Crippen News online - November 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, November 3rd, with nine members and guests from West Central Elementary school present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Before the meeting started, West Central students, Andrew Zimmer and Brooklyn Foster, representing the West Central Elementary Student Council, and advised by Cheryl Prunty, told Post members of their idea for the Veterans Day program at West Central Elementary this year. They hoped as many veterans as possible could be in attendance for the Veterans Day program at the school, starting at 9 am on Veterans Day, November 11th. Parents of the students were also present giving the students support for this event. After they were excused, the minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Douglas Meyer gave the sick call report for Ken Struck, stating that Dale Garry had in the hospital and home now and Myron Schievelbein was going to have surgery on his back this week. Commander Charles Dubbe had a thank-you card from the Friske family and a memorial gift from Louine Schaufler in memory of Laynard Friske. Fred Lee had a memorial gift from Sharon Kollasch, his cousin, in memory of Leon Lee.

Fred gave a report on the recent County meeting in Colton. It was an informative meeting and various Posts told the members about their various activities coming up this month. Next month, the meeting will be in Dell Rapids.

The Commander mentioned he had not checked with the school about any Oratory participants but he hoped to work on that this month. He also reminded everyone to attend the Veteran’s Day program at the school on Tuesday, November 11 at 9 am and to attend the pot-luck gathering for the veterans at the Community Center that evening.

Fred Lee told the membership about a flag he received from Duane Skyberg, one of our members from Sioux Falls. We appreciate this gift to our Post and we will keep it for our use. 

The Commander gave the membership some highlights from the “Up To Now” and mentioned the Mid-Winter Conference would be February 6-8, 2015, in Watertown. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, November 3rd in the Community Center. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with thirteen members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

A thank you was received from Jean Friske for the memorial and from New Direction for our donation to the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome awareness.

Barb Bassett and Sheryl Siemonsma gave out 108 dictionaries to the third graders and talked about veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Community Service chairman, Wanda Artz, showed us the gifts we will be giving shut-ins for Christmas. Greeting cards will be sent to those in the military as all are in the states. Candy will be sent to an overseas unit to be distributed to all. The Auxiliary Hospital Representative visits each veteran at the VA Medical Center on Veterans Day with a card thanking them for their service and a small monetary gift. We will donate to this visit. 

VA&R Chairman, Lorena Dubbe, displayed the gifts our unit will give to the Christmas Gift Shop, which will be held December 1, 2 & 3 at the VA Medical Center. She and Barb Bassett hosted a social hour for the patients at the VA on Saturday, October 25. 

The Veterans Day supper will be Tuesday, November 11 at 7 pm. Pork roast, potatoes, gravy and dessert are planned. Others are to bring salads and vegetables.

American Education Week is November 23-29. Apples will be given to the teachers and all staff.

Our soup and pie lunch will be with Turkey Day November 22. Members signed up for various donations and will be contacted about working.

The meeting was adjourned. Donna Beck won the door prize. Connie Meyer and Lorena Dubbe served lunch.

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COMMANDER ANNOUNCES MIDWINTER CONFERENCE

Department Commander Tim Jurgen’s has announced the 2015 Midwinter Conference will be held at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Watertown, Friday-Sunday, February 6-8, 2015.

Commander Jurgen’s has announced the format for the Midwinter Conference will feature individual breakout sessions. Department representatives will conduct breakout sessions on Membership, Americanism, Public Relations, 100th Anniversary and MyLegion.Org. Special guests will be National Vice Commander Paul Sanford of the Department of Kansas and the National Commander Candidate for 2016-2017 Charles Schmidt of the Department of Oregon and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Larry Zimmerman.

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Post Member Spotlight

    Dennis Erickson is a forty-five year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in March, 1968, and took basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. After training at Ft Ord, California in truck driving school, he was sent to Germany, where he was assigned to a Transportation Company and drove supplies all over Germany. He said it was not bad duty, and after he got out in April of 1970, started farming with his dad. 
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Give Thanks on Thanksgiving day and every day!

American Education Week - November 23-29

County meeting-Dell Rapids - Nov 25 - 8 pm

Thanksgiving Day - Nov 27

Legion Meeting - Monday, Dec 1 - 8 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Dec 1 - 8 pm

Christmas Pot Luck supper prior to meetings at 7 pm

Auxiliary Christmas Party at Sioux Falls VA - Dec 11

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Lunch Committee for December

Gib & Barb Bassett

Dennis & Jean Erickson

(potluck)

Membership Update

As of Nov 5th, the State membership stood at 15,624 or 68.83% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal.

Post membership stands at 71 members or 72.4% of our Post’s goal.

Crippen News online - October 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, October 6th, with ten members and one guest present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Douglas Meyer gave the sick call report mentioning there were no new reports of sick call at this time and an update on Myron Schievelbein. He is presently getting rehab.

Tom Sieverding gave a report on the Dinner Party and our raffle. After some discussion, we all agreed both activities were a success. 

Fred Lee reported on the District meeting held recently in Garretson. It was a good meeting and the Garretson Post was a great host. He also thanked the Post for the Military rites for his dad this month. He had memorial gifts in behalf of Leon Lee to the Post from Joyce Egge, Louine Schaufler and the Leon Lee family.

Tom Sieverding told the members about a letter he had received from Mike Garrey of Garrey Hardware notifying all of his intention of retiring soon and selling the business.

The Commander reported on the County meeting last week in Brandon. He said District Commander Gary Henle reported on the Congressional hearings that were held there. It was an interesting report. Next month, the County meeting is in Colton on October 28.

The Commander welcomed our guest, Nathan Merrill, to our Post. He is transferring from a Post in Arkansas to Humboldt. Fred discussed our Post membership, stating that we were at about 70%. Potential members were also mentioned. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, October 6th in the Community Center. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with twelve members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

A thank you and a memorial gift were received from the Leon Lee family for helping with the funeral lunch.

A donation will be given to both the Humboldt Ambulance and the Humboldt Fire Department. Poppies will be ordered and after determining if the third grade students will be using dictionaries in the classroom, they will be ordered.

Our soup and pie lunch will be with Turkey Day November 22 and we will serve from 11 am until 1 pm. We will donate two turkeys.

The Christmas Gift Shop at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center will be December 1, 2 and 3. Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation chairman, Lorena Dubbe, is purchasing the gifts we will furnish.

The meeting was adjourned. Lorena Dubbe won the door prize. Connie Lueth and Colleen Puthoff served lunch.

Lunch Committee for November

Charles & Lorena Dubbe

Doug & Connie Meyer

Post Taps

                           Aug 23, 1922 - Sep 20, 2014

Leon Roy Lee was a sixty-eight year member of our Post. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.

He grew up in Volga and served in the Air Force during WWII from 1942 until 1946, and was recalled during the Korean War to train others at Ft Bragg North Carolina. 

He was a plumbing salesman most of his life and worked at Garrey Hardware after retiring for a number of years.

Members of Post 62 give Leon their final salute. 

                          Jun 13, 1928 - Oct 12, 2014

Laynard A Friske was a sixty year member of our Post. He was a Korean War veteran.

He grew up in the Hartford/Humboldt area and served in the Marines during the Korean War. He was married to Jean Jordan of Sioux Falls and they had three children. Laynard farmed in the Hartford area all of his adult life.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Humboldt American Legion.

Members of Post 62 give Laynard their final salute.

Membership update

State membership stands at 13,873 or 61.12% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal. Our Post membership is currently at 70 paid members or 71.4%.

If your first name is Mike, Tom Keith, Bob, Pat, Andy, Steve, Dan, Dale, or even Kate, I haven’t seen your dues for the 2015 Legion year. There were a few others too. Send them to me as soon as you can. Thanks.

Deadline Approaching for Ed Loans

Application deadlines are Nov 1st and May 1st of each year. Loans received after the application deadline will be held until the next meeting of the Educational Loan Committee. The Educational Loan Committee meets twice a year to review and approve applications.

The American Legion Department of South Dakota Educational Loan Program is made possible by voluntary donations of Legion Posts, individuals and corporations. It is used for loans to eligible veterans, their children, and grandchildren for educational opportunities beyond high school. These loans enable eligible recipients to continue their education in college or technical schools in South Dakota.

Turn your clocks back Nov 2

Legion Meeting - Monday, Nov 3 - 8 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Nov 3 - 8 pm

Tuesday, Nov 3 - Don’t forget to VOTE!

Auxiliary Christmas Party at Sioux Falls VA - Dec 11

District 7 Oratory contest in Humboldt-Jan 11 at 2 pm

Crippen News online - September 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, September 1st, with nine members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Douglas Meyer gave the sick call report he received from Ken Struck, mentioning there were no new reports of sick call at this time and he had received a thank you card from the Stensaas family that was passed around. There was also a memorial gift to the Legion from the Stensaas family and one from Louine Schaufler. Doug gave us an update on Myron Schievelbein. He hopes to be home in a week or two.

We discussed the Dinner Party and ticket sales. Some tickets were turned in and we will have a short meeting next week on Tuesday, at 7 pm to see if any tickets are still outstanding. Posters will be put up advertising the event in case anyone else wants them.

Commander Charles Dubbe reported on the Legion dance we will sponsor. He said it would be Saturday, September 20 from 8 pm to midnight. There will be a charge at the door of $5 each and flyers will be put out around the area. 

Doug told the membership that he was approached by the District Americanism Officer about Humboldt hosting the District Oratory contest on January 11, 2014. After some discussion on this and with help from the Auxiliary, we agreed to host the contest.

Post Adjutant Fred Lee passed a membership list with phone numbers to those present. We also reviewed the list and marked those who could or would help with funerals. Fred also told the members how we would become certified for funerals. He gave Jerry Corey, last year’s Commander, a cap pin for attaining 100% in membership last year. 

The Commander reported on the program we participated in Saturday morning at Hunters Point. Gib Bassett, Tom Sieverding, Jerry Corey, Fred Lee and the Commander were present at this event. He had correspondence from the Dell Rapids Post regarding a Legion Golf Tournament and a photo of the National Legion Commander and a certificate for attaining 100% membership last year. Jerry Corey, last year’s commander, and Fred Lee, received cap pins for 100% membership.

Fred Lee reported on the State Commander’s homecoming in Milbank. He said the rain held off long enough to have a great parade and the program at the school auditorium was attended by Charlie & Donna Beck and Fred & Carol Lee from our Post.

Table set-up for the Dinner Party was set for Friday, September 12 at 7 pm.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, September 1st in the Community Center. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with ten members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

The District President’s letter reminded us to keep a record of things we do for veterans, our community and children and youth. She will be having a training session this fall.

Members can receive the Legionette by mail or email. There is now a Thinking of You link on our website to support those who are ill, going through treatment or have had a death in the family. A thank-you was received from the Albert Stensaas family for the memorial and for helping with the lunch after the funeral.

The District 7 Fall Meeting will be September 27th in Garretson. There will be a social hour at 5 pm, a meal at 6 pm and the meeting at 7 pm. The Auxiliary will meet in the Senior Center.

The American Legion will host the District 7 Oratory Contest on January 11th and we will serve refreshments. There was a discussion about having a breakfast as a fundraiser. We will help with set up for the Legion fundraiser supper at 7 pm Friday, September 9th.

The meeting was adjourned. Joyce Helgeson won the door prize. The officers and executive board served lunch.

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2014-2015 Auxiliary Committees

Membership-Phyllis Sieverding

Nominating Committee-Jean Erickson, Dianne Struck

Children/Youth-Donna Beck

Community Service-Wanda Artz

Constitution/By-Laws-Connie Meyer

Education/Scholarships-Sheryl Siemonsma

Girl’s State-Dianne Struck, Lorena Dubbe

Americanism-Barb Bassett, Donna Beck

Music-Connie Lueth

National Security/Legislation-Cathy Fleishhacker

Poppy Day-Jean Erickson, Barb Bassett

Publicity-Donna Beck

Veteran Affairs/Rehabilitation-Arlis Hentges, Lorena Dubbe

Mother’s Tea-Rosie Sieverding, Phyllis Sieverding, 
Wanda Artz

Memorial Day-Ann Schartz, Barb Bassett, Jackie Lofswold

Veteran’s Day-Potluck @ 7 pm-Sheryl Siemonsma, 
Dawn Hahn

Soup & Pie-Dianne Struck, Jackie Lofswold, 
Colleen Puthoff

Sunshine Committee-Connie Lueth, Diane Struck

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Crippen News online - August 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, August 4th, with ten members and one guest present. Gary Henle, our District Commander, was present at our meeting. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present and others reported what they knew regarding sick call. Myron Schievelbein was getting re-hab at Prince of Peace nursing home in Sioux Falls. 

Commander Dubbe thanked those who helped with the military funeral for Albert Stensaas today. He introduced the District Commander for his comments. 

District Commander Gary Henle talked to the Post about membership and he applauded the Post for making their goal this year. But he said next year, it would be harder because all Post memberships were being increased 5%. He discussed the different reports to be sent to Legion Headquarters and the importance of them. He talked about the VA issues and told the membership that the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls is one of the best in the nation. He also talked about other Legion programs, including Boys State and the Youth Trooper program, a new program for the Legion. 

Fred Lee reported on membership and had pins the Post received for our 100% membership in 2014. He mentioned the free $1,000 life insurance offered to Legionnaires and stated it can be updated online. The Commander said he had received an offer to reduce a Paid Up For Life membership by $100.

Discussion was held about the raffle we are holding and we hope to have the drawing at the Dinner Party on September 13th. Tickets for the Dinner Party were passed out at the meeting and other details of it were discussed. 

The Commander talked about the possibility of getting a dance band to come to Humboldt. After his report, it was decided to wait until after the Dinner Party to schedule this event.

Before the meeting ended, there was some discussion on the funeral detail we had today for Albert Stensaas. Flag detail for the Threshing show was finalized. State Commanders’ homecoming was announced this Saturday, August 9th.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, August 4th in the Community Center. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with ten members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

A thank you was received from Emma Maass for the pin she was given in honor of her 70 years of membership. The VA Medical Center’s thank you was for hosting bingo and serving refreshments to the patients. The VA&R Chairman Lorena Dubbe will purchase the gifts for the Christmas Gift Shop we have at the VA Medical Center. 

We set up the committees for our various programs and lunch for the coming year. The officers and the executive board will furnish lunch for our September meeting.

The meeting was adjourned. Phyllis Sieverding won the door prize. Cathy Fleischhacker and Phyllis Sieverding served lunch.

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Commander Jurgen’s Homecoming a Success

The homecoming of South Dakota American Legion State Commander Tim Jurgens on Saturday, August 9, has been declared an enormous success. Attendance was estimated at over 200 members of the American Legion Family. Charles & Donna Beck and Fred & Carol Lee from our Post were present and turned in eleven memberships during the program. After the meal at the Legion Club/Pizza Ranch, we got a free car wash while traveling home through the 4” rain that fell in that area. 

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Fall District Meeting Announced

Sept 27 - District 7 - Saturday - Garretson American Legion

5:00 pm - Social, 6:00 pm - Meal, 7:00 pm - Meeting.

Auxiliary will meet at the Senior Citizens Center. (Same block, just North of Post Home.)

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High School Oratorical Scholarship Program

Now is the time to go into the schools and visit with school officials and students about The American Legion Oratorical program. The program is an outstanding opportunity for a high school student to earn up to $18,000 in scholarship money to help pay for a college education.

Participation starts at the local school/Post level. Winners at the local level advance to the District Contest. The eight first-place winners will advance to the State Oratorical Contest, February 8, 2015 following the 2015 Midwinter Conference in Watertown, SD..

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Post Taps

       Aug 19, 1923 - Jul 30, 2014

Albert Richard Stensaas was a forty-eight year member of our Post. He was a World War II veteran.

He grew up in the Volin area and enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, serving until the war was over. He spent a major portion of his time aboard ammunition ships in the South Pacific.   He left the service as a Gunners Mate, Third Class and returned to the family farm in Volin. He moved to Humboldt in 1949 and in 1950, married Marlynn (Molly) Liesinger, and they had four children. 

Members of Post 62 give Albert their final salute. 

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Membership Update

As of August 13th, the State membership stood at 5,466 or 24.08% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal. 

Post membership stands at 61 or 62.2% of our Post’s goal.

That total does include our Paid-Up-For-Life members.

Our State Adjutant has stated that American Legion Posts need to have paperwork to show dates of service and character of service on file for all of their membership. The IRS has relaxed this requirement a bit. If the member does not have access to or want to provide their DD214, that member can sign a membership application form to be kept on file.

If I need this form signed by you, it will be included. Thank you for your cooperation.

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Crippen News online - July 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, July 7th, with eleven members  present. Stan McKercher, our newest member to our Post from Florida and a Vietnam veteran, presented a report on Agent Orange in Vietnam he has been working on.  It was a very interesting discussion. After his presentation, minutes and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present and others reported what they knew regarding sick call. Albert Stensaas was still in the hospital and Myron Schievelbein was getting re-hab in Brandon and Leon Lee is in the Golden Living nursing home in Salem. 

