2014 Department Convention Issue The American Legion and Auxiliary

LegionnaireVolume 96, Number 7 For God and Country July 2014 Moon, Schaffer square off for 2014-15 Department Commander position This year’s Department convention will feature a con- test for state commander between Mike Schaffer of Fulda VA director: and Peggy Moon of St. Joseph. It will be the only contested election for a Legion offi- cer at the convention, which will be held July 17-19 at Rochester. Support is On the Auxiliary side, which for several years has fea- tured a contested election for second vice president, there is one candidate, Carol Kottom of Buffalo. still strong The convention will kick off with activities on By Al Zdon Wednesday, July 16. The American Legion Executive To put it all in perspective, while the ongoing VA inves- Committee will meet at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel. tigations are casting the national veterans’ health care On the Auxiliary side, there will be a series of meet- agency in a negative light, the VA health care offered local- ings during Wednesday including the executive commit- ly is regarded as still quite good. tee at 1 p.m. at the Windsor Hall III at the Kahler Grand Beginning with the scandal in Phoenix, where VA offi- Hotel. There will be a reception for Northwest Division cials apparently lied about wait list problems, every day National Vice President Patricia Steranka of Colorado at seems to bring a new headline about poor performance by 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Elizabethan Ballroom at the the VA. Last month, the top official in the VA resigned. Kahler. MIKE SCHAFFER PEGGY MOON “There’s been lots of negative stories in the media,” said Complete convention programs for the Legion and Minneapolis VA Director Patrick Kelly. “But our experi- Auxiliary are on page 6-7 of this convention issue. ence has been overwhelmingly strong support by the veter- The Legion convention will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Larry Shellito and Minneapolis VA Medical Director ans for the Minneapolis medical center. July 17, at the Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall, with Patrick Kelly. “Sometimes we don’t get it right, and that’s when we Commander Mike Ash presiding. A joint memorial service will be held, in conjunction need to put it right and make sure we don’t do it again,” The morning session will feature greetings from with the Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion, Kelly said. “But there’s no reason for veterans to lose con- Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Continued on Page 11 fidence in the VA system. We will be better. We want to make improvements.” Kelly addressed the major concerns in the recent inves- tigations and Congressional scrutiny including wait lists, 19 resolutions slated for the convention staffing and quality of care. A total of 19 resolutions will be -- Calling for a special prosecutor to Minnesota Legion Baseball has gone “Our wait times are considerably better than the average dealt with at the 96th Minnesota investigate the Department of Veterans to a zone system whereby every team around the country, but that’s always an area that needs American Legion Department Affairs. in the state participates in the playoffs, improvement.” Convention in Rochester. -- Having a national training pro- but there is no guarantee that every Kelly said Minneapolis and Rochester facilities in a The most common of the resolu- gram for flag etiquette at sports events. district will have a team in the tourna- recent VA audit were singled out for further investigation, tions, offered by several districts, -- Calling for each district in ment. two of 112 VA facilities in the country at which the VA audi- calls for any district delegates to the Minnesota to have at least one team in -- Change the appointment process tors will be doing a follow up. No reason was given by the national convention that won’t be the state baseball tournaments. Continued on Page 3 Continued on Page 20 used by the districts to be added to the Department’s delegates at large. The resolution, if passed as it is, Charlotte would go into effect this year. Boys State at Marshall There has been an ongoing dis- cussion within the Department will host ’14 about not sending a full delegation to the National Convention – espe- National cially when some districts do not send their full complement. Convention Other resolutions include: (The The 2014 National entire list of resolutions begins on Convention will come back Page 9.) to Charlotte, North Carolina, this year, Aug. 22- 28 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The convention was held there in 2002. The Minnesota delega- tion to the 96th national convention will be housed at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel at 555 South McDowell Street. The room rate is $151 per night, and there is a $25 registration fee for each person attend- ing. The Department has reserved 100 rooms. Delegates and others must make room reservations through the Department headquarters. Parking at the A candidate for a city office at Boys State tells his peers why he is qualified for the job. A Boys State Minnesota hotel is $13 a story is on page 2 and Girls and Boys State pictures are on pages 12-13. Continued on Page 19 Page 2 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 Vietnam vet South Haven young man is presents event at 2014 Boys State governor Tucker Pearson, South Georgia. He is the son of Plymouth, won the St. Cloud Haven, Minnesota, has Russ and Betsy Pearson of Freisleben/Way Award for A Minnesota Vietnam been chosen by his peers South Haven. Boys Nation Senator, and veteran has written a multi- as the 2014 Boys State He also won the Chic will join Pearson at Boys media presentation about Governor. and Bill Zweiner Award for Nation. his experience in war that Pearson recently com- the Outstanding Boys Stater Calabria is a junior at will be produced in St. Clo pleted his junior year at and he will be a senator to Maple Grove High School Jerry Hansen, who the Riverside Military Boys Nation. and is the son of Mark and served and was wounded in Academy in Gainesville, Rory Calabria, Marie Calabria. Vietnam in the 1960s, has written “The Wedding of Tomorrow and Sorrow,” a memoir in prose and poetry TUCKER PEARSON that will be combined with Lucas Mumm, Pequot music and photography. Lakes, won the Lee There will be four per- JERRY HANSEN Krough Award and will formances, August 21-24, at be first alternate at Boys the Pioneer Place on Fifth After Hansen left the Nation. He is a junior at Theater, 22 5th Ave. S. in Army, he volunteered for Pequot Lakes High St. Cloud. seven years in East Africa School. Hansen said he’s aware with the Maryknoll Fathers, Paul Mako, Lakeville, the presentation will be working with disabled chil- won the Abrose Koll breaking new ground, com- dren. Award and is second bining his writing with spe- “I’ve always loved writ- alternate to Boys Nation. cial music. Photographs, ing, but it was a full 20 He is a junior at mainly of the Vietnam War, years after I got back from -- Elected by their peers at the 2014 Boys State Lakeville North High will be shown on two Vietnam before I started my CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS at Marshall were: Front: Secretary of State Hamzeh Saltri, Lt. Governor School. screens during the play. book of poems.” Benjamin Ertl, Governor Tucker Pearson, Attorney General Caleb Christensen. Boys State was held at The main thread of the Part of the play will be a In back: Associate Justice Nicholas Battis, Chief Justice Pedro Angulo-Umana, Southwest State multi-media play will be look at his relationship with Associate Justice William Cipos, Auditor Kristopher Nguyen. University at Marshall. Hansen’s words. He is the David C. “Pappy” Papesh, a recipient of the 1990 Loft- close friend who was killed McKnight Award for in Vietnam by a sniper in Poetry, and also was a 2009 1967. Bush Artist Fellow in “I suppose in some Poetry. ways, it will be closer to “It doesn’t have to be liturgy than a play. I hope it truthful,” Hansen said. “But will take people towards it has to tell the truth. At reflection, how wasteful least my truth.” war is in so many different In addition to the poetry, ways.” there will be 10 longer Hansen, who is the prose monologs through the nephew of Past National presentation. Commander Dan Ludwig, Hansen trained with said he is now in the posi- 101st Airborne and was sent tion of stepping back and to Vietnam. He was wound- letting the director and per- ed in the chest and had to be formers take his work to the evacuated by helicopter. He stage. “It’s never been done spent seven weeks in a hos- before, so until it comes pital in Japan. together, we don’t know The play will be directed what direction it will take.” by Brother Paul Vincent Tickets are $22 for Niebauer, a Benedictine adults and $19 for seniors Monk at St. John’s Abby. and students. The perform- He has been a teacher and ances from Aug. 21-23 are s Worker’s Compensation director, including a 13- at 7:30 at night, while the s Antonio Tejeda Guzman year stint as a circus ring- Sunday, Aug. 24, perform- Social Security Disability Attorney at Law leader. ance will be a 2 p.m. mati- s VA Disability Appeals A Veteran serving Veterans Dwight Gunderson, a nee. professional actor, will do Tickets may be pur- the readings. Gunderson is chased by going to the 320-262-3669 a well-known Minnesota Pioneer Place website, actor who has performed on www.ppfive.com. 877-544-3164 various stages including the 214 4th St. SW, Willmar History Theater. www.tejeda-guzman.com

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*Viagra is a registered trademark of Pfizer & Viagra?is not associated with Great Health Nutrition. Try M.E.-36 instead! No Prescription needed . Low Cost . 36 Hour Performance 1360 University Ave. 651-645-2315 5192 Central Ave. NE 763-571-5544 1668 Robert Street HANSEN AND HIS FRIEND DAVID PAPESH 651-453-9150 July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 3 Endorsements Barbknecht endorsed for Alt. NEC Bill Barbknecht has been man, National Security, two endorsed by Underwood terms as membership chair- Post 489 for Alternate NEC man and Department Vice for the years of 2015-2017. Commander. Barbknecht He has also been endorsed was Department by the Ninth District. Commander in 1994-1995. Barbknecht has held At this time Bill is chairman most chairmanships and of the Legionnaire offices including Post Insurance Trust. Commander at Post 58 The National Browns Valley, Post 153 Appointments include Barnesville, and Post 489 Veterans and Rehabilitation Underwood. He is current- Committee, Region Six ly membership chairman Chairman, Vice Chairman for the post, which has of Merchant Marine, exceeded the previous year Distinguished Guest for the past five years. Committee, and National He has served in many Security. capacities for the Ninth He was in the Marine District, including Corps for two years and in Commander in 1982-1983 the Air National Guard for and currently is the District 24 years. BILL BARBKNECHT Judge Advocate. HIs wife Carol served as He has served the Department President in They have a son Jason Department of Minnesota 2008-2009 and is currently and daughter Trish, and as VA&R chairman, the Auxiliary Chairman of three grandchildren. Finance Committee chair- Finance for Minnesota. Resolutions at Convention Continued from Page 1 mittee. and have a business manag- -- Forbidding members er from a local post. No out- for the Legislative of committees with multi- side sponsored posts would Committee to four-year year terms from being re- be allowed. terms in order to provide appointed. -- Supporting copper- continuity on the commit- -- Require the federal nickel mining in northeast- tee. Veterans Benefit ern Minnesota. -- Change the eligibility Administration to have at There was also a resolu- dates for the Korean War to least 50 percent veterans in tion from the SAL consider the conflict ongo- its workforce. Detachment Convention ing, and that all dates since -- Calling for changes in endorsing Dennis 844-232-8287 the war would now be eligi- the American Legion Riders Henkemeyer of Bagley for ble for membership. backpatch. National SAL vice presi- -- A resolution calling -- Asking for a new dent. for all committees that have Minnesota Veterans Home multi-year appointments to in Montevideo. always have the senior -- Calling for all JON BROWN member as chairman. After American Legion Baseball VA DISABILITY APPEALS the chairman’s year, he or teams to be sponsored by she would leave the com- 952-201-1799

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Dr. Robert Shelton, D.C. Page 4 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 As of this writing, we haven’t gotten a final tally on Consolidated Post Reports, but having been approached by several district commanders, it sounds as if the last-minute Chaplain’s effort paid off. A word to all the incoming district com- COMMANDER’S manders, if you stay on top of these reports from the begin- Corner COLUMN ning of the year, you’ll have less wear-and-tear on your vice commanders and yourself as your year winds to a close. By Here’s where mentorship and the passing of the torch becomes critical – all the district commanders have done a Richard Wog By Mike Ash spectacular job, but remember, pass on what you’ve learned to the newest fish in the barrel – because as they say “You Greetings to all American Legion family members. To don’t know, what you don’t know.” start off I want to thank you for letting me serve as your I’ve just returned from Legionville and the Sons of the department Chaplain. It has truly been an honor to serve American Legion Detachment Convention. They elected a this year. I have learned so much, and believe me when you great leader in Dennis Henkemeyer and the changing of the say you can teach an old dog new tricks; it’s true. The best guard begins. The SAL reported on what they’ve done dur- teachers I have had are you, the members of the great …And so I face the final curtain… Next month you’ll ing the past 12 months and what they plan to do in the new American Legion. When I started I thought it was going to have a new smiling face to greet you on the inside of the Legion year – they have truly hit the ground running. Just be a cake walk. Little did I know what was involved with Legionnaire. What an outstanding year it has been. Because a reminder to all posts, if you have an SAL squadron, work my duties as Chaplain. The trip to the Chaplain conference of you, we have celebrated successful post revitalizations, with them and give them the same support you expect from really opened my eyes by allowing me the chance to spend had a rewarding National Commander’s tour, are putting them – they are a true asset. time with other department Chaplains; some who have been the final touches on a new education center at Legionville, We’re still about 3,600 short on membership. in their position for twenty years. The history each of them and continue to have some of the most successful Legion Department Membership Director Tom will be more than had experienced and the stories they had to share made me programs in the nation. Although it’s been challenging at happy for you to keep turning those in – right up to wonder. What am I doing here? But, when the conference times, it was well worth it – again, made worthwhile by December 30th (however, if you could do that by July 30th, was over I realized I was no different than each of them. It those post, unit, squadron, and chapter members who he’d be much happier). Although the 2015 cards are now is Gods way of showing we are all equal in his eyes. I stepped up and said, “Challenge? What challenge? This is moving out, we need to make sure we don’t leave out those enjoyed sharing time with all of you, whether at a rally or just who we are.” who “forgot” to pay in 2014. So contact your unpaid mem- at a post meeting, you made me feel welcome. The words Also the support I received from Legion staff, the bers and let them know, it’s not too late. If your finance of encouragement and your comments on my articles mean Department Vice-Commanders, the District Commanders officer/treasurer won’t have a coronary, maybe you can a lot to me; and the cards and letters helped also. and all the post/district/department officers and committees swing a special one-time deal for them and offer them 2014 Sometimes you wonder, does anyone read what you write? has been nothing short of amazing – all I had to do was ask. and 2015 at a discounted rate? I know now you do. Sometimes I didn’t have to do that – several times I’d get Having traveled thousands of miles and being able to I have driven a lot of miles and I thank God every time I calls or emails that said - “Commander, I notice you’re sup- share the stage with dignitaries such as MDVA get home safely. Just as each of us pray to our God for safe posed to be in two places at the same time, and although I Commissioner Shellito, Governor Dayton, Supreme Court travel. The miles I have driven this year to attend the ral- don’t doubt you could somehow achieve that, I would be Chief Justice Lorie Gildea, and former Minnesota Vikings lies and meetings have allowed me to meet and visit with happy to represent you at one of the functions.” Being able coach Bud Grant – I had to vacillate between being hum- WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans and hear about to work closely with the Minnesota Department of Veterans bled and being tired. I’d like to thank all those who helped the events in some of their military lives. Even with what Affairs and the other VSO leaders in the Commanders Task me along the way. Thanks for the Facebook likes, the pos- they went through, not one ever said they would not do it Force has reinforced my belief that “The whole is greater itive comments and commentary when I came to visit, and again for their God and their country. They were proud of than the sum of its parts.” I think it shone brightest when most of all the sincere friendship. Once I become a “has- their service as we are proud of each of them. As we talk we stood side-by-side and showed our concern for veterans been,” I will always be available for questions, comments, about our veterans, let us never forget those who are in our as we gathered together on Capitol Hill. concerns or just a listening post for all Legion, SAL, ALR Veteran’s Homes, which I know are full. With the govern- I recently checked out the progress of the new education and Auxiliary members. ment cut backs there are just not enough rooms. We as vet- center at Legionville. It has truly come together, but there Finally, let me thank my family, especially my wife erans need to push our congress people to try to find a way are finishing touches that must be made. They can use three Teresa (Army veteran, Department Public Relations Chair, to help. I know I should probably stay out of politics, but things – tapers, sanders and painters. Please remember the as well as the long-suffering Mrs. Ash) – although I didn’t this is our veterans I’m talking about. Make that call, write camp over the summer and if you have any free time, please consistently recognize her (on time) when we were togeth- that letter. Now I’ll get off my soap box. give the camp manager Roy Kruger a call and let him know er at functions, she was always there making sure my mug In my last letter I touched on the Ten Commandments. I you’d like to stop by, throw some sticky stuff up on the would appear on the Department Facebook page and sup- was so happy to hear and read your comments. It seemed wall, use some sandpaper, or would be willing to slop some porting me. ironic that Sunday, our pastor was talking about them also. paint up on the wall (doesn’t sound so technical, does it?). He talked about the first three commandments and how they are important in our lives. The third commandment is to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy; with all that’s going on in our lives, that day seems to be set aside for other things. Our pastor pointed out that on any given Sunday only thirty percent of people attend their church of worship. That got my head up. Can that be true? Yes, it is; it was in Opinion strength and a solid vision of the future good. a survey. As I was driving one day I saw this sign, “Have a Darwin H. Berg, 1943-2014 It’s no coincidence that Minnesota American Legion wonderful summer, please, don’t forget your summer By Al Zdon Baseball experienced a golden era under Berg’s watch. Two church service.” The department convention will soon be I first met Darwin Berg back in the 90s when he was a national championships, two runners up. It was a summer here. The memorial service will be held July 17th at 11:15 vice director of the Minnesota American Legion Baseball program where over 5,000 student-athletes learned about am. I am asking each of you to take the time to remember program. In those days, the committee included a prepon- teamwork and hard work and something about love of those that we have lost. It is right to pay them this tribute. derance of ornery and irascible old buzzards who had opin- country. Of course, Darwin didn’t do it himself. It starts I would be remiss if I didn’t take this chance to say ions on any issue the size of Mack Trucks. My thought at with coaches and parents who run the teams and fight the happy belated birthday to the U.S. Army founded June 14, that time about Darwin was, “What’s a nice guy like you battles at the local level. It has to do with kids who are will- 1777. You have done well. Let me leave you with this doing with a group like this?” ing to give up some of their summer for the love of the quote by Grandma Moses, “Live for today, that is the way And then, as the years went by, he was elected director game. It continues with a solid team of district directors and it has always been, and will always be.” of the program by his peers. And again, I had my doubts. state directors who keep all the moving parts moving. God bless, see you soon, and be safe – for God and coun- How can an easy going, thoughtful guy like Darwin survive But at the top, you need somebody who has the respect try. in this shark tank? of everyone, somebody who has the energy and talent to do Over the next decade, Dawin Berg taught me and men- the job, and somebody whose leadership can raise a pro- tored me about what real leadership was. Darwin was the gram to its highest potential. eye of the hurricane, the rock of Gibraltar. While the I never stopped learning from Darwin, even when he The Minnesota dynamics of the baseball committee raged around him, knew it was time to gracefully step aside and let other tal- Official PublicationLeg of iando Ownednn Exclusivelyair bye Darwin provided a calming and reasoning dimension to the ented people run the show. The American Legion, Department of Minnesota discussion. He listened to people. He sought wisdom, not Minnesota baseball has lost a true leader and its best rhetoric. Through the storms and rough water that the base- friend. He made the program better, but, more importantly, Al Zdon, Editor ball program encountered, Darwin’s hand at the tiller was he made all of us better. First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, sure and steady. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be known as the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 94th year of publica- But when it came time to take a stand, and everyone had tion. It is published monthly by The American Legion, the children of God. Department of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street, had their say, Darwin took a stand and he did so with St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the National American Legion Press Association. SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive the Legionnaire as part of their dues. Mail Call in favor of non-veterans who precede them on the waiting PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057 Response to Commander POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American To the Editor: list. Legion, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55155-2000. (USPS Commander Mike Ash in his June column continues to In testimony before my committee, he said that in tak- No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270) pride himself on keeping in place a Minnesota Veterans ing this position he is speaking for the 86,000 members of ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800 Home policy that gives non-veterans the same nursing the Minnesota American Legion. I question that. Many E-MAIL: [email protected] home admission rights as veterans. The Minneapolis Home veterans have approached me and said they believe priority WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org has a capacity of less than 750 nursing home beds. With in the Minnesota Veterans Homes should go to deserving BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: President MIke veterans and all others should go to the back of the line. Ash, St. Paul; Vice President, Bob Locker, Fridley; Secretary 2,000 veterans on the admission waiting lists, many will die Randy Tesdahl, St. Francis; Treasurer, Richard Horn, or be placed in a private nursing home before their number Rep. Jerry Newton Coon Rapids Melrose. Board Members include: Don Amundson, Blue comes up. Earth; Bob Locker, Fridley; Clinton Burt, Slayton; Joe Bayer, Minnesota's Veterans Homes were built and are main- Minneapolis; Pat Logan, Bloomington; Virgil Persing, tained for veterans with public tax dollars. Commander Columbia Heights; Shirley Frederick, Hackensack; Chris Ash will deny deserving veterans admission to these homes Ronning, Maple Grove. July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 5

What’s Happeninmeetings, mental health counseling,g wellness and more. American Legion booth at the fair, and for a special booth Relief Grants Available For faster registration, veterans should have a copy of that the Legion will operate in a different part of the fair on Veterans their families may be eligible for a disaster their DD-214. For more information, call 651-200-4750 the day the fair honors veterans. relief grant of up to $1,000 if they have not received any at MACV. The fair’s Military Appreciation Day will be Tuesday, state or federal assistance. The Minnesota Department of Aug. 26. Veterans and spouses can get in to the fair that day Veterans Affairs is offering Disaster Relief Grants to veter- for $8. If you would like to volunteer for this special booth, ans in counties that have been declared in emergency status Vietnam Exhibit Help Help is needed for a new Vietnam exhibit at the contact Tom Newman, 612-970-5402. by the governor. Help is also needed for the regular fair booth on Veterans should contact their local CVSO to determine if Minnesota Military History Museum at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls. Thursday, Aug. 28, and Labor Day, Sept. 1. Please contact they are eligible. Al Zdon at 651-291-1800. Minnesota Legion members may also qualfy for Photos, stories and artifacts from Minnesota Vietnam National Emergency Fund grants. Up to $1,500 is available veterans -- actually used or worn in Vietnam -- are need- for those suffering losses from the heavy rains and floods. ed from all branches of the service. Viet Cong and North Legal Clinics Posts can receive up to $5,000. Vietnamese artifacts are also sought. Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is sponsoring Applicants must have been displaced from their homes, The exhibit will tell the story through the words and a legal clinic at the Fargo VA on Wednesday, July 9, from 9 and they must provide receipts showing the cost of tempo- photographs of Minnesotans who served. a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be attorneys, MACV staff, rary housing, food, etc. For more information, go to For more information, contact Doug Bekke, curator of CVSOs and others available with legal help. www.legionl.org. the museum, at 612-729-7651 or email For more information, call Sara at 651-224-0292. [email protected]. The St. Cloud VA and community partners are sponsor- ing a recurring legal clinic at the St. Cloud VA campus on Nominations Open for Vets the first and third Tuesday of the month from noon until 2 Nominations are now open for the 2014 Veterans’s Voice 5th Legacy Ride The Minnesota American Legion Riders will be “rid- p.m. For an appointment or information, call 320-253-0138. Award in Minnesota. The award is open to both younger In addition, free legal consultation is available at the and older vets through the Minnesota Humanities Center. ing for the children” again this year to raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. The fund provides schol- Montevideo CBOC from noon until 2 on the third Friday of Nominations are due no later than July 9. The award is every month. For an appointment, call 320-403-1051. for those vets who have served honorably and are making arships for children who had a parent killed while on extraordinary contributions to their community. active duty since 9/11. For more information, go to the website: There will be a kick-off part at the Richfield Post 435 Vendors needed mnhum.org/vets. on Thursday, July 31, starting at 5 p.m. The run will tour Vendors are needed for the Fall Flea Market sponsored all ten districts during the first two weekends of August. by the Apple Valley Auxiliary 1776. The market will be The run will end at the Coon Rapids Post 334 with a held on Saturday, Sept. 20. The sponsors are looking for Metro StandDown party on Sunday, Aug. 10, at noon. sellers of wood products, household items, food and crafts. The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is offer- For more information, go to the website: www.mnle- For information, call Marlene Heinzen, 651-423-2493. ing the Metro StandDown on Aug. 5-6 at the Boy Scout gacyrun.org. The detail of the stops and information on Base Camp at Fort Snelling. how to donate is on the site. Services for veterans include meals, clothing, VA bene- Bemidji Vietnam Exhibit fits, legal assistance, Veteran’s Court, dental, optometry, Bemidji Post 14 will host a special Vietnam traveling haircuts, housing counsel, employment assistance, AA/NA Fair Volunteers exhibit for five days, July 3-Aug. 3 at the Beltrami County Volunteers are needed for both the regular Minnesota Fair. The exhibit is funded by community donations. The exhibit will feature the Mobile Riverine Force Museum and memorial in a traveling trailer. The exhibit commemorates the 50 years since the start of OFFICIAL CONVENTION PRE-REGISTRATION the Vietnam war in 1964. A registration fee of $15 for each person attending, whether a delegate, alter- nate or a guest, must accompany this form. Make this check payable to POST 92 CONVENTION FUND. No credit cards will be accepted. Registration at the door will be $18.

