Post Talk

North Branch Post #85

By Ron Rollins, Adjutant

December 2022

• Membership Meeting: Dec. 13th@ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting: Dec. 13th @ 7:00PM
• SAL Meeting: Dec. 20th @ 7:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting: Dec. 1st @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: Dec. 20th @ 9:00AM

Rick Hals, Commander

Greetings on this very snowy day.

On Dec. the 10th the North Branch American Legion Family will be hosting the annual Santa Claus Day starting at 1pm and going until 4pm. Tell all your family members to stop by, young and old are welcome.

Remember to renew your membership if you have not yet done so.

The next membership meeting is Dec. 13th.

Have great week.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

Merry Christmas. I pray everyone enjoys this holiday season.

Due to many people saving pop tabs, we recently donated 79lbs for Ronald McDonald House. Wow! Thanks to everyone who helped with saving their pop tabs.

Don’t forget our American Legion Family Santa Day on December 10th from 1:00 to 4:00.

Director Camille Wentz

The Riders are excited to have connected with a local family to support over Christmas.  We have been busy shopping for gifts and planning the dinner to honor the family. The dinner will be at the Legion on December 9th where we will present them with the gifts. In addition to that, we plan to present each veteran at Ecumen with a stuffed stocking this holiday season.

The 2023 Christmas in July Ride route has been mapped out and promotional merchandise to sell has been ordered.  We are excited to get a jump start on the ride planning this year.

The Riders wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

Veterans Day dinner had a huge turn out with a packed hall of around 200 people. The SAL did an excellent of keeping things rolling and with the assistance of Boy Scout Troop 411, and the North Branch Air Force JROTC made the task a little easier.

This month I bring to you another program sponsored by the American Legion: The Oratorical Contest for Students.

“A Constitutional Speech Contest”

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to
think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, national television commentator and talk radio host Lou Dobbs, and Vice-President of the United States Mike Pence.

Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000.

Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round
that decides the three top finishers. Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three-to-five minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

Membership Goals:

As of November 2, North Branch was at 63% of our membership goal. As of that date we still needed 81 members to reach our goal. We are
at 140 renewed as of Nov 2nd. Lets get our renewals in.

Don’t forget to send the Adjutant any and all volunteer hours and any donations made to another 501c3, or community organization, so it can be documented on our Consolidated Post Report.

Troop Collections:

I will be collecting items to mail to the 257th MP Company (National Guard based in Monticello) who are currently deployed to the southern border. The following are items I am looking for. If you want to donate something similar, feel free. Anything you can help me provide would be appreciated. This will be sent to those Troops in the name of the NORTH BRANCH AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY. I will be collecting these items for the next 30 days. Thank you in advance for
your help.

Items to Donate:

• Reusable water bottles
• Blender bottles
• Plastic silverware
• Ziploc bags (various sizes)
• Reusable Tupperware (various sizes)
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Paper plates/bowls
• Paper towels
• Tin foil
• Room air fresheners
• Hand sanitizer
• Laundry detergent
• Stress balls
• Sani wipes
• Flashlights
• Click pens
• Small extension cords
• Power strips
• Basic tools (screwdrivers, utility tools, etc)
• Peanut butter
• Jelly – various flavors
• Foods on the go (granola bars, breakfast bars, trail mix, etc)
• Books (with law enforcement topic or story-line)
• Decks of cards
• Bingo game
• Board or other card games
• Outdoor games
• Also, handwritten thank you notes are also very welcomed.

Upcoming Events:

• Dec 3rd Pearl Harbor Rally – Spicer Post 145 – Social hour 11am, meal 12pm, Program 1pm.
• Dec 7th Pearl Harbor Day
• Dec 10th Santa Day 1-4pm – NB Legion Hall
• Dec 24th Christmas Eve – Legion is closing early
• Dec 25th Christmas Day – Legion is CLOSED
• Dec 31st New Years Eve

“Remember, YOU Are the Legion”

Post Talk

North Branch Post #85

October 2022

• Membership Meeting: Oct. 11th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  Oct. 11th @ 7:00PM
• SAL Meeting: Oct. 18th @ 7:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  Oct. 6th @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: Oct 18th @ 9:00AM

Rick Hals, Commander

Greetings to all. I don’t have a lot to pass on, just a few things that are happening.

• The hall will be painted this Tuesday and Wednesday and we are still waiting for the side door to be repaired.
• The parking lot patching repairs have been completed.
• Mark Johnson, Membership Director asks that everyone who needs renew, to please do so. We are 60% of goal as of this writing.
• The Veterans Memorial at booth at Fall Harvest Festival drew interest from a lot of people.
• Veterans Dinner, sponsored by the Squadron #85 Sons of American Legion will be held on Friday, November 11th with social hour from 5:00-6:00PM in the hall.
• The monthly membership meeting is on Oct. 11th at 7 PM, I look  to forward to seeing everyone.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

A big thank you for the support for our school supply drive. We collected $258 worth of supplies, which were given to Sunrise Elementary. The principal and staff were very appreciative.

Randy Koivisto, Sgt. At Arms

• Blood Drive: On Friday, November 4th , The American Legion is hosting a Red Cross blood drive at the Legion. Volunteers are needed, and of course, donors too. If you wish to be a donor, please check out the Red Cross website to reserve an appointment. The hours will be from 9-3. Volunteers are needed, as well as donors. Even if you can only volunteer for a couple of hours it would be greatly appreciated.
• Veterans Memorial: The design plans are back from the company in Ohio that will be doing the design work on the Veteran’s Memorial in Central Park. There will be a presentation of the design at the next Coffee Talk with the County VSO on Tuesday, October 18th,  , from 9 to 10 am, in our hall. All interested veterans should attend. We had a booth at the Fall Harvest Festival in Central Park in September and received nothing but positive comments about the proposed design and the its location.

Ed Chromey, Chaplain (Post & Riders)

Please keep in prayer for our Country. With the way food and gas prices are going a lot of people are hurting. GOD is our only answer.

NBALR had an impromptu motorcycle ride Sunday 10/2  letting them enjoy the fall colors around the immediate area. The group had an enjoyable time together an rode close to 200 miles.

The ALR is currently working on their Christmas dinner plans for veteran families in need in our area.

Their By-Laws have been updated and were approved by the membership. They will be turned over to our Public Relations Committee to be placed on our website.

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

Personally, it’s been a very busy month. September went by in a flash. I can’t believe it’s October already. I’m not ready for the 4th of July to be over yet!

Membership renewals are now being accepted for the Legion Family. Please get those in to keep our Post strong. If you are at the Legion you may put your dues into the mailbox and the top of the stairs to the meeting room. Legion members may pay at the bar. Do not leave cash without it being in a sealed envelope with your name and purpose for the “membership dues.” Legion Riders members: pay your dues directly to your original membership directors (or mailboxes). The Riders membership director monitors the paid memberships, he/she does not collect the dues.

