Minutes for March 2020 Meeting
Monday, 09 March,2020, at 7:05 p.m. 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, Mr. Livingston. Prior to the meeting, at 6 p.m. Post 104 members and guests enjoyed a meal offered by the Auxiliary Unit for a $6.00 donation, which included multiple desserts and drinks.
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
Meeting substitute Adjutant Rick Blomgren summarized the minutes of the February 2020 meeting (available at www.sylvalegion.org/minutes/) which received approval by a voice vote, with Jim McGill making the motion and seconded by Burrus Jones.
Finances
Rick Blomgren presented the current financial report, which received approval by a voice vote, Ron Short making the motion and seconded by George Elliott.
Membership and Recruiting Report
Membership Officer Linda Nee reported the post currently has one hundred seventy-seven members This includes recent transfers from Post 1981) . She also reported that one hundred and fifty members have currently renewed their membership for 2020 There are 20 members who have not yet renewed: Eighteen of these are listed at bottom of meeting minutes. The 2020 dues (1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020) 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.
In addition, members can pay their annual dues online at the National Headquarters website http://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 Nee mails or gives you a permanent card.
Business and Announcements
1. Bill Card was introduced as one of our most recent transfers from Post 1981. Jim McGill commented that North Carolina is third in the nation for transfers from Post 1981.
2. Jim McGill gave a report of the last Legion Riders meeting held on March 3rd
3. Thirteen members were present. One hundred forty dollars from the Riders will be transferred to Post 104 and earmarked for the Legacy Scholarship.
4. Jim McGill also reported that the Sons of American Legions (SAL), is on schedule and a membership packet should be out by June.
5. Ed Harwood announced there will be a yard sale, hosted by the Auxiliary and joined by the Jackson County Veteran Support Group, at the post on Saturday, April 4th from 0800 to 1400.
a. They are requesting donations of any worthy sellable items which can be delivered on Thursday or Friday, preceding the event or brought to the post early, that Saturday, at 0800.
6. Ed Harwood announced there are two upcoming events on March 30th:
a. Seniors Games - Our post has been requested to present the colors at the Senior Center at 1000. Ron Short and Ed will be presenting the colors. If anyone else would like to attend and participate, they are more than welcomed.
b. Boys State interviews will be held with the candidates from 1100 to 1300 (Approx. 15 – 20 minutes per candidate). Jim Nicholl, Richard Wilson, Joe Hurt and Rick Blomgren volunteered to conduct the interviews.
7. We will be electing new officers at the May meeting and plan to discuss and acquire candidate names fat the April meeting. We are still in need of a Post Historian. Note: After the meeting, Rick Blomgren told Ed Harwood he would be willing to fill the position duties for the time being.
8. Jim McGill advised everyone, in the current Corona virus situation, to remember to wipe down your vehicles and gas pump handles in addition to frequent hand washing. it is prudent.
9. Jim McGill presented an autographed picture of our new National Commander, Bill Oxford to Ed Harwood, Post 104 commander.
10. Jim McGill reported that our deadline for applying for a post member for the Legionnaire of the Year award is May 30th. Jim made a motion to nominate Larry Agle, was seconded by Rick Blomgren and approved by voice vote of those present.
11. Jim McGill reported on the status of how contributions are made to the Veteran Service Fund and the battleship restoration of the USS North Carolina. It was recommended to contribute $.050 from each post member for each program (Approx. $150 total ). A motion was made by Jim McGill and seconded by Rick Blomgren to adopt this recommendation and pass by a voice vote of members present. Ed Harwood advised that Larry Agle would write a check and send it.
12. A question was asked by one of the new members about the criteria for the wearing of Legion caps. Jim McGill provided a good synopsis of what is appropriate and where to apply any pins or other decorations on the cap.
Funeral Details
Vice Commander Burnett reported the post performed one funeral detail plus one remembrance this past month.
Roger Shelton (Detail)
Charles Jackson (Remembrance)
Sick Call
Larry Agle’s father in Michigan suffering from stage 4 COPD.
Larry’s Mother long term illness and Larry’s wife’s best friend suffering health issues in South Carolina.
Joe Hurt is recovering well from his knee surgery but has skin infection complications from the surgery and advised to stay in care for a few more days.
Ernie Bumgarner has recovered well from his bought with pneumonia but is dealing with a sore foot.
JD Baker, District Commander is undergoing a knee replacement.
Jim McGill Sr. is suffering from a bad cold.
Marty Childress just had his last appointment for his knee and is doing well.
Please keep these folks and their families in your prayers.
Closing Ceremony
Chaplain Jones offered the closing prayer and afterwards Commander Harwood led the group in a hand salute and declared the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully presented,
Rick Blomgren, Meeting substitute Adjutant
