The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, February 2nd at 8:00 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. 19 members were present. No special guests present for this meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment. The Service Officer, Jon Schmidt, reported that condolence cards were sent to the families of Leo Leslie and Dean Scheurs. It was mentioned that Ron Lyngen’s father-in-law passed away.
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 167 renewals. 1 additional membership was given during the meeting. That will take us to 194 total which is 93% of our goal. Our February goal is 85%, so doing well!
Bob Bennett had the Americanism report ready for the meeting. He has met with the junior boys and girls to promote Boy’s State, Girl’s State, and the Trooper Academy. Rebekah Roth competed in the District 7 oratory contest in Humbolt and will receive our Post 23 Legion Scholarship.
Paul Evenson reported that the South Dakota Legislature is currently in session.
On bill in the works would have Veterans Service Officers assigned by County based on population. This bill was not supported due to it be unfunded. Another bill has being introduced to increase the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief, but it did not pass. Our Honor Guard team rendered military honors to Post members Leo Leslie and Dean Schreurs. Appreciation was expressed at the meeting for those involved with the Honor Guard and the impact they make at Veterans funerals.
Brian Siemonsma reported that he has reached out to Jeff Konechne to get up to speed on the status of the baseball equipment. Work continues to find coaches for the teams. Anyone interested should contact Brian. Information has been posted on Garretson Living about coaching positions available.
Commander Grandy asked for input on a Good Samaritan of the Year nominee. The committee on building improvements reported on the status of their recommendations. After much discussion it was decided that cost figures are needed to make a final decision. They will develop 3 options for the Post to vote on. First is to leave the older section of the building walls as is and replace the base board. Second option is to replace the paneling and carpet similar to the South room. Third option is to drywall all of the walls in the older section of the building.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, March 2nd. The meeting will start early at 7:00 pm, with the Post History and Past Commanders comments, and a meal following. Our next Post breakfast will be February 5th with omelets, scrambled eggs, and ham for a free-will donation. The Department Winter Conference will take place February 10-12 in Huron. The next county meeting will be February 28th in Dell Rapids with the meeting beginning at 7 pm. The next District meeting is April 2nd in Hartford with a 1:30 social and 2 pm meeting.
Our flags will be put up on Presidents Day. A nominating committee recommendation was given to name Tony Grandy as the Post 23 Legionnaire of the Year. A motion was made and passed. Congratulations Tony for all your hard work and commitment!
Commander Grandy distributed the February newsletter. The next newsletter will come out in April. Commander Grandy is looking into whether our newsletter can be entered into the competition at the State Convention. The Combine Restaurant has offered the “Chase the Ace” funds for the drawing on Wednesday, February 15th. The drawing will take place at 7:45 pm. Post members and community members are asked to support this event at the Combine.
Commander Grandy and the Adjutant attended the Funeral Honors review at the State Cemetery. There are no changes being made from the current process. Marty Luebke reported that Chris Johansen will provide free snow removal to any Veteran needing help with snow. Andy Lyngen thanked Post members for assisting with snow removal and for Joe Vandersnick helping with the back parking area.
Post 15 is offering prints of the 2022 John Green painting of the State Cemetery. Information is available on their website. The South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance is hosting VETAIDSD on March 3rd and 4th. Kris Paronto, a Benghazi survivor is the guest speaker on Friday, March 3rd. A thank you card was read from the family of Leo Leslie, the Garretson Food Pantry, and the Garretson Scholarship Fund.
The monthly raffle drawing for February took place. Weekly winners were Karen Luebke, Bob Arend, Sandy Vandeberg, and Mark Braa with each receiving $150. Commander Nancy Grandy closed the meeting at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
