The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, September 5th at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Jon Schmidt with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Lampe offered the prayer. 17 members were present.
The Auxiliary was thanked for preparing a great meal. Post 23 Firefighter of the Year Devon Huwe and his family were present as special guests. Devon spoke of being honored as our selection. Special guest Debra Stowe spoke on her time at the American Legion Youth Trooper Academy. She was proud she made it through the challenges and thanked the Post for sending her. That summer experience has opened a path for her future employment aspirations.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment.
Service Officer Nancy Grandy reported that thinking of you cards were sent to Don Debates and Chelsea Patrick. Condolence cards were sent to the Dale Schmiesing family and to Post members Barbara and Louis Phipps on Dale’s passing. It was reported that Neal Albers had been in the hospital.
The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy. She reported that our 2025 goal is 201 members. Our September goal is 50% (101 members). We currently have a total of 104 renewed members (54%) at this point. Our October goal is 111 members.
Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. The school will host a Veteran’s Day program in the gym on November 11th at 2 pm. They will also host meals with Veterans that week. Bob Bennett will have sign-up forms for those meal times at the next meeting.
Legislative Officer Paul Evenson gave that report. He reported on the National Convention. James LaCoursiere Jr. of Connecticut was installed as the National Commander. Fred Nelson was installed as the Department National Executive Committee Member, and Doug Feltman in place as the alternate. The severe funding shortfall for the VA was a large topic. The color guard performed military honors for Donald Edmundson and Dale Schmiesing.
Brian Siemonsma gave the baseball report. There is an upcoming change to VFW baseball. They plan to eliminate the 16U teams and add 17U teams. This will align with the South Dakota High School Activities Association. We will make plans to adjust our baseball program accordingly.
The bathrooms were discussed. Gary Lyngen reported that the work is mostly done. There is some painting and caulking to complete. He has lined up a company to commercially clean the floors.
The Vietnam Vets Legacy MC Poker Run will start their ride at our Post on Saturday, September 7th. Gary Lyngen and Josh Lampe will be there to make it all happen for our facility.
Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, October 3rd with the meal at 7 pm and meeting at 8 pm. The next Post breakfast will be October 6th from 9 am to 1 pm with scrambled eggs and ham. The next County meeting will be held in Dell Rapids on October 29th with a start time of 7 pm. The next District meeting will be held October 26th in Dell Rapids with a social at 11 am, meal at noon, and meeting at 1 pm.
Rob Meyer brought up the Commercial Club’s Hometown Christmas schedule. The Hometown Christmas will take place on December 14th. A motion was approved to move our Legion Breakfast to that date so we could provide a breakfast option to those attending.
The monthly raffle drawing took place. There were 4 drawings for September. Winners were: Lyle Rollag, Kiley Buettner, Ethel Kurtz, and Garrick Moritz. Each will receive $150!
Commander Jon Schmidt closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
