AUGUST 30, 2010 MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 1900 HRS by Commander Doug Foote. The following were present:
David Freeman
Bruce Irving
Arnold Burr
Jack Youngs
Susan Barnett
Tom Hughes
Doug Foote
Ivan Smith
John Harvey
Howard White
Rick Lane
Howard Wallace
Rick Beery
Randall Erickson
Merlin Campbell
Michael Polk
Wayne Kidd (Guest, Helping Hands)
Commander Foote advised that the minutes of last month's meeting are on the Post website. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as posted. The vote was unanimous.
Guest Wayne Kidd of Helping Hands spoke for a few minutes. His group is having a yard sale on September 10 and 11 at the Trolley House in Middleton. The proceeds will go to help senior citizens and diabetic children. They are raising cash to help send diabetic kids to camp. The cost is $750 per child. Wayne asked for help from the Legion in setting up on Friday and Saturday. He requested that the Post do a flag ceremony on the 10th. He said he would welcome the Post to set up a table at the event to promote the Legion and recruit members. The event will be advertised and several officials will be attending. He asked members to bring anything they had to contribute to the sale.
Service Officer Report
Rick Beery reported that he has attended a 2½ day Service Officer School. He received briefings from Regional officers. Notes from the training are attached to this report. He advised that the Marine Corps League national convention will be held in Boise in August 2011. Rick advised that the new code name for the Iraq war is "New Dawn". There is a new website for those in VA care. It is myhealthyvet.va.gov.
Rick said he has also met with the Canyon County Veteran's Services director. He said there is a current Social Security Administration letter which outlines that if you were on active duty from 1957 to 1967, they can add extra to your benefits. If you were on duty between 1968 and 2001, the amount is already added to your benefits. Those serving after 2001you get no extra credit. The amount of credit is up to $300 per quarter.
Rick also mentioned that we need to contact the schools and get started early promoting Boy's State. Commander Foote advised that we need to contact the schools in the next two weeks to promote the Oratorical Contest.
The Commander advised that on 9-9-10 we need to participate in a flag ceremony at the Idaho Center at 0900 HRS. Four Honor Guard members will be needed. We will not need a bugler for this event.
Commander Foote advised that he has inquired yet again about the status of our drill rifles. He has been told that there are not sufficient parts to prepare the rifles. The current waiting period is six to nine months. He was advised that we might receive them by the end of the year. The ammunition will not be shipped until the rifles are shipped.
The Commander advised that the District 3 picnic was held on July 31st at Marsing. The Vice-Commander attended. We received a ribbon and a plaque for having 100% renewal before the end of last year. We were the second highest in the State. The commander reminded the members that 2011 membership dues are presently due, and the Post with 100% before the end of the year will receive a Flag & Emblem gift certificate. This would help pay for a Post flag. We already have a $100 certificate from last year.
Adjutant's Report
Dave Freeman reported that we presently have $494.52 in the Syringa Bank account. We will be hosting and teaching a Home Firearm Safety course at the Trolley House on Octobet 9 and 16, 2010. We will be doing this to assist the Canyon County Sheriff's Office and the City of Middleton. Volunteers are needed in uniform to assist. Dave Freeman will teach the classes. They will hopefully be NRA certified.
Chaplain's Report
Ivan Smith reported that Bruce Archer will be having a second surgery on his broken shoulder on September 21st. His cancer is presently under control. Remie Vanpaepeghem's wife is still suffering, and Remie has been unable to attend. He had hoped to be at the meeting.
Commander Foote advised that 2011 Legion calendars are presently for sale. He passed around a brochure. The price is $3.50 each for 50 calendars. He recommended the post purchase 50 for sale at $6 or $7, and test the market. Discussion was held. A motion was made and seconded to order 50 of the calendars. The motion was carried unanimously.
The Commander advised that Brad Spencer has informed the Adjutant that he must step down as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Post. Brad has been selected to be in the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, and they practice on most Monday nights. Brad will continue as Bugler. Discussion was held. Merlin Campbell was nominated to be the new Sergeant-at-Arms. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Ivan Smith reminded all present that the Post picnic is on 9-12-10 at Juniper Ranch. The Commander said that there may be some from the Nampa and Caldwell Posts in attendance. He said we will cook burgers at 1700 HRS. Catch and release fishing is allowed. The members are to bring a side dish, drinks and table setting.
The Commander said that the District Meeting will be on October 23, 2010 at the Nampa Post.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 2010 HRS.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Freeman
Adjutant
The next meeting will be on September 27 at the Sunrise Cafe' in Middleton.
