The Minnesota American Legion and Legionnaire Auxiliary Volume 101, Number 9 For God and Country September 2019

Oxford of North Chasing down the hero Carolina elected Legion Commander Bill Oxford of North Carolina was elected National Commander of The American Legion at the organization’s 101st convention in Indianapolis. Oxford recounted dozens of American Legion programs and said it is up to us, who are carrying forward the legacy into the second hundred years, to keep those programs strong. He served as Department Commander in 2010-11, and he chaired the national Legislative Commission, and the Veterans Employment and Education Commssion. Part of a family of nine, Oxford grew up in Lenoir, N.C., joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam as a mechanic on an A-6 Intruder. He later served in National Guard and the Army Reserves and retired as a colonel. Continued on Page 17 Commander sets up ad hoc committees Two new ad hoc committees were created and staffed by Department Commander Mark Dvorak at the August Department Executive Committee held in Osseo. Excelsior teammates chase down Jarod Wandersee after he connected for a single in the bottom of the One committee will look at setting up and running a seventh for a walk-off victory over two-time state Division I champion Tri-City Red in a quarter-final game Minnesota Legion College. The other will examine the at Cold Spring. Photo by John Sherman. Minnesota Legion’s bylaws and constitution and suggest changes and deletions. The college committee will work to establish the col- lege. There is a national week-long college, but Minnesota Excelsior, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton win has not had one for many years. The Department has been putting a renewed emphasis on state Legion baseball championships training, and having a college is seen as a way of helping Legion leadership and potential leadership gain a better By Al Zdon ney at Sioux Falls. understanding of the organization’s programs, history, and At Cold Spring, Joel Solfest of Tri-City was named purposes. Excelsior and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton respectively the Robb Wassenaar Outstanding Pitcher after tossing a Continued on Page 2 won the Division I and Division II Minnesota American no-hitter and striking out 12 in a game. Nick Thimsen, Legion Baseball tournaments this year. who cracked two home runs for Excelsior, was named Minnesota representatives went on to a measure of the Fred Wannamaker Outstanding Player. He also had Dvorak announces success in the Central Plains Regional Tournaments with eight RBI and eight runs scored. Excelsior making it to the final game before bowing out, Ham Lake won the Father Moran Sportsmanship his appointments and Plato, the second place finisher in Division II, win- Trophy. ning the regional. Other teams in the Division I Tournament were: Commander Mark Dvorak announced his appointments Excelsior, coming into the tournament at Cold Spring Austin, Eastview, Minneapolis Southwest, Woodbury to various Department committees at the August Executive with a gaudy 47-2 record, was clearly the class of the Blue, Duluth Lakeview, Rosetown, East Grand Forks, Committee meeting in Osseo. tournament, and they proved it by winning the state title Anoka, Buffalo, St. Cloud Chutes, and New Ulm Gold. The following list names those who were appointed or without losing a game. In regional play, the Fire Club continued its hot re-appointed, and not those whose terms continue through The Fire Club was mightily tested, though, in a quar- streak, winning the first four games of the tourney, this Legion year. ter-final game against Tri-City Red, the state champs the including a victory over Edina, and heading into the Tess Davis of Princeton was appointed to a three-year last two years. Tri-City was up 6-5 heading into the bot- final day only having to win one game to advance to the term on the Americanism Committee. Tom Hallett of tom of the seventh, but Excelsior pushed across two runs World Series. Mankato was named chairman of the Scout Subcommittee. for the walk-off victory. Excelsior ran into some good pitching from Fargo Other Americanism subcommittee chairs include Tom In the championship game, Excelsior outlasted Edina Post 2, losing the first game 8-0 and the second game 3- Clabo of Hutchinson, Community Service; Don Skow, 3-1. Both teams moved on to the national regional tour- Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 2 Fall Conference set A baseball legend for Shooting Star This year’s Fall Conference will be held at Shooting Star Casino and Hotel in Mahnomen from Oct. 25-26, sponsored by Bagley Post 16. A registration form is on page 3 of this Legionnaire. The conference is considered the school of instruction for the Legion year, and often features education programs and guest speakers from the national organization. Those seeking rooms should contact the hotel directly at 1-800-453-7827. Those calling should ask for the American Legion room block: 6536. Registration is $15 per person if received by Oct. 1, $18 after that, and $20 at the door. There will be no post activities at this year’s fall confer- Pages 12-14 ence. Page 2 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019 year term on the Credentials Committee. Lynne Nottage of Slayton will serve a two-year term and replace John Flynn, Appointments Minneapolis will chair the committee. and Paul Orson of Circle Pines will replace Ralph Paul Edwards of Brainerd was named to three-year term Schneekloth. Continued from Page 1 on the Education and Training Committee. Carl Moon of Gary Munkholm of Ramsey was re-appointed to a five- Lindstrom, Education; Jared Sturgill of Champlin, Junior Walker will chair the Employment Committee. year term on the Rehabilitation Committee. Shooting Sports. Richard Wog of Willmar was named to a five-year term Al Davis of Princeton was re-appointed to a three-year Kyle Oldre of Luverne was named Boys State Director on the Finance Committee. Tom Burau of Fergus Falls will term on the Resolutions Assignment Committee and will be replacing Thomas Nelson. Cliff Newman of Anoka was chair the committee.The Fort Snelling Cemetery the chairman. named chairman of the Oratorical Contest, replacing Sylvan Association representative will be Tom Mullon of Eagan. Gary Weaver of LaCrescent will be the advisor to the Fix. Tim Haugen of Moorhead will chair the Fund for Sons of the American Legion. Joe Niesen of Cologne will Joe Jansen of Arden Hills will be the Legion’s represen- Hospitalized Vets. Christine Wendt of New Prague will join be the new Vice Chairman South. tative to the Armed Forces Service Center. Terry Larson of the committee. Randy Schaub of Danube will replace Mike Perry as a Shafer will chair the blood program. Susan Edwards of Brainerd will chair the Law and Order vice director of the Baseball Committee. Brandon Raymo Karen Welander of Sunberg will chair the Children and Committee replacing Tom Conway. of Montevideo was appointed to a three-year term as vice Youth Committee and Veronica Fernlund of St. Cloud, will Chuck Stone of Owatonna will be the Riders liaison. director. serve as vice chair. Bill Barbknecht of Battle Lake will serve a three-year John Torma of Eveleth will continue as chair of the Tom Schottenbauer of Minnetonka was appointed to a term and chair the Legionnaire Insurance Trust Committee. Bowling Committee. Tom Skuza of Sauk Rapids will join five-year term on the Convention Corporation. Richard Cross of Sauk Centre will be the Department’s the committee. Virgil Wagner of Middle River was appointed to a three- representative on the Legionville Board of Directors, Carla Tappainer was named to a five-year term on the replacing Roger Myren. Strategic Planning Committee replacing Dan Williams. Bob Hart of Oak Park Heights will chair the Legislative Mike Maxa, LeCenter, will serve a two-year term replacing Committee replacing Peggy Moon. Deon Ford of Apple Brad Pagel. Tom Fernlund of St. Cloud will chair the com- Ad hoc committees Valley will join the committee. mittee and Maxa will serve as secretary. Sylvan Fix of Brownsville will be the new membership Don Pankake of Hutchinson was re-appointed to a two- named by Dvorak director. year term as a Legion representive on the Veterans 4 Continued from Page 1 Richard Janssen of Richmond and Gary Olson of Veterans Committee. Moorhead were re-appointed to three-year terms on the The college committee must assemble a staff, set a meet- Brain Science Foundation. ing time, create an application process, develop a budget Lloyd Ricker of Dawson and do other tasks to get the college functioning. was re-appointed to a five- Named to the ad hoc committee were Mike Ash, St. year term on the Minnesota Paul; Paul Edwards, Brainerd; Sy Fix, Brownsville; Denise Legion Foundation. Milton, Bagley; and Linda Dvorak, LeCenter. The commit- Lane Stunkel of St. Paul tee will elect its own chairman and secretary. was named to a five-year The Constitution and Bylaws ad hoc committee will look term on the National at the Department’s official documents and legal construc- Security and Foreign tion. Relations Committee. Periodically, the Department goes through its standing Eugene Leifeld of resolutions to see which ones have become obsolete or need Zumbrota was appointed to to be updated. a three-year term replacing The committee will include: Past National Commander Richard Wog. Jim Kellogg Dan Ludwig, Red Wing; Ray DeZurik, Breezy Point; Al was named chairman. Davis, Princeton; William Goede, Plainview; and Glenn Mueller of St. Department Judge Advocate Greg Colby of Northfield. Charles will chair the Proceedings of both sub-committees will be subject to Pheasant Feed Committee review by the DEC. replacing Chuck Stone. Rod In other business, the DEC: Reifsteck of Elysian will — Re-elected Randy Tesdahl, Elk River, to a new three- serve as vice chair. year term as Department Adjutant. He has served for eight Cindy Brunk of years. Brewster was named to a — Re-elected Dennis Henkemeyer, Bagley, to a three- five-year term on the Post year term on the Board of Publications. Brian Medinnus, Development Committee. Austin, was also nominated, and a paper ballot election was John Flynn of Eagan will held. The vote totals were not announced. complete a four-year term — Was informed by Commander Dvorak of his project vacated by Eugene Leifeld. for the year. Seventy-five percent will go to the Wounded Tim Burley of Warriors Guide Service program. The non-profit helped 400 Hutchinson was appointed veterans this past year. The other 25 percent will go toward to a three-year term on the Legionville. Dvorak also announced his testimonial will be Public Relations April 18 at New Prague. Committee. Brad Pagel of — Was informed by SAL Detachment Commander Dave Vulcan that his projects will be the John Zgoda Memorial Deer Hunt and Legionville, split evenly. — Heard from Membership Director Sy Fix. He noted that the new Legion Act had been passed by Congress, opening up membership to any veteran who served from World War II on. All Cold War veterans are now eligible for membership. He said his motto for the year will be “Communicate, communicate, communicate.” He said that it’s difficult to stop the membership decline, but that the work must be done at the post level. “It’s the posts that grow this organization.” — Heard the last report from outgoing NECman Marland Ronning, Maple Grove, who will be replaced by Bill Barbknecht, Battle Lake, after the National Convention. Ronning said, “I did the very best I could to serve The American Legion well.” He has been the NECman for four years. — Was informed by Legionville President Wayne Gilbertson that the school safety patrol camp needed an $8,800 commercial water heater. He said it was one more unexpected expense that has caused the camp to have finan- cial difficulties this year. He said Legionville has estab- lished a “Go Fund Me” page with a goal of raising $50,000. — Was told by Judge Advocate Colby that Legionnaires should not engage in political activities while wearing Legion gear or at Legion functions. Posts may not have fundraisers for candidates, nor should members wear but- tons for a candidate on Legion time. No photos should be taken with candidates while wearing Legion gear. He said that because of the nature of politics, advocacy for a party or candidate will eventually hurt the organization and veter- ans as time goes by. — Heard that a “Go Fund Me” page had also been set up for Past Fourth District Commander Lane Stunkel who has had severe medical issues. Money was collected at the meeting for his family. — Heard from Past National Commander Ludwig about making sure that new members are treated well at the posts. “It’s not that inviting to join a post if it’s still doing business like 1955. Treat new members with respect and listen to them.” September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 3 Endorsements Tom Fernlund endorsed for Department Commander Tom Fernlund has been Strategic Planning endorsed by Silver Star Post Committee Chairman. 428 in Waite Park and the On the National level, he 6th District for Department serves on the Media and Commander for the 2020- Communications 2021 year. Commission and is a 2007 He served in the Air graduate of The National Force from 1981-1992. He American Legion College. is a 27-year honorary life Tom is a member of ANAV- member at Waite Park and ICUS and NALPA. He is a served as Post Commander member of the Sons of the two terms and is currently American Legion Squadron the Adjutant. 428, 40/8 Voiture 415, DAV On the District level and is the St. Cloud Area Fernlund served as 6th Metrovets Finance Officer. District Commander, He has been employed at Adjutant, Vice Commander, Rex Granite Co. in St. County Council Cloud as a Sales Commander, Membership Representative for 18 years. Director and held several Tom and his wife Veronica TOM FERNLUND chairmanships. (Air Force Veteran and Past On the Department level 6th District Commander) currently serving in the he served as Vice have been married 30 years Navy and son Michael is Commander, Membership and have two sons, two serving in the MN Army Director, Sergeant-at Arms daughters and two grand- National Guard. and is currently the sons. Daughter Kaitlin is Minnesotan named to head national DAV ORLANDO, Fla.— Orlando, Florida. adjutant of the organiza- Retired Minnesota Army Whitehead is the first post- tion’s Department of National Guard Veteran 9/11 Veteran chosen to lead Minnesota in 2012. He cur- Stephen Whitehead was the organization and will rently serves as executive unanimously elected lead the organization as it director of the Disabled national commander of the marks its centennial in American Veterans of more than 1 million mem- 2020. Minnesota Foundation, and ber DAV (Disabled He earned a Bronze Star has been instrumental in the American Veterans) today on a deployment to Iraq. creation of the department’s at the organization’s 98th Whitehead joined DAV outdoor program. National Convention in and was elected to lead as Page 4 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019 Legacy Scholarship Fund. The Legacy Fund provides scholarships to the children of our fallen heroes since 9/11. A few years ago, eligibility was changed to include Chaplain’s COMMANDER’S Veterans that are 50 percent or more disabled since 9/11. A special thank you to, Steve (Sully) Sullivan for leading the Corner COLUMN Legacy Run for over 10 years. Sully is a proud member of The Sons of The American Legion and a true leader. He will be stepping aside from a leadership position but will By Betty Jass continue to ride for the kids. Stepping up to lead the Legacy Run will be Auxiliary member Jody Hassing. By Mark Congratulations Jody. Our Legion Riders exemplify the I’m in awe. Dvorak true spirit of The American Legion Family. I should men- tion that a check for $175,000.00 was given to the National Have you ever been “In awe” of anything in your life? I Commander on Tuesday, August 27th at the National asked a few people and some of their answers were found Convention in Indianapolis for the Legacy Scholarship, for in God’s works like a newborn child, a colorful sunset, a a total 10-year donation of $1,116,385.00 by the Minnesota successful harvest or those blazing fall colors. I’m sure Legion Riders. Unbelievable. Greetings Minnesota American Legion Family. many of you have other things in your life that you would My project will be the following: 75% will go to exclaim as your “In awe” moment. Today, I’m in awe of the I wish every Legion Family Member could attend a Wounded Warriors Guide Service, a 501c3 here in National Convention. Tuesday, the first day of the Minnesota American Legion Riders and their Legacy Minnesota, not to be confused with Wounded Warriors Scholarship Run. Convention is when the American Legion Youth Awards are Project. This organization only serves Minnesota veterans. given out. National Oratorical winner, Eagle Scout of The They work with disabled veterans, helping them heal I’m in awe of the commitment of all the Riders who Year, Legion Baseball Player of The Year, Boys Nation through recreational therapy. More information will be pro- President and Junior Shooting Sport Winners are all intro- donate their time and money to ensure that our goal is met vided at the Harvest Rally at Legionville on September 7th. each year. Everyone pays for their own gas, food and hotel duced and recognized and say a few words to the delega- Legionville will receive 25%. Make all checks payable to tion. These kids are amazing. The Youth Awards are one of rooms while on this run. They have a great spirit as this run the following fund: MN American Legion Fund 82, goes for two 3-day weekends in August through all kinds of the Convention highlights for me. Commander’s Project, and mail to American Legion Our Legion Riders are amazing. Minnesota Legion rain, heavy winds and fog. The comradery with each other Department of Minnesota. just heightens our purpose. Riders drove hundreds of miles over a two-weekend period For God and Country and traveled all over the state collecting donations for the I’m in awe of the community outreach as they became a significant participant in our Minnesota American Legion Legacy Scholarship run each year. Many American Legion posts opened their doors and provided food and refresh- Mail Call ments and other different Veteran Memorials were offered for donations backdrops. Along the streets and roads many Half mast, staff dent, the vice president, the state’s governor, maybe some- people waved their American flags in support of our cause. To the Editor: one the Supreme Court, a senator from that state, etc., but Many of the towns we visited along our route provided us I am writing about the editorial on flag abuse in the not for some Hollywood star, etc. escorts to keep our whole group together. Thank you so August Legionnaire. Ted Storck very much. What is the difference of flying the U.S. flag at half mast Morris. or half staff? Half staff is for shore stations. Half mast is I’m in awe of the generous hearts of everyone, young, aboard ships. Lowering the Flag II small, thin, elderly and the many organizations that donated Bob Stock To the Editor: to our Legacy Scholarship Fund. The excitement in the air Crosslake I am so happy that someone is keeping an eye on Gov. as we stopped at the different towns just kept on building as Walz. I did not approve of Gov. Dayton constantly having we continued our run. There was a” sparkle” in people’s Half mast, staff II us lower the flag for people we had not even heard of. We eyes as they lined up and presented their donations to Sully. To the Editor: are not lowering our flag under the present administration We even had to let a few of them use Sully’s Crying Towel. I am taking this opportunity to express my displeasure in nor did we under Gov. Dayton. your article on Flag abuse. You sited the many times that Enough is enough. This should be only for the President I’m in awe of The Minnesota American Legion Riders’ ex- Governor Dayton lowered the flag, but your choice of and special armed forces. I hope others are outraged as I tenacity in becoming the first state to reach one million dol- wording was incorrect; the terms "half staff" and "half am. Gov. Walz should read your editorial. lars and more within a 10-year period. Congratulations to mast" are NOT interchangeable, our Flag is "half staff" on A veterans wife. everyone for all your love, dedication and purpose. This land and "half mast" on a ship. You utilized "half mast" Grace Shuller was accomplished without any accidents with thousands of three (3) times in your article on page 4, lines 3, 36 and 53. Brainerd motorcycles and people. My hat is off to you in salute to I learned this at the feet of my Marine uncle and my first your accomplishments. generation German and Cherokee grandfather. This was Legion Act guidelines much more disrespectful than raising and lowering the flag. To the Editor: Finally, but not least, I’m in awe of God’s guidance as Deborah L. Shaffer Here is a simplified explanation of the new guidelines we started and ended each day’s ride. We dedicated each following the passage of the Legion Act. day to the scholarship recipients and their families for they Lowering the Flag Membership eligibility in the American Legion has been are the reason we ride. The American Legion’s Legacy To the Editor: expanded to include practically all military veterans who Scholarship provides college scholarship money to children I so agree with your editorial on lowering the flag to served on active duty. The new regulations states that eligi- of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty or have a half-staff. blity is for serving anytime within these time frames and for combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. Now when I see it at half-staff, I often don’t give it a sec- at least one day: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and ond thought. December 7, 1941 to now. Members should have been hon- So, what or who have you been “in awe” of lately? God Years ago, you wondered what very important person orably discharged or still serving honorably. has given us so many moments in our lives whether it’s a died. Clark C. Peterson newborn child, a colorful sunset, or the blazing fall colors. It should be lowered for the death of a service person Hinckley You decide. killed in action from the state, the president and past presi-

