MANUEL SCHNEIDMILLER RATHDRUM POST 154, INC.

AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF IDAHO

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

ARTICLE I: NAME

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc. American Legion Department of Idaho.

ARTICLE II: OBJECTS

Section 1. The objectives and purposes of Post 154 shall be to promote the principles and policies as set forth in the foregoing preamble, and the National and Departmental Constitutions of The American Legion.

ARTICLE III: NATURE

Section 1. Post 154 is a civilian organization and membership therein does not affect or increase liability for military or police service.

Section 2. This organization shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.

Section 3. Rank does not exist in The American Legion; no member shall be addressed by his military title in any meeting of Post 154.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility to membership in Post 154 shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of The American Legion.

Section 2. Application for new membership shall be made in writing and with a review of DD214, and under such regulations as may from time to time be prescribed by the Post 154 Executive Committee.

Section 3. All applications for membership shall be acted upon by the Membership Committee. If a majority of the members of the Membership Committee cast their vote against the acceptance of said application, then such application shall be submitted to the Executive Committee for further investigation and consideration. If a majority of the members of the Executive Committee cast their vote against the acceptance of said application, then such application shall be recorded as rejected.

Section 4. Any member of Post 154 may be expelled for cause by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee after charges are preferred under oath in writing, and a fair trial was held upon the same.

Section 5. A member who has been expelled or suspended from Post 154 for any cause, with the exception of a felony conviction, may be reinstated to membership by a twothirds vote of the membership present at a Post 154 meeting, and the payment of current dues for the year in which the reinstatement occurs.

Section 6. No person who has been expelled by a any Post shall be admitted to membership in Post 154, without the consent of the expelling Post, except where such consent has been asked for and denied by such Post, may then appeal to the state Executive Committee of the Department of the expelling Post for permission to apply for membership in Post 154, and shall be ineligible for membership until such permission is granted.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

Section 1. The administrative affairs of this Post of The American Legion shall, except as may be otherwise provided by the Bylaws, be under the supervision of an Executive Committee which shall consist of three (3) members-at-large in addition to the officers of the Post. The term of office of members of the Executive Committee shall be for one year. Post 154, by its Bylaws, may provide for such other standing committees as the business of the organization may require.

Section 2. The officers of Post 154 shall be a commander, a first vice-commander, a second vice commander, an adjutant, a finance officer, a historian, a chaplain, a service officer, a sergeant-at-arms, judge advocate, training officer, and such other officers as may be deemed necessary by Post 154. This slate of officers shall be presented by the nominating committee or nominated from the floor at the meeting preceding the annual election.

Section 3. All officers and executive committee members-at-large shall be elected annually, and they shall hold office until their successors are duly installed or as otherwise provided. The exception to this rule is the Finance Officer who shall be elected for 3 years. If the Finance Officer’s position becomes vacated for any reason, the Finance Committee shall immediately take control of the Post's financial records, files and checkbooks and function in the role of Finance Officer until a new Finance Officer is elected and installed. Any officer or executive committee member-at-large may be removed for dereliction of duty by the Executive Committee, a two-thirds vote of said committee being necessary to affect such removal.

Section 4. Every member of Post 154 in good standing shall be eligible to hold office in Post 154.

Section 5. The duties of officers and the executive committee shall be those usually appertaining to such officers or committee and as further provided in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI: FINANCE

Section 1. The revenue of Post 154 shall be derived from annual membership dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the Post Executive Committee.

Section 2. The amount of such membership dues shall be fixed and determined by Post 154.

Section 3. Post 154 shall pay to Departmental headquarters the National and Departmental annual membership dues for every member of the Post.

ARTICLE VII: CHARTER MEMBERS

Section 1. Members who joined Post 154 prior to the issuance of the permanent charter shall be known as charter members.

ARTICLE VIII: AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

Section 1. Post 154 will recognize all Auxiliaries as currently recognized by the National Organization.

Section 2. Membership in the Auxiliary shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution is adopted subject to the provisions of the national

Constitution of The American Legion and of the Department Constitution of the

Department of Idaho, The American Legion. Any amendment to said National Constitution or Department Constitution which is in conflict with any provisions hereof shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of Post 154’s Constitution to the extent of such conflict.

Section 2. This Constitution may be amended at any regular Post meeting by vote of twothirds of the members of said Post attending such regular meeting, providing the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at the preceding regular meeting of said Post, and providing, further, written notice shall have been given to all members at least 30 days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting a proposal to amend the Constitution is to be voted upon.

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION

We, Deanna K Sasse, the duly elected and qualified Post Commander and Bryan D Bledsoe, Adjutant, respectively, of Rathdrum Post 154 American Legion, Department of Idaho, located at Rathdrum, Idaho do hereby certify:

THAT a regular membership meeting of Rathdrum Post 154 was held in Rathdrum,

Idaho on the _______day of ________ 2024

THAT the members present at said meeting voted in favor of adopting the changes to the

Constitution, and that the Post Commander, as the presiding officer, declared that the

Constitution changes were therefore adopted;

IN WITNESS HEREOF, we, the undersigned, set our hands and seals this ________ day of _______ 2024.

____________________________________Deanna K Sasse, Commander

___________________________________ Bryan D Bledsoe, Adjutant

BYLAWS

Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc.

