4th District Commander’s Report

Hello, 4th District Legionnaires!  I am Vice Commander Daniel Bronk filling in for Commander Jon Haworth.

Can you believe it? Fall is just around the corner — that magical time when leaves turn, the air cools, and our community comes together once again. And guess what? We’ll be gathering in Saint Cloud for our Fall Conference.

If you’ve never attended a fall conference before, I highly encourage you to do so. It’s more than just a meeting — it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to learn about what the American Legion is doing right here in Minnesota, and how each of us can be more involved in our shared mission.

This is your chance to connect, to grow, and to lead. Because the strength of our district is built on your passion and dedication.

October marks the beginning of our merger talks. We’ll be forming committees to develop a draft plan on what a merger between the 4th and 5th Districts could look like. This is a significant step — a chance to strengthen our presence, pool our resources, and serve our veterans and communities better than ever.

I still have a few committee chair positions open. If you’re interested or want to learn more, reach out to our 4th District adjutant for a list of openings, or check out our district website. Your voice matters — don’t miss this chance to shape our future.

As you travel around to different American Legions and VFWs, I want you to pay attention. Look at how the post looks. What activities are they hosting? What’s working? What’s not? Take mental notes, ask questions, and gather ideas. Then, bring that knowledge back to your post. Share what you’ve learned with your members. Consider:

• Could a new menu item boost sales?
• Was that virtual racing game a hit with the crowd?
• Did a display of members’ photos spark conversations?
• Or perhaps an activity for youth is missing from your post?

I believe we’ve taken a step backward when it comes to hosting kids’ events. It’s time to get back to making our posts a family activity, a community hub — a place where everyone feels welcome and engaged.

Because, at the end of the day, the success of the American Legion depends on what each of us puts into it. Our legacy is built on commitment, innovation and community spirit.

So I challenge each of you: Let’s make this fall our best yet. Let’s come together in Saint Cloud, share ideas and renew our dedication. Let’s look for ways to make our posts vibrant, inclusive and impactful.

Remember — we are the American Legion. And together, we are unstoppable.