American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on January 21, 2021 with 25 members 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. Bob Kucera brought up a change to the December minutes stating Bingo will be 12 sessions and not 8 as read. The December minutes will note the change. Minutes with change were approved.

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

Americanism – Americanism Officer Kotab stated Boys State will be May 27nd-31st with the application deadline being May 1stt. Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. The Trooper Academy will be from June 24th until June 28th. The deadline for applications is March 22nd. The Legion will also have four scholarships again this year with the deadline for submission being April 13th.

Service Officer – No report. Baseball – No report. Season has ended.

Legion Riders- The riding season has ended for the Legion Riders Bingo – Bingo has been having good turnouts. We will continue our Sunday Bingo program following the holidays. We need help for the following Sundays after the holidays. Helpers for January 28th are Dave Jorgenson and Clayton, Feb. 4th helpers are Joh Havranek and John Crisman, Beb. 11th helpers are Don Kotab and Tony Krcil, Feb. 11th helpers are Tony Krcil and John Crisman. Bob brought up the need for someone to do coffee and popcorn for the February 18th meeting as he will be in Deadwood for the Midwinter convention. He would like someone to come in and he can show them what needs to be done.

.Veterans Service Officer – No report. Commander Clayton held a moment of silence for two members, Francis Soukup and James Andersh, who have recently passed.

Old Business – The water pipes froze during our recent cold spell. A heater was placed by the incoming water main and the doors to the restrooms and sinks opened and the heat turned up a little. The faucets were opened and it did not take too long for the water to run again. No damage occurred but we need to come in and prepare the Legion hall if severe cold weather happens again.

We need to develop a plan for snow removal. Clayton has been doing some shoveling. Jason Von Eschen helped once as did the city once after the snow blew in again.

New Business - The South Dakota Midwinter Convention will be held February 16th-18th in Deadwood. We would like to have Paul Kucera accompany us to the meeting to attend the SOL sessions to get some ideas in getting more SOL members signed up. April 6th is the date for the District 8 Spring meeting but no site has been determined yet. Greg Geiman, Paul Kucera, Bob Kucera and Clayton are planning on attending the Midwinter Convention.

A fifty year plaque was handed out Jim Bastemeyer for 50 years of continuous membership in the American Legion.

We did receive confirmation from the Secretary of State regarding our Annual Sweepstakes event.

We had donated to the Veterans Community Project to pay for utilities for one year for one of the homes for 2023. We tabled the discussion on further donations until more information is available from Jerry Seiner, our Veterans Service Officer. We voted to donate $100 to the Wagner After Prom committee.

It was brought up that we need to make adjustments to the help on a few of the shifts for the stand on Labor Day weekend.

The monthly drawing winner was Russell Stone who was not present. The 6 months winner was Dennis Clemens. Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.