American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on June 17, 2021 at the Post Home. Commander Clayton Rados called the members to attention. Chaplain Donald 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 thanked the cooks for the fine meal and then called the meeting to order. There were 27 members in attendance for the meeting with one guest, Nolan Dvorak, Richard Dvoraks’ grandson. Nolan was our choice for Boys State. Nolan gave an excellent presentation on his experiences at Boys State this past summer

Adjutant, Dave Isebrands, read the minutes of the previous meeting on July 15th. There being no additions or corrections, Joe Stedronsky made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Bob Kucera with the motion carrying.

Treasurer, Dan Gruenwald, stated the bills have been paid. Merle Stone moved that the report be accepted. Jerry Ehrisman seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Americanism – Don Kotab stated the scholarship winners are busy with other commitments at this time but will hopefully be able to attend our meeting at a later date.

Baseball – Four local youths played for the Tabor Post #183 State B American Legion team. The young men are Dustin Honomichl, Nolan Dvorak, Nolan Carda and Preston Nedved. The team played in the championship game against Redfield and were successful bringing the state B American Legion title home. The Wagner Teeners 16U from VFW Post would place 4th in the state tournament. Congratulations were given to both teams.

Bingo for Labor Day was brought up. Mary Kranz would run it. There will be bingo on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening with just a session on Monday afternoon. Service Officer, Merle Stone gave his report noting six military funerals in July.

Legion Riders – The riders through the efforts of the brat/ hamburger feeds at the Wagner Super Foods parking lot, were able to raise enough funds to sponsor another member for the Midwest Honor Flights. There will be a flight in both September and October yet this year. There will be the Annual Veterans Ride again this year during the Labor Day celebration. The ride will again be on Sunday with kickstands up at 11:00 AM. Jay Youngbluth volunteered to have coffee and rolls available for the riders present. Sign up will start at 10:00 AM.

Commander Rados gave a thank you to Rick Zolnowsky and Jerry Seiner for their efforts. They placed new faucets in the kitchen and the bathrooms with a round of applause ensuing..

Our freezer failed. Commander Rados checked with our local appliance dealer and found that none was available. He found one in Avon. It was a 17 cubic foot one which he went ahead and purchased. Also, Commander Rados spoke with two local contractors on replacement of the tiles in the one hallway and bathrooms. The bid from DK Flooring was accepted by a motion from Jerry Ehrisman. Bob Kucera seconded the motion with the motion carrying. Commander Rados will also check on kitchen stove replacement. He also mentioned we will need ice for the stand for Labor Day. Bob Kucera had contacted Mark’s Machinery and they were kind enough to allow us to use a UTV for use at our stand to shuttle food. A big thank you to Mark’s Machinery.

New lights have been installed. Jim Bastemeyer did the installation and donated his time. Jim also treated the Legion very well on the cost of the lights. They look very nice and a round of applause was given for his efforts.

Labor Day – Greg Mathis (his birthday today) stated that he has spoken with Buches and Wagner Super Foods and the necessary supplies have been orders. It will be busier this year as the wrist bands are used on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Mark Roberts has a refrigerator for use at the stand. Will be place flags in the park starting at 4:30 PM on Friday before Labor Day and erect the food stand following.

Our Veterans Service Officer, Jerry Seiner, gave his report. He wants to remind all National Guard members to find their discharge papers – NGB22. Also, those who have been on active duty to get your DD214 discharge papers. Jerry would like to have them on record. He was also in Pierre for his annual Veterans Service Officer training.

Commander Rados noted that our fall District 8 meeting will be held on September 26th in Volin. He also mentioned we need workers for selling the 50/50 tickets tomorrow at the races. He also read a nice note from Tom Langrehr stating he applauds our efforts and enjoys our newsletter. He also gave a donation to the Legion. We also welcomed back Ron Kahler who had been caring for his wife Linda, who recently passed. Commander Rados also received a sizeable donation from Mike Kirwan honoring his son Micky. Micky was wounded and disabled in the Gulf War and spent a year in the hospital recovering. After being discharged he continued to training airmen in San Antonio until he passed away from his war wounds in November of 2017. A big round of applause for Mike and his son Micky. Also, a round of silence was held for those who had recently passed. Our membership goal for this year is 174 as opposed to our goal of 172 from last year. We need new members.

We have a number of metal ammo boxes. Mark Wiechmann thought we could give an ammo box to our monthly drawing winner. This would be in addition to the money. It was placed in the form of a motion by Mark and seconded by Bob Kucera with the motion carrying. Greg Mathis was our monthly drawing winner.

Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer as we closed in due form.