Crippen News online

Crippen News - January 2012

2012-01-02T21:24:00.000-06:00

Legionnaires Hold First Meeting in 2012

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their first regular meeting of the new year on Monday, January 2nd, with eleven members present.

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Commander Jerry Corey had talked to Ken Struck and gave us an update on his recovery from hip surgery. He also had a thank-you card from him that was passed around. There was also a card from the Senior Nutrition program.

Americanism Officer Charles Dubbe announced the time for the Oratorical contest at West Central High School. He did not have a count on the number of participants but hoped for a good turn-out. After the completion of the local contest, the District Oratory contest will be on January 14 at the Dell Rapids Post Home, beginning at 2 pm. Winners of the eight District contests will compete in Oacoma on February 12 to decide who wins the State Oratory contest. We received a donation to the Oratorical Incentive Fund from the Neal Even family.

Daryl Sieverding reported on a possible fundraiser and hoped to have more discussion on this in the future.

The Commander read a letter from the VAVS committee where they were looking for financial contributions. After some discussion, we had a motion to contribute money to this fund. He also read some highlights from the “Up To Now”.

Fred Lee discussed membership. We currently have fourteen members left to pay their 2012 dues. Lists of those members were given to the membership committeeman. The Commander mentioned the next County meeting would be in Dell Rapids on Jan 31.

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, January 2nd in the Community Center. The meeting was called to order with eleven members present. The regular reports were given.

A thank-you was received from the VA Medical Center for the social hour we hosted. The District 7 President’s letter reminded us the Mid-Winter Conference is February 10-12 at Cedar Shores in Oacoma.

The Sunshine Committee send a get-well card to Ken Struck.

Wanda Artz, Community Service Chairman, reported fourteen packages were sent to those in the service-three in the States and eleven overseas. Eleven gifts were taken to shut-ins and those in nursing homes.

We will take a cookbook to the silent auction at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation chairman, Lorena Dubbe, will take the money given in lieu of a Christmas gift exchange and purchase items for hospice baskets for the VA Medical Center.

The meeting was adjourned. Donna Beck won the door prize. Lunch was served by Wanda Artz and Agnes Even.
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Adam Hentges, a senior at West Central High School, was the American Legion Oratory winner at the local contest held at the high school.

He went on to compete at the District 7 Oratory contest at Dell Rapids on January 14. He placed third in this contest behind Hope Goody from Garretson (1st Place) and Scott May from Sioux Falls Christian (2nd Place).

FYI: At our meeting, there was a comment about funds the South Dakota American Legion Foundation received. $32,000 was received by the Foundation from Honor Flight of South Dakota. One of our members wondered if any other organizations received like amounts.

After checking with Terry Towns, the Honor Flight coordinator, she told me that very similar donations would be given to the DAV and the VFW.

EMPLOYER OF THE DISABLED WINNER
South Dakota American Legion Employment Committee Chair- man Earl Schultz of Aberdeen has announced the selection of Kessler’s, Inc. of Aberdeen as the recipient of the Department of South Dakota American Legion’s Employer of the Disabled. Kessler’s, Inc. currently has 267 employees with 12 employees being disabled. Kessler’s, Inc. was nominated by Sidney L. Smith Post 24 of Aberdeen.

NEW BLACK HILLS HEALTH CARE DIRECTOR NAMED

The Department of Veterans Affairs Midwest Health Care Net- work has announced the appointment of Stephen R. DiStasio to the position of Director, VA Black Hill Health Care System, effective January 1, 2012. Mr. DiStasio has served as the Acting Director for the past 6 months and brings both clinical and administrative experi- ence to his new role.

As Director, Mr. DiStasio is responsible for the oversight and management of two VA medical centers located in Hot Springs and Fort Meade, South Dakota, as well as 12 other sites of care located throughout western South Dakota, western Nebraska and in Newcas- tle, Wyoming.

Director DiStasio has served as the Associate Director, VA Black Hills Health Care System for the past 6 years. Prior to that DiStasio had a career in the United States Air Force Medical Service and retired at the rank of Colonel. His military career included de- ployments to Afghanistan and elsewhere. He served as Commander of several military healthcare organizations and also served as Acting Director for both VA Black Hills HCS and Sioux Falls VA HCS in previous years.

