American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on November 20 with 32 members and 3 SAL members in attendance. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious Thanksgiving meal as well as the Auxiliary for the cake celebrating the 106th anniversary of the American Legion. Happy birthday was sung by all for Greg Geiman who was celebrating his birthday today. Tony Krcil was the winner for the queen drawing but drew the 2 of diamonds instead. 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. Minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Dan Gruenewald gave the treasurer’s report. A brief discussion on who is allowed to charge items for the Post at Bomgaars. It will be looked at. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

Americanism – Americanism Officer Don Kotab gave his report. He has met with both Lori Kokes and Jennifer Lhotak and discussed scholarships and other programs the Legion offers.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Baseball – No report Legion Riders – No report Bingo – Bob Kucera stated that the turnout for Bingo has been very good although the machine broke down again and will be serviced on Monday. Volunteers for the upcoming sessions are November 23 – Jon Stather and Clayton, November 30 – Jerry Seiner and Ray Soukup, December 7 – Ron Kahler and Dennis Clemens and December 14 – John Havranek and Tony Krcil.

Veterans Service Officer – Veterans Service Officer Jerry Seiner stated the 2026 COLA will be 2.8%. The phone number for the Sioux Falls VA Pharmacy is 605-336-3230. Press option #1 then option #2 to be connected directly to the pharmacy personnel. He informed everyone to please call in advance to allow time for them to get the meds ready and mailed. He stated there were 1,391 claims filed in October alone for just South Dakota. Jerry also stated he did a flag count which is currently at 97.

Old Business – VSO Jerry gave a report on the flag retirement ceremony at the Wagner school on Veterans Day. He stated that the ceremony went very well. He also stated that the school does a tremendous job in the ceremony for the Veterans at the school. The school’s FFA did a tremendous job again and Emma Kreeger did an outstanding job as MC. He stressed we need a better Veterans turnout for the ceremonies. He had also ordered ammo and it arrived in only three weeks.

Clayton stated that the rent and insurance for the bleachers at the ball diamond has been paid. He also sent “Thank Yous” to the family who donated funds for the 4 new 8 foot tables and also one to the Larry Schacht family for their donation. He also stated he and Dannie met again with Amanda Bechen stating our tax exempt status is now up to date. Amanda also gave the Post a sizeable donation. Clayton sent out a Thank You card to Amanda.

New Business – Commander Rados handed out the 5 year increments badges for continuous membership in the Legion to the members who had not received them yet in the mail. Clayton also handed out a Go-Getter pin to Jerry Seiner as he was absent when they were initially handed out.

The Parade of Lights will be held again this year on December 5th. Sweepstakes planning time is here again. The drawing will be on February 28th at our yearly sweepstake dance. We received a thank you from the Wagner VFW for the use of our Post for their annual Veterans Day Dinner along with a donation. It was suggested to either send a thank you or invite him to our next meeting to thank him as his new hearse now has the ability to fly the American flags on the hearse for military funerals.

John Crisman read a letter from the South Dakota American Legion Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services Committees looking for individual donations as well as volunteers to aid their programs in helping Veterans in South Dakota. John also read a thank you from the Dennis Cihak family.

Dennis Clemens was the monthly drawing winner with the winnings donated back to the Post.

Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final blessing and we closed in due form.