Shrine Units

Air Patrol

Meets: at the call of the Commander

Contact:
William Biegger, Commander, 605.721.8638
Tim Palmer, 605.415.3525,timmysue@rocketmail.com

The Air Patrol is a fun-loving unit, originally formed by pilots to transport other unit members to and from various Shrine functions. In some instances, patients were transported to the different Shrine Hospitals in personal member aircraft. Over time the Air Patrol has become a motorized unit comprised of newly purchased scooters. There are still a few pilots; however, the unit’s primary functions are to support Naja Shrine in parade events as well as social get-togethers with members and their families.

Director’s Staff

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
William Biegger, President, 605.721.8638
Dan Arnio, Secretary, 605.343.8460, happydan@midco.net

The Director’s Staff unit is headed by the Naja Shrine Director, who is appointed by the Potentate. This unit members are charged with organizing and performing the Second Section for all Naja Shrine Ceremonials.

Fall River Shrine Patrol

Meets: First Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Hot Springs; in May and September the Unit meets at the Masonic Building in Edgemont

Contact:
Ray Krull, President, 605.673.3965, rjkrull@yahoo.com
Al Jensen, Secretary, 605.745.3277, twobrite@gwtc.net

The Fall River Shrine Patrol (FRSP) is Naja’s Shrine Unit in the Southern gateway to the Black Hills. Unit membership is open to all Shriners in the Hot Springs and Edgemont area, as well as Nobles in good standing in Naja Shrine. The unit participates in Shrine and non-Shrine parades with our go-carts, a 1957 VW Hack Truck, and a 1992 Pontiac convertible. The group recently acquired the Hillbillies Parade unit, as well a lawn tractor pulling several two wheeled vehicles as well. The unit has just finished building new go karts to supplement their other equipment.

Unit objectives are to provide a well-organized and well-instructed group of members to promote Shrinedom, support Naja activities, perform in a mannerly fashion in all parades, and promote social activities and good fellowship.

All of members of the Fall River Shrine Patrol may belong to other Naja units. All are welcome to visit, become a member, and join the fun.

4 River Paddlers and Johnny Poppers

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Kevin Neuhauser, President, 605.567.3575, oldgray@gwtc.net
Larry Kirkpatrick, Secretary, 605.224.2502, jlk81720@hotmail.com

The Four Rivers Paddlers make up a unit that participates in Shrine as well as other parades in communities across the state, but more predominantly in western South Dakota. They’re easy to spot in any parade riding in their four fiberglass boats mounted on a variety of motorized golf carts. By doing a number of turns, spins and maneuvers, they add a humorous measure of controlled confusion to any event — always good for a smile or laugh from the spectators.

The Johnny Poppers are a group of antique 2 cylinder John Deere tractors ranging from a 1937 “A” to a 1951 “G” and have been restored to” like new ” condition. They also participate in a number of parades across the state.

Golf Club

Meets: at the call of the President

Tentative 2012 Golf Schedule

February 23-26 Laughlin Riverside Resort Golf Weekend

May 27 Red Rocks

June 1-2 Hot Springs

July ? Tomahawk Country Club

August 2 Hulett, Wyoming

September 9 Elks Club

Contact:
Clyde Smith, PP, President, 605.892.2108, north40a-c@msn.com
Al Sarver, Secretary, 605.341.2681, asarver@ziegtrucking.com

The Shriner Golf Club, as you might guess, is a club for the golf-enthusiast. Members of the golf club, including Shriners and their Ladies, meet and golf at a variety of courses around the area enjoying both the socializing and a little competition on the course.

The Golf Club also enthusiastically participates in parade events. Look for their formation of golf-carts representing the Shriners organization and honoring our fallen Nobles.

Greeters

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Timothy J. Rensch, President, 605.341.1111
Rick Holloway, Secretary, 605.348.4208, rick_holloway@sdp.uscourts.gov

The Greeters were organized in the early 1960s, and their activities are usually confined to official Naja Shrine functions. Members frequently provide service and traditional courtesies at Naja Shrine Ceremonials, official parties, and Shrine Club meetings, as directed or requested by the Potentate or Club President. In addition, the Greeters Unit functions as a “Sunshine Committee” to report on illnesses or infirmities of members.

Hospital DADS

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Don Huxford, President, 605.721.5901, donhux38@gmail.com
Lowelyn Stratton, Secretary, 605.343.5819, lowbon@midco.com

In the early 1940s, patients and one guardian were either given bus tickets or transported to Shrine Hospitals by Nobles in their own vehicles or planes. These Nobles made hundreds of trips before the Naja Shrine Hospital Division was created in the 1970s.

