Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes, American Legion Post 16,

Tuesday, January 6. 2026

01/06/2026

Called to Order: 1800 HRS by Commander Dave Gallagher

Prayer offered by: Chaplain Dennis Salzer

Officer Roll Call (P = Present; A = Absent; E = Excused; V = Vacant)

Minutes – Preceding Meeting

Adjutant, Milt Harrigan reported that the minutes report from the previous meeting of November 4, 2025, were e-mailed and posted on the Post 16 Bulletin Board. A motion was made by Joel Hurliman to accept the minutes report and seconded by Mike Kellett. The motion to accept the report was approved without further discussion.
There was no vote to accept the December meeting minutes as this meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Minutes From Previous Executive Committee Meeting (No Vote)

Introduction of Guests and Prospective New Members

Mike Kellett, Department Commander, Past 3^rd District Commander, & Past Post 16 Commander

Committee Reports

Finance Report
- Finance Officer Jim Boulay provided the financial report…
  - Combined December 2025 Income: $13,300
  - Combined December 2025 Expenses: $12,900
  - December 2025 Cash Flow: $340
- A motion was made by Phil Norris to accept the financial report and seconded by George Payne. The motion to accept the report was approved without further discussion.
- Jim offered that expenses to operate the Canteen, utilities, and Post maintenance costs all increased in 2025. But having said that, the Post’s overall financials are quite stable.
- Jim offered that if anyone has questions about the financials as reported or would like additional details, please contact him directly and he will be happy to discuss any part of the financials and in whatever detail is requested.

Membership
- Senior Vice Commander, John Simonetti reported that there are currently 43 members who have not yet renewed their memberships and paid their dues. John provided the list of the unpaid members to Commander Dave.

Junior Vice Activities
- Junior Vice Commander Kelly Stanton reported that there were no rental inquiries.

Housing and Building
- Milt offered that Commander Dave and himself met with a Troop 25 Scout who requested to do his Eagle Scout Project at the Post. The project involves repairing and upgrading the burn pit that is used for our Flag Retirement ceremonies. The initial draft of the plan looks very good. We will keep everyone posted as the project commences.

Americanism
- Milt offered that he heard from Shelton High School this morning on the Oratorical Contest. The contest was cancelled for this Thursday but may be rescheduled in the next two weeks.
- Milt offered that he has started to publicize the Boys State program at Shelton High School. The fee to send one boy to Boys State this year has remained at $450.

Sick Call and Relief
- As of November 21^st, we were made aware that long-time Post 16 member John Dougherty is living at Maplewood Assisted Living in Orange. John’s wife passed in June 2025. If anyone would like to contact John, his contact information is…

Maplewood Assisted Living Orange, CT 06477 Room 309 Room Telephone: (475) 209-9074

Post Service Officer
- Service Officer Bill Kozak reported that he has 2 cases currently open.

Old Business

New Business

Milt offered that the new face of the Post 16 Honor Guard is a combined effort with VFW Post 10059. Milt offered his thanks to the Post 16 members and the VFW Post 10059 members for their combined support for past and upcoming events.
Squadron 16 will sponsor the annual Chili Cook-Off at the Post on Sunday, January 25^th 2:00 – 3:00 PM. A sign-up sheet is in the Canteen to participate in the contest. Flyers are posted in the Canteen, and e-mails have been sent out to everyone.
Consideration is being given to have a Super Bowl Party this year. If it is decided that we have a party, this information will be relayed to everyone in a timely manner.
The next Blood Drive will be held at the Post on Friday, January 13^th, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Volunteers are needed to set up prior to the blood drive at 10:00 AM and break down after the drive.
Mike Kellett made a motion that Post 16 donate $600.00 to sponsor the Shelton Little League. This donation would be good for the players in the league, the Shelton community, and good publicity for the Post at the baseball games. This sponsorship would include American Legion Post 16 being printed on the players’ jerseys, a banner at the ballfield publicizing the Post 16 American Legion Family, and the Post being included on the team’s website. John Simonetti seconded the motion to donate $600 to sponsor the Shelton Little League. The motion passed without further discussion.

Communications

Post Everlasting

Attendance Raffle

Number 264 was drawn by the Commander. Post 16 Member George Schrade was drawn as the raffle winner but was not present at the meeting. The new amount for February will be $60.00.

For The Good Of The Post

Milt offered that Tom Wilson donated a 1942 vintage US Navy recruiting poster to the Post. The poster has been completely refurbished and framed. We will find a good place to hang this somewhere in the Post. Many thanks to Tom for making this donation to our Post.
Bill Kozak offered that in December he attended a Wreaths Across America ceremony in Ansonia. He relayed that the ceremony was very nice and well attended by residents and Veterans.
Department Commander Mike Kellett said that the upcoming Mid-Winter Conference is going to be very good, offering a lot of value to those who attend. He offered that guest speakers include the National Jag Officer and the National Commander Candidate. Some subjects that will be offered in the breakout sessions will be instructions on the different uses of MYLEGION, and the many uses of media relations and digital media.
Commander Mike thanked the Post 16 members for their work and continued support. He offered thanks to those who were able to attend his testimonial dinner in November of last year.

Closing Prayer

Meeting Adjourned at 1845 HRS by the Commander.

Post 16 Adjutant Milt Harrigan