Mail to: Bill Born, American Legion Post 92 Office, 403 East Center St. Rochester, MN 55904 Preserving Legion Post # ______SAL Sqdn.______Auxiliary Unit______

District______Minnesota’s Name______History Address______Give the gift of Minnesota City, State______Zip______military history to your loved one. pDelegate pAlternate pGuest pDelegate at Large (Auxiliary) War Stories II (Please check one of the above.) has 35 stories about If additional pre-registrations accompany this request, this pre-registration form Minnesota veterans and should be photo copied for each person. The $15 registration fee should be over 300 pictures. enclosed for each person. Books will be available at the Department Convention. To order simply go to Mail to: Books www.mnlegion.org. Credit cards accepted. Room 300A Membership Chart 20 West 12th Street As of June 17, 2014 Or use the blank below. St. Paul, MN 55155 District 2014 Total Total Percent Same Goal 2013 2014 of Goal Date ’13 Name______Phone______1 10,370 10,312 9,873 95.21 10,297 2 8,528 8,443 8,004 93.86 8,429 Address______3 12,927 12,862 12,339 95.45 12,819 4 2,686 2,663 2,511 93.48 2,660 ______5 3,112 3,089 2,936 94.34 3,073 13,192 13,121 12,605 95.55 13,099 Please send me _____ copy(ies) of War Stories Volume II 6 Cost is $29 per book. Includes shipping and handling. 7 7,545 7,467 7,144 94.67 7,454 8 5,049 5,008 4,717 93.42 5,001 Please send me _____ copy(ies) of War Stories Volume I 9 7,659 7,594 7,353 96.00 7,580 Cost is $23 per book. Includes shipping and handling. 10 11,741 11,688 11,145 94.92 11,667 Total amount enclosed: $ ______At-large 1,733 1,748 2,330 134.45 1,745 Totals 84,542 83,995 80,957 95.76 83,824 Page 6 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 Convention

Program 96th e 96th Annual Convention of The American Legion THURSDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 17, 2014 FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 18, 2014 Department of Minnesota ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA July 17-19, 2014 1:00 p.m. MEETINGS OF ALL CONVENTION 1:30 p.m. CONVENTION COMMITTEE Legion COMMITTEES. REPORTS 2:00 p.m. GAMBLING SEMINAR, Mayo Civic 1:45 p.m. GREETINGS: Shirley Frederick, THURSDAY MORNING, JULY 17, 2014 Center, Presentation Hall Department President, American Moderator: Robert Hart, Legislative Legion Auxiliary, Hackensack 7-8:00 a.m. CAUCUS OF ALL DELEGATES AND Committee Chairman, Stillwater Sandie Deutsch, Department ALTERNATES BY DISTRICTS Secretary, American Legion Auxiliary, 8:30-9 a.m. Music FRIDAY MORNING, JULY 18, 2014 St. Paul 9:00 a.m. AMERICAN LEGION CONVENTION 2:00 p.m. CONVENTION COMMITTEE SESSIONS – Mayo Civic Center, 7-8:00 a.m. CAUCUS OF ALL DELEGATES AND REPORTS Presentation Hall, Rochester ALTERNATES BY DISTRICTS — 2:30 p.m. FINAL MEMBERSHIP AWARDS: Tom CALL TO ORDER: Mike Ash, 8:30 a.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mike Ash, Fernlund, Department Membership Department Commander, St. Paul Department Commander, St. Paul Director, St. Cloud ADVANCEMENT OF THE COLORS INVOCATION: Richard Wog, Gold Brigade Winners - Premier 2013 Champions, Hayfield Post 330 Department Chaplain, Willmar Plaque - Other Membership Awards POW/MIA FLAG: Richard Gosse, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3:00 p.m. NOMINATIONS FOR DEPARTMENT NS/FR Committee, Wabasha “THE PREAMBLE”: Recital by OFFICE Gary Olson, Department Sergeant at Commander and Delegates 4:30 p.m. BENEDICTION Arms, Moorhead 8:45 a.m. REPORT: Credentials Committee, RETIREMENT OF THE COLORS INVOCATION: Richard Wog, Lynne Nottage, Chairman, RECESS Department Chaplain, Willmar Minneapolis PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 8:50 a.m. YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES: VOTING AT MAYO CIVIC CENTER FOR ONE HOUR “THE PREAMBLE” — Recital by SAL REPORT: John Affolter, SAL FROM TIME OF RECESS Commander and Delegates Detachment Commander, Mankato GREETINGS: The Honorable Ardell BOY SCOUT OF THE YEAR, Tom FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 18, 2014 F. Brede, Mayor, Rochester Hallett, Boy Scout Chairman, Mankato Thomas Quick, Commander, WM. T. 2014 LEGION BOYS STATE REPRE- 7:00 p.m. CONVENTION PARADE - 6:00 p.m. McCoy Post 92 SENTATIVE Parade Line-up Brian Medinnus, First District 2014 ORATORICAL CONTEST WIN- 9:00 p.m. DISTRICT AND CANDIDATES OPEN Commander, Austin NER, Tess Davis, Chairman, HOUSES Reid Oberle, General Convention Princeton Chairman, Rochester 9:10 a.m. REPORT: V4V, Marland Ronning, SATURDAY MORNING, JULY 19, 2014 9:30 a.m. READING OF THE CONVENTION Maple Grove CALL: Randy Tesdahl, Department 9:20 a.m. REPORT: Jim Kellogg, President, 8:00-9:00 a.m. Voting at MAYO CIVIC CENTER Adjutant Brain Science Foundation, Taopi 8:30 a.m. CONCERT: Ninth District Band REPORT OF CONVENTION CRE- 9:30 a.m. REPORT: Katy Ryan, Director, 9:00 a.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mike Ash, DENTIALS COMMITTEE Voluntary Services, Minneapolis VA Department Commander, St. Paul REPORT OF CONVENTION RULES Health Care System ADVANCEMENT OF THE COLORS: COMMITTEE 9:40 a.m. REPORT: Wayne Gilbertson, 2014 Color Guard Winner ADVANCE READING OF CONSTITU- President, Legionville Corporation, THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - Led by TIONAL AMENDMENT RESOLU- Zimmerman Ninth District Band TIONS: 9:50 a.m. REPORT: Chuck Stone, Chairman, INVOCATION: Richard Wog, Don Walser, Department Judge Veterans Pheasant Dinner, Owatonna Department Chaplain, Willmar Advocate, Hutchinson 10:00 a.m. AWARDS PRESENTATIONS: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 9:45 a.m. GREETINGS: Larry Shellito, Dennis Blue, President, American “THE PREAMBLE” - Recital by Commissioner, MN Department of Legion Hospital Assn., Coon Rapids Department Commander and Veterans Affairs Terry Buraas, Children and Youth Delegates Patrick Kelly, Director, Minneapolis, Chairman, Grand Forks, ND “CONVENTION MEMORIAL SERV- VA Health Care System Art Tobkin, Americanism Chairman, ICE”: Richard Wog, Department Barry Bahl, Director, St. Cloud, VA Bagley Chaplain, Willmar Health Care System Gary Weaver, Education Chairman, 9:15 a.m. REPORT: David Bode, Parade Other Veterans Service Organizations LaCrescent Coordinator, Nicollet Neil Doyle, President, Minnesota James Blakesley, Safety-School FINAL REPORT OF CREDENTIALS Association of County Veterans Patrol Chairman, Aitkin COMMITTEE Service Officers Tom Conway, Law and Order REPORT AND PRESENTATIONS: RESPONSE: Joe Niesen, Chairman, Argyle Mike Ash, Department Commander, Department Vice Commander, Steve Nelson, Blood Chairman, St. Paul Cologne Chaska 9:20 a.m. REPORT: Mike Perry, American 10:00 a.m. “REPORTING NATIONALLY” – Ray Michael Schaffer, Trophies and Legion Baseball Director, Minnetonka DeZurik, National Executive Awards Chairman, Fulda 9:45 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ELECTION Committeeman, Breezy Point Dennis DeLong, Yearbook and RESULTS AND INTRODUCTION OF 10:05 a.m. REPORT: Legionnaire Insurance Narrative History Books, Bloomington NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS Trust, Bill Barbknecht, Chairman, Bob Locker, Community Service DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Underwood Chairman, Fridley Presentation of Department 10:10 a.m. REPORT: Minnesota American Denise Milton, Operation Post Home, Commander’s Badge Legion Foundation, Lloyd Ricker, Bagley Presentation of Past Department President, Dawson Robert Hart, Legislative Chairman, Commander’s Insignia by Mike Ash’s 10:15 a.m. REPORT: Armed Forces Service Stillwater Family Center, Joe Jansen, Representative, Bob Mace, Bowling Chairman, Waite Presentation of Miniature Department Arden Hills Park Colors to Retiring Commander 10:20 a.m. REPORT: Kathy Vitalis, Executive 11:15 a.m. PRESENTATIONS BY: Don Pankake, Past Department Director, Minnesota Assistance David Heidebrink, Employment Commander, Hutchinson Council for Veterans Committee Chairman, Hutchinson FIVE DEPARTMENT VICE COM- 10:25 a.m. AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL NW GREETINGS: Scott Mills, Director MANDERS - without numerical desig- DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Veterans’ Employment and Training nation Pat Steranka, Colorado Service (VETS) CHAPLAIN 10:35 a.m. VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABIL- 11:30 a.m. NATIONAL REHABILITATION SERV- HISTORIAN ITATION: Phil Ringstrom, Dept. ICE AWARDS: SERGEANT AT ARMS Rehabilitation Chairman, Sartell Ray DeZurik, National Executive MEMBER OF PUBLICATION BOARD 10:50 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEPART- Committeeman, Breezy Point - for three-year term MENT CONVENTION COMMITTEES Phil Ringstrom, Rehabilitation ELECTION OF DELEGATES-AT- AND INSTRUCTIONS Committee, Sartell LARGE TO THE NATIONAL CON- Randy Tesdahl, Department Adjutant “PAT” CLIFF AWARD to Outstanding VENTION 11:00 a.m. RECESS Post Service Officer FIVE ALTERNATES-AT-LARGE TO 11:45 a.m. CONVENTION COMMITTEE THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 11:15 a.m. JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICE – Mayo REPORTS Civic Center, Presentation Hall 12:00 Noon RECESS INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS BENEDICTION RETIREMENT OF THE COLORS ADJOURNMENT July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 7 Convention

Program 95th AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 2:00 p.m. Gambling Seminar - Mayo Civic Center - Minnesota’s First District Department Convention, July 17-19, 2014 Presentation Hall 2:50 p.m. Convention Committee Report – Kahler Grand Hotel, Rochester, Minnesota Legislation, Chris Ronning, Chairman AuxiliaryTHURSDAY EVENING, JULY 17 2:55 p.m. Convention Committee Report – National WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 7:00 p.m. Department President Shirley Frederick’s Security, Raleen Tolzmann, 8:00 a.m. Department of Minnesota Girls State Reception for her Official Family and Chairman; Debra Bayer, Armed Forces Meeting - Directors Room Special Guests (invitation only) - Center Representative 10:30 a.m. Department Ad-Hoc Committee of Elizabethan Ballroom 3:00 p.m. Convention Committee Report – Poppy, Minnesota Creative Arts Shaaron Barnes, Chairman 12:00 noon Department Finance Committee Meeting - FRIDAY, JULY 18 3:05 p.m. Announcement of the Poppy Contest Mayo Brothers Room 7:00 a.m. Registration Opens – Winners – Shaaron Barnes,Chairman 1:00 p.m. Department Executive Committee Meeting 8:00 a.m. District Caucuses (10) meet 3:15 p.m. Convention Committee Report – Veterans – Windsor Hall III 9:00 a.m. Daily Roll Call of District Presidents – Affairs and Rehabilitation, 3:00 p.m. Registration Opens – Rochester American Department Secretary Sandie Sandy Fredrickson, Chairman; Sally Legion Post #92 Deutsch Strasser, Field Service Director; 7:00 p.m. Reception for NW Division National Vice 9:00 a.m. Call to Order – Shirley Frederick, Jean Horack, Home Service President Patricia Steranka of the Department President Director; Mary French, Gift American Legion Auxiliary and other Invocation – Dolly Zitur, Department Shop Chairman, Lee Hubler, Distinguished Guests (Open to Everyone) Chaplain Gift Shop Committee Member - Elizabethan Ballroom Supplemental Report of Convention 3:20 p.m. Recognition of the Hospital/Home Credentials Committee – Doris Lafayette, Representatives – Shirley Frederick, THURSDAY, JULY 17 Chairman Department President 7:00 a.m. Registration Opens – Heritage Hall Foyer 9:10 a.m. Presentation of the District Presidents 3:30 p.m. Presentation of Department President’s 7:30 a.m. Briefing and Rehearsal for the Jill Mueller, Jeannette Mertens, Joanne Project – Shirley Frederick Processional – Heritage Hall Joachim, Paula Davis, Annette Bray Presentation – Patricia Aljets, 7:30 a.m. District Caucuses (10) meet – Diane Gustad, Patricia Ecker, Betty Director St. Cloud VAHCS and 8:00 a.m. Convention Credentials Committee Manginen, Jennifer Morken, Donna Veteran Bobby White - How Meeting – Mayo Brothers Room Redepenning Creative Arts impacted his life 8:00 a.m. Convention Rules Committee Meeting – Response for the District Presidents MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT REPORTS Watson Room Paula Davis, Fourth District President 3:45 p.m. Report on the Auxiliary Emergency Fund – 9:00 a.m. Daily Roll Call of District Presidents – 9:25 a.m. Recognition of the Department Office staff Lynn Hall, Chairman Sandie Deutsch, Dept. Sec’y – Shirley Frederick, Department President 3:50 p.m. Convention Committee Report – 9:00 a.m. Auxiliary session convenes – Sandie 9:30 a.m. Presentation of The American Legion Leadership, Carol Kottom, Chairman Deutsch, Dept. Sec’y Legion Department Commander Mike Ash 3:55 p.m. Convention Committee Report – 9:05 a.m. Processional – ALL COLORS (see proces- SAL Detachment Commander John Membership, Barbara Klehr, Chairman sional line-up) Affolter and Adjutant Doug Bible 4:00 p.m. Department President Convention 9:10 a.m. Call to Order – Shirley Frederick, Department Adjutant, Randy Tesdahl Committee Report – Public Department President 9:50 a.m. The Honorable , Governor, Relations, Judy Ackerman, Invocation – Dolly Zitur, Department State of Minnesota Chairman Chaplain YOUTH DEVELOPMENT REPORTS 4:05 p.m. Announcements Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag – Jean 10:20 a.m. Convention Committee Report - Children 4:10 p.m. Recess Walker, Americanism Chairman and Youth, Jodi Meckle 4:30 p.m. Musical Extravaganza “Disney Songs” - The National Anthem – Jean Walker 10:25 a.m. Chairman Convention Committee Report Heritage Hall - Dee Dee Buckley, Director Preamble to the Constitution – Karen American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls Thygeson, Constitution and Bylaws State, Suzette Maluchnik, FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 18 Chairman 10:30 a.m. Greetings – Anna Gardner 2014 Governor 7:00 p.m. Parade 9:20 a.m. POW/MIA Remembrance – Raleen of Minnesota Girls State, spon- Tolzmann, National Security Chairman sored by Brainerd Unit #255 SATURDAY, JULY 19 9:30 a.m. Welcome to Rochester 10:35 a.m. Convention Committee Report - Junior 7:00 a.m. Registration Opens – West Corridor Sharon Kingsley, Auxiliary Convention Activities, Mary Kuperus, Chairman 9:00 a.m. Daily Roll Call of District Presidents – Dept Chairman and President, Rochester Unit 10:40 a.m. Greetings – 2013-2014 Department Secretary Sandie Deutsch #92, Jill Mueller, 1st District President, Honorary Junior President, 9:00 a.m. Call to Order – Shirley Frederick, Thomas Quick, Post #92 Commander Kaitlyn Fernlund, Waite Park Department President Brian Medinnus, 1st District Commander FAMILY SUPPORT POD REPORTS Invocation – Dolly Zitur, Chaplain Tim Weaver, 1st District SAL Commander 10:45 a.m. Convention Committee Report 9:05 a.m. Supplemental Report of Convention Reid Oberle, The American Legion Americanism, Jean Walker, Chairman Credentials Committee – Doris Convention Chairman Post #92 Announcement of Americanism Essay Lafayette, Chairman 9:30 a.m. Response to Welcomes – Chris Ronning, Winners 9:10 a.m. Voting on the Constitution & By-Laws, Department First Vice President 10:55 a.m. Convention Committee Report – Standing Rules Changes 9:35 a.m. Greetings – The Honorable Ardell Brede, Community Service, Patti Coleman, 9:20 a.m. 9th District Band, Vernon Kuhn, President Mayor of Rochester Chairman 9:30 a.m. Final Report of the Constitution and 9:40 a.m. Presentation and Introduction of National 11 a.m. Convention Committee Report – Bylaws Committee – Karen Northwestern Division Vice President of Education, Louise Kleiboer, Chairman Thygeson, Chairman the American Legion Auxiliary – Patricia 11:05 a.m. Convention Committee Report – Memorial, 9:35 a.m. Final Report of the Resolutions Committee Steranka, Dept. of Colorado Dolly Zitur, Chairman – Marsha Bible, Chairman Address by Vice President Steranka 11:10 a.m. Report on The Brain Science Foundation– 9:40 a.m. Presentation of Department President’s 10:00 a.m. Presentation of Distinguished Guests Mary Efta Memory Book – Wanda Chris Ronning, Sandra Fredrickson, 11:20 a.m. Report on The American Legion Family Anderson, Chairman Raleen Tolzmann, Linda Thompson, Hospital Association – Dennis 9:45 a.m. Presentation of the Department Evelyn Starr, Kris Nelson, Marie Goede Blue, President Convention Chairman and Committee Lori Skallerud, Norma Tramm, Peggy 11:25 a.m. Announcements Sharon Kingsley, Auxiliary General Tesdahl, Carol Holmgren, Ella Dokken 11:30 a.m. Recess Chairmen, Special introductions Joyce Olson, Opal Stokes, Beverly 11:30 a.m. Past Department Presidents’ Luncheon – and thank-you’s, Shirley Otterness, Doris Ann Werlinger Michael’s Restaurant Frederick, Department President 10:05 a.m. Response for the Distinguished Guests – 9:50 a.m. Unfinished business Raleen Tolzmann, National Executive FRIDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 18 9:55 a.m. New business Committeewoman 1:30 p.m. Call to Order – Shirley Frederick, 10:10 a.m. Final Report of the Credentials Committee 10:10 a.m. Greetings – Larry Shellito, Commissioner, Department President – Doris Lafayette, Chairman Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs 1:35 p.m. Report on Legionville, Wayne Gilbertson, Election of Officers - Report of 10:15 a.m. Preliminary Report of Convention President, Legionville Corp. the Election Committee, Darlene Credentials Committee – Doris Lafayette, 1:40 p.m. Report on Convention Corporation, Phil Wondra, Judge of Elections Chairman Bellefeuille, President 10:20 a.m. Judge of Elections. 10:20 a.m. Reading of the Call to Convention – 1:45 p.m. Presentation - Auxiliary Bowling Trophy Department President Reading of the 2013 Department –Bob Mace & John Torma, Department First Vice President Convention Minutes – Department Legion Bowling Chairmen Department Second Vice President Secretary Sandie Deutsch ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT REPORTS Delegates-at-large 10:25 a.m. Report of the Convention Rules 1:50 p.m. Convention Committee Report – Announcement of the 2014-15 National Committee – Carolyn Albertson, Chairman Constitution and Bylaws, Karen Executive Committeewoman 10:30 a.m. Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Thygeson, Chairman and Alternate NEC Minnesota Disaster Fund, Raleen 1:55 p.m. Convention Committee Report – 1. Ratification of the 14 delegates financed Tolzmann, Chairman Resolutions, Marsha Bible, by the Department 10:35 a.m. Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Chairman 2. Ratification of delegates elected at Minnesota Creative Arts Festival, 2:00 p.m. Convention Committee Report – Finance, District Conventions Sandra Fredrickson, Chairman Carol Barbknecht, Chairman 3. Ratification of alternates elected at 10:40 a.m. Nominations of candidates for: 2:05 p.m. Convention Committee Report – History, District Conventions Department President Mary Hendrickson, Chairman 4. Election of alternates-at-large Department First Vice President 2:10 p.m. Convention Committee Report – Past Retirement of Department and Past Department Second Vice President Presidents Parley, Marie Goede National Presidents’ Colors 10:45 a.m. Remarks by candidates for Department Chairman Installation of Incoming 2014-2015 Offices 2:15 p.m. Presentation of the Past Department Department Officers and District 11:00 a.m. Nomination of delegates-at-large Presidents – Shirley Frederick, Presidents - Karen Thygeson 11:05 a.m. Announcements Department President Presentation of Department President’s 11:10 a.m. Recess 2:25 p.m. Response for the Past Department Pin to Newly Elected Department 11:15 a.m. Memorial Service – The American Legion, Presidents – Lori Skallerud, Past President American Legion Auxiliary, and Department President Presentation of Past Department Sons of The American Legion – 2:30 p.m. Memorial Service for Past Department President’s Pin –Kris Nelson Presentation Hall, Mayo Civic Center Presidents – Marie Goede, Benediction – Dolly Zitur Chairman Retirement of All Colors THURSDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 17 VETERAN/MILITARY SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY Adjournment of 2014 Department 2:00 p.m. Meeting of the Convention Committees 2:40 p.m. Congressman , representing Page 8 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 Commander only, and shall be limited to an address of not more than three (3) minutes. (b) The Commander is to adhere as nearly as possible to the printed program so that guests, and others to be honored, are presented without undue delay. 23) No elective political office holder shall be permit- ted to speak during the Convention except the Chief To the Post Commanders: Teller. Tellers shall elect among themselves two Tellers Executive of the State of Minnesota, and the Chief ConventionThe Rules Committee submits the following proposed from the Districts whichRules have no candidate for Commander. Executive of the Convention City, or such persons as are on Rules for the Convention to be held at Rochester, These two Tellers, and the Judge Advocate, shall tabulate the official printed and published program. Minnesota, July 17, 18, 19, 2014. and total the election results. The result of each contest 24) All major speeches shall be limited to fifteen (15) 1) With the following modifications, Robert’s Rules shall be confidential and shall be placed in a separate enve- minutes and all others not to exceed five (5) minutes. of Order, revised, be adopted for this Convention. lope and delivered to the Commander. 25) No intoxicating liquors shall be sold or dispensed 2) (a) That the speech of any Delegate, recog- If there is a written ballot contest which has not resulted in the building of the Convention meeting, except as author- nized by the Commander, shall be limited to three (3) min- in a majority vote (except for Vice Commanders), the ized by the Convention Corporation. utes and no more. Commander will be informed immediately. Then, written 26) The Roll Call of Posts shall be called in numerical (b) Where a motion is made to table a resolu- ballots for that contest shall be distributed immediately in sequence in accordance with Post numbers assigned, tion, the sponsor shall be entitled to speak to the accordance with these Rules and be cast within one-half including the city or town, beginning with Post No. 1, Convention for three (3) minutes on the subject, and three hour of completion of the distribution. Tabulation and except in odd numbered years the order of call will be (3) minutes rebuttal be granted to the maker of the motion reporting shall be in accordance with these Rules. reversed, but only those Posts having one or more duly reg- to table before the motion is put. Results of the vote count shall be reported to the istered and accredited Delegates or alternates accredited 3) That the Floor be permitted but once to any indi- Convention. All ballots and results shall be destroyed prior to 9:00 a.m. as confirmed by the Credentials vidual on any subject, except with the unanimous consent immediately following the close of the Convention, unless Committee, shall be included in the Roll Call at any time. of the Convention. there is a motion to preserve. 27) Posts challenging exclusion from the Roll Call 4) (a) That all resolutions, with the exception of 12) Nominations for Department Officers and NEC shall consult with the Credentials Committee for resolution those prepared by Convention Committees, must be pre- positions shall be held on the afternoon of Friday of the of the problem. sented in writing signed by the author thereof, not later than Convention. Nominations shall be made from the Floor on THE COMMITTEE: (Members Present) 9:00 A.M. the first day of the Convention, to the Roll Call by Districts, in ascending order starting with the Department Adjutant who shall refer them to the District whose number matches the last digit of the year of DISTRICT MEMBER HOME TOWN Resolutions Assignment Committee without debate. Each the Convention; each District may present as many candi- First Brian Medinnus Austin District Delegation Chairman or Secretary will meet with dates as it chooses. Thereafter, nominations may be made Second Jennifer Kafka Blue Earth the Department Resolutions Assignment Committee at 9:00 from the Floor. Third Mark J Dvorak Le Center A.M. of the first day of the Convention to be informed as to 13) Nominating speeches for Department Officers Fourth Larry Ryan Oakdale the resolutions assigned to each Convention Committee, shall be limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no sec- Fifth Robert Johnson Minneapolis then provide copies of those resolutions to the representa- onding speeches allowed for any candidates. Sixth Vern Massie Park Rapids tives they have appointed to said Convention Committee. 14) When the convention has adopted a Motion to sus- Seventh Not represented The Resolutions Assignment Committee is responsible for pend the rules and vote on a matter by District, each District Eighth Jerry St. Michel Grand Rapids receiving, registering and accounting for all resolutions for- may vote its entire voting strength. If the matter is the elec- Ninth Tom Norgaard Shevlin warded to it by the Department Adjutant and all committee tion of individuals for any open positions (such as Tenth Richard C. Juhl Watertown originated resolutions. Department Delegate at-Large), each District may vote its (b) Resolutions containing matters of legisla- voting strength times the number of open positions, but tion shall be cleared by the Convention Legislative shall not vote more than its voting strength for any one indi- Committee. vidual. The call for District votes shall be in ascending 5) On matters where voting has been by roll call vote, order starting with the District whose number matches the when the poll of any Post Delegation is demanded by the last digit of the year of the Convention. Delegate of any Post, the Secretary of the Convention shall 15) In the event more than two candidates are nomi- poll the vote of that Delegation by Delegates, without nated for any office, the balloting shall continue until one debate or discussion. candidate shall have received a majority of the votes cast. 6) That on Roll Call, the Chair or Acting Chair of In elections where there are more than two candidates, the each Delegation on the Floor shall announce the vote of this candidate receiving the fewest votes in each round of vot- Delegation. ing shall be eliminated. 7) No person, not duly accredited, shall participate 16) No personalities or partisan politics shall be dis- directly or indirectly in debate on any subject before the cussed or indulged in on the Convention Floor, and the Convention, but Past Department Commanders and mem- Department Commander shall prohibit such indulgences. bers of the Department Executive Committee shall have the 17) (a) Rules Committee approves the following privilege of speaking from the Floor, but not of voting, list of Convention Committees to be chosen at this except as Delegates. Convention, each District to choose one representative on 8) That no Delegate be permitted on the Convention each Committee: Floor unless certified by the Delegate’s Post as Delegate or Americanism, National Security/Foreign Relations, Sample Ballot Alternate and that every Delegate or Alternate, to be duly Children and Youth, Public Relations, Constitution-By- accredited, must be registered. Laws, Recreation-Sports, Employment, Rehabilitation, 9) That the published program be approved by this Energy and Conservation, Resolutions, Legislative, Safety- Convention. School PatrolMembership. 10) No person or Delegate shall act by proxy for any (b) The following Department Standing Post. No Post shall vote unless at least one registered and Committees are approved as Convention Committees: accredited Delegate or Alternate be present on the Finance Convention Floor. Next Meeting Place (Convention Corporation 11) The voting shall be by acclamation, except when a Committee) Roll Call is demanded by the Chair or Acting Chair of at Resolutions Assignment least three Delegations; and except for elections which shall Credentials be as follows:. 18) The order of business of the Convention shall be in (a) The election of Department Officers, NEC posi- accordance with the printed program, except that the elec- tions, and the Member of the Board of Publications shall be tion of officers shall be a special order of business, to be by written ballot unless there is but one candidate or, in the held in accordance with Rules 11 and 12. The order of elec- case of election of Vice Commanders, there are but five tion of Department Officers shall be as follows: candidates. Commander (b) The election of candidates for other positions shall Five Vice Commanders - without numerical designation be by District as set forth in Rule 14 below. Candidates Chaplain receiving the highest number of votes in one round of vot- Historian ing shall be elected to the positions. Sergeant at Arms If there are more than five candidates for Vice Member of Publication Board - for three-year term Commander, those five receiving the highest number of Delegates-at-Large to the National Convention votes shall be declared elected. Cumulative voting shall not Five Alternates-at-Large to the National Convention be allowed. National Executive Committeeman and Alternate The printed ballot shall include the names of all candi- National Executive Committeeman (when appropriate) dates who have notified the Department Office of their can- 19) The Committee Chairman shall inform the didacy at least 30 days prior to the first day of the Department Commander when he is ready to present his Convention. report, and the Department Commander shall recognize it For the election of Department Officers and NEC posi- as an order of business. The committees reporting action on tions, the Tellers shall issue to the Delegation Chair of each Resolutions must read all approved Resolutions. It is suffi- registered Post the number of written ballots equal to the cient to report all rejected Resolutions by number, unless delegate strength of that Post. Said Chair shall sign for the requested by a Delegate to set a Resolution aside for sepa- ballots. rate consideration. Ballots shall be issued and the polls shall be open during 20) All printed reports, which shall have been handed the following times: to the Convention Committees, shall be referred to the (a) Friday, for one half hour after recess of the proper Convention Committee for action. Convention. 21) No Band, Drum Corps or other musical organiza- (b) Saturday, from 8:00 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. tion shall be permitted in the Convention Hall without the No ballots shall be counted before Saturday morning. invitation of the Department Commander. No ballots shall leave the polling place. 22) (a) Any Guests who are not on the official The District Commander of each District shall appoint a program as speakers shall be introduced by the Department July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 9