Lunch Committees

February

Sheryl Siemonsma/Marv & Shirley Price

March

Charlie & Donna Beck/Theresa & Lile Meyer

Minnehaha County meeting - Dell Rapids

January 31 - 8pm

Legion Meeting - Feb 6 - 8 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Feb 6 - 8 pm

Mid-Winter Conference-Feb 10-12

at the Cedar Shores resort in Oacoma

Crippen News - December 2011

2011-12-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

Legionnaires Discuss Oratorical Contest

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, December 5th, with fifteen members present. It was preceded by a potluck meal with the Auxiliary members to celebrate the Christmas season.

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Commander Jerry Corey reported that Ken Struck was at home after having hip surgery. Fred Lee told those present he had talked to Ken and said he was doing well but still has a few weeks of recuperation.

Post Adjutant Fred Lee reported on the County meeting held last month in Colton. Members from the Sioux Falls Post presented a plan that will help build a Habitat home for a veteran in Sioux Falls and hoped other Posts in Minnehaha County will join them. He also had names of past members that are living in the area who may be potential members. There is no meeting in December, so the next County meeting will be January 31 in Dell Rapids.

Charles Dubbe reported on the William H Crippen Oratorical Incentive Fund. He said he had interest in the program and announced the first prize would be $150 and cash prizes for all participants. It is hoped that there are more donations to this incentive fund and they can be made to the Post.

Matt Sieverding and Daryl Sieverding told the Post about their plans for a dance fundraiser for the Legion Memorial in the Park. Good ideas discussed and they will give a more thorough report at the next meeting.

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, December 5th in the Community Center. It was preceded by a potluck supper with the Legion members. The meeting was called to order with twelve members present. The regular reports were given. The treasurer will transfer some money to our savings account and arrange for a monthly transfer to the the account active and avoid a charge.

The soup & pie lunch on Turkey Day was well attended and successful.

The Sunshine Committee sent a get-well card to Barb Bassett.

The District 7 president’s letter was read reminding us the Auxiliary Christmas party at the VA Hospital will be Thursday, December 8 at 2 pm. Donna Beck helped at the Gift Shop at the VA, where all patients come to select gifts for their family at no charge to them.

Apples and a thank you were taken to all school staff for American Education Week by Myrna Searl, Barb Bassett, Shirley Price and Donna Beck.

Wanda Artz, Community Service Chairman, had gifts ready for the shut-ins and those in nursing homes. Several members offered to deliver them. Wanda also had the gifts for the people in the service. Those will be packaged for mailing on December 8.

Sheryl Siemonsma gave information regarding possible senior meals in Humboldt. Someone from Hartford where the meals are prepared will deliver them and help serve, so only one person from our community will be needed each day.

The meeting was adjourned. Lorena Dubbe won the door prize. Merry Christmas to all.
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DID YOU KNOW?
 It is permissible to wash or dry clean a U.S. Flag. The determination should be made dependent on the material.
 Alexander Graham Bell never phoned his wife or mother. They were both deaf.
 There are 58,267 names on the Vietnam Wall. 39,996 are 22 years of age and younger. 997 soldiers were killed their first day in Vietnam. 1,448 soldiers were killed their last day in Vietnam.
 All National Guard and Reservists who have served one day of active duty, during any of delimiting periods set for in The American Legion Constitution, under Title 10, Subsection 672 or 12301 orders and received an honorable discharge or is currently serving on federal orders are eligible for membership in The American Legion. (All Reserve components send their service members to “Basic Training” using Title 10, Subsection 672/12301 orders).

Membership Update

As of December 7, the 2012 State membership stands at 18,836 or 80.35% of our Department Membership goal. Our Post membership is at 79 members or 82.3% of our goal as of December 5, 2011.
The end of the year is coming up and we would like to finish up with membership soon.
We still have 16 members who have not paid their 2012 dues.
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VA PROPOSES CLOSING S.D. MEDICAL CENTER

According to a Dec 14 article in the Argus Leader, the VA has proposed closing the Veterans Affairs medical center in Hot Springs and transfer many of its treatment and care options from outdated facilities at the Hot Springs Center to private providers and VA facilities in Rapid City and Sturgis.

