American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on July 18 with 24 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. Minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report – The treasurer’s report was handed out by Commander Clayton as Treasurer Danie Gruenewald was absent. Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Americanism – Americanism Officer Don Kotab stated that three girls who had received scholarships were unable to attend due to previous commitments.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Baseball – The Legion baseball team is improving. They are playing hard and doing their best. Their last home game is tomorrow night, July 19th.

Legion Riders- Director of Legion Riders, Bruce Specketer stated that Tom Cartney, our current treasurer sold his motorcycle and is no longer a member of the Riders. Prior to this meeting, the Riders met and elected Bruce as Director/Treasurer. Tom’s name will be removed from the account and Dave Isebrands will be added. The Riders received a letter of thanks from Fred Nelson, the 605 Road Captain for donating to the SDAL Foundation for the 605 Ride. A letter of thanks was also received from James N. Kurtz, who is the SDAL Foundation President for the same donation. The Riders will do the Friday brat/hamburger feed at Wagner Super Foods on Friday the 19th with the money raised going to the Honor Flight program.

Bingo – No report. Veterans Service Officer – No report.

Old Business – Commander Clayton, Bob Kucera and District 8 Legionnaire of the Year John Crisman attended the state Legion Convention in Pierre. The group was highly disappointed in that neither Governor Noem did not address the veterans nor did they receive any letters or addresses by our state senators or state representative. Nancy Greenier from Post 23 in Garretson received the Legionnaire of the Year award. John Crisman did receive a nice award for being the District 8 Legionnaire of the Year. Our local Legion member, Greg Geiman, was elected as State Sgt. at Arms again. Kevin Morello was elected as South Dakota State Commander. Kevin’s emphasis and focus will be on family. There are state Legion awards for firemen, EMT’s and policemen that we should keep in mind for future conventions.

Boys State attendees this year was 184 which is up from last year. It was mentioned that there are fewer Legion baseball teams each year. There are six new SOL squadrons in the state. South Dakota is leading the nation in SOL membership.

The Commander’s homecoming is August 17th in Piedmont. Piedmont Valley Post #311 invites all Legionnaires, SOL members, veterans and community members to his Homecoming Celebration starting at 12:00 noon on the 17th in Piedmont.

New Business – We need to update the Labor Day stand work schedule. There are some shifts that are badly in need of workers. Labor Day is fast approaching and Greg Mathis is already at work with ordering.

Joel Kotab and crew were here on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday stripping and refinishing the floor upstairs and the steps. They had moved the furnishings down but it was up to us to place the furnishings back when the finish dried. Dan Rezac, John Crisman, Clayton, Bob Kucera, Paul Kucera and Jacob Kucera worked to get everything back in order. Also, Lori Kucera did some cleaning. A very big thank you to all who helped. A new storage unit is needed upstairs. Dolores Kotab did some measuring and will speak with Rick Zolnowsky to see if he can build something for them.

There is a room propane heater upstairs that is not being used. It is free to whomever can use it. Also some storage is needed upstairs. The Bingo machine needs to be cleaned. Paul K. has the number of the company and will contact them about getting it done. The company is out of Watertown.

Thank you cards were read by Vice Commander John Crisman. The Arlen Kucera family sent a thank you along with a donation to the flag fund. Fred Nelson, 605 Road Captain, sent a thank you from the Legion Riders’ 605 Ride for our donation to the SDAL Foundation. James Kurtz, President of the SDALF, also sent a thank you as did the SD Community Foundation in regards to our donation.

The monthly drawing winner was Joe Stedronsky who donated the money back to the Post. Our six months winner was Ray Soukup. Don Kotab gave the final prayer and we closed in due form.