Editorial that the Legion would lose its benefits and privileges pro- The Minnesota Legionnaire The Legion Act News item from the recently concluded National vided by Congress if we included anyone who hadn’t Official Publication of and Owned Exclusively by Convention in Indianapolis: The Legion Act, recently served during a hot war. The American Legion, Department of Minnesota passed by Congress, has made 4.2 million additional veter- Legion officials, including almost every national com- Al Zdon, Editor ans eligible for membership in The American Legion. mander for the past 30 or 40 years, would always say that if the membership really wanted the change, they should go First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, Second news item from the convention: Thus far the the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 100th year of publi- Legion has signed up 1,400 of those newly eligible mem- through the proper channels and send a resolution up cation. It is published monthly by The American Legion, bers. through the departments to the national convention. And Department of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, year after year, those resolutions would be shot down before St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Wow, they’re not exactly knocking down the doors to get they could get to the floor of the convention based on the Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire into the Legion are they? fact they weren’t worded correctly or some other flimsy is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and True, it’s only been a month since President Trump excuse. the National American Legion Press Association. But all credit should go to the current leadership that SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive signed the bill. It’s certainly not enough time to see whether the Legionnaire as part of their dues. the newly-created wartime veterans will respond to the call pushed for and achieved the inclusion of the Cold War vet- erans. It’s not too late. PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057 to join the Legion. ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800 But the fact that only .00033 percent of the new veterans But how do we attract these eligibles, many of whom are E-MAIL: [email protected] have joined thus far should give us pause to wonder why. disgruntled or simply don’t care anymore? WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org Do you suppose that those veterans, many of whom have It wouldn’t hurt the Legion to tell these brothers and sis- BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: President Mark tried to join the Legion in years past and have been turned ters in arms that we should have done this 20 or 30 years Dvorak, Le Center; Vice President Don Amundson, Blue down, might be a little resentful? Or maybe it’s more sim- ago. It wouldn’t hurt to let them know that we consider their Earth; Secretary Randy Tesdahl, Elk River; Treasurer, Bill ple. They’ve lived without the Legion all these years, why service just as valuable to our nation as any other veteran’s. Goede, Plainview. Board Members include: Joe Bayer, should they join now? It wouldn’t hurt to greet these Cold War veterans as the Minneapolis; Pat Logan, Bloomington; Carroll Partridge, long lost family members that they are. Oakdale; Patti Coleman, Circle Pines, Mary Kuperus, New It’s a mystery why the Legion waited until now to finally London. seek from Congress the expansion of the term wartime vet- When you make that call to the man or woman who is now eligible to join, maybe the best way to start is to say: erans to include what we often refer to as Cold War veter- POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The ans. We understand that the Legion wanted to protect the Thank you for your service, and we’re sorry it took so Minnesota Legionnaire, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, status of the organization, and the official explanation was long. 55155-2000. (USPS No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270) September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 5 What’s Happening Bomber’s Moon Ball Camp Ripley Open House Editor Retirement Party The annual Fall Bomber’s Moon Ball will be held Sept. The annual Camp Ripley Open House will be Sept. 15 Al Zdon’s retirement party will be Friday, Nov. 15, at 14 at the Commemorative Air Force Hangar at Fleming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featured a dedication to the Air Force Anoka Post 102. More details will be forthcoming. Field in South St. Paul. Tickets are $14.50 online or $17 at vehicle and aircraft displays, demonstrations and a noon the door. Music will be by the Rosetown Big Band. Doors ceremony to honor artist Charles Kapsner. There will be will open at 6 p.m., dance lessons at 7 p.m., and the dance live music and vendors. Apple Valley Event begins at 8 and goes till midnight. There will be a vintage The annual Apple Valley Auxiliary Craft/Bake Sale will costume contest, gourmet food trucks, and warbird rides be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the post from 9 a.m. to 4 during the day. For more information go to cafmn.org. Vets Cemetery Dedication p.m. There will be a variety of vendors. For more informa- There will be a dedication of the Minnesota State tion call Marlene at 651-433-2493. Veterans Cemetery at Duluth. The cemetery is located at Gen. Borling to Speak 4777 U.S. 53, in Saginaw. The event will be held on Round Table John L. Borling, a retired Air Force major general and a Saturday, Sept. 21, with music at 1:30 p.m. and a ceremony The World War II Round Table will be held at a new Vietnam War POW who was kept at the Hanoi Hilton, will at 2 p.m. For more information, call 218-520-0120 or email location, the Minnesota History Center in downtown St. be a speaker at the Holmen, Wis., Post 284 on Sunday, Sept. [email protected]. Paul on Sept. 10, a Tuesday. The Round Table admission is 22, at 2 p.m. Holman is the author of “Taps on the Walls, free but parking is $6. Poems from the Hanoi Hilton. The event is open to the pub- The September meeting will be “Anzio Breakout — The lic. For more information, go to holmenpost284.org. Stand Downs planned Battle of Aprilia” with author Flint Whitlock. A series of Stand Downs are planned. They include The Round Table is seeking World War II veterans of employment assistance, legal consultation, tax information, this battle, the Battle of the Bulge, the return to the Scam Calls wellness exam, credit counseling, drug and alcohol treat- Philippines, Operation Varsity, and fighting at the end of the Legion members have reported that someone is calling ment information, VA benefits, dental and eyewear vouch- war in Germany. Please call Don Patton, 612-867-5144. and representing themselves as Dan Wheeler, National ers, free haircuts and meals, and female veterans reps. Adjutant. The caller asks for checking account information A Stand Down is slated for Grand Rapids on Sept. 26 at so the person can make a donation to The American Legion. the IRA Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hellenic Anniversary The national headquarters will never call members request- A Stand Down will be held in Bemidji on Sept. 25 from The Hellenic Post 129 in Minneapolis will celebrate its ing this type of information. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bemidji Armory. Contact MACV for 100th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. Mary’s Greek more information. Orthodox Church. Social hour and complimentary hors d’o- ervres will be at 5:30 p.m. with the grand banquet at 6:30. Carver County Dedication Tickets are $20 and all are welcome. For tickets, email: There will be a Carver County Veterans Memorial and Wayzata Open House [email protected] or [email protected]. Registry dedication on Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at the memorial site Wayzata Post 118 turns 100 this year and members and in the city of Mayer. Questions, call Stan Heldt, 952-657- guests are welcome to attend an open house on Sunday, Oct. 2169 13, beginning at 2 p.m.

Taps Abel, Francis Harvey, 90, Army veteran of the Korean Marine Division, 24th Regimental Weapons Company and Roth, Deacon Jerome, 93, Navy veteran of World War War, died Aug. 6, 2019. He was a member of Breckenridge was in combat at the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and II, died Aug. 8, 2019. He was a chief petty officer. He was Post 53. Iwo Jima. He was a past commander and service officer of a member of Bowlus Post 642. Anderson, Jerry, 70, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, Round Lake Post 461. Rouleau, Jerome T., 80, Air National Guard veteran of died July 28, 2019. He was a fireman in the engineering Jacobson, Rodney H., 80, Navy veteran of the Vietnam the Vietnam War, died Aug. 5, 2019. He served 38 years and division on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. War, died Aug. 8, 2019. He was a member of Albert Lea retired as a chief master sergeant. He was a member of West He was a member of Hector Post 135. Post 56. Duluth Post 71. Barchus, Raymond, 97, Army veteran of World War II, Johnson, Clark Richard, 89, Army and Air Force vet- Schaper, Herbert O., 87, Army veteran of the Korean died Aug. 20, 2019. He served in the Europe/ African/ eran of the Korean War, died Aug. 10, 2019. He served in War, died Aug. 7, 2019. He served with headquarters com- Eastern Theater. He was a member of Backus Post 368. Guam and Alaska in the motor pool. He was a member of pany of the 135th Infantry, 47th Division at Camp Rucker. Beck, Richard G., 91, Marine Corps veteran of World Alexandria Post 87. He was a member of New Ulm Post 132. War II, died Aug. 3, 2019. He served in the 1st Engineering Johnson, John F., 92, Army veteran of World War II, the Schultz, Russell Donald, 89, Air Force veteran of the Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Marine Divison in coastal China. Korean War and the Vietnam War, died Aug. 7, 2019. He Korean War, died July 12, 2019. He served in Greenland. He was a member of Champlin Post 600. served two tours in Vietnam. He was a member of Cloquet He was a member of Alexandria Post 87. Bromenschenkel, Victor J., 93, Navy veteran of World Post 262. Senske, Ronald G., 80, Army veteran of the Cold War, War II and Korea, died July 31, 2019. He was a member of Kitzberger, Duane W., 83, Army veteran of the Korean died July 23, 2019. He was a member of Pine City Post 51. Waite Park Post 428. War, died July 26, 2019. He was a member of New Ulm Skillings, DeWayne, 86, Navy veteran of the Korean Dr. Chet Sommers, 83, Navy and Navy Reserve veteran Post 132. War, died Aug. 12, 2019. He served in Korea for three years of the Korean War, died Aug. 8, 2019. He was a member of Klamar, Harold H., 86, Army veteran of the Korean and three months. He was a member of Long Prairie Post Willmar Post 167. War, died Aug. 22, 2019. He was a member of Middle River 12. Engelby, Vincent D., 92, Army veteran of World War II, Post 444. Stanchfield, Sherm, 82, Army Reserve veteran of the died Aug. 17, 2019. He was a member of Albert Lea Post Landecker, Myron L., 86, Army veteran of the Korean Cold War, died Aug. 15, 2019. He was a member of St. Paul 56. War, died July 31, 2019. He was a member of Pequot Lakes Business and Professional Men’s Post 450. Fick, Joseph F., 84, Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Post 49. Steenblock, Daniel R., Army veteran of the Vietnam War, died July 23, 2019. He was a member of Waconia Post Lee, John S., 92, Navy veteran of World War II, died War, died Aug. 5, 2019. He played trumpet in the 5th Army 150. July 22, 2019. He was a member of Pillager Post 100. Band. He was a member of Redwood Falls Post 38. Fisher, Larry M., 74, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, Lorge, Gerald “Bud,” 94, Navy veteran of World War Steinbach, Donald J., 92, Army veteran of World War died Aug. 22, 2019. He served in Korea. He was a member II, died July 30, 2019. He was an aviation radioman third II, died Aug. 5, 2019. He was trained at Fort Sill as a of Austin Post 91. class, and he served on the carrier USS Intrepid. He was a bazooka and machine gunner. He was a staff sergeant and Fuhrman, Martin Charles, 85, Army veteran of the member of St. Peter Post 37. served in Germany. He was a member of New Ulm Post Korean War, died Aug. 16, 2019. He was a mechanic. He Magnuson, Lee G., 88, Air Force veteran of the Korean 132. was a member of Graceville Post 297. War, died Aug. 4, 2019. He was a mechanic in the 450th Stevens, Allard E., 98, Army Air Corps veteran of Garthus, Jay, 84, Army veteran of the Korean War, died Fighter Day Squadron. He was a member of Mora Post 201. World War II, died Aug. 8, 2019. He was named the out- Aug. 5, 2019. He served in Germany. He was a member of Morsching, Nelmer, 93, Army veteran of World War II, standing Air Force Reservist in the nation in 1970. He was Middle River Post 444. died Aug. 13, 2019. He was a member of Elysian Post 311. a member of Hanley Falls Post 127. Gutknecht, Ervin G., 81, Army veteran of the Korean Ness, Eldon N., 82, Navy veteran of the Korean War, Swenson, Carroll, 90, veteran of the Korean War, died War, died July 19, 2019. He was a member of Pine City Post died Aug. 10, 2019. He served as a boiler operator on the July 31, 2019. He was a member of Gary Post 505. 51. USS Coral Sea and was stationed in Japan and Hawaii. He Teeman, Stanley A., 96, Army Air Corps veteran of Hansen, Donald R., 94, Navy veteran of World War II, was a member of Middle River Post 444. World War II, died Aug. 1, 2019. He was a member of Pine died Aug. 3, 2019. He was a member of Alexandria Post 87. Olson, Kyle O., 79, Army National Guard veteran of the City Post 51. Hanson, James A., 88, Air Force veteran of the Korean Vietnam War, died Aug. 8, 2019. He was a member of Tuholsky, Dennis, 89, Army veteran of the Korean War, War, died July 6, 2019. He served in the Air Force as a pilot Albert Lea Post 56. died Aug. 15, 2019. He was a member of Little Falls Post and had many duty stations including Newfoundland, Peterson, Roger William, 97, Army veteran of World 46. Canada. He was a member of Millville Post 579. War II, died Aug. 15, 2019. He was a member of Park Weber, Reuben F., 94, Army veteran of World War II, Hartmann, Gary A., 89, Air Force veteran of the Rapids Post 212. died Aug. 5, 2019. He earned the Europe/Africa/Middle Korean War, died Aug. 9, 2019. He was a member of Pickett, Paul Joseph, “Joe,” 80, Navy veteran of the East ribbon and a Purple Heart. He was a member of Little Arlington Post 250. Korean War, died Aug. 28, 2019. He was a member of Falls Post 46. Hetteen, Richard Alan, 73, Navy veteran of the Austin Post 91. Wentzel, Art, 74, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, Vietnam War, died July 11, 2019. He served in Vietnam. He Popelka, Paul Joseph, 86, Air Force veteran of the died Aug. 10, 2019. He was a member of Elysian Post 311. was a member of Roseau Post 24. Korean War, died July 30, 2019. He was stationed in Werner, John L., 83, Army veteran of the Korean War, Holmes, Dare M., 92, Navy veteran of World War II, England and Korea. He was a member of Glencoe Post 95. died Aug. 12, 2019. He was an honor guard member of died July 30, 2019. He was a B Division fireman on the Revering, George M., “Shorty,” 77, Navy veteran of Dent Post 148. USS Wichita and later became a boilermaker. He was a the Vietnam War, died July 27, 2019. He served in Hawaii Zacher, Ernest, 91, Army veteran of the Korean War, member of Mora Post 201. and Japan. He was a member of Millerville Post 527. died July 29, 2019. He was awarded two bronze stars. He Huehn, Clifford “Hooley,” 96, Marine Corps veteran of Rolf, Donald J., 79, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, was a member of East Grand Forks Post 157. World War II, died Aug. 1, 2019. He served in the 4th died July 25, 2019. He was a member of Waconia Post 150. Page 6 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019 ty providers versus going towards VA infrastructure, staffing and expansion efforts. What VA is doing to compete with VCCP is offering vet- American Legion Veterans Affairs erans more tele-health options to see their VA providers remotely. VA has since rolled out a video on demand virtual Riders and Rehabilitation medical room are where veterans can conduct VA appoint- ments wherever they’re as long as they have a smartphone, By Chuck Stone By Department Director internet and email. Jeremy Wolfsteller One last topic I want to discuss is advancement in VA urgent care services issued under the Mission Act.. There Congratulations to one and all. Mission Act Update are two types of urgent care network locations, Retail and Department of Minnesota American Legion Family you VA is several months into implementing a part of the VA Urgent. are a one million dollar Department. Donations over the last Mission Act of 2018 that rolled out June 6, 2019. The part Retail locations include a walk-in health clinic, other 10 years have totaled over one million dollars. The 2019 I’m talking about is the Veterans Community Care than an office, urgent care facility, pharmacy, or independ- Department of Minnesota Ride covered 1,500 miles in six Program, (VCCP). ent clinic located within a retail operation. The reasons why days. Many of those on the ride can add a couple more days This is the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) you would seek care at a retail location include treatment of and miles just so they could get to the starting points and greatest transformation of healthcare that offers eligible an uncomplicated illness such as a sore throat or earache. home again afterwards. Mother Nature was very nice to us veterans care outside VA’s facility walls. The purpose of Urgent locations include an office or a clinic, whose pur- this year, there were a few clouds and a very light mist but this American Legion backed legislation was to consolidate pose is to diagnose and treat illness or injury for unsched- no measurable rainfall. Also noted on this year’s ride was all of VA’s Care in the Community Programs into one uled, ambulatory patients seeking immediate medical atten- a record number of trikes. Riders are not getting younger, authority. tion (aside from emergency rooms). Reasons why you just more seasoned. There were a number of new faces on Doing this makes it seamless for veterans to receive care would seek care at an urgent location include treatment of this year’s ride which tells me the word is getting out and anywhere anytime and allows VA employees to administer more pressing illnesses or injuries that are not life-threaten- we are growing. the program effectively. ing, like splinting, casting, lacerations, or wound treatment. Along with our one million dollar milestone a couple of Having the VCCP under one authority simplifies the VA’s requirements for urgent care are only for non-life riders reached a personal milestone of their own. One rider process for VA to determine eligibility and coordinating the threatening illnesses like colds, strep throat or pink eye. turned the odometer on his motorcycle to 50,000 miles care for the veteran all while delivering world-class cus- There’s a couple eligibility requirements I’ll mention like a while another turned his 100,000 miles. Congratulations tomer service. This all starts with a consultation from a vet- veteran must have been seen by a VA provider within 24 and I wish them many more miles of safe happy riding. eran’s VA Provider. months and the urgent care provider must be in VA’s 3rd Steve "Sully" Sullivan announced he will be retiring The Provider determines if the veteran meets any of the party network. form chairperson of the Legacy Ride. Thank you Sully for eligibility criteria or new access standards, entering in a As of August 2019 VA has signed up 5,000 urgent care an amaziong 10 years. Sully has volunteered hundreds of consult referral to the VA Care in the Community Program providers Nationwide since the Mission Act. There is also a hours of hard work promoting, planning and participating in Office where a VA employee will receive the consult, con- co-payment policy that requires priority group 1-5 to pay the program. Sully has also been an adviser to me the past tact the veteran to schedule an appointment with the closest $30 after 3 urgent care visits in a calendar year, priority 6 is three years. in-network provider that can provide the specific care need- the same as 1-5 if it’s service related if it’s not then it’s $30 This will be my last column as your Department ed. per visit and priority 7 & 8 it’s $30 per visit. Director. It has been an exciting fun-filled three years. The The VCCP uses community providers that have entered To find out if you’re eligible for the VCCP please visit growth of the Minnesota American Legion Riders is strong. into a contract with the VA. These providers are adminis- VA’s website under the Office of Community Care: More impressive is hearing the dollar totals and volunteer tered through Triwest Healthcare Alliance. https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/ve hours chapters have given to in their communities. Building Over the last couple months VA has seen a large amount terans/General_Care.asp wheelchair ramps, mowing lawns, shoveling snow and of veterans in Minnesota enter into the VCCP for specialty To find out where the nearest in-network urgent care clean up after a storm are just some examples. care services while keeping their VA Primary Care provider is near you: I hope to see as many of you as possible at the ROMP Provider. https://vaurgentcarelocator.triwest.com/ September 14, 15 and 16 at Legionville. There will be a The reason is simple; MPLS VA is the only VA in the road guard safety certification class at this years ROMP. Region that provides specialty care services. For many vet- [email protected] Please contact me as there is a form you need to have com- erans it’s just too far to travel when they don’t have to any- pleted for the course. Don't forget if you would like to more. In time this may atrophy the VA in a way where a come early and volunteer a few hours painting please do so. large portion of VA budget is being spent paying communi- Keep the chrome side up and the rubber side down. Minnesota Sons of the American Legion News

