Society of Color Bearers

PROUD DONORS TO THE N-SSA

Wayne Jordan, Charitable Giving Committee

As I write this article I am preparing for the Fall Nationals. I hope we can all look back on our years of skirmishing, and the camaraderie, competitions and friendly campfires that have made the N-SSA such a unique and integral part of our lives. I am in my 27th year as a skirmisher, but in the nine years prior to that I also came to Ft Shenandoah numerous times as a guest and often camped out in a tent. I know I speak for many of you when I say that I want to see this organization continue on for many years to come, and to provide the same experiences for many more of our family, friends, and fellow skirmishers who come to skirmish after we are gone.

I’ve received emails, notes, and calls from N-SSA members who are thinking about the longterm future and how they can help to perpetuate the organization. Many of our members are at the point of writing up wills, estate plans, trusts, and bequests. We’ve been already receiving some donations from members’ retirement accounts and investment accounts (a good tax move) and now people are beginning to look for ways to include donations to the N-SSA in their estate plans (some already have). There are numerous ways to do that – some simple and some complex. For now, I’ll address some of the simple methods that anyone can use to support the N-SSA when the time comes.

Would you like to leave something behind for the N-SSA when you pass on? Things to think about include how much money (or liquid assets) you would want to leave as a bequest. This is usually done in terms of either a dollar value, or as a percentage of an account (or of total assets). Sometimes even as a combination of both approaches. Second, what specific assets or accounts do you want to use for your bequest? For instance, leaving a pre-tax retirement account like an IRA or 401k can be much more tax efficient than using after-tax assets. Third, do you want to leave your bequest for any specific purpose, or for general operations?

Using the proper language in your legal documents is very important, and although I can make suggestions this is the type of thing that your estate lawyer and/or financial advisor should be involved in.

That said, here are some examples of language you might want to use when updating your estate plan or will:

As I write this article, I am preparing for the Fall Nationals. I hope we can all look back on our years of skirmishing, and the camaraderie, competitions and friendly campfires that have made the N-SSA such a unique and integral part of our lives. I am in my 27th year as a skirmisher, but in the nine years prior to that I also came to Ft. Shenandoah numerous times as a guest and often camped out in a tent. I know I speak for many of you when I say that I want to see this organization continue for many years to come, and to provide the same experiences for many more of our family, friends, and fellow skirmishers who come to skirmish after we are gone. I’ve received emails, notes, and calls from N-SSA members who are thinking about the long term future and how they can help to perpetuate the organization. Many of our members are at the point of writing up wills, estate plans, trusts, and bequests. We’ve been already receiving some donations from members’ retirement accounts and investment accounts (a good tax move) and now people are beginning to look for ways to include donations to the N-SSA in their estate plans (some already have). There are numerous ways to do that – some simple and some complex. For now, I’ll address some of the simple methods that anyone can use to support the N-SSA when the time comes. Would you like to leave something behind for the N-SSA when you pass on? Things to think about include how much money (or liquid assets) you would want to leave as a bequest. This is usually done in terms of either a dollar value, or as a percentage of an account (or of total assets). Sometimes even as a combination of both approaches. Second, what specific assets or accounts do you want to use for your bequest? For instance, leaving a pre-tax retirement account like an IRA or 401k can be much more tax efficient than using after-tax assets. Third, do you want to leave your bequest for any specific purpose, or for general operations? Using the proper language in your legal documents is very important, and although I can make suggestions this is the type of thing that your estate lawyer and/or financial advisor should be involved in. That said, here are some examples of language you might want to use when updating your estate plan or will:

A BASIC BEQUEST

I bequeath to the North-South Skirmish Association, EIN 52-1169278, a 501 c 3 tax-exempt non-profit organization located in Virginia, the sum of $_________________ (or percentage _____% of my total probate/trust estate, or property described herein). This Fund is to be used by the organization as it deems advisable.

A TARGETw

Same as above, but the last line is replaced with – This Fund is to be used by the organization for the following purpose(s) ___ . There are many credible sources for information about estates, financial plans, and charitable giving. Charles Schwab Company published a short article at the following link that is aimed mostly at people with no direct heirs, but it also can apply to many of the rest of us: https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/ insights/content/estate-planning-people-with-no-heirs?cmp=em-XCU. You can email myself, and I can reply to it with the live link if you’d find that easier than trying to type this one in yourself. If you’d like to discuss any of these options, or any other ideas you have regarding a donation, please feel free to email me at wvjordan@aol.com, or call me at 703-407-2445. Meanwhile, we have plenty of current needs for cash donations. A top priority is the replacement of the AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) that are posted around Fort Shenandoah. We have several now, but they are aging, and the manufacturer no longer supports them. There have been a few incidents in recent years when a medical emergency struck and the AED was quickly used, probably preventing a death. The goal is to have at least four new AEDs onsite as soon as possible. Research is being done on which ones are most appropriate for the N-SSA to purchase, so the cost has not been nailed down yet but the anticipated price is about $1800.00 each. We are also looking for funds to build an ADA compliant ramp to the entrance to the Executive Secretary’s office, to finish paying off the new Batwing Lawnmower, and to do more road and bathroom repairs. Please use the return envelope that is included in this edition of the Skirmish Line to send in any size donation that you may want to share with the N-SSA. And please fill in your email address as legibly as you can. I am trying to set up a database of donor’s email addresses to be able to share relevant information with. The N-SSA recently received our quarterly donation from Amazon of $276.90. This brings total Amazon donations to nearly $4000.00. Sign up for credits on your purchases at smile.amazon.com