Post Talk

North Branch Post #85

February 2023

• Membership Meeting: Feb. 14th @ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  Feb.14th @ 7:00PM
• SAL Meeting: Feb. 21st @ 7:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  Feb. 2nd @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: Feb. 21st @ 9:00AM

Rick Hals, Commander

Greetings to everyone on this COLD night. I am happy to say everything is going real well at the Legion.

Carene has started to book bands and the music for under the tent at Midsummer.

The Legion will be putting our annual corn beef and cabbage dinner on March 11th so please set aside some time on that day to help prepare and serve the dinner. This is always a fan favorite!

We have lined up Dave Nelson to help with cleaning and waxing. We will talk more at the meeting about the cleaning.

The SAL will be hosting the 10th District Sweetheart Rally on Saturday Feb. 11th @11:00 and then turning around and hosting their omelet breakfast on Feb.12th, please try to attend and support them.

Mark Johnson, the membership chairman has asked me to mention that if you have not renewed please do so.

The next membership meeting is Feb.14th, please try to attend.

Ed Chromey, Chaplain, Post/Legion Riders

The month of February is a time for legion members to reflect on several past events in our country’s history.

The first Sunday of the month is designated as Four Chaplains Sunday. We take time on this Sunday to remember the four chaplains of the USAT Dorchester who made the supreme sacrifice by giving their life vests and other apparel to their fellow soldiers while they stayed aboard the ship as it sank standing hand in hand praying.

Secondly, we remember two great leaders of our country. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. These men helped bring our country through some dark times in our country’s history to help us in our fight for freedom for all.

We also take time to celebrate with our sweethearts on Valentine’s day.

This also is the month that the Christian season of Easter begins, when we take time to remember the Son of God who made the ultimate sacrifice so that all can have the opportunity to have freedom from being eternally separated from God.

Finally, at the end of the shortest month of the year we start to breathe a sigh of relief as the days become longer and the temperature slowly starts to climb upward.

So, let us all take some time this month to thank our God, the creator of the universe, and those men and women who have fought for and are continuing to keep us free so we can reflect back on these events of great importance in our country’s history.

Mike Johnson, Gaming Manager

I want to start by saying THANK YOU to all of the customers who support the Charitable Gambling here at American Legion Post 85 – North Branch. Without your continued support, we would not be able to do what we do for the local communities and for our own Post. In the future, and with the help of the newly formed PR committee here at Post 85, it is my goal to show what we are doing for our local communities with the net receipts from the Charitable Gambling here at Post 85. I will use photos, correspondence, and data, to show just how much of a difference we are making, because of all of YOU!

We will be conducting $10 Sports Tipboards for the Super Bowl on 2/12/23. They are currently available in the booth or behind the bar and will be available up until kickoff.

The new TV’s have been installed in the hall for Bingo and are operational. You can now view the bingo software during bingo from anywhere in the hall.

I am currently working on the new bingo programs and my goal is to start them by the end of March at the latest. We will continue to have bingo sessions Thursday and Saturday nights.

Look for some new pulltab games in the pulltab booth and behind the bar later in February. Multiplier games, 301 games, and a $2 window game where you have the chance to open multiple windows on one ticket.

It’s hard to believe that it was -13 degrees this morning, but we are already discussing and making plans for Midsummer. The SAL will be conducting most of the gaming that takes place outside under the tent during Midsummer like in past years. We may be adding a second large Bingo event under the tent on Thursday night, to go along with the designer purse Bingo that is typically Friday night. Look for an update once things are finalized.

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

Membership Contest

I have recruitment on the mind. It is my goal to find at least 10 new members this year. I would like everyone to think with that goal in mind- or even a larger goal.

As an incentive The Legion will be conducting a membership drive contest this year that I would hope everyone is willing to participate in. The Legion Family member to recruit the most new members by the end of the calendar year will receive a $200.00 gift card.

This recruitment can be for either the Legion, Auxiliary, or the Sons of American Legion or any combination therein. Make sure your name is on the bottom of the application when it’s turned in. A running tally will be recorded and at the end of the calendar year we will name a winner. Ready- GO!

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The Department Commander, Jennifer Havlick is inviting anyone wishing to be a part of the 8th-10th District Monthly Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month starting at 7PM. The entire Legion Family is invited.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89393713109?pwd=MGNIY2VFSFJYS3I2R1B4cFY1WHVNQT09
Meeting ID: 893 9371 3109
Passcode: 810810

If you have any further questions: Contact Adjutant Ron Rollins 651-775-6985 before the date of the call and I will make contact with the Department Adjutant for any clarification.

