Jessica Lynch to speak at Fall Conference

ST. CLOUD — The keynote speaker at the American Legion Fall Conference will be rescued Iraq War POW Jessica Lynch.

She speaks during a joint session of the Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 23.

The Fall Conference is set for Oct. 22, 23 and 24 at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.

In March 2003, Lynch was serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company. Her hometown is Palestine, W.Va.

Iraqi troops ambushed the unit’s convoy during the Battle of Nasiriyah. Lynch was injured and captured by the enemy shortly afterward.

A team of special ops forces — Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Air Force Pararescue and the Army Night Stalkers (aviation) — rescued her while a Marine unit provided diversions.

It was the first successful rescue of an American POW since World War II. She received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and POW medals.

Also appearing at the Fall Conference will be the leading candidate for American Legion national commander, Matthew J. Shuman of Arizona. He is an Army veteran who served as a military police officer. Later, he joined the Arizona National Guard and was part of the distinguished honor guard.

Shuman attended Arizona State University and worked for U.S. Rep. Trent Franks. Later, he was involved in congressional campaigns before he began to focus on veteran issues.

He is a former director of the National Legislative Division for The American Legion. He has been involved in the passage of the MISSION Act, the American Legion Centennial Commemorative Coin Act and the LEGION Act.

Shuman is a member of Post 44 in Scottsdale, Ariz. He is a member of Auxiliary Unit 91 in Chandler, Ariz., SAL Squadron 62 in Peoria, Ariz., and ALR Chapter 24 in Tombstone, Ariz.

Shuman is married to his husband, Matthew Ambler.

The schedule for the Fall Conference is not set. However, people can register at mnlegion.org or via Zeffy or use the form in the Legionnaire print version.

“There will be breakout sessions with opportunities to learn about membership, MyLegion.org, legal questions, post operations and other useful information members can bring back to their posts,” said Department Commander Pam Krill.

The gambling seminar is at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The DEC is at 7:30 p.m. that day.