Crippen News online - October 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, October 5th, with seven members and present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved.  Sick call was discussed and it was noted Lawrence Lambertz and Lile Meyer both had a knees replaced and were resting at home. We received a thank you card from John Petri. 

Tom Sieverding reported on the Dinner Party and gave the membership the details. Terry Grosz was the lucky winner of the grand prize.Other winners included; Tom Puthoff, $500; Gib Bassett, $250; and Donna Beck, $125. Steve Becker, Joe Schartz, Darin Garry, Marge Shumaker, Marsha Pressler, Shelley Fetters, Ed Baye, Dianne Struck, Daryl Sieverding and Jim Struck each won $50. Our thanks to everyone who bought a ticket for our fundraiser.

Charlie Beck told everyone about the District Fall meeting held recently in Dell Rapids. One of the things mentioned was the dues increase next year. He reported on the EROS Veterans Tour that was held a couple weeks ago. He said around 50 people attended this tour.

Fred Lee passed out Commanders pins to those who had helped at recent funeral details. Our dues increase was discussed and a motion by Dennis Erickson, seconded by Charlie Beck, to increase our dues to $35 after January 1, 2016. 

Commander Charles Dubbe mentioned highlights from some items in the “Up To Now”. He said the District Oratory contest would be in Dell Rapids on January 10, 2016.

Before the meeting ended, we discussed the baseball team and it is hoped we can increase our contributions to the team next year. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

  Our October meeting was opened in regular form by President Donna Beck with 10 members present.  The September minutes were read by Secretary Connie Lueth and approved.  Treasurer Sheryl Siemonsma gave the Treasure’s Report which he was placed on file.  There were no bills presented to pay. 

President Donna said that Dianne Struck had reported that she had sent  cards to Lile Meyer, Doug Meyer, Carol Lee, and Agnes Even.

  Plans for Veterans’ Day Supper were discussed.  We decide that we will provide a basic Beef Stew,  with members bringing either a salad or a dessert. 

   The VA will not take the gifts that were donated last month to Veterans until after Veteran’s Day due to a lack of storage; so time has been extended if anyone wanted to donate, but missed the October 1 deadline.

  Our Auxiliary will serve Bingo at the VA October 24 at 2:00 p.m.  Anyone wishing to volunteer for this is welcome to contact Lorena Dubbe.

  Discussion over past obligations led to a couple of minor changes, otherwise they remain the same.

  The committee for the Soup n Pie consists of Jackie Lofswold, Colleen Puthoff, and Lorena Dubbe.  They will be contacting members for donations and workers to help make this a success.

Wanda Artz is in charge of gifts we send to our local Veterans who are stationed elsewhere at Christmas time.  She asked that members help her by making suggestions for gifts, as well as, to let her know of anyone who will need a gift this year.

  The meeting was adjourned.  Donna Beck won the door prize.  Tom and Colleen Puthoff and Leroy and Connie Lueth served lunch.  November servers will be Charles and Lorena Dubbe, and Ed and Elsie Baye.

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Attention Veterans:

We will be holding a beef stew supper

With members providing a delicious salad or dessert

On Veteran’s Day, November 11, at 7:00 p.m.,

In the Humboldt Community Center.

Please feel welcome!

The Humboldt American Legion Auxiliary

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LEGION NEWS TO GO ONLINE

Upon unanimous approval of the Finance Commission and the Department Executive Committee, the Legion News will cease hard copy distribution to all members.  The last edition to be mailed to all members is the October issue. The Legion News will be increased from 4 issues to 6 issues and will be posted on the South Dakota American Legion website at www.sdlegion.org. Two hard copies will be mailed out to all Posts. An email list is being started at State Headquarters and Legion News will be emailed to all those who wish to be included. —Department Adjutant Dennis Brenden

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Deadline Approaching for Ed Loans

The new application deadline for Eduction Loans is December 1st. Loans received after the deadline will be held until the following year. The loan deadline was changed by the Department Executive Committee to once a year at their July 18, 2015, meeting.

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Post Member Spotlight

Tom Puthoff is a thirty-four year member of our Post. He was a Vietnam War Era veteran.

Tom enlisted into the 147th Field Artillery of the Army National Guard in August, 1970. He took his basic and AIT training at Ft Knox, Kentucky. His MOS was Field Communications and he was attached to the Headquarters Battalion.

