Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, June 3rd at 8 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Tony Grandy with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Welch offered an opening prayer. 19 members were present. J.R. Hofer attended as a special guest.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment. Service Officer report mentioned that cards were sent to Tom Willems, Phil Blum, Richard Erickson, and the family of Dean Engebretson. Members requested cards sent to the family of Ron Bly, Dwayne Jacobson, Jerry Muchow, and Randy Aanenson. The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy and reported that the membership was currently at 211. Our goal for this year is 210 members. A big congratulations to the Go-Getters, Nancy Grandy, and all Post Members who helped make this happen! One new member, Jared Grimes was recruited by Andy Lyngen. We anticipate receiving the 2022 cards shortly after the State Convention on June 24-27.
Americanism Officer Bob Bennett reported that Boy’s State and Girl’s State are on-going and will conclude on Friday, with students returning that day. Congressman Dusty Johnson visited both sites and spoke to the kids.
Paul Evenson stated there is no Legislative report. The dedication for the State Veteran’s Cemetery was held on Memorial Day at 2 pm. Our Honor Guard will be assisting with one day each month to assist with the many individuals who have elected to be buried at the cemetery.
Jeff Konechne gave the baseball report. Games have started for the 11 & under, and 12-14 year old teams. The 15-16 team will have their first game the week of June 7-11. Chandler Austin stepped down due to educational commitments. Joe Swatek has volunteered to coach the 15-16 year old team and has 14 players on the team.
J.R. Hofer and Andy Lyngen reported that ticket sales are complete for the Fourth of July raffle tickets. Ticket sales went extremely well and will allow the display to buy bigger displays for this year and future years. The raffle drawing winners are Aaron Schneider for the Traeger grill, Andy Hermanson for the Yeti cooler, and Woody Gnadt for the $250 meat bundle at Garretson Food Center. A big thank you to all of those who helped make this a huge success.
Gale Larson has requested assistance in gathering names for the graves at local cemeteries so that flags can be placed at each burial site during holidays and special days. They will be recorded for the future as a document. Joe Vandersnick turned in a completed list for Highland South Cemetery.
A Legion Breakfast will be offered on June 6th with scrambled eggs and ham. This is our first breakfast in over a year! We invite all members of the community. Tables will be spread out throughout the building to allow social distancing. There be a take-out option available. Markell Gnadt will be helping out as coordinator for breakfast crews for the future.
The South Dakota State Convention will take place June 24th through June 27th in Huron, SD. Post Delegates and Alternates are: Gary Lyngen, Paul Evenson, Andy Lyngen, Jim Kurtz, Tony Grandy, Nancy Grandy, Mark Williamson, Jon Schmidt, and Tara Hough. The next Minnehaha County meeting will be June 22nd at Garretson with a meal at 7 pm and meeting at 8 pm. Post 23 has also offered to host the fall District Meeting on September 25th.
There was discussion of fund-raising activities to support the upcoming Midwest Honor Flight for Veterans. It was decided to have a special breakfast in August with all proceeds going to future Honor Flight programs.
Rob Meyer reported that the Commercial Club will be holding a vendor fair at the Legion dugout during Jesse James Days Celebration. Post 23 Color Guard will participate in Jesse James Days.
Commander Grandy requested that Gary Lyngen and Jeff Konechne look into recent ballast failures and the options available for replacement. They will research options and report back with a recommendation. Mark Wiesner is searching for a local corn source for the August corn and chicken feed. The Post received thank you notes from the After Prom Party and Dean Engebretson. The city estimates that the sidewalk construction will be complete by July 1st. The Post will be working on landscaping to complete out the project.
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Jeff DeYoung, Aiden Nace, Dave Engebretson, and Lori Holzapfel. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 9:18 pm.