The American Legion Department of Idaho American

Legion Preamble (same as National Constitution Preamble)

For God and country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and order;

To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;

To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;

To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;

To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;

To make right the master of might;

To promote peace and goodwill on earth;

To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;

To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. Bylaws

Article I — Name and Purpose

Section 1. The Post existing under these Bylaws is to be known as Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc. American Legion Department of Idaho.

Section 2. The nature and purpose of the Post shall be to promote the principles and policies as set forth in the foregoing preamble, and the National and Department Constitutions of the American Legion.

Article Il — Management

Section 1. The Post officers govern at the pleasure of, and with the consent of the general membership of Post 154. The Commander, of Post 154, shall preside at all Post 154 Membership meetings. The Commander, as chairperson of the Executive Committee, has, with committee approval, supervision over all Post activities under the jurisdiction of the Executive Committee.

Section 2. The government and management of Post 154 are entrusted to the Post Commander and to a committee of members, to be known as the Post 154 Executive Committee.

Section 3. The Post 154 Executive Committee shall supervise the administrative affairs of the Post except as may be otherwise provided in the Bylaws.

Section 4. All employees of Post 154 shall be hired and maintained on the payroll in accordance with the wage and hour laws of the United States of America and the State of Idaho, or as determined by Post 154 Executive Committee.

Article Ill — Post Executive Committee

Section 1. Separate from the officers of Post 154, the Post Executive Committee shall consist of three (3) members elected from the Post membership and will be known as a Member at Large and together with the officers of Post 154 shall be elected during annual elections on the 4th Thursday at the General Membership Meeting in April and take office at the next monthly membership meeting after the election. The procedure for electing a Member at Large shall be the same as set out in Article XIII Section 1 for Post 154 Officers. The immediate past Commander of Post 154 shall automatically become a member of this committee with voice but no vote.

Section 2. The Post 154 Commander shall chair the Post Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of the Post Executive Committee members to act as a general advisory board to the Post Commander.

Section 3. Three (3) Members at Large shall be elected and will serve on the post Executive Committee.

1. One Member at Large for a 3-year term 2. One Member at Large for a 2-year term

3. One Member at Large for a 1-year term

Section 4. All vacancies existing in the Executive Committee or in any office of Post 154 for any cause other than the expiration of the term of office shall be filled by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee. The new officer, or Member at Large will then be presented at the next Membership Meeting for confirmation by the membership. A member so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the officer or Member at Large they succeed. A vacancy shall exist when an officer or board member is absent from their position for a continuous period considered detrimental to the interest of the Post 154 by the Executive Committee. Any officer or board member will be removed from his/her post after being absent for three unexcused consecutive meetings. Section 5. The Post 154 Executive Committee shall meet for organization and such other business as may come before it at the call of the Post Commander within fourteen (14) business days after the installation of the new officers. Thereafter the Post Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the Commander, on a day mutually agreed upon, or as often as said Commander may deem necessary. The Commander shall call a meeting of the Post Executive Committee upon the joint written request of three or more members of said PostExecutive Committee. Seven members of the Post Executive Committee, other than the Post Commander, or the majority of the remaining officers and committeepersons, in the event of resignations or removal due to disciplinary action, shall constitute a quorum thereof.

Section 6. The purpose and authority of Post 154 Executive Committee shall be generally administrative and managerial in nature and as such shall be empowered to hire such employees as may be necessary; shall approve and authorize all budget projections and expenditures; upon a vote of two thirds of the members serving on the Executive Committee of Post 154, the Executive Committee shall require adequate fidelity/crime insurance for all persons having the custody of Post funds. The cost of such insurance shall be covered by the Post; the Post 154 Executive Committee shall hear the reports of Post committee chairpersons; upon a vote of two thirds of the members serving on the Executive Committee of Post 154, the Executive Committee shall require that all checks issued by the Finance Officer shall be counter-signed by the Post Commander or First Vice Commander; shall assist the Post Commander in developing and maintaining a vision of the future with a three year plan; and generally, shall have charge of, and be responsible for the management of the affairs of Post 154.

Section 7. The minutes of the meeting of the Post 154 Executive Committee shall be posted on the Post 154 website or read or distributed at the next regular meeting of the Post.

Section 8. Any member in good standing, any member of SAL, Auxiliary or the general public may attend an Executive Committee meeting as a guest but said person has no voice, unless given it by the Executive Committee chairperson, and has no vote at the meeting. Guests will maintain silence unless recognized by the Executive Committee chairperson.

Article IV - Duties of Officers

Section 1. General: The following is a list of Post 154 officers: Commander, First ViceCommander, Second Vice-Commander, Finance Officer, Judge Advocate, Service Officer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Historian, Adjutant, Training Officer and Chaplain. The Post Adjutant shall serve as secretary of the Executive Committee. The term of office of members of the Executive Committee shall be for one (1) year with the exception of the Finance Officer who shall serve for three (3) years. Post 154, by its Bylaws, may provide for such standing committees as the business of the organization may require. All pertinent proceedings of the Executive Committee must be submitted to the Post 154 membership for approval at the next Membership Meeting. The officers of the Post shall focus on assisting the Post Commander in executing the Post 154 mission and its supporting plans and programs. Officers and chairpersons shall be responsible for maintaining a procedures manual for their office to assist the persons replacing them in performing the duties of their position.

