A Lifetime of Service

Minnesota’s American Legion Commander Leads the Way

March 11, 2026

As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month in March, Linda Dvorak, commander of Minnesota’s American Legion, offers a perspective shaped by nearly four decades in uniform.

Linda’s journey began in 1976, when she followed in her father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Minnesota Air National Guard. “My dad said it would be a good way to make college money,” she recalls.

She completed basic training and technical school in human resources, then returned home expecting to continue to college. Instead, she chose a full-time path with the Air National Guard — one that would define her professional life.

After working as a full-time federal employee she transitioned to active duty, serving 20 years before retiring in 2002 as a Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) with the 133rd Airlift Wing. Her career focused on education and training, helping guide airmen through professional development.

Following retirement, she returned for another 15 years as a federal employee, eventually serving as a special assistant to senior leaders.

It was the encouragement of Retired General Sandy Best, Minnesota’s first woman general, that inspired Linda to consider leadership roles.

Though women represented only a small percentage of the military when she enlisted, she says her experience was defined less by gender conflicts over men’s and women’s roles and more by her competence. Working in personnel — a field with significant female representation — she did not encounter many overt barriers.

But when she entered the service, women were barred from certain roles, including piloting aircraft. Even as career fields opened, skepticism lingered. “We had to show them we could do the job,” she says. Over the years, she witnessed profound cultural shifts. “Today, the mindset has changed.”

Linda appreciates the recognition during Women’s History Month but remains grounded in her identity. “It’s nice,” she says, “but a lot of us believe we’re just Veterans like the men. What has kept me involved in the American Legion is working with my brothers and sisters in arms.”

Leadership, however, has defined much of her path. After joining her local American Legion post, she was asked to serve as adjutant — a role she jokes she was offered because “women make good secretaries,” as one Veteran put it. She took the opportunity and steadily rose through the ranks: post adjutant, finance officer, post commander, district adjutant, district commander and now state commander.

Elected in July 2025 to a one-year term, Linda travels extensively across Minnesota, visiting local posts and listening to Veterans’ stories. “I think that’s what I enjoy most — sitting with them and hearing what’s on their minds,” she says.

Founded in 1919 after World War I, The American Legion was instrumental in drafting the GI Bill and advocating for the creation of what is now the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Today, the organization focuses on four pillars: Americanism, children and youth, national security and Veterans' affairs and rehabilitation.

One of her top priorities has been the Veterans Assistance Fund, which provides emergency financial grants to Veterans facing hardship. Since 2021, the fund has distributed more than $500,000 in Minnesota for needs such as mortgage payments and car repairs. Just two months into the current year, her 2026 fundraising goal of $75,000 has already been met.

She also points to Veteran healthcare and mental health as ongoing challenges, particularly for those experiencing long-term effects of deployment.

When asked what she would tell young women considering military service, her answer is immediate: “I would definitely encourage them. The military,” she says, “provides structure, resilience and the opportunity to work with diverse people. It makes a stronger individual.”

Currently, Linda also volunteers on the New Prague Veterans Memorial Committee, the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum Board of Directors and has an American Legion National Appointment as a consultant to the Aerospace Committee.

Nearly 50 years after first raising her hand to serve, Linda’s commitment remains simple and steadfast: supporting the Veteran, the family and the community.

For more information on Minnesota’s American Legion and membership opportunities, go to mnlegion.org or for the national site, legion.org.