Sec. 2 The location of this Post shall be 2597 Dorsey Road, City of Glen Burnie, County of Anne Arundel, State of Maryland.

Sec. 2 Time: The regular meeting of the Post shall be held on the Second (2nd) Monday of each month, to be called to order at 8:00 p.m. The appointed day and time of regular meeting may be changed by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting (MOP Sec 208).

Sec. 3 Special meetings may be called in accordance with the provisions of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure Sec 203.

Sec. 4 Administrative Executive Committee meetings may be called by the Post Commander to handle an emergency which exceeds the capabilities of the House Committee and must be handled before the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Sec. 5 Quorum: Seven (7) members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a regular meeting.

Sec. 6 No member will be permitted to speak on any one subject (pro or con) more than twice; and the first time no longer than five (5) minutes, and the second time no longer than three (3) minutes, with the exception of a committee report and recommendations and visiting guests who have a message to impart.

Sec. 7 A Meeting Roster Book shall be maintained by the Post. The Officer of the Day shall at each meeting require members to sign their name in the book. Visiting VFW members shall sign their name, post number and title, if any. The Roster Book shall be kept at the Post and the contents noted in the minutes.

Sec. 8 Post Canteen: The Post Canteen will be closed to Post members during regular meetings. All Post Members will attend the meeting or leave the Post Home.

Sec. 9 The term “membership” used in these By-Laws refers to members present at any stated meeting.

Sec. 2 The admission fees of this Post shall be in accordance with the National and Department By-Laws and Manual of Procedures Sec 104).

Sec. 3 Annual Dues: Annual dues of this Post shall be set by the membership at a regular Post meeting but shall never be less than the amount required to cover Department and National dues (BL and MOP Sec 104).

Sec. 2 The Duties of all officers shall be those prescribed by National and Department By-Laws Sec 218, lawful orders as the Post may direct and as these By-Laws may provide.

Sec. 3 Vacancies and removal of elected officers or committee members shall be in accordance with the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure Sec 220.

Sec. 2 The Standing Committees of the Post shall be as follows:

Americanism Buddy Poppy Buddy Poppy Contest Canteen Community Activities House (5 members) Loyalty Day Contest Membership (3 members) Patriots Pen Publicity Relief Safety Voice of Democracy Ways & Means (fund raisers) Youth Activities Sec. 3 House Committee:

(a) The House Committee shall manage certain matters related to the Post property, including the Post Canteen. The Post Commander and Post Quartermaster, by virtue of their offices, shall be members of the House Committee. The committee shall consist of not less than five (5) members appointed annually by the Post Commander for a 1-year term. Trustees shall not serve on the House Committee.

(b) The Committee shall be responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of the Post and the equipment therein.

(c) The Committee may authorize such expenditures for minor emergency repairs and janitorial supplies as necessary for the preservation and protection of the Post home and its equipment, provided that the amount shall not exceed the amount set by the membership at a regular meeting of the Post.

(d) Repairs involving contractors shall require at least three (3) detailed estimates covering the cost of such repairs or improvements.

(e) The Commander shall appoint a Hall Manager who will be in charge of the rental of the Post’s Hall and shall exercise such supervision over renters as will ensure the protection of the Post’s name and property. A one-day liquor license will be obtained when required. Donations of hall use or use of the hall at the membership rate will be approved by the Post membership.

(f) All money received by the committee through rental of the Post Hall or other sources shall be deposited with the Post Quartermaster. The Quartermaster will return hall rental refunds/security deposits to the renter within 30 days of the hall rental.

(g) All expenditures of the committee shall be made only by check drawn by the Quartermaster. All such checks shall be signed by the Quartermaster and countersigned by the Commander.

(h) The House Committee shall keep a record of all receipts and expenditures and shall provide them to the Quartermaster. The Quartermaster will report all money received and all expenditures made as part of the financial report at regular Post meetings.

(i) The Committee shall ensure rules and regulations adopted governing the operations of the canteen and patron’s rules of conduct do not conflict with the provisions of this Article. Such rules and regulations shall be conspicuously posted in the canteen and only become effective upon their approval by a majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting or special meeting called for that purpose.

(j) The House Committee shall meet at least once a month at a time and place set by the Chairman.

Sec. 4 Canteen:

(a) The Canteen Chairman shall be appointed by and under direct supervision of the Post Commander. At the discretion of the Post Commander, this function may be delegated to the House Chairman. Canteen employees will be employed with the express approval of the Post Commander or Canteen Chairman, if so authorized by the Post Commander, and will work under the direct supervision of the Canteen Chairman.

