THE AMERICAN LEGION PETER WOLLNER POST 288
Executive Board Meeting 24 March 2026
The meeting was called to order by 1st Vice Commander Kristin Burkart at 1900 hours followed by the appropriate opening ceremonies.
Roll call of officers was taken with 12 present and 4 absent. Quorum present.
Guests: Bob Shappell, NEC, and Post member.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1st Vice Jim Lee – The Post is currently at 96.58% of its membership goal for the 2025/2026 membership year with 313 renewed and a goal of 322. This puts the Post just 9 members short of 100%. Twelve new members have been signed up this year with 11 deceased.
2nd Vice Debbie Gabert – Debbie met with Jim Lee to help him with computer and membership issues. She received information from Rhonda that Terry Ronsman, would now like visitors. Check with Rhonda before you visit. Best times are between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Book to Boots.
3rd Vice Kyle Christenson – Excused
Finance Officer Dennis Loberger – Dennis reported that the issues with US Bank have been rectified after 5weeks and 4 days, far too long
Bar Chairman Rick Siefert – Excused
House Chair Ed Downey – Absent
Chaplain PJ Glavey – No report
Assistant Chaplain Janet Radtke – No report
Judge Advocate Tom Ingram – Tom Ingram received a call from Post members Dave Tice who has a mobility scooter he no longer needs and would like to give it away to someone in need, preferably a veteran. Tom has Dave’s phone number for anyone who might interested in the scooter.
Past Post Commander Dennis Jaeger – Dennis is having a plaque made for Mick Callen and will have it next month, at a cost under $45.00. Plaque will mount on the bar downstairs.
George Maumee – Excused
Eric Albrecht – No report
Ray Ronchetti – Last year Ray power washed the Post building with his personal power washer. He recommended that this year the Post hire a professional firm to do the cleaning. His opinion is they would be able to reach areas of the building he was unable to wash. Ray has a quote from Vista Pro for $375.00 to power wash the Post. Motion and second to power wash building with Vista Pro. Motion carried.
Jerry Smith – Jerry announced that the honor guard will participate in Military Funeral Honors this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Earnisee Funeral Home. So far, he has 4 riflemen but still needs a bugler. P.J. volunteered to be the bugler.
Adjutant Bob Batty – Bob reported the March Fish Fry was a good event with 375 meals served.
CORRESPONDENCE
Commander Burkart read a letter from the Carroll Law Office, S.C. thanking the Post for returning the signed Receipt of Partial Distribution. Also included with the letter was a check. The distribution of this check to the Post was from the Carlyle W. Fay and Marjorie S. Fay Revocable Trust, dated February 23, 1994 as amended.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Officer Loberger read the bills to be paid totaling $6,027.77. Motion and second to pay all the bills. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
As John Szudrowitz is now willing to accept a 1099 to clean the Post after Fish Frys and during the week, and as John and his team do a better job than Jana King, the board is interested in terminating the cleaning contract with Jana King. The commander explained the terms under the contract to terminate their service however, the contract expires this August. After extended discussion it was decided the commander would contact Jana King regarding their poor performance and contact John Szudrowitz regarding his willingness to accept a 1099 and return as the janitorial service for the Post.
Commander Burkart would like to change the Post Bylaws regarding the Post Legacy Scholarship. Rather than a drawing from a hat, winner take-all, she would like to change Article XIII of the Post Bylaws to allow all entries to receive some amount of scholarship money. A graduated scale was discussed with all individuals participating receiving some level of award. It was decided to keep the scholarship in its current form for this year and to consider changes in the future.
OLD BUSINESS
Commander Burkart asked the Legion members present to think about officer nominations for the 2026/2027 year. Most of the current office holders have accepted renomination but there are still a couple positions that will be vacant. April General meeting is nominations with May General meeting the elections.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEGION
Sweat4Vets fundraiser on March 26th at the Ember social club from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweat4Vets event is May 16th at 10am. Cedarburg to Grafton.
The commander is canceling the April 30th date for the Past Post Commander’s dinner and will pick a new date in May.
Memorial Day Committee planning meeting third Friday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Post.
Coffee at Jim’s Grille Thursdays at 10 A.M.
Next Fish Fry is Friday, April 17th. If interested in volunteering, see Bob Batty.
Book to Boots Dinner, May 13th 6 pm. A Unit 288 Auxiliary program that works with high school students and their parents who are entering the military after graduation. Post Executive Board members are encouraged to attend this dinner.
There being no further business the meeting ended with the appropriate closing ceremonies and was adjourned at 1958 hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert S. Batty, PDC
Adjutant
Peter Wollner Post 288
Department of Wisconsin