Crippen News online - December 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, December 5th. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. Under sick call report, it was reported that Neal Even had been in the hospital, but was home now. Doug Meyer reported that Bill Henning was doing better after shoulder surgery.  

Commander Charles Dubbe told the membership about the Oratory contest coming up this month. The first round of competition will be on Friday, December 16, beginning at 8:30 am. He was in the process of getting judges for this event. Anyone else can help with this event at the school. He also announced that the District Oratory contest would be in Humboldt in January. 

We discussed the Memorial Day flags we have in storage. Letters will be sent to those who have cotton flags stored here. 

A motion was made by Doug Meyer, seconded by Dennis Erickson, to contribute to The American Legion Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services Committee (VAVS). Charlie Beck mentioned that Dell Rapids Legionnaire Bill Huntimer was mentioned the the latest American Legion magazine.   

Before the meeting ended, the Commander wondered if we could sponsor a dance of some sort as a fundraiser. Maybe something in the Spring could be done.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

After a delicious potluck supper, the William H. Crippen, Unit 62, held an informal meeting on Monday, December 5, 2016.  President Donna Beck called the meeting to order with ten members present.  The Secretary’s report from the November 7^th meeting was read and approved after a correction to the minutes was made.  The Treasurer’s report was given; and placed on file.

Three thank yous were read—One from Humboldt Elementary Principal, Matt Alley, for our attendance at the Veteran’s Day Program that they held in honor of Veteran’s Day, the apples for teachers given out for American Education Week, and all the other things that we have done to show support to our schools; another from Wanda Artz for the fruit basket that she won at the Veteran’s Supper, as well as, the good wishes she has received for her recent surgeries; and a third thank you and donation from the family of Molly Stensaas in her memory.  And the letter from our District President, Teresa Huntimer was also read.

President Donna thanked all members for helping with all of the many events that happened throughout the busy month of November.

We will serve bars and coffee for the District Oratory Contest, which will be held here at the Humboldt Community Center on January 15 at 1:00 p.m.  Details will be worked out at our next meeting.

It was decided to make donations to the Humboldt Fire Department, the Humboldt Ambulance, and the Humboldt Community Center. 

It was also determined that members will make personal donations to the VA at our January 2^nd meeting.  Meeting was adjourned.  Donna Beck won the door prize.  Servers next month will be Charlie and Donna Beck and Lile and Theresa Meyer.  

From the Up To Now

East River Cemetery

Vietnam Veterans of America in Watertown and the American Legion presented the idea of a State Veterans Cemetery be established in Watertown across the road to the east of the Veterans War Memorial on an 80-acre parcel of land owned by the City of Watertown.

Commissioners were very receptive of the idea of a Veterans Cemetery being placed at that location. Mayor Steve Thorson said the land would remain the property of the City of Watertown and maintenance for the cemetery would be done by the city.

Legion Day at the Capitol

The day selected to host the annual Legislative Reception is Wednesday, Feb 1, 2017. The reception will be held at the American Legion Pierre Post Home and will run from 5:30 pm until 9 pm.

At 3:30 pm, the Department Legislative Committee will meet and review the legislative session and make any decision on whether to support any statutes that have been brought before the legislature.

Every year we honor those members with significant continuous years with The American Legion.

Post 62 American Legion member Ed Munce is shown above as he receives a certificate for 45 continuous years from Post Adjutant and Department Historian Fred Lee.

Others receiving certificates included James Harden, 45 years; Kyrie Helseth, Dale Lofswold and Tony Osiecki, 40 years; Tom Gilman, Janice Gochanour, Gaylord Paulson and Robert Peterson, 25 years; William Henning and Steve Pressler, 20 years; Todd Price, 15 years; Jacob Droge, Donald Meyer and Duane Skyberg, 10 years; Roger Bradley, Robert Moore and Robert Schulte, 5 years.

Post Member Spotlight

Todd Price is a 15-year member of our Post.  He is a   Persian Gulf War veteran.

He enlisted into the US Navy in Jul, 1992. He took boot camp at Great Lakes IL, then submarine school at Groton, CT. During sub duty, Todd was a Machinist Mate Auxiliary mechanic.

Todd was a Specialist E4 when he left the service in Jul, 1996. He came back to Humboldt and drove trucks for Midwest Coast. 

