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 255th 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