AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

Meeting Minutes

13 Feb 2024

Opening

The regular meeting of theAMERICAN LEGION POST 1919was called to order at1900 hrs. on13 Feb 2024by Commander Michael Harris.

ROLL CALL:

Commander              Michael Harris – Present     

1^st Vice                     Gary Totty – Present

2^nd Vice                    Michael Roderick – Present 

Chaplain                   Scott Emmett- Excused

Sgt At Arms              Ted MacDonald – Excused  

Adjutant                   Terry Smiley – Present

Finance Officer         Doree Boger – Present

E-Board:                   Joe Vidales – Present

                                 Steve Milbourn – Excused

 

17 Members in Attendance

Welcome guests:

                                 None

 

Approval of Minutes

Previous meeting minutes were distributed to attendees.

Motion to approve by Garry Totty, Second by GK Puckett.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Committee Reports

Finance Committee – Doree Boger

• January Finance Report 2024
  • Deposit           $610.00
  • Bills-checks             -1778.21
  • Membership           -315.00
  • Purchase           0
  • Christmas 00
• Balance as of Jan 31, 2024 $11,183.35

Motion to accept report by Michael Roderick, Second by Garry Totty.

The financial report for January was unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Membership Committee

Dave Everett

92% of Goal

15 new members need to reach 100%.

Dues increase was approved to $45 at Winter Conference.  We need to increase our dues to $55.  Will be a vote next month (March) to increase or keep the same. The 10-year option is still available.  However, it will go from $350 to $400 for 2025.  This is still your best option.

 

IT Committee

Dexter Albright

No report.

 

Sick Call and Relief

Keep in Prayers:

Bobby Jennett

Steve Milburn wife.

Ralph Schuster – Parkinson’s

Post Everlasting

• Funeral for Past Department Commander, Jim Mays, wife - Marcia

 

Unfinished Business

• No Report

 

Boys State Committee

• Programs has started.
• Open to 11^th grade boys.
• Auxiliary has programs for Girls.

 

New Business

E-Board

 

Committee to Update By-laws

• Three or more people needed.
  • Doree Boger has volunteered.
• Need to update to add Sons of American Legion.
• Two to three meetings, two hours each.
• Then present to membership for vote.
• Need to finalize by April.

 

Son of American Legion

• Chapter charter has been sent to District and Department and has been approved.
• Sent to National for approval.
• Meeting will be Fourth Thursday beginning February 22, 2024, 1900 hours.
• Come out and support them.

 

Good of the Legion

• District Meeting
  • 17 Feb 2024 Spencer, IN.
  • 1100 Lunch, $10.00.
  • 1300 Four Chaplains ceremony.
  • 1400 Meeting, $1.00.
• Traveling Vietnam Wall
  • Morgan County Fairgrounds, 15-18 Aug 2024.
  • Needing volunteers.
  • Asking for donations.
  • See Dave Everett for questions or to volunteer.
• Fund Raising
  • Collect for Christmas fund.
  • Early to late Spring yard sale.
    • $20 a spot.
    • They keep everything they bring in.
  • Raffle(s)
  • Any ideas, please let one of the officers know.
• Franklin Train Show
  • August 2024
  • Mike Roderick will be putting a list together for volunteers.
• National Commander is at Shelbyville, Indiana.
• American Legion Family event.
  • To celebrate the American Legion Family; AL, SAL, Riders.
  • Last Saturday in April.
  • Will be a pitch-in.
  • AL to provide ‘Drink tickets’.
• Carry the Load
  • Built around May.
    • Indianapolis will be 18 May 2024.
      • Two mile walk to raise support / raise money and awareness.
    • For more information, ask Dave Everett

Virtues

• Scott Emmett and Phil Martinez
  • The Four Chaplains
    • For more information, please see
      • https://fourchaplains.org/

Pass the Hat and 50/50

• Pass the hat raised $30.00
• 50/50 Not Held

 

Closing ceremonies performed.

Meeting was adjourned at 1948 hrs. by Commander Michael Harris.

The next general meeting will be held at 1700 hrs. on 12 MAR 2024.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

Meeting Minutes

09 Jan 2024

 

 

Opening

The regular meeting of the AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919was called to order at 1905 hrs on 09 Jan 2024by Commander Michael Harris.

ROLL CALL:

 

Commander              Michael Harris – Present     

1^st Vice                     Gary Totty – Present

2^nd Vice                    Michael Roderick – Present 

Chaplain                   Scott Emmett- Excused

Sgt At Arms              Ted MacDonald – Present    

Adjutant                   Terry Smiley – Present

Finance Officer         Doree Boger - Present

E-Board:                   Joe Vidales – Present

                                 Steve Milbourn – Excused

                                

 

12 Members in attendance.

 

Welcome guests:

                                 Dirk Titus

                                

Approval of Minutes

Previous meeting minutes were distributed to attendees.