Crippen News online - November, 2016

 Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their

regular meeting on Monday, November 7. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports were given and approved. There were no reports of anyone new on sick call. Doug Meyer reported that his son, Bill Henning, would be having surgery on his shoulder next week.

Commander Charles Dubbe, had information from the school

about their program there. It would be on Thursday, November 10, at 9 am.

Fred Lee received monies of various individuals as donations

to the Legion. He had written up a letter to be sent to those individuals who had casket flags stored in the clubrooms. We

are in the process of replacing these casket flags with weather resistant nylon casket flags that will be flown on loved ones flag poles on Memorial Day and this letter will be sent to those families of these veterans. Those in attendance approved of the wording of this letter and it will be sent out soon.

Commander Dubbe read some high points from the Legion bulletin, the “Up To Now”. One item of interest to our Post regarded the District 7 Oratory Contest would be held here in

January, 2017.

A motion was made for a donation to the city for our use of the building and a contribution to Turkey Day.

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, November 7.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with 10 members present.  The minutes from the October 3 meeting were read and approved.  And the treasurer’s report was given and placed on file. 

Lorena Dubbe and Donna reported that they hosted the Social Hour at the VA in October with about 15 patients present. We received a thank you letter from the VA for hosting it.   

We received a promotion letter for Humboldt Turkey Day.  We responded with the same donation we made last year.  We also received a thank you note from the Matthies Family for our contribution to the Buddy Walk; and District President, Teresa Huntimer, reminded us of the Auxiliary Birthday on November 10, and that November 11 is Membership Goal. 

We will hand out apples to the teachers the week of November 13-19 in honor of American Education Week.

 We were reminded to be sure to vote the next day, November 8.

The meeting was adjourned.  Barb Bassett won the door prize; and lunch was served by Gib and Barb Bassett and Dennis and Jean Erickson.  Our December 5 meeting will be a potluck supper beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Officers will set up for this.

Legislative Roundtables Scheduled

The South Dakota Veterans Council will be hosting the legislative roundtable meetings during the month of December.

Wednesday, December 14, they will meet at the Disabled American Veterans Headquarters in Sioux Falls, starting at 12 noon.

The South Dakota Veterans Council is made up of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Military Order of Purple Heart. A representative from each organization will inform the legislators of the legislative agenda for their respective organization.

All members of The American Legion family is invited to this event and urged to contact their representative and invite them personally. 

Christmas Party at the VA Medical Center

The American Legion Auxiliary has announced that the annual Christmas Party at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls will be Thursday, December 8, beginning at 2 pm.

LIT Insurance

Last month I asked the question, are you still covered with the Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) Free $1,000 Accident Insurance?

Thirty-five Post members have been re-signed up with this insurance and will not need to do it again. If you have not called me with your birthday, take a minute and let me know. I will get it done with the information I have. My number is (605) 336-6087. 

Post Member Spotlight

Steve Becker is a 41-year member of our Post.  He is a Vietnam Combat War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in Sep, 1970, received his basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, MS and AIT at Ft Ord, CA. He went to Vietnam as part of the 52nd Aviation BN, HHC. He was part of the pathfinder detachment, specialized soldiers inserted or dropped into place in order to set up and operate drop zones, pickup zones, and helicopter landing sites for airborne operations, or other operations in support of the ground unit commanders. Steve was a Sergeant E5 when he left the service in May, 1972 and came  back to South Dakota and completed his college education. He was also helping his dad farming.

Crippen News online - October 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, October 3, 2016. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Before the meeting started, our guest, Royce Loesch, who is running as a candidate for our next Department Commander, gave a talk about an Americanism program for smaller Posts that he is promoting. When he finished his presentation, our minutes  and treasurer’s reports were read and approved.

There was no reports of anyone new on sick call. Commander Charles Dubbe read a thank-you card he had received from Leonard Meyer, along with a donation from him. Other correspondence he received included information from Gary Warne of the Employment Committee regarding honoring employers who employ veterans.

Treasurer Hans Sieverding gave a report on the Dinner Party we just completed. Everyone agreed that it was a success again this year.

Charlie Beck reported on the recent District meeting that was held in Hartford on September 23. One of the highlights included that this is Boys State 75th year and something special is planned for this event. Another subject discussed was the accident insurance all Legionnaires can receive if they are registered. Everyone needs to register again to complete this process.

