• Regular Meeting March 2, 2016
o Commander Stan Aspey called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Dave Hehn gave the opening prayer. The POW-MIA Resolution 288 was read followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion. The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 16 members present.
o Committee Reports:
Membership: 2016 = 245 (99%)
Sons of the American Legion: SAL Commander Mike Walter
Squadron 287 was recognized as the 2016 SAL Squadron of the Year at the Department/Detachment Spring Conference! Senior Vice Commander Mark Brock attended the conference and accepted the award on behalf of Squadron 287.
Squadron 287 is “Over-the-Top” at 42 members now for 2016.
Senior Vice Commander Mark Brock will be nominated for the Western Zone Detachment Vice Commander position at this summer’s Department/Detachment Convention.
Spring Fish Fry- currently looking at doing the Fry on Saturday, April 23rd from 4-7 p.m.
Squadron 287 in conjunction with Squadrons 464 and 359 continue to research, study and organize for a Flightless Honor Flight program to be presented within the 4th District.
o Residents for Nursing Home Visitation: LaVerna Village- Irvin Sweet, and Shady Lawn- Mr. & Mrs. Keith Stanton
o New Business:
Gun Safety and Shooting Sports: Legionnaire Luke Case
Legionnaire Case briefed the membership on the differences between using the BB guns for the American Legion Shooting Sports competitions versus having educational and competitive programs using real firearms.
Goal to attract younger people to the American Legion Family. Young parents are challenged with multiple time and money commitments that have made it difficult for them to join and participate in our American Legion programs. Why not have a program that would be relevant to today’s youth and their parents?
Other organizations are already ahead of the American Legion with this activity. The other organizations include: National Rifle Association (NRA), Boy Scouts of America, (BSA), and Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). All 3 of these organizations would also be consulted as we set-up our shooting sports and gun safety educational programs. All 3 organizations also offer various resources that could be incorporated into the Post’s programs. The NRA even offers liability insurance options.
Legionnaire Case is also consulting with Post 102 Legionnaire Marvin Harper (4th District Americanism Chairperson) in setting up the program for the 4th District area and beyond.
Legionnaire Case will be working with the schools with the goal of increasing military heritage and presence within the school curriculum.
A future motion for this program is being formulated but not ready for presentation at this time. The ideas and program development are still preliminary with the thought in mind of watching this program grow locally at first and then throughout the American Legion.
o Un-finished Business:
Facebook Membership Campaigning: (Committee Members include: Bobbie Combs, Mike Walter, Mark Brock, and Steve Crockett). Update from SAL Commander Walter:
Established Goals:
Increase membership, especially younger vets who are more involved with social networking.
Increase community awareness of the American Legion Family
Considering a 14-day ad with links to a Post 287 Facebook page
Run the ad every other month. The cost would be $210. This cost would be divided 3 ways between the Post, the Riders, and the Sons making the cost only $70 per year per group.
The SAL has already agreed to do the $70 portion of the annual bill.
The proposal will be presented to the Riders at their next meetings.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to create the needed Facebook Group link page.
An additional motion was made, seconded and approved for the Legion Post to contribute the $70/year for the ads.
The committee will next create the recommended geo & demographic criteria to be used for the ad generation, as well as the first advertising page. This criteria and Facebook page will be presented at the next meeting. The criteria will be designed to “hook-em” and then direct them to the Facebook Group Page link to direct people to our points of contact information.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
70-Year Certificate of Continuous Membership received for: Everett D. Powell and Charles K. Puckett. The certificates will be presented at a later date.
oCommander Aspey adjourned the meeting at 2005 hours. Chaplain Hehn gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be March 16th, at 1900 hours.
• Regular Meeting March 16, 2016
o Commander Stan Aspey called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Dave Hehn gave the opening prayer. The POW-MIA Resolution 288 was read followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion. The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 14 members present.
o Committee Reports:
Membership: 2016 = 247 (100%). Post 287 is “Over-the-Top!”
Finance Report- Tim Williams.
Sons of the American Legion: SAL Senior Vice Commander Mark Brock
Squadron 287membership is at 43, with the addition of 2 new members. Squad 287 is “Over-the-Top!”
Our goal is to advertise on Facebook before the Spring Fish & Chicken Fry in April. The SAL will pay for this first advertising campaign.
Spring Fish Fry- plans are ongoing to make the fresh fish order. The Fish & Chicken Fry will be on Saturday, April 23rd from 4-7 p.m.
American Legion Riders- Director Mike Grimm:
Membership is at 31
The Riders are involved with the Vet-2-Vet planning meeting coming up on May 21st. The event will be from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on that day. The event has changed to the Parkway Christian Church at 3004 Picket Road in Saint Joseph.
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event will be March 29th at 10 a.m. at City Hall in Saint Joseph.
2016 American Legion Rider Unit 287 Rider of the Year is Cecil Raines
o Residents for Nursing Home Visitation: LaVerna Village- Irvin Sweet, and Shady Lawn- Mr. & Mrs. Keith Stanton
o Un-finished Business:
Apple Blossom Parade (May 7th): anyone who would like to join us by riding in the jeep/trailer, or marching alongside are welcomed to attend. Participants are also encouraged to wear their old military uniforms. The National Military Heritage Museum will loan you a military uniform, if you go to the museum ahead of time to try some of them on. The jeep will also be displaying the National Military Heritage Museum banner. Point of Contact: Billy Kretzer
Legacy Scholarship Cemetery Ceremony- plans are ongoing. Lots of volunteers will be needed to fill all the roles. The American Legion Riders are getting some sponsorship help from other Posts within the 4th District. Chapter 287 will have to provide the free-will donation dinner. The expenses for the dinner will be approximately $1,600. After the expenses are paid, any remaining contribution funds will go back towards the American Legion Riders Legacy Scholarship.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
There was a short-notice Flag Folding Ceremony at last night’s Boy Scouts meeting. The ceremony was conducted by Billy Kretzer, Dave Hehn, and Stan Aspey. The presentation went really well! There were 15-20 Scouts in attendance and they gave the Legionnaires a nice reception.
The Auxiliary’s American Legion Birthday Dinner was really great and greatly appreciated.
Andrew County Government Day will be tomorrow at the courthouse.
The First Christian Church made a presentation to donate the military emblems that have been secured on the upper east wall.
o Correspondence:
Boy Scouts of American Charter Certificate
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event, March 29th
o Commander Aspey adjourned the meeting at 1940 hours. Chaplain Hehn gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be April 6th, at 1900 hours.
• Regular Meeting April 6, 2016
o Commander Stan Aspey called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Dave Hehn gave the opening prayer. The POW-MIA Resolution 288 was read followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion. The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 19 members present.
o Guests/Prospective New Members Present:
Ron McDaniels- “Riding for our Veterans”
Lacey Pettit- Benton High School Senior
o Guest Presentations:
Ron McDaniels- Riding for our Veterans organization
Requesting Post 287 to help with obtaining sponsorships and providing volunteers to put on an annual rodeo in the Saint Joseph area. Event proceeds will be shared between the various veteran service organizations and other volunteer groups who help out.
The Riding for our Veterans organization provides assistance to veterans and service members in need. The organization has recently provided $4,000 towards helping a veteran who lives here in Savannah.
Mr. McDaniels is a Vietnam War Veteran. He has 40 years of experience as a rodeo event organizer. He believes so much in the cause of the Riding for Our Veterans he now donates his time and talents in organizing rodeo events for this endeavor.
The rodeo events are becoming more popular as a civic fundraiser. He wants to get one started on an annual basis in Saint Joseph. He hopes either the Frontier River Boat Casino or Old McDonalds Farm will host the event.
Our Squadron and Legion Post could become involved by helping to get paid sponsorships and provide some workforce volunteers. The Squadron and Post could receive up to 10% of the sponsorships obtained.
The Post is invited to help or attend his next scheduled rodeo in Chillicothe on June 24-25th to get an idea of what is involved.
Mr. McDaniels also offered Ms. Pettit and her softball team the chance to work as volunteers. The group could receive $200 per each night for doing the clean-up after the rodeo event.
Mr. McDaniels plans to continue increasing the number of these events in Chillicothe, Saint Joseph, Springfield, as well as regionally and nationally.
Mr. McDaniels asked if Post 287 could Post the Colors at the Civic Arena Rodeo this Friday and Saturday. Friday would be a rehearsal at 4 p.m. and the rodeo starting at 8 p.m. Saturday would be the rodeo at 8 p.m. Volunteers included: Billy Kretzer, Jerry Kretzer, Dave Hehn, Mark Brock (Friday only), and Tim Williams (Saturday only).
Post 287 will consider involvement and helping this organization at a later date.
Post 287 will also contact the local veteran in need of assistance, to see if Post 287 can help with any of the person’s issues and challenges.
Lacey Pettit- Benton High School Senior-
Requesting sponsorship donations and/or help with a fund raising breakfast or dinner so she could attend a National Softball Tournament this summer.
After discussion a motion was made to have a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on June 4th. The suggested donation will be $5.00, plus the extra donation offering can. The motion was seconded and carried.
The group will also consider the volunteer opportunity offered by Riding for our Veterans organization.
o Committee Reports:
Membership: 2016 = 247 (100%). Post 287 is “Over-the-Top!”
Sons of the American Legion: Commander Mike Walter
Commander Walter thanked Post and Squad 287 on behalf of Heaton-Bowman-Smith Funeral Home for the military honors rendered for Milton White earlier today.
Spring Fish & Chicken Fry- will be on Saturday, April 23rd from 4-7 p.m. Catfish, Carp, and even Spoonbill will be offered along with chicken, fries, slaw and dessert.
Senior Vice Commander Mark Brock will be submitted for the SAL Detachment Western Zone Vice Commander position at this year’s Detachment Convention in Kansas City in July.
Senior Vice Commander Brock will be at the newly formed SAL Squadron 33 in Cameron for their official chartering this Tuesday, 11 April. They are starting out with an impressive 23 members.
o Post Everlasting: Irvin Sweet
o Un-finished Business:
Facebook Membership Campaigning: (Committee Members include: Bobbie Combs, Mike Walter, Mark Brock, and Steve Crockett). SAL Commander Mike Walter reported:
The SAL will do a trial advertising campaign on Facebook at an approximate cost of $20.00
The ad will feature both membership opportunities into the Post 287 Legion Family, and highlight the upcoming Spring Fish/Chicken fry on April 23rd.
The committee will develop the geographical demographics and advertising content. The group is looking at targeting from ages 21 - over 65 in a 25-mile radius from Savannah.
Advertising period will be for 14 days.
Memorial Day Event Planning- Legionnaire Brian Stackhouse:
Speaker still being sought.
All other plans remain as in the previous years.
Apple Blossom Parade (May 7th): anyone who would like to join us by riding in the jeep/trailer, or marching alongside are welcomed to attend. Volunteers at present include Stan Aspey, Jerry Kretzer, & Billy Kretzer.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
A funeral detail will be needed to provide honors for Irvin Sweet. The funeral will be April 7th.
Boy Scouts Troop, Cub and Crew 60 thanked Post 287 for providing the flag folding ceremony and flag etiquette tips. They also greatly appreciate the 81 years of continuous chartering sponsorship.
o Commander Aspey adjourned the meeting at 1945 hours. Chaplain Hehn gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be April 20th, at 1900 hours.
• Regular Meeting April 20, 2016
o Commander Stan Aspey called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Dave Hehn gave the opening prayer. The POW-MIA Resolution 288 was read followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the recital of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion. The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 15 members present.
o Guests/Prospective New Members Present: Scott Howell, U.S. Army- (new member & Legion Rider)
o Committee Reports:
Membership: 2016 = 251 (102%). Post 287 is “Over-the-Top!”
Finance Report- Tim Williams: A motion was made and seconded to accept the report as read. Motion carried.
American Legion Riders- Director Mike Grimm:
Membership at 32, gained 2 riders during the last 2 months
There will be a raffle novelty item at the Spring Fish & Chicken Fry. Proceeds will go to the Legacy Scholarship.
Sons of the American Legion: Commander Mike Walter
“Over-the-Top” at 43 members. Goal was 40.
Spring Fish & Chicken Fry- will be on Saturday, April 23rd from 4-7 p.m. Catfish, Carp, and even Spoonbill will be offered along with chicken, fries, slaw and dessert. Need volunteer help from all our branches of the Post 287 Legion Family.
o Sick Call: Dan Hartman
o Un-finished Business:
Apple Blossom Parade (May 7th): Legionnaire Kretzer will confirm with Parade Coordinator and Legion member Ken Rosenauer the Post’s position in the parade. Auxiliary Member Debbie Williams has ordered flags to be given out to veterans along the parade route. Line up by 9 a.m. Parade to start at 0930 hours. Legionnaire Kretzer will leave the Post with the jeep and trailer at 8 a.m. Others can meet at Ryan’s Steakhouse parking lot or at the parade starting point.
Local veteran possibly needing help from the Post. Commander Aspey has reached out to the veteran, but no reply to date.
o New Business:
Andrew County Courthouse Honor Roll- the newest display case is almost completed. $1,300 has been donated towards the completion of the project. The glass alone will be $300. Bill Phillips is helping with the installation, which will be soon. Larry Goforth of Crane’s Construction has donated all of his time towards the building of the frame. Mr. Goforth, Bill Phillips, County Commissioners, and others need to be recognized at a dedication for this incredible edition to the Andrew County Courthouse in honoring our most recent in history and currently serving veterans from Andrew County.
Jeep has a torn top. A new canvas top for the jeep would be approximately $350. A motion was made and seconded to order a new canvas top for the jeep. Motion approved.
Legionnaire Ron Shepherd made a motion to establish a Public Relations Committee as one of the standing committees of the Post. The Committee shall consist of one member from each Legion Family entity. The motion was seconded and approved. Volunteers to represent the different groups include: Ron Shepherd (Legion) the originator of the motion, Mike Walter (SAL), Debbie Williams (Auxiliary), and Tim Williams (Legion Riders).
The Auxiliary will need help again this year with Poppy Sales during May 26-28th.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
Thank You letter received by Legionnaire Edner Rudolph from the Honor Flight K.C. Association, on the help the Post has rendered in the past. The previous coordinator is no longer with the association, but assures us both Honor Flight programs out of the Kansas City area operating in good standing on behalf of our veterans.
o Correspondence: Thank You card from the Irvin Sweet family for the funeral honors provided by Post 287.
o Commander Aspey adjourned the meeting at 1945 hours. Chaplain Hehn gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be May 4th, at 1900 hours.
