Meeting Minutes 06/10/2008

Attendance: 27 members  Larry Behr, Mark Provencher Sr., David Niedfeldt, John Grothe, Dennis Halloran, John Wilde, Ruben Rabe, Gene Ramsey, Ken Deicher, James Preder, Arlan Schlundt, Gene Blindauer, Mike Mueller, Norm Halloran, George Helpap Sr., DuWayne Wieck, Richard Wilde, William Balke, Ken Wickland, Mel Lulow, Flare Fredricksen, Ed Schroeder, Willard Schram, Bob Steindorf, Bill Kamin, Mark Degner, Konrad Kaczkowski.

The meeting began at 19:00 hours with prayer led by Post Chaplain Mark Provencher, Commander Degner along with First Vice Dave Niedfeldt conducted the MIA/POW empty chair ceremony, and the commander led the Pledge to the Flag and the reading of the American Legion Preamble.

Auxiliary President Karen Degner gave a presentation about Poppy sales and the use of their funds. The Poppy sale funds are split between the Post and Auxiliary, and to be used to fund grants and gifts for the benefit of Veterans. Mark Provencher made a motion that the Post’s Poppy proceeds go to whatever Veterans grants and gifts the Auxiliary sees fit to donate. Motion seconded by Larry Behr, motion carried by voice vote.

Membership: Ed Schroeder introduced 2 new members: Rueben Rabe US Army, Vietnam ’67-’68 and Richard Wilde US Army WW II. Give a warm welcome to these 2 new members to the nation’s largest service organization.

House Committee: Gene Blindauer reported that as of today ALL electrical work has been completed. All that is left for the refinished apartment is cleaning. Huge Thank You to Gene for his efforts with the apartment project.

Youth Sports: DuWayne Wieck reported that the first Post’s Legion Air Rifle class will be small. It could be between 6-7 attendees, but it is a start.

Flag Day: The Post will conduct a Flag Day ceremony at Rocky Knoll, with Flare Fredricksen as chairman. Ceremony will be Friday June 13^th, all members are urged to attend, contact Flare for more details @ 892-4716. Also please note Flare’s latest book about his life in the Merchant Marines is now available, and contact him on how to get a copy.

Service Officer: John reported that Jack Goelzer, Don Guse and Bud Sweeney on sick call.

For Your Information: The new County Commander is Al Knowles, First Vice Ed Schroeder and Adjutant Mark Degner. Post# 243 is well represented in the County.

G.I. Breakfast: Motion by Larry Behr to hold a G.I. Breakfast July 27^th, 2^nd by Bill Balke motion carried by voice vote. Members are urged to think about and assist in clean up.

State Convention: The Post will have 3 delegates and 2 alternates attending the State Convention in La Crosse July 16^th-20^th. Those attending: John Grothe, Mark Degner, Dave Niedfeldt, Ed Schroeder, and Larry Behr. Mark Provencher made a motion that the Post give each delegate and alternate $100.00 to cover part of their costs. The number allowed the Post at this time is 5 or total cost of $500.00. Motioned 2^nd by Larry Behr. Discussion was about past practice and there has been no set policy and this would be a start and could be adjusted based on the Post’s finances. Motion carried by voice vote.

Memorial Day: Larry Behr thanked the 21 members for cemetery and marching duties. Big Thank You to the ladies auxiliary for serving breakfast. Konrad Kaczkowski thank the Post for the support and assist of Ken Deicher for getting the convertibles and Ed Schroeder for helping find area World War II Veterans.

Dave Niedfeldt asked if any Post bartenders could assist the Eagles Club June 28^th at City Park for their day long program.

Mark Provencher told the members of his Memorial Day weekend at Marine Corps CampGeiger North Carolina. He attended services with his son, a Marine, at the Beirut Wall on the grounds of the Camp.

Meeting concluded with the reading of 10 Wisconsin service people killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the month of June since 2003, prayer by Post Chaplain Mark Provencher and Taps by Willard Schram

Respectfully Submitted

Konrad Kaczkowski, Post Adjutant.