If you are planning on going to the Fall Conference, in St. Cloud a registration is below. Great learning and networking opportunities here.

Upcoming events:

• Oct. 27-29 Department Fall Conference – St. Cloud

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

Post Talk

North Branch Post #85
By Ron Rollins, Adjutant

September 2022

• Membership Meeting: Sept 13th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  Sept. 13th @ 7:00PM
• SAL Meeting: Sept. 20th @ 7:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  Sept 1st @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: Sept. 20th @ 9:00AM

Rick Hals, Post Commander

Greetings to all.  At the last Post meeting we talked about the midsummer total receipts. I am happy to inform those who were not there that it was very good considering a few major obstacles. I’m happy to say the total for the weekend was only a few thousand dollars less the record year of 2021. The Legion Hall is looking pretty rough so, on Sept. 6th we will be scrubbing the floor of the hall. If anyone would like to help for a few hours it would  certainly be appreciated. We will not wax it until the B,F&A meets. We are also talking about repainting the walls.

One last note, the National Wild Turkey Federation will be having their bingo in the hall on Sept 21st. Carene will need help with set up and serving food so please try to help out.

The next meeting is on Sept. 13th, I hope to see you there.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

September 1st is here and it kicks off a busy month. The auxiliary is still taking donations for our school supply drive. Donations can be brought to our next meeting on September 13th or dropped off at the Legion Hall. And, cash donations can be left at the club. Thank you for your support.

Camille Wentz, Legion Riders Director

The Riders continue to co-host weekly dinner rides with the Forest Lake American Legion Riders and have had as many as 18 bikes attend. The partnership with Forest Lake has been beneficial to both groups, and a lot of fun!

We are starting our plans to support veteran families during Christmas and are excited to do some good with the money raised during the Christmas in July Ride. We have continued to receive donations towards the ride since the event which is amazing.

Special thanks to Road Captain Andy Specht and Chaplain Ed Chromey who organized and completed the flag and flagpole replacement at the Howlin’ Wolf Creek Bar. This establishment has been a huge supporter of veterans and the Riders and we wanted to show appreciation.

The Constitution and Bylaws subcommittee have been working on our by-laws and will present proposed changes to the group at an upcoming meeting.

Randy Koivisto, Sgt At Arms

Our POW/MIA chair cover has gone missing. Notice to all active members to please check your stash to see if someone accidentally took it home, or know where it is, please let us know. This is used during all of our official events & meetings of the American Legion.

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

As a charter member and first Director of the NB Legion Riders I want to brag a little about the Legacy Scholarship fund.

“The Legacy Fund provides college scholarships to the children of U.S. military personnel killed while on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as for children of post-9/11 veterans with a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This year’s total marked the eighth time the Legacy Run has surpassed $1 million raised for the Legacy Fund and has raised more than $16 million since 2006.”

In 2010 Minnesota had their own run. Since then, the Department of Minnesota is the ONLY Department to raise over one million dollars for this fund.

This year the entire nation raised a record $1,324,548 for these children. On motorcycles spending their own money on fuel, hotels, and food, while enjoying the company of others while raising this money for the kids.

On the National American Legion website says it best. MINNESOTA is number #1 at National Convention!

“The Department of Minnesota American Legion Family again topped the floor donations with $155,000, but several other departments delivered substantial donations. Both the Departments of South Carolina ($97,549) and Missouri ($94,514) approached the six-digit mark, while the Departments of Ohio ($84,855) and Virginia ($83,000) rounded out the top five. Ohio’s state Legacy Run netted more than $74,000 in just its second year.”

Congratulation to all the riders for a job well done!!

Upcoming Events:

• Sept. 2nd V-J Day in 1945
• Sept. 8-11th Legionville Camporee
• Sept. 10th Harvest Rally (10th District Rally1PM; Department Rally 3PM) Pre-purchased meal tickets required-  Legionville
• Sept. 11th Patriot day
• Sept. 14 (1814) Star Spangled Banner Written
• Sept. 15th-18th Riders Romp- Legionville
• Sept. 16th POW/MIA recognition Day
• Sept. 18th (1947) U.S. Air Force established
• Sept. 24th Forest Lake American Legion Toys for Tots Ride- Forest Lake.
• Oct. 27-29 Department Fall Conference- St. Cloud

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations to Bob Ruetimann who received his 10 year membership pin at the August meeting.

Ruetimann is pinned with his 10 years of service to the American Legion by 1st Vice Commander Mark Johnson.

Carene Johnson, Club Manager

Join us for the Minnesota Viking games! We will have drink specials, food, and a chance to win a 50 inch TV! One will be given to the season winner of the football picks and we will draw for one at the end of the season!

Hope you can join us.

SAL Members: Note the new meeting time of 7PM (1900hrs) which was approved by the membership at the July meeting.

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

Post Talk

North Branch Post #85
By Ron Rollins, Adjutant

August 2022

• Membership Meeting: Aug. 9th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  No August meeting
• SAL Meeting: Aug. 16th @ 7:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  Aug. 4th @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: Aug. 16th @ 9:00AM

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

The North Branch American Legion Family has a Relay for Life Team again this year. The event is August 10th at the Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church starting at 6:00 pm. Please consider being a team member or making a tax deductible donation to our team in the battle against cancer. You can find more information at Relay for Life of Chisago County or email me. You can also contact our team captain, Dianne Klund at 651-497-8442. We would love to have you be a part of the team.

Camille Wentz, Legion Riders Director

4th of July Celebration with Forest Lake

The Riders joined the Forest Lake American Legion Riders Post 225 in staffing their adult lemonade stand during the 4th of July Celebration. Forest Lake Riders generously offered to share a portion of their tips earned at the lemonade stand with our group. We then joined them for the 4th of July Parade which is always a blast, despite the pouring rain on the way there.

Christmas in July Motorcycle Ride

We had 106 people attend the 10th Annual Christmas in July Motorcycle Ride on July 9th! The North Branch American Legion Riders were shocked at the amount of support received from our own and surrounding communities! With the help from the North Branch Police Department, Chisago County Sheriff Department, and the Burnett, WI County Sheriff’s Department; we safely led one of the largest Christmas in July Motorcycle Rides yet. We raised just over $5,000 which will bring a lot of joy to military families this Christmas season. I am beyond proud of our Legion Riders and want to thank them for working so hard! Thank you to the North Branch American Legion for the support and use of facilities during the event. Check out the great photos taken by new Legion Rider Jorge Perales.

Tenth District Legacy Ride

The Riders participated in the Tenth District Legacy Run on July 24th to raise money for the Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. The ride started in Osseo then traveled to St. Francis, Pine City, North Branch, Lino Lakes and Fridley. The Riders would like to thank Squadron 85 SAL Commander Charlie Hult, 1st Vice Commander Bob Egan, Finance Officer Chris Fedun, and the entire SAL for donating $300 to the Legacy Scholarship Fund!

