The Minnesota Legionnaire Volume 102 Number 7 Veterans Strengthening America July 2020 CVSO Masks … on the double group Quilts of Valor out of Dent, Maine Twp., marks Fergus Falls fulfills 75 years orders for veterans DENT — Five thousand four hun- dred masks. Organization From a partnership between Quilts works toward of Valor and The American Legion. For veterans and staff at VA hospitals consistency and state veteran homes. All made by a dedicated group of NEW ULM — This is the 75th quilters. year of the Minnesota Association This is patriotism in action during of County Veterans Service Offi- the age of COVID-19. cers, but their plans for the big year Quilts of Valor members award were wiped out by the COVID-19 quilts to veterans “touched by war,” pandemic. but when it began in 2004, the quilts But you know how a first con- went to veterans who experienced vention takes place in the zero year? combat in the Global War on Terror. That mean the That morphed over time to GWOT MACVSO 75th veterans wounded physically or psy- convention hap- chologically. Then to any war. Then to pened last Sep- its present phrase “touched by war.” tember, in the The state coordinator for Quilts of 74th year of the Valor is Jenny Caughey, and she is Mary Ann Strauch, left, and Debra Larsen, center, remove fabric cut in the shape of facemasks from organization. one of 33 members of the Dent-based the AccuQuilt fabric cutter on June 2, while Janelle Lotzer sets the pieces on a cutting mat. “Who would group of quilters, and they call them- have thought selves Comfort for Courage. Dent is that the next about 10 miles away from Perham, and year we would the members are from around those have to cancel Greg towns. They work closely with two our gatherings Peterson other Quilts of Valor groups in the area: marking the an- Fergus Falls and Maine Township. niversary?” said MACVSO President Fergus has about 80 quilters and Greg Peterson. calls itself Caring Hearts. Maine has a Funny enough, the MACVSO little more than 20 and goes by Loving bylaws say they must have an annual Hands. meeting, and Peterson hopes that can Like many quilters, they aren’t ones be accomplished online. The bylaws to tout their story. They create and give specify voting with paper ballots, so and create and give and create and give they will have to address that aspect. some more, because the two actions The county veteran service officers make them feel good inside. It’s not help veterans, but, as a professional about getting ink in the newspaper or society, MACVSO helps the county the attention of the community. veteran service officers. Peterson But Caughey is a big advocate for said the organization is developing her dedicated volunteers and she told a a vision, with goals and objectives. brief history of the Comfort for Cour- “We want all CVSOs to operate age group of women. consistently on a core set of stan- By 2008, they had created and given dards,” Peterson said. quilts to many of the qualifying vet- For example, the Minnesota De- erans in their area. They contacted Paulette Hoebelheinrich of Fergus Falls drops off finished masks at the Dent Community Center on partment of Veteran Affairs sends Andy Riewer, whose brother, Greg, of June 2. The Quilts of Valor group in Dent gets them to The American Legion’s distribution network, Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 10 bringing them to veterans’ medical care facilities across the region. Vets organizations desire to be heard by lawmakers By Tim Engstrom congressionally chartered Veterans Affairs Committee, veterans-related legislation veterans organizations, and and Ecklund is the chairman. approved. ST. PAUL — The Min- the chairman, Paralyzed Ecklund said every veter- Dettmer said the main nesota Commanders’ Task Veterans of America Vice ans-related bill went through piece of funding the Legis- Force, a body that meets President Todd Kemery, had the House Veterans Affairs lature secured was $6.2 mil- monthly and pushes for invited House and Senate Committee, then went else- lion in COVID-19 grants for veterans-related legislation, leadership to the June 16 where to die. veterans financially impacted voiced their displeasure discussion held virtually “This whole COVID by the pandemic. (See story and frustration with lack of over Zoom. thing just upset the whole on Page 2.) Lawmakers also access to state lawmakers at Instead, District 39A Rep. apple cart,” he said. secured $250,000 for the their June meeting. Bob Dettmer, Republican The Legislature took a Medal of Honor Memorial “I’m very concerned that Rob and Legion member with five-week hiatus when the Bob outside the Veterans Service other interests will take the Ecklund Forest Lake Post 225, and pandemic restriction began Dettmer Building in St. Paul. day next year,” Robert Hart, District 3A Rep. Rob Eck- in mid-March. He said the Legislature legislative director for The American lund, DFLer and International Falls He said if there is a session in July in June approved $62.5 million in Legion Department of Minnesota, told resident whose Legion membership — and now, one is expected, as Gov. grants for small businesses impacted lawmakers on June 16. is with Crosslake Post 500, joined Tim Walz would like to see a bonding by COVID-19, of which $2.5 million The CTF is made up of nine the meeting. Both serve on the House bill passed — there is hope for getting Continued on Page 2 Page 2 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 2020 Fall Conference Official Registration Mail to: There’s Roberta Nyquist Nisswa American Legion plenty o’ P.O. Box 427 Nisswa, MN 56468 money in Registration sliding fee: Registration received by Oct. 1: $15 the COVID Registration received after Oct. 1: $20

Registration fees are for each person attending, grant fund except for Junior SAL and Junior Auxiliary members. ST. PAUL — Minnesota Please copy and send a separate form for each person Department of Veterans Affairs attending. All delegates, alternates and guests must Deputy Commissioner Brad pay the registration fee. Lindsay said veterans still can apply for grant money if they Please indicate “Fall Conference” on the memo line. have been financially impacted Please make checks payable to: Breezy Point Resort was a popular place for the rich and famous in the Roaring 20s. by COVID-19. Today, it features a convention center, three 18-hole golf courses, a boat marina, an “There’s still money avail- Nisswa Post 627 ice arena, four restaurants, four bars, cabins, condos and a resort hotel. able,” he said. “We would like to spend it by the end of the cal- Conference dates: endar year, but we’ve got it until Oct. 22-24, 2020 June 30, 2021, technically.” Fall Conference is on Lindsay said the best way for Headquarters hotel: vets to apply for the grant right Breezy Point Resort now is to see their county veteran 9252 Breezy Point Drive service officer, who then helps Breezy Point, MN 56472 for Breezy Point Resort with the forms. The MDVA also NISSWA — The 2020 Department Conven- the Legion rates. It is $110 a night for standard has a website at minnesotavet- Contact the hotel directly for your reservations: tion planned for July and the 2020 National rooms with two queen beds, two double beds eran.org/covidrelief. www.breezypointresort.com • 800-432-3777 Convention planned for August were cancelled, or one king bed with a pullout sofa. It is $149 The Minnesota Legislature, ______along with Spring Meetings, Boys State, Girls a night for suites with two double beds or a when passing the late March District Post Unit Squadron State, Legion Baseball, Legionville, Veterans king bed with a pullout. It is $149 a night for COVID-19 relief package, al- Day on the Hill and on and on and on, so it’s a a lodge apartment, too, which has two doubles located $6.2 million for veter- Name______given Legion members across Minnesota will and a pullout. ans impacted by the statewide be happy to see each other again at the 2020 There are three-bedroom and two-bed- COVID-19 shutdown. Address______Fall Conference, slated for Oct. 22-24 at Breezy room condos. People can call or email for The MDVA administers the Point Resort in Nisswa. availability. funds, and the amounts are City______State____ Zip______The Fall Conference is the Legion Family’s Online registrations are preferred by Sept. 15. $1,000 for the Disaster Relief annual school of instruction. Please see the reg- The group coordinator password is BLK253750. Grant and $3,000 for the Special Email______Phone______istration form to the left. The inquiry email is mmorris@breezypoin- Needs Grant. Participants should make their own reserva- tresort.com. The website is www.breezypoin- The first kind goes to Min- tions and should ask for Block 253750 to get tresort.com. The phone is 800-432-3777. nesota statute-qualifying veter- ans impacted financially by the pandemic. The second is a one- Veterans treatment courts would save $1.3 million in 2 years time assistance to a qualifying Continued from Page 1 veterans courts. as a pilot program started in “At this point, it seems like a the streets to safety before the veteran or surviving spouse in must go to veteran-owned It almost passed in 2019, 2008. The MDVA and CTF fishing expedition to find fault, protests and riots occurred in financial trouble, and the money businesses. Walz later signed dying in conference committee, want it all across Minnesota to find reasons not to support Minneapolis and St. Paul. goes directly to the vendor or the measure. and it has received bipartisan as a regular part of the court it,” he said. • As of the Legionnaire’s creditor, not the applicant. Dettmer said he hopes support, as well as support from system. There are zero upfront Dettmer and Ecklund sug- press time on June 26, the Lindsay said the MDVA has the Legislature can address the state Supreme Court chief costs. It merely allows judges gested new strategies, such as CTF is nailing down a time to spent $2,153,000 on the Disaster issues such as adjusting the justice and the Minnesota De- to take action. using other legislators so they meet virtually with Gov. Tim Relief side and $59,665 on the Homestead Market Value Ex- partment of Veterans Affairs. Ecklund said the bill died in can get the political gain from Walz in July and form its spe- Special Needs side. That means clusion so surviving spouses Minnesota Management and the Senate Judiciary Committee. supporting veterans legislation. cific request of him and other $3,987,335 remains, as of 3 p.m. of veterans can do a one-time Budget studied the bill and es- “I worked the senators as “Don’t bring the bills to the lawmakers for the July session. June 23, when The Minnesota transfer of property to a lesser timates it would save $1.3 mil- hard as we could. It never same old faces,” Dettmer said. The VFW’s legislative officer, Legionnaire interviewed the value, so they can live in a lion in the first two years. moved in the Senate,” he said. “I agree,” Ecklund said, “es- Tommy Johnson, said Walz deputy commissioner. more manageable home. He It allows judges to withhold He said he was over in the pecially freshmen.” promised during his campaign The MDVA has received said he wants to back veter- pleas and assign help for vet- Senate explaining it five times. They also suggested using he would meet with the veterans 4,973 applications. Its staff has ans-oriented job fairs, recruit- erans facing criminal behav- He credited Dettmer for his ef- their offices for meetings, on a quarterly basis. No meet- approved 2,153 of the Disaster ing access in college campuses ior that can be connected to forts, too. rather than the Veteran Service ings have since occurred since Relief Grants and 29 of the Spe- and initiatives to reduce vet- combat and other service-based “Maybe we need to re-eval- Building, once the COVID-19 he took office. cial Needs Grants. It has denied eran suicides. trauma. uate the bill to see where we restrictions are lifted. • The CTF is forming its 2021 249 of the Disasters and 41 of “We look to the CTF to give The American Legion passed are getting pushbacks,” Dett- They also suggested veterans legislative agenda much farther the Specials. It has requested us priorities and awareness of a resolution at the 2016 Nation- mer said. statewide call the chairman of in advance than the 2020 one, additional information on 2,145 veterans issues,” he said. al Convention in Cincinnati ap- Ecklund said no legislation the Senate Judiciary Commit- when it was done in December. Disasters and 48 Specials. proving the establishment and is ever perfect. tee: Warren Limmer of Maple This cycle, the body is hoping Processing, Lindsay said, is Veterans Restorative expansion of veteran treatment MDVA Legislative Director Grove. to solidify its platform in July down to 5.9 days. It was more Justice Act courts. Legion Posts often are Ben Johnson said legislators His phone number is and August, which gives it time than a month when the program The main piece of legislation instrumental in working with who want to appear in favor of 651-296-2159. to publicize the proposed mea- began and applications flooded the veterans organization mem- judges to help defendants with something but are really against In related news: sures through the fall and garner in as a result of the shutdown. bers said they would like to see PTSD find veteran-specific it, instead, will find fault with • Johnson and MDVA Chief statewide support. He said the staff averages get through the Legislature in treatment, too, as well as per- wording, rather than come di- of Staff Mike McElhiney re- “The CTF is starting to grow 139 decisions a day, and, at 3 July is the Veterans Restorative sonal support. rectly out opposed. The VRJA ported the MDVA was able to some legs, it seems,” said p.m. June 23, there were 188 to Justice Act, otherwise known as It has existed in 27 counties has been altered already. get 236 homeless veterans off Kemery, the chairman. process. The staff would have caught up probably by June 24 or 25. He said it then can double back on the ones where addi- County veteran service officers in rural offices know their vets tional information was sought. Continued from Page 1 a problem with a CVSO fall- Jeremy Wolfsteller works for the federal VA, usually in the the G.I. Bill or the Minnesota By comparison, MDVA out bronze star flag holders ing down on the job, address the Legion out of an office at appeals process. Military Appreciation Fund’s typically processes about 250 to CVSOs for Memorial Day. it first with the CVSO or an- the Minneapolis VA Medical He said appeals are often $500 grants to post-9/11 vets. applications for the State Sol- Brown County disperses them other one in the same office. If Center and often can get direct based on having more evidence. Seven metro-county CVSOs dier’s Assistance Program a to each Legion Post, and the nothing results, contact a county answers. (612-467-3849) He said he would rather have are utilizing the State Soldiers month. This once-in-a-lifetime Legionnaires decorate the commissioner. MACVSO and the MDVA a high-level conversation with Assistance Program more fre- help assists with finances and, graves. Nicollet County has He often explains it by using are happy to work with coun- proper documentation versus quently than rural counties, on of course, was in place before the Legion members drive to the sheriff as an example. Sher- ties on hiring CVSOs, Peter- getting it on paper and having a per-capita basis, Peterson COVID-19. Veterans apply the courthouse in St. Peter, on iffs work for the county, not for son said, to help county board the wrong form and the veteran said. through the local CVSO. the eastern edge of the county. the FBI, even though they work members choose the best person has gone home. Sometimes, the He said he knows all the Viet- Lindsay said the MDVA was That’s about 42 miles at the with the FBI. They are not the for the job, people who can do veteran lives 40 miles away, and nam veterans in his county. If able to shift resources to have farthest. feds. CVSOs are not the VA. thorough research and tackle in the winter, redoing the claim something comes out with people, from campus repre- Peterson would like veter- “For complaints, you got to challenging situations. or appeal can be tough. Agent Orange, he can mail a sentatives to the claims staff ans across the state to know go to the controlling body,” Pe- “Even Agent Orange can be “There are a lot of factors that letter to each one. He mentioned to the veterans preference of- that the CVSOs are not under terson said. “We are appointed, broad,” he said. can make rural counties difficult building a database of Navy ficer, focusing on the financial the control of MACVSO. They not hired, on four-year terms.” Peterson has been working to meet with out customers,” Blue Water veterans. assistance. are not employees of the federal The American Legion has for Brown County out of New Peterson said. “Generally, they “Our goal is 100 percent “Either you are at the ceme- or state VA departments, either. a service officer, too, if veter- Ulm for 16 years now, and now are 55 years or older.” benefits,” he said. “We make tery, a veterans home or you are They are employees of their ans aren’t finding results with and then even he encounters The younger veterans he certain these people get every processing COVID-19 grants,” respective counties. If there is their claim via the CVSO. new situations in dealing with encounters are asking about benefit they are entitled to.” he said. July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 3 Editor’s note: Many readers sent items to The Minnesota Legionnaire for this issue. They could not all fit, considering the many convention reports we print annually for the July issue, but we COBRA TIME! will aim for printing the remaining submissions in the next issue.

This is the last in-shop inspection for Cobra 327. The Cobra 327 was moved to the Veterans Memorial Park in Fairmont in late June. From left are Victor Nguyen of the Minnesota Vietnamese Association, Joseph Grove of the state of Minnesota, local liaison Steve Chase and Thomas Cao of the Minnesota Vietnamese Association. The chopper will be a central part of the Aug. 1 dedication of the veterans memorial. Endorsements Memorial Day in Albert Lea was a rainy day without wind. The ceiling was only 200 feet with low visibility, and glassy water is like a mirror, making it hard for the pilot to determine height. Pilot Jim Hanson flew over Bridge Street and Katherine Island, Post 428’s Tom Fernlund endorsed instead, minimizing the distance to touchdown. for Department commander Tom Fernlund has been commander, mem- been employed at endorsed by Silver Star Post bership director, Rex Granite Co. in 428 in Waite Park and the sergeant-at-arms and St. Cloud as a sales 6th District for Department is currently the Stra- representative for 19 Commander for the 2021- tegic Planning Com- years. 2022 year. mittee chairman. Tom and his wife, Fernlund served in the Air On the Nation- Veronica (Air Force Force from 1981 to 1992. He is al level, he serves veteran and Past 6th a 28-year honorary life member on the Media and District commander), at Waite Park and served as post Communications have been married 31 commander two terms and is Commission and is years and have two currently the adjutant. On the a 2007 graduate of Tom sons, two daughters District level, Tom served as The National Ameri- Fernlund and two grandsons. 6th District commander, adju- can Legion College. Daughter Kristen is tant, vice commander, County Fernlund is a menber of ANA- a schoolteacher, daughter Kait- Council commander, member- VICUS, Sons of the Ameri- lin is currently serving in the ship director and held several can Legion Squadron 428, Navy, son Michael is serving in chairmanships. 40/8 Voiture 415, DAV and the Minnesota Army National On the Department level, is the St. Cloud Area Metro- Guard and son Chris recently Fernlund served as vice vets Finance Officer. He has enlisted in the Air Force.

