Meeting Minutes 03/11/2008

Attendance 23 members: Jim Riesenberg, Gene Blindauer, John Grothe, Bill Balke, Bill Kamin, Joseph Benauer, Bob Steindorf, Jim Faller, Dan Tongen, Norm Halloran, Ron Radder, Earl Bergin, George Helpap, Harlan Harris, DuWayne Wieck, Mel Lulow, Arlan Schlundt, Jim Stahlman, Ed Schroeder, Flare Fredricksen, David Niedfeldt, Mark Degner and Konrad Kaczkowski

 Meeting opened at 1900 Hrs with prayer led by Arlan Schlundt, Commander Degner along with 1^st Vice Dave Niedfeldt conducted the POW/MIA empty chair ceremony and the Commander led the pledge to the Flag and the reading of the American Legion Preamble.

 The meeting started with a presentation by Dr. Jeff Whittle from the Zablocki Medical center. He is conducting research into the effects of blood pressure and veterans. The V.A. is offering materials and monetary help in monitoring veterans for this research. The Post would have to provide a couple of volunteers to take a course on how the research is to be conducted. There will be more discussion at the April meeting, and hopefully we’ll have a couple of volunteers.

 Membership: Ed Schroeder displayed a National award for the Post in achieving a 100% membership in 2007

 Badger Boys State: Dan Tongen reported that it appears the high school would have one boy for sure as a candidate. Dan asked about approaching Harris Wells a home schooled student that has participated in the American Legion oratorical contests in the past. Flare Fredricksen made a motion to have Dan talk to Harris Wells about Badger Boys State, 2^nd by John Grothe, motion carried by voice vote. 

Jim Riesenberg reported that veterans receiving V.A. benefits and did not pay income tax may still be eligible for the upcoming Federal Government “Stimulus Package” payout. There should be info in the mail. Volunteer drivers are still need to assist in taking veterans to their doctor’s appointment you can call Jim at 459-3053 for more details. A County vehicle is available for this program.

 Service Officer: John Grothe reported that Larry Behr on sick call

 Post Electrical bid: The following bids were read, Bill’s Electric $14,900, CSC $7,440.00 (appears to be only for the 2^nd floor) and Specht Electric $7,440.00.  Discussion on the bids and all were giving the same service, except CSC’s bid only referred to the 2^nd floor. Executive committee recommended Specht Electric and more disussion followed by a motion by Dan Tongen to accept Specht Electric’s bid 2^nd by Bob Steindorf, motion carried by voice vote for Specht Electric.

 Post Website: Jim Faller was present and gave a presentation on costs and what could be done with a Post website. The start up cost would be under a $100.00 and monthly fees to maintain the site would be under $10.00 a month. Jim stated he would maintain the site at no cost to the Post. Ed Schroeder made a motion that the Post accepts Jim’s offer and costs, 2^nd by Flare Fredricksen, motion carried by voice vote

 House Committee: Gene Blindauer explained proposals  for cabinets that he obtained for Apt# 2. After much discussion John Grothe made a motion to accept the $1,500.00 proposal of Wiesner’s Cabinetry 2^nd by Bill Balke, motion carried by voice vote.

 Konrad Kaczkowski is asking Post members to volunteer their time Saturday May 17^th for American Legion Blue Star Salute to be held at the Plymouth Armory. Help will be needed in set up and take down of chairs and some displays. The Blue Start Salute honors family with loved ones in the armed forces. Remember when you were away in service how lonely it must have been for your family. Here’s an opportunity  to help just a little for a family in that situation.

DuWayne Wieck made a presentation and appeal for help for the 4^th annual quilting days. You and/or your spouse can help make quilts for our troops deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The event will be from April 29^th – May 1^st daily from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Laack’s Hall in Johnsonville. NO experience needed, come for a Day or a few hours. Contact Linda Wieck at (920) 892-4200 for details and also monetary donations also welcomed.

 Post Scholarship: Arlan Schlundt reported that he had just received the scholarship applications from the high school. Arlan, Flare Fredricksen and Rick Zinkgraf would be meeting to make a selection.

 Important Notice: If you are on the list for Social Night and cannot attend You MUST contact Doris Becker that you will be a no show. 16 people did not call last month and it cost the Post money and frustration for Doris.

 Meeting concluded at 20:20 Hrs with the reading of 6 Wisconsin soldiers that died fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the month of March between 2003 and present. Arlan Schlundt led in closing prayer followed by Joe Benauer playing taps.

 Respectfully Submitted

 Konrad Kaczkowski, Post Adjutant