UNITED PATRIOTIC BODIES
27 NOVEMBER 2006

Meeting started at 1850. Commander Richardson led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Those present: Bob Long, Ed Milligan, Bob Hanson, Dave Rice, Cdrs. Jan Jorgensen, Bob Jacobsen, Mark Wagemann, guest D.J. Malm

Minutes read from last meeting, motion to pass, Rice, seconded by Milligan. Carried
Finance report-Bob Long, motion made to pay bills by Jorgensen, seconded by Rice. Carried
New member- MHD. American Legion Commander John Carey

Old business:

Bridge- Funds in special account: $4,268.50. Fargo American Legion will donate $500.00 for bridge sign. Guitar ticket sales are still available at the Fargo VFW. Bring your tickets in 1 week before the raffle ends.

Ed Milligan reported that Wal-Mart is in limbo about donation. Manager said the store does not want the publicity, they seem to be getting enough these days. Ed had approached them for the $66,000 needed for the Fargo bridge sign.
Wal-Mart recently gave the D.A.V. $1000.

Fundraising best in December-should we go to 2 more sponsors? Teamsters are having meeting soon- asked them for $55,000. One estimate for bridge sign is $66,000 via Dakota Monument. AFT- Steve Porter (American Federation of Teachers) may be another sponsor???

D.J. Malm reported- Fgo. Planning Commission has signed off on bridge sign, all good to go. Dean Solberg- Pres. Of State Bank wants specifics of bridge signs. May ask Steve Lind, owner of McDonalds in Fargo for sponsorship.

Fabricators in Cold Springs, MN. Wants to bid on signs, thinks bids we have been quoted seem too high.

Fundraising- 10 table “Texas Hold ‘Em”, 100 people, $100 to buy in, can make up to $10,000. For Dedication ceremony- Josh Grayson, veteran, and country singer is willing to set aside his fee to raise money for sign with performance.

8th of November- Fargo Theater was half full for movie.

Veteran’s Day—next year, no wreath thrown into river, a bouquet of flowers better. No change in parade route as all went well this year.

New business:

WWII Veterans- find out that they are, get names and phone numbers. There is a chance they will be flying to Washington D.C. to see the WWII Memorial at no cost to them. Goal is to raise enough money to take vets there for a weekend in April-May 2007. It will include vets from SD., MN. ND., and MT.
LINK- www.honorflight.com  or www.honorair.com

Bob Hanson- 6 December- budget meeting with Gov. Hoeven- he is proposing several bills, allow %50 and higher disabled veteran to increase amount of property tax taken off Veteran’s house.

-Funeral picketing law

-Proposing to increase bonus for active Guard members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan up to $100.00. Guard who served in CONUS gets $50.00 as it stands.

2 December- American Legion, Oracle speaking contest at 1000

Glen Floberg, past commander of AMVETS, son lost leg in Afghanistan.

Time and Place- next meeting 22 January, 1900, Fargo American Legion. Spaghettis is being served at 1800.
Motion made to adjourn-Bob Jacobsen, second by Mark Wagemann.
1954 meeting adjourned.