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Albert Lea Post 56 Commander Jim Olson directs the Honor Guard. Broadway Avenue and downtown Albert Lea are in the background. Order yours Albert Lea ensures tradition goes today! on despite pandemic and weather By Jim Hanson Federal Aviation Administration regulations Albert Lea Post 56 prohibit flight over “populated areas” unless a safe landing can be accomplished — except for The American Legion was founded in 1919 takeoffs or landings. I chose a lake amphibian — 101 years ago. aircraft — it can operate from land or water. Since Leo Carey Post 56 in Albert Lea was founded we were to make an intentional water landing, not that long thereafter, on Aug. 7, 1919. The Post the regulation would not apply. follows the Legion mission of aiding and honoring The ceiling and visibility were low, but better War Stories veterans — and the Memorial Day tradition of than the “one mile and clear of clouds” required Vol. 1 honoring those who died on active duty. by the FAA regulations. The landing to place the At Albert Lea, a tradition was started imme- wreath in the water was scheduled for 9 a.m. — $40 diately after World War II. The city surrounds with the Honor Guard and presenters in place War Stories Fountain Lake. Years ago, the Legion and the just before due to the rain. Vol. 2 VFW decided that an appropriate way to honor We landed at 8:59 and taxied by the Legion all servicemen was to pay tribute to those who Honor Guard and presenters precisely at 9 to drop $20 served on land, at sea or in the air by dropping the wreath in the water as “Taps” was played and War Stories a memorial wreath into Fountain Lake from an the volleys fired. We turned for takeoff, and less Vol. 3 airplane. than a minute later, landed at the airport. Albert Lea Post 56 is situated on Albert Lea’s Unlike previous years, there weren’t many $20 Broadway Avenue — right downtown — and only spectators to watch the ceremony in the rain a few hundred feet from Fountain Lake Park — — and that’s OK, considering the social re- Please cut out form, mail it in with the enclosed check and Fountain Lake. strictions and the weather. I couldn’t help but With the Post closed for the COVID-19 pan- think that many of those being honored died in Select: __ Vol. 1 __ Vol. 2 __ Vol. 3 demic, the question arose as to whether the tra- less than good conditions as well — as military ditional ceremony could be held. Because the veterans, we don’t ask for much, and take what Name: ______Memorial Day ceremony needed only two people we can get. We keep faith with our fellow at the pier in the lake, and the four-man rifle squad, veterans. Address: ______it would be easy to maintain “social distance.” I was so proud of our Legion Post — and the I’m proud of my Post. This is what the Legion mission of honoring our veterans, their families, City:______State:______ZIP: ______exists for — to honor and aid our veterans and and aid those who need help. We continued our their families. tradition of honoring fallen servicemen — a string Mail to: We would not miss this important duty! of over 70 years (and I’ve been involved in 46 The American Legion Dept. of Minnesota I am the longtime manager of the Albert Lea of them!). 20 W. 12th St. Room 300-A Municipal Airport — located only a mile and a There was no way we would miss this mission St. Paul, MN 55155-2000 half north of the lake. to honor our veterans! It’s who we are! Page 4 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 Legion leading the way in tough times ‘For God and Country …’ still important Greetings American Legion “For God and Country …” Family, Commander’s Column are the first few words of our Chaplain’s Corner Thank you to our American American Legion Preamble Legion Family for providing Mark Dvorak that we recite at the begin- Betty Jass support for all the National ning of our American Legion Guard soldiers and airmen National Commander James “This Meetings throughout America. of each other. of grace. who were deployed at various W. “Bill” Oxford issued the resolu- “To the founders of The We need to continue “The locations throughout Minnesota. following statement today: tion’s American Legion, service to doing our Enhanced Buddy founders Many items of need were “The American Legion stands place country was service to God, Checks, whether completed of The provided including food, vari- on principles and serves purpos- in The and service to God was ser- by phone, in person or partic- American ous beverages, clothing items es worldwide that are violated American vice to country, the two being ipating in “Zoom” meetings Legion or just a simple “Thank you for when justice, freedom and de- Legion’s conscience is so time- mutually inclusive.We cannot with family and friends. Our — warriors and preachers your service.” They are citizen mocracy are not applied equal- less it was reaffirmed, in full, at stand without the other.” communicating with our alike — have given us a great soldiers and airmen and deserve ly, regardless of race, color, the organization’s 99th National These words are still so im- families and friends helps us gift. Our veterans have helped our respect and gratitude for creed or class. These principles Convention in 2017. portant as we continue into the to remain strong and useful secure that gift. In every gift, doing an outstanding job! formed the foundation of the or- “Throughout its history, The second phase of our coronavi- while finding out what phase there is a responsibility.” And As we move into a new mem- ganization over a century ago, American Legion has fought to rus requirements. We still need two has in store for us. Keep “For God and Country … our bership year, I’m asking each in a very different and deeply improve racial equality not only to keep our hearts with both God in your life so you can responsibility is to take care Legionnaire, Auxiliary and divided time in U.S. society. As for veterans, but for the com- our God and country. feel God’s comfort and love of each other, even during Sons of The American Legion our nation grieves and tries to munities they serve. In 1919, member to be an active partici- reconcile the unconscionable African-American veterans of This coronavirus still holds through others. The stron- the coronavirus, and keep our pant in membership recruitment. deaths of African-American World War I were among the many mysteries to us as we ger we feel, the more we can country safe and secure. Identify a program that you citizens George Floyd, Bre- organization’s founders who bravely extend our contact help others feel that strength “Dear God, we pray that are passionate about and learn onna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, adopted a mission statement with each other in our daily too. We human beings were this coronavirus ends soon. as much as possible about this retired St. Louis Police Capt. — the Preamble to The Ameri- lives. I know I often say a created for lives of peace Please give our first line re- program and be ready to explain David Dorn, Federal Protec- can Legion Constitution — that prayer before going out to but find ourselves living in a sponders the knowledge and it to a potential new member. tive Services Officer Patrick pledges among other things get groceries or fill up my car dangerous world, and so we capabilities to find a cure I’m personally learning some- Underwood in Oakland, Califor- ‘to maintain law and order,’ with gas that God will keep my depend on the strength of God quickly. We pray that you thing new about our Legion nia, and others, The American ‘promote peace and goodwill family and me safe from harm. in our personal spiritually and keep everyone safe and our Family daily. Did you know Legion stands firm in a value on earth’ and ‘safeguard and I wear a face mask and rubber in our country, the military, to economies growing stronger that we have Auxiliary volun- it has upheld, in the form of a transmit to posterity the prin- gloves to keep both myself and resist evil and create condi- as we enter Phase two re- teers at each Minnesota Veterans national resolution, first adopted ciples of justice, freedom and my community safe. We are tions where justice and peace quirements. We ask for this Home and at the VA hospitals? 1923: democracy.’ looking at engaging and build- can thrive. in God’s name, Amen.” They have been involved with “Where the law has been ing our community and coun- From all walks of life, our Visit www.legion.org. identifying different items that WHEREAS, The fundamen- broken, justice must be served. try’s economics as we expand American Legion members are needed during these times of tal law of our country guarantees Where freedom has been denied, into Phase 2. There are still a and our communities think of Betty Jass is the chaplain for no visitation and notifying the to all peoples equal rights and it must be returned, without prej- lot of questions and fears and America as both a gift of God The American Legion Depart- proper Legion Family members equal opportunities and the right udice. Our nation has much to we need to keep taking care and that we live here is an act ment of Minnesota. to get these items delivered to to worship their God as they see consider as we continue to strive the facilities. fit; and ... toward a shared goal found in Editor’s note: We are happy to print your opinions. I received a personal letter WHEREAS, Membership the Pledge of Allegiance to our Unhappy about someone in the Legion Family? Then it from the director of the VA Hos- of The American Legion is flag: ‘with liberty and justice for makes sense to speak directly to the person first. pital in Minneapolis, Patrick J. made up of those who served all.’ All means all. Anything less Mail Call Kelly, thanking The American our country in a time of great than complete equality in the ex- sports competition, not to hear Legion for their anonymous national stress, without distinc- ecution of these values today is 2 thoughts on How to send ... or see protests or disrespect donations of masks. Items are tion as to race, color, creed or as un-American now as it was the U.S. flag to our U.S. flag or national being delivered to our Minneso- class; and ... in 1923.” Send letters for Mail anthem. The players have every ta Veterans Homes on a weekly RESOLVED, ...That we con- Two things on my mind: Calll to tengstrom@ right to protest when off the basis. sider any individual, group of The American Legion, www. Recently House Speak- mnlegion.org. Make the field and not in uniform. I be- Thank you to our Legion individuals, or organizations, legion.org, is the nation’s larg- er Nancy Pelosi presented a subject line “Mail Call” lieve that The American Legion Family Members for making a which creates, or fosters racial, est veterans service organization folded U.S. flag. While the or “Letter.” should strongly condemn any difference each day! religious or class strife among and was founded in 1919 on the man should not have died in disrespect to our flag by the our people, or which takes into four pillars of a strong national the manner that he did, he was uniform they represent their NFL and its players! Below is a statement released their own hands the enforcement defense, the care and wellbe- not a hero! team and the NFL. They are Thank you for hearing my on June 12, 2020, from our Na- of law, determination of guilt, ing of U.S. military veterans, In fact, he had a history of there and are being highly paid opinion. tional Commander James W. or infliction of punishment, to patriotic youth programs, and criminal behavior. Presenting to perform athletic competition, James Mueller “Bill” Oxford. Please take the be un-American, a menace to Americanism. a folded U.S. flag has always not to protest. USAFR (Retired) time and read his statement: our liberties, and destructive to We salute National Com- been reserved as a symbol of The fans pay to watch a Lewiston Post 90 our fundamental law; and be it mander Oxford for his timely honor to the family of some- American Legion National finally article. one who has honorably served The Minnesota Commander: Unequal RESOLVED, That we consid- For God and Country, we their country or in the case of treatment violates er such actions by any individu- continue to serve! firemen or police officers of nation’s highest values al, groups, or organizations, to service to their community. be inconsistent with the ideals Mark Dvorak is the com- The man did not deserve this Legionnaire INDIANAPOLIS, June 12, and purposes of The American mander of The American Legion action! I believe that The Amer- 2020 — American Legion Legion. Department of Minnesota. ican Legion should strongly For God and Country condemn the action of Nancy Pelosi! Official publication of The other thing on my mind The American Legion is the recent discussions at the Department of Minnesota National Football League. Drew Brees stated that every- About: The Minnesota Legionnaire (USPS 013679) one should respect the Ameri- (ISSN 01644270) is published Monthly by The American can flag. He was immediately Legion, Department of Minnesota, Room 300 A, 20 W ridiculed and forced to apolo- 12th St, , St Paul, MN 55155-2000. gize and to say that NFL play- Periodicals postage paid at St Paul, Minnesota, and ers have a right to protest. Since additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address when is respecting the U.S. flag changes to The Minnesota Legionnaire, 20 W. 12th St., controversial and something St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. that needs to be apologized for? First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Le- When I was in basic train- gionnaire, the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 100th ing and throughout my 25-year year of publication. The Legionnaire is a member of the career with the U.S. Air Force National American Legion Press Association. Reserve, it was always im- Subscription: $10 for non-members. Members re- pressed on me that when I was ceive the Legionnaire as part of their dues. wearing the uniform, I was rep- Phone: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163 resenting the U.S. Air Force and Fax: 651-291-1057 that I was not allowed to attend Email: [email protected] political events, nor should I Web: mnlegion.org voice political opinions on the Editor: Director of Communications president or other superiors and Tim Engstrom to always conduct myself in a Editor Emeritus: Al Zdon manner to bring respect and Board of Publication: President Mark Dvorak, New honor to the uniform. Prague; Vice President Don Amundson, Blue Earth; When in civilian clothes and Secretary Randy Tesdahl, Elk River; Treasurer Bill Goede, off duty, I had all of the free- Plainview; Darrel Redepenning, Fridley; Joe Bayer, Editor’s note: Cartoonist Dave Granlund donates these patriotic cartoons to The Minnesota doms of every other American. Minneapolis; Carroll Partridge, Oakdale; Paul Edwards, Legionnaire. He is a longtime member of Waconia Post 150. His cartoons are syndicated nation- The NFL should be no differ- Brainerd; Dennis Henkemeyer, Bagley; Patti Coleman, ally in newspapers nationwide.We thank and salute him for his gift and for his military service. ent. When on the field and in Circle Pines; Mary Kuperus, New London July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 5 What’s happening? veterans on both sides of the conflict and they leaped at the chance to re- will be followed, organizers say. 1001 E. Elm St., in Redwood Falls. Martin County from all across the country are expected store one. “If anyone still wants to help donate to attend, many of them chopper pilots. The dedication ceremony begins at 9 monetarily or items needed for the Veterans Memorial Five states were vying for acquisi- a.m. Aug. 1 and features a parade, VIPs, The 2nd Nest is Nest, they can be brought there that event is Aug. 1 tion of the Cobra, but hard work by the and even family members of soldiers night,” Pagel said. Martin County veterans and the state who served on this very helicopter. the 2nd’s project Country singer Connie Lee will give The big item on all calendars is the government of Minnesota brought it All U.S. military veterans are invited The American Legion Family of the guided tours and perform afterward. Aug. 1 dedication of the Martin County to Fairmont. to hang their dog tags from the dis- 2nd District of Minnesota invites all The location of the performance has Veterans Memorial. Often restoration work on military play pedestal. Dog tags are available veterans and their families to a presen- yet to be determined, Pagel said. It features the “Snake,” a Bell Cobra equipment happens out of the town for order by emailing mcvmdogtags@ tation of the District Family Project. “We hope to see everyone there,” Attack Helicopter 327 that actually where it is intended to be displayed, gmail.com. Legion 2nd District Commander he said. served in combat in Laos and Viet- but in this case, there were Minnesotans The memorial is at 507 Winnebago Brad Pagel said it will be at 5 p.m. The original Eagle’s Healing Nest nam from 1968 to 1971. Vietnam War who had experience repairing Cobras, Ave. in Fairmont. COVID-19 guidelines July 18 at the Eagle’s Healing Nest, is in Sauk Centre.

Regan, William C., 73, Army National Guard veteran Obituaries of the Vietnam era, died May 21, 2020. He was a 44-year Taps The Minnesota Legionnaire reserves the right to edit member, first at De Graff Post 362 then Benson Post 62. all obituaries for style and brevity. Rich, David, 78, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, Adamek, Donald E., Army veteran of the Vietnam era, died June 20, 2020. He was a 37-year member of Anoka died June 7, 2020. He was a member of Hutchinson Post Please send to [email protected] or in the mail to the Department of Minnesota. Post 102. 96. Rolf, David, 72, Navy veteran, died June 17, 2020. He Anderson, Jerome C. “Swede,” 80, Navy veteran of was a 32-year member of Waconia Post 150. the Vietnam era, died May 30, 2020. He was a member of 25, 2019. He was a 64-year member of Aitkin Post 86. Rustad, Gordon, 93, Navy veteran of World War II, Worthington Post 5. Hassel, Frank “Pete,” 90, Navy veteran of the Korean died March 17, 2020. He was a 68-year member of Moor- Backlin, Sigfred, 93, Army veteran of World War II and era, died April 21, 2020. He was a member of Roseville head Post 21 and lived in Edina. Korean War, stationed domestically for both, died June Post 542. Sagerhorn, Patrick J., 72, Navy veteran of Vietnam, 11, 2020. He was a member Richfield Post 435. Heida, Lambert “Bert,” 88, Army veteran during died May 26, 2020. He was a 47-year member of Fergus Berg, Harold, 100, Navy veteran of World War II, died the Korean War, died May 24, 2020. He was a 51-year Falls Post 30. May 13, 2020. He was a 30-year member of Faribault Post member of Raymond Post 420. Schmidt, Kenneth L., 77, Navy veteran of the Viet- 43. Hilgren, Larro O., 94, Army veteran of World War II, nam era, died Jan. 5, 2020. He was a 44-year member of Billmark, Roy E., 94, Merchant Marine veteran of died May 9, 2020. He was a member of Parkers Prairie Woodlake Post 556. World War II, died June 5, 2020. He was a 55-year Post 219. Schoephoerster, Norman, 97, Army veteran of World member of Milaca Post 178. Hitchcock, Richard D., 84, Army veteran of the Korean War II, died June 8, 2020. Serving in Europe, he was Boman, Arnold W., 71, Army veteran of the Vietnam era, stationed mainly in California, died March 13, 2020. awarded the Bronze Star Medal. His division was sched- War, died May 31, 2020. He served in Vietnam with the He was a member of Fergus Falls Post 30. uled to invade Japan. Instead, he paraded in the streets 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, F Troop. He was wound- Hockert, Roger J., 88, Army veteran of the Korean of Los Angeles to celebrate V-J Day. He was a 74-year ed in May 1971 and awarded a Purple Heart. He was a era, died March 22, 2020. He was a 41-year member of member of Marshall Post 113. 46-year member of Middle River Post 444. Millerville Post 527. Schumacher, Donald, Army veteran of the Korean Bombardier, Earle E., Army veteran of World War II, Hoodecheck, Robert A., 89, Army veteran of the War, died April 24, 2020. He was a member of Wanda died April 19, 2020. He was in the 101st Airborne Division Korean era, died May 28, 2020. He served two years as Post 385. and survived 10 1/2 months as a POW in Europe. He was the secretary to the commanding general of Fort Hood, Starr, Dale, 88, Army veteran of Korea, died June 9, a member of Fergus Falls Post 30. Texas. He was a member of Winona Post 9. 2020. He was a 64-year member of Hillman Post 602. Bongers, Kenneth, 76, National Guard veteran of the Hooker, Melvin, Freddie, 88, Army veteran of Korea, Swentkofske, Thomas C., 84, Marine veteran of the Vietnam era, died May 12, 2020. He was a member of died June 1, 2020. He was a 55-year member of Park Korean era, died June 2, 2020. He served in Korea, Japan, Faribault Post 43. Rapids Post 212. Panama and Puerto Rico. He was a member of Grand Briggs, Martin “Marty,” 86, Navy veteran of the Jensen, Scott K., Army National Guard veteran for 20 Rapids Post 60. Korean War, died June 12, 2020. He was an aviation elec- years, died June 7, 2020. He was a member of Winona Thoennes, Matthew J., 101, Army veteran of World trician. He was a 63-year member of Hutchinson Post 96. Post 9. War II, died June 13, 2020. He was a 39-year member of Buckingham, Lyle W., 95, Navy veteran of World War John, James “Jim,” 84, Army veteran of the Korean Millerville Post 527. II, died June 1, 2020. He served on the USS Hector (AR-7) War, died June 4, 2020. He was a 46-year member of Tobin, Michael L., 77, Army veteran of the Vietnam and at the naval base at Ulithi Atoll. He was a 40-year Marshall Post 113. era, died March 27, 2020. He served in the 101st Airborne member of Monticello Post 260. Johnson, Larry W., 71, Marine veteran of the Viet- Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He founded and Carver, Russell, 87, Army veteran of Korea era, died nam War, died April 29, 2020. He was a forward artillery coached a Legion-sponsored pellet rifle team. He was a June 2, 2020. He was a 58-year member of Faribault Post observer and called in strikes. He was a member of Spring member of Owatonna Post 77. 43. Grove Post 249. Trullinger, Gerald D., 73, Marine veteran of the Ellingson, Merle, 82, Army veteran of Vietnam, died Juetten, John, 93, Navy veteran of World War II, died Vietnam War, died June 6, 2020. He served 13 months May 30, 2020. He was a 53-year member of Fergus Falls May 2, 2020. He was the past commander and 67-year in Vietnam, then was stationed in San Diego. He was a Post 30. member of Hillman Post 602. member of Redwood Falls Post 38. Emmons Jr., Harold G., 84, Army Reserve veteran of Kamphenkel, Donald, 94, Army veteran during Korean Van Riper, Warren B., 97, Army veteran of World War the Vietnam era, died May 30, 2020. He was a member of era, died June 5, 2020. He served at the Rocky Moun- II, died May 25, 2020. He was a 31-year member of Albert Winona Post 9. tain Arsenal outside Denver, Colorado. He was a 72-year Lea Post 56. Englund, Wendell, 92, Army veteran of the Korean member of Long Prairie Post 12 and served 15 years as Vokaty, Curtis, 86, Navy veteran of the Korean War, War who served in Germany, died May 17, 2020. He was a the gambling officer and was quick to volunteer for other died May 30, 2020. He was a 49-year member of Lowry 62-year member of Evansville Post 188. jobs. Post 253. Entinger, Donald M., 87, Army veteran of the Korean Kinnan, Robert, 89, Air Force veteran of the Korean Wallner, Gerald, 79, Air Force veteran of Vietnam, War, died May 18, 2020. He was a member of New War, died March 18, 2020. He was awarded the Airman’s died June 12, 2020. He was a Legion baseball coach and Prague Post 45. Medal for saving his crew. He was a 33-year member of a Legion member for 55 years. He was a past commander Erickson, John O., 75, Army veteran of the Vietnam Crosslake Post 500. of Minneapolis Fire and Police Post 396. He was member War, wounded during his second tour, died May 14, 2020. Kvam, Lee A., 74, Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, of Marietta Post 156. He was a member of West Duluth Post 71. died June 4, 2020. He was a 33-year member of Albert Wendt, Melvin W., 93, Navy veteran of the Korean Evans, Gerald L., 92, Army veteran of Korea, died April Lea Post 56. War, died May 18, 2020. He was a 50-year member of 11, 2020. He was a 35-year member of Richfield Post 435. Labrash, Earl, 87, Army veteran of the Korean War, Fairfax Post 205. He served on the cargo ship USS Acher- Evenson, Arlin “Arly,” 88, Air Force veteran of the died April 28, 2020. He was a 30-year member of Lake nar (AKA-53). Korean era, died May 31, 2020. He was a 55-year member City Post 110. Werner, Leland “Pete,” 93, Army veteran of the of Breckenridge Post 53. Lewis, William, 82, Marine veteran of Korea, died June Korean War, died June 18, 2020. He was a 65-year Fieldsend, 86, Army veteran of Korea, died June 5, 7, 2020. He was a member of Faribault Post 43. member and he was past commander, finance officer, 2020. He was a 44-year member of Park Rapids Post 212. Lyndsley, Walter J., 82, Marine veteran of the early Drum Corps member, Honor Guard member and honor- Franta, Dennis A., 81, Army National Guard veteran of Vietnam era, died March 30, 2020. He was a 40-year ary member of Jackson Post 130. the Vietnam War, died May 30, 2020. He was a member member and past commander of Minneapolis Court- Winans, Russell L., 88, Army veteran of Korea, died of New Ulm Post 132. house Post 310. He also was a past commander of the June 2, 2020. He was a member of Park Rapids Post 212. Freitag, Jack Gary, 79, Army veteran of the Vietnam 5th District. He drove an Edina school bus for 25 years. Witte, Orland G., 85, Air Force veteran of the Korean War, died March 31, 2020. He was a 51-year member of Marquardt, 89, Army veteran of the Korean War, era, died June 14, 2020. He was stationed in Okinawa, Robbinsdale Post 251. died May 26, 2020. He was a 53-year member of Dodge Japan, as an F-86D mechanic. He was a 33-year member Friesen, David, 52, National Guard veteran, died May Center Post 384. of Brownton Post 143. 