Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, May 6th 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. Twenty-five members were present. Charles Warren, a post member and World War II Veteran who is now living in Sioux Center, Iowa joined us for the meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment. Service Officer Jon Schmidt reported that cards were sent to Andy Lyngen and Bob Reed. A card will be sent to Tom Willems, Phil Blum, and Richard Erickson.
The membership report was given by Nancy Grady and reported that the membership was currently at 211. Our goal for this year is 210 members. A big congratulations to the Go-Getters, Nancy Grady, and all Post Members who helped make this happen!
Americanism Officer Bob Bennett reported that on May 3rd Post Commander Grandy and Bob Bennett presented Citizen Awards to Ryan Flanagan and Oliviyah Thornton. Oliviyah Thornton was recognized for her selection to attend the Youth Trooper Academy. The Post voted to provide funds for transportation of Oliviyah to Youth Trooper Academy.
Paul Evenson stated there is no Legislative report. The dedication for the State Veteran’s Cemetery will be held on Memorial Day at 2 pm. Our Honor Guard will be assisting with one day each month to assist with the many individuals who have elected to be buried at the cemetery.
There was no baseball report. Andy Lyngen reported that Fourth of July raffle tickets are out and being sold. Sales are going well with less than 180 tickets remaining. They are available at the Jesse James Country Store or from Andy Lyngen or J.R. Hofer. The drawing will be June 3rd at the Post meeting. Andy and J.R. Hofer attended the fireworks certification training.
The Minnehaha County Meeting was held April 27th in Dell Rapids with 5 Posts represented. Membership challenges were discussed as well as difficulties with the website transition. The were reports on Boy’s State, Youth Trooper Academy, and the dedication of the State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
Post 23 will host the annual Memorial Day Program on May 31st. The Legion Auxiliary will conduct a program and will read names of community Veterans that are deceased from all wars. There was discussion and volunteers for placing flags for Veterans at the local cemeteries. Mark Williamson and Doris Nedved will cover Zion Lutheran, David Sorenson at Splitrock Lutheran, Richard Bakken will help at Palisades Lutheran, and Brian Baustian will assist at Summit Lutheran. Brian Baustian and Gary Lyngen will be responsible for Rosendal Cemetery, and Joe Vandersnick for Highland South Cemetery. Gale Larson has 300 flags available to be placed during the upcoming holiday.
The Executive Committee met on April 27th to meet with representatives from the Blue Dragon Academy about possibly renting the Legion Post for daycare use. Commander Grandy read the Executive Committee notes. The Post then voted on whether to continue discussions for rental use by the Blue Dragon Academy. It was decided not to continue those discussion related to rental of the facility.
Our next Post meeting will be June 3rd with the meal at 7 pm and the meeting at 8 pm.
A Legion Breakfast will be offered on June 6th with scrambled eggs and ham. This is our first breakfast in over a year! We invite all members of the community. Tables will be spread out throughout the building to allow social distancing. There be a take-out option available.
The South Dakota State Convention will take place June 24th through June 27th in Huron, SD. Post Delegates and Alternates are: Gary Lyngen, Paul Evenson, Andy Lyngen, Jim Kurtz, Tony Grandy, Nancy Grandy, Mark Williamson, Jon Schmidt, and Tara Hough. The next Minnehaha County meeting will be June 22nd at Garretson with a meal at 7 pm and meeting at 8 pm. Post 23 has also offered to host the fall District Meeting on September 25th with Gary Lyngen hosting the meeting.
There was discussion of fund-raising activities to support the upcoming Midwest Honor Flight for Veterans.
Rob Meyer reported that the Commercial Club will be holding a vendor fair at the Legion dugout during Jesse James Days Celebration. Post 23 Color Guard will participate in Jesse James Days.
The local FFA Chapter will hold a social on May 11th. Jon Schmidt and Beth Welch will attend to represent the Post. The Post voted to donate $100 to the Garretson Community Pool, $200 was donated to the Red Rock District Boy Scout program.
Randy Megard informed members of two national events happening that recognize and teach happenings of the Great War through reenactments. The first event is during the third week of May in Chicago, and the second event is in November in Pennsylvania. Interested persons can contact Randy for more information.
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Dwayne Jacobsen, Andy Gilbert, Risty Grandkids, and Lana Hawkins. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 9:27 pm.