RESOLUTION 1 Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. RESOLUTION 3 2014 Resolutions The following Resolution originated from the 3rd The following Resolution originated from the 3rd Special Prosecutor to investigate the U.S. District in convention at Faribault, MN and was adopted by District in convention at Faribault, MN and was adopted by Department of Veterans Affairs the 3rd District and is submitted for consideration by the the 3rd District and is submitted for consideration by the WHEREAS, The American Legion National 2014 Department Convention, to be held in Rochester, 2014 Department Convention, to be held in Rochester, Commander, Dan Dellinger, called for a leadership change Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. at the Department of Veterans Affairs and specifically Leadership Change at U.S. Department of Veterans called for the resignations of Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Affairs Unfilled District Delegate Positions to National Veterans Affairs, Under Secretary of Health Robert Petzel WHEREAS, The American Legion National Convention and Under Secretary of Benefits Allison Hickey due to poor Commander, Dan Dellinger, called for a leadership change WHEREAS, from time to time districts in The oversight and failed leadership; and at the Department of Veterans Affairs and specifically Department of Minnesota do not elect a complete slate of WHEREAS, It is widely reported that a number of VA called for the resignations of Eric Shinseki, Secretary of delegates to the National Convention, and Hospitals have engaged in various waiting list schemes and Veterans Affairs, Under Secretary of Health Robert Petzel WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of The American procedural bypasses for the specific purpose of overstating and Under Secretary of Benefits Allison Hickey due to poor Legion and The Department of Minnesota to have all the organizational effectiveness and hence awarding bonuses or oversight and failed leadership; and National Delegate positions filled, and other consideration to specific employees; and WHEREAS It is widely reported that a number of VA WHEREAS, it would be reasonable that any unfilled WHEREAS, An undetermined number of veterans have Hospitals have engaged in various waiting list schemes and District Delegate position be filled as a Department been denied timely medical care resulting in death or procedural bypasses for the specific purpose of overstating Delegate At Large position at the following Department unnecessary deterioration of their health; and organizational effectiveness and hence awarding bonuses or Convention, now therefore be it WHEREAS, A culture of indifference and fraud perme- other consideration to specific employees; and RESOLVED, that any National Convention Delegate ates some VA facilities in violation of medical oaths, fidu- WHEREAS, An undetermined number of veterans have positions unfilled at a District Convention shall be added to ciary responsibility and moral codes; now, therefore, be it been denied timely medical care resulting in death or the number of Department Delegates At Large to be elected RESOLVED, That the American Legion continues to unnecessary deterioration of their health; and by that year’s convention, and elected by that convention, advocate for the President of the United States and the U.S. WHEREAS, A culture of indifference and fraud perme- and be it further Congress to press for a special prosecutor to be assigned to ates some VA facilities in violation of medical oaths, fidu- RESOLVED, that this resolution be effective with the investigate and vigorously prosecute any VA Hospital or ciary responsibility and moral codes; now, therefore, be it close of business of the 2014 Department of Minnesota facility employees engaged in fraudulent practices designed RESOLVED That the American Legion continues to Convention, and be it finally to improperly award bonuses or other financial or meritori- advocate for the President of the United States and the U.S. RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the ous awards to the perpetrator, and be it further Congress to press for leadership change and accountability Department of Minnesota Convention to be held in RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and be it Rochester, Minnesota, July 17, 18 and 19, 2014, for con- Department of Minnesota Convention to be held in further curring action. Rochester, Minnesota, July 17, 18 and 19, 2014, for con- RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the curring action, and be it finally Department of Minnesota Convention to be held in RESOLUTION 2 RESOLVED, that if approved this resolution be for- Rochester, Minnesota, July 17, 18 and 19, 2014, for con- warded to the National Convention to be held in Charlotte, curring action, and be it finally The following Resolution originated from the 3rd North Carolina, August 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2014, for RESOLVED, that if approved this resolution be for- District in convention at Faribault, MN and was adopted by concurring action. warded to the National Convention to be held in Charlotte, the 3rd District and is submitted for consideration by the North Carolina, August 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2014, for 2014 Department Convention, to be held in Rochester, concurring action.

RESOLUTION 4

The following Resolution originated from American Legion Post 50, Wabasha, MN and was adopted by the 1st District in convention at Austin, MN and is submitted for consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014.

THE AMERICAN LEGION 16, 2014, in Rochester, MN in the Marriott 1as specified in National Training Program for Flag Etiquette at CallDEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA for Meetingthe upcoming Call to Meeting. Sports Events ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55155 WHEREAS, The National Flag of the United States of STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS America, often referred as the American Flag is our Nation CALL FOR THE 96th ANNUAL DEPARTMENT Standing Department Committee Meetings will be held Emblem; and CONVENTION at the Marriott or The Kahler Grand in Rochester, WHEREAS, The flag has become a powerful symbol of The 96th Annual Convention of The American Legion, Minnesota, in the meeting rooms listed. These rooms will Americanism, and is proudly flown on many occasions, Department of Minnesota, is hereby called in conformity be confirmed in each committee’s Call to Meeting. with giant outdoor flags used by retail outlets to draw cus- with provisions of the Department Constitution and By- tomers and to rouse attendance and participants at sporting Laws, and by action of the Department Executive AMERICANISM 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, events; and Committee, to be held at Rochester, Minnesota, July 17, 18, July 16, 2014 Regency, Kahler Grand WHEREAS, Athletes from the United States participate 19, 2014. CHILDREN AND YOUTH 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, in many local, US, and International sporting events includ- PURPOSE OF CONVENTION July 16, 2014 Watson, Kahler Grand ing but not limited to the Winter and Summer Olympics, The Convention is called for the purpose of electing offi- NATIONAL SECURITY 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, Professional Football, Basketball, Hockey, and NASCAR; cers for the ensuing year, amending the Constitution and July 16, 2014 Centennial Hall, Kahler Grand and By-Laws, and for the transaction of such other business as REHABILITATION 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, WHEREAS, Desecration and respect of the flag is still may be brought before it. July 16, 2014 Ballroom 1, Marriott considered a public outrage, but remains protected as “free- REPRESENTATION AT CONVENTION GENERAL SESSIONS Presentation Hall, dom of speech”; and The Department Convention shall be composed of dele- Mayo Civic Center Thursday, Friday, Saturday WHEREAS, Some of our US athletes don’t always gates from each Post, members of the Department respect our flag and the ceremonials connected to flag eti- Executive Committee, the Department Chaplain, Treasurer, HOUSING AND REGISTRATION quette because they have not been informed; now therefore Sergeant-at-Arms, Historian, and the District Adjutants, but For the 2014 Department Convention, hotel reservations be it only delegates from Posts shall be entitled to vote at such will be done “on your own” directly with the hotel. Please RESOLVED, That the National Department of the Convention, (Sec.2, Article Five, Department Constitution). call the number listed to make your reservation at the American Legion through the appropriate committee create Each Post shall be entitled to two delegates and to one addi- Headquarters hotel. The official headquarters hotels for a National Training Program for our School Sports tional delegate for each hundred members or major fraction both The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Departments and Professional Sports Organizations to thereof, whose Department dues have been received by the are the Kahler Grand Hotel and the Marriott. A registration assure that our National Flag and Flag Ceremonies are Department Treasurer and whose District dues have been fee of $15.00 for each Delegate/Alternate and/or Guest respected at all times; and, be it further paid to their respective District officers, 30 days prior to the must be sent to: Bill Born, American Legion Post 92 Office, RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Convention for which they are chosen. The final voting 403 East Center Street, Rochester, MN 55904. This check American Legion, Department of Minnesota, in Convention strength of each Post shall be determined 30 days prior to should be made payable to “American Legion Post 92 assembled in Rochester, MN, July 17 – 19, 2014 for con- the Convention. Each Post shall choose its own delegates, Convention Fund.” Registration will be $18.00 at the door. curring action; and, be it finally, who shall be members in good standing of such Post. In RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the addition, each Post may choose alternate delegates to serve DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS OFFICE American Legion, assembled in National Convention in in the absence of the principal delegate, (Sec. 3, Article A temporary Legion Department Headquarters office Charlotte, N.C., August 22 – 28, 2014 for concurring action. Five, Department Constitution). Delegates or alternates will be opened at Mayo Civic Center, Legion Suite A, must register in order to vote. Rochester, MN starting Thursday, July 17, 2014 for con- RESOLUTION 5 vention service and business during convention business The following Resolution originated with and was GAMBLING SEMINAR MEETING hours only. Meetings will start ON TIME as scheduled adopted by the 1st District in convention at Austin, MN and The Gambling Seminar will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, unless otherwise announced. is submitted for consideration by the 2014 Department July 17, 2014 in the Presentation Hall at the Mayo Civic Convention, to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, Center, Rochester. MIKE ASH 2014. Department Commander Unfilled District Delegates to National Convention DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ATTEST: RANDY TESDAHL (Same as Resolution 1) MEETING Department Adjutant A meeting of the Department Executive Committee has Dated at St. Paul, Minnesota, this 1st day of May, 2014 RESOLUTION 6 been called and will be held at 7:00 P.M on Wednesday, July The following Resolution originated from The Hellenic Page 10 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 committee members from gaining the knowledge and expe- rience of being a committee chairperson; and WHEREAS, Allowing the members to progress from being the newest appointee to the chair of the committee (CONTINUED) would allow each member to gain the experience and 2014 Resolutions knowledge of each level; then therefore be it Post #129 at Bloomington Minnesota, and was adopted by each year by the incoming Department Commander, and a RESOLVED, By the General Membership of American the 5th District and is submitted for consideration by the relearning process is necessary in order for the committee to Legion Post 39, in regular meeting in North Saint Paul 2014 Department Convention, to be held in Rochester, become acquainted with the issues and procedures associat- Minnesota on April 17th, 2014, that committees with mem- Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. ed with the duties of this important committee; now there- bers having multi-year appointments adopt the policy of fore be it recognizing the senior member of the committee as the Minnesota Legion Baseball District Representation RESOLVED, The Department Legislative Committee be chairperson, and be it further WHEREAS, The American Legion Department of a 4 member committee that has multi-year appointments, RESOLVED, That upon the completion of their year as Minnesota, has participated in the American Legion’s base- with the first appointment after this resolution is adopted be Chairperson of the committee, that member would be ball program since 1926; and made of a 4 year, 3 year, 2 year and 1 year tenure; and be it removed from the committee and the next senior member of WHEREAS, The Department of Minnesota’s Legion RESOLVED, That the member appointed to the 4 year the committee would assume the Chair, and all others baseball program is one of the most successful in the nation, term be the Chairperson of the committee, and the senior would advance in seniority and a new member would be registering over 300 teams annually, thus qualifying to have member of the committee be the successor of the commit- appointed by the Department Commander to fill the vacan- two teams qualify each year for regional tournaments in tee after the end of the year; and be it further cy, and be it further Division I competition and the opportunity to advance to RESOLVED, That a new committee member would be RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the the American Legion’s Baseball World Series; and appointed each year thereafter to a 4 year term; and be it Department of Minnesota for consideration at its regular WHEREAS, The Department of Minnesota, as a prelude further convention to be held in Rochester, MN July 17th through for qualification to the Regional Baseball Tournaments, RESOLVED, That the committee members would 19th, 2014; and be it further sponsors a State Baseball Tournament each year to deter- progress through the committee each year; ex: freshman 1st RESOLVED, that if this resolution is adopted by the mine the two teams eligible for the regional tournaments. year, sophomore 2nd year, junior 3rd year, and Chairperson Department of Minnesota assembled in regular convention The Minnesota State Tournament was based on a 16 team the 4th year; and be it further July 17-19, 2014 in Rochester Minnesota, that it become double elimination format with representation from each of RESOLVED, That if a vacancy occurs on this committee effective immediately upon the conclusion of the conven- the Department’s ten districts; and that the Department Commander will appoint a replacement tion. WHEREAS, The Department’s Baseball Committee, to fulfill that vacant term; and be it further effective for the 2013 and 2014 baseball seasons, changed RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the RESOLUTION 12 the format for qualifying for the State Tournament by estab- American Legion Department of Minnesota in convention The following Resolution originated from North St. Paul lishing 15 zones and ceding the host team; and assembled at Rochester, MN July 17th through 19th, 2014 Post 39 in North St. Paul and was adopted by the 4th WHEREAS, These zones crossed District boundaries for concurring action; and be it finally District in convention at Roseville, MN and is submitted for effectively eliminating the Department’s District competi- RESOLVED, that if this resolution is adopted by the consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be tion; and Department of Minnesota assembled in regular convention held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. WHEREAS, The new 15 zone format resulted in three July 17-19, 2014 in Rochester Minnesota, that it become Districts not being represented in the 2014 Tournament – effective immediately upon conclusion of the convention. Multi-year Committee Re-appointment the Fourth, Fifth and Ninth; and WHEREAS, There are a number of Department WHEREAS, No Post in the Fifth District was informed RESOLUTION 10 Committees that have member appointments that are for as to the dates, place, or site of the zone tournament; and The following Resolution originated from North St. Paul multiple years; and WHEREAS, The new zoning effectively denied inner Post 39 in North St. Paul and was adopted by the 4th WHEREAS, A resolution was passed in the past at a city youth to have an opportunity to qualify to participate in District in convention at Roseville, MN and is submitted for Department Convention that stopped the reappointment of the state tournament, youngsters who need the opportunity consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be members to the same committee after having completed the most; and held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. their multi year tenure; and WHEREAS, The Department of Minnesota American WHEREAS, This resolution has never been enforced Legion Districts are a vital part of the Department’s struc- Changing Korean Conflict Eligibility Dates since its adoption by the Department at convention; and ture for all successful programs, the ten Districts should WHEREAS, The conflict between North and South WHEREAS, The purpose of the initial resolution was to have the right to participate and be represented in a state Korea has never been declared to be over, and open the opportunities for other dedicated Legionnaires to tournament; now therefore be it WHEREAS, This conflict has been in a state of “Truce” be appointed to these committees; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Executive Committee of the since June 27, 1953, yet no “Final Peaceful Settlement” has RESOLVED, By the membership of American Legion American Legion, Department of Minnesota, direct the ever been achieved, and Post 39, in regular general membership meeting assembled Department’s Baseball Committee to restore its qualifying WHEREAS, Other Veterans Service organizations have in North Saint Paul Minnesota on April 17, 2014, that a pol- format for the State Legion Baseball Tournament by includ- recognized South Korea as still being a designated “war” or icy be established to prevent a member of a multiyear com- ing representation from all ten Districts beginning with the “conflict” zone, thus enabling veterans who served in that mittee be prevented from being re-appointed to the same 2015 baseball season; and be it finally country to be eligible for membership in their respective committee upon completion of his term; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forward- organization, and RESOLVED, That the Department Commander appoint ed to the Minnesota American Legion Department WHEREAS, The American Legion has a ‘cutoff date’ a different Legionnaire to fill the vacancy created by the Convention, to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, for the Korean conflict established as January 31, 1955, yet outgoing committee member; and be it further 2014, for concurring action. we have never set an ending date for Gulf War veterans eli- RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the gibility; and Department of Minnesota for consideration at its regular RESOLUTION 7 WHEREAS, By the American Legion National convention to be held in Rochester, MN July 17th through Headquarters changing the Korean War era eligibility to 19th, 2014; and be it further The following Resolution originated from the 9th still being open and recognizing it as an ongoing conflict as RESOLVED, That if this resolution is adopted by the District American Legion Executive Board and was adopt- they do the Gulf War, it would allow many other veterans to Department of Minnesota assembled in regular convention ed by the 9th District in convention at Detroit Lakes, MN join our ranks, and allow them to enjoy the services and July 17-19, 2014 in Rochester Minnesota, that it become and is submitted for consideration by the 2014 Department advocacy that other veterans now receive as members of effective immediately upon the conclusion of the conven- Convention, to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, our great organization; then therefore be it tion. 2014. RESOLVED, That the American Legion National Headquarters begin the process of approaching the RESOLUTION 13 Unfilled District Delegates to National Convention Congress of the United States to recognize the Korean The following Resolution originated from Christie (Same as Resolution 1) Conflict as still ongoing, and be it further DeParcq Post 406 in St. Paul and was adopted by the 4th RESOLVED, That the ending date for American Legion District in convention at Roseville, MN and is submitted for RESOLUTION 8 Membership Eligibility for Korean War Era veterans have consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be The following Resolution originated from Frank its closing date changed to OPEN, thus allowing thousands held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. Lundberg Post 282 in St. Louis Park and was adopted by the of veterans to join our great organization, and be it further 10th District in convention at Hopkins, MN and is submit- RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the VBA Hiring & Maintaining 50% Veteran Workforce ted for consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, Department of Minnesota for consideration at its regular WHEREAS, Title 38, United States Code, Section 101, to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. convention to be held in Rochester, MN July 17th through defines a veterans as a person who served in the active mil- Unfilled District Delegates to National Convention 19th, 2014; and be it further itary, naval, or air service and who was discharged or (Same as Resolution 1) RESOLVED, That if this resolution is adopted by the released there from under conditions other than dishonor- Department of Minnesota assembled in regular convention RESOLUTION 9 able; and July 17-19, 2014 in Rochester Minnesota, that it be for- WHEREAS, The American Legion was a part of the The following Resolution originated from North St. Paul warded to the American Legion National Convention, to be Post 39 in North St. Paul and was adopted by the 4th Dawes Committee in 1920, originally formed to bring assembled in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 22 – 28, together those who understood the issues of those that District in convention at Roseville, MN and is submitted for 2014 in regular session, for consideration and adoption. consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be served in the military and their families, so that they could held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. be properly be taken care of; and RESOLUTION 11 WHEREAS, Those who have not served in the military The following Resolution originated from North St. Paul Dept. Legislative Committee 4-Year Appointment cannot fully appreciate or understand the needs of a Post 39 in North St. Paul and was adopted by the 4th Veteran; and WHEREAS, The primary function of the Department District in convention at Roseville, MN and is submitted for Legislative Committee is to act as a lobbying group to the WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States has consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be passed legislation giving veterans who are disabled or who Minnesota Legislature and to our nation on issues of impor- held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. tance to and directly effecting our veterans; and serve on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain WHEREAS, It is important that these issues be present- specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled Recognize Senior Committee Member as Chairman to preference over non-veterans both in federal hiring prac- ed to our legislators, Members of Congress, and Senators in WHEREAS, There are a number of Department a professional and consistent manner from year to year; and tices and in retention during reductions in force; and Committees that have member appointments that are for WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs sole WHEREAS, A sense of continuity in the leadership of multiple years; and this committee responsible for these functions is necessary, purpose is to serve Veterans and their families; and WHEREAS, Committees often elect their chairperson WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs makes especially when said issues roll over from one year to the by election within the committee, and next; and decisions regarding Veterans based on how their role in the WHEREAS, In some cases the same person serves as the military affected their body and mind; and WHEREAS, A completely new committee is appointed chairperson for multiple years, thereby preventing other Continued on Page 21 July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11

2014Continued fromconvention Page 1 Legion Day at the Twins at 11:15 at the Presentation Hall at the Mayo Civic Center. There will be a gambling seminar at 2 p.m. Thursday at Presentation Hall. Governor Mark Dayton is expected to speak at both the Legion and Auxiliary conventions on Friday. He is slated to be at the Legion convention at about 8:30 a.m. and at the Auxiliary convention at 9:50 a.m. Rep. Tim Walz will speak at the convention on the situ- ation at the VA Medical centers around the country. The exact time has not yet been determined. The annual parade will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday. At press time, the local officials had not yet determined a parade route in Rochester. Following the parade, there will be hospitality rooms in Windsor Hall on the basement level of the Kahler hotels. The district order for the parade and for seating at the Civic Center, from first to last, is Ninth district, Sixth, Third, Tenth, Seventh, Fifth, Second, Fourth, Eighth, First. On Saturday morning, the Legion will hold its annual elections. Peggy Moon has been endorsed by Zimmerman Post 560 and the Sixth District. She is an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War era, and she is a 36 year member of The American Legion. She has served as post and district commander, and on the Department level, she has served as Membership Director, and she has chaired the Employment, Children and Youth and Public Relations committees. She has served on the Internal Affairs, Convention Corporation, Post Development and Strategic Planning Committees. On the national level, Moon is vice chairman of the Committee on Children and Youth, and is vice president of the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Commander Mike Ash was escorted by TC Bear after throwing out the first pitch at Legion Day at the Twins. She and her husband, Carl, have two daughters and five grandchildren. Mike Schaffer was endorsed by Currie Post 322 and the Second District. He is an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War era. He served in Alaska and the Philippines. He has been a member of The American Legion for 42 years. He has been both post and district commander, and on the Department level has served as Membership Director and Vice Commander. He has also served as Department Sergeant-at-Arms and has chaired the Trophy and Awards Committee and the Children and Youth Committee. He has served on the Distinguished Guests Committee nationally, and has served as a sergeant-at-arms at many national conventions. Schaffer and wife, Nina, have three children and four grandchildren. In other elections, the five Department vice commander Lynn Nottage of the Fifth District and a young helper candidates are Glenn Mueller, Arne Gynild, Dennis raised the Twins Territory flag before the game. Lisa Ghylin of the Fourth District and the Public DeLong, Mel Buesseler, and Carl Hendrickson. Richard Relations Committee was chosen as the veteran who Wog is running for a second term as chaplain, Gary Olson raised the U.S. Flag before the game. is running for historian and Clinton Burt has been endorsed for sergeant-at-arms. Joe Bayer is the candidate for a term on the Board of Publication. Three candidates have notified Department Trolling for the Troops Headquarters of their intention to run as a delegates-at- large. They are: Larry Ryan, Wes Thompson and Orv The fishing was good Otterness. at the annual Trolling The Auxiliary convention will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday for the Troops day at at the Kahler Grand Hotel and at 9:40 will hear from Vice Camp Ripley in June. President Steranka. Veterans fillet their Auxiliary elections will also be held Saturday with Chris catch at the camp. Ronning of Osseo running unopposed for Department President and Sandra Fredrickson of Glenville running unopposed for Department First Vice President. The Kahler Grand Hotel and the Kahler Inn may still have rooms available. Delegates and others must make their own reservations. There is complimentary parking at the Kahler Grand and Center Street parking lots. A registration form is on page 5 of this issue. Rochester Post and Unit 92, the hosts for this year’s con- vention, will have shuttle service throughout the convention from the post to the convention sites to the hotels. There will be karaoke or a band at the post on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday beginning at 7 p.m. Lunch and dinner are available at the post. There will be a reception for the winning candidates at the post following the close of the conventions.

Professional angler Mark Courts vehicle, sponsored by the veterans service groups, was proudly on dis- Cabella’s Woodbury presented a $1,000 check to Trolling for the Troops. play at the event. Page 12 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014

Boys Staters listen intently to a speaker during a session at Boys State held in June at Southwest State University at Marshall. Over 350 boys attended the week-long program where the high school juniors create their own government at various levels. Boys State

Counselor Tom Johnson points out some instruction to an elected official.

Boys State staff meet frequently to talk over the progress of the week. From left: Jeff Bible, Director Mike Bredeck, Drew Hood, Ryan Lorsung and David Way.

Last year’s Boys State Governor Simeon Toronto hands off the gavel to this year’s Governor Tucker Pearson. Toronto went on to become Boys Nation president.

Boys State participants wait in line to ask questions of a speaker. A citizen concentrates while taking test. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie addressed the Boys Staters. July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 13

Girls Staters do a “hooray for Girls State” on the St. Thomas University campus. Over 350 girls attended the week-long session that teaches hands-on democracy. Girls State

A county court judge oversees a mock trial at the Supreme Court building on the Capitol campus.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea spoke to the assembled citizens at the Capitol.

Every seat is filled during a joint session of the Girls State Senate and House in the House chambers.

During debate in the Girls State Senate, a senator takes the microphone to speak. The elected Girls Staters take over the Senate and House chambers at the Capitol. Speaker of the House Sydney Nelson oversaw the With the election tally board in the background, a Girls House proceedings. Stater presents testimony at the Capitol. Page 14 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 Annual

