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 7th 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 2nd 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.