Post 8 Pierre, South Dakota
Post 8
Pierre, South Dakota
About This Post
Post Namesake
Pierre - pronounced by locals as "Pier", not the more foo foo P-air as you might expect!
What Makes this Post Unique
Our Pierre Post 8 home is a beautiful log structure built at the foot of downtown Pierre mere steps from the north bank of the Missouri River. A large deck serves as an inviting and relaxing gathering place.
Photos
Brig Gen Griese awarding Medal of Honor Medal
The Exec. Committee for May 2016- May 2017
Demonstrating Flag Etiquette
USS South Dakota Crew Members
Legion Chili Cookoff Winner
Post 8 2016 Christmas party
2017 Pheasant Hunt (the first of two hunts)
2016 Pierre Shooters (BB guns) win National Title
Major Post 8 Cabin floor repair/replacement
Pierre Post 8 Legislative Reception 2016
Viet Nam Era Veterans Association
2015 Legion Riders donating to BACA
HISTORY
1910
Pierre Post 8 - In the Beginning
Jun 11, 1919
The Pierre American Legion Post was formed when a group of local veterans met on June 11, 1919. Elected Officers were: Carl M. Walker, Commander; Will Robinson, Vice Commander; Louverne Ballou, Adjutant; Robert B. Hipple, Historian; and Paul Dewell, Treasurer Pierre's Post took it's first official breath of Legion air during the State Convention held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on July 15-16, 1919. Four intrepid local World War I veterans traveled to Sioux Falls,..
The Pierre American Legion Post was formed when a group of local veterans met on June 11, 1919. Elected Officers were: Carl M. Walker, Commander; Will Robinson, Vice Commander; Louverne Ballou, Adjutant; Robert B. Hipple, Historian; and Paul Dewell, Treasurer Pierre's Post took it's first official breath of Legion air during the State Convention held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on July 15-16, 1919. Four intrepid local World War I veterans traveled to Sioux Falls,..
1920
American Legion Baseball was born in South Dakota
Jun 1, 1925
A Legion wide baseball league was first proposed at the 1925 American Legion state convention in Milbank, SD. Guest speak Major John L. Griffith spoke about the important role athletics plays in the development of youth. The convention agreed and passed a resolution to create an organized summer baseball league. The National Commander James A. Drain backed the resolution which passed that fall at the national convention in Omaha, Nebraska.
A Legion wide baseball league was first proposed at the 1925 American Legion state convention in Milbank, SD. Guest speak Major John L. Griffith spoke about the important role athletics plays in the development of youth. The convention agreed and passed a resolution to create an organized summer baseball league. The National Commander James A. Drain backed the resolution which passed that fall at the national convention in Omaha, Nebraska.
Lindbergh Visits Pierre - Assisted by Legion Members
Sep 1, 1927
An exciting event for Pierre occurred on Thursday at 4pm September 1, 1927. That was when Charles Lindbergh landed his plane in a pasture (now the location of the Pierre Airport) as part of his tour promoting aviation. This was a huge deal as Lindbergh was a major celebrity with literally thousands of people greeting him at every stop of his tour. The landing field had been prepared by the American Legion under the direction..
An exciting event for Pierre occurred on Thursday at 4pm September 1, 1927. That was when Charles Lindbergh landed his plane in a pasture (now the location of the Pierre Airport) as part of his tour promoting aviation. This was a huge deal as Lindbergh was a major celebrity with literally thousands of people greeting him at every stop of his tour. The landing field had been prepared by the American Legion under the direction..
1930
Post 8 Charter Date
Apr 13, 1931
Pierre Post 8 was chartered on April 13, 1931.
Pierre Post 8 was chartered on April 13, 1931.
1940
Post 8 votes to build a permanent home.
Jan 4, 1940
On January 4, 1940 members of Post 8 voted unanimously to construct a permanent post home. Discussions had already been underway to lease from the city of Pierre a 100'x100' lot at the foot of Pierre St. The building was stipulated to be built from logs and was not to exceed $3500 in cost. Federal policy required that building materials were to be obtained from the closest access point. The logs came from the Black..
On January 4, 1940 members of Post 8 voted unanimously to construct a permanent post home. Discussions had already been underway to lease from the city of Pierre a 100'x100' lot at the foot of Pierre St. The building was stipulated to be built from logs and was not to exceed $3500 in cost. Federal policy required that building materials were to be obtained from the closest access point. The logs came from the Black..
Post 8 Facilities Leased to City as a USO Club
Dec 21, 1942
Our Post 8 cabin was leased to the city for use as a USO club for the Pierre Air Base. This lease was to remain in effect until the end of the hostilities (WWII). The lease charge to the city was to have been $150 per month, but only $100 had been authorized. The Post rebated $50 per month back to the city.A stipulation in the lease stated that all money derived was to be..
Our Post 8 cabin was leased to the city for use as a USO club for the Pierre Air Base. This lease was to remain in effect until the end of the hostilities (WWII). The lease charge to the city was to have been $150 per month, but only $100 had been authorized. The Post rebated $50 per month back to the city.A stipulation in the lease stated that all money derived was to be..
Post 8 Signs Ninety-Nine Year Lease with City of Pierre
Aug 15, 1944
A ninety-nine year lease was signed by the city and Post 8 for the use of the property. The Post pays $25 annually for the term of the lease. The lease is valid only so long as it is used as a Post Home. There was a report stating that the total amount invested in the cabin as of August 15, 1944 was $5109.00, of which $4955.83 had been paid. On July 31, 1944, a..
A ninety-nine year lease was signed by the city and Post 8 for the use of the property. The Post pays $25 annually for the term of the lease. The lease is valid only so long as it is used as a Post Home. There was a report stating that the total amount invested in the cabin as of August 15, 1944 was $5109.00, of which $4955.83 had been paid. On July 31, 1944, a..
2010
Music on the Legion Post 8 Deck
Jun 7, 2015
Our evenings have warmed up enough here on the prairie to once again strike up the bands. We will be having music on the deck on Sunday evenings.
Our evenings have warmed up enough here on the prairie to once again strike up the bands. We will be having music on the deck on Sunday evenings.
Post 8 Parade Entry
Jul 4, 2015
Some motivated Post 8 veterans wanted Post 8 to be represented in the Ft. Pierre 4th of July parade. They constructed a WWI tank on the chassis of a riding lawnmower. None were quite sure how to go about it, but they gave it a good shot and the results seemed to be well received by the crowds. While not exactly fearsome looking, it represented Post 8 in fine manner. A huge thanks to the..
Some motivated Post 8 veterans wanted Post 8 to be represented in the Ft. Pierre 4th of July parade. They constructed a WWI tank on the chassis of a riding lawnmower. None were quite sure how to go about it, but they gave it a good shot and the results seemed to be well received by the crowds. While not exactly fearsome looking, it represented Post 8 in fine manner. A huge thanks to the..
Pierre Hosts State Legion Junior Baseball Tournament
Jul 23, 2015
The City Of Pierre hosted the Legion Junior Baseball Tournament July 23-26. SD State Commander Terry Hanson administered the Oath of American Legion Baseball.
The City Of Pierre hosted the Legion Junior Baseball Tournament July 23-26. SD State Commander Terry Hanson administered the Oath of American Legion Baseball.
Wind Storm Damages Post 8 Trees
Aug 1, 2015
Recently a major windstorm blew through the Pierre area and partially uprooted most of the trees surrounded our Post. Some were actually blown against the building. They were deemed unsafe to leave as is so they had to be cut down. It's a little bare lookin around here now. We hope to plant some replacement trees in the near future.
Recently a major windstorm blew through the Pierre area and partially uprooted most of the trees surrounded our Post. Some were actually blown against the building. They were deemed unsafe to leave as is so they had to be cut down. It's a little bare lookin around here now. We hope to plant some replacement trees in the near future.
Post 8 Passes Resolution of Support for Flaming Fountain
Sep 2, 2015
Pierre's "Flaming Fountain" at the War Memorials has been going out for quite some time. The flames were from a gas pocket deep underground that was hit when a well was drilled years ago. The gas pressure has diminished to the point where the wind will blow it out. A warm water artesian well was hit along with the gas pocket. A flaming fountain was constructed and enjoyed by visitors to the memorials. Post 8..
Pierre's "Flaming Fountain" at the War Memorials has been going out for quite some time. The flames were from a gas pocket deep underground that was hit when a well was drilled years ago. The gas pressure has diminished to the point where the wind will blow it out. A warm water artesian well was hit along with the gas pocket. A flaming fountain was constructed and enjoyed by visitors to the memorials. Post 8..
Post 8 Sock Hop
Sep 25, 2015
Post Administrator Ron “the DJ” LeBeau spun the 45's. Yes. The 45's. For you younger vets this was our old school way of “grooving”. This was long before technology pulled music from tiny chunks of silicon. The night wasn't exactly hopping, but we had fun. We had fresh hot Popcorn and also some weird candy that looked like it was left over from Ron LeBeau's sixteenth birthday party. including some wax lips. These were modeled..
Post Administrator Ron “the DJ” LeBeau spun the 45's. Yes. The 45's. For you younger vets this was our old school way of “grooving”. This was long before technology pulled music from tiny chunks of silicon. The night wasn't exactly hopping, but we had fun. We had fresh hot Popcorn and also some weird candy that looked like it was left over from Ron LeBeau's sixteenth birthday party. including some wax lips. These were modeled..
Post 8 Halloween Party/Dance
Oct 31, 2015
We had a huge turnout for our annual Post 8 Halloween party. We were nearly filled to capacity with festooned folks young and old alike dancing to the DJ's tunes. Our Commander, LeRoy Madsen, was dressed perfectly for a night of neck-sucking vampire work. I think his wife had to reign him in a few times as he went in for a few necks he probably shouldn't have. The legion hall was jammed with all..
We had a huge turnout for our annual Post 8 Halloween party. We were nearly filled to capacity with festooned folks young and old alike dancing to the DJ's tunes. Our Commander, LeRoy Madsen, was dressed perfectly for a night of neck-sucking vampire work. I think his wife had to reign him in a few times as he went in for a few necks he probably shouldn't have. The legion hall was jammed with all..
Post 8 Veterans Pheasant Hunt
Dec 5, 2015
The first, hopefully annual, Legion Pheasant Hunt was held on the Terry Ness farm. We had 15 gunners, several dogs, and a couple of "golphers" along to keep things going. The day started out with a promised hearty SOS breakfast. Well, hearty was a bit of a reach for what was provided. Post Administrator Ron LeBeau, who admits to being less than a novice around a kitchen misread the recipe. It provided directions for from..
The first, hopefully annual, Legion Pheasant Hunt was held on the Terry Ness farm. We had 15 gunners, several dogs, and a couple of "golphers" along to keep things going. The day started out with a promised hearty SOS breakfast. Well, hearty was a bit of a reach for what was provided. Post Administrator Ron LeBeau, who admits to being less than a novice around a kitchen misread the recipe. It provided directions for from..
New Years Eve Party a great success.
Dec 31, 2015
This Year's New Years Eve Party at the Post 8 cabin was a rousing good time. The Post bar staff were kept busy doing their "barista thing" for a lot of folks in a party mood. Bar receipts were VERY good for the evening. People were geared up to chase out the old and welcome in the brand new 2016. Optimisn seemed to prevail all around.
Vietnam Era Veterans Association (VEVA)
Jan 7, 2016
The Post 8 Executive Committee voted all in favor of allowing VEVA to use our cabin hall to host their monthly meetings. In effect then, Post 8 is now VEVA's new home. A huge WELCOME HOME to our brothers in arms. They will meet on every second Tuesday at 7:00pm.
Honoring Korean War Veterans
Jan 12, 2016
The Korean people honored our Korean War Veterans with Ambassador Peace Medals at a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda. Post 8 Veterans assisting the honorees were: Ken Philips, Mike DeMory, James Goodman, Ron LeBeau, Randy Dickerson, Greg Hall, Jon Peschong, Claire Peschong, Erin Dreis, Hal Rumpca. These people served as door greeters and aided with Veterans in wheelchairs. A huge THANK YOU goes their way for their help.
The Korean people honored our Korean War Veterans with Ambassador Peace Medals at a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda. Post 8 Veterans assisting the honorees were: Ken Philips, Mike DeMory, James Goodman, Ron LeBeau, Randy Dickerson, Greg Hall, Jon Peschong, Claire Peschong, Erin Dreis, Hal Rumpca. These people served as door greeters and aided with Veterans in wheelchairs. A huge THANK YOU goes their way for their help.
Post 8 donates $500 dollars in Shrine Circus tickets for kids.
Apr 15, 2016
It's become an annual thing with Post 8 that when the Shrine Circus rolls into town we purchase $500 dollars worh of tickets and give them out to local kids. It's a great tradition that we hope to continue as long as the Circus visits Pierre.
"New" Slate of Executive Committee Officers
May 4, 2016
Taking over in May, with many members returning again to serve on the Executive Committee are: Commander- Randy Dickerson, 1st Vice-Jerid Clap, 2nd Vice-Robert McDonald, Finance- Harvey Hill, Chaplain-John Fette, VSO- Tom Murphy, Judge Advocate- Hal Rumpca, Historian- Ralph Bush, Sgt at Arms- Mike Wells, and 4 members at large- Elton Blemaster, Ollie Redden, Mike Mehlhaff, and Greg Hall.
Post 8 Meetings Summer Hiatus
May 5, 2016
The Executive Committee approved the cancelling of summer General Membership meetings from June through August. The next General Meeting will be on September 1, 2016. The Executive Committee monthly meetings, however, will continue to be held to take care of normal post business/discussions.
The Executive Committee approved the cancelling of summer General Membership meetings from June through August. The next General Meeting will be on September 1, 2016. The Executive Committee monthly meetings, however, will continue to be held to take care of normal post business/discussions.
Post 8 helps Pierre Area Referral Service
Jun 1, 2016
The Pierre Area Referral Service organizes a "backpack" program for local youth in need. Backpacks are filled with food and given to the kids for meals to eat over the weekends. The number of backpacks given out numbers near 300... proving the need. Post 8 donated $1200 to PARS, with several Legionnaires individually kicking in some money, Post 8 has and always will be about helping veterans and kids.
Post 8 helps Pierre Area Referral Service
Jun 1, 2016
The Pierre Area Referral Service organizes a "backpack" program for local youth in need. Backpacks are filled with food and given to the kids for meals to eat over the weekends. The number of backpacks given out numbers near 300... proving the need. Post 8 donated $1200 to PARS, with several Legionnaires individually kicking in some money, Post 8 has and always will be about helping veterans and kids.
Live Music on the Legion Deck
Jun 1, 2016
The weather has warmed up here on the central South Dakota prairie and that means it's time once again we have live music on our deck on Sundays and occasionally at other times. Bar patrons look forward to getting their groove on. These live events really help our bottom line-- meaning we can do more to help our local veterans and their families.
VFW, DAV, VEVA found a home here at the Post 8 Cabin
Sep 1, 2016
In a truly remarkable act of cooperation, the local VFW, DAV, and Vietnam Era Veterans Assn. now call our Post 8 Cabin their home. We welcome our brother veteran organizations into the fold. I suppose one could use the term "Separate but Equal" to describe the collaboration. It has worked out well. Many Legion members also belong to the VFW and/or the DAV, and VEVA.
Our lounge is moving to a "point of sale" system for bar sales.
Oct 1, 2016
To better track our bar receipts the Executive Committee approved the purchase of a point of sale system. We have found there is a steep learning curve to the system, but Legionnaire Jarid Clap has taken the reins to get the system up and running. We look forward to the efficiencies this system should bring about in tracking lounge activity.
...And Post 8 continues it's support of local activities.
Oct 1, 2016
We donated to a plethora of activities this month. They are: Legion Volleyball team, the Hot Springs Veterans Home, the Elks Club (to help with their annual purchase and donation of personnal items like socks and underwear for the Veterans home),
Model Trains in the Legion Cabin
Dec 1, 2016
Once again we held our "Trains in the Cabin" event here at Post 8. We ask folks who have toy train sets, model cars, slot car tracks, etc. to bring in their "toys" (this is a serious hobby to many) and set them up. We invite the public to come down and enjoy the various set ups. We offered a free-will donation grilled cheese and chili lunch that was quite tasty. We hope to continue..
Update on the Memorial Park "flaming" Fountain.
Dec 1, 2016
The Veterans area of the memorial has a fountain that was a result of hitting an artesian well with a natural gas pocket many years ago. Just enough gas was emitted at the fountain to keep a small flame burning. Recently, the flame has been going out for the first time in many years. During an annual clean up of the fountain area by the Vietnam Era Veterans Assn it was discovered that a possible..
Post 8 Christmas Party
Dec 1, 2016
We had our 2016 Christmas party with a very tasty Turkey dinner cooked by two of our very own legionnaires, Ollie Redden and Greg Hall. These guys always do a fantastic job in the kitchen and have been doing this for years.
THANKS OLLIE AND GREG! YOU GUYS ROCK.
Post 8 Legislative Reception
Feb 1, 2017
Once again Post 8 hosted it's annual Legislative Reception. We had a huge turnout of the movers and shakers of our state government and Legion reps. One item vets are lobbying for is the creation of a new Veterans Cemetary in the east river area to augment the National Cemetary in Sturgis, SD. Discussions are their early stages but we vets can be a persistent lot. It is our understanding that a 40 acre lot..
We lost a good one! Former South Dakotan Leo Thorsness dies at 85
May 5, 2017
Col. Thorsness served as a USAF pilot (Captain) during the Vietnam war. He was shot down on April 30, 1967 and spent 6 years as a POW in North Vietnam. He shared a cell for awhile with Senator John McCain. Before he was shot down he flew a mission where he was below is fuel redline to try to save other airmen. For his bravery in action he was awarded the Medal Of Honor. Thorsness..
Newly elected officers of the Executive Committee
May 27, 2017
The newly elected Executive Committee is now made up of: Commander Randy Dickerson, Adjutant Ted Spenser, 1st Vice Ted Spencer, 2nd Vice Bob McDonald, Chaplain John Fette, Historian Ralph Bush, Judge Advocate Hal Rumpca, VSDO Tom Murphy, Finance Officer Mike Mehlhaff, Sgt at Arms Mike Wells, Members at large Ollie Redden, Gary Derzab, Elton Blemaster, David Bechard, Past Commander Leo Madsen.
Post 8 hosts the city Memorial Day Service
May 29, 2017
This year was Post 8's turn to host the Memorial Day service at the high school. Veterans goups in attendance were: American Legion Post 8 and Post 20, Civil Air Patrol, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18, DAV Auxiliary, Forty et Eight Voiture #522, Oahe Marine Corp Leage Det. 851, SD Department of Veterans Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2038, VFW Post 2038 Auxiliary, Vietnam Era Veterans Assn, World War 1 Barracks #2774. Guest speaker..