Sons of The John Zgoda Memorial Sons of The American Legion Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt Application American Legion 2019

By Name: ______Address: ______Gary Vulcan City: ______State: ______ZIP: ______Phone Number: ______Age: ______Weight: ______Detachment Commander Emergency Contact Name: ______Phone Number: ______

Briefly Describe Physical/Medical Disability: ______Greetings to the American Legion Family, it’s been a very busy couple of months. Starting with attending the

Minnesota American Legion Convention in Willmar in July. Any difficulties with outdoor temperatures: Yes _____ No ______Describe any special needs, equipment, or assistance you would need: ______I would like to say thank you to Hopkins for inviting me to the Raspberry Parade, it was a wonderful day out and the parade was very well attended. It was the first time since Any equipment needed for independence? convention that Commander Mark, President Mary, Wheelchair _____ Walker _____ Cane _____ Crutches _____ Other: ______Honorary Jr. President Emily, LRA Director Paul and List any medications taken: ______myself were together for an event. On August 3rd I attended Commander Marks Executive Allergies: ______Please list any other medical information concerning your health: ______Board meeting in Osseo, on August 10th I attended Presidents Mary’s Executive Board meeting in Waite Park.

Then on August 11th was able to join the ALR in Osseo for Last year fired a weapon: ______Previously participated in this hunt? Yes __ No __ If yes, what year? ______the homecoming celebration. I will be attending the Branch of service: ______National American Legion SAL Convention in Indianapolis Rank: ______Years Served: ______You must have your own transportation to Legionville. Space is limited. All August 23 - 25th. applications will be placed in general lottery. Completed applications should be My project this year is a two-part project, the first part is mailed to: Chuck Stone 1625 Crestview Lane raising funds to complete the ceiling in the newly remod- Owatonna, MN 55060 eled dining hall at Legionville. The second is a program very close to my heart: the John Zgoda Memorial Deer Hunt. My slogan is “Family Helping Veterans.” Cdr. Gary Vulcan: [email protected] Points of interest - Membership - we all need to work on Adjutant Dennis Henkemeyer: bringing In new memembers and retaining present mem- [email protected] bers for the organization. Continue to support and develop SAL Squadrons in your post by everyone working together Website: www.mnsal.org the whole family benefits. The annual Legionville Camporee and Harvest Rally will take place on September 5th - 8th at Legionville. I hope you all can join us there and see all of the improve- ments that have been made. The American Legion Riders have their Fall Romp at Legionville September 12 - 15th. Upcoming in October we have the John Zgoda Memorial 1057 and Lloyd Schaeffer at 952-457-2981. The application Deer Hunt for disabled veterans. Volunteers are needed to for disabled veterans to apply is include with this article and help setup and assist our disabled veterans. Contact for can be found on the SAL webpage. more information Chuck Stone at 507-213-7517, Steve Thanks for all you do, Bilderback at 612-220-1333, Dave Bilderback at 507-250- September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 7 Excelsior, DGF win Legion tourneys Continued from Page 1 2. The winning run scored on a single, a balk, a passed ball and sacrifice fly. Fargo went on to finish second in the World Series at Shelby, North Carolina. Idaho Falls won the national title by a score of 5-3. The Fire Club placed several on the regional all-tourna- ment team: Jarod Wandersee was the defensive player of the tournament; John Hanson was selected as the best sec- ond baseman; Michael Sturek was the top designated hitter, and Garrett Synstelien was named the best starting pitcher. Drew Schmidt of Edina was named one of the top outfield- ers. Excelsior finished its season at 56-4, one of the top records in the history of Minnesota Legion Baseball. In Division II, Plato and Dilworth reached the final game of the tournament at Ely, and DFG outlasted Plato in the DIVISION I CHAMPIONS, EXCELSIOR POST 259 — Front row (L to R): Nick Thimsen, William Sturek, Ike title game 2-1. Caledonia finished third, defeating Wadena Fuecker, Michael Sturek, Aaron Wukmir, Ben Stolar, Justin Kloster, Ethan Rommes, Evan Steingas, William 4-1. BOLD won the consolation title with an 11-5 win over LaLonde. Back row: Rob Hager (Head Coach), Alex LaPorte (Assistant Coach), Jarod Wandersee, Matthew Luverne. Mortensen, Jack Hanson, Mitch Klass, Sam Tyrpa, Hunter Wehling, Sean Arnal, Garrett Synstelien, Jim Peck Other teams in the tourney were Breckenridge and host (Team Manager). Ely. Breckenridge was the winner of the Rocky Wedin Sportsmanship Trophy. Jacob Stetz of DGF won the Tony Sipe Outstanding Player Award. He went 5 for 11 at the plate, scored two runs, and made great plays in center field. At Waupun, Wisconsin, for the Regional tournament, Plato defeated DGF 6-0 to advance, and faced host Waupun in the championship game. The hosts were ahead 4-3 going into the bottom of the 7th but Plato loaded the bases with no outs. The game was tied on a hit batter, and then Ty Christensen laid down a squeeze bunt and Dane Schwartz scored the walk-off winner. Michael Waibel of Plato hit a home run in the game. Waibel, Christensen and Korey Johnson were named to the all-tournament team. In Junior action, in the Division I tourney in Bloomington, Hopkins was the champion and Excelsior was the runner-up. In the Division II Junior Tournament in St. Charles, Aikin was the champion and Esko the runner- up. In the Legion 1-A tournament, for teams that opt out of DIVISION 1 RUNNER-UP, EDINA, POST 471 — Front row (L to R): Jackson Mollet, Mason Nevers, Evan the Legion tournament, Edina was the champion and Eagan Brown, Drew Schmidt, Robby Best, Lucas Flemming. Back row: David Robins (Assistant Coach), Danny was the runner up. The tourney was held in Apple Valley. Moher, Jack Murphy, Jonathan Bunce, Drew Bishop, Jack Bale, Tanner Hopkins, Thomas Quello, Grant The Division I and II tournaments were preceded by a Martinson (Assistant Coach), Gene Larkin (Head Coach). banquet. In Cold Spring, the Legion honored Howard Nathe of Grey Eagle as its Graduate of the Year. Nathe was a star player in high school, served four years in the Navy during the Korean War, and came back to play for the Gophers, helping to win the the 1960 World Series. Nathe was All- Big Ten in his junior and senior years, and was the team’s MVP in 1961 as both a pitcher and outfielder. He led his Melrose American Legion team to the runner- up Trophy in 1952, and he later coached the Montevideo Legion team. Also honored was Bruce Barron of Minneapolis and Harlan Nepp of Pipestone who were named to the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. Barron told the banquet crowd of over 500 that Legion Baseball should go to three divisions and offer title hopes to the mid- dle-sized schools. Nepp did not attend the banquet.

Rob Fornasiere, the retired Gopher assistant coach, was the featured speaker and told the players to persevere in baseball and life. “Do you have the will to follow through and win? Do you have an attitude of success that’s bigger than your fear?” DIVISION II CHAMPIONS, DILWORTH-GLYNDON-FELTON POST 397 — Front Row, L-R: Jacob Stetz, Alec Dick Jonckowski was the emcee for the banquet. Gulseth, Brandon Watt, Nick Lund, Noah Kraft, Jay Gruel, Adam Weatherly, Alex Wallin. Back Row: Coach At the Division II Banquet in Ely, Steve Agre of Sacred Jesse Rostad, Carter Kohler, Carter Bohn, Tanner Tahran, Nathan Leitner, Jimmy Phillips, Coach Allen Krueger, Heart was honored for winning the Legion’s Coach of the Coach Doug Weatherly. Year, and Ely was honored for being the Post of the Year. Mike Max was the featured speaker. Next year’s Division I Tournament will be hosted by Burnsville, and the Division II tourney site is at Sacred Heart. State Baseball Director Mike Perry resigned his position at the conclusion of the state tournaments. He has been director for eight years.