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This month I bring to you another program sponsored by the American Legion: Legionville

Legionville is a program of the Minnesota Department of The American Legion through a nonprofit educational corporation. Titled Legionville School Safety Patrol Training Center, Inc.,  its primary function is to train Minnesota boys and girls in the procedures of school-safety patrol work at intersections and in bus patrol work.

The idea of the School Patrol originated with Sister Carmela of the Cathedral School in St. Paul on Feb. 21, 1921 when the first patrolmen were stationed at the intersection of Kellogg Boulevard and Summit Avenue in Saint Paul. Adopted citywide by the City of St. Paul in 1922 as a part of the program of the School System and the St. Paul Police Department, it was also adopted as a statewide program by the Minnesota Highway Patrol.

Earle Brown, the first chief of the Minnesota Highway Patrol, felt that a uniform program of training and support should be created in the State and came to the Minnesota American Legion in 1935 requesting such assistance. In 1936, under a cooperative program, The American Legion started a statewide training program held at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds in Brainerd, with two years at Camp Ripley, using these facilities until 1956. The Training Center was staffed by members of the Minnesota Highway Patrol, qualified Legionnaires and support staff.

In 1948, the Minnesota American Legion set up a committee to raise funds to construct a permanent training center for the School Patrol. The Parker family, in 1954, donated the original 560-acre site on North Long Lake. The caretaker house used to be the old farmhouse, and the old barn was once the old milk house and was converted into an educational building. The area called Parkerville consists of many family cottages along the lake right next to Legionville. The generous Parker family, many of whom were Legionnaires in Brainered, also donated the Boy Scouts camp on the other side of North Long Lake.

A later addition of land raised the total to 610 acres with 1,500 feet of shoreline beach. The property contained some buildings, including a large barn which was converted to an all-purpose unit of classrooms, office, canteen, first aid room, a large theater and a recreational area on the second floor. A modern dining hall, seven dormitories, caretaker’s house and two cabins for staff have been built creating the modern Legionville School Safety Patrol Training Center, Inc.

From the first program in 1936 of two weeks and 157 patrolmen, the enrollment has progressed to more than 1,000 each season with the training center having a session capacity of 168. All sessions are now co-ed.

Each youngster, between the ages of 8-13, attends and is sponsored by an organization in his or her hometown. The typical patroller is a student entering fourth, fifth, or sixth grade. The patrollers are selected to represent their schools at Legionville by the School Patrol advisor of their school and local personnel. Teams of patrollers are encouraged to attend together to enhance their training and knowledge.

Legionville is a function of The American Legion, Department of Minnesota. However, the local Posts and Auxiliary Units contribute heavily to the program and handle many of the details making each year a smooth operation across the state. In addition to sending patrollers to the Training Center, many Posts and Auxiliary Units make direct contributions to Legionville for maintaining the Center and adding needed equipment. This enables the weekly fee to the Center to remain at a low level.

Legionville is also the location where the Legion Family holds their annual Romp in September. It is also open to off-season camping. Contact Legionville for more information at:

Make all communications to:
LEGIONVILLE
c/o The American Legion
20 W. 12th Street, Room 300A
St. Paul, MN 55155-2000
Telephone: 651-291-1800
registration@legionville.org

Legionville Camp is at:
9544 Legionville Road
Brainerd, MN 56401

Mailing address prior to camp opening:
Legionville Camp
20 W. 12th St., Room 300A
St. Paul, MN 55155-2000
You can reach us by email at information@legionville.org

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Start thinking of summer conventions and conferences. I will be listing them beginning next month. I will be attending the District and Department Convention this year. Dates and times will be posted soon. Come and join me in learning more about the American Legion.

If you wish to be a delegate, attend your meetings and request to be nominated as a delegate-that makes you a voting member for our Post.

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This month our Employee/Member introduction is Bob Egan, SAL 1st Vice-Commander

Hello, I’m Bob Egan.

I have been a resident of North Branch since 1974. The 1st part of my life was spent at different Air bases such as San Antonio TX, Monterey CA, and Yokota Air Force Base, Fussa Japan.

