Post 91 May 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

 Minutes of Meeting Conducted by

Corvallis Post #91, The American Legion,

Department of Montana, Inc.

Type of Meeting: Regular Membership Meeting

Date of Meeting: 16 May 2023

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Rural Fire Department – Corvallis, MT

Opening Time: 1900 by Commander Harris Himes

Attendance: Post Officers - 7   Post Members - 14       Guests - 3

Minutes from April 18, 2023, Meeting – Minutes were submitted.  Doug Mason moved that the past meeting’s minutes be accepted as submitted.  John Mowat seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Guests and New Members – Post 134 Member Jim Henningfeld was in attendance. 

Program – Member David Smith and trainer Linda O’Leary gave a presentation about their new organization – Aspen Trail Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Services that will serve the disabled and veteran communities.

Membership – 2023 new members and renewals to date are 205.  District Goal is 185. 

Committee Reports:

·         Bitterroot Valley Military Program: Commander Himes spoke of attending the promotion ceremonies for 6 cadets.  There was a substantial interest generated from Sean Smother’s presentation at the District 5 meeting.

·         Law Enforcement Liaison – Commander Himes gave the report.  He said that Stevensville Commander Doll is forming a Facilities Evaluation team to be a resource for the County Building Department in the event of a widespread disaster.  He thanked our Post members who participated in the recent family reunification drill at Hamilton’s Daly School.

·         Radio Club – Doug Mason reported that the club helped support the recent family reunification exercise in Hamilton.  They performed another “Light Up the Firehalls” drill.  Preparations are underway to raise the 100’ tower at Jack’s place.  A workday was held there to clean up the grounds.  He still needs help moving equipment and furniture into the Office from the storage container.

·         Scholarships – See School Programs in Old Business

·         Bitterroot Marksmanship Club – No report

·         Fishing Club – No report.

·         Auxiliary – No report

·         Memorial Day Parade – Parade Chair Jack Berman said things are well organized and volunteers should show up at 0700 on parade day.  Registrar John Mowat said the online sign-up form has worked well.  He needs help at the registration booth.  Doug Mason said that the flag placement at the cemetery will be at 1000 on Saturday 5/27.  Names will be read at noon on the 29^th with river wreath ceremony to follow.  Flag retrieval will be at 1000 on 5/30.  Ike Slaughter will be the Parade Grand Marshall.

·         House and Entertainment – This year’s annual picnic will be held on 7/18 at Victor Park. A casting clinic will be held at 1600.  Commander Harris spoke about the post instituting a weekly get together for members and other veterans, like what other posts and chapters are doing.  Brian Wrede motioned to establish a weekly post get together at Fin’s Pub in Corvallis at 11:30 on Thursdays.  Doug Mason seconded the motion.  Motion carried by voice vote.

 

Commander’s Report – Commander Himes reported that the awards for CHS Constitutional Essay participants were held on 5/9 at the CSD#1 board meeting.  The media was invited, and a TV station was there as well.  Commander thanked School Program’s Chair Marc Sabin for his efforts on that program and others. The Commander also reported on the recent District 5 meeting, which he thought was worth the effort.  Post 91 was well represented by attendees as well as Color Guard and logistics help with meals and room setup.  The Post was awarded the Department Commander’s Post Excellence Award for having achieved a 103% membership increase over last year, submitted its Consolidated Post Report, have a 90% renewal rate of existing members, and have community programs in place.  We also earned an award for having met the 2023 membership goal.

Old Business:

·         School Programs – Chair Marc Sabin reported that four scholarships have been awarded this year. Two to incoming freshmen and two to existing college students. Three of the four are sisters and stepdaughters of a Post member.  The other awardee is the grandson of a local veteran.  CHS student Donovan Houser placed second in the Department for his Constitutional Essay.  CHS student David Lenk placed second in the Department for his Americanism and Government Survey results.  Each were awarded a plaque and $250.

·         Social Media – Randi Thorson reported that she finished the brochure with various resources as part of Be the One campaign. It will be one of the handouts at our Parade information table. She has also posted information on the school Essay contest winners and the BVMP activities.  She is still looking for backup editors.

·         Upcoming school ceremonies – Doug is putting together a list of events that the Post will be participating in at the various schools.

New Business

·         Bitterroot Baseball and Softball Association Fundraising – Member Jeff Hakki, one of the coaches, has asked for donations from members towards the traveling expenses of the All-Star team.  His handout is attached.

Good of The American Legion: 

·         Monthly Pot of Gold Drawing – Member Darryl Graham’s name was drawn.  He was not present to win the $500 Frontier Guns and Ammo gift certificate.

·         8^th Grade Flag Retirement Event – Doug Mason mentioned that he will be conducting an instructional flag retirement event with the CMS 8^th graders on either May 23, 24 or 25.  He could use some help at 11:30.  He will put out a robocall once the day is confirmed.

·         Highway Fatality Markers -Member Don Helmbrecht talked briefly about the program and the Post’s geographic area of responsibility.

·         Jim Henningfeld – Florence Post Member -Jim introduced himself and said he had gotten several good ideas from Post 91 that would be applicable to his Post 134. 

Sick Call and Memorials

 Upcoming Events:

1.      Saturday May 20 – Dedication of the “Tomb of the Unknown” – Hamilton Veteran Memorial – 1300

2.      Saturday May 27 – Cemetery Flag Placement – 1000 @ Corvallis Cemetery.

3.      Monday May 29 – Memorial Day Parade and following ceremonies - 1000

4.      Tuesday May 30 – Flag Recovery – 1000 @ Corvallis Cemetery

5. Thursday June 1 - Emergency Communications and Response Training – 1900 @ CHS Library.

6. Monday June 5 – Radio Club Monthly Meeting – 1800 @ BJ’s

7. Monday June 5 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – 1830 @ Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3^rd St., Hamilton. – Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)

8. Tuesday June 6 - Legion Riders Meeting – 1830 @ BJ’s

9.Monday June 12 – Executive Committee Meeting – 1900 @ Jack’s Place

10. Monday June 19 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3^rd St,   Hamilton @1830

11. Tuesday June 20 -– Monthly Membership Meeting – CRFD@ 1900.

 

Closing Time: Commander Harris adjourned the meeting at 2055 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 91 April 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Meeting Conducted by

Corvallis Post #91, The American Legion,

Department of Montana, Inc.

Type of Meeting: Regular Membership Meeting

Date of Meeting: 18 April 2023

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Rural Fire Department – Corvallis, MT

Opening Time: 1900 by 2^nd Vice Commander Jack Berman

Attendance: Post Officers - 7   Post Members - 20       Guests - 1

Minutes from March 21 2023, Meeting – Minutes were submitted.  Doug Mason moved that the past meeting’s minutes be accepted as submitted.  Brian Wrede seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Guests and New Members – CSD1 Community Liaison Sarah Fryer was present; New member Tony Westbrook introduced himself.

Program – Sarah spoke about the volunteer opportunities at the Corvallis Elementary School that she was hoping members might be interested in.  She provided a handout with information (attached).

Member David Smith gave a short talk about the Aspen Trail Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Services he and his wife are starting.  The group will be serving people with disabilities and veterans.  He will be the main speaker at the May membership meeting.

Membership – 2023 new members and renewals to date are 202.  District Goal is 185.  Member Randi Thorson was awarded the National Commander 2023 Membership Incentive Pin for recruiting three new members.

Committee Reports:

·         Bitterroot Valley Military Program: Sean Smothers reported that they now have 17 cadets signed up.  They have had two workdays and have received good response from the cadets and their parents.  Of the 17, 5 are female cadets.  The group is made up of 7^th through 11^th graders from Darby to Corvallis.

·         Law Enforcement Liaison – No report

·         Radio Club – The monthly Emergency Communications class has 25 members and is wrapping up the classroom section and will move into practical activities. He has attended one tabletop exercise for the Family Reunification Center drill that will occur on April 19 at Hamilton High School.  The club held a fox hunt over the weekend on Apr 15/16.  Club elections are in May.

·         Scholarships – Marc Sabin reported that to date three applications have been received.  The deadline is April 28.

·         Bitterroot Marksmanship Club – No report

·         Fishing Club – Chair Chris Haxton reported that there are about 12 regulars now that the Post has joined forces with Healing Waters.