Randy Koivisto, Sgt. At Arms

Color Guard

I have met with two of the three new color guard members from the SAL. We did a uniform check with additional pieces being added, and a problem with patches on one of the uniforms was discovered, thankfully before our first event with them. We also touched on some close order drill instructions, and will schedule more when all three are fully equipped and ready to go.

Veteran’s Memorial

Larry Lattimore, myself, and Joe, met via zoom with the project manager from Ohio recently, where we discussed some of the last minute details that needed addressing. Once the plan is put to paper, we will hold a meeting open to all members to discuss the final plan. We are shooting for a 2023 spring start for breaking ground.

Cemetery Project

There are now 10 different cemeteries that we are working at to clean up the Veteran’s headstones and footstones. What started as a mission to spruce up the unacceptably filthy civil war era soldiers stones, at the Sunrise Cemetery, has now expanded to include all veteran’s stones that need attention. Recently we have also been granted permission at a few locations to level out the headstones that were badly tilted. Please take some time to stop out at the Sunrise Cemetery to see what a difference it has made to use some of your dollars  to purchase the expensive chemical (D/2) that helps make it all possible.

Flags

Our retired flag collection bin was starting to overflow, so the flags were transported to the Vet’s Camp at Big Marine Lake where they have an annual large flag retirement ceremony.

Leadership Photos

The post leadership photos at the hall entrance will be updated and will only be comprised of the leaders of our four post divisions, rather than having all of the post officers shown.

Beef

The generous farmer from the Almelund area, who wishes to remain anonymous, again donated a freezer full of ground beef, which we will be distributing in the next couple of months when things cool down.

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

Now that everyone has caught their breath from Midsummer, it’s time to look forward in our goals for the American Legion for the next year, and also look at what we can improve with next years Midsummer Celebration.

I want to congratulate the North Branch American Legion Riders for a very successful ride on July 9th. The had 87 total vehicles on the ride, including those that wanted to be a part, but did not own a motorcycle- they drove a classic car or their everyday ride.

It was a really great time, with very few issues. For their first attempt it was great to see that the 10 year tradition will continue. It will be exciting to hear of how the chosen veteran families will benefit at Christmas time from their efforts of summer.

Upcoming Events:

• August 9th- Primary Vote- GET OUT TO VOTE1 OUR COUNTRY DEPENDS ON IT!
• August 19th- Legacy Run Kick-off party- Anoka Post 102
• August 20th-23rd-Legacy Run- Statewide
• August 23- ALR to National Convention- Milwaukee
• Oct. 27-29 Department Fall Conference- St. Cloud

SAL Members: Note the new meeting time of 7PM (1900hrs) which was approved by the membership at the July meeting.

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

Post Talk

North Branch Post #85
By Ron Rollins, Adjutant

July 2022

• Membership Meeting: July 12th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  None this month
• SAL Meeting: July 19th @ 6:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  July 7th @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: July 19th @ 9:AM
• Legion Riders Dinner ride: Every Wednesday night @6PM

Rick Hals, Post Commander

Greetings on a very warm evening. First and foremost I want to thank everyone that came out and volunteered their time and talents to make the Legions 96th year a success. Without the volunteers from the Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, Legion Riders, NBFD, Lions, and Boy Scouts our Midsummer Celebration would not be as successful as it was. So, a huge THANK YOU to you all. Remember the next meeting will be July 12th at 7:00 PM.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

Midsummer was a great event and successful. Thank you to everyone who helped with our event.

As a project, I would like to have a school supply drive again this year. Last year was a huge success. I am mentioning it now because school supplies will soon be going on sale. We will plan to collect the supplies in September.

Just as a reminder, we don’t meet again until September 13th at 7:00 p.m.

Happy Independence Day!

Charlie Hult, Commander – SAL

We got past Midsummer. The SAL put on the Bingo sessions Thursday, Friday, & Saturday and we had a great turnout along with the kids bingo. We had several businesses in the North Branch and the surrounding area that donated prizes for the kids bingo that helped make it a success. We handled the raffle event with some great prizes as well.

• First prize: $750.00
• Second prize: A rifle
• Third prize: a 9mm pistol
• Fourth prize: a $350.00 gift card from County Market

I would like to thank these businesses that donated the prizes for the kids Bingo; Kaffe Stuga, The Fuse, Muddy Cow, Dairy Queen, McDonalds, Pizza Pub, Papa Murphy, JJ’s Bowl, Dickey’s, and North Branch Golf Course. We are looking forward to the next event, the money we raised will go to scholarships and other charitable  donations as well.

I want to also give a BIG thanks to all that volunteered their time to make Midsummer a success for the SAL.

Camille Wentz, Legion Riders Director

What a great year, so far! The Midsummer Kiddie Parade was a success with about 60 kids participating in the parade and parents walking alongside. Besides the registration table and paperwork getting pelted with bird do-do, it was a great day!

The Grand Parade was a hot but a fun one!  Legion Riders led a truck that carried the Midsummer Kiddie King and Queen. The truck pulled a trailer with many of the Rider’s kids. The kids had a blast throwing out freezies from the trailer and waving to everyone. Special thanks to Jake and Danica Williams, Dan Nybeck, Ed Chromey, Randy Sprecher, Ron Rollins, Rich Hagert, Tim Wentz, Tom Greene for representing the Riders well during Midsummer.

Online registration and payments are being collected for the Christmas in July Ride and interest on Facebook continues to grow. We opened the ride to all vehicles and are excited to see how many we get this year.

Riders continue to meet with the Forest Lake Legion Riders for weekly dinner rides. Good riding, food, and conversation for all.

We have several new members joining the Riders and I hope to introduce them to you next month, after the paperwork is finalized.

(NBALR at BelieVet Motorcycle Run- Lino Lakes)

Randy Koivisto, Sgt at Arms

Color Guard: We are nearing completion of assembling uniforms and accessories for 3 SAL members that will be joining our color guard. Once they are fully equipped, there will be a period of training needed before they will join our squad at funerals and other color guard functions. We are currently understaffed and welcome the additional participation from our Post 85 Legion family.

Headstone Project: We have received permission from Grandstrand’s funeral home to work on the veteran’s headstones in the North Branch Oak Hill cemetery. Last week, member Myles Gunia and myself straightened up a number of headstones that were leaning badly and also treated them all with the usual chemical treatment. We are currently awaiting permission from the caretakers of the Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris to service those headstones as well. That will bring the total to 8 Chisago County cemeteries where we are ensuring that those veteran’s final resting places are respectfully maintained.

