American Legion Greer Post #11 held its monthly meeting on February 20 with 28 Legion members and four SOL members in attendance. Commander Rados thanked the cooks for a delicious meal. We also had Jon Strather in attendance who will be a transfer to our Post. 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. A moment of silence was given for Tyrone Peters who has recently passed.

Minutes – Adjutant Dave Isebrands read the minutes of our last meeting. Minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Dannie Gruenewald read the treasurer’s report. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

Americanism – Americanism Officer Don Kotab stated the Post may have 2-4 Boy Staters for next year. He has also been in contact with Taylor Mohr and Aaron Hansen to help in recruiting applicants to the Youth Trooper Academy. The cutoff date for the Troopers’ Academy applicants is March 21st. Our 4 scholarship recipients will be chosen at our April meeting.

Service Officer – Service Officer Merle Stone gave his report.

Baseball – No report Legion Riders – No report Bingo – Bingo has been going well. Bob Kucera stated he needs volunteers for the next 4 sessions: February 23 – Dave Jorgensen and Ray Soukup, March 2 – Clayton Rados and Tony Krcil, March 6 – Dave Jorgensen and Melvin Horner, March 16th – Tom Schmidt and John Fuchs.

Veterans Service Officer – No report as Jerry is out of town.

Old Business – There were four attendees at the Mid-Winter conference in Oacoma; Clayton Rados, Bob Kucera, Paul Kucera and John Crisman. This year is the 100th anniversary of American Legion baseball. It had its beginning in Milbank. This year there will be an American Legion tournament with a South Dakota team and teams from the three neighboring states in Milbank on July 11th to the 13th. The National Commander will be in attendance.

The main topic of discussion at the Mid-Winter conference was suicide prevention. More veterans die of suicide than they do of heart attacks each year. A program run by the Columbia University, Be the One, is hoping to help alleviate the problem. There is an app on line on the legion.org website, Be the One, to assist in this endeavor.

Vice Commander John Crisman briefed us on current SD legislation that may impact veterans. Also discussed was the Post’s need to update their constitution and by-laws.

New Business – There will be another Legion Riders journey through SD again this summer. It will begin in Rapid City on June 6th and go four days on a circuitous route. A brief discussion concerning our annual “Veterans Ride” during the Labor Day weekend. It was decided we need to change the name. The ride is open to all riders and not just veterans. We received a Thank You from the Veterans Community Project for our donaton.

There will be a District 8 meeting on March 29th in Tabor. More information will be forthcoming next month. Dan Rezac is our Post’s representative for SD Legionnaire of the Year. Commander Clayton reminded everyone about our 36th Annual Sweepstakes this Saturday.

Dannie Gruenewald was the monthly drawing winner. Chaplain Don Kotab gave the final blessing and we closed in due form.