The Minnesota

American Legion Legionnaire Family Volume 103 Number 2 For God and Country February 2021 Vets act clears Air Force strong Gold Star wife and USAF veteran keeps first memory of pilot hurdle Jeff Hill alive By Tim Engstrom

Senate committee LK RIVER — One recipient of the Jeff Hill Legacy Schol- on veterans hears arship is a first-assignment testimony Einstructor pilot at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. ST. PAUL — The Senate Veter- Another is flying C-17s at Joint ans and Military Affairs Finance Base Lewis-McChord in Washing- and Policy Committee on Jan. 21 ton state. approved the Veterans Restorative Another is learning to fly F-35s. Justice Act and forwarded it to the These are among the many recipi- Judiciary and Public Safety Finance ents of the Jeff Hill Legacy Scholar- and Policy Committee. ship since the Jeff Hill Legacy Fund Sen. Roger Chamberlain is the formed in 2011 and began handing out author of Senate File 116. He is a educational aid to Air Force ROTC Legion member cadets at the University of Alaska in with Lino Lakes Anchorage, University of Minnesota Post 566. Also in the Twin Cities and University of on Thursday, Wisconsin in Madison. the committee “These cadets get to carry on his Air Force veteran Rachael Hill, a member of Elk River Post 112, is the financial liaison for The American added Sen. Steve memories,” said American Legion De- Legion Department of Minnesota. She has two sons. Her husband was an Air Force pilot in Alaska Cwodzinksi of partment of Minnesota Financial Li- who died in a crash in 2010. His legacy continues through the Jeff Hill Legacy Fund, which provides Eden Prairie as aison Rachael Hill, Jeff Hill’s widow. scholarships to Air Force ROTC cadets. an author. That means it has achael Brown spent most of grandfather in the Navy and another Senate support her upbringing in Minnesota. in the Army during World War II. She Roger from both polit- RThe Browns lived in Moorhead had a great uncle who was a 101st Chamberlain ical parties. during her K-7 grades. Her father’s Airborne Division paratrooper and “We are here work took the family to Indianapolis, jumped into Normandy on D-Day in to get this thing where she excelled at violin in the 1944. He was killed by a sniper two done finally,” orchestra at a big school. weeks later. Chamberlain She thought she might pursue music Rachael Brown and her father went said. in college. to see an Air Force recruiter and she The Senate During her junior year, the family enlisted through the delayed entry passed the bill moved to a small town southwest of program. three times in Cleveland, Ohio, called LaGrange. Why Air Force? She felt the blue three special There was no orchestra. Without uniforms matched her blue eyes. legislative ses- further instruction, her music dreams “Things happen for a reason,” Hill sions in 2020. ended. When she graduated in 1997, said. Steve Each time, the she was a National Honor Society Basic, of course, was at Lackland Cwodzinksi vote was 67-0. member. AFB outside San Antonio. Tech train- However, de- But she also was undecided. ing was at Sheppard AFB in Witchita spite promises from House leaders “And I didn’t want to go to a col- Falls, Texas, and that’s where she met to pass it, the bill faced opposition lege, and I came from a military Jeff, this guy from York, Pennsylvania. in the House, where some lawmak- family,” Rachael said. U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. (at the time) Jeff Hill sits on a T-6 Texan II “I was working CQ, and he came ers proposed a heap of amendments Her father served in the Navy trainer aircraft. Hill eventually would reach the rank of captain and in,” she said. worded in ways to scare proponents during the Vietnam era. She had a fly cargo jets in Alaska. Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 2 National Commander’s Tour 109th Airlift Squadron hits treks northward this time its federal centennial mark ST. PAUL — American Legion Na- By Tim Engstrom commander of the 133rd, described tional Commander James W. “Bill” the rich history of the Minnesota Air Oxford returns to Minnesota in April. ST. PAUL — The 109th Airlift National Guard. In February 2020, Oxford, who Squadron, part of the 133rd Airlift Lindman said he is a past com- hails from Post 29 in Lenoir, N.C., Wing based at Minneapolis-St. Paul mander of the squadron and, in the toured southern Minnesota. This time, Joint Air Reserve Station at Fort Snel- role, gained an appreciation of the 100 the National Commander’s Tour will ling, turned 100 on Jan. 17. years. He said the 109th is the working start in St. Paul and head northward. The 109th is the first federally rec- arm of the 133rd, and most known for He arrives Monday, April 5, at ognized air unit in the Air National flying the C-130s around the metro. Minneapolis-St. Paul International James W. “Bill” Oxford Guard. In 1920, Army Lt. Col. William Airport. On Tuesday, April 6, he has Among the ways it marked the Garis, Lt. Ray Miller and journalist lunch at noon at St. Paul Park Post 98, dinner at Nisswa Post 627. On Thurs- centennial was a presentation at the T. Glenn Harrison met at a restaurant with dinner at North St. Paul Post 39. day, April 8, the tour stops at Walker Dr. Harold C. Deutsch World War II in downtown St. Paul restaurant to Wednesday, April 7, the tour is Post 134 for breakfast. On Friday, Round Table on Jan. 21 at the Min- discuss an idea: creating aviation units northbound. Breakfast is at Osseo Post April 9, breakfast is at Park Rapids nesota History Center. in the National Guard. 172, lunch at Royalton Post 137 and Continued on Page 3 Col. Jamie D. Lindman, vice wing Continued on Page 3 Page 2 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 Bill aims to help combat vets return to society from voting over them. It common result is substance worked. The bill never made it abuse, which brings them even- to the House floor for a vote. tually before a judge. Proponents of the bill hope In the Washington County the 2021 regular session will be veterans court, Frenette said he the time the bill gets passed and has seen a lot of success stories the job gets done. They hope and not many failures. the opponents, whose leader is “It takes someone who com- Rep. Marion O’Neill of Maple mits a crime and gets them the Lake, realize the good this does resources they need. It’s not a Training Q&A for trauma-impacted veterans, free pass,” he said, noting it their spouses and their families. happens through a stay of ad- What’s the deal with The measure would make Over Zoom video conferencing, Army veteran Tony Miller judication. “The veteran has to veterans treatment courts in testifies on Jan. 21 before the Minnesota Senate Veterans take responsibility upfront.” Minnesota consistent across and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. The bill works from Level politics and the Legion? the board. There are eight vet- “I got the counseling I desper- “It is getting really bad out 7-and-lower crimes, the pre- erans courts presently serving 25 sumed probation level, and it By Paul Edwards ately needed at that time in my here,” Miller said. Training Committee member counties. It also would provide life,” Miller told the senators. Assistant Washington County funnels the veterans to resources defendants in counties without He cleaned up his life and got Attorney Tom Frenette, a Marine already in place at the VA. The Have you ever received a message, whether by email, letter, or veterans treatment courts access a bachelor’s degree. Now he is veteran who served two times in crimes include domestic abuse, text where someone is telling you about an issue and encouraging to places with them, if a judge seeking a master’s degree at St. Iraq, spoke about his experience but it has the support of Vio- you to contact your state or national elected official? approves. Thomas University. and about the veterans court in lence-Free Minnesota because, How often does your mind say, “I can’t do that. I am a It does not set up the courts. He has testified before and Washington County. without proper treatment, the Legionnaire, and I can’t get involved in politics”? It does not spend money. It does hopes this year is the year. “It was difficult to find a job abuse cycle often continues. save $1.3 million in the first two “You guys have to really during the recession. I was ap- Prison doesn’t solve the prob- Pro-veteran politics is OK years and $2.3 million the next get together and get this thing plying for jobs well below what lem. Veterans courts let judges Whether or not this is the correct response depends on two two years, according to a state passed,” Miller said. I was capable of doing,” he said. pinpoint the catalyst of the prob- things: the topic and how you present yourself. fiscal note. At the start of the second The combat infantry isn’t lem, Frenette said. If the topic is something that will benefit veterans, then by deployment to the Mideast, given a lot of coping mecha- “We’ve got to stop that all means contact your legislator, and identify yourself as a Testimony soldiers were calling federal nisms after serving in war, Fre- cycle,” he said. member of The American Legion. The Senate Veterans and Mil- senators and representatives, nette said. He chose alcohol and Marine veteran Todd Kemery, Remember that support for veterans and their families is itary Affairs Finance and Policy angry about going again. sitting in front of a television. chairman of the Minnesota one of our Four Pillars. If you identify yourself as a Legion Committee on Jan. 21 heard The command sergeant major “I think a lot of veterans share Commander’s Task Force and member, then there is an implication that the Legion supports testimony from Tony Miller, a told his troops the calls do no that. There’s a feeling that you president of the Minnesota or opposes the issue. veteran of Army deployments in good. are lost,” said. Paralyzed Veterans of Amer- A prime example of this is our state’s Veterans Day on the 2006, 2007 and 2008 with the “These are the guys sending They experience a fog when ica, testified that the CTF has Hill in the spring, and how, throughout the year, the Department 82nd Airborne Division. you over. They are not going to returning from combat, then an- worked at educating lawmakers of Minnesota works to pass legislation in St. Paul that benefits In 2015, he appeared before stop the deployment.” other fog when getting out of about the bill and fending off veterans or their families. a veterans court on a marijuana Since the politicians are the the military and entering civilian misinformation. charge at the lowest felony level ones who send troops to war, life, he said. With no treatment, “We need to get this thing When to keep the Legion out of it ... for substances. they need to be the ones who the fog lasts. done,” Kemery said. On the other hand, if the issue does not specifically benefit He had a choice: prison for help veterans when they inte- They perform a very import- The nine CTF members in- or concern veterans, then feel free to contact them as a private three years or agree to take vet- grate into the civilian world, ant mission on behalf of the clude The American Legion. citizen, which is your right and duty as a citizen. As a private erans court. Miller said. He quickly ran country, then they come back He noted how the defendant citizen, you also have the right to support whatever political He took veterans court, which through a list of anecdotes of and wash dishes. They are lost, charged with the crime of top- party or candidate you choose, if you remember that you are forced him to get counseling struggling veterans he knows. frustrated, confused, he said. A pling a statue of Christopher supporting them and do not represent as a Legion member. with the VA. Columbus on the Minnesota Capitol grounds was given a The Legion is a political organization restorative sentence. Kemery Many people do not realize that The American Legion is a very called for the same treatment political organization. If you look at the organizational chart for for veterans who struggle with your District, Department or National and perhaps your Post, unseen war wounds. you will find a legislative chair or even committee members. Ben Johnson, legislative di- Their job in the Legion is to be in the halls of Congress and rector for the Minnesota Depart- the statehouses working with representatives from all political ment of Veterans Affairs, served parties to support veterans’ causes. in the Navy for six years and Have you ever heard of the VA? How about the G.I. Bill? Or went on three deployments. perhaps the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act? All of these and He said the bill provides a many more can be attributed to the Legion lobbying for veterans. consistent application of jus- tice for trauma-impacted vet- In summary erans across Minnesota. He Can you support an issue that supports veterans and their said many Greater Minnesota families as a Legionnaire? Yes. veterans do not have the same Can you support any issue as a Legionnaire? No, only ones access to veterans courts that that support veterans and families. metro veterans have. Can you support a political party or candidate? Yes, as Johnson said he was at the yourself, not as a Legionnaire. - - Landmark Center on Jan. 19 two Can you attend a political rally or protest? Yes, but do not years ago, where many senators wear your Legion cap or anything that might identify you as from both parties stood with a Legionnaire. Monday, February 22 at 7:00PM Gov. Tim Walz and agreed this Always the 4th Monday of the month bill needed to be passed. What if you are a leader? Visit our website for full details When people tell Johnson High-profile members of The American Legion face a different “thank you for your service,” he level of scrutiny than others. It can be said it is harder for them appreciates it but knows “words to just be a civilian and not represent the Legion with their James Breckenridge, Ph.D. Provost, U.S. Army War College are cheap.” actions and words in daily life. “This is an opportunity It would be best for them to keep personal politics out of Michael Neiberg, Ph.D. Chair of War Studies, U.S. Army War College to show action,” he told the the public eye and focus on veterans issues. Most of all, avoid senators. anything siding with one party or the other. Tommy Johnson, legislative Mireille Rebeiz, Ph.D. Middle East Studies Program, Dickinson College officer for the Jewish War Vet- There are many more items that could be included but the basic erans, said the Hells Angels thing to remember is that The American Legion is political in We invite you to share your personal accounts of 9/11 motorcycle gang was founded and the resulting Global War on Terror on our website: that it uses a political system to advance veterans’ issues, but it by disaffected World War II is not partisan in that it does not support any party or candidate. mnmilitarymuseum.org veterans. He said disaffected portions of society can be rad- Stories will become part of the permanent archive of the museum icalized. Getting them to treat- and inform our traveling display and tv documentary. American Legion food, anyone? ment avoids this. “This is a public safety issue,” The question was posed on Post 108 he said. The American Legion Depart- • Fried chicken, Adams Post The American Legion has ment of Minnesota’s Facebook 146 been involved by providing page: “Can you name some of • Club sandwiches, Pequot talking points, a legislative flier the best American Legion food Lakes Post 49 and other useful documents. in Minnesota?” • Ribs, Fergus Falls Post 30 Here are some responses: • Burgers, Morristown Post Next steps • Grilled Windsor chops, 149 Advocates had expected the Bricelyn Post 165 • Broasted Chicken, Wayza- House would file the bill on Jan. • Grilled pork chop dinner, ta Post 118 25, but that didn’t happen. Kimball Post 261 • Lasagna, Wells Post 210 • Chicken wings, Le Center • Steak, Alden Post 404 February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 3 Endorsements 1st District backs Otto for Chaplain Larry H. Otto has been endorsed for Ellendale United Methodist Church, the Minnesota state office of Chaplain he is a certified lay speaker, church 2021-2022 by Ellendale American council chairperson, trustee, staff Legion Fidelity Post 296 and the 1st pastor parish relations committee District. member, audio-visual chair, and a Otto served in the U.S. Army from member of the choir. In 2006, he 1969 to 1971, stationed at Fort Camp- was a key player in the construction bell, Ky., Fort Dix, N.J., and at Kelly of the new Ellendale United Meth- Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. He odist Church. For 25 years, Otto was is a 49-year member of American a member of Praise Him, a group of Legion Post 296, having held most eight adults who traveled throughout every office at his local Post, as well Larry Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. as, a member of the Honor Guard. Cur- Otto Larry and his wife, Emily, have rently, he is Post Commander and 1st been married 49 years. Emily is District Chaplain. a 70-year member of the American Legion Otto has been active in his local communi- Auxiliary. Both are retired, he from farming Col. Jamie Lindman, vice commander of the 133rd Airlift Wing and former commander ty as a member of Clarks Grove Cooperative and construction and she from education. They of the 109th Airlift Squadron, spoke on the history of the squadron at the Minnesota Creamery Board, FFA advisory board, Barber- have two children, Bethany and Josh, and seven History Center on Jan. 19. The unit received federal recognition on Jan. 17, 1920. shop Society and a member of Steele County grandchildren. Their oldest and only grandson Historical Society. Otto is currently serving on is currently serving in the U.S. Army at Fort the Community Foundation of Ellendale Board Bragg. N.C. Minnesota Air National Guard history of Directors. In this position, he has been instru- Becoming the Minnesota Department Chap- mental in co-leading renovation of the Ellendale lain is an office he would be honored to hold. begins with an observation squadron Community Building project in cooperation with Otto stated that this has been the one state office the City Council. Furthermore, as a member of of which he most desires to attain. Continued from Page 1 500, but the freeze-thaw of the 109th emblem, approved in Garis and Miller, the pilot state had crumbled the asphalt 1939, is an arrowhead, acknowl- and now a captain, took off bed, Lindman said. edging Minnesota’s Arrowhead from Curtiss Field on Sept. 26, The site had been acquired region. It has no unit number. 