Fred Lee and Charles Dubbe reported on the State convention. Tim Jurgens from Milbank was elected as our new Department Commander. The weather was great and it was a good convention.

Neal Even reported on the parade held at the Humboldt celebration. He said they all had a great time riding on the Army truck the Post sponsored.  A motion was made to help with the expenses of getting the truck to the parade. 

The raffle was discussed and it will be concluded in the next week or so. 

The Legion baseball team will be having a tournament on July 16th and they wanted a Color Guard for it. Other business included a motion to pay for the mowing of the Bob Searl Memorial area.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, July 7th in the Community Center. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with eleven members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

Our Girls Stater, Rachel Schartz, told us about her week at Girls State, the offices she ran for, the scholarship she received, and thanked us for sending her.

Wanda Artz thanked all who hosted at the Museum for Humboldt’s 125th Celebration. The Sunshine committee sent get-well cards to Albert Stensaas and Myron Schievelbein and a sympathy card to our Department Secretary, Dianne Hudson. Next year’s committees have not been set up yet. Lorena Dubbe reported on the State Convention.

Our unit is scheduled to host bingo at the VA Medical Center on Thursday, July 17. The meeting was adjourned. Agnes Even won the door prize. Agnes Even and Ann Schartz served lunch.

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Commander Tim Jurgens Announces Appointments

Warren Aas of Watertown to a two-year term as Department Service Officer

Terry Hanson of Arlington to a one-year term as Department Service Officer

Dennis Brenden of Watertown to a one-year term as Public Relations Officer

Ken Orrock of Rapid City to a three-year term as Department Judge Advocate

Gary Wolkow of DeSmet to a two-year term as Department Finance Officer

Fred Lee of Humboldt to a one-year term as Department Historian

Mark Weinmann to a four-year term as a member of the Internal Affairs Commission

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Wessington Springs Loses Post Home

The Wessington Springs community was devastated by a tornado that ripped through town on June 18th. The American Legion Post 14 home was on the top of the hill coming into Wessington Springs and the tornado completely destroyed the facility. State Headquarters was also notified Past Department Commander Norman Tapken lost his home.

A collection was taken on the State Convention floor and Legionnaires donated $851 to the Post. The South Dakota American Legion Press Association approved $1,000 out of their fund for Post 14.

Any Post wishing to donate to Wessington Springs Post 14 can send their donations to State Headquarters and it will be forwarded to the Post.

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Dinner Party - Saturday, Sept 13 at 7 pm

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Past Post Member Spotlights

April, 2015

Roger Begeman is a thirty-two year member of our Post. He is a Korean War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in March, 1954, and took his basic and AIT training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After training in Ft Belvior, Virginia in logistics support, he was attached to the 114th Infantry in Hawaii for eight months. He was a Specialist E4 when he left the service and returned to South Dakota and helped farm with his dad.

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February, 2015

Ed Munce is a forty-three year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam Combat War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in April, 1968, and took his basic and AIT training at Ft Lewis, Washington. He spent one year in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry. After his tour in Vietnam, he was stationed at Ft Riley, Kansas and taught classes on the 50 caliber machine gun. He was a Sergeant E5 when he left the service and returned to work at John Morrell meat packing plant.

January, 2015

Douglas Meyer is a forty year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War Era veteran.

He enlisted into the US Air Force in January, 1958, and served in San Antonio Tx and Dover Air Force base in Delaware. Twice he had orders for Korea but was lucky and did not have to report. He spent his time at the Dover Air Force base refueling aircraft and left the service in January, 1962, as an Airman Second Class to return to  South Dakota to farm with his dad.

December, 2014

Gib Bassett is a forty year member of our Post. He is a Korean War veteran.

He was enlisted into the US Navy in June, 1950, and took basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, located near North Chicago, in Lake County Illinois. Gib served aboard ship as a gunners mate, as they supported other ships. He was a Seaman First Class when he left the service and returned to Colton where he did car body work in the local garage.

November, 2014

Dennis Erickson is a forty-five year member of our Post. He is a Vietnam War Era veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in March, 1968, and took basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. After training at Ft Ord, California in truck driving school, he was sent to Germany, where he was assigned to a Transportation Company and drove supplies all over Germany. He said it was not bad duty, and after he got out in April of 1970, started farming with his dad. 

