Minutes for July 2021 Meeting
Monday, 12 July, 2021, at 1900, Post Commander Ed Harwood called to order the monthly (second Monday) meeting of William E. Dillard American Legion Post 104, Inc., at the American Legion Hall, 915 West Main St., Sylva, NC. Present were nineteen post members and one guest.
Opening Ceremony
Sergeant of Arms, Ron Short marched the colors to the front of the room- posted them in their stand and Commander Harwood led the members in a hand salute. Chaplain Burrus Jones offered the opening prayer. Commander Harwood read the American Legion statement to honor all missing U.S. POW and MIA’s. Members viewed the empty POW and MIA logo embossed black chair on display. The Commander led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution.
Previous Minutes
Adjutant Larry Agle summarized the minutes of the June 2021 meeting (available at www.sylvalegion.org/minutes/) which received approval by a voice vote, with Marty Childers making the motion and seconded by Bill Loucks.
Finances
Adjutant Larry Agle presented the current financial report. The report received approval by a voice vote, Jim McGill making the motion and seconded by Judy Cariveau.
Membership and Recruiting Report
Membership Officer Larry Agle gave report and there are currently 8 members who have paid their dues for 2021 – 2022 fiscal year. The 2022 dues (1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022) are now due and members can renew by mail, in person, or online. Dues are $35.00, with the Post keeping $7.50 and the balance going to the Department of North Carolina ($9.00) and the National American Legion ($18.50). Mail payments to American Legion Post 104, at P. O. Box 104, Sylva, NC 28779. Members can pay their annual dues on line at the National Headquarters web site https://www.legion.org/renew. To complete this action, have your American Legion membership number and a credit card available. As you finish, you can print off a temporary membership card plus a receipt to serve as “proof of membership” until Membership Officer Agle mails or gives you a permanent card.
Business and Announcements
Prior to starting the regular meeting, the post members along with the Auxiliary members performed a Post Everlasting ceremony. The following members were recognized:
- Ernest Bumgarner
- Randall “Red” Murff
- James Luther Taylor
- Sam Beck
- Jim McGill swore in the post officers that were present during the meeting.
- Our Guest, Don Barnes, U.S. Army veteran filled out the membership application to join our post.
- Our new District Commander, Doug Estep and District Adjutant Mike Shanahan were present during our meeting.
- Jim McGill gave a short brief on Legion College. He stated that is was a success.
- Legacy Scholarship Ride will be August 5-7th. Post 104 Riders will ride on 8/6/21. Contact Jim McGill if you need more information on this ride.
- September is Suicide Prevention month – do “Buddy Checks”.
- Asheville Restoration Quarters for women and children in under new management due to some issues with the past leadership.
- Equinox Ranch, 828 356-8307, equinoxranch.org, in Jackson County had its grand opening last week. It is a place for PTSD retreats. They are currently accepting applications for their September 15-25th combat veterans retreat. If you know anyone that may benefit from this service please provide them with this information.
- Veterans picnic will be October or November. Details will be passed on as we receive them.
- The post voted on and passed the 9/11 Ceremony this year. The post along with the Legion Riders will perform a flag line on 9/11 from 1,000-1,200 with light refreshments/snacks. On 9/13 at our regular meeting we will recognize the outstanding police officer and firefighter which will be provided by their leadership. These individuals will be given a challenge coin and dinner for themselves and their families. Legion Riders will provide the meal.
- Honor Air Flights will resume operation August 16, 2021. If you would like more information on this wonderful program visit their website at honorflight.org. You can register for the flight or make a donation at this site.\
- Future Planning – the 1st Saturday in December will be the flag folding ceremony at Lovedale Baptist Church.
Funeral Details
Vice Commander Roy Burnett was not present for the meeting. We performed one funeral since the last meeting. He also provided the names of three other veterans that passed away;
- James Taylor, USMC, two tours in Vietnam
- Ricky Church, USAF
- Dillon Moore, 22 years old, U.S. Army
- William Allen, U.S. Navy
Sick Call
- Phil Haire, unknown illness.
- Rick Blomgren, recovering from surgery.
- Ramona Eddy, family member of Judy Cariveau
- Judy Brinson, a long-time supporter of our post passed away 7/3/21 from a heart attack.
- Dan Ferren and his 95 yr old mother – she fell and is not doing well.
- Rick and Brenda Silveira – Brenda undergoing cancer treatments.
- Sam Canada – Oral surgery.
- Chuck Sanders – recovering from shoulder surgery.
Please keep these folks and their families in your prayers.
Closing Ceremony
After Chaplain Jones offered the closing prayer, Commander Harwood led the group in a hand salute and declared the meeting adjourned at 20:02 hours.
Respectfully presented,
Larry Agle, Adjutant
