President: Time to re-energize the spirit for the mission

Happy Holidays!

The month of December brings many holidays for celebrating — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Day — to name a few. Whichever holiday you celebrate, I wish you bountiful blessings this holiday season and in the New Year.

December is Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Month. Please take the time to do Buddy Checks on the local veterans and those that are at a distance but close to your heart. Everyone needs to have that feeling of support.

January is the month for national security and legislation. What plans have you made for these programs? Tell your lawmakers to support their veterans.

Thank you to the units and districts that issued invitations in November — Glenville, Cosmos, Osseo and 4th District. I enjoyed seeing members in these units. Your hospitality was fantastic. Osseo had their Boys and Girls Staters speak at their dinner. What an awesome group of young adults. They will go far in life. Our future is in good hands with these young leaders.

I will be busy traveling the state in December. Hoping for good weather throughout the month.

Mission Training in Denver was an educational trip. Minnesota was well-represented in the Northwest Division with 10 seniors and three juniors attending. We came back with new ideas and excitement for our programs.

Mid- Winter Conferences will be held in January. Please take the time to attend and reconnect.  This is a time to re-energize and get engaged with our programs and the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.

Judy Ackerman of Northrop Unit 522 is the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Minnesota. Her theme is “Back to the Basics: Recognize, Respect, Remember.”