Hassing rides again

New commander has served in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan

REDWOOD FALLS — Past Department Membership Director and Past State American Legion Riders Director Paul Hassing of Bloomington Post 550 was elected department commander on July 15, the final day of the 104th Department of Minnesota Convention.

“Somebody just told me that when you get to this level, you should no longer be nervous up here. I beg to differ,” he said.

Hassing has been married to his wife, Jody, for 15 years. They have five children and eight grandchildren. She is president of Bloomington Unit 550.

When they aren’t volunteering at their events, they enjoy riding their motorcycles, camping, cruising and hanging out with friends.

Paul Hassing retired from the Army Reserve in June with 32 years of service, though he still does some post-retirement work for the Army Reserve.

He has been deployed multiple times during the Global War on Terrorism. He has combat tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. In addition, he deployed to Papua New Guinea on a humanitarian mission.

Hassing, during his yearlong campaign, had a life-size cardboard cutout placed near the doors at department events. It was known as “Flat Paul.” He had used a Flat Paul when he campaigned for 10th District commander in 2016-17. He won and was the district commander for 2017-18.

“I found out I was going to be deployed during the year of campaigning. And so I talked with the family, and they thought about it, and we thought, ‘Well, how can I campaign from Afghanistan?’” he said. “So we came up with Flat Paul.”

Hassing is the past commander of Minneapolis Veterans Home Post 581 and past commander and past adjutant of Bloomington Post 550. He has served several roles in the 10th District. He graduated from National American Legion College in 2010. He serves on the National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Council.

Hassing thanked many people for their support over the year. He gave particular attention to Steve Sullivan. He was feeling down about participation in The American Legion, and Sullivan showed him what the American Legion Riders do, and he got involved with them. That kept his interest going.

Hassing’s theme is “The Road Ahead.” He explains it in his column on Page 4. He said he appreciates the work of veterans of the past, though it is time to focus on what’s ahead. He is the first state director of the American Legion Riders to become department commander.

Hassing named Past 2nd District Commander Pam Krill as membership director.

“A lot of you know me, and I have persistence, and I’m going to carry that on as your membership director this year,” she said.

Hassing is the second department commander hailing from Bloomington Post 550. The first was Marvin F. Gerdesmeier, who served in the role in 1976-77. He was a Marine veteran of the Korean era. He was the owner-operator of Marv’s Blacktopping Service in Bloomington. He had been membership director the prior year, and he served as 10th District commander in 1967. His wife was Elaine.

Kellogg endorsed for national vice commander

James Kellogg of Adams Post 146 won an election over Michael Ash of St. Paul Christie DeParcq Post 406 to capture the department endorsement for the next national vice commander from Minnesota.

Minnesota submits an endorsement for a national vice commander about every eight years. Kellogg would take the position at the 106th National Convention in New Orleans in 2024.

Havlick says farewell

In addition to many thanks and statements of gratitude, outgoing Commander Jennifer Havlick reminded everyone that what the Legion Family does saves lives. She went through the Four Pillars.

Americanism strengthens the nation. National Security ensures the Armed Forces have what they need to perform. Children & Youth teaches safety. Veterans Rehabilitation & Affairs helps veterans and their families get the medical help they deserve.

She said how Past National Commander David Rehbein of Iowa spoke of how your “why” is fluid.

She said she joined as an Auxiliary member. They learned she was a veteran and asked her to join the Legion, and she helped fix some issues at hand, at their request. As she got involved in district and department, her “why” changed. She thought about her father and his experience after the Vietnam War.

“Because, Pop, I don’t want what happened to you to ever, ever happen again to our veterans and their families ever,” Havlick said.

Chaplain

There was a three-way race for department chaplain heading into the convention.

Joe Tappainer of Apple Valley Post 1776 withdrew for health reasons. That left two candidates.

Dean Knutson of Ashby Post 357 won the spot, defeating Randy Olson of Winnebago Post 82.

Vice Commanders

The department vice commander races were uncontested. Elected are:

Chuck Stone of Owatonna Post 77 for districts 1 and 3.

Victor Gades of Prairie Post 1998 for districts 2 and 7.

Lynne Nottage of Minneapolis Post 1 for districts 4 and 5.

Paul Edwards of Nisswa Post 627 for districts 6 and 9.

Bill Gordon of St. Michael Post 567 for districts 8 and 10.

Other officers

The other spots were uncontested. They were:

NECman: Bill Barbknecht, Underwood Post 489

Alternate NECman: Peggy Moon, Zimmerman Post 560

Historian: Christopher Anderson, Hastings Post 47

Sergeant-at-Arms: Brad Pagel, Slayton Post 64

Board of Publications

Incumbent Paul Edwards was elected by the convention to another three-year term on the Board of Publications, which oversees The Minnesota Legionnaire.

At the DEC meeting on July 15 after the convention, Past Chaplain Kelley Adelsman of Pine Island Post 184 was appointed to an open spot on the Board of Publications.

The Department of Minnesota list of committee can be found here.