April 2024 Meeting

Monday, 08 April 2024, at 1917, Post Commander Debra McGill 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 14 post members.

Opening Ceremony

Sergeant of Arms, Andy Anderson marched the colors to the front of the room-posted them in their stand and Commander McGill led the members in a hand salute. Chaplain David Zachary offered the opening prayer. Commander McGill 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 March 2024 meeting (available at ) which received approval by a voice vote, with David Zachary making the motion and seconded by Jody Cariveau.

Finances

Adjutant Larry Agle presented the current financial report. The report received approval by a voice vote, Andy Anderson making the motion and seconded by Jim McGill.

Membership and Recruiting Report

Membership Officer Larry Agle gave report and there are currently 109 (Goal 140) members, registered, who have paid their dues for 2023 – 2024 fiscal year. The 2024 dues (1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024) are now due and members can renew by mail, in person, or online.  Dues are $40.00, with the Post keeping $7.50 and the balance going to the Department of North Carolina ($9.00) and the National American Legion ($23.50). 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 . 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 provides you a permanent card.  Dues can now be paid for multiple years at a time; Doing this will protect you from rate hikes.

Business and Announcements

·     Christy and Lee from Western North Carolina Veterans Purpose gave a short presentation on suicide awareness/prevention prior to our meeting.  Veterans crisis line is 988.

·     A remembrance ceremony was made in honor of Richard Blomgren.  

·     Adjutant Agle summarized the minutes from the executive meeting held on 01 April 2024.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Jim McGill and seconded by Andy Anderson.

·     All Korean war veterans' dues shall be paid, by the post, prior to greening up the mountain's fundraiser/breakfast at the post on 4/27.

·     American Legion Riders meeting April 6th at 1000. The riders will prepare the breakfast on 4/27.  May 26th they will do a ride to Smokey Mountain Thunder at 0800.  May 27th will be the Memorial Day celebration with breakfast at 0900.  June 1st is the next meeting then ride to Helen, Ga.  June 8th will be breakfast with Flag retirement to follow.  Also, June 8th post 108 will have a poker run.  June 19-22 is the Department convention in Raliegh.  June 22nd post 108 is having a Veterans Memorial Golf tournament ($60 entry fee, $50 for veterans and seniors 60+) with shotgun start at 0830.  828 524-4306 to register.

·     Boys State will take place June 16-22.  The costs will be $500 per individual sent.  So far there is one potential candidate from early college.  Still waiting on Smokey Mountain High School for additional candidates.

·     A motion was made by Bill Loucks to order 8 hats and seconded by Jim McGill.  The motion passed.  The hats will be of common sizes for new members to purchase.  Approximate cost will be $456.  An order for additional items, hat pins/collar devices, will also be made as per prior motion.

·     4 Chaplains plaque was installed in front of the post.  Discussion about how to protect it from the sun and other deteriorating issues was had and measures will be taken to ensure it is protected as good as possible.

·     An invitation to Veterans service officers will be sent out to invite them to our fundraiser on April 27th.

Funeral Details

We performed zero funerals since the last meeting.

Thoughts and Prayers / Sick Call

·     Becky and Ed Harwood.

·     Jody Cariveau asks for prayers for family twins Joy and Jay.

·     Blomgren family.

Please keep all of these folks and their families in your prayers.

Closing Ceremony

Chaplain Bill Loucks offered the closing prayer, Commander Debra McGill led the group in a hand salute and declared the meeting adjourned at 2008.

Respectfully presented,

Larry Agle, Adjutant