Veteran’s Memorial Project: Bids have come back from the firm in Ohio, and we will be meeting with them again to tweak a few things. Our goal is to have an impressive memorial, but also something that we can afford. We should have some solid figures soon. Thanks to Joe Scaramell for taking on the job of being the main contact with the designer.

Law and Order Committee Member, Tim O’Day was on hand at the microphone under the tent at Midsummer to announce the awarding of the North Branch Legion 2021-2022 EM/Paramedic of the Year to Alissa Behl, with Lakes Region EMS.

The award was presented by commander Rick Hals.

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

SAL member Randy Sprecher and I attended the 10th District Convention on Jun 4th as representative and I gave a report to the Commander as 10th District Law & Order Chairman.

I attended the Legion meeting and Randy attended the SAL meeting.

Post 85 received an award plaque for their generous donation to the Legacy Fund through the Legion Riders Legacy Ride from Ride Coordinator Jody Hassing. Hopefully we can beat that amount this year!

Attend the July 12th meeting if you are interested in becoming a delegate for the Department Convention in Willmar, MN. On July 14-16th, 2022.

Some Memorial Day Photos

I want to take a moment to highlight the work of the Legion Riders

Upcoming events:

• June 30-July 4th Forest Lake Legion 4th July Celebration
• July 6th- Dinner ride at NBALR. KSU @ 6PM
• July 9th- Christmas in July Ride
• July 13th- ALR Dinner Ride at Forest Lake ALR. KSU @ 5:30 PM
• July 14th-16th- 2022 Department Convention in Willmar, MN
• July 20th- Dinner ride at NBALR. KSU @ 6PM
• July 23rd- 24th-  10th District Legacy Collection Ride. KSU @ 10am, Hopkins American Legion
• July 27th- ALR Dinner Ride at Forest Lake ALR. KSU @ 5:30 PM
• July 30th- Pine City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Run, Henriette. KSU @11AM
• August 3 – Dinner ride with Forest Lake Legion Riders. KSU at 6:00 p.m. at North Branch
• August 10 – Dinner ride with Forest Lake Legion Riders. (KSU at North Branch Legion at 5:30PM to arrive at Forest Lake Legion by 6)
• Dinner ride with Forest Lake Legion Riders. KSU at 6:00 p.m. at North Branch
• August 20th – 23rd – American Legion Riders Legacy Run
• August 24 – Dinner ride with Forest Lake Legion Riders. (KSU at North Branch Legion at 5:30PM to arrive at Forest Lake Legion by 6)
• August 31 – Dinner ride with Forest Lake Legion Rider. KSU at 6:00 p.m. at North Branch
• September 24 – Forest Lake Legion Riders Toys for Tots Ride, Forest Lake ALR

Speaking of Legion Riders. This month, our employee/member introduction is Legion Riders Director Camille Wentz.

Camille joined the Legion in the spring of 2020 to get involved in the community and to have a group of people to ride motorcycle with, which is a passion of hers. She lives in North Branch with her husband, Tim and three kids: Oscar (12), Ayla (10) and Lily (7), who attend North Branch Public Schools. She lived in the area previously, moved away but, as so many of us do, they moved back to North Branch 5 years ago. She has worked for many municipalities around the Twin Cities, with the last 14 years at the City of Minneapolis having many duties including elections, meeting/event planning, human resources, financial systems, marketing/communications, with website management as her main focus now. She hopes to use her “professional experience to successfully lead the Legion Riders and build relationships with the Legion Family”.

Camille should be congratulated as the riders were down to 1 active member (herself) and 9 inactive members in 6 short months she has brought the riders back to 27 new and old members active.

I don’t want to forget her very supportive husband, Tim who said “go for it”, with him planning on being in the background. Well, he is now also a member and got his endorsement and now is riding his own Harley Freewheeler! GREAT JOB, CAMILLE & TIM!! If you see Camille or Tim, say “Hi” in Harley-Davidson.(Categorically, it is its own language!)

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

Post Talk

North Branch Post #85
By Ron Rollins, Adjutant

June 2022

• Membership Meeting: June 14th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  June 14th @ 7:00PM
• SAL Meeting: June21st @ 6:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  June 2nd @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: June 21st @ 9:AM
• Legion Riders Dinner ride: Every Wednesday night @6PM

Rick Hals, Post Commander

Greetings everyone.

We are hard at work to make Midsummer the greatest ever. If you have a few hours you can donate it’s not too late! The Legion Family could use the help. I wish a happy Midsummer to all!

Monday, May 30, 2022 was the Color Guard/Honor Guard Memorial Day services at the 6 local locations, and of course it rained again. Even wet it’s still well worth it to honor our departed service men and women.

Remember Midsummer celebration is less than 3 weeks away. We will need a lot of HELP HELP HELP. So, please volunteer. We will need help on Monday June 13th at 8 AM to bring everything out of storage, Wednesday, the 15th to set up the tent and do the water barrels and fencing. With that done we move onto Thursday, Friday and Saturday were this always things that come up, so if at all possible come in and give a hand.

Our next membership meeting is June 14th at 7 PM. I look forward to seeing a large gathering there.

Rick Hals, Commander
North Branch Post 85

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

I spent Memorial Day morning honoring our veterans at six local cemeteries. It is a privilege for me to spend time with our Post Honor Guard, Post Commander and our Auxiliary Chaplain as we remember our veterans. Col. Paul Johnson shared some words with us, too. Let us always remember our veterans!

Camille Wentz, Legion Riders Director

We have finalized plans and purchased supplies for the Kiddie Parade during Midsummer. I know my kids are excited and I think we will have a great turn out.

The Kiddie King and Queen have been crowned!

• Kiddie King, Breaker Williams is the son of SAL member and Legion Rider, Jake Williams and his wife Danica.
• Kiddie Queen, Lily Lou Wentz is mine and Tim’s (SAL) daughter.

Special thanks to Jake and Danica Williams and Angie Youngberg  for all their help in planning the Kiddie Parade.

The Riders have a webpage on the Legions website now!  Visitors can learn about the Riders, see events, register for the Christmas in July Ride and even pay online!! We are also now equipped to take electronic payments at our events.

Planning continues for the Christmas in July Ride.  The route has been finalized by our talented Road Captain, Andy Specht. The group has been working to promote the ride and is getting a lot of interest, especially on Facebook.

Riders have been out enjoying the warmer temps on the bikes and attending events hosted by other posts.  We attended the 10th District Legion Rider Semi-Annual Meeting and had a nice ride with that group after. We continued the next day by going to the Forest Lake Legion Riders Breakfast which is always delicious.

Over Memorial Day weekend, we rode in the Magnus Ride planned by 10th District Director, Matt Berens. The ride raised money for the Magnus Veterans Foundation. The ride ended at the Magnus Foundation which is beautiful!  We had a ton of fun!

