant