Crippen News online - February 2017

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

County Meetings

Minnehaha County Meetings - 2016 - 2017
  
Apr 26 - Garretson
Jun 28 - Hartford
Aug 30 - Sioux Falls
Oct 25 - Humboldt
Feb 28 - Valley Springs
Apr 25 - Baltic
Jun 27 - Brandon
Jul 4 Avenue of Flags at the VA - Brandon
Aug 29 - Colton
Oct 24 - Dell Rapids
Feb 28, 2018 - Garretson



Minnehaha County Commander
David Huntimer - Dell Rapids

Vice-Commander
Nylis "Gene" Renschler II

Avenue of Flags at the VA Hospital
July 4, 2017 - Brandon

A motion at the Jan 2016 meeting in Colton changed the meetings from the Sept thru Apr format to an every other month format excluding Dec and starting Feb 2016.
The meeting will start at 8 pm as listed above. The local Post Commander will open and close the county meetings. They will have a short (10-20) minute informative program and will serve lunch following the meeting. The host post will also pay the county fee of $5 the night of the meeting as per the minutes.
______________________________________________

Crippen News online - January 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, January 2, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. There were no reports of anyone currently on sick call. 

Commander Charles Dubbe discussed the second competition of our Oratory contest coming up this week. It will be on Saturday, January 7, beginning at 1 pm. He had the judges for this event. He also announced that the District Oratory contest would be in Humboldt on Sunday, January 15, beginning at 1 pm in the Community Center. The Auxiliary will help us with the light lunch. 

The Commander talked about a Spring fundraiser and ideas were discussed. There will be more on this later. 

Adjutant Fred Lee reviewed items from the “Up To Now”. Charles Beck said he had visited Francis Grace in the nursing home over Christmas. He mentioned the Valentines for Veterans concert at the Washington Pavilion on February 4 at 3 pm. Complimentary tickets for the concert starring the Kentucky Headhunters. All Veterans may reserve up to two tickets by calling 605-333-6851 or 605-333-6806. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting Monday, January 2, 2017, with 6 members present.  After our regular opening, the secretary’s report from our December 5^th meeting was read and approved.  The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file. 

A letter from District President, Teresa Huntimer, reminded Auxiliaries of upcoming dates.  Among those dates were the District 7 Oratory Contest will be held January 15 in Humboldt; January 22-snow date.

The Veterans’ Annual Concert at the Washington Pavilion will be held on February 4.  The Kentucky Head Hunters will provide the entertainment.  Veterans may call 605-333-6851 or 605-333-6806, or go directly to the VA to order 2 free tickets.    Midwinter Conference will be held February 10-12 at Cedar Shore in Oacoma.  Our unit will be furnishing a pkg of tube socks for the Children & Youth Project, Socks of Love.   

Several thank you notes for the Christmas gifts were received. Thank yous were read from Louine Schaufler, Neal Even, Liz Jarding, and Myrna Searl. 

We will be providing bars and coffee for a lunch before the Oratory Contest begins on January 15^th.

The belated monetary gift exchange for Christmas designated for the VA that we elected to delay until our January meeting was postponed again until our February meeting.  Members, **please bring your monetary gifts to our February 6^th meeting**.

It was decided that we will provide a basket of Avon products  for the silent auction at Midwinter Conference for which this year’s President’s Choice Recipient will be the VA Hospital in Hot Springs for which a speaker system is needed.

The meeting was adjourned.  Connie Lueth won the door prize; and lunch was served by Charlie and Donna Beck and Lile and Theresa Meyer.  Next month servers will be Sheryl Siemonsma and Marvin & Shirley Price. 

District Oratory Winner Goes to State Contest

Katrina Callahan, second from left, won the District 7 Oratory contest and will compete with other district winners at the State Oratory Contest in February.

Three high school students competed at the District 7 American Legion Oratory Contest on Sunday, January 15, 2017 in Humboldt. They are shown here with our District Officers. From left; Courtney Van Zanten, District 7 Commander; Katrina, a Senior at West Central High School; Teresa Huntimer, District 7 Auxiliary President; Nobel Nothstine, a Freshman at Garretson High School; Alex Lorang, a Senior at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls; and District 7 Americanism Chairman, PDC Mark Weinmann

Hats in the Ring

Battle Creek Post 303 of Hermosa has endorsed Richard MacDonald for the position of Alternate Executive Committeeman for 2017-2019.

