American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on November 17, 2022 with 35 members in attendance. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious Thanksgiving meal and then called the members to attention. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion was recited by all members. Commander Rados then called the meeting to order.

Minutes – Adjutant Dave Isebrands read the minutes of our last meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Dan Gruenewald gave the treasurer’s report with the report approved as read.

Baseball – No report. Americanism – Americanism Officer Kotab stated that the District 8 Oratory Contest will be held in Vermillion on January 15th. Junior and Senior students are both eligible to participate in Boys State. Hopefully, we will have some applicants. He has also been in communication with our local Highway Patrol Officer, Taylor Mohr, and is hopeful for applicants for the Trooper Academy.

Bingo – Turnout for our holiday bingo has been very good. The following are volunteers for the next few Sundays: November 20th – Bob K. and Clayton; November 27th – Ray S. and Tony K.; December 4th – Steve W. and Don K.; December 11th – Dennis C. and Ray S.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders – No report. Old Business – The program for Fallen Heroes Bridges was held at the Veterans Day activity at the Wagner Community School on November 11th and was well attended. The bridge east of Wagner was dedicated in honor of S2N Wayne A. Bridge. The flag retirement burning was not held due to weather and will be done this coming spring. The fall District 8 meeting was held on October 23rd, Jay Youngbluth attended. He stated that the Posts on the west side of our district are not attending. Our spring meeting might be held in Wagner to hopefully encourage participation by the western Posts. It is hoped that Springfield will host the meeting with Wagner being the fall back. The Camp LeJeune issue was discussed.

Veterans Service Officer – VSO Jerry Seiner stated that toxic exposure screening was now being done for Gulf War Veterans. New funeral forms are out. The new forms must be used starting November 2nd in order to receive the new $100 stipend. Wagner is still hoping to fill in the vacancy at the Wagner VA clinic. Jerry stated that it is estimated that 52,000 employees per year for the next five years will be needed to fill vacancies at the VA nationwide. Travel pay for Veterans with service disabilities continues to be an issue. There is a backlog of paper claims to be processed by the VA. Jerry also brought to our attention the Veterans Community Project being built in Sioux Falls. 32 tiny homes are being built by the Harrisburg High School students for homeless veterans. The village will be located in central Sioux Falls and offers support services for the homeless veterans. It was agreed by our membership to send them $600 to pay the utilities for one year for one of the homes. New Business - . Ron Dilts thanked the Legion for the use of a walker and also to Paul Kucera for delivering it. Five year continuous membership stars were handed out. Dennis Clemens and Dennis Fechner both received special recognition for their 50 years of continuous membership. Our annual sweepstakes will again be held. It will be the 34th annual sweepstakes drawing with Gullickson Brothers playing. A sweepstakes meeting will be held immediately following tonight’s monthly meeting.

The Department MidWinter Conference will be held in Huron at the Crossroads Convention Center on February 10-12th. Our Department Convention will be held in Oacoma on June 8-11th.

The annual Parade of Lights will be on Friday December 16th. Dennis will provide his pickup but will need some assistance in decorating. The drawing for the gun donated by the Harris Haar family was done with Rance Kuhlman from Avon being the winner.

Our monthly drawing winner was Bob Kucera. Chaplain Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.