MAY 23, 2011 MINUTES
Prior to the meeting, a POW//MIA ceremony was conducted by Vice Commander Bruce Irving and Jack Youngs.
The meeting was called to order by Commander Foote at 1903 HRS. He advised that the April minutes are posted on the Post website. Copies were present at the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as posted. The vote was unanimous.
The following members were present:
Howard Wallace
Pat Oatman
Floyd Beery
Richard Beery
Jack Youngs
Susan Barnett
Bruce Irving
Doug Foote
David Freeman
Ivan Smith
Bruce Irving
Mike Polk
Ike Mortensen
Rick Lane
Brad Spencer
The Commander advised that the April minutes are posted on the website. Copies are available. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be accepted as posted. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Service Officer Report
The Service Officer reported that the House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the 2012 Defense Authorization Bill. This is the first step through Congress for any budget bill. In the bill is a provision to allow DoD to raise TRICARE Prime enrollment fee by $5 a month and raise pharmacy co-pays by $2-$3 while eliminating generic drug co-pays in the mail-order pharmacy. More important, it adds a statement that Congress recognizes that career military people pay the bulk of their premiums up-front and in-kind, through decades of service and sacrifice. In recognition of that, the Committee bill language specifies that the percentage fee increase in future years may not exceed the percentage increase in military retired pay. The next step will be for the full House of Representatives to take up the Committee's bill. The Senate Armed Services Committee will begin work on its version of the bill in mid-June.
Another recent event was a panel consisting of former Deputy Secretary, former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and former Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Logistics). The panel contends that health care isn't why people join the military, and military health benefits should be means-tested, with more senior retirees paying more. They also said there should be higher fees for beneficiaries who don't use programs that are the lowest cost for the Defense Department. Additionally, one panel member urges raising TRICARE fees to at least $1,000 a year.
Adjutant's Report
The Adjutant reported that we presently have $515.69 in the Syringa Bank account. The Adjutant attended a meeting at the Our Place Saloon, with a group called the Broke Down Bunch, who put on an annual street fair and auction in support of Disabled Veteran's. They asked for assistance with security for their event, which will be on Sunday May 29th from 1100 HRS until 1700 HRS. The Adjutant volunteered the Post to assist with that task.
Chaplain's Report
The Chaplain reported that Glen Bothwell is recovering from his recent surgery. Gary Capps has congestive heart failure and is on medication. Richard Felkey is doing much better and is now walking with a cane. Remie VanPaepeghem is better but his wife is having severe arthritis problems and medication isn't helping. Howard White is getting better after knee and hip surgery. Our WWII Vets are doing OK Harold Ward has been out mowing the lawn. Richard Cowdery is getting around with a cane.
The Commander reported that the Post now has a new Idaho State Flag, with pole, spear emblem and parade carrier. These were provided by Richard Beery and David Freeman.
New Business
The Commander reminded the membership that the Legion fiscal year begins on July 1, 2011. We want to have all 2012 dues paid prior to November 11, 2011. He reported that we had four members at the District meeting, including himself, the Vice-Commander, the Adjutant and Jack Youngs. He was not elected as District Commander, which will allow him to devote more time to the needs of the Post. The Commander also reported that He, along with Bruce Irving, Pat Oatman and Jack Youngs attended the Juniper Ranch Fishing Day for Veteran's Home residents. He reported that numerous trout and bass were caught. The elk chili was great, and everyone had a good time.
Discussion was held regarding having the Post annual picnic at Juniper Ranch on June 25, 2011, in lieu of the monthly meeting. A motion was made and seconded to have the picnic at Juniper ranch on June 25th. The vote was unanimous in favor.
The Commander reported that the Veterans' Home car show on the previous Saturday was a success. There was good food and there were food donations to the home.
Commander Foote reported that the State Convention will be from July 7th through the 10th in Twin Falls. There will be a bus trip to Jackpot, Nevada. The fee is $20.00. The Post is entitled to two official delegates to the convention. Everyone is invited to attend. The midwinter conference will be on November 19, 2011.
The Adjutant mentioned the Memorial Day ceremonies at Middleton and Star cemeteries at 1100 Hrs and 1230HRS respectively. There will be Honor Guard drill at the Freeman residence on May 25th at 1000HRS. The Post will also be placing flags at Veteran's graves at the Middleton Cemetery on Friday May 27th at 0900, and removing them on Tuesday morning June, 31 at 0900 HRS.
The Commander advised that the Post Honor Guard has been asked to perform flag and three volley ceremonies at the dedication of a memorial to residents of the State Veteran's home who have died there. This will occur on June 11th at 1930 HRS. Team members are requested to be at the Veteran's Home by 1900 to prepare for the ceremonies. It will be a 15 to 20 minute ceremony. All post members are encouraged to attend.
The Commander advised that Post 39 has been tasked to put up 62 flags at the Idaho Veteran's Cemetery on July 1, 2011 at 1500 HRS. The Marine Corps League will take them down on July 5th.
Discussion was held regarding a flag retirement ceremony. We have over 60 flags to retire. A motion was made and seconded to have the ceremony on the afternoon of June 18, 2011 at the Middleton Fire Department Training Center. The vote was unanimous in favor. The Adjutant will check with the Fire department to verify the use of the facility.
Brad Spencer said that the Middleton Parks and Recreation wants to know if Post 39 could paint the army tank which is in the small park on State Street in town. The Adjutant reported that this had previously been looked into, and the Post was going to work with the Military Vehicle Club on the project. The Vehicle club had backed out and no further action had been taken. It is understood that the tank would need to be sand blasted to remove old paint and rust, and templates would need to be made to repaint the identifying markings on the tank. There could be liability issues with sandblasting next to State Street. Brad will report back to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Ike Mortensen reported that Bud Swanstrom, who was honored last Memorial Day, will be the Grand Marshal in this year's July 4th Parade in Nampa.
The Adjutant reported that the Middleton Cemetery Prevost has advised that someone removed a Veteran's grave headstone and discarded it just off Cemetery property east of Cemetery Road. He wants to determine what to do with the Headstone. He asked that if he receives approval, if the Post can assist him in replacing the headstone. He will advise regarding the disposition. He was advised that the Post will assist in any way necessary, once he has VA approval.
Bruce Irving announced that he is aware of a quantity of white uniform shirts that are $22 each. Contact Bruce for the location.
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 2003 HRS.
Respectfully submitted:
David Freeman
Adjutant
The next meeting will be our annual post picnic at Juniper Ranch on June 25 starting at 1400.