·         Auxiliary – No report

·         Memorial Day Parade – Parade Chair Jack Berman had held an organizing meeting prior to the membership meeting.  He said volunteers are still needed.

·         House and Entertainment – The District 5 meeting will be held at CHS on 4/30.  Breakfast will be served at 0800 with the regular meeting to start at 0900.

 Commander’s Report – Commander Harris was out of town.

Old Business:

·         School Programs – Chair Marc Sabin reported that all segments have been completed within the schools.  The winner and other participants in the Constitutional Essays will receive awards at the upcoming May 9 school board meeting.  Oratorical awards will be at the Speech Club banquet in May.  School awards will be at the respective school awards nights.  No update on the Boys and Girls State candidates.

·         Social Media – Randi Thorson reported that she has been working on a brochure with various resources as part of Be The One campaign. She is still looking for backup editors.

·         FY24 Budget Approval – Adjutant Clover presented the proposed next fiscal year’s budget that was developed by the Budget Subcommittee.  The forecast is to have a balance of $18,137 on July 1 to start  the fiscal year and a balance of $9739 at the end of FY24.  Brian Wrede motioned to accept the FY24 budget as submitted.  Keith Graves seconded the motion.   Motion carried by voice vote.

New Business

·         FY24 Executive Committee Member elections – Meeting Chair Berman asked if there any more nominations for the committee from the floor.  There were no additional nominations.  Keith Graves motioned that the open nominations be closed.  Brian Wrede seconded the motion.  Motion carried by voice vote.  Ballots were handed out to the attending members. 25 ballots were returned.  Results are listed on an attachment to these minutes.

Good of The American Legion: 

·         Monthly Pot of Gold Drawing – Member Bobby Tucker’s name was drawn.  He was present to win the $500 Frontier Guns and Ammo gift certificate.

·         Ruth Smith – Chaplain Wrede spoke about Hamilton Legion Member Smith who provides branch of service hats to residents of local assisted living facilities.

Sick Call and Memorials

 Upcoming Events:

 1.  Sunday April 30 – District 5 Meeting – CHS Breakfast 0800-0900, meeting to follow.

 2. Monday May 1  – Radio Club Monthly Meeting – 1800 @ BJ’s

 2. Monday May 1 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – 1830 @ Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3^rd St., Hamilton. – Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)

3. Tuesday May 2 - Legion Riders Meeting – 1830 @ BJ’s

4. Thursday May 4 – Emergency Communications and Response Training – 1900 @ CHS Library.

 5.Monday May 8 – Executive Committee Meeting – 1900 @ Jack’s Place

 6. Tuesday May 9 – Constitutional Essay Awards – CSD1 @ 1900

7. Monday May 15 – Semi Monthly Fishing Club Meeting – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3^rd St,   Hamilton @1830

 8. Tuesday May 16 -– Monthly Membership Meeting – CRFD@ 1900.

9. Monday May 29 – Memorial Day Parade and following ceremonies - 1000

 

Closing Time: 2^nd Vice Commander adjourned the meeting at 2029 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY24 Executive Committee Election Results – 18 April 2023

Commander:   Harris Himes (23 Votes)

1^st Vice Commander – Bobby Tucker (25 votes)

2^nd Vice Commander – Jack Berman (25 Votes)

Adjutant – Christopher Haxton (25 Votes)

Finance Officer – Pat Clover (25 Votes)

Sergeant-At-Arms – Bob Koellermeier (25 Votes)

Post Chaplain – Brian Wrede (25 votes)

Post Service Officer – Dan Griffin (25 Votes)

Post Historian – Doug Mason (25 Votes)

Executive Committee Member – Ike Slaughter (25 Votes)

Executive Committee Member – Don Helmbrecht (25 Votes)

Executive Committee Member – Marc Sabin (25 Votes)

Flag Day 2023

 

Fellow Americans and American Legion Family members,

 Flag Day 2023 is a milestone. Exactly one hundred years ago, on June 14, 1923, The American Legion led 68 other civic organizations for a gathering at Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, D.C.

 The gathering had an important purpose, one that still resonates today. At 9:30 am, Colonel Garland W. Powell, National Director of Americanism for The American Legion, called the conference to order.  After a benediction from a bishop, Powell introduced the first guest speaker – Warren G. Harding, president of the United States.