While on summer training in the Black Hills of South Dakota in June, 1972, a storm hit Rapid City that became the Rapid City flood. His Company was activated at this time to help in whatever they could during this tragedy.

Tom left the service as a Sergeant E5, in July 1976.

2016 District Oratorical Contests

Sites and times have been selected to host the District Oratorical Contests. Many heard from members of the Americanism Commission during the fall meetings on the importance of our young people studying the Constitution of the United States. In today’s world, these young people will be instrumental in seeing that our Constitution remains in tact and will  teach others the importance of our Constitution.

District 7 - (Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Moody, Union counties) Chairman William Dolan, Beresford. District 7 Contest will be held at the Dell Rapids American Legion Post 65, on January 10, 2016 at 2 pm. Storm date, January 17th, same place and time.

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County Meeting-Baltic-Oct 27-8 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Nov 2 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Nov 2 - 7:30 pm

Crippen News online - September 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, September 7th, with eight members and one guest present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mark Rockafellow, who coached our baseball team, stopped by to give us a report on the baseball team. He said it was a good year and he had good players. They received 2nd Place the the South Dakota American Legion Baseball Tournament held recently in Salem. He showed those present the trophies they received at this tournament.  After he left, the minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved.  Service Officer Ken Struck was not present and it was reported John Petri had a knee replaced. Douglas Meyer mentioned Dan Pressler was receiving treatments at this time.

Commander Charles Dubbe told the members that due to our baseball team coming in at Second Place in the tournament in Salem. It was also mentioned we should consider hosting this tournament next year. 

Under old business, we discussed the Dinner Party. Ticket sales were discussed, and the menu and other items were finalized. Set-up was scheduled for the Friday before the Dinner Party at 7 pm. 

The Commander announced that the District 7 Fall meeting would be in Dell Rapids on September 19th, beginning at 2 pm. Charlie Beck reminded those in attendance about the Veterans Tour at EROS. It will be September 26th, but you must be registered. 

Fred Lee told the membership he had talked to Tracy Butler recently. She told me she wanted to make a donation next year to pay for the mowing at the Bob Searl Memorial. Tom Sieverding gave us a report on a five-mile tour located near Hot Springs South Dakota.

The Commander told us about the funeral detail completed recently for Walter Shaver Jr. He also went over some items in the “Up To Now”.

Douglas Meyer brought up the issue about “paying the baseball coach”. After some discussion, we decided to table it at this time and get in touch with Tom Puthoff for his suggestions.

 After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

  The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, September 7, 2015, with 12 members and two guests present.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck.  She led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of our National Anthem, and the reciting of the Preamble to our Constitution. 

  Before we continued with our regular meeting, our guests—Taylor Lewin and Rachael Kapperman—Girls’ Staters whom we sponsored last spring at Girls’ State—shared with us some of their memories from the week’s activities.  They also thanked us for making their experience possible. 

  The meeting continued with reading of the minutes from the August 3 meeting were read and approved.  Treasurer Sheryl Siemonsma gave the Treasurer’s Report which was placed on file.

  President Donna read letters from our District 7 President Teresa Huntimer and our State President, Jane Benzel.  District 7 President T. Huntimer reminded everyone of the upcoming District 7 Meeting on Saturday, September 19 at Dell Rapids. 

   President Donna had attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Women’s Center at the VA.  She reminded members again that they are in need of women’s magazines going back not further than two or three months.  They may be given to her; or may be dropped off at the VA.  If the latter is chosen, please mark for the Women’s Center, c/o Brenda Stephens Office. 

  It was reported that Carol Lee has been in the hospital.  Sunshine Committee had been notified; and all members are encouraged to send her a card, as well. 

   The last two months, our paying for bonding insurance has been in question.  It was clarified that all members of the Auxiliary handling funds of the organization are covered by a bond that we pay for yearly.  No additional bonding will be necessary.

   Membership Drive has begun; however, Phyllis still has not received the materials.  Dues for each member is $20.00; each junior member is $5.00; the Legionette through the mail is $5.00; e-mail is $2.00.  Anyone wishing to send in their dues by way of the materials sent out by Department should send them to Phyllis Sieverding, 45956 255^th Street, Humboldt, SD 57035; rather than to Sheryl Siemonsma as directed in those materials.