Motion to approve by Doree Boger, Second by John Campbell.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Committee Reports

Finance Committee - Doree Boger

• December Finance Report 2023
  • Deposit           $1,844.00
  • Bills-checks             -31.50
  • Membership           -245.00
  • Purchases (Gift Cards) -2,034.75
  • Christmas Fund $0.00
  • Bank Statement Total $11,400.26

 

Motion to accept report by Gary Totty, Second by Michael Roderick.

The financial report for December was unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Membership Committee

Dave Everett

90.5% of Goal

18 new members needed to reach the 100%.

The 10 Year option is still available for $350.00.  Dues will increase next year.  There will be a vote to discontinue the 10 Year or increase option.

 

IT Committee

Dexter Albright

No report.

 

Sick Call and Relief

Keep in Prayers:

Bobby Jennett – feeling better, hoping to go home soon.

Larry Olds – wife sick.

Larry Dent – wife is feeling better.

Steve Milburn – wife sick.

Scott Emmett – ill.

Post Everlasting

• David A. Garette, from Post 252 passed December 28, 2023.

 

Unfinished Business

• No Report

 

Boys State Committee

Homeless Veterans Committee

John “Tiny” Campbell

Asking for someone to take Business Award Chair as he is Homeless Veterans Committee Chair and sometimes both committees hold sessions at the same time.  Would anyone like to take on this role?

 

New Business

E-Board

No Report.

 

Committee to Update By-laws

• Need to update to add Sons of American Legion.
• Commander, Mike Harris, to send email requesting interest to be on committee.
• Two to Three meetings to update.
• Then present to membership.
• Plan to finalize by March/April 2024.

 

Sons of American Legion

• We need a Liaison for SAL, preferably be a Dual Member to give monthly report.
• Possible Tuesday evening meetings.
• To begin, has been suggested to have the SAL meeting coincide with AL meeting so they can see how it is structured.
• $20 cost for SAL membership.
• Need to fill out information for charter.
  • If anyone would like to be a charter member, contact Dave Everett.
• As long as someone in your ancestry line, (parent, grandparent or great-grandparent) you are eligible to be an SAL. Only distinction is they would have to have served WWI and after.
• Do not need DD-214
• Unsure if Step-parent/child is valid. Dave to inquire.

Good of the Legion

District Meeting

• January 20, 2024 in Martinsville.
  • Meeting begins at 2:00.
    • $1.00 to get in to the meeting.
  • Lunch begins at 11:00.
    • $10 cost.
  • Mid-Winter Conference
    • January 12-14
    • Delegates
      • Mike Harris, John Campbell, Terry Smiley
    • Indianapolis Marriot East at 21^st Street and Shadeland Avenue.
      • Emergency vote
        • To increase member dues.
        • To continue with 10-year membership.
        • Remove Hoosier Legionnaire.
      • Legislative Day at the State House
        • January 16, 2024, 0900 – 1300
        • Vendor tables
        • Meet fellow Veterans
        • Free food.
      • Traveling Vietnam Wall
        • Morgan County Fairgrounds August 15-18, 2024
        • Need volunteers
        • Asking for donations
      • We were able to help five (5) families this past holiday season.
        • Food from Grace Assembly.
        • $400 gift card for each family.
        • We need to work toward next year.
          • Possibly adding another family.
          • Try to have company donations.
          • Have some type event to get community involvement.
        • Families were very grateful for the donations.
      • Boys State
        • Programs have started.
        • Open to 11^th grade boys
      • Train Shows
        • Record number of Boy Scout volunteers and still looking for volunteers for next year’s show.

 

Virtues

• Scott Emmet and Phil Martinez
  • No Report.

 

Legionnaire Spotlight

• Doree Boger
  • While stations as a MP at Fort Harrison, Doree was on patrol around the water tower at 2300 hours. She hears someone yell, looks up and spots a man on the water tower getting ready to jump. She started talking to the guy almost had him come down.  Then he says “F… that!” Then jumps.  A body hits the pavement, Doree turns ghost white then passed out.  She was awakening up by a supervisor telling her it was all just a training exercise. She passed.

 

• If interested in sharing, please contact Commander Michael Harris before the meeting.

 

Pass the Hat and 50/50.

• Pass the hat raised $37.00.
• 50/50 Not Held.

 

Closing ceremonies performed.

Meeting was adjourned at 2000 hrs by Commander Michael Harris.

The next general meeting will be held at 1900 hrs on 13 FEB 2024.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

Meeting Minutes

12 Dec 2023

 

Opening

The regular meeting of theAMERICAN LEGION POST 1919was called to order at1900 hrs.on12 Dec 2023by Commander Michael Harris.