Bensley-Rounds Post 280 of Iroquois has endorsed Annette Dunham for the position of Department Vice Commander for Districts 3-8 for 2017-2018.

Boys State Planning Meeting Scheduled

American Legion Boys State Corporation will hold a planning meeting at 10 am, Wed, Feb 8, 2017, at American Legion Post 8 Home in Pierre, SD. This meeting finalized the 2017 Boys State Session and handles any other business of the Corporation. Boys State has picked a new Boys State Registrar, his contact info is: PDC Rick MacDonald, 24195 Alkan Ln, Hermosa, SD 57744, email is: rickymac1955@gmail.com and home phone is: 605-255-5587.

Post Member Spotlight

Roger Bradley is a 5-year member of our Post.  He is a Vietnam Era veteran.

He enlisted into the US Navy in May, 1969. He took boot camp at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA. He served on a submarine as an  Electronics Technician. When he left the service in May, 1977, he was a First Class Petty Officer. He went back to farming in South Dakota.

Crippen News online - December 2016

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 7^th 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 2^nd 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. 

Crippen News online - November, 2016

 Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their

regular meeting on Monday, November 7. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s reports were given and approved. There were no reports of anyone new on sick call. Doug Meyer reported that his son, Bill Henning, would be having surgery on his shoulder next week.

Commander Charles Dubbe, had information from the school

about their program there. It would be on Thursday, November 10, at 9 am.

Fred Lee received monies of various individuals as donations

to the Legion. He had written up a letter to be sent to those individuals who had casket flags stored in the clubrooms. We

are in the process of replacing these casket flags with weather resistant nylon casket flags that will be flown on loved ones flag poles on Memorial Day and this letter will be sent to those families of these veterans. Those in attendance approved of the wording of this letter and it will be sent out soon.

Commander Dubbe read some high points from the Legion bulletin, the “Up To Now”. One item of interest to our Post regarded the District 7 Oratory Contest would be held here in

January, 2017.

A motion was made for a donation to the city for our use of the building and a contribution to Turkey Day.

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, November 7.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with 10 members present.  The minutes from the October 3 meeting were read and approved.  And the treasurer’s report was given and placed on file. 

Lorena Dubbe and Donna reported that they hosted the Social Hour at the VA in October with about 15 patients present. We received a thank you letter from the VA for hosting it.   

We received a promotion letter for Humboldt Turkey Day.  We responded with the same donation we made last year.  We also received a thank you note from the Matthies Family for our contribution to the Buddy Walk; and District President, Teresa Huntimer, reminded us of the Auxiliary Birthday on November 10, and that November 11 is Membership Goal. 

We will hand out apples to the teachers the week of November 13-19 in honor of American Education Week.

 We were reminded to be sure to vote the next day, November 8.

The meeting was adjourned.  Barb Bassett won the door prize; and lunch was served by Gib and Barb Bassett and Dennis and Jean Erickson.  Our December 5 meeting will be a potluck supper beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Officers will set up for this.

Legislative Roundtables Scheduled

The South Dakota Veterans Council will be hosting the legislative roundtable meetings during the month of December.

Wednesday, December 14, they will meet at the Disabled American Veterans Headquarters in Sioux Falls, starting at 12 noon.

The South Dakota Veterans Council is made up of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Military Order of Purple Heart. A representative from each organization will inform the legislators of the legislative agenda for their respective organization.

All members of The American Legion family is invited to this event and urged to contact their representative and invite them personally. 

Christmas Party at the VA Medical Center

The American Legion Auxiliary has announced that the annual Christmas Party at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls will be Thursday, December 8, beginning at 2 pm.

LIT Insurance

Last month I asked the question, are you still covered with the Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) Free $1,000 Accident Insurance?

Thirty-five Post members have been re-signed up with this insurance and will not need to do it again. If you have not called me with your birthday, take a minute and let me know. I will get it done with the information I have. My number is (605) 336-6087. 