(b) Control: As provided in the National By-Laws the Post Quartermaster shall have control and supervision of all money, but in connection with the canteen operation and business there shall be passed the necessary authorization by the Post for establishment of a Canteen Fund, in which shall be provided the amount of money necessary for operation of the canteen. This money shall be placed in the custody of the Canteen Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Canteen Chairman to see that all money in excess of the necessary operating funds is deposited at least monthly to the Post Quartermaster.

(c) The Post Trustees shall audit the canteen books and records monthly and report the results of these audits to the Membership at the regular monthly meetings. A copy of the audit will be provided to the Post Quartermaster for his/her records.

(d) All expenses for purchase of merchandise and supplies will be made only upon proper invoice or bill. All other expenditures shall be made only by the Post Quartermaster upon proper approval of the invoice or bill by the House Committee. A financial report will be submitted by the Canteen Chairman or House Chairman at each regularly scheduled meeting.

(e) All liquor laws will be rigidly enforced.

(f) The Post Commander shall appoint a Canteen Manager. The salary for the manager will be set by the House Committee and approved by the membership at a regular meeting.

(g) The Canteen annual license(s) application(s) will be signed by the required members and forwarded in a timely manner by the Canteen Manager.

(h) The last person, in a position of responsibility leaving will ensure the Post is secure (all doors locks and alarms are turned on).

(i) Negative actions on the part of any canteen patron, either in the Post Home or its premises, at any time which may reflect on the social standing of the Post and its members, makes the patron subject to disciplinary action.

(j) The Door Cipher combination will be changed annually and the new numbers given only to Life Members and continuous members who have paid their dues for the new year.

(j) Safe combinations will be changed as necessary, but at a minimum following the change of the Post Commander, Canteen Chairman or Canteen Manager. The alarm codes should be changed at the same time.

Sec. 5 Administrative Executive Committee:

(a) There is hereby established a Post Administrative Executive Committee which shall consist of:

Commander (Chairman) Senior Vice Commander Junior Vice Commander Quartermaster Judge Advocate Surgeon Chaplain Adjutant House Chairman Past Commanders (attendance at their discretion)

(b) The Chairman will appoint a recorder if the Adjutant is not available. The minutes will be posted and read at the next regular meeting.

(c) All committee members will be notified of Executive Committee meetings by the fastest means available to expedite the procedures.

(d) Any post member in good standing may attend the Executive Committee meeting but will not have a voice unless recognized by the Chairman.

(e) At least five (5) elected officers must be present to constitute a quorum and a quorum must be present for the transaction of business. All actions of this committee are subject to ratification by the Post at the next regular meeting.

Sec. 6 Relief Committee:

(a) The Relief Fund shall be governed by the National By-Laws Sec 704.

(b) The Relief Committee shall consist of the Quartermaster, Service Officer, Chaplain and two (2) appointed members.

(c) The custodian of the relief fund shall be the Post Quartermaster (MOP Sec 704).

(d) The Chairman shall be authorized to expend through the Quartermaster, a sum not to exceed $50.00 to assist a needy veteran in an emergency. If more money is required, the request will be referred to the Commander.

Sec. 2 Voting membership: Voting membership in subsidiary units shall be confined to members in good standing in this Post and the subordinate groups.

Sec. 3 Equipment: All equipment issued to, or acquired by, any subsidiary unit shall be and shall remain the property of this Post.

Sec. 4 Control of money: All money received by any subsidiary unit shall be deposited with the Post Quartermaster and all expenditures shall be made by regularly drawn voucher by the Post Quartermaster.

Sec. 5 Advisory Chairman: An advisory committee Chairman shall be appointed by the Post Commander to assist, advise and ensure that each subsidiary unit is complying with the National, Department, and Post By-Laws. The Chairman must be a member in good standing in this Post. The Chairman shall make a progress and financial report to the Post at the regularly scheduled meetings each month.

Sec. 6 Regulations: No regulations or rules adopted by any subsidiary unit shall be in conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the National, Department and Post Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Sec. 7 Discontinuance: If any subsidiary unit discontinues operation all money and property will become the property of this Post.

Sec. 2 Exception: The adoption of these By-Laws shall constitute authorization by the Post membership for payment of bills when due for monthly rental/mortgage, public utilities, postage, janitorial supplies, trash removal, alarm system, canteen supplies, services and wages, minor emergency repairs authorized by the House Chairman/Committee and relief funds.

Sec. 3 No other payments or expenditures shall be made, except as specified herein, or by the authorization of a majority of the Post membership in attendance at a regular or special meeting.

Sec. 4 This Post shall not incur or cause to be incurred any liability or obligation whatsoever which would subject to liability any other Post, Department, National, Sub-Division, group, members of the VFW or any other individual, corporation or organization.

