Post 3 Meeting Notes, September 2025

Regular Meeting of American Legion Post 3 

Lincoln Elks Lodge #80

September 9, 2025

Commander Ron Hindmand opened the September 9, 2025 meeting of American Legion Post 3 at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Elks Lodge 80 with 20 Legionnaires and 1 guest present. 

New Post 3 members Chuck Dalton and Phll Engel were given the opportunity to introduce themselves --- as was Dr. Charles Craft, Dental Director for the Nebraska Office of Oral Health.

Veterans of the various war eras were asked to stand and be recognized.

The minutes of the July 8, 2025 meeting were read and approved with the understanding that a statement by Legionnaire Wendy Gumb --- which she read --- and which she said was a transcription of her statement made at the July 8th meeting would be added to the minutes for the July 8, 2025 meeting.

Commander Hindmand announced that Bruce Gubser had assumed the duties of Post 3 Finance Officer and thanked Ed Schnabel for his years of service in that position.  Bruce then proceeded to give the financial report for the month of August, showing a balance on hand of $44,605.52.   

Ed Schnabel gave a membership report which indicated we had 558 members paid to date for 2026 --- with 44 more Department Life Members which will be paid in the near future by the department headquarters.  The Post 3 goal for 2026 is 938.

Bruce Gubser reported for the American Legion Riders.  He indicated that they had a very successful Poker Run; and, with related activities, had raised about $6,000 to be donated to several charities.

Gerry Wolf reported for the Memorial Squad.  They had a slow July in regard to funerals but have kept busy this summer.  Scheel’s Flag Exchange.   Flag Retirement.   Color Guard duties.

Brendan Moore reported for the Sons of the American Legion.  He said that some last-minute effort got them to 100% for 2025 and that 2026 are coming in now.

It was announced that Voiture 103 of the 40/8 will meet next Tuesday.

The guest speaker for tonight was Dr. Charles Craft.  He gave an interesting presentation about how veterans in Nebraska seem to be disproportionately affected by the lack of good dental care.  He explained the history of the upcoming Veterans Mission of Mercy to be held at Camp Mead.   He described some of the “miracles” in dental care that take place for about 500 veterans at the event.

Upon motion by Bruce Gubser and a proper second, Post 3 agreed to donate $500 to help defray some of the expenses for the Veterans Mission of Mercy.

Finance Officer Bruce Gubser presented and explained the proposed budget for 2025-2026.  Following a brief discussion, the budget was adopted in the amount of $63,700.

Finance Officer Gubser also reported on a project that had been initiated by the Lincoln Veterans Advisory Group.  The VAG was looking for an adult tricycle to be utilized by a veteran.  Post 3 decided to purchase the item, and several other VSOs in Lincoln are participating in the purchase of related equipment.

Legionnaire Dean Hyde was introduced, and he promoted the fall workshops for the Nebraska Warrior Writers and then read a piece he had written.

Bruce Gubser commented on the upcoming Touch-A-Truck event scheduled for September 27th.

Steve Bartos read TAPS, and the meeting was closed in proper form at 8:25 PM.

Steve Bartos

Recorder