American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on October 20, 2022 with 28 members in attendance. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious meal. He also thanked Paul Kucera for all the efforts he puts in to assist the Legion and Legion Auxiliary for the work they do. He was given a round of applause. Also in attendance was his son, Jacob Kucera who also assists. Commander Rados then called the member to attention. Chaplain Don 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 Gruenewald gave the treasurer’s report with the report approved as read.

Baseball – No report. Americanism – Americanism Officer Don Kotab has received the packet from the state. He met with High School Principal Lori Kokesh and our school coordinator Jen Lhotak. He left the necessary paperwork for scholarship applications as well as oratory contest.

Bingo – Bingo will start again on October 30th. Paul Kucera, Jay Youngbluth and Merle Stone will be the callers. Bob Kucera will again be the coffee and popcorn maker. Workers for October 30th will be Ron Kahler and Bob Kisely. November 6th workers will be Clayton Rados and Ray Soukup. November 13 workers will be Tony Krcil and Melvin Horner.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders – Jay Youngbluth stated the Riders had received a thank you for their donation the Midwest Honor Flight Program.

Veterans’ Service Officer Charles Mix County Veterans Service Officer, Jerry Seiner, reported that this year’s COLA increase will be 8.7%. The raise will be seen in Social Security, Military Retirement, VA Compensation and Civil Service Retirement. The raise will take effect on January 1, 2023.

We still have no receptionist at the Wagner VA Clinic. According to information Jerry has received, the position will be advertised on USAJobs and applied for only on the USAJobs website. There is no set date for the announcement to come out. Anyone interested can contact Jerry at 605-481-1338. There are currently 6 people interested in applying.

Jerry thanked those who attended the “What’s Brewing” veterans meeting sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. The turnout was very good with many positive comments from our veterans.

Jerry reminded veterans with VA disabilities that they would be receiving their annual disability benefits award letter. It will show your disability rating and monthly payment amount. This letter may be used to confirm your disability for other veterans benefits so file it where you can locate it if needed.

The state legislature passed a bill giving spouses of veterans who died of a service connected disability and are on Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) a tax break. The evaluation of the home they are living in will be reduced by $150,000. Applications must be received by November 1, 2022 for tax relief on 2024 property taxes.

Jerry reported on the Humana Honors Vets Medicare supplement. This is a no cost supplemental insurance plan for veterans which is paid for by the federal government. Along with the free plan, you also get $2500 worth of dental coverage, $200 for optometry and $125 worth of over the counter medications every three months. You may also receive a Medicare Part B give back which will lower your Part B payment and increase your Social Security check. You must be receiving your medications from the VA to be eligible. For more information call Shanitha Robinson at 1-855673-3578, extension 6608 and leave a message for her to call you back or contact Jerry with any questions.

Old Business –Bob Kisely presented a National Military Command Center Site R medal to Commander Rados. It was given to the Francis Cuka family by Francis’s grandson at Francis’ funeral. A thank you was also read from the Cuka family for the tribute given by the Legion at Francis’s services.

Raffle ticket sales have been slow. Commander Rados again stressed getting tickets sold as the drawing for the Commemorative Gun will be held at our November meeting. This was the gun donated back to the Legion by Sharon Haar in Harris’s memory to be used for a fund raiser.

New Business – The annual Veterans’ Day Program will be held at the Wagner School gym on November 11th. It was noted that Governor Noem will be in attendance as well. The program is at 2:00 PM. Also, the flag retirement will take place at 9:00 AM. Flag drop offs can be done at the Wagner Library. This program will also include the dedication of the bridge east of town in honor of S2N Wayne Bridge who lost his life in World War II.

The fall District 8 meeting is this Sunday, October 23rd. It will be held in Wakonda. The social hour is at 1:00 PM with the meeting to follow at 2:00 PM. Greg Geiman is again running for the State Sergeant at Arms post and needs our support.

Monthly drawing winner is Dennis Clemens. Chaplain Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.