August 2024 Meeting

Monday, 12 August 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 15 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

2nd Vice Commander David Seay summarized the minutes of the July 2024 meeting (available at ) which received approval by a voice vote, with David Zachary making the motion and seconded by Andy Anderson. The motion passed.

Executive Meeting Minutes

The executive meeting minutes from Monday, 5 August 2024 were summarized by Jim McGill. Bill Loucks made the motion to accept the minutes, and it was seconded by Andy Anderson.  The motion passed. The meeting was recessed.

The minutes for the resumed executive meeting held on Monday, 12 August 2024 were summarized by Jim McGill. Andy Anderson made the motion to accept the minutes, and it was seconded by Skip Staton.  The motion passed.

Finances

Acting Adjutant David Seay presented the current financial report. The report received approval by a voice vote, David Zachary making the motion and seconded by Diane Parker.  The motion passed.

Membership and Recruiting Report

Membership Officer David Seay gave report and there are currently 46 members, registered, who have paid their dues for 2024 – 2025 fiscal year. The 2025 dues (1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025) 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 Seay 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

·     Guest Bernie Hodges is considering becoming member of Post 104.  We hope to welcome Bernie in the future.

·     District Commander Robert Seibert was in attendance and talked about the various programs, raffles and awards from the district level.

·     Jim McGill read the minutes from the previous Riders meeting.

·     Larry Agle resigned from the position of ADJUTANT/FINANCIAL OFFICER. We are looking for someone to fill the position and would prefer it be someone that intends to continue serving on into the future

·     Ben Woody spoke on the new Monthly Veteran's Lunches and weekly Veteran's Coffee. The lunches will be held at a location announced prior to each lunch. The Veteran's Coffee will be held every other Friday at the Jackson County Department of Aging building.  Individuals will be responsible for paying for their own food at the lunches. Spouses are welcome. The schedule is as follows...

o     Coffee dates: 23 August 2024, 6 & 20 September 2024 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Lunches: 21 August 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm at Colima's Mexican 0Restaurant and 17 September 2024 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Kostas in Dillsboro. RSVP 828-631-2231 0f you plan to attend.

·     The Sylva Herald newspaper is asking for the names of any veteran's that graduated from Sylva/Webster high schools that were killed in action.

·     The Boys State participant will address us regarding his experiences during Boys State at the September meeting.

·     The replacement of our current building sign with a lighted commercial grade sign is being researched.

·     The idea of holding a blood drive here with the Blood Connection some time in November is being considered.

·     The Post needs a breakfast coordinator.  Jim McGill has volunteered to continue cooking the breakfasts, but we need an individual to plan them and to ensure all the items needed are available. A reserve fund of $200 will be maintained for the purchase of such items and warming trays

·     The next breakfast is 7 September 2024 at 9:00 am.

·     An Audit was conducted by 4 executive board members, and all was found to be in order.

·     Outgoing Chaplain David Zachary gave his farewell as he is moving his family to South Carolina.  He will continue to be a member of our Post and will also continue to be our Webmaster.  He talked about the difficulties experienced in finding a new house in the current housing market.

·     The First Responders program will take place on 9 September 2024. The Post will buy $100 in appreciation coins.

·     Monthly meals were discussed. If the Auxiliary cannot provide the food for any such event, the legion will take over. The funds generated for such meals will go to the Legion.

·     The Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic for veterans will be held on Friday, 23 August 2024 at 130 Highway 64 E, Cashiers.  828-743-3393

·     The Smoky Mountain Veterans Stand Down will take place on 26 September  2024 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, 1288 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734. A bulletin with details is available.

·     It was Ken Cagle's birthday. He was wished well but asked that we not sing Happy Birthday to him.

Funeral Details

A grave side memorial was conducted for Jim Nicholl.

The funeral of POW Tom McNish was discussed. Information to follow.

Thoughts and Prayers / Sick Call

·     Larry and Susan Agle and his father who is dealing with heart issues.

·     Judy's son, Sydney, has esophageal and stomach cancer.

·     Ed and Becky Harwood.

·     Gail, Cathy Loucks' sister.

·     Ron and Janice Short, dealing with back issues.

·     Bud and Shiela Clayton.

     Bill Loucks led the post in prayers for these people and others.

Please keep 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 2019.

Respectfully presented,

David Seay, Acting Adjutant