American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on July 21st, 2022 at the Post Home with 26 members in attendance. Commander Rados introduced John Crisman, who presented a very interesting story about his relative, Tony Skorpik. Skorpik was a WWII veteran who served in the Army Air Corps. He was shot down over Austria and was held as a prisoner of war for 10 months. Commander Rados thanked John for sharing his story and also 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.

Minutes: Jerry Seiner read the minutes of our last meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Dan Gruenewald, gave the treasure’s report. Americanism: Don Kotab thanked post member for the opportunity to represent our post in the Legionnaire of the Year competition at the Department convention in Watertown.

Legion Riders: The Legion Riders had a good turnout of Riders for the Parkston Celebration of Freedom. They are planning their annual Labor Day Ride and will be selling burgers and brats at Wagner Super Foods on the July 22nd.

County Veterans Service Officer: Jerry Seiner reported that the AIR Commission has been disbanded due to the senate refusing to approve the final member of the commission. This means the VA Clinic in Wagner will not be closing due to the commission’s report. The PACT ACT is on its last review in the senate. Once signed by the President it will cover toxic exposure issues and additional Agent Orange relief. The new 988 Suicide Crisis Line went in to operation on July 16, 2022. Anyone experiencing a crisis can call the number to receive immediate assistance. The National Purple Heart Convention will be held in Rapid City on August 14-19, 2022.

Old Business: Commander Rados thanked the Honor Guard Rifle Squad for attending the Parkston Celebration of Freedom. Doug Feltman was elected as the new State Commander at the convention in Watertown. His homecoming is this Saturday in Chamberlain. The Commander will attend along with other post members. A social hour will be held at 12:00 pm with a meal at 1:00 and program at 2:00. Denny Brenden was elected as the National Executive Committeeman (NEC) with Fred Nelson as the Alternate NEC member. Courtney Stephen was elected as Department Vice-Commander, District 3-8.

And Post #11 member Greg Geiman was again elected as the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Greer Post newsletter received 3rd place in the newsletter contest.

Mike Novak checked the hot water heater. He said it is fairly new and in good shape and that it only needed to be turned up.

The Honor Guard squad attended the funeral of Benjamin Slama in Avon with 16 members.

Mike Kotab printed tickets for the Harris Haar Gun Raffle. Tickets are available for Legion members to sell or purchase. They will sell for $20 each or 5 for $100. Profits from the sale will be donated to the Midwest Honor Flight.

The monthly cooks list was discussed. Many of the months do not have enough members to help prepare the meal. Jerry Seiner will compare the list to the post roster to see if we can find some members who would be willing to help.

Greg Mathis has ordered food and supplies for our annual Labor Day lunch stand. Discussion was held on workers for various shifts and those preparing the tavern. New members will be added to the list and some shifts will be adjusted. Bingo was also discussed. There will be more information and a decision made at the next meeting.

Request for a donation was received from the State Cemetery for Wings of Valor. They will be putting eagles on the entrance gate posts at the cemetery. The Wagner Fire Department also asked for a donation to support Child Safety Education for children in our community. A motion was approved to make a donation.

Jay Youngbluth was the monthly drawing winner. He donated the money to the dice roll fund. Dave Isebrands was the 6 month drawing winner. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.