Chaplain: Visit to brand new post was exciting

Hello, fellow Legionnaires, Auxiliary and SAL members, Legion Riders and Legion Cruisers!

My prayers go out to those of us who hunker down all winter, which so far has been the coldest and snowiest winter since 2019. Also, to the snowbirds and the vacationers going to warmer climates. Hopefully everyone stays warm and safe.

I’d like to thank Commander Linda Dvorak for attending our Earl C. Hill Post 550 meeting in January in Bloomington and informing us about the importance of keeping our membership current by calling members who haven’t paid their membership for 2026, and to keep up with the recruitments of new members.

The next evening, I was invited to Chester Bird Post 523 in Golden Valley for a meal and their monthly meeting. Post 523, thanks to members and leadership, opened a brand-new post home on Highway 55. It was so heartwarming to see them prosper in these difficult times to do a 360 and continue to help fellow veterans and their families in need.

Good luck, Commander Craig Hartman, on your new Post 523 home. If you’re ever in the Golden Valley area, stop in. Their hospitality is five stars, for sure.

On the first Wednesday of every month, I’ve been calling bingo at the Minneapolis Veterans Home along with five fellow members of Bloomington 550. The veteran residents enjoy bingo with lots of happy faces. Our post also helps fund it.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I would like to offer a prayer to our veterans and their families and friends.

“Heavenly Father, on this day of affection, we pause to honor the bond of love and comradeship within our Legion Family. We thank you for the spouses, families and friends who have shared in the sacrifices of service, providing a sanctuary of love in our lives. Bless O Lord, those who have stood beside our veterans in times of need and those who have comforted us in times of loss. Grant us we pray for a heart like yours — a heart that is courageous, self-sacrificing, devoted to our community and country. As we celebrate, strengthen the ties that unite us, that we may continue to serve with a spirit of Love and devotion. In your Holy Name, we pray Amen.”

Here is another for members dealing with winter:

“Dear Lord, as we navigate the cold of winter, we ask for your blessing upon the officers and members of our American Legion Family. Guide our leadership with wisdom and patience as we serve our fellow veterans and their families. Protect our members from harsh elements, keep them safe on the roads and guard their health. For those in our community experiencing loneliness, hunger or cold, fill our hearts with compassion to reach out with a helping hand. We honor the sacrifices of our veterans’ past and present — and ask that you strengthen their families, especially those separated during the holiday season. Grant us unity, peace and renewed purpose in our mission to serve God and country. In your name we pray. Amen.”

Jim Mead of Bloomington Post 550 is the chaplain for The American Legion Department of Minnesota.