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MIDWINTER BANQUET TICKETS
Tickets for the MidWinter Conference Joint Banquet will be by advance sale only. The Joint Banquet will be held Friday, February 10, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. The menu will consist of steak & shrimp (6 oz. sirloin and 3 shrimp), twice baked potatoes, corn o’brien and cheesecake.
Tickets are $30.00 each and can be obtained by sending $30.00 per ticket requested to Potter American Legion Post 3, PO Box 348, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
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Merry Christmas to all
Legion Meeting - Jan 2 - 8 pm
Auxiliary Meeting - Jan 2 - 8 pm
Minnehaha County meeting - Dell Rapids
January 31 - 8pm
District Oratory Contest-Dell Rapids
January 14 at 2 pm
Mid-Winter Conference-Oacoma
February 10-12, 2012
Oratory Finals-Feb 12 at 10 am

Lunch Committees
January
Wanda Artz/Neil & Agnes Even
February
Sheryl Siemonsma/Marv & Shirley Price

Crippen News - November 2011

2011-11-07T16:37:00.000-06:00

Legionnaires Discuss Oratorical Contest

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, November 7th, with thirteen members and two guests present. Karen Grosz and Ed Artz were visiting our meeting. Karen Grosz works as a reporter for numerous weekly newspapers and she will be our PR person regarding the proposed resolution.

We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance and minutes and treasurer’s reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. There was no reports of anyone on sick call.

Post Commander Jerry Corey thanked Dennis Erickson for conducting last month’s meeting in his absence. He also told us that he is feeling better now after some checks at the hospital and good drugs. He also thanked those who carried Colors at the recent football games.

Post Adjutant Fred Lee reported on the County meeting held last month in Brandon. Next month the County meeting will be in Colton on November 29th.

The Commander told the membership the dates for the Mid-Winter Conference in Oacoma in February. He also discussed the Flag Folding Ceremony at the West Central Elementary School on Thursday, November 10th. Then we will have our Veterans Day pot-luck at 7 pm on November 11th.

A resolution to be used as an incentive for the Oratorical contest at West Central High School was adopted at our meeting. It will be called “The William H Crippen Post 62 Oratorical Incentive Fund”. It will be used to help motivate students of the West Central High School to participate in the annual American Legion Oratorical contest. An executive committee was also formed to set the rules for the fund.

After these discussions and comments, the meeting was adjourned.

Resolution:
Be it resolved that, with the approval of the Post in session, the Commander create an executive committee to be known as the Oratorical Fund Committee.
This committee is to be chaired by the Post Americanism Officer who shall appoint one member of this Post to serve with him, appoint one instructor from afore said school to complete the membership of this committee.
The duties of this committee shall be: solicit and evaluate as fairly as possible, all suggestions from interested parties, as to the operation of the local oratory contest, set all rules for the conduct of the local contest, select the judges for the local contest, be the sole decision maker as to the number and size of the incentives to be offered and dispense such incentives at the appropriate time.
Operations of this committee are to be available at the request of any member during official meetings of the Post.
This committee’s tenure shall be limited to the annual election of officers at which time it shall be extended, amended or disbanded.
The resolution stands as stated.

Auxiliary Report
by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, November 7th in the Community Center. The meeting was called to order with twelve members present. The regular reports were given.

A thank-you was received from the Humboldt Fire Department and Ambulance for our donation.

The Gift Shop project at the VA Hospital will be November 28, 29 & 30. Lorena Dubbe purchased the gifts from our unit and took them to the hospital. Members were encouraged to help any of those days.

The Mid-Winter Conference will be at Cedar Shores in Oacoma on February 10-12, 2012.

Our unit will again participate in the “Give 10 to Education” program. American Education Week is November 13-19. Apples will be taken to teachers and all school staff. Sheryl Siemonsma gave out a dictionary from our Auxiliary to every third grade student.

Our Veteran’s Day pot luck supper will be at 7 pm November 11.

Plans for our soup & pie lunch with Turkey Day were discussed. Members volunteered to bring pies. Our unit donated a turkey.

A letter was read regarding starting Senior Meals in Humboldt. Discussion was held and members signed up if interested in serving the meals.

We will have a 7 pm pot luck supper before our December meeting. Dessert will be furnished. In lieu of a gift exchange, we will give money to be used to make hospice baskets for the VA Hospital.

The meeting was adjourned. Jean Erickson won the door prize. Lunch was served by Lorena Dubbe and Connie Meyer.

Continuous Membership Awards were given out at our Veterans Day supper hosted by the Auxiliary. Eighteen members received recognition for their continuous membership with the American Legion.
Five year awards and stars went to Jacob Droge, Donald Meyer, Daryl Sieverding and Duane Skyberg. Ten year award and star went to Tommy Holdahl. Fifteen year award and star went to Wanda Covington. Twenty year awards and stars went to Tom Gilman, Jan Gochanour, Gaylord Paulson and Robert Peterson. Thirty-five year awards and stars went to Kyrie Helseth, Dale Lofswold and Tony Osiecki. Forty years awards and stars went to James Harden, Ed Munce, Larry Panning and Tom Sieverding. And a forty-five year award and star went to Albert Stensaas.
Congratulations and thank you for your service and your membership.