Section 2. Duties of Post Commander: The Post 154 Commander shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. It shall be the duty of the Post Commander to serve as ex officio member of all appointed committees, to preside over all executive, general and special membership meetings of the Post, coordinate and publish an agenda for all regular and special Post meetings, and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of Post 154. The Post 154 Commander shall approve all orders directing the day-to-day disbursement of budgeted and authorized funds and shall make an annual report covering the business of the Post for the preceding year, and recommendations for the ensuing year, and direct that the Adjutant forward copies of all annual reports thereof immediately to the Department Adjutant. The Post Commander shall perform such other duties as directed by the membership.

Section 3. Duties of First Vice Commander: The Post 154 First Vice-Commander shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. The First Vice-Commander shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of Post 154 Commander in the absence or disability of, or when called upon by the Post 154 Commander. In doing so, the First Vice-Commander shall be knowledgeable in all ceremonial protocol of regular and special Post 154 meetings. The First Vice-Commander shall expressly interest themselves in the membership of the Post and shall be a chairperson member of the Post 154 Membership Committee. Because no single factor has so important an influence on the Post's success as membership, the First Vice Commander shall be assisted by the most active and devoted members of the Post. The First Vice-Commander shall also be the means of safeguarding the honor of the Flag of our Country. The First Vice-Commander is the teacher of democracy and shall therefore be committed to these endeavors and shall fulfill each and every one of them. The First Vice-Commander shall be the chairperson for the Flag Committee.

Section 4. Duties of Second Vice-Commander: The Post 154 Second Vice-Commander shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. The Second Vice-Commander shall also be responsible for assisting the Post Commander with all duties. Particularly, the Second Vice-Commander shall be chairman of the House and Entertainment Committee and shall be vested with responsibility in developing Post activities, in developing entertainment features which mark all meetings, and in patriotic observances of all kinds including those requiring an Honor Guard observance.

Section 5. Duties of Post Adjutant: The Post 154 Adjutant shall be appointed by the commander to serve for a period of one year. The Post Adjutant's duties are primarily administrative in nature. The Adjutant is the personnel officer and thus maintains contact with individual Post 154 members. The Post Adjutant maintains membership records, minutes of meetings, coordinates with and assists with the work of the other officers and committees, and publishes official orders, announcements, and instructions. The Post Adjutant, in all matters relating to finance shall carry on the work in close correlation with the Post Finance Officer and shall serve on the Finance Committee. The Adjutant shall be secretary to the Post Executive Committee and shall prepare and keep all records and minutes of proceedings of said Post Executive Committee. The Post Adjutant shall be authorized in the event of death or resignation of the Post Commander, to summon the Post Executive Committee for the election of a successor. In the event the Adjutant shall fail, refuse or neglect to summon the Post Executive committee, within fifteen days after said death or resignation, then said meeting for the purpose of electing a successor may be held upon the written demand therefore signed by the majority of the Post Executive Committee members, giving fifteen days' notice thereof. The Post Adjutant shall be responsible for the administrative conduct of all special and regular elections for the Post.

Section 6. Duties of the Post Finance Officer: The Post 154 Finance Officer shall be elected to serve for a period of three years. The Post Finance Officer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in a designated local bank or banks and shall report once a month to the Post Executive Committee, as well as the general Membership Meeting of Post 154, the condition of the finances of the Post, with such recommendations as may deem expedient or necessary for raising funds with which to carry on the activities of Post 154. The Finance Officer shall sign all checks disbursing the monies of the Post. Upon a vote of two thirds of the members serving on the Executive Committee of Post 154, the Executive Committee shall require that all checks issued by the Finance Officer shall be counter-signed by the Post Commander or First Vice Commander. The Post Finance Officer shall be the chairperson of the Post Finance Committee.

Section 7. Duties of Post Historian: The Post 154 Historian shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. The Post Historian shall be the custodian of any and all awards, decorations and/or memorabilia received by the Post and shall perform such other duties as may properly pertain to the office as may be determined by the Post or the Post Executive Committee. Also, the Post Historian shall maintain a Post Historian Book to be displayed at special events and sent to the Department Historian to coincide with the Department Convention. They will be responsible for displaying the current photos of events and providing up to date information for the newsletter and webpage.

Section 8. Duties of Post Chaplain: The Post 154 Chaplain shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. The Post Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Post's comrades and when requested, will offer divine, but nonsectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., and shall adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are included-in the Manual of Ceremonies, or recommended by the National or Department headquarters from time to time. The Post 154 Chaplain shall be the chairperson of the Graves Registration and Memorial Committee.

Section 9. Duties of Post Sergeant-at-Arms: The Post 154 Sergeant-at-Arms shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. As the outer guard of the Post, the Sergeant-at Arms shall preserve order at meetings, identify and introduce to the Post Commander all visiting comrades and guests of the Post, shall assume charge of the stand of colors which will be properly displayed at all Post meetings and ceremonial occasions, and shall perform such other duties as may be from time to time assigned by the Post Executive Committee, the Post Commander, or delineated in the Manual of Ceremonies.

Section 10. Duties of Post Service Officer: The Post 154 Service Officer shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. The Post Service Officer shall conduct all matters pertaining to service to, and the welfare of comrades through educational efforts/programs concerning the rights and benefits for all veterans, and their dependents as granted them by law. The Post Service Officer shall be the chairperson of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee.