We have been busy networking and getting our names out there, and having a blast doing it!  Kevin and Jen Kiernan have been attending a lot of events with me and representing us well! It has been very positive experiences as membership continues to grow.

I hope to see you all during Midsummer!
Camille Wentz

Charlie Hult, Commander-elect- SAL

For those that do not know me, I am the incoming commander of the North Branch Sons of American Legion. I would like to thank Jim Hunt for the great job he did for the past 5 years that he severed as Commander of the SAL, also for Tom Linder for the good job he did as the SAL Adjutant you both are a big part of the SAL’s success!

It was a great honor to be voted into the position of Commander and I hope that I will not disappoint Squadron 85. We have a great core group of members and would like to see us keep recruiting new members and stay involved in the community.

I would like to also welcome our new officers:

• Squadron Adjutant – Michael Johnson
• Squadron Finance Officer – Chris Fedun
• Squadron Membership Director – Bon Egan
• Squadron Liaison – Ron Rollins
• Sergeant-at-Arms – Rod Boatman
• Chaplain – Gary Johnson

Thank you all for stepping into these positions and I look forward to working with you to continue to build Squadron 85, as it has been in the past, well into the future.

Sincerely,
Charlie Hult

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

Election Results are in!! The following have been elected to lead the North Branch American Legion Family:

Legion:

• Commander: Rick Hals
• 1st Vice Cmdr: Mark Johnson
• 2nd Vice Cmdr: Duane Bengtson
• Chaplain: OPEN
• Sgt. At Arms: Randy Koivisto
• Historian: Bruce Christianson
• Judge Advocate: OPEN
• Service Officer: OPEN

Appointed positions:

• Adjutant: Ron Rollins
• Finance Officer: Bob Stirling
• Gaming Mgr: Glenn Pierce
• Asst. Gaming Mgr: Mike Johnson
• Club Mgr: Carene Johnson

Auxiliary:

• President: Michelle Still
• 1st Vice President: Bobbie Elmstrand
• 2nd Vice President: Open
• Sgt At Arms: Jenille Niehaus
• Secretary: Kelly Fedun
• Chaplain: Marcia Lemmerman
• Historian: Bev Otterness

Sons Of American Legion:

• Commander: Charlie Hult
• 1st Vice Commander (Membership): Bob Egan
• Adjutant: Mike Johnson
• Finance Officer: Chris Fedun
• Squadron Liaison: Ron Rollins
• Historian: Open
• Sgt at Arms: Rod Boatman
• Chaplain: Gary Johnson

American Legion Riders:

• Director: Camille Wentz
• Asst Director: Dan Nybeck
• Adjutant: OPEN
• Sgt at Arms: Andy Specht
• Historian: Austin Doll
• Chaplain: Ed Chromey
• Road Captain: Andy Specht

Upcoming events:

• June 3-4 – 10th District Convention at Milaca Post 178
• June 11th – 2022 Believet Motorcycle Run at Lino Lakes Post 566
• June 16-19th – Midsummer Weekend
• June 24-26th – SAL Detachment Convention at Legionville.
• June 30-July 4th – Forest Lake Legion 4th July Celebration
• July 14th-16th – 2022 Department Convention in Willmar, MN.

Announcement from the 10th District:

April 15, 2022

DISTRICT CONVENTION CALL TO ALL POSTS OF THE 10TH DISTRICT

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and ByLaws of The American Legion, Department of Minnesota- I, William Gordon, District Commander, do hereby call a Convention of the 10th District to convene in Milaca, Minnesota Saturday, June 4, 2022.

The business sessions of the Convention will be held at Milaca Post 178 commencing at 9:00 AM Saturday, June 4th, and will continue until adjournment.

The purpose of this Convention is to elect a District Commander, District Vice Commanders, District Historian, District Finance Officer, Delegates and Alternates to the National American Legion Convention and to conduct such other business of the 10th District that may properly come before the Convention.

The voting strength of each Post in the 10th District will be as provided in the 10th District Constitution and By-Laws Article IV, Section 7.

Certification of Delegates is to be sent to the 10th District Adjutant, Paul Orson, 26 East Road, Circle Pines MN 55014 © 612-325-2899 at least two (2) weeks prior to the Convention. (As required by Article IV, Section 8 of the 10th District Constitution and By-Laws).  This is in addition to delegate registration sent to Milaca Post 178.

All members of The American Legion are invited to the Convention.

Your active participation at this Convention, representing your Post, helps keep our District strong.

William Gordon
10th District Commander

Enclosure: Convention Delegate Form

101st Tenth District
CONVENTION JUNE 3-4, 2022 MILACA, MINNESOTA

All Tenth District American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion (SAL) and American Legion Rider (ALR) members are cordially invited to the 101st Tenth

District Convention, JUNE 3-4, 2022.  The Milaca American Legion Post 178, Auxiliary, SAL Squadron and Legion Riders are hosting the convention.  The Post home is located at 160 2nd St SE, Milaca, MN 56353.  Telephone (320) 982-0038.

The enclosed packet of information includes Convention PreRegistration, Convention Banquet Reservations, and information on area housing.  Each item is self-explanatory with a mailing address and a point of contact for any questions you may have.

Legion and S.A.L sessions are scheduled to be held Saturday at the Post Home.  Auxiliary sessions are scheduled to be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 245 Central Ave S, Milaca.

Legion Riders Convention is Saturday May 14, 11:00-1:00 PM at Anoka Post 102.  You still must register and pay, this gets you registered for both days.

The Convention Banquet will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Milaca Post Home, menu for the meal is Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegs, coleslaw, Rolls, Coffee, Dessert, cost will be, ($18.00) Social hour begins at 6:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM. There will be a short program conducted by District Commander Bill Gordon, District President Linda Deschene, SAL Commander Chance Harmon, and ALR Director Matt Berens, immediately following dinner. Reservations must be prepaid by May 20, 2022. NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

Registration will be at the Post home on Friday June 3rd from 4:00-7:00 PM and then on Saturday June 4th, at the respective Legion and Auxiliary meeting locations from 7:00 AM to Noon. Prepaid registration is $15.00 per person; $18.00 registration day of convention.

Joint Memorial Service will be held on Saturday morning, June 4, 2022, at the Post starting at 8:00 AM.

Breakfast off menu will be available Saturday at the Legion bar, starting at 7-AM. There will also be rolls, coffee and juice available. Lunch will be at the Post for $8, from 11:30 to 12:45, Salads, Sandwiches, Pickles, Chips, Coffee.

On behalf of the Milaca Legion Family working together to make this Convention a huge success, we welcome you to YOUR Tenth District Convention.

Lew Ratajczak – General Chairman

Today, our employee introduction is Gaming Manager Glenn Pierce:

Glenn joined the United States Air Force in 1974 and served at Castle AFB in California for 2 years in Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) and 4 years at RAF Lakenheath in England. During the tour in England, he participated in NATO exercises in Lahr Germany.