I’m married to my wife Rene’e and have a daughter, Michaela, who just graduated from Oklahoma State University and a son, Mitchell, also an SAL member, who is a sophomore in high school.

One of my hobbies is to buy vintage snowmobiles, ride them,  and enter them into vintage snowmobile shows.

I have been the 1st Vice Commander of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron #85 for the last 5 years. I have many members of my family who are veterans. It was my stepfather Rick Hals, who is the Commander of this post, that urged me to join the SAL. Some of the highlights that have happened since I have joined the squadron are that we had our highest membership on record in 2020 in which the squadron received an award. We were invited to be a part of the 10th district snowmobile rally in 2019 to gather up memberships and we’re then asked to be involved with the 2020 and the final 50th snowmobile rally in 2021. The squadron will also be hosting the 10th District Sweetheart Rally at the Hall Saturday February 11 with our omelet breakfast to follow the next day Sunday February 12 also at the Hall.

The squadron has also made a donation to the new veterans memorial and we are excited to see it built.

We are always looking for new members so if you know any males who have father’s or grandfather’s that are/were veterans please invite them to join our squadron.

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Remember Veterans, If you have the need to go to the Hospital (Community Care), remember to call the VA when you get there or to first get authorization for Community Care.

Call: 800-424-4018 and get a pre-authorization number for your records and the hospital you go to.

If you want the VA to pay for a trip in an ambulance they need to be notified within 72 HOURS. Remember to obtain the name of the person you talked to and an authorization number.

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

Post Talk

Post Talk
North Branch Post #85

January 2023

• Membership Meeting: Jan. 10th@ 7:00PM
• Auxiliary Meeting:  No meeting this month
• SAL Meeting: Jan. 17th @ 7:00PM
• Legion Riders Meeting:  Jan. 5th @ 7:00PM
• Coffee Talk with the CVSO: Jan. 17th @ 9:00AM

Rick Hals, Commander

Greetings and wishing all a prosperous and happy New Year! As 2022 comes to and end, I was thinking of all the terrific things took place at Post 85.

One thing that we all tackled was Covid, then we overcame a few problems at midsummer and ended with very good celebration.

The post has new Gaming Manager, Mike Johnson early this fall. I would like to personally thank Glenn Pierce for many years as our  gaming manager.

The Post did some upgrades this year:

1. The Hall was painted,
2. We installed a new pull tab booth,
3. A new mini bar was built for the hall,
4. A new bar top was built and coming in early March, and
5. possibly several more projects if we remain busy and see the need.

The Legion’s Awards Dinner is Jan 10th.

Social Hour: (1700hrs) 5PM
Dinner served: (1800hrs) 6PM
Meetings/Awards: (1900hrs) 7PM

It will be catered by the Dave Reider Family, who have done such a fine job for us in past years. The awards and meeting will follow the meal.

The Legion has made a $25,000.00 donation towards the Veterans Memorial to be constructed in Central Park in North Branch.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Jan. 10th.

Ed Chromey, Chaplain, Post/Legion Riders

As we reflect upon all that has happened in the past twelve months, let us never forget that GOD has been present in our lives every moment of our days.

“Jesus Listens” – Sara Young

I hope this prayer for today will help you to have a great New Year.

Michelle Still, Auxiliary President

Santa Day was a huge success. We entertained over 100 kids and over 25 American Legion Family members helped! They kids were treated to crafts, our special flag punch board for goodie bags filled with treats and a prize, cookies and hot chocolate for everyone, and, of course, a visit with Santa Claus. Thank you to all the volunteers, who had a great time, as well as the kids.

Just a reminder: No Auxiliary meeting will be held in January. Be back in February 14th.

Charlie Hult, SAL Commander

I first want to say that I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with their friends and families and I am looking forward to a wonderful New Year’s 2023.

We have two events coming up in February. First, is the 10th District Sweetheart Rally on February 11th @11:00am. Second is the SAL Omelet Breakfast which will be Sunday February 12th @ 0800-noon. We will have more information coming out on both events later on in January.

I was not able to attend the January meeting because I had had a knee replacement surgery, but I just want to welcome Troy Zambrano who has been a member for a couple of months and looking forward to him being an active member of the SAL. I also want to thank Vice Commander Darren Lemmermann for filling in for me in the January meeting. We usually give out 2 – $500 scholarships and it’s exciting to say this year we are going to be giving out 2- $1000 scholarships to two North Branch High School seniors.