DIVISION II RUNNER-UP, PLATO POST 641 — Front Row, L - R: Dane Schwirtz, Ty Christensen, Jared Lockensgard, Josh Kuehn, Korey Johnson, Nate Litzau, Spencer Lillenthal, Michael Waibel, Reece Schwirtz. Back Row: Coach Dean Schwirtz, Brett Lepel, Preston Sturgis, Max Edwards, Andrew Wraspir, Brett Justin Kloster of Excelsior lays down a sacrifice bunt. Baumgarten, Drew Hedtke, Gabe Roepke, Chandler Glaeser, Coach Rick Roepke. Page 8 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019

ACROSS THE DIAMOND — Excelsior first baseman Justin Kloster fires from his knees to get a runner at the Cold Spring Baseball Park. Baseball 2019: Cold Spring

Andrew Enck of Edina and Matt Mortensen of Excelsior both look to the umpire after a close play at and Ely third base. Enck was safe.

Edina’s Drew Schmidt is safe at first on a close play.

Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton players celebrate their Division II championship on the Cold Spring Post 455 presented the colors on the opening day. final day of the tournament in Ely. September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 9

Past National Commander Dan Ludwig presents a championship medal to Jim Peck, longtime Baseball Committee member and team manager for the Excelsior team.

Nick Thimsen of Excelsior accepts the Fred Jacob Stetz of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton accepts his Wannamaker Outstanding Player of the Year award Tony Sipe Outstanding Player of the Year for Divison for Divison I from Department Commander Darrel Jacob Stetz, outstanding player of the tournament, II plaque from Vice Director Jeff Miller. Redepenning. makes a sensational catch in center field.

STEVE AGRE GERALD TYLER BRUCE BARRON HOWARD NATHE REV. JOHN SHERMAN ROB FORNASIERE Coach of the Year Ely Post of the Year Hall of Fame Graduate of the Year Invocation Division I Speaker Page 10 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019 Minnesota’s 2019 - 2020 Leadership Team

MARK DVORAK Le Center COMMANDER

MIKE MAXA BILL BROCKBERG TERESA ASH TIM HAUGEN ROBERT LOCKER Le Center Worthington St. Paul Moorhead Fridley VICE COMMANDER VICE COMMANDER VICE COMMANDER VICE COMMANDER VICE COMMANDER

SY FIX MIKE ASH BETTY JASS RICHARD SKILLSTAD Brownville St. Paul Lake Crystal Eyota MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR HISTORIAN CHAPLAIN SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

DALE WELLIK BRADLEY PAGEL LINDA DVORAK JOE JANSEN ANDREW ROSE Dodge Center Slayton Le Center Arden Hills Minneapolis DIST. 1 COMMANDER DIST. 2 COMMANDER DIST. 3 COMMANDER DIST. 4 COMMANDER DIST. 5 COMMANDER

PAUL EDWARDS DEAN KNUTSON ANNE KOSKINEN LOWELL PHILP THOMAS ALLEN Brainerd Dalton Ely Shevlin Clearwater DIST. 6 COMMANDER DIST. 7 COMMANDER DIST. 8 COMMANDER DIST. 9 COMMANDER DIST. 10 COMMANDER September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11 Mark Dvorak Department Commander

2019-2020

Mark Dvorak was elected the 103rd Department Commander of the Minnesota American Legion at the annual convention held in Willmar. Dvorak, who resides in Le Center and belongs to New Prague Post 45, will serve for the 2019-20 Legion year. Dvorak served in the U.S. Air Force and was a career non-commissioned officer in the Air National Guard, retir- ing in 1995. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Minnesota State University at Mankato, and he worked for United Health Care as a senior accountant. He is a graduate of The American Legion College. At the department level, Dvorak served as Membership Director and Sergeant-at-Arms. He was Third District Commander from 2013-14, and served as district adjutant numerous times. At the national level, he serves on the Americanism Council. Dvorak is married to Linda Dvorak who is currently serv- ing as Third District Commander. They have six children, 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His theme for the year is “For Love of Country,” and his project is raising funds for the Wounded Warriors Guide Service and for Legionville.

Mary Hendrickson Department President 2010-2020 Theme: Remember Honor Serve Symbol: Poppy Projects: Purchase 2 used golf carts for Veterans on the Lake Purchase a retractable awning for Silver Bay Veterans Home bus Excess funds for PTSD Programs in Minnesota Unit: has held almost all committee chairmanships numerous years on the Executive Committee 3 terms as Unit Secretary 3 terms as 2nd Vice President 3 terms as 1st Vice President 5 terms as Unit President All the above at West Duluth 71 8th District: has held almost all committee chairmanships numerous years on the Executive Committee 3 terms as District Treasurer 3 terms as District Secretary 2009-2010 District 2nd Vice President 2010-2011 District 1st Vice President and Membership Chairman 2011-2012 District President Department 2012-2013 Education Chairman 2013-2014 Community Service Chairman 2014-2015 Department Historian 2015-2016 Leadership Chairman 2016-2017 Service to Veterans Chairman 2017-2018 Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Chairman 2nd Vice President 2018-2019 Legislation Chairman 1st Vice President 2019- President National 2016-2017 NW Division Legislation Chairman 2017-2018 Public Relations Committee Member 2018-2019 History Committee Member Page 12 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019

Howard Nathe grew up in central Minnesota playing baseball. He played town ball when he was 16 and led the league in hitting. He led his Melrose American Legion A Baseball Team to the championship game in the state in 1952. His four-year hitch in the Navy during the Korean War first took away the chance to Legend play America’s Pastime, and then gave it back to him.

By Al Zdon He threw right and batted left. He led the league in hit- ting that first year with a .455 average, and the team won oward Nathe could really play baseball. the Stearns County town ball title. In his senior year, Nathe’s basketball team went to the H regional finals in Brainerd, only to lose to Brainerd in a As his career proved, he was one of the finest Minnesota rugged final that almost turned into a riot. amateur players to ever pick up a bat and glove. He played “Our coach was so mad at the officials that he knocked for the Gophers, winning a World Series game in 1960 and the loud speaker off the table. In the locker room, he walked being named the most valuable player of the 1961 team. around and punched dents into all the lockers.” He has been elected to the University of Minnesota In baseball, he led his team to the American Legion Sports Hall of Fame. Baseball tournament, and the team won its first two games. He played American Legion baseball, leading his team In the state championship, though, a St. Paul North End to the state championship game. Later he coached Legion pitcher threw a no-hitter and the Melrose team lost 18-0 fin- ball for many years. ishing as the runner-up. Nathe pitched and played outfield, or almost any posi- When he wasn’t playing sports, he worked for his dad at tion the coach needed him at. His physical talent was only the creamery. “A lot of it was lifting these 65 pound boxes matched by his competitive nature. of butter. It helped me get stronger. At home I worked on Legendary Gopher’s Coach Dick Siebert said of Nathe: our hobby farm. You didn’t lay around the house, or they’d “He plays the game for all it’s worth.” find something for you to do.” Yet for two years as a young man, Nathe didn’t play any One of his chores at home was to scrub the floor with a baseball at all. He was too busy serving his country on a brush and homemade soap every Saturday. “I used to time destroyer in the western Pacific during the Korean War. it so that I could do it while the Gopher football games were on the radio. I was hooked on the Gophers. I couldn’t imag- oward Anthony Nathe was born in Padua in cen- ine how great it would be to play for the Gophers.” tral Minnesota, a wide spot in the road about 10 Nathe graduated in 1953, and on Aug. 17 he joined the Hmiles from Sauk Centre. His father was the butter Navy. “They had a draft in those days, and I didn’t want to maker at the local creamery. go in the Army and die in a foxhole. I could swim, so I fig- One of his earliest memories is when he was three or ured if a torpedo hit my ship, I could swim away.” four years old and he stuck his finger into a push lawn He recalls that farmers in those days would buy farms mower. The accident almost severed his index finger on his for their sons so they could get a deferment from the draft. right hand. “Of course, the rest of us called them draft dodgers.” “It was damn near cut off. They put my hand between Boot camp was in San Diego and lasted 12 weeks. “But two pillows and rushed me to the doctor in Brooten who when everybody else went home on leave after training, sewed it up. But after that, the finger was always stiff. I another guy and I had to stay. I had been a pretty good clar- could hardly bend it. But you know, later on I think it inet player in high school, and they had tested me to see if helped me throw my slider.” When he was six, his father got the job as manager of the creamery at New Munich, and the family settled into their new home. “The problem was that the guy my dad replaced at the creamery had five kids, and the local kids missed their friends and didn’t take a liking to me. You talk about getting bullied. “On my way home from school, the town kids would chase me. I learned how to run pretty fast. One time, they were just behind me and I just got to the porch and in the door when one of the kids stuck his head in the door. My mom hit him over the head with a broom.” With no male friends, Nathe ended up playing with female neighbors Marlene, Eileen and Mootz. “We would play kitten ball on the gravel street. Eileen was one hell of a softball player.” He finally made friends with a local boy named Charlie who had a very large big brother. After that, the local bullies kept away from him. Charlie later became his catcher on local teams. Life revolved around outdoor activities. “We had no tel- evision. We didn’t even have a telephone.” Going to Sacred Heart Elementary School in New Munich, he joined a “midget” team of seventh and eighth graders. “I pitched and Charlie caught. Once we traveled all the way to Moorhead to play. That was a big deal. We had them beat, but then we lost.” The nearest high school was at Melrose, and Nathe played basketball and baseball for the school during his four years there. He also played on the New Munich amateur baseball team as a 16-year old, following the footsteps of HOWARD NATHE HOWARD NATHE his dad, Cap, who had played for the team. As a sailor in the Navy in the early 1950s At home in Grey Eagle September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 13 I should go to musician’s school.” The results of the test hadn’t come back, and so Nathe languished at the recruit training center waiting for orders. Finally, he got his two weeks at home. “When I got back, I went in and asked them if I had orders yet. The guy looked at my paperwork and pointed out the window at a ship in the San Diego harbor. He said, ‘There’s your orders.’” Nathe’s new home was the USS Duncan (DDR-874), a World War II-era destroyer that had been converted into a radar ship.

is first assignment, like most new sailors, was in the scullery washing pots and pans. “I was a Hpeon, like all the new guys. You had to earn your way up. My bunk was way down in the bottom of the ship. I was the only guy there who wasn’t Filipino or black. That was a new experience for a kid from Minnesota.” “I always got along with them. But at night they would play poker, and it sometimes got a little heated. They kept their switch blades in the beams above the bunks. I’d pray every night that there wouldn’t be a fight, and every morn- ing I thanked God that I had survived another night.” There was no baseball, of course, but there was a basket- Nathe’s first home in the Navy was the USS Duncan (DDR-874), a radar destroyer that sailed the Pacific. ball team on the ship, and Nathe became friends with a fel- low player who was a yeoman, or clerk. “He asked me if I could type, and I said I could do 40 words a minute. The typing had always helped my clarinet playing.” That was his ticket out of the scullery, as he became a yeoman’s apprentice in a nice, clean office mainly working with the ship’s officers. “It was great duty. The captain did- n’t want his yeomen wasting time standing in the chow line, so we usually went to the front of the line.” He later attended yeoman’s school in San Diego. “I was the legal yeoman on the ship, and one of my jobs when we were in port was to go ashore and pick up the ship’s mail. They had me wear a .45 pistol on my belt, but, of course, they didn’t give me any bullets.” Nathe did two six-month cruises to the Far East during his two years on the Duncan. “One time, we were patrolling the Formosa Straits between Red China and Nationalist China. At midnight, the ship went to general quarters. My battle station was on the bridge. I was the guy on the annunciator. When the captain Young Nathe as an altar He graduated from high Nathe still has his certificate that he was a member of would say, ‘One third ahead’ I’d move the lever one-third boy at Sacred Heart school in Melrose in 1953 the American Legion runner-up team in 1952 at the ahead. The engine room would then respond by moving School in New Munich. and joined the Navy. State Tournament in St. Paul. their lever one-third ahead, and I’d confirm that to the cap- tain.” The reason for the general quarters was that the ship’s sophisticated radar had picked up an unknown airplane heading right for the ship. “We called it a ‘pip’ and it was only 90 miles out. We sent out an IFF message, asking if it was friendly or not. He didn’t respond. He just kept coming at us. “We were under orders to not shoot unless we were shot at. And so there was nothing we could do. He came right over our smokestacks, just roaring by. It turned out he was a Chinese Nationalist pilot. But if he had been the enemy, we’d have been dead meat.” On another occasion, while the ship was in maneuvers with other ships in the Pacific, the captain turned over the “conn” or control of the ship to the executive officer. “The XO was more of an administrative guy, and he wasn’t too good about maneuvering the ship. All of sudden we went to general quarters, and they ordered everyone to ‘clear the decks.’ We were on a collision course with anoth- The Melrose American Legion team sits glumly in the Nathe followed in his father’s footsteps and played for er ship.” dugout while absorbing a 15-0 defeat in the state the New Munich amatuer team at age 16. He led the With some last minute turns, the two ships missed a col- championship game in 1952. The Legion manager league in hitting at .455, and the team won the lision, but did scrape each other in passing. kept the scorebook. Stearns County trophy. “The captain’s gig, the boat he used in port, was destroyed. After that I don’t think the XO took the conn anymore.” The Duncan pulled into a host of ports overseas includ- ing Japan, Subic Bay in the Philippines, Midway, and Formosa. Once in Formosa, a Russian tanker that had been captured by the Nationalists was tied up in port. “It had the big hammer and sickle on the smokestack. The Nationalists were very happy. It was theirs now.”

