American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on October 21, 2021 at the Post Home with 28 members in attendance. 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. Milton Haar, who is a son of a Legion member was a guest. Gordon Kotab, who is a member but lives in Sturgis, was also in attendance. Commander Rados then called the meeting to order.

Adjutant Dave Isebrands, read the minutes of the previous meeting. Bob Kucera made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Jerry Seiner seconded the motion with the motion carrying.

Treasurer Dan Gruenwald gave the monthly treasurer report. All bills received have been paid but we are still waiting for the bill yet from Pepsi for the Labor Day stand. Ron Kahler made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report as read. Jay Youngbluth seconded the motion with the motion carrying.

Don Kotab, the Americanism Officer stated that he spoke with Jen Lhotak, our new school coordinator. The scholarship form will state that our four scholarship winners will have the check made out to both the individual as well as the secondary institution they are attending payable at the start of the second semester to clear up any confusion. Jay Youngbluth made a motion to increase the travel allowance to $150.00 for the vehicle transporting the Boys State attendees to and from Aberdeen. The motion was seconded by Leo Holzbauer with the motion carrying. We will have a program again on November 11th at the school with a flag retirement ceremony.

The local cancer group wishes to have a rummage sell again on November 4th and 5th. They asked if the Post would be willing to allow them the usage of our Post. Jay Youngbluth made a motion to donate the use of our Post for their event. Bob Kisely seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Bingo will again be held for eight Sundays during the holiday seasons. We will begin with bingo on Sunday, October 31. Workers for the 31st were Bob Kucera, Clayton Rados and Dave Isebrands. Workers volunteering for November 7th were Jay Youngbluth, Bob Kisely and Leo Soukup. Volunteers for November 14th were Merle Stone, Don Kotab and Melvin Horner. Workers should be at the Post by 12:30 with bingo starting at 1:00.

Merle Stone, the Service Officer, gave his report.

Joe Stedronsky gave a short report on his Midwest Honor Flight experience. The Arlington National Cemetery was his personal highlight. Dan Rezac was also present and was on the October Honor Flight. Gary Beeson and Dennis Cihak were also on the Honor Flight with him. It was a rewarding experience for all who were so honored.

Jay Youngbluth informed everyone that he has sold our old stove. Discussion was held as to whether we needed a second one to fill the extra space. The general consensus was no and to wait to see if a second one was even necessary.

The Chow Line was held at the Fire Station as D&K Flooring were still working on the new tile for the kitchen. The Chow Line went very well as there were about 200 meals served.

Jerry Seiner, the Veterans’ Service Officer, gave his report. He reminded everyone to get their military ID’s renewed if necessary. The local VA clinic will be doing flu shots on October 29th. The state cemetery committee desires to place wreaths on all the graves at the state veterans’ cemetery. The organization is called Wreaths Across America to honor our deceased veterans. Jerry Seiner made a motion to send $150.00 to help with the cost of their program. The motion was seconded by Gordon Kotab with the motion carrying.

Bruce Specketer, the Legion Riders director, had no report.

The VFW will again hold their Veterans’ Day Banquet on November 11th. Dennis Clemens made the motion to allow the VFW the use of our Post. Dave Isebrands seconded the motion with the motion passing.

Mark Wiechmann was the monthly drawing winner. Mark graciously donated the money back to the Legion.

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