I think going into 2023 will be an exciting year for the SAL as we move forward with trying to increase membership and do more projects within the community.

In closing, I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Years.

Camille Wentz, Riders Director

• Legion Riders Christmas Party:

The Riders hosted a very successful Christmas party on Friday, December 9th in the Legion Hall. We had at least 40 in attendance and tons of food which was mostly purchased and prepared by all of our Riders. The family we sponsored for Christmas was extremely grateful for all of the gifts we purchased. Because Veterans on the Lake matched our donation, we were able to also present the family with a week-long stay there, once the husband/father returns from deployment.

• Legion Riders participation in Santa Day:

The legion Riders participated in their first Santa Day program. It was a very fun time to see all the smiles on all the children, and adults as well. It was very well organized and we so enjoyed seeing the Legion Family working together. We had lots of fun and look forward to returning next year.

• Legion Riders visit to Ecumen:

We visited Ecumen on Sunday, December 11th where we were blessed to visit with 19 veterans and their spouses who live there. The 16 Riders in attendance brought sandwiches, cookies, blankets, and personalized stockings stuffed to the max to each Veteran and spouse. Some of us visited with Veterans in the party room while others delivered goodies to the rooms of Veterans not able to make it to the party room. We sang Christmas Carols (only one Veteran asked for ear plugs) and later continued to distribute little gifts to non-veterans in the common areas. It was a truly moving experience for some of us who hadn’t had the opportunity to do something like this before. We hope to continue this effort in the future.

Randy Koivisto, Sgt at Arms

• Christmas Gifts

On Friday, December 16th, a crew from Post 85 and our NB VFW post 6424 delivered Christmas gifts to veteran’s residing in our local nursing homes. The gifts were patriotic blankets, whose costs were shared by both posts. Those recipients appreciated the visits just as much, if not more, than the gift.

• Veterans Memorial

The engineering plans are back from the supplier in Ohio and are being presented to the city for approval. This will be the final step prior to the fundraising campaign.

Our post recently made a donation of $25,000 to the project. The Auxiliary and the SAL will also be presenting a check to help kick start the process.

• January Awards / Dinner meeting

Our annual awards meeting will start with a spaghetti dinner at 6pm, to be followed by the awards portion of the program. Chef Dave Reiter will be doing the cooking for us once again. There will be help also from the Air Force Jr. ROTC cadets, and our local Boy Scout troop. We have invited the VFW to join our gathering. All members of the Legion Family are invited, and can bring a guest at no charge. After the awards presentation, we will hold our normal post monthly meeting. Guests will be invited to leave (Flee!) just prior to the start of the monthly meeting.

Commanders’ reminder: Wear Legion attire including caps for photo’s before dinner. Catherine Eaton Johnson will be our photographer.

• Blood Drive

Have you been told lately that you are “full of it”? Well, soon we will have a remedy for you! Our next quarterly blood drive is scheduled for Friday, February 3rd, from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. in our hall. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot you can call 1-800-733-2767, or visit RedCrossBlood.ORG. We could use folks to volunteer for a two hour shift (or more). Contact me at rkoi@midco.net if you would like to sign up.

• Honor Guard

Past commander Ray Pittman passed away from cancer recently. We also lost long time members Skip Solle, and Russ Ramberg. We provided honors at Skip’s funeral, and will be doing the same for Ray and Russ in the near future. We can always use more members for the honor guard. It’s one of the most important services that we offer. Contact me at rkoi@midco.net to sign up or get more info.

• Scholarships

Our post has committed to offering 5, $1,500 scholarships, to be presented in May at the High School.

Mike Johnson, Gaming Manager

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As we move into 2023, I would like to point out a couple of changes that have been made to the gaming operation and point out some of the changes that are coming soon.