To Reportsthe Convention of the Department of Minnesota The American Legion time I asked. And since their other primary responsibility is membership, I need to transition to your Department Membership Director Tom Fernlund. He took on the tough task of membership, but had to be the This past year weAdjutant covered a lot of ground. Our programs touched the Master of Ceremonies for the National Commander’s Tour – and he lives of veterans, their families and youth from all across the state. We received kudos from both Commander Dellinger and his aide. Our mem- continue to grow in the things we do and how we impact our communities. bership rallies were a bit different, in both content and location, as Tom Our VA&R committee managed by our Department Service Officer tried to increase participation and excitement in attending. Several revi- Tom Newman met with the senior leadership at each state and federal VA talizations were held with very positive results – more are already being facility that serves Minnesota veterans as they do each year. They ask the planned for the upcoming Legion year. I want to thank all my Department difficult questions relating to care, facilities and budget. They are respect- officers and an outstanding Department office staff. Anytime I needed ed in the veteran’s community and work closely with all key stakeholders advice, or information, or to be kept on track, or a good swift kick (ver- at the Local, State and National levels. They provided training to The bally of course), I had only to pick up the phone, drop an email or go knock County Veterans Service Officer (CVSOs) through our National offices on a door. They all helped make the job of being Commander a lot easier. and to State CVSOs by taking them to Indianapolis and Washington DC to And what an outstanding crop of District Commanders. I continually saw attend our in-house CVSO training. them throughout their districts, helping out posts and giving the kind of We provided direct assistance to many veterans at the VA Medical support necessary to make each successful. Last, but not least, I want to Centers that serve Minnesota’s veterans through our on location Assistance thank each and every one of those Legionnaires who contacted me, Department Service Officer in the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and whether to give praise, encouragement or reprimand (always nicely, of Veterans Hospital Representative in the St Cloud VA. course). It’s not so much lonely at the top, as it is trying to figure out if We sent several hundred boys from all across the state to Boys State for you’re being heard (make that being heard correctly) and if you’re making one week where they learned firsthand from our states leaders how our a difference. government operates. They formed city, county and state offices and draft- So thank you all – you heard me, you did your best and together we ed and moved legislation that will run those entities. made a difference. The new training facility at Legionville is outstanding thanks to the Mike Ash, Department Commander donations from dedicated Legion members all around the state. We along with The Minnesota State Highway Patrol and AAA trained hundreds of boys and girls on Road Cross and School Bus Safety at our Legionville training center in the Brainerd Lakes area on North Long Lake. In eight one-week sessions throughout the summer they come together from all Vice Commander across Minnesota to learn safety and enjoy a week in the outdoors. Minnesota’s youth remain our focus and many from all across the state participated in our American Legion Oratorical Contest where they pre- pared and gave oratory presentations on the Constitution of the United 1stThe last yearand has been an honor3rd and rewarding Districts experience to represent States of America. Several won scholarship money for their efforts. the 1st and 3rd District as your Department Vice-Commander. In We worked together with our state legislature and the Minnesota September I got to attend the membership workshop in Indianapolis. That Department of Veterans Affairs to strengthen state veteran’s benefits and was a worthwhile learning experience. entitlements in multiple ways. Of all the Legion functions and rallies that I attended, Waseca We visited Washington DC as a delegation of Minnesota American American Legion Post stands out with the Post Everlasting Ceremony, also Legion leaders and rallied Congress for the support of a Strong National I can’t forget my fellow Legionnaires at the Silver Lake American Legion Defense and to end the bureaucratic bickering in Washington. We called Post. on the VA Benefits System to clean-up the backlog and worked with them It has been a great year working with Commander Mike Ash, to implement new ways of processing claims in a streamlined fashion Membership Director Tom Fernland and the Department Vice which helped easy the backlog of claims even though they still need much Commanders John Torma, Mickey Ostrum, Denise Milton, and Clinton attention and work to get under control. We urged congress to implement 2014 Burt. I don’t want to forget 1st District Vice Commander Brian Medinnus, policies within VA that hold Executive VA leaders responsible for their Commander Membership Director Glenn Mueller, 3rd District Commander Mark short falls and not to reward them with extravagant bonuses when they do When you elected me to represent you as your Department Dvorak and Membership Director Duane Anderson. not meet basic standards. We are intimately involved in holding the VA Commander I was extremely proud. I vowed to do whatever I could to I want to congratulate Department Vice Commander Denise for lead- accountable in the VA Healthcare cover-up of secret waiting lists that make sure the Department of Minnesota would always be an example for ing in the membership race. It’s only by 98 members (I hope the 1st and resulted in the deaths of veterans awaiting healthcare services. The culture other departments to follow. It started with a 5-year plan to National and 3rd District’s are not dead yet). within the VA must change. we’re seeing some pay-offs. Traveling the state to visit posts, participate Since becoming a Vice Commander for the 3rd District, I loved punch- We provided honors to thousands of veterans as final respects were in events, or helping veterans has been an eye-opening experience and one ing in the membership numbers to see how every one stands. given at military funeral honors all across the state. I’ve tried to share via social media and my monthly columns. Those In conclusion, I would also like to thank all the post members, the Training and education scholarships were presented at recognition cer- Legionnaires I’ve interacted with along the way are living proof why we Department of Minnesota Officers for the warm welcome and hospitality emonies in posts, high schools, colleges, and training facilities all across have the greatest organization in the world. that my wife Rosemary and I received. the state as our posts, districts and Department recognized the talented Legionville was my project this year, dovetailing on to Commander Thank You to the 1st and 3rd District for giving me the opportunity to efforts of our youth and their desire to expand their horizons in the form of Don Pankake’s project, and, as I write this, preparations are being made to serve you. financial scholarships. paint the new education center (barn) and add the final touches to make it No way, let a veteran go astray. We continue to explore new ways to get our face and name out there workable for the first session of student campers who will arrive this sum- No way let membership go away. through promotional opportunities that incorporate our American Legion mer. Much is still needed and I encourage you all to keep Legionville on Joe Niesen, Department Vice Commander logo. And we consider relationships that bring the message of our organ- your list of worthwhile donations for the future. ization to others in ways that we may have not explored in the past. Again, being a copy cat of Commander Don, I’ve been pushing hard We helped provide an opportunity for many disabled, recently on the Consolidated Post Reports. I’ve had a couple of districts tell me they returned, and older veterans to get together in the great Minnesota outdoors were close and one had actually reached 100%. I’m hoping for a minor at events such as the veterans Deer and Turkey Hunts and the Trolling for miracle and a great turn-in at the last minute. Vice Commander the Troops and Ely fishing events. Thanks needs to be given to so many and I want to start with my wife My thanks to Minnesota’s 86,000 members of this great organization Teresa who supported me throughout my journey. She was there taking for all you do in your communities. And my heartfelt thanks to the staff of pictures (telling me to smile), posting my glad-handing on Facebook and 2ndThis year has and been a great experience7th for Districtsme as the 2nd and 7th District our Department Headquarters: Jennifer, Al, Misty, Tom, Laura, Jeremy, keeping me from missing my next event. I want to thank every post and Vice Commander. Going to Indianapolis for training was a good way to get Lucas and Gerald your efforts to keep things rolling are so greatly appre- program who invited me to share in their accomplishments or just sit in on started. This was the first time I had a chance to visit National ciated. a meeting. I tried to make as many as I could, and without exception, I Headquarters. This gave me an opportunity to have a better idea of how Randy Tesdahl, Department Adjutant enjoyed each immensely and was truly honored for the privilege to attend. National works and I also got to meet the people we work with at National That brings me to the Department Vice Commanders (Joe, Clint, Mickey, and other Legionnaires from across the nation. Denise and John) who stood in my place when I was unable to make an Visiting the district’s conferences and rallies was a chance to meet and event – I could not have asked for a better group of Legionnaires, they learn from them. I was thankful that Department Commander Mike Ash were always there when I needed them and stepped up to the plate every asked me to attend the pheasant dinners at the Luverne Veterans Home and July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 15 Sioux Falls VA Hospital, also Round Lake and Wells birthday parties. ty to the Department Executive Committee. Some of the duties include My present term will expire this year at the Executive Committee I attended Second District Commander Gene Oswald's and Auxiliary overseeing accounting principles, and financial processes of the meeting on August 9. I will not be running for another term. Since I have President Jeanette Merten's Testimonial, and a great time was had. I felt Department Headquarters, assisting the Department Finance Liaison, ana- retired from the active practice of law, I feel it is time to retire from this bad I was unable to attend the Seventh District’s testimonials due to prior lyzing and prescribing financial reports, and investing the assets of the position also. commitments. Department. I consider it to have been a great honor to have worn the white cap of I'm looking forward to visiting Boys State. The following is an overview of the Department’s investments between a Department Officer of this fine Department for 20 years. Although that Clint Burt, Department Vice Commander May 2013 and May 2014. Investment began the year with an allocation of seems like a long time, my predecessor, John Kressel, held the position for 25% stocks and 75% bonds. Bonds in the account are primarily high grade 35 years. I am only the sixth Judge Advocate this Department has had. bonds and CDs. These bonds and CDs are laddered between one and five I appreciated the opportunity of using my training and experience as a years. The stocks are diversified between large, medium, and smaller lawyer to serve the American Legion as Department Judge Advocate. My companies with a heavier weighting toward larger companies. Interest and thanks and appreciation are extended to all present and past officers and Vice Commander dividends paid out between June 1st, 2013 and May 31st, 2014 to the headquarters staff members for the support and cooperation they gave me. Department’s checking account totaled $38,420.57. Again, thank you for I particularly want to thank Bill Barbknecht who, when he was Department allowing me to serve as your Treasurer and I look forward to serving you Commander, encouraged me to run for the position and who has recog- in the future. nized and supported me throughout my time in office. 4thI would like and to thank all Legionnaires5th forDistricts the opportunity to serve as Richard Horn, Department Treasurer Don Walser, Judge Advocate one of your Department Vice Commanders for the 2013 – 2014 year. It has been a privilege to represent the 4th and 5th Districts in the Department of Minnesota. The support given to me from Commander Partridge and Membership Director Larry Ryan from the 4th District and Commander Johnson and Membership Director Wayne Wessel from the 5th District has Chaplain Americanism The question is what I did as your Chaplain for the Department of I would like to thank Commander Mike Ash for allowing me to serve made this year very special. Minnesota this year. I would like to start off by saying I really didn’t know as the Americanism Chairman for the Department of Minnesota of The Membership in the 4th and 5th Districts started out strong with early what I was supposed to do. First, I took out the officers’ manual, which American Legion; and wish you a successful convention in Rochester, results that were meeting or exceeding goals, but like past years after the helped a little. However, attending the Chaplains’ conference in MN. I would also like to thank my Americanism Committee members 1st of the year we slowed down. I believe that all the Posts worked the Indianapolis was the real eye opener. That is where I found out a lot more Tom Kunkel and Mel Buesseler; Boy’s State representatives Mike Bredeck membership program hard this year. Both the 4th and 5th Districts held of what the Chaplains’ duties really are. It was definitely worth the time and Lee Tallakson; Community Service representative Bob Locker; district revitalizations, this hopefully will benefit in next years member- taken to attend and the miles we drove to get there. I found out that the Education representative Gary Weaver; Junior Shooting Sports representa- ship program. main duty of all Chaplains’ is to care for the veterans and their families, tive Leon Dahle; Boy’s Scout representative Tom Hallet; Oratorical repre- Major accomplishments within the 4th and 5th Districts included the and not just by praying for them, although I find that prayer really helps as sentatives Tess Davis and Lori Jarrett; Safety – School Patrol representa- “Shop, Ship and Share” Program under the direction of the 4th District. I’m sure you have heard me say many times before. tive James Blakesley; and the District Americanism Chairpersons for their Money was raised; items were donated and shipped to service members I have attended all of the rallies this year except for the last one at the hard work in promoting Americanism during the past year. serving overseas. The 4th and 5th District marched with Mass Colors in Montevideo post. I had to miss that one because our grandson was receiv- The Department Americanism Committee met at the 2013 Fall the Winter Carnival Parade. The Memorial Day Service at the Minnesota ing his Eagle Scout award and as our Department Commander Ash says, Conference. The Boy’s State, Community Service, Education, Jr. Shooting Vets Home was sponsored by the 5th District and the Flag Disposal “Family comes first”. I enjoyed saying the prayers for the rallies and Sports, Boys Scouts, Oratorical, and School Safety Program representa- Ceremony at Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake was conducted by knowing that I was praying for all of us. tives attended the meeting. the 4th District. I think preparing for the fall conference was one of my big highlights. Various topics were discussed, including the increase in attendance at It was an honor to have dinners within the 4th and 5th Districts for our Doing the Chaplains’ Corner at the conference and also writing the Boy’s State. Simeon Toronto, Andover, MN, Boys State National National Commander Dan Dellinger and our National Auxiliary President Chaplains’ Corner for the Legionnaire. When I was told I needed to write Representative was elected Boys Nation President, and Troy Timmerman, Nancy Brown-Park. no less than 620 words I thought, how am I going to do this, but when the Marshall, MN, was awarded a national Samsung Scholarship. I give a thank you to Commander Mike for his guidance and help dur- time came to write it the words just started to come from someplace with- The Boy Scouts American Legion National Square Knot Award was ing this past year. District Commanders, Carroll Partridge and Bob in me. I hope and pray that each of you that read it got something from it. given to Robert Reifsteck, Post 311, Elysian, MN; Michael Kushnierek, Johnson for their hard work and continued service to The American I loved getting the letters and cards from everyone telling me that you did. Post 30, Fergus Falls, MN and Richard Koechlein, Viking Council; Legion. Without the Department Adjutant Randy Tesdahl and his staff, we It is not hard to write about our God and country. God gave each of us such The Jr. Shooting Sports program had a shooter, from St. Thomas would not have accomplished what we did this year. a special gift and without our veterans and those currently serving we Academy, sponsored by Post 521, Mendota Heights, compete at the I want to thank the Posts I visited this year for their hospitality given would not be able to have what we have today. National Shooting Sports competition in Colorado Springs, CO. me this year. One final thank you to the most important members of The I also enjoyed my travels around this great state. My loyal GPS would The 2014 Minnesota Department Oratorical Winner was Caroline American Legion, the Blue Cap Legionnaires, without them we could not get me where I had to go. There were times I wondered why it took me on Donaldson, sponsored by Wayzata Post 118. do what we do. some of the routes it did, but I found out all it needed was to be updated. Please see the individual committee reports for further information Mickey Ostrum, Department Vice Commander Now that my year as your Chaplain is almost done I cannot say thank you concerning these Americanism Sub-Committees. enough times for allowing me to serve you. When I started my year I The American Legion, Department of Minnesota, Americanism thought, am I going to make it, am I going to be good enough? With the Committee continues to develop a Junior Law Cadet Program in help of God and each of you it was easy. Now it is almost over and I’m Minnesota. There are a number of Departments that have started a Jr. Law Vice Commander sorry to see it end. I am not quite done though. I have the Department con- Cadet Program. There are no established guidelines for these programs; vention in Rochester to attend and the Memorial service. I am like a min- each Department has their own guidelines. The Department of Minnesota ister in church, always hoping it will be a full house, even the front pew. I will review these already established programs. am looking forward to seeing you again at the convention or somewhere The Scholarship Selection Committee met in St. Paul in April. There 6thFirst of all, andI would like to9th thank the LegionnairesDistricts of the 6th and 9th down the road. were seven nursing scholarships, three Minnesota Legionnaire Insurance District for their warm hospitality and friendship over the past year as I May God bless each of you, our soldiers, and may God bless America. Trust scholarships, and six Memorial scholarships awarded this year. traveled throughout your district representing our Department Commander Richard Wog, Department Chaplain The American Legion’s Service to God and Country program is basic Mike Ash. I would also like to thank all of the Legionnaires in Minnesota Americanism, and is designed to help prevent the spiritual decay of for the trust that you placed in me last summer by electing me as a depart- America, and to charge our citizens with a spirit of positive Americanism, ment vice commander. It was truly an honor that I will never forget. respect for law, regard for authority, and an awareness of our human rights Both of the districts have worked hard in membership recruitment and Historian and freedoms. retention over the last year while never losing sight of The American I would like to thank the American Legion members for electing me to The responsibilities of the Americanism Committee, and for all Legion programs. Our country, state, cities, veterans and children have be the Department Historian for the 2013 – 2014 membership year and to Legionnaires, include the combating of “Anti-Americanism; the education been well taken care of. Through the strong efforts of both the 6th and 9th Commander Mike Ash. I would like to make a very special thanks to of all citizens in the ideals of true Americanism; the distribution of infor- Districts, I have had the honor of being the number one department vice Minneapolis-Richfield for their support this past year. I would like to mation about “the real nature and principles of American government”; commander for membership since the first of December. A special bit of thank the Commander’s wife Teresa Ash and Al Zdon for their help this and the fostering and education of Americanism in our schools.” recognition to my home district which has been the number one district year with photos and suggestions. I look forward to finishing the Americanism is an unfailing love of Country, loyalty to its institutions and since that same time as well! Commander Vern and your membership Commander’s History books so he will have memories to look back on ideals, eagerness to defend it against all enemies, individual allegiance to team, Commander Tom and your membership team have truly led the way. during his reign as the Department Commander in 2013 – 2014. If anyone the Flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and I would like to also congratulate Commander Mike Ash on a very suc- has any photos that they would like to share in putting them in the History posterity. cessful year and wish him the best in the future. Getting to know you Book, please give me the event, names and dates of the event. I will use Art Tobkin, Chairman, Americanism Committee along with Vice Commanders Joe Niesen, Clint Burt, Mickey Ostrum, all items up to the 2014 Department Convention that will be held July 17- John Torma, Membership Director Tom Fernlund, and all of the other 19, 2014 in Rochester. Again thank everyone for trusting me as this year’s department officers has made this a very enjoyable year. Department historian, and I look forward to seeing you at the Department Denise A Milton, Department Vice Commander Convention. For God & Country I first want toBoy thank Department Scouts Commander Mike for reappointing me Dennis J. De Long, Department Historian as the Department of Minnesota Boy Scout Chairman. I next want to thank all ten of the District Boy Scout Chairmen for their support and dedication to the Boy Scout programs. They have been outstanding with their help Vice Commander and knowledge; we make a great team! Your posts’ support of your local Scout packs, troops and councils is NEC Man also greatly appreciated. From its birth, the American Legion has sup- 8th and 10th Districts What an exciting, fulfilling, and busy year this has been once again. It ported wonderful youth programs with both volunteers and financial assis- The year as Department Vice Commander is coming to an end. I have all started after the Houston National Convention and with the election of tance. Additional thanks go to all the posts that have donated to the enjoyed this year very much, meeting old and new veterans, friendship Dan Dellinger, Virginia, as our National Commander. Department Boy Scout Council Assistance Fund #81. Your donation cer- goes a long way. I would like to thank 10th District Commander Dick Juhl I have attended the Fall Meetings, Washington Conference, and Spring tificates can be picked up at the Boy Scout booth. Please make a yearly and 8th District Commander E Jerry St. Michel for a great year, and for meetings as your representative on the National Executive Committee. contribution to this fund as we are striving to raise $40,000 in order to give making my year a very enjoyable one. I have visited many post in the last My other NEC assignments include serving on the NEC Sub-committee on a yearly donation of $1,000 to a Minnesota Scout council project. year, brought greetings from the Department, and spoke on membership, Resolutions and as an NEC Liaison to the National Convention The great State of Minnesota American Legion family Eagle Scout of which is very vital to the organization. Commission. the Year is Troy Timmerman of Marshall, Minnesota. I want to thank Department Commander Mike Ash for having a great Once again this past year, I have been summarizing the meetings that I Special recognition goes to the following Scouters for receiving the year, it was great working for you and Tom Fernland, your Membership have attended. I have been emailing them to those who have requested to American Legion Square Knot Award: Director. I was able to fill in for the Commander as he is very busy and receive them. I have also sent a copy of them to The Legionnaire where • Rod Reifsteck, Elysian, Minnesota, Post #311 had other commitments. The year started out going to Indianapolis to learn they are published when and where there is room available. I have also • Michael J. Kusinierek, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Post #30 all about the Membership program National has set forth for all. I learned been forwarding other communication I receive from the National organi- • Tim L. Liftrig, Apple Valley, Minnesota, Post #1776 a lot and met new friends on the way. Buffalo Legion was my next stop zation. If you are interested in receiving this information, please give me Congratulations. for the Early Bird Dinner, Pheasant Dinner at the Silver Bay Vets Home, your name and email address. I also wish to thank the National Organization and the Americanism & what a great place , talked to a lot of the patients there, and they enjoy their I would like to congratulate Commander Mike on a wonderful year. Youth National Committee for hosting the 1st ever National Boy Scout stay there very much , a great place. If you have not seen it, stop by and His sense of humor, dedication, creative thinking, and hard work are the Committee meeting of Department Boy Scout Committee chairmen that tour the home. Int'l Falls was my next stop to revitalize their post, elect- reasons Minnesota had another successful year. Thank you, Mike. was held in Indianapolis, Indiana in September 2013. ed new officers and I had the opportunity to install all the officers, had a I want to thank, Alternate NEC, Marland Ronning for his dedication Once again, thank you one and all for supporting Scouting in all its great meeting with 24 members showing up to get the post up and running and hard work as an advocate for our veterans and our organization. He is programs to advance the cause of freedom and its dedication to 100% again. Next I brought greetings at the American Legion State Bowling a great person to work with and someone I am proud to call a friend. Americanism. Tournament in Moorhead as the Commander was snowed in. St. Cloud VA I want to thank Commander Ashs’ Legislative team, led by Bob Hart, Tom Hallett, Department Boy Scout Chairman Nat'l Salute to Veterans Patients Day was next, had dinner and toured the for their hard work and leadership. With their strong leadership, they kept VA Hospital. West Duluth Legion was next for their Legion Early Bird our legislators informed on the issues that supported our veterans. Dinner, also as at the Moorhead Post-21 for their Legion Birthday Dinner. Plans are in place to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The American I put on many miles of driving, well worth it. Attended the Department Legion starting with the 2018 National Convention here in Minneapolis – Rallies, District Rallies, it was a very busy year. It was a real pleasure right where it originally started. The year-long celebration will culminate We are back atBoys Southwest Minnesota State State University in Marshall for working with Dept. Commander Mike Ash and Tom Fernland, and the with the 2019 National Convention in Indianapolis, home of our National our 8th year of the American Legion Minnesota Boys State Program. other Vice Commanders. Always remember our veterans at home and Headquarters. My sincere appreciation goes to the efforts of the many Legion Posts away, remember: All gave some and some gave all. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your across the state as well as to the delegates that come to this 66th year of the John W Torma, Department Vice Commander National Executive Committeeman. It has truly been an honor to represent program. The hard work that the many Posts provided with recruitment you. and sponsorship of these young men provides our program with the high- Ray DeZurik, National Executive Committeeman est level of excellence. Thank you to the Sons of the American Legion for their contributions made to the Minnesota Boys State Program. Also, thanks to the University for being an outstanding host, the American As Treasurer, Treasurer I serve on the Department Finance Committee, Legion post in Marshall including Commander, Jeff Gay and Steve Minnesota Legionnaire, and the Legionville Board of Directors. It has Judge Advocate Glaeser, and the Marshall Independent for helping us in all of these efforts. been my pleasure to serve you again this past year as your Department The Department Adjutant, Treasurer and Judge Advocate are each More than 350 delegates will be attending the 2014 program: Treasurer. elected to three year terms by the Executive Committee. These are stag- District Registered Change from Prior Year The Treasurer is charged with the responsibility and administration of gered terms, so one ends each year. The election for the position takes 1 32 -12 all Department funds and related financial affairs with direct responsibili- place at the first Executive Committee meeting after the convention. 2 34 -6 Page 16 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 3 49 -4 Sponsored by Wayzata Post 118, representing the 10th District, was this River & Post 262 Cloquet; 3rd place Post 241 Aurora. 47 -1 year’s winner. On April 5th, she competed in the National Contest. District 9: 1st place Post East Grand Forks; 2nd place Post Dent; 3rd 56 -5 The Format is as follows: Student compete in three rounds, all 54 place Post 27 Warren 6 48 +4 Department winners competed in the morning with Nine Contestants in 6 District 10: no report 7 46 +1 rounds. The Nine winners move onto the afternoon Semi-Finals with the Steve Nelson, Blood Chairman 8 16 +4 three winners competing Sunday morning for the First, Second and Third 9 38 +3 place titles. 10 74 -1 Caroline was an excellent representative from the Department of Thank you to the hard working staff at the Department Headquarters - Minnesota; unfortunately she did not advance beyond the 1st round into Jennifer Kelley, Laura Weber, Al Zdon, and Randy Tesdahl. Their work the Semi Final Round. Donaldson received a $1500.00 scholarship from Children and Youth is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Department Commander, the Dept. of MN as well as $1500.00 from the National Contest I attended the annual Children and Youth Conference in September at Mike Ash for his support and participation in this year’s program. She has been invited to attend the Department Convention and subse- Indianapolis. This year information on child abduction was presented with This year marks Dr. Bill Zweiner’s 64th year, David Way’s milestone quently she will speak there. We should all look forward to hearing this the mother of Jaycee Dugard speaking on her abduction. It was very emo- 40th year, W. Lee Tallakson’s 20th year, Perry Bock’s 15th year, and Peggy wonderful young woman. tional to listen to her and feel her pain. Luckly her abduction turned out Moon’s 10th year. We are proud of their service as well as all of the ded- Second Place winner from the 6th District was Aaron Evans; he where she was reunited with her mother after 18 years. Many other times icated staff that helps to make the program a success. received $1000. Third Place winner from the 1st District was Kelly it is not. She has gone through intensive therapy which is why the mother Thank you to Ryan Lorsung for the work he does with setting up the Erpelding; she received $700.00. Fourth Place winner from the 5th was speaking about The JAYC Foundation which stesses animal therapy. program details and lining up the speakers and Andy Post who assists with District was Nathaniel Larson; he received $500.00. This is just one of many origanizations that solicit money from the the registration of the citizens and the recruitment of the staff. Other District Champions Competing were: 2nd District: Mackenzie Children and Youth Commission. Thank you to all the District Boys State Chairs and to Ken Meyer and Carter, 3rd District: no show 5th District: no show, 7th District: Josiah I would like to thank Tom Newman for his assistance this fast year with Bert Marth for their help and assistance. Green, 8 District: No Contestant, 9th District: Auraura Eckberg a couple of family assistance issues that could not be resolved by myself. In addition to our dedicated staff, all of our speakers volunteer their I would like to thank all the Judges and Volunteers for their help this I have come to respect him more and more over the last couple of years as time and talents during the week. It takes many hands to make this pro- year. The weather was tough, and you folks are true and dedicated. I hope a major source of assistance. Thank you, Tom. gram a success, both the dedicated staff at the Department as well as those fun was had by all. Our contest could not be as successful as it is without I have received the C&Y annual reports but sadly only about 40% are who volunteer their time for the week of Minnesota Boys State. Thank you you. I would also like to thank all of you that came to see these wonder- sending this report in. I need this report to make my report to National. Be to all the Posts who continue to donate to Minnesota Boys State. ful young people. It was nice to see a full house for the final. A very spe- sure to send in your Consolidated and Children and Youth Reports. Visit us at our website, www.mnboysstate.org for a complete detailed cial thanks goes out to my assistant Chair Lori Jarrett. Reporting is very important in the American legion as this is what the ori- profile of the program. Finally, I would like to again thank Department Thank you Commander Ash for appointing me to this wonderful pro- ganization reports to congress on every year. Commander, Mike Ash for allowing me to take part in this capacity. gram. Terry Buraas, chairman, Children and Youth Mike Bredeck, Boys State Director Tess Davis, Oratorical Contest Chair Citizen’s Flag Alliance Commander Mike, I would like to thank you for this appointment. It CommunityIt is that time of year to look back and review Service what our American The MinnesotaSafety Twins are playing Patrol some very exciting ball this year. has been an honor to serve you and the Department. Legion Posts have meant to our communities. How do we do this is the Their efforts don’t always translate into wins, but the play on the field is A matter of special interest to the Legion is pursuit of a Flag Protection question? Our post officers must summarize what our members did this interesting to watch. There have been some very close games and the win- Constitutional Amendent. Joint resolutions to prohibit the physical dese- past year and report this to their members and then get this to the ning streak has been great baseball to watch. If you haven’t treated your cration of the flag of the United States were again introduced in each the Department of Minnesota who can summarize by state and pass it on to patrollers to a Twins game, consider doing it. The stadium is a great base- House and Senate earlier this year. There are currently 22 co-sponsors for National. As Commander Ash has pointed out, we must ‘communicate, ball facility to watch a game. the Senate legistrationand 23 for the House. communicate, communicate’ to our posts that their members deserve this The Legionville Safety School Patrol Center is a valuable part of the Oppenents of the amendment have led many to believe that the amend- information as feedback. Nothing helps pull an organization together more Safety - School Patrol Program. It is the only facility ever developed for ment, alone, will ban flag descrecration. It will not. It would only allow than celebrating together what they have accomplished. this purpose. The new barn is nearing completion but much remains to be Congress to write a law that, like any law, would be subject to debate, We can try to estimate what was accomplished at state and national lev- done. Work is now focused on getting the classrooms ready. The camp is required to be voted on by both houses of Congress, and subject to veto by els by reviewing the reports that our posts d id summit. This year we had being readied for this summer’s sessions. The dorms will be remodeled as the President. All fifty states have asked Congress to pass the amendment 133 posts turn in reports, which is 23.53%, a little higher than last year. A available during the summer. I encourage all Posts to participate in this and send it to the states to be ratified. lot of these are smaller posts which shows how proud they are of their most worthwhile project. I commend the board of directors for the tremen- But as we know, the current government gridlock, which is also direct- members commitments. But many post not turning in reports are posts dous job they have done in providing a safe camp for our school patrollers. ly affecting our benefits and services as veterans and American citizens, is with over 250 members. The report summaries turned in for the year ar e The commitment to this program by the Legionnaires of this Department front and center right now - and rightly so. as follows: Children & Youth: hours 3,264 and dollars spent $191,603. has been most encouraging and appreciated. The American Legion will continue to support a Constitutional Veteran Affairs: hours 15,415 and dollars spent $245,758. Americanism: I also encourage Legion posts to promote safety programs in their local Amendment to protect the United States Flag from acts of physical dese- hours 19,414 and dollars spent $465,888. Funeral: hours 37,636 and dol- communities. There are many areas of safety education and they are best cration. lars spent $382,329. Community Service: hours 10,483 and dollars spent addressed at the local level. I am aware of many posts that are hosting safe- John Bey, Citizens Flag Alliance Chairman $286,285. This gives a total t urn in of 87,239 Volunteer hours and ty programs and networking with other groups to provide safety training in $1,565,692 dollars spent. many areas. There were 43 residential fire fatalities in 2013 in Minnesota; Over the past five years the numbers in all categories have varied wide- down from 50 in 2012 and 56 in 2011. One structure fire was reported in ly and the number of posts reporting has varied from 131 to 164 which is Minnesota every 1.4 hours. 4,863 of a total 6,436 structure fires in Minnesota occurred in residential property. 58 percent of fire deaths more or less 25% of posts. TheConvention Department Convention Corporation committee Corp. again has had a The winners will be announced at the Department Convention so plan occurred where people generally feel safest – at home. Preliminary reports show traffic fatalities are down slightly from last busy year, with site and local committee visits for upcoming convention on being there to accept for your members. and fall conference locations. At a Department meeting last November in I want to thank Commander Ash for appointing me to this chair as I year as 375 people were killed compared to 395 deaths in 2012. Primary contributing factors continue to be drunk driving, seat belt non-use, speed- St. Paul, attended by the department staff and many others, the guidelines have found it very informative and it was a pleasure to work with him. for hosting department conventions and fall conferences were reviewed. Bob Locker, Department Community Service Chairman ing and distracted driving. The 375 deaths include: 278 motorists – down from 293 in 2012, 60 motorcyclists – up from 55 last year, 31 pedestrians As a result of this meeting the guidelines have been updated to help show – compared to 40 in 2012, Six bicyclists – down from seven in 2012. The the responsibilities of each entity and to more reflect the modern times, sad news is that this year we are seeing an increase in vehicle deaths over schedules and meetings. the same period last year. Lack of seat belt use and speed appear to be the We presently have the years of 2014 and 2015 conventions and fall Education contributing factors. conferences awarded. We are accepting bids for the years 2016 and 2017. The Scholarship Committee met on Wednesday May 1, 2013 at the Safety is not just for our youth. I encourage Posts to invite your district Please consider hosting a future convention or fall conference. If you are American Legion Department Headquarters in St. Paul. Six American State Patrol Safety Officer to a meeting to present a program on this and interested, contact the department adjutant or any member of the conven- Legion Memorial Scholarships, three Minnesota Legionnaire Insurance other issues. Fire, police and other safety program professionals are avail- tion committee. Thank you to all of the past cities for being such gracious Trust Scholarships and $13,000 in grants for Nurses Training were select- able most times just for the asking. I encourage you to use them. Every hosts. ed. community has its own safety concerns. I encourage Legionnaires to iden- Phil Bellefeuille, Chairman, Convention Corporation From an impressive number of applicants, the committee awarded six tify these areas of concern and implement programs of safety education. American Legion Memorial Scholarships as follows, Michael Chervenak As usual, the balance of my report will be given on the Convention of St Paul, Mark Geerdes of Northome, Teresa Horton of Sebeka, Hayley floor at Rochester. Johnson of Sturgeon Lake, Damian Lofstrom of Strandquist and Karlee Jim Blakesley, Safety-School Patrol Chairman Pfaff of New Ulm. This year asEmployment Department Chairman of the Employment Committee, The three Minnesota Legionnaire Insurance Trust Scholarships were meetings were held in March in Washington DC in regards to employment awarded to Rachel De Waard of Byron, Logan Sexton of Millville and for veterans. What was discussed were the new roles and responsibilities Kelly Heck of Kelliher. of the Local Veterans Employment Rep. (LVER) and the Disabled Veterans The Nurses Training grants were awarded as follows, $1,000.00 to “The onlyArmed one of its kind in the country.”Forces The Armed Forces Service Outreach Program (DVOP). The Local Veterans Employment Rep. works each of the following. Brandon Krawczyk, Katie Inveen and Joycelyn Center (AFSC), located at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, strictly with employers in developing jobs for veterans. Then get the infor- Pratcher from the Minneapolis VAMC, Michael Rusch from the Fergus has been hard at work this year greeting military flights and providing rest mation to the Disabled Veterans Outreach Rep. to let the veteran know Falls Veterans Home, Jolene Curtis and Sara Ylinen from the St. Cloud and refreshment facilities for traveling military. As the Department about job opportunities. The Disabled Veterans Outreach Rep. works VAMC and Phyllis Thalhuber from the Luverne Veterans Home. Representative for the AFSC, I’ve been involved as a member of the by- strictly with veterans who have severe barriers to employment. In I would like to thank the other members of the selection committee and law revision sub-committee (which were successfully passed by the full Minnesota all WFC offices are responsible and have a high priority to we congratulate all the recipients and wish them well in their continuing board) and as the Food Representative. The later position had me working work with veterans coming into the offices. education. I also wish to thank Commander Ash for this appointment. It closely with the staff at the center to find out what was happening in the As Department Chairman of the Employment Committee, I will again has been an honor serving the Department in this capacity. area of feeding our guests, and relaying that information to board mem- be presenting the Employer of Veterans Award. Waconia MFG from Gary L. Weaver, Chairman, Education Committee bers. This communication allowed the donating organizations to see that Waconia, Minnesota will be receiving this award. A plaque will be pre- their contributions are being maximized. The future of the AFSC is likely sented to them at the American Legion Department Convention in to include a request for expansion into Terminal 2 with limited operations. Rochester, Minnesota. The AFSC is continually in need of volunteers. If you’d like to learn more During my time in Washington I was able to connect with two Junior Shooting or get involved visit www.mnafsc.org. Legislators, Colin Peterson and Keith Ellison. These were the issues that The Junior Shooting Sports Program is alive and well in Minnesota. Joseph Jansen, American Legion Representativek were discussed with those Legislators: We are small in numbers, but have a high quality program, and manage to 1. TRICARE: The American Legion opposes Tri-care increases. grow a little each year. The Program uses both Sporter grade and Precision 2. ENSURE STABILITY OF VA FUNDING: Ensure that veter- Air Rifles. The Sporter gun is limited to $400 in cost. This allows begin- an’s health care will no longer be held hostage to annual budget battles in ning shooters to participate without incurring the high cost of the Precision Washington. rifle and other associated equipment. The matches are all shot at 10 meters Blood 3. PROTECT VETERANS BENEFITS AND HEALTH CARE: (33 feet). Thus a air gun range can be set up anywhere you have 40 feet or I want to thank Commander Mike for appointing me as Blood Protecting VA from the effects of Sequestration is not enough in budget more of space, and the added expense of ventilation and inspection is not Chairman for 2013-2014. Thank you to the Department Staff for their help battles of Congress, eternal vigilance is required to ensure vital programs necessary with an air gun. and support. This year two Districts did not send in blood reports. A spe- are not getting short shrift. Air Rifle and Air Pistol are Olympic Gold Medal Sports and one of the cial thank you to all the Post and District Chairmen who took the time to 4. THE VA DISABILITY CLAIMS BACKLOG: The goal is that stated purposes of the program is to make the U. S. more competitive in send in their reports. 2015 there would be no claim waiting more than 125 days and all claims Olympic competition. The program works best in the winter months when It was noted on some reports the positive response and the increased would be adjudicated with 98 percent accuracy. outside activity is limited. There is a full plate of competition available donations when their Post hosted a blood drive with a blood mobile. 5. WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS IN THE PRI- including the National Headquarters sponsored American Legion Match. Total donations by Districts was not part of the Blood Donation report VATE SECTOR: The American Legion supports the reinstatement of the We also compete in the USA Shooting sponsored Junior Olympic match, form. tax credit to encourage veteran employment. NRA Sectionals, and the US Army sponsored Junior match. There were no reported 25 gallon donors for 2013 - 2014. 6. VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS: Keep promoting Many posts in the Dept of Minnesota sponsor a program, but I would District 1: 1st place Post 9 Winona; 2nd place Post 146 Adams; 3rd contracting and subcontracting with “small business” by federal agencies. like to mention a few that really have contributed a lot to the shooting place Post 56 Albert Lea. 7. VETERAN HOMELESSNESS: Devote resources necessary to sports. They include Anoka Post 102, Richfield Post 435, Forest Lake Post District 2: no report end veteran homelessness by 2015. 225, and my own Post 149 at Morristown. District 3: 1st place Post 433 Gaylord; 2nd place Post 79 Montgomery; 8. GI BILL EDUCATION: Improvement for the Veterans GI Bill Anyone interested in starting a competitive shooting program, let me 3rd place, Post 225 Forest Lake Education. know and I will help. District 4: 1st place Post 39 North St Paul; 2nd place Post 542 9. THE DISABLED VETERANS TAX/THE WIDOWS TAX: Leon Dahle, Junior Shooting Sports Chairman Rosetown; 3rd place Post 474 North End. For veterans to keep their full service-connected disability benefit and mil- District 5: 1st place Post 435 Minneapolis Richfield; 2nd place Post 1 itary retired pay. Minneapolis; 3rd place 493 Viking. 10. FLAG AMENDMENT: That Congress shall have power to pro- District 6: 1st place Post 101 Melrose; 2nd place Post 212 Park Rapids; hibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. Oratorical Contest 3rd place Post 12 Long Prairie. 11. FULL FUNDING OF THE LVER AND DVOP PROGAMS: The 2014 Department High School Oratorical Contest was held at District 7: 1st place Post 186 Olivia; 2nd place Post 156 Marietta; 3rd American Legion supports full funding of the Local Veterans Employment Anoka Post 102 at 1:00 pm, Friday January 25th. The Semi-Final Rounds place Post 158 Browns Valley. Rep. and Disabled Veterans Outreach Rep. were held at Osseo Post 172 and Coon Rapids Post 334. District 8: 1st place Post 60 Grand Rapids; 2nd place tie Post 122 Deer Dave Heidebrink, Employment Chairman Caroline Donaldson, a Junior Home Schooler from Eden Prairie, July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 17 Squadron and individuals that have donated and thanking in advance for District – Bob Hirmer, 8th District Richard Zahn, 9th District – Tom any other donations received. Thank You for staying alert to the needs of Conway, 10th District – John Torma, Legion Representative – Roger Hospitalized Veterans. Thank you, thank you. Myren, Department Commander – Mike Ash, Department Adjutant – Energy and Remember that one of the cardinal principles of The American Legion Randy Tesdahl, Department Finance Officer – Dick Horn, Department is “The care of those who are now suffering from wounds, disease and Auxiliary President – Shirley Frederick, SAL Representative – Gary want.” One hundred percent of your donations go to the Hospitalized Semmel, School/Safety Chair – Jim Blakesley, 40 & 8 Representative – Conservation Veterans at Minneapolis VAMC, St. Cloud VMAC, Sioux Falls VMAC, Bruce Harms, Finance Liaison – Laura Weber, and Legal Counsel – Don The American Legion Energy and Conservation program is twofold in and Fargo VMAC. Walser. nature: the sale of tree seedlings and the conservation of natural resources. Thank you, Commander Mike, for appointing me to a very important Wayne M. Gilbertson, President, Legionville 2014 was another great year for tree sales. The Itasca Greenhouse near committee. Cohasset was once again very professional in dealing with our tree orders. Roger D. Johnson, Chairman, Fund for Hospitalized Vets Our total sales included 3,590 tree seedlings. Totals by District included: District 1.....30; District 2.....0; District 3.....410; District 4.....100; District 5.....30; District 6.....470; District 7.....210; District 8.....1,420; District Legion Riders 9.....530; District 10.....390. The American Legion Riders of Minnesota have worked very hard this District 8's Littlefork Post 490 again purchased a large order of 1,110 year to continue to grow the Legion Riders. Our goal is to have a Riders tree seedlings ($633.25 worth). The Itasca Greenhouse allots a certain Law and Order organization in every Post in the state that would like one. number of seedlings per species for us based on last year's sales. Our allot- Law and Order committee is responsible for selecting the outstanding We still need to work on more communication both up and down the ment of certain species sells out quickly. In 2015 please place your order Law enforcement Office and Firefighter of the year. This year the com- ladder. Because the American Legion Riders are a program that is grow- early. It was nice to have the tree order form on the Minnesota American mittee received 4 nominees for Law Officer of the year and 1 nominee for ing, every spring there may be some reluctance to send information about Legion website this year. Firefighter of the year. In April the committee met to review and discuss officers and membership to department or district reps. Without that infor- The 2013-2014 winter was a brutal one with high energy costs. We are the applications. After some discussion there was a unanimous selection mation, it is difficult to make sure information is getting to the right per- constantly hearing that the U.S. is becoming less dependent on foreign oil, for Officer of the year and Firefighter of the year. Both nominees were son at the post. yet propane, fuel oil and natural gas price gouging placed a heavy burden nominated by North Branch Post 85. Todd Frank a 25 Year Law enforce- Thank you Commander Mike Ash for this appointment. on many families this past winter. Let your legislative representatives ment veteran currently working for the North Branch Police Department Rick Oelschlager, American Legion Riders Liaison know of your concerns. Let's do what we can to preserve our natural for 15 years as the primary investigator was selected for the Officer of the resources for the use of future generations. Keep using energy-efficient year award. Mitch Holmes has been a 7 year member of the North Branch appliances and recycling. Fire Department, along with his regular duties, Holmes is also the event Thanks, Commander Mike, for my appointment as Energy and coordinator for the Department. Conservation Chairman. The Law and Order committee would like to thank all The American Legislative Carl Hendrickson, Chairman, Energy and Conservation Legion Posts who took time to select and nominate these outstanding indi- The Legislative Committee was chaired by Robert Hart and ably assist- viduals for their work in their respected communities. Thank you to the ed by Lyle Folz, Gary Larson and Larry Ryan. members of the Law and Order Committee, Pat Logan and Richard The Minnesota Legislative session was expected to be fairly mundane Abraham for their part in the selection process. given what we believed to be a modest agenda put together by the Family Hospital Tom Conway, Law and Order, Chair Commanders Task Force. However, an early threat to VA funding to phase 3 of the Minneapolis Veterans Home as well as a plan to change the admis- sion rules especially as it related to spouses of veterans, disrupted the calm. It seems that those challenges were set aside, at least for now, when the On behalf ofAssociation the Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to report on this voices of the veteran community were heard. past year’s activities of the American Legion Family Hospital Association. The Commanders' Task Force, of which the American Legion is a part, Please keep in mind that the American Legion Family Hospital Legionnaire supports a change in the vehicle registration taxes for 100% service con- Association’s fiscal year does not end until 31 July. More activity will be nected veterans. experienced by that time. Application history is listed below: The CTF Supported amending the Veteran Homestead Tax exemption 20 Applications were received for FY 2014 Insurance Trust and that was extended from 5 to 8 years. 17 of these Applicants received funds from the ALFHA This past year the Minnesota American Legion received over $105,000 We also expect progress in certification of Veteran-owned small busi- 1 Application was disapproved from the LIT. nesses so that they can compete for business and contracts at the state level 2 Applications did not meet the requirements to receive funds from the Important: Call 1-800-235-6943 or go to theLIT.com to register for without having to go through the federal certification process. ALFHA your free $1,000 accidental death benefit. $5,000.00 while on American In addition to action at the State level, the American Legion Legion business. Your registration this year will be good until August Washington DC Conference went well with appointments with most rep- Listed below is the breakdown on the number of claims and amount of 2016. I ask every post adjutant and post commander to get all members resentatives and Senators. payouts by District: signed up for this free accidental death insurance. Every member should Our priorities at the national level included protecting Veterans and District # of Claims Dollar Payout receive an activation card with your membership card. DOD from harmful cuts due to sequestration. Improving the disability First 2 $2,322 Thank you to all of you that have taken out insurance with the trust claims process to eliminate the VA Claims backlog. VA Disability com- Second 2 $4,677 over the years and continue to provide protection for your family. pensation should not be offset from retired pay regardless of the VA rating Third 1 $1,493 The dividends received by the Department of Minnesota are used to percentage. Nor should the survivor benefits from military Survivor Fourth 2 $453 carry out American Legion programs such as baseball, boys’ state, VA and Benefit Plan. Fifth 1 $2,892 R and many others to benefit veterans and children. We oppose any further increases in TRICARE Fees, including pre- Sixth 1 $0 The past two years the department has received over $310,000 The scription drugs fees. Seventh 0 $0 Auxiliary receives a portion of this. We feel the nation should provide quality education through a Post Eighth 3 $2,400 The LIT has insurance for accidental death/travel accident, cancer care, 9/11 GI Bill. Ninth 3 $5,853 disability, critical illness, dental, and long term care. This is the 49th year And the American Legion continues to support legislation to safeguard Tenth 5 $9,523 the Department of Minnesota have received dividends from LIT. Earnings our nation's flag from physical desecration. TOTALS 20 $29,613 from the 49 years total 3,550,000. But at this time all of this is overshadowed by the horrendous "epi- Listed below is the financial picture for the ALFHA as of the end of The trust has paid out over $500,000,000 in claims to Legionnaires and demic of VA Mismanagement" at the Federal level. While some senior May 2014: Auxiliary members. administrators have stepped down, The American Legion is calling for Total Assets: $ 241,682 The trust has enrolled with LifeLock Identity Theft. To enroll call 1- criminal investigations surrounding secret waiting lists that may be respon- Total YTD Income: $ 40,439 800-LifeLock or visit www.LifeLock.com. sible for scores of veteran deaths. Total YTD Expense: $ 32,221 For additional information; the toll free number is 1-800-235-6943. The clamor to correct these problems must ring at the state as well as YTD Net Assets Gain: $ 8,218 Claims information 1-800-882-0220. The address is Legionnaire the Federal level so I expect this will be well into the coming year. Special thanks to Laura Weber, Cathy Radil and Roger Myren for all Insurance Trust, P O Box 219, Santa Barbara CA, 93121-0060. The web I thank Commander Ash for the confidence placed in me this year and the work they do for the American Legion Family Hospital Association. site is www.thelit.com. You may also contact Bill Barbknecht at 218-770- this concludes my report. Also thank you to the board members who have served this past year. 6264, P.O. Box 121, Underwood MN 56586. Robert Hart, Legislative Chairman They are: Marland Ronning, Jan Walker, Jim Kellogg, Marie Goede, Nick Think about helping your American Legion, by considering LIT for Kakos, Mike Ash, Shirley Frederick and John Affolter. your insurance needs. Thanks also to the American Legion Family Hospital Association for A big thank you to our department staff for all they do to contribute to allowing me the honor of serving as your President. making the LIT a success. Dennis Blue, President, American Legion Family Hospital Assn. If you have any questions, please call me 218-770-6264 Bill Barbknecht, Chairman, LIT Committee Membership The 2013 -2014 membership year has been exciting and contained new challenges and opportunities. The year began with planning and introduc- ing a 5-year membership plan which each Department presented to The Department FinanceFinance Committee met at the Kelly Inn, St. Cloud on National. The plan is a guide for developing a culture for increasing mem- September 24, 2013 and set the budget for The American Legion, Legionville bership and post development. Department of Minnesota for the fiscal year 2013 – 2014. This has been a very challenging year at Legionville. We have had sev- American Legion’s Tools of Opportunity Learning Sharing (Al’s The budget was approved as follows: total revenue $1,263,287, total, eral issues that have confronted us, but we have met them head on. We will Tools) was the theme used to promote the awareness of all the tools the expenses $1,263,242, resulting in a revenue exceeding expense budget by continue to work for the benefit of Legionville and the campers that attend American Legion has for recruiting, post development and for learning $45. camp. more about our organization. A new challenge this year was the Version Mileage for FY 2013 – 2014 was set at 45 cents per mile and per diem We aren’t as far along in the completion of the new building as we 2014 Membership Contest. to be paid at the rate of $45.00 per day for 2 or more day meetings. The would like to be, but the areas that need to be completed for opening of the The District Membership Contest goals were changed to focus more on Finance Committee received the final auditor’s report from Clifton Larson camp session will be done. Both classrooms and the hallway leading to attaining National membership goals. The Premier Race point system was Allen, our CPA firm, for the fiscal year 2012 – 2013. The report indicated both will be complete. We will continue to complete other areas as time also adjusted to enhance friendly competition between Districts. The a gain in net assets of $204,146. and man power permits. The well has been turned on and water lines run. awareness and use of “Mylegion.org” by Districts and Posts as a tool for Revenue from USAA ( added revenue) this year helped, as member- The furnaces and air conditioners are on site and they are currently work- recruiting and sourcing eligible veterans increased this year. ship continues to decline by about 3,500 members each year making the ing on hooking everything up. One of the factors for the increase in use of “Mylegion.org was the budget process at times difficult. We are working with a new forester on our timber harvest. The one we District Revitalizations held in the 4th and 5th Districts. A National rep- The Committee wishes to express a special thank you to Commander had last year is no longer available. We are waiting for the forester’s final resentative traveled to Minnesota two separate times to assist with the Mike Ash, Adjutant Randy Tesdahl, Finance Liaison Laura Weber, and all results to determine when we can start the harvest. The plan is to do the training and set-up of the revitalization efforts which provided invaluable the office staff for support they provided this year. harvesting this summer. hands-on experience for all Districts. Members of the Finance Committee include: Chair Bill Goede, Tom We are currently working with AAA on a sponsorship program. This Congratulations to 3rd District Commander Mark Dvorak along with Burau, Floyd Kumerow, Ray DeZurik, Robin Picray, Commander Mike will be a great way to give us some initial money and provide some year- his whole District and membership team for winning the Premier Race Ash and Department Treasurer Richard Horn. ly income for us. This was approved at our spring meeting. Version 2014. Bill Goede, Chair, Finance Committee The pavers have been engraved and Roy picked them up and has them I commend all the Minnesota Districts, Posts and members for all the at Legionville, so we can start the installation as time permits. hard work that is put into retaining membership. I am honored to have The rain gardens are all in and planted. Thanks to the grants that Roy been your Department Membership Chairman and to have shared in the applied for and received. With the grants we were able to pay for all the tireless volunteer efforts our dedicated members provide to keep our work that was accomplished. organization strong. FundThe annual meeting for of the Fund Hosp. for Hospitalized Veterans Vets Committee Legionville Camporee will take place September 4th – 7th, 2014. This The Department of Minnesota was one of the top states nationally for was held on October 9, 2013 at 11:04 AM at Department Headquarters. is a chance for everyone to come up and check out the progress on the new a good part of the year until we started getting near the 95% goal. Even Members present were Roger Johnson , Wes Thompson, Mike Maxa. . building. The American Legion Riders Romp will be held September 25th though we started dropping in the National standings for percentage Also present were Department ADSO Jeremy Wolfstellar and – 28th, 2014. towards goal, our total number of actual members remains near the high- Department Auxiliary Secretary Sandi Deutsch. Mike Maxa volunteered The camp and new building are now completely wireless. Thanks to est in the Nation. as secretary. several people that dug a trench from new building to house and installed Recruiting for the 2014 membership year is not over until Dec. 31, The financial report was approved for 2012-2013 which showed dona- the wire. Thanks to Roy’s son and friend that came up to do all the instal- 2014. Continue to ask and ask again veterans to be a part of our American tions at $ 17,811.00 and a budget which was set at $ 13,300.00 giv- lation. We were able to save money by doing it this way. Legion Family, the largest wartime veterans service organization in the ing us a positive of $ 4,511.00 for 2012-2013. I would like to thank Commander Mike Ash & SAL Commander John nation. The annual budget for 2013-2014 was set at $ 15,300.00 which is Affolter for taking Legionville on as your project this year. With every- Tom Fernlund, Department Membership Director approximately 15 % more than the prior year because of the amount of one’s help we can get the project done and completed. donations we received. As of May 15, 2014, we had received $ 9,620.00 I would like to thank Roy Kruger for his efforts on getting the new from 50 Posts, 9 Auxiliary Units, 1 SAL Squadron and 2 individuals. building as far along as it is. Without his knowledge and time we would- Donations from the Posts, Units, Squadrons and individuals are the n’t be where we are at. only source of income for this committee. The funds received are used for I appreciate the people that took time out of their busy schedule and notepads for the Hospitalized Veterans, Emergent need for each Hospital, came up to help out. Legion Lounge, Canteen Books for 4th and 5th Districts. Thank You cards, The representatives on the board are: 1st District – Carroll Hill, 2nd and Dept. of Minnesota Auxiliary Hospital Veterans Program. District – David Hanson, 3rd District – Eugene Leifeld, 4th District – Joe On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank every Post, Unit, Jansen, 5th District – Dennis Delong, 6th District – Wayne Gilbertson, 7th Page 18 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 ing this year’s program to a successful conclusion and to all those who helped make this year’s Pheasant Dinner Program another successful year. Respectfully submitted, National Security/ Chuck Stone, Chairman, Hospitalized Veterans Pheasant Dinners Sons of the Foreign Relations American Legion The planning and instructional meeting for the District Commanders, The Sons of the American Legion are nearing their All Time High goal NS/FR Department Committee and District NS/FR Chairs was held on of 11,000 members. Their most important job is obtaining the renewals and September 27-29, 2013 at Camp Ripley. The Department Committee in Post Development signing up new members. attendance were: Jay Beebe, Don Amundson, Jane Ellefson, Richard The Post Development and Revitalization Committee met at The Minnesota S.A.L. continues to do an excellent job in supporting Gosse and Curtis Norenberg. Legionville Camporee for its organizational meeting. Bill Stein was elect- the Legion Family Child Welfare program at the National level. The judging and selection of winners from the 12 nominees for the ed as chairman and Bill Brockberg was elected secretary. The Spring and Fall Conferences are well attended, with informative Outstanding Guard and Reserve Persons was done on the first day by the Discussion was made on problems that may arise for posts throughout reports from the members attending. The S.A.L. P.U.F.L. membership con- Department NS/FR Committee. Winners included two from the Army the Department of Minnesota. We did not have an annual training session tinues to grow. National Guard (a change due to larger numbers assigned state wide), Air this year. Fall Conference was held in Marshall. We had a round table dis- The Commander's project is to support Legionville in Brainerd. Posts National Guard, and Navy Reserve. cussion on what might cause or begin post problems stating that lack of and Auxiliaries are welcome to donate to this project, as well. Donations The Saturday and Sunday morning meetings were attended by eight communication is also a major problem. As a group, we decided to have may be sent to Department Headquarters. District Commanders and nine of the District Chairs plus the Department two committee members visit a post that is having a problem and request- The Annual Campout was held at Legionville at Brainerd on June 27, Commander Mike Ash and invited guest speakers for the program. The ing help. 28, & 29. All Legion Family members are welcome to attend the Campout. Some of us took part in helping the 4th district in getting more mem- Post Commander gave a brief and overview of Camp Ripley. A guided tour Good attendence and good time every year. bership into the district. I’m not sure of the final total of new members was given of areas of interest on Post that included: Val Halla Residence, A special thank you to Walt Folendorf in the North and to Brian added to the district but the membership challenge of getting new members military museum, automated rifle ranges, flight simulators, village combat Medinnus in South for their assistance. Thanks to the Department was a huge success. Post Development is what helps posts obtain positive training area, observed ROTC field training and state of the art distance Headquarters staff for their help. Thank You to Commander Mike Ash for activities. education facilities. The Sunday morning session included duties and asking me to chair this important program of The American Legion. If your post or if you know of any post that would like to speak to any- responsibilities of NS/FR that included: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and Raymond D. Ozmun, Chairman, Sons of the American Legion family support, Outstanding Enlisted Program, Civil Air Patrol, ROTC, one in the committee or the committee as a whole, please contact any of National Security/Foreign Relations, POW/MIA activities, and liaison us. Thank you to members Bill Brockberg, Thomas Norgaard, Carroll with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Partridge, and Dennis Lewison. The Outstanding Enlisted Award winners and their families, plus Post Bill Stein, Chairman, Post Development and unit commanders, numbering over 45, were hosted at a reception at the Sports: Baseball Greetings from the Minnesota Baseball Committee. Current members Fall Conference at Marshall on October 24-26, 2013. Winners were award- of the Committee are Mike Perry, State Director; Darwin Berg Vice direc- ed a plaque with other nominees award framed certificates. The five Civil tor, Division 1; Al Davis, Vice Director Division II; District Directors 1- Air Patrol scholarship winners were also announced. The Conference con- Jarvis Anderson, 2-Vern Kitzberg, 3—Bruce Young, 4-Gail Kalata, 5-Jim cluded with a presentation by Al Zdon on the 100th Anniversary of the Public Relations Larson, 6-Wes Thompson, 7-Mike Gort, 8—Dave Kunz, 9--Jeff Miller, 10- Civil War including the Battle of Gettysburg with an outstanding historical The Public Relations Committee had big goals this year. We moved Gene Berg and Junior Director Jim Peck. perspective. very aggressively into the social media arena. The Public Relations com- This past year, we welcomed to the committee Jim Larson from The Washington, D. C. America Legion Conference was attended on mittee provided all 10 Districts with IPADs. The purpose of the IPADs District 5. We also offer a special note of thanks to the supporting posts, March 23-26, 2014 by committee delegates Don Amundson and Richard was to provide instant access to social media and to promote the activities baseball associations, coaches and part time administrators who contribute Gosse along with Curtis Norenberg on the National Commission. Support in their district. The districts had a very successful first year. The first year to Minnesota Legion Baseball and makes it the most elite program in the is appreciated from all Department Posts and the American Legion Family is always a learning time. Some Districts used the resources more than country. that is given to NS/FR programs and the outstanding support of our others. Over the year the Public Relations Committee has monitored the In 2013 at the division I level, we introduced the Sub State format Minnesota men and women that serve in our military. activities of each district as well as made adjustments with those using the which was a huge success with competitive play and increase fan atten- Curtis Norenberg, Chairman, National Security/Foreign Relations IPADs and the social media for the districts. Through the ups and downs dance. Nine of the fifteen sub states required a extra game to determine and along with the learning curves that each district has had, there have the winner. been a lot of positive results. There were two districts that have had even State tournaments for 2013 were held in Edina-Division I with Eden received new members due to their face book pages. The districts used Prairie emerging as state champions and Burnsville as Runner-Up. their Facebook page for district communication with everything from Division II was held in Bird Island with LaCrescent the Champion and Ely Operation Post what’s happening in the district, to pictures of events, as well as state and the runner-Up. Eagan hosted the Junior Tournament with Eden Prairie the national information. It’s always exciting to share all the things that the Champion and Excelsior the Runner Up. members of the American Legion family do. With social media we are Sites for the 2014 State Tournaments will be Eagan hosting division I, Home able to share what we are doing with the world not just the person that we Luverne division II and Apple Valley the Junior Tournament. During our During my travels this year I have had the opportunity to promote the are talking to. Division I banquet we will be inducting Dennis Frey from Howard Lake in Operation Post Home Award. Yet, there still seems to me some confusion We continue to work within the professional sports arena, making sure the Hall of Fame. Other award receipents will be Scott Hackett from Eden out there as to just what this award entails. Operation Post Home is a pro- that the American Legion has a presence during their events. Prairie as Coach of the year and Dean Acheson of Moorhead as Graduate gram through which The American Legion Post Home is open to citizens We had success with live streaming the Department Convention and of the Year. At the Division II banquet, Bird Island and Olivia will receive of the community, especially veterans, in need of regularly scheduled edu- Fall conference. The streaming of events has allowed members that are not the Post of the Year Award. cational, recreational, and social activities. In the case of veterans, you able to attend the events to watch the events. I would like to extend a special thank you to Al Zdon, Laura Weber and may be inviting them to a place where you can maybe have a cup of cof- We worked with the membership Director to provide promotional Gail Kalata for their work throughout the year , which enables our baseball fee or play some cards and just meet up with good friends to chat. posters that were distributed throughout the state. We continue to provide committee to function effectively. It became an official program when Resolution #12 was adopted at the promotional ads during Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Mike Perry, Director, American Legion Baseball NEC spring meeting of 1978. This action came about after a successful There were many great things that happened this year. The pilot program at Post 71 in Duluth and an additional program in Committee’s mission is to help our Veterans, assist Posts in their member- Minneapolis at the Gopher Post. This committee falls under the close ship programs, and to get the mission of the American Legion out to as watch of the VA&R program. many people as possible throughout the state of Minnesota in as many This gives each post an opportunity to recognize that one special indi- sources of media as possible. The goal is to attract Veterans of all ages, Sports: Bowling vidual who goes the extra mile and gives without any thought of what they gender and nationality and open doors through technology. The Legion 2014 State bowling tournament was held in Moorhead, get in return. While I have received a couple of applications for Volunteer Teresa Ash, Chairman, Public Relations Committee hosted by Post 21 at the Sunset Lanes. The number of bowlers was down of the Year already it is always good to see more. The applications will be by 35%, this also brings payout lower than normal. We had a total of 495 reviewed by a committee and the award will be given out at our depart- bowler’s total, Legion, Auxiliary and SAL. The Legion had 110 teams; ment convention in Rochester. Auxiliary had a total of 14 teams bowl. The winning team in the Legion Commander Ash, I want to thank you for allowing me to serve in this went to Springfield Post 257 with a score of 2718. Springfield bowled the capacity during your year of leadership. Rehabilitation first weekend and that score held up for 8 weekends. The Auxiliary team Denise A. Milton, Chairman, Operations Post Home The Minnesota American Standing Department Rehabilitation event went to Cold Spring Post 455 with a score of 2630. Legion singles Committee is a five member committee comprised of organizational mem- went to Gary Holtz of Litchfield Post 104 with a score of 765. Doubles bers with a background, knowledge, or professional experience related to went to Kurt Kratz – Bob Reiner with a score of 1414 from Springfield the delivery of VA benefits, programs, and services. Committee members Post 257. The Auxiliary Singles went to Jackie Lagoon with a score of 743 are volunteers who serve terms from two to five years. Past and present from Mahtomedi Post 507. Doubles went to Kelly Miller – Naomi Pheasant Dinner committee members have been former directors or administrators Federal Christopherson with a score of 1360 from North Branch Post 85. The 72nd Annual Hospitalized Veterans Pheasant Dinner Program was and State department of Veteran Affairs, County Veteran Service Officers, The 2015 tournament will be hosted by the Osseo-Maple Grove Post again a great success. There were 250 Posts, Units, Squadrons, Voitures Vet Center Team Leaders, American Legion Sr. Organizational Leadership 172 at the Brunswick Bowling Lanes in Brooklyn Park. They will have 28 and other donations contributing the equivalent of 7,521 pheasants. These or past Department Service Officers. lanes available for the Legion to use. The paperwork will be out in the fall figures reflect Legion donations only. Contributions came from all areas Currently our committee of five volunteers is staffed by Wilson Spence and will be posted on the web site as it was this year. of the state and a few from outside Minnesota. III, Jeff Johnson, Lauri Brook, Luke Weinandt, and myself. We are looking for bids for the 2016 tournament. Interested Posts can There were 1587 actual pheasants used to feed the veterans in 14 hos- This has been again an action packed, weather challenged and inform- contact me. pitals and/or Veterans Homes involved which are: Minneapolis and St. ative year. Together with Post Service Officers, District VA/R Chairman John Torma, Bowling Chairman Cloud VAMC’s, Sioux Falls SD and Fargo ND VAMC’s, Minnesota and Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and the SAL we have assisted and Veterans homes at Minneapolis, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Dresbach, Silver provided a wealth of information and services to the Veterans of Bay, and Luverne, the veterans in St. Peter, and Good Samaritan Society Minnesota. Nursing Home in Brainerd, Post Home 167 – Willmar and Post Home 602 Most importantly, this year, we have seen the resignation of the Deputy Strategic Planning – Hillman. The Pheasant Dinners served at the fourteen locations were Commissioner of Health from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Committee Summary deliciously prepared and enjoyed by all. Affairs after one year of service to the calling of the resignation of The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) is impaneled to design, American Legion Money taken in this past year was $52,646.00 which Department of Secretary Veteran Affairs Secretary Shinseki by our develop and make recommendations, vetted at the District level, to The is $3,065.00 less than last year’s total of $55,711.00 (The V.F.W. is a joint National Commander the Honorable Dan Dellinger. Department of Minnesota. These recommendations must include the fol- sponsor of the dinners only). When you subtract the Legions share of the These events affect us all, and cause us to pause and recognize that the lowing: 1. Rationale (need), 2. Scope (department and district impact), 3. costs of the pheasants ($9,482.60) this leaves $43,164.00 remaining work of the VA/R committee is essential to provide quality services for our Value (if approved and implemented), 4. Cost (if not implemented), 5. which was put into the American Legion Hospitalized Veterans Dinner veterans and provide assistance to agencies who strive to serve them. This Solicit input from department executives and staff, as needed, and engage DEDICATED FUND which was established 34 ½ years ago. This DEDI- is no easy task, and I wish to thank all the members of the VA/R team. district leadership as partners to ensure adequate coverage and confirm CATED FUND is administered by the department, and can be used only to I especially wish to thank the work of our Department Service Officer, specific issues are addressed within each recommendation, 6. Each recom- benefit hospitalized and disabled veterans. Tom Newman and the Assistant Service Officer Jeremy Wolfsteller, and mendation must be strategic in nature with related tactics to facilitate Since the DEDICATED FUND was established 34 ½ years ago, our St. Cloud Hospital Service Office Gerald Lenorud for the countless measurable and successful outcomes. $1,542,391.73 was spent on 697 projects to aid hospitalized and disabled hours they put in serving Veterans on the front lines pre and post service. The committee maintained, as a focus, membership growth and sus- veterans. If you include the Legion’s share of the cost of pheasants used Lastly the Headquarters staff of St. Paul is the best. I have been honored to tainability. Additional priorities included intra-department communica- for the dinners over the past 34 years, would bring the total expenditures serve as the Chairman of this committee for the past year, thank you. tions at the District level and succession planning. Recommendations will to $1,663,437.00. We research the projects and they must be approved by Phil Ringstrom Chairman, Rehabilitation Committee. cover “Lessons Learned” from current-state (Call-In Structure, our committee before they can be funded. Department/District Communication, Education and Continuity.) The second District American Legion and Auxiliary continue to be the “Process Improvement” opportunities will be recommended at the highest donating district in the state with almost 30% of the donations Department level. Some recommendations may be implemented as early coming from that district. as the 2014 Fall Conference. There were 34 donations of 50 or more pheasants – 7 more than last Resolutions The 2013-2014 SPC members are: Dan Williams, Chair; Peggy Moon, The resolutions assignment committee is comprised of three (3) mem- year. OWATONNA was 1st in the Legion Donations with 1,240. BLUE Secretary; Roger Olson, Committee Member; Richard Wog, Committee bers, Chairman Jeff Olson, Stillwater; Don Schroedl, Minneapolis and EARTH was 2nd with 437, ELMORE was 3rd with 428 and WINNEBA- Member; Merlin Ellefson, Committee Member; Mike Ash, Department Merlyn Haugen, Argyle. The responsibilities of the committee include the GO are 4th with 286, WELCOME was 5th with 150. Because of limit- Commander; Don Pankake, Jr. Past Commander; Randy Tesdahl, review of all resolutions submitted to the department convention for con- ed space, we are unable to list additional donations but they will be recog- Department Adjutant; Dan Ludwig, Special Advisor. sideration. After the review of all resolutions the committee assigns them nized at the Department Convention. One Auxiliary Unit we must men- The SPC completed the year on track. We worked very well as a group to a committee for action. During the convention each committee chair tion is Bemidji with 71. We wish to thank all the Posts, Units, Squadrons, and leveraged our combined experiences. This approach allowed the SPC reports the actions of the committee to the gathered delegates who have the Voitures, individuals and other donators who are not mentioned here to now serve as a high-value entity within the Department of Minnesota. final authority on all resolutions. The resolutions assignment committee because of space. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated Scope completes a final report on the actions taken on the floor of the convention At the Department Convention in Rochester we will have a pheasant Our Scope includes but is not limited to: Working as a complement to on all resolutions. display booth with listing sheets of all donations. At this time, we will Department Membership Director on sustainable membership over a We would like to thank Department Commander Mike Ash for award one pheasant pin to each Post, Unit, Squadron and Voiture that con- rolling 5-year period, working with Districts on Education, Succession appointing us to this committee. Also, many thanks to the Department tributed. Planning, Communication, Department Call-In Structure and Committee / staff who assist so greatly in getting all resolutions properly completed I want to thank Art Rosin, Bob “Fuzz” Martin, Committee Vice Program consistency with National where possible. Chairmen, the Department and District Officers, the staff at the prior to presentation to the delegates at convention. Department office, The Minnesota Legionnaire and to everyone in bring- Jeff Olson, Chairman, Resolutions July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 19

Veterans Affairs TaPurdy,ps Jerry S., 88, Army Air Corps veteran of World Scherer, Alcuin M. , 83, Air Force veteran of the Korean and Rehabilitation War II, died June 1, 2014. He served in the Azores as a and Vietnam wars, died June 13, 2014. He served for 20 radioman. He was a member of Golden Valley Post 523. years. He was a member of Cold Spring Post 455. By Manson, Earl, 92, Army veteran of World War II, died Fjelstad, Herbert H., 79, Army veteran of the Korean Tom Newman June 12, 2014. He was a member of New London Post 537. War, died June 2, 2014. He was a member of Millville Post Hosek, Roger, 84, Air Force veteran of the Korean War, 579. died May 22, 2014. He was a member of Bertha Post 366. Studer, Darol S., 78, Marine Veteran of the Korean War, Got VA Health Care? Anderson, Donald Berhard, 88, Merchant Marine vet- died June 3, 2014. He was a member of St. Joseph Post 328. As most are already well aware the Federal Dept. of eran of World War II, died May 23, 2014. He made many Bohaty, James William, 82, Air Force veteran of the Veterans Affairs is facing a challenging time right now. crossings of the Atlantic on cargo ships. He was a member Korean War, died May 28, 2014. He served in Korea. He This means that ultimately our Veterans, and to a lesser of Pine City Post 51. was a member of Rush City Post 93. extent those of us who work within the veteran services Lange, Robert “Bear,” 75, Navy veteran of the Rowe, Marjorie M., 89, Women’s Army Corps veteran community, to include anyone else vested in the health and Vietnam War, died June 13, 2014. He was a machinist mate of World War II, died May 27, 2014. She was a member of wellbeing of veterans, will quite likely be too. I mean after who served aboard the USS Higbee, DDR 806. He served Sauk Rapids Post 254. all, events prompting such national news headlines which in the engine room. He was a member of Hector Post 135. Nelson, Gordon, 92, Army veteran of World War II, have referenced secret patient wait lists, veterans dying in Kraemer, Werner Joseph, 90, Navy veteran of World died May 22, 2014. He was a member of Sauk Rapids Post line awaiting health care, VA medical manipulating of num- War II, died June 12, 2014. He was a motor machinist third 254. bers so patient access times to care look better than they class. He was a member of Paynesville Post 271. Hinds, Edward Neill, 81, Air Force veteran of the really are, bonuses, reports of "systemic" failures, and Sr. Lundquist, James, 89, Navy veteran of World War II, Korean War, died May 23, 2014. He was a member of VA leadership resignations, just to name a few, is all BIG! died June 10, 2014. He was a member of Hopkins Post 320. Windom Post 206. I would ask you, how can we not be impacted with the mag- Formo, Gordon Lester, 85, Navy veteran of World War nitude of changes which will need to be made, or are now, II, died May 28, 2014. He was a member of Granite Falls very likely, on the horizon? Post 69. In my opinion, due to local VA leadership in Minnesota remaining receptive to concerns expressed by our County Darwin Berg, 71, Veteran Service Officers (CVSO's), to include representa- tives from the Minnesota Veteran Service Organizations long time Legion NationalContinued from Page Convention 1 (VSO's), as well as from Veterans and their families, it appears we're much better off than perhaps many other parts day. The Westin Charlotte and the Hilton Charlotte Center of the country. I've always felt pleasantly encouraged when baseballDarwin Berg, 71, andirectortwo children, Brian and a particular VA entity in Minnesota has hosted open meet- City will be the two official hotels for the Legion. Army veteran of the Brenda, and four grandchil- The SAL will hold its convention at the Charlotte ings for our Veteran benefit professionals, you know those Vietnam War, died June 10, dren. who know what don't smell right, in order to inform but also Convention center on Friday and Saturday and Sunday, 2014. He was a past com- Aug. 22-24. prompt the bringing forward of concerns in a constructive mander of Hutchinson Post environment. For example, the St. Cloud VA Medical The registration hours for the Minnesota delegation will 96. be Friday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday System hosts a regularly scheduled meeting for VSO's held He was a three sport ath- every quarter. I think the VA needs to implement more of from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration will be in Governor VI. lete in high school at Those who are unable to register at those times should these types of meetings - as we need to remain vigilant so Winthrop, and later played problems and issues get identified and resolved before they arrange for someone else to pick up their packet. town ball. The Minnesota caucus will be at the Sheraton in ever get an opportunity to take root. He was vice director in In the spirit of meetings intended to inform and to Mecklenburg 2 and 3 on Monday, Aug. 25, from 8-10 a.m. charge of Division II base- The Minnesota Party will also be at the Sheraton on encourage constructive dialog for the benefit of our veter- ball in the American Legion ans, I would ask you all to consider attending our upcoming Monday, Aug. 25, starting with a cash bar at 5 p.m. It will program from 1997 to 2003 also be held in Mecklenberg 2 and 3. There will be a Jimmy VA/R meeting which will be taking place on Wednesday, 16 and then became state July at 4:00 p.m. in ballroom - 1 of the Marriott Hotel in Buffet theme and Hawaiian shirts and flip flops are encour- director where he served for aged attire. Rochester, MN. We're anticipating a number of guest pre- the next nine years. senters representing both the Federal and State Dept. of The burgers and fixings will be set out at 6 p.m., fol- He returned as a vice lowed by music and dancing. Tickets are $28 and must be Veterans Affairs, as well as other closely affiliated pro- director this past year after gram/agency representatives who will be providing valu- purchased in advance. serving as director emeri- The National Commander’s Banquet will be held at the able updates. tus. [email protected] convention center on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets He is survived by his DARWIN BERG are $45. The State Dinner will be at 7 p.m. the following night. Order sheets for the Minnesota Party and the National’s Reports (Cont.) Commander’s Banquet are available through Department Schedule Silver Star Post 428, Waite Park Headquarters. To order tickets for the States Dinner must be The SPC is on track to present findings and recommendations at the Levi M. Hall School Patrol Trophy purchased through the Auxiliary Headquarters. July DEC. We envision no specific roadblocks or insurmountable barriers For outstanding School Patrol activity The annual parade at the convention will be Sunday, as long as we continue to work in collaboration with Department and Edward B. Cutter Post 102, Anoka District Leadership. Joseph W. Finley Trophy Aug. 24, at 4 p.m. There will be a patriotic religious service Activities To the Post with the best all-around program of Post activities on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the convention center. At our December meeting we invited Department Vice Commanders, Erickson-Strom Post 186, Olivia Charlotte is named after King George III’s wife, and it is District Commanders, Candidates for 2014 District Commanders and Stafford King Conservation Trophy Special Guest, National Vice Commander Satrom. the second largest banking center in the United States. To the Post or individual with the best conservation program There are several tours available, including a brewery, The meeting went well and received positive feed-back. The District East Grand Forks Post 157, East Grand Forks participants requested and received copies of the 3rd District Training Americanism Trophy NASCAR, and the Billy Graham Library. Manual with permission to update for the needs of their Districts. This was To the Post with the best Americanism program our second year inviting Department Vice Commanders and District 3M Post 599, St. Paul Commanders to the December meeting and the first year the SPC invited Nate V. Keller Civilian Defense Trophy incoming District Commanders. Next Year, the SPC should work closer To the Post with the best Civilian Defense program with incumbent District Commanders to make sure each candidate for NO ENTRIES District Commander receives an invitation. Lloyd Grossnickle Call-In Structure: To the Post with the most outstanding single Children & Youth project -- Reviewed current Call-In Structure. Edward B. Cutter Post 102, Anoka -- Provided Initial SPC thoughts, Taking into consideration commit- Hanson Education Trophy tees/programs and mandates and By-Laws. To the Post contributing most to the field of education -- SPC members will communicate with Districts for input and addi- Silver Star Post 428, Waite Park tional options. We continue to have low participation with the entries to this program. -- Final draft created in consultation with Department Staff and I have and will continue to encourage our Posts to submit reports on all the Department Judge Advocate wonderful things they do in their communities that qualify for the many The SPC worked with all districts throughout May and June to com- categories within this program. It’s a shame that our Posts are hesitant to municate the Call-In Structure recommendations. All issues and questions receive credit for all their hard work. This committee is always receptive will be addressed and covered within this final report. to any and all entries. Respectfully Submitted, Michael Schaffer, Trophies and Awards chairman Dan J. Williams, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee Trophies and Awards Your Trophies and Awards Committee of the Department of Minnesota met on July 18, 2013 at the Mahnomen High School in Mahnomen, Minnesota. After considering all briefs and yearbooks presented, the fol- lowing awards were made: Father L.J. Fortin Trophy -- Major Gen. Richard Nash, To the Post which contributed the most outstanding record in promo- FRANKEL HONORED tion of The American Legion's "Back To God" movement adjutant general for the Minnesota National Guard, Gopher Post 440, Minneapolis presented Leon Frankel a certificate honoring him for Lindell Community Service Bell his dual service in the 1940s. Frankel earned a Navy To the Post accomplishing the most outstanding single piece of com- Cross flying a torpedo bomber in World War II, and munity service work during the year East Grand Forks Post 157, East Grand Forks STILL BUSY -- Past Department Commander Don then flew fighters in 1948 for the Isreal Air Force Frank J. Ring Boy Scout Trophy Pankake has become an active member of The Squadron 101, the first squadron for that nation. To the Post with the most outstanding Boy Scout program during the American Legion Amateur Radio Club. His call name Frankel was honored by the Jewish Community year is W8EVJ. Relations Council at a recent dinner in the Twin Cities. Page 20 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014

