American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on July 20, 2023 with 26 members and two guests in attendance. John Crisman introduced his guest, Pastor Rydel Samuelson. Pastor Samuelson is the new pastor at the Methodist church here in Wagner and hails originally from Mandan, ND. Commander Rados introduced his sister, JoAnn Ishmael who was visiting from Illinois. Commander Clayton Rados then 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 Kotab stated he is already working on next year’s Boy State now that this year’s convention is over.

Bingo – No report. Baseball – Athletic Officer Jerry Seiner stated the regional tournament is currently going on. The Wagner team lost its first game. Their next game was rained out in the 3rd inning and will need to be replayed. This year’s gate receipts were good. He will invite the team to our August meeting.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders- Dave Isebrands reported the Riders held a meeting to discuss this year’s Veterans Ride held on the Sunday during Wagner’s Labor Day celebration. The Riders sold brats and burgers at the Wagner Super Foods parking lot and did well. The Riders donated $500 to the Midwest Honor Flight program.

Veterans Service Officer – Veterans Service Office Jerry Seiner stated that the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital mental health department has been approved by the VA for area veterans. This should save a lot of time and miles for our veterans who need care. The VA currently has open enrollment for our Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Viet Nam veterans who desire VA health care benefits. Open enrollment ends on September 30, 2023. Contact Jerry at 605-481-1338 to enroll.

Old Business- Commander Rados stated the roof repair is done and it looks great. We also had a minute of silence for honor John Stastny and Ed Kolecka who have recently passed.

New Business- Labor Day is fast approaching. Jerry is now working on revising the work schedule which will be sent out with the next month’s newsletter. The American Legion Auxiliary donated $500 to our Post. Commander Rados gave a Thank You note to the group. The Charles Mix Historical Society is also in need of funds for repairs. The Post gave a $500 donation to them. The Commanders homecoming honoring Courtney Steffen will be held at the Chester Community Center on July 22nd in Chester, SD. Purple crosses honoring the Purple Heart recipients have been received. One was given honoring Bob Soukup and one was given honoring Dennis Clemens. The District 8 meeting will be held on October22nd with a place still to be determined. The jeep will be taken to Scotland for the Scottie Stampede Rodeo Days parade in August. Jerry informed the group that the Thunderbirds will be in Sioux Falls during the Sioux Falls air show July 29-30.

Jay Youngbluth was the monthly drawing winner but was not in attendance. The six months drawing winner was Jerry Ehrisman. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.