His Father, Dale Pierce, was a Veteran of the Korean War and a long time Legion member and past Commander of the North Branch American Legion.

Glenn became a member in 1988 and became the Gaming Manager in 2017, and at the same time being the Post Adjutant for this post, on a temporary basis- for 12 years!

Glenn married his best friend, Sherri in 1988 and just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. They have 3 children James (50), Amie (45) and Kristina (38) and 4 Grandchildren.

We know they enjoy traveling because they have taken many trips to Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and cruises to the Caribbean, making most of us jealous.

We are in debt to Glenn for the great job he does for Post 85, and he has been selected as this year’s Grand Marshal in the 2022 Midsummer Days Parade on Father’s Day.

Congratulations Glenn! Thank you for all you do for us!

If you have even a couple hours to come and help the Legion Family, working the Chuckwagon in the park, or security for the dances, it would be very much appreciated and we need you to call Commander Rick Hals to plug you into something you’re comfortable with… COME JOIN THE FUN!!

The Legion Riders had their first dinner ride to Grandy with eleven members and guests riding. It was good riding and good food and great service from the Brass Rail (who welcomed us on last minute notice). Thank you to our guests and Legion Riders.

Pictured above: NBALR; Lisa Edwards,Camille Wentz, Ed & Andrea Chromey, Ron & Diane Rollins. FLALR; Julie Kowalski, Doug & Rosie Carlson(not pictured). Guests included Potential Pine City Rider Gretchen Blaufuss, and a guest of Lisa’s, but also good friend and classmate of Ron’s – Dean Viskoe (Ron’s hometown recruiter in 1981).

***The July Post talk will be sent out a little later than usual due to the Adjutant being on vacation 

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

Post Talk

North Branch Post #85
By Ron Rollins, Adjutant

May 2022

• Membership Meeting: May 10th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  May 10th @ 7:00PM
• SAL Meeting: May 17th @ 6:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  May 5th @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: May 17th @ 9:AM

Rick Hals, Post Commander

Greetings to all.

• Midsummer is fast approaching and Carene  has received confirmations at the present time, m=Midsummer attendance will include 2 high school bands, Shriners bag pipers, Brian Baru bag pipers, Shriners motorcycle group, and their clowns will be back. Carene is waiting on several  more confirmations- stay tuned.
• As you are aware we are all getting older so it takes more people and because of this it takes longer, so if you can please help in any way possible please do so.
• Memorial Day is fast approaching so we be talking about it at the next meeting.
• Bill Gordon, the 10th District Commander will be at our next meeting to talk about the 10th District activities that are going on at the present time. I hope to see a large group on May 10th.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

• May is the Month of Caregivers. We want to recognize the family caregivers of our veterans who support the health and wellness of others. Caregivers provide and assist with the daily care of a family member with impairments or disorders. This can be full time and life changing for the family. The VA Family Caregiver Assistance Program is available to support caregivers and offer help. If you know a caregiver, reach out and offer to help in some way. Maybe help with time out for coffee or provide a meal. Reach out to a caregiver this month.
• May 27th is National Poppy Day. Honor our veterans and support our military by proudly wearing a poppy.

Mark Johnson, 1st Vice Commander

Fellow Legionnaire,

On Saturday April 30th, our Post hosted several department trainers for a training session.  The training was attended by members of nearby Posts along with Ron Rollins, Michelle Still, Camille Wentz and myself.  We were briefed on the importance of social media in reaching out to members and potential new members.

The instructor went over the numerous social media platforms available and the impact they have on getting the word out.

Next up was a briefing on Parliamentary Procedure, Protocol and Roberts Rules of Order.  It was straight forward but it’s always good to make sure we are conducting our meetings in the appropriate manner.

We finished up by going over the various reports which we are required to document and report on the Legion’s activities throughout the year.  I personally didn’t realize how many there were and how time consuming they can be to fill out.

After the training was concluded, Ron and I receive some one-on-one training on MyLegion.org.  It’s the new online platform we can use to file reports, manage membership and track vital information on the Post’s members to assure they get the credit within the Legion that they deserve.  Thanks to Ron for setting up this training and providing a very delicious lunch!

Mark Johnson, Membership Director

Camille Wentz, Legion Riders Director

• Jessica Thelander, VFW Auxiliary member attended the meeting to discuss the Kiddie Parade and tasks associated with the event. The Riders have begun working on the event by forming a budget, creating a form to solicit donations, and collecting items for prizes.  My kids are excited to create a float and have been talking to all their friends about it. I plan to get a flyer made for my kids to pass out at school, and to hang up around town. We will also promote the event on Facebook. The Riders also hope to ride in the North Branch parade on Sunday, during Midsummer days.
• The 10th Annual Christmas in July Ride will take place on Saturday, July 9th! The riders have begun working to promote the ride on Facebook and are in the beginning stages of ride planning. Thank you to our Road Captain & Sergeant at Arms, Andy Specht for being our primary route planner. The event will be a scaled back version of years past, to start with.
• We have been working hard to get everyone’s patches ordered and sewed on. Our Treasurer, Lisa Edwards even sewed during our last meeting, and I have been meeting with folks at my home to get patches on vests. I am excited to start seeing more North Branch Legion Rider representation out there!
• Our group is partnering with the Forest Lake Legion Riders on several things this summer. We will be helping them staff their lemonade stand throughout the 4th of July celebration and riding in their parade on the 4th. The two groups plan to do dinner rides together every Wednesday evening between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Forest Lake Riders have offered to help with the Christmas in July ride as well. I am excited and grateful for this partnership.
• A By-laws and Constitution Subcommittee was formed and will be meeting for the first time immediately before the regular May 5th meeting.
• Find us on our NEW Facebook page!  Thanks to our Historian, Austin Doll for creating and managing the American Legion Riders North Branch page and the Christmas in July Ride event on Facebook! We have 54 people interested in the ride already!
• We welcome our new Legion Rider, Jen Kiernan (Auxiliary) who joined the North Branch Chapter #85!  Welcome to the 10th District Legion Family!!
• I would like to recognize Adjutant, Ron Rollins and Assistant Director Dan Nybeck for their continued support in the weekly, and sometimes daily happenings of the Legion Riders. They have been working behind the scenes to support me over the last several months and I am forever grateful!
• Last but definitely not least, special thanks to the American Legion for their generous donation to the Riders!

