American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on June 20th. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for another delicious meal. Commander Rados called on Americanism Officer Don Kotab to introduce the guests in attendance. Daniel Soukup, son of Gene and Laura Soukup, is one recipient of Greer Post #11's scholarships this year. Daniel expressed his thanks for the scholarship and reminded us he also attended Boy's State last year. Carter Smejkal, son of Shawn and Donna Smejkal and Frank Soukup, son of Lynn and Kim Soukup were the Post 11's 2024 Boy's State attendees. Both young men talked briefly about their last minute doubts of how they were going to appreciate Boy's State. However, after arriving they soon began find their place and really began to enjoy themselves. Both stated they made lifelong friends and would encourage anyone their age to definitely attend.

Commander Rados called the meeting to order and led the Post in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the invocation and the Post 11 members recited the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion.

Minutes:ViceCommanderJohn Crisman read the May meeting minutes. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Dan Gruenewald gave the treasurer's report. The treasurer’s report approved as read.

Americanism: Americanism Officer Don Kotab stated we got to meet the Boy's Staters tonight and one scholarship recipient. Otherwise, nothing new.

Veterans Service Officer and Baseball: Jerry Seiner is absent. Commander Rados the baseball team is doing well but not winning games. Most likely positioning for a comeback for the late season. Commander Rados also reported that, because of the Mitchell Post team incident in Rapid City last season, all players 18 years old and older need to have a background check at a cost of $36/player to continue to play. It may involve 8 of our current team players. Motion to approve the cost as presented.

Bingo: Bingo is on recess until the fall.

Service Officer: Service Officer Merle Stone reported.

Legion Riders: Jay Youngbluth reported on the Annual American Legion Riders Rendezvous and the 2024 Ride 605. Jay also reported that the Legion Riders will be serving Brats at the Wagner Food Center on July 19th.

Old Business: Thank you relayed from Commander Rados to all Legion and Auxiliary members that participated in the Memorial Day Service and Lunch following. For Lake Andes Fish Days, Clayton Rados and Merle Stone drove the Post 11 Jeep and Jay Youngbluth drove his motorcycle. Commander Rados asked LaVern Rezac to report on a request to have Taps played at a meal for a Fishing Group Tournament held in Pickstown. Two members of the group passed away recently and were military veterans. LaVern reported there wasn't a dry eye in the group. The request came through Roger Blaha and LaVern stated everyone gave him a sincere thanks for honoring the request. Commander Rados reported on feeding the 2024 Ride 605 riders at the Post 11 Home.

New Business: Commander Rados stated the Treasurer was sent a notice the insurance on the Jeep is due, amount is $103.11. The list of drivers needs to be updated and new drivers added. John Crisman volunteered to be added. Commander Rados was contacted by District 8 Commander Steve Mueller, Greer Post 11 will be hosting the Fall District 8 meeting October 27th. We need to start planning. Thank You cards were read from Greer Post 11 scholarship recipients. Macy Koupal will be attending Dordt University. Shona Kocer will attend SDSU. Aubrey Medricky will attend Augustana University. Commander Rados reported two American Flags will be purchased from the Sip Family donation to be flown in the Wagner Park in Vernon's honor. Doug and Karol Kniffen sent in a check to purchase a flag and pole in honor of Robert Soukup. Commander Rados secured a couple of donations from Greer Post 11 to the State Convention auction benefiting American Legion Foundation. Jerry Seiner made a triangle flag display case and Neil VonEschen made a large charcuterie board. A bid from Kotab Cleaning LLC was accepted to refinish the upstairs wood floor. Question from Dennis Clemens about the lot to the west of the Legion Home, there was no update. Water coming into the basement of the building was reported on by Commander Rados. It is coming in through the old coal bin. More investigation is needed. Jay Youngbluth requested investigating repainting and new emblems on the west doors. Also the north doors and entrance need new paint. Reminder of the South Dakota Department of the American Legion Annual Convention is in Pierre June 20th – 23rd. Baseball schedule is in the Wagner Announcer. Anyone needing to change Labor Day shifts contact Commander Rados. LaVern Rezac did not receive the newsletter this month.

Drawing: John Stone's name was drawn and he chose to donate the winnings back to the Post.

John Crisman, Vice Commander.