We also want to thank Junior Auxiliary member Becky Sieverding for her patriotic reading at the Veterans Day supper.

statistics

2011-11-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

Crippen News
Last update - January 20, 2012
Online since Feb '99

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Legionnaire Insurance Trust

2011-10-03T17:04:00.000-05:00

Legionnaire Insurance Trust
All dues-paying Legionnaires are eligible for $1,000 of Accidental Death Insurance at No Cost. If you are a PUFL member or you paid your dues prior to the end of the year, you should be covered with this accident insurance through August 31, 2016.
If you have a question on your eligibility coverage, you can call 1-800-235-6943 and a representative will check your eligibility.

County Meetings

2011-09-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

Minnehaha County Meetings - 2011- 2012

Jan 31 - Dell Rapids

Feb 28 - Garretson

Mar 27 - Hartford

Apr 24 - Humboldt

May, June, July, August - No meetings

Minnehaha County Commander
David Bond - Renner

Vice-Commander
Bill Huntimer - Dell Rapids

Avenue of Flags at the VA Hospital

July 4, 2012 - Humboldt

County dues $5 payable
when hosting County Meeting
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Dinner Party 2011

2011-09-13T15:45:00.000-05:00

14th Annual American Legion Dinner Party - Sept 10, 2011

Martin Sieverding, left, is shown here receiving First Prize of $1,000 from Post Adjutant Fred Lee at our 14th Annual Legion Dinner Party, that was held on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

2011 American Legion Post 62 Dinner Party Winners
$1,000 First Prize -Martin Sieverding
$500 - Tom Sieverding
$250 - Ervin Fetters
$125 - Joe Sieverding and Barb Hanisch
Ten other people won $50. They were: Albert Stensaas, Neal Even, Bob Kueter, Tom Puthoff, Dennis Erickson, Terry Grosz, Marge Shumaker, Carol Lee, Bonnie Struck and Linda Cleveland. Tom Puthoff won $50 and Don Sieverding won $25 in the card drawing.

The Legion members wish to thank everyone for their support of all Legion activities thoughout the year.

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State News - July 2011

2011-07-05T20:51:00.004-05:00

SDALPA and History Award Winners

President of the South Dakota American Legion Press Association announced the winners of the newsletter competition. First place went to Iroquois Post 280, Colin Royal, Editor; second place winner was Humboldt Post 62, Fred Lee, Editor; and third place went to Arlington Post 42, Leon Josephson, Editor.
Department Historian Fred Lee announced first place award for Post Narrative History going to Mobridge Post 4, Robert Maisch, Historian, and first place award for Post Scrapbook going to Wagner Post 11, Norman Nedved, Historian.
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Redistricting
Due to the decline of State Membership - a Resolution was passed for redistricting and downsizing the Department of South Dakota from 14 districts to 8 districts to save on travel expense.
Our Post is now in District 7 which consists of the following counties: Minnehaha, McCook, Lake and Moody. The election of officers for the new Districts will take place at the fall District meetings.
Another Resolution changed the Area Vice Commanders from five to two. Charemon Dunham from Iroquois was elected State Vice Commander for Districts 3-8, which includes Humboldt.
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The new membership cards are now in. I will mail them to you when I receive your dues. There was a resolution passed at the State Convention to raise the annual dues by $5, effective July 1, 2012. This might be a good time to purchase a paid up for life membership at the lower rates. I will do some calculations showing correct amounts and have them at our next meeting.
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New Flag

2011-06-30T22:18:00.002-05:00

Members of The American Legion Post of Humboldt raised a new flag at the Bob Searl memorial at the north end of Main Street on Thursday, June 30, 2011.

Emily Jarding, a Flight nurse stationed in Afghanistan, sent the flag to us. It flew in one of their missions there. Emily is the daughter of Charles and Paula Jarding.

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Those shown in the photo from left to right are: Leon Lee, Daryl Sieverding, Pat Kaffar, Tom Sieverding, Francis Sieverding, Fred Lee, Dave Froke, Tommy Holdahl, Matt Sieverding and Dale Lofswold.
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Click on the photo for a larger view, then the back button to get back to this page.

