- A General Membership meeting of American Legion Post 388 was held on August 26th, 2024, at 607 Westridge Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 It began at 700pm and was presided over by Post Commander John Hodge with Post Adjutant Barry Hardin as secretary
- Meeting opened with Opening Prayer by Post Chaplain Pat Turner
- Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all members, Auxiliary members, and guests
- POW/MIA ceremony conducted by Sergeant-at-Arms Phil Conrad
- American Legion Preamble recited by all members, Auxiliary members, and guests
- Heather and Kelly from the Sah DoMu Sul Martial Arts Center gave a presentation concerning their program and the events they will be attending. They also left literature about future fund raisers and hope the Post will assist in participating
- Officers Present
Commander John Hodge, Adjutant Barry Hardin, Finance Officer Bret Bemis, 2nd Vice Bernie Groharing, Past Commander John Brumley, Member at Large Pat Turner, Member at Large Ted Richardson, Chaplain Pat Turner, Sergeant-at-Arms Phil Conrad, Historian Ted Richardson
- Officers Absent
1st Vice Jim David, Service Officer Jim David
- Officer Positions Open
2nd Vice, Executive Committee expires 2026
- A quorum was recognized, and meeting opened for business at 718pm
- Guests
Heather and Kelly from Sah Do Mu Sul Martial Arts Academy
- Minutes from previous meeting approved by unanimous consent
- Finance Report presented and approved by unanimous consent
- Finance Officer reported that all standing committees that spend Post funds will need to submit a budget no later than the October meeting
- Building Committee representative Bernie Groharing reported that the Post has paid the contractor in full for the roof, siding, and fence repairs. Bernie also reported that outside shed estimates had been sent to the insurance adjuster for review. Commander Hodge requested that the Building Committee ask Archway to also submit as estimate
- Boys and Girls State Chairperson stated that the sole participant we sponsored will attempt to be at the September meeting to discuss his time at the event
- Honor Guard reported that they will be recertified on Wednesday at a Funeral Honors Ceremony
- No other reports were given at this time.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Commander Hodge asked the Membership to approve the following appointment to the Post: 2nd Vice: Bernie Groharing. Appointment approved by unanimous consent vote.
- The position of Member at Large remains open
- Commander Hodge also recommended to the Membership the appointment of Byron Utterback as Quartermaster be approved. After a brief discussion concerning duties and training the membership approved the appointment by unanimous consent.
- The position of JAG remains open
- Commander Hodge gave a membership review on increasing membership and will have a speaker next month go over recruitment topics
- Commander Hodge shared with the membership concerning a veteran’s group having a summer event and have marked this Post to receive its donation.
- Commander Hodge gave the membership a preview of the new business card
- Commander Hodge presented to the membership the ability to have training videos
- Commander Hodge presented to the membership the updated calendar of events
- The September 4th Color Guard at the museum was brought up and we are looking into details
- The Auxiliary announced they have 2 new members
- Member Don Smith inquired about the awards ceremony in November. There might be an issue with staff at Cornerstone Church. This item is to be addressed at next meeting
- The September meeting will be a Potluck Dinner and the Post will provide the main course
- Motion to adjourn by John Brumley and seconded by Bernie Groharing passes
- Meeting adjourned at 757pm
Respectfully submitted
John Hodge
Commander