January 2, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Commander Kretzer shared that Post 287 received the Americanism Citation for outstanding service to the community for the year 2000-2001. --- Post 287 has received the 2001 National Convention flagpole band from the convention held in San Antonio. Legionnaire Stubblefield will install the band on the flagpole plaque. ***
January 16, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Commander Kretzer thanked Barb & Bob Dunn, Bob Van Hoozer, Mike Feurt, Stan Stubblefield and Terry Beasley for helping with the Oratorical Contest on Sunday, Jan 13th. --- There will be an Andrew County Hero Award Ceremony on February 11th. The Sheriff’s Department, Savannah Police Department, Savannah Fire Department, and the Savannah, Rosendale, Fillmore, and Helena Rural Fire Departments will be presented the Andrew County Hero Award. ***
February 6, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Adjutant Brosi stated there will be 9 WWII awards presented at the Feb 11th Andrew County Hero Award Ceremony ***
February 20, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- A letter from Auxiliary President Barbara Dunn invited all Legion members to the Legion Birthday Dinner on March 11th. --- The 4th District meeting will be at Post 287 on March 10th. The Auxiliary will provide the meal. ***
March 6, 2002 (Legionnaire Bob Dunn & Adjutant Norm Brosi) --- Legionnaire Mannuel Paxton made a motion to donate a bicycle for the museum to use as a fundraiser. Legionnaire Mike Feurt made a motion to donate a bicycle for the Andrew County Fair. Both motions passed. Legionnaire Paxton will buy 3 bicycles from Bowe Hardware. --- Legionnaire John McLarney stated Brett Metsgar was in the Stars & Stripes column in the Saint Joseph News Press. Brett was sponsored by Post 287 to attend Boys State, and is now at the West Point Academy. ***
March 20, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Legionnaire Brian Stackhouse stated the Army National Guard Brigadier General Pierce from Maryville will speak at this years’ Memorial Day Service. --- Adjutant Brosi reported Post 287 has reached “Over-the-Top” status for this year’s membership. ***
April 24, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Finance Officer Terry Beasley reported the annual Memorial Park payment of $20,516 was received and deposited. ***
May 1, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Legionnaire Jim Whitfield, Western Area Coordinator for the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program gave a talk about the Military Funeral Honors Program. ***
May 15, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- A nomination committee was formed to make the slate of 2003 Officers. Committee members included: Bob Dunn, John McLarney, Mannuel Paxton, Stan Stubblefield, and Craig Curnutt. --- Commander Kretzer gave a report on Billy Doyle Smith who was killed in action during the Korean Conflict, and awarded the Navy Cross. The information was given to the post by Jim Jarrett whose wife was Billy Smith’s first cousin. Billy Smith was a Navy Corpsman and died while attending to wounded Marines during a heavy mortar attack. ***
June 19, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Mike Ramsel gave the Post a check for $10,000.00, which was the final payment on the sale of the old building. Nomination Committee slate of 2003 Officers: Commander Billy Kretzer, 1st Vice Commander Norman Brosi, 2nd Vice Commander Phil Vogler, Adjutant Terry Beasley, Finance Officer John B. Miller, Sergeant-at-Arms Steve Hampton, Historian Bob Dunn, and Chaplain Craig Curnutt. Executive Committee: John McLarney, Edner Rudolph, Mannuel Paxton, and Stan Stubblefield ***
July 3, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Joe Jameson received the Jubilee of Liberty Medal for his participation in the D-Day Invasion. Suggestions were made on when to do the presentation to Joe. ***
July 17, 2002 (Commander Billy Kretzer and Adj. Norm Brosi) --- Legionnaire John McLarney reported the Savannah Lions Club was displaying their 150 American Flags on September11, 2002 in remembrance of “9/11.” The members made plans to put out our flags as well around the Courthouse and Cemetery. --- Commander Kretzer relayed a letter from National Commander Richard J. Santos that September 11th has been designated as “Patriot Day” and American Legion Posts are recommended to coordinate a “9/11” commemoration at noon in concert with City/County functions in relation to this event…The Andrew County Cares Committee and Sister Mi Sheri at the Christian Church has started to work on this project. All churches in the area are planning to sound their bells in remembrance of the 3,014 people killed. The bells will chime at planned times starting at 8:00 a.m. and the City siren will sound at noon to start the Prayer Day at the Savannah Courthouse Square. --- Glen Wells donated $100.00 to go towards the Flanders Field Memorial Sidewalk fund. Commander Kretzer later added that the money would be used for the Memorial to Billy Doyle Smith. Mr. Wells also donated 5 miniature medals to be incorporated with the Billy Doyle Smith display. ***