Harding spelled out the purpose of the meeting. “I hope you succeed in formulating a code that will be welcomed by all Americans and that every patriotic and educational society in the Republic will commit itself to the endorsement and observance and purpose of the code that you adopt here today,” the president said.

The National Flag Conference of 1923 accomplished Harding’s goal. In two days, the assembly drafted 15 rules for the proper use and care of the U.S. flag. Two states made flag code instruction required curriculum in their public schools. Congress would later adopt the code into public law. While it remains federal law, violations carry no civil or criminal penalties.

Punishment and shame were never the purposes of the U.S. Flag Code. It is about education. Those who are most likely to fly the American Flag, genuinely wish to do so in a respectful and dignified manner. Through its guidelines, the code brings consistency and nobility to the majestic display of our nation’s most visible symbol.

While the Flag Conference and its resulting code led The American Legion to become the nation’s leading educator and authority on flag etiquette, Flag Day itself has roots dating back to the founding of the Republic.

It was the Second Continental Congress that passed a resolution on June 14,1777, which stated, “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen white five-pointed stars in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The date chosen for the original flag resolution was especially fitting given that the new nation was celebrating the second birthday of America’s continental Army. The U.S. flag would become and remain a symbol of service and pride for millions of veterans.

Sergeant William Carney was one of many veterans who would bleed for the flag. A member of the 54^th Massachusetts Colored Infantry, Carney fought valiantly at Fort Wagner, South Carolina during the Civil War. When the color sergeant went down, Sergeant Carney grabbed the flag, led the way to the parapet and planted it. When the troops fell back, he again carried the flag through the fierce fire and was wounded four times.

Sergeant Carney became the first Black recipient of the Medal of Honor, and it was awarded for his defense of the flag.

Even though America was not perfect for Black people like Sergeant Carney, the flag represented the perfect union that those who fought for it hoped it would become.

Legendary labor leader Samuel Gompers shared his view of the flag during the 1923 conference.

“To us,” he said, and I quote, “the American flag means more than even its colors portray. It means the leadership of the democratic and humane struggle that has been carried on through all the ages. It is a struggle that continues to this day. And it is for this reason that we must continue to wave the flag at every opportunity.” – unquote.

There is no single answer as to what the American flag means. During the century since the flag conference, well-meaning patriots have adopted respectful traditions that appear to run contrary to the Flag code.

It is for this reason that The American Legion urges Congress to pass modifications to the code, which would include additional days to encourage the flying of Old Glory, permitting flag patches to be worn on military and first responder uniforms and being able to carry the flag horizontally for patriotic effect.

Respect for the flag should not be limited to Flag Day or Americanism month. The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion does not call on Legionnaires to “foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism” only when it is easy. 

We salute the flag out of affection and pride not because we fear a tyrannical boot if we don’t.

 Flag Day is not just about reflecting on the past; it is also about looking to the future. It is a time to recommit ourselves to the ideals and principles that our flag represents. It is a reminder that we must always strive to be a nation that embraces unity, justice and freedom.

The flag brought us inspiration during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, much like it did during World War II when the Marines famously raised it under withering battle on Iwo Jima. The medal presentations at the Olympics are another venue in which our nation’s flag often plays a starring role.

The 1968 Olympics in Mexico City were no exception. Protests and political unrest in the United States made the flag an unpopular symbol for many Americans. Desecration was common and patriotic displays sometimes despised. One Olympian would have none of it.

He was a 19-year-old boxer from Houston, Texas, who won the gold medal by knocking out his Soviet opponent. George Foreman, a future two-time heavyweight champion and grill entrepreneur, grasped a small American flag and waved it in the center of the ring after his victory.

“The only regret is that I didn’t have two flags to wave,” Foreman told The American Legion Magazine in 2013. “I mean because the country hasn’t only been great for me, but I have grandkids now, and I want to show them how great it is.” – unquote.

Millions of viewers worldwide needed no convincing.  They had seen the flag many times before as they were liberated from fascist, tyrannical and communist regimes.

For them, the flag wasn’t just a symbol of the United States. It was – and remains today – a symbol of freedom.

Thank you, God bless America and God bless the flag of the United States. Long may it wave.