1920, with Gen. Walter Rhinow, by the Minneapolis Aero Club. No text. No Latin. Oxford returns to Minn. this spring to fly to Washington to lobby for By 1920, it was accommodating Lindman said it points up for Continued from Page 1 the formation of an observation airmail services. It became the the North Star State. The rays Post 212, lunch at Bagley Post squadron. Lindman noted this site of Miller’s squadron. are for the aurora borealis, and 16 and the grand finale will be a was a time before airports, aids Miller pushed aviation and there are 34 of them, in honor dinner at Detroit Lakes Post 15. and airwaves. They had to plan airpower and, on July 10, 1923, of the 34th Infantry Division, At each stop, Oxford speaks fields to land in and places to Speedway Field was rededicat- of which it had been part before on various aspects of The refuel. ed as Wold-Chamberlain field, receiving federal recognition. American Legion. Curtiss Field was at the named for Ernest Wold and The colors are aquamarine Legion members and the southeast corner of Snelling Cyrus Chamberlain, pilots killed blue and golden orange, and general public are invited to and Larpenter avenues, when in World War I. they are the colors of the original attend his stops. Contact the they were just two-lane, unim- Army Air Corps, the predeces- Post for arrangements. See the proved roads in Rose Township. sor to the Air Force. inset box for phone numbers, It closed in 1930. Curtiss Field It is said, though not certain, times, other details. Park in Falcon Heights is the last that the two circles are for the Oxford flies out of Fargo on remnant of the former airfield. Twin Cities. April 10. The idea of the 1,600-mile The commander will tour tour was to gain support for Operation Capitol Response with his aide, Larry Cline, of the idea across the country. One hundred years after the Lincolnton Post 30 in North National Commander Bill Oxford speaks at Waseca Post They flew to La Crosse, Wis.; formation of the unit, the 109th Carolina, along with Minnesota 228 on Feb. 17, 2020. Madison, Wis.; Chicago; Van- Airlift Squadron was working Commander Mark Dvorak of He is the first National com- He is a veteran of the Marine Wirt, Ohio; Cleveland; Buffalo, a mission. On Jan. 17, 2021, it New Prague Post 45, Adjutant mander to serve a second year. Corps and served during the N.Y.; Amsterdam, N.Y.; Albany, was part of Operation Capitol Mike Maxa of Montgomery With the National Convention Vietnam War as an aviation N.Y.; Garden City on Long Response. Over three days, five Post 79, Membership Director being canceled in 2020 because electronic technician for the Island, N.Y., back northward 133rd aircraft flew 16 missions Sy Fix of La Crescent Post 595 of the coronavirus, officer po- A-6 Intruder. He served in to Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; then to 109th Airlift Squadron (42 sorties) with 105 flying and Communications Director sitions throughout most of Vietnam during his initial en- the nation’s capital. hours, bringing 850 troops to Tim Engstrom of Bloomington The American Legion went a listment. He was discharged in They were greeted by Gen. Lindman noted that, while ev- D.C. Post 550. second year. 1970 as a sergeant, then joined Billy Mitchell, today considered eryone knows the airport today Normally, the unit performs Oxford also has meetings He served as Department the North Carolina National the father of the Air Force. He simply as MSP, the official name 120 hours in a month, Lindman not open to the public. During of North Carolina commander Guard, eventually retired as was impressed with them. is Wold-Chamberlain Minneap- said. the tour, he is slated to meet 2010 to 2013. He is a former a colonel after more than 34 The result was that on Jan. olis-St. Paul International Air- “We accomplished in three with Minnesota Veterans Af- mayor and City Council years of military service. 17, 1921, the 109th Observation port. It gained the Minneapolis days what we accomplish in a fairs Commissioner Larry member of Cajah’s Moun- Oxford and his wife, Fran- Squadron received federal rec- and St. Paul names in 1948. month,” he said. Herke and Minnesota Nation- tain, N.C. He has a bachelor’s ces, have been married since ognition. Miller was promoted A Cook County commission- Then over two days the fol- al Guard Commissioner Maj. degree in environmental stud- 1967. They have a son, Charles to major and, today, he is consid- er became lost on Lake Superi- lowing weekend, they brought Gen. Shawn Manke. Oxford ies and multiple safety and (married to Deah Reid) and a ered the father of the Minnesota or in January, and the governor 850 back home, nearing what will tour Camp Ripley and meet environmental certificates. daughter, Jackie (married to Air National Guard. tasked Miller and a co-pilot to they do in two months. with instructors and second He has volunteered in Legion Mike Carr). They have four With that, Lindman said, find the man. They searched for The 109th Observation graduating class of Minnesota Baseball, too: coach, umpire grandsons: Isiah, Micah, Jaggar came funding. 10 days in subzero temperatures, Squadron participated in World American Legion College. and public address announcer. and Dawson. But they needed their own risking their own lives. They War II, with the name 109th airfield, and they focused their never found him. Reconnaissance Squadron. It efforts on Speedway Field. It Miller participated in the first fought in Europe with the Eighth National Commander’s Tour was this big, oval racetrack off air-to-ground radio transmis- Air Force, then the Ninth Air Cedar Avenue. Corporate in- sion, in conjunction with KSTP Force, providing photo recon of April 6-9, 2021 radio. He lobbied and received bombing missions. Please call or email to reserve your spot: vestors had hoped Minneapolis could have its own Indianapolis an airstrip at Camp Ripley. The From June to November, there will be a large display Location Meal Time Contact along 100 feet of Concourse C Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at MSP about the 133rd Airlift St. Paul Park Post 98 Lunch noon [email protected] Wing. N. St. Paul Park Post 39 Dinner* 6 p.m. 651-777-3708, Ext. 207 Watch for an air expo and open house at the 133rd Airlift Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Wing in summer 2022 to mark Osseo Post 172 Breakfast 8 a.m. 763-425-4858 the centennial. (The 2021 expo Royalton Post 137 Lunch noon 320-584-5135 was canceled.) Nisswa Post 627 Dinner* 6 p.m. 218-963-9946 The 109th Airlift Squadron, Lindman said, has flown C-130 Thursday, April 8, 2021 Hercules for 50 years — half of Walker Post 134 Breakfast 8 a.m. 218-547-1011 its history. It is slated to fly them through 2035. The unit’s present Friday, April 9, 2021 fleet of C-130s, he said, are 25 Park Rapids Post 212 Breakfast 8 a.m. 218-732-5238 years old. They have lobbied Bagley Post 16 Lunch noon 218-209-8676 to receive the next generation Detroit Lakes Post 15 Dinner* 6 p.m. 218-847-8533 Lt. Col. William Garis, left, stands with Capt. Ray S. Miller of C-130s, an upgrade from C-130H3 to C-130J Super *There will be a social hour starting at 5 p.m. in front of a biplane in this historic Minnesota Air National Guard photograph. Hercules. Page 4 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 Dept. meeting discussed membership Feb. has 4 Chaplains and Valentine’s Day Greetings, American Legion As we enter February I Family. Commander’s Column always think about the Four Chaplain’s Corner Department, District and Chaplains and their giving Post meetings continued Mark Dvorak up their life vests “so others Betty Jass throughout January. Thank may live” during the sinking you to all who participated in your plan through messag- • Recruit of the S.S. Dorchester on Feb. Reformed. to your these meetings. Some were ing. Our many programs and 100,000 3, 1943. The Four Chaplains, Quickly and quietly, the class- held only using Zoom video legislative accomplishments new also referred to as the “Im- chaplains spread out among mates conferencing and others had speak for themselves. Become members mortal Chaplains” or the the soldiers. There they tried on Val- limited attendance and provid- knowledgeable in a few of our into this “Dorchester Chaplains,” were to calm the frightened, tend entine’s ed Zoom for those who didn’t successes and be ready to talk organi- four World War II chaplains the wounded and guide the Day. Or feel comfortable attending in about them when recruiting zation throughout the many who died rescuing civilian and disoriented toward safety. By now, standing in front of a person. veterans. Consider an open Departments. military personnel as the troop this time, most of the men greeting card stand searching The Department Sweetheart house and advertise/promote • Attain 90 percent renewal ship Dorchester sank. were topside, and the chap- for that “perfect card” to give Rally will be Saturday, Feb. 6, the Legion Act. There are many rate. The Dorchester was a civil- lains opened a storage locker to your true love. at Paynesville Post 271. Atten- veterans that are still not aware • Achieve 100 percent CPR ian luxury liner converted for and began distributing life St. Valentine, also was dance will be limited, and Zoom of the Legion Act. reporting. military service in World War jackets. It was then that En- known as St. Valentine of will be provided. The Depart- In our membership meeting • Encourage Districts and II as a War Shipping Admin- gineer Grady Clark witnessed Rome, was a widely recog- ment of Minnesota Auxiliary much discussion was about our Posts to work their expired istration troop transport. She an astonishing sight. nized 3rd century Roman saint, will host this American Legion 1982ADs. Districts and Posts rosters. Family get-together. Please need to continue to work these • Contact and renew those was able to carry slightly more When there were no more commemorated in Christiani- contact Minnesota American lists. There are many members members who have not renewed. than 900 military passengers life jackets in the storage ty on Feb. 14. From the High Legion Auxiliary for informa- who join The American Legion • Conduct periodic Buddy and crew. room, the chaplains removed Middle Ages this day has been tion on reservations. through the Direct Mail Solici- Checks to see how they are As we think about their love theirs and gave them to four associated with a tradition of On Jan. 13, The American tation (1982ADs) with expecta- doing. and sacrifice towards their fel- frightened young men. courtly love. Legion Department of Minneso- tion of someone contacting them Keep up the great work you lowman during this tragedy, “It was the finest thing I There are other ways to ta leadership had a membership and welcoming them into the all continue to do for our Amer- we also need to remember have seen or hope to see this show your love to others like meeting via Zoom with District organization. ican Legion Family, For God another February celebration side of heaven,” said John helping to save your fellow- commanders and District mem- National Commander James and Country, we continue our of love between sweethearts, Ladd, another survivor who man like the Four Chaplains bership directors. Many good W. “Bill” Oxford sent a letter mission! Valentine’s Day. saw the chaplains’ selfless did during the sinking of the ideas were discussed on how to to all Department commanders Through the pandemonium, act. A true act of love for their Dorchester or giving Valentine maintain membership and how with a “Call to Action” in re- Mark Dvorak is the com- according to those present, fellowman. cards, showing small acts of to grow membership. gards to membership. Here are mander of The American Legion four Army chaplains brought Another symbol of love is love to your love ones, family Now is the time to implement some of his challenges to us: Department of Minnesota. hope in despair and light in visible as we celebrate Valen- and friends. The best way is darkness. Those chaplains tine’s Day among sweethearts, to love your fellowman every Opinions expressed in Mail Call are that of the were Lt. George L. Fox, husbands and wives, class- day. authors and do not reflect the opinion of The Minnesota Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. mates in elementary school, Mail Call Legionnaire or The American Legion. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. etc. You may remember filling Betty Jass is the chaplain By fall it was on my thoughts learn a lot on the committees. Washington, Roman Catholic; out what seemed like a hun- for The American Legion Donate plasma of what he said. I called The I had one year as Department and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch dred Valentines that you gave Department of Minnesota. for COVID American Legion, and they said vice commander. I could never to call this number. have done any of these offices & first aid. I like the first aid bill that helps veterans in Great- Legionnaire’s coverage of the antibodies It was the commander of 3M without the support from past class best. I got six friends be- er Minnesota who become in- Veterans Restorative Justice Act Post 599 in St. Paul. I talked commanders and other officers. I sides the two I came with. volved in the criminal justice last session. The purpose of the American with him and learned he and I want to thank those past officers Please accept my donation system to take responsibility for The Legionnaire doesn’t Legion is service to God, coun- were in the military during the and all the friends I made that to Commander Mark Dvorak’s their actions, get the help they write the story on legislation; try and each other. same time. We also had many helped me do all these jobs in Foundation Fund 82 so more need and reintegrate into society legislators do — by their actions On Feb. 3, 1943, four chap- things in common. The Post had the last dozen years. youngsters today may experi- as productive citizens. It helps and inactions and the words they lains gave up their life jack- a breakfast that Saturday, and (I’m still the vice commander ence these same lessons in life. keep veteran families together. say. The Legionnaire simply re- ets to save troops on the S.S. he asked me to join them. The of my Post for the past 12 years. It saves Minnesota taxpayers’ ports the facts of the story so Dorchester. In their memory, members where mostly World Also, I know a lot of you and Dan Lien money by ensuring veterans re- our members can be and stay the first Sunday in February is War II vets. have been there and done that.) Moorhead Post 21 ceive care through the VA rather informed. recognized nationally as “Four It was a great time talking to than state and county resources Our members are going to Chaplains Sunday.” them and hearing some stories. Carroll “Bird” Partridge and by reducing incarceration, have to be involved and applaud You don’t have to risk as I asked to join right then. The St. Paul 3M Post 599 From smoking which we all know is expensive. our elected representatives when much as the chaplains did to next week they had a member- I applaud The Minnnesota Continued on Page 7 save lives. It’s critical; the Red ship meeting, and I made sure police to the Cross has a convalescent plasma that I was there. It was also Legionville had masking police The Minnesota shortage. If you had the COVID the meeting that they voted on virus and developed antibodies, new officers. The commander an impact on I would like to make a few consider donating your plasma. was elected again. I must have my childhood comments about the “to wear a I encourage my fellow Legion made a good impression on mask” controversy. Legionnaire comrades to honor the four those older vets because they I’m glad I had the chance to In bringing up the anti-smok- For God and Country chaplains by donating COVID elected me as vice commander. go to this camp. The conclors ing law, I believe the ones who antibody plasma and blood The next thing that happened [sic] are pretty strict, we’ve got complain of their right taken Official publication of during this month of February. I noticed the commander was to make square corners on our away were not really listened The American Legion After donating, report your wearing a Legion cap different beds, and they have to be perfect to. They said that the restaurants Department of Minnesota donation to your Post for pos- than the rest of us. I asked him or else they take it all apart and have a right to go with smoking sible inclusion as part of The why is it different? He said he we have to make them all over or non-smoking. It is their right About: The Minnesota Legionnaire (USPS 013679) American Legion Blood Donor is an officer in the 4th District. again. to make that choice. (ISSN 01644270) is published Monthly by The American Program. He told me anyone can come to So began a letter to my parents The anti-smokers insisted that Legion, Department of Minnesota, Room 300 A, 20 W a District meeting. from patrol camp at Legionville. everybody stop smoking be- 12th St, , St Paul, MN 55155-2000. John Justin I went to the next one. Wow! It was the summer of 1957, and cause this is what they wanted. Periodicals postage paid at St Paul, Minnesota, and Chaplain I learned more about the Legion. I had just completed my second Now the same thing is hap- additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address Little Fall Post 46 It was an eye-opener. It was also year as a school patrol guard. pening today with the mask changes to The Minnesota Legionnaire, 20 W. 12th St., a time to get to know other Little did I know 10 years later wearing. If I understand that, St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Legionnaires. square corners would be a nec- if we are protected by wearing First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Le- 12 years in the In 2011, a friend ran for Dis- essary asset during basic train- a mask, it also stops us from gionnaire, the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 100th trict commander and asked if I ing at Lackland AFB, Texas. spreading it to other people. Legion have year of publication. The Legionnaire is a member of the would like to be chaplain. I did. We are awakened by a bugle, So, my answer to the mask National American Legion Press Association. That year, I learned more put to sleep by a bugle and know wearing police, if you wear been rewarding To advertise: 651-424-4612 or use the email below about how the meetings are run when to eat dinner by a bugle. your mask, then both of us are Subscription: $20 for non-members for one year or It was the spring of 2009 in than I thought possible. Without realizing it, The protected. southeastern Minnesota. I was I became friends with many American Legion had become $35 for two years. Members receive the Legionnaire as turkey hunting. of the District folks at the an important part of my youth. part of their dues. Andre-Thomas DeMeules Phone: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163 After a day of hunting, I went meetings. I recall proudly blousing the Osseo-Maple Grove Post 172 to a veterans club for a bite to I guess they thought I did OK pant legs of my Legion base- Fax: 651-291-1057 eat. Sitting by myself eating, a as chaplain, because they asked ball uniform, and for several Email: [email protected] fellow came over and started me to run for District command- years I chased balls across a Lawmakers can Web: mnlegion.org talking to me. He asked if I was er. I said I would. magnificently manicured - di Editor: Director of Communications Tim Engstrom a veteran, and, if so, do I belong I was commander in 2012- amond while playing for the skip the circus Editor Emeritus: Al Zdon to a veterans organization? 2013 and then they asked me Barnesville Legion team. Life- act this session Board of Publication: President Mark Dvorak, New Yes, I am a vet, and, no, I to do it again for 2013-2014. It long friendships sealed amongst Prague; Vice President Dennis Henkemeyer, Blue Earth; Secretary Mike Maxa, Montgomery; Treasurer Bill don’t belong to any veterans was one of the best experiences home games, road trips, wins Facts matter. Or they should. Goede, Plainview; Don Amundson, Blue Earth; Darrel organization. He then asked, you can have. and losses. It is unfortunate that misin- Redepenning, Fridley; Joe Bayer, Minneapolis; Carroll why? Then he said I owe it to I then had opportunities at Got classes in the morning formation and disinformation Partridge, Oakdale; Paul Edwards, Brainerd; Dennis my fellow veterans to belong other officer positions and on from 10:00 to 12:00. The classes was used over and over and over Henkemeyer, Bagley; Patti Coleman, Circle Pines; Mary to one. many committees. You really are school patrol, conservation, again to derail a common-sense Kuperus, New London February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 5 member of Chisago City Post 272. Obituaries McClure, Stanford “Stan,” 79, Navy veteran of the Taps The Minnesota Legionnaire reserves the right to edit Vietnam War, died Dec. 6, 2020. He served as a corpsman and met his wife, Hazel. He was the 10th District com- Adams, David A., 79, Army veteran of the Vietnam all obituaries for style and brevity. Please send to [email protected] or in the mander in 2003-04. He served as commander, adjutant War, died Jan. 7, 2021. He was a past commander and 55- and was a member of Robbinsdale and Crystal Post 251, year member of Janesville Post 281. mail to The Minnesota Legionnaire, 20 W. 12th St. Room 300A, St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Senders often before moving and transferring membership to Georgia Adelmann, Clemons J. “Clem,” 89, Army veteran of in the mid-2000s. He and Hazel were members of Austell, the Korean War, died Sept. 29, 2020. He was a tank driver. put the word “Taps” on the front of the envelope in the corner. Ga., Post 216 at the time of his death. He was a 38-year member of Savage Post 643. Nelson, James E. “Jim,” 88, Army veteran of the Agrimson, Russell, 75, Navy veteran of the Vietnam We thank you for your participation in honoring Legionnaires transferring to Post Everlasting. Korean War, died Aug. 26, 2020. He was stationed in War, died Dec. 10, 2020. He served as a Seabee. He was a Korea and Japan. He was a member of Moorhead Post 21. member of Apple Valley Post 1776. Nichols, Harvey A., 70, Navy veteran of the Vietnam Anderson, James M., 90, Army veteran of the Korean Goldstrand, Robert D., 86, Navy veteran of the Korean War, died Dec. 30, 2020. He served in Vietnam. He was a War, died Dec. 10, 2020. He was a 32-year member of War, died Oct. 30, 2020. He was a career sailor. He was member of Park Rapids Post 212. Clarissa Post 213. a member of a Post named for his World War I veteran Niskanen, David A., 83, Army veteran of the Cold War, Bahnson, Roger W., 79, Air Force veteran of the Viet- uncle: Goldstrand-Beadle Post 371 in Roosevelt. died Dec. 11, 2020. He served in the Corps of Engineers nam War, died Dec. 21, 2020. He served as a helicopter Gustafson, Richard D., 87, Army veteran of the Korean and was stationed in Whittier, Alaska. He was in the color mechanic. He was a member of Ashby Post 357. War, died Dec. 26, 2020. He served at Fort Hancock, New guard and was a member of Pequot Lakes Post 49. Baker, Sherlan J., 82, Navy veteran of the Vietnam Jersey, as a radar operator for guided missiles. He was a Nord, David H., 80, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, War, died Dec. 16, 2020. He served in the Navy Reserve 66-year member of Waconia Post 150. died Dec. 22, 2020. He was a member of Park Rapids Post after his enlistment. He was a member of Willmar Post Hagen, Owen DuWayne, 89, Army veteran of the 212. 