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I want to start by thanking all the Legionnaires of the Department of Minnesota for electing me your Department Commander. It is a great honor and I will do my best
to meet the challenge of that office and vindicate the trust you have placed in me.
The American Legion Department of Minnesota still faces a declining membership. If we are going to attract new and younger
members we will need to continue our efforts to reach them by using the technologies with which they are familiar. But, while we are reaching out on the internet, let us not forget about the members that have
no knowledge or desire to use the computer and the importance they are to our organization.
This year at some of the Department rallies we will be educating the newer members and reeducating our current members
about the programs of the American Legion, Americanism, Children and Youth, Rehabilitation and National Security. Also, we are going to revert back to some of the time-tested approaches from the past.
That means that the post might have to re-establish their public relations efforts. Tell our communities what we are doing and don't be afraid to blow your own horn.
All posts can assist the
Department of Minnesota by completing and returning the Post Consolidated Reports. This is our way of letting the Legislature and Congress know what we do for our veterans. That is what we are about
"Veterans helping Veterans and their Families."
When we veterans were sworn into active duty we raised our right hand and promised to protect and defend the United States against all enemies foreign and
domestic. There are entities that are attaching all veterans memorials and the values on which this Nation was founded. We need to continue to be watchful so that we can protect and defend the right to
remember those men and women that provided the values we all hold dear.
My motto for the year is "If it is going to be, it is up to me."
Thank you for all you do for our veterans.
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