The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, July 6th at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Beth Welch with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution.
Chaplain Meyers offered an opening prayer. 34 members were present. It was our annual chicken and corn feed! Special guests present were Courtney Steffen the Department Commander, Rod Smith the Department Vice Commander Districts 3-8, C.P. Van Delist the Department Adjutant, Denny Brenden the National Executive Committee Person, Bill Peters the Department Membership Chair.
Unit 23 President Cheryl Lyngen introduced the three Girls State participants in attendance: Adi Fink, Sydney Olson and Hannah Frewaldt. Each girl gave a brief recap of their experience at Girls State. Cheryl also thanked Post 23 for assisting with sending the five girls from Garretson.
Baseball Coordinator Brian Siemonsma discussed the three teams we sponsored and gave a recap of the 12U team’s season as their coach was not present. Coaches Cody Linneweber (14U) and Kiley Buettner (16U) discussed their team’s season. Each team had varying results but the kids played hard all season. Both coaches thanked the American Legion for sponsoring youth baseball in Garretson.
Commander Welch introduced the Post 23 Teacher of the Year Bev Howe. Bev spoke briefly saying she recently retired and thanking the Post for the honor. It was noted that four of Post 23 members present were students of Ms. Howe. Commander Welch then introduced Post 23 Firefighter of the Year John Shape.
Commander Welch presented John a certificate and pen set. John thanked the Post for the honor and also the continued support we provide to the Garretson Fire Department.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment.
Service Officer Nancy Grandy reported that a get well card was sent to Doris Nedved and Arden Sorenson. An anniversary card was sent to the Kirton’s for their 40th anniversary. Congratulations! The Lubke’s also received an anniversary card for their 50th anniversary. Congrations again! A sympathy card was sent to the Dorsman family for the loss of Mary Dorsman who served as past Past Unit President for the Auxiliary.
The membership report was given by Jon Schmidt. He reported that our 2024 membership cards are here. The 2024 goal is 204. For 2024 we currently have 26 Paid Up For Life members, and 36 renewals, and 2 new members for a total of 64 members renewed at this point. That puts us at 36% of our goal already!
Bob Bennett reported no new report for the Americanism report.
The wall committee is continuing work on bids for building updates. Our Post will have four seats at the 1st Annual Kingsbury County American Legion Purple Heart Appreciation Dinner on August 7th. The Adjutant has contacted the persons placing flags at cemeteries. We are working updates to include all. Our post will purchase 10 bronze markers for future markers.
Nancy Grandy passed out the August Post Newsletter. Amazing information, amazing effort. Thanks to Nancy for making it happen. We hear so many positive comments about this newsletter from our Post Veterans!
There was in depth discussion on fireworks and the Legions future with this program. A letter was received from Mayor Beaner. The Executive Committee met. We are working to find out how we will be involved with Garretson Fireworks in the future.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, September, 7th. The meeting will be at 8 pm with the meal starting at 7:00 pm. The next Post breakfast will be on August 6th with French toast served.
Department Commander Courtney Steffen spoke on her theme of “Pursue Purpose”. Denny Brendan expressed comments on what our Post does for the Veterans & Child Fund and also the South Dakota Foundation. Carver Dorsman opened discussion on the possible need for a AED defibrillator for our Post. We will look into options and costs Gary Lyngen mentioned names of Post 23 members slated for the October 10th Honor Flight. So far on the itinerary we have: Gary Lyngen, Jim Kurtz, and Marty Luebke. More to follow!
The monthly raffle drawing for August took place. The 5 winners were: Eunice Wermers, Laurie Bennett, Risty Grandkids, Jan Benson, and Ethel Kurtz. Each will receive $150. Commander Beth Welch closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 9:19 pm.
-Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner,
Post 23 Historian
