American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on June 16th, 2022 at the Post Home with 28 members in attendance. Ken and Mary Cotton were also in attendance as were Camden Roth and Paige Anderson who introduced by our Americanism Officer, Don Kotab. Camden and Paige both gave a brief thank you for the scholarships the Post had awarded them. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the outstanding meal. Sharon Haar also thanked the Post and will make a sizeable donation from the memorials she received from Harris Haar’s passing. She is also donating the commemorative gun Harris had won a few years ago back to the Post for a raffle with the proceeds to be given to the Honor Flight Program. 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.

Minutes - Adjutant Dave Isebrands, read the minutes of our last meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report - Treasurer Dan Gruenwald, gave the treasure’s report.

Americanism - Don stated our other two scholarship winners, Jessica Kocer and Alaina Bechen, were unable to attend due to previous commitments.

Service Officer - Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders-The Legion Riders will be doing the Friday Wagner Super Foods noon lunch from 11:00 until 1:00 on July 22nd. The Riders will also meet at 12:30 PM at Midtowne on June 29th to head for Dimock to escort the Travelling Vietnam Memorial Wall to Parkston for the Parkston Celebration of Freedom. More can be seen on the web under parkstoncelebration.com.

Old Business-Commander Rados thanked all who had helped with the Memorial Day service as well as those who helped with the meal and serving after the Memorial Day morning services.

The Post served nachos and tavern mix at the 605 Unity Jam. The profits were donated to the Wagner pool fund.

Alicia Mathis interviewed Joe Stedronsky for the Veteran of the Month article for the Wagner Post. Her article will be in next week’s paper. Bob Soukup would be our choice for the next Veteran of the Month article.

Jay’s committee had not yet met regarding the fallen tombstones at the cemetery. Ken Cotton has completed our 990 form which needs to be done every three years. It was brought to our attention that the water is not hot but only warm. Wagner Building and Supply will be contacted to flush and drain the water heater.

New Business – Discussion was held regarding the veterans’ mural to be done on the north side of James Drugs. It was moved and seconded to have Greer Post #11 make a sizeable donation to help get it completed.

Discussion was held regarding the gun raffle with the commemorative gun being returned from Sharon Haar. We decided to charge $20 per raffle ticket or 6 tickets for $100. Tickets will be printed now with the drawing held at our November meeting. The 20 gauge Ithaca Shotgun is number 11 of 125. We wanted number 11 in honor our Post.

Our Post is needed on Thursday June 30th as the Honor Guard at the Parkston Celebration of Freedom. Members of the Honor Guard will be Bob Kucera, Mark Wiechmann, Dan Rezac, Tony Krcil, Don Hubbard, Rick Zolnowsky and Clayton Rados. They will meet at the Post at leave for Parkston at 4:30 PM on June 30th.

Commander Rados reminded everyone that on July 9th, all veterans will receive free admission to the Sioux Falls Canaries game.

Lavern Rezac was notified that he will be on the October 1st Honor Flight. This particular Honor Flight will be composed of just veterans from South Dakota. Bruce Specketer will be on the September 10th Honor Flight.

Discussion was held regarding our janitorial service person, Lori Kucera. It was moved and seconded to give Lori a raise for her efforts.

Veterans’ Service Officer-Jerry announced there will be a meeting on July 29th at 1:00 PM in Wagner of the AIR Commission regarding closure of some facilities in South Dakota, Wagner being one of them. Please come out and support our local facility.

The PACT Act passed the US Senate and returned to the House for final review before being sent to President Biden for his signature. The PACT Act is a comprehensive bill to address the health impacts of those who served overseas and were exposed to toxic hazards, such as burn pits, radiation, and Agent Orange. It offers expanded VA health care eligibility for many veterans who were not previously covered by VA care.

Jerry also stated more DAV van drivers are needed.

The Post received a donation from Harvey and Marlyss Bauman in honor of Bob Breen. Thank you cards were also received and read from our four scholarship winners Alaina Bechen, Paige Anderson, Camden Roth and Jessica Kocer.

John Crisman also spoke again about Tony Skorpic and his service in World War II and his time as a prisoner of war. There is a book you can find on eBay called “The Final Mission”. John will give us an informative program next month for both the Auxiliary and Post regarding Tony and his service before we have our monthly meetings.

Joe Stedronsky was this month’s drawing winner. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.