31, 2020. He was a member of Lowry Post 253. McLaughlin, Clarence, 94, Army veteran of World War Wood, David G., 85, Marine veteran of the Vietnam Gjerde, Norman, 72, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam II, died May 10, 2020. He spent a year of his enlistment War, died April 17, 2020. He served an 18-month tour in era, died June 4, 2020. He was a member of New London in occupied Japan. He was a 74-year member of Marshall Vietnam. He was a member of Redwood Falls Post 38. Post 537. Post 113. Zimmerman, Joe, 88, Army veteran of the Korean War, Green, Claude W., 86, Navy veteran of Korea, died Pettey, Marvin “Bud,” 93, Army veteran of World War died May 19, 2020. He was a 65-year member of Anoka May 19, 2020. He was a member of Long Prairie Post 12. II, died Jan. 19, 2020. He was a paratrooper. He was a 42- Post 102. Greenwood, Darcy L., 78, Army veteran of the Vietnam year member of Hillman Post 602. era, died April 27, 2020. He served in the Signal Corps in Pitzl, Raymond A., 95, Navy veteran of World War II, Department of Corrections Turkey. He was a member of La Crescent Post 595. died April 25, 2020. He served on the USS New Mexico An obituary for Ernest Hemp had an error. Here is how Gustafson, Darwin, 74, Navy veteran of the Vietnam and took part in many South Pacific battles. His ship it should appear: era and Army veteran of the Lebanon/Grenada era, died awaited Japan’s surrender while anchored off Tokyo Bay Hemp, Ernest Elmer, 78, Army veteran of the Korean June 17, 2020. He was a member of Little Falls Post 46. at the end of the war. He was a 37-year member of Rose- era, died April 2020. He was stationed at Fort Barstow, Hagman, John R., 89, Army veteran of Korea, died April ville Post 542. California. He was member of Middle River Post 444. Page 6 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 The 48-hour review is critical for Why hire a veteran? More experience service organizations to aid vets with diversity than typical college grads The American Legion’s na- “I used to work for the world’s tional commander sends Pres- most diverse employer.” All-American ident Trump a letter on behalf VA & Rehabilitation Working in private, for-prof- it businesses for most of my of veterans, service-member, Jeremy Wolfsteller Tim Engstrom families and survivors asking career, that’s a phrase I would on the president to instruct the tell people, usually to other secretary of veterans affairs to informing them they have 48 On managers in discussions about President Harry S. Truman inte- to hire maintain the 48-hour review, a hours to review their decision May 19, our work staff but occasional- grated it with Executive Order veterans. decades-old practice allowing before the claim is promulgated Sen. Joe ly with members of the public 9981 on July 26, 1948. Typi- veteran service organizations or made final. Tester of when community diversity came In 2017, 57 percent of mem- cally, mil- like the Legion to review If the VSO acting as POA Montana up. People immediately wanted bers of the military were white, itary types benefits decisions for accura- finds an error during the 48- introduced a bill called the Vet- to know the employer. 16 percent black, 16 percent don’t even bother counting up cy before those decisions are hour review they can notify the erans Claims Transparency Act. “The U.S. Army,” I replied. Hispanic. Around 4 percent the people based on skin color finalized. VA to address the error. This is This legislation will require VA But, really, I meant the entire were Asian and 6 percent were because diversity just happens As the world hunkers down a critical part of the advocacy to reinstate the 48-hour review. U.S. armed forces. My point other. throughout the armed services from life as we know it, the U.S. process that could affect a deci- This is The American usually was about embracing Back in 2004, 36 percent of without an overt effort. I like to Department of Veterans Affairs sion on a claim, whether being Legion; this is how our mem- diversity. the active military were a racial say we think in 22nd Century decides it is a great time to make granted or the level of the dis- bers make a difference. We are We lived, ate, worked, minority, and by 2017, that terms of all being on the same a drastic change in the way the ability percentage being award- a century old organization that camped, showered, relaxed number was 43 percent. His- side, and we wish the civilian agency conducts its business, ed among other issues like ret- will always ensure our veterans and partied with and fought panics are the fastest-growing world would catch up to the maybe hoping nobody notices. roactive pay, award dates and have a fair fight in the way they alongside and took orders from minority in the military. These military world and see us all as The drastic move involves the inadequate C&P exams. This are treated. people of all backgrounds across are DOD numbers. Americans. Sadly, it hasn’t. agencies collaboration with critical process has prevented For God and Country! the country. We were willing to Collegesimply.com is a web- I know, yes, the military has veteran service organizations hundreds of thousands of veter- give our lives for each other, our site that provides stats on uni- racial problems that come up allowing them to represent ans over the years from having Jeremy Wolfsteller is the brothers and sisters in arms. versities and colleges, such as from time to time, but so do uni- veterans filing for benefits. their claims denied and having Department of Minnesota As a result, I made lifelong entrance test scores, high school versities. I know mine did. I won Just to recap, veteran service to be appealed. This has also di- service officer. His email is friends of people from all over, GPAs and so on. It shares di- a Hearst Award (and a scholar- organizations like The Ameri- rectly assisted the VA prevent- [email protected]. and today I could easily travel versity figures, too. Let’s see if ship) for my student-paper cov- can Legion have trained staff ing further Board of Veterans the country without needing these colleges can top 43 percent erage of three black students. across the country to advocate Appeals backlogs. hotels, staying in homes of minority. Iowa State’s secretive kangaroo for veterans filing claims with The Minnesota American TV station people from varied ethnicities, The University of Minneso- courts removed them from lead- the VA and by law, VA recog- Legion was way ahead of the religions and talents. ta, it says, is 70 percent white ing black student organizations, nizes VSOs as a veterans’ pow- importance of the 48-hour looks into VA What do they all have in and 30 percent minorities. That pretty much because these kids er-of-attorney or representative review practice and drafted a common? They have a fricking breaks down to 4 percent black, voiced opposition to the naming KARE-11 featured an when navigating the bureaucra- resolution addressing that the sense of humor, for one. 4 percent Hispanic, 9 percent of a building. investigative segment cy of VA benefits. This great re- 48-hour review needs to be re- For two, they know how to Asian, 4 percent mixed and 9 But I think more and more about the VA forc- sponsibility comes with special worded to 48 business hours, laugh together because they percent who marked “interna- colleges and universities are ing veterans to go to privilege for POAs to be able which was passed during the care deeply. Some civilians tional.” There were some frac- seeing the value of veterans on examinations during the to effectively advocate for their 2017 National Convention in in big cities seem to act like tion percentages, such as Native their campus, and that’s a good pandemic or possibly claimant. Reno Nevada. With this resolu- robots, I swear. They have lost American or Pacific Islander and sign. lose benefits, even after This privilege grants POAs tion on file, it is The American all feelings. a smidgeon of “unknowns.” I know a veteran who works the VA also told them to access to VA’s multiple soft- Legion’s official position on the And third of all, in my ex- What’s more, at 70-30, col- at a community college in the stay home. ware programs to view vet- issue and has used this position perience, they all enjoy playing legesimply.com rates the U of M Twin Cities, and he notes that, Find it at kare11.com erans claim files as they are to lobby Congress to draft leg- cards. I think cards — the most as “medium” in terms of racial on campuses, too often the stu- under the headline being developed by the VA. islation that if past would create portable form of group enter- diversity. dents break up into clubs and “KARE 11 Investigates: Once VA has a veterans claim a law that VA would have to tainment — are a requirement My alma mater is Iowa State organizations by ethnicity and Vets penalized for miss- ready to rate, the VA contacts allow a decision review process to become a true warrior. University. Collegesimply.com don’t interact as much outside ing cancelled exams.” the POA office of jurisdiction for POAs. Colleges and universities says it is 76 percent white and 24 of classes as officials hope. strive for diversity and often percent minority. It gets a rating But when you go to the veter- market how diverse they are. of “low.” an groups on any campus, you Ooh! Aah! Look at us! Minnesota State Mankato find people of all races in the Legion membership chart as of June 24 But in reality, most of them also is 24 percent minority. same club. have nothing on the military. North Dakota State is 14 per- Hearing that, I couldn’t be The military doesn’t market cent minorities. prouder to be a veteran. its diversity. That’s because ev- Clearly, military veterans eryone is camouflage. have experienced far greater Tim Engstrom is the direc- Still, the military can be proud American diversity than your tor of communications for The of its record. It has been integrat- typical straight-to-college white American Legion Department ed longer than most of America. graduates. It’s another reason of Minnesota. Get to know American Legion Family Greetings, American Legion Family. The summer months are Legion Riders going by so fast. I hope every- one is doing OK and staying Paul Hassing sane during the madness that is going on around the country. We do some great things on much as I miss seeing all of the faces behalf of The American Legion. you can FOOD FOR MORE THAN THOUGHT in our Legion family, but it has Some of us can ride a lot, while about the given me time to slow things others can only ride a little. We American down a bit. Work is very hectic, all do what we can. Legion but most days I get to ride to Chapters shouldn’t be penal- Family. work. The ride to and from work izing people who can’t make The more you know about this lets me reflect on why I love every meeting, or every ride. great organization, the more you riding a motorcycle so much. We should all be able to enjoy will see the bigger picture. I would like to take this time life, do the best we can, and Thank you and love to all of and remind our family that we make decisions based on our you. are not an MC (Motorcycle own priorities at the time. We Club). We are a program of are all at different stages in life, Paul Hassing is the direc- the American Legion. We are and that’s what makes it such a tor of the American Legion members of the Legion Family great organization. Riders for the Department of and love riding motorcycles. I urge all of you to learn as Minnesota.

Heaven’s Table Director Greta Lintelman accepts a donation of $5,000 from Fairmont American Legion Post 36 Commander Steve Fosness. June 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 7 Air Force dominated the skies, and the the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. USS Midway moved closer offshore. She was aiming to be a teacher, but All along the DMZ, U.S. and South there were no jobs in vocational agri- Korea prepared for war. culture instruction at the time. She sold North Korean troops arrived in buses ag chemicals in Utah and Idaho instead. and, from two machine gun positions, “You have to feed yourself so I went watched the Americans fell the poplar, out and did that,” Register said. purposely leaving a 6-foot stump. It She got good at it and eventually was cut down in 1987 and a stone became the general sales manager. She monument to the two slain officers was had a stint in Texas, then back in Utah, erected. It is believed Lt. Bulldog was and she got married for a short time. killed in a 1984 firefight at the JSA. She gave birth to a boy, John. It was a frightening moment in She and John moved to Minnesota in Cold War history, but normalcy re- 1992 because her parents were living turned. Register got to return to the in Austin. Her father was a hog buyer United States. She earned the Air Force for Hormel and had moved from that Commendation Medal while in Korea. corporation’s Fremont facility to the Austin plant. he Air Force sent Register to Register started her own business in George AFB in Victorville, Cali- Austin and sought to raise John without Tfornia, out in the Mojave Desert. day care. They lived across the street The base closed in 1992 at the end of from Register’s folks. The business was the Cold War. It now is a business and named SDS — Sue Dad Son. freight airport and an aircraft boneyard. “We did anything legal and moral,” The base’s water supply was contam- she said. inated by jet fuel, benzene, pesticides Lawn mowing, landscaping, night- and other toxic chemicals. time cleaning and maintenance for “But we were drinking that all the Austin businesses. The son of SDS grew Sue Register sits in an outdoor courtyard chair at the Hastings Veterans Home, where she works as the time,” Register said. to become the Minnesota American volunteer coordinator. There, she enjoyed working on the Legion Scout of the Year in 2008 and F-4s and F-105s again. And, again, she was the national runner-up. At Austin COLD WAR got the evening shift. She was used High School, he earned All-Conference to being part of a team that strove for honors in tennis. Today, John works excellence, but, at George, the brass for US Bank in Salt Lake City, and he didn’t like that she was so good at and his wife are expecting their second making repairs. She said they told daughter. her not to perform so well so that they Register did various jobs over the She brings her could keep their staffing budgets. years, such as working at Home Depot. “I told them the goal for me was to She also went on an 18-month mis- keep our pilots alive,” she said. sion trip with the Church of Latter-day Register became part of the Active Saints to Nauvoo, Illinois. Reserve. She was based out of Hill AFB Shortly after, she got the job at the in Utah, and the Air Force would fly her Hastings Veterans Home. It was 2015, mission mindset to Seattle monthly to work on C-130s. and a friend in the VFW Military Order She found that she was competing with of the Cootie suggested she apply. civilian technicians who didn’t want “I didn’t have any of the qualifica- military members fixing the planes so tions they were looking for,” Register that civilians could get the jobs. said. “This is literally the best job for me. I am helping veterans by working to any task he got out of the Air Force in 1979 with veterans. It’s been a good run.” and went to school at Brigham In the Cooties, she is junior vice Whether it is fixing aircraft for the Air Force or coordinating SYoung University in Provo, commander for the state. She belongs Utah. She went on a church mission to to the Hastings VFW. She is active in Montana and Wyoming, too. She dou- the Zumbrota Amvets as Department needs for the Hastings Veterans Home, Sue Register is on it ble-majored in agronomy and horticul- of Minnesota first vice commander. ture, and then got her master’s degree And in addition to being in the Apple she was named Airman of the Quarter women’s volleyball team for the base By Tim Engstrom in horticulture and plant physiology at for the wing and the base. In 1975, she and for all of the military in Korea. The Continued on Page 8 HASTINGS — Who in The Ameri- was Airman of the Year for the wing, base team got to travel to other bases, can Legion in Minnesota doesn’t know base and the 8th Air Force, ending up as and the Korea team went all the way Sue? runner-up for Strategic Air Command. to the always-hot Philippines. Very few, that’s who. She even got to work on Air Force That was the same year that a tree Sue Register, 65, is the volunteer One. Well, it was one of the backup Air just about ended the Korean ceasefire. coordinator for the Hastings Veterans Force One planes. The actual designa- Register worried she might not get to Home, and she is the chaplain for Apple tion is for whichever one the president go home so soon. Valley Post 1776. She has been pictured is aboard. An 80-foot Normandy poplar tree in The Minnesota Legionnaire many blocked the line of sight between the times when members of Legion Posts n 1976, Register was sent to Cal- Bridge of No Return checkpoint and an bring donations for the Hastings Vet- ifornia for further training before observation post at the Joint Security erans Home or spend volunteer time Ibeing sent across the Pacific Area. That’s the part of the demili- there. Ocean to Osan Air Base in Korea. She tarized zone near where soldiers are Got something to donate? Or time worked on F-4 Phantoms and F-105 face-to-face and buildings are used for to spare? You go to Sue. Thunderchiefs. negotiations. The poplar had become a Right away, you can tell she was in She was damned good at her job, problem over the years. North Korean the military. But not a lot of people among the very best, and she loved soldiers once held U.S. troops at gun- know about her military years. her line of work, too. But she got point, and other Americans had to go Register committed to the Air Force passed over for promotion because of get them to bring them back safely. through the Delayed Entry Program her gender. A man got the promotion On Aug. 18, 1976, two captains Post 1776’s Sue Register used to repair the electronics on aircraft like while in high school in Fremont, Ne- instead; higher-ups thought he needed (one American, one South Korean), this one, the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter/bomber. braska, where she grew up. She joined the money because he was married. an American lieutenant and 11 en- in 1973. She also found the U.S. military in listed United Nations soldiers, with After basic training at Lackland Korea didn’t treat the Koreans with five South Korean civilians, went Air Force Base, where all airmen go much respect. It rubbed her the wrong out to trim the tree. A North Korean for basic (that is, up until COVID-19; way. lieutenant, nicknamed Lt. Bulldog, so half of recruits go to Keesler AFB “Korea was a beautiful country, and was upset when the American cap- now), she went to Keesler in Biloxi to the people are wonderful,” she said. tain continued to trim the tree despite learn her specialty in avionics, the elec- Register was in Korea for the Amer- his objections. Lt. Bulldog order the tronic systems on aircraft. She learned ican Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. She guards to attack, and they bludgeoned to fix bombing and navigation systems. and other members of the military had the American captain and lieutenant to This was the ’70s, and she found to paint everything red, white and blue. death before they could defend them- the military presence in Biloxi was Then on the July 5 they began to paint selves. The U.N. cadre dispersed the not welcomed. She recalled seeing a it all back. North Koreans. bumper sticker that read: “Clean up, “There’s your tax dollars at work,” The United Nations launched Oper- Biloxi. Kill an airman.” she said with a chuckle. ation Paul Bunyan on Aug. 21, when Register got involved in a The time in Korea was for a year, a convoy of 23 American and South drill-and-ceremony contest for the and the airmen pretty much are stuck on Korean vehicles hauling engineers and base and did well before leaving for her base for that year. She worked an eve- a security detail unexpectedly drove permanent duty station at McConnell ning shift and would make a two-mile into the JSA. They were equipped with AFB in Wichita, where she repaired walk home every night after working chainsaws and pistols. The South Ko- KC-135 Stratotankers. on the aircraft. reans also sent a special taekwondo Hastings Veterans Home volunteer coordinator Sue Register stands She became the first woman to earn Register did get off the base thanks force, and the U.S. had Cobra heli- by the sign out front. The home has 200 domiciliary beds. It was Maintenance Man of the Month. Then to her love of sports. She was on the copters overhead. Meanwhile, the converted from an old state hospital to a vets home in 1978. Page 8 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 USS Mpls St. Paul is coming soon to St. Paul The Latin motto of “Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam” translates to “I Will Find a Way or Make One.” The Minneapolis-St. Paul is among the first Freedom- class littoral combat ships to be fitted for anti-submarine warfare. ship and the crew must pass before the official commissioning ceremony. While the outer part of the ship’s hull is done, there is still a lot of work to be done to complete the inside of the ship. The shipbuilder at the Fincan- tieri Marinette Marine Shipyard is By Pat Dolan completing construction and fitting out of the ship. Fitting out includes DULUTH — On June 15, 2019, installation of the ships power plant, the future USS Minneapolis Saint engine, other machinery, installation of Paul (LCS-21) was christened by electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, fin- ship sponsor Jodi J. Greene, deputy ishing interior spaces and installation under secretary of the U.S. Navy for of all furnishings. policy, in an exciting side launch into This is much like the construction of the Menominee River at the Fincantieri a large hotel or office building where The future USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (LCS-21) was christened June 15, 2019, in an exciting side launch Marinette Marine Shipyard in Mari- you see the outside is done, but before into the Menominee River at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine Shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin. nette, Wisconsin. the building is open, a lot of interior The USS Minneapolis Saint Paul work must be completed. Once the watch stations to return and train other (LCS 21) will be one of the fastest interior and exterior of the ship is com- Minneapolis Saint Paul sailors. combat ships in the U.S. Navy. The plete and prior to commissioning, the Crew members have also engaged in ship is designed for shallow water ship undergoes builders and sea trials community outreach events to build re- missions and near-shore combat and to in Lake Michigan. This gives the ship- lationships with their future homeport defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats builder and the crew the opportunity to in Mayport, but also with the state of such as mines, quiet diesel submarines test the design, equipment, and other Minnesota. Sailors from the ship have and fast surface craft. The ship will be ship specific systems to ensure that supported local Jacksonville volunteer homeported in Mayport, Florida. they work properly and to identify any events such as building homes for in In July 2019, Duluth was identi- deficiencies that need to be corrected. need families, beautification of four fied as the port where the ship will be So what does the ship’s crew do local elementary and middle schools, commissioned. The commissioning is during the time between christening park clean ups, and volunteering at expected to take place in the spring and commissioning? the USO at Jacksonville International of 2021. USS Minneapolis Saint Paul will be airport. So why does it take so long to go from manned by 140 sailors. 107 of those Last year, crew members traveled to ship christening to commissioning? sailors are currently in Mayport, Flor- Duluth, Minnesota where they cleaned There are many milestones the ida and have been training vigorously up several outdoor paths. They also in order to be able to oper- attended the Minnesota Navy League ate the ship. Minneapolis Navy Ball in Minneapolis, a local high Saint Paul sailors will be school football game, were featured the first anti-submarine on several news sites unveiling the warfare (ASW) LCS in ships crest, and attended the Minne- Sailors from USS Minneapolis Saint Paul perform beautifications at the naval fleet. sota Gopher and Viking football games. the General Joseph Finegan Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida. ASW is the branch of In the next few months, Minneapolis underwater warfare that Saint Paul sailors will begin Crew fa- uses surface warships, miliarization training which will lead to aircraft, or other subma- Builders trials, Dock Trials, and Accep- rines to find, track, and tance trials finally to commissioning in deter, damage, or destroy Duluth next spring. enemy submarines. Sonar The Minnesota Navy League has technicians from the ship been designated as the lead for the com- attended the first LCS missioning of USS Minneapolis Saint sonar class to be taught Paul. The Commissioning Committee for the fleet in San Diego depends on sponsorships from corpo- to qualify on the ASW rations and individuals to help fulfill mission package. Other this obligation to the US Navy and the ship sailors have attended ship’s crew. Various levels of sponsor- training at the LCS Train- ship opportunities are available. ing Facility in Mayport. To donate and for more informa- Also, sailors from the tion on the Minnesota Navy League ship have gone underway Council visit our webpage at: https:// Sailors from Minneapolis Saint Paul assist the with several LCS’s to navyleaguemn.org/. USS Indianapolis with an underway. This is a support certifying events great way for sailors to get experience and for those ships but to also Pat Dolan is vice president of com- work on qualifications, all while lending a hand receive training onboard munications for the Minnesota Navy Crew members attended the Oct. 16, 2019, Minnesota Vikings game to fellow shipmates. and qualifying in their League. at US Bank Stadium. Employee: Sue Register ‘always jumps in’ and puts ‘veterans and staff first’ Continued from Page 7 from My Pillow. Register has been meeting to the residents of the home. Valley American Legion, she is a member Legionnaire Randy Olson of the COVID-19 “She works very hard to ensure that the of the Pine Island Legion Auxiliary and Committee at Fleet Farm in Owatonna to residents get maximum benefit from the the Zumbrota VFW Auxiliary. She resides pick up donations for the Hastings Veterans volunteers and the donations that are gra- in Hastings. Home. ciously given to the home,” he said. You could say she is very involved in “It really set a good precedence of step- A special MDVA newsletter that pub- the veterans community, and no one would ping up when there are no big dollars avail- lished weekly during the COVID-19 shut- dispute the observation. able,” Register said. down to mid-June featured staff members Register said the Disabled American who could nominate other staff members. egister has high praise for the Amer- Veterans is doing some transportation, too. In the May 27 issue, one of them was Sue ican Legion Auxiliary members and She said the VFW out of Austin has been Register. Secretary Sandie Deutsch for their outstanding in its support for the vets home. The kind words stated: “Sue always R And she had kind words for Darlene Wondra jumps in and finds everything everyone work during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Hastings Veterans Home, all veterans of Montgomery, The American Legion 3rd asks for! She recently helped veterans with and staff are wearing masks. District representative who operates a little their taxes and showed staff how to navi- “The Auxiliary really stepped up. We store at the home. gate the EIOR system (a state government needed masks, and we needed them now.” “She does sewing and mending — any inter-office network for purchase requests). She said The American Legion did a clothes, blankets and quilts,” Register said. She constantly puts the veterans and staff good job, too, getting a delivery network Hastings Veterans Home Administrator first and is willing to go the extra mile any Sue Register, while in the Air Force, also worked on the together and coordinating mask donations Mike Anderson said Register is dedicated time of the day or week!” Republic F-105D Thunderchief supersonic fighter-bomber. July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 9

“His exact words were, ‘I’m just not into this veteran

The Lakeville Ramp Team gathers for a photo after building a ramp for veteran Doug Dugas on June 2 in Lakeville. The group, funded by thing.’” the VFW and American Legion members in Lakeville, builds ramps for veterans in a nine-county area. By Tim Engstrom — Terry Branham, PEACETIME Lakeville Ramp Team AKEVILLE — Terry Branham’s father lost his left leg above the Lknee at 18 years old as an an- ti-aircraft gunner on the USS Downes, a Mahan-class destroyer, in the South Pacific during World War II. Meet the Lakeville In his later years, he needed a ramp Veterans and to get out to go to the VA hospital, visit people, attend church and so on. The the Metropolitan family could not afford the cost of a ramp, and young Terry was still serving Center for in the Army. Ramp Team “It was a huge regret by our family,” Independent Branham said. “Dad had this saying: This group of builders has overcome veteran discrimination Living ‘You can never have enough deck.’” Branham had a 26-year career in the and kept on building, thanks to the local VFW and Legion “It’s a new day at the MCIL,” Army, enlisting in 1967, then going to said Todd Kemery, vice president of Officer Candidate School, then Flight helicopter squadron during the Persian it,” he said. nonprofit would administer it. the Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans School. He flew Cobra helicopters in Gulf War. Branham, a Lakeville resident and “This was 2014 or 2015. They passed of America. Vietnam in 1969-70, then commanded “I would come home on leave, and member of American Legion Post 44 the bill, but there was no mechanism to Kemery said the present-day di- field artillery batteries. He command- we would build or rebuild decks for and VFW Post 210 in that south-metro apply to get funding,” Branham said. rector, Jesse Bethke Gomez, was not ed an aviation battalion in Korea in family and friends. I learned how to suburb, took a medical retirement in “So we just went our own way. The lack there when the ramps-for-veterans 1978, and he commanded an Apache work with wood from my dad and loved 2009. of support was embarrassing.” program was cut. (See story.) He learned of the St. Paul-based He coordinated with the MCIL Kemery is a Marine veteran who Metropolitan Center for Independent coordinator and the county veteran suffered a spinal-cord injury near Living’s Ramp and Home Modifica- service officers to get leads on who the end of his military stint and tion Project in 2009 when he could no needs ramps. Tee It Up for the Troops gets around these days in a wheel- longer work as a result of Agent Orange was a large donor of equipment at the chair. He is on the MCIL board of exposure. The MCIL has a program time and now the Lakeville VFW Post directors. specifically for veterans, their widows funds and manages the account that “They sought me out four years or their children who needed ramps in pays ramps and other home projects, ago,” he said. the seven-county metro area. with support from the Lakeville Amer- Kemery said what the PVA does “The pain in my lower legs was too ican Legion Post, too. for veterans the MCIL does for the intense,” Branham said. “I found if I The mission grew to nine counties, civilian world, but it, too, serves was moving around that I did much and they call themselves the Lakeville veterans. Kemery said the MCIL better, so I joined the MCIL ramp guys, Ramp Team. and Centers for Independent Living and my team finally took over when a The team has 14 people this summer; across the country have grown very double-amputee Vietnam veteran could most are men over 70 years old. Five pro-veteran. He said they are work- no longer run the teams.” are veterans and the rest are their ing with the VA Health Care System MCIL started a veterans ramp pro- friends. They get information about on medical services to vets. That gram thanks to grants and donations, who needs ramps from county veteran includes efforts to work with the then it lost the funding. A Lakeville sen- service officers and the general public. Minneapolis VA. ator and representative led the charge to The Lakeville Ramp Team builds Some of those efforts, he noted, garner state funding, and $100,000 was about eight a year. have been on hold because of appropriated. MCIL hired a coordina- “Every home is different,” Bra- COVID-19, but the desire remains. tor to manage the funds, and Branham nham said. “The height of the ramp They are working to be CARF-certi- handled creating ramp plans, submitted is different, and the way it stoops to fied in order to qualify for VA status. them for approval and funding, and the driveway is different, so I have to CARF stands for Commission on submitting photos of the finished work. design each one.” Accreditation of Rehabilitation Fa- That lasted for three years, with up He works with city officials through- cilities, and it sets standards. to 15 projects a year, and in 2012, a out the metro, and he said they are Gomez gave a response, too: “I new director took over at the MCIL, kind to veterans by waiving the build- am red, white and blue, tried and and he told Branham he would need ing-permit fees, except two cities — true.” to find funding elsewhere. Minneapolis and St. Paul. His great uncle was an Army “His exact words were, ‘I’m just not “They say, ‘We don’t give waivers paratrooper in World War II in the into this veteran thing.’” to anybody,” Branham said. Pacific and survived the Battle of The director further explained it as a They charge full price, yet inspectors Corregidor. Another great uncle risk-management decision, that some- from Minneapolis and St. Paul never served under Gen. George Patton one could get hurt and sue. come to inspect the work of the Lakev- and was wounded in Sicily. An Branham said no one has been hurt ille Ramp Team. uncle was in the Army in Korea. in all these years. He said it is another Sometimes, the need isn’t even a Two more uncles served in the case of the Twin Cities letting the veter- ramp. Sometimes, the team widens Army and another uncle in the ans down while enjoying the freedoms doorways so wheelchairs can fit, or Marines, in addition to a current they secured. add egress windows or fix restrooms. generation of family members in Four years ago, MCIL stopped de- The Lakeville Ramp Team passed the armed services. His in-laws have veloping ramps altogether, whether vet- the mark of 80 projects last year, and a military history, too. eran or civilian, after funding was lost. Branham documents them all in a big “I have a deep commitment to The nonprofit now provides guidance. book they bring to an annual New honoring veterans, notably elevat- (See sidebar on MCIL.) Year’s Eve get-together. ing in Minnesota the contributions “We keep it a nice, little family of Latino veterans,” Gomez said. ranham’s team broke off on its atmosphere, just like the military,” These days, his agency works own. They actually went to the Branham said. with an array of ramp providers. Legislature and asked for funds Know a veteran in the nine-county When anyone calls inquiring about Lakeville Ramp Team’s Terry Branham designs the ramps, like this B ramps, MCIL offers a menu of ramp where vets could apply for $3,000 metro who needs a ramp? Email one installed June 2. ramp grants — but no state agency or [email protected]. builders. Page 10 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 Quilters received a grant from the Legion Foundation to make masks Continued from Page 1 Frazee, died at age 30 while on patrol in Fallujah during the Iraq War. He was a sergeant with the Minnesota National Guard. His unit was from Bemidji. They asked Andy where the wound- ed soldiers from Minnesota go? He told them many go to Fort Knox, Kentucky. So the women sent quilts there. By January 2010, Fort Knox invit- ed the women to award the quilts in person. American Legion Post 489 in Underwood got word of the trip, and its members began raising funds so the quilters could charter a motorcoach bus. Forty quilters left in May 2010 for Kentucky with 612 quilts. They were gone five days and were hosted by Legion Posts all the way. “When I say we were escorted, hon- estly, I say the quilts were,” Caughey said. “This was never about us.” They stopped at quilt shops on the way back and got more fabric to begin making more quilts. Since then, the quilters have been to Fort Riley, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, Fort Sam Houston, Fort Bragg and back to Fort Knox. “None of this would have been pos- sible without the support we got from the Legion,” Caughey said. Mary Ann Strauch of Richville noted the quilters on the trip had to pay out Quilts of Valor State Coordinator Jenny Caughey of Perham shows a Millennium longarm quilting machine. The quilters operate out of of pocket, too. two rooms at the Dent Community Center. “We were all responsible for own The quilts are delivered via a volun- a quilt offsets any amount of anxiety hotels and any meals not provided by teer transportation network coordinat- from the battlefield, then it is worth it. the Posts,” she said. ed by Randy Olson, a Legion member Larsen said she joined because Viet- They had fun, to be sure. from Winnebago in the 2nd District nam veterans were treated poorly when Outside Fort Knox, the women and a member of the Department of they returned to the United States. Her stopped at Elizabethtown Post 113. Minnesota’s COVID-19 Committee. grandson was in Afghanistan, and she The commander told them the bar and He works with Legion members across wanted to ensure he and other military restaurant are open and they can order the state. In the Dent area, the quilters members were welcomed home. whatever they like. have turned them over to Barbknecht Strauch said she was the head chef “That’s the kind of hospitality we’ve or Paul Edwards of Nisswa Post 627. at the Perham Lakeside Golf Club on gotten from the Legion everywhere,” Edwards is the 6th District commander. Little Pine Lake. She had always been Caughey said. Jim Scott, commander of Dent Post a sewer (the dictionary’s second defi- She has stories of Nebraska, Miss- 148, also has transported masks and nition of that word is “one who sews.”) souri and other places where Legion so has KLN Brands retiree Wayne She knew many of the quilters from kindness was evident. Caughey, husband of Jenny. the golf course. Her son was in the Either they go the whole way or they Marines for six years and a daughter he Minnesota American Legion shuttle the masks to another Legion was in the Air Force for 20 years. So Foundation spearheaded the member partway, who then takes them she joined. Tendeavor of making masks. to where they are needed. Edwards Janelle Lotzer, a Comfort for Cour- Foundation President Lloyd Ricker, fitted 1,000 into the saddle bags of his age member from Vergas, said her a Vietnam veteran and former De- motorcycle by vacuum-packing them, father and stepdad were in the Army in Piles of fabric await their turn to be turned into masks. partment commander out of Dawson, Caughey said. Korea and the Legion. Her mother was told Caughey masks were needed at VA The quilters work out of two rooms in the Auxiliary. When she moved to hospitals and state veteran homes and in the Dent Community Center, a the area, she was looking to do quilting. asked if her team could make them. former elementary school. The building “I think this is something I would “I said you tell me what you need, kind of has two fronts. One side faces like to do and help give back and for- and we’ll get it done,” Caughey said. a street, and the other faces a highway. ward on,” she said. Ricker said it is a good cause. He And on the highway side, the people She likes the awarding presentation. said he learned about the quilters not dropping off materials or masks made “You really feel that heartwarming being able to present quilts because at home can use a drive-up window, feeling inside, where you present that of COVID-19 through a conversation rather than come indoors, because of quilt to someone who has given us that with NECman Bill Barbknecht of the COVID-19 restrictions. freedom.” Underwood Post. The Foundation do- “I cry at all of them,” Larsen said. nated $1,000, and the Quilts of Valor uilting has been curtailed. When “I still cry. A lot of veterans cry, too.” make masks on behalf of The American Quilts of Valor awards a quilt, A Vietnam veteran touched her heart Legion. the members wrap the veteran when he told her Quilts of Valor volun- The money purchased an AccuQuilt Q in it. teers were the first people to say thanks cutter, dyes and fabric for the effort. “It’s tough to do that from 6 feet for serving. Ricker said Posts can donate further away,” Caughey said. Early on, when a Quilts of Valor assistance, including gambling reve- Dent resident Debra Larsen, whom group begins, the volunteers want to The quilters in Dent let hardly anything go to waste. Leftover fabric nue, to Fund 85. It can help the women Caughey said is “the brains of this make sure their relatives and combat from quilting will become masks. buy more fabric for more masks. outfit,” said awarding a quilt wouldn’t veterans in the community get a quilt. Quilts of Valor created 5,400 masks be the same from far apart. After that, they pursue strangers, often as of June 22. “It holds the same meaning for them the wounded vets. No one who made those masks is or us,” she said. “You only do one or two awards and younger than 60 years old. Caughey said the quilters in Dent, the mindset shifts to gratitude for each “We’re all arthritic and farsighted,” Fergus Falls and Maine are all tight and every veteran,” Caughey said. Caughey said. “Hand-cutting 4,000 about spending money and using fabric. Vietnam vets, she said, went a gen- masks was just not going to happen. Even the small scraps get used in pil- eration without thanks, until the public This has enabled us to get the job lows given to a kennel in Detroit Lakes opinion shifted to gratitude during the done.” for training service dogs. Persian Gulf War and again after the Dent Auxiliary Unit 148 purchased “Really nothing goes to waste,” she 9/11 attacks. $300 of fabric, which went toward said. Paulette Hoebelheinrich of the about 600 or 700 masks. The rest Caughey said she became involved Fergus Falls group joined after hearing came from donations of Quilts of Valor during the post-9/11 wars. She had a Caughey speak to a quilting guild in members. bumper sticker that said “I support the 2007. She helped start the Fergus Falls The masks were donated to the five troops.” one in October 2007. She has a son Minnesota Veterans Homes (Fergus “But I wasn’t doing anything,” she with 21 years in the Army and Army Falls, Luverne, Hastings, Silver Bay said. “Support should be an action Reserve and Air Force who has served Each quilt made by Quilts of Valor show who pieced it, who quilted and Minneapolis) and four VA hospi- verb.” in the Middle East. it and who finished it, in addition to the veteran it was presented to tals (Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Fargo and So she joined Quilts of Valor. She “I’ve always been a patriotic mom,” and on which date. This quilt stands ready to be presented once the Sioux Falls). said if the small gesture of comfort of she said. COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11 The SAL Update:

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Winter, deputy commander of the 133rd Mission Support Group, listens to U.S. Air Force Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during a visit to the 133rd Airlift Wing at Fort Snelling south of Minneapolis.

Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Minnesota Commander Dave Vulcan explains what goes where to Detachment Chaplain Stu Sonnee, Vice Commander Steve Sullivan and Adjutant Dennis Henkemeyer as the four assemble SAL membership packets on June 24 at the Veteran Service Building in St. Paul. Events are returning to the calendar Greetings, American Legion Family members. It is your De- tachment Commander Dave Detachment commander Vulcan from the Sons of The Dave Vulcan American Legion here. A few things to keep in mind. We are planning on having summer long. confer- Camp-o-ree, a Fall Harvest I was able to attend a couple ences, Rally and the John Zgoda Me- of District picnics as well, and keeping morial SAL Disabled Veteran we cannot forget about the Min- up with Deer Hunt at Legionville later nesota ALR Legacy Run that I member- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sabrina Phipps, 133rd Operation Support Squadron’s aircrew this year. If you have anybody attended with the final stop at ship, and all the other things flight equipment shop, receives an elbow bump from U.S. Air Force Gen. Joseph L. who would be interested in the the Osseo/Maple Grove Post. that we need to do to support Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, at the 133rd Airlift Wing. deer hunt, please keep an eye Then off to National Conven- the programs of The American out in The Minnesota Legion- tion we went. Camporee and Legion. naire for more information in an Fall Harvest Rally in early And this will continue as we upcoming issue. Our Facebook September followed with the begin our new year. We will get page will have more information John Zgoda Memorial Dis- the job done. as we solidify plans. abled Veterans Deer Hunt late Membership packets will As I sit here and think about that month. Fall Conference in hopefully be here soon (as of the last year, it was just a year October, Pearl Harbor Rally in the time of this article being ago that I was elected has the December. January started the written) and distribution of them Detachment commander for Mid-Winter conferences, then throughout this month. your Sons of The American Sweetheart Rally in February. Thanks for all you do. Legion. It started out as a whirl- Then COVID-19 hit, just wind as we went from campout as we were about to have our Dave Vulcan is the com- (convention) right into Depart- spring conference, and every- mander of the Detachment of ment Convention, and then we thing screeched to a halt. But Minnesota for the Sons of The went from parade to parade all we’ve been busy doing phone American Legion.

Photos by Amy M. Lovgren/Air National Guard U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. George Wexler, right, 133rd Security Forces Squadron, speaks to U.S. Air Force Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, about the riot gear which was used in the civil unrest assignment in St. Paul. On June 17, Lengyel came to the 133rd Airlift Wing to personally say thank you for the work the airmen and military security guards have done during the recent state active-duty assignments. 51st annual Top Air Guard general Camp-O-Ree visits 133rd Airlift Wing 2020 is a go BRAINERD — Legionville By Anna Long do … You never know what Emergency Operations Center. and the Minnesota Sons of The bad things you stopped from Winter joined the American American Legion are planning the FORT SNELLING — The happening. In my view, that is Legion in Minnesota more than 51st annual Camp-o-ree to benefit chief of the National Guard what we bring … Thank you 10 years ago at Post 15 out of Legionville School Patrol Camp. Bureau, Gen. Joseph Lengyel, for your leadership.” Detroit Lakes and is currently a More details will follow as plan- visited the 133rd Airlift Wing Lengyel serves as the 28th member of 3M Post 599 in St. ners work out this event with the June 17 to thank and recognize chief of the National Guard Paul. He said he is thankful for circumstances the country is in. Minnesota National Guard Bureau and as a member of the comradery and support he’s Save the date: Thursday, Sept. members, including some the Joint Chiefs of Staff. received through his years of 10, to Sunday, Sept. 13. American Legion members. American Legion member membership in the Minnesota The Minnesota Guard was Lt. Col. Brian Winter was at American Legion. recently called up for state ac- the 133rd for Lengyel’s visit. “I’m proud to serve at the tive-duty to assist with COVID- Winter is currently serving in 133rd Airlift Wing and proud 19 testing and civil unrest. the Minnesota Air National to be a member of The Amer- “Thank you for your ser- Guard as deputy commander ican Legion,” he said. “The vice,” said Lengyel, addressing of the Mission Support Group 133rd serves the local commu- members of the 133rd. “Civil at the 133rd. nity, state and nation, and The unrest, working with people on During the recent activation American Legion does as well. the street — that is probably of the entire Minnesota Nation- It is truly an honor to represent one of the hardest missions we al Guard, Winter led the 133rd’s both.” Page 12 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 with him and his aide. Nine of the stops were to Vice Cmdr. posts for breakfast, lunch or dinner and were well-attend- 1st and 3rd ed with media in attendance Districts at several of the stops. Sever- al mayors were also in atten- Upon the vacancy left when dance at various locations and Mike Maxa became the Minne- thanked him for coming to sota American Legion Adjutant, their town. Commander Bill I was voted in by the Depart- was interviewed several times ment Executive Committee and by the media and articles were became Mike’s replacement as written in the local newspaper Department vice commander for talking about the mission of The the 1st and 3rd Districts. American Legion. He was also This year’s travel through the interviewed by one radio station. 