Submitted by Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, July 1st at 8 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Tony Grandy with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Welch offered an opening prayer. 16 members were present. Special guests Pat Mullins (District 7 Commander) and Dan Wyatt (Post 25 Adjutant) also attended.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment. Jim Kurtz reported on the increased cost for liquor liability insurance. Our Post will review liability requirements later in the year so that a decision is made prior to the February, 2022 renewal. Service Officer report was given by Andy Lyngen and mentioned that cards were sent to Tom Willems, Ron Bly, Richard Erickson, Dwayne Jacobsen, Jerry Muchow, and Randy Aanenson. The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy and reported that the membership cards have been received. The 2022 goal has not yet been received. Membership cards were given to go-getters at the meeting.
Americanism Officer Bob Bennett reported that Oliviyah Thornton has submitted the required forms to attend the Trooper Academy. Several of the street flags are showing wear and some poles are in bad shape. 22 flag / poles sets were approved for replacement.
Paul Evenson stated that Senator John Thune and a representative for Senator Mike Rounds addressed the attendees at the Department Convention. They both spoke of Veterans legislation being worked on. The candidate for National Commander spoke on suicide legislation being discussed.
Jeff Konechne gave the baseball report. Games are happening now for all teams. Player dues increased to $60 per player this year to include matching team hats. A special thanks was given to the Color Guard who represented the Post by leading the parade for Jesse James Days on June 19th. The Minnehaha County Legion meeting was held at our Post on June 22nd. The list of Veterans for each cemetery has been completed and placed in a master book to be maintained by the Post. The South Dakota State Legion Convention took place June 24th through 27th.
Andy Lyngen reported that all fireworks have been received. The display will be larger than past displays and will be set off electronically. The baseball teams will clean up the following morning.
Garretson will host the District 7 meeting at our location on September 25th. There will be an Executive Committee meeting at 10:00 am, social at 11:00 am, meal at 12:00 pm, and meeting at 1:00 pm. Approximately 90 people are expected to attend. It was decided to have a special brunch fund raiser for the Honor Flight program. It will begin with a breakfast and then transition into a lunch meal with burgers and brats. It will be held on Sunday, September 19th from 9 am to 2 pm. All proceeds will go the Honor Flight. Members of Midwest Honor Flight will be present at the event.
Jeff Konechne reported that coordination is being made with Steve’s Electric to get a cost estimate on replacing interior fluorescent lights. District Commander Pat Mullins presented cap pins to several members. He thanked the Post for hosting the fall meeting and spoke of the new leadership team. Thanks was also mentioned for patience while the mylegion.org website transition is made. Dan Wyatt invited Post 23 members to visit the Madison Post. He talked about the Post Consolidated Report.
Our next Post meeting is August 5th with the annual Corn Feed starting at 6:30 pm. A Legion Breakfast will be offered on August 1st with French toast, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Our Post will work on landscaping after completion of the sidewalks on the south side of the building.
The Post voted to contribute $1000 to the Garretson Community Scholarship Fund. Andy Lyngen will coordinate with the Boy Scouts for a future flag retirement ceremony. He will have more details for the September meeting. The Singing Legionnaires announced that they are recruiting new members. A thank you note was received from the family of Tom Willems.
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Barb Larson, Steve Engebretson, Kathy Evenson, Gary Parker, and Denise Schmidt. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 9:36 pm.
