ALR Director: Legacy Run and Romp are up next

Editor’s Note: This went to press in the print issue just as the Fund 85 Ride was wrapping up.

The 107th Department Convention of the Minnesota American Legion is officially over. Congratulations to those elected for 2026-27 Department leadership: Department Commander Pam Krill, Department President Linda Kelly, SAL Detachment Commander Chuck Stone, and me for a second year as ALR director.

The American Legion Riders Department of Minnesota met on Friday, July 10, for their annual convention. All officers were present or excused. Nine American Legion districts were present with a representative. There were 19 ALR chapters with 36 members in attendance.

ALR officer reports were presented, budget was discussed, Resolution 2026-01 was discussed, as well as other convention business. All necessary motions were made and approved. The budget and Resolution 2026-01 were approved during the post DEC meeting on July 11.

By the time this article is published, the Fund 85 Ride annual ride will have concluded. (Fund 85 is the Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund.) I am hoping for a successful collection of donations during this ride, and a safe one as well. I will report on our success in the next Legionnaire edition.

The Minnesota Legacy Run for the National Mission will be on Saturday, Aug. 15, starting at the Moorhead American Legion Post 21. Doug Dietrich and Shawn “Oggy” Carlson have worked together to plan a nice ride. Hotel blocks are available Friday, Aug. 14, at Microtel in Moorhead and Saturday, Aug. 15, at Grandstay in Thief River Falls.

The ALR Romp is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Sept. 20, at Legionville. This is an opportunity for Riders and friends to celebrate the approaching end of the riding season and look back at the wonderful accomplishments the Riders were part of during 2026.

The charge is $30 per day and includes two meals. A room block is being prepared for those not wanting to stay in the dorms, don’t have an RV to hook up, or don’t feel like sleeping in a tent. If you are staying off property, there are “a la carte” prices available.

In closing, I would like to give a “shout out” to Tim Engstrom and the Legionnaire paper. He does an awesome job organizing and arranging every article and picture submitted. I appreciate the hard work he puts in for each edition as well as those from the Minnesota American Legion Family who provides the information and pictures. Keep up the “great” work everyone.

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

Duane Mabon of Pipestone Post 6 is the director of the Minnesota American Legion Riders.