167. Korean War, died Dec. 18, 2020. He served as a tank Palava, Michael P., 81, (branch unknown) veteran of Barber, Duane, 90, Air Force veteran of the Korean driver and heavy artillery man, stationed in Germany. He the Vietnam War, died Nov. 11, 2020. He was stationed War, died Jan. 8, 2021. He served in England and Moroc- was a member of Spring Grove Post 249. in New Orleans (which means he probably was Navy or co. He was a member of New London Post 537. Hanson, Eugene L. “Gene,” 90, Army veteran of Coast Guard). He was a member of Keewatin Post 452. Beaty, John F., 96, Army Air Forces veteran of World Korean War, died Dec. 14, 2020. He was a 47-year Paquette, Vernon E., 94, Navy veteran of World War War II, died Dec. 30, 2020. He served in the American member of New London Post 537. II, died Jan. 9, 2020. He was a 57-year member of Anoka Theater. He was a 72-year member of Little Falls Post 46. Hanson, Roger T., 80, Army veteran of the Vietnam Post 102. Beebout, Lynn, 73, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, War, died Oct. 23, 2020. He served in Washington state. Paulsrud, Harlan D., 80, Navy veteran of the Vietnam died Dec. 6, 2020. He served in the 101st Airborne Divi- He was a member of Zimmerman Post 560. War, died Dec. 26, 2020. He served in the Navy Air De- sion in Vietnam. He was a member of Milroy Post 274. Hayes, Leo W., 98, Army veteran of World War II, died partment. He was a 44-year member of Benson Post 62. Berning, Edward B., 90, Marine veteran of the Korean Dec. 31, 2020. He was a heavy mortar leader and sta- Phillips, Thomas J., 76, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, died Dec. 16, 2020. He was a 39-year member of tioned in occupied Japan, in Sasebo. He was a 72-year War, died Jan. 5, 2021. He was a 41-year member of New Adrian Post 32. member of Clarissa Post 213. London Post 537. Blakeslee, Jerry P., 90, Navy veteran of the Korean Himango, Donald “Slugger,” 92, Army veteran of Posch, Richard J., 68, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, died Dec. 15, 2020. He served aboard the battleship the Korean War, died Dec. 8, 2020. He was a member of USS Iowa. He was a 62-year member of Albert Lea Post War, died Dec. 27, 2020. He managed the bar for 30 years Cloquet Post 262. and was a 47-year member of Bowlus Post 642. 56. Huliares, John, 89, Army veteran of the Korean and Boeltl, Robert “Bob,” 83, Marine veteran of the Cold Putnam, Duane K., 90, Army veteran of the Korean Vietnam wars, died Nov. 5, 2020, He was a 67-year War, died Jan. 8, 2021. He served in Korea. He was a 57- War, died Dec. 11, 2020. He was a 46-year member of member of Cloquet Post 262. year member of Cloquet Post 262. Pine City Post 51. Janke, Donald G., 93, Army veteran of the Korean War, Reck, Jack, 72, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, died Bradow, Erv, 92, Army veteran of the Korean War, died died on Dec. 20, 2020. He was a sergeant and served in Dec. 2, 2020. He was a tank mechanic. He was a member Dec. 27, 2020. He was a 60-year member of Park Rapids Japan. He was a member of Hutchinson Post 96. of Redwood Falls Post 38. Post 212. Johnson, Virgil, P., 74, Navy and Navy Reserves Ridge, Herman, 92, Army veteran of the Korean War, Brink, Jerry D., 69, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, veteran of the Vietnam War, died Jan. 9, 2021. He was a died Dec. 15, 2020. He was a 46-year member of Anoka died Dec. 31, 2020. He was a 39-year member of Edger- member of Milaca Post 178. ton Post 42. Johnson, Warren B., 70, Navy veteran of the Vietnam Post 102. Brogger, John W. Sr., 85, Air Force veteran of the War, died Nov. 5, 2020. He served aboard the USS Orion Rosen, Al B., 88, Navy veteran of the Korean War, died Korean War, died Jan. 3, 2021. He was stationed at Lowry and the USS Laffey. He was active in the honor guard and Jan. 5, 2021. He served as a radio/teletype operator on AFB in Denver. He was a member of Northfield Post 84. was 43-year member of Roseau Post 24. the destroyer USS Hamilton. He was a member of Waite Brose, John C., 86, Navy veteran of the Korean War, Kahle, Marvin, 98, Army veteran of World War II, died Park Post 428. died Jan. 9, 2021. He was the mayor of Lanesboro for Jan. 7, 2021. He was part of the Battle of the Bulge in Schnarr, Ernest H., Army veteran of the Vietnam War, eight years. He was a member of Lanesboro Post 40. Belgium and Germany. He received a Bronze Star and two died Nov. 7, 2020. He served in the National Guard after Buchholz, Wayne M., 71, Marine veteran of the Viet- battle stars. He resided in New Ulm and was a member of his enlistment. He was a 52-year member of St. Leo Post nam War, died Jan. 5, 2021. He was a member of Anoka Minnesota Post 1982. 524. Post 102. Kemp, Gerald L., 87, Navy veteran of the Korean War, Schwab, Gordon “Gordy,” 67, Army veteran of the Clark, Matthew M., 72, Marine veteran of the Vietnam died Dec. 27, 2020. He served as a corpsman in the Navy Vietnam War, died Nov. 24, 2020. He was a 44-year War, died Nov. 17, 2020. He was a point scout and earned for four years, then Navy Reserve for 16 years. He was a member of North Branch Post 85. a Purple Heart in Vietnam. He resided in St. Paul and was member of Arlington Post 250. Siebenaler, Kenneth L., 77, Army veteran of the Viet- a member of Minnesota Post 1982. Kirmis, Wayne, 94, Army veteran of World War II, died nam War, died Dec. 15, 2020. He served in the Army Na- Coe, James L. “Jim,” 96, Navy veteran of World War II, Dec. 20, 2020. He was a 70-year member of Park Rapids tional Guard as an officer for 26 years and was stationed died Dec. 23, 2020. He was a member of Parkers Prairie Post 212. in Germany for four of those years. He was a 49-year Post 219. Knutson, Royal “Jim,” 95, Army veteran of World War member of Winona Post 9. DeMoss, John C., 96, Army veteran of World War II, II, died on Dec. 18, 2020. He was a member of Hutchinson Simmons, Thomas, 68, Navy veteran of the Vietnam died Jan. 14, 2021. He served with the 66th “Black Pan- Post 96. War, died Nov. 24, 2020. He served with the Seabees in ther” Infantry Division in a mortar crew in France and later Krein, Edgar E., 82, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, the Far East. He was a 44-year member of Hutchinson was stationed in Austria. He was a 70-year member of died Nov. 22, 2020. He was a 31-year member of Marietta Post 96. Minneapolis Hellenic Post 129. Post 156. Stinar, Leonard M., 90, Army veteran of the Korean Deters, R. Duane, 88, Army veteran of Korean War, Lackman, Walter, 89, Army veteran of the Korean War, War, died Jan. 1, 2020. He was wounded in Korea at died Dec. 17, 2020. He was a 59-year member of Caledo- died Dec. 20, 2020. He received a Bronze Star. He was a Heartbreak Ridge and earned a Purple Heart. He then nia Post 191. member of Long Prairie Post 12. became a drill instructor and met his wife while at intelli- Deutz, Gary, 84, Army veteran of the Korean War, died Lahr, William J., 88, Air Force veteran of the Korean gence school. He was a member of Bagley Post 16. Dec. 17, 2020. He was a 49-year member of Marshall Post War, died Dec. 11, 2020. He was a past commander, Svehaug, Leland N., 82, Army veteran of the Cold War, 113. Blood Program chairman, gambling manager and 43-year died Dec. 24, 2020. He was a member of Caledonia Post Drown, David, 81, Army veteran of the Cuban Conflict member of Coon Rapids Post 334. 191. and the Vietnam War, died Dec. 18, 2020. He was a 40- Lavalla, Lloyd D., 74, Army veteran of the Vietnam Turbes, Leroy J., 90, Army veteran of the Korean War, year member of Marshall Post 113. War, died Dec. 7, 2020. He served in Vietnam. He was a died Jan. 2, 2021. He was stationed in Alaska. He was a Erickson, William “Bill,” 75, Army National Guard member of Roosevelt Post 371. 50-year member of Willmar Post 167. veteran of the Vietnam War, died Dec. 24, 2020. He was a Leith, Clarence “Cal,” 78, Army veteran, died Dec. 12, Varley, Thomas D., 77, Army veteran of the Vietnam member of Cloquet Post 262. 2020. He was an amateur boxer during his service. He was War, died Dec. 29, 2020. He served in Vietnam with the Farnsworth, Robert M., 83, Navy veteran of the a member of Redwood Falls Post 38. 1st Infantry Division, receiving two Bronze Stars. He was a Korean War, died Aug. 4, 2020. He served in radio com- Loge, Derald, 89, Army veteran of the Korean War, member of Northfield Post 84. munications. He was a member of Nashwauk Post 307. died Jan. 3, 2021. He served in Korea. He was a 55-year Weiss, George J. Jr., 92, Marine veteran of World War Fish, Donald L., 103, Army Air Forces veteran of World member of Blue Earth Post 89. II, died Jan. 4, 2021. In 1979, he founded the Fort Snelling War II, died Dec. 28, 2020. He was a B-17 pilot, com- Longazo, Mike S., 99, Army veteran of the Korean War, National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad and, many times pleting 35 missions, with the 351st Bomb Group, 8th Air died Jan. 24, 2020. He received the Purple Heart. He was over, commanded the squad. He was a 47-year member Force. He was a 44-year member of Waite Park Post 428. a 30-year member of Park Rapids Post 212. of St. Paul North End Post 474. Fisher, Fred L., 94, Army veteran of World War II, died Lund, Roland H., 88, Army veteran of the Korean War, Willmert, Bryan A., 85, Army veteran of the Korean Jan. 4, 2021. He had a 30-year career in the Army and died Jan. 14, 2021. He served in Germany. He was a 60- War, died Dec. 22, 2020. He was a member of Albert Lea Army Reserve. He was the caretaker at Legionville School year member of Milaca Post 178. Post 56. Safety Patrol Camp for 26 years, retiring in January 1990. Lundquist, James N., 86, Air Force veteran of the Wiskow, Douglas E., 94, Army veteran of World War II, He was a 75-year member of Brainerd Post 225. Korean War, died Oct. 24, 2020. He was in basic during died Nov. 21, 2020. He served as a military policeman in Fitzgerald, Brian K., 77, (branch missing) veteran of the era’s final month, then was stationed at Kessler AFB in the Philippines and Guam. He was a 40-year member of the Vietnam War, died Dec. 8, 2020. He was a 41-year Biloxi, Mississippi, trained in special upper-level electron- Roseau Post 24. member of Coon Rapids Post 334. ics maintenance. After his four-year stint, he took a job Wolff, Robert W., 81, Army veteran of the Vietnam Fredin, Kenneth M. “Kenny,” 92, Marine veteran in Huntsville, Alabama, teaching NATO forces on how to War, died Jan. 1, 2021. He was a past commander and of World War II, died Dec. 18, 2020. He was a 36-year maintain and launch the Jupiter Missiles and participated served on several committees as a member of Hacken- member of Onamia Post 395. in the test firing of the Saturn rocket engines. He was a sack Post 202. Goebel, Virgil E., 96, Army veteran of World War II, member of Roseau Post 24. Youngerberg, Clarence F., 98, Army veteran of World died Dec. 30, 2020. He served in Osaka, Japan. He was a McCarville, David L. “Skip,” 80, Army National Guard War II, died Dec. 20, 2020. He was a 69-year member of member of Hutchinson Post 96. veteran of the Vietnam War, died Jan. 1, 2021. He was a Janesville Post 281. Page 6 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 A painful year is also our finest hour Defense Dept. not seeing invisible To my fellow Legionnaires in Minnesota, wounds of war with discharges A lot has happened since National Commander last spring. The novel coro- James W. “Bill” Oxford For decades, the U.S. mili- navirus went from a regional tary has been handing out bad VA & Rehabilitation disease to a global pandemic. loved before the pandemic will Legion has paper discharges in instances In what I call The American indeed return. Even during the commit- when they were not warranted. Jeremy Wolfsteller Legion’s “finest hour,” Posts, worse days of the COVID-19, ted itself I agree in certain instances that Districts and Departments have The American Legion continued to ensure a bad paper may be warranted. of service, like post-traumatic sexual stepped up with events such as to effectively advocate for vet- that our But over the last couple of de- stress disorder, military sexual assault. drive-through food pantries, erans. We have seen an expan- country cades since Sept. 11, 2001, it trauma and sexual harassment. Unfor- blood donations, virtual job sion of Agent Orange benefits maintains seems its easier for the military Are these mental health con- tunately, fairs, fundraisers and supply for our Vietnam veterans and a strong national defense. We to issue an other-than-honor- ditions not justifiable to issue a as thou- drives for first responders and renewed attention to those ex- will insist that the 117th Con- able (OTH) rather than looking medical separation? sands ap- health-care workers. We have posed to environmental hazards. gress fully fund our military and at the facts leading up to the The veterans who have bad plied under these new liberal enhanced our Buddy Check ef- Our military members received provide the resources needed to pattern of behavior change. paper discharges are struggling rule considerations, the DOD forts to ensure that all veterans a well-deserved pay raise and prevent future 9/11-type attacks. Could administering a medi- not only with their invisible boards were recently proven realize that they have friends in the United States Space Force I thank you for your service cal separation under honorable wounds created by their time to ignore these directives and The American Legion Family has taken shape. as military veterans, as Legion- conditions take more time, in service but are struggling to continuing to deny upgrades who care about them. This year will mark the 20th naires and as members of the cost the service branch more get VA to take care of them. involving mental health con- After a painful year of tragic anniversary of the deadliest ter- Legion Family. money? Maybe it is being Whether it is trying to receive ditions. But another recent deaths and economic hardship, rorist attack to ever occur on Best wishes. fiscally responsible to issue a service-connected disability class action lawsuit won by there is hope. Vaccines are being American soil. Since our organi- Building a Foundation for bad paper verse giving service compensation, VA Health Care Yale Law School Veterans distributed and the life that we zation’s founding, The American the Future. members a medical separation treatment or education benefits, Legal Services Clinic in No- with a severance package or re- its adding another layer of prob- vember 2020 against the U.S. tirement? It seems unethical, lems — all while dealing with Army will require the branch to inequitable and improper to me. their mental health conditions. review and potentially upgrade Here is an example of what About a decade after 9/11, thousands of other-than-honor- has been happening: A service several law firms received word able discharges dating back to member has earned a Good of this happening when veter- April 2011 and sending letters Conduct Medal after three great ans started stepping forward. A out to those with OTH’s going years in the service. They are number of class-action lawsuits back to 2001. The final deci- preparing for their first deploy- were filed against the Defense sion of agreement between the ment to war. They are cleared, Department leading to chang- two is pending approval by the meaning no physical or mental es in how the DOD Correction U.S. District Court for the Dis- limitations. Boards consider these types of trict of Connecticut. The Yale He or she deploys for a year, upgrade requests. Legal Clinic is not stopping comes home and starts having In 2014 the first of several di- there, they are arguing a sim- anxiety attacks, feelings of de- rectives by the secretary of de- ilar class-action case against pression. These mental health fense were sent to the Board of the Navy. conditions are not being ad- Correction of Military Records The American Legion De- dressed by their chain of com- to give liberal consideration partment of Minnesota has a mand and eventually leads when reviewing Vietnam vet- pro-bono program aimed spe- to self-medication and then a eran cases for an upgrade that cifically at taking on these types failed urinalysis test, which ul- can show PTSD was involved. of cases. The program is called, timately precedes to their OTH In 2016, a revised memo was “Operation Upgrade” which discharge from the service. issued to the board that includ- can be found here: http://mn- What Department of Defense ed traumatic brain injuries and legion.org/operation-upgrade/ has failed to consider when PTSD for all eras of veterans. Put differences aside, come together administering discharges due Finally, in 2017, a memo Jeremy Wolfsteller is the Greetings American Legion to misconduct are patterns of was issued that would address Department of Minnesota ser- Family, Legion Riders behavior changes that can be cases involving military sexual vice officer. His email is jwolf- I am so looking forward to contributed to invisible wounds trauma, sexual harassment and [email protected]. the day when we can all get Paul Hassing together again. When we can look each other in the eye, ex- Too many calls to VA regarding COVID vaccines change handshakes and hugs, different experiences. We can Re- and laugh together. It has been still get along. member A message from the Department of Minnesota for a vaccination. You will get the letter when far too long. One of the great things I love to check in Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee: your priority group is next. The times we are living in are about our family is the way on friends Veterans enrolled in the Minneapolis VA Veterans are calling the call center for vacci- wearing on all of us. We need we can disagree about things and family. Health Care System will receive a letter from nations when they are not a part of VA’s priority to be better. We are a great but still come together for the Seasonal depression along with the Minneapolis VA Medical Center when group and it’s contributing to call center wait family, and sometimes family common good. We need to re- everything else going on can they become eligible for the COVID-19 vac- times up to 10-20 minutes. members have disagreements, member who we are, and why really take its toll. cination. The letter will provide details about This is making it hard for veterans trying to but that doesn’t mean we stop we need to continue doing the Even the best can be better! setting up the appointment to receive the Pfizer speak with a triage nurse or setup other important being a family. great things we do as a family. vaccination. health care appointments. Our family is made up of We still need to work with Paul Hassing is the direc- If you haven’t received the letter from the The Minneapolis VA presently is mailing all different kinds of people. our politicians whether we voted tor of the American Legion Minneapolis VA Medical Center about being letters to enrolled veterans 80 and older about Different upbringings, differ- for them or not. Let’s be civil to Riders for the Department of eligible to set up and receive the vaccination, how to schedule an appointment and received ent views of the world, and them and each other. Minnesota. please do not call the Minneapolis VA call center the COVID-19 vaccine.

