Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 met on June 6^th, 2023. Commander Gene McShane called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. There were 34members present.

Chaplain Kim Smith offered the opening prayer.

READING OF THE MINUTES: Adjutant Steve Metheny read minutes from the May 2^nd, 2023, meeting and they were approved as read.

FINANCIAL REPORT: Finance Officer Donny Walters submitted the financial report, and it was made part of these minutes by attachment.

NEW MEMBER OR GUEST: Leonard Pepperton

Guest Speaker: Matthew Smith from the American Job Center – spoke on programs available to help disable veterans and their families.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Baseball Report: Donny Walters reported that American Legion Post 19’s baseball information can be found on the internet. There will be a 4^th of July tournament at the Columbia State’s Ball field.

Veterans Services: Jeff Parks reported that 16 food baskets were delivered last month for veterans.

MEMBERSHIP: Adjutant Steven Metheny gave the membership report. Post 19 membership quota for 2023 is 432, 381 paid, still need 51. Post stands at 88%.

SICK CALL:Post members on sick call are Don Richardson, Robert P. Norman, Jimmy Hill, William T. Wall,

Frank McBride, Wayne Roberts, Jimmy Lee, Archie Steen Jr. and Larry Jones, Oscar Crouch, Ray Dye and Jimmy Rogers, Bill Ray.

POST EVERLASTING: None

FLAGS FOLDED: 05/04/2023 Bobby Parks; 05/06/2023 Jerry Lee Barber; 05/27/2023 Everett Akin Grimmitt

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Nominations for 2023 & 2024 Post Positions were taken and voted on by the membership. Voted in as the new officers as follows:

Commander: Roger Chapman

1^st Vice Commander: Diane Burgess

2^nd Vice Commander: Mike Neulander

3^rd Vice Commander: Charles McDonald

Service Officer: Jeff Parks

Adjutant: Steven Metheny

Finance Officer: Donny Walters

Judge Advocate: Calvin Cheek

Chaplain: Kim Smith

Sgt at Arms: David Wade & Charles Howell

Historian: Robert Stephenson

Post Officers will be sworn in at the July 5^th meeting by the 7^th District Commander Vincent Cuevas

NEW BUSINESS: A vote was taken for the upcoming elections for Department Commander and Department Vice Commander that will be taking place at the Department Convention. The majority vote by attending membership; Post 19 will be casting our delegate strength of 29 for Lanny Culver – Department Commander and Robert Harris Department Vice Commander.

Michael Nuelander made a motion for the Post to sponsor the last obstacle needed to complete the Spring Hill High School’s ROTC obstacle course for $1020.00. The motion was seconded and passed with a unanimous vote. A brass placard will be placed next to the cargo net obstacle for our donation.

GOOD FOR THE LEGION: Commander Gene McShane handed out Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. & Mrs Norton and to the following members for their work over the past year. Present to receive their certificates; Donny Walters; Bob Stephenson; Mike Neulander; Darrell Vandusen; Roger Gilliam; Eddie Ables and Hal Holcomb. Not present were Craig Dean and Terry Locke.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: VFW will be hosting flag burning ceremony on Flag Day (June 14^th) at 4:00pm. Food will be served.

Commander McShane reminded everyone of the upcoming Dept Convention to be held on June 17^th & 18^th in Murfreesboro along with the National Convention that will be held August 25^th through 31^st in Charlotte NC.

Legion Riders will be meeting at the Memorial Building the following Monday after the Legion meeting each month at 6:00 pm.

There being no further business, Commander Gene McShane adjourned the meeting at 7:20 pm.