American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on March 16th, 2023 with 30 members in attendance. Commander Clayton Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious meal. We have a guest tonight, Harvey Doerr, who is transferring from Post 164 to our Post. Commander Rados gave him a special welcome. He 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 three applicants; Dan Soukup, Vince Bechen and Jacob Anderson will be headed for Boys State and it was agreed to give Dan $200 for driving the candidates to and from Aberdeen.

Bingo – We had a great turnout for the last four sessions and we now need workers for the next three. Workers are 19th – Clayton Rados and Melvin Horner, 26th –Ray Soukup and Tony Krcil, April 2nd – Ray Soukup and Dave Isebrands.

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. We agreed to have Wagner be a way point on the annual Commanders Ride with a donation being given with half by the Riders and half by the Post. Commander Rados will let State Commander Don Feltman know.

Old Business – Our 1099 form was returned that we had submitted. CPA Amanda Bechen will resubmit but may not be available to get it done before May due to her heavy schedule as it is tax season. Our 34th Annual Sweepstakes was well-attended and Commander Rados thanked everyone for their hard work and efforts in accomplishing the fete. Dennis Clemens reminded everyone again of the Viet Nam Era Reunion to be held April 21st-23rd in Rapid City. Forms are available for registration.

New Business – A donation was given back to the Post by the Sweepstake winner, Brian Grosz. We also received a “Thank You” from Butch Martin for the security cameras he had won. The Spring District 8 meeting will be held on April 1st at the Community Center in Springfield, SD. Social is at 1:00 with the meeting to follow at 2:00 PM.

Discussion was held regarding our roof and the outside needing repairs. Only one estimate has been received. As soon as we can get one or two more estimates a decision will be rendered. Commander Rados also informed everyone that he had purchased 32 new chairs for the Post from Wagner, Building & Supply. Someone needs to spray the back of the chairs designating ownership by the Post.

The State Adjutant Kevin Hempel is stepping down and an effort is underway to find someone to assume the post. 50 year membership certificates for Dennis Clemens and Dennis Fechner were received. Also received two 70 year membership certificates but will be handed out later when the members are present, Roland Crisman and Joe Stedronsky.

March 24th the Honor Guard will meet at our Post so that they depart for a military honors funeral in Lake Andes at the cemetery for Joe Novak. The services are at 9:30.

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