Monday, April 4, 2016

Crippen News online - April 2016

Legion Report
by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)
The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, April 4th. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurers’ reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. It was reported that Marvin Price was in the hospital and Dale Garry had been in the hospital this past month. 

Commander Charles Dubbe told the membership he had secured a speaker for Memorial Day services. He told the membership about the correspondence he had received. After some discussion on this, there was a motion by Fred Lee, seconded by Charlie Beck, to make a donation to Achieve. 

Fred Lee had some information he had received regarding the DD214. Individuals or next of kin can now get copies of their DD214 online. This may be helpful when a veteran needs this copy for employment purposes. 

Fred Lee handed out go-getters pins to Douglas Meyer, Charlie Beck, Charles Dubbe, Jerry Corey and Tom Sieverding. He told the members about the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War at the VA. He also talked about changing our by-laws regarding members at the meetings that constitute a quorum. 

The Commander discussed the Grade School baseball tournament this summer. There will be more details next month. 

Before the meeting ended, we cleaned up our membership on our Executive Board. Ken Struck and Jerry Corey were selected to finish up openings in the 3rd year slots and Douglas Meyer and Dennis Erickson were selected to their first year on the Executive Board.



After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
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Auxiliary Report
by Connie Lueth
The meeting of the William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, was called to order by President Donna Beck Monday evening, April 4.  After saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the Star Spangled Banner, and reciting the Preamble to the Constitution; the secretary’s report from our March meeting was read by Barb Bassett, acting secretary.  After its approval, our treasurer’s report was given by Treasurer, Sheryl Siemonsma.  The report was placed on file.

There was a thank you from the VA for magazines donated to them, and Donna read the monthly letter from District President Teresa Huntimer.

Mothers Tea will be changed for this year due to a conflict on Thursday to Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:30.
It was decided to donate to both the Buddy Walk and Life Scape. 

  Ellie Krizan, daughter of Joe Krizan, Humboldt, and Mary Krizan, Hartford, will represent us at Girl State this year.  We will have election and installation of officers at our May meeting. 

Menu for the insurance supper that we will serve in June was discussed.

The meeting was adjourned.  Agnes Even won the door prize; and Doug and Connie Meyer and Dale and Jackie Lofswold served lunch.  Next month’s servers will be Wanda Artz and Brian and Dawn Hahn. 

Wessington Springs Post 14 will have the grand opening of their new Post Home, following the District 6 Meeting on April 16, 2016. A social will be held at 5:00 p.m. A free will donation dinner starting at 6:00 p.m. and will go to 8:00 p.m. A band will follow. Congratulations to Post 14 on their new Post Home.

Post Member Spotlight

Bryon Hahn is a 6-year member of our Post. He is a Lebanon/Grenada veteran.



He enlisted into the 147th Field Artillery Unit of the Army National Guard in June 1980. He took his basic training in North Carolina and AIT at Ft Lee, Virginia. His MOS was Mechanical Clerk and His rank was Specialist 4 when he left the service in July, 1986. 
He went back to farming with his dad after completing his service. 

VETERANS HOME DEDICATED
On March 30th, the new Veteran’s Home in Hot Springs was dedicated. On hand were Department Secretary Larry Zimmerman, Lt. Governor Matt Michaels, Supt Brad Richardson and Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Fitzmaurice and other distinguished guests. Secretary Zimmerman thanked everyone involved in the getting the new building built. Lt Governor Michaels told the residents and those present “It’s because of you that we have the freedom to worship in the way we choose, the right to protect ourselves and the ability to choose our leaders”. The new state of the art facility is up and running and is now able to care for Veterans who may need some additional care.


Representing the American Legion Department of South Dakota at the dedication were State Commander Terry Hanson, NEC Paul Evenson and Kathy, Alternate NEC Jim Huls and Pat, PDC Larry Price and District 2 Commander Ed Thompson.


National Oratorical Finals
The National Oratorical Finals contest will be April 15-17, 2016, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, Indianapolis, Indiana. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests will be Saturday, April 16. The championship contest will be Sunday, April 17. Katrina Callahan of Hartford will represent The American Legion Department of South Dakota in the Contest.