THE AMERICAN LEGION PETER WOLLNER POST 288
Regular Monthly Meeting 10 March 2026
The meeting of this post was called to order by Commander Kristin Burkart at 1900 hours followed by the appropriate opening ceremonies.
Roll call of officers was taken with 11 present and 2 absent. Quorum of Post officers.
Introduction of Guests
The Adjutant presented the minutes of the 10 February 2026 Regular Monthly Meeting and the minutes of the 24 February 2026 Executive Board Meeting. There was a motion and second to approve those minutes as presented. The motion was carried.
Legion Notables: NEC/PDC Bob Shappell, PDC and current Adjutant Bob Batty, Past Department Chaplain and Immediate Past Post Commander Dennis Jaeger, Past Department Vice Commander and current 1st Vice Commander Jim Lee.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1st Vice Jim Lee – Jim reported the Post is at 94% of goal, with 4 renewals this past month. Need 16 more renewals or new members to attain 100% membership.
2nd Vice Debbie Gabert – Debbie spoke with Terry Ronsman and he is not feeling well enough to have guests at this time. Deb will notify members by email when Terry is feeling up to receiving guests.
3rd Vice Kyle Christensen – Excused
Finance Officer Dennis Loberger – Dennis reported Post finances as follows: Total Receipts, Disbursements, Total Cash Assets, Total Investments and Cash Available Less Restricted Funds. He also reported on a few of the larger expenditures and the Restricted Accounts. Motion and a second to accept the Finance Report. Motion carried.
Bar Chair Rick Siefert – Rick reported January was a very good month. He provided data on the cash deposit, credit cards, donations and rents. He alsoreported bills paid. Motion and a second to accept the Bar Report. Motion carried.
Fish Fry Chair Bob Batty – Bob reported that the February Fish Fry was excellent with 402 meals served (101 takeout) and over $10,000 in gross revenues, bar and food. Volunteers for the March Fish Fry are shaping up well and another profitable Fish Fry is expected.
House Chair Ed Downey – Ed reported the Post saved money this winter as there has been a minimum amount of snow plowing. He also mentioned some minor water leaks (roof), but they will be easy to repair.
Chaplain P.J. Glavey – The chaplain will be available in the basement after the meeting for talk or prayer. This month’s basket donation will go to the America’s Fund. Motion and a second to donate $300 to The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Motion carried.
Service Officer Bob Shappell – Bob mentioned The American Legion Washington Conference which he and Bob Batty recently attended. One of the important pieces of legislation promoted for passage by the House and Senate is the Major Richard Starr Act. This act has been in Congress for 3 years. The Major Richard Star Act is legislation to ensure medically retired combat-injured veterans can finally receive their full Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments, which currently receives a dollar-for-dollar reduction. Unfortunately, the legislation did not make it to the floor for a vote thanks to Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson. Deplorable. Bob, dean of the Wisconsin Legion College gave a rundown on upcoming training sessions to be held in March and April. He encouraged all members who haven’t attended to attend. Members of Post 288 will be allowed to attend for FREE!
Historian John Katzka – John reported on “this date in history”. In 1775 Patrick Henry’srousing speeches fired up Americans for independence. In 2003 President Bush sent U.S. Troops to Iraq to eliminate Sadam Hussein and find and destroy his weapons of mass destruction.
SAL Jerry Gomez – Jerry reported the SAL has 93% paid-up members. He is confident the SAL can reach 100% membership for 2025/2026. He requested that those SAL members who have yet to pay do so as soon as possible.
CORRESPONDENCE
Commander Burkart read the following correspondence:
Bemis Manufacturing donated $50.00 to Peter Wollner Post 288 in honor of Mick Callen, a former employee.
Commander Burkart read a letter from Carroll Law Office, S.C. informing the Post of a partial distribution from the Revocable Trust of Marjorie S. Fay Estate and Carlyle W. Fay, dated February 23, 1994.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Officer – Bills to be paid? Finance Officer Dennis Loberger read the bills totaling $1,846.84. Motion and a second to pay all the Bills. Motion carried
Commander Burkart provided a recap for the 2026 Puzzle Event. Revenue totaled $320.00 with expenses of $561.34 for a shortfall of $241.34. However, the event was considered a success as it brought the community into the Post and a good time was had by all.
NEW BUSINESS
Todd Filter and his sister Kristin have pledged a sizable donation to the Post in honor of their father and Post member, the late Art Filter. Their wish is that some of the donation will be used for scholarships and community involvement in the Post.
Commander Burkart asked membership for ideas to help families of members who are deployed. Ideas such as skill sharing list or a babysitting list, etc.
The commander also reminded membership about OPSEC (operational security) and that everyone should be careful what they say in relation to deployed members. Items such as times, dates, and addresses etc.
GOOD OF THE LEGION
Veteran’s Thursday Coffee at Jim’s Grille 10 a.m.
Jim Lee needs help to setup the hall for parties and meetings. Anyone available during the day who would be interested in helping out should contact the commander or Jim Lee.
Post officer nominations occur at the next regular meeting in April. If a member wishes to be nominated for an office or knows of someone interested in being nominated, contact nomination committee, Dennis Jaeger, Dennis Loberger, or Bob Batty.
Fish Fry Friday, March 20th. See Bob Batty if you wish to volunteer.
Memorial Day Planning Committee meets Friday (third Friday) at 10 a.m.
American Legion Birthday Party 3/14, 1-4 p.m.
2nd District Spring Conference at Saukville Post, April 25th, 9 a.m. See the commander of you wish to be a delegate.
POT OF GOLD
Chuck Longford
Fred Schmidt
There being no further business the meeting ended with the appropriate closing ceremonies and was adjourned at 1956 hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert S. Batty, PDC
Adjutant
Peter Wollner Post 288
Department of Wisconsin