1st and 3rd Districts has been It was a busy time for our inspiring. I have had a great op- national commander, and he is portunity to meet some of the a gentleman and an American best Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Patriot! Sons of the American Legion Annual reports and Riders in the State — with In March, several of us trav- eled to Washington, D.C., to special attention to the 1st and support the National American 3rd during these noted events: Legion legislative agenda. We • Department Fall divided up in teams and visited Conference to the *Convention of • Veterans Day Event with our two senators and our representatives or their aides. • 1st & 3rd District All meetings went well, and I Membership Rallies can assure you that the Legion • 1st & 3rd Membership The American Legion is listened to. Reconciliation and They often went out of their Revitalizations way to personally meet with us. • Post 1982 MN & AD We all know what happened Contact toward the middle and end of • Pearl Harbor Rally Department of Minn. March. All travel for National • Peavey Plaza Memorial *The Department Convention is canceled, making the annual reports even more important for communication officers and staff was cancelled, Dedication and we received a resolution • Mid-Winter Conference how we operate and how can Members have been appoint- from National canceling the • Sweetheart Rally Adjutant we grow our programs, let’s Commander ed and are busy having Zoom National Convention in August • National Commander What a start to my first year as think outside the box. My theme this past year was meetings planning implemen- and all National officers, Com- Visit your Adjutant. Who would have The staff at Legionville has “For Love of Country.” As a tation of both Subcommittees mittee Chairmen and Committee • Third District Oratorical thought The American Legion embraced this concept, and they Legion Family, we support the area of responsibilities. There members will remain in place Contest Department of Minnesota would are leaving no stone unturned. founding principles of our coun- are several myLegion.org train- until the National Convention • Virtual Covid-19 Meetings be forced to cancel youth pro- I was up there on June 13, and try through our “4 Pillars”: ing sessions planned and Power- in August 2021. It also recom- A standout feature in the De- grams, meetings and our annual they are walking the walk and 1. Veterans Affairs and Point training aides are available mended that states do the same. partment of Minnesota Member- convention? talking the talk. I have never Rehabilitation on mnlegion.org. Thank you The Department Executive ship Bulletin, from Bulletin 43 These were tough decisions seen Legionville look so good! 2. Children and Youth all for the amazing work you Committee voted to keep our through Bulletin 50, showing that had to be made, but it was in Please take the time to review 3. Americanism have done on these committees! Department leadership in place the 1st and 3rd District are 1 concern for the safety and health your programs and communi- 4. National Security There have been articles in the along with Committee chairmen and 2 in the State of Minnesota. of our members, our youth and cate with your committee per- We continue to make a differ- Legionnaire explaining both until the Department State Con- I would like to thank Joe the communities we live in. sons on what can we do better. ence in our communities. At all subcommittees. vention in July 2021. The DEC Tappainer, Myron Ehrich and We have found new ways to All of our committees should official meetings of The Legion Thank you all who have recommended the Districts and Wayne Hammon Jr. for hard communicate and conduct the have a “mission statement” Family, we recite our “Pream- contributed to my two proj- Posts do the same. A big thank work in leading the charge of business of our Department. The and “goals” for the 2021 year. ble to the Constitution of The ects, Wounded Warriors Guide you to all the Department, membership in their respective number of our members who If you need help the Depart- American Legion.” Every time I Service (a Minnesota nonprofit) District and Post officers who districts. have taken on tasks of training ment is here to help, we have recite our Preamble, I get a sense and Legionville. agreed to serve another year. The success of membership Posts, Districts and commit- two Zoom accounts, and we can of increased responsibility and Two important members of Your commitment and dedi- could not be accomplished with- tees how to meet virtually and help facilitate a meeting for your patriotism for my community, the full-time staff retired at the cation to our American Legion out leadership from Post mem- Zoom is now part of our daily committee. state and nation. end of December, Adjutant Family is inspiring. bership vice commanders and vocabulary. Your Department has gone Increased messaging of all Randy Tesdahl and Commu- Zoom teleconferences have the District area membership The American Legion mem- through some personnel changes the great volunteerism we are nications Director Al Zdon, increased at the Department, vice commanders — the true bers took charge and organized due to the retirements of Randy, involved in on a daily basis thank you for your many years District and Post level. Some of backbone of the total member- PPE supply deliveries to our Al and soon Laura. They are all, was emphasized through out of service to our American us continue to have almost daily ship picture. Veterans Homes, VA hospitals soon to be, missed and we wish the year. Almost each and every Legion Family. Replacing them Zoom conferences, sometimes Great job, everyone! and any organization that called them all but nothing but the best day I witnessed examples of our are Adjutant Mike Maxa and two and three in one day. All I am looking forward to the and needed help, The American in their retirement years, Lord American Legion Family in Communications Director Tim Districts have access to Zoom 2020-2021 year. Stay safe and Legion answered those calls. knows they deserve it. action. We sometimes take for Engstrom. The full-time staff Pro through their District com- stay well. Sue Register from the Hast- We have a new Communica- granted all the amazing things also gained Assistant Finance mander and are using it for Pat Logan ings Veterans home told me in tions Director, Tim Engstrom, we do and don’t take the time Liaison Rachael Hill. Welcome various meetings. Even after Districts 1 & 3 a recent phone call how proud who is doing great with our to document them. There is no all to the full-time staff! we begin having meetings in Vice Commander she is to be a part of The Amer- website and the Legionnaire. doubt that our messaging has From the end of July through person, Zoom will remain an ican Legion. She called for help Rachael Hill, replacing Laura, is gotten better and more effective the end of December, I spent effective tool to hold various and the overwhelming response in the process of absorbing Lau- with the use of various commu- time not only traveling to var- meetings. Vice Cmdr. was unbelievable and she knows ra’s 27 years of experience here nication outlets. ious Legion functions around The last couple of months, 2nd and 7th who to call in the future when at the Department. Wish them National Commander James the state, but also made three Legion Family members have help is needed. This is just a both the best of luck and help W. “Bill” Oxford’s theme is “A trips to Indianapolis, Indiana. been volunteering their time, Districts couple of examples we heard them when needed. Don’t worry, Foundation for the Future.” In The highlight of all these trips money and skills to provide of here at the Department how we still have 42 years plus of various ways, I feel, we have was to witness the commitment needed items at our Veterans My duties as a department our Legionnaires stood up to the continuity and experience at made progress building our and dedication of all I came in Homes, VA Clinics/Hospitals vice commander began with a calls, and this is our why, why the Department with Jennifer foundation. At the beginning of contact with. Visiting with many and various other institutions. quick pace attending the initial we belong! Kelley and Misty Padilla; we our membership year I asked all Legionnaires, Auxiliary mem- Legion Riders did a drive by to Department Executive Com- What is on the horizon moving will survive. District and Department leader- bers and Sons of The American honor a deceased veteran and mittee meeting and then off forward, what challenges will As for me it has been a real ship for their ideas on how best Legion members and finding out provided an escort for Minneso- to American Legion National 2021 bring us? Membership is learning experience these first to commit our time and limited all the different programs they ta National Guard Troops from Headquarters for membership one of our biggest challenges six months. I could not have resources to make a difference are volunteering for, was truly Mankato to Camp Ripley. The and leadership training. and the promotion and participa- been successful in these trying and help our posts with messag- heart-warming. I am happy to troops will be deploying to the On Sept. 14, I had the privi- tion of our programs in Children times without the great support ing and growth. report that all evening post func- Horn of Africa. Simply amaz- lege of representing Commander & Youth, Americanism, Veteran from The American Legion Two items that most were tions that I attended were packed ing what the Legion Family has Mark Dvorak at the membership Affairs and Rehabilitation, and Family Department of Minne- concerned with was 1. Training with Legion Family members! accomplished this past year and dinner and program for Elbow a Strong National Defense after sota and my staff. 2. Easier Access to Information. January and February were at times under incredibly chal- Lake Post 321 in the 7th District. these events were canceled is In closing, we are your De- An ad hoc committee was ap- the District conferences and our lenging circumstances. It was Just five days later, I again had added to the list of challenges. partment here to serve you and pointed to research and plan the National Commander’s Tour. I truly an honor and privilege the privilege to be in Lewisville Now is the perfect time to assist with the running of the opening of a Minnesota Legion was able to attend most of the to work with all the amazing in the 2nd District. review all our programs and programs, the business, and the College. conferences and listen to all Legion Family members this In November, I attended the fine tune them to make the pro- glue of The American Legion At the March Department the good things being accom- past year and look forward to Pheasant Dinner at the Luverne grams better and bigger. We now Department of Minnesota. Executive Committee meet- plished. Mid-February Nation- working with all of you in the Veterans Home, and I was there have the time with no pressure Thanks ing, a resolution was approved al Commander James W. “Bill” future. again on March 5 for the annual of running these programs, due For God & Country. to appoint a Training Commit- Oxford came to Minnesota and Venison Dinner. to everything being canceled, to tee, with two subcommittees, made 11 stops. Adjutant Mike Mark Dvorak As a county veterans service take a hard look at how can we Mike Maxa Minnesota Legion College and Maxa, Communication Direc- Department Commander officer in southwest Minnesota, I improve. We need to review Department Adjutant MyLegion.org. tor Tim Engstrom, Membership get invited to these events at the Director Sy Fix and I traveled Continued on Page 13 July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 13 Continued from Page 12 to come to a halt. and publications was going to and CDs are laddered between able to accompany them in the National Commander Dan Luverne Veterans Home every But that’s not The American give me a chance to let them one and five years. The stocks hospital these health profession- Ludwig, as he has been very year. For this year, however, Legion I know. Working with know how I felt we could grow are diversified between large, als provided witness to their last helpful. my attendance was special as Jennifer Havlick in Two Har- The American Legion. medium and small companies words as they held their hands I really enjoyed the Fall I was dressed in suit and tie to bors – virtual conferences over I want to thank Command- with a heavier weighting toward or shared that final moment via NEC meetings in Indianapolis. again represent the commander. Zoom became the way to keep er Mark Dvorak, Membership large companies. Interest paid Facetime to the families. Dear We arrived on a Saturday and I missed the 7th District Con- in touch. I started a weekly 4th Director Sy Fix and Adjutant out of the Department checking God, thank you for our health left on Thursday. It was a real vention in Balaton this year to and 5th District meeting for all Randy Tesdahl for all they did account June 1, 2019 and May care professionals. eye-opener. perform military honors for a who wished to attend to keep our putting that trip together. I want 31, 2020 totaled $56,792.60. I see people struggle with the We made the trip to D.C. for veteran and fellow Post member members on top of the seeming- to thank the other vice com- Again, thank you for allowing things they had no control over the Washington Conference. gone to Post Everlasting. ly daily-changing “What Now?” manders for making it a great me to serve as your Department such as lost jobs, family sepa- We met with our senators and The 2nd District Convention updates. time. It was all I wanted it to treasurer, and I look forward to ration and feeding their fami- congresspeople. We were fortu- in Sleepy Eye was a fun and With the generous help of be. Everyone I encountered was serving you in the future. lies to the power of those who nate enough to be able to visit informative event attended by our Department Membership ready to get their information took control over and changed the grave site of General Lewis Commander Dvorak, NEC Man Director Sy Fix, every district across but give me the time to William B. Goede what they could by making face Blaine Hershey at Arlington Bill Barbnecht and NEC Alt now has a Zoom account, free present my views. What I found Department Treasurer masks for their neighbors and National Cemetery. General Peggy Moon, as well as many to use for virtual meetings and was they had really been work- hospitals. They made deliveries Hershey was the second and other high office of responsibil- conferences for a year. ing hard to evaluate what we had of food, personal and household longest-serving director of Se- ity holders of the Department Two memorable recent events been doing and what we needed Chaplain products to those without. Our lective Service (the first only included the 4th and 5th Dis- to try different to go forward for veterans not only took care of served a few months) and the and District Legion, Auxiliary, Thank you, God! SAL and Riders. trict donating $600 ($300 each) another successful 100 years of enhanced Buddy Checks but first director of ANAVICUS. It worth of masks to our local Vet- The American Legion. It’s been a busy year since I provided extra serenity in our was followed by a tour of the As always at all events, the have become our Department food was great and there was erans Home and the 4th District After returning to Minnesota communities. Thank you, God, Selective Service headquar- donating more than $600 worth it was of course first getting to of Minnesota chaplain. I have for providing those heroes. ters. When we got home on always plenty of it. Conversa- had an opportunity to provide tion, camaraderie and fun cou- of goodies (kind of a cross be- know the officers of the districts “For God and Country …” Wednesday, everything at the tween “nice to have” and ne- I would be working with, seeing spiritual guidance for an amaz- is why we exist. Amen. U.S. Capitol shut down due to pled with a sense of purpose ing group of veterans and share have always been the order of cessities) to our National Guard what I could do to help them get the pandemic. troops, recently called up for their year started especially the many special events in their Betty Jass Thanks also to our Adjutant the day for the Posts I visited lives. Even though our daily and the Legionnaires and veter- duty to assist law enforcement task of doing membership. Department Chaplain Mike Maxa and Commander personnel. For years as adjutant for my mission is taking care of our Mark Dvorak. We have been ans I met as a Department vice veterans’ families, it has taken commander. We delivered them to the post and the district I had wanted able to have several Zoom American Legion Riders at Post to get everyone to “want to do on extra meaning as we have Historian meetings. Since early March of this made major life adjustments in year, the 2nd and 7th Districts, 98 in St. Paul Park. Wow! That membership” especially using The National Headquarters felt really good! the tools that Department and our lives because of COVID-19. It’s been an “interesting” year and I have had many conference the Department, the entire Thank you, God, and everyone serving as your Department his- American Legion organization I want to thank all those who National had provided. That was calls and many emails. assisted (and taught) me during the major theme at the Nation- for their support of each other. torian and the upcoming year I look forward to many travels and I have been thrust into the Through this year we have doesn’t promise to be any less 21st century of communication the year, and I’m ready (not!) to al Membership Workshop. I put this fall. We will be having a put in another stellar year for together a PowerPoint presen- unified even more on our goals interesting. fall NEC meeting in Indianap- and technology in response to with God’s guidance. We have The year started off as any the COVID-19 pandemic. I, Commander Mark and our entire tation and held a class. I admit olis in October. It has been good Legion Family. I had two much information for expressed an interest in ex- other, at the Department Con- to have Donna Arends along as perhaps as many Legionnaires, panding our faith in God as we vention with incoming De- need to force myself to become one session, but it went well. she has been a lifesaver. Teresa Ash I was hoping the commander search for more meaningful partment Commander Mark A big thank you to Al Zdon more proficient in communica- ways to help our veterans and Dvorak taking the helm from tion and attending meetings etc. Districts 4 & 5 would need me to stand in for and Randy Tesdahl for all their Vice Commander him at a few events because he their communities. In our unity outgoing Department Com- help in the past. Along with utilizing Zoom, webinars, Face- we have become the strength of mander Darrel Redepenning in book, twitter, snapchat and all would be asked to interface with all the office staff and Jeremy 10 Districts and 554 Posts during the communities we serve and beautiful Willmar. We contin- Wolfsteller and Heather Larson, social media avenues. the veterans we help care for. ued with the “usual” National Our fellow Legionnaires and Vice Cmdr. his year, and, of course, he is a as well. member of every committee. I Our team continues to evolve Convention, Fall Conference, If I can ever be of any help all Legion Family members 6th and 9th in its mission as the needs in District Mid-Winters, assorted have been cordial, energetic have to say I had a great time please call me at 218-770-6264. bringing Commander Dvor- our veteran community changes. Post events. Be safe, be careful and speak and committed to forwarding Districts Thank you, God, for providing Then it was the National membership and the principles ak’s message to the following the truth. The 2019-2020 year has been events: September: Dedication our knowledgeable leadership. Commander’s Tour, and it was of The American Legion. We have ridden our motor- shortly after that the wheels This year has truly been a year one that I won’t forget. of the new Veterans Cemetery Bill Barbknecht The year started out very busy in Duluth. October: Legionville cycles as we collected funds, started coming off — but The National Executive of honor, respect, friendship and new appreciation, and good- American Legion must carry on enthusiasm. with a lot of travel both in the Deer Hunt, North St. Paul Park Committeeman 6th and the 9th, and a few others of Monuments, Brainard Post will for the children of veter- its business of supporting vet- ans who were either killed in erans, our communities, state Bill Brockberg outside of the Districts. Every Early Bird Dinner, and in No- trip (some short, some long) to vember: St. Cloud VA Medical action after 9-11 or receiving a and nation — and so we did. Judge Advocate Districts 2 & 7 disability rating of 50 percent (Er, do!) Vice Commander the different Posts and Veterans Center. Homes was gratifying as I got I want to thank everyone of or higher for their injuries. Our I will have quite a truckload My primary duty is to the De- to meet a lot of great members the 8th and 10th Districts for spirits were lifted as our 10-year of photos, for the first Depart- partment Executive Committee Vice Cmdr. of the American Legion Family your support and your hard work Legacy Scholarship Fund pro- ment of Minnesota commander and to the Department com- and hear about all the great and I am ready to work one more ceeds of over $1 million without to serve a two-year term, when mander. Since Jan. 1, 44 per- 4th and 5th things that are going on within year to finish many of the things any accidents through all kinds we finally wrap this baby up in cent of my communication has their communities. we have started. of weather. Thank you, God, for 2021. If anyone has any pic- been with either the Department Districts Representing the 6th and 9th these dedicated Legion Riders. tures they would like me to use, commander or the Department as a Department vice command- Robert Locker I have seen our fellow Amer- please feel free to email them to adjutant. Major projects I have It’s been quite a year. ican Legion members stand me at [email protected] worked on include summariz- And just when I thought it er was a great honor, and I look Districts 6 & 9 forward to serving another year Vice Commander beside a veteran and their (and include event, names and ing the governor’s emergency was coming to an end, I hear family while the veteran strug- dates) or just let me know where executive orders and addressing shouts of “One more time!” (due to the COVID-19 situa- tion). The last four months of gled through PTSD issues and to find them online. a variety of COVID-19 issues. Being the Department vice was on the verge of Suicide. Thankfully, with Facebook, I have advised and assisted commander for the 4th and 5th the year created some new chal- Treasurer lenges due to the coronavirus, No judgments, no time mon- I can ITALICS appropriate our baseball program, Legion- Districts was a real honor and I As treasurer, I serve on the itored, strong encouragement photos of the commander at ville, Boys and Girls State and enjoyed (almost) every minute! and as we look to the future, I believe these changes (change Department Finance Commit- and prayers were all that were events I can’t attend — thanks the SAL. This year I have not Together with help from tee, Minnesota Legionnaire, and shared. I have also stood at the to both the commander and the had a lot of communication with members of the Legion Family, is good) will be significant for the Department of Minnesota. the Legionville Board Directors. grave site comforting a family first lady, Linda, for keeping up them, but there has been signif- we accomplished a great deal It has been my pleasure to serve as they said their final good- on that particular social media. icant time devoted to several of during the year. After attending I want to thank Commander Mark Dvorak for allowing me as your Department treasurer. byes to their Fallen Hero. Thank Thanks also to our new director their issues. the annual membership work- The treasurer is charged with you, God, for their courage and of communications, Tim Eng- I have advised and assisted shop in Indianapolis, I returned to represent the Department of Minnesota at various events. the responsibility and adminis- strength. strom, who is doing a real bang- our department officers. In 2020, to Minnesota energized and tration of all Department funds Many of our communities up job and contributing photos. 18 percent of my communica- ready to change the world (2 Tim Haugen and related financial affairs with were unable to given honors to Thank you for allowing me to tion has been with them. I have Districts at a time). direct responsibility to the De- their fallen heroes on Memorial serve as your Department histo- had several communications Much of the year included Districts 6 & 9 Vice Commander partment Executive Committee. Day as we continued our social rian (so much so you voted me with our department service the usual duties of attending the Some of the duties include the distancing. For those commu- in for a second term; lucky me). officer as well as our - depart monthly meetings and events of overseeing accounting princi- nities that were able to provide ment historian. I have also had the 4th and 5th District, helping Vice Cmdr. ples and financial processes of these honors, they were given Mike Ash the chance to work with one posts in need, visiting the Min- the Department Headquarters, with limited participation be- Department Historian department vice commander to neapolis Veterans Home, Fall 8th and 10th assisting the Department finance cause of COVID-19 we also address several different legal Conference, Pheasant Dinners liaison, analyzing and prescrib- found out that we are still their issues at a post with particularly and generally representing our Districts ing financial reports and invest- Memory Keepers every time NEC Man difficult problems. outstanding Commander Mark ing the assets of the Department. we tell their story and we keep In 2020, I have devoted about Dvorak at various events. I have to say that even at my As this being my first year as advanced age I was very eager The following is a overview picture of them in our homes 13 percent of my communica- One standout event was of the Department’s invest- and posts. Thank you, God, for your National Executive Com- tion to Posts and Districts. I still speaking at the dedication of the to serve as a Department vice mittee man, I would like to say commander for The American ments between June 1, 2019 our Memory Keepers. cannot give legal advice to Posts new 5th District Patrick Novack and May 31, 2020. The current I’ve witnessed families who thanks to our NEC alternative, regarding Post businesses such Post 5222 in Minneapolis in No- Legion. Right away, knowing Peggy Moon. Peggy and I have I would get to go to Indianap- allocation is 72 percent bond have lost a member of their as a bar or a restaurant. Howev- vember. With the Mid-Winters and 28 percent stocks. Bonds family to COVID-19 and not done a lot of traveling together er, our Department adjutant has done, the world turned upside olis and work with many of to Mid-Winter membership ral- the people, I have for many in the account are primarily be able to be with them they urged me to assist Posts with down. With the outbreak of high-grade corporate bonds and breathed their last breath. As the lies and dinners. organizational issues such as Covid-19, everything seemed years interfaced with indirect- A big thank you to Past ly through articles, conventions FIDC insured CDs. The bonds family struggled with not being Continued on Page 14 Page 14 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 Continued from Page 13 American Legion Consolidated donations have been received learn from the very basic intro to her help with the contest and all I encourage everyone to nonprofit corporation questions Post Report. There were approx- from the 1st, 7th and 8th dis- the sport, learning all three posi- the people who were able to help watch for pedestrians, bicy- or bylaws problems. imately 335 CPR’s submitted tricts so far this year. tions, and all have competed in with all aspects of the contest. A clists, motorcycles and, yes, A fair amount of communi- in 2019, equating to 61 percent Congratulations to Blake many local matches. The young very special thanks to President farm equipment. cation with outside entities or submittal. We have continued Madison from Troop 32 in shooters have learned the sport Mary Hendrickson and Com- I remind everyone too of the individuals has occurred as well. to track the submittals of the Adrian who is our Minnesota very quickly and have found mander Mark Dvorak for their need for safety on the water and The National judge advocate CPR and have recorded the American Legion Eagle Scout their places on the podium in attendance and encouragement on recreational vehicles. We are and I have exchanged emails on information that is submitted of the Year for 2020. Please read their respective ages class (sub- to the kids. Many thanks to the known for our outdoors activ- several subjects. In addition, I under the Americansim category the May issue of “The Minne- jr)- twice they have swept the Toastmasters for their impartial ities. I encourage everyone to have had communication with of the CPR. This Americanism sota Legionnaire” for Blake’s podium with first, second and judging. It really makes a world think safety first. Nothing takes the Charities Division of the information is then transmitted biography for his Eagle Scout third place finishes! Their prog- of difference for the contestants. the joy out an activity as much Minnesota Attorney General’s to the various Americanism of the Year award. He is a very ress has been amazing, and I am Thank You, Osseo Post 172, as would an injury or death Office, a federal prisoner who is Subcommittees and to the re- deserving Scout. very excited to see them next for helping. Maybe next year at an activity designed to be a veteran, a law school professor spective District Americanism Once again, thank you, one season as their skills increase we will have a better turnout. enjoyable. and a retired judge. chairpersons. and all, for supporting Scout- even further! Thank you, Anoka Post 102, for Safety is not just for our 2020 has been a tough year, The CPRs submitted indicat- ing in all its programs to ad- • Gavin Barnick has been all your help. youth. I encourage Posts to but we will get through it. An ed the total support for the fol- vance the cause of freedom on an Olympic path for over a Thank you to Jennifer Kelley invite your district State Patrol emerging issue that could affect lowing Americanism programs: and its dedication to 100 percent year. He has trained with former and the staff for all their behind- safety officer to a meeting to us all is whether the governor Boys State Support, $93,978 Americanism. Olympians and traveled to many the-scenes work. Thank you to present a program on this and has exceeded his authority re- Legacy Scholarship Support, ranges throughout the US to Tim Engstrom for his pictures other issues. Fire, police and garding the public health crisis. $74,610 Tom Hallett hone his skills. He is currently in and interviews. Thank You, other safety program profession- I will keep the Department ad- Legion Baseball Involvement Chairman seventh place in the Nation (not Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons als are available most times just vised on that one. & Support, $624,497 as a junior but OVERALL) in of The American Legion and for the asking. I encourage you Other Sports Involvement & men’s smallbore. He was added Legion Riders for all your help. to use them. Every community This year I have had the assis- Support, $152,427 tance of some great people such Community to the national team and had has its own safety concerns. I Assistance to Local Schools, planned to compete in the World Cliff Newman encourage Legionnaires to iden- as our past National commander $29,540 Service whose counsel and advice are Boy Scouts Support, $148,917 Cup in India, but the event was Chairman tify these areas of concern and always top-notch. And while we Oratorical Contest Support, The deadline for the Com- cancelled due to COVID-19. implement programs of safety have been going through some $26,500 munity Service Contest has Gavin is sitting well heading education. I am aware of many extraordinary challenges, let’s American Legion Education been extended to July 15, due into the final competition for Safety Patrol posts that are hosting safety not forget that Mike Maxa has Week Support, $61,658 to COVID-19 shutdown. the final two Olympic team programs and networking with Scholarship Involvement & spots — however, this event The Minnesota Twins, due to other groups to provide safety been in the thick of it and he’s Please take this time to submit the COVID-19 virus, have not still in the first year of his new Support, $299,640 has also been postponed until training in many areas. Let’s all Memorial Day Activities, your reports. Thank you. yet played this year. Hopefully job as Department adjutant. It the COVID-19 orders clear up. think safety. 