ROLL CALL:

 

Commander              Michael Harris – Present     

1^st Vice                     Gary Totty – Present

2^nd Vice                    Michael Roderick – Present 

Chaplain                   Scott Emmett- Present

Sgt At Arms              Ted MacDonald – Present    

Adjutant                   Terry Smiley – Present

Finance Officer         Doree Boger - Excused        

E-Board:                   Joe Vidales – Present

                                 Steve Milbourn – Excused

                                

 

24 Members in attendance.

 

Welcome guests:

                                 Dennis Richards

                                 Dick Titus

                                 Ed Wickham

                                 Steve Kinnee

 

Approval of Minutes

Previous meeting minutes were read by Commander Michael Harris to attendees.

Motion to approve by John Campbell, Second by Phil Martinez

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Committee Reports

Finance Committee - Doree Boger

• November Finance Report 2023
  • Deposit           $2353.76
  • Bills-checks             -31.50 (Oct water bill from VFW)
  • Membership           -420.00
  • Christmas Fund $1,157.30   
  • Bank Statement Total $13,096.81
    • Life member of $1200 needs to be written. Actual total is $11,896.81.

 

Motion to accept report by Gary Totty, Second by Michael Roderick.

The financial report for November was unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Membership Committee

Dave Everett

80.35% of Goal

37 new members needed to reach the 100%.

The 10 Year option is still available for $350.00.  Dues will increase next year.  There will be a vote to discontinue the 10 Year or increase option.

 

IT Committee

Dexter Albright

No report.

 

Sick Call and Relief

Keep in Prayers:

Bobby Jennett – feeling better, hoping to go home soon.

Larry Olds – wife sick.

Larry Dent – wife has Covid.

Post Everlasting

• Nothing to report

 

 

 

 

Unfinished Business

• Funeral Arrangements
  • Commander, Michael Harris
    • Preplanning
      • Expenses have increased significantly over the las 30 plus years
      • Legion
        • Family will take the paperwork (DD214) to the funeral home.
        • They will file
        • Will have an Honor Guard
        • They will handle most of the arrangements
        • More information to come/to be available later

 

Boys State Committee

Homeless Veterans Committee

John “Tiny” Campbell

Nothing to report

 

New Business

E-Board

Wants to ‘round up’ the funds for food pantry boxes to $2000 total.

Motion to proceed with the round up by Michael Roderick. Second, Gary Totty.

Motion carried.

 

Suggested using the Christmas Fund.  Families have been selected.

Motion by Gary Totty to use the funds as such.  Second, Jeff Emerson.  Motion carried.

 

Dave Everett brought a motion to charter a Sons of American Legion Squadron.

John Campbell second.  Motion carried.

John mentioned the purpose of the SAL is to honor those who served.

 

 

 

Good of the Legion

District Meeting

• January 20, 2024 in Martinsville.
  • Meeting begins at 2:00
    • $1.00 to get in to the meeting.
  • Lunch begins at 11:00
    • $10 cost
  • Mid-Winter Conference
    • January 12-14
    • Indianapolis Marriot East at 21^st Street and Shadeland Avenue
      • Emergency vote
        • To increase member dues
        • To continue with 10-year membership
        • Remove Hoosier Legionnaire

Train Shows

• Michael Roderick distributed certificates to volunteers.

 

Virtues

• Scott Emmet and Phil Martinez
  • Compassion
    • A caring response to someone else’s distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
    • There are Hundreds of examples of compassion in history. You would most likely agree that THE standard for ALL virtues is none other than Jesus Christ. You can see that for yourself in scripture.
      • There are hundreds of examples in our nation’s history.
        • George Washington – Our first President
        • Abraham Lincoln – Our 16^th President
        • Clara Barton – The founder of the Red Cross
        • Benjamin Franklin – One of our founding fathers.
        • The Four Champlains

 

 

 

Legionnaire Spotlight

• Mike Harris
  • While in Cuba doing Sonar Sub Chasing ‘REFTRA’ (Refresher Training), they received a ping on the sonar, spotted a submarine. A Mark86 (dummy) torpedo was fired from the portside at said sub. Then the ship started turning to the portside.  Someone realized the torpedo was chasing them. They called the Com to inform they were being tracked by a torpedo, their torpedo.  The torpedo scored a direct hit in the fan tail of their ship.  So we now know our Navy can actually hit a target, their own ship.  Go Navy! 

 

• If interested in sharing, please contact Commander Michael Harris before the meeting.

 

Pass the Hat and 50/50.

• Pass the hat raised $41.00
• 50/50 Not Held

 

Closing ceremonies performed.

Meeting was adjourned at 2000 hrs by Commander Michael Harris.

The next general meeting will be held at 1900 hrs on 09 JAN 2024.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1919

Meeting Minutes

14 Nov 2023

 

Opening

The regular meeting of theAMERICAN LEGION POST 1919was called to order at1907 hrs.on14 Nov 2023by Commander Michael Harris.

ROLL CALL:

 

Commander              Michael Harris – Present     

1^st Vice                     Gary Toddy – Present

2^nd Vice                    Michael Roderick – Present 

Chaplain                   Scott Emmett- Excused

Sgt At Arms              Ted MacDonald – Present    

Adjutant                   Terry Smiley – Present

Finance Officer         Doree Boger - Present

E-Board:                   Joe Vidales – Present

                                 Steve Milbourn – Excused

                                

 

Welcome guests:

 

Approval of Minutes

Previous meeting minutes were distributed to attendees.

Motion to approve by Michael Roderick, Second by Jeff

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Committee Reports

Finance Committee - Doree Boger

• Oct 2023
  • Deposit           $1167.00
  • Bills-checks             -1918.74
  • Membership           -175.00
  • Purchase -217.77
    • Check Duplicate & Deposit Slips
  • Christmas $1,116.30   
• Balance as of Oct 31, 2023 $12,757.31
  • Less Christmas $11,641.01

Motion to accept report by Dave Everett, Second by Gary Toddy.

The financial report for October were unanimously approved as distributed.

Motion Carried.

 

Membership Committee

Dave Everett

73.15% of Goal

The 10 Year option is still available for $350.00.  If regular payment has been made this year, the amount will go toward the 10 year fee.  Dues will increase next year.  There will be a vote to discontinue the 10 Year or increase option.

 

IT Committee

Dexter Albright

No report.

 

Sick Call and Relief

Keep in Prayers:

Bobby Jennett – starting to turn for the worse.

Post Everlasting

• George E Massey – passed September 2022
• Widow of Pearl Harbor Veteran has passed
• If you know of a Veteran that has passed
  • Have the family take the DD214 to the funeral home. The home will coordinate to have an Honor Guard present at grave site.
• Can set up the burial process beforehand with the funeral home/cemetery.
  • Commander, Michael Harris, will bring more information next meeting or a later date.

 

Unfinished Business

Boys State Committee

Homeless Veterans Committee

John “Tiny” Campbell

Indiana Veterans Homes

• Bingo Night/Day was a success.
• Post 1919 Auxiliary to put together 30 backpacks for homeless veterans
• Therapy Dogs and Peterman Brothers will be in for Employers of Veterans award.

 

New Business

E-Board

 

Dave Everett asked for interest to purchase a banner with the AL Preamble to post during meetings and ‘loan’ out for district meetings.

Motion to have up to $300 earmarked for banner by Dave Everett, Second by Randy Bowman. 

Motion carried.

Hoosier Legionaire

• No longer printed/mailed
• If need a copy, see Dave Everett

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

• To be in Martinsville in 2024
  • More information to come

 

Good of the Legion

District Meeting

• January 2024

Sons of American Legion

• E-Board has approved Son of American Legion for Post 1919
• Informational meeting, Thursday, November 16, 2023, 1900 hours.
• Membership to vote next meeting, December 12, 2023
• 20 plus interested to be on charter

Commander Michael Harris stated Wilhelm Construction will make a donation to Post 1919 to be ‘earmarked’ help with the Christmas fund

Train Shows

• Michael Roderick stated new flyers for shows are ready

Phil Martinez, for Scott Emmett

• Suggested members share a story within their time of serving to help understand and know one another and to help know / remember names of members. Will call it Legionnaire Spotlight
  • Phil elected to be the first to share.
    • During MEPS physical, the doctor wanted to disqualify Phil because of poor eyesight in one eye. He pleaded with the doc to let him join as his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had served.  He desperately wanted to continue the tradition. The doc reluctantly agreed.  In basic, Phil was once again having a physical.  When the eye exam came about, he was asked to cover one eye and read the eye test.  He did with no issue.  The doc then said cover the other eye and read.  Phil couldn’t see it.  The doc said stand closer. Phil took a step closer and still couldn’t see it.  The doc said stand closer.  This went on until Phil was literally nose to paper of the eye test and he read the test perfectly.  The doc stated “Pass!”.
    • So, we learned that Phil is blind and it is a miracle our Navy can actually hit a target. 😊
  • If interested in sharing, please contact Commander Michael Harris before the meeting.

 

Pass the Hat and 50/50.

• Pass the hat raised $41.00
• 50/50 Not Held

 

Closing ceremonies performed.

Meeting was adjourned at 2000 hrs by Commander Michael Harris.

The next general meeting will be held at 1900 hrs on 12 DEC 2023.