Sec. 2 For extended services (3 or more years) rendered, the Post may, by majority vote at a regular meeting, pay for life membership for any Post officer.

Sec. 2 This Post shall not enter into any agreement with a promoter for the purpose of raising funds unless the promoter shall have first furnished a good and sufficient surety bond in a principal sum sufficient to give the Post ample protection in the particular circumstance. Said bond shall be subject to the approval of the Post Judge Advocate, bear the endorsement of the Post Commander and kept in the possession of the Post Quartermaster. The bond will be conditioned on the payment to the Post Quartermaster of all money due the Post as a result of the solicitation within thirty (30) days of the close of the campaign. If the promoter has made satisfactory settlement within the thirty day period, then the surety will be determined to be discharged, otherwise the bond will remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 3 If the bond cannot be furnished, then all collections shall be made by the members of the Post and said funds shall be paid to the Post Quartermaster who shall hold the funds in his/her custody pending proper pro rata distribution.

Sec. 4 Fund-raising organizations or individuals conducting solicitations, activities or projects for profit shall not be engaged or used by the Post for such purposes unless such engagements are made by written agreement between the Post and the organization or individuals providing those services. The form of any such written agreement must be submitted to the Department Commander for review at least thirty (30) days prior to the Post entering into any such agreement.

Sec. 5 Unless previously authorized by the Post Commander or his/her designated representative, no solicitations, raffles or ticket sales shall be permitted in the Post Home.

Sec. 2 One copy of these By-Laws, after National approval, shall be issued to each elected and appointed officer of this Post and a copy will be posted on the bulletin board for use by all members.

Sec. 3 In all Post procedures not provided for by the Congressional Charter and By-Laws, or these By-Laws, Demeter’s Manual shall be the authority, and it shall be the duty of the Post Judge Advocate, in an advisory role when called upon by Post Commander, to advise the Post Commander on the proper rule or rules.

Sec. 4 Awards:

(a) The Post Commander shall be responsible to determine awards, if any, to be given to Post members.

(b) The Chairman of Youth Activity Committees shall make recommendations for awards to the membership for approval at a regular meeting.

(c) The Commander, at his/her pleasure may, immediately following participation in an official ceremony or other special activity authorized by the Post Commander, provide refreshments to the participants.

Sec. 5 Post Regulations:

(a) Members and guests will comply with the Canteen Rules. Canteen Rules will be approved by majority vote of the Post membership.

(b) No alcoholic beverages will be brought into or taken from Post premises by individuals, except when permitted at social functions.

(c) Profanity or abusive language is absolutely prohibited. All unnecessary noises in the Post Home are prohibited.

(d) Any member, family member or guest(s) of a member reported for defacing Post property shall be liable to replace or repair said property.

(e) A guest book will be maintained wherein any Post member bringing guest(s) into the Canteen shall sign the book before extending the hospitality of the Post Canteen. The signing of the guest book by the sponsor shall be an indication that the member assumes responsibility for the conduct and actions of the guest(s). VFW members of other Posts (to include Auxiliary members) shall show their membership card to the bartender and sign the guest book, noting their Post number. Active duty members of the U.S. armed forces may partake of the hospitality of the Post Canteen upon showing proper identification, but they are required to sign the guest book and will include their service affiliation. VFW members from other posts and active duty members of the armed forces do not require sponsors.

Sec. 2 When charges/complaints are brought against any member or members they must be in writing and include the date, place, approximate time the offense occurred, and the signature of the member(s) making the complaint or charge. The charges will be made in the manner prescribed in the Manual of Procedures Sec 903 and the Procedural Guide for Disciplinary Actions.

Sec. 3 All charges or complaints shall be investigated by a Committee appointed by the Post Commander within fourteen (14) days of the incident being reported. The Committee shall make a thorough investigation and bring all members involved to a hearing to testify. After the investigation, the committee will report their findings and recommendations to the membership for vote. Appeals will be handled in accordance with the National By Laws, Sec 904.

Sec. 4 Canteen infractions shall be investigated by the House Committee and the decision reported to the Post at the next regular meeting. Any member has the right to appeal the decision of the House Committee at a regular meeting. The membership decision shall be final.

Sec. 2 Amendments shall be made in accordance the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure.

Sec. 2 When these By-Laws, or subsequent amendments, may be found to be in conflict with the present or future National By-Laws and By-Laws of the Department the latter shall prevail and be binding upon this Post as though written herein.

These By-Laws were adopted, subject to review of the Commander-in-Chief and the Commander of the Department of Maryland, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States on this day of , 2009, at a regular meeting of this Post in the City of Glen Burnie and County of Anne Arundel, State of Maryland.

Colonel Harry L. Cooper Post No. 160

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

By Commander

OFFICIAL:

By Adjutant