• There are now two $2 pull-tab boxes and one $3 pull-tab box behind the bar. The bar pull-tab boxes are open during the day Monday-Saturday, prior to the pull-tab booth opening at 4 PM.
• The pull-tab booth now offers two $1 boxes, two $2 boxes, one $3 box, and one $5 box.
• The pull-tab booth is now open seven days a week.
• The pull-tab booth hours are as follows:
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM+
  • Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM+
  • Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM+
• We now have 12 electronic pull-tab devices. These are available any time during normal business hours.
• Meat Raffle is conducted on Monday’s and Thursday’s and starts at approximately 4:45 PM. Mondays are $1 tickets with a $20 gift card prize and Thursdays are $2 tickets with a $40 gift card prize. We offer gift cards for prizes from several local businesses including: The Hungry Farmer, The Fuse, Tailgaters, Pizza Pub, North Branch Liquors, Merchant’s Cafe, Kaffe Stuga, Peterson’s Mill, and Kwik Trip. A free drink is given to the person who is one number off (Mondays – higher, Thursdays – Lower) for each spin of the paddlewheel.
• Four new TV’s have been purchased and will be installed in the near future. Three of them will be installed in the hall so during Thursday night bingo in the hall, you will be able to view the bingo software display no matter where you are sitting. The fourth TV will be installed on the South wall of the bar for better viewing of the bingo software display during Saturday night bar bingo.
• Along with the new TV’s, we are in the process of getting bids to have the Audio/Video throughout the entire building updated.
• Currently, Thursday night bingo in the hall is at 6:30 PM and Saturday night bar bingo is at 6:00 PM. In the near future, we plan on making some changes to both of the bingo programs. We are looking at changing some games, adding some exciting features, and possible moving to packets as opposed to selling single sheets that are sold in between each game.

Please follow the North Branch American Legion Post 85’s Facebook page. If bad weather is going to force the pull-tab booth to be closed or bingo/meat raffle to be canceled, it will be posted as soon as possible on our Facebook page.

Michael Johnson, Gambling Manager

Ron Rollins, Adjutant

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I hope everyone had a delightful Christmas and New Year.

2023. What will the new year bring us this year?

I know motorcycle season is a short 4-5 months away! Keep thinking Spring! Snowmobilers – ENJOY!

I am starting out this year with recruitment on the mind. It is my goal to find at least 10 new members this year. I would like everyone to think with that goal in mind- or even a larger goal.

We will be conducting a membership drive this year that I would hope everyone is willing to participate in. The Legion Family member to recruit the most new members will receive a substantial prize (yet to be determined) by the end of the year. This recruitment can be for either the Legion, Auxiliary, or the Sons of American Legion or any combination therein. Make sure your name is on the bottom of the application when it’s turned in. A running tally will be recorded and at the end of the calendar year we will name a winner. Ready- GO!

The Department Commander, Jennifer Havlick is inviting anyone wishing to be a part of the 8th-10th District Monthly Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month starting at 7PM. The entire Legion Family is invited.

Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89393713109?pwd=MGNIY2VFSFJYS3I2R1B4cFY1WHVNQT09 
Meeting ID: 893 9371 3109
Passcode: 810810

If you have any further questions: Contact Adjutant Ron Rollins 651-775-6985 before the date of the call and I will make contact with the Department Adjutant for any clarification.

This month I bring to you another program sponsored by the American Legion: American Legion Boys State which will be held June 11-17, 2023, at St John’s University Campus in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Minnesota American Legion Boys State is a week-long experience of learning about Minnesota government at the local, county and state levels by “doing”. It is a week of intensive study and involvement. The participants will actually organize and participate in the various levels and branches of government in addition to participating in athletics, music, writing for the newspaper or holding leadership positions across all levels of the program. Every boy will participate in the process of city, county and state government. Minnesota Boys State is a program for young men who have just completed their junior year of high school. Highlights of the week include political speakers, mock trials, campaigning, elections, and announcement of the Boys State Governor and State Constitutional Officers.

Unlike a summer or recreational camp, Minnesota Boys State is a week of studying and learning by involvement. However, we do have fun times, too. To illustrate this point, included in this mailing is a schedule of a typical day’s activities so you may see the type of program that is promoted and the pace expected to the citizens. The citizens also have the opportunity for group living. For many, it will be their first exposure to dormitory living and sharing a room. Meals are served cafeteria style. This is quite different from their home environment. This week will be a good preview of college dorm life. The citizens have both an opportunity and a responsibility. The opportunity is one of participating in a program of government with hundreds of other young men from throughout Minnesota. The responsibility is not only spending the week learning as much as he can, but also taking this knowledge and experience back into his school and his community, using it and sharing it with others. If you have any questions concerning Minnesota American Legion Boys State, please contact State Headquarters or your local American Legion Post.

Our staff is an all-volunteer organization comprised of Legionaries, former Boys Stators, teachers, and civic minded citizens from various professions. Combined the staff has decades of experience in instructing the delegates at Boys State and works hard to fulfill the objectives and goals put forth by the American Legion.

