February 2024 Meeting

Monday, 12 February, 2024, at 1900, 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 18 post members and 1 guest.

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 January 2024 meeting (available at ) which received approval by a voice vote, with Jim McGill 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, David Zachary making the motion and seconded by Jim McGill.

Membership and Recruiting Report

Membership Officer Larry Agle gave report and there are currently 106 (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 gives you a permanent card.

Business and Announcements

· Funeral arrangements for Jim Nicholl have been made for July 20th at 1000 at Fall Cliff Cemetery.  More info to follow.

· New member Benjamin “Ben” Woody joined the post.  Thank you, Howard Rohner, for recruiting him.  He works with Sheila at the Veterans office.

· Franklin's VFW is inviting all members to join them on the 1st Tuesday of the month for dinner at 1730 and meeting at 1800.

· American Legion Riders first meeting for 2024 will be March 5th at 1800.

· Boys State will take place June 16-22.  The costs will be $500 per individual sent.

· Oratorical contest will be held in Lenoir, NC.  Jim and Debra McGill will be judges.

· The post talked about possibly being involved in student troopers this year.  The cost per individual is $200.

· Lowes Home Improvement will cease their military discount on March 7th.

· Funeral books have been made, we got 20 (minimum order) instead of 12 but received a 40% discount.

· The post will hold a flag retirement ceremony on June 8th.

· Cell phone booster, approximate cost of $600, will be installed in the post.  Motion made by Jim McGill and seconded by Bill Loucks.  Members voted and the motion passed.

· Green up the mountains will be held on April 27th.  Instead of getting on a waiting list the motion was made by David Zachary and seconded by Andy Anderson to move “our” part to the post parking lot.  Breakfast will be at 0800 and set up to follow.  Auxiliary ladies agreed that they will do a bake sale while the post will sell water.

· Blue Ridge Honor flights still have availability for April and September.  Warren Dupree is the POC 828-508-2657 if you are interested.

· Post 108 will hold S.A.V.E (Suicide awareness) training on April 13th 10:30-12:00 with refreshments.

· Post members also discussed putting on a family/Veteran's picnic sometime this summer.  More info to follow.

Funeral Details

We performed one funeral since the last meeting.

·     Odell Haskett

Thoughts and Prayers / Sick Call

· Linda Nee – is home, in good spirits but not well at all.  

· Beverly Mihelich – Colon surgery.

· David Zachary's wife having back issues possibly arthritis.

· Bill's daughter Brie and Andy's dad DO NOT have cancer.

· Jody Cariveau thanks everyone for their prayers.

· Rick Blomgren – unable to get out anywhere, on 24/7 oxygen, Pulmonary Hypertension and moderate COPD.  He is currently waiting approval for medications to improve his condition.

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

Closing Ceremony

Chaplain David Zachary offered the closing prayer, Commander Debra McGill led the group in a hand salute and declared the meeting adjourned at 2005.

Respectfully presented,

Larry Agle, Adjutant