State Educator of the Year

2011-05-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

JoAnn Schultz was the District 1 winner of the Educator of the Year award this year. After judging was completed at the State level, she was awarded Educator of the Year for the State from the American Legion, Department of South Dakota.

Post Commander Mike Garets, left, and District Americanism Officer Bill Huntimer presented JoAnn with a plaque at St Mary’s Commencement this month.
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State Oratory Contest

2011-02-13T14:34:00.005-06:00

Joe Schartz of Humboldt, a Junior at West Central High School, won the 2011 State Oratory contest at the conclusion of the American Legion's Mid-Winter Conference on February 13, 2011. He will now go on to the National Contest in April.

He is shown here holding his trophy. Others in the photo include, from left; State Commander G.D."Hoot" Gibson, District Commander Richard Ekle, Joe, Area Vice Commander Wesley Rye and State Americanism Officer Hans Nelson.

Click on the photo for a larger view, then the back button to get back to this page.

Purple Heart ceremony/Veterans Day

2010-11-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

Over 200 people attended the Purple Heart ceremony on Saturday, November 6, 2010, when PFC Donald Kolbeck was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he received while serving in the Korean War in 1951.
Many family members and friends attended the gravesite ceremony at St Ann's Cemetery in Humboldt. Father Bob Kranz and the Humboldt American Legion all participated in the ceremony.
After the presentation, the Humboldt Legion Auxiliary hosted a lunch in honor of Donald Kolbeck at the Humboldt Community Center.

Click on the photos for a larger view, then the back button to get back to this page.

Our Veterans Day supper was a successful event, thanks to the Auxiliary, and Rachael McMahon, center, and Megan Shumaker, right, sang some patroitic songs. Their teacher, Rebecca Bialas, accompanied them on the piano.
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Flag Disposal Ceremony

2010-07-05T17:35:00.002-05:00

Members of William H Crippen American Legion and Auxiliary participated in a Flag Disposal Ceremony prior to their meetings this month. Shown above, from left, back row: Dale Lofswold, Charles Beck, Dennis Erickson, Francis Sierverding, Jerry Corey, Daryl Sieverding, Douglas Meyer, Loren Even, Phyllis Sieverding and Fred Lee. Front row, from left: Ken Struck, Diane Struck, Donna Beck, Shirley Price, Connie Meyer, Jean Erickson, Cheryl Siemonsma and Rose Sieverding.
Click on the photo for a larger view, then the back button to get back to this page.
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News from State Convention

2010-06-07T11:07:00.009-05:00

News from the State Convention

Fred Lee, center, is shown here with National Executive Committeeman Paul Evenson, left, and National Commander Candidate for 2011-2012, Fang Wong, from the Department of New York, during the convention.

Our History Book took First Place in the scrapbook category again this year.
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Vietnam Vets Virtual Wall

2010-06-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

Someone spent a lot of time on this and it is truly remarkable.
Try it.

It is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war with the names, bio's and other information on our lost comrades. It is a very interesting link, and those who served in that timeframe and lost friends or family can look them up on this site.

First click on a state...then when it opens...a name...then it should show you a picture of the person or at least, his bio and medals....

http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm

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Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T09:12:00.002-05:00

Our Memorial Day this year proved to be one the nicest in terms of weather that we could have hoped for. It was a great day to honor our departed comrades.

Joe Schartz, our State American Legion Oratory winner, was our speaker and did a great job.

Click on the photo for a larger view, then the back button to get back to this page.

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Our Flower Girls this year were; from left, Ellie Krizen, Hanna Zirpel, Tiffany Rausch, McKenzie Henning, Becky Sieverding and Amber Muth.
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District 1 Spring Meeting

2010-04-25T21:03:00.002-05:00

The District 1 Spring meeting was held in Tea on Sunday, April 25. Around sixty Legionnaires attended the meeting. Our District Educator of the Year is shown here as she receives her plaque from District Commander Richard Ekle and State Commander Rod Martens. Her name is Angela Bly and she is an elementary teacher from Garretson.

Click on the photo for a larger view, then the back button to get back to this page.

