American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on March 17, 2022 at the Post home with 27 members in attendance. Commander Clayton Rados thanked the Legion Auxiliary for the wonderful meal and special cake commemorating the 103rd year of the American Legion. We welcomed two new members to our Post tonight, Brandon and Dacey Eggers. We also had four guests in attendance. Gary Wolkow, our State Commander from DeSmet, was introduced and gave a brief “Thank you”. Also, Hugh Holmes and his wife Linda from Mitchell were present. Hugh is running for the position of the Alternate to the National Executive Committee. Hugh gave a brief report. Also present was Doug Feltman from Chamberlain who is running for the State Commander. Doug thanked everyone and also gave a brief report. Commander 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.

Minutes - 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 treasurer’s report. All bills have been paid and report approved.

Americanism – Don Kotab gave his report. Our school representative, Jen Lhotak along with last year’s attendee, Nolan Dvorak, gave a presentation at the school to help raise interest in Boys State awareness. We are still hopeful for attendees for Boys State. Trooper Taylor Mohr is working on the Trooper Academy.

Legion Baseball – no report

Service Officer – Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders – the weather is improving and hopefully they will become more active.

Bingo – Bingo has been going well. We still have four Sundays left before Easter. The following are the volunteers for the four remaining Sundays: March 20th – Ron Kahler and Melvin Horner, March 27th – Ray Soukup and Bob Kisely, April 3rd – Don Kotab and Steve Woods, April 10th – Ray Soukup and Clayton Rados.

Old Business – The Mid-winter Conference was held in Oacoma on June 18-20. It was stressed at the conference to get the necessary IRS tax forms sent in. Membership level was discussed, especially in the more rural communities. 15 members are required to charter a Post. Some Posts have fallen below that threshold after chartering. Activity is the main consideration and not necessarily numbers.

The 33rd Annual Sweepstakes was a big success. A special “Thank You” was given to the Sweepstakes Committee of Bob Kucera, Clayton Rados, Mark Wiechmann, Jay Youngbluth and John Stone.

New Business – Donations keep coming in for the VFW sponsored mural for the side of the James Drugs building. The Legion will donate towards its expense.

Viet Nam veterans who are not a VFW or Legion member names are needed as there will be a parade from Dimock to Parkston when the traveling Viet Nam Veterans Wall is moved from Dimock to Parkston in June. Special transportation will be available in their honor for the parade.

It was moved and seconded to allow the American Legion Auxiliary the use of the Post for March 31st for their annual soup/salad luncheon.

Go-Getter pins were awarded to the following members: Melvin Horner, Dave Isebrands, Greg Geiman, Dan Gruenwald, Don Kotab, Bob Kucera, Clayton Rados, Lavern Rezac, Jerry Seiner, Bruce Specketer, Merle Stone and Jay Youngbluth.

Our District 8 Spring Meeting will be held at the Marion Post this Sunday March 20th. Those attending will gather at the Post headquarters and carpool.

The annual Department Convention will be held at the Ramkota in Watertown, SD on June 16-19.

It was moved and seconded to allow the VFW to hold its pancake and sausage meal for Loyalty Day on April 29th here at Post #11.

It was moved and seconded to give $100.00 towards the Wagner After-Prom event.

The drawing winner was Gene Dressler.

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