The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, March 2nd at 7:02 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. 15 members were present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment. The amount given annually by the Jerome Johnson American Legion Scholarship was discussed.
A motion was passed to keep the annual scholarship at $500. The Service Officer, Jon Schmidt submitted that condolence cards were sent to the families of Dale Stoltenberg and Arden Sorenson. A get-well card was sent for David Swenson’s wife. It was discussed to send thinking of you cards to Dwayne Jacobson, Don Dorsman, Harlow Sundem, and Owen Wiese.
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 170 renewals. 4 additional memberships are being processed. That will take us to 200 total which is 96% of our goal. Our March 15th goal is 90%, 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. The hardware for the new flags has finally arrived! Bob is looking at new ways to promote the Oratory Contest. Our Post passed a motion to donate $500 toward the Girl’s State attendees.
Paul Evenson reported that the South Dakota Legislature is currently in session. Many bills are being passed, but few are impacting our Veterans. Paul recently attended the National Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. Hot topics were mental health, suicide prevention, VA healthcare, equal treatment for Guard and Reserve, military quality of life, and Coast Guard pay if there is a government shut down.
Our Honor Guard team rendered military honors to Post member Dale Stoltenberg.
Brian Siemonsma gave the baseball report. He has met with several individuals about coaching positions.
Cody Linnweber is coming back to coach the 14 year old team! All equipment has been accounted for. Things are coming in to place for the upcoming season.
Commander Nancy Grandy presented the Post 23 Legionnaire of the Year Award to Tony Grandy. All present applauded his selection. His packet will be forwarded to the District for consideration as District Legionnaire of the Year.
Our Post has chosen Tad Hietkamp as Good Samaritan of the Year. Tad has been deeply involved in the Garretson Scholarship Fund, Garretson Fire Department, and has coached numerous sporting teams for the local school.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, April 6th. We will start early with the meal starting early at 6:30 pm. It will be our annual steak night and will recognize all new members. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm as normal. The next county meeting will be held at our Post on April 25th. The meeting will begin at 7 pm. The next District meeting is April 2nd in Hartford with a 1:30 social and 2 pm meeting. Post 15 is offering prints of the 2022 John Green painting of the State Cemetery. Information is available on their website.
Awards were given by Commander Grandy. Go-getter pins: Tony Grandy, Nancy Grandy, Paul Evenson, Gary Lyngen, Andrew Lyngen, and Brian Siemonsma. Department Commander Feltmans Cap Pins: Paul Evenson, Gary Lyngen, Andy Lyngen, Jim Kurtz, Rob Meyer, Tony Grandy, Nancy Grandy, Bob Bennett, Joe Vandersnick, Beth Welch, and Brian Siemonsma.
The monthly raffle drawing for February took place. Weekly winners were Jeff Lowe, Todd Lebo, Bryan Etrheim, Joan Meyer, and Norlyn Vanderberg with each receiving $150.
Commander Nancy Grandy closed the meeting at 8:15 pm. The Annual Post History was read by Historian Mark Wiesner after the meeting. Past Commanders gave their comments after the reading. A traditional historical meal followed the reading.
-Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner,
Post 23 Historian