Before the meeting ended, we discussed the upcoming County meeting that would be held in Humboldt on Tuesday, October 25.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Post 62, held their regular meeting Monday, October 3, 2016.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with ten members and two guests-- District 7 President, Teresa Huntimer, and her First Vice President, Alice Upshaw present.  After our regular opening, the minutes from our September 5 meeting were read and approved.  The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file. 

A sympathy card was sent to Marlene Schievelbein for the loss of her son and thinking of you cards to Phyllis Sieverding and Molly Stensaas.  A thank you note was received from Leonard Meyer for cards he received from our Auxiliary members on a recent Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C.

Plans for Veteran’s Day Supper were discussed.  See boxed note below. 

Lorena Dubbe reported that October 22, our unit is in charge of Social Hour at the VA Hospital at 2:00 p.m.  She will be going and Barb Bassett volunteered to help her.  Several brought Christmas gifts for the Veterans’ families; and may do so also at our November meeting.

We will also serve the annual Soup and Pie Luncheon to be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year November 19 in conjunction with Humboldt’s Annual Turkey Day. 

Lorena Dubbe gave a short report on the District Meeting held in Hartford in September.

Then Teresa Huntimer, our District President, spoke to us.  She presented us with Certificates from National for our participation in ‘Give 10’ for education.  She also explained Socks of Love, a project by State Children and Youth Chairman.  October 16 is the date for the Leadership Course that will be offered in Brookings for members of District 5 and 7.  Also, October is Breast Awareness Month.  Get a mammogram! 

President Donna rode in the West Central Homecoming Parade with Hartford’s Auxiliary President; and both were very impressed by Patriotism that was demonstrated by all; but especially, our WC students.

Meeting was adjourned.  Shirley Price won the door prize.  Doug and Connie Meyer and Bryan and Dawn Hahn served the lunch.  Next month’s servers will be Dennis and Jean Erickson and Gib and Barb Bassett.  

Hugh Holmes of Mitchell has been endorsed by Coacher-Goetsch Post 18 of Mitchell for the position of Department Commander for 2017-2018.

Royce Loesch of Pierre has been endorsed by Stanley Post 20 of Fort Pierre for the position of Department Commander for 2017-2018.

Post Member Spotlight

Jim Jarding is a 61-year member of our Post.  He is a Korean War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in Jan, 1952. He took basic training at  Ft Eustis, Virginia. Soldiers received training in all modes of transportation, aviation maintenance, logistics and deployment doctrine and research. He was a crane operator. He left the service in Jan, 1953, due to a hardship discharge because his dad was very sick.

Crippen News online - September 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, September 5th. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes  and treasurer’s reports were read and approved.

There was no reports of anyone new on sick call. Commander Charles Dubbe read the thank-you cards he had received from the Peggy Begeman family and the Dorthy Hartle family.

Under old business, the Commander discussed ticket sales for our Dinner Party coming up, Charlie Beck had money for a flag from the Marvin Hanisch family. There was discussion on our flag pole funds.

Fred Lee told the membership about the State Commander’s Homecoming that took place in August. He said there was a good turn-out in Iroquois. He also told the membership about the County meeting last week in Sioux Falls. We will host the next County meeting in October on the 25th. The Commander asked those present if anyone knew who we could get for a speaker. Fred said membership has slowed some, but another mailing is due to go out soon, so we should get some dues in then.

There was some discussion on our Dinner Party and the menu items were finalized. We scheduled a short meeting next week on September 13 to check ticket sales.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

The September 5 Meeting of the William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary was called to order in regular form by President, Donna Beck.  The minutes from our August 1 meeting were read, amended and approved.  It was noted that our Girl State Representative, Ellie Krizan, had come to our August meeting to give an excellent report on Girl State.  It was done before our meeting; so it had mistakenly  been left out of the minutes.   No treasurer present, so no report. 

The following correspondence was read.  A Memory card and Thank you was received from the family of Dorothy Hartle.  An anonymous generous thank you was opened at the meeting.   District President, Teresa Huntimer’s letter was read.  She reminded us of the coming Fall District Meeting to be held in Hartford on Friday, September 23 beginning at 5:00, meal at 6:00, and meeting at 7:00.  She also talked of planning stages for a workshop in October that will be held in Brookings on Senior Leadership.

