American Legion Post 118 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
General Meeting Minutes
April 20, 2024

Attendees

Officers:	Commander: Scott Swanson, First Vice: Douglas Williamson, Second Vice: Carl Fitzgerald, Chaplain: Kim Schnepper, Sergeant at Arms: Joe Cook, Finance Officer: Absent, Service Officer: Absent
Attendees:	Donna Harrington, Paula Abeyta, Ron Szych, Garry Branstetter, Robert Wayne, Bill Harrington, Robert Abeyta, James Wayne, Carol Upham, Jennifer Swanson, Carla Abbate, Jay Wilcox, Phil Merriweather, Tom Schubert, Bill Koppenhauer, JoJo Powers (ALA), Rose Williamson, Harry Combs, Robert Chase Sr, Dennis Yanch, Mike Bates, Tom Schubert, Robert Wayne, Benny Lebeau, Denis Porter, Paul Goden,
Guests:	Anna Marie and her son Isaac

Minutes

Prayer

OWW empty chair ceremony

Roll call

1310 meeting called to order

Meeting minutes from the March meeting were read

Motion to accept the meeting minutes as read was made by Doug seconded by Bill motion carried, minutes accepted.

Guest Anna Marie and her son Isaac, who is a professional race car driver, is asking to partner with the Post. Isaac's parents are Veterans. The season starts in June, and they are racing across the country. Commander stated he will investigate whether we can have him put our Post name on the car since the American Legion has an Indy car.

The Finance officer is absent, Ron read the report. The first vice reported that the food items are going well. Kim motioned to approve the report and Carla seconded, finance report accepted.

Ron also read the membership report. We rank #10 in the state we are at 102% 593 total members. 41 SAL member.

First Vice no report

Second Vice stated that the Cinco de mayo event will be held on Quattro de mayo. Food at 5pm, $10 to enter corn hole competition. They will have pinatas, a DJ/karaoke, and fajita bar ($15).

June 23rd community event will be a kid's carnival. We will rent from the Base any items we need.

May 31st the Post will have a band. The decision to have a cover charge is still pending.

House committee will be installing lighting in the game room, painting the room, doing the flooring, and expanding the entrance. A quote on the cost for the mini splits was received.

Chaplain stated to keep Mary's family in our Prayers, her mother passed away. There is a card at the bar for everyone to sign.

Service officer absent

Unfinished business: RV spots boxes will be installed on Monday and includes hookups and a throw switch

New business

Installation of new officers will be held on Friday April 26th at 6pm (Post, ALR, Auxiliary, SAL).
1st Vice stated that the quote for the mini splits that was received for the game room. Joe Cook will be doing the electrical work. Money still needs to be raised to cover the cost of the splits.
The Boy scouts are looking for a new home and the Post is looking into sponsoring them. This fits into our core values for citizenship & community.
New members can go to legion.org site to sign up for three additional years for $40 a year online.
The Senior living center requested Post 118 to do a Memorial Day ceremony at their facility for the veterans in the nursing home. The Commander stated we can plan for next year to do a service for the center since we are already committed for this year. Kim stated that Howie had asked if we could hold special Olympics corn hole at our Post. The Commander will check with insurance to make sure we can do something like this, and he will talk with the Finance Officer as well.
The Boy scouts are permitted to help us if we do create our own Colorguard, however they are not permitted to shoot a firearm.
Carla stated that a presentation at the Post from Better money habits could be held. It would be for all ages, and they would give advice on financial matters.
JoJo stated that the district meeting will be held at Post 118 on the 27th. The cost of the food should be split between the Post and the Auxiliary. JoJo will purchase all items needed. Ron motioned to go forward with the Post donating half and Doug seconded. Motion carried. $250 from the Post and $250 from Auxiliary. Motion carried.
The question arose about what we should charge for the use of our RV hookups. The Commander named Carl Fitzgerald as the chair of the group who will decide about how much the charge will be.

For the good of the order

Results from the vote for Trustees:

Twenty-eight people showed up to vote.
Bill Harrington, Robert Abeyta, and Angie Fitzgerald will be the new Trustees. This is a two-year term. Paula and Ron will have served their two-year term next year and we will need to appoint two new Trustees at that time.

Hand salute

OWW empty chair

Prayer

Meeting adjourned 1359