Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Post 91 Regular December 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: 20 December 2022

Location of Meeting: Corvallis Fire Department – Corvallis MT

Opening Time: 1830 by Commander Himes

Attendance: Post Officers - 9    Post Members - 14         Guests - 6

Minutes from October and November 2022  Meetings– Minutes were submitted.  No motion was made to accept the minutes as submitted. Tabled to January meeting.

Program –

·         Buddy Checks – Calls were made to 64 members who had not participated in any activity during the past year.  22 members were reached and two were referred to the Chaplain for further follow-up.

·         Sheriff Steve Holton – Sheriff Holton spoke at length about the challenges his department is facing with drugs being the highest.  He said the mix of drugs found has changed to meth, cocaine and heroin.  With the legalization of recreational marijuana his deputies are encountering more DUI with marijuana the primary cause, rather than alcohol.  Field testing for THC is still being developed leading to each stop taking more time than in the past.

The Sheriff spoke about his vision for having more volunteer participation with his department and he is excited that the local AL Posts are showing interest.  Most tasks would be support during manpower shortages or during a natural disaster.

Guests and New Members – Several spouses were in attendance.  New members Alex Argota, Joshua Vallejo and Dave Smith introduced themselves.

Commander’s Report – Commander Harris spoke briefly on how our outreach in the community all fall within the foundational pillars of the American Legion.  He is pleased with our new programs in the schools and with the Sheriff’s Department.

Committee Reports:

·         Radio Club – Doug Mason gave an update on the activities.  The Radio Club is going to have a busy January. He reported that license testing will occur soon.  The club will be supporting the Darby Dog Derby on January 14 & 15.  They will be holding their winter field days on January 28 & 29. They will be conducting a EM-Com training on January 5 at the CHS library at 1900.  The Christian Academy has asked for help in presenting a technical curriculum to its students.

·         Scholarships – Marc Sabin reported that the second half payment for this year’s awards are due to go out.  The scholarship committee will meet early in the new year to develop 2023’s program.

·         Shooting Club – No report

·         Fishing Club – Chris Haxton reported that he is convalescing from surgery but the club will still meet on the first Thursday of the month.  He said attendance has been low, but they are enjoying tie flying for the time being.

·         Auxiliary – No report

 

Membership:

·         New/Renewed membership to date is 181.  Goal is 185.

House and Entertainment:  No report

Old Business:

·         Active Duty Reconnect – New member Josh Vallejo spoke about his experience as a ADR participant in 2017.  He was very grateful for the opportunity.  As it stands now we have 1 USAF airman confirmed, 1 Marine in the pipeline and three potential Navy personnel.

·         Social Media – No update

·          School Programs –

o   Career Days - Adjutant Clover reported on the 12/7 Military Career Day at CHS.  All major branches were represented, and the recruiters were happy with the student participation.  All recruiters are planning in participating in the upcoming 1/10 senior career day.  Stacy Cortes talked about the upcoming events on Jan 10/11 at CHS. They have been meeting regularly with CHS Career Counselor Jennifer Gaston-Smith.

o   School Program Integration Initiative – School Programs chair Marc Sabin reported on recent activities.  He and Doug have met once with Superintendent Joseph and the Community Liaison Sarah Fryer.  They explained the Legion’s School programs to the Superintendent.  Superintendent Joseph was positive about our involvement as well as our programs.  Marc also attended a meeting held by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

o   District Five Meeting – April 30, 2023 – Chaplain Wrede, with support from Linda Niezgodzki will obtain a place for the meeting.

o    Bitterroot Valley Military Program Update – Commander Himes said that the Program has been given a place to work from at the School District.  The program will be open to all youth in the valley and hope to start programs in March.

New Business:

·         Future Women’s Shooting Programs - Ike talked about some ideas for future programs.  A possibility is a survival course, led by some post members and Harry Lee, who owns a local Preparedness company.  More details to follow.

·         Flag Burning AAR – 1st Vice Commander Bratsch reported that the Post had ceremoniously retired 519 flags this year.

·         CHS Speech Tournament – Doug Mason talked about the upcoming regional speech tournament, and that they are looking for volunteer judges.  He will put out a robocall prior to the event.

 

Good of The American Legion: 

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

Sick Call and Memorials

Member Gene Wilhelm received military honors on December 12, 2022

 Upcoming Events:

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

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

3.  Thursday January 5th - Fishing Club Meeting – 1800 at Chris Haxton’s house (406-531-2184)

4.  Thursday January 5th – Emergency Communications and Response Training – 1900 @ CHS Library.

5. Friday/Saturday 5/6 – CHS Speech Tournament

6.  Tuesday/Wednesday January 10/11 – CHS Career Days – 0910-1100 in CHS Gym

7.  Saturday/Sunday January 14/15 – Darby Dog Derby

8.  Monday January 16 - Monthly Executive Committee Meeting – 0900 @ Jack’s Place.

9.  Tuesday January 17 - Monthly Membership Meeting - 1900 @ CRFD.

10. Saturday/Sunday January 28/29 – Radio Club Winter Field Day

11.  Thursday-Sunday February 24-28 – Winter Active Duty Reconnect.

Closing Time: Commander Himes adjourned the meeting at 2030 hrs

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