· Regular Meeting October 2, 2019
o Commander Rusty Chester called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Barb Ebersole 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 13 members present…
o Committee Reports:
§ 2020 Legion Membership Committee (Mark Hummer) = 168 (54%).
§ Auxiliary (Barb Ebersole): Veterans Day Dinner will be November 11th at 6 p.m. Auxiliary will provide the meat dishes. All others are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert.
o Sick Call: Kenneth Diggs, Gene Davis, Stan Stubblefield, and Beverly Adkins (Auxiliary)
o Unfinished Business:
§ Eagle Scout Ceremony for Paul (PJ) Menard, SAL member. Date will either be November 12th or 19th. More details when they become available.
§ The Andrew County Senior Center plans continue on putting up a new flag pole. The Senior Center will have a flag and flag pole dedication event during their annual Veterans Day Ceremony/Lunch on 14 November. Post 287 will provide an Honor Guard.
o For the Good of The American Legion:
§ October 5th- Post 287 is invited to attend the 100th Anniversary of The American Legion Recognition at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg. Activities start at 9 a.m.
§ October 12th is the next monthly Legion Family Breakfast from 7 – 9 a.m. and will also be the day for the funeral of a Vietnam Veteran at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. This veteran was in the U.S. Navy as a minesweeper. He along with 8 others were captured and interned as POWs. At the end of the war, this veteran was the sole survivor of the group of nine. Post 287 will help provide Military Funeral Honors.
§ Post 287 has been invited to perform the Flag Folding Ceremony (Madison Rising version) at Horace Mann School, during their annual Veterans Day Assembly. The school is located on the Northwest Missouri University campus in Maryville. Date and time- TBA.
o Commander Chester adjourned the meeting at 1930 hours. Chaplain Ebersole gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be October 16th, 1900 hours.
· Regular Meeting October 16, 2019
o Commander Rusty Chester called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Barb Ebersole 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 Guests/Prospective New Members Present: Larry Linville, Jr., U.S. Army retired, Nurse Corps. New Member, lives in Union Star
o Committee Reports:
§ Finance Report presented by Timmy Williams
§ 2020 Legion Membership Committee (Mark Hummer) = 178 (57%).
§ Auxiliary (Barb Ebersole):
· Past President and long-time member Marilyn Paxton has passed away.
· Veterans Day Dinner will be November 11th, the time has been changed to 5 p.m.
· Beverly Adkins continues to do really well from her cardiac surgery.
· Auxiliary membership is currently over 50% for 2020.
§ Sons of the American Legion (Mark Brock):
· Squadron Commander Brock and Squadron Adjutant Beasley traveled to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg for their celebration of The American Legion’s 100th Anniversary. The Legionnaires were well received and it was an honor to visit there.
· The Squadron has donated to the School Supplies program.
· Squadron 464 of Conception Junction will be doing a Veterans Day of Honor Ceremony at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron.
· SAL Squadron membership = 41 (74%)
§ American Legion Riders (Vern Tobey):
· Thirteen Legion Riders traveled to the Smithville Lake area to give Mike West a motorcycle ride around the lake. Mike West is a United States Marine Corp veteran under hospice care. Although Mr. West’s health did not allow him to complete the ride around the lake as planned, the outing and partial motorcycle ride proved priceless by Mr. West and his family. Mr. West passed away on Friday, October 11th.
· Chapter 287 Riders will be going to the Harley Davidson Military Appreciation Day in Saint Joseph on November 9th.
· The Riders are having a Turkey Dinner fundraiser on December 11th from 5-7 p.m.
· Director Tobey will attend the Department Fall Conference this weekend in Jefferson City. The Chapter is up for a special annual award.
§ Veteran Service Advisor/Post Service Officers (VSA/PSO) (Vern & Sharon Tobey):
· September- Hours = 11, Mileage = 450, and people assisted = 11
· October (to date)- Hours = 10.5, Mileage = 65, and people assisted = 11
· Sharon and Vern Tobey will be at the Harley Davidson Military Appreciation Day and available to assist anyone with Veterans issues or inquiries.
· The VSA/PSO is there for you to mitigate between the Veterans Administration and yourself. Let us help you.
o Sick Call: Kenneth Diggs and Stan Stubblefield
o Post Everlasting: Gene Davis (46 years of continuous membership), and Marilyn Paxton (Auxiliary)
o Unfinished Business:
§ Eagle Scout Ceremony: Court of Honor for Josh Hummer will be 12 November, at 6:30 p.m. at the Post. Paul (PJ) Menard, SAL member. Date to be determined.
§ The Andrew County Senior Center New Flag Pole and Flag- the cement foundation base has been poured. The Senior Center does have a new flag. The dedication will be on 14 November.
§ There have been multiple Veterans Day Ceremony requests. We will try to finalize plans and teams at the next meeting.
o For the Good of The American Legion:
§ Marvin Harper (Department Chaplain, Post 102 member and Squad 287 member) will have open heart surgery on Tuesday, 22 October.
§ Commander Chester congratulated Legionnaire Steven Gabrault on a recent hunting trip. Legionnaire Gabrault bagged an antelope from 200 yards with a 25-caliber rifle.
§ Thank You card & donation from Cathy & David Landers in memory of Sonny Todd.
o Commander Chester adjourned the meeting at 1930 hours. Chaplain Ebersole gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be November 6th, at 1900 hours.
· Regular Meeting November 6, 2019
o Commander Rusty Chester called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Barb Ebersole gave the opening prayer…The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 15 members present…
o Guests/Prospective New Members Present: Gerald S. DePastino, transfer from Post 359
o Committee Reports:
§ 2020 Legion Membership Committee (Mark Hummer) = 195 (62%).
§ Auxiliary (Barb Ebersole): reminded everyone was invited to the Veterans Day Dinner on Monday, November 11th at 5 p.m. Bring a covered dish.
§ Sons of the American Legion (Mark Brock): membership at 46 (100%)!
§ American Legion Riders (Vern Tobey): there will be some riders attending the Military Appreciation Day at Harley Davidson in Saint Joseph on Saturday, 9 November from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
§ Veteran Service Advisor/Post Service Officers (VSA/PSO) (Vern & Sharon Tobey): Sharon and Vern were invited guests of KCP&L in Saint Joseph. They discussed what it was like to be a veteran, to be a combat veteran, and to be a woman veteran. The talk was well received. They also answered some questions as VSA’s.
o Sick Call: Kenneth Diggs and Stan Stubblefield
o Un-finished Business:
§ Eagle Scout Ceremonies at the Post: There will be an Eagle Scout ceremony on Sunday, 10 November. Commander Chester will be there to present a medal. Josh Hummer will receive his Eagle Scout on Tuesday, 12 November, at 6:30 p.m. Eagle Scout ceremony for Paul (PJ) Menard, SAL member. Date to be determined.
§ Veterans Day Events/Assemblies:
· Thursday, 7 November: LaVerna Village – starts 2 p.m. Flag Folding & Post Colors. Volunteers: Rusty, Terry, Dave, Billy & Barb.
· Friday, 8 November: Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center (100 South 10th Street, Saint Joseph) Veteran’s Legacy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Starts at 10 a.m. Provide an opening ceremony Honor Guard. Volunteers: Rusty, Terry, Vern, Barb & Billy.
· Saturday, 9 November: Legion Family Monthly Breakfast (7-9 a.m.). Harley Davidson Military Appreciation Day (Saint Joseph) Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the Legion Riders are planning on getting there at 11 a.m. or after. Volunteers: Sharon, Vern, Terry, & Rusty.
· Sunday, 10 November: Eagle Scout Ceremony (Rusty)
· Monday, 11 November:
o Flags around Courthouse Square (after Middle School assembly)
o Savannah Middle School (Team Leader Terry Beasley) – starts at 8 a.m. Meet at the school at 07:30 a.m. Volunteers: Don Dillman, Randy Major, Dave Hehn, Vern Tobey, Mark Hummer
o Helena Elementary (Team Leader Billy Kretzer) – starts at 8:30 a.m. Meet at Gas Station at 7 a.m. or in Helena at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers: Brett Spitzer, Mark Brock, Rusty Chester, & George Birdsong
o Union Star School (Team Leader Billy Kretzer) those doing the Helena assembly will go to Union Star afterwards. Volunteers: Mark Brock, Rusty Chester, & George.
o Savannah Senior High School (Team Leader Terry Beasley) – starts at 10:40 a.m. Volunteers: Don Dillman, Randy Major, Dave Hehn, Vern Tobey, Mark Hummer
o Amazonia Elementary School – 1:30 p.m. Volunteers: Vern Tobey and Terry Beasley
o Veterans Day Dinner (members & public welcomed) – starts at 5 p.m. Suggested to bring a covered dish. Auxiliary will provide the meat dishes.
· Tuesday, 12 November: Military Funeral at Mount Olivet. Current volunteers include: Barb, Norm, Rusty, Billy, Jim, Mike W., & Terry.
· Thursday, 14 November: Andrew County Senior Center: be there at 10:45 a.m. Program starts at 11:00 a.m. Flag/Flag Pole Dedication at first, then move inside for the Veteran’s Day Ceremonies and lunch. Volunteers: Barb, Tim, Jim, Dave, Billy, Ken, Vern, and Terry
· We will discuss all the Veteran’s Day events at the next Legion meeting on Wednesday, November 6th at 7 p.m. We will need several volunteers.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
§ Billy Kretzer received $520 for the Post and $100 for the Legion Riders in memoriam of Gene Davis.
§ Commander Chester shared an encounter he had with a fellow Legionnaire in Glendale, Arizona. As each Legion member described the activities of their Post. The Glendale Legionnaire was awed at the many things the Post 287 Legion Family accomplishes.
o Commander Chester adjourned the meeting at 1945 hours. Chaplain Ebersole gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be November 20th, at 1900 hours.
· Regular Meeting November 20, 2019
o Adjutant Terry Beasley called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Barb Ebersole gave the opening prayer…The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 14 members present…
o Committee Reports:
§ Finance Report presented by Timmy Williams
§ 2020 Legion Membership Committee (Mark Hummer, absent) = 197 (63%).
§ Sons of the American Legion (Mark Brock & Mike Walter present): membership at 47 (101%)!
§ American Legion Riders (Vern Tobey):
· The 2020 Missouri Legacy Scholarship Ride will be June 24-29th. The route will have a star appearance in honor of “Gold Star” families, and cover over 1,000 miles. Everyone was welcomed to sign-up to ride.
· The American Legion Rider of the Year will be voted on next month.
· The Riders are giving a $50 apiece in gifts to two local veterans in need.
· The family of Gene Davis in memoriam donated $100 to the American Legion Riders.
· The next ride event in “cages” is scheduled for December 4th to the Rib Crib.
§ Veteran Service Advisor/Post Service Officers (VSA/PSO) (Vern & Sharon Tobey): October and mid-November ongoing statistics reported. October = 27 hours, 291 miles and 22 veterans assisted. November to date = 34 hours, 195 miles, and 96 veterans assisted.
o Sick Call: Kenneth Diggs and Stan Stubblefield
o Post Everlasting: George Hayward, family wrote a letter, stating he had passed away last April.
o New Business: Legionnaire Ebersole stated the Next Big Thing car giveaway to a veteran in need will be December 20th. A motion and seconded to make the annual $50 donation to cover the vehicle registration cost. Legionnaires Tobey and DePastino reminded the membership, any veteran who is receiving VA Disability can get their annual vehicle license registration in Missouri at no-cost. The person must apply for this benefit.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
§ Legionnaire Rudolph stated he received a “thanks” for the Post 287 Ceremony from many people who attended the Flag Pole Dedication at the Andrew County Senior Center.
§ Loree Magers will attend the December 4th meeting to provide a briefing on the Andrew County Health Assessment Coalition.
§ Thank You letter from Union Star K-12 Principal
o Adjutant Beasley adjourned the meeting at 1925 hours. Chaplain Ebersole gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be December 4th, at 1900 hours.
· Regular Meeting December 4, 2019
o Commander Rusty Chester called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Barb Ebersole 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 17 members present…
o Guests/Prospective New Members Present: Marvin Harper, Department Chaplain; and Loree Magers, Andrew County Health and Safety Coalition
o Guest Speaker:
§ Loree Magers- briefed the membership on the Andrew County Health and Safety Coalition. The organization has 501 3 (c) IRS status. The idea for a coalition developed at the Andrew County Health Department. They meet monthly. Goal = working together to promote Population Health and Community Safety. Recruiting anyone interested in the health and safety issues of Andrew County. Over 600 citizens have been surveyed. Major concerns are: alcohol use, tobacco use, illicit drug use, community safety, and mental health. The coalition is seeking more community input and volunteers. Grants are being sought.
§ Marvin Harper (4th District Oratorical Chairperson):
· The Nodaway County Oratorical Contest will be held, in conjunction with the December 4th District meeting to be held in Burlington Junction, this coming Sunday, December 8th at 1:30 p.m. Post 287 will have several members helping. NOTE: the Zone 2 Oratorical Contest will be held in Smithville on the last Sunday in January and will start at 1:30 p.m.
· Post 102 is turning in their Charter. The building has been sold. Marvin Harper is in the process of transferring his membership to Post 287.
o Sick Call: Kenneth Diggs, Stan Stubblefield, Don Dillman (will be going for surgery soon), Auxiliary & Legion Rider Debbie Williams (will undergo critical medical treatments), and Auxiliary Karen Hehn (recovering from a surgical procedure).
o New Business:
§ The first meeting in January will fall on January 1st. A motion was made to cancel this meeting falling on New Years Day. The motion was seconded. Motion passed.
§ The American Legion National Executive Committee (NEC) has a resolution on amending the Preamble to The American Legion to read: “All Wars,” instead of “the Great Wars.”
o For the Good of the American Legion:
§ Legion Rider Turkey Dinner Fundraiser will be next Wednesday, 11 December from 5 – 7 p.m. Everyone is invited. Public welcomed. Suggested donation is $10.00.
§ Saturday, 7 December the Andrew County Museum is having their Winterfest. The museum would like Post 287 to Post the Colors for their evening event. Billy Kretzer and Mike Walter volunteered. Time = 5:30 p.m.
§ Wednesday, 18 December the Andrew County Museum will have a Veteran’s Luncheon. Lunch starts at noon. RSVP to give them an idea on how many to plan for.
§ Sons of the American Legion will have a Ham-n-Bean Dinner on 28 February from 5-7 p.m. Suggested donation is $8.00.
§ Wolf Pack 60 will hold their next meeting at Post 287, tomorrow night on 5 December at 6:30 p.m. They are asking if Post 287 could do a talk on what The American Legion is, do a tour of the Post facility, and offer some information on Americanism. Volunteers will be: Billy Kretzer, Mark Brock, Steve Crockett, Ken Ballard, and Terry Beasley.
§ Legionnaire Kretzer stated it would be appropriate to inform the Andrew County Health and Safety Coalition on the 40 & 8’s community involvement in providing nursing scholarships.
§ Commander Chester acknowledged everyone’s feelings of support for the challenges ahead for Debbie Williams and her upcoming medical treatments and Don Dillman’s heart surgery.
o Commander Chester adjourned the meeting at 1940 hours. Chaplain Ebersole gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be December 18th, at 1900 hours.
· Regular Meeting December 18, 2019
o Commander Rusty Chester called Post 287 to order at 1900 hours. Chaplain Barb Ebersole gave the opening prayer…The meeting was declared regularly convened. A quorum was established with 14 members present…
o Guests/Prospective New Members Present: Dawn Weston, transfer from Leavenworth Post 23
o Committee Reports:
§ Finance Report presented by Timmy Williams
§ 2020 Legion Membership Committee (Mark Hummer, absent) = 207 (67%).
§ Auxiliary (Barb Ebersole): membership at 90%
§ American Legion Riders (Vern Tobey):
· 2019 Legion Rider of the Year- Timmy Williams
· $800 in gifts was donated to the Leavenworth Gift Shop this year.
· $600 was raised during the Turkey Dinner on December 11th.
· New Year’s Get Together will be 28 December at 1700 hours at Bandana’s
§ Veteran Service Advisor/Post Service Officers (VSA/PSO) (Vern & Sharon Tobey):
· November: Hours = 23, Mileage = 245, and Veterans Served = 58
· December to date: Hours = 9, Mileage = 130, and Veterans Served = 12
· Legionnaire DePastino January to present: Hours = 583, and Mileage = 2,052
· Will soon add VSO information onto the Post 287 webpage
o Sick Call: Kenneth Diggs, Stan Stubblefield, Don Dillman, Auxiliary & Legion Rider Debbie Williams, and Auxiliary Karen Hehn
o New Business: Children’s Santa Workshop Christmas party at the 139th AW at Rosecrans:
§ Mark Hummer briefed the membership on the intent of the event. Different companies and organizations have booths to provide the children with various activities, such as toy making, popcorn, etc.
§ Post 287 could also become involved.
§ Legionnaire Steve Crockett volunteered to take photographs with some sort of “themed background.”
§ The idea generated was to have Sharon & Vern’s motorcycle serving as the photo background. Children could have their picture taken, while sitting in the side car.
§ Legionnaire’s Steve Crockett and Mark Hummer will be the points of contact for this project. They hope to be at next year’s Christmas Party event.
o For the Good of the American Legion:
§ Legionnaire Mark Hummer had the privilege to be on the C-130 mission transporting the Navy SEAL Leap Frogs parachute team from San Diego to Philadelphia as part of the Army-Navy game. Legionnaire Hummer commented how The American Legion was well represented by several National Officers being at the game and in the VIP Press Box.
§ Electoral College comments from Commander Chester: The Electoral College was created to protect the smaller states from domination by the more populated large states, so that all states’ voices would be heard in a presidential election. Not a new idea. Montesquieu, I think, voiced the idea of the tyranny of the majority well before the Constitution was written. Now the country is being torn by an impeachment that grew, some think, from President Trump’s election by a majority of Electoral College votes, but not a majority of popular votes. Others think impeachment grew from his assault on the “Washington Establishment”. Others dislike his style. Others fear he will somehow rig the next election. Some just want to tear down our way of life. All sides, but the last, have their arguments. As we go into the new year it will be particularly important that we remember and live by the Preamble to our American Legion Constitution until the Country calms down.
§ Have a Merry Christmas: Commander Chester thanked everyone for all the hard work making 2019 a successful year. He hopes everyone has the jolly elf bless them with a visit.
o Commander Chester adjourned the meeting at 1935 hours. Chaplain Ebersole gave the closing prayer. The next meeting will be January 15th, at 1900 hours.
