Crippen News online - April 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, April 6th, with ten 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. Our Service Officer was not present and Douglas Meyer reported that Dan Pressler has been in the hospital for the last week having tests. 

Fred Lee reported on membership, receiving two memberships at the meeting. Nathan Merrill is our latest new member, transferring from Arkansas and Dave Froke paid his dues for the year.

Commander Charles Dubbe announced we had three boys from West Central High School for Boys State. The three boys are: Broden Danielson, Dan Haugen and Sam Swier. Headquarters has said they are looking for more applicants for Boys State, so if anyone else is interested, they will be able to go too.

The Commander had information on the Buddy Walkers, a Downs Syndrome program and the Post made a motion to contribute to this program. He also had papers from our liability insurance company telling us of a name change in the business.  Fred had some information on free telephones for veterans who are hard of hearing.

Charles Beck reported on the County meeting held in Humboldt last week. He had various details from that meeting. One item of interest brought up at that meeting included a possible tour of EROS facilities for veterans and spouses later this year. He reminded us of the District 7 Spring meeting in Sioux Falls on April 19th and our National Commander will be at that meeting. Our program for the meeting was on getting certified for military funerals. Representatives from the military had a great talk.

There was a motion to leave the meeting at 7:30 for the next month or two. We discussed our dues and a motion was made to leave the dues at $30 for next year.

  The Commander discussed the brunch along with the Auxiliary and we are still working on a date. There will be more discussion on this next month. Before the meeting ended, we elected officers. They are as follows: Commander, Charles Dubbe; 1st Vice Commander, Douglas Meyer; 2nd Vice Commander, Dennis Erickson; Finance Officer, Tom Sieverding; Adjutant & Historian, Fred Lee; Chaplain, Charles Beck; Americanism Officer, Charles Dubbe; Service Officer, Ken Struck; Sergeant-At-Arms, Dave Froke; and Athletic Officer, Tom Puthoff.

After the election of officers, 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, April 5th. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with nine members present and Peggy Begeman was our guest. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer’s report were given.

Correspondence was received from Jane Benzel stating she is running for Department President and giving her qualifications. The District President’s letter reminded us there would be election of officers at the Spring meeting and end of year reports are due.

A donation will be given to Lifescapes and the Buddy Walk for Downs Syndrome Awareness. We will sponsor two girls to Girls State; they are Rachel kapperman and Taylor Lewin.

The Americanism essays and poems have been written by the students, judged and the winners sent on to district competition. The art students are now working on Poppy posters.

We are proud of our member, Tracy Butler, who was recently named employee of the year at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center.

The meeting was adjourned. Donna Beck won the door prize. Wanda Artz and Peggy Begeman served lunch.

Lunch Committee for May

Tom & Rosie Sieverding

Dale & Jackie Lofswold

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Post Member Spotlight

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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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Some Photos from our District meeting
(click on any photo to enlarge)

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Our National Commander, Mike Helm from Nebraska

was present at our District 7 meeting in Sioux Falls.

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State Commander Tim Jurgens presents a gift to our

National Commander.

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Baseball is always on the minds of these commanders.

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Post members get their picture with the
National Commander
From left: Jerry Corey, Charlie Beck,
National Commander Mike Helm from Nebraska,
Charles Dubbe and Fred Lee

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Jodi Neugebauer from Garretson receives
the Educator of the Year award from Bill Dolan,
District Americanism officer
Also shown in the background is
State Adjutant Denny Brenden;
State Commander Tim Jurgens;
and District Commander Gary Henle
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NEC Paul Evenson discusses Legion issues
with the membership
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Charles Dubbe presents a gift from the
District to the National Commander
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May meetings to start at:

7:30 pm

County meeting-Valley Springs - Apr 28 - 8 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, May 4 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, May 4 - 7:30 pm

Memorial Day - May 25

97th State Convention-Huron-Jun 25-28

Crippen News online - March 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, March 2nd, with ten members present. Before the meeting, we were treated to a potluck supper by the Auxiliary members in celebration of the Legion’s birthday. After the meal, we conducted the 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. Our Service Officer was not present and others did not know of any presently on sick call. It was noted that Myron Schievelbein was living in Brookings. 

Commander Charles Dubbe had some Military Times that were passed out to members. He  had some information about captioned phones that would be available to veterans. There will be more information about them at the American Legion stag in Sioux Falls this month. There was also a memorial in behalf of Derwood Eisenberg from Louine Schaufler.

Fred Lee and the Commander reported on the Oratory finals in Watertown. Our contestant from West Central High School, Katrina Callahan, did a great job. Fred handed out Go Getters pins he received at the conference. Commander Dubbe had an award for our Past Commander Jerry Corey. It was a certificate for 100% membership during his year last year as Commander. 

The Commander discussed the latest protocol for procedures to follow at funerals. There will be an active duty person at our County meeting on March 31 to talk about funerals. Fred reported on the County meeting in Hartford. He said Rich Ekle was there and wants to run for District Commander. Dewey Hessa from Harrisburg is also running. Next month the meeting will be in Humboldt. 

  The Commander brought up an idea to have a brunch along with the Auxiliary as a possible fundraiser. There will be more discussion on this next month. We will also have our election of officers next month. 

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, March 2nd. The meeting was preceded by a potluck supper to celebrate the American Legion’s birthday. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with ten members present. The minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer’s report were given.

A thank you was received from the Struck family for the memorial we sent. Our National American Legion Auxiliary President will be in South Dakota on March 17, 18 & 19 touring the VA facilities in the Black Hills area. The Department VA&R chairman resigned at the Mid Winter Conference and Past President, Janet Hurlbert will finish out the year. Applications are being taken for Department secretary and treasurer. Humboldt Farm Mutual Insurance has asked us to serve their annual meeting supper in June. A breakfast fundraiser on April 26 was discussed and members are to check that date for other activities. Our dues will remain the same for the coming year. 

The District 7 Spring Meeting will be in Sioux Falls on April 19. There will be a social hour at 1 pm and lunch at 2 pm, both at the American Legion Post Home. Our meeting will be at 3 pm a the Paralyzed Veterans of America clubrooms.

The meeting was adjourned. Wanda Artz won the door prize.

Boys State Registration Deadline

All boys planning to attend American Legion Boys State need to be registered with the Boys State Registrar, Rich Kezar of Aberdeen by April 1. His mailing address is 314 S Boyd St, Aberdeen SD 57401. A late registration fee of $25/boy will be assessed after the deadline date.

Membership Update

As of March 11th, the State membership stood at 20,024 or 88.2% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal.

Post membership stands at 88 members or 89.8% of our Post’s goal. Roger Bradley has paid his dues since our last meeting. Thank you for your support of The American Legion and our Post.

Post Taps

Sep 30, 1920 - Feb 21, 2015

Derwood Eisenberg was a sixty year member of our Post. He was a World War II veteran.

He grew up in Humboldt and served in the US Army, stationed in Australia after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He participated in battles in New Guinea and the Philippines, where he received numerous service ribbons, medals, and a bronze star.

After the war was over, he completed college, had various sales jobs, finally settling on the family farm. 

Members of Post 62 give Derwood their final salute.

SPRING DISTRICT CONVENTIONS SET

April 19 - Sunday - District 7 - Sioux Falls Post 15, Social at 1 pm, lunch at 2 pm, meeting at 3 pm. Auxiliary will meet at Paralyzed Veterans of America, 209 N Garfield, Sioux Falls. Entertainment will be the Singing Legionnaires.

Lunch Committee for April

Wanda Artz

Peggy & Roger Begeman

APRIL meetings to start at:

7:30 pm

County meeting-Humboldt - Mar 31 - 8 pm

PTSD meeting-Hartford Legion-Apr 4 - 6 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Apr 6 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Apr 6 - 7:30 pm

District 7 Spring Meeting-Sioux Falls

Social-1 pm, Lunch-2 pm, Meeting-3 pm

97th State Convention-Huron-Jun 25-28

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Crippen News online - February 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, February 2nd, 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. Our Service Officer was not present and others did not know of any presently on sick call. It was noted that both Neal Even and Myron Schievelbein had been in the hospital this past month and were home again.

Commander Charles Dubbe had correspondence from Neal & Agnes Even with a contribution to the Oratory fund.  Charlie Beck told the membership about the County meeting that was held last week in Dell Rapids. It was mentioned at that meeting that the National Commander would be in South Dakota in April during our Spring District meetings and would be attending the District 7 Spring meeting in Sioux Falls.  Next month, the County meeting will be in Hartford, on Tuesday, February 24th.

Douglas Meyer reported that he noticed the door to our room was not completely shut last week one day when he came to get something from the room. It is hoped this can be fixed as soon as possible. 

Tom Sieverding reported that Mathew had attended a dart tournament in Montrose recently that was sponsored by the Legion Post there. The Commander reported on items in the “Up To Now”, including the upcoming Oratory contest in Watertown on Sunday. Fred Lee mentioned that our election of officers would be next month. 

   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, February 2nd with nine members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble of our Constitution. The minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer’s report were given.

Lisa Ginther and Kay Silvernail are our new members.

The yearly obligations were reviewed, changes made and the funds will be sent to department secretary. The breakfast fundraiser was discussed with April suggested as a date.

In March, we will observe the American Legion’s birthday with a potluck supper at 7pm.

The meeting was adjourned. Elsie Baye won the door prize. Shirley Price and Sheryl Siemonsma served lunch.

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State Oratory Finals in Watertown

In the photo from left to right are: Lawrence Madsen, Department Americanism Chairman, Fifth Place-Katrina Callahan, a Sophomore from Hartford, Fourth Place-Raina Grimsley, a Sophomore from Mitchell, Third Place, Abby Boner, a Senior from Aberdeen, Second Place-Emily Meier, a Senior from Aberdeen, First Place-Ester Swift, s Junior from Burke and Timothy Jurgens, Department of South Dakota Commander. (photo by Fred Lee)

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NATIONAL COMMANDER TO VISIT IN APRIL 

National American Legion Commander Mike Helm from the Department of Nebraska will make his official visit to the Department of South Dakota on April 18-22, 2015. Commander Helm is scheduled to fly into Sioux Falls on April 18 and to fly out on April 22, 2015. The schedule of events will be published as soon as they are complete. 

Dewey Hessaa of Harrisburg has been endorsed by Alvin Dempewolf Post 45 of Harrisburg for the position of District 7 Commander. 

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Post Member Spotlight

 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.

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Membership Update

As of February 11th, the State membership stood at 19,405 or 85.49% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal.

Post membership stands at 87 members or 88.8% of our Post’s goal. James Rustman has paid his dues since our last meeting. Thank you for your support of The American Legion and our Post.

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SPRING DISTRICT CONVENTIONS SET

April 19 - Sunday - District 7 - Sioux Falls Post 15, Social at 1 pm, lunch at 2 pm, meeting at 3 pm. It was been announced that the National Commander of The American Legion will be at our meeting. The Auxiliary will meet at Paralyzed Veterans of America, 209 N Garfield, Sioux Falls. Entertainment will be the Singing Legionnaires.

Winter months meetings to start at:

7:30 pm

County meeting-Hartford - Feb 24 - 8 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Mar 2 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Mar 2 - 7:30 pm

potluck prior to the meetings at 7

97th State Convention-Huron-Jun 25-28

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Crippen News online - January 2015

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, January 12th, 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 said Myron Schievelbein was doing okay. Charles Beck said Francis Grace was in a nursing home at this time.

Commander Charles Dubbe told everyone about the Oratory contest that has just completed at the District level on Sunday in Humboldt. We had eight participants at West Central High School and our winner was Katrina Callahan from Hartford. She competed against Katie Giesler from Garretson in the District contest and won. She will be competing in the State Oratorical contest in Watertown on Sunday, February 8, starting at 10:30 am. The Commander thanked everyone who helped set up for the District Oratory contest. 

Fred Lee gave a report on membership and had some dues to turn in. We currently have nine members to pay 2015 Legion dues. He also announced Todd Price had transferred to our post. The Commander had a list of expired members and it was reviewed to see if there might be some one we could call on that list. 

The Commander discussed the Mid Winter Conference and who would be going. He also mentioned a Valentine’s Concert February 21 at 3 pm at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. Each veteran may receive up to four complimentary tickets for the concert. Tickets will be available beginning January 20th from Voluntary Service at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center by calling Brenda Stevens at the VA at 333-6851. 

A motion was made to make a contribution to the city and another motion was made to increase our final oratory prize by $100.

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.

Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, January 12th in the Community Center. The meeting was postponed one week due to bad weather. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with seven members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble of our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

A thank you was received from Dorothy Daugaard for the memorial. Principal Matt Alley’s thank you was for the dictionaries we gave the third grade students and Operation Tender Care thanked us for the funds for candy for the troops. Several sent thank yous for the Christmas gifts.

The Mid-Winter Conference will be February 6, 7 &8th in Watertown. Marsha Myers will make a greenery arrangement for the silent auction.

Members are reminded to send in their dues. They can be sent to Phyllis Sieverding at 45956 255th St, Humboldt, SD, 57035.

The meeting was adjourned. Phyllis Sieverding won the door prize. Theresa Meyer and Donna Beck served lunch.

SPRING DISTRICT CONVENTIONS SET

April 19 - Sunday - District 7 - Sioux Falls Post 15, Social at 1 pm, lunch at 2 pm, meeting at 3 pm. Auxiliary will meet at Paralyzed Veterans of America, 209 N Garfield, Sioux Falls. Entertainment will be the Singing Legionnaires.

BOYS STATE PACKETS

All Boys State Packets have been mailed out to all American Legion Posts and schools. Forms, promotional videos and other information is available on the South Dakota American Legion website at www.sdlegion.org/program/boys-state/. 

District Oratory Winners

        Dist 1 — No Contestants

Dist 2 — No Report

                 Dist 3 — Esther Swift of Burke

           Dist 4 — To Be Announced

                         Dist 5 — Abby Boner of Castlewood

                        Dist 6 — Raina Grimsley of Mitchell

                           Dist 7 — Katrina Callahan of Hartford

       Dist 8 — No Contestants

Membership Update

As of January 14th, the State membership stood at 18,554 or 81.74% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal.

Post membership stands at 83 members or 84.7% of our Post’s goal. Steve Pressler, Keith Bertelson and Stan McKercher have paid their dues since our last meeting. And Todd Price has transferred to our Post. Thank you for your support of The American Legion and our Post.

Post Member Spotlight

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

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Free concert for all veterans with Lee Greenwood on Saturday, February 21 at 3 pm at the Washington Pavilion. Veterans can get 4 free tickets after Jan 20 by calling Brenda Stevens at the VA at  333-6851.

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Lunch Committee for February

Sheryl Siemonsma

Marvin & Shirley Price

Winter months meetings to start at:

7:30 pm

County meeting-Garretson - Jan 27 - 8 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Feb 2 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Feb 2 - 7:30 pm

MidWinter Conference-Watertown-Feb 6-8

Crippen News online - December 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, December 1st, with ten members present. Before the meeting started, Elementary teacher, Cheryl Prunty and Principal Matt Alley stopped by to thank us for participating in the Veterans Day activities at the school this past Veterans Day, telling us the kids really enjoyed all the veterans‘ interviews and learning more about the local veterans. They left a picture of the veterans that was taken at this event. After they left 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 said Myron Schievelbein was in the home in Marion, Dale Garry is in Colton and Francis Grace has been in the hospital and Lile Meyer had a stint put in and is resting at home. Fred Lee mentioned that Valley Springs Legionnaire Bud Ackerman had passed away. 

Commander Charles Dubbe had a letter from Jean Friske with a memorial from Laynard to the Post. Derwood Eisenberg had received a donation to the Oratory fund from Larry Pressler.

Commander Dubbe reported on our Legion Oratory contest that will be coming up this month. 

Fred gave a report on the recent County meeting in Dell Rapids. It was an informative meeting and our State Vice Commander, Royce Loesch, discussed membership, congratulating our district with our good numbers. The next meeting will be January 27th, in Garretson. He also told the membership about a chili cook off at the Sioux Falls Legion on Saturday, December 13th during the Army/Navy football game. Everyone is welcome. He also said anyone with internet access could access the Legion site at legion.org and go to the Centennial Celebration link to see highlights of posts in South Dakota.

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, December 1st in the Community Center. The meeting was preceded by a potluck supper with the Legion members. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with ten members present. The minutes and treasurer’s report of the previous meeting were given and approved.

President Meyer thanked all for their help with all November activities - dictionaries for the third grade students, apples for the teachers, the Veterans Day supper and the soup and pie lunch. All were successful projects. Donna Beck thanked the unit for their donation to the Veterans Day Visit. She visited each patient at the VA Medical Center with a card of thanks for their service and a small monetary gift. A thank you was received from the VA Medical Center for hosting a social hour for the patients. 

Money will be sent to Operation Tender Care so candy can be purchased and given to all in a unit.

Barb Bassett, Shirley Price and Donna Beck gave apples to the teachers for American Education Week. Sheryl Siemonsma and Donna Beck will help at the Christmas Gift Shop at the VA Medical Center.

American Legion Commander, Charles Dubbe, briefed us on the high school oratory contest. Elsie Baye and Barb Bassett offered to be some of the judges. The District 7 competition will be January 11 at 2 pm in the Community Center. Our unit will serve refreshments.

With the agreement of the American Legion members, we will hold our January, February and March meetings at 7:30 pm.

Everyone is reminded to bring a monetary donation for the VA Medical Center to the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned. Myrna Searl won the door prize.

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Post Member Spotlight

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.

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Membership Update

As of December 3rd, the State membership stood at 17,115 or 75.40% of the Department’s 2015 membership goal.

Post membership stands at 78 members or 79.6% of our Post’s goal. William Henning, Bruce Knutson, Dan Pressler, Kate Weir, Dale Papka and Pat Kaffar have paid their dues since our last meeting. Thank you for your support of The American Legion and our Post.

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Lunch Committee for January

Charlie & Donna Beck

Lile & Theresa Meyer

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William H Crippen Oratory Contest

sponsored by The American Legion Post of Humboldt

All Girls This Year

Eight girls from West Central High School participated in the William H Crippen Oratory Contest sponsored by The American Legion Post of Humboldt this year. 

Shown here, from left; Melissa Voss, Brittany Kuhl, Kassondra Gooley, Jesika Tiezen, Kyra Lunde, Ashlynn Anderson, Isabel West and Katrina Callahan.

We appreciate their efforts and enjoyed the topics they presented.

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After the first round of competition, the winners were. from left; Melissa Voss, Junior; Jesika Tiezen, Freshman and Katrina Callahan, Sophomore.

The Final Competition will be Saturday, January 3, 2015, in the West Central High School Auditorium between these three girls. It is open to the public and starts at 1 pm.

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Shown here, from left: Kassondra Gooley, Brittany Kuhl, Katrina Callahan, Melissa Voss, Government Teacher JoAnn Bohl, Isabel West, Katrina Callahan, Kyra Lunde and Ashlynn Anderson.

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Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter months meetings to start at:

7:30 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Jan 5 - 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Jan 5 - 7:30 pm

County meeting-Garretson - Jan 27 - 8 pm

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