Let’s show support for National President Lisa Williamson

There are several events to look forward to in Minnesota’s American Legion Family.

American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer is coming in April. I had the privilege to hear him speak at the 90th Annual Pilgrimage to Lincoln’s Tomb, just a couple weeks ago. He is inspirational and amazing!

You can hear his message by signing up for one of his post visits during his time in Minnesota (see story on Page 1) or by attending Veterans Day on the Hill.

I am so excited to hear him speak at Veterans Day on the Hill at the St. Paul Armory on April 17! Contact your state representatives and state senators. Tell them to meet you there and be sure to join us that day. Let’s get them onboard with the Minnesota American Legion Legislative Priorities.

I plan to be arriving with our up-north crew as they are picking up a few of us on the way down from Bemidji.

National President Lisa Williamson will arrive about 10 days later. We will show her some of Minnesota’s veteran facilities and give her time to visit with veterans. Monday night, I hope many are able to attend dinner at the Sauk Centre American Legion Post 67 meet and greet.

Tuesday evening, we will have dinner at the Redwood Falls Post 38. Let’s pack the house! If you live way south, then Wednesday, May 1, lunch will be at the Adrian Post 32 and dinner will be at the Lake Crystal Post 294. There is further information in the Legionnaire and the unit mailing. Hope to see you at one of these stops.

Williamson is a member of Fairbanks, Alaska, Unit 57 and is eligible for membership through her rather, Ray Allington, her adoptive father, Keith LaChance, and through the military service of her son, Kyle, who serves in the Alaska Air National Guard. Williamson also is an American Legion Rider.

In her professional life, Lisa worked for The American Legion Department of Alaska for eight years and has been a licensed realtor for over 20 years.

The National American Legion Auxiliary Mission Training was so informative. It is great to see our male Auxiliary members embracing their new role and listening and learning.

The national commander, national SAL commander and national president are all embracing the “Be the One” initiative. Are you aware that over the last decade military suicides have risen. Active-duty military suicides increased over the first three months of 2023 and 90 percent of suicide survivors do not die by suicide later.

“Be the One” to ask the question and listen when a person in crisis speaks, then connect them with help. “Be the One” to save a life.

To find helpful information, visit BetheOne.org. Also, on The American Legion website legion.org. If you are a veteran in crisis, resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call 988 and press 1, Text 838255 or visit the VA Crisis Line website at veteranscrisisline.net. To hear the national president’s special message and to find links to resources, visit ALAforVeterans.org. The menu option is “National Officers.”

Let’s put a spring in someone’s step. Contact that veteran or member you have not heard from in a while. How are you? What have you been up to lately? Would you like to have a cup of coffee together?

Don’t just wonder why. Ask!

Sharon Cross of Bemidji Unit 14 is the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Minnesota. Her theme is “Be The One to Dance Into the Hearts of Veterans.”