American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on March 21, 2024 with 29 members in attendance. We had two guests, Kevin Morello who is running for State Commander and his riding partner, Marv Tisdall, who is the District 1 Vice Commander. Kevin spoke about some of his goals if elected as the new State Commander. His comments and goals were well received. Commander Clayton Rados thanked them for their attendance and looks forward to meeting them again at the state meeting in June.

Commander Rados thanked the Auxiliary for preparing the delicious meal and cake celebrating the 105th birthday of the American Legion. Happy Birthday was also sung for Melvin Horner who is celebrating his birthday today. Chaplain Don Kotab then 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 stated he is still hopeful for some applicants to Boys State and the Trooper Academy. The Legion will have four scholarships this year with the deadline for submission being April 13th. The winners will be selected at our April meeting.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Baseball – No report. Legion Riders- No report. Bingo – We will continue our Sunday Bingo program. Bingo has been successful with an average attendance of 35. We need workers for March 24th, April 7th and April 14th. Workers for March 24th are Melvin Horner and John Crisman, workers for April 7th are Clayton and Ray Soukup and workers for April 14th are Tony Krcil and John Fuchs.

Veterans Service Officer – No report.

Old Business – The Legion’s 35th annual sweepstakes was a big success. Commander Rados thanked all members who helped in making this a successful event. Donna Stastny was the big winner who donated part of her winnings back to the Legion. Also, Brian Slaba and Nick Wright donated back their winnings back to the Post. A thank you was read from Carolyn Kocer for her drawing prize.

Paul Kucera accompanied the local Legionnaires to the South Dakota’s Mid-Winter conference in Deadwood. He gathered some new information to see if he can increase the membership roll of the local SOL. Currently, they have 14 members. They have been a great help to our Legion Post and we thank them very much. Commander Rados was able to speak with Shane Lamer who is the SD SOL state chairman. Shane was gracious enough to accept being the main speaker at this year’s Memorial Day program here in Wagner. Shane is from Hartford, SD. The main topic of discussion at the Mid-Winter conference was suicide prevention among the veterans.

New Business – The District 8 meeting will be held on April 6th at the VFW in Yankton. The social hour and luncheon begins at 11:00 with the meeting to follow at 12:30. John Crisman will represent the Wagner Post for Legionnaire of the Year. April is Chidlren and Youth month for the American Legion.

Certificates for continuous years of membership were read by Commander Rados. The certificates were awarded to Jim Bastemeyer for 50 years, Mike Kirwan for 60 years and Lavern Andersh for 70 years. Commander Rados also handed out Go Getter pins as well as Honor Guard pins to the deserving Post members.

Dennis Clemens asked permission to hold the annual VFW pancake feed here again at the Legion’s Post. It was unanimously approved. Dennis also stated that the local VFW would like to hold their monthly meeting here. They have their meeting on the third Tuesday of every month. Again, it was unanimously approved.

The monthly drawing winner was Merle Stone who donated the money back to the Legion. Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.