     Many members brought items to the meeting for the Gift Shop at the VA Medical Center.  Peggy Begeman had also made a $20.00 donation toward that purpose.  Anyone wishing to also contribute may get their gifts or donations to Lorena Dubbe before October 1. 

   Barb Bassett is checking to see if the school needs any more dictionaries to  replace, or add to their current supply.  We are also to begin thinking of ways to help next year to replace the dictionary project. 

  President Donna will bring a list of our obligations to next month’s meeting, so that we can decide how much and to whom we will be donating this year.  We will send in our obligations at that time.

   Meeting was adjourned.  Connie Lueth won the door prize; and lunch was served by Gib & Barb Bassett and Dennis & Jean Erickson.  Next month’s servers will be Tom and Colleen Puthoff and Leroy and Connie Lueth.

Our Girls Staters, Rachel kapperman, left,

and Taylor Lewin

Post Member Spotlight

Tom Sieverding is a forty-four year Paid-Up-For-Life member of our Post. He was a Vietnam War Era veteran.

Tom enlisted into the 147th Field Artillery of the Army National Guard in July, 1970. He took his basic training at Ft Jackson, South Carolina and AIT at Ft Benning, Georgia. His MOS was Wheel & Track Mechanic.

While on summer training in the Black Hills of South Dakota in June, 1972, a storm hit Rapid City that became the Rapid City flood. His Company was activated at this time to help in whatever they could during this tragedy.

Tom left the service as a Specialist 5, E5, in July 1976.

Lunch Committee for October

Leroy & Connie Lueth

Tom & Colleen Puthoff

Crippen News online - August 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, August 3rd, with ten members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present and no one knew of anyone new on sick call. 

Commander Charles Dubbe thanked all those who helped with the military funeral for Myron Schievelbein this past Friday. He said it went well.  There was some discussion on our procedures for preforming our military funerals. 

Under old business, we discussed the Dinner Party. Fred Lee passed the tickets out and stated we have the caterer booked for that night. We discussed the menu and ticket sales. We do have extra tickets to sell, so anyone who has never attended, we do have tickets. 

Francis Sieverding mentioned that Louis Jarding would be celebrating his 95th birthday on Wednesday. A birthday card was passed around for everyone to sign. Louis is our oldest Post member. Loren Even and other members noted that the Rapid City baseball team wore uniform shirts that depicted the American flag. And the umpires also wore shirts like this. Various members were in agreement that this did not look ethical. The Humboldt team did very well coming in Second Place. 

There was some discussion on lawn mowing at the Bob Searl Memorial and a motion was made to make this payment.

Charlie Beck reported on the Commanders’ Homecoming. He said it was hot, but they had good attendance and they have a great memorial in Arlington. Charlie and Donna also attended the homecoming for the Auxiliary President in Hot Springs. 

Before the meeting ended, Fred told everyone about membership. We are starting collecting for the 2016 Legion year. Our goal this year is 103. 

 After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

  The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, held its regular meeting Monday, August 3, 2015.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with ten members present.  Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the National Anthem, and recited the Preamble to our Auxiliary Constitution.  The minutes from our July meeting were read and approved, and the treasurer's report was given, and placed on file.

  Tom Sieverding stopped by to explain our share of the renters' insurance.

  President Donna reported that 20 members had sent money in for the Bakeless Bake Sale, and eight more members gave money at the meeting.

  Barb Bassett reported that she had purchased ten packets of paper for the "Give 10 to Education" project.

  President Donna read a thank you from the VA thanking us for furnishing lunch and helping with the Bingo in July.  Donna then thanked Barb Bassett and Connie Lueth for representing our organization that day.  She also thanked members who furnished bars for the funeral of Myron Schievelbein, and Dawn Herr for the Tastefully Simple Basket she put together and donated to the State Convention. 

  President Donna also read a letter from the District President which told about the new Women's Center at the VA; and if anyone had magazines, they could donate them to the Center. 

 It was decided that members will bring gifts for the Christmas Gift Shop at the VA to our September meeting.  These are gifts that the Veterans can choose from for their personal gifts to their families.  Suggestions?   Items for men, women, and children, such as, jewelry, billfolds, sweatshirts, blouses, shirts, gloves, hats, stocking caps, socks, anything that would make a nice gift.

