Department of Montana, Inc.
Type
of Meeting: Regular Membership Meeting
Date
of Meeting: 18 September 2023
Location
of Meeting: Corvallis Rural
Fire Department – Corvallis, MT
Opening
Time: 1900 by 1st Vice
Commander Bobby Tucker
Attendance:
Post Officers – 7, Post Members - 14 Guests - 2
Minutes
from August 15 Meeting – Minutes
were submitted. Don Helmbrecht motioned
to accept minutes as submitted. Edna
Nasca seconded. Motion passed by voice
vote.
Guests
and New Members – New member Larry
Johnston; Auxiliary member Lois Graves.
·
Program – Victoria Miralda, Founder and Executive Chair of Veterans Victory
Alliance in Sula. She gave a personal
bio and the mission of the VVA, which is Reconnect, Recreation and Rejuvenate
for Veterans and First Responders. Their
next large event will be the 2024 Mountain Muster on July 13, 2024. The Post
Color Guard participated in this year’s muster.
Membership – 2024 new
members and renewals to date are 147. The
annual District goal is 195. Presently
at 75% of goal.
Committee Reports:
·
Bitterroot Valley
Military Program: No report
·
ALERT – No report
·
Radio Club – Light up the Fire Halls event occurred. Club will be participating in
the Great American Shake Out on 10/19.
·
Scholarships/School
Activities – The new school year has started. Marc will be looking for people to help with
the existing Legion programs in Oratory and Constitutional Essay/Surveys. Marc said that the Post has been asked to
participate in the Corvallis Downtown Trunk or Treat on Halloween. They would like our Jeep and members to pass
out candy and help with the overall safety of the event. Jack Berman has been authorized to order glow
in the dark wrist bands to be handed out as well. That budget is $200.
o
Startup
for 2024 scholarship program in about 3 months. Need alignment on of any
changes to SOP. Need coordination with
School POCs: CHS, HHS, VHS, SHS, HCA
o
Significance
of School Programs lies in the importance of Portion of American Legion Mission
focus on mentoring youth.
o
CSD
is placing increased emphasis on instruction in Civics area. May have use for volunteers in Adult
Education program.
o
Corvallis
Primary School Playground dedication on 21 Sept. Large effort with many volunteers
contributing. Children and families are
very enthusiastic.
o
School
cafeteria issues: $500 authorized for buying snack items for students. 64bcases
of Granola bars provided. Bag lunches are inadequate. Modular kitchens are
inadequate and defective. Food pantry being discussed as expanded Care Closet
capability. Pat Jack and Stacy principals in executing this contribution.
o Volunteer Program,
Bobby Tucker is the only formally active post member. Volunteers and substitutes needed. School is receptive and facilitates the
process. Has published a handbook.
Volunteers facilitate CSD optimal employment of staff. Resources. Prime
needs are traffic control, playground/lunch/assembly area monitoring. Background investigation is required.
·
Bitterroot
Marksmanship Club – See attached report.
·
Fishing Club – The postponed fly-casting clinic from July is now scheduled for 9/27 at
1700 in Victor Park. People can RSVP
with Chris Haxton.
·
Auxiliary – Linda spoke about the upcoming District 5 meeting and the Toys for
Tots program that is looking for help.
·
House and
Entertainment – Next
event will be Veterans Day Parade and Dinner.
Our 2023 Boys State delegates will be the guest speakers. There will be
a robocall sent out in mid-October to ask for attendees to RSVP. (Approximate
130 early bird members are eligible for a free dinner).
· Commander’s Report – No report due to Commander Harris’s absence.
Old
Business:
·
Social
Media – Randi Thorson reported that
she has been putting content up for the Be The One campaign and publicizing our
participation in the Celtic Games.
·
Women’s
Pistol Course – Vern Cortes
reported that the course will have to be postponed until next year. This is due to his work schedule and the range
availability.
·
Active
Duty Reconnect Evaluation – the
conversation continued about the program, with no definitive answers except
that we want to continue some kind of program involving active-duty personnel. More discussion to follow in future meetings.
New
Business
·
Fundraising
update – Work is continuing to set up
production of a short video that will also be used for fundraising activities.
·
CSD#1 Needs – Stacy and Marc discussed the needs regarding personal supplies and food
being needed as a resource for many students who lack even basic needs. The staff would like to develop a “Care
Closet” where counselors can dispense items to such students. The Post is interested in participating and
will await further details before making any commitment.
·
Post Signage – Doug Mason motioned that the Post purchase two directional signs to help
people find the group during activities, as well as Jack’s Place. The estimated
cost is $200. Jack Berman seconded the
motion. Motion carried by voice vote.
Good
of The American Legion:
·
Monthly
Pot of Gold Drawing – Member Martyn
Reiss’s name was drawn. He was not present to win the $500 Frontier Guns and
Ammo gift certificate.
·
Color
Guard – We have been asked to
participate in the Victor Homecoming Parade on 9/23.
·
Victor
VFW Hall – Edna mentioned
that the new VFW hall is now open in Victor and available for group events.
Sick
Call and Memorials
Upcoming Events:
1. Friday October 13 – CSD#1 Meeting, 1430-45 @ CSD office.
2. Monday
October 16 - Fishing Club
(Now meeting at Riverside Park) – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd
St, Hamilton - 1830. Contact Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)
3. Tuesday October 17 – Monthly Membership Meeting, 1900 at Corvallis Fire Department
4. Tuesday October 31 – Corvallis downtown Trunk or Treat – 1630-1800
5. Monday November 6 – Radio Club Monthly Meeting, 1800 – Jack’s Place
6. Monday November 6 - Fishing Club – Hamilton Masonic Temple, 115 S. 3rd St,
Hamilton - 1830. Contact Chris Haxton (406-531-2184)
7. Tuesday November 7 - Legion Riders Meeting, 1830 @ BJ’s
8. Saturday November 11 – Veterans Day Parade @ 1100.; Dinner – doors at
1700, dinner at 1730.
9. Monday November 13– Monthly Executive Committee, 1900 @ Jack’s Place.
10. Tuesday November 21 - Monthly Membership Meeting, 1900 at Corvallis
Fire Department
Closing
Time: 1st Vice Commander
Tucker adjourned the meeting at 2025 hrs.