319 Posts • Alumni news: At the NCAA part of the season will be able has been a privilege to serve Veterans Day Activities, Thomas Clabo Level, this year found three of to be played. Jim Blakesley with these great people and 290 Posts Chairman The Legionville Safety all of you as members of The Community Service Support, our former juniors at the NCAA Chairman Championship! Abby Buesseler School Patrol Center is a valu- American Legion. 129,819 Hours able part of the Safety and Community Service Monetary Junior with Ole Miss qualified as an Support, $545,283 individual in smallbore. Her School Patrol Program. It is Armed Forces Greg Colby the only facility ever developed Department Judge Advocate Shooting Sports Involvement Shooting sister Dana Buesseler qualified & Support, $24,058 with her Murray State team. for this purpose. The COVID-19 Service Center • At the CMP State Match event has caused the center to Congratulations to all the De- Samantha Peterson and Eliza- A significant event occurred partment of Minnesota Ameri- in January, the precision team beth Ewert’s Nebraska Huskers cancel camp this year. The board Americanism qualified for the CMP Regional has done much to improve the on Nov. 8, 2019. The Armed can Legion Posts that submitted team were also in attendance! Forces Service Center (AFSC) I would like to thank Depart- Championship in Camp Perry, facility during this time. the Consolidated Post Report Unfortunately, the NCAA had moved into new, modern, and ment Commander Mark Dvorak Ohio, Regionals, which was The Department of Public and a thank you for their support to make the decision to end the expanded facility at Terminal for allowing me to serve as the cancelled due to COVID-19. Safety’s State Fire Marshal of the Americanism programs. championship match due to 1 (Lindberg Terminal) of the Americanism chairman for The • American Legion Postal Division reports that 42 people Americanism is an unfailing COVID-19 before it was able to Minneapolis-St Paul Interna- American Legion, Department Round precision team won died in fires in Minnesota last love of country, loyalty to its in- start. All the athletes and teams tional Airport. of Minnesota. first place in the state and Gavin year. That marks a 14 percent stitutions and ideals, eagerness had traveled to Kentucky and This move culminated a year- I would also like to thank my Barnick finished first state -in increase from the previous year. to defend it against all enemies, were all there and had already plus of joint effort by Alliance Americanism Committee mem- dividual. The precision team The leading cause of fire individual allegiance to the flag, practiced together. The match Architecture, Metropolitan Air- bers Larry Pocrnich and Tess also earned a second round set deaths in each of these years and a desire to secure the bless- was scheduled to begin the next port Commission, construction Davis, for their able assistance of postal targets for finishing was careless smoking. ings of liberty to ourselves and morning when the NCAA had workers and management, MIN- during the past year. top 10 in the nation. Two Indi- About 67 percent of the our posterity. made the decision to cancel NCOR and the staff and volun- I would lastly like to thank viduals, Allison Buesseler and people killed in 2019 were over Our forefathers laid the foun- the event. Very unfortunate for teers of the AFSC. the Americanism Subcommit- Nathan Engman earned a second the age of 50, and there weren’t dation for a civilization that is these fine athletes. Awards for Many people and groups tee Chairpersons and their as- round of targets for finishing top any working smoke alarms in the envy of the world. It has their season performance were helped fund the relocation. sistants for their dedication and 100 in the nation. This second 12 percent of the homes where brought us greater spiritual still mailed to them, and I am Some of the larger donors hard work over the past year. round was cancelled mid-match people were killed. and material wealth than any proud to say Abby Buesseler were Delta Airlines, American They are: Boys State Kyle Oldre and so was the National match The numbers will be con- people has ever known. This is was named to the NRA’s All Legion Post 1 from Minneapo- and Lee Tallakson, Commu- due to COVID-19. firmed later in 2020, after hos- our heritage. American list (top 10 in the lis, American Legion Post 1776 nity Service Thomas Clabo, • The precision team quali- pitals in the state report the last nation)! Congrats to all! from Apple Valley, Tee It Up for Education Don Skow, Junior fied in December for the U.S. of their data to the Minnesota Art Tobkin Anyone interested in starting the Troops and a grant from the Shooting Sports Jared Sturgill, Army National Championship Department of Health. Chairman a Junior Shooting club, contact state of Minnesota. An in-kind Boy Scouts Tom Hallett, Ora- at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Authorities are remind- me and I will assist you. donation of all of the plumbing torical Cliff Newman and Linda three-day national match took ing Minnesotans to not leave fixtures was made by the family Dvorak, Safety and School place at the end of January their space heaters, candles, or Boy Scouts Jared Sturgill of the AFSC founder. Patrol James Blakesley, Youth before the COVID-19 orders food cooking on the stovetop Chairman The Grand Opening Cere- Cadet Law Enforcement Larry I first want to thank Depart- were in place and the team unattended. mony occurred later in 2019. Ryan and the District Ameri- ment Commander Mark Dvorak ended up finishing 13 overall. There are many little things Among the many dignitaries canism Chairpersons. Please for reappointing me as the De- Gavin Barnick made the finals we can do to prevent a devastat- Oratorical present was Michael Ash, who see the individual committee partment of Minnesota Boy for smallbore as well as air rifle ing fire from happening in our represented the Department of reports for further information Scouts chairman. I next want to finishing 7th and 3rd overall. Contest homes. It is important to prac- Minnesota. Mike was a longtime concerning these Americanism thank all 10 District Boy Scouts • The Junior Olympic Quali- tice fire prevention and safety The Oratorical Contest of volunteer and a past president of Subcommittees. chairmen for their support and fier took place the first weekend every day. 2020 took place on Feb. 29 at the the AFSC Board of Directors. The Department American- dedication to the Boy Scouts pro- in February at St. Thomas Acad- Officials recommend that Anoka American Legion. Due Before having to temporari- ism Committee met at the 2019 grams. They have been outstand- emy. The results were amazing homeowners test their smoke to illness and nerves, there were ly close due to COVID-19, The Fall Conference in Mahnomen. ing with their help and knowl- as we had five individuals quali- and carbon monoxide alarms only six contestants. Unfortu- AFSC had nearly doubled the The Americanism Committee; edge; we make a great team. fy! For smallbore, Alison Bues- monthly, and also create a nately only seven Districts had number of guests using it every the chairpersons and the rep- Your Post’s support of your seler, Gavin Barnick, Nathan family escape plan in the event contestants with one contestant month in comparison with pre- resentatives from Boy Scouts, local Scout packs, troops and Engman auto qualified. Then for of an emergency. falling ill before the semifinals. vious years. We believe factors Community Service, Education, councils is also greatly appreci- air rifle, Allison, Juliana Hays, Preliminary numbers show The decision was made to have that help us serve more troops Oratorical, Safety and School ated. From its birth, The Amer- Gavin, Nathan, and Tanner 364 people have been killed in the semifinals and final contest are being on the secure side of Program, National Americanism ican Legion has supported the Barth all auto-qualified. They traffic crashes in 2019,- com at Anoka. the airport, the new furniture, Commission, and six District wonderful Scouting youth pro- all will be attending the Junior pared with 381 last year. Jordan’s Jamie Jablon- and layout of the new facilities Americanism chairpersons at- grams with both volunteers and Olympics at the Olympic Train- Of the 364 fatalities: 27 sky, 12th-grader from the 3rd which are designed to serve tended the meeting. financial assistance. Additional ing center in Colorado Springs, people died in distracted driv- District, was the Department both military families and in- The Scholarship Selection thanks go to all the Posts that Co. This championship was to ing-related crashes, 71 people winner. Crosby-Ironton’s Jas- dividuals. The new space which Committee, due to the coro- have donated to the Department take place in April but has been died in speed-related crashes, mine Siliznoff, 10th-grader from MAC provide for the AFSC is navirus situation, met in June Boy Scout Council Assistance postponed until fall 2020 due to 102 people died in alcohol-re- the 6th District, was second. St. nearly double the previous 2020, but after the Legionnaire Fund 81. COVID-19. lated crashes, 72 people died Paul’s James Hanley, 10th-grad- space. While the AFSC had a deadline. There will be three The fund’s status as of May • The precision team au- who were unbelted, 235 were er from 4th District, was third. few issues to work with after Minnesota Legionnaire Insur- 31 stood at $58,379.30. Please to-qualified at the CMP JO State men, 129 were women, 50 were Dover-Eyota’s Alexus Heins, the opening ceremony, MAC ance Trust scholarships, and make a contribution to this fund Match held at Anoka Post 102 pedestrians, 11 were bicyclists, 11th-grader from the 1st Dis- (including all the workers, man- six American Legion Memorial each year because we are striv- in February, This qualification 44 were motorcyclist. trict, was fourth. It would be agers and the top brass) has been scholarships awarded and will ing to raise additional interest in is for the CMP National Cham- 27,975 motorists were ar- awesome to see these students there to help us get everything be in the August issue. order to give more than a yearly pionship planned for July 2020. rested for DWI in 2019 (Jan- return next year. resolved. The Americanism Commit- donation of $1,000 to a Min- • The Sporter team this year uary-December), compared I thank Linda Dvorak (Ora- The temporary closure has, tee continues to promote the nesota Scout council project. had seven young athletes all new with 26,825 in 2018. That’s a torical vice chairwoman) for all increased submittal of The Current records show that no comers to the sport. They had to 4.2 percent increase. Continued on Page 15 July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 15 Continued from Page 14 1st Place: Princeton Post 216 approval, we have assigned through (June 15th, 2020) can and the last couple of years, this fine service. They are truly the however, not stopped the meet- 2,784 units them the 2022 convention. As be seen below: meeting has been held at the De- gold standard of their profes- and-greets for deployed troops. 2nd Place: Anoka Post 102 of this report, the 2020 Fall Con- partment Fall Conference. The sions. I would also like to thank During the week of May 18-25 341 units ference at Breezy Point is still FY-19 FY-20 meeting was held at the De- Mr. Miller and Mr. Brokaw for the AFSC hosted two flights for 3rd Place: Milaca Post 178 on schedule. The committee is Applications 27 23 partment Convention Center in their insight and the guidance returning troops. Thank you to 302 units. looking for Posts or Districts to Approvals 25 20 Willmar. Committee members they provided me as experi- the entire American Legion Nine Posts reporting host one of the following. 2021 Disbursed $39,953 $36,481 in attendance: Tim Haugen, Wes enced mentors and members Family for your past support Total: 7,815 units reported and future fall conferences and Thompson, Christine Wendt and of the committee, and I would in both donations and people from seven of the Districts. the 2023-and-up Department Listed below is the break- Linda Kropuenske. Also, in at- like to thank Commander Mark who have volunteered to staff conventions. Please consider down on the number of claims tendance was American Legion Dvorak for giving me the honor the center. Future cash donations Terry Larson volunteering for one of these. and amount of payouts by Department of Minnesota Ser- of serving his administration on and volunteers would continue Chairman The Convention Committee District: vice Officer Jeremy Wolfsteller. the Law and Order Committee. to be greatly appreciated. will meet and work with you The meeting was called to order I look forward to serving in the on things to do and help plan District Claims Payout by Chairman Tim Haugen at coming year. Brain Science First 2 $6,689 Joseph Jansen and carryout the event Second 1 $2,333 3:57 p.m. Christine Wendt was If anyone has any questions elected secretary. Susan D. Edwards Chairman Thank to all the Posts that Third 0 $0 or suggestions, please contact Fourth 0 $0 There was no old business Chairman have donated this year to the me or the Department adjutant. to discuss. Minutes from the Minnesota American Legion Fifth 0 $0 Blood Stay safe and we look forward Sixth 2 $6,150 previous meeting were read by Brain Science Foundation to working with you. Thank you Seventh 1 $0 Chairman Tim Haugen and a Legionnaire Thank you to all the Dis- Scholarship Program. to all for understanding during Eighth 2 $4,921 motion to approve the minutes trict chairmen for taking your Your Post or individual mem- this trying time. Ninth 12 $10,446 was made by Wes Thompson Insurance time and energy to support this bers can still do so if you desire Tenth 3 $5,942 and seconded by Linda Kropu- Trust life-saving program of The by sending a check to the Min- Phil Bellefeuille Totals 23 $36,481 enske. Motion passed. American Legion. Thank you, nesota American Legion office. Chairman Haugen requested that Wolf- Another outstanding year. Commander Mark Dvorak, for The donations for the last five Listed below is the financial steller go over last year’s fund- Considering the world as it this appointment. years are: picture for the ALFHA as of ing and give a brief synopsis of is, with loss of membership, a Hosting a blood drive is a 2015: $11,783.00 Employment June 15, 2020: the breakdown of why, where loss of revenue. partnership where everyone 2016: $15,023.70 and who. Explanation ac- But an increase in Accidential wins: Start a new tradition this 2017: $14,024.45 This past year, the Employ- Total assets as of July 31, 2019: cepted and understood by the Death program and long-term year. A tradition that brings 2018: $27,767.36 ment Committee received two committee. care. Sad news more claims on 2019: $16,392.58 nominations for the Employer $242,563 about togetherness and strength After a short discussion, Accidental Death. with your family, friends and A donation by a individual of Veterans Award. Both of these Total income YTD: the budget was approved with We encourage every member community. member recently was desig- companies were selected and $48,615 some changes in regards to the of the SAL, Legion Riders, Aux- Organizations gain goodwill nated specifically for stem cell forwarded to the National Veter- wording of “emergent needs” iliary and American Legion to from their community and build research and that was presented ans Employment and Education Total expense YTD: as requested from each receiv- apply for the $1,000 LIT Acci- morale and camaraderie as their to the University of Minnesota Division for consideration and $51,395 ing hospital and lowering the dental Death Policy free. members work together for a Brain Science Center for that recognition. budget. It was discussed to Accidental Death Policy is good cause. purpose. The company submitted, by Net assets Reduction YTD: $2,780 delete the line item “Chairman’s $5,000 if killed on American Blood donors feel good about the Kasson American Legion Emergency Contingency” ($200 Legion business free. You must giving back together with col- Gary H. Olson Post 333, for the small compa- Special thanks to Roger per quarter) as it had not been be 18 years or older and must leagues, friends, or peers. President ny category of having 50 or less used in the last three years. sign up thelit.com. Patients in the community employees was the Degeus Tile Myren and Laura Weber for all the work they do for the Amer- Wolfsteller also briefed the This past year the annual and across the nation receive & Granite Inc. of Rochester. committee on the disbanding of meeting was held by Zoom. the gift of life. Children The second company, sub- ican Legion Family Hospital Association. Also thank you to this committee after this year; Minnesota was very fortunate, 1st District: and Youth mitted by the Anoka American it will be incorporated with an- we received nearly $49,000 1st Place: Dodge Center Post Legion Post 102, for the large the board members who have served this past year. other committee. from LIT Insurance to help our 384 210 units The objectives of 4th Pillar: size company having 201 or Linda Kropuenske made a veterans programs. 2nd Place: La Crescent Post Children and Youth are to more employees was Federal They are: Jennifer Havlick, Theresa Rudnicki, Alberta motion to accept the attached A special thank you to 595 125 units, strengthen the family, work to Cartridge Co. of Anoka. proposal for annual budget (sub- GaryLee Davenport and Eric 3rd Place: Emmons Post 317 provide services for children and Because of the cancelation of Marth-Wohfeil, Robert Bristo, Diane Hayes, Mark Dvorak, ject to Finance Committee ap- Wilkens, who also serve in the 45 units. provide programs that meet the the 2020 Department Conven- proval) Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, LIT Committee, for their ideas Four Posts reporting needs of young people. tion, both of these companies Mary Hendrickson and David Vulcan. 2020. Wes Thompson seconded. and help. I would especially like 2nd District: no report We are accomplishing this will be recognized and awarded Christine Wendt volunteered to thank the entire office staff for 3rd District: by grants to individuals and a plaque at the 2020 Department Also special thanks to the entire American Legion Family to take care of sending thank- all they do. We are very lucky 1st Place: Montgomery Post organizations to benefit young Fall Conference. you cards out to the various or- in Minnesota to have help that 79 471 units people that are facing many so- We will also recognize the for allowing me the honor of serving as your president for ganizations that donate money really cares about all veterans. 2nd Place: Forest Lake Post cietal pressures. Rise Co. of Spring Lake Park, to the Hospitalized Veterans Any questions please contact 225 262 units We are sustaining the Amer- submitted by 5th District Com- the American Legion Family Hospital Association. Fund. me any time at 218-770-6264. 3rd Place: Balaton Post 433 ican family to support growth mander Ray Eiden, the award The meeting was adjourned 237 Units. in youths’ development by im- for Enhancement of the Lives Roger Stoick by Chairman Tim Haugen at Bill Barbknecht Twenty Posts reporting proving the well-being of all of Disabled Persons. 4:40 p.m. Chairman 4th District: children. I want to congratulate Com- President 1st Place: North St. Paul Post We use gambling funds to mander Mark Dvorak for his Tim Haugen 39 advance family values, educate year as our Department Com- Chairman Legionville 2nd Place: 3M St. Paul Post on risky behavior and promote mander. I feel that he did an out- Finance 599, healthy and wholesome devel- standing job of representing our The Department Finance This has been a year to re- 3rd Place: Roseville Post 542 opment. The success of our organization and our veterans. Committee met at Fergus Falls Law and Order member 2020! President Wayne and St. Paul Post 8. young people are our future. I also want to thank Com- Post 30 American Legion Gilbertson was seriously injured 5th District: mander Dvorak for the ap- on Sept. 24, 2019, to set the The Law and Order Commit- the day after Thanksgiving Day 1st Place: Richfield Post 435 Karen Welander pointment as the chairman of budget for the Department for tee received three applications 2019. Gilbertson since that time 21 units Chairman the Employment Committee 2019-2020. for Firefighter of the Year and is now at home recovering, un- 2nd Place: Minneapolis U of and allowing me to serve the After discussion, the budget seven for Law Enforcement fortunately. Due to his injuries, M Post 548 10 units veterans of our state for both was set to be a break-even Officer of the Year, and after he will not be returning to Le- 3rd Place: Minneapolis Post Convention the 2019-2020 and the 2020- Our non-membership revenue consideration by fellow com- gionville as president. 1 9 units. 2021 years. remains a very important part of mittee members Gary F. Miller As vice president I was elect- Three Posts reporting Corporation maintaining our programs. of Stewartville and Jeff Brokaw ed president of Legionville at 6th District: Carl R. Moon It appears with two more of Winona, we have selected our April 4 meeting. The motion The Convention Corporation Chairman Deputy Tracy Pagel of the Ol- was approved. 1st Place: Park Rapids Post consists of five members plus a months to go on the year, we 212 400 units should come close to meeting msted County Sheriff’s Office The meeting was conducted treasurer and a parade chairman. as Law Enforcement Officer of virtually due to the coronavirus 2nd Place: Zimmerman Post The names of the above can be our budget forecast. 560 117 units, A.L. Family The committee thanks Com- the Year, and North Branch Fire that has impacted our nation. found on the Department web- Chief Kevin Grote as Firefighter Thank you to Shawn Davis for 3rd Place: Little Falls Post 46 site under committees. Hospital mander Mark Dvorak, Adjutants 80 units. Randy Tesdahl and Mike Maxa of the year for 2019-2020. your support with the virtual Our main duty is to solicit and The criteria for these awards component. Eleven Posts reporting schedule future conventions and Association and the office staff, especially 7th District: Laura Weber, for their help are very strict and set down The board made the decision fall conferences. On behalf of the Board of by National American Legion at the Oct. 20, 2018, fall meeting 749 units District total, 19 The Department Convention Members of the commit- Posts reporting Trustees, it is my pleasure tee are Chairman Tom Burau, Headquarters. They consist of to hire a camp director and camp Corporation has been busier to report on this fiscal year’s community service, 35 points; manager for the upcoming year. 8th District: than usual due to the corona- Floyd Kumerow, Ray DeZurik, 1st Place: Duluth Post 71 activities. I am reporting on Richard Oelschlger and Richard professional career, 40 points; I want to thank the Legion- virus situation. The 2020 De- all activities from the begin- heroism, 20 points; and letters ville Board of Directors for all 2nd Place: Virginia Post 239 partment Convention at Jackpot Wog. 3rd Place: Grand Rapids Post ning of the fiscal year August and substantiating documents, your support! The Legionville Junction has been cancelled. We 1, 2019 through June 15th, 5 points. School Patrol Camp has been 60. have scheduled the 2021 Con- Tom Burau 9th District: 2020. A complete fiscal year Chairman This year we had many very cancelled this year and all ac- vention to be hosted by Red- report will be provided to The qualified candidates, but the two tivities due to the coronavirus. 