Issued Bi-Weekly from State Headquarters at Watertown, SD 57201
Ron Boyd – Department Adjutant – Public Relations Officer
www.sdlegion.org Email sdlegion@dailypost.com
No. 2930 August 23, 2006
VIRGIL HOSTED HOMECOMING IS SUCCESS
The Homecoming for South Dakota American Legion State Commander Gunner Baatrup, hosted by Schmidt-Barnes American Legion Post 268 of Virgil, on Saturday, August 19, 2006 has been declared an enormous success. Attendance was estimated at 200-225. The event was held at the Schmidt-Barnes American Legion Post 268 in Virgil. The comment was made that this was probably the largest gathering of people that had ever assembled in Virgil at one time.
Joni LeGrand, representing the city of Virgil and Bill Aldrich, Post Commander of Virgil American Legion Post 268 welcomed attendees to Virgil and The American Legion Post Home.
South Dakota American Legion Department Adjutant Ron Boyd of Watertown served as the Master of Ceremonies. D.R. “Don” Mason of Platte, SD and Wayne “Red” Vetter of Cresbard, were the guest speakers. Boyd informed the audience that Gunner Baatrup was only the 88th person to ever hold this key leadership position since the organization started in 1919.
Mason, the lead-off speaker, is a combat veteran of the Korean War and has belonged to The American Legion since 1954. He has served as State Commander (1981-82), Alternate National Executive Committeeman (1989-25), National Executive Committeeman (1995-2001) and National Vice Commander of The American Legion in 2002-03). Mason spoke about Commander Baatrup’s life experiences prior to becoming involved in The American Legion and how those experiences had prepared him for his current role as State Commander of The American Legion in South Dakota.
Vetter is a U.S. Army veteran who served on active duty in 1963-64 and 1966-67. He subsequently served in the South Dakota National Guard and US Army Reserve. He was activated for Desert Storm Operations in 1991 while serving with the Army Reserve. Vetter subsequently retired from a combined U.S. Army, National Guard and Army Reserve career with 27˝ years of service as a Sergeant First Class. Vetter served as State Commander of The American Legion Department of South Dakota in 2003-04. He is currently employed as the Faulk county Veterans Service Officer and serves as the President of the South Dakota Association of County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers. Vetter addressed his long association with Commander Baatrup through their work with The American Legion. Baatrup served as District Vice Commander for Vetter when Vetter was the District Commander and their paths have worked together on may occasions on Legion and veterans issues. Vetter noted that the Commander Baatrup’s many years and diverse positions of responsibility that he has held within the organization have prepared him well for his current position.
Department Adjutant Ron Boyd read congratulatory messages from Senator Tim Johnson and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth.
Attendees also heard congratulatory remarks from South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary President Doris Ann Werlinger of Buffalo, SD and Sons of The American Legion Detachment of South Dakota Commander Bob Bender of Hartford.
One of the main events during the program was the turn-in of membership by the Posts in conjunction with the first Department Membership Target Date for the 2007 membership year. Department Membership Chairman Ron Kazmierczak of Hill City assisted State Commander Gunner Baatrup collect the membership renewals and new memberships from many of the States 252 American Legion Posts. Twenty-three Posts turned in 984 total memberships during the event. The theme of Membership Chairman Kazmierczak’s remarks was “Just One More”. He noted that collecting membership is not so daunting if you just take it one member at a time – and then go for just one more. He asked the assembled Legionnaires to consider the possibilities of “just one more” – even after their Post has reached its goal for 2007. He remarked that “Commander Baatrup’s theme is “Reaching for the Summit”, but told those present that if they want to go over the summit – that would be OK!
Newly elected State Commander Gunner Baatrup thanked those in attendance for being there to help him celebrate and told the audience that he looked forward to a successful year as Commander. Baatrup discussed his theme for the year, “Reaching for the Summit”. He explained that this theme did not apply just to membership, but rather to all of the programs of The American Legion. He asked for the help and assistance of all members of The American Legion Family during his year in office.
Legion dignitaries in attendance included 17 Past Department Commanders of The American Legion Department of South Dakota: Glenn Green of Pierre (1958), Donald Clarke of Wessington (1975), Gerald Goetzinger of Martin (1977), D. R. “Don” Mason of Platte (1982), Darrel Haskell of Conde (1986), Russel Testerman of Wessington(1988), Dennis Vogel of Montrose (1989), Rich McBrayer of Ethan (1990), Paul Evenson of Garretson (1992), James T. “Terry” Anderson of Wagner (1996), William Dolan of Beresford (1997), Donald Young of Herrick (1999), Norman Tapken of Wessington Springs (2000), Vernon Sip of Wagner (2002), Walt Lindemann of Eureka (2003), Wayne “Red” Vetter of Cresbard (2004), Gene Schumacher of Aberdeen (2005), and Phil Anderson of Piedmont (2006).
Also in attendance with 4 Department Vice Commanders: Merle Stone of Wagner, David Owens of Iroquois, Bernard Rolstad of Sisseton, and Bob Kusser of Pierre. Eight of the fourteen Districts were represented by either the District Commander or District Vice Commander – these included District 1 Vice Commander Dick Sievert of Sioux Falls, District 2 Commander Dennis Jager of Arlington, District 3 Vice Commander Byron Callies of Watertown, District 4 Commander Tim Jurgens of Milbank, District 5 Commander Larry Lindhorst of Cresbard, District 10 Commander Nancy Lemieux of Pierre, District 12 Commander Dan Walsh of Piedmont and District 14 Commander Del Heupel of Eureka.
Other American Legion Department of South Dakota Officers present included: Adjutant Ron Boyd of Watertown, Service Officer Warren Aas of Watertown, Membership Chairman Ron Kazmierczak of Hill City, Finance Officer Gene Schumacher of Aberdeen, Historian Charemon Dunham of Iroquois, Master-At-Arms G. D. “Hoot” Gibson of Sioux Falls, and Children and Youth Chairman Betty “Sam” Vaughn of Brookings. Department Administrative Committee member Mark Weinmann of Canton was also in attendance.
Representing The American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota were: President Doris Ann Werlinger of Buffalo, First Vice President Lila Speckles of Chamberlain, Secretary Pat Coyle of Huron, National Executive Committeewoman Marsha Boyd of Watertown, District 5 President Barb Vetter of Cresbard and District 12 President Laura “Susie” Clyde of Piedmont. Kathryn Young of Herrick, Northwest Division National Vice President for The American Legion Auxiliary was also in attendance.
Those in attendance were entertained by Frank Pelleria’s musical patriotic musical selections. Pastor Richard Rinearson delivered the invocation and the benediction.
Following the program, the members of the Schimdt-Barnes American Legion Post 268 and Auxiliary Unit 268 served a wonderful lunch of pork loin sandwiches, potato salad and baked beans.
Congratulations and WELL DONE to the members of the Legion and Auxiliary in Virgil for a most successful homecoming celebration.
HOMECOMING MEMBERSHIP AWARDS
A special award will be presented to all Posts that have met the requirements for a percentage of their assigned 2007 membership goal-size to State Headquarters by State Commander Baatrup's Homecoming. Following is a list of the requirements based on Post goal-size: 15-74 Goal-Size Posts – 100%, 75-124 Goal-Size Posts – 90%, 125-199 Goal-Size Posts – 80%, 200-299 Goal-Size Posts – 70%, and 300 and larger Goal-Size Posts – 60%.
Winners of the award for 2007 include: 15-74 goal-size – Badger Post 260, 102.7%; Colman Post 278, 100%; Cresbard Post 213, 100%; Witten Post 167, 100%; Allen Post 317, 105%; and Hill City Post 160, 100%.
75-124 goal-size – Humboldt Post 62, 100%; and Veblen Post 76, 95.45%.
125-199 goal-size – no Posts qualified.
200-299 goal-size – Dell Rapids Post 65, 72.18%; Gary Post 109, 78.26%; Yankton Post 12, 72.15%; Sturgis Post 33, 72.07%; and Eureka Post 186, 71.71%.
300 and larger goal-size – Brookings Post 74, 62.12%; Watertown Post 17, 67.70%; Huron Post 7, 66.08%; Mitchell Post 18, 62.09%; Pierre Post 8, 60%; and Hot Springs Post 71, 60.92%.
ENCLOSED FOR ALL RECIPIENTS
The Post-by-Post membership statistics for the State Commanders Homecoming Membership Target Date are enclosed with this Up To Now for all recipients.
FALL DISTRICT MEETINGS
2007 Fall District Conferences will commence on Thursday, September 7. All District Commanders were asked to provide information on their respective District Meeting by August 17, 2007. Following is the conference schedule as currently reported to State Headquarters.
Dist 1 – Wednesday, September 20 in Humboldt at the Humboldt Community Center. There will be a social hour from 6-7 p.m. in the Community Center. The business meetings will begin at7 p.m.; both the Legion and Auxiliary will meet in the Community Center. Lunch will be served after the meetings.
Dist 2 – Tuesday, September 26 in Lake Preston at the American Legion Post Home. There will be a social hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Legion Post Home. The business meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.; Legion at the Legion Post Home, Auxiliary place to be announced.
Dist 3 – Wednesday, September 27 in Gary at the Legion Post Home. 6-7:30 p.m. is scheduled as a social period. The business meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.; both the Legion and Auxiliary will meet in the Legion Post Home. Coffee, cookies and bars will be served following the meetings.
