Tim Engstrom
EditorRecent Articles by Tim Engstrom
Legion Baseball celebrates its 100th season
I wanted to share with the readers what National American Legion HQ put on its website about Minnesota American Legion Baseball:
Mail Call: USS Saint Paul crew seeks a memorial
The USS Saint Paul Association has initiated a fundraising campaign to establish a commemorative memorial in the state of Minnesota to honor the ship and the men who served on her. The association is currently in the application process with the Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) and hopes to achieve final approval for the project at the end of 2025.
Epilogue to Mora Post 201 story
MORA — A story in the March 2025 issue detailed how Mora American Legion Post 201 was being forced to pay $7,000 in commercial property taxes even though it has no bar or banquet business. It is a veterans memorial next to a building with military depictions, existing solely on donations.
Mail Call: That building is more than just a building
The American Legion was founded in 1919 and was recognized by Congress that year with a national charter. The organization was created to advocate for veterans of World War I.
Chaplain: Morality and belief can’t be legislated
A command sergeant major, I worked for during my Army active-duty time in the 1980s commented how confused he was over religious and faith expression. As a military leader during his tour in Vietnam, he would have to discipline pagans if caught practicing solstice events.
Sign up today for the Department Convention
WILLMAR — Registration is open for the 106th American Legion Department of Minnesota Convention.
‘Be the One’ mobile app to be part of MDVA suicide prevention
MINNEAPOLIS — The American Legion, in February, rolled out its “Be the One” mobile app aimed at assisting veterans in crisis in an effort to reduce suicides.
National commander spreads message of suicide prevention, second chances
LA CRESCENT — American Legion National Commander James A. “Jim” LaCoursiere Jr. came to Minnesota the last week of March with a message: “It’s OK to not be OK, and you know that I am on your side.”
NEC seats to shuffle
CHANHASSEN — National Executive Committeeman Bill Barbknecht of Fergus Falls Post 30 has been in his red-cap role since 2019, traveling back and forth to the top floor of the American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis for NEC meetings.
Mail Call: It’s been an honor to serve Minnesota
First of all, I would like to say “thank you” for all of the many cards, gifts, blankets, flowers and prayers given to me over the past nine months. They must have worked because I’m getting stronger each day.
Commander: Minnesota impresses national commander
We just finished our week’s tour with our National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr.
Politics distracts from message at Veterans Day on the Hill
“We would rather have our focus be on getting our legislation passed here in Minnesota, not on national politics,” said Minnesota American Legion Commander Carl Moon, who chairs the CTF this year.