“Why we do what we do”
In 2024, we had 15 applications for our no-cost, therapeutic Minton Lodge requests and 12 families that stayed at the Minton Lodge as part of their approved application. So exciting!
RUGBY WEEKEND
Brothers weekend with teammates of Josh’s from the West Point Rugby team was May 17-19. Bob & Sally hosted 7 Brothers along with board member Mark Gehring. Numerous projects were tackled including:
- Tree cutting and wood splitting
- Gutter repair along the front roofline
- Enclosing the final areas of the crawlspace with metal siding
- Replacing a busted water line
- Repainting the Minton Lodge entry sign
- Varnishing the Memorial Bench we rec’d when Josh passed
- Lacquering the shooting bench
Most importantly we spent some time honoring Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer, a teammate of the Brothers who passed away in a military training helicopter crash by adding his dog tags to the Memorial Bell.
Looking forward to Rugby weekend 2025!!
TURKEY HUNTS FOR VETERANS
We were able to provide opportunities for 4 Veterans to turkey hunt with us. Sadly, for the first time we were shut out this year. We saw lots of turkeys during deer season and are optimistic for 2025! We’re already working on dates for the upcoming turkey season.
MINTON LODGE UPDATES
Fortunately most of the major projects are done!!! There were a few this year that were more aesthetic that would have made Josh’s heart happy.
There was an old dump site down one of the trails. Happy to say that during Scout weekend that our visiting Scout Troop cleaned that up!
There was a nasty, wooden, falling down deer blind down one of the trails. The Scouts were able to get that torn down and disposed of as well!
THE DEER IN THE MIDDLE
I’m sure many of you remember the emotional conclusion to deer season for longtime friend and board member Dave Varney and Bob last winter. Dave finally dropped ‘the big one’ on the Minton Lodge property! We’ve been looking for several years now for a buck like this to fill Josh’s dream of a big buck, taken at the Lodge, to fill the gap in the middle of the wall at the Minton Lodge. Dave got this guy back from the taxidermist and we were able to get him hung up to complete one of Josh’s dreams for the property! It looks AMAZING!!! Special thanks to Dave & Malissa Kohus at Kohus Taxidermy for donating their time and effort to do a wonderful job mounting this buck. If you’re looking for a taxidermist, please check them out.
GOLF OUTING
Our largest annual fundraiser once again did not disappoint!!!! We sold out the 3rd Annual outing once again! We set a record with nearly $24,000 raised! Thanks so much to our sponsors, prize donors, players, volunteers and those board members who helped put this event together. Beyond the funds raised it is truly a heart warming day for us to see so many of Josh’s friends all together in one place, honoring and remembering him. We’ll be back for the 4th Annual event at Hillcrest July 26, 2025
ARMY vs NAVY SQUARES
While the big game didn’t have the outcome we hoped for, the squares board was again a success! We sold out the squares, raising $2500 to help further our mission. Look for squares again November 2025
OUTREACH
Bob & Sally attended multiple Hancock County Veteran’s Empowerment Fairs to help spread the word about our mission! We are always looking for good events to help us get the word out. If you have ideas, please send them our way!
NEW FOR 2025
We are working towards possibly adding Fishing Charters and Deer Hunts for Veterans in 2025! Stay tuned for details!
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION
SPECIAL THANKS
- JMF Board Members
- Golf Outing Participants, Volunteers & Donors
- Army vs Navy Squares Participants
- Clever Clovers 4H
- West Point Rugby Team
- Dave & Melissa Kohus of Kohus Taxidermy