1st Place: Bagley Post 16 wood Falls, at Jackpot Junction. 217 units American Legion, The Ameri- selected not only shined on their The Sons of The American The Convention Corporation can Legion Auxiliary and The own merit, but the paperwork Legion will keep moving for- 2nd Place: Moorhead Post 21 has been involved in making Fund for 95 units Sons of the American Legion at submitted was well completed ward with the Fall Camporee arrangements for next year. our annual meeting held at the and had all the necessary infor- and Harvest Rally until we hear 3rd Place: Warren Post 27 The 2021 Department Con- Hosp. Veterans 80 units. Fall Conference. Application mation and signatures. otherwise from the Minnesota vention was scheduled to be The Committee for Hospital- Fourteen Posts reporting history from the beginning of I would like to thank Ms. Governor’s Office. held at Willmar. With their ized Veterans meets once a year, 10th District: the fiscal (August 1st, 2019) Pagel and Mr. Grote for their Continued on Page 16 Page 16 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 Continued from Page 15 of property to a similar or lesser membership director is about the Legion Posts and Auxiliary Folendorf, who is assistant advi- On Feb. 29, I met with special value so they could possibly live how rallies used to be. They ask: Units and Sons of The American sor to the north. These men are committee members Rich Cross, in a more manageable-sized Do we really have rallies any- Legion and the Legion Riders both highly active dual members Strategic Cliff Tiegland, Shawn Davis, home. We also sought increased more or is it just a social event? for their donations this past year. of the American Legion Family. Planning Jim Blakesley. We interviewed compensation for personal care Well, perhaps a little of both. It was a busy year, and I had the I missed last year’s Fall Con- Adam Felton. Felton was chosen attendants, many of whom care Even though there may not offi- great opportunity to get to three ference because I thought it was The Strategic Planning Com- and selected as our next caretak- for our veterans. cially be training at a rally, one pheasant dinners and two ven- more important to attend one of mittee started the year with an er at Legionville. Special challenges faced us can still learn much just by con- ison dinners, putting on 1,670 my granddaughters wedding. organizational meeting at the We will have Tom Sanford this year with the COVID-19 versing with your fellow family miles. I would like to congratulate Fall Conference in Mahnomen. returning this year and a small pandemic shutting down the members. It was very rewarding to be Detachment Commander Dave I am thankful to previous year’s crew who will come to Legion- state and hampering all govern- The biggest push this year was able to enjoy meals with the Vulcan, his officers, and com- SPC Chairman Bishop Dan Wil- ville and prepare the camp for ment functioning. State budgets to work the 1982 and 1982ADs. veterans and listen to their sto- mitteemen for a great year. liams and committee for all their the 2021 year. took a beating and our heathy There was some success in ac- ries. We were able to do three Finally, I want to thank the hard work and knowledgeable Blakesley informed the board surplus evaporated under the complishing that. We transferred nice donations to the following staff at Department Headquar- leadership. They provided a he will take over the brick paver strain of dwindling revenues. 476 out of 1982AD, but there veterans homes. One donation ters for all their help throughout working document, the De- program. The board approved There were no public hearings are still 2,491 in 1982AD. was for seed money for a new the year. And thanks to Com- partment of Minnesota Strategic that Gilbertson would be voted since the pandemic was at peak It is imperative that those van. Another donation was mander Mark Dvorak for the Plan for Sustained Membership as member emeritus. The motion when the session was due to members be contacted. They for the memorial wall with all appointment to this position. Growth. Draft versions were was approved. start. need to be in a Post. Once we branches of the service on pil- also started for the District and I would like to thank all the At this writing we are await- get them into a Post, let’s not lars. The other one was for a Gary L. Weaver Post levels. Posts, Units and Squadrons that ing word on progress in a spe- forget about them. Keep them in memorial room for those being Department Advisor A written plan that has a pur- have continued to support Le- cial session. All of this is further the loop. See what their interests called to eternal rest and helping pose of providing guidance for gionville with funds. complicated by recent events are. Spend time with them for complete their memory wall of the sustained future of a large or- The board of directors had a resulting in mass protests, riots they may be a potential leader veterans. Sports: ganization like the Department virtual meeting on May 2. Adam and destruction that will result in your Post. If so, utilize the A big thank you to the Owa- Baseball of Minnesota is an easy target Maleski, with Crow Wing Soil in additional strain on resources best person within your Post or tonna post for their auction with for criticism. This initial plan and Water Conservation, briefed and political will. Everything District to mentor them. Mento- the help of the community and Minnesota American Legion provides the top-of–mind infor- the board on Re-Invest in Min- is on hold currently. ring can be done without a lot the VFW, our counterparts. Baseball was on track to reach mation to make the gears start nesota (RIM) program. The Commanders’ Task Force of fanfare. Thank you, Commander Mark the 400-registered-teams mark turning and build a foundation The county receives money is planning a new format going When I started getting active Dvorak, for this great year and before the COVID-19 pandem- of growth for our organization. that pays landowners to enroll into next year. The goal will in the Legion there were many appointment of this great com- ic forced us to cancel our 2020 One of the objectives this year a portion of their land into the be to start early with a select folks who were mentoring mittee. Please keep the dona- season. Minnesota leads the for the SPC was to make sure program. The land can still be group that will take the long me, and I didn’t even realize tions coming in so we can have nation with the number of reg- the strategic plan continues as used for hunting, some timber view and work on issues year- it. Now, getting back to direct many more great years to come. istered teams by a wide margin. a living document and is made harvest, hiking trails. round, bring new commanders mail solicitation. That process Respectfully yours We hope to bounce back stron- easily accessible. A draft version This is a permanent program. up to date in the fall of each year of working the DMS members ger than ever in 2021. is still available on Facebook Dennis Henkemeyer made the on the status of events. More on is myLegion.org. We have some Glenn Mueller Scheduled state tournament and you can view by searching motion to explore putting Le- this as it matures. amazing folks in Department Chairman hosts for 2020 will now host for “Dept of Minnesota American gionville land into the RIM Pro- In addition to action at the such as Linda Dvorak, Dick 2021. Burnsville will be the ex- Legion Strategic Planning.” gram, seconded by Blakesley. state level, The American Ward, Marvin Ostram, who ception, which will host in 2022. Copies of the strategic plan The motion carried. Please Legion Washington Conference have the skills to use and teach Resolutions St. Cloud, Sacred Heart, Bloom- were handed out to the District note: I completed the conser- was well-attended. We secured this program. Assignment ington and Montevideo will host commanders and Department vation easement application meetings with all representa- The training for myLegion. the various tournaments in 2021. vice commanders who attended on May 7 and forwarded to tives and or their aides. Our org can be held at your Post or The Resolutions Assignment Our baseball committee is the focus group meeting held this Maleski. delegation also met with Sen. District level. Just give Linda a Committee is composed of three made up of the following mem- past winter at the Montgomery The representatives’ on the Tina Smith as well as a key aide call. Once you have the knowl- members, Chairman Al Davis, bers: Vice Director for Division Post 79. The session was very Board are: 1st District Glenn to Sen. Amy Klobuchar edge of myLegion.org, member- Jim Copher of Mound and Jim I is Jeff Miller and for Division successful for sharing successes, Mueller, 2nd District Floyd Our priorities at the national ship in your Districts and Posts Munson of Richfield. II is Brandon Raymo. The Junior ideas and roadblocks. The mem- Kumerow, 3rd District Eugene level included: can do nothing but grow. Responsibilities of the com- Level Director is Jim Peck. bership year started as a historic Leifeld, 4th District Joe Jansen, • Toxic exposure and burn With COVID-19 playing mittee include the review of all The following are the District time for The American Legion. 5th District Dennis Delong, 6th pits havoc on our daily lives, we resolutions submitted to the De- Directors: District 1 is Scott The changes to The American District Dwayne Collins (Wayne • Heath care for women were also afforded the oppor- partment Convention for consid- McCready, District 2 is Vern Legion Family eligibility, elec- Gilbertson, member emeritus), veterans tunity to be presented with a eration. After reviewing all res- Kitzberger, District 3 is Bruce tronic processing of membership 7th District Victor Gades, 8th • Support for VA’s suicide way of socializing with voice olutions, the Committee assigns Young, District 4 is Gail Kalata, direct to National and the use of District Carl Hendrickson, 9th prevention efforts and video through a program them to a convention committee District 5 is Kyle Nutting, Dis- media technology are a few of District Dennis Henkemeyer, • Reaffirm our commitment call Zoom. Again, thanks to for action of approval, rejection, trict 6 is Wes Thompson, District the issues we were adapting to 10th District William Gordon, to allies members like Teresa Ash and or amend and approved. During 7 is Mike Gort, District 8 is Tom that greatly affect our legacy. Department Commander Mark • Fully fund a superior Jennifer Havlick who stepped up the convention each committee Coombe, District 9 is Mike Ar- The pandemic created new Dvorak, Department Adjutant national defense to make this happen. Member- reports on its actions to the dele- vidson, and District 10 is Luther hurdles but our organization Michael Maxa, Department Fi- • Pay the Coast Guard when ship funds were used to provide gates, who have the final author- Dorr. is continually stepping up nance Officer William Goede, government closes down each District the opportunity to ity on all resolutions. The results from the 2019 and showing we are up to the Department Auxiliary President • Implement and oversee have a subscription to Zoom for The Resolutions Assignment State Tournaments were as challenge. Mary Hendrickson, SAL Com- recent laws such as the VA a year. It provides a way for the Committee monitors all reports follows: Division I Senior at Our organization is making mander David Vulcan, School Mission Act Districts and Posts the oppor- and prepares a final report on Cold Spring had Excelsior as great efforts to formalize educa- Safety Patrol Representative • Protect the G.I. Bill tunity to get together without the actions taken by delegates the champion and Edina as the tion and training and to update Jim Blakesley, Legion Repre- • Help end veteran physically being together. to the convention. runner-up. Division II Senior at printed material to reflect recent sentative Richard Cross, 40/8 homelessness Another push this year was to Thank you to Commander Pelican Rapids had Dilworth as changes What we can’t forget Representative Cliff Teigland, • Support for Gold Star have every District hold a revi- Mark Dvorak for the confidence the champion and Plato as the is our purpose of service to our Finance Liaison Laura Weber, families talization. Some Districts held in us by appointing us to this runner-up. In Junior Division I veterans and service to our com- Legal Counsel Greg Colby. • Protect the American flag more than one. If we can get committee. Also, thank you to at Bloomington, Hopkins was munities. Our interactions within All congresspeople and sen- all Posts trained on myLegion. the Department staff that assists the champion, and Excelsior our VAs, veteran homes, military Eugene J. Leifeld ators received not only one- org and they see the benefits to us greatly in getting all the res- was the runner-up and in The units and communities need to President page talking point list, but the them, District revitalizations olutions properly completed Junior Division II tournament be revitalized and emphasized to expanded background papers might dwindle to a point of the prior to the presentation to the at St. Charles, Aitkin was the the current and new generation. as well. Post being self-sufficient. delegates at convention. champion, with Esko as the The legacy of our actions will Legislative I thank Commander Mark I had hoped with all the op- runner-up. set the path for the future of the Dvorak for the confidence portunities afforded us we could A special thank you to Al Department of Minnesota. The The Legislative Committee Al Davis placed in me this year and this be in a better position. We had Zdon and his new replacement, Strategic Planning Committee is chaired by Robert Hart and Chairman concludes my report. a great team this year and they Tim Engstrom, for their work is an important resource for our assisted by Deon Ford, Randy will continue this coming year. at the state Legion Department organization and needs to be uti- Olson and Lyle Foltz. Robert Hart With this coming year being an Sons of The promoting American Legion lized to its potential. The knowl- The American Legion works Chairman unprecedented one with most Baseball. edgeable, creative members with eight other federally char- everyone keeping their current American selflessly volunteer their talents tered veterans’ organizations position and all the training that to lead us on a successful path. and the Minnesota Department Legion Randy Schaub Membership is and will take place, including Thank you, Commander Mark of Veteran Affairs as part of the Director Legion College, I see nothing This year we have seen many Dvorak, for the opportunity to Minnesota Commanders’ Task Last year we started out in but good things happening for changes. Ray Ozmun stepped be part of the Strategic Planning Force. The CTF has crafted a the top three through 2019 and the Department of Minnesota. down as Department advisor Sports: Committee once again. legislative agenda focused on beginning 2020. We then slowly My sincere thanks to the vice for the SAL and was replaced Committee members are asset preservation for properties started slipping to a point of commanders for what you do. with Dennis Henkemeyer. Then Bowling Chairman Tom Fernlund, Jen- managed by the MDVA. where we are, as of June 18, in Thank you to Commander Mark Doug Bible stepped down nifer Havlick, Paul Hassing, In addition, we sought pas- 19th place at 93.817 percent. We Due to the COVID-19 pan- Dvorak for his leadership and as Detachment adjutant with Carla Tappainer, Immediate sage of the Veterans Restorative should be doing better with the demic, the 2020 bowling was friendship. It has indeed been Dennis Henkemeyer replacing Past Department Commander Justice Act supporting veterans Legion Act being signed as well cancelled this year. All entry a pleasure. him. Then I was appointed to Darrel Redepenning, Depart- treatment courts. We looked at as the push to get the 1982AD fees were returned to team cap- replace Dennis. Then as our ment Commander Mark Dvorak reducing cost of hunting, trap- transferred. tain. We will be back in 2021 Sy Fix year starts to wind down in and Past National Commander ping and fishing licenses for Last year Past Membership at Sundance Lanes in Dayton, Membership Director steps COVID-19, and we all Dan Ludwig, special advisor. disabled veterans, and we also Director Maxa had each Legion hosted by Legion Post 172 of know what happened then. The secretary position is vacant. sought tax relief for Post homes. Family group lead a rally. We Osseo. A special thank you to Joe High on our list was an ini- continued that again this year. I Pheasant Dinner Niesen, who is the assistant tiative to allow widows and would hope that continues into Bob Mace Tom Fernlund advisor to the south, and Walt widowers a one-time transfer the future. One thing I hear as I would like to thank all of Chairman Chairman July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 17 District commanders 1st District 5th District 10th District Dale Wellik Andrew Rose Sr. Tom Allen Greetings from the 1st Dis- our own Greetings from the Fighting out to Jim Greetings from the mighty the end of trict American Legion Family. homes or 5th District. We pray that all are Munson, 10th District. It’s been a long June. Thank you for your service Legion safe and making every effort to nomi- three months with not much Thanks and support. Posts. stay that way. nations going on, with our Posts being to our We need to stay strong and Yes, the Our membership numbers chair. Or closed, and trying to get our member- healthy, do what we need to do, Depart- are still the lowest of all Dis- get your reports in, holding Zoom ship di- facemask and social distancing ment of Minnesota website, tricts. This is disheartening to inquiries in to Ray Eiden. He’ll meetings, and curbside food rector, Daryl Harmon, and to stay away from the virus. mnlegion.org has lots of good me as commander of the Dis- be glad to help. so people could order take out. all the posts for getting us at All reports should be in by information. What you need can trict. This trend should end at And if you are a veteran or I would like to thank all our of- 95 percent of our goal. A big now. We should be ready to start be found here. the close of this membership veterans family member in need ficers and chairmen for taking thanks go out to our Minne- on the 2020-2021 year. American Legion Posts are year, with the advent of new of monetary or material items, their offices for another year. sota National Guard for pro- The membership packets opening up, now leaning on leadership. call Tom McKenna 952-356- We are planning our sched- tecting our state buildings and should be delivered by the time the cautious side. At our June 6 virtual conven- 5116, or tom@everythirdsatur- ule for next year, and we will stopping the riots in the Twin you read this. We need to start this year tion, we elected Wade Larson as day.com. Remember that your have an e-board Zoom meeting Cities. The Fourth of July — the strong. our new district commander. We support of Every Third Saturday USA’s birthday — is upon us. Pray for the deployed, their are still reaching out to Posts for is greatly appreciated. We are working on the 2021 families and all front-line per- 1st, 2nd and 3rd District vice Yourself as well as I, never calendar. sonnel. Their tasks are hard and commanders. There are also a forget our convalescing and The Department Training difficult. They need our support. couple of appointed positions hospitalized veterans and family Pop quiz Committee is doing training They are defending our freedom that need to be filled. members. With visiting restric- virtually, Zoom webinars, so home and abroad. All interested should reach tions please call. Can you match the full name and number of the Post to its we can be informed right from For God and Country. city? Draw the connections with a pen or pencil. Answers are on the back page. Oscar Iverson Post 133 Nashwauk 6th District Lind-Gordon-Berg Post 106 Int’l Falls 3rd District Paul Edwards Ralph Gracie Post 14 Wabasso Edward B. Cutter Post 102 Jasper Linda Dvorak In spite of the weirdness all officers Walter Riley Post 307 Kenyon around us, the Legion and the and greet- Dale E. Wayrynen Post 23 Slayton Hello from the 3rd District. was to be people that make up the Legion ing new Erwin March Post 64 Minneapolis The 3rd District held its Dis- expected. Family are a shining example ones, but Abner Rude Post 481 Hibbing trict packet pick-up and had The of what is right in our world. due to the Edward Born Post 343 Bemidji some training as well. Several second Even though we are unable to COVID-19 crisis and the exten- The Hellenic Post 129 Virginia Posts were in attendance and one, which meet face to face, I hear many sion of the terms of office, that Pratt-Volden-Mickelson- Bloomington packets were distributed. The went much reports of the Legion family is not the case this year. Some Anderson Post 239 South St. Paul packet pick-up is a great way better, was also on the reports, stepping up. I know of Legion- officers and committee chairs Victor Hirsch Post 263 Crosslake to get everyone together to dis- but it was for the Posts. Last, naires making masks and then have decided to step down and Woodcock-Herbst Post 216 Lanesboro cuss ideas and make plans for but not least, we had a webinar others collecting them and driv- I want to express my profound Richard Howard Ferrell Post 46 Proctor the upcoming year. on how to process membership ing many miles to get them to gratitude for your service. And Adamson-Norman Post 30 Norwood I am also part of the newly using MyLegion.org. Great way veteran’s hospitals and homes in the same breath, I will say Cobb-Williams-Nehiba Post 222 Fergus Falls formed Training Committee. to get your membership pro- where they are desperately thank you to those who have William Robideau Post 66 McGregor We had three webinars in June cessed without mailing anything needed. I hear of food drives committed to stay in harness Potz Heartland Post 500 Princeton that were directed at MyLegion. to Department. Watch for future being conducted for local food until our next elections. Henry M. Guttormson Post 40 Little Falls org. The first one was for the webinars on a variety of sub- banks. I hear of Legion Riders Thank you for a great year Joseph A. Gates Post 78 Anoka Districts and was on the avail- jects. If you have a suggestion, doing a ride by to wish a child and I look forward to new and Hogberg-Gerszewski Post 353 Argyle able reports in MyLegion.org. let the Training Committee a happy birthday or to welcome greater challenges and triumphs Earl C. Hill Post 550 We did have a few glitches, but know. We can certainly try to home a Gold Star Mother. Good as we move on into 2020-2021 since it was the first one that accommodate. people make the Legion a won- term, continuing the work to im- I BUY AND COLLECT MILITARY ITEMS derful organization. prove communication and more IncludingI BUY insignia, AND hats, COLLECT helmets, and MILITARY uniforms from ITEMS WW I, WW II, IncludingKorea, Vietnam, insignia, (I have hats, nothelmets, started and my uniforms collection from on Southeast WW I, WW Asia II, Typically, at this point, we education opportunities in the Korea,yet). I collectVietnam, Army, (I have USAF, not USN,started USMC my collection patches, onpins, Southeast pictures Asia and would be bidding farewell to Mighty 6th District. yet).souvenirs I collect Army,from all USAF, periods. USN, CALL USMC JOE, patches, 612-801-4673 pins, pictures AFTER 6and 4th District souvenirs from all periods. CALL JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6 Joe Jansen Attention Veterans! Hello to all of our 4th Dis- Posts to 8th District AttentionThis is your northern Veterans! trict Legion family members. turn in ThisMinnesota is your resort. northern Barrier-free and open 12 months a year. As many of you saw on Sat- their Con- Anne Koskinen Minnesota resort. Barrier-free andGateway open to12 the months BWCA. a year. urday, June 13, we had a great solidated Gateway800-777-7538 to the BWCA. Greetings, 8th District Le- Point email: [email protected] flag retirement ceremony at the Post Re- 800-777-7538 veterans camp. The weather ports. If a gionnaires, Resort, email:www.veteransonthelakeresort.org [email protected] All cabins have a lake view. was perfect, and while it was post doesn’t, then I ask the vice District Convention was on Oct. www.veteransonthelakeresort.org a smaller gathering everybody commanders to get the data and 6th of June via Zoom and went 22-24, so All cabins have a lake view. enjoyed their time together. Just submit one for them. Please be well. The agenda was posted I hope that a reminder we are NOT having sure we have good information in emails sent out. I wish more stays in an RCCC meeting in July. to put out this fall on the Post members would take part; it’s our calendar as an in-person The next meeting will be at command structure: dates, actually easier to attend (you meeting. Naturally, I want you the Arcade-Phalen Post in St. locations and times of your don‘t have to leave home). The to put that on your “to-do list.” business of the 8th District is Looking forward to Indepen- Ely, Minnesota Paul with the executive board meetings. Plus, of course, the Ely, Minnesota meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the names, telephone numbers and your business, so please stay dence Day celebrations around all members meeting at 7 p.m. email addresses of all the post informed. the District (state and nation). We have a new vice com- One of these days I’ll get to Once again I am asking the officers. RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, mander for Mesabi-Itasca area. D.C. and experience Fourth ACTIVE DUTY AND ABLE BODIED RESORTVETERANS, FOR DISABLED DISABLED GENERAL VETERANS, Jeffrey Graves has stepped up of July in our nation’s capital; ACTIVEPUBLIC ANDDUTY