MIDDLETON, IDAHO POST 39

JANUARY 30, 2012 MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 1900 HRS by Commander Foote. The POW/MIA ceremony was conducted by Vice Commander Bruce Irving, Jack Youngs and Susan Barnett.

The following members were in attendance:

Bruce Irving
Doug Foote
Pat Oatman
Rich Felkey
Arnold Burr
David Shively
Jack Youngs
Susan Barnett
Floyd Beery
Rick Beery
Chuck Hawkins
Merlin Campbell
Ike Mortensen
Howard Wallace
Rick Lane
Larre' Robertson
Mike Polk
Dave Banker
Bob Pelcher
David Freeman
Gary Lane (Visitor)

The Commander reported that as of the end of the year, Post 39 was the only Post in the District which had 100% membership renewals. This included some new members to meet the target number. We still have 4 members who have not paid. The Commander's son Dan Foote has joined the Post. He is also a VFW member and works at the BSU VA Center, assisting Veterans at the college.

The Commander reported that the December meeting minutes are posted on the Website. He also handed out copies. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as posted. The vote was unanimous.

Committee Reports

No Chaplain's Report

Ivan Smith, our Chaplin, was absent due to a very bad cold. Vice-Commander Bruce Irving served as our Chaplain.

Oratorical Contest Committee

Susan Barnett advised that we have received no interest at either Middleton or Notus High Schools regarding the Oratorical Contest.

Notus School Bell Committee

David Shively advised that he will be completing work on the old bell and sending it to be powder coated this coming week. It will then be ready for presentation to the school. Dave would like to present the bell at a dinner/.auction at Notus High School on 25 February 2012. He asked for a list of members and spouses who might attend the dinner and presentation. Dinner is $5.00 each. He will get the tickets.

Adjutant's Report

The Adjutant advised that we presently have$1526.98 in the Syringa Bank Account. We recently received $100 from IDRNG for our Honor Guard participation in 2 Military Honors services in October, 2011, which is included in the bank balance. The Adjutant advised that the Post 2011 IRS 990N Form has been completed, and submitted to the IRS. The Flag Program billings have been sent to local businesses for the year. Hopefully that will generate income. We need to actively engage with other businesses to sell the program to them, both in Middleton and Star. A check has been written to Dave Shively in the amount of $200.00 to pay for powder coating the Notus School Bell, as was previously approved by the membership.
The Smith family has expressed their appreciation for the Military Honors Service for Charles Smith, a World War II Battle of the Bulge Veteran. They especially appreciated the services of Ivan Smith Post Chaplain for conducting the service. John Harvey's widow made another $35 donation to the post to pay for someone's dues.

Service Officer Report

The Service Officer advised that that Secretary Leon Panetta has announced that he is ready to make cuts in Tri Care. The Service Officer will follow these developments and report. Rick also advised that he met an individual with the VFW who is looking for a cheap or free place to stay. If anyone knows of somewhere, please contact Rick.

Sick Call

The Vice Commander advised that Norm Appell is having congestion problems and knee problems, and has not been well.

New Business

The Commander said that the American Legion Baseball teams in Middleton need new uniforms this year. Most of the cost (about $200) is covered by parents. He suggested that the Post could assist the teams by paying the insurance premiums for policies covering the teams. The approximate cost is $150 per team. A motion was made and seconded that the Post pay the premiums for the Middleton Teams. The vote was unanimous in favor. The Adjutant will contact team representatives to follow up.

Commander Foote advised that Helping Hands will be having their annual chili cook off on 10 March 2012 at the Trolley House in Middleton. The Commander will be one of the Judges. The Commander also noted that the Legion District Meeting will be on the last weekend in April. He mentioned that some posts pay the dues for members that are in shelter care. If any of our members eventually wind up in shelter care, the post will discuss paying their dues. The Commander also said that any active duty Military personnel can join the Legion for $15 dues the first year.

The Commander advised that the West gate at the Idaho Veteran's Cemetery is closed and will be so until the last of March as a new bridge is being built over the canal just to the south of the Cemetery entrance. To reach the Veterans Cemetery one must go east on Hill Road to the soccer field on the right, make a left turn at the signs and then drive up to Dry Creek Cemetery. He advised that as a result of the confusion during our last Honors ceremony there, it was determined that people were unable to easily find their way to the Veterans Cemetery through Dry Creek Cemetery. Commander Foote contacted Signs by Tomorrow and REMAX Meridian, who cooperated and assisted with creating signs guiding the way to the Veterans Cemetery through Dry Creek Cemetery. The Commander secured the necessary permission and the signs were put in place. They will remain up until the construction is completed.

The Commander reported that he has been elected as President of the Ada County United Veteran's Council for 2012.

Split the Pot, $28 was won by Susan Barnett, who donated her half back to the Post.

There being no other new business the meeting was adjourned at 1958 HRS.

Respectfully Submitted,

David Freeman
Adjutant