American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on May 18, 2023 with 28 members in attendance. Americanism Officer Don Kotab also introduced our four scholarship winners who are: Teddie Slaba, Matt Link, Ava Podzimek and Jaycee Dvorak. Each winner individually thanked the members and informed us of their future plans. Also in attendance were Mike Kirwan and his daughter. Mike graciously donated a very sizeable amount to the Post from Mike and Willa honoring their son, Mickey Kirwan, who had passed away from war wounds. Karen Richelieu, the District 8 Auxiliary president, was also in attendance. Commander Clayton Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious meal. 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.

Americanism

– Americanism Officer Don had previously introduced our scholarship winners and informed everyone that our three Boys State delegates would be heading for Aberdeen for Boys State on May 29th – June 2nd.

Bingo – No report. Baseball

– Athletic Officer Jerry Seiner, has spoken with Matt Slaba who has registered the team and is waiting on word regarding the necessary insurance. So far, 6 home games and 6 away games are scheduled with the first game scheduled for Mary 31st. Matt hopes to get a few more games scheduled. The first home game is June 1st. Volunteers for taking the gate are Jay Youngbluth, Dennis Clemens, Clayton Rados, Melvin Horner, Bruce Specketer, Jim Bastemeyer, Ray Soukup and Dave Isebrands. Uniforms were ordered by Sam Metzger and he will be reimbursed. The equipment needs are yet to be addressed.

Service Officer

– Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report. A moment of silence was held for Vern Sip who served as State Commander from 2001-2002. Many positive comments from various state and national officers who were in attendance were received regarding our Honor Guard, stating it was the best presentation they had ever witnessed.

Legion Riders

- Director Bruce Specketer stated the Riders had met and are beginning preparations for this summer’s functions. The State Riders’ Rendezvous is this weekend in Fort Pierre but no word yet on the Commander’s Run which is supposed to start on Monday. Jay will attend the Rendezvous and bring us word on the Commander’s Run. Only Garretson and Wagner responded to serve as way points.

Old Business

- Commander Rados informed everyone of the appointed Post officers: Sgt. At Arms –Melvin Horner, Athletic Officer – Jerry Seiner, Chaplain – Don Kotab, Service Officer – Merle Stone, Judge Advocate – Greg Geiman, Finance Officer – Dannie Gruenewald and Americanism Officer – Don Kotab. All officers were sworn in by State Sgt. at Arms – Greg Geiman.

New Business

- This year’s Memorial Day Program will be held on Monday May 29th at 10:00 AM at the armory with the VFW in charge. Mark Roberts will be the MC, Scott Wik will serve as the chaplain, Presley Slaba will sing the national anthem, Dana Sanderson is in charge of music, Jenny Barnett will read her Voice of Democracy essay, and the address will be given by Ken Teunissen, who is a state legislator and Purple Heart recipient. Tony Krcil will be in charge of lining up the Honor Guard. Lunch will again be served following the program at the Legion Post.

Mark Roberts and Jerry Seiner will represent the VFW and American Legion with an information table for the Unity Jam on June 11th. Merle Stone will take the jeep to Fish Days and will need candy to be thrown out. Czech Days Parade is on June 16th, Friday at 1:00 PM.

Veterans Service Officer

– Veterans Service Officer Jerry Seiner stated there has already been 553,000 claims received from the PACT act with approximately one half already processed. Honor Flights have two scheduled with hopes of three more yet this year. There is a very long waiting list. Travel Pay is backlogged. Going online is much faster and Jerry can help you get signed up online If needed.

Dennis Clemens read a thank you from the ROCS office in appreciation of the food the Legion donated. Dennis also read a thank you from the Keith Schroeder family.

On a motion from Jerry Seiner and a second from Ray Soukup, it was decided to send a donation from the Post to the Milbank Baseball Assoc. where American Legion Baseball originated to help with a new stadium.

Joe Stedronsky was honored with an award by Post Commander Clayton Rados honoring Joe with 70 years of continuous membership in the American Legion.

Jerry announced that on Friday May 26th at 7:00 PM, we will meet at the Post to place the flags in the park for Memorial Day. He will send out a text notifying everyone.

Our monthly drawing winner is LaVern Rezac who graciously donated the funds back to the club. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.