September, 2014

Nick Hoek is a sixty year member of our Post. He is a Korean War veteran.

He enlisted for two years in the US Army in February, 1952, and took basic training at Fort Lee, Virginia. He was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps and sent to Germany, where he drove semi trucks for the major amount of time he was there. He said it was not bad duty, but he sure was glad to get back to US soil when it was over. He returned to farming in February, 1954. 

July, 2014

Neal Even is a sixty year member of our Post. He is a Korean War veteran.

He was drafted into the Marines in November, 1951, and took his basic training in San Diego. He soon left for Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he was assigned to the motor transport section. He was aboard ship much of the time as he helped in a NATO operation as it toured throughout Europe, spreading good will to various countries. He left the service as a Corporal in November, 1953, telling his commanding officer there was money to be made in flax and he wanted to return to South Dakota and start farming.

June, 2014

Francis “Hans” Sieverding is a fifty-nine year member of our Post. He is a Korean War veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in February, 1952, and took his basic training at Ft Lee, Virginia. He was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps and served in Trieste, Italy, where he worked in supply. He left the service as a Corporal in February, 1954, returned to South Dakota and started farming.

May, 2014

Ed Hartle is a twenty-year member of our Post. He is a World War II veteran.

He enlisted into the US Marines in April, 1945, and was on his way to Guam when the war ended. While in Guam, he worked on a fleet of rescue boats there. He left the service as a Private First Class in April, 1948, and returned to farm in the Buffalo Trading Post area.  Ed and his wife are currently living in Hill City, SD.

March, 2014

Albert Stensaas is a forty-seven year member of our Post. He is a World War II veteran.

He enlisted into the US Navy in April, 1944, and served until the war was over. HIs training began in Farragut, Idaho, at a large naval base there. He spent a major portion of his time aboard ammunition ships in the South Pacific. He left the service as a Gunners Mate, Third Class and returned to the family farm in Volin. He moved to Humboldt in 1949.

February, 2014

Tony Osiecki is a thirty-seven year member of our Post. He is a World War II veteran.

He was drafted into the US Navy in September, 1943, and served aboard large tanker ships hauling fuel between the US and Cuba. He was stationed for a time at Treasure Island in California. He left the service as a Seaman First Class and returned to the family farm in Wisconsin before moving to Sioux Falls in 1949.

January, 2014

Louis Jarding is a sixty-eight year member of our Post. He is a World War II veteran.

He was drafted into the Army/Air Corps in July, 1942. He learned everything about arming the P40 and P47 aircraft in Denver, Philadelphia and Virginia before being attached to the 358th Fighter Group. He was sent overseas in October, 1943, stationed in England and followed the front lines across France. He left the service in September, 1945, as a Sergeant, and was the first World War II veteran to join our Post.

December, 2013

Francis Grace is a fifty year member of our Post. He is a World War II veteran.

He was drafted into the US Army in February, 1946, just after the war ended. He took basic training in Missouri before being attached to the 42nd Engineer Construction Battalion as a carpenter as they were rebuilding in Japan. Later, he went to Korea as a cook. He was given an Honorable Discharge in March, 1947, because his dad was gravely ill.

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November, 2013

Derwood Eisenberg is a fifty-nine year member of our Post. He is a World War II veteran.

He joined the National Guard in 1938, Battery D, 147th Field Artillery in Sioux Falls, and was activated in November, 1940. He was seven days out of Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, on his way to the Philippines, and ended up in Brisbane, Australia on Christmas Day, 1940. After being in Australia for over a year, he went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) there and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then attached to the 32nd Infantry Division, where he received a Bronze Star. He ended his service in February, 1946, as a 1st Lieutenant.

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October, 2013

Leon Lee is a sixty-eight year member of our Post. He is a World War II and Korean War Veteran.

He enlisted in the US Air Force in November, 1942. He took pre-cadet training in Springfield, Missouri and radio school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Later, he trained with the P61 airplane in California before going to the Hawaiian Islands with the 7th Air Force. Soon after, the 7th Air Force was attached to the 5th Marines as they fought at Iwo Jima. He was a Staff Sergeant when he left the service in 1945. After being in the inactive reserves, he was re-called to service during the Korean War and was an instructor at Ft Bragg, North Carolina. He ended his service as a Tech Sergeant.

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