 Meeting was adjourned.  Joyce Corey won the door prize.  Francis & Phyllis Sieverding and Cathy Fleishhacker served lunch; and next month's servers will be Gib & Barb Bassett and Dennis and Jean Erickson.

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Post Taps

Myron Schievelbein was a thirty-three year member of our Post. He was a Korean War veteran.

He grew up in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1950. Following high school, he was drafted into the US Army in 1952, serving in the Philippines during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

He married Marlene Christensen and had five sons. He worked in road construction for most of his life. 

Myron loved baseball and especially loved pheasant hunting with his sons, grandsons, nephew and his friends.

Members of Post 62 give Myron their final salute.

Auxiliary Officers for 2015-2016

President - Donna Beck

Vice President - Dianne Struck

Secretary - Connie Lueth

Treasurer - Sheryl Siemonsma

Chaplain - Jean Erickson

Parliamentarian - Molly Stensaas

Historian - Barb Bassett

Sergeant-At-Arms - Jackie Lofswold & Colleen Puthoff

Happy Birthday Louis!

Our oldest Post member and WWII veteran, Louis Jarding, had a great birthday on August 5th; he turned 95 and looked as great as ever.

Crippen News online - July 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

Humboldt  American Legion Hold Regular Meeting

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, July 6th, with eleven members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present and no one knew of anyone new on sick call. 

Commander Charles Dubbe read a letter he received from the National Commander thanking him for the horseshoe wine rack he made and presented to the National Commander in behalf of the district.

Fred Lee told the members present about a Veterans Tour Day at EROS. It will be on Saturday, September 26, from 10 am to 2 pm. Anyone interested should RSVP by email at info@bvlegion.org by September 18th. 

Charlie Beck, Charles Dubbe and Fred Lee all told the members about the State Convention they had just attended in Huron. Charlie gave us information about veterans court, Korean Day in Pierre next year, and information on the VA Medical Center and Troopers day in Pierre. Fred updated the members about Legionnaires Trust accident insurance. He told those present about the History Book contest, stating the winner was Greer Post 11 in Wagner in the scrapbook division. Charles told everyone the total received at the Fun Auction. Over $9300 from the auction were designated to go to the SD American Legion Foundation. He said all the State representatives were there and gave good reports. Terry Hanson from Arlington won the State Commander’s position with 56% of the vote. The homecoming will be on July 25th in Arlington. Gary Henle from Sioux Falls will be our Vice Commander and won the Robert  C. Gabrielson Memorial Award. 

Fred received an email from Joe Schartz telling us that he had received a $3000 WWI Memorial Scholarship and was reminded of the Legion Post that has helped him so much. Fred also told the members about a gift fellow Legionnaire, Ed Munce, had received from a buddy he has that was with him in Vietnam. It was an engraved Vietnam commemorative Henry “Golden Boy” rifle.

Nathan Merrill was thanked by the members for painting the crosses we use on Memorial Day. There was a motion by Francis Sieverding, seconded by Jerry Corey, to have our annual Dinner Party on the second Saturday in September.  

 After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

   The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 was called to order by President Donna Beck on July 6, with ten members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem, and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes from the June 1st meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report was given, and put on file.

   Jean Erickson’s brother passed away, and a sympathy card was sent to her. It was suggested we also send a get-well card to Georgia Verik, President of the Hartford Auxiliary.

   President Donna showed the Americanism Posters that were taken to the State Convention. Maddison Tulin and Grace Harden had both done a very nice job.

   We addressed and readied the poem for the Bakeless Bake Sale for mailing. 

   The Executive Board will meet to determine duties and lunch committees for next year on Thursday, July 16, at 2 pm.

   Lorena Dubbe and Donna Beck reported on the State Convention. 

   The meeting was adjourned. Donna Beck won the door prize. Lunch was served by Agnes Even and Ann Schartz.

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Post Member Spotlight

Charles Dubbe is a forty year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War Era veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in August, 1972 and took his basic  and AIT training at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri and later trained at Ft Dix as a Light-Vehicle Driver. Because President Nixon at the time was not sending draftees to Vietnam, he was sent to Germany as a General’s Driver. He drove various Generals to locations where they inspected the troops. Charles saw a great deal of Germany during his tour there. 

