OCTOBER 31, 2011 MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 1900 HRS by Commander Foote. The POW/MIA ceremony was conducted by Vice Commander Irving and Jack Youngs. The following members were present:
Merlin Campbell
Pete Oakander
Pat Oatman
Dave Shively
Susan Barnett
Jack Youngs
Tom Hughes
Bob Anderson
Doug Foote
Bruce Irving
David Freeman
Larre' Robertson
Ivan Smith
Larry Tannahill Sr
Mike Polk
Rick Lane
Dave Banker
Howard Wallace
Richard Beery
The Commander reported that the minutes of the September meeting are posted on the Website. Copies are available at the meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as posted. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Sgt At Arms Report
Merlin Campbell advised that he is recovering well from his recent surgery. Merlin said that he will not be available for honor guard activities for the coming weekend as he will be out of town.
Service Officer Report
The Service Officer advised that there've been news reports regarding budget cuts. The new Secretary of Defense wants to put more charges on the retirees, for example tri-care and other benefits. The Service Officer advised that nothing has been done yet, but there may be possible increases in co-pays for some Veterans Administration services and some Veterans Administration benefits may "Come on the chopping block".
Adjutants Report
The adjutant reported that the annual Secretary of State Corporation filing is been completed for the post. The adjutant also advised that the post has been making money from honor guard appearances sometimes in the amounts of $ 50 or $100. There is at present $1321.98 in the Syringa Bank account. The adjutant reported that Middleton now has 2 American Legion baseball teams, the senior team and the junior team. He advised that the teams are going to need some financial assistance with the purchase of uniforms for the 2012 season. The Adjutant also reported that with regard to the tank parked in the city of Middleton, it is privately owned according to some members of the city. In the event that anyone desires to refinish the tank permission will need to be secured from the owner. The adjutant said it has been suggested that we could possibly contact the National Guard at Gowen field and determine if they could, on a duty weekend, pick up the tank with a tank retriever and take it to Gowen field for sandblasting and repainting. Again, this would require approval of the city and the individual who owns the tank.
The commander reported that Tom Hughes' wife is still having blood clots, and Bob Anderson's wife is doing pretty well. This was confirmed by Tom and Bob who were present at the meeting.
The commander advised that at the District Meeting two weeks ago post 39 was presented with a certification in recognition of our post for being accepted and certified by the Idaho Honor Guard which consists of military and veterans organizations. The commander also reported that there was recognition of the post as being above target levels for membership paid for the year 2012.
The commander reported that the $1000 insurance policy that is provided free of charge to Legion members goes to $4000 in January if the legionnaire dies while on Legion business.
New business
The commander advised that the Oratorical Contest information has arrived and requested volunteers to assist with Middleton and Notus as a committee. Bruce Irving, Susan Barnett and David Shively volunteered for this committee.
The Commander advised that the Boise food convoy through which the department supports all three veterans, homes is about to have the food convoy. Dry goods will be taken to all three homes. He advised that for any post-members who want to participate they can either participate in the convoy or go straight to the veterans home in Boise. At the end of the workday on unloading the food supplies, the workers are provided a beef stew lunch which is excellent. Usually 150 to 200 legionnaires assist with this convoy. The Commander advised that the convoys cut the cost to feed the veterans at the homes to $10 a day. Otherwise it would cost $40 per day. The Commander advised that the convoy will start at the Shiloh Inn on Broadway Avenue in Boise at 9 AM on November 19 and one can either go there or directly to the veteran' home. He advised that on that day at noon there is a Legion College at the Shiloh Inn in Boise.
The Commander advised that this week on Thursday we have an honor guard commitment at the veterans Cemetery to arrive at 1415 HRS PM for a ceremony at 1500 HRS for a Navy Korea and Vietnam veteran who was a pilot. On Friday at1415 HRS for 1500 HRS service the honor guard has another commitment at the Idaho veterans Cemetery for a funeral service. The commander advised that on Saturday morning at 0830 to 0900 the Post an honor guard will form up for the Veterans Day parade which will be at 1000 HRS as our post honor guard is to lead the parade. We will be carrying for flags and using as many riflemen as appear for the parade.
The Commander advised that on November 10, Eagle high school as a program wherein they have invited post 39 for a Veterans Day ceremony which is sponsored by the Eagle Lions Club. Our post has been asked to post the colors and post 39 member Richard Beery will be the speaker for this event. Members should arrive at 1430 HRS as the ceremony begins at 1530 HRS.
The Commander advised that there are many free dinners available to veterans on Veterans Day at various restaurants in the around the Valley He also advised that on November 11 we been requested to attend Middleton Middle School at 1015Hrs for a Veterans Day program that morning and members may meet with classes for question-and-answer periods after the program.
The Commander advised that on November 14 at the Boise State University student Union building we will be doing a flag ceremony at 0830 HRS for a function there. (Correction: The event is at the Red Lion Riverside Hotel not at the BSU SUB.)
Larre' Robertson advised that on November 13 which is MAD Sunday (Military Appreciation Day) the post will be posting a flag. Arrival should be at 1000Hrs and the ceremony is dedicated to the military.
Dave Shively spoke regarding an old school bell that has been removed from the top of the Notus Schooll about 30 years ago as it had been torn down and broken by students at that time. Shively picked up the bell and the metal legs on it were broken. Dave has sandblasted the bell and he needs to weld the legs to complete his project of restoring the bell for the school. Pat Oatman has some nickel welding rod which may be enough to assist Dave in welding the legs. Dave advised that it would be good for the post to assist in finishing the bell. He said it would be good public relations as Notus High School knows virtually nothing about the American Legion. He said the cost of completing the bell would be around $150-$200. Dave said that upon completion, the bell will be mounted outside the high school and if the post assists with it he will put a brass plaque on it giving the post credit for restoring and replacing the bell. Dave said that the best treatment for the bell would be to powder coat it to preserve it. He doesn't know about the cost of doing that.
Dave Shively also advised that toward the end of March the Notus High School Agricultural Department auction occurs. He said they have a great dinner and the auction is run by the Future Farmers of America. He advised the tickets are $5-$6 to attend, and he would recommend all the members attend as the dinner is great and the auction helps the school. It would be good PR for the Post.
Jack Young's requested that the honor guard consider wearing American Legion bush hats which are sold through American Legion Flag and Emblem. Larre' Robertson was wearing one of these hats to display and pass around to the group. Jack advised that these hats might be good for ceremonial purposes and cost $30 each. He advised that each honor guard member would need to purchase one of the hats if we were to use them. Larre' Robertson advised that he will pay half the cost for the first 10 hats if the post purchasesthem. There was a motion and seconded to purchase the hats. Discussion was held. The motion passed was passed by a majority vote.
There being no other new business the meeting was ended at 2010 hrs.
Dave Shively won split the pot. He donated the entire amount of $21 to the post.
Respectfully submitted,
David Freeman
Adjutant
The next meeting will be on October 31 at the Sunrise Cafe'.