State Oratory winner

2010-04-09T17:22:00.000-05:00

Joe Schartz was in Indianapolis on April 9, 10, and 11, 2010, to compete in the National Oratory contest.
Fifty-three students were there. Joe did very well in his bracket but did not advance to the quarter finals. A senior from Missouri beat him but the points were close. A student from South Carolina won the contest and she was flawless.
Joe told me it was a wonderful experience he will never forget and hopes to try it again. He is extremely grateful to all for the support he has received from his hometown Posts and community. One of our members, Leonard Meyer, who lives in Indianapolis, was there to represent our Post and support Joe with his speech.
Joe has been invited to the State Convention to tell about his experiences in Indianapolis. He will also speak at our Memorial Day activities.
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State Commander Cap Pins

2010-01-04T15:49:00.002-06:00

Post Adjutant Fred Lee (left) presents State Commander cap pins to Membership Chairman Loren Even (center) and Douglas Meyer for recruiting new members to our Post.
Dan Pressler transferred back to the Post and Jerry Grace is again a member of our Post. (Legion photo by Pat Kafar.)

Links

2010-01-02T21:45:00.002-06:00

The National Anthem - done right.
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This short video will send chills up your spine.
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Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE
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And this, my friends, is the way it should be sung...
with no "artistic interpretation.
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PS. Be sure to use the "back" button when finished viewing any of these links.
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Veterans Day 2009

2009-11-11T21:44:00.001-06:00

We held our Veterans Day pot-luck on Veterans Day, November 11, hosted by the Auxiliary members. They had a short program where Wanda Artz read about how the song, "America the Beautiful" came to be.

The Auxiliary also gave a 50 year pin to Myrna Searl for her 50 years of continuous membership. Myrna is shown on the left after she received her pin from Phyllis Sieverding.

At our Veterans Day supper, we recognized those members who have continuous membership with the American Legion. This year there were thirteen individuals who have paid their dues by Veterans Day and were recognized at our Veterans Day celebration.

They were the following: Karen Rand-10 years; Ronald Fisher and Gene Schnider-25 years; John Petri-30 years; Gilbert Bassett, Lyle DeNeui, Leo Gaspar and Douglas Meyer-35 years; Dennis Erickson-40 years; Derwood Eisenberg, Laynard Friske, Lawrence Lambertz and Francis Sieverding-55 years.

Congratulations to you all.

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Flag program at West Central Elementary

2009-11-11T17:28:00.002-06:00

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2009, members of American Legion Post 62 participated in a flag presentation at West Central Elementary School in Humboldt with members of the National Guard.

Back row from left: Douglas Meyer, Jerry Corey, Dennis Erickson, Dale Lofswold, Dennis Voss and Loren Even.

Front row from left: Todd Mettler, Brittany Ketcham, Casey Jost and Lars Langrehr.

Eligibility dates and our address

2009-11-03T15:44:00.001-06:00

Eligibility Dates

WWII: Dec 7, 1941 to Dec 31, 1946
Korean War: Jun 25, 1950 to Jan 31, 1955
Vietnam War: Feb 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
Lebanon/Grenada: Aug 24, 1982 to Jul 31, 1984
Panama: Dec 20, 1989 to Jan 31, 1990
Persian Gulf: Aug 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities as determined by US Government.

*Since 1990, if you have been on active duty for one day, you are eligible to join the American Legion.

Our address is:

William H Crippen American Legion
45904 258th St
Humboldt SD 57035

Blue Star Banners

2009-07-06T15:46:00.002-05:00

Dennis Grocott, son of Dan & Joni Grocott, is currently serving in Kuwait in the Army National Guard, A Battery, 147 Field Artiliary, of Aberdeen. He left on July 1, 2009 for a ten month tour.
Joni Grocott is shown here receiving a Blue Star Banner from Vice Commander Loren Even at our July 2009 meeting.

Other Blue Star receipents have included: Tracy Butler,
Vince & Diane Siemonsma, Jay & Tammi Gunderson, Tom & Darlene Kaffar, Tom & Rosie Sieverding, Jim & Shirley Hanson, Joni Langley, Becky Pressler, Dale & Marlys Lueth, Virginia Mathieu-Smith, Steve & Norma Bannworth and Ken & Mary Hartle.

Change in the flag code

2009-06-07T15:46:00.007-05:00

Veterans, Troops can always salute

A change to Section 9 of the US Flag Code written into the Defense Authorization Act this year now gives veterans and members of the US Armed Forces the authority to render a salute to the flag, whether or not they are in uniform or wearing identifying veteran apparel such as an American Legion cap.

All others present should remove any headwear, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart. Headwear should be held to the left shoulder, leaving the right hand over the heart.

These acts are to be conducted anytime there is a hoisting orlowering of the U. S. Flag, whenever it passes. Citizens of foreign countries should stand at attention.

The official section of the Flag code follows:
9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag during the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.