He left the service as a Specialist 4 in July, 1974, and came back to South Dakota to farm with his dad. The following year he took over the farm from his dad and has been there since.
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Lunch Committee for August

Phyllis Sieverding

Cathy Fleischhacker

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Ed Munce was pleasantly surprised when an old Army buddy gave him a commemorative Henry “Golden Boy” rifle in honor of  the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Russell Morgen of Winnebago NE was Ed’s Platoon Sergeant while they were in Vietnam. He told Ed that he was getting one, and thought Ed should have one too. 

When he showed Ed the rifle, he was speechless, and that’s hard to do! 

Way to go, Ed, and Thank You for your Service!

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(click on photos for a better shot)

Meetings start at:

7:30 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Aug 3 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Aug 3 - 7:30 pm

Dinner Party - Saturday, Sep 12 - 7 pm

Veterans Tour at EROS-Sep 26

(you need to be registered)

Crippen News online - June 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, June 1st, with nine members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck reported that Dan Pressler was still on sick call. Charlie Beck said that Leonard Meyer had been in the hospital, but now was at home. Francis Grace is in a nursing home at this time. 

Commander Charles Dubbe read the comments from a thank-you card from Dale & Jackie Lofswold for the memorial we sent for his mother. He also had the obituary sheet from Alfred Johnson’s funeral that was passed around. 

There was a discussion on our Memorial Day activities and Commander Dubbe thanked everyone who helped make it a success. We had several compliments on our service and the report in the paper was great. 

Fred Lee discussed the upcoming State Convention later this month. It will be June 25-28 this year.  He had a presentation of a “Commanders cap pin” to Jerry Corey for getting a new member recently.

 The brunch along with the Auxiliary will be scheduled for sometime in July. Meeting start time for next month was left at 7:30 pm.  After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, June 1st. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with twelve members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer’s report were given.

The President thanked all for their help with the Mother’s Tea, Poppy Days and the Memorial Day activities. The Sunshine Committee sent a sympathy card to the Dale Lofswold family. Connie Meyer, Lorena Dubbe and Donna Beck are delegates to the State Convention in Huron on June 25-28. Plans for the Humboldt Farm Mutual Insurance supper were finalized. 

The American Legion voted to change their meeting time permanently to 7:30 pm, so we will do the same.

Past President Shirley Price installed the new officers. The executive committee is Phyllis Sieverding, Shirley Price and Connie Meyer. 

The meeting was adjourned. Donna Beck won the door prize. Carol Lee and Dianne Struck served lunch.

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Lunch Committee for July

Ann Schartz

Agnes & Neal Even

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Membership Update

As of June 18th, the State membership stood at 20,750 or 91.41% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal. 

Post membership stands at 91 members or 92.9% of our Post’s goal.

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Post Member Spotlight

Jerry Corey is a thirty-nine year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War veteran.

He enlisted into the US Navy in August, 1962 and took his basic training at Camp Nimitz, San Diego, California and later served in Vietnam in 1965-66. He was attached to the Command-US Naval Forces, Vietnam in Siagon. After 4 years active service, he went to school at Dakota State and received his teaching degree. In 1972, he went back in the Navy Reserves as a recruiter until August, 1988. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer.

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TWO GREAT CHANGES TO LEGIONNAIRE INSURANCE TRUST 

1. Starting right now and for enrollments after 1/1/2015, anyone enrolled  in LegionCare will be covered for as long as they maintain their membership in The American Legion. This new “one and done” approach will save from needing to re-enroll every 5 years. 

The LegionCare program will continue to cover you for $1,000 of AD&D coverage plus provide the added benefit of up to $5,000 if the accidental loss occurs when on “official Legion business”. 

2. LegionCare is now available to all members of The American Legion Family including the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion members 18 years and older. 

To enroll, please visit www.TheLIT.com. 

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Meetings NOW to start at:

7:30 pm

Happy 4th of July

Check out the flags at the VA

Legion Meeting - Monday, Jul 6 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Jul 6 - 7:30 pm

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Crippen News online - May 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

Humboldt  American Legion Hold Regular Meeting

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, May 4th, with nine members and one guest present. MIchael Heran, a cousin of our newest member, Nathan Merrill, was visiting our meeting. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Our Service Officer was not present and Douglas Meyer reported that Dan Pressler was still on sick call. 

