American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on February 16th, 2023 with 31 members in attendance. Commander Clayton Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious meal. Special guest, Connie Kaufman, gave a special talk on a new program called Wagner’s Communities that Care Coalition. It is in its infancy but she is welcoming all community members who wish to be a part of it to call Connie in care of the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital. Commander Rados then called the members 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 gave his report noting that April 10th is deadline for applications to be handed in for the Legion scholarships. This year’s Boy State program has three applicants; Dan Soukup, Vince Bechen and Jacob Anderson.

Bingo – We had a great turnout for the first two sessions and now we need workers for the next four. Workers are 19th – Bob Kisely and Dave Jorgenson, 26th - Ray Soukup and Clayton Rados, 5th – Bob Kisely and Don Kotab, 12th – Dennis Clemens and Ray Soukup.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders- Jay Youngbluth reported there will be the annual Legion Riders Rendezvous in Ft. Pierre on May 21st-22nd at the Pizza Ranch. Also brought up was the Commander’s Ride for veterans to be held May 22nd-25th. Commander Doug Feltman wanted to know if Wagner wanted to be included in one of the way points. It would require us to make a donation. Dave will contact our Rider’s treasurer Tom Cartney and Director Bruce Specketer on our funds and if we wish to participate.

Old Business – Commander Clayton and Bob Kucera attended the Mid-Winter meeting held in Huron. Discussion was held warning the posts of a lot of scamming happening on Legion Posts as well as its members on the internet. Rick Zolnowsky placed new door closures on the bathroom doors and repaired some damage done to the walls. Ken Cotton is still working on our 1090 tax exemption form.

New Business – A generous donation was given to the joint flag fund between the VFW and American Legion from Danette Morehead and Sharon Blaha honoring Larry Blaha. It will provide seven new flag poles and flags for our display in the city park. Dave Isebrands will send a thank you to them for their donation. The Viet Nam Era Reunion will be held April 21st-23rd in Rapid City. Forms are available for registration. GoGetter and Commander Pins were handed out to awarded members.

The Post wants to welcome all Sons of American Legion to our monthly meetings. The Post wants to continually thank them for the work they do year around in helping us with our goals and projects.

The Spring District 8 meeting will be held on April 1st at the Community Center in Springfield, SD. Dave Isebrands was nominated to represent Greer Post #11 for Legionnaire of the Year. Also, a reminder to all that our annual sweepstakes is this Saturday night. Lists of workers and shifts were handed out with a reminder for shift leaders to contact the workers in their shifts. State Commander Doug Feldman will be in attendance.

Discussion was held regarding our roof and the outside needing repairs. It had been noted there appears to be water spots starting on the upstairs ceiling. We will get estimates right away as the local contractors are already getting lined up for work once the weather warms up. Discussion was also held about getting 25 new chairs for the Post as we have existing tables for them to be placed around. Wagner, Building & Supply will be contacted.

Adjutant Dave Isebrands also brought up the need to update the Post’s laptop computer as our old operating system is outdated as is the virus protection plan. It was decided to have Michael Petit do the necessary work.

The monthly drawing winner was John Fuchs who donated the funds back to the Post. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.