Section 11. Duties of Post Judge Advocate: Post 154 Judge Advocate shall be elected to serve for a period of one year. The primary duty of the Judge Advocate is to supply advice in the conduct of the post business or to procure proper counsel and is the guardian of constitutional form of post government. The Judge Advocate shall be chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

Section 12. Duties of the Post Training Officer: The Post 154 Training Officer is responsible for providing quality training designed to increase familiarity in the American Legion best practices for individual members and members in leadership rolls they seek to hold, are currently holding, and the role they want in the future. The Training Officer shall provide individuals and the organization with enhanced knowledge, develop skills, and cultivate the training process in the American legion. They will utilize new technology i.e., computers, projectors, Internet, email, social media, Power Point presentations, and other materials not listed to accomplish the post training by using these tools. The Post 154 Training Officer shall complete the National American Legion Basic Training Course within 90 days of being nominated to this position.

Section 13. Responsibilities: All Post Officers and Members at Large

Establish guidelines for the operation of the Post, including the maintenance of their respective procedure manuals to be turned over to their successor.
Regularly attend scheduled monthly meetings of the Executive Committee and the Post 154 Membership.
Be actively involved in at least one committee.
Assist Post 154 in appropriate fund-raising efforts.
Assist Post 154 in recruiting new members.
Represent Post 154 in the community.

ARTICLE V - AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

Section 1. Post 154 will recognize all Auxiliaries as currently recognized by the National Organization and/or Department of Idaho.

Section 2. Membership in the Auxiliary shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Article VI — Department Convention Delegates

Section 1. Any member of this Post in good standing shall be eligible to be a candidate for delegate to the Department convention.

Section 2. Delegates and alternates to a Department convention shall be elected by voice vote or ballot by Post 154 membership at a regular Membership Meeting of the Post to be held at least 30 days prior to the date of such convention.

Section 3. All delegates representing Post 154 shall receive information from the Post Commander and Post Executive Committee as to the general position of the Post on any issue or matter to be voted upon, and instructions to vote as directed. At no time shall a delegate vote in contrary to the wishes of the Post membership.

Section 4. Upon return from the Department Convention the Commander or said representative shall render a report in full of the proceedings at the Department

Convention. Such report is to be made to Post 154 members not later than thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the Department Convention.

Article VII — Committees

Section 1. The Post Commander, upon taking office, shall appoint chairpersons of the following standing committees: Americanism, Ceremonials, Children and Youth, Finance,

Graves Registration and Memorial, House and Entertainment, Legislative, Membership, Public Relations, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Welcome Committee, Constitution and Bylaws, and Visiting or VAVS. Standing committees shall consist of such members and sub-committees deemed necessary to perform assigned functions. Standing committees or their functions, may be eliminated or combined with those of other committees, as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee. Standing and special project committee chairpersons shall be responsible for maintaining procedure manuals for their respective positions.

Section 2. Committee Duties

Americanism Committee: The Americanism Committee shall be charged with the inspiration of patriotism and good citizenship by arrangements for proper observance of patriotic occasions; encouragement of patriotic and civic phases of instruction in schools; Americanization of aliens; combating anti-American propaganda by education of the general public in American ideals through public forums, etc., and activities for community and civic betterment.
Ceremonials Committee: The Ceremonials Committee concerns itself with proper presentation of all rituals outlined in the Manual of Ceremonies, including but not limited to burial detail, the wearing of Legion regalia, installation of Post Officers and Member at Larges, and preparation (and/or representation at parades and other public events. One of the elected Members at Large shall be Chairman of this committee.
Children and Youth Committee: Shall be charged with aid and service to children of veterans, cooperating with other established agencies in the community; laboring for the betterment of child conditions and in coordinating services and agencies in the community for the above purposes. To act as an intermediary for the needy child of a veteran in obtaining the fulfillment of the Legion's pledge that "no child of a war veteran shall be in need of the necessities of life" and "a square deal for every child". This committee shall be responsible for activities for children & youth such as, but not limited to, Boys State, Oratorical Contest, youth baseball, and sponsorship of other youth activities.
Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall be charged with the administration of financial policies, preparation of budget recommendations and supervision of receiving, disbursing and accounting of all Post funds. The committee is also responsible for recommending financial/strategic goals, long range financial plans that support the mission of the Post. The Post Finance Officer shall be the chairperson of the Post Finance Committee and appoint or employ an annual impartial auditor of the Post finances and inventory. Auditor to be approved by the Executive Committee. Members of the Finance Committee shall hold this position for the duration of the Finance Officer’s term.
Graves Registration and Memorial Committee: The duties of this committee involve recording of grave sites and complete information on veteran's burial in cemeteries assigned to the Post. Special assistance can be given the Service Officer in providing flags, headstones, or proper interment in National Cemeteries. The Post Chaplain is the chairperson and Post Historian shall be a member of the Graves Registration and Memorial Committee.
House and Entertainment Committee: Such committee shall be responsible for planning and executing all Post social activities for the year, including but not limited to dances, entertainment, musicians, and decorations. This committee shall make recommendations to the Post Commander and Post Executive Committee on all matters pertaining to house rules, ceremonies, and events. The chairman of the House and Entertainment Committee shall develop and maintain an annual master event calendar for the Post. They are also responsible for scheduling speakers and presentations, approved by the Executive Committee, at the Membership meetings. The 2^nd Vice Commander is chairman of this committee.
Legislative Committee: The Legislative Committee promotes the Legion's official legislative mandates, disseminates monthly legislative updates, organizes, and promotes proactive grassroots lobbying activities, and establishes and maintains liaisons with elected officials and their staffs.
Membership Committee: The Membership Committee shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Post, including the enlistment, reinstatements, and eligibility of members. The chairperson of said committee shall appoint and train, in accordance with prescribed American Legion standards, such teams as necessary to perform this vital mission. The First Vice-Commander shall be the chairperson of this committee.
Public Relations Committee: The Public Relations Committee elevates awareness in the veteran community and the community at large of the Legion's advocacy of veteran issues, national security, Americanism, and children and youth. The committee is responsible for the Post newsletter, media announcements and social media.
Welcome Committee: The Welcome Committee is responsible for greeting arriving members, ensuring new members are welcomed and made to feel a part of the Post, maintaining name tags for all members, and assisting the commander in the formal introduction of each new member and their welcome into the Post. The Welcome Committee will assume other duties as determined by the Executive Committee. One of the elected Members at Large shall be Chairman of this committee.
Veterans' Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee: The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee shall be vested with responsibility for aid and service to all needy veterans and their families, and children of veterans. This committee shall assist the Post Service Officer as required and shall conduct all matters pertaining to service to, and the welfare of comrades through educational efforts/programs concerning rights and benefits for all veterans, and their dependents as granted them by law, and involve itself in matters pertaining to comrades in their prosecution of claims against the United States and state governments, employment of veterans programs, veterans' burial rights, and other privileges as appropriate. The Post Service Officer shall serve as chairperson of this committee.
Visiting or VAVS Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Committee: This committee is charged with visiting and comforting members and their families when sick or bereaved, and with visiting service personnel and ex-service personnel in hospitals. Post Chaplain is the chairperson of this committee.