Dist 4 – Thursday, September 28 in New Effington at the Legion Post Home and the New Effington Community Center. There will be a social hour from 5-6 p.m. A banquet will be held at 6 p.m. The business meetings will be held at 7 p.m.; Legion in the Legion Post Home and the Auxiliary will meet in the Community Center.
Dist 5 – Saturday, September 23.
Dist 6 – Friday, September 22 in Mitchell at the Legion Post Home. There will be a social hour at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. A banquet will be served at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion Post Home. The business meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.; both the Legion and Auxiliary will meet at the Legion Post Home.
Dist 7 – Thursday, September 21 in Tripp at the Legion Post Home and the Tripp Fire Hall/Community Center. There will be a social hour from 6-7 p.m. The business meetings will be held at 7 p.m.; Legion in the Legion Post Home and the Auxiliary in the Tripp Fire Hall/Community Center. Refreshments will be served after the meetings with a free-will offering.
Dist 8 – Thursday, September 7 in the Burke Civic Center and Burke VFW Post Home. There will be a social hour from 6-7 p.m. in the Burke VFW Post Home. The business meetings will start at 7 p.m.; Legion in the Burke Civic Center, Auxiliary in the Burke VFW Post Home. There will be a luncheon served after the meetings.
Dist 9 – Friday, September 8 in the White River American Legion Post Home. There will be a social hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Legion Post Home. The business meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.; Legion in the Legion Post Home, Auxiliary in the White River Senior Citizens Center. Lunch will be served following the meetings in the White River Senior Citizens Center. Times are Central time.
Dist 10 – Tuesday, September 12 in Pierre at the Pierre American Legion Post Home. There will be a social hour from 5-6 p.m. with a banquet served at 6 p.m. at the Legion Post Home. The business meetings will begin at 7 p.m.; Legion at the Legion Post Home and the Auxiliary at the Pierre VFW Post Home (402 S. Central Ave.).
Dist 11 – Monday, September 11.
Dist 12 – Sunday, September 10.
Dist 13 – Saturday, September 9 in Rapid City at Rapid City Post 22. There will be a District Executive Committee held at 1 p.m. There is no scheduled social hour but the Post Lounge will be open for business and food service will also be available. The business meetings will begin at 2 p.m.; both the Legion and Auxiliary will meet in the Legion Post Home.
Dist 14 – Friday, September 29 in Eureka. There is no scheduled social or meal, however the Legion lounge and food service will be open prior to the meetings. The business meetings will begin at 8 p.m.; Legion at the Legion Hall, Auxiliary will meet at the Senior Citizens Center (1 block west of the bank). Coffee and bars will be served after the meetings.
AMERICAN LEGION WORLD SERIES
The American Legion Baseball National Regional Tournament for the Central Plains Region 6 was played in Aberdeen, SD August 10-14. South Dakota participants in the tournament consisted of Rapid City Post 22, 2006 South Dakota American Legion State Baseball Champions, and Aberdeen Post 24 which hosted the tournament.
The scores for all South Dakota team games were as follows:
August 10 - Rapid City 4 – Wisconsin 3, Aberdeen 7 – Nebraska 6; August 11 - Rapid City 6 –Minnesota 5, Kansas 15 – Aberdeen 0; August 12 - Wisconsin 4 – Aberdeen 3, Kansas 3 – Rapid City – 1; August 13 - Rapid City 12 – Wisconsin 7; August 14 - Rapid City 7 – Kansas 6; Kansas 10 – Rapid City 2.
NATIONAL CONVENTION
Members of the South Dakota Delegation to the 88th Annual National Convention of The American Legion begin departing this week for Salt Lake City, Utah. Most of the 33 delegates and 5 alternates will be in Salt Lake City until the end of the month. The convention is scheduled to run from August 25 – August 31.
South Dakota Legionnaires will attend Standing Committee Meetings, Convention Committee Meetings and General Assembly Convention Meetings will be held on Tuesday, August 29 – Thursday, August 31. The Department Caucus will be held on Monday, August 28 and members of the delegation will attend the Central States Caucus on Wednesday, August 30.
The new National Commander for The American Legion and the five National Vice Commanders will be elected on Thursday, August 31.
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Enclosed with this Up To Now for Post Commanders is a letter from Donn Grandpre, Chairman of the Department Employment Committee explaining the Employer of the Year for Hiring Older Workers. Also enclosed is a nomination form for submitting the name of a local business from the local community for this award.
Nominations should be mailed to reach Chairman Grandpre by Friday, September 29, 2006. The Employment Committee will select one employer to be the recipient of this award. The selection will be announced in October and the award will be presented at the State Convention in June 2007 in Spearfish.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
2007 membership stands at 14,342, or 55.11 percent of the Departments 2007 membership goal.