American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting May 16th. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for the delicious meal. Tonya Urquieta was present representing the Older Adult Resource Network program. She is the Network Coordinator and is available for presentations to various groups and/or individuals to explain the program goals to the people. Her phone number is 832-525-8699 and website is OARN.LssSD.org. 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 Mark Wiechmann 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 informed the Post that we have two boys attending Boys State this year, Frank Soukup and Carter Smejkal. A motion was approved to pay Frank Soukup to transport the two young gentlemen to and from Aberdeen to attend Boys State. The Post awarded Shona Kocer, Macy Koupal, Aubrey Medricky and Daniel Soukup with this year’s scholarships.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Baseball – Athletic Officer Jerry Seiner stated that a team is organized with 18 players. June 11th is the first home game. There are currently 15 games scheduled.

Legion Riders- The 4th Annual American Legion Riders Rendezvous will be held Saturday May 18th at the Pizza Ranch in Ft. Pierre. The wreath laying ceremony will be at 10:00 CDT Sunday May 19th at the Soldiers & Sailors World War Memorial at 425 East Capitol Avenue in Pierre. Also, a reminder of the 2024 Ride 605 for the SD American Legion Foundation starting Friday, June 7th in Pierre with a stop in Wagner on June 10th for an early lunch.

Bingo – Our Bingo season has been very successful. Discussion ensued considering extending the season.

.Veterans Service Officer – Service Officer Jerry Seiner spoke of a pay raise for active duty personnel. He also explained how a new ID card could be obtained. He also spoke of a tax advantage for eligible Veterans with low income.

.Old Business – The annual VFW pancake breakfast feed was very successful. The $507 earned will be donated to the Midwest Honor Flight.

New Business – Commander Rados made the Post aware of the fact that our trash receptacle is being used by unknown local residents. A Thank You was read from the Veterans Community Project thanking the Post for our generous donation. A Thank You was read from the Vernon Sip family and was accompanied by a very generous donation. Commander Rados also presented medallions for Honor Guard participation. State Sergeant at Arms Greg Geiman did the swearing in of the new officers for Post 11 for the year 2024-2025.

The Post will participate in the Lake Andes Fish Days parade. Jerry Seiner also asked for the names of deceased Veterans to be included in the Post’s flag display. June 20-23 will be the State Convention held in Pierre at the Ramkota Inn. Those attending will be Clayton Rados, Jay Youngbluth, Greg Geiman, John Crisman and Robert Kucera.

The American Legion Post will be organizing this year’s Memorial Day service. Mark Roberts will be the MC with Scott Alderink providing the Invocation and prayer. Kim Soukup will sing the National Anthem and Shane Lamer from Hartford is the guest speaker. Shane is the SOL State Commander. Don Hubbard and Clayton will do the roll call of Deceased Veterans and their final resting place. The American Legion will post the colors.

Don Kotab was the monthly drawing winner and donated the winnings back to the Post. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final blessing and we closed in due form.