ith two years at sea, Nathe put in for shore duty and was assigned to Washington D.C. “They Wneeded a lot of yeomen in Washington.” He was assigned to the Naval Research Center on Constitution Avenue, not far from the White House. He lived in a bar- racks just across the Potomac near Arlington. “You could see the Pentagon from there.” “I had a top secret clearance. Part of my job was to go pick up the mail twice a day. I’d have to walk past the Washington Monument and the White House to a federal office building. I think it’s the same building that Trump owns now.” One of the employees at the post office was a disabled man who loved to talk baseball with Nathe. He told the man he could play some ball, and the man finally asked if he would like a tryout with a team called the Air Force Jets. Nathe had a couple of weeks to work out a little bit to get the two years’ sea barnacles off his game. “I went down for the tryout, and there was a ball field tucked in between these two large red brick buildings. I looked around and everyone was black. I swallowed and said to myself, ‘Well, the good Lord made these people just Howard Nathe, number 42 in white, played for the Navy Security team in Washington. While baskeball wasn’t like he made me.’ ” his first sport, he did get an offer after the service to play hoops for the University of Pennsylvania. The manager was named Ted Brown and he looked at One thing he had to tell the coach was that along the way Nathe skeptically and said he’d like to see him throw a few. he had been paid for playing town ball here and there. “He got one of the players over to catch me, and this guy “There probably weren’t too many players that didn’t get had a fielder’s glove. It’s kind of an insult to a pitcher that some money for town ball. Nobody seemed to care.” a guy thinks he’s going to catch me with a regular glove. So Nathe walked on at Minnesota. Because his education I let him have it as hard as I could throw. was being funded through the GI Bill, he was ineligible for “After I had thrown a few, he said, ‘Hey coach, you’d a scholarship. better get the catcher over here.’ It was mission accom- Siebert also found Nathe a place to live at a fire hall in plished for me. Now they all had their eyes on me.” Columbia Heights. He and the firemen became close Manager Brown had Nathe field some fly balls and take friends. “They knew I’d head home when I could, and I’d a few swings. “When the practice was over, he said, ‘We’d always bring back cases of eggs and butter that they would like to sign you to a contract.’” buy. When my car was acting up, they’d pull the fire truck And so the kid from small town Minnesota was now out and put my car in the garage and fix it for me.” playing with an all-black team that was also noted as one of Besides Nathe, there were four other veterans in the Nathe went to U.S. Navy Yeoman A School in San the best teams in the D.C. area. The team often played its freshman class and two more on the team. “We ended up Diego. He is at the far right. games at Lafayette Park, across the street from the White helping out coaching without really wanting to.” House. Freshmen could not play, but once during his sophomore “I remember one time, we went to the federal prison in season, he was told by Siebert that he’d be pitching batting Maryland to play an exhibition with the prison team. I was practice during the week. That was a sign from the manager playing the outfield that day. I looked up in the stands, and that he would not be pitching on the weekend. everyone was black. All the players on both teams were “The first batter up in batting practice was the shortstop black. I was a little apprehensive, but, you know what, they Dave Pflepsen, and I wasn’t happy. I started throwing as treated me okay.” hard as I could. I was just whistling it past Pflepsen, and he During one game at a field in Washington, Nathe went didn’t like it. Finally he stepped out and asked what the behind the dugout to get a drink. While he was bent over the heck I was doing. I told him, ‘You’re in the line-up and I’m fountain, a white man in the stands yelled at him, “Why not.’ Siebert was nearby and took all this in.” don’t you play for a white team?” In Friday’s game against Wisconsin, when the Gopher The 1959 Gophers baseball team won the Big Ten “I was walking away, but I turned around and said, pitcher faltered, Siebert brought in Nathe. “I pitched five title. Nathe is at upper right, next to Coach Dick ‘Because I want to play for a winner.’ That was the end of innings and gave up one hit.” Siebert. Future Twins chief scout Jim Rantz also that conversation.” played for the team, second row, fifth from the left. Nathe recalls that one of his fellow pitchers on the Jets athe has nothing but praise for Coach Siebert, was a huge human being named “Chicken” Long. “His who everyone called “The Chief.” hands were so big that the baseball looked like a golf ball N when he was holding it.” “I can’t say enough about him. He was truly like a sec- One time, the Jets and seven other teams were playing in ond dad to me. He had high moral standards. He told us we a tournament down south. “The coaches had a meeting and were here to get an education, and that he wanted ball play- they didn’t come out and they didn’t come out. Finally, ers who had something between their ears.” Coach Brown came out and he was holding the trophy.” He played as a sophomore in the 1959 Gopher team that The other teams had decided to forfeit the tournament won the Big Ten title. As a junior, the team went 34-7 and because they wouldn’t play the Air Force Jets. The problem won the College World Series. In the regional, Nathe had a wasn’t because it was an all-black team. sore arm, and had to warm up 45 minutes to get it loose. “But then adrenaline took over, and we won 5-4.” Nathe The problem was because it was an integrated team. then pitched a 3-1 victory over Oklahoma State in the World Series. s time went by, Nathe was also playing on two This coming year will be the 60th anniversary of that other teams in the area, a Navy team and a semi- national championship, and Nathe is hoping there will be a Apro team out of Fredricksburg, Maryland. “I team reunion at Omaha, the home of the College World would pitch on Sundays for the Fredricksburg team that was Series. “You look back at those years on that team, and all owned by a guy who had a huge restaurant. you have is the memories. All those guys went on to be doc- “The team was called Tom’s Colonial, and they paid a tors and lawyers and teachers. I’d love to get together with player a six pack for an RBI, a whole case for a home run, them again.” and a case of beer if you were the winning pitcher. There And as a senior, the team just missed winning the Big were 10 guys on the team who had played professional Ten by percentage points, and Nathe was named the most baseball.” valuable player on the team. “Going into the last weekend, Did the Navy mind that he had to leave work early some- I was leading the Big Ten in batting, and Siebert offered to times to play? “No, they thought it was an honor that I was sit me down so I could win the batting title. But I said, no representing the Navy on these teams. They wanted you to way, and that weekend I went 0 for 10. I think I finished play. Most of the games were at night, so I usually got my fifth.” work done. Sometimes I’d have to pay a guy $5 to cover for He graduated after that season, and took a job with at the me.” VA hospital in St. Cloud hoping to use his recreational lead- He also played basketball during the winter for a Navy ership degree. He was assigned to the geriatric ward. “I felt team. so bad for those guys, I just couldn’t take it.” In 1957, he completed his four-year enlistment as a yeo- Jobs followed at Montgomery Wards, and then as an man third class. “The service taught me a lot. I was pretty insurance adjuster, and finally real estate property manage- naïve when I went in. The baseball taught me to bond with ment. He was also a veterans employment rep for many guys from everywhere. When you’re on a baseball team, years. After he moved to Montevideo in 1965, for 14 years you felt like you had some status.” he ran the youth baseball program including coaching the One other thing the Navy did was give him a chance to American Legion team. He also played town ball for Coach Dick Siebert once said Nathe “played the game finish growing. “When I went in I was five-feet 10 and a Springfield, Sleepy Eye, Owatonna and other teams. He for all it was worth.” half and 160 pounds. When I got out, I was six-two and a didn’t retire from the diamond until he was 37. half, and I weighed 220 pounds.” He had known a girl named Renee from New Munich, His prowess at America’s Pastime had drawn some and they got to know each other better as the years went on. attention while he was in the Navy. “The Detroit Tigers They married in 1962, and had three sons and a daughter, wanted me to play for one of their minor league teams for who is also a veteran. $475 a month, and that was awfully good money in those Nathe remains an avid baseball fan, and he has some days. I was also offered a scholarship to play for Howard strong opinions about the pitching these days. University. I would have been the first white guy there.” Through his whole career, Nathe always wanted to finish There was also some interest from Penn who wanted him the games he started. “We never had any pitch counts in for their basketball team. “That was an Ivy League school. those days. I never wanted to come out of a game. It was an I didn’t know about that.” insult to me if the manager took me out. We’d call a guy But Nathe, from his teenage days of being a huge who couldn’t finish a game a candy cake or a wuss or some- Gopher fan, had his eyes set on the University of thing worse. Minnesota. “Tom Johnson, the coach at Howard, wrote a “These days, a guy pitches six innings and he’s done. letter for me to Dick Siebert, the coach at Minnesota.” And they call it a quality start. What the hell is a quality Siebert invited Nathe to Fall baseball practice to try out start? Nine innings and you win the game is a quality start.” for the freshman team. “I got a job that summer lifting con- Nathe retired 16 years ago, and he and Renee live in a crete blocks for eight hours a day. It was good physical house on a lake in Grey Eagle, although they are planning a work. When I was done, the bat felt like a toothpick.” move into town to make life easier. Nathe went into the tryout feeling he had to prove him- self. “I looked at myself as a small-town country guy. I knew I had to impress.” The tryout went well. “I hate to be pleased with myself, but I had done the best I could.” One thing he wanted to hear from Siebert was that he’d have the opportunity to both pitch and play a position dur- ing the season. It was unusual, even in the 1950s for a play- er to do that. Besides Nathe, one of the few who did that for the Gophers was Dave Winfield, a future Hall of Famer. But Siebert agreed. “It was music to my ears.” He pitched or played a position nearly every game for the Gophers during his last three years. A clipping from 1960 touts Nathe’s baseball skills. September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 15

Minnesotans line up to present a check for $175,000 to the National Legacy Scholarship Fund. The Minnesota Legion Riders staged two runs in August around the state to raise the money. The donation put Minnesota over the million dollar mark. Past Department Commander Darrel Redepenning challenged the rest of the states to match Minnesota’s effort, “If you can,” he said with a smile. 101st National Convention Indy

Pat Nelson of Hayfield Unit 330 was one of five win- ners nationally of the Goodwill Ambassador Award give at the Auxiliary Convention.

Vice President Mike Pence was on the big screen.

As always, Minnesota’s massed colors were a highlight of the National Parade.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the American Legion Convention.

