President: Fill out unit annual reports by April 15

This administrative year is flying by and with visiting units I have been able to hear the work that our members at the unit level do for our veterans, military and their families, and the work within their communities. I thank all unit members and ask that you take the time to fill out your unit annual reports this year due April 15.

I know you are thinking why is she writing about this so early?

First, it is not too early to start gathering information and organize your thoughts. In fact, it will make it easier.

Second, we made sure this year that the reports and award information was available early so you could plan programming accordingly.

And lastly, we are holding unit annual reporting Zoom meetings on Monday, Feb. 9, and Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. Both nights will cover the same information so pick the night that works for your schedule and contact Department Secretary Christie to register.

Thank you for the continued support for the Department President’s Project. I know we, Minnesota members, can make the goal of $35,000 to help our Minnesota veterans participate in an Honor Flight. A reminder to send your donation to the Department Office with “President’s Project” in the memo line. We can only count donations given through the Department Office.

We need your help!

As of writing this article we need 1,270 members to meet the goal of 85 percent by March 1. This will give us some grace period to be eligible for the Department Merit Medallion at National Convention. This award focuses on recognizing and celebrating departments that strive for and achieve business management excellence.

Minnesota is working hard to achieve this with the help of many members behind the scenes with the business management piece and with the membership teams including unit, district, and our Department Membership Chairman Kollette Kaehlert.

The American Legion Birthday is coming up March 15. What is your unit planning to celebrate your American Legion members? Have a dinner, bring a birthday cake to the post meeting, make and send cards, plan a family event showing your community the importance of our American Legion Family.

Save the date!

National President Pam Ray will be visiting Minnesota July 2-5. More information on her schedule will be coming but make plans now to see her in the Forest Lake Fourth of July Parade.

The 2025-26 American Legion Family Leadership will host a joint testimonial on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The evening will start at 5 p.m. with a social hour, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program and a band will play until 10 p.m. Tickets will be $25 per person and information about purchasing will come out soon with a flier.

Robin Dorf of Monticello Unit 260 is the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Minnesota. Her theme is “Promoting Our Mission by Working Our Programs.”