The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, August 1st at 7:52 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Jon Schmidt with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Lampe offered the prayer. 35 members were present.
A special thank you was given to Mike Swenson who graciously donated the corn and cucumbers. The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment.
Special guests were Department Commander Kevin Morello, Auxiliary State President AnnaMae Warnier, National Executive Committeeman Denny Brenden, Department Vice Kevin Hempel, Department Adjutant C.P “Van” Van Delist, Department Historian Fred Lee, and District 7 Auxiliary President Joyce Smith.
Commander Smidt turned meeting over to Cheryl Lyngen for guest recognition. The National Good Deed Award was presented to Jakob Gnadt, Brecken Weir, and Levi Top. Girls State attendees were Jade Bertotti, Eliza Potter, and Courtney Rogich. Boys State participants were Noah Schotzko and Calvin Larson.
Brian Siemonsma introduced the baseball coaches: 8U Coaches Aaron Christensen & Sam Johnson were not in attendance. 10U Coach Kevin Steckler, 14U Coach Cody Linneweber, and 16U Coaches Kiley Buettner & Kevin Jessen each thanked the Legion for our support and discussed how the teams did this season. Brian gave the 8U recap and presented the Post with a plaque from the 8U team. All the coaches agreed that the support Post 23 provides has improved youth baseball in Garretson. The coaches also praised Brian Siemonsma for his work as Post 23 baseball coordinator.
Teacher of the Year Jacob Heumiller was recognized by Commander Schmidt. Jacob thanked the Legion for the award and discussed how honored he is to be part of the Garretson Community and school. Commander Schmidt also recognized Garrick & Carrie Moritz from the Garretson Gazette for their support of our Post and programs. Unit 23 and guests departed following the presentations.
Service Officer report was given by Nancy Grandy. A thinking of you card was sent to Tom Vandersnick. A happy birthday card was sent to Owen Wiese. A condolence card was sent to Lois Wiese, Meg McPadden, and Sean McPadden on the passing of Owen Wiese. Nancy passed out the August Post newsletter. Nancy Grandy was recognized for her selection as the South Dakota Legionnaire of the Year! Congratulations to Nancy for this achievement.
The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy. She reported that our 2025 goal is 201 members. Go-getters will receive their membership cards next week. Our September goal is 50%. We currently have a total of 99 renewed members at this point. That puts us at 49.3% right out of the gate. This is largely due to individuals taking advantage of the 3 year renewal.
Legislative Officer Paul Evenson had no report. The color guard participated in the Independence Day event, Pack the Park, the 14U State Tournament, and military honors for Owen Wiese.
The bathrooms were discussed. Gary Lyngen has coordinated to have the bathroom work done August 12th for two weeks. Three bids were reviewed for the replacement of the floors for the bathrooms, hallway, and kitchen. The executive committee supported not moving forward with the bids and instead doing a deep cleaning of the floors. A motion passed for the deep cleaning option.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, September 5th with the meal at 7 pm and meeting at 8 pm. The next Post breakfast will be October 6th from 9 am to 1 pm with scrambled eggs and ham. The next county meeting will be held in Colton on August 13th with a start time of 7 pm.
Department Commander Kevin Morello provided brief remarks. His theme for the year is “Legion Family Uniting Communities”. He congratulated the Post for the outstanding job we do and how we already are doing great things in Garretson. Kevin also is encouraging posts to donate to his cause which is the Scouting Program.
NEC Brenden thanked the Post for their hospitality and always enjoyed visiting in numerous roles he has held. The National Commander will be visiting South Dakota on 12-13 August in the Black Hills. Paul Evenson discussed how Denny Brenden has been an outstanding friend and Legionnaire during his many years of service. Other Department Officers also thanked the Post for inviting them to our August meeting.
Jim Kurtz reflected on the life of Owen Wiese and his contributions to Post 23 over the years. Owen was a 73 year member, past commander, and served as Historian for 50 years. He was a driving force behind many projects at the Legion as well as in Garretson.
Beth Welch discussed the Post clothing website. If you can’t order online contact Beth and she can help order items.
The monthly raffle drawing took place. There were 4 drawings for July. Winners were: Jerry Hunsley, Joe Schwebach, Ruth Christopherson, Renner Corner, and Todd Pierret. Each will receive $150!
Commander Jon Schmidt closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 9:07 pm.
