American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on December 16, 2021 at the Post Home with 31 members in attendance. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious prime rib dinner which was enjoyed by all. Three new members, Steve Woods and Shaun and Lisa Bambas were introduced and welcomed to the American Legion. 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.

Temporary Adjutant Jerry Seiner, read the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer Dan Gruenwald gave his report. All bills have been paid. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented. Americanism Officer, Don Kotab reported that there are no applicants for the Oratory Contest from the Wagner school. Applications are now being accepted for Boys State and the Trooper Academy.

There was no baseball report.

The Legion Riders reported that they have been invited to participate in the Parkston Vietnam Moving Wall event. The Riders will parade from Ethan to Parkston along with firefighters and law enforcement officers on June 29, 2022.

Service Officer, Merle Stone gave his report.

Commander Rados asked for a moment of silence for our recently deceased veterans, Dwayne Lindgren, Bob Dvorak and Kendall Wiechmann.

Commander Rados reported that Rick Zolnowsky and Jerry Seiner rehung the knitted flag that was donated by Delma Slaba. They also sealed and waxed the new floor tile with assistance from Jay Youngbluth. Rick also replaced light fixtures in the upper part of the building and fixed a leak in the urinal in the men’s bathroom. Thank you to the fixit crew.

The Parade of Lights was postponed for a week due to weather. Dennis Clemens will decorate his pickup and enter it in the parade.

Bingo has been very successful this year. Next weeks volunteers are Melvin Horner and Don Kotab. This will be the last week of Holiday Bingo. We will continue with Spring Bingo in February.

Snow removal in front of the building was done by Sam Fousek. Thank You Sam!

Folds of Honor is holding a raffle with 13 John Deere prizes to include 3 lawn mowers and various other items. Cost of the raffle ticket is $100. C&B Operations will donate $100 for every ticket purchased. For more information or to purchase a ticket, stop at C&B Operations.

Our annual Sweepstakes drawing tickets are available for purchase beginning at tonights meeting. Tickets sell for $25 each and are available from many Legion members.

Thank you’s were received from Arlis Kafka and the Cancer Society and the Art Canfield family.

Jerry Seiner gave his Veterans Service Officer report. Veterans were informed about a social security program that incorporates credits for military service into a person’s social security calculations. Veterans do not need to do anything as the credit was automatically added when applying for social security. If veterans have a question they should call their local social security office. Veterans were also told that the kiosk’s for travel reimbursement will be removed from all VA facilities in March. To apply for travel pay, veterans can file online or, if they don’t have access to an electronic devise, they may file at the CBOC or the Sioux Falls Travel Office at the VA. They may also submit their claim by fax using VA Form 10-3542. Anyone needing assistance can call their local Veterans Service Office. Jerry also informed members that a Military Museum will be added at the Alliance in Sioux Falls and that the “Home” of American Legion Baseball in Milbank is building a new baseball complex.

Discussion was held on funding for the mural to be painted on James Drug.

Donations can be sent to VFW Quartermaster, Jerry Seiner at 39396 288th St., Armour, SD 57313.

Commander Rados reported that we are in need of new winter parade gloves for the Honor Guard as well as white long sleeve shirts and zipper ties. A motion was made and approved to purchase the needed items from the Memorial Fund.

Greer Post #11 has endorsed Greg Geiman, who is a candidate for State Sgt. of Arms.

Capitol Christmas Trees are currently on display at the State Capitol building.

The American Legion and the Soukup family both sponsor a tree each year.

Our monthly drawing winner was Ralph Stork.

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