It was determined that we should order 100 poppies again as was done last year.  We went through our obligations and decided to give to all the same as we gave last year.

Members are encouraged to bring gifts for the VA Veterans Christmas Gift Shop to our October and November meetings.  These are items that the Veterans can choose from for gifts for family members.  Some suggestions were gloves, towel/handtowel/wash cloth sets, women’s sweatshirts or tops with fun pictures and/or sayings, watches, flannel shirts (large sizes),  dish towels, to name a few.

The meeting was adjourned.  Donna Beck won the door prize.  Charles and Lorena Dubbe and Elsie Baye served lunch.  Next month’s servers will be Doug and Connie Meyer and Bryan and Dawn Hahn.

Dinner Party fundraiser a Success

The William H Crippen American Legion Post of Humboldt held their 19th annual Dinner Party last Saturday night.

In the drawing for various cash prizes, Brad Nelson won $1,000; Doug Viet, $500; Tom Kaffer, $250; and Georgia Viereck, $125. Ten individuals won $50. They were Rose Sieverding, Fred Lee, Ryan Pressler, Brian Grosz, Terry Grosz, Don Shumaker, Ed Holiway, John Petri, Sandy Garry and Holly Garry.

We thank everyone for their support.

Post Member Spotlight

John Petri is a 37-year member of our Post.  He is a Vietnam era veteran.

He enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard in October, 1962, took his Basic Training Lackland Air Base and AIT at Amarillo Air Force Base, Amarillo, TX. John received training in Inventory Management before returning to Sioux Falls to continue his duties. His rank was Staff Sergeant E5 when he left the service in  October, 1968.

Humboldt Auxiliary Lunch Committees for 2016-2017

August—Leroy and Connie Lueth/Tom & Colleen Puthoff

September—Charles & Lorena Dubbe/Elsie Baye

October—Francis and Phyllis Sieverding/Cathy Fleishhacker

November—Gib & Barb Bassett/Dennis & Jean Erickson

December—Potluck @ 7:00 p.m. (Executive Board Set up)

January—Charlie & Donna Beck/Lile & Theresa Meyer

February—Sheryl Siemonsma/Marvin & Shirley Price

March—Birthday Potluck @ 7:00 p.m. (Executive Board Set up)

April—Wanda Artz/Dale & Jackie Lofswold

May—Doug & Connie Meyer/Brian & Dawn Hahn

June—Ken & Dianne Struck/Fred Lee

July—Gib & Barb Bassett/Neal & Agnes Even

2016-2017 Legion Auxiliary Committees

Membership—Phyllis Sieverding

Nominating Committee—Dianne Struck, Jean Erickson

Children/Youth—Donna Beck

Community Service—Wanda Artz

Constitution/By-Laws—Connie Meyer

Education/Scholarship—Sheryl Siemonsma

Girl’s State—Dianne Struck, Lorena Dubbe                         

Americanism—Barb Bassett, Donna Beck

Music—Connie Lueth

National Security/Legislation—Cathy Fleishhacker

Poppy Day—Jean Erickson, Barb Bassett

Publicity—Connie Lueth

Veteran Affairs/Rehabilitation—Lorena Dubbe, Arlis Hentges

Mother’s Tea—Wanda Artz, Connie Lueth, Cathy Fleishhacker

Memorial Day—Jackie Lofswold, Elsie Baye, Shirley Price

Veteran’s Day—Potluck @ 7:00 p.m.—Sheryl Siemonsma, Barb Bassett

Soup & Pie—Colleen Puthoff, Lorena Dubbe, Dianne Struck

Sunshine Committee—Dianne Struck, Connie Lueth

Crippen News online - August 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, August 1. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes were read from the previous meeting and Commander Charles Dubbe gave a treasurer’s report of our finances. Adjutant Fred Lee made a report regarding our insurance to the members present. 

There were no reports of anyone new on sick call. Service Officer Ken Struck told the membership he had taken a fruit basket to Leroy Lueth recently. Leroy is at home after being in the hospital for some time. Ken had also sent cards to Ed Hartle, Jim Ginsbach and Roger Begeman. Connie Lueth stopped in to the meeting and thanked us for the fruit basket that Leroy received. 

