The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, May 4th 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. Service Officer Nancy Grandy offered an opening prayer. 20 members were present. Our special guest was Michelle Jorgenson as a new member!
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 thinking of you card was sent to Larry Engebretson. Condolence cards were sent to the family of Harlow Sundem, the family of Tara Hough, and to David Swenson. Tara’s Celebration of Life Event will be held at the Legion on May 6th.
The membership report was given by Beth Welch. She reported that our 2023 goal number is 209 members. We currently have 26 Paid Up For Life members, 171 renewals, and 4 new members. That takes us to 201 total which is 96% of our goal. The May goal is 100%. Nancy Grandy will update the Go-Getter list prior to July. The 2024 membership cards will be picked up at the Department Convention in June.
Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. Commander Welch and Bob attended the school awards night prior to the meeting. Citizenship Awards were presented to Blaine Trower and Bryn Swatek. Beth Howe was named Post 23 Teacher of the Year. The Jerome Johnson American Legion Scholarship was presented to Rebekah Roth, who had won the Post 23 Oratorical Contest. The flags for the park will arrive soon. The Fireman of the Year will be presented in August.
Paul Evenson reported that the South Dakota Legislature is now complete. The Honor Guard provided honors for Harlow Sundem. The team will be providing honors for Tara Hough at her event. Both Garretson and Baltic will assist with Irvin Schreurs burial next week.
Brian Siemonsma gave the baseball report. All insurance and team fees have been paid. The first games are: 14U on May 23 in Garretson, and 16U June 1st in Madison. Brian will post the schedules on Facebook. The 12U team will play under the Post 23 banner.
Commander Nancy Grandy mentioned that the May 1st National Commander breakfast was a success. 30 attended from nine posts. The Post presented Commander Trioila with a check for $250 to go to the National Veterans and Childrens Fund. Commander Welch presented a signed Post 23 novelty plate. Commander Trioila focused his comments on the “Be the one” suicide prevention program.
Post 23 hosted the Minnehaha County Meeting on April 25th. The County Commander emphasized getting all required reports submitted on time. Post 15 will host the Department Convention in 2027 and is asking neighboring Posts for assistance.
The water leak in the bathroom was found to have been caused by roof damage. Gary Lyngen is working with the insurance company to make a claim. The interior wall committee is working on the options previously identified. Miranda Myers was appointed to the committee and will assist with getting bids. Commander Welch updated on the design of Post 23 t-shirts, hats, and polo shirts. These items will be available soon.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, June 1st. The meeting will be at 8 pm with the meal starting at 7 pm. The next Post Breakfast will be on June 4th with scrambled eggs and ham. With Tara’s passing we are looking for a Post Chaplain and a helper for the October meal team.
Commander Welch is working on the Memorial Day Program. It will take place Monday, May 29th at 7 pm. Gale Larson is working to get more markers for Veteran’s grave sites for the holiday. The 2023 Department Convention will take place in Oacoma from June 8th through the 11th. Post 23 delegates will be Beth Welch, Andy Lyngen, Paul Evenson, Gary Lyngen, Jim Kurtz, and Nancy Grandy.
Michelle Jorgenson gave information on Wings of Valor Lodge in Parker, South Dakota. A second day of clean up will be held on April 15th to finish earlier projects. Wings of Valor is a great facility that supports wounded Veterans with hunting adventures. Mark Wiesner brought up the 1st Annual Kingsbury County American Legion Purple Heart Appreciation Dinner. It will take place on August 7th in DeSmet. A motion was passed to sponsor a table for $250 that will allow several Purple Heart and Gold Star persons to attend.
The Post 23 Color Guard will participate in the Jesse James Day parade. A vendor fair will be held on June 17th at the Legion. A thank you card was received from Deb Sundem to thank the Honor Guard presence for Harlowe Sundem. The Garretson FFA invited our Post to their banquet. A sympathy card was received from the Post 23 Auxiliary concerning the passing of Tara.
The monthly raffle drawing for April and May took place. The 8 winners were: Beth Welch, Dennis Stensland, Renner Corner, Nick Schotzko, Gary Wolkow, Gordy Eitreim, Jim Hoefert, and Brandy Bonte. Each will receive $150. Commander Beth Welch closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 9:07 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