The American Legion Department of Minnesota 2021 District Membership Report as of Jan 25, 2021

HQ HQ Total PUFL Online Ren Trad Ren Total Mbr Goal Trans District Commander New 2021 Paid 2021 Trans %Goal Mbr 2020 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 2021 (As of) (As of) 01 DALE P WELLIK 57 864 785 5,228 6,934 15 6,949 8,009 86.76 19 7,339 02 BRADLEY PAGEL 47 654 485 4,131 5,317 12 5,329 6,189 86.10 4 5,684 03 LINDA DVORAK 110 1,568 1,677 6,502 9,857 88 9,945 10,938 90.92 103 10,069 04 JOSEPH M JANSEN 24 288 290 1,165 1,767 4 1,771 2,091 84.70 25 1,932 05 WADE A LARSON 16 308 367 1,023 1,714 0 1,714 2,164 79.21 7 1,941 06 PAUL D EDWARDS 110 1,112 1,127 6,820 9,169 53 9,222 10,598 87.02 24 9,721 07 DEAN KNUTSON 31 704 416 3,879 5,030 41 5,071 5,646 89.82 47 5,162 08 D MARVIN HILL 21 320 390 2,387 3,118 4 3,122 3,591 86.94 10 3,321 09 STEVEN G SUNDSTROM 48 554 599 4,016 5,217 53 5,270 5,953 88.53 19 5,412 10 THOMAS H ALLEN 93 916 1,372 5,224 7,605 22 7,627 8,780 86.87 15 8,082 99 9 180 449 1,331 1,969 0 1,969 2,997 65.70 0 1,772 Total: 566 7,468 7,957 41,706 57,697 292 57,989 66,956 86.61 273 60,435

