American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on September 21, 2023 with 29 members in attendance. 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 – Assistant Adjutant Jerry Seiner read the minutes of our last meeting. A motion to approve was made by Merle Stone, seconded by Jim Bastemeyer. Minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Dan Gruenewald gave the treasurer’s report. A motion to approve was made by Melvin Horner and seconded by Bruce Specketer. The motion carried. It was also noted that the Commercial State Bank makes copies of the financial report each month. They will be sent a thank you note to show our appreciation.

Americanism – Americanism Officer Don Kotab reported that applications are open for the Youth Trooper Academy, Boys State and the Oratory Contest, which is held in January..

Bingo – Bingo will begin at the end of October until Christmas with Winter Bingo beginning in early January. Workers will be scheduled at next month’s meeting.

Baseball – No report. Season has ended.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone had no report. He asked members to let him know of any sick or deceased veterans so he can send a card.

Legion Riders- Gerald Ehris-man reported that the Labor Day Ride went well. Attendance was down due to the hot weather. The bikers rode to the Missouri River bridge near Springfield and took a needed break from the heat. They returned to Wagner by 1:00.

Veterans Service Officer – Veteran Service Officer Jerry Seiner reported that free enrollment period for 9/11 veterans will end on September 30. After that date, veterans will need to meet income guidelines to enroll in VA Health Care. The VA Pharmacy will be converting prescriptions that require veterans to cut their pills in half to full size tablets over the next year. To apply for VA travel reimbursement for appointments at the Sioux Falls VA, stop at the front desk for assistance in filing your claim. You may also get assistance from the receptionist at the Wagner VA Clinic. For assistance with Care in the Community travel pay, contact your County Veterans Service Officer. The Sioux Falls VA offers Dementia Care Services to eligible veterans and their caregivers. They provide screening and diagnosis of dementia and offer programs to help veterans and their caregivers with their disabilities. Contact your primary care provider for more information.

Old Business- Commander Rados updated members on the Labor Day Lunch Stand. The lunch stand did well. Income was comparable to the last few years even with the hot weather. The Commander thanked all members who helped in any way to make the weekend successful. He thanked Walt Ishmael for his donation of fly strips that controlled the fly population and C&B Operations for the use of the Gator. It was noted that next year extra help will be needed on the final shift and on Tuesday morning to take down and store the lunch stand.

New Business- Alyssa Mathis is preparing an article on the American Legion Lunch Stand for the local paper. Anyone with any information relating to the stand, especially the start date, are asked to contact Commander Rados or Alyssa. VFW representative Jerry Seiner asked for approval to host the annual Veterans Day Banquet at the American Legion on Veterans Day. A motion was made and approved for the use of the building at no cost. A flag retirement ceremony will also be conducted at the Wagner School during the schools Veterans Day activities. A thank you, along with a generous donation, was received from the Robert Soukup family for the Military Rights performed at his funeral.

The District 8 meeting will be held on October 2nd at Springfield. A social hour will begin at 12:00 with the meeting to follow at 1:00. Monthly drawing winner was Gerald Ehirsman who donated it back to the post. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.