Commander: We help the children of our veterans, too

I was looking back on what I have done since I became your department commander. I have put just shy of 10,000 miles on my car and met and visited with so many people. I appreciate each invitation I get and try to attend as many events as I can.

When I visit a post or district, it reminds me of why we do what we do. They all have stories and to listen to them is so heartwarming. My project — Fund 85 and benches and tables at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley — is going well. I reached my goal $100,000, but I hope we keep pushing past that.

As of Jan. 5, we are sitting at 84.04 percent in membership, third in the nation, just 514 away from the Feb. 11 goal of 85 percent. That is amazing, BUT did you know that as of Jan. 7, there are 8,829 members that have not renewed in Minnesota, 7,731 from different posts and the other 1,098 from Post 1982 and 1982AD.

Reach out to these members, remind them that they haven’t paid their membership dues.

The Children & Youth pillar reflects a commitment that goes back to our founding more than a century ago: that we must not only care for veterans but also look after their families, especially their children, and support the youth of our nation.

The American Legion believes that every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, safe and with the opportunity to succeed. Under this pillar, we work to improve conditions for all young people, regardless of whether they are military-connected. We support programs that help youth build character, develop leadership skills and become responsible citizens.

Some of the programs supported by this pillar include Boys State and Boys Nation, which teach students how government works through hands-on experience. The American Legion Baseball program has shaped not only great athletes but great citizens and leaders for decades. The National Oratorical Contest challenges students to learn, speak and think about the U.S. Constitution — developing a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities as Americans.

The Department of Minnesota Oratorical Contest will be held in Anoka on Feb. 28. If you have the opportunity, you should come to Anoka Post 102 and see these amazing high school kids (grades 9-12) speak on the Constitution of the United States!

But it doesn’t stop there. We also step up when children are in need. The Temporary Financial Assistance program helps keep the children of veterans fed, clothed and sheltered in times of crisis. We support vaccination efforts, promote child safety and work to prevent substance abuse.

And, perhaps most importantly, we make sure the children of our active-duty military and our veterans know that they are not forgotten. When the federal government shut down in the winter of 2018-19, servicemembers in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines continued to receive their paychecks. But on Jan. 15, 2019, members of the U.S. Coast Guard — which falls under the Department of Homeland Security — did not get paid.

That’s when The American Legion stepped in, delivering $1,000,500 in Temporary Financial Assistance grants, assisting 3,120 children of 1,173 active-duty guardsmen servicemembers who were financially affected by the shutdown.

When we invest in children; we invest in America’s future. The young people we mentor and support today will be the leaders, innovators and defenders of freedom tomorrow. The American Legion’s Children & Youth pillar reminds us that we have a responsibility to make sure that future is bright.

So let us continue this important work — mentoring, teaching and caring for the next generation. Because by helping children grow strong in character and opportunity, we help keep America strong.

Linda Dvorak of New Prague Post 45 is the commander of The American Legion Department of Minnesota. Her theme is “Back to the Basics – The Four Pillars.”