Page 1 of 1 03:13:23 PM February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 7 Mail Call The SAL Update: Continued from Page 4 Duchenne muscular dystro- limitations. they enact legislation to help phy (DMD), the most common As an American Legion us and our families; we need fatal pediatric disorder. It is a member, please consider do- to hold them accountable when progressive disorder. Jonathan nating to Jonathan’s Jett Giving they play loose with the facts loves to play videogames and Fund page, as I have, to help and stymie good legislation. enjoys spending time with his support his goal of a new acces- Keep up the good work, neighbor Garrett, teaching him sible vehicle that can give Jona- Legionnaire! new gaming skills. He also likes than back his freedom and sense to go to the movies and take of adventure. All Jett Giving Tommy Johnson drives to Duluth to watch the Fund donations are tax-deduct- Bloomington Post 550 ships come in on Lake Superior. ible and will be matched by Jeff However, given the unreliabili- Foundation once the applicant ty of Jonathan’s current vehicle, and their family reach their Please help which often breaks down and fundraising goal. does not have a working air Google “Jett Foundation a young man conditioner or heater, he has Jonathan Freiermuth” and the not been able to see the ships result goes to a page where you overcome in two years. can donate. steep challenge A new handicap-accessible It is my hope that many of us van would greatly improve will help them reach their goal I have a request. the quality of Jonathan’s life and contribute to his efforts to The SAL Commander’s Project paid for a new ceiling at the dining hall at Legionville Jonathan Freiermuth is my as well as his family being able be able to have his freedom and School Safety Patrol Camp. The $9,000 project was completed in January, but the neighbor in Minnesota. I just to get him to medical facilities. sense of adventure back. SAL continues to fund repairs at the camp. To donate, send to SAL Detachment of learned of a fundraising effort He would like to go on a longer I thank you all so much. Minnesota, 20 W. 12th St. Room 300A, St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Make checks to MN to help him and his family to road trip, enjoy his late teens AL Foundation Fund 99. get a new disability van. and early 20s with his mom David Peyla He is 19 years old with and sister despite his physical Hugo Post 620 Legionville is still in need of repairs Greetings from Your Sons of The American Legion to the Detachment commander American Legion Family! What’s happening? As we move through the first Dave Vulcan receive care within the Minneapolis VA Health part of 2021 and all wait to get 2 training seminars Care System should now schedule their COVID- our vaccinations, I would like to planned for February 19 vaccination appointments. thank everybody in the Minne- I also would like to talk about 2000. These veterans will receive a mailed letter sota American Legion Family my project this year. Until we The Department of Minnesota Training Com- with instructions on how to schedule their vac- for working so hard on keeping It’s 100 percent Legionville see each mittee is holding two online training seminars in cine appointments. If you are a veteran who is our membership up and going. this year as there is a lot of proj- other again February. Both are via Zoom video conferencing. interested in receiving care at the VA but are I also would like to invite you ects at the camp that we need to next month The first is through Department Chaplain not yet enrolled, they may apply for VA health to check out the new Minneso- put some attention to. So, if you at the Sweetheart Rally, please Betty Jass. It is “Four Chaplains Service: Why care by calling 866-414-5058. ta SAL website at mnsal.org. can, please donate to my proj- stay safe and healthy. & How” and is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Anyone who enters “VA stay informed” into There is a lot of new and in- ect. It is easy and quick. Make a Feb. 11. a Google search engine should find a VA page formational information on the check payable to MN AL Foun- Dave Vulcan is the com- The other is “Department Report: Consoli- that allows people to sign up for VA email mes- website, and there is more to dation Fund 99. Mail to Sons of mander of the Detachment of dated Post Reports” by 3rd District Commander sages on the progress of the COVID-19 vaccine come as we develop the website The American Legion, 20 W. Minnesota for the Sons of The Linda Dvorak, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. rollout. even further. 12th St., St. Paul, MN 55155- American Legion. Contact 8th District Membership Director Jennifer Havlick at jennifer.havlick@outlook. COVID cases at veteran com to get the Zoom link. Letter to Minn. SAL members Calendar homes have declined Gentlemen, Congratulations on achieving the January goal of 60 percent Detachment St. Cloud VA began The Minnesota Veterans Home, as of Jan. 26, of Minnesota have 10 cases of COVID-19. before the target date. A big shout out to Wisconsin and Iowa outpatient COVID-19 The system provides a phone number people for being over 70 percent. We have 6 Detachments at or above • Spring Conference vaccine distribution can call to get revised COVID numbers daily. 60 percent (due to Friday being a target @North St Paul Post 39 That number is 651-757-1599. date Indiana ‘s report was too late to make ST. CLOUD — The St. Cloud VA started vac- It said the Minneapolis Veterans Home has Nationals report). Friday, March 12 cinating with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine seven cases, Fergus Falls two, Luverne one and As you can see, we are almost 17,000 7 p.m.: Finance on Dec. 22. It began vaccinating its highest-risk none at Silver Bay and Hastings. The Minnesota behind last year nationally and over 8,000 Committee outpatient veterans on Jan. 11. Veterans Home system isn’t allowed to delineate behind in the Central Region. 8 p.m.: Detachment “We first provided Moderna COVID-19 vac- whether those cases were residents or staff. Keep doing your Buddy checks and pro- Executive Committee cine to nursing home residents and health care Ten is a big drop from case numbers in the 60s moting MySAL. Hopefully with people personnel, said St. Cloud VA Health Care System in late November, when Silver Bay experienced starting to get vaccinated things will start Saturday, March 13 Director Brent A. Thelen, We are now ready to an outbreak that was at 42 cases on Nov. 23. to get better and we can get this downward 9 a.m.: General Session start a phased plan to offer COVID-19 vaccine Visit mnsal.org trend turned around. to veterans who want to be vaccinated.” • Detachment St. Cloud VA the week of Jan. 11 took ap- Vets town hall planned Richard “Doc” Pfeiffer Convention pointments for enrolled veterans who are on SAL National Vice Commander, Central @Legionville dialysis, undergoing chemotherapy at a hospital ST. CLOUD — A veterans town hall meeting focused on improving VA health care services or outpatient infusion center, have had a trans- Friday, June 25 and programs is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 9, plant, are homeless, or who are 85 and older. 2020 Membership Results 7 p.m.: Finance via Webex, for veterans served by the St. Cloud Vaccination appointments will be held in Committee VA Medical Center. National membership in the Sons of The American Legion de- Bldg. 8 (Auditorium) at the St. Cloud VA Medi- 8 p.m.: Detachment Webex is a conferencing platform. For a link creased in 2020, likely in large part due to the COVID-19 pan- cal Center, or at one of the VA Clinic locations in Executive Committee to the meeting, visit https://www.stcloud.va.gov. demic. It’s the first time in decades that SAL membership didn’t Alexandria, Brainerd and Montevideo. Dates for increase year over year. the VA Clinic vaccinations are being finalized. As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were 363,313 members of the SAL Saturday, June 26 Second-dose appointments were planned for nationwide, down from 375,540 at the end of 2019 — a 3.3 percent 9 a.m.: General Session four weeks later, according to a St. Cloud VA Cuddyer nominated decrease in total membership. news release. for Hall of Fame The 2020 membership renewal rate was 87.09 percent, with 327,051 renewals reported as of Dec. 31. Minneapolis VA Eight former American Legion Baseball play- Eight detachments achieved all-time highs for membership in 2020: Puerto Rico, South Dakota, ers are on the 2021 ballot for the Baseball Hall Mississippi, North Carolina, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Those eight and 12 sending letters to of Fame, including two first-timers in pitcher other detachments — Hawaii, Philippines, A.J. Burnett and outfielder Michael Cuddyer, Idaho, Alabama, Louisiana, France, Mon- enrolled veterans the 2014 American Legion Baseball Graduate tana, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Tennessee, of the Year. and Illinois — achieved 100 percent mem- The Minneapolis VA Medical Center was the Cuddyer played for the Minnesota Twins from bership by Dec. 31. Minnesota resulted in first place in the state to administer a COVID-19 2001 to 2011. He hails from Virginia. 94.433 percent for 2020 (11,094 out of a vaccine, back on Dec. 15. It began with its staff None of the first-time nominees are consid- target of 11,748) and had a renewal rate before opening it up to veterans who seek their ered locks for induction in their first year of of 88.28 percent. health care there. eligibility. The 2021 Hall of Fame induction “Our goal is to do the most good for the most ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., is scheduled people during this time,” said its website. for July 25. 2021 Membership Currently, VA is offering COVID-19 vaccine Other American Legion Baseball alumni on to weterans already receiving care from the VA, the ballot are Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, The SAL National membership target based on CDC and VA risk criteria. Jeff Kent, Andy Pettitte, Scott Rolen and Gary is 11,749, with 7,243 in at National as Currently, veterans 80 years and older who Sheffield. of Jan. 14. That results in 61.65 percent. Page 8 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 Military careers can involve many moves, sacrifices and health scares Continued from Page 1 Wednesday, a week after the crash day. (Civilians: CQ means “charge of Rachael couldn’t bring herself to speak quarters,” and on a base environment at the first one, and a friend read a state- it typically means sitting at a desk at the ment on her behalf. She did speak at main entrance to the building, hanging the second service. on to lost keys, answering a phone, As for the obituary, someone in Jeff’s relaying messages and, especially late squadron took care of it. at night, reading a book. The Army, “I use it for everything still. I don’t Navy and Marines call these residen- know who even wrote it,” Rachael said. tial complexes barracks. The Air Force The Arctic Thunder Air Show at- calls them dormitories.) tracts 170,000 onlookers. It almost Though they worked in different was canceled, but organizers decided to fields, they were in the same dorm, hold it to honor of the fallen. The show which is common at a training base. provided a memorial to the airmen — a Rachael was training in finance. Jeff C-17 with poster-size photos of them was training in aircraft electric and — and a moment of silence. environmental systems. Jeff Hill is buried at Arlington Na- They dated a month, and she gradu- tional Cemetery in Virginia. During the ated. They resolved to do the long-dis- service, Rachael, their sons and Jeff’s tance thing. mother and father each received a “His tech training was longer than folded U.S. flag. mine,” Rachael said. After that, life was survival. Rachael The Air Force sent her to a tiny island Jeff Hill, left, sits in the cockpit of a C-17 with Tyler, almost 3 at the time, on his lap in 2010. T.J., 5, sits on was a single mother of two sons and in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that the lap of Rachael Hill to the right. The photo was taken at Elmendorf AFB two weeks before the crash. the dedication of being a good parent February in 1998 — Guam. She cried four-year enlistment by two years. In ut getting that transfer wasn’t Rachael called around, and she drove her. It still drives her. when she learned her assignment, but her college studies, she pursued be- easy. reached the director of operation’s wife. With help from friends, she started she ended up loving it. That’s military coming a Russian linguist. In Columbus, Jeff had been She confirmed there had been a crash, the Jeff Hill Legacy Fund (jeffhillleg- camaraderie at work. B acyfund.com). They meet with appli- She became the non-commissioned diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an but she didn’t know who was aboard. He went to Alaska in April. In officer in charge of customer service inflammatory bowel disease. The news spread fast. Rachael called cants in the fall, decide the winners in August, he came with her to her sis- in finance for the base. “He was told he would never fly a neighbor to watch her sons, and she winter and hand out the scholarships ter’s wedding in Moorhead. “Some people would come in, and again and would be kicked out of the was watching it on the news as she in the spring. Each year, the board has In transit, Jeff had to wait at the they would only want to see me,” Ra- Air Force,” Rachael said. called. The crash was at 6:22 p.m. awarded $20,000 and $25,000. Memphis airport, and he called his chael said. But the family found a doctor who Alaska Daylight Time, and it was airing It also continues Jeff’s story. mother. He told her he wanted to marry She worked in special actions: sep- cleared Jeff to fly. The doctor remains on the 6:30 broadcast of local news. “Jeff is still inspiring people,” Ra- Rachael someday. arations, retirements, Article 15s, pay a family friend. The day before he got The squadron commander called her chael said. garnishments, travel pay. And she was to fly again, Rachael went into labor later, around 7:30 p.m. They knew that There is a donation button on the achael went home to York with especially good at resolving pay prob- with their first son. she knew Jeff was aboard the jet. website, or donors can mail a check Jeff on Christmas 1998 and they lems. She had been the most junior Still, the diagnosis left Jeff stranded The Air Force broke protocol. Nor- to the address: got engaged that New Year’s person to attend a military pay con- in his assignment at a training base. He mally, they don’t inform the family P.O. Box 770317 R Eagle River, AK 99577 Eve. She went back to Guam; he to ference in Hawaii (Defense Finance went up the chain of command seeking until two Class A-uniformed officers Alaska. Accounting Service, aka DFAS). a new assignment. Nothing. arrive at the door, much like in the Her assignment was slated to end Rachael built a network within DFAS Finally, Rachael suggested he reach movies. achael picked Elk River at June 1, with her next assignment at Mc- and used it to contact key people and out to Gen. Tom “Pugs” Tinsley, wing But for her, the commander, C-17 random. Chord AFB outside Tacoma, Washing- resolve problems. She even passed her commander at Elmendorf. He had been director of operations, C-12 director of R “After 3 1/2 years, I felt like I ton. If Rachael checked in, she would staff sergeant test on the first attempt. the squadron commander who admin- operations, first sergeant and chaplain was needing to find myself,” she said. be committed for two years. Jeff applied for a pilot slot and was istered Jeff’s commission oath. all came over in their flight suits. In Alaska, she had a high-profile Both she and Jeff were just airmen. accepted. He was commissioned an of- Tinsley replied briefly (like gen- “Jeff has been in an accident,” they identity as “that widow of the pilot They had no money. No kids. Not much ficer in December 2002 and returned to erals do) in an email to send the told her. who died in the plane crash.” for strings to pull. To be stationed to- active-duty Air Force in January 2003. paperwork. Protocol was followed for the three After a good conversation with a gether, they had to marry. He had to get his private pilot license Two weeks later, Jeff had an assign- Alaska air guardsmen. friend, she concluded she didn’t need Annually, Guam participates in before military pilot training. ment in Alaska, and he went through 6 “Protocol says don’t go until there’s to live in Alaska to maintain the Jeff Operation Tandem Thrust, with F-15 At that time, Rachael began terminal months of training on the C-17 Globe- been confirmation, but I am grateful Hill Legacy Fund. She could return to squadrons flying from Alaska. Jeff’s leave before departing the Air Force. master jet. The family arrived on T.J.’s they came when they did and didn’t Minnesota, and the scholarships would unit wasn’t flying to Guam that year, She was grateful for the family atmo- birthday in June 2008. follow protocol,” Rachael said. continue. but squadrons worked it out so Jeff sphere at Elmendorf. Jeff, now a captain, helped “stand The “Sitka-43” C-17 had stalled Rachael’s sons played sports, and could fly to Guam so he and Rachael “Everyone worked hard to help us up” the 517th Airlift Squadron — con- during an air show maneuver. Low on she Googled “Minnesota high school could wed. get to the next stage,” she said. vert from C-130 Hercules airplanes to altitude and speed, it was too late to hockey.” She came across rankings, What about witnesses? Rachael’s The Air Force sent them to Moody C-17 Globemaster jets. And they got pull up. The plane exploded in a fireball and Elk River was ranked No. 3. It parents paid for her sister and sister’s AFB in Georgia, where Jeff spent a year down to business. two miles from the runway. caught her eye, and she researched the husband to fly to Guam. training on the T-6 Texan II, then it was The squadron provided supplies to Jeff Hill was 31, the youngest to die community. Everything fell into place, In Hagåtña, at the Superior Court off to Columbus AFB in Mississippi, in the crash and the only active-duty and she moved in July 2014. of Guam, these two 19-year-olds were troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff where he flew the T-1 Jayhawk. himself flew the first Elmendorf-based Air Force member. The Air Nation- “It was a complete leap of faith,” married on April 1, 1999. Now they Jeff was a likeable fellow, and that al Guard victims were Maj. Michael she said. could file with the Air Force as “joint jet to provide relief in Haiti after the led the instructors to select him to catastrophic earthquake in January Freyholtz, 34, of Hines, Minn.; Maj. No one but family knew her. She spouse” and be stationed together. On become an instructor himself — a Aaron Malone, 36, of Anchorage, and started teaching at the YMCA. She and June 1, 1999, she arrived at Elmendorf 2010. He flew jets that aided with oil FAIP, first assignment instructor pilot. cleanup in the Gulf of Mexico that Master Sgt. Thomas Cicardo, 47, of the boys began making friends through AFB outside Anchorage. She was an They remained at Columbus for Anchorage. the community’s youth sports programs. E-3 by now. spring, too. three years, and he was chosen as fa- As operations flight commander, Jeff T.J. and Tyler were involved in foot- vorite instructor for all three classes walked around the squadron to meet t 9 a.m. the next day, Mortuary ball, hockey and baseball. She could eff had rented an apartment off- he taught. be a regular mom now. After one son base, and they lived there. A year with his airmen, hear their concerns Affairs was at her home. She Both of their sons were born in Co- and make sure everyone was OK. He was making decisions about asked what it was like to have a dad later, they had a house. On June lumbus. T.J. is now 15, and Tyler is A coach the team, she even coached a J once had been enlisted himself. Jeff, such as choosing an urn, and fi- 3, 2000, they had a big wedding in 13. Tyler was 6 months old when the nancial decisions that would affect the football team. Indianapolis for friends and family. family departed Columbus. That was This month, Rachael Hill is the Elk In the meantime, she was promoted he Arctic Thunder Air Show rest of her life. 2008, and they returned to Elmendorf. takes place annually at El- She was grateful to have Daniel River Volunteer of the Month. in rank and winning awards: Below Hill is a member of Elk River Post the Zone early promotion. Airman of mendorf AFB (now Joint Base White, the family liaison officer, by T her side. 112. Elmendorf-Richardson). the Quarter for the squadron and wing “I am proud to be a veteran and part many times. Airman of the Year for her On Wednesday, July 28, 2010, Jeff There were two memorial services. left his wife and sons to go to work like One was for all four men on the fol- of the Legion and honored to carry on squadron, all the way to Airman of the my husband’s memory.” Year for finance in the Pacific, then for any normal day. Tyler had just turned lowing Monday, then one for Jeff on finance in the Air Force. 3 three days earlier. “My picture was in the Pentagon for Jeff and three members of the Alaska a year,” she noted. Air National Guard that day were to fly Jeff won recognition, too, as a star C-17 as practice for the two-day show, performer for his electrician work on coming up in three days. He would F-15s, and he received a Below the be co-pilot. Often, as they practiced, Zone early promotion. people would come out to watch the They began taking college classes, maneuvers. working to become officers. He called her as he stepped to fly. It He was accepted into University of was the last time they spoke. Alaska ROTC in Anchorage and was “I told him I loved him and to fly granted an early release from the Air safe, like I always did.” Force. He went to school full time, with a dream of being a pilot, and did odd hat evening, a wife from the jobs, like delivering food, while she Capt. Jeff Hill, shown here in his crew called Rachael and said supported him by working full time. flight suit, said he loved his work Tthat a C-17 went down and Jeff Hill walks with T.J. and Tyler on a hike in Alaska on Labor Day They moved back on base. and had no plans to exit the Air asked her if there was someone to weekend 2009. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman and even was on the Rachael agreed to extend her Force. contact to get information. Outdoor Channel’s “Hunting the Country.” February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 9 COVID-19 vaccinations begin VA Director Pat Kelly gives COVID-19 update ST. PAUL — The COVID- be done are being done. He at Minnesota Veterans Homes 19 vaccine does not stop the said another meeting the same MINNEAPOLIS — Ninety-seven spreading of the coronavirus. day was to look at the next percent. It does stop people from the adjustments. That’s how many veterans in the Minne- resulting illness. “It’s a balancing act,” he sota Veterans Homes said they were willing “You still have the ability to said. to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to spread the disease but not get He predicted Americans still a survey the state-run system conducted. sick from it,” said Pat Kelley, will see masks, screenings, “I believe that they trust in the staff that director of the Minneapolis VA washing hands, social distance takes care of them,” said Deputy Commis- Health Care System. and other public health mea- sioner of Veterans Affairs Douglas Hughes. This was among comments sures for another year. Some of the residents and staff at the Min- he made to the Minnesota The Minneapolis VA has neapolis Veterans Homes began receiving Commanders Task vaccinated most the COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 29. Force on Jan. 12. of the staff who The state’s Minnesota Veterans Homes The CTF meets wanted it, Kelly system received the vaccinations last week monthly and is a joint said. The vaccina- and performed a soft rollout of their vacci- legislative effort by tion effort expanded nation steps in preparation for doing all five nine congressional- to veterans on Jan. locations. Twin Cities media was present. ly chartered veter- 13 and throughout “With this vaccine, this is the beginning ans organizations. the month. of the end,” Hughes said. However, it also is a It started with the On Wednesday, Dec. 30, vaccinations forum where leaders high-risk groups, were given to residents at the Fergus Falls in the veterans care then to vets 75 or and Silver Bay homes, followed by vacci- community can talk Pat older, including ones nations for staff. Minneapolis Veterans Home nursing assistant Joan Demey of St. Paul prepares to several command- Kelly not already enrolled Vaccines for the rest of the Minneapolis to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 29. ers at a single time. in VA care. location happened Dec. 31. The vaccines fit into it, getting the vaccine,” Hughes said. of Veterans Health Care Simone Hogan said Kelly said there were 20 Beginning the weekend of came to the Luverne home on Jan. 4, Hughes about beginning vaccinations. COVID-19 cases in the Min- Jan. 23 and 24, the VA spread the said. Like a flu shot She said the staff has performed wonder- neapolis VA at the time. He word to veterans 75 and older As a domiciliary facility, rather than nurs- The deputy commissioner said reactions fully. She is glad the veterans homes are noted it once had been as to make an appointment to get ing, Hastings will see vaccines in February, to the vaccine have not been bad. It hurts getting closer to the end of the pandemic. high as 50. He said the surges vaccinated at the Minneapolis he said. less than a shingles shot and about the same “We really do need to thank our staff. make planning difficult, such VA hospital, whether or not they Vaccines are being given at the Minne- as a tetanus or flu shot. He said a couple of They have risen up to the challenge,” she as scheduling elective surger- were enrolled with the VA. sota Veterans Homes because all long-term vaccine receivers have experienced fatigue said. “We are pleased with their efforts.” ies or shifting staff from one The shots are administered care providers in Minnesota are vaccinating as a side effect. She also thanked the families of veterans area of the building to another. at the second floor of the Flag residents and staff this week. The Minnesota Veterans Homes expe- for being “supportive and understanding.” “We could be like California Atrium at the Minneapolis VA. Minneapolis is the largest of the five rienced COVID deaths like all congregate Many of them could not visit their loved or Arizona in a month, the way Kelly hopes to expand to the veterans homes. It has 260 residents and care facilities in the state. He said the homes ones because of strict visitation rules. this thing kind of works around community-based outpatient 550 staff. lose about a third of the residents to various Minnesota Department of Veterans the country,” he said. clinics across the region. Hughes said the same survey found 35 causes of death each year. Affairs Chief of Staff Mike McElhiney, The VA has its outpatient “It’s a very large effort,” percent of staff said yes, 30 percent maybe He didn’t have his specific numbers in a veteran of the Army Special Forces, workload back to normal, he Kelly said. and 35 percent said no. However, follow-up front of him, but Hughes said the rate of said he would encourage all veterans in said, but inpatient surgeries The American Legion surveys are seeing rising results: 50 percent death during the pandemic was only slightly Minnesota to get vaccinated when the are down. It had shifted from Department of Minnesota, yes, 20 maybe and 30 no. higher than a typical pre-COVID year and time comes. 10 operating rooms to five. through its email capacity, “We believe we will achieve 70 to 80 on par with a strong flu season. He said “I don’t know why a veteran would not Doctors and nurses normally contacted 32,000 veterans percent of the staff,” Hughes said. respiratory diseases will work their course want to get it,” he said. “They got vaccines working in the operating rooms about the vaccinations being Some of the “no” replies, he said, might in a group setting. in the military. It’s just one vaccination in are in the intensive care units. available. have been “wait and see” types, while others “That’s just the way it is,” Hughes said. the line of many to keep us healthy.” But that adjustment results After a rush, the Minneapo- firmly refuse it. The sooner people get it, he said, the in a surgical backlog. lis VA is sending letters notify- “As a health care worker, my obligation Encouraged sooner life gets back to normal. Kelly assured the command- ing enrolled vets about vaccine is to do no harm. I would think that would “Encouraged” is the word Senior Director He said he has witnessed the hard work ers that surgeries needing to appointments. (See Page 7.) and dedication of medical professionals and trust people in the field to have the best interest of the public at heart. “They are professionals, and they are going to do it right,” McElhiney said. Commander’s Project Phenomenal Let’s do Hughes said the Minnesota Veterans Homes, for 10 months, have had to navigate it for the Goal: ever-changing guidance from the Minne- sota Department of Health and the federal dock! $40,000 Centers for Disease Control. Department However, staff at the five homes have Commander adapted quickly. The fives homes act as Mark Dvorak’s one unit, he said. Project gives “We communicated as quickly as we 75 percent to could after guidelines would come out,” Legionville he said. and 25 percent Hughes has a background in the pharma- to Wounded ceutical industry, and the accelerated speed Warriors Guide Present: with which the vaccine trials and approvals Service. took place “is phenomenal,” he said. 68% at Veteran Richard Evans, a resident at the Minneapolis Veterans Homes, “And to be 95 percent effective, that’s The portion $27,320 describes receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to the Twin Cities media on Dec. 29. phenomenal, too.” for Legionville is intended to fund a new dock that It’s will enclose the getting swimming area, making it safer warmer! for campers.

Make checks out to Minnesota American Legion Foundation Fund 82.