FAMILIES. AND ABLE BODIED to take that on. He hails from that indeed would be something VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL FLAGS OVER EAGAN PUBLIC AND FAMILIES. Keewatin Post 452. grand. At the Post level, many Posts Follow The American Legion have begun conducting regular Twitter feed @AmericanLe- business with only small groups gion. National has been posting in the halls; Department is en- a lot of time-sensitive informa- couraging the return to Post tion on meetings, projects, and meetings. We all want to get more. Comments on tweets back to business and socialize allow the leadership to know with our fellow Legionnaires; your thoughts. please take your social distanc- I may not be physically avail- ing cautions and stay well while able in the next month or so; I getting back to meetings. will be continuing to help my On June 1, Eagan Post 594 donated 13 U.S. flags to the The Department has decided handicapped “adopted” mom at city of Eagan. Adjutant Wayne Beierman, right, presented on a Fall Conference at Breezy her house. them to Eagan Buildings Supervisor Mike Sipper, left, at the Eagan Community Center. The post has provided flags for the Tribute Memorial Plaza for over eight years, and expanded the program in early 2018 to cover the U.S. flag needs for all city buildings. Page 18 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2020 The Auxiliary Bulletin No. 20 Vol. 12 President Mary Hendrickson • Secretary Sandie Deutsch • Secretary Marsha Bible Dept. HQ: Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-224-7634 July 2020 Farewell, Sandie Deutsch, and welcome, Marsha Bible Meet the Hometown Hero President’s Column from Wabasha Unit 50 Mary Hendrickson By Michael Smith Wabasha County Herald As I write this article, North- A photo of ern Minnesota is experiencing the general WABASHA — We’ve heard a 90-degree day in mid-June. manager a great deal about Hometown My husband is out searching for and me is Heroes the past couple of plexiglass to surround the bar at included in months as the country deals West Duluth Post 71 in antic- this edition with the coronavirus pandemic. ipation of a July 1 reopening. of The Minnesota Legionnaire. From hospital workers all Many safety measures will My other project, a television the way from St. Elizabeth’s be put into place to protect our projection device and setup for to New York City and points members and guests. It will be the Great Room at Silver Bay in between, to public health great to see old friends and Veterans Home, will be installed workers of all types, to gro- meet new ones. One of the within the next two weeks. cery store check-out staff and hardships of isolation and Activities Director Joyce and child care providers, these social distancing is the lack the residents are very excited! people have put themselves of interaction with family This paragraph will be a on the “front line” of this (including my American tough one to write. This is the epic battle. But not all hometown heroes Legion Family) and friends. month we say goodbye to our are at the hospitals — though I’m hoping life will be return- Department Executive Sec- we want to thank each and ing to normal and we can get retary Sandie Deutsch. She every one of them every single together at Camporee and Fall has been an incredible asset day, or at least we should — Conference. to our organization for the for all that they do. Some are Photo by Wabasha County Herald Membership has been on my last nine years. Her wealth contributing in this fight in their LaVerne Rumsey displays a sampling of the masks she has made. mind. After a promising start of knowledge, enthusiasm own way. the Minnesota VA Hospital Day 1, practically, of this she’s doing this all on her own. to the year, the coronavirus and organizational skills are LaVerne “Red” Rumsey, a in Minneapolis, the VA HCS pandemic. “It’s something I can do. I’m caused the “bottom to fall out” top-notch. member of the Wabasha Amer- in St. Cloud, the Hastings Vet- She’s been using material good at sewing, stitching … so in mid-March. We’ve grown especially close ican Legion Auxiliary Unit 50 erans Home and the Veterans that she’s had stocked up in I can put my skills to good use Department Membership the last few months, which have and perhaps best known by Home in Silver Bay. They her home.”I mostly use cotton this way.” Chairman Sharon Thiemecke been stressful for both of us as others for her years of work- were to be used by the veter- and flannel … even T-shirt ma- Why not? Having been mar- and her District Membership we wrestled with serious ques- ing at the Legion Club here, has ans at those facilities, or staff, terial,” she noted. ried to a veteran — her husband Chairmen have held two Zoom tions about canceling events, been contributing to this fight if necessary. “The elastic has been in my of many years, Bernie, passed meetings and are hard at work what to do about our office and in her own way. “Red” has now “And I’m still making basement, too. It’s elastic that away several years ago — she gathering renewals and new office staff during this pandem- made over 1,000 facemasks and more!” is usually used to make under- understands the needs of aging members. We are very close to ic, etc. With events changing she has given nearly all of them She has also made 25 masks wear,” she chuckled. “I started veterans and their lifelong com- 30,000 members, which is one almost daily, there were many to veterans at veterans homes for the Jewel Golf Course with a roll this big,” she said, mitment to their country. So for of my biggest goals for our Cen- early and late-night emails and across Minnesota. and Clubhouse in Lake City. spreading her hands out about her to pitch in and help in this tennial Year. telephone calls. “I have sent masks to “People stop and ask me for a foot apart. “But I’m almost way … to be a different kind Please help us do this before Sandie has definitely been my homes all over the state,” she some,” she added. “I made out.” of “hometown Hero,” well, it’s the Aug. 1 deadline. Due to rock during my term in office. said during a visit outside her many for my son to use at his She has been getting reim- only natural, we’d say. social distancing, a great way Thank you, Sandie, from all of home last week. “I’ve sent work.” bursement for the postage from Now, if only this pandemic to renew your dues is by tele- us. them to homes in Luverne, Red has been at this since the Auxiliary, but otherwise, would just naturally go away. phone (317) 569-4570 or online P.S.: We will be honoring at www.alaforveterans.org. Na- Sandie at the Fall Conference. tional will mail you your mem- Welcome aboard to new De- bership card. partment Executive Secretary As a retired educator, I’m Marsha Bible! really excited and proud to She is a former Department There still is time for recruiting new members have three Minnesota win- president who, like Sandie, has By Sharon Thiemecke Enthusiasm is contagious. our members working our programs and our ners of 2019-2020 American a wealth of knowledge about Membership Chairman Share your why! Start the conversation! gatherings. Creative we have been as The Legion Auxiliary National our organization. Sandie has 2020 membership is still coming into the American Legion Family works together Membership 2019-2020 is not finished Department office every week. Keep up the — we do not give up — we find a way! Scholarships. Congratula- done a great job showing yet! There is still time to get out there and good work and keep those memberships If social distancing is important to you, tions to Maria Melbo ($5,000 Marsha “the ropes” about or- recruit, renew and rejoin members. Spous- coming. The Celebration Award from Na- dues can be submitted by calling National Children of Warriors Nation- ganizing meetings and conven- es, mothers, daughters and granddaughters tional Headquarters is within our reach! Headquarters at 317-569-4570 or online al Presidents’ Scholarship), tions, dealing with our finan- — if there is one then there is the potential Let’s make President Mary proud with 100 at alaforveterans.org. Shannon Michelle Swanson cial assets, etc. I look forward for three or more. percent for our Centennial Celebration! Dues may still be paid directly to your ($2,000 Non-Traditional to working with Marsha in the Mining for members. They are our gems! We are almost at 30,000 members and Unit membership chairman like we have Scholarship) and Lexus Efta months ahead. Membership is our organization. It is our Department goal is 31,754 members. always done. Remember that the spouse ($2,500 Junior Member Loy- Normally this would be my what allows us to do what we do. Mem- Together we can do this. We are a Team! of our female Legionnaire veterans now alty Scholarship). farewell column. The corona- bership helps us work our mission success- Many hands make light work. Remember qualify to join the American Legion Aux- Congratulations also go out virus caused the cancellation fully. Our veterans, active duty military that membership is everyone’s job. iliary. Welcome to a fresh prospective and to those Units, which submit- of both our Department and and their families need us. These have been times to get creative for new ideas. ted their applications: Irvin National conventions, so all Blix 16; Apple Valley 1776 officers at those two levels are and Hogberg-Gerszewski 353. staying in place until 2021. It’s This is positive proof that you time for me to “reboot” and get need to keep sending in those ready for the second half of my Give back during the time of COVID-19 pandemic By Diane Hayes to distribute food or other items to children your community if they need more. applications for possible nation- 24-month year. I don’t know if Community Service Chairman and families in need. Yard work, window washing, caring for al recognition. I should call it a sequel or De- Give blood: Blood donations have de- flowers, shrubs, road ditches, etc. Con- On the good news front, partment President Part II. During the COVID-19 pandemic, re- creased dramatically. Help fill the need by tact your local community for volunteer thanks to the generosity of Thank you for your con- member to follow the COVID-19 guide- contacting your local Red Cross or other opportunities. Units, Posts and Squadrons, fidence in my ability to lead lines in your community. Donate or volun- blood donation sites. Visit the Minnesota State Service Com- I’ve received enough donations this organization as we move teer safely with food banks and pantries. Stay in touch: Check on your neighbors, mission’s website for details or contact to complete both of my Presi- forward. Deliver meals and groceries to those who friends and family, especially those who your Chamber of Commerce or other or- dent’s Projects. are unable to get out. are older or may be alone. A phone call, ganizations to see if there are any events Last week I drove up to Vet- Mary Hendrickson is the Also check your local Meals on Wheels text or a conversation through the door or coming that you can volunteer for while erans on the Lake near Ely to president of the American to learn ways to volunteer. a message written on a poster board could following the guidelines for COVID-19 see the two new golf carts which Legion Auxiliary Department Help a school: Check with your area brighten their day. in your communities. were recently delivered there. of Minnesota. school system to see if they need volunteers Sew masks: Sew and donate masks to Take care, be safe, God bless America. July 2020 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 19 Update on the Honorary Department Junior President Project Honorary Department Junior President Emily Suess has collected funds towards her 2019-2020 project of necessary items for the 5 Minnesota Veterans Homes. In June, Emily delivered the first shipment to the veterans at Silver Bay Veterans Home. Even though the veterans were still in COVID-19 lockdown, they were able to view through the windows as Emily pre- sented her donations to the home. This donation was valued at $1,312.20 and included 21 pairs of sweatpants — 28 pairs of shorts — 120 colored pocket T-shirts and 30 $10 gift cards to McDon- Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary President Mary ald’s. Thank you to everyone who has do- Hendrickson is at Veterans on the Lake in Ely. nated to this project. (See three photos on the right.) Scrip Cards and how 2020-2021 Unit officer list All Units were to have their Officers Lists you can help Girls State into the Department Office some time ago. We are missing many unit lists. Please email Peggy Tesdahl them immediately to [email protected]. ALA Minnesota Girls State Director These lists are very important as we de- velop our mailing lists for the year from Your American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State com- them. NO 2021 membership cards/pack- mittee is committed to keeping this program at the same low ets will be sent to your Unit until we have cost of $300 as it has been for the last few years. We know received your 2020-2021 list. You can that it has been hard lately for our Units to do any fundraising. download the form on our website mnala. Units and all members of the American Legion Family can org to your own computer, fill it out and help us to keep the fees down by participating in our Scrip email it to us. It is as simple as that. Gift Card program. Scrip Gift Cards are sold to you at the face value of the card 2021 membership cards and the retailer pays a commission to the American Legion Since our Department Convention has Auxiliary usually ranging from 2 to 7 percent of the face value. been cancelled this year, 2021 Membership It is a win-win for everyone. cards will be mailed to your Unit Mem- Scrip Gift Cards are available from many retailers in many de- bership Chairman. We anticipate that cards nominations. Groceries, gas, hotels, movie theaters and more all will be mailed no later than July 17th. We have Scrip available to purchase including Cub Foods, Walmart, will post notification on the Department Target, Amazon, QuikTrip, Starbucks, Panera, Chipotle, Best Auxiliary Facebook when the cards are on Buy, Kohl’s, Menards, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Great Clips, their way. Papa Murphy’s, to name a few. They are available as physical gift cards, as downloadable printable gift cards or downloadable 2020 Department Fall Conference to the wallet app on your smart phone. Department Fall Conference will be Scrip Gift cards aren’t just for gift giving. They are usable hosted by the Nisswa American Legion for your every day shopping and many can be reloaded from Family at Breezy Point Resort October your phone or home computer. 22-24, 2020. Information on hotel accom- We will continue to have a select inventory of gift cards modations and registration can be found on available at American Legion functions. They are limited to a Page 2 in this Legionnaire. We are working few different retailers and they are $25 value. on program information and will have more Does your Unit or District purchase Gift cards for our Veterans details in next month’s addition. homes or veterans in your communities? Please consider pur- chasing them through the ALA Minnesota Girls State program. 2019-2020 American Legion Auxiliary If you are ordering physical gift cards, we need at least two National Scholarship Winners weeks lead time or more if possible. The website can be a little Congratulations to the following national overwhelming at first and I am here to help you. Please call scholarship winners: me for help or with questions at 612-715-4489 or email me at Children of Warriors National Presi- [email protected]. dent Scholarship: $5,000 to Maria Melbo Please contact me or the Department Office to order your submitted by Bagley Unit 16 cards. Thank you for supporting the Minnesota Girls State pro- Nontraditional Scholarship: $2,000 to gram, and we hope you will use the Scrip Gift Card program. Shannon Michelle Swanson submitted by Apple Valley Unit 1776 Junior Membership Loyalty Scholar- Adios, auf wiedersehen, ship: $2,500 to Lexus Efta submitted by Argyle Unit 353 au revoir, sbohem, aloha The Department knew that many of you time in the world to spoil your grandchildren Department Secretary Sandie Deutsch would want to wish Sandie well in her re- to your hearts content. Secretary’s Notes retirement tirement and have one last visit with her. “Just don’t forget to enjoy some me time As most of you are aware by now, Depart- Sandie Deutsch She will be in attendance at Fall Conference just for you and Shorty. Thank you for ment Secretary Sandie Deutsch will retire and a small celebration is being planned. helping to make the transition as smooth on July 17. Originally this date was set to Editor Tim Engstrom said with Please try to attend. as you could considering the new world coincide with our Department Convention he needs more things for the them. The staff, Jan Lauby, Jocelyn Yasis and of working remotely, social distancing and a proper send-off was in the works. And July Legionnaire, sooooo, just They are Marsha Bible, wish you only the very best and spontaneous ‘events’ at the Capitol,” then came COVID-19! a quick addendum from Sec- the best. on your retirement. May you have all the Bible said. retary Sandie — you thought Yes, Patti you were done with me, but Coleman, nooooo. you are on my bestie list HA! As I said in my short, forever. The ALA has come through during COVID crisis condensed column last month, One more couple that By Patti Coleman need to continue to utilize the technology When the Minnesota National Guard I would probably forget some mean the world to me are COVID-19 Committee Representative that is available. was called up to serve during the unrest very important friends and that Bev and Orv Otterness. Our veterans have continuously been in that was taking place in the Twin Cities, I did. This time, this is it, for What wonderful people they Our Units and Districts need to be com- need during this time of COVID-19 and the The American Legion Family stepped in to sure, and if I didn’t mention are and Bev knows where to mended for staying connected and continu- ALA has come through for them. We have ensure that they had plenty of water, Ga- your name after this, I blame get the best Virginia peanuts ing to work the mission of the American many members throughout the state who torade and snacks. Communities worked it on old age. in the world. Legion Auxiliary during these trying times are supporting our veterans by ensuring together to support those men and women I do have to mention Chuck I also can’t believe I didn’t of COVID-19. that our Minnesota Veterans Homes and who are our citizen soldiers. There was an Stone and Tonia Betterman. I miss my other couple of fa- Many members have taken the time to VA Health Care Systems have the masks awesome response and they have expressed am so happy to have been able vorites, Don Hayden and dear become familiar with Zoom to participate they need, ear protectors, gowns and so their sincere gratitude for the support. to get to know both of you and Vrzy from Montgomery. in meetings, sharing and caring calls, or to much more. I encourage our Units to continue to be my turtle has its home at our This is it now. Finito! Again keep in touch. Even as our Post homes are I am proud and grateful for all of those innovative and adapt to the changing cir- motorhome in Hastings — I love you all to death and keep starting to open, please continue to offer who are sewing and sewing and sewing to cumstances in how you work our programs many, many compliments on the mission rolling! the option of using Zoom to our members. fill this need. Many hands have had a role during COVID-19 and beyond. him (Ralph is his name). Many cannot attend in person but would in the thousands (yes, thousands!) of items You are doing terrific work for the Amer- Also, don’t know how I Sandie Deutsch is the de- love to be a part of everything that you have that have been donated to our VA facili- ican Legion Auxiliary, you are supporting could have forgotten Jim and parting executive secretary for happening in your Unit. This is a great way ties during COVID-19. The needs are not our veterans, active military and their fam- Jeannette Mertens, what a plea- the American Legion Auxiliary to include all members going forward. It dissipating. I encourage you to help when ilies and you are relevant in your commu- sure it was to run quite a few Department of Minnesota. Her is a new tool in our ALA toolbox, and we and if you can. nities. Thank you for all you do every day! conventions and conferences final day is July 17. Page 20 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2019 NOT BUFFALOED IN BUFFALO

I BUY AND COLLECT MILITARY ITEMS Including insignia, hats, helmets, and uniforms from WW I, WW II, Answers: Korea, Vietnam, (I have not started my collection on Southeast Asia yet). I collect Army, USAF, USN, USMC patches, pins, pictures and Below are the answers to the pop quiz on Page 17: souvenirs from all periods. CALL JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6 Oscar Iverson Post 133 … Jasper Lind-Gordon-Berg Post 106 … Proctor Ralph Gracie Post 14 … Bemidji Attention Veterans! Edward B. Cutter Post 102 … Anoka This is your northern Walter Riley Post 307 … Nashwauk Minnesota resort. Barrier-free and open 12 months a year. Dale E. Wayrynen Post 23 … McGregor Gateway to the BWCA. Erwin March Post 64 … Slayton 800-777-7538 email: [email protected] Abner Rude Post 481 … South St. Paul On Saturday, June 20, Buffa- Edward Born Post 343 … Norwood www.veteransonthelakeresort.org All cabins have a lake view. lo Post 270 hosted a car show The Hellenic Post 129 … Minneapolis with live music from the Everett Pratt-Volden-Mickelson- Smithson Band and also served Anderson Post 239 … Virginia up burgers, dogs and beverages Victor Hirsch Post 263 … Wabasso outside in its huge parking lot. Woodcock-Herbst Post 216 … Princeton “We had plenty of space for Richard Howard Ferrell Post 46 … Little Falls social distancing. There were Adamson-Norman Post 30 … Fergus Falls Ely, Minnesota nearly 100 classic and antique Cobb-Williams-Nehiba Post 222 … Hibbing cars in attendance. Everyone William Robideau Post 66 … International Falls had a wonderful time!” said Potz Heartland Post 500 … Crosslake Adjutant Connie Herzog. Henry M. Guttormson Post 40 … Lanesboro At far left is Post Command- Joseph A. Gates Post 78 … Kenyon RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY AND ABLE BODIED er Bob Larson watching from a Hogberg-Gerszewski Post 353 … Argyle VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL PUBLIC AND FAMILIES. distance. Earl C. Hill Post 550 … Bloomington The next car shows are July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15. A grand finale will be Oct. 3. I BUY AND COLLECT MILITARY ITEMS Including insignia,Are hats, you helmets, the son and of uniforms a veteran? from WWMaybe I, WW you II, Korea, Vietnam, (I have not started my collection on Southeast Asia yet). I collect Army,are USAF,a veteran USN, andUSMC the patches, son or pins, grandson pictures and of Independent Rural Living souvenirs fromone? all periods.Either CALLway, joinJOE, 612-801-4673your local AFTERSons of6 Reverse Senior apartments for elderly and those with the American Legion. disabilities. Safe, convenient, comfortable, and affordable rural living in Southeast Minnesota. Attention Veterans! Mortgages Also available: This is your northern Minnesota resort. Barrier-free The future doesn’t have to Housing with and open 12 months a year. Services, Nurs- Gateway to the BWCA. be uncertain. ing Home, Sub- sidized Rent, 800-777-7538 Contact: email: [email protected] Homemaker The lower the Margin, the services Samantha www.veteransonthelakeresort.org 507-864-7714 All cabins have a lake view. more you qualify for. Call or www.goodshep-rushford.org for our low rates. Libor American Margins as low as 1.5%. Call or email me for a free Legion and consumer guide and a Auxiliary personal quote. The Minnesota Legi onnaire Official Publication of and Owned Exclusively by Ely, Minnesota Let a retired active duty The American Legion, Department of Minnesota veteran you can trust show Al Zdon, Editor you how you may benefit First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, from a Reverse Mortgage. RESORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS, the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 100th year of publica- ACTIVE DUTY AND ABLE BODIED NMLS ID #283509 tion. It is published monthly by The American Legion, Depart- VETERANS, DISABLED GENERAL ment of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, St. PUBLIC AND FAMILIES. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire is a You member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the National American Legion Press Association. served SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive Mike Kraus Serving MN and WI the Legionnaire as part of their dues. 7365 Kirkwoodyour Court North, Suite 300 PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057 Reverse ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800 Maple Grove, MN 55369 country E-MAIL: [email protected] 763-355-8540 [email protected] WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org As a veteran, BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: President Mark your life Dvorak, Le Center; Vice President Don Amundson, Blue Mortgages Earth; Secretary Randy Tesdahl, Elk River; Treasurer, Bill of service Goede, Plainview. Board Members include: Joe Bayer, Min- has just begun. The future doesn’t neapolis; Carol Patridge, Oakdale; Darrel Redepenning, Coon Rapids; Paul Edwards, Brainerd; Patti Coleman, Circle Pines, have to be uncertain. Help your Mary Kuperus, New London. community, your The lower the Margin, country and POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Min- nesota Legionnaire, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55155- the more you qualify fellow veterans — 2000. (USPS No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270) for. Call for our low all while having a rates. Libor Margins as good time making low as 2%. Call or email differences with me for a free consumer people who guide and a personal get you. quote. Be part of the legacy. Let a retired ac- Share the vision. tive-duty veteran you MIKE KRAUSE can trust show you how Loan Officer you may benefit from a Reverse Mortgage. NMLS ID #283509

Mike Kraus Serving all of Minnesota 7365 Kirkwood Court North, Suite 300 Maple Grove, MN 55369 Join the Legion 763-355-8540 [email protected] at mnlegion.org