Legion Report
by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)
The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, February 6, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. On sick call, it was noted that Ed Munce was at home after by-pass surgery and doing well. Louis Jarding was reported receiving hospice care at the Sanford Cottages on 43rd St in Sioux Falls.
Commander Charles Dubbe reported receiving a check from Neal & Agnes Even for the Oratory fund.
The Commander talked about a Spring fundraiser and ideas were discussed. He had certificates for continuous membership for Charlie Beck, 50 years; Jim Jarding, 60 years and Louis Jarding, 70 years.
Adjutant Fred Lee gave Jerry Corey a pin for securing a new member recently. He made a report on membership. He had a thank you from American Legion HQ for sending a contribution to the VAVS fund. He told the members he had talked to JoAnn Bohl, a teacher from West Central High School, and wondered if she would be interested in competing for the Educator of the Year award that would be done at the Spring District meeting. A motion was made for our Post to sponsor her for this contest. The Spring District meeting will be on April 1 in Canistota.
There was some discussion on the recent Valentines for Veterans concert that was held recently.
After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
Auxiliary Report
by acting secretary Connie Meyer
The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, held their regular meeting Monday, February 6. The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck. After our usual opening, the minutes from our January 2 meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report was also given and placed on file.
Correspondence included a thank you letter from the VA thanking us for money for the personal care items that we had provided for Veterans, and also a letter thanking us for gifts we provided to the Christmas Gift Shop for the Veterans. Thank yous were also received from Kathy Petri, Roger Begeman, and Ken and Mary Hartle for Christmas gifts they had received from us. The letter from District President Teresa Huntimer was read. Rules for both Poems and Essays and Poppy Poster Contests have been taken to the schools.
Our Monetary Belated Christmas gift was finally collected; and will be sent to the VA to be used as they need.
Katrina Callahan, a Senior at West Central High School, won the State Oratory contest at the close of our MidWinter Conference in Chamberlain recently. She now will compete at the National Oratory contest in Indianapolis, Indiana in April. She is shown here with Department Commander Charemon Dunham and Department Americanism Chairman Larry Madsen.
From the Up To Now:
The dates of next year’s MidWinter Conference 2018, are February 16-18. 2018. If you made reservations for February 8-10, please change with the hotel.
Joyce Haskell Passes
Funeral Services for Joyce Haskell were held February 17, 2017, at the United Methodist Church in Conde with the Reverend Eldon Reich officiating. Joyce was the wife of Past Department Commander Darrel Haskell of Conde.
Joyce and Darrel celebrated 65 years together and was a Paid Up For Life Member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Joyce will be missed by all who knew her. Our sympathies go out to all family members.
Membership Update
State membership stands at 18,365 or 86.57% of the Department’s 2017 membership goal. Posts obtaining 100% of goal this month are Garretson, Montrose, Arlington, Lead and Hot Springs.
Our Post membership stands at 80 members or 87%.
Boys State Registration in Full Swing
Boys State Registration is open and any interested boys must go on-line to register at http://www.southdakotaboysstate.com/. This year’s deadline date for registration is March 16, 2017, to allow time for American Legion Posts to conduct interviews. Any questions can be directed to Boys State Registrar, Rick MacDonald, his contact information is: rickymac1955@gmail.com or phone 605-484-7136.
Keep in mind that Boys State Orientations should be scheduled after the first of May. The 2017 Boys State Manual will be available on-line for the boys to download. All boys will receive a hard copy of the manual when they register.
Post Member Spotlight
Dale Papka is a thirteen year member of our Post. He is an active duty career officer in the US Army.
He enlisted in May, 2002, and went through ROTC while in college. He took his Officer Basic course at Ft Bliss TX and was sent to Iraq later that year.
He was promoted to Major in November, 2011. He has had three tours to Iraq and one to Afghanistan and is currently stationed at Ft Sam Houston, TX with his family.
His grandfather, Nick Hoek Jr, was instrumental in getting him to join The American Legion and our Post.
Legion Birthday pot luck-Monday, Mar 7 at 7 pm
Legion Meeting - Monday, Mar 6, at 7:30 pm
Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Mar 6, at 7:30 pm
Daylight Savings time begins again - Mar 12
District Spring Meeting - Apr 1 - Canistota