Commander Dubbe told the membership about our plans for the Dinner Party and due to a wedding scheduled Sept. 10, we moved our Dinner Party to the following week, Sept. 17. Tickets were handed out and we discussed the details. He also announced that the State Commander’s homecoming would be Aug. 6. He said volunteers were needed during the State Fair to help in the Legion building and Colors will be needed at the Threshing Bee. 

Fred completed an inventory of the flags in our clubrooms and we discussed the numbers we had. It is hoped we can use all nylon flags at the cemeteries on Memorial Day. Charles showed the membership the photo he received from the National Commander at the State Convention. Before the meeting ended, he announced that Hans Sieverding had agreed to take the Treasurer duties. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Post 62, was called to order by President Donna Beck on Monday evening, August 1, 2016, with 12 members present.  After our regular opening, the minutes from the July 11 meeting were read and approved.  The Treasurer’s report was given and will be placed on file.

Sunshine Committee Chairman, Dianne Struck, reported sending a get well card to Roger Begeman and sympathy card to Ed Hartle for the passing of Dorothy, his wife of 71 years.  A thank you note was received from Virginia Mathieu for our help at the Museum during Humboldt’s celebration; we also received a thank you letter from Diane Larson from the VA for helping with Bingo in July; and a thank you card from Louine Schaufler for inviting her to the Mother’s Tea for the memorial program honoring the memory of Carol Lee.

It was decided to pay Fred Lee for expenses incurred by composing and sending out the monthly newsletter. We also decided to pay our share of the insurance payment to the Legion. Wanda Artz reported her community service hours.  Donna gave a report on the State President’s Homecoming July 23 out at Lead, SD.   

The meeting was adjourned.  Sheryl Siemonsma won the door prize.  Lunch was served by Leroy and Connie Lueth and Tom and Colleen Puthoff.  Next month’s servers will be Charles and Lorena Dubbe and Elsie Baye. 

Rest in Peace

Arlis Hentges

Peggy Begeman

Commander Dunham’s Homecoming a Success

The Homecoming of South Dakota American Legion State Commander Charemon Dunham has been declared an enormous success. Attendance was estimated at approximately 200 members of The American Legion Family.

District 7 Fall Meeting will be September 23 at the Hartford Post 118 Legion building. Further information will be announced later.

District 7 Oratorical Contest location this year will be in the Humboldt Community Center, located on south Main Street in Humboldt on January 15, 2017 at 1 pm. Storm date: January 22, same time and location.

A proposal was brought to the Department Executive Committee in supporting a new program “Adopt a Veteran”. It was noted that many veterans would like to be a member of The American Legion but can’t afford to pay the membership dues. Many veterans are on fixed incomes and cannot afford the dues. Under this program Legion Posts would pick up the cost of membership dues for the veteran. In discussion, it was mentioned that many Posts are doing this right now for veterans unable to pay and many are paying dues of active duty military members. The Executive Committee voted to support the concept of the “Adopt a Veteran” program. 

Since the program was approved, one Post has gone even further by allowing businesses and individuals in their community to “Adopt a Veteran”. 

State Membership as of August 10 stands at 5130 or 24.18% of the Department’s membership goal. Membership Chairman Gene Renschler’s theme is “You Retain and We Will All Gain”. Our Post membership stands at 58 members or 63% of our goal. This total includes 29 PUFL members.

Post Member Spotlight

Leroy Lueth is a 43-year member of our Post.  He is a Vietnam era veteran.

He enlisted in the Air Force in July, 1968, took his Basic Training at the Amarillo Air Force Base, Amarillo, TX, and AIT at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO. Leroy was trained in cameras for use on Aircraft Carriers. After a short time at Ellsworth Air Force Base, he left for a year in Thailand. Before he left the service, he was stationed in Minot, ND. His rank was Sergeant E4 when he left the service in  July, 1972.

State Membership as of August 10 stands at 5130 or 24.18% of the Department’s membership goal. Membership Chairman Gene Renschler’s theme is “You Retain and We Will All Gain”. Our Post membership stands at 58 members or 63% of our goal. This total includes 29 PUFL members.

County Meeting - Sioux Falls - Aug 30, at 8 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Sep 5, at 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Sep 5, at 7:30 pm

Dinner Party - Sat, Sept 17 at 7 pm