Crippen News online - August 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, August 1. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes were read from the previous meeting and Commander Charles Dubbe gave a treasurer’s report of our finances. Adjutant Fred Lee made a report regarding our insurance to the members present. 

There were no reports of anyone new on sick call. Service Officer Ken Struck told the membership he had taken a fruit basket to Leroy Lueth recently. Leroy is at home after being in the hospital for some time. Ken had also sent cards to Ed Hartle, Jim Ginsbach and Roger Begeman. Connie Lueth stopped in to the meeting and thanked us for the fruit basket that Leroy received. 

Commander Dubbe told the membership about our plans for the Dinner Party and due to a wedding scheduled Sept. 10, we moved our Dinner Party to the following week, Sept. 17. Tickets were handed out and we discussed the details. He also announced that the State Commander’s homecoming would be Aug. 6. He said volunteers were needed during the State Fair to help in the Legion building and Colors will be needed at the Threshing Bee. 

Fred completed an inventory of the flags in our clubrooms and we discussed the numbers we had. It is hoped we can use all nylon flags at the cemeteries on Memorial Day. Charles showed the membership the photo he received from the National Commander at the State Convention. Before the meeting ended, he announced that Hans Sieverding had agreed to take the Treasurer duties. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by acting secretary Connie Meyer

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Post 62, was called to order by President Donna Beck on Monday evening, August 1, 2016, with 12 members present.  After our regular opening, the minutes from the July 11 meeting were read and approved.  The Treasurer’s report was given and will be placed on file.

Sunshine Committee Chairman, Dianne Struck, reported sending a get well card to Roger Begeman and sympathy card to Ed Hartle for the passing of Dorothy, his wife of 71 years.  A thank you note was received from Virginia Mathieu for our help at the Museum during Humboldt’s celebration; we also received a thank you letter from Diane Larson from the VA for helping with Bingo in July; and a thank you card from Louine Schaufler for inviting her to the Mother’s Tea for the memorial program honoring the memory of Carol Lee.

It was decided to pay Fred Lee for expenses incurred by composing and sending out the monthly newsletter. We also decided to pay our share of the insurance payment to the Legion. Wanda Artz reported her community service hours.  Donna gave a report on the State President’s Homecoming July 23 out at Lead, SD.   

The meeting was adjourned.  Sheryl Siemonsma won the door prize.  Lunch was served by Leroy and Connie Lueth and Tom and Colleen Puthoff.  Next month’s servers will be Charles and Lorena Dubbe and Elsie Baye. 

Rest in Peace

Arlis Hentges

Peggy Begeman

Commander Dunham’s Homecoming a Success

The Homecoming of South Dakota American Legion State Commander Charemon Dunham has been declared an enormous success. Attendance was estimated at approximately 200 members of The American Legion Family.

District 7 Fall Meeting will be September 23 at the Hartford Post 118 Legion building. Further information will be announced later.

District 7 Oratorical Contest location this year will be in the Humboldt Community Center, located on south Main Street in Humboldt on January 15, 2017 at 1 pm. Storm date: January 22, same time and location.

A proposal was brought to the Department Executive Committee in supporting a new program “Adopt a Veteran”. It was noted that many veterans would like to be a member of The American Legion but can’t afford to pay the membership dues. Many veterans are on fixed incomes and cannot afford the dues. Under this program Legion Posts would pick up the cost of membership dues for the veteran. In discussion, it was mentioned that many Posts are doing this right now for veterans unable to pay and many are paying dues of active duty military members. The Executive Committee voted to support the concept of the “Adopt a Veteran” program. 

Since the program was approved, one Post has gone even further by allowing businesses and individuals in their community to “Adopt a Veteran”. 

State Membership as of August 10 stands at 5130 or 24.18% of the Department’s membership goal. Membership Chairman Gene Renschler’s theme is “You Retain and We Will All Gain”. Our Post membership stands at 58 members or 63% of our goal. This total includes 29 PUFL members.

Post Member Spotlight

Leroy Lueth is a 43-year member of our Post.  He is a Vietnam era veteran.

He enlisted in the Air Force in July, 1968, took his Basic Training at the Amarillo Air Force Base, Amarillo, TX, and AIT at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO. Leroy was trained in cameras for use on Aircraft Carriers. After a short time at Ellsworth Air Force Base, he left for a year in Thailand. Before he left the service, he was stationed in Minot, ND. His rank was Sergeant E4 when he left the service in  July, 1972.

State Membership as of August 10 stands at 5130 or 24.18% of the Department’s membership goal. Membership Chairman Gene Renschler’s theme is “You Retain and We Will All Gain”. Our Post membership stands at 58 members or 63% of our goal. This total includes 29 PUFL members.

County Meeting - Sioux Falls - Aug 30, at 8 pm

Legion Meeting - Monday, Sep 5, at 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Sep 5, at 7:30 pm

Dinner Party - Sat, Sept 17 at 7 pm

Crippen News online - July 2016

Crippen News online - June 2016

Crippen News online - May 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, May 2nd. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurers’ reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. There were no reports of anyone on sick call. Service Officer Ken Stuck reported he had received money for the service officers fund. 

Commander Charles Dubbe read the correspondence that was received. Thank-yous were received from Lifescape, and the Downs Syndrome association for our donations. Ken mentioned he had sent a card to Francis Grace. The Commander brought us up to date on school awards.

There was discussion about flag pole cost. Currently that cost is $100, and the last discussion on that was in May, 2013, when there was a motion made to charge $100.

The State Convention was brought up. Delegates were made, the convention is in Watertown this year. Fred Lee brought up an issue we have had lately regarding “having a quorum at a meeting” as listed in our By-Laws. Currently it is stated: nine members constitute a quorum. After some discussion, a motion was made by Fred Lee, seconded by Hans Sieverding, to change that portion of our By-Laws to say: seven percent of our current membership. It was approved unanimously. Our Dinner Party was discussed and the possibility of a raffle was discussed. There will be more discussion on this at our next meeting.

Our Memorial Day activities were discussed. Flag pole set-up is scheduled for Friday, May 27, at 5 pm. Flags will be accepted at 7 am on Memorial Day to be flown that day. Our Sergeant-At-Arms needs help setting out flags in the cemeteries. See Jerry Corey if you can help him. 

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, May 2, 2016.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with twelve members present.  The minutes of the April 4^th meeting were read and approved.  The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file.

Sunshine Chairman, Dianne Struck, reported sending Get Well wishes to Dale Garry, Marv Price, Loren Even, and Francis Grace.  Dianne reported on Girl State; and Barb listed the Poppy Poster Winners at the various levels.

Correspondence was read from District President Teresa Huntimer. One item of interest was that Roxie Whalen of the Hartford Auxiliary was chosen District Legionette of the Year.  Congratulations, Roxie!  A thank you was also read from Wanda Artz for get well wishes sent to her when in the hospital for knee surgery.

Poppy Day Committee consists of Barb Bassett and Jean Erickson; and Memorial Day Committee consists of Barb Bassett, Jackie Lofswold, and Dianne Struck.  We will again host a Potluck lunch after Memorial Day Services.    

We received a donation of an electric roaster from Fred Lee.

Election and installation of officers was held.  Officers for 2016-2017 are as follows:  Donna Beck-president; Dianne Struck-vice president; Connie Lueth-Secretary; Sheryl Siemonsma-treasurer; Jean Erickson-chaplain; Barb Bassett-historian; Shirley Price-Parliamentarian; and Jackie Lofswold and Colleen Puthoff-sergeant-at-arms. 

Meeting was adjourned.  Shirley Price won the door prize.  Wanda Artz and Brian and Dawn Hahn served lunch.

National Commander Dale Barnett will attend the South Dakota American Legion Convention in Watertown, SD, on June 16-19, 2016. The National Commander will be the Banquet speaker on Friday evening and will address the State Convention on Saturday.

National Commander Barnett of Douglasville, GA, was elected national commander of the 2.2 million-member American Legion on Sept 3, 2015, in Baltimore during the 97th National Convention of America’s largest veteran’s organization.

Post Member Spotlight

Pat Kaffar is a 8-year member of our Post. He is a Lebanon/Grenada veteran.

He enlisted into the Naval Reserves (Seabees)  in July 2005. In 2008, he was deployed to Iraq during Iraqi Freedom. He transferred to the SD Army National Guard and was deployed in 2011-12 to Afghanistan.

He is currently serving in the National Guard and is a fireman with the Sioux Falls Fire Department and Humboldt Fire Department. 

Flag Pole set-up - Friday, May 27 at 5 pm

“Up To Now” Announces Award Winners

The 2016 Good Samaritan of the Year is Jim Childers of Spearfish. Jim volunteers in a program in the Fort Meade VA helping hospice patients in their final days.

The 2016 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is Trooper Christopher Goldsmith of Lemmon. Chris has been a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper since 2011.

The 2016 EMT/Firefighter of the Year is David Fischer of Sturgis. David has been a member of the South Dakota National Guard for 20 years and is presently a SSG.

Paula Ann Farley of Spearfish has been selected by the Education Loan Committee as the 2016 South Dakota American Legion Educator of the Year. Paula teaches 7th Grade Geography at Spearfish Middle School.

Memorial Day - Monday, May 30

Community Center - 10:30 am

Pot Luck to follow at noon in the Community Center

Legion Meeting - Monday, Jun 6, at 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Jun 6, at 7:30 pm

98th State Convention-Watertown-Jun 16-19

Contact information for the Ramkota-605-886-8011

County Meeting - Hartford - Jun 28, at 8 pm

Crippen News online - April 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, April 4th. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurers’ reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. It was reported that Marvin Price was in the hospital and Dale Garry had been in the hospital this past month. 

Commander Charles Dubbe told the membership he had secured a speaker for Memorial Day services. He told the membership about the correspondence he had received. After some discussion on this, there was a motion by Fred Lee, seconded by Charlie Beck, to make a donation to Achieve. 

Fred Lee had some information he had received regarding the DD214. Individuals or next of kin can now get copies of their DD214 online. This may be helpful when a veteran needs this copy for employment purposes. 

Fred Lee handed out go-getters pins to Douglas Meyer, Charlie Beck, Charles Dubbe, Jerry Corey and Tom Sieverding. He told the members about the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War at the VA. He also talked about changing our by-laws regarding members at the meetings that constitute a quorum. 

The Commander discussed the Grade School baseball tournament this summer. There will be more details next month. 

Before the meeting ended, we cleaned up our membership on our Executive Board. Ken Struck and Jerry Corey were selected to finish up openings in the 3rd year slots and Douglas Meyer and Dennis Erickson were selected to their first year on the Executive Board.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

The meeting of the William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, was called to order by President Donna Beck Monday evening, April 4.  After saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the Star Spangled Banner, and reciting the Preamble to the Constitution; the secretary’s report from our March meeting was read by Barb Bassett, acting secretary.  After its approval, our treasurer’s report was given by Treasurer, Sheryl Siemonsma.  The report was placed on file.

There was a thank you from the VA for magazines donated to them, and Donna read the monthly letter from District President Teresa Huntimer.

Mothers Tea will be changed for this year due to a conflict on Thursday to Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:30.

It was decided to donate to both the Buddy Walk and Life Scape. 

  Ellie Krizan, daughter of Joe Krizan, Humboldt, and Mary Krizan, Hartford, will represent us at Girl State this year.  We will have election and installation of officers at our May meeting. 

Menu for the insurance supper that we will serve in June was discussed.

The meeting was adjourned.  Agnes Even won the door prize; and Doug and Connie Meyer and Dale and Jackie Lofswold served lunch.  Next month’s servers will be Wanda Artz and Brian and Dawn Hahn. 

Wessington Springs Post 14 will have the grand opening of their new Post Home, following the District 6 Meeting on April 16, 2016. A social will be held at 5:00 p.m. A free will donation dinner starting at 6:00 p.m. and will go to 8:00 p.m. A band will follow. Congratulations to Post 14 on their new Post Home.

Post Member Spotlight

Bryon Hahn is a 6-year member of our Post. He is a Lebanon/Grenada veteran.

He enlisted into the 147th Field Artillery Unit of the Army National Guard in June 1980. He took his basic training in North Carolina and AIT at Ft Lee, Virginia. His MOS was Mechanical Clerk and His rank was Specialist 4 when he left the service in July, 1986. 

He went back to farming with his dad after completing his service. 

VETERANS HOME DEDICATED

On March 30th, the new Veteran’s Home in Hot Springs was dedicated. On hand were Department Secretary Larry Zimmerman, Lt. Governor Matt Michaels, Supt Brad Richardson and Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Fitzmaurice and other distinguished guests. Secretary Zimmerman thanked everyone involved in the getting the new building built. Lt Governor Michaels told the residents and those present “It’s because of you that we have the freedom to worship in the way we choose, the right to protect ourselves and the ability to choose our leaders”. The new state of the art facility is up and running and is now able to care for Veterans who may need some additional care.

Representing the American Legion Department of South Dakota at the dedication were State Commander Terry Hanson, NEC Paul Evenson and Kathy, Alternate NEC Jim Huls and Pat, PDC Larry Price and District 2 Commander Ed Thompson.

National Oratorical Finals

The National Oratorical Finals contest will be April 15-17, 2016, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, Indianapolis, Indiana. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests will be Saturday, April 16. The championship contest will be Sunday, April 17. Katrina Callahan of Hartford will represent The American Legion Department of South Dakota in the Contest.

Crippen News online - March 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, March 7th. Prior to the meeting, we had a potluck supper with the Auxiliary members to celebrate the Legion’s 97th Birthday. We also listened to Katrina Callahan give her Oratory speech. Then our meeting. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurers’ reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. It was reported that Louis Jarding and Tom Sieverding had both been in the hospital this past month.

Service Officer Ken Struck told the members that his Service Officer funds were down and a motion by Charlie Beck, seconded by Jerry Corey was made to transfer money to the Service Officers fund.

Commander Charles Dubbe led the discussion on the Oratory program, regarding helping Katrina Callahan’s parents to go along with her. The State will pay for her and one parent or guardian to go to the contest in Indianapolis. A motion by Charles Beck, seconded by Ken Struck, to help pay the extra ticket for the second parent’s airplane ticket with help from the Auxiliary.

The Commander had correspondence he had received. One piece of correspondence was from “Helping Hands For Freedom Walk Across America” asking for a donation. The post made no motion to this. The other was from New Directions, a Downs Syndrome Association Buddy Walk, which we had contributed to in the past. A motion made by Dennis Erickson, seconded by Francis Sieverding, to donate to the Downs Syndrome Association. He also had information from the District Commander regarding the District 7 Spring meeting and thank you cards from Fred Lee and Elsie Baye. There was donations from the Baye families. Neal & Agnes Even gave a contribution to the Oratory fund.

Fred Lee had some correspondence from Charemon Dunham announcing that she would be running for State Commander for 2016-2017. He also had some notes from the recent County meeting in Dell Rapids. Charlie Beck had some notes he took at the MidWinter that he mentioned to the members. 

We had our annual Election of Officers. Charles Dubbe was re-elected as our Commander. The other officers are as follows: First Vice-Dennis Erickson, Second Vice-Douglas Meyer,  Adjutant-Fred Lee, Treasurer-Tom Sieverding, Chaplain-Charles Beck, Service Officer-Ken Struck, Sergeant-At-Arms-Jerry Corey and Athletic Officer-Tom Puthoff.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Post 62, held a brief, informal meeting Monday evening, March 7, after our birthday potluck supper in honor of the American Legion.  Our President, Donna Beck, called the meeting to order.  The secretary’s report was read and approved, the treasurer’s report was given and placed on file.

Sunshine Committee Chairman, Dianne Struck, reported sending get well cards to Theresa Meyer and Molly Stensaas; and one sympathy card to Fred Lee for the loss of his wife, Carol.

President Donna read the correspondence which included a thank you from Fred and his son, Chris; a letter from District President, Teresa Huntimer, and one from Department President Jane Benzel; and a thank you letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs thanking us for our donation toward personal items for the Veterans.

Tom Sieverding has given us the opportunity to serve the supper for the Farm Mutual Insurance again in June to which we voted a unanimous yes.

Lorena gave a brief report on the Midwinter Conference held last month. The meeting was adjourned.  Shirley Price won the door prize.  Next month, Wanda Artz and Dale and Jackie Lofswold will serve lunch. 

An Open House will be held at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center on March 29, 2016, honoring Vietnam Veterans on the anniversary of the Vietnam War. Commemorative gifts will be handed out along with an unveiling of a special exhibit of artifacts and memorabilia in the Veterans Museum at 4 pm

National Oratorical Finals

The National Oratorical Finals contest will be April 15-17, 2016, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, Indianapolis, Indiana. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests will be Saturday, April 16. The championship contest will be Sunday, April 17. Katrina Callahan of Hartford will represent The American Legion Department of South Dakota in the Contest.

Post Member Spotlight

Matt Sieverding is a 10-year paid-up-for-life member of our Post. He is a Iraqi Freedom veteran.

He enlisted into the Army National Guard in June 2002 with the 1st of the 147th Field Artillery Unit in Salem, but was deployed with Charlie Battery from Yankton to Bagdad Iraq in August, 2005. and later to Kuwait in August, 2009. Both deployments were spent in security as an MP. His rank was Sergeant E5 when he left the service in December, 2014. 

He now is married, has a daughter, and works for Canadian Pacific Railway.

2016 Spring District Convention

District 7 - Baltic Post 175, April 15

The District 7 Spring Convention will be held in Baltic, South Dakota, at the Baltic Post 175 Post Home. Social 6 pm Meeting at 7 pm, lunch following the meeting.

At that meeting there will be NO election of District Officers in ODD numbered Districts.

One delegate and one alternate to the 98th National Convention which will be held August 26-Sept 1, 2016, in Cincinnati, Ohio, will be nominated by each District at that District’s annual Spring District Convention.

Post Commanders will also furnish a complete written report to the State Adjutant for the permanent record.

District 7 Auxiliary members will meet at the new High School.

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Legion Meeting - Monday, Apr 4, at 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Apr 4, at 7:30 pm

District 7 Spring Meeting-Baltic-Apr 15 at 7 pm

Next County Meeting - Garretson - Apr 26, at 8 pm

State Convention-Watertown-Jun 16-19

Contact information for the Ramkota-605-886-8011

Crippen News online - February 2016

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, February 1. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Treasurers report from the previous meeting was read and approved. The Adjutant was absent. The treasurer had a report on present interest in the accounts. There were no reports of anyone on sick call.

Commander Charles Dubbe read a thank-you from the Ed Baye family. Elsie Baye informed the Post of some things Ed had and wondered if the Post could use them.

There were a couple of motions at the meeting. Jerry Corey made a motion, seconded by Charlie Beck, to put the money from funerals into the memorial fund. After some discussion, Doug Meyer made a motion, seconded by Francis Sieverding, to donate $500 toward the Community Center for furnace replacement.

Next month is our Election of Officers and Jerry Corey is on the nominating committee.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Post 62, was called to order in regular form on February 1 by President Donna Beck with 11 members present.  The minutes from our January 4 meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was given; having no new bills to pay, the report was placed on file. 

Sunshine Committee Chairman Dianne Struck reported sending Get Well cards to Dale Garry and Dennis Erickson.  President Donna read the monthly letter from District President Teresa Huntimer.   We also received Thank Yous from Corporal Tate Trapp and Elsie Baye.  And Jean Erickson thanked us for the card sent to Dennis while in the hospital. 

Several members brought canned goods, including vegetables, fruit jellies, canned meat, towels and dish cloths for the basket we will take to the Midwinter Conference this month. 

One of our members has several different medical supplies, such as diabetes monitor and power wheel chair, as well as men’s clothing and jackets available if anyone is interested.  Our unit also has crutches, a walker, wheel chair, and other medical supplies available to loan out.  Any interested parties may contact a Legion or Auxiliary member.

The meeting was adjourned.  Dianne Struck won the door prize, and lunch was served by Shirley and Marvin Price and Sheryl Siemonsma.  Our March meeting will begin with potluck at 7:00 p.m. in remembrance of the Legion’s birthday.  Members are asked to bring casseroles or salads.  Dessert will be provided. 

South Dakota Oratory Winner 2016

Katrina Callahan from West Central High School was the winner of the State Oratorical Contest, held recently in Huron at the conclusion of the MidWinter Conference. She will now compete at the National Oratorical Contest in April. She is shown here with the State Americanism Officer Larry Madsen, left, and State Commander Terry Hanson.

Post Member Spotlight

Gene Schnider is a 31-year paid-up-for-life member of our Post. He is a Korean War veteran.

He enlisted into the US Army in May 1952 and took his basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri. His MOS was Crane Operator. He was sent to Korea in October 1952 and spent 16 months there. His rank was Sergeant when he left the service in February 1954. After his service he returned to South Dakota and worked as a construction contractor in Webster before moving to Sioux Falls to begin his many years at the John Morrell packing plant.