ALR Director: Pro-active approach is key to future

By Duane Mabon

Greetings to my fellow Legionnaires and the Minnesota American Legion Family. My name is Duane Mabon, and I am the newly elected director for the Minnesota American Legion Riders. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Jody Hassing for her time and devotion as ALR director these past two years. Job well-done!

I am a 24-year member of Pipestone American Legion Post 6. I’ve been a Legion Rider for over 12 years. I’m proud to be serving my fifth year as the Riders director for the Slayton Chapter 64, and I have worked at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne as their public affairs/volunteer services coordinator the past 18 years.

As I begin my new role, I anticipate there will be road bumps and detours along my journey the next two years as director. However, no elected position that I’m aware of ever goes smoothly. Therefore, my goal is to take a pro-active approach and try to get in front of any issues I am made aware of regarding the Minnesota American Legion Riders. I am hoping this approach can address the concern and ratify the issue promptly.

I realize everyone’s life schedules are busy away from Legion business, therefore, a courtesy reminder to follow the All-Family Events Calendar printed in the Legionnaire normally somewhere within the first five pages. I have found the information to be quite useful when looking for dates and events within the Legion Family.

On Sept. 4-7 is Camporee, and on Sept. 11-14 is the Romp. Both events held at Legionville. All Legion Family members are welcome.

We just completed the Fund 85 Run, and Secretary Shawn Davis announced Minnesota ALR received donations around $63,000, with more trickling in. The final tally will be announced at the Fall Conference in St. Cloud, Oct. 24-25.

Finally, if you are having an American Legion event whether it be post, unit, squadron, chapter or juniors and you would like my smile and dimples to attend, please reach out at 507-215-1565 and let me know. My wife, Sara and I enjoy traveling, as well as our dog, Koda (black Lab). I came up with these six adjectives I believe describe the Minnesota American Legion Riders passion and commitment toward veterans, their families and their well-being:

R-resourceful; I-incredible: D-determined; E-excellent; R-reliable; and S-sensational = RIDERS.

God bless our veterans and their families and remember … “Let’s Be Awesome Today!”