Camille Wentz, Chapter Director

Randy Koivisto, Past Commander

• Veteran’s memorial update. The design committee has agreed on a design and it is being submitted to the contractor in Ohio for cost estimates and an illustrated presentation.
• The scholarship committee met and has chosen 5 seniors to receive our annual scholarships to be presented by commander Hals on May 11th at 6:30 in the high school auditorium.
• We are looking for someone with good welding skills to help us out with a small project. We need to have a frame welded so we can construct a cart to hold the long tables in the hall. It has been too difficult for the staff to move the tables from where they are currently being stored. Please contact myself or commander Hals if you are able to take on this welding job.
• In addition to the Sunrise and Taylors Falls cemeteries,  I will be adding 3 Civil War era headstones at 2 different cemeteries in Wyoming this year to add to the annual cleaning project. The Sunrise Cemetery project started in 2017 and those headstones are back to a respectable appearance. The Taylors Falls project started in 2020, and they should be back up to speed by next year. I’ve received permission from all four cemetery governing bodies to work on those grave sites.
• While making a visit to Winona recently, I stopped by to visit the grave of the only known revolutionary soldier to be buried in Minnesota. The unique gravesite is hard to miss. It’s a small scale presentation of Fort Ticonderoga, in which the veteran was believed to have served in that battle.
• Sad to say, but we were unable to send any North Branch boys to the Boys State program this year. We will try again next year to get young men interested in that outstanding program.
• I have agreed to offer up my name to be the Sgt. At Arms for the coming year. I’ve only taken this on because no one else has shown the skill or desire to take the position (mostly desire). I will gladly step aside if another member is interested. It’s a job that is best served in the long term, so a younger member would be ideal.

Respectfully,
Randy

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

Great news! Two more officer positions will be filled in July!! The following are the nominations for 2022-2023 leadership.

It’s not too late if you want to be apart of it. Join us at the May meeting to offer your services So far, it looks like a white ballot may be in order, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As of now the nominations are:

Election Nominations:

• Commander: Rick Hals
• 1st Vice Cmdr: Mark Johnson
• 2nd Vice Cmdr: Duane Bengtson
• Chaplain: OPEN
• Sgt. At Arms: Randy Koivisto
• Historian: Bruce Christianson
• Judge Advocate: OPEN
• Service Officer: OPEN

Appointed Positions:

• Adjutant: Ron Rollins
• Finance Officer: Bob Stirling
• Gaming Mgr: Glenn Pierce
• Asst. Gaming Mgr: Mike Johnson
• Club Mgr: Carene Johnson

Upcoming Events:

• May 5th- Cinco de Mayo
• May 8th- Mother’s Day
• May 15th- Law Enforcement Memorial Day
• May 30th- Memorial Day
• June 3-4- 10 District Convention at Milaca Post 178
• June 11th- 2022 Believet Motorcycle Run at Lino Lakes Post 566
• June 16-19th- Midsummer Weekend
• June 24-26th- SAL Detachment Convention at Legionville
• July 14th-16th- 2022 Department Convention in Willmar, MN

Today, I am going to finish the 2-part series on the Preamble, what it means. This is stated at the opening of every American Legion meeting. I am breaking it down in two months to save some space here.

“The American Legion Preamble”, What does it mean?

“For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;
to maintain law and order;
to foster and perpetuate a 100-percent Americanism;
to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;
to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;
to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth;
to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”

• TO INCULCATE A SENSE OF INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATION TO THE COMMUNITY, STATE AND NATION…Always interested in building a better nation, the founders of The American Legion believed that such building must start first with the individual in his own community. So they made it one of the cardinal principles of The American legion to inculcate that sense of personal obligation to the community, state and nation into the individual citizen. That means educating the citizen-young, old and future-in his and her responsibility to be active in making the hometown a better place in which to live, in discharging the duty of voting in elections, in paying taxes promptly, in contributing to community chest funds and to blood banks. The word “inculcate” means “to impress by frequent admonitions” and “to enforce by frequent repetitions.” Like the duties themselves, the reminders that they remain to be carried forward, are never finished.
• TO COMBAT THE AUTOCRACY OF CLASSES AND MASSES…This clause places the Legionnaire on the side of right in opposing autocracy by either class or mass when this threatens. In a democracy such as ours, composed as it is of all nationalities, races, creeds and economic groups, there are bound to both classes and masses. Indeed, the masses are composed of classes-but all groups within the mass must feel assured that in this nation, reason and fairness will prevail in all human activities and relations. There must be no hyphenated Americans-just Americans all.
• TO MAKE RIGHT THE MASTER OF MIGHT…All wars from the veterans of which The American Legion draws its membership were started by dictators who wanted their might to be the right. If human freedom is not to perish from the earth, right must always be master of might. The rights of small nations must be protected against the tyranny that powerful neighbors may seek to impose on them just as the rights of minorities in our society must be protected and respected. Our belief in enthroning right over might is the main essence of our ideological conflict with Communism today. Legionnaires are pledged by this clause always to stand with the right, protect the weak and preserve the liberties of the individual. This concept is the basis of The American Legion’s continued advocacy of a strong national preparedness so as to achieve the ideal situation that right will be backed by adequate might.
• TO PROMOTE PEACE AND GOOD WILL ON EARTH…Until all the world becomes a good neighborhood, Legionnaires must continue the effort to promote peace and good will on earth. It is in pursuance of this founding ideal that The American Legion has supported from the beginning and seek to strengthen the United Nations organization. Obliquely, The American Legion also contributes to this ideal by firmly supporting a strong national defense to discourage breaking of the peace by aggressor.
• TO SAFEGUARD AND TRANSMIT TO POSTERITY THE PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY…On this ideal of safeguarding and transmitting to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy, all of the youth-training programs of The American Legion are built. All Americans can be proud that in our international relations we have tried to live by the golden rule, the mark of justice. We have granted to others, as we prize it ourselves, the great boon of freedom. Through the Monroe Doctrine, we call a halt to foreign imperialism in the Western Hemisphere. We gave freedom to the Philippines. These principles are part of the American heritage. Legionnaires are pledged to protect and preserve that heritage.
• TO CONSECRATE AND SANCTIFY OUR COMRADESHIP BY OUR DEVOTION TO MUTUAL HELPFULNESS…The last or 10th clause of our Preamble is the most important ideal expressed in our Preamble. It marked a new concept in America-a concept that made The American Legion the greatest force for social betterment in all the history of the United States. Let us be factual and examine this. At the close of World War I, America was just emerging from its lusty era of rugged individualism. It was an era when the individual hammered out his own destiny and progress with little or no help from the government. An honest facing of the facts brings out that American society was then a cold society insofar as any organized public hands of helpfulness were concerned. The individual who fell upon evil times was left to private charity which meant mostly the churches and the Salvation Army. There were no public resources or services to help the unfortunates. When the veterans of World War I came marching home, they found the nation utterly unprepared to care for the combat casualties of the war. The wounded, the shell-shocked and the sick were lodged in poor houses, jails, asylums or what-have-you. Veterans of World War I were much more closely knit than those of World War II. They trained in the same camps, fought on the one great front. Those who came home unscarred were appalled by the plight of their less fortunate comrades. They felt a concern for them and their dependents which was a new and dramatic action aspect to what the country had known as friendship. This concern formed the bond among the charter members of The American Legion and gave them a great and noble cause to fight for-the adequate care and protection of their disabled comrades and dependents, the war widows and orphans. They faced a monumental task. Laws had to be drafted and enacted by the Congress to provide compensation for the war-handicapped, to build hospitals and to get protection for the widows and orphans upon whom the war had laid its heaviest and cruelest hand. The American Legion wrote such laws, had them introduced in the Congress, went out over the land to arouse the conscience of the people of America and mobilize support for its legislative aims. It did both with a sacrificial fervor that overcame all obstacles. The Congress enacted the laws, it provided the administrative machinery, it appropriated the funds, it built hospitals. Then to bring about a single responsibility for the carrying out of all veteran laws and to achieve a unification of these government services, The American Legion put through Congress the legislation to create the Veterans Bureau which has become the Veterans Administration of today. Over the years, a great network of government hospitals was built and a great structure of veteran legislation enacted which made the American veterans the best cared for on earth. The rehabilitation program of The American Legion for the World War I veteran brought about in its successful development a great awakening of social responsibility in America. When the New Deal Program was being developed, the government planners took a look at what The American Legion, through its vast rehabilitation program, had done for the veteran of World War I and they decided to do the same thing for all American people. So out of the rehabilitation brain child of The American Legion, there came the Social Security System with its retirement benefits and old age assistance programs for all the people. The planners took a look at The American Legion program of temporary emergency aid to needy children of veterans and there was born-with the support of Legionnaires-the state and federal program of aid to dependent children all children. This is how we can hail The American Legion today as an unparalleled force in these United States for social betterment. American Legion concepts and its ideal of devotion to mutual helpfulness warmed up the whole social climate of America. Today, America is extending its helpful hands all over the world through our assistance programs of foreign aid. It all came about because the veterans of World War I came home enriched with wonderful ties of friendship and gave those ties a meaning by consecrating them to the ideal of mutual helpfulness. The American Legion Preamble has been the beacon light of The American Legion for more than 100 years. It has been amended only twice in all that time. The last amendment consisted of removing reference to the “The Great” and adding the “All”. It makes the Preamble read today “all Wars,” so as to embrace all wars.

