American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on October 19, 2023 with 28 members in attendance. Commander Clayton Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious meal. Happy birthday was sung to Robert Kucera for his 85th birthday. 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. Minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Dan Gruenewald gave the treasurer’s report. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

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. Don has met with Lori Kokes and Jen Lhotak regarding the various opportunities for the students.

Bingo – Bingo will begin on October 29th. Callers for Bingo will be Jay Youngbluth, Merle Stone and Paul Kucera. Steve Woods and Don Kotab will work October 29th session, November 5th sessions workers will be Ron Kahler and Robert Kisely and the November 12th workers will be Melvin Horner and Jerry Seiner.

Baseball – No report. Season has ended.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Legion Riders - The riding season has ended for the Legion Riders.

Veterans Service Officer – Veteran Service Officer Jerry Seiner stated that flu shots will be given at the Wagner VA clinic on October 25th from 1:00-4:00 PM. The new Covid vaccine is not available. VA health care ID cards do have an expiration date. You can get yours renewed at the VA in Sioux Falls when you are visiting. The enrollment/eligibility office at the VA in Sioux Falls for new ID’s is down the first long corridor and is the second door on the left across from the bathrooms. The receptionist at the Wagner VA clinic is checking on the training so she can issue new cards or replace those that have expired.

Old Business- Amanda Bechen is still working on our 990 for tax exemption from the IRS. She would like four people to come review the submission for accuracy before it is turned in. Clayton, Dave, Dannie and Dennis Clemens will try and meet with her when she has them completed.

New Business - Alyssa Mathis is still 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. On a motion and a second, Greg Geiman was approved by our Post to run for State Sergeant at Arms for next year.

A Veteran’s Appreciation and Resource Event is being sponsored by the YST, Charles Mix Veteran’s Service Officer and the Wagner IHS. It will be held at the Wasake Building (the old Alco building) on Highway 46 on November 2nd from 10:00-1:30.

There will be a Veterans’ Day program at the school on November 10th. There will also be a flag retirement ceremony this year. Watch the local paper for more information. The annual Veteran’s Day Banquet will be held at the American Legion Post on November 11th sponsored by the local VFW.

The District Fall meeting is slated to be held on October 22nd in Springfield. The Social hour is at 12:00 PM with the meeting and program to follow at 1:00.

Jerry Seiner also stated we have a new member, Gerald Henke. He was also given a picture of a rock with a painting on it of Millburn Henke who was the first American to set foot on European soil in WW II. Millburn was his second cousin. The rock with the painting is on display in Lakeville, MN.

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