Article VIII— Resolutions

Section 1. All resolutions of state or national scope presented to Post 154 by a member or reported to this Post by a committee shall merely embody the opinion of this Post on the subject and copy of same shall be forwarded to the Department headquarters for its approval before any publicity is given or action other than mere passage by the Post is taken.

Article IX — Meetings

Section 1. The regular meeting of the Post shall be held at a suitable facility on the 4^thThursday of each month, at which may be transacted such business as may properly be brought up for action; such meetings may be converted into entertainment meetings, as may be deemed advisable by the officers of the Post.

Section 2. The Post Commander or a majority of the Post Executive Committee shall have the power to call a special meeting of the Post at any time. This could include virtual meetings.

Section 3. Upon the written request of fifteen Post 154 members, the Post Commander or Post Executive Committee shall call a special meeting of the Post.

Section 4. Ten members shall constitute a quorum of any Membership Meeting or Special Membership Meeting.

Section 5. The Post Executive Committee, by simple majority vote, may cancel or postpone any future meeting.

Section 6. All meetings shall be run in accordance with the Post 154 Bylaws and the bylaws of District, bylaws of Department, bylaws of National and according to current edition of Robert's Rules of Order.

Article X - Reading of the Minutes

Section 1. The minutes of all regular meetings and Executive Committee meetings shall be presented for approval to the Post at its next regular meeting.

Section 2. Reading of the minutes of regular meetings and the Executive Committee meetings shall be waived if the minutes are printed and made available to the membership prior to the scheduled regular meetings. This can be accomplished by posting them on a bulletin board, Post newsletter, email, webpage, or hardcopy.

Article XI — Disciplinary Action

Section 1. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the Commander or any other elected

Officer from taking immediate action against a member of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary if established, Sons of the American Legion if established, or a guest in order to maintain order and decorum regarding the use of Post facilities and or Post property.

Section 2. The Commander may, without a hearing, suspend a member from the use of the Post facilities for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. Within ten (10) days of being advised of said suspension, the member can request, in writing, a hearing before the Post Executive Committee. A requested hearing must be held within ten (10) days of the Post receiving such request.

Section 3. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with suggested Policies and Procedures contained in the current Officer's Handbook, Robert's Rules of Order, or in the event that the Department of Idaho issues procedures or guidelines then those are to be followed in regards to disciplinary action.

Section 4. All charges brought against a member of the post will be brought to the Executive Committee for review. If the charges are warranted, a Discipline Action

Committee will be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Discipline Action Committee will review the charges and make recommendations to the Executive Committee for action. This committee will be made up of members of the post, other than officers and committeepersons. The Judge Advocate will be the chairman of the Discipline Action Committee.

Article XII - Budget

Section l. All fiscal affairs of the Post shall be established in an annual budget that reflects the receipts, and capital outlays for the fiscal year.

Section 2. As soon as the Finance Committee is appointed, the Post Finance Officer shall provide the committee members with historical financial data, orientation, and guidelines on the Post budget process. The Finance Committee shall consist of at least 3 members, including the Adjutant, and in addition, the Finance Officer who shall chair this committee. Members of this committee shall hold their positions through the term of office of the Finance Officer to provide continuity.

Section 3. The committee shall immediately seek input in the form of budget requests from all Officers, Committee chairpersons, and others who are responsible for generating revenue and/or incurring expenditures. These budget requests must be submitted once a year at a date appointed by the Finance Officer.

Section 4. The budget must be approved by the Executive Committee and the membership.

Section 5. The Post Finance Officer shall report on the status of Post 154’s budget and the financial condition of Post 154 at each regular scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee and the Post Membership Meeting.

