American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on February 17, 2022 at the Post Home with 28 members in attendance. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the outstanding meal. 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 our last meeting. Being no additions or corrections, the minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer Dan Gruenwald, gave the treasure’s report. All bills have been paid including the insurance.

Americanism – Don Kotab gave his report. We are still hopeful for attendees for Boys State. May 1st is the deadline for the Youth Trooper Academy. Trooper Taylor Mohr has received no interest as of yet.

Legion Baseball – no report Bingo – This Sunday February 20th, we will begin our eight weeks of Bingo before Easter. Leo Soukup and Tony Krcil volunteered to work this Sunday, February 20th. The following are the volunteers for Feb. 27th – Don Kotab and Steve Woods, March 6th – Dennis Clemens and Ray Soukup, and March 13th – Melvin Horner and Clayton Rados.

Service Officer – Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders – no report

Old business – no report

New business – Harlow Thompson is our newest member. Eugene Hlavac wants to return home to his home post as he transferred to Greer Post #11 from Irene. Melvin Horner is now a Paid Up For Life Legion member. Commander Rados requested that we all look for new members. Our current paid up membership is approximately 85%.

Commander Rados reminded everyone that February 26th is our annual fund raiser. The doors will open at 7:00 PM with the dance and drawing beginning at 8:00 PM. Steve Woods will assist Clayton in making the tavern mix Saturday morning, Feb. 26th. The crew for setup will start at 1:00 PM on the 26th.

June 29th – July 4th, the moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall will be in Parkston. The Legion Riders as well as the SD A.B.A.T.E. Riders will escort the wall from Dimock to Parkston. We would like to have a list of all Vietnam Veterans even if you are not currently a Legion member.

The Mid-Winter Department Convention is this weekend, February 18th-20th in Oacoma. Those hoping to attend are Merle Stone, Greg Geiman, Clayton Rados, Jay Youngbluth, Bob Kucera and Dave Isebrands.

We have received Thank You cards and donations from the Wagner Food Pantry and from the Ernie Kocer family. A moment of silence commemorating Ernie’s passing as well as his service to our communities and country. We also received a donation from Dan and Carolyn Kocer.

The mural to be done on the side of James Drugs is scheduled for the end of summer. Mickey Harris is the artist. Donations are continuing to come in.

Jay Youngbluth requested that anyone who is no longer on the Honor Guard to please return shirts, ties, jackets or coats as we need them. If you know of a deceased member who was on the Honor Guard and still has the same to please return them as well.

Our monthly drawing winner is Greg Geiman.

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