Mail to In the last American month, $1,585 Legion Dept. of was raised. Minnesota, 20 W. Good job, 12th St. Room Legionnaires! 300A, St. Paul, MN 55155-2000 Date of graphic: Jan. 25 Page 10 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 By 1936, Britain would find business “British bombing did severe damage reasons to fly to Germany but fly over to the Germans, but it did not bring sensitive targets on the way there and the Germans to the negotiating table back, snapping photos from the sky. as predicted,” Ehlers said. Britain had a company called Aircraft The USAAF was more accurate Operating Co. that led the way on aerial using daytime precision bombing. They photography. It had been in business used B-17 and B-24 aircraft, escort- since 1925. ed by P-51s. They did photo flyovers “They had kind of a head start on within 12 hours, another within 24 this,” Ehlers said. hours and finally another two weeks During World War II, the allied air later, to notice how the ground changed intel ballooned to 1,100 people. They and determine which aircraft was best would dismantle guns, radio and ev- for the raid. erything nonessential to flight from Spitfires and Mosquitos aircraft and en. Dwight Eisenhower threat- install a big reconnaissance camera. ened to resign his role as su- The idea, Ehlers said, was to get in, Gpreme commander months snap the pictures, get back. before D-Day if British Prime Min- “They thought: ‘If they didn’t come ister Winston Churchill didn’t grant back, we will know something hap- him full operational command of all pened,’” he said. the bombers. One of the most accomplished Brit- Churchill gave in. ish photo interpreters was a journalist There had been a major strategic On Aug. 1, 1943, the USAAF staged Operation Tidal Wave, among the most-daring air raids of the war. named Constance Babington Smith, an argument, Ehlers said. Bomb trans- With B-24 bombers, it aimed to damage heavily-defended refineries at oil fields near Ploesti, Romania, officer who led an interpretation team portation, oil production or cities. by taking off 1,000 miles away in Libya. Five airmen received the Medal of Honor for their heroism. at Medmenham. She and her team Transportation won out, and Ike Of 178 bombers and 1,726 men, 54 aircraft and 500 men failed to return (310 killed, 186 captured). helped the Allies learn the progression wanted to reduce the ability of the of German jet aircraft. She, in Novem- Nazis to reach Normandy. After the ber 1943, discovered the existence of decision, he told Gen. Carl “Tooey” V-1 rockets Peenemünde Airfield. Spaatz, on the side, to keep after oil By December 1939, the Royal Air production, too. Force suffered 80 percent of its air- The RAF raids didn’t hit the train Spies from the sky craft in raids on the German home- cars. The low-altitude bombs went land. Other areas were seeing 50 to 80 after locomotives, marshalling yards percent losses. Bombing France had a and roundhouses. Air intelligence was key to success in U.K., U.S. bombing range from 40 to 50 percent. Air crews The strategy hurt the ability of Ger- were being killed off too quickly, Ehlers mans to reach Normandy once D-Day By Tim Engstrom said. came. They had to detrain 100 miles RAF Marshal Arthur Harris switched from the front. They lost half of their T. PAUL — There is a lot of doc- the British raids to nighttime. But the equipment, Ehlers said, were far from umented history of World War II, air intel catalog was for day bombing. supplies and were frazzled by the time but there are topics here and there S That catalog played to the advantage by entered the fight. left unexplored. of the U.S. Army Air Forces when it The Germans tried sneaking in on Author Robert S. Ehlers Jr. should joined the war. The USAAF opted for barges. The French resistance pointed it know. He found one: air intelligence. high-altitude daytime bombing, start- out, and the Allies bombed the barges. He wrote “Targeting the Third Reich: ing in 1942. Air Intelligence and the Allied Bomb- That meant Germans faced British n the Eastern Front, Germany ing Campaigns,” which came out in bombs at night and American bombs failed to take the Caucasus, Iraq 2009 and was voted Best Air Force during the day. Both put a lot of money or Iran, making them even more Book of 2010. O into it. vulnerable to attacks on oil refineries. He is a retired Air Force colonel with At first, British crews claimed they American and British forces dropped 24 years as an intelligence officer. He hit the targets. Photo recon proved bombs on Romanian and Hungarian had explored writing a book about otherwise. targets to cripple oil production. Allied air intelligence during World Radar, radio signals, flares, bombing The Germans made the mistake of War II when a job opportunity allowed streams and special-trained “pathfind- keeping fuel stores too far forward, him to pursue it. ers” improved the numbers. and when forces were overrun by the Ehlers presented Jan. 19 to the Dr. The British multirole combat aircraft DH-98 Mosquito, aka “Wooden The nighttime area bombing, Ehlers Red Army, German soldiers fell back Harold C. Deutsch World War II His- Wonder,” performed as photo recon, bombers, fighters and trainers said, resulted in Germans shifting ef- and lost access to fuel. This reduced tory Round Table via Zoom, before a during World War II. The ones in this photo were lost in the war. forts. They put an emphasis on anti-air- their ability to fly sorties on the East- spread-apart audience at the Minnesota combined-forces effort, and they each He said he wasn’t taking up that craft artillery. These are now guns not ern Front. History Center. played their part.” issue in his presentation. Instead, he being used to fight tanks. And even as the Germans retreated He said he uses the measure of three was revealing the effectiveness of the They were sending pilots up to fend to defensible positions in their home- he Germany economy relied or four months, because if the Germans bombings. off raids. These now are pilots not raid- land, they continued to inflict heavier heavily on coal. Without access had not been defeated by August, they, The Germans preferred short and ing England. and heavier losses on their enemies, to oil, the railroads and water- T too, might have been the target of U.S. mobile campaigns, like the swift, suc- By bombing central cities, this de- Ehlers said. ways relied on synthetic oil made atomic weapons. He noted the atomic cessful invasion of France and the Low stroyed production plants. The No. 1 Shortening the war by three or four from coal. Bombing infrastructure, bomb was originally designed to be Countries in 1940. They then recoup, salvage part in 1942-43 were propel- months, Ehlers said, made a difference. transportation and coal and oil produc- dropped on Nazi Germany, with the re-equip and roll on, Ehlers said. lers. It turns out, they were exclusively But it was done by a coordination of tion, Ehlers told the audience, sped the military leaders leaning toward taking This worked for the Axis until it made in central cities. ground, air and sea forces. advance of U.S., British Empire and out the more dangerous enemy first. failed to knock out the Soviet Union in Soviet troops and shortened the war Instead, Germany capitulated in 1941. Its next campaign took a southern by three or four months and lessened May. The Germans, Ehlers said, had route toward the Russian oil fields. The casualties by more than 1 milion. 14,000 aircraft sitting around. The German panzer units required gasoline. To be sure, Allied bombing did not Luftwaffe lacked pilots, fuel and parts The Luftwaffe required airplane fuel. win World War II, as is oft-purported. for repairs, thanks to bombing. The Allies operating out of Great “The war was already lost by “People want to engage in the eth- Britain couldn’t go after German trans- the time these bombings began,” ical/moral concerns about bombing,” portation and fuel production until they Ehlers said. Winning the war “was a the retired colonel said. first defeated the Luftwaffe and gained air superiority.

erial bombing began in 1911 over Libya in a war between AItaly and the Ottoman Empire. The bombs of World War I started off hand-dropped and sighted with the naked eye, but by the end employed bombsights. The Central Powers were the first to bomb cities, with zeppelins making raids. Strategies evolved. Bombs went after supply chains, production, civil- ians. Bombing also contributed to the war’s stalemate. After the war, the U.S. disbanded its air intel. The U.K. shrunk its air intel down to just eight people, but Ehlers it kept core capabilities in place — map- ping, surveying. USAAF officers with the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group With rise of Hitler in Germany, air look through cameras in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress in 1943. Photo interpreters would analyze photos like this and determine, intel increased in importance. Previous Based in Oxfordshire, the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group based on prior images, whether the target was hit. They later analyzed wars had naval blockades, but now air took over 3 million intel photos over the course of 4,251 sorties over follow-up pictures to see whether the enemy was rebuilding. blockades were possible, Ehlers said. Nazi-occupied Europe. February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11 toured six college campuses in me, ‘Allison, you have to try Dana agreed, then laughed four days. They began at Ohio this,’ but I wasn’t sure. I was in and said: “We had the typical State, then traveled to West second grade, and I was a little big-sister, little-sister relation- Virginia, Murray State, Tennes- scared. But then I tried it, and ship – ‘I love you, but you can see-Martin, Kentucky and Ole it was so fun.” be a pain in the butt.’ Allison Miss. It soon became apparent She began shooting BB guns first dealt with the question of that the sisters favored different when her older sisters switched whether she should shoot in schools. to air rifles. Then she switched college because she had to or “We looked at and talked to air rifles just as her sisters because she wanted to, and she about the same colleges, and switched to shooting precision decided she was doing it for her. we realized that if we came to rifles. Her plan is to switch to When we talked, I told her that the same conclusion, that would precision rifles in college. she should find the right envi- be great. But I think at that point Allison said she was attract- ronment, the place where she we were ready to go separate ed to the sport for many of the would be comfortable and really ways,” Dana said. same reasons that first enticed have a chance to grow.” “I wasn’t surprised,” Allison her older sisters. Despite her successes, Allison said. But as Allison became im- admitted that following her sis- Eventually Abby chose Ole mersed in the sport, she thought ters in the sport was a challenge Miss, where she has enjoyed it was critical to answer one at times. great success. Last year she important question: Does she “I live in their shadow a little posted a record-breaking season actually like the sport, or is she bit, but I think I also had it easier for the nationally-ranked Rebels, just doing it because it’s what than they did,” Allison said. Photo by Joshua McCoy/Ole Miss Athletics qualifying for the NCAA Rifle her family does? “They were the guinea pigs. My Abby Buesseler is a senior on the Ole Miss rifle team, which was ranked No. 4 in the Championships with a 583 “I realized I love it,” she parents were still figuring things country when this story printed Dec. 24 in the Forest Lake Times. She was named to smallbore score and earning said. “I love the drive for per- out with them, and that made it three All-American teams last year. a spot on three All-American fection, and I love the people in easier for me. It was tough being teams, including National Rifle the sport. And I think about it in their shadows, so sometimes Association First Team Small- all the time: When we sit down I had to remind people, ‘Hey, bore All-American. at the dinner table, we all talk I’m Allison.’” Dana selected Murray State, about shooting.” Instead of following Abby where she also has excelled. Allison also has excelled in to Ole Miss or Dana to Murray High caliber She was named Ohio Valley the sport. In 2020, she claimed State, Allison forged her own Conference Freshman of the three major honors from the path and signed with the Univer- Forest Lake’s Buesseler sisters excel at shooting sports Year in 2018, and last season Minnesota Rifle and Revolver sity of Kentucky in November. John Wagner technical aspects of the sport. Allison saw the tight bond that she was named to the All-OVC Association: She was the Junior “I asked them for a lot of help Forest Lake Times They soon realized there was riflery had forged between the Smallbore Second Team for the Prone Champion as well as and guidance, and they helped more to the sport than grabbing two older sisters. nationally ranked Racers. the 3-Position and 4-Position me a ton,” Allison said. “And FOREST LAKE — When a gun, then aiming and firing. “They did everything together “We always thought I would Champion – all with her older the best part was that they both Abby and Dana Buesseler were “It only took a couple of weeks all the time,” Allison said. “They go to the ‘big’ school and Abby sisters cheering her on from afar. told me they would not be mad young, they went to a game fair into our time at Gopher [Rifle and still do – they just live far away would go to a small school be- “It was exciting to watch Al- if I didn’t choose their school. and shot air rifles. They both en- Revolver] Club to realize there from one another now. They’re cause of our personalities,” lison get into the sport,” Abby They said they would be happy joyed the experience, and the was lot more to it,” Dana said. the same, but they’re different. Dana said. “So isn’t it funny that said. “To watch her learn the with whatever school I chose. I folks running the air rifle booth “At first we were shooting prone, They’re both super-fun and Abby went to Ole Miss and I lessons she’s learning, and to chose Kentucky because the ac- told them of a weekly shooting so all I had to do was look at the love doing the same things, but went to Murray State?” see her surpass what Dana and I ademic and athletic support they event at Forest Lake American site, line it up and pull a trigger. they’re different. People think The distance between the did in high school, is super cool. give the team is awesome. And Legion Post 225. But then they started teaching us twins are exactly the same, but schools has not stopped the I’m proud of her for following I really like the ‘family’ aspect When their father, Bill, was positions, and suddenly I had to they’re different in their own twins from staying close, in our footsteps, because I think of the team.” ready to take them to that meet- hold the gun, and it got heavy. I ways.” though. it would be hard to deal with the ing, the twin sisters resisted. had to learn how to breathe, and Going their separate ways “I see her at competitions comparisons to Dana and me. I Taking the next step “We told my dad, ‘We’d a lot of other things like ‘natural As Abby and Dana ap- a couple of times during the encourage her to stick to what While Allison is preparing to rather stay home,’” Dana said. point of aim.’ proached their 2017 high school season,” Abby said. “Our she does, and not to worry about start her college career at Ken- “We had some neighbor kids “They taught us a lot of dif- graduation, each sister had dif- schools are four hours away, so the comparisons. She’s her own tucky, both Abby and Dana are over, and we didn’t want to go.” ferent techniques, and we started ferent answers to the question there are times where they will person.” Continued on Page 12 But Dad insisted, and the to realize how crazy technical they were asked frequently: come to our range and compete twins relented, and despite shooting can be.” would they be going to college against other schools.” their reluctance to attend, they Both sisters excelled at the together? Abby’s answer would Independent Rural Living enjoyed the experience. Those ReverseEncouraging the next wave sport, helping lead the Minne- return as yes, and Dana’s would Senior apartments for elderly and those with 12-year-olds grew to embrace sota Centershots team to the be no. In the same way the Bues- disabilities. Safe, convenient, comfortable, and riflery and have since become 2016 National Junior Olympic “I would look at her and seler twins began their shoot- affordable rural living in Southeast Minnesota. two of the best collegiate shoot- 3-Position Air Rifle National wonder what she was talking ing career, younger sister Al- Mortgages Also available: ers in the country Championship. But the twins about,” Abby said. lison had little choice at the What’s more, the success beginning. Housing with quickly realized that competi- The“Seriously, future doesn’t we knew have that if to Services, Nurs- Abby and Dana enjoyed in rifle- tive fire should not be allowed bewe uncertain.went to the same college it “Since Abby and Dana started ing Home, Sub- ry attracted their younger sister, to consume the relationship they would be a great time, but we before me, they dragged me into sidized Rent, Contact: Allison, to embrace shooting had as sisters. weren’t going to force it.” shooting,” Allison said with a Homemaker The lower the Margin, the services Samantha 507-864-7714 as well. As Abby and Dana ap- “Dana and I have a unique re- moreIn the you summer qualify before for. theirCall laugh. “It’s the classic ‘younger sister’ thing. They kept telling or www.goodshep-rushford.org proach the end of their collegiate lationship in that we don’t have forsenior our year,low rates. the Buesselers Libor careers — Abby competes for American that ‘smack-talk,’ Margins as low as 1.5%. the University of Mississippi, competitive side to Call or email me for a free Legion and while Dana shoots for Murray our competition,” State — Allison has signed to Abby said. “We go consumer guide and a Auxiliary compete for the University of out and wish each personal quote. The Minnesota Legi onnaire Kentucky starting next year. other the best. I Official Publication of and Owned Exclusively by “Right away, I liked that my hope that I beat her Let a retired active duty The American Legion, Department of Minnesota dad, my sister and I could go at the end of the day, veteran you can trust show Al Zdon, Editor together and all learn something but that’s where it you how you may benefit First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, from it,” Abby said. “And I liked ends.” from a Reverse Mortgage. the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 100th year of publica- that it was a unique sport: I could Dana agreed, NMLS ID #283509 tion. It is published monthly by The American Legion, Depart- work individually, and grow on adding: “We’re ment of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, St. my own. As twins, we could competitive in Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire is a work with one another, talk the way that we member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the about what we were learning.” push each other to National American Legion Press Association. Dana agreed, adding: “We be better, but we SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive instantly fell in love with it – support each other Mike Kraus Serving MN and WI the Legionnaire as part of their dues. it wasn’t like anything we had more than anything 7365 Kirkwood Court North, Suite 300 PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057 done before. Being able to in- Maple Grove, MN 55369 ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800 else. If Abby has a E-MAIL: [email protected] stantly see your results was fun. bad day and I have 763-355-8540 [email protected] WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org That pushes you to test yourself, a good day, all I BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: President Mark to see if you can improve and want is for her to Dvorak, Le Center; Vice President Don Amundson, Blue get instant feedback.” feel better. I want Earth; Secretary Randy Tesdahl, Elk River; Treasurer, Bill And both girls quickly knew Goede, Plainview. Board Members include: Joe Bayer, Min- to support her, and neapolis; Carol Patridge, Oakdale; Darrel Redepenning, Coon they wanted to get better. she supports me. Rapids; Paul Edwards, Brainerd; Patti Coleman, Circle Pines, “We realized Mary Kuperus, New London. Getting better that we could fight When Abby and Dana start- over every single POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Min- ed their freshman year at Forest thing, or we could nesota Legionnaire, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55155- Lake Area High School in 2013, push each other to 2000. (USPS No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270) they began to put in the work to be better. And we improve. They started attending chose to support prestigious shooting camps and one another.” got specific instruction on the Meanwhile, Special note from Vi Ranney: If the World War II tour in May is postponed due to COVID-19, the departure date will be Sept. 11. Page 12 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 Listening Post MUST-SEE TV SETS Glencoe Post 95 recognized by co-op By the McLeod Cooperative News

McLeod Co-op Power is honored to award its 2020 Touchstone Energy Com- munity Award to Glencoe American Legion Post 95. This annual award recognizes a local business, nonprofit or community group that made a positive impact within the Co- op’s service territory during the past year. Out of nine organizations nominated for the award, Glen- Glencoe Post 95 was named the 2020 Community Award coe American Legion Post 95 winner and accepts a $500 award at the McLeod Co-op Woodbury American was selected as the winner of Power office. Legion Post 501 and the 2020 McLeod Cooperative County Veterans Assistance statewide Minnesota Touch- Woodbury Veterans of Power’s Touchstone Energy Fund, American Legion Foun- stone Energy Community Foreign War Post 9024 Community Award. dation for Hospitalized Veter- Award. The statewide award donated five flatscreen “The Legion clearly demon- ans, Returning Vets Program, winner will be selected from televisions to the Hasting strates a strong commitment to American Legion Family Hos- a pool of local award winners Veterans Home just in community that at the Coopera- pital Program, Christmas Gifts from across Minnesota. The time for the New Year tive we value highly,” Member for Shut-in Veterans, Veterans statewide winner will receive celebration. American Service Manager Dan Ehrke Pheasant Dinner Program, $1,000 toward their communi- Legion Post 501 said. “We are very pleased to Minnesota State American ty cause and be presented an Commander Bob Dolan recognize this organization’s Legion ROTC Program, Bliz- award during the Minnesota and Post member Tom positive contributions to our zard Blast Hospice Fundraiser, Rural Electric Association’s Grezek, along with VFW local community.” Glencoe Days, Glencoe Cub annual meeting in 2021. Post 9024 Commander Celebrating its 100th an- Scouts and Boy Scouts, Glen- We want to thank everyone Paul Lindahl and VFW niversary, Glencoe American coe-Silver Lake (GSL) High that submitted a nomination for member Bob Fritschi, Legion Post 95 has a long his- School Scholarship Program, this award. We also applaud all were on hand to present tory of service and civic duty. GSL After Prom, GSL Booster these groups and so many more the TV sets to Sue This award is a chance to recog- Club, GSL Trapshooting, GSL that are working tirelessly to Register, Hasting Veterans nize Glencoe American Legion Robotics Club, GSL Close-up improve their communities. Home volunteer services Post 95 for all the great work Program, and the GSL Business Thank you! coordinator. they do in our service territory. and Professional Association. Minnesota Touchstone Congratulations Post 95! As this year’s award winner, Energy Cooperatives are part of The Legion’s members work Glencoe American Legion Post a national alliance of more than diligently to support local vet- 95 receives a $500 donation. 750 electric cooperatives in 46 erans, area students, and other In addition, Glencoe Ameri- states that adhere to the values community groups. Some of the can Legion Post 95’s award of integrity, accountability, in- causes that the group supports application will be submit- novation, and commitment to financially include McLeod ted for consideration for the the community. OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Provided photo Allison Buesseler, a senior at Forest Lake Area High School, claimed three majors honors from the Minnesota Rifle and Revolver Association in 2020. Last month, she signed a letter of intent to compete at Kentucky.

Olmsted County Deputy Sheriff Tracey Pagel was presented with the Department of Shooting success began with parents Minnesota’s 2020 Law Officer of the Year Award at Eyota Post 551. (A story about Continued from Page 11 riflery. her appeared in the June 2020 Legionnaire.) On the left is 1st District Commander seniors who see their riflery careers coming to a “Shooting has been a part of my life for so Dale Wellik. On the right is Department Sergeant-at-Arms Richard Skillestad of close and new careers on the horizon. long, I really don’t know who I am as a person Eyota Post 551. Abby plans to pursue a master’s degree in clin- without it,” she said. “I’m ready to get into the ical laboratory science, with the goal of becoming workforce and take the next step, but I know I’m SUPERIOR WREATHS a researcher. That means she will step away from going to miss shooting.” competitive shooting, because she realizes she All three sisters thanked a number of people Two Harbors Post 109 can serve only one intense and time-consuming for their success in shooting, starting with their had three Christmas master. parents, Bill and Carla. wreaths made for the “Shooting will always be a part of who I am,” “They’re so committed to giving us everything ceremony the Post had Abby said. “But I won’t be able to compete at we need to be successful. I wouldn’t know where for the Wreaths Across the same level. It’s funny, but I think being a we would be without them,” Dana said of her America program in researcher is, in some ways, like competing in parents. “And Abby and Allison have been so memory of our fallen rifle. You’re working individually, running your supportive. We could have taken this to a com- service members. Shortly own tests and stuff, but you’re also part of a team. petitive, intense level, but instead they have been after the ceremony, the I think the lessons I have learned in shooting will supportive.” Post left one for display have connections in the future.” Abby agreed, adding: “I definitely have to at the military section of Dana also plans to graduate in May 2021, thank my dad for taking Dana and I to that first a local cemetery, one to having earned a degree in mechanical engineer- practice. He and my mom have been very encour- a nursing home in Two ing. Her next step also involves a break with full- aging and supportive. They saw my potential, Harbors where there are time competitive shooting to enter the workforce and they helped me grow.” many veterans and one to in her field. Abby also mentioned her first coach Joe Show- the Minnesota Veterans “Don’t get me wrong: I’ll meet up with friends alter, who “helped me find the joy in shooting,” Home in Silver Bay. The for cool matches among the alumni,” she said. she said. Post received many thank- “But I’m really excited about engineering right But she also thanked her sisters. yous from members of the now.” “They are the ones who were there every day community. Still Dana realizes she will miss competitive with me and made it fun,” Abby said. February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 13 District commanders 1st District 4th District 8th District Dale Wellik Joe Jansen D. Marvin Hill Greetings from the Mighty thing that Hello to all our 4th District will be at Greetings to the great 8th The First District American Legion we need Legion Family Members. Rosetown District family! Minneap- Family. to keep January started out great with Post 542 We wish to thank Two Har- olis VA Thank you for your service working the Joint 4th and 5th Districts starting bors Post 109 for hosting our has re- and support. on. Those get-together over Zoom. with the Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. ceived the The inauguration of the pres- that get Jennifer H. and Michael W. Executive 23. It is a pleasure to again work COVID- ident of the United States of electronic communication share were our computer wizards. Board meeting at 6:45 and the with the 8th District family in 19 vaccine. The vaccine must America is upon us. it with others. Take it to your The prerecording of messages full meeting at 7 p.m. person again. be given in two doses with the Let us all pray for peace, post meeting and copy it, make allowed the conference to focus It will be both in person and Lt. Col. (ret.) Bill Lushine, a second one given 17 to 25 days honor, unity and respect. a copy and put it on the Post on last-minute information from on Zoom. member of Chisholm Post 247 to be effective. When donating With all this in place we will bulletin board. NRC representatives: The Aux- Hopefully many of our mem- will be 100 years old on Feb 3. blood to memorial blood cen- be able to move forward. For the pandemic, we now iliary, The SAL, and The Legion bers have started to receive let- He served in World War II as a ters, a review for COVID-19 We have many things to plan have a vaccine to help us to Riders. ters or calls from the VA Medical Marine and in the Korean War anti-bodies will be done and for. The Department and District slow the spread, along with the All of you are invited to our Center at Fort Snelling. If you with the Army National Guard. the results mailed to you in rallies, the District Convention mask, sanitize, social distanc- 4th and 5th Districts Monday have not please contact them if A convoy will form at the two weeks. to be held in Austin at the Austin ing and hand washing. Keep in night calls starting at 6 p.m. The you are 65 or over at 612-725- Chisholm Armory at 10:30 a.m. Please stay healthy and safe Post 91 in May. Officer elections your prayers those in need and February meeting of the Ramsey 2000, the operator will transfer and move to his home where during this uncertain time. on all levels, those planning to assistance with a phone call or County Central Committee you to that department. happy birthday and honors will God bless our troops and god run for office need a letter of card. Pray for the deployed and be presented on his lawn. bless America! endorsement from your Post. their families. Membership is needing a Pray for the new administra- boost to get those that are now tion, commander in chief and delinquent and there is those that his cabinet as they take the lead 6th District 9th District are in Post 1982AD. in our nation. Communication is a big For God and Country! Paul Edwards Steve Sundstrom Greetings to the 6th District ulations Hello everyone. It was dis- Legion Family, to Paul I hope this finds everyone cussed Welcome to February. It looks Seefeld of doing well. I don’t know about that we like this is going to be a busy Big Lake you, but I’m enjoying our mild will be 2nd District month with the Sweetheart Post 147 winter. pushing Brad Pagel Rally in Paynesville on Feb. 6. for being elected to serve on Last month I attended a for some The Mid-Winter Conference at Big Lake’s City Council. virtual membership meeting. type of tax relief at the State It’s that time again to add below the Nisswa and online is on Feb. I will continue to stress that Many things were brought level, due to the COVID shut- fuel to the fire as they say. How 85 percent, 20, and Legion Family Basic Legion membership is not a up. We need to keep up our downs. The idea of attending many of you keep up on veterans please let’s Training at the Nisswa Post on spectator sport. In June, the Dis- efforts of getting the at-large our county commissioner issues? Do you know there are get this up Feb. 27. And with that, we run trict will have new leadership. Post 1982’s to join a Post. This meetings so our voices can be several bills on the state level above that out of month. Must be a short We have two good candidates would help a Post reach their heard on the local level also. that have been introduced con- by Feb. 15, month or something. for District commander. They membership goals. Another With the recent changes in cerning veterans in the state of for some of you that is only one I can see from the latest mem- will need your help and support. item was that, regretfully, Washington, D.C., I am con- Minnesota. As veterans I be- or two members. bership report that the District Look at the list of committees some Posts are turning in their cerned with what I have been lieve we are obligated to take Now that restrictions have is still chugging along. We need and decide where your particular charter for lack of members hearing. Having said that, I will care of each other and fight eased a little bit, we can start to keep on working the mem- skill set can do some good. Call etc. If you know of one near leave some food for thought for the issues concerning all looking at having limited func- bers from Post 1982 to get them them and let them know that if you encourage the remaining with a quote from JFK: “Ask veterans. tions again, Information will be transferred into a local organiza- they are elected you would like members to join your Post. not what your country can do Do you know where to look forthcoming in the district news- tion. If you need help with that, to serve in some capacity. There is strength in numbers for you, but what can you do for your local legislators’ con- letter, if you are not on the 2nd contact our District membership I am excited about April, as and the more we can the better. for your country.” tact information? Keep in mind District Newsletter email list, chairman or me and we can I have been informed that Na- while making contact with elect- contact me and we can get you download information on those tional Commander Bill Oxford ed officials, be cordial, stay on on that, as we do send out infor- people who live within a certain will be visiting the 6th District topic and voice your concerns mation in between the monthly distance from your Post. during his tour of Minnesota. 10th District on the issues at task. Yes, as an newsletter as well. I want to send out congrat- For God and Country. organization, we do have polit- Remember our mission, com- Tom Allen ical influence but are nonpar- mitted to mentoring youth and Greetings from the Mighty be mailing tisan, focus on veterans issues sponsorship of wholesome pro- 10th District. out all our with both sides of the aisle. grams in our communities, ad- Actions speak louder than reports. Next on the agenda is mem- vocating patriotism and honor, 7th District words. “We all” must do what So, our bership for the district. There promoting strong national se- we can to cut down on the spread members are some posts out there that curity and continued devotion Dean Knutson of the virus and the extremely can read are lagging for one reason or to our fellow service members high loss of life it brings. This about all the wonderful things another. Those of you that are and veterans. current pandemic has shown us we have accomplished in the Greetings to the Mighty 7th passing so that we are an extremely resul- District. District! they can be tant and capable organization. Everyone, please make sure I hope that all are staying safe removed What is the saying? Oh yes: you have those reports into Ad- and healthy!! With the loosening from the “When the going gets tough, the jutant Roger Stoick, rgstocik@ of restrictions on businesses and active tough get going.” aol.com, by email or U.S. mail, 3rd District clubrooms, I hope everyone is roster and The 10th District has been on March 15. With your help we slowly beginning to get back put into Post Everlasting. Linda Dvorak remarkably busy. The District will be able to have a productive to business and that being we I would like to congratulate had a Zoom meeting and will Md-Winter Conference even Hello 3rd District for a webi- need to work together for the the following posts for attain- continue to do so until we can through it is not an in-person We had a member meeting nar, please well-being of all veterans and ing 100 percent in member- completely reopen. We are meeting. over Zoom in mid-January. A send it to the American Legion Family ship: Kensington, Elbow lake, enormously proud to be hold- We are planning our District lot of good discussion and ideas the Train- (Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and Herman, Starbuck, Marietta, ing our 50th annual Snowmobile Testimonial and Past Command- for membership during this slow ing Com- Legion Riders.) Boyd, Kerkhoven, Clinton, Membership Rally. That is right. ers’ Dinner. More information time of the year. Hopefully mittee. All Posts need to start con- Bellingham, Renville, Frank- I said 50th. will be published when it be- those in attendance learned There should be a schedule of centrating on the yearly reports lin, Echo and Russell. A job I want to thank Patti Cole- comes available. something. upcoming webinars and ques- that need to be filled in a timely well done. man and her crew for all the WOW! Look at us. Our mem- The 3rd District had its tions in the Legionnaire. For manner — IE: Consolidated We currently have 41 Posts hard work and time they put in bership is currently at 95 percent Mid-Winter in the hybrid fash- February (Feb. 11) we will have Post Report, Officers Report that need 10 members or less to planning and organizing this in the District, and I am confi- ion. The Executive Board and a webinar of the “Four Chap- List. Refer to the District di- to reach the 100 percent goal. awesome event. dent we will reach 100 percent some of the District officers lains: Why & How” in com- rectory for a listing of all other Traditionally now is the time Speaking of Events, we are real soon, as this letter is being met in person and the others memoration of the four Army reports that need to be filled when membership drops, but holding our Department Legion written before the results of our were via Zoom. It was a great chaplains that went down with out. with a little extra effort, it can Family Sweetheart Rally on 50th Snowmobile Membership experience. Zoom has been the S.S. Dorchester on Feb 3, A note to all membership be done. Let’s keep up the Feb. 6 at Paynesville Legion Rally. a blessing for The American 1943. directors: Please ensure that if good work. May God bless The Post 271 from 10:45 a.m. until We would not be able to Legion. Also in February (Feb. 25) you have members that have American Legion as we move 1 p.m. Zoom participation will achieve this result without As part of the Training Com- there will be a webinar on the passed away, make sure that the forward working for the good be available at marsha@mnala. the outstanding support of our mittee, we have put together “Consolidated Post Report: paperwork is sent in as to their of all veterans. com. members in each Post, Unit, some training webinars and How to Complete the Form We had to cancel our Dis- Squadron and Chapter in the developed a “Question of the Online and on Paper.” trict Mid-Winter Conference. District. Together we are the Month,” which will be published Check them out and watch However, thanks to the hard Mighty 10th District. I know in the Legionnaire monthly. If for more! work of our officers, vice com- you are looking forward to the you have a question or a topic Until next month! manders and chairman, we will Continued on Page 16 Page 14 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 The Auxiliary Bulletin No. 21 Vol. 7 President Mary Hendrickson • Secretary Marsha Bible, [email protected] Dept. HQ: Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-224-7634 February 2021 Many members have lost loved ones to COVID-19 Girls State to be President’s Column held virtually Mary Hendrickson Decision is based on present COVID-19 situation I hope It was very exciting to return there will The Girls State Committee to my home, West Duluth Post be a large has been diligently planning the 71, on Monday, Jan. 11. Some turnout of 2021 session of ALA Minnesota of the “regulars” were sitting in member- Girls State. their usual chairs. I come from a ships. After waiting to see how very small family so they were Unfortunately, we are over COVID-19 and new vaccines a welcome sight during this 2,000 memberships short of would affect all of us and difficult time in our history and last year’s total at this time. It’s watching the numbers for all my personal life. Like some of never too late to play catch up these weeks, the decision had you, I recently lost a relative to and continue toward our mem- more to do with the present and future social climate in our state COVID-19. bership goals. My cousin John Anderson and our nation than with the Thank you to those individu- COVID pandemic. was a 20-year retired Air Force als, Units, Posts, Squadrons and veteran. Due to social distancing The decision was made Jan. Districts who have contributed and other restrictions, only his 5 and reviewed Jan. 25. (The immediate family was allowed to my President’s Project (gift American Legion meeting re- at his funeral in Rice Lake, Wis. cards for service officers to dis- garding Minnesota Boys State I pray that 2021 will allow us all tribute to needy veterans visiting is coming after The Minnesota the opportunity to be vaccinated our VA Medical Centers). I’m Legionnaire’s press deadline.) and return to what we once knew also grateful for the continuing Minnesota Girls State nor- as a normal life. contributions to our Auxilia- mally happens at Bethel Uni- I recently had a chance to ry Emergency Fund program. versity. The 74th session of catch up with Minnesota Amer- There is great need at this time ALA Girls State will be held ican Legion Commander Mark due to fires, floods, COVID-19, virtually the week of Sunday, Dvorak. We both commented job loss, etc. June 13 through Thursday, June on all the cancellation notices The American Legion Auxil- 17, 2021. in our datebooks. January looks iary West Duluth Unit 71 sold The committee is going full to be quiet at this point. grab bags for $1 each on the steam ahead to put together a I hope to get together with the last night our post was open in session that will be relevant, Girls State Committee as they December. It was a shopping exciting, diverse and differ- spend a whole day beginning the frenzy! The bags sold out rapid- ent from years past while re- process of organizing the 2021 ly, resulting in $161 for the De- taining the core values of the virtual Girls State Session. This partment Auxiliary Emergency American Legion Auxiliary is new territory for the American Fund account. The Department and the Minnesota Girls State Legion Auxiliary, so I applaud of Minnesota American Legion program. and appreciate this committee’s Auxiliary was No. 1 in contribu- It will begin with the tradi- efforts. tions in the nation for the 2019- tional Sunday evening session committee is to continue to possibility of being volatile and Units will also receive their My husband, Carl, and I also 2020 year. and will include morning, af- provide the quality program unpredictable. information in a special Unit hope to attend the culmination Not only are we “Minnesota ternoon and evening sessions. that the American Legion Aux- Our concern this year is that mailing that will hopefully event of the 10th District Snow- Nice,” we’re also “Minnesota The cost for this program will iliary is known for. We are the all of our participants, their par- be sent out the first week of mobile Rally on Jan. 31 at Lino Caring.” I’d love to hear of any be $100 per citizen. As in the only program like this and we ents, and our volunteer staff feel February. past, attendees will be required have many opportunities be- comfortable and safe. The ALA will have shirts Lakes American Legion Post creative ways your unit used to 566. to attend all virtual scheduled cause of our reputation. The Letters will be sent to Min- and other items available to raise funds for the AEF. events. social climate in Minnesota in nesota high schools as soon as purchase from an online store The Sweetheart Membership Stay safe and positive. God Rally will be held on Saturday, The main goal of this the upcoming months has the the final details are confirmed. during the event. Bless America and our troops Feb. 6, at Paynesville American Legion Post 271! who serve to preserve our many The American Legion Auxil- liberties. Happy Valentine’s iary is traditionally in charge of Day! Unit 96 recognizes youth ministry for food drive this gathering. It will be wonder- HUTCHINSON — In a year of uncer- ful to see some of my American Mary Hendrickson is the tainty, it is good to know that the com- Legion Family in person and president of the American munity of Hutchinson can count on the communicate with those indi- Legion Auxiliary Department members of the Hutchinson Area Youth viduals joining us via Zoom. of Minnesota. Ministries (HAY Ministries) to continue trick or treating for the McLeod County Food Shelf. About 300 youth went door to door to Thank you so much collect food and cash donations. HAY Min- istries also reached out to the food shelf to Thank you, American Legion Family, for all the cards and good ask for a list of their current needs. wishes that you sent me after my recent fall. I am now sporting In the week prior to the night, a bag/ a new hip and am aiming to see many of you at Department ticket was delivered to all homes in the Convention in Redwood Falls. Hutchinson area. Bags were then picked I have had excellent care at the health facility and am now at up on the front steps beginning at 4:30 home with assistance a few days a week for rehabilitation. Tom p.m. The past few years they have col- and I are blessed to have you all as friends. lected 12,000 pounds of food as well as We are also thankful for our daughter Madolyn Amundson cash donations. (Tootie) who visits us daily for coffee and to check in on us. We Donna Telecky of Hutchinson Unit 96 are in great hands! nominated HAY Ministries for the ALA National Youth Hero Award. Shown in Gwen Hamilton the picture are three representatives of Past Department President 1997-1998 the group being presented their award at a recent ALA Unit 96 meeting. Congratulations to HAY Ministries and thank you to the Hutchinson Unit for recog- Donna Telecky of nizing another set of heroes in Minnesota. Hutchinson Unit 96 stands with members of Hutchinson Area Youth Ministries. February 2021 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 15 Be a promoter of Americanism in these times SUPER HEROES By Joanne Joachim election — what could top that? responsible citizenship. In this to be submitted. I’m trying to Americanism Chairman The storming of the Capital of age of COVID, be an American- Celebrate 100 for Americanism our Country is right up there. ism leader by showing respon- this year. Put a note on the win- When I started writing this I hope and pray that by the sible citizenship by wearing a ning essays you submit to me article it was right after Jan. 6. time you read this article we mask in public places, social and tell me how many essays I believe that whatever I put will have had a safe and with- distancing and if not feeling you received. I hope we can get down on paper now does not out incident inauguration of our well stay home. more than 100 essays submitted. somehow seem as important as new president. If you submitted a report for Remember flag promotion it would have on Jan. 5. I would like all of you to a National Award, you will have and protection. Blue Star and Now, as I finish this article on continue to promote leader- to continue the report and cover Gold Star banners. Fly the flag. Jan. 13, we are impeaching the ship in Americanism. Become 2019-21 in the report. And Reports: I’d like to see president of the United States. a promoter of Americanism at Essay contest: Same topic as reports from every district. I 2020 with the COVID pandem- all levels — personal, Unit, last year. missed one District last year. ic, the death of George Floyd District, and Department. However, essays submitted And I hope you all are getting and the ensuing riots in the The Americanism program last year cannot be resubmitted the info that is sent out in the Twin Cities, and the contentious promotes patriotism and this year. A new essay will have Unit mailings. Let’s keep mining for members; each one is a gem for scholarships and apply for Membership By Sharon Thiemecke Membership Percent of District Goal Last Year Membership Chairman assistance from the Auxiliary To Date Goal Emergency Fund. 1/22/2020 The cutoff for 2021 member- Please do not hold your One 3,994 3,236 81.02% 3,505 ship dues payment was Jan. 31. membership renewals for the Two 4,015 3,201 79.73% 3,593 That date falls on a Sunday, Feb. 6 Sweetheart Rally. If you Three 3,870 3,076 79.48% 3,353 so, all membership had to be can mail it to be into the De- Four 581 450 77.45% 512 received in the Department partment office by Jan. 29 do Five 572 430 75.17% 512 office no later than 10 a.m. on it now! Do it today! Six 5,170 4,123 79.75% 4,578 Friday, Jan. 29, in order to meet It is more important to make Seven 3,197 2,462 77.01% 2,848 the national cutoff. sure your members dues have Eight 1,302 998 76.65% 1,104 Members who have not paid been processed on time than to Nine 3,445 2,653 77.01% 3,045 their 2021 dues by the Jan. 31 turn in a big number at that rally. Ten 3,978 3,143 79.01% 3,405 deadline risk the chance of Hand carry to the Sweet- 1982 193 189 97.93% 176 losing their continuous mem- heart Rally what you cannot Totals 30,317 23,961 79.03% 26,631 bership and other benefits. get mailed. Remember that rules and membership turn in Let’s get Minnesota to 100 These benefits include -eli you must have a lunch ticket runs from 11 a.m. to noon. percent. National goals are all gibility to take advantage of to be admitted to the rally at the Membership is everyone’s do-able! Let’s get all of 2020 to the American Legion Family Paynesville Post Feb. 6. Atten- job, encourage everyone to con- renew and add a couple for those Hospital Association, apply dance is limited due to COVID tact their unpaid members now. deceased or transferred members. Did you know? Upcoming events Feb. 6: Sweetheart Rally at Paynesville Post 271 Applications for ALA national scholarships are due March 1, March 6: Appreciation Rally & DEC Meetings at 2021, to your local Unit. Now is a great time to contact your area LaCrescent Events Center high schools and send them the applications. Reminder: Nation- March 14: The American Legion 102nd Birthday al scholarships can now be completed online through a fillable April 6-9: National Commander’s Tour On July 28, Swanville Post and Unit 313 Legion and application. April 8-11: Minnesota American Legion College at Auxiliary completely furnished three rooms at the Eagles Are you following @ALAforVeterans on social media? Don’t Camp Ripley Healing Nest in Sauk Centre. The rooms refurbished will miss out on the latest news from ALA National Headquarters. April 9-10: Department Junior Conference, 6th be for female veterans in the Lady Liberty House. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. District, St. Augusta Post 621 I BUY AND COLLECT MILITARY ITEMS By the way, we have more than a dozen Facebook groups June 13-17: American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Including insignia, hats, helmets, and uniforms from WW I, WW II, dedicated to our national and Department ALA programs. These Girls State Korea,I Vietnam, BUY AND (I have COLLECT not started my MILITARY collection on ITEMS Southeast Asia Includingyet). I collect insignia, Army, hats, USAF, helmets, USN, USMCand uniforms patches, from pins, WW pictures I, WW and II, closed groups are dedicated spaces where ALA members can June 13-19: American Legion Minnesota Boys State Korea,souvenirs Vietnam, from (I haveall periods. not started CALL my JOE, collection 612-801-4673 on Southeast AFTER Asia6 share updates, photos and messages with other members who yet). I collect Army, USAF, USN, USMC patches, pins, pictures and June 19: Joint Commander-President Testimonial souvenirs from all periods. CALL JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6 share common interests in the Auxiliary’s national programs. If Dinner, New Prague Post 45 you are looking for insight on how to run a program, interested July 14: DEC Meetings at Redwood Falls in learning more about what other units and departments do to July 15-17: Department Convention at Jackpot Attention Veterans! reach veterans, or simply want to connect with ALA members AttentionThis is your northern Veterans! Junction, Morton Minnesota resort. Barrier-free This is your northern around the world, join one of our many ALA Facebook groups. Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2021: National Convention in and open 12 months a year. Minnesota resort. Barrier-free • American Legion Auxiliary 100th Anniversary Celebration Phoenix Gateway to the BWCA. and open 12 months a year. • ALA Children & Youth Oct. 21-23: Fall Conference 800-777-7538 Gatewayemail: [email protected] to the BWCA. • American Legion Auxiliary Chaplains 800-777-7538www.veteransonthelakeresort.org email: [email protected] • American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program All cabins have a lake view. • American Legion Auxiliary National Membership Group www.veteransonthelakeresort.org • ALA Education Program All cabins have a lake view. • American Legion Auxiliary Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) • ALA National Security Know your CVSO • American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Program Renae Schuch has time with her family, • AEF, American Legion Auxiliary Emergency Fund been with Pipestone which includes her Ely, Minnesota • ALA Legislative County since April fiancé, stepdaughter, Ely, Minnesota • ALA Leadership Program 2018. She has been stepson and a son of • ALA Public Relations in the U.S. Navy as their own. They also • American Legion Auxiliary Historians a hospital corpsman have two dogs and RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, • ALA Community Service ACTIVE DUTY AND ABLE BODIED since November 2008. a cat that keep them RESORTVETERANS, FOR DISABLED DISABLED GENERAL VETERANS, Department Facebook Pages: (these are not closed groups) ACTIVEPUBLIC ANDDUTY FAMILIES. AND ABLE BODIED She spent nearly four busy at home. VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL • American Legion Auxiliary Department of Minnesota years on active duty Schuch resides in PUBLIC AND FAMILIES. • American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State in San Diego and as- Pipestone and is the sisted in over 3,000 county veteran service deliveries in Labor Renae officer for Pipestone and Delivery at Naval Schuch County. Watch for a special Unit mailing Medical Center San “I absolutely love A special Unit mail- Diego, formerly known as my job! I have always been ing will be sent around Balboa. one to research any benefits that the first week of Febru- She now serves in the U.S. might be available for and now ary with three important Navy reserves in Sioux Falls and I get to do it for other people. It items: proudly wears the rank of HM2, has been more than rewarding to • Annual Report Forms which is a second class petty help veterans in the community and Information officer. Renae has always been and I truly feel blessed every • Call to Department eager to learn and has earned day.” Junior Conference her associate’s degrees in liberal She is a member of Pipestone • Girls State information arts and business management American Legion Post 6. Please watch for it in and has earned the status of Her phone is 507-825-1183. the mail. licensed practical nurse. She Her email is renae.schuch@ enjoys traveling and spending co.pipestone.mn.us. Page 16 Minnesota Legionnaire February 2021 The Legionnaire coin

I BUY AND COLLECT MILITARY ITEMS Including insignia, hats, helmets, and uniformsstands from WW I, WW II, out in a crowd! Korea, Vietnam, (I have not started my collection on Southeast Asia yet). I collect Army, USAF, USN, USMC patches, pins, pictures and souvenirs from all periods. CALL JOE, 612-801-4673Having AFTER this 6 one in your coin rack sure looks good. Help celebrate the 100th anniversary of this monthly publication by, for and about veterans and their supporters in the Land Attention Veterans! This is your northern of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota resort. Barrier-free and open 12 months a year. Gateway to the BWCA. Name or group: ______800-777-7538 email: [email protected]

www.veteransonthelakeresort.org Address: ______All cabins have a lake view. Donate to get yours City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Donate $25 or more to The Minnesota Legionnaire, and we will mail you this antique brass 1.75-inch-diameter brass Phone (please include): ______challenge coin. Donate $50 or more, we will send you two, $75 for three, $100 four and so on. Ely, Minnesota Amount of donation: ______

Your donation is tax-deductible! Cut out and mail to: RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, With fewer ads right now, this fundraiserACTIVE helps. DUTY AND TheABLE BODIED The Minnesota Legionnaire VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL Minnesota Legionnaire is a nonprofit publicationPUBLIC AND FAMILIES. and is 20 W. 12th St., Room 300A And thank you! classified as a 501(c)4 organization. St. Paul, MN 55155-2000

I BUY AND COLLECT MILITARY ITEMS Tom Allen: Continued from Page 13 Including insignia,Are hats, you helmets, the son and of uniforms a veteran? from WWMaybe I, WW you II, Korea, Vietnam,are (I have a veteran not started and my the collection son or on grandsonSoutheast Asia of District Convention as much as I am. Seeing old friends again, yet). I collect Army, USAF, USN, USMC patches, pins, pictures and making new ones and remembering together those who have left us. souvenirs fromone? all periods.Either CALLway, joinJOE, 612-801-4673your local AFTERSons of6 the American Legion. The Convention is currently scheduled for June 5 and 6 at Osseo-Maple-Grove Legion Post 172. More information will be coming out in the coming months. Attention Veterans! As Peter Falk, “Lt. Columbo,” says, “Just one more thing.” This is your northern If you are planning on running for a District or Post office, Minnesota resort. Barrier-free and open 12 months a year. please announce your intentions to the current District officers Gateway to the BWCA. and in your individual counties. A list of names of those volun- 800-777-7538 teering to hold a District or Post office will be included in the email: [email protected] March Mid-Winter newsletter. To allow everyone time to review www.veteransonthelakeresort.org All cabins have a lake view. it before the elections are held at our District Convention in June.

Ely, Minnesota

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