Article XIII — Elections

Section 1. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed in February to serve through the election of officers. The annual election shall be held during the regular membership meeting in April where Post Officers and Post Executive Committee members shall be elected. Voting shall be by voice vote if there is only one candidate for an office, by ballot if there are multiple candidates or by acclamation if there is an unopposed slate of officers. Nominations can be made from the floor at the March general membership meeting provided the nominee gives verbal consent if present, or written consent if not present and also at the April general membership meeting. Officers and Post Executive Committee members so elected by simple majority vote shall be properly installed into office at the next regular meeting held at the May membership meeting.

Section 2. For the purpose of expediting nominations and of giving due consideration to candidate qualifications for each elected position considered, the Executive Committee shall appoint a nominating committee of three members at large and one Executive Committeeperson sixty (60) days prior to election. The nominating committee shall select suitable candidates for each position open for election. Each nominee is to be provided with a written description of duties of each office they are nominated to fill. Other suitable candidates may be nominated from the floor during the nominating period. All incumbent candidates shall be screened for eligibility as it pertains to term limits prescribed in Articles Ill and IV above.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall name a judge and two (2) tellers, who shall be approved by the general membership, who shall distribute the ballots to the members, they shall collect and tally the ballots and report the results at the meeting. The chairperson of the nominating committee shall declare the winning candidates as elected. Candidates receiving the most votes are elected. The Judge and tellers cannot be a current officer, executive committee member, or a nominee for election.

Article XIV — Notices

Section 1. Every member shall furnish the Post adjutant with a current address, phone number and email for mailings and information.

Section 2. Notices to the membership may be made by announcement at General Membership Meetings, by posting on bulletin boards, by announcements in the Post newsletter, by email, posting on the webpage or by special mailings depending upon the urgency and timeliness requirements of the content of the notice.

Section 3. The Post adjutant shall cause notice of the annual election to be given at least two months prior thereto.

Section 4. The Post Adjutant shall cause notice of any other item requiring general member action as prescribed by the Executive Committee, the Post Commander, Post 154’s procedures manuals, or these Bylaws.

Section 5. All references to the masculine gender in these Bylaws shall refer to both genders.

Article XV - Rules of Order

Section 1. All proceedings of Post 154 shall be conducted under and pursuant to current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, except as herein otherwise provided. A copy of said rules of order shall be present at all, but not limited to regular and special meetings of the general membership.

Section 2. All business to be presented before the proceedings of Post 154 shall be properly noted and published in an official agenda that has been thoroughly coordinated with all participants.

Article XVI - Limitations of Liabilities

Section 1. Post 154 shall incur, or cause to be incurred, no liability nor obligation, whatsoever which shall subject to liability any other Post, subdivision, members of The American Legion, or other individuals, corporations or organizations.

Article XVII - Miscellaneous

Section 1. The membership year shall run from January 1^stto December 31^st. The fiscal year shall be from January 1st to December 31st.

Section 2 An audit will be conducted at the beginning of each fiscal year. The Post Commander shall appoint an audit committee of three (3) members to audit the Post finances and inventory. This committee shall, by March 15th of each year, conduct an audit, said audit to be completed and reported to the membership no later than March 30th of each year. The Finance Officer shall be the chairperson of this committee. The Audit Committee shall be appointed in December of each year.

Section 3. State Law & Statutes take precedence over all Bylaws and rules as applicable.

Section 4. The annual rate of dues shall be set by the Executive Committee with final approval by the membership.

Article XIX – Amendments

Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at any regular Post 154 meeting by a vote of two thirds of the members of said Post 154 attending such regular meeting, provided that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at the last previous regular meeting of Post 154 and, provided further, that written notice shall have been given, by legal notice, to all members, and or via e-mail at least ten (10) days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting a proposal to amend the Bylaws is to be voted upon.

Section 2. Approved amendments shall be sent to the Department Adjutant within thirty days of approval. Once they have been approved amendment(s) become effective. Any provision in conflict with National and/or Department By-Laws shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying to the extent of such conflict.

Article XIX- Authority

Section 1 The above Bylaws comprise the total and complete Bylaws of Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc. American Legion Department of Idaho at the time of certification and filing in the Office of the Kootenai County Recorder, State of Idaho.

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF BYLAWS

We, Deanna K Sasse, the duly elected and qualified Post Commander and Bryan Bledsoe, Adjutant, respectively, of Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc. American Legion Department of Idaho, located at Rathdrum, Idaho do hereby certify:

THAT at regular membership meetings of Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc.

held in Rathdrum, Idaho on _________________;

THAT the members present voted in favor of amending the Bylaws, and that the Post Commander, as the presiding officer, declared that the Bylaws were, therefore adopted; THAT the Post Commander as named herein was the presiding officer at said Post 154 meeting and the Adjutant named herein was the recording secretary at said meeting, and that it is in these dual capacities that they certify hereto.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, we, the undersigned, set our hands and seals this, ____________________.

Deanna K Sasse

Deanna K Sasse, Commander

Bryan D Bledsoe

Bryan D Bledsoe, Adjutant

MANUEL SCHNEIDMILLER RATHDRUM POST 154, INC.

AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF IDAHO

CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

ARTICLE I: NAME

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc. American Legion Department of Idaho.

ARTICLE II: OBJECTS

ARTICLE III: NATURE

Section 1. Post 154 is a civilian organization and membership therein does not affect or increase liability for military or police service.

