POST 3 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Regular Meeting of American Legion Post 3
Lincoln Elks Lodge #80 and also on ZOOM

July 13, 2021

Commander Wade Graft opened the July 13, 2021 meeting of American Legion Post 3 at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Elks Lodge 80 with about 25 Legionnaires and guests present.  The meeting was being made available on Zoom.

Steve Bartos read the minutes of the June 8, 2021 meeting; and they were approved without correction.

Ed Schnabel gave the financial report for the month ending June 30, 2021 showing a balance on hand of $38,299.43  The report was filed for review.

Welcomed to their first Post 3 meeting were new or transferring-in members Jim Stephan, Rich Lemmerman, and Nathaniel Thedford.  They introduced themselves and made a few remarks.

Bruce Gubser reported for the Legion Riders.  He commented on some upcoming meetings and parades.

Bruce also reported on the post’s birthday card program for veterans residing in various senior living centers.  He said another facility had been added and that about 300 veterans in those facilities are now receiving contact from Post 3.

Gerry Wolf reported for the Memorial Squad.  He identified a number of events attended in June --- including the posting and retiring of the colors at the recently concluded Department Convention.   He also reported that the Memorial Squad additionally participated in the Department Convention by conducting a Post Everlasting Ceremony.  Gerry concluded his remarks by indicating that the Honor Guard would participate in a flag retirement ceremony scheduled for the Boy Scout Center in July.

Jerry Salber announced that Voiture 103 and Salon 832 would be holding their potluck dinner next Tuesday.

Gerry Wolf explained that Wade Graft had been named the recipient of the 2020 District Citizenship Award, but no presentation had been made as a result of last year’s department convention being cancelled.  Accordingly, Gerry proceeded to make the presentation of a certificate and pin to Commander Wade at tonight’s meeting.

District Commander Ed Muggy presented certificates to Jack Sibert and Gerry Wolf.  With Jack Sibert as webmaster, the Post 3 Website was awarded 2nd Place in the 2021 Nebraska American Legion Press Association Social Media Contest for posts of 150 or more members.  With Gerry Wolf as editor, the monthly Post 3 Newsletter was awarded 2nd Place in the 2021 Nebraska American Legion Press Association Print Media Contest for posts of 150 or more members.  (At the Department Convention in June, with Steve Bartos as editor, The Lincoln Legionnaire  newspaper was awarded 1st Place in the 2021 Nebraska American Legion Press Association Print Media Contest for posts of 150 or more members.  Steve received his certificate at the convention.)

District 15 Commander Ed Muggy presented a pin to Bruce Gubser in recognition of Bruce being selected to receive the 2021 District Citizenship Award.

Past Post 3 Commander and current Alternate National Executive Committeeman Fred Craigie was called to the podium to serve as installing officer.  Installed as officers for the coming year were

Commander --- Gerry Wolf

1st Vice Commander --- Bruce Gubser 

2nd Vice Commander --- Ronnie Hindmand 

3-Year Term on Post Executive Committee --- Fred Craigie

Adjutant Schnabel presented a plaque to Past Commander Wade Graft in recognition of his service to Post 3 during the past year.

Adjutant Schnabel presented Bruce with the 2020 Legacy Scholarship coin to be added to their plaque. 

Wade Graft reported that the post had been contacted about a local hospice investigating the possibility of finding local veterans to help with some of their activities.  Anyone interested can talk to Wade for more details.

Commander Wolf announced that in preparation for filing articles of incorporation for Post 3, the Constitution and Bylaws are being amended and changes will be acted upon at the September meeting.  He further indicated that copies of both proposed documents were distributed in the July email newsletter and are posted on the website.

Steve Bartos made a few comments about the nature of some of the changes and indicated that both documents are being treated as “fresh starts” since a number of amendments made to original and amended documents over the years have been lost.  Upon motion by Bartos, the post agreed to suspend what would be the normal rules for making amendments and eliminate the reading of both documents by accepting their email distribution and posting on the website as having given sufficient notice. 

Chaplain Jackson read TAPS and the meeting was closed at about 7:45 PM.

Steve Bartos, Recorder