Commander: ’Tis the season to serve the community

’Tis the season, and here’s hoping everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and is looking forward to a jolly Christmas and a joyous New Year.

’Tis also the season for our state Legislature to begin their 2025-2026 biennium on Tuesday Jan. 14. This could be a challenging session with the House being equally divided. That said, please make sure to respond to your state and federal senators and representatives when you receive emails from the American Legion Department of Minnesota “grassroots” or “Voter Voice” and let them know your support for those issues that are so important to veterans and their families.

I am very sure that Department Legislative Chair Kristy Janigo will keep us informed when your support is needed. As of this printing, the date for Veterans Day on The Hill has not been set. The Washington Conference will be Feb. 22-26.

’Tis also the season for our District Mid-Winter Conferences to begin. This is a great time to attend your district conferences to learn what is going on, the important issues, and an opportunity to provide your input and get involved. Your district needs you and your support.

Your district and department also need your involvement and support for our youth programs. Start planning on who you should contact at your local schools for these wonderful opportunities for scholarships and education about how our government functions.

The Department Oratorical Contest is scheduled for Feb. 22. Boys State begins June 8, at St. John’s University. Legionville School Safety Camp begins June 15. These six weekly sessions are not only an opportunity for our young children to have a great time, meet new friends, but also learn about how to be safe and what to do in various emergencies.

Be sure to look at the All-Family Events Calendar on Page 6 for a full slate of Minnesota American Legion, Auxiliary and SAL activities.

As I began this article mentioning the holiday season, please be ever mindful of our fellow veterans and friends who may be suffering from depression and loneliness. “Be the One” to reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. Just a phone call or maybe sharing a cup of coffee can make a huge difference.

In closing, please help me welcome two of our newest members: Army veteran Hank Shea, former U.S. assistant attorney and present chair of the Veterans Defense Project; and Army veteran Brock Hunter, a former recon scout and co-founder of the Veterans Defense Project. Welcome.

Peggy and I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Carl Moon of Zimmerman  Post 560 is the commander of The American Legion Department of Minnesota. His theme is “ACT: Accountability, Communication and Transparency.”