Section 3. Rank does not exist in The American Legion; no member shall be addressed by his military title in any meeting of Post 154.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility to membership in Post 154 shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of The American Legion.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

Section 4. Every member of Post 154 in good standing shall be eligible to hold office in Post 154.

Section 5. The duties of officers and the executive committee shall be those usually appertaining to such officers or committee and as further provided in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI: FINANCE

Section 1. The revenue of Post 154 shall be derived from annual membership dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the Post Executive Committee.

Section 2. The amount of such membership dues shall be fixed and determined by Post 154.

Section 3. Post 154 shall pay to Departmental headquarters the National and Departmental annual membership dues for every member of the Post.

ARTICLE VII: CHARTER MEMBERS

Section 1. Members who joined Post 154 prior to the issuance of the permanent charter shall be known as charter members.

ARTICLE VIII: AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

Section 1. Post 154 will recognize all Auxiliaries as currently recognized by the National Organization.

Section 2. Membership in the Auxiliary shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This Constitution is adopted subject to the provisions of the national

Constitution of The American Legion and of the Department Constitution of the

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION

THAT a regular membership meeting of Rathdrum Post 154 was held in Rathdrum,

Idaho on the _______day of ________ 2024

THAT the members present at said meeting voted in favor of adopting the changes to the

Constitution, and that the Post Commander, as the presiding officer, declared that the

Constitution changes were therefore adopted;

IN WITNESS HEREOF, we, the undersigned, set our hands and seals this ________ day of _______ 2024.

____________________________________Deanna K Sasse, Commander

___________________________________ Bryan D Bledsoe, Adjutant

BYLAWS

Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc.

The American Legion Department of Idaho American

Legion Preamble (same as National Constitution Preamble)

For God and country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and order;

To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;

To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;

To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;

To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;

To make right the master of might;

To promote peace and goodwill on earth;

To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;

To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. Bylaws

Article I — Name and Purpose

Section 1. The Post existing under these Bylaws is to be known as Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc. American Legion Department of Idaho.

Article Il — Management

Section 2. The government and management of Post 154 are entrusted to the Post Commander and to a committee of members, to be known as the Post 154 Executive Committee.

Section 3. The Post 154 Executive Committee shall supervise the administrative affairs of the Post except as may be otherwise provided in the Bylaws.

Article Ill — Post Executive Committee

Section 2. The Post 154 Commander shall chair the Post Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of the Post Executive Committee members to act as a general advisory board to the Post Commander.

Section 3. Three (3) Members at Large shall be elected and will serve on the post Executive Committee.

1. One Member at Large for a 3-year term 2. One Member at Large for a 2-year term

3. One Member at Large for a 1-year term

Section 7. The minutes of the meeting of the Post 154 Executive Committee shall be posted on the Post 154 website or read or distributed at the next regular meeting of the Post.

Article IV - Duties of Officers

Section 13. Responsibilities: All Post Officers and Members at Large

Establish guidelines for the operation of the Post, including the maintenance of their respective procedure manuals to be turned over to their successor.
Regularly attend scheduled monthly meetings of the Executive Committee and the Post 154 Membership.
Be actively involved in at least one committee.
Assist Post 154 in appropriate fund-raising efforts.
Assist Post 154 in recruiting new members.
Represent Post 154 in the community.

ARTICLE V - AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

Section 1. Post 154 will recognize all Auxiliaries as currently recognized by the National Organization and/or Department of Idaho.

Section 2. Membership in the Auxiliary shall be as prescribed by the National Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Article VI — Department Convention Delegates

Section 1. Any member of this Post in good standing shall be eligible to be a candidate for delegate to the Department convention.

Section 4. Upon return from the Department Convention the Commander or said representative shall render a report in full of the proceedings at the Department

Convention. Such report is to be made to Post 154 members not later than thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the Department Convention.

Article VII — Committees

Section 1. The Post Commander, upon taking office, shall appoint chairpersons of the following standing committees: Americanism, Ceremonials, Children and Youth, Finance,

