New department commander announces project

I first want to congratulate all of the vice commanders and department officers on their election. I especially want to thank all of you who voted for our team and thank you for the trust you have imposed in us that we will represent our department in a professional manner that will make you proud.

We are dedicated to having a successful year, and with your support and involvement, I know “We will”!

My theme this year is “ACT: Accountability, Communication and Transparency.”

I want our department committees and officers to be Accountable to their respective district committees and officers for support and guidance. Communication goes both ways. I want our district committees and officers to keep in touch with their respective department counterparts with any concerns or questions, and I want our department officers and committees to keep our district counterparts informed with programs and filing deadlines.

The final leg of my theme is Transparency. Both district and department officers and committees must remain open to any questions and or problems they are having and attempt to resolve any issues with respect.

My project is the Veterans Defense Project. Their mission is to restore and return veterans involved in the criminal justice system to the communities they served. They are a 501(c)3, and I am seeking to raise $60,000 to support their mission.

VDP along with the Minnesota American Legion was instrumental in enacting the Veterans Restorative Justice Act in Minnesota, which became law in 2021. This law expanded veterans courts to veterans in counties without them, among other things. The VDP is seeking funding to expand access to the VRJA for veterans in underserved areas.

I want to thank the many past department commanders, membership directors, and friends who have offered and continue to offer their suggestions and support. A special thank you to Bill and Donna Barbknecht for their friendship, concerns and support.

I want to thank the Zimmerman Post 560 Color Guard for coming to Willmar to retire the Colors at the close of convention, but more importantly for agreeing to be the Department Color Guard for the 2024-2025 year. You did a great job and made me very proud to be a member of Post 560.

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