NECman: Time to let someone else be NECman

Commander Carl Moon’s testimonial dinner in Walker was well-attended for a job well done by our commander.

Spring meetings and NEC meetings will be in Indianapolis.  We have several veterans attending from Minnesota. District conventions start May 17. There are four of them that weekend.

I hope someone from your post did attend Minnesota American Legion College at Camp Ripley. It is a very good training opportunity for those interested in taking on a post or district office. I ask you all to please send in your Post Consolidated Report. Every post does something. The CPR is due June 1.

Also send in your report to update your post officers, even if they are remaining the same. This is due by the department convention each July.

Minnesota has the best Legion camp anywhere in the nation.  Please sign up your youth for this one-week safety camp at Legionville. It is a week of learning, training and fun.

All posts should be at 95 percent in membership by now. Time to do check in face-to-face with that member who has not renewed. They need the Legion, and we need them.

A simple reminder of the things the American Legion has done in the past, the VA and all the health and prescription services, the GI Bill and of course in Minnesota Fund 85 for those in need of some temporary help. On May 3-9, the sixth and final renewal notice for 2025 will go out.  “Be the One” to sign up a new member.

I hope you made the time to hear National Commander James LaCoursiere speak while he was in Minnesota. We had great turnouts at posts across southern Minnesota and the metro, and the local media came to all but two stops.

Minnesotans also heard the commander on Minnesota Public Radio on March 24. If you want to go back and listen, it was an episode of “Minnesota Now with Nina Moini.” He was the second guest. The host asked about suicide prevention and the “Be the One” mobile app.

At our March 8 DEC meeting at Chanhassen Post 580, I asked if the attendees had heard of Jelly Roll? I stated that I am like a hit song he sings called “I Am Not OK.”

He sings, “I’m not OK, but it’s all gonna be all right.”

I told everyone I was alternate NEC for four years, and NEC for six years. It is past time for me to step down. We are gone over six weeks a year for The American Legion. It is time I step aside. I will not be running for NEC.

I will fill out my term, which closes at the 106th National Convention in Tampa Aug. 23-28. Donna and I thank you all for your friendship and hospitality over the years. We have met so many good people working to help our veterans and communities. That is what we all are about.

We look forward to seeing you July 9-12 in Willmar at the Department Convention. If I can be of any help, please call me at 218-770-6264.

Bill Barbknecht of Fergus  Falls Post 30 is the Department of Minnesota’s National Executive Committeeman.