Announcement from the 10th District:

April 15, 2022

DISTRICT CONVENTION CALL TO ALL POSTS OF THE 10TH DISTRICT

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and By-Laws of The American Legion, Department of Minnesota- I, William Gordon, District Commander, do hereby call a Convention of the 10th District to convene in Milaca, Minnesota Saturday, June 4, 2022.

The business sessions of the Convention will be held at Milaca Post 178 commencing at 9:00 AM Saturday, June 4th, and will continue until adjournment.

The purpose of this Convention is to elect a District Commander, District Vice Commanders, District

Historian, District Finance Officer, Delegates and Alternates to the National American Legion Convention and to conduct such other business of the 10th District that may properly come before the Convention.

The voting strength of each Post in the 10th District will be as provided in the 10th District Constitution and By-Laws Article IV, Section 7.

Certification of Delegates is to be sent to the 10th District Adjutant, Paul Orson, 26 East Road, Circle Pines MN 55014 © 612-325-2899 at least two (2) weeks prior to the Convention. (As required by Article IV, Section 8 of the 10th District Constitution and By-Laws).  This is in addition to delegate registration sent to Milaca Post 178.

All members of The American Legion are invited to the Convention.

Your active participation at this Convention, representing your Post, helps keep our District strong.

William Gordon
10th District Commander

Enclosure: Convention Delegate Form
CC: File

101st TENTH DISTRICT CONVENTION JUNE 3-4, 2022

MILACA, MINNESOTA

All Tenth District American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion (SAL) and American Legion Rider (ALR) members are cordially invited to the 101st Tenth

District Convention, JUNE 3-4, 2022.  The Milaca American Legion Post 178, Auxiliary, SAL Squadron and Legion Riders are hosting the convention.  The Post home is located at 160 2nd St SE, Milaca, MN 56353.  Telephone (320) 982-0038.

The enclosed packet of information includes Convention Pre-Registration, Convention Banquet Reservations, and information on area housing.  Each item is self-explanatory with a mailing address and a point of contact for any questions you may have.

Legion and S.A.L sessions are scheduled to be held Saturday at the Post Home.  Auxiliary sessions are scheduled to be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 245 Central Ave S, Milaca.

Legion Riders Convention is Saturday May 14, 11:00-1:00 PM at Anoka Post 102.  You still must register and pay, this gets you registered for both days.

The Convention Banquet will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Milaca Post Home, menu for the meal is Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegs, coleslaw, Rolls, Coffee, Dessert, cost will be, ($18.00) Social hour begins at 6:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM. There will be a short program conducted by District Commander Bill Gordon, District President Linda Deschene, SAL Commander Chance Harmon, and ALR Director Matt Berens, immediately following dinner. Reservations must be prepaid by May 20, 2022. NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

Registration will be at the Post home on Friday June 3rd from 4:00-7:00 PM and then on Saturday June 4th, at the respective Legion and Auxiliary meeting locations from 7:00 AM to Noon. Prepaid registration is $15.00 per person; $18.00 registration day of convention.

Joint Memorial Service will be held on Saturday morning, June 4, 2022, at the Post starting at 8:00 AM.

Breakfast off menu will be available Saturday at the Legion bar, starting at 7-AM. There will also be rolls, coffee and juice available. Lunch will be at the Post for $8, from 11:30 to 12:45, Salads, Sandwiches, Pickles, Chips, Coffee.

On behalf of the Milaca Legion Family working together to make this Convention a huge success, we welcome you to YOUR Tenth District Convention.

Lew Ratajczak – General Chairman

I’m not going to go into a lot of detail about the MyLegion.org training, as Mark Johnson did a great job describing the training already.

I want to mention that it was great to see members of other Posts in Chisago County in attendance.

I want to thank Terrel Isaman, of Harris Post #139, Donald Waller, Stacy Post #312. It was great to see these posts represented.  I am happy to see them there doing what they can to make sure they continue to serve veterans and their community.

My goal was to invite other Posts from Chisago County and possibly find ways to collaborate our efforts in some areas of our service to our communities.

And with that being said, I do not want to ignore the great input of Sean Gustafson and Brandy Fulton, new incoming officers of Lino Lakes Post #566. We received information on new legislative agendas and ride for Believet program on Jun11th from the Lino Lakes post.

Overall, it was a good training and I hope that we can continue and do more trainings. Thank you for all who attended. And a special thank you to the Post #85 Legion Family for attending and supporting our home post.

Remember, YOU Are the Legion