MN ALR 2025 Department Convention

The American Legion Riders Department of Minnesota (MN ALR) held their annual convention on Friday July 11. It was well attended with many returning and new faces to the convention. 8 District representatives were present.

It was also a sad moment due to the passing of MN ALR member Susan Edwards who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning. Our thoughts and prayers went out to her husband Paul and her family.

Reports were given by the Officers and District Representatives. Chapters continue to form throughout the state including one in Brooklyn Center which was authorized the night before the convention. The Consolidated Chapter Report (CCR) was discussed. There was one more Chapter reporting over last year. The reported numbers of donations and hours volunteered continue to impress the Minnesota American Legion Family. From the Chapters reporting there were 1,291 hours in community service volunteering, 953 hours with a color guard, 425 hours at VA medical Centers and more. CCRs are sent out to the District Representatives to share with Chapters earlier in the year to document the work that we do.

Updates were given on the MN ALR Fund 85 Run set for July 23 with a kick off party in Forest Lake, and ending in Paynesville on July 26th with an ending party. Information about the run is available on the website www.fund85run.org.  The MN ALR Legacy run to benefit the National Mission is scheduled for August 16th out of Walker. The MN ALR ROMP is scheduled for September 11 – 14, at Legionville Education Center and on September 14 the Riders have been asked to participate in the Camp Ripely Open house.

Nominations and elections were held, and Duane Mabon, from Slayton Chapter 64, was elected to be the next Department Director. GaryLee Davenpport was re-elected to the Assisted Department Director, and Shawn Davis was re-elected to be Department Secretary and Treasurer.