Post Member Spotlight

Steve Becker is a 41-year member of our Post.  He is a Vietnam Combat War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in Sep, 1970, received his basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, MS and AIT at Ft Ord, CA. He went to Vietnam as part of the 52nd Aviation BN, HHC. He was part of the pathfinder detachment, specialized soldiers inserted or dropped into place in order to set up and operate drop zones, pickup zones, and helicopter landing sites for airborne operations, or other operations in support of the ground unit commanders. Steve was a Sergeant E5 when he left the service in May, 1972 and came  back to South Dakota and completed his college education. He was also helping his dad farming.

Crippen News online - October 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, October 3, 2016. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Before the meeting started, our guest, Royce Loesch, who is running as a candidate for our next Department Commander, gave a talk about an Americanism program for smaller Posts that he is promoting. When he finished his presentation, our minutes  and treasurer’s reports were read and approved.

There was no reports of anyone new on sick call. Commander Charles Dubbe read a thank-you card he had received from Leonard Meyer, along with a donation from him. Other correspondence he received included information from Gary Warne of the Employment Committee regarding honoring employers who employ veterans.

Treasurer Hans Sieverding gave a report on the Dinner Party we just completed. Everyone agreed that it was a success again this year.

Charlie Beck reported on the recent District meeting that was held in Hartford on September 23. One of the highlights included that this is Boys State 75th year and something special is planned for this event. Another subject discussed was the accident insurance all Legionnaires can receive if they are registered. Everyone needs to register again to complete this process.

Before the meeting ended, we discussed the upcoming County meeting that would be held in Humboldt on Tuesday, October 25.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Post 62, held their regular meeting Monday, October 3, 2016.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with ten members and two guests-- District 7 President, Teresa Huntimer, and her First Vice President, Alice Upshaw present.  After our regular opening, the minutes from our September 5 meeting were read and approved.  The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file. 

A sympathy card was sent to Marlene Schievelbein for the loss of her son and thinking of you cards to Phyllis Sieverding and Molly Stensaas.  A thank you note was received from Leonard Meyer for cards he received from our Auxiliary members on a recent Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C.

Plans for Veteran’s Day Supper were discussed.  See boxed note below. 

Lorena Dubbe reported that October 22, our unit is in charge of Social Hour at the VA Hospital at 2:00 p.m.  She will be going and Barb Bassett volunteered to help her.  Several brought Christmas gifts for the Veterans’ families; and may do so also at our November meeting.

We will also serve the annual Soup and Pie Luncheon to be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year November 19 in conjunction with Humboldt’s Annual Turkey Day. 

Lorena Dubbe gave a short report on the District Meeting held in Hartford in September.

Then Teresa Huntimer, our District President, spoke to us.  She presented us with Certificates from National for our participation in ‘Give 10’ for education.  She also explained Socks of Love, a project by State Children and Youth Chairman.  October 16 is the date for the Leadership Course that will be offered in Brookings for members of District 5 and 7.  Also, October is Breast Awareness Month.  Get a mammogram! 

President Donna rode in the West Central Homecoming Parade with Hartford’s Auxiliary President; and both were very impressed by Patriotism that was demonstrated by all; but especially, our WC students.

Meeting was adjourned.  Shirley Price won the door prize.  Doug and Connie Meyer and Bryan and Dawn Hahn served the lunch.  Next month’s servers will be Dennis and Jean Erickson and Gib and Barb Bassett.  

Hugh Holmes of Mitchell has been endorsed by Coacher-Goetsch Post 18 of Mitchell for the position of Department Commander for 2017-2018.

Royce Loesch of Pierre has been endorsed by Stanley Post 20 of Fort Pierre for the position of Department Commander for 2017-2018.

Post Member Spotlight

Jim Jarding is a 61-year member of our Post.  He is a Korean War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in Jan, 1952. He took basic training at  Ft Eustis, Virginia. Soldiers received training in all modes of transportation, aviation maintenance, logistics and deployment doctrine and research. He was a crane operator. He left the service in Jan, 1953, due to a hardship discharge because his dad was very sick.