submitted by Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, November 4th 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. 32 members were present. Mayor Greg Beaner, Department Commander Gary Wolkow, NEC Jim Huls, Rodney Smith, District Commander Pat Mullins, County Commander Bill Peters and Greg Miner Honor Flight were present as guests.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment. Service Officer report was given by John Schmidt. He reported that get well cards were sent to Randy Aanenson and Clarence Kooistra. Condolence card was sent to the family of Robert Reed. The membership report was given by Randy Megard. He reported that we currently have 171 paid members. Our total goal is 212. This is 81% of our goal and well ahead of our Department goals.
Bob Bennett, the Americanism Officer reported one student plans to participate in the Oratory Contest. The school Veterans Day program will take place at 2:15 pm on November 11th. They will have special seating for Veterans. The school is also hosting a lunch with the students. Veterans are encouraged to attend both events. Legislative Officer stated no report, and no baseball report.
The Honor Flight fund raiser took place on October 3rd and was an amazing success!!! At the meeting our Post presented a check for $15,411.47 to Commander Wolkow and Greg Miner from the Honor Flight. Commander Grandy expressed a heartfelt appreciation for the community’s support and for the members of the Post. Commander Wolkow thanked the Post and community. Greg Miner spoke of appreciation and his emotion when reading the Post 23 100 year book. Commander Mullins, Commander Peters, and NEC Huls also spoke of their admiration of the Post 23 contribution.
Gary Lyngen reported that all parts of the building now have the updated LED lighting. The Commercial Club will be hosting the annual Hometown Christmas on December 11th. They will be updating all Christmas lights on Main Street buildings. The Commercial Club is also raising funds for a sound system on Main Street and a new electronic billboard on the highway. They will host a Christmas brunch as a fundraiser on December 11th at the Post 23 facility. Several volunteers were gathered to assist with this event.
Commander Grandy met with the City of Garretson about fireworks. The City is requesting a move in the display date to July 3, 2022 which is a Sunday. They also are looking to support with insurance and a more robust purchase of fireworks. A motion passed to hold the event on July 3rd. Mayor Beaner assured the membership that Veterans will be the focus of the fireworks. The city looks to expand the celebration and may organize additional events on the day of the display. A motion was passed to contribute $4160.63 toward the purchase of fireworks for 2022.
The next Post meeting will be held December 2nd with the meal at 7 pm and the meeting at 8 pm. The next Post breakfast will be December 5th with pancakes on the menu. The Post will host a Veterans Day program on November 11th at 7 pm. This will be the 100th anniversary of the Garretson American Legion Auxiliary! What a great milestone!
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Judy Hanson, Todd Williamson, Bob Julson, and Leah Olson. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 9:22 pm.
