The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, April 6th at 7:57 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Nancy Grandy with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Tara Hough offered an opening prayer. 29 members were present. Special guests were Fred Lee, Department Historian; Kevin Morello, candidate for Department Commander; and Tad Heitkamp with his wife Michelle.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment. A water leak was discussed and a motion was passed to have Steve’s Electric complete the work. A motion was passed to donate $100 to Garretson Ambulance. The Post approved purchase of one book of tickets for the Shrine Circus.
The Service Officer, Jon Schmidt submitted that thinking of you cards were sent to Dwayne Jacobson, Don Dorsman, Harlowe Sundem, and Owen Wiese. Gary Lyngen reported the passing of Harlowe Sundem. It was asked to send a thinking of you card to Larry Engebretson after his recent surgery. David Swenson’s wife Patty has entered hospice care in Luverne. Andy Lyngen encouraged members to visit Dwayne Jacobson. Dwayne’s wife Shirley is also experiencing health problems.
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, and 174 renewals. That takes us to 200 total which is 96% of our goal. Our April goal is 95%, so doing well!
Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. We currently do not have any boys for Boy’s State or the Youth Trooper Academy. Two students have been selected to receive the Americanism Award at the school awards banquet on May 4th. Andy Lyngen is getting an estimate for a Coast Guard and Space Force flag for future holidays.
Paul Evenson reported that the South Dakota Legislature is now complete. One significant bill that passed is for 100% tuition assistance for members of the South Dakota National Guard. The Honor Guard provided honors for Kenny Van Kererix at the State Cemetery on March 22nd. They will be providing honors for Harlowe Sundem in the future.
Brian Siemonsma gave the baseball report. We currently have players and coaches for 2 teams. The 14U team will be coached by Cody Linneweber and the 16U team will be coached by Kiley Beutner. Brian is working to get insurance in place and payment of tournament fees. The 12U team will play under the Post 23 banner.
Commander Nancy Grandy presented the Post 23 Good Samaritan of the Year Award to Tad Heitkamp. Tad has been involved in the Garretson Scholarship Fund, Garretson Fire Department, and has coached numerous sporting teams for the local school.
The District 7 Spring Meeting was held April 2nd in Hartford. Post 23 member Andy Lyngen was elected as District 7 Commander. Bill Peters of Post 15 and B.J. Havard of Post 140 were elected as District Vice Commanders. Don Kranz and John Bachmeier were elected as Minnehaha County Commander and Vice Commander. Post 23 Tony Grandy will be County Adjutant. The District Legionaire of the Year was chosen from Madison. Membership is down this year at District and Department levels.
Our Post 23 wall covering committee continues to work on getting estimates for the options being considered. The South Dakota American Legion day of Service will be held on April 15th at Wings of Valor in Parker.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, May 4th. The meeting will be at 8 pm with the meal starting at 7 pm. The next Post Breakfast will be on May 7th with pancakes and sausage and biscuits & gravy. The next county meeting will be held at our Post on April 25th. The meeting will begin at 7 pm.
Kevin Morello, a candidate for Department Commander spoke and discussed his priorities. Those include a total Legion family, realigning some districts, and promoting Post engagements within their communities. National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola will visit our Post for breakfast on Monday, May 1st. The Auxiliary will provide an egg bake. Flyers are available for details. Commander Grandy handed out the April newsletter. A date to remember is Garretson American Legion Fireworks on July 3rd!
A thank you card was received from Garretson FFA for our donation. A letter was received from the South Dakota American Legion Foundation. The following persons were nominated for the 2023-2024 year: Commander – Beth Welch, First Vice – Jon Schmidt, Adjutant – Tony Grandy, Finance – Jim Kurtz, Historian – Mark Wiesner, Social – Rob Meyer, Service Officer – Nancy Grandy, Legislative – Paul Evenson, Americanism – Bob Bennett, Baseball – Brian Siemonsma, Raffle – Nancy Grandy. Congratulations to these newly elected officers.
Beth Welch is looking at options for Post 23 t-shirts and hats. These will show our pride when at events and when in the community. Continuous Member Certificates were given to Joe Vandersnick and Gale Larson. Commander Welch was honored to present her father Gale with his 50 Year Membership Certificate.
The monthly raffle drawing for April will take place in May due to a few remaining tickets being available for sale. Commander Beth Welch closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 9:19 pm.
-Respectfully submitted, Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
