American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on November 18, 2021 at the Post Home with 30 members in attendance. We had four guests; Dominic Kotab, Dana Woods, Steve Woods, and Bruce Moehling. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the Thanksgiving meal which also had a cake commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. Commander Clayton Rados then 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 then called the meeting to order.

Adjutant Dave Isebrands, read the minutes of the previous meeting. Dave Jorgensen made the motion to accept the minutes as read. John Stone seconded the motion with the motion carrying.

Treasurer Dan Gruenwald gave his report. All bills have been paid except the Pepsi bill yet from Labor Day and the bill to Bouza Construction for door repair. Greg Mathis made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report as read. Dave Jorgensen seconded the motion with the motion carrying.

Don Kotab, the Americanism Officer, gave his report. Boys State will be held next year from May 30th through June 2nd. All juniors and seniors are eligible to go. Don spoke with Nolan Dvorak to speak with students and encourage them to go.

There was no baseball report nor Legion Riders report.

Service Officer, Merle Stone gave his report.

Old Business – The Legion held a flag retirement ceremony at the school on November 11th. Mark Roberts did a short program on the flag’s meaning and how to retire the flags which had served their useful purpose. We had five Legion members serving as color guards for the Veterans Day program at the school on the afternoon of November 11th. The ceremony was exceptional.

New Business – Continuous membership stars were handed out at the meeting for members in attendance. Many of the stars were already mailed to some members. There will again be a parade of lights held on December 10th in Wagner. Dennis Clemens volunteered the use of his pickup again. Clayton Rados and John Stone volunteered to help. Jerry Seiner volunteered himself and Rick Zolnowsky to clean and seal the new floors in the kitchen and the bathrooms.

Jerry Seiner, the Veterans Service Officer, gave his report. He stated that the Parkston VFW would be hosting the Veterans Memorial Wall’s “Celebration of Freedom” next summer from June 29th through July 4th. Currently, fund raising efforts were underway with a Comedy Night Function this Friday, November 20th. Jerry also stated that co-payments for care at the VA from April 6th through December 31st would be waived. The Post does have walkers, crutches, a bed and two wheel chairs for use by the veterans or if someone in the community is needing them.

A mural representation is currently on display at the Post. He suggested everyone look at it and make any suggestions regarding it. Mickey Harris, a renowned artist, is doing it. Mr. Harris has many works on display such as the one in Armour, SD. It will be coated when done to help protect it.

Dave Isebrands presented a used medical field stretcher. Jerry Barnett is the donor and had it dry cleaned. The stretcher is in great shape and was originally donated by an American Legion Post for use. A thank you will be sent to Jerry. Dave also brought up the need for volunteers. He was approached by Kim Soukup, whose father Wilbur, needed transportation to and from his physical therapy sessions here in Wagner. Dave will attempt to do most of them but needed some volunteers for the times he would be unavailable. Ray Soukup, Tony Krcil and Bob Kisely volunteered their services if needed.

Bingo helpers are again needed. The November 21st volunteers were Leo Soukup, Dave Isebrands and Jay Youngbluth. November 28th helpers would be Tony Krcil, Jerry Seiner and Paul Kucera. December 5th workers would be Merle Stone, Bob Kisely and Ron Kahler. December 12th helpers would be John Stone, Clayton Rados and Jay Youngbluth.

Our annual sweepstakes would again be held on February 26th, 2022. We need to get the necessary information by December 13th so that the tickets can be printed. Tickets would be handed out at our December meeting on the 16th. Jay Youngbluth, Mark Wiechmann, Merle Stone, Bob Kucera and Clayton Rados would head the committee.

Our monthly drawing winner was Leo Soukup.

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