Commander Charles Dubbe introduced our guest, Michael Heran and another long-distance member, Stan McKercher, who was visiting in the area. Fred Lee read an email from another of our members, Dale Papka, an active Army member. 

Commander Dubbe discussed our Memorial Day activities. The flag poles will be set up on Friday, May 22, at 5 pm. Other details regarding Memorial Day were mentioned, including markers in the cemeteries. The program at the Community Center will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, May 25th. A community pot-luck will be at noon in the Community Center. Flags will be received and raised in the cemeteries, starting at 7 am. 

The Commander mentioned school awards and said they would be given out May 16th at graduation. 

Fred Lee asked for delegates to the State Convention in June. The convention will be June 25-28 this year. The delegates this year will be Charles Dubbe, Charles Beck, Douglas Meyer and Fred Lee. He also reported on the District meeting and had a photo from it. Our National American Legion Commander was present at the meeting. The Military Funeral Honors Stipend Reimbursement program was discussed. This program will start on July 1st. He reported on the County meeting in Valley Springs last week. The next County meeting would be in September in Sioux Falls. The Valley Springs post is responsible for the Avenue of Flags at the VA this July 4th. 

Stan McKercher talked to post members about veterans and their dependents who were or may be affected by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He is concerned that children or grandchildren of these veterans should be somehow covered or at least known about, regarding potential illnesses.

  The brunch along with the Auxiliary is still on hold at this time. Meeting start time for next month was left at 7:30 pm.  After the installation of officers, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, May 4th. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with fourteen members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer’s report were given.

The Sunshine Committee sent get well cards to Dan Pressler, Ruby Sundermann and Bruce Knutson.

Connie Meyer and Donna Beck attended the District 7 Spring meeting and reported on it. Three of the Americanism essays written by our students received district awards. They will be given to the students during awards day at school. 

All the arrangements have been made for our Mother’s Tea which will be Thursday, May 7th at 7:30. Jean Erickson and Barb Bassett will be in charge of Poppy Days. We will again host a pot luck lunch after the Memorial Day services and Ann Schartz, Barb Bassett and Jackie Lofswold will make the arrangements for the day. Dawn Herr will make a Tastefully Simple basket for the silent auction at the State Convention. 

Election of Officers was held. The new officers are: Donna Beck, President; Dianne Struck, Vice President; Connie Lueth, Secretary; Sheryl Siemonsma, Treasurer; Jean Erickson, Chaplain; Barb Bassett, Historian; Molly Stensaas, Parliamentarian; and Jackie Lofswold and Colleen Puthoff, Sergeant-At-Arms.

Our next meeting will be at 7:30 pm.

The meeting was adjourned. Dianne Struck won the door prize. Rosie Sieverding and Jackie Lofswold served lunch.

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Teacher of the Year

Joann Curoe Stephens of St. Onge has been selected by the Education and Loan Committee as the 2015 South Dakota American Legion Educator of the Year. Joann currently teaches 7th Grade Language Arts at Belle Fourche Middle School.

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Membership Update

As of May 6th, the State membership stood at 20,507 or 90.34% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal. 

Post membership stands at 91 members or 92.9% of our Post’s goal. Dennis Ahrendt has paid his dues and is a member of our Post again. Welcome. Thank you for your support of The American Legion and our Post.

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Post Member Spotlight

Charlie Beck is a forty-nine year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in September, 1963 and took his basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri, and later was transferred to Ft Hood, Texas. He spent his military time at Ft Hood and was attached to the 1st Armored Division. When he left the service in September, 1965, he was a Specialist 4 and made a whopping $104/month. He returned to South Dakota and bought his dad’s trucking business.
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Beware: The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have notified State Headquarters that a group called Disabled Veterans Services from Las Vegas, Nevada, is soliciting funds in the State of South Dakota. They report that less than a nickel from every dollar goes to veterans. National Commander Mike Helm told Legionnaires that every dollar donated to an American Legion Charity goes to the charity and there were no administrative costs. Keep this in mind when donating.

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June meetings to start at:

7:30 pm

Flag Pole set-up - Friday May 22 at 5 pm

Memorial Day - Monday, May 25

Community Center - 10:30 am

Pot luck to follow at noon in the Community Center

Legion Meeting - Monday, Jun 1 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Jun 1 - 7:30 pm

97th State Convention-Huron-Jun 25-28