Six Nobles started a travel fund to pay the expenses and purchase a van, and the Naja Shrine Hospital Division began raising money for the fund. The first hospital van was purchased in 1982 to transport patients and logged over 200,000 miles before being retired. The Naja Shrine Hospital division currently has two mini vans and one 15 passenger van for patient transportation.

The Hospital DADS (Drivers Are Dedicated Shriners) was formed in 1996 to transport children to hospitals. Today the unit has over 50 Noble members and their ladies who proudly carry on the transportation duties of Naja Shrine. With nearly 400 active patients in their area which is Western South Dakota, The Hospital DADS are busy transporting patients primarily to the Twins Cities Shrine Hospital.

Naja Clown Patrol

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Ron Nenaber President, 605.592-3246, rlnenaber@landolakes.com
Harvey Paulson, Secretary, 605.892.4815, spearb@dishmail.net

The Naja Clown Patrol is comprised of members from the Northern Hills area (Spearfish, Deadwood and Belle Fourche) Their focus is community involvement, and their special mission is to bring cheer to kids in the area. The Naja Clown Patrol participates in parades and gets involved in a number of community events for families and children with their go karts, scooters and mini motor home.

Naja Color Guard

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Guy Donely, Captain, 605.718.1185, ghostbuffalo2003@yahoo.com
Glenn Elsen, Secretary, 605.431.9209, kellykat69@yahoo.com

The Flag Unit is the Naja Shrine Color Guard. The unit has taken on the principal duty of presenting the American, Canadian, Naja Temple and South Dakota flags at various Shrine functions throughout the year.

Naja Cowboys

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Russell Millar, President, 605.642.5491, j2d@iw.net
Mike Stirling, Secretary, 605.787.4417, mcstirling@juno.com

The Naja Cowboys are comprised of Shriners and their families who enjoy riding horses. Members generally reside in the western part of South Dakota. The Cowboys have recently purchased a new Stagecoach for use in parades, escorted by other members of the unit on horseback serving as outriders to protect the stage from bandits along the route. The Cowboys participate in several parades throughout the year, and host an annual trail ride and picnic in September for both members and non-members. The trail ride is held at different locations throughout western South Dakota.

Naja Flying Aces

Meets: First Monday of the month

Contact:
Floyd Rummell, President, 605.584.2370, farummel3@yahoo.com
Clyde Smith, PP, Secretary, 605.892-2108, north40a-c@msn.com

The Naja Flying Aces is a group of fun-loving Shriners ranging in age from 25 to older-than-dirt, based in Spearfish. You can find them in local parades driving mini-airplane go-carts. Only a few are pilots, and some of them aren’t even very good drivers, but all of them believe strongly in having a good time as a Unit and working hard to secure funds for the Naja Shrine Transportation Fund; being a solid supporting force behind the Annual Northern Hills Shrine Circus through ticket sales and manpower support; and upholding all good works of this great fraternity to which we belong.

Most meetings are held over dinner with their Ladies for an evening of fun, fellowship, and some Shriner sharing time.

Naja Motorcycle Corps

Meets: One annual meeting at year’s end.

Contact:
Monte Tisland, Commander, 605.545.4567, mtisland@cretexwest.com
Steve Hendrickson,PP, Secretary, 605.348.8572, hendrickson@rushmore.com

The Naja Motorcycle Corps was newly formed in the summer of 2010 as a parade unit comprised of Nobles who are motor cycle enthusiasts. The Unit currently has no annual dues ore hold regular meetings, except an annual meeting around November. The only requirement is that you must own a motorcycle or can prove that you have one on order and love to ride to represent Naja Shrine.

Naja Pipe and Drum Corp

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Dave Ruth, Sr., President, 605.580.6062, pipinwizard@yahoo.com
Dave Ruth, Jr., PP, Secretary, 605.578.7719, dokruth2001@yahoo.com

The Naja Pipe and Drum Corp is one of the newest Naja units composed of Nobles who love the bag pipes. Playing the pipes is different than any other instrument – there are only 9 notes! That means that once you learn the notes themselves and link that to the fingering, you have succeeded in the first quest to learn to play this beautiful instrument.