Section 2. Committee Duties

Americanism Committee: The Americanism Committee shall be charged with the inspiration of patriotism and good citizenship by arrangements for proper observance of patriotic occasions; encouragement of patriotic and civic phases of instruction in schools; Americanization of aliens; combating anti-American propaganda by education of the general public in American ideals through public forums, etc., and activities for community and civic betterment.
Ceremonials Committee: The Ceremonials Committee concerns itself with proper presentation of all rituals outlined in the Manual of Ceremonies, including but not limited to burial detail, the wearing of Legion regalia, installation of Post Officers and Member at Larges, and preparation (and/or representation at parades and other public events. One of the elected Members at Large shall be Chairman of this committee.
Children and Youth Committee: Shall be charged with aid and service to children of veterans, cooperating with other established agencies in the community; laboring for the betterment of child conditions and in coordinating services and agencies in the community for the above purposes. To act as an intermediary for the needy child of a veteran in obtaining the fulfillment of the Legion's pledge that "no child of a war veteran shall be in need of the necessities of life" and "a square deal for every child". This committee shall be responsible for activities for children & youth such as, but not limited to, Boys State, Oratorical Contest, youth baseball, and sponsorship of other youth activities.
Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall be charged with the administration of financial policies, preparation of budget recommendations and supervision of receiving, disbursing and accounting of all Post funds. The committee is also responsible for recommending financial/strategic goals, long range financial plans that support the mission of the Post. The Post Finance Officer shall be the chairperson of the Post Finance Committee and appoint or employ an annual impartial auditor of the Post finances and inventory. Auditor to be approved by the Executive Committee. Members of the Finance Committee shall hold this position for the duration of the Finance Officer’s term.
Graves Registration and Memorial Committee: The duties of this committee involve recording of grave sites and complete information on veteran's burial in cemeteries assigned to the Post. Special assistance can be given the Service Officer in providing flags, headstones, or proper interment in National Cemeteries. The Post Chaplain is the chairperson and Post Historian shall be a member of the Graves Registration and Memorial Committee.
House and Entertainment Committee: Such committee shall be responsible for planning and executing all Post social activities for the year, including but not limited to dances, entertainment, musicians, and decorations. This committee shall make recommendations to the Post Commander and Post Executive Committee on all matters pertaining to house rules, ceremonies, and events. The chairman of the House and Entertainment Committee shall develop and maintain an annual master event calendar for the Post. They are also responsible for scheduling speakers and presentations, approved by the Executive Committee, at the Membership meetings. The 2^nd Vice Commander is chairman of this committee.
Legislative Committee: The Legislative Committee promotes the Legion's official legislative mandates, disseminates monthly legislative updates, organizes, and promotes proactive grassroots lobbying activities, and establishes and maintains liaisons with elected officials and their staffs.
Membership Committee: The Membership Committee shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Post, including the enlistment, reinstatements, and eligibility of members. The chairperson of said committee shall appoint and train, in accordance with prescribed American Legion standards, such teams as necessary to perform this vital mission. The First Vice-Commander shall be the chairperson of this committee.
Public Relations Committee: The Public Relations Committee elevates awareness in the veteran community and the community at large of the Legion's advocacy of veteran issues, national security, Americanism, and children and youth. The committee is responsible for the Post newsletter, media announcements and social media.
Welcome Committee: The Welcome Committee is responsible for greeting arriving members, ensuring new members are welcomed and made to feel a part of the Post, maintaining name tags for all members, and assisting the commander in the formal introduction of each new member and their welcome into the Post. The Welcome Committee will assume other duties as determined by the Executive Committee. One of the elected Members at Large shall be Chairman of this committee.
Veterans' Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee: The Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee shall be vested with responsibility for aid and service to all needy veterans and their families, and children of veterans. This committee shall assist the Post Service Officer as required and shall conduct all matters pertaining to service to, and the welfare of comrades through educational efforts/programs concerning rights and benefits for all veterans, and their dependents as granted them by law, and involve itself in matters pertaining to comrades in their prosecution of claims against the United States and state governments, employment of veterans programs, veterans' burial rights, and other privileges as appropriate. The Post Service Officer shall serve as chairperson of this committee.
Visiting or VAVS Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Committee: This committee is charged with visiting and comforting members and their families when sick or bereaved, and with visiting service personnel and ex-service personnel in hospitals. Post Chaplain is the chairperson of this committee.

Article VIII— Resolutions

Article IX — Meetings

Section 2. The Post Commander or a majority of the Post Executive Committee shall have the power to call a special meeting of the Post at any time. This could include virtual meetings.

Section 3. Upon the written request of fifteen Post 154 members, the Post Commander or Post Executive Committee shall call a special meeting of the Post.

Section 4. Ten members shall constitute a quorum of any Membership Meeting or Special Membership Meeting.

Section 5. The Post Executive Committee, by simple majority vote, may cancel or postpone any future meeting.

Article X - Reading of the Minutes

Section 1. The minutes of all regular meetings and Executive Committee meetings shall be presented for approval to the Post at its next regular meeting.

Article XI — Disciplinary Action

Section 1. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the Commander or any other elected

Section 4. All charges brought against a member of the post will be brought to the Executive Committee for review. If the charges are warranted, a Discipline Action

Article XII - Budget

Section l. All fiscal affairs of the Post shall be established in an annual budget that reflects the receipts, and capital outlays for the fiscal year.

Section 4. The budget must be approved by the Executive Committee and the membership.

Article XIII — Elections

Article XIV — Notices

Section 1. Every member shall furnish the Post adjutant with a current address, phone number and email for mailings and information.

Section 3. The Post adjutant shall cause notice of the annual election to be given at least two months prior thereto.

Section 5. All references to the masculine gender in these Bylaws shall refer to both genders.

Article XV - Rules of Order

Section 2. All business to be presented before the proceedings of Post 154 shall be properly noted and published in an official agenda that has been thoroughly coordinated with all participants.

Article XVI - Limitations of Liabilities

Article XVII - Miscellaneous

Section 1. The membership year shall run from January 1^stto December 31^st. The fiscal year shall be from January 1st to December 31st.

Section 3. State Law & Statutes take precedence over all Bylaws and rules as applicable.

Section 4. The annual rate of dues shall be set by the Executive Committee with final approval by the membership.

Article XIX – Amendments

Article XIX- Authority

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF BYLAWS

THAT at regular membership meetings of Manuel Schneidmiller Post 154, Inc.

held in Rathdrum, Idaho on _________________;

IN WITNESS HEREOF, we, the undersigned, set our hands and seals this, ____________________.

Deanna K Sasse

Deanna K Sasse, Commander

Bryan D Bledsoe

Bryan D Bledsoe, Adjutant