President: We have a new president for the Juniors

I know it is a cliché, but this administrative year is going by so fast. And again, as I sit down to write this article, I count my blessings for this past year. I have enjoyed visiting with unit members throughout Minnesota and working events alongside American Legion families while meeting their communities.

I would like to thank the district and department chairmen who took their time to attend the Zoom meeting for annual reporting. My hope is that we will continue with our future leadership and the number of attendees grow. There was collaboration among the chairman and new ideas.

What a great opportunity and fun day at the American Legion Family Bowling Tournament. Commander Linda Dvorak, Commander Jeremy Copher and I threw out the first balls.

We got up and I asked where the pins were and said we could not throw until we had pins. As I turned around, I was wondering if I made a mistake by doing that, but I got a strike! Linda and I bowled doubles, and then Jeremy and ALR Director Duane Mabon  joined us for the team games. I am looking forward to receiving my trophy at convention.

Department Honorary Junior President Anastasia Donnelly had a great Junior Conference. The Juniors had fun and had a marvelous time. A big thank-you to the five district presidents who took the time to attend the weekend and support their district Juniors.

I was proud to do the graduation ceremony and welcome to senior membership Anastasia Donnelly and Rylee Wolbeck. Congratulations Abigail Koltes of the 6th District. She was elected honorary junior president for 2026-27. It was an honor to install the honorary junior officers and to retire Honorary Junior President Donnelly. And, yes, as always because this program is so close to my heart and we have the best juniors, I cried.

It is hard to believe that district convention time is already here. Please attend your district’s convention to hear what your units have been doing, to conduct business, and have time for fellowship. I have enjoyed working with the district presidents this year. They are so dedicated to the American Legion Auxiliary and working our programs.

I have put out a challenge for members to join me on Sunday, May 24, at 8:30 a.m. for the ruck to the Minneapolis VA. It is organized by 5th District Commander Jon Haworth and will start at American Legion Post 99.

It will be a 1.7-mile walk to the VA. We will drop off our food and then walk back to the post. I would love to see Auxiliary members supporting this project. Are you worried how you can participate if you are unable to walk? Come to support by donating food and supporting those of us walking. There will be a pancake breakfast that day and you can stick around for the great fellowship after.

The Department of Minnesota Joint Testimonial will be on Saturday, June 27, in New Prague. Only one night out of your busy summer. Please come celebrate with us. To me it is not about us, it is about all the hard work all our members have done this past year. The flier is in this unit mailing and on the department websites.

Our National President Pam Ray will be in Minