By Jim Kurtz, Henry G Fix Post #23

The Garretson area community is fortunate to have the Henry G. Fix Post # 23 as one of its own, and the Henry G. Fix Post # 23 American Legion is equally fortunate to have the tremendous community support that it has always had.  Thank you!  We are blessed with a vibrant membership, opportunities to participate in the Community, the State and the Nation, and because of the hard work of the membership and wonderful support of the community, we are fiscally strong.  Without a lot of fanfare, the Post has made donations to organizations in our community and area for decades, totaling well into the thousands each year.  In addition, we are fortunate to be able to sponsor students to SD Boys State, American Legion baseball, two teams of baseball players in the VFW program, American Legion oratory contests, community improvements, and causes.  A new opportunity and challenge has been presented to the Post, to make a significant donation to the SD American Legion Foundation, thus helping children, and the community of veterans in our State.

The South Dakota American Legion Foundation was established in 2010 to support the programs of the Legion, helping children and veterans.  The Foundation is a non-profit, 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization, professionally managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation.  The principal of the funds remains in a permanent endowment that will only grow over time.  The income earned on the endowment is distributed to the SD American Legion and used for programs promoting the four pillars of the American Legion:  Children & Youth; Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; Americanism; and National Security.  Locally we see these programs as SD Boys State, Legion Baseball, Flag Education, Youth Trooper, Oratorical Contests, supporting the families of deployed military members, providing final funeral honors to deceased veterans, improving remote healthcare access to rural veterans, and providing Temporary Financial Assistance when the need arises.

The Foundation is a success!  Income has been paid back each year for the past several years.  The amount grows as the Foundation balance grows.  It will be received by our SD American Legion this year, next year, the year after, 20 years from now, 80 years from now, & on forever.  With a present balance of approximately $189,000, the Foundation is already playing a key role in the future of The American Legion and its programs.  However, the potential is huge!  In order to have a significant impact on the future of The South Dakota American Legion, the Board of Directors of the Foundation has set a goal of raising the balance to $1,000,000 by 2024.  It will take generous participation by individuals, Posts, businesses and organizations to make this happen.

At its October meeting, the Henry G. Fix Post # 23 in Garretson voted to make a generous donation to the South Dakota American Legion Foundation, of $5,000 now, and an additional $5,000 in 2020.  Pictured above is Post # 23 Commander, Brian Siemonsma presenting the first check to SD Department Commander Fred Nelson.  Thank you to everyone who makes this possible!