DistrictFIRST CommandersFOURTH TENTH DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT Brian Medinnus Commander Carroll Partridge Richard Juhl Commander Commander Time has flown by- Down to my last article for the Hello and goodbye by 4th District. Well, it’s that time of the year again. By the time you Legionnaire. It has been a good year for the 1st District. We This is my last column in the Legionnaire. read this, the District Convention will be in the books. We have made changes that I feel have benefitted the District First, thanks for your support the last "two" years. I have know who will lead us through the next year and I congrat- now and will continue to do so in the future. learned so much about the American Legion and became ulate them. Membership: The District still needs 105 Memberships friends with so many. This has been a great experience. They should be honored that you have chosen to put to reach the 96% goal. We can get a part of the prize that Keep up the good work for the 4th District and your your faith in them. I know that I will be forever grateful for goes to any District that can reach 96% by State posts. the opportunity to serve you as your commander this past Convention. It would be nice to get a share of the prize for As always, it's great to see Daryl and the guys at year. the District. I am asking all District Posts to dig deep and Creekside. It is a huge responsibility and one that I took very seri- help us reach this goal. See everyone at the District meeting in Aug. It's at my ously. I hope I have lived up to the task that you entrusted Post Consolidated Reports- If your Post has not turned home post, St.Paul, Eagles 33. me with. It’s been a busy year but I wouldn’t trade one one in yet- please do so ASAP. Commander Mike is look- Thanks again. minute of it. I have met a lot of new people, made a lot of ing for 100% turn in from all Districts. We are down to our new friends and learned a lot. I have learned that there are last hand full-Adjutant Wayne will be contacting Posts who a lot of different ways to approach our tasks and challenges. have not turned in their Report to assist in getting this done. FIFTH It is amazing to watch the creativity, enthusiasm and imag- State Convention is in Rochester July 17-19. Please DISTRICT ination of the Legion family at work. make your plans to attend. There is no reason why the 1st “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our District is not well represented because it is in our back Robert Johnson Commander devotion to mutual helpfulness” has never been more mean- yard. Please make plans to attend. ingful than it is today. While our numbers may be smaller, We had a great turnout at our annual convention in my experience has shown that the devotion and dedication Bloomington. Department Commander Mike Ash is as strong as ever. I came into this year with one goal, to SECOND addressed our convention. He spoke of the continuing need leave it a little better than I found it. Hopefully I did that. DISTRICT to pursue membership and recognized a job well done by But let me be clear. If there is credit to be taken for this Eugene Olswold the Fighting 5th. Commander Ash personally thanked year or good that came from it, it is you who deserve the Commander Commander Johnson and expressed his appreciation for the credit. The work of all of the members of the American support the 5th District has given him during his term in Legion family is what makes us who we are and makes us It is time for me to turn over the reins of Commander to office. Other speakers included Department Vice the greatest veterans’ organization in the world. Jennifer Kafka of Post 89 in Blue Earth. This will take place Commander Mickey Ostrum, Marland Ronning, Alternate Thank you for the warmth, friendship and support you at change-over after the Department Convention in NEC, Peggy Moon, Candidate for Department Commander, have shown me and if you continue that with our new lead- Rochester in July. I want to wish Jennifer well and know Mike Schaffer, candidate for Department Commander and ers, we can’t fail. she will do a good job as Commander for year 2014-2015. Dan Williams 4th District Commander. I thank you from my heart and I salute you. Semper Fi. She is also the FIRST Lady Commander the District has We approved a Resolution to be forwarded to the had. As we can see, history is always in the making. Department of Minnesota to realign the State Legion base- Membership for my year as been very good. I did not ball tournament by the official Districts rather than the sub- make the 95.00% I was hoping for, however, we still had a state regions currently in place. MinneapolisContinued from Page 1 VA good year. The District ended up with 93.86% which is 524 Election of Officers is one of the most important issues auditors why the two facilities were flagged. short of goal. With the 84 posts in the District, we ended up we deal with at the Convention. Here are the 5th District Otherwise, the audits revealed that the Minneapolis VA with 33 posts at goal with 23 posts exceeding goal with 56 Officers for 2014-2015: Commander Wayne Glanton, 1st Health Care System and the St. Cloud VA system, were new members. Membership is always easy to get and it Vice Commander Gary Martin, 2nd Vice Commander Ray among the best in the country for wait times. Minneapolis takes everyone to go out and do their part for their posts. Eiden, 3rd Vice Commander Walt Lyndsley, and Finance scheduled 98 percent of its appointments within 30 days The top post is Earl Christopherson Post 274 in Milroy with Officer Lynne Nottage. New Executive Board members and St. Cloud scheduled 97 percent of its appointments in 112.24%. Congratulations to Commander Don Pals and the include: John Austin, Joe Bayer, and Jim Munson. National that timeframe. Membership for this achievement. Commander Don is Delegates are: Bob Johnson, Wayne Glanton, Gary Martin, Specialty care is one area where the wait times increase, going to be the District Vice Commander for Redwood and and Alternate National Delegate Don Schroedl. the audit said, and Kelly agreed that has always been a Brown Counties for this coming year. We look forward to the Department Convention in problem area. At the District Convention held on June 7th, I presented Rochester and wish all of our newly elected officers the Three areas in particular have been audiology, eye to Vice Commander Ryan Hill the “Top Banana Award”. very best in the upcoming Legion Year. exams, and orthopedic care, and Kelly said those areas are This was something I started this year in the District with- being worked on. He said the Minneapolis VA works close- out the Vice Commander's knowledge. It is a brass banana ly with the University of Minnesota to provide some high- paperweight given to the Vice Commander with the highest SEVENTH DISTRICT ly specialized care. percentage which was 95.30%. Ryan asked me permission “The VA has been very well funded over the last few to make it a “traveling award” in the future which I grant- years, but we have also experienced significant growth. ed. Harold Meyer Jr. Commander That’s a good thing, because it means we’re serving more In closing, I want to thank all my officers for their great veterans, but it has stressed the system.” work and support and all the posts in the District for their Greetings from the mighty 7th district This past year, there was a two percent growth at the continued support of The American Legion and all its pro- This will be my last newsletter as your commander. A Minneapolis medical center, but an 11 percent growth at the grams. God Bless America. big thank you goes out to my vice-commanders and officers 13 community-based outpatient clinics in Minnesota. of the district. In my book they did an outstanding job this An effort has been made to place the clinics in strategic THIRD year, and to all of the membership teams that worked so places to cut the drive time for veterans, but not every spe- DISTRICT hard. cialty is available in every clinic. “We been moving to tele- I know you will help our commander elect Victor Gades medicine where a patient, say in Hibbing, can work with a Mark Dvorak and his new incoming officers for the next year and try and doctor in Rochester or Minneapolis.” Commander make it a better year than the last. With that note we need to Staffing has been strong throughout most of the system, get in your new officer’s list sent in to the state. If you still Kelly said, and the VA can generally match salaries with the It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve the have the same officers as the last year you still have to send civilian sector. But in remote clinics, such as Hibbing, it is Third District this past year. Thank you to all the posts that in a new officers report. sometimes difficult to find a doctor willing to move there invited my wife and I to your post functions - your hospi- Consolidated reports need to be sent in now. The district even if the salaries are comparable. tality will long be remembered and much appreciated! is really lagging behind this year and we need to step up and Sub-specialists can be difficult to find because their The dedication and commitment to the principles of the get these reports in as soon as possible. salaries can be extreme, which is where the connection with American Legion is strong throughout the Third District. My year was a very rewarding for me. I had met a lot of the University of Minnesota helps out. “We are always try- As we go into the 2014-2015 membership year - we have great people and made many more friends. Thanks go out to ing to find a balance between the best deal for the taxpay- to come up with ideas that can be implemented to attract all of the posts that invited me to their programs and all of ers and the best deal for the veterans.” and keep new members. My home post has an open house the speeches I gave during their membership dinners. I The system has 900 full time nurses, Kelly said, and planned for mid-October. Last year we held an open house think I gained a few more pounds then I needed. I put a lot there has been no problem recruiting that profession. and the Legion, Auxiliary and SAL added a total of 12 new of miles on this last year and it was well worth it. Thank you Wait lists and staffing will always be challenges, Kelly members: three Gulf War vets, one Vietnam Vet and one to all. said, but he pointed out some reasons to keep faith with the young Marine, the remaining joined the SAL or Auxiliary. I hope to see a lot of you down the road in the coming Minneapolis facility. Our post also is planning on writing a monthly article for year and wish you well in whatever you do. Remember that For instance, this past year, the Minneapolis VA Medical the local paper titled: "Did You Know..." and provide basic we all do this for the Veterans and their families. Center was one of 16 hospitals in the state cited for superi- information about a Legion, Auxiliary, SAL or Legion God bless. God bless you, God bless America, and God or safety and quality by an outside agency. Riders fact or program. bless our troops. Mental health care and wait times are among the nation’s We have an amazing organization called the American best at both Minneapolis and St. Cloud. Legion and we must get the word out to the general public. Of the 152 VA medical centers in the nation, only The New Prague Veterans Honor Guard did an outstand- Minneapolis and Boston have received five-star quality ing job performing their duties as Third District Color marks each year since the VA began rating the hospitals. Guard. Thank you to Randy Fierst and the other members And Minneapolis has consistently been in the top 15 per- for their commitment to the Third District. cent in veterans’ satisfaction surveys nationwide. I would like to again thank all the officers of the Third “The national system is drawing a lot of attention these District for your support, commitment and dedication to the days,” Kelly said. “We look at it as an opportunity to get American Legion. better.” July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 21

