The first meeting of the new Amvets Post 23 in Hague was held April 14 and was called to order by Commander John Ekstein.

Guests introduced were Gary Maddock, State Dept. Adjutant, Bismarck; Bob Hulla, State Dept. 1st Vice Commander, Steele, and Jeff Ohlhauser, Emmons County in Service Officer, Linton.

Ray Geffre, 1st Vice Commander, gave an updated report on Post 23’s membership. At the present time there are 80 members of which 24 are new life members and three are life member transfers, for a total of 27 life members. Fifty-three annual dues members, with the minimum requirement of 20 new life members, now makes Robert L. Kraft Post 23 a perpetual post.

Gary Maddock stated that May 16, 17 and 18 are the dates for North Dakotas Department of AMVETS annual convention and with the present membership that the Post is eligible to send nine delegates. Delegate registration is $45 which includes meals.

Bob Hulla covered some procedures for election of state officers at the convention.

Jeff Ohlhauser covered the responsibilities of his office in assisting veterans and liaison with the Veterans Administration. Also Jeff told about his new location on the first floor of the Emmons County Courthouse. Joe Schmaltz covered proper flag etiquette.

The first meeting was a great success with 21 members present.

The meeting for May 12 will be very important for Post 23. There will be election of officers and some committees filled—being involved invokes a greater camaraderie. The Post is looking for input for a possible change of meeting night which will better serve themembers—“Veterans Helping Veterans.”