Go to our website and find out more about Minnesota Boys State www.mnboysstate.org or contact The American Legion Department of Minnesota at

American Legion Department of Minnesota
20 West 12th Street, Room 300-A
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651-291-1800

Toll-free: 866-259-9163.

The Legion Auxiliary also does a Girls State:

What is Girls State?

ALA Minnesota Girls State is a diverse group of young women who share a common desire to learn. From small towns to urban areas, the citizens’ diverse backgrounds add spirit to the program. The purposes of the ALA Minnesota Girls State program are to provide Americanism and good citizenship training and to inform our participants about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of government as practiced in a democratic society.

Each June, the ALA Minnesota Girls State “citizens” study the Minnesota city, county, and state governmental processes. Citizens are divided into two fictional political parties gaining knowledge of the operations of a two-party system. They formulate their cities electing the officials and then proceed on to county and state governmental positions. Activities include campaigning, caucusing, debating, and voting. Parliamentary procedures and also used in the process.

This year ALA Minnesota Girls State is a week long session from Sunday June 11th to Saturday June 17th, 2023 at BETHEL UNIVERSITY in St. Paul, MN. For further information go to https://www.mnala.org/girls-state/

Start thinking of summer conventions and conferences. I will be listing them beginning next month. I will be attending the District and Department Convention this year. Dates and times will be posted soon. Come and join me in learning more about the American Legion.

If you wish to be a delegate, attend your meetings and request to be nominated as a delegate-that makes you a voting member for our Post.

The District Mid-Winter Conference will be in Anoka. This is a one-day conference for the Legion Family having their own meetings. This is a great place to start getting active in the American Legion.

Staff Introduction this month is our new Post Gaming Manager, Mike Johnson.

I was born and raised in Stark, MN and attended North Branch Schools.  My junior and senior years of high school I attended Cambridge Community College through the PSEO program and graduated in the year 2000.  Throughout my childhood I enjoyed playing sports, hunting, fishing, swimming, and snowboarding.

Shortly after graduating high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  I attended boot camp at MCRD San Diego and stepped on the yellow footprints on April 9th, 2001, one of a handful of days in my life that I will never forget.  After graduating boot camp, I attended my MOS school at Camp Johnson, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.  After graduating MOS school in September 2001, I was transferred to my permanent duty station, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.  In January of 2003, my unit was deployed to Northern Kuwait in support of what would later become Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After returning from Iraq, I finished my time on active duty in the Marine Corps back at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, being Honorably Discharged on April 8th, 2005.

I have been a Legion & VFW member for 17 years, and a SAL member for 41 years.

I’m currently self-employed as an Independent Catastrophic Insurance Adjuster for my full-time career.  Storm season for me typically runs from around April until October.

My wife Justina and I have been married for almost 21 years.  We have one son, Declan, who just turned three years old.  We also have two dogs, Serene and Harley, both of which are rescues.  We love to travel, spend time with friends and family, and spend time on the lake, whether it’s fishing or jet skiing.

Thank you Mike and welcome aboard- again. If you will see Mike hustling around the Legion doing all things gambling. Please welcome him.

• Membership Goals:

As of 14 Dec, North Branch Post #85 was at 74% of goal. We need 57 more renewals to reach goal. Let’s get those in.

• Troop collections:

I will be collecting items thru January 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 storyline)
Decks of cards
Bingo game
Board or other card games
Outdoor games

Also, handwritten thank you notes are also very welcomed.

Upcoming events

• Jan1st-NEW YEARS DAY- 2023
• Jan 14th- 10th District Mid-Winter Conference- Anoka Post 102
• Feb 4th- Dept. Sweetheart Rally- 10:30am, Osseo, MN
• Feb 11th- District 10 Sweetheart Rally- North Branch, MN
• March 17-18- SAL Detachment Spring Conference- Rochester, MN
• March 18-April 22- Legion Family Bowling Tourney- Sundance Lanes, Dayton, MN
• April 15th- Dept Appreciation Family Gathering, New Prague, MN
• June 15-18, 2023 MIDSUMMER DAYS
• July 12-15th- Department Convention, Willmar Conference Center
• Oct. 12-15th-Minnesota Legion College- Camp Ripley
• Oct 26-28th- Dept Fall Conference- River’s Edge Conv. Center, St Cloud, MN

Remember, YOU Are the Legion

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