NECman: Is there anything else for the good of the Legion?

American Legion Baseball is preparing for postseason tournaments. Good wishes to all of our American Legion Baseball teams. We appreciate your continued participation in this program. Maybe this year is the year we get a team in the American Legion World Series? We sure enjoy watching this sport.

My post, Fergus Falls Post 30, is doing well this year. They have a record of 11-2 as of July 1 and is ranked No. 13 in the state. The Junior team is 6-5.

District conventions are in the past. Congratulations to all new district officers. It is always good to have new minds and ideas in these positions.  However, you have a wealth of information from prior officers, so please let’s work together for the good of your district. As always remember to do buddy checks for those members you have not seen in a while.

As we look forward to the Department Convention, we will again see new officers, new ideas and new leadership. As I said earlier in this letter, let’s all work together for our veterans (past and present), families and our communities.

As this will be my last article as your NEC, Donna and I THANK the entire Department of Minnesota staff for all of your help these past six years. Donna and I look forward to spending more time with the families and maybe a few little trips to the Dakotas and Minnesota.

I would be remiss to add we are expecting a new little great granddaughter in Indiana around Christmas so, of course, we will make a trip to the Hoosier State also to welcome her.

We will keep working for all our veterans, families and communities.

I have been lucky to have the BEST Alternate NEC Peggy Moon. She was always ready to step in and fill in for me when I needed her. Thank you seems like it is not adequate for all her help and support. I am sure she will be a huge help to the newly elected NEC and alternate, as I will be also.

Have a great time in Tampa Bay at the National Convention Aug. 22-28. Dan Wiley of Kansas will be elected your next national commander. Dan is also a cattleman and is great friend. I will be watching his progress during the year and positive he will do us all proud. Tampa Bay is Commander Carl Moon’s old hometown where he was raised.

It has been a very learning experience this past six years. I have enjoyed so much and appreciate the mentorship, from my past NECs and Past National Commander Dan Ludwig. Be respectful to each other and always help someone is my leaving request. Donna and I look forward to doing what we choose, when we choose.

Thank you all. Warmest regards.

Bill Barbknecht of Fergus  Falls Post 30 is the Department of Minnesota’s National Executive Committeeman. His term ends at the close of the National Convention on Aug. 28.