(CONTINUED) 2014WHEREAS, The percentage Resolutions of Veterans who work for Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014 for adoption and WHEREAS, Minnesota Districts plays a vital role in the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently about 30%; submission to appropriate legislative committees indorsing assisting the Department of Minnesota recruiting member- and support for a Veterans Home in Montevideo, Minnesota ship; and WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs cur- WHEREAS, The MN Legion baseball committee decid- rently heads up programs to get Veterans hired in the civil- RESOLUTION 16 ed to eliminate District team representation and qualifying ian sector; now, therefore, be it The following Resolution originated from Nelsan teams for its annual year end Division I tournament. The RESOLVED, That The American Legion, Department of Horton Post 104 in Litchfield and was adopted by the 7th baseball committee zoned the State into 15 zones and seat- Minnesota adopt this resolution to seek and support any leg- District in convention at Marshall, MN and is submitted for ed the hosting team. The committee decided to arbitrarily islation or administrative proposal to require the consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be seat teams by zone for the Division I 16 team double elim- Department of Veterans Affairs (VBA – Veterans Benefits held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. ination tournament for the 2013 and 2014 state tourna- Administration) to maintain 50% veterans in their work ments.; and force; and be it finally Post Sponsorship, Management of Baseball Teams WHEREAS, The 2013 Division I zoned tournament RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the WHEREAS, The MN American Legion through its resulted in three Districts not being seated with a team to Department of Minnesota for consideration at its regular appointed baseball committees and team business managers represent them in the year end tournament; and convention to be held in Rochester, MN July 17th through has successfully registered baseball teams since 1925; and WHEREAS, The Division II teams continued to qualify 19th, 2014 for concurring action. WHEREAS, MN has had a great history of success teams by District, however two metro Districts not having organizing and implementing the baseball program through teams eligible or interested in playing Division II baseball; RESOLUTION 14 National’s and its own Minnesota rule book, MN registers and The following Resolution originated from Arcade more than 250 teams annually; and WHEREAS, MN Districts are a vital part of the Phalen Post 577 in St. Paul and was adopted by the 4th WHEREAS, MN until several years ago required all Department of Minnesota and deserve to be granted state District in convention at Roseville, MN and is submitted for teams to be sponsored by a Minnesota American Legion representation in all Department committees. All ten consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be Post and Posts could sponsor more than one team; and Districts should at least be granted the option to participate held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. WHEREAS, MN until several years ago required all if they have qualified teams and should not be excluded team Business Managers to be bonafide American Legion from representation; now therefore be it American Legion Riders Optional Patch members representing their respective Posts; and RESOLVED, That the MN Department Commander and WHEREAS, The Department of Minnesota American WHEREAS, MN has in the last couple of years allowed Executive Committee instruct the Department Baseball Legion Riders resolution Article V Section 2 be changed to non-Legion sponsored teams with non-Legionnaires to act committee to include and offer all Districts seated represen- read, to allow the wearing of another design of the as their team Business Managers; and tation in all Division I and Division II Department annual American Legion Riders center back patch that is approved WHEREAS, The Business Manager of a team has many state baseball tournaments; and be it further by the Minnesota Department Adjutant and sold through important responsibilities for the baseball team and pro- RESOLVED, That this requirement to offer all 10 Emblem Sales; and gram. Team Business Managers secure financing through Districts to be seated in the State Baseball Tournament be WHEREAS, The changes being made to the original community fund raisers, private sponsorships and from included and implemented with the 2015 year and rule back patch of the following: addition of a gold ring around Legion Posts. They also appoint or hire coaches, and mon- book; and be it finally the whole center patch, the words American Legion Riders itor their success; and RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the be embroidered in gold lettering. Also being changed is the WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization of Minnesota Department Convention July 17, 18, and 19, detailed lines within the wings of the eagle in black and the war veterans who have dedicated themselves to the service 2014 in Rochester, Minnesota for its adoption and imple- enhancement of The American Legion emblem colors; and of the community, state and nation; and mentation. WHEREAS, All American Legion Riders Post Chapters WHEREAS, That since the Minnesota State Gambling and only ALR members within the state of Minnesota board requires Post gambling managers to be members of RESOLUTION 18 would have the right to vote on this resolution concern- the American Legion to hold them responsible for its gam- The following Resolution originated from Lozar-Mrace- ing/affecting American Legion Riders Post Chapters within bling operation; and Loushin Post 248 in Ely and was adopted by the 8th District the state of Minnesota, and WHEREAS, Membership in the American Legion and in convention at Grand Rapids, MN and is submitted for WHEREAS, This would be a second choice of the cen- Posts is very important for continued support of the many consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be ter back patch and not replacing the original center patch, Legion and community programs it supports; and held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. now be it WHEREAS, The Legion baseball program should be run RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the by its members who support the Legion Americanism pro- Support of Copper-Nickel Mining in NE Minnesota Minnesota American Legion Riders Department Committee grams, conducting pregame ceremonies such as the playing WHEREAS, Ely, Minnesota American Legion Post 248 for a vote of ALR District Representatives and their ALR of the National anthem, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is one of 41 Minnesota 8th District Posts; and members around the state; and be it further and the reciting of the American legion code of conduct WHEREAS, Many of the Minnesota 8th District Posts RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the before each game; now, therefore, be it are located in Northeastern Minnesota communities; and Minnesota Department Convention July 17, 18, and 19, RESOLVED, That the MN Department Commander and WHEREAS, Economic development and job growth in 2014 in Rochester, Minnesota for concurring action; and be Executive Committee be instructed to inform the many Northeastern Minnesota communities lags behind the it finally Department Baseball committee to require all teams to be rest of the state; and RESOLVED, That it be forwarded to the American Post sponsored and team Business Managers to be current WHEREAS, Minnesota’s mining companies have long Legion National Convention to be assembled in Charlotte, bonafide American Legion Family members of a Minnesota provided employment for our Minnesota military veterans; North Carolina, Aug. 22-28, 2014 in regular session for American legion Post; and be it further and consideration to be looked at by the ALR Ad Hoc commit- RESOLVED, That from 2015 and forward, the WHEREAS, The development of copper-nickel mines tee for adoption. Minnesota baseball rule book shall reflect the Post and and the expansion of iron mining operations in Business Manager requirement of being sponsored by a Northeastern Minnesota would stimulate economic devel- RESOLUTION 15 MN Am. Legion Post and Business Managers being a opment and provide employment for our Minnesota mili- The following Resolution originated from Lee-Osborn Minnesota American legion Family member; and be it tary veterans; now therefore be it Post 59 in Montevideo and was adopted by the 7th District finally RESOLVED That Ely Post 248 supports the environ- in convention at Marshall, MN and is submitted for consid- RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the mentally friendly and safe development of copper nickel eration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be held in Minnesota Department Convention July 17, 18, and 19, mining and the expansion of ferrous mining operations that Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. 2014 in Rochester, Minnesota for concurring action. will stimulate economic development and job growth in Northeastern Minnesota; and be it further Veterans Home in Montevideo RESOLUTION 17 RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the WHEREAS, Many American Service members are in The following Resolution originated from Nelsan Minnesota Department Convention July 17, 18, and 19, need of professional nursing care in Veterans Homes in the Horton Post 104 in Litchfield and was adopted by the 7th 2014 in Rochester, Minnesota for concurring action; and be State of Minnesota; and District in convention at Marshall, MN and is submitted for it finally WHEREAS, There is a waiting list of over One consideration by the 2014 Department Convention, to be RESOLVED, That this Resolution of support for the Thousand Veterans in Minnesota in need of professional held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, 2014. development of copper-nickel mining and the expansion of nursing care; and iron mining operations in Northeastern Minnesota is to be WHEREAS, There is already a Veterans Affairs Baseball Tournament District Representation presented to our elected officials, both State and Federal. Community Based Out-patient Clinic (CBOC) adjacent to WHEREAS, The MN American Legion through its the Chippewa County/Montevideo Hospital; and appointed baseball committee represented by its District baseball chairman has successfully registered baseball RESOLUTION 19 WHEREAS, The City of Montevideo and Veterans The following Resolution originated from and was Committee has been pursuing a 90 bed nursing home in teams since 1925; and WHEREAS, MN has established a history of success adopted by the 6th District in convention at Walker, MN Montevideo for the past six years, and and is submitted for consideration by the 2014 Department WHEREAS, The City of Montevideo has engaged the organizing and implementing the baseball program through Nationals and its own Minnesota baseball rule book; and Convention, to be held in Rochester, Minnesota, July 17-19, Minnesota Department of Affairs for pre-design that meets 2014. federal veterans administration guidelines; and WHEREAS, MN because of its over 250-300 team reg- istrations annually and being one of a few states makes WHEREAS, The City of Montevideo will donate thir- Unfilled District Delegate Positions to Natl teen plus acres of land with local infrastructure in place; and them eligible to advance two Division I teams to Regional National tournament play. Baseball is also one of the largest Convention WHEREAS, The City of Montevideo has raised five Same as Resolution 1 million dollars through city, county, business, and private MN Americanism program; and, donations; and WHEREAS, The MN Legion baseball committee has WHEREAS, American Legion Post 59 has always given divided its teams into three Divisions: Division I, Division full-hearted support to our Veterans; now, therefore, be it II and Junior for age 17 and under. Registration is based on RESOLVED, To indorse the support of a Veterans Home High school recruiting enrollment counting the top three in Montevideo, Minnesota; and be it further grades; and RESOLVED, That District 7 includes Seventy Seven WHEREAS, The Division I program is designed for Post and 6,269 members to date who support additional larger programs recruiting from 400 or more. The Division care for our veterans; and be it finally II is designed for smaller programs of 400 and less. The RESOLVED, That this Resolution be then forwarded to Division I and Division II programs each have half or an the American Legion Department Convention being held at equal number of teams registered and participating; and Page 22 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014 The Auxiliary Bulletin No. 14-12 July 2014 President Shirley Frederick Secretary Sandie Deutsch Department Headquarters, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-224-7634

The Brainerd teen chosen Girls President’s Column StateThe 68th session ofgovernor the American Legion Auxiliary for 2014 Minnesota Girls State ended on Friday, June 20th. Singing together the American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State song one last time, the 374 citizens, once strangers, By formed new friendships to last over the years. A week of Shirley Frederick intense study and learning all about our government, at all levels city, county and state, and the history of our great State of Minnesota. We hope that the girls left with an appreciation and understanding of Minnesota government. The 2014 American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State Constitutional officers are: This is my last official article in the Legionnaire as your Governor – Anna Gardner, sponsored by Brainerd Unit Department President. In so many ways it seems only a few 255 short months ago that I was elected and sworn in and now Lt. Governor – Emily Hartman, sponsored by Delano it is nearly convention time and we will be electing a new Unit 377 Secretary of State – Lauren Ross, sponsored by Moose President to lead us. It has truly been an honor and a privi- NEW GOVERNOR -- Girls State Director Kris Nelson lege to serve this past year: Meeting so many wonderful Lake Unit 379 pins new Governor Anna Gardner of Brainerd. people with the same belief and dedication to the programs State Auditor – Katie Coyne, sponsored by Apple Valley of our organization. That dedication results in the lives of Unit 1776 many, many veterans, service men and women, and chil- Attorney General – Christina Reinhardt, sponsored by Chairmen, it is each of you that made this program a suc- dren around the country being touched as only a volunteer Bloomington Unit 550 cess. Hip, hip, hooray for Girls State. believing in them can reach out and touch them. Chief Justice – Meghan Onserio, sponsored by Wayzata The 10 District Conventions are over and new leadership Unit 118 JUNIOR FUN WEEKEND in place for the coming year. The Testimonials have taken Supreme Court Justices – Mia Grace Smutny, sponsored Junior members are invited to participate in the 6th place and we are getting ready for the Department by Osseo Unit 172, J.J. Zeng, sponsored by Bloomington Annual Department Junior Fun Weekend, held Friday Convention that will be July 17 – 19 in Rochester. Unit 550 August 1st thru Sunday August 3rd at Legionville near Come prepared to hear what our Units have accom- The 2014 recipient of the Ed Viehman Award – Kayla Brainerd. All current 2014 Junior members and their plished this Auxiliary year, greet old friends and meet some Coulter, sponsored by Eden Valley Unit 381. Once again Advisors/Chaperones are invited to attend. Registration is new people. Our Northwestern Division Vice President Dan Viehman was able to present this award personally. on a first-come, first- served basis. Junior members must be Patricia Steranka will be with us for part of our convention. Minnesota’s entry into National competition for the between the ages of 3 – 18 and do not have to be from an The Musical Extravaganza chairman DeeDee Buckley Samsung Scholarship – Heidi Bau, sponsored by Lake active Junior group. The cost is $20.00 per person and is promises a fun time for all attending it. Wilson Unit 285. non-refundable. This includes all meals and activities. I attended the American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota The Spirit Award was won by Jamie McDonald spon- Registration forms and fees must be received in the Girls State as a staff person. At opening ceremonies and sored by Watertown Unit 121. Department office no later than Friday, July 18, 2014. No Inauguration ceremonies I represented the Department as I Girls Nation Senators were chosen: refunds will be given. Registration information was mailed brought greetings to the Girls State Citizens. It is amazing Senior Senator – Grace Hoffa, sponsored by Shakopee to ALL units in May. Call the Department office if you to watch the progress of these young ladies from the time Unit 2 need registration forms. Please make sure and have our they arrive through the time they get ready for departure. Junior Senator – Deanna Hoffenkamp, sponsored by Juniors attend. This is a fun-filled week-end and teaches The knowledge gained and the friendships made in that Sebeka Unit 456 our future leaders what we are all about along with giving short time. Wow. Alternates – Maria Kosovich, sponsored by Little Falls them a chance to make many new friends. Come and see I would like to thank everyone that attended my Unit 46. Kathy Wang, sponsored by Bloomington Unit 550 all the changes and improvements that have been made at Testimonial at Northern Lights Casino, hosted by The President of the Senate – Rose Whitney-Eliason, Legionville. Hackensack Unit 202. Thank you to Marsha Bible for being sponsored by Duluth Unit 71 the emcee, Carol Thon for leading the opening and closing Speaker of the House – Sydney Nelson, sponsored by PRESIDENT’S PROJECT songs, Ryan Pels for his singing of God Bless the USA, my Duluth Unit 71 This year Department President Shirley’s project was to unit for hosting it. Thank you to all who sent cards, emails Senate Chaplain – Sammy Gervais, sponsored by Currie give the St. Cloud VAMC donations to share between the and Facebook messages because they were not able to Unit 322 Minnesota Creative Arts Program, clothing room needs and attend. House of Representatives Chaplain – Amber Norman, their general activity fund. Shirley also wanted to provide The National Convention will be held August 22-28 in sponsored by Buffalo Unit 270 a three year subscription to the Legionnaire magazine for Charlotte, NC. Make your plans now to attend. There is There are many highlights to the week at American each of the C-BOC waiting rooms along with a designated much you can learn and do there. Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State: the wonderful vis- amount of money to provide coffee supplies for the C-BOC It has truly been my honor and privilege to serve as you iting speakers throughout the week, the Thursday night waiting rooms. President Shirley also asked Units in Department President. I thank you for all you do every day Inauguration ceremony with Chief Justice of the Minnesota Minnesota to purchase educational comic books to disperse in this organization promoting Patriotism, Thanking our Supreme Court Lorie Gildea presiding over the Oath of to schools, waiting rooms, etc. to teach our children flag eti- Veterans – Teaching our Children. Office, the Friday trip to the Capital and evening festivities quette and what Americanism means. including a variety show. Thanks to all of the Unit American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State Chairmen for the work that you have 2014 -2015 DISTRICT PRESIDENTS done to bring all of these girls to this wonderful program. Our Congratulations to the ten District Presidents-Elect Auxiliary And to all of the fantastic volunteers that spent the week at who will be serving their respective Districts for the 2014- St. Thomas University with the girls, this program cannot 2015 year: function without you. And finally to our 2014 American 1st District – Michelle Weaver, LaCrescent Unit 595 Membership Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State Director Kris 2nd District – Vida Bacon, New Ulm Unit 132 Nelson, Chairman Suzette Maluchnik, Education Director 3rd District – Michelle Leonard, Farmington Unit 189 as of June 18, 2014 Bethany Dickert, Americanism Chairman Jean Walker, 4th District – Joan Strack, St. Paul/North End Unit 474 District 6-18 Total Percent Goal 5th District – Cari Lamb, Minneapolis Unit 1 First 5,227 92.06 5,678 Committee members Donna Arends and Jessie Hoppe. Thanks for another GREAT year at American Legion 6th District – Jessie Hoppe, Sauk Centre Unit 67 5,114 93.78 5,453 Second Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State! 7th District – Sandy Wersal, New London Unit 537 Third 4,501 92.56 4,863 2013-2014 donations to Girls State: $4,062.00 8th District – Zandra Kessler, Two Harbors Unit 109 Fourth 781 92.98 840 The 2014 American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls 9th District – Margee Keller, Crookston Unit 20 Fifth 961 91.96 1,045 State Service Project was “Children’s activity bags for the 10th District – Robin Dorf, Monticello Unit 260 May each of you have a most successful year of service Sixth 6,311 92.82 6,799 Minneapolis & St. Cloud VA hospitals.” These activity bags will be for children of veterans who as you assume the leadership of your District for the 2014- Seventh 4,099 93.24 4,423 2015 Auxiliary year. Eighth 1,753 91.21 1,922 are with their parent(s) waiting for a doctor’s appointments or perhaps visiting a parent who is hospitalized at the VA 4,542 94.19 4,822 Ninth hospital. The activity bags are intended to help entertain UNIT OFFICERS’ LIST Tenth 5,394 93.43 5,773 young children and help them pass the time a little easier All Units should have held their elections for the 2014- Depart. 151 78.24 166 while they are waiting. 2015 Auxiliary year by now. Your incoming secretary and Total 38,834 92.94 41,784 Our deep appreciation to all of the Unit Girls State Membership Chairman should be appointed and ready to July 2014 Minnesota Legionnaire Page 23 President Frederick’s Testimonial held AuxiliaryContinued from Preceding Bulletin Page The 2014 Department of Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary President Shirley Frederick was toasted and assume their duties. roasted May 31 at a testimonial dinner in her honor hosted Each Unit was asked to return their officers’ list for the by her Hackensack 202 Unit. coming year to the Department office by June 15th. A sec- Mistress of Ceremonies Marsha Bible welcomed 145 ond request was sent out this week and to date we are still guests including Shirley’s family, Unit 202, 6th District, missing 162 of those lists! and State members to this event held at Northern Lights These lists are very important as we develop our mailing Casino. Special greetings were received by Department lists for the year from them. NO 2015 membership Legion Commander, Mike Ash, Honorary Department cards/packets will be mailed to your Unit until we have Junior President, Kaitlin Fernlund, Legion Post 202 received your 2014-2015 list. You can download the form Commander, Rob Albrecht, Hackensack Unit 202 on our website mnala.org to your own computer, fill it out President, Bev Sauer and Hackensack SAL Member, Cliff and email it in to us. It is as simple as that. Thon. Department SAL Adjutant and Past National SAL Commander, Doug Bible, brought greetings from the 2015 DUES NOTICES Department SAL. The National Anthem and God Bless The National office will send out the first dues notice for America were lead by Carol Thon and Ryan Pels sang God the 2015 membership year on September 15th. It will be Bless the USA . Opening and closing prayers were given sent to Senior members only. Ask your members as soon as by the Department Chaplain, Dolly Zitur and dinner prayer possible after the Department Convention to pay their 2015 by 6th District Chaplain, LuAnn Marschel. membership dues. They do not need a dues notice to be Shirley’s theme for this past year was Patriotism, Thank able to pay their dues. our Veterans-Teach our Children. Her project was to raise funds for the Creative Arts Program, Clothing Room and General activities fund at the St. Cloud VA. Her project 2015 MEMBERSHIP CARDS also included money for the coffee supply fund and a 3-year Very soon we will be kicking off the new membership subscription to the Minnesota Legionnaire for the waiting year. The 2015 membership information will be sent out to room of each 16 C-BOC’s (Community Based Outreach all Units who have submitted their 2014-15 officers list. Clinic for Veterans) as well as four educational comic These will be sent out to the Unit Membership Chairman as books, Pledge Allegience, Our Country’s Flag, Light of soon as we get all of the information from National. If you Liberty, and Our Country’s Veterans which have been pur- have no Membership Chairman listed, they will be sent to chased by many Units and distributed to schools, libraries, the Unit Treasurer. waiting rooms and other places. Shirley’s symbol was Our American Flag, the Eagle and the Statue of Liberty. DEPARTMENT CONVENTION The glassware gift from Frederick to her guests bore The 95th Annual Department Convention will be held in her slogan for the year. Rochester at the Kahler Grand Hotel, July 17 - 19th with the Rochester Unit and Post 92 serving as hosts. Department President Shirley will call the Convention to order at 9:00a.m. on Thursday, July 17th. The delegates will con- duct the business of the Auxiliary, hear reports from our chairmen and elect our 2014-15 Department officers. We hope that your Unit plans to be represented. All Auxiliary sessions will be held at the Kahler Grand Hotel. The following members have declared their candidacy for Department office: Department President – Chris Ronning, Osseo Unit 172 Department 1st Vice President – Sandra Fredrickson, Glenville Unit 264 Department 2nd Vice President – Carol Kottom, Buffalo Unit 270 Nominations for Department officers will be held Thursday morning. A secret ballot will be used for any office where there is more than one candidate. Balloting Honorary Junior President Kaitlyn Fernlund presented hours will be in the convention rules. Where there is but President Shirley Frederick with a momento of their one candidate the vote will be by acclamation. There will year in office. be nominations for delegates-at-large to the National Convention, and election by secret ballot if there is more than one nomination. The same rules used for election of those At Large Delegates and Alternates elected at the Convention. Department Commander Mike Ash presented gifts department officers will apply. and also gave a hug to President Frederick. A highlight to our Thursday morning’s session will be All registrations, housing requests and reservations for the address by the Northwest Division National Vice the States Dinner, Women of the Year Luncheon must be President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Patricia received by July 21st. The credentials and housing lists as Steranka of the Department of Colorado. On Wednesday well as reservations for dinner and luncheon must be final- evening there will be a reception in honor of our ized and forwarded to our National organization. Distinguished Guests beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Elizabethan Ballroom and everyone is cordially invited to SECRETARY SANDIE’S CORNER attend. Well I must say that I experienced something I never District caucuses will be held on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. thought I would. I was a Senior Counselor at our Girls State prior to the opening of the Convention. The Convention Session that was held at the University of St. Thomas. will convene at 9:00 a.m. What an experience it was. I had 19 little duckies (as I There will be two Poppy contests at the Department called them) and what a wonderful group of girls they were. Convention this year. The first is to come up with a color We shared stories, jokes, pranks and other things through- book, 6 pages long and each page depicting a patriotic out the week, along with learning all about our Minnesota theme. The second is a Poppy Hat. Dress up any existing government practices. I learned very many interesting hat you may have - make them as elaborate as you want!! things I never knew myself. Aside from getting only about Can’t wait to see them. 5-6 hours of sleep each night for 7 nights straight and I Let’s have some fun and use our imagination with pop- believe Patti Coleman said we climbed about 10,000 steps, pies. Any and all members may enter either or both of the I wouldn’t have wanted to change a thing about the week contests and there is no limit to the number of entries. All with my City of Tate. It was heartwarming to see this bunch entries must be at the Department Convention by 9:00 a.m. of young ladies come together not knowing a soul and on Thursday the 17th. Tables will be set up in the Display going home with tears as some didn’t want to leave their area for your entries. Winners will be announced during the “new family.” A shout out to Dan Taylor at the University Poppy report on Friday. of St. Thomas. He was always there, answering questions, Please see the complete convention program printed putting out fires and even setting up chairs for the elsewhere in this issue of the Minnesota Legionnaire. Inauguration. I would encourage any of you to step forward and volunteer to be a counselor for this wonderful event. NATIONAL CONVENTION No rest for the wicked, now on to Department Convention, Our 2014 National Convention will be held in Charlotte, National Convention, Membership Packets, August North Carolina, August 22 – August 28. All Auxiliary Workshop, Budgeting and then Fall Conference - where Delegates and Alternates elected at the District Conventions does the time go? will be receiving their information on housing, registration, On a serious note I would like to take a moment to thank States Dinner, Woman of the Year Luncheon, etc. shortly. President Shirley Frederick on the wonderful year she gave Registration on housing requests must be sent to: The to our organization. She is very dedicated to our Veterans American Legion, State Veterans Service Building, 20 W and we are blessed to have her. 12th St #300, St. Paul, MN 55155. If for any reason you are not planning to attend, yet were elected a Delegate or PATCHES: I BUY PATCHES THAT I NEED Alternate, please notify the Department Secretary immedi- I AM LOOKING FOR OLDER AIR FORCE, AIR NATIONAL ately and prior to our Department Convention. There will GUARD, NAVY, NAVY AIR, SHIPS, COAST GUARD, ARMY, MN NATIONAL GUARD, USMC, JACKETS, HELMETS, be packets available at the Department Convention for CALL JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6 Page 24 Minnesota Legionnaire July 2014

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