President: Project is Honor Flight; goal is $35,000

The 2025 National American Legion Auxiliary Convention in Tampa, Fla., was an exciting time to remind me of why I love being a part of this organization. Hearing how others serve our veterans, time spent with friends, reconnecting with friends across the country, and making memories. The time flies by so quickly.

A highlight for me was being installed by National President Pam Ray as your department president. Walking in the processional and standing with all the other department presidents, knowing we each were going to commit our next year to the American Legion Auxiliary and the members within our departments, was inspiring.

Congratulations to the members of the Department of Minnesota, 2024-2025 Past President Judy Ackerman and Membership Chairman Hope Wilson for earning the 2025 Merit Medallion! At the National Convention, Judy received the medallion on stage and all members attending convention received a pin to wear, noting our department was a medallion winner.

Thank you to the Legionville Camporee committee for planning a fun weekend for our American Legion Family. A lot of work goes into planning and working the weekend and do not think it goes unnoticed. Big thank you to the 10th, 6th and 1st districts for planning meals. The food and fellowship were wonderful. Not sure whom to thank — I am quite sure it was Rick Cross — for the dunk tank experience? I am proud to report that Commander Linda Dvorak, SAL Commander Jeremy Copher, ALR Director Duane Mabob and Alternate NECman Paul Hassing and I all took the plunge for Camporee.

I was invited to attend the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System’s opening preview reception for the Creative Arts Competition and was also able to attend the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System’s Creative Arts Competition. The creative writing, visual art, and performing arts of our veterans is absolutely beautiful. It touched my heart to see the stories behind their work. My favorite quote from a veteran speaking was “I don’t want to call this a competition; it is a celebration.”  He hit it right on the nail, it was a celebration!

I was excited to attend my first Minnesota American Legion Riders meeting and installation at Legionville. I really wanted to support Director Duane when he was installed. I loved listening to all the work that the riders do for our veterans. I met new friends in our American Legion Family and treasure the time spent with them.

The Department President’s Project (our Minnesota project) this year is Honor Flight. At first, I was hesitant in mentioning the project so much, then I realized that this is about our veterans and helping give them an experience of a lifetime. So, I will mention when writing and speaking to get the word out. It is not about me, but the veterans we serve.

Our goal is to raise $35,000 to split evenly between the six hubs and Lone Eagle that support our Minnesota veterans, so that each gets $5,000. Please consider donating, through our department office, to this worthy cause.

Let’s talk about Fall Conference Oct. 23-25 in St Cloud! Thursday night there will be a one-hour learning opportunity. There is a flier in the unit mailing on the short, but informative, presentation. The Fall Conference program will have a slight new look this year. Department chairmen have been busy working on Fall Conference presentation, and trifolds with information not covered in their presentations. There will be a few fun surprises, too! We will have the Northwestern Division National Vice President Shareen Johnson of the Department of Wyoming visiting the conference.

There will be a Poppy Making Contest again this year between sister districts on Friday night. What an opportunity to volunteer and give back! We are asking all the American Legion Family to come over on Friday night to help. There is a continued poppy shortage. Poppy distribution helps with donating funds back to our veterans.

The American Legion Family Service Project this year will be for the St. Cloud Stand Down We will be collecting new (not used) men’s and women’s underwear, men’s and women’s socks, men’s and women’s winter jackets, hats, scarves and gloves, full size toiletries including body wash, deodorants, razors, lotions, brushes/combs, women’s tampons, and sanitary pads (light/medium). Items can be dropped off starting Thursday to Saturday morning at 9am.

I am looking forward to meeting the members of our department. If you have an upcoming event, you would like me to attend, please refer to the Department President visit request form on the department website. I am willing to work at an event you have planned or attend a unit meeting or event with your family.

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.”