Legion Report
by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)
The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, December 7, with nine members 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. There were various members on sick call. Service Officer Ken Struck gave his report. Ed Baye was at home and Doug Meyer is at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls.
Commander Charles Dubbe reported on the County meeting held recently in Brandon. He said membership was discussed, as was the South Dakota veterans bonus information. It was also mentioned that the Valley Springs Post had an interview that a WWII veteran had made when he was 12 years old of his talk with a Civil War veteran. Hopefully it can be used at a future meeting. The next County meeting will be in Colton on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
Service Officer Ken Struck told the membership about those on sick call. Douglas Meyer is currently in the VA hospital in Sioux Falls doing some rehab. Ed Baye is currently at home. There was discussion on our sick call policy.
Commander Charles Dubbe told the group about the highlights at the County meeting in Brandon this month. We do not host the County meeting until next September. He also told the membership about a Girls Scout troop in Humboldt, organized by Jessica Lund.
The Commander asked for help at our Oratory contest later this week. There are currently 16 students in the competition. After this first round, the finals will be Saturday, January 2, 2016. There was a motion to fully fund the contest this year.
Fred Lee reported on membership. Our membership is currently at 77 members. He talked about those who renew online, stating that when a member does that, they will be able to print their card out at that time. We discussed mailing the newsletter to past members.
After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
Auxiliary Report
by Connie Lueth
After a delicious turkey, dressing, gravy, and mashed potato dinner with salads, vegetables, and desserts, President Donna conducted a brief informal meeting with 14 members present. The Secretary’s Report from our November meeting was read and approved. And Treasurer Sheryl Siemonsma gave the Treasurer’s report, which was placed on file.
President Donna thanked Sheryl for cooking the beef stew for the Veterans’ Dinner and the turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings for our Christmas gathering tonight. She also thanked Barb Bassett and Sheryl for handing out apples to teachers and staff for American Education Week; and Barb and Shirley for giving 10 for Education. Dianne Struck reported sending a Get Well Card to Doug Meyer.
Correspondence was read from District President Teresa Huntimer and from Miss South Dakota.
Wanda Artz had the Christmas gifts for shut-ins and service people wrapped, and we divided them up for delivery. Donna reported about the Gift Shop for the Veterans and passed around a clipping from the Voice in the Argus Leader showing pictures of all the gift choices and some of the Veterans as they chose gifts for their families.
The Mid-Winter Conference will be held in February. We will discuss giving to the Humboldt Fire and Ambulance in January. In lieu of Christmas gifts, members gave monetary donations which we decided to designate for “Immediate Needs to the VA.”
Myrna Searl won the door prize. Meeting was adjourned.
Post Member Spotlight
Dale Lofswold is a 39-year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War veteran.
He enlisted into the US Navy in August 1967 and took his basic training at Camp Nimitz, San Diego, California, and was sent to Sasbeo, Japan. After serving in Japan, Dale volunteered for Vietnam where he served 18 months repairing riverboats. After his service in Vietnam, he joined the Navy Reserves and retired after 22 years as a Chief Petty Officer.
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