The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, July 6th at 8:05 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. 20 members were present. Special guests present were Navy Veteran Chelsea Patrick, her niece Destiney Gibbons, and nephew Aidan Gibbons.
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. Sympathy cards were sent to Jim Hoefert, and the Jim Adams family. Thinking of you cards were sent to the Dorsman and Kurtz families.
The membership report was given by Jon Schmidt. He reported that our 2024 membership cards are here. The 2024 goal is not yet set. For 2024 we currently have 26 Paid Up For Life members, 1 transfer, and 5 renewals. The go-getters were given their packets of memberships. Commander Beth Welch is a new go-getter for this year.
Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. One flag pole was broken during Jesse James Days. Commander Welch will have flags out for Purple Heart Day.
Paul Evenson gave the legislative report. He spoke of the Major Richard Star Act that would remove the disability offset from retirement pay for those with less than 50% VA rated disability. The Color Guard marched in our Jesse James Days. The Honor Guard will render honors at the State Cemetery on July 5th. They will also conduct honors for the Jim Adams funeral on July 14th. They will post colors for the Pack the Park event on July 15th.
Brian Siemonsma gave the baseball report. He thanked those who assisted at his retirement party held at the Legion. The 12U team made the State Championships. The 14U team took 2nd in the I-29 tournament. The 16U team has struggled lately, but continues to play hard. All results will be posted on Facebook. The regional tournament will begin on July 25th, with our first game in Alexandria, SD.
The wall committee is continuing work on bids for building updates. Commander Welch now has several examples for Post 23 gear. She is hoping to have hats, shirts, polos, and maybe dress shirts available soon.
Our Post will have four seats at the 1st Annual Kingsbury County American Legion Purple Heart Appreciation Dinner on August 7th. At the State Convention Post 23 received their 2023 Go-getter Award. Nancy Grandy was recognized for her work on the Post Newsletter. Courtney Steffen was elected as Department Commander. She is the second female to hold the position.
Commander Welch thanked all who participated in the Jesse James Parade. Andy Lyngen reported that the fireworks display has been moved to July 7th due to weather. A motion was made and passed to ask the City of Garretson to hold future fireworks displays on July 4th. Andy Lyngen will present our request to the City at the City Council meeting on July 10th.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, August 3rd. The meeting will be at 8 pm with the meal starting at 6:30 pm. This will be our annual corn feed. The next Post Breakfast will be on August 6th with French toast. Miranda Myer is our new Post Chaplain.
Paul Evenson discussed that several deceased Veterans are not getting a flag on Memorial Day. The Adjutant will identify those and update the lists for each cemetery. Gary Lyngen was recognized for doing a great job keeping our rifles maintained and properly functioning.
Miranda Myer discussed the idea of our Post holding a Blood Drive this fall. An October event was widely supported. Commander Welch brought up the mental health event being held at the United Church of Garretson on October 9th.
The monthly raffle drawing for July took place. The 4 winners were: Julie Gnadt, Kelly Bunde, Mike Siemonsma, and Theo Menley. Each will receive $150. Commander Beth Welch closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 9:09 pm.
-Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