Naja T’s

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Bernie Quaschnick, Commander, 605.205.5570, bernie.quaschnick.b6ft@statefarm.com
Chris Buckius, Secretary, 605.673.4325, colormetrouble@msn.com

The Naja T’s are a mini ATV parade unit. The unit is comprised of Shriners located primarily from Southern Hills and headquartered in Custer. The group rides four-wheeled ATVs in parades throughout the Black Hills; always attend all Naja Shrine ceremonials.

Provost Unit

Meets: Third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Rapid City Shrine Club

Contact:
Roger Andersen, President, 605.381.0869, seabeerla@rushmore.com
Dale Claymore, Secretary/Treasurer, 605.716.4446, meter@rushmore.com

The Provost Unit was started in 1971 to provide for the safety and welfare of members of Naja Shrine at ceremonials, circuses and other occasions. The Provost Unit is also active in parades, local and Midwest Shrine events, and includes a communications van and oversized fez, as well as a motorcycle and foot patrol.

Rapid City Shrine Clowns

Meets: First Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Rapid City Shrine Club

Contact:
Scott Sharp, President, 605.430.4889, scottsharp@rushmore.net
Steve Hendrickson,PP, Secretary, 605.348.8572, hendrickson@rushmore.com

The Rapid City Shrine Clowns were formed by members of the Rapid City Shrine Club in the early 1960s and has grown to become one of the Naja Shrine’s largest and most active units. The clown unit recently finished a complete restoration of the former Martin Fire Patrol’s 1920 Model TT Fire Truck. Also included in the unit are a 1922 Model T Touring Car and a 1924 Model TT Truck complete with a vintage calliope pipe organ as well as several smaller scooters and go karts. As Clowns, the unit strives to bring enjoyment to young and old alike by participating in our annual Shrine Circuses in Rapid City and Deadwood, as well as parades and other functions throughout Rapid City and surrounding area.

Ritualistic Divan

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Jeff Schroeder, Co-President, 605.591.9777, jschroed@lawrence.sd.us
Larry Weiers, Co-President, 605.722.5868, lrent@rushmore.com
Clyde Smith, Secretary, 605.892.2108, north40a-c@msn.com

Members of the Ritualistic Divan perform the duty of bringing Brother Masons, who have met their pre-requisite requirements for membership, into the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S) and under the sheltering tent of Naja Shrine

This basic theatrical group, consisting of 5 to 15 Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, portray the “ceremonial” roles of the Illustrious Potentate, Chief Rabban, Assistant Rabban, the High Priest & Prophet, Oriental Guide, 1st Ceremonial Master, 2nd Ceremonial Master, Marshal, Captain of the Guard and the Outer Guard in full costume and regalia. Members of the group come from all across Naja’s expansive area and hold practices as needed.

The duty of the Ritualistic Divan is to bring each new member into the Shrine Brotherhood with full pomp and circumstance; to impress upon each new Shriner the lessons of Brotherly Love, Fidelity, Virtue; and, above all, exemplify in each the importance of his obligation to do his part in the life-long benevolent support of Shriner Hospitals for Crippled Children and Shriner Burn Centers.

This tightly-knit group travels to the spring and fall ceremonials, as well as numerous two-day All-the-Way events throughout the Oasis of Deadwood each year performing the Shrine 1st Section — the swearing-in and education portion of each new Noble’s journey across the hot sands of the desert into Shrinedom.

To those new or seasoned Masons with a feel for the theater and the willingness to carry on an age-old tradition, and who feel they have a flair for some memorization and a lot of fun, let one of the Ritualistic Divan members know during any of our upcoming events. This is one of few Uniformed Units of the Naja Shrine that still has no annual membership fees, budget reporting, treasurer or secretary.

Santa Claus Unit

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Tom Stanton, President, 605.343.2279, flyer231@aol.com

The Santa Claus Unit consists of Naja Shriners who meet once each year to visit local nursing homes, the Kibben Custer School and handicap workshops in Rapid City as well as Veterans at Fort Meade in Sturgis during the holiday season. The Unit’s Noble and their ladies spread “Holiday Cheer” by giving small gifts of fruit and snacks helping to make the holiday season much more meaningful to those residents that they visit.

West River Shrine Unit

Meets: at the call of the President

Contact:
Mike Colville, President, 701.376.3295, shop@sdplains.com
Scott Reede, Secretary, 605.374.7388, jonesy0524@yahoo.com

The Naja Shriners newest unit, the West River Shrine Unit represents the Lemon/Bison/Faith area. The unit arranges for circuses in this area and participates in parade events with their Model-T go-carts.