Bill Oxford of North Carolina became the new National Commander of The American Legion, replacing Brett The convention led off with a Broadway-style song Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said the Reistad. and dance about the history of the organization. VA was not trying to privatize. Page 16 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019

National Executive Committeeman Marland Ronning, Department Commander Mark Dvorak, and Alternate NECman Bill Barbknecht join National Commander Brett Reistad for a photo opportunity after Minnesota made a contribution to the Child Welfare fund. Minnesota also contributed to Operation Comfort Warriors.

At the Minnesota Caucus, Past Department Bill Goede, Plainview, and Chuck Kruger, Byron, stood Commander Darrel Redepenning handed off the sym- by on the platform while the Report on National bolic gavel of leadership to incoming Department Security was presented. Commander Mark Dvorak.

Past National Commander Dan Ludwig Dan Ludwig accepted a plaque honoring Minnesota for putting on the 2018 National Convention, the centennial conven- tion of the organization. Making the presentation was Past National Commander Denise Rohan of Wisconsin, who president over the Minneapolis Past Department President Chris Ronning and Past Convention. Department Secretary Jody Hassing danced up a storm at the National Commander’s Banquet. Hassing recently donated a kidney to Ronning, a gift of life. Display, Protect and Preserve Your Memorial United States Flag in a Beautifully Handcrafted Solid Oak Flag Case with a Glass Front, Removable Back and Engraved Plate with Name and Branch of Service of Veteran.

Mary Ludwig, left, led a team of past first spouses to welcome the wife of Bill Oxford, Jackie Oxford, center, to the role of First Spouse.

“Made by Veterans for Veterans” Minnesota Veterans Home Phone: 651-539-2486 Minnesota’s national officers had a change of com- mand at the post-convention NEC meeting. From left: Past National Commander Dan Ludwig, Past 1200 E. 18th Street Fax: 651-480-0058 NECman Marland Ronning, NECman Bill Barbknecht, Alternate NECman Peggy Moon. Hastings, MN 55033 September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 17 District Commanders FIRST bling funds.) Which should help us recruit younger vets. 3. as well as the various benefits it also provides. One of the Its the right thing to do to demonstrate we care about our best membership tools we have other than Communicate, DISTRICT fellow vets in need which is a basic reasons why we belong. Communicate, Communicate is gong onto mylegion.org We also spoke about the new law that expands member- and using the National post at large to see how many people Dale Wellik Commander ship; if you have any questions please stop by your post and from your District have renewed online and get in touch talk with any of the officers. with them and ask if they have thought about a transfer to a Greetings from the first district American legion family. Thanks to all our posts for doing a great job with mem- post within the District near them. The task is before us, The district picnic was held in Dodge Center Sunday. We bership. Let's give it our best effort that we can and build the mem- had beautiful weather and great food in the west park. A fun bership numbers within the Department of Minnesota. Let's day and lots of sharing of great ideas. remember also that we are an American Legion Family, so National Convention this week and September starting FIFTH let's do what we can to help the Auxiliary and Sons of the with the Camp-O-Ree at Legionville, lots of comeraderie, DISTRICT American Legion as well. As my motto for the year says food and fun. Mantorville Marigold Days activities are "Keep Veterans First." coming up with a parade on September 8th. My project this Andrew Rose Sr. year is split between Legionville and PTSD, half of the Commander funds going each way. NINTH Pray for our deployed troops and all serving our country We did not make it off the goose egg and membership DISTRICT and support the families that are left at home. seems to be lacking from where it was last year. These Veterans, thank you for your service. symptoms can be cured with a little work. Lowell Philp The 5th District membership revitalization program is Commander slated for November 7-9 at Richfield Post 435. All Veterans THIRD are welcome to help. Greetings from the 9th District. The 5th District Commander’s project will remain as Our year got off to a good start with a great organization- DISTRICT Every Third Saturday (tax exempt name). But also known al meeting. Good ideas were exchanged and conditions that Linda Dvorak to some of you as Rick's Place. need improvement were discussed. Commander This is a Veteran and Veterans family help organization. The Legion Act was passed. It should open up some They need items that you think would be of help to our sis- avenues for us. Just remember that the majority will not September is the month that the Eagle Scout of the Year ters and brothers, such as clothing and household items. Tax come to us. We will have to go out and ask them. Let vet- and the Oratorical information is sent out. Do you have an exempt monetary donations would also be appreciated. erans know by any means. Communicate what we can do Eagle Scout that you want to submit? Have you worked Every Third Saturday is located at 4303 E. 54th St. for them and about how they can help others. with the high schools in your area to get someone for the Minneapolis. When you visit the VA Medical Center you Good luck to everyone. I sincerely hope that you have a Oratorical Contest? Does your district have an Oratorical are right around the corner from it. For your info; Tom memorable year. Contest? Now is the time to get these two very important McKenna, Veterans Advocate, American Legion Programs going. [email protected] or 952-356-5116. About a month ago I was asked to find 2 members of All districts, should make it a point to find out what's each branch of the service that were in Vietnam during the going on and support this worthy attempt to help our veter- National Convention Vietnam war to be part of a Change of Command ceremony ans. Thank you in advance for your support and we're wait- for the Minnesota Air National Guard on Friday August ing for your call or visit. held in Indianapolis 16th. The incoming commander wanted to honor them. The Don't forget what a visit on the first Sunday means for incoming commander introduced each Veteran by rank, hospitalized veterans. Continued from Page 1 name and branch of service, then had them stand. He He and his wife, Frances, have two children. thanked them for their service and then asked everyone to The convention was addressed by Vice President Mike line up and shake their hand. The emotions of these 8 indi- SIXTH Pence who noted that he had won the American Legion viduals was awe inspiring and I am so glad I was able to be DISTRICT Oratorical Contest in Indiana when he was in high school. a part of it. So, thank you all for your service. “It began a love affair I’ve had with the Constitution of Paul Edwards the United State. Thank you.” Commander Pence spoke of the trade war with China. “We have put SECOND China on notice that we will no longer tolerate their abusive Greetings to all the Sixth District Legion Family, trade practices.” DISTRICT Wow. What a crazy few months. Seems like the ship has And the vice president spoke glowingly of the Mission Brad Pagel been running maximum warp ever since the District Act, a bill that allows veterans more freedom in choosing Commander Convention in June. where to recieve their VA care. The Sixth District is off the goose egg and memberships He said that with the new laws, the VA and now more seem to be flowing into Department at a steady rate. For Greetings to the 2nd District and all. easily fire people who are not doing their jobs. Since Trump those who have not heard, I have issued a Steak Dinner took office, over 7,000 have been fired. I would like to take this time to talk about membership, Challenge to the posts in the District. The District is divid- You know how the saying goes that it takes an act of con- He also noted that wait times at the VA are now less than ed into small, medium and large post categories. Small is the standard at private hospitals. gress to make any progress in this country. That is just what 100 members or less, Medium is 101 to 200 and Large is happened a few weeks ago at the end of July by the Pence concluded with an attack on socialism. “It has 201 or more. In each category, I will treat the Post been freedom not socialism that has made American the President signing the Legion Act. The dates of eligibility Commander, the Membership Chair and their significant has been determined now to be for anyone who has served greatest country in the world. America will never be a others from the first post to reach 100% paid memberships. socialist country.” since December 7, 1941. I am not including the all PUFL posts in this challenge. The Think about that for a minute. Think about how many James McCloughan, Medal of Honor recipient, told the first winner in the small post category is Laporte #462. Legion audience, “We did not lose the war in Vietnam. We veterans are in your community that have now become eli- My push for better communication is well underway, gible that have previously fell in the gaps. Think about the stopped communism from spreading.” with the District newsletter sent out by direct email and all Secretary of State Mike Pompao said, “We’re not going entire American Legion family and how many are now eli- the articles have been published on the District Facebook gible to join the entire family, with the passage of this leg- to apologize for America any more. Our foreign policy will page. www.facebook.com/MNSixthDistrict/ be based on the principles of our founding fathers. islation. Think about how your post/ unit/squadron can I hope to see many of you at the Department Camporee grow and serve in your communities. VA Secretary Robert Willkie also praised the Mission on the weekend of September 7. I intend to appoint a new Act, which allows veterans to seek care outside the VA sys- We can double our membership if we get out there and Adjutant, Sgt at Arms and Legion Rider Liaison on that do a little public relations work and promote ourselves. If tem. The change has been criticized by some as the first weekend. Come and see who the new folks are and cheer step in privatizing the VA. it were not for the members of the American Legion Family, for the district as the membership numbers are announced. where would our veterans be at today? Where would our “Our budget is at $220 billion, and there have been no And now, off to the National Convention for more high- budget cuts. We had 390,000 more appointments last year. youth be at today? While promoting membership into the speed activity. family, a good place to start is with our 4 pillars, Veterans That’s a strange way to privatize the VA.” Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, He said the effort to give the VA access to all military and Children & Youth. SEVENTH and civilian medical records was making progress. DISTRICT “Doctors should never have to guess what you’ve gone through in life.” FOURTH Dean Knutson And, he said that beginning in January, all Agent Orange Commander benefits will now be available to Navy blue water veterans, DISTRICT those who served on ships off the coast. Greetings to everyone in the Department of Minnesota Willkie said the agency has hired 2,000 more employees Joe Jansen to process the new claims. Commander and in the Mighty Seventh. Time has a habit of getting away from all of us each and The Minnesota Riders again made a big splash at the Hello fellow 4th District members, we enjoyed the every day but even so we need to always focus on our task convention by presenting a check for singing of the National Anthem by Connie Lee at our at hand and that being that we need to be constantly work- Ramsey County meeting on Aug. 14th. She was kind ing for the betterment of the Veterans of this great nation. enough to talk about a program to help veterans at Eagle's With the signing into law of the Legion Act, the possibilities Nest near Sauk Centre. Well, you are saying to your self of getting new members becomes a job that we must not what's in it for us in Ramsey County? Three things: 1. They take lightly but look at as a new opportunity to improve the accept any veteran that has a problem adjusting to civilian numbers and the voice of The American Legion at District, life, which means one or more of our guys or gals from State and National levels. We need to let those potential Ramsey County could receive free treatments. 2. She talks members know that were told that they could not belong for about the great things the American Legion does for the vets so long that the American Legion is the strongest voice for in her country music. You and I know the younger troops the welfare of the American Veteran. As we talk to them, let listen to country music. (Payment can be made using gam- them know of all the programs that we have to offer to them Page 18 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019 The Auxiliary Bulletin No. 20-2 September 2019 President Mary Hendrickson Secretary Sandie Deutsch Department Headquarters, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-224-7634 Nicole Clapp of Iowa is new The President’s Auxiliary President, 2019-20 Column The 2019 National Convention was held in Indianapolis, Emergency Fund. This has become a tradition at Fall August 23-29. The Convention was well attended by the Conference, giving each of us the opportunity to help. entire American Legion Family. Chairman Joanie Krantz is asking for new or gently used The Department of Minnesota Auxiliary had 53 atten- items to be used in the Silent Auction. All items will be By dees which included Delegates, Alternates and Guests... very welcome. We are looking for the very popular Theme Nicole Clapp from the Department of Iowa was installed Baskets again this year from Units, Districts, TAL, SAL or Mary as our National President and will serve through the 2019- TLR’s. The baskets bring in a tremendous amount of dona- Hendrickson 2020 year. Kathy Daudistel from the Department of Kansas tions for our program. Remember bidders can be all mem- will serve as the National Vice President. bers of The American Legion Family. We look for support from all members. All items should be brought Thursday PRESIDENT’S PROJECT evening or early Friday morning. Bidding will be on Friday Our Department President Mary Hendrickson has cho- only from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Be sure to attend and place As I write this article, it's hard to believe September is sen the following as President’s projects for the 2019/2020 your bids - the items last year were simply wonderful. just on the horizon. The trees in the Duluth area are slowly year. Her wish is to raise funds to purchase two used golf starting to show their fall colors and the sumac is turning carts for Veterans on the Lake near Ely. Silver Bay Veterans 2020 POPPY ORDERS red. September also brings a return to a more regular Home has a bus which takes Veterans to events in the Orders for the 2020 Poppies are now being accepted. An schedule for the American Legion Family at most post Duluth area. Mary would like to provide a retractable order form will be included in the first Unit mailing. Prices homes. awning for the bus so Veterans don’t have to sit in the hot in effect for this year: Small Poppies - $20.00 a hundred I'm hoping each Auxiliary Unit has "lined up" chairmen sun or rain. Any excess funds will go toward PTSD pro- plus shipping. (Small poppies must be ordered in lots of 100 for each of our programs and is ready to begin recording grams in Minnesota, including the Journeys Program at the only); Large Poppies are $18.00 a dozen. Rather than your donations and volunteer efforts for Veterans, their fam- Minneapolis VAHCS. increase the price of poppies we have done away with the ilies, active duty military and your communities. Writing price break of ordering over 500 poppies this year. We down your activities and projects each month makes filling PRESIDENT’S VISITS have plenty of poppies in inventory and can ship as soon as out the dreaded annual reports so much easier. I recently you want them. Our Department Chairman Sandy Wersal is received an "Annual Impact Report" from the National If you would like to have our Department President attend a function or meeting of your Unit, please invite her. working very hard to make this a very successful year. American Legion Auxiliary Office. The value of American Legion Auxiliary members' volunteer service in 2018-2019 She has dedicated this year to serving the American Legion was $1.1 billion dollars. This total reflected 7,087,662 vol- Auxiliary, its programs, and working with you, our Unit SECRETARY SANDIE’S NOTES unteer hours and $22,448,972 raised and spent. I'm proud members, in a meaningful and helpful manner. President Another wonderful year working with The American to say our Minnesota members contributed a large chunk to Mary would like the opportunity to work with each of our Legion Family is in the books – now on to 2019/2020 with these totals. Units and Districts and is more than happy to join you, President Mary. One thing I didn’t know about her and Looking back on my August pocket calendar, I can now schedule permitting. absolutely love is her sense of humor. She always has some relate to past department presidents who told me, "Be pre- Invitations should be directed to the Department sort of cute remark for things. Please remember to invite pared to put a lot of miles on your car." The poor engine President and sent to Sandie Deutsch, Department her to your Unit, you won’t be sorry. She and Carl are both hardly has time to cool down. Each invitation and event Secretary, American Legion Auxiliary, State Veterans great people and very dedicated to our mission. By the time I've attended have been unique and special to me. Service Building, 20 W. 12th St., Room 314, St. Paul MN you are reading this I hopefully will be back from My month started with a Saturday spent with our 55155. Please do NOT send invitations to her home Indianapolis unscathed and hopefully will have a new Auxiliary Juniors at Legionville for Junior Fun Weekend. address. An invitation form will be included in the first employee hard at work at the Department Office – a more Those girls have a lot of energy! Kudos go out to Kristen Unit Mailing. detailed report next month. I am superstitious and I don’t Donnelly and Donna Arends for lining up some fun activi- want to jinx something if it doesn’t happen. You try and ties and to head cooks Marsha Bible, Robin Dorf and Renee FALL CONFERENCE figure that out – I am not even taking the time to re-read that Seuss for the fun and nutritious meals. Long Lake minus Fall Conference will be held Friday and Saturday, line. I have to tell you that the Montgomery Post 79 had the bog was greatly enjoyed. These girls are the future of October 25-26 hosted by the Bagley American Legion their 100th birthday celebration on the 10th of August and our organization. Honorary Junior President Emily Suess is Family. It will be held at the Shooting Star Casino/Hotel in what a party it was. I worked in St. Cloud all day at the already showing great leadership skills. Mahnomen. Housing and pre-registration information are Auxiliary workshop and then tooled down the freeway On August 10th our annual organization meeting was included in this issue of the Minnesota Legionnaire. Please (quite fast) as I volunteered to work at the Post. Well, let held at Waite Park Silver Star Post 428 for the Department use this phone number for reservations – 1-800-453-7827 me tell you, my age did show on Sunday morning. Officers, new District Presidents, Committee Chairmen, and ask for the American Legion room block #6536. There Bartending is the most fun when you are super busy and Committee Members and other interested Auxiliary mem- are still many rooms available. that we were. My highlight was when good old Shorty bers. It was a long, but productive day. Units will be Fall Conference is intended to be a school of learning grabbed my hand and said let’s go dance, can’t even tell you happy to know, committee chairmen were asked to simplify about the Auxiliary and its programs. We also had a lot of what reason my heart was fluttering for, either the shock their annual report forms and update their trophies and fun. We will be having the Membership payoff on Friday factor or something else LOL. I must say our Legionnaires awards. I know all of us were on "brain overload" by 4:00 night and you need to attend that as Chairman Sharon and Sons did an outstanding job and this may sound preju- p.m., but looking forward to an Auxiliary year with new Thiemecke has a great evening planned. diced, but I was so proud of Shorty – he worked his tail off ideas and updated programs. – countless hours from Friday through Sunday to make sure I was happy to attend the American Legion Riders year everything went off without a hitch – even the rain held off. end party at the Osseo/Maple Grove Post on Sunday, SILENT AUCTION And YES Leon, it was you I mentioned in last month’s arti- August 11th. They are a very dedicated group of individu- A silent auction will again be held at our Fall Conference cle. als. During their two weekends of traveling both in the with the proceeds going to support the Auxiliary 2019/2020 AUGUST WORKSHOP southern and northern part of Minnesota they were able to collect a sizable amount of money for the Legacy Scholarship Program. Not only do they make some young Coleman endorsed for Dept. President people's education dreams come true, but they also honor the student's parent who made the ultimate sacrifice in Lino Lakes Unit 566 and Air Force from 1973-1984. Community Service defense of our country. In their 10 years of existence our the 10th District Past Coleman has been active Chairman, Junior Activities Riders have collected over 1.1 million dollars for this wor- Presidents Parley have in her unit. In the 10th Chairman, ALA MN Girls thy cause. Congratulations and "Happy Trails" to their out- endorsed Patti Coleman for District, she was the State Chairman, Veterans going leader Steve Sullivan. President of the Department President in 2000-01. Affairs and Rehabilitation August 15th brings my first Centennial celebration. for the 2020-2021. For the Department of Chairman and is currently Rosetown Unit 542 has invited me to their Centennial Coleman is a 52-year Minnesota, She has served the Legislation Chairman. Luncheon. They are honoring not only the ALA, but all of Honorary Life member of as a staff member at ALA Patti and Larry are the their more "seasoned" members for their long time contri- the American Legion MN Girls State for 24 ses- parents of one daughter, butions to our organization. National has declared 2019- Auxiliary and is eligible for sions, starting in 1986. She Kiana, who is a Past Dept. 2020 to be our "Centennial Year." membership through the has been the Dept. Color of MN Honorary Junior As you read this, I'll probably just have returned from service of her late father, Bearer, ALA MN Girls President and Honorary the National Convention in Indianapolis. My motto is Gerald J. Coleman, a US State Director four times, National Northwestern "Have Mastercard, Will Travel" so the Emblem Sales store Navy veteran who served the Convention Resolutions Division Vice President. will be one of my first stops. 1951-1953. Her significant Chairman twice, the Coleman is employed by God Bless Each of You and God Bless America. other, Larry Woods Sr., Convention Sgt. At Arms, Antea USA, Inc. as an served 11 years in the US She has been the Dept. Accounting Specialist. PATTI COLEMAN September 2019 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 19

Auxiliary Bulletin To: The American Legion Family of the 3rd Continued from Preceding Page District of Minnesota On August 10 the American Legion Auxiliary held its The American Legion Auxiliary invites you to annual August Workshop at the Waite Park American their: Legion Post 428. This day is held to have the new Program Chairman come together and plan their programs for the th new Auxiliary year. President Mary Hendrickson presided 100 Anniversary Party over the workshop and then held her first Department Executive Committee meeting that afternoon, where pro- Saturday, November 2, 2019 grams and solicitation of funds for programs were approved. This is a wonderful day for Auxiliary members to get together, work together and come up with new ideas Apple Valley Post 1776 – 14521 to continue to spread our mission – Service Not Self for our Granada Drive, Apple Valley, MN Veterans and their families. All of these plans will be included in the Unit Guide which will be available at Fall Conference. All Units will receive one in the Unit Mailing Social Hour: 5:00 p.m. which will go out the end of October. Please read through this guide when you receive it. It will help you run the pro- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. grams in your own Unit. Choice of Meat loaf or Baked Chicken - $20.00

There will be a short program after dinner, fol- lowed by karaoke by Gary and Teri Richardson.

Please come dressed as our founders would Dee Dee Buckley was announced as a candidate for have dressed in 1919. (fur coats, flapper dress- Northwest Division Vice President at the Northwest es, hats) Division Caucus at the National Convention in Indianapolis. Be ready to sing the songs of that era. Two poppy contests slated To determine the number that will be attend- ing, we are selling tickets in advance. Please There will be two Poppy Contests at Fall Conference. Let’s fill the table using 100 year birthday theme. Department Treasurer Jan Lauby goes over some send your check for $20.00 for each individual CONTEST # 1 - Centerpiece for a table with 100 year bookkeeping issues at the August Workshop. with your choice of entree to Joanne Joachim birthday theme. Make a centerpiece using the theme 100 at 8923 Partridge Rd, St. Bonifacius, MN 55375 year birthday party. CONTEST # 2- Build a Cake with 100 year birthday theme Make Cake out of Styrofoam, (NOT REAL CAKE) you can sell candles if you wish to make extra money for the Poppy Program at your Legion Post. Can be round with tiers or square. POW/MIA Recognition Entries must be at the poppy tables on Thursday, October 25 by 9 am. See unit mailing for rules for both contests. For our Minnesota Veterans

Saturday, September 14, 2018 July 31 , 2019, Auxiliary Membership

Auxiliary leadership gathered at Waite Park Post 428 12:00 Burgers and all the sweet corn you can for the annual August Workshop. eat $5.00

1:00 Flag Retirement Ceremony

POW/MIA Recognition

An American flag will be placed for each POW/MIA individual name that we have.

There is still time to add a name: call Brian at 507.951.0852 President Mary Hendickson presided at the August Workshop in Waite Park. From left: Mary Kuperus, Sponsored by the American Legion Family of Patti Coleman, Marsha Bible, Hendrickson, Secretary Sandie Deutsch, Past President Jean Walker. Charles Cowden Post, Unit, and Squadron 184 st JUNIOR WEEKEND 2019 18 1 Ave SE. Pine Island, MN The 2019 Junior Fun Weekend was held August 3-4 at Legionville. Junior Activities Chairman Kristen Donnelly, Department President Mary Hendrickson, incoming Junior Activities Chairman Donna Arends and Department Honorary Junior President Emily Suess kicked off the weekend with over 50 Juniors and Seniors in attendance. This year the Juniors were able to use the entire Legionville facility and beach as the bog is a thing of the past.

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Also available: Housing with Services, Nursing Home, Subsidized Contact: Rent, Past Department President Donna Arends oversees a Homemaker Samantha 507-864-7714 Participants at the Junior Fun Weekend had birthday services greetings for the Minnesota Auxiliary. craft project duing Junior Fun Weekend at Legionville. or www.goodshep-rushford.org Page 20 Minnesota Legionnaire September 2019

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