American Legion Post 118 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
General Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2024

Attendees

Minutes

Meeting called to order - 11:09

Hand salute

Prayer: Bill Jennings

Preamble to the constitution was read

Sgt. At Arms introduced guest Kevin Branch, Sons of the American Legion Vice Commander. Kevin requested help with membership and suggested that people can hold dual memberships. The cost to join the SAL is $15

Finance report was read by Bill Jennings. Motion made by Carl to approve, seconded by Doug, motion carried to accept.

Membership report was read by Bill Jennings. We are #11 with a goal of 579 members, we now have 502 with 77 delinquent members.

Second Vice:

• Superbowl party was successful
• St. Patrick's Day dinner will be held on March 16th . Tickets for the dinner are $15. Jim Hays' son will be the cook for the dinner. Dinner served at 5:30 band starts at 7:00 pm
• The raffle tickets for the TV etc. will be sold during St. Patrick's Day
• Tuesday is trivia night and taco Tuesday night. Starting at 6:30 pm
• Thank you

House committee:

• Jim stated that the ALR donated $600 to dig a trench for the RV hook ups out back. Jim is donating the 2.50 amp hookups. Commander raised concerns over hall events and RV parking. RV's will park at an angle and they will sign up ahead of time to use the hookups. Power for them will be controlled by the Post.
• Doug reported that they are working on the game room. It will need repaired, patched, and will need new lighting. The game room will be painted and vinyl tile will be installed.
• The dart association will be returning the last week in February

The Service officer said he is available and does volunteer with a law firm. This law firm does not charge. They work with cancers etc. for veterans. His business cards are behind the bar

Unfinished business:

• Ron reviewed the rules for the slate of officers for the upcoming year. Any member may nominate during the March 9th meeting. Nominations close after the March meeting and the voting, if needed, will take place at the April 20th meeting
  
  
  • Current slate of Officers - Commander: Scott Swanson, First Vice: Doug Williamson, Second Vice: Carl Fitzgerald II, Finance Officer: Bill Jennings, Chaplain: Kim Schnepper, Sgt. At Arms: Joe Cook
  • Phil, Ron and Paula are still slated for Trustees. All other trustees have completed their two-year terms.

Commander reported on the mid-winter conference. "Be the One". A Patron at the conference commented on Post 118 in a positive manner. The National Commander's visit went well.

Bill Jennings was nominated for Department Commander for New Mexico. The Executive Committee endorsed Bill Jennings.

New business:

• Bylaws and House Rules (Regulations) are updated. They will be voted on in March. Smoking areas will be designated by signs and handles will be put on the outside of the doors. The Bylaws & House rules will be posted on the website
• Movie nights will be held once a month using the big projector in the hall with a sound bar. Dates are TBD. Jojo is donating a sound bar to the Post.
• Executive committee decided that all voting must be done with a raising of hands to make sure members in good standing are recognized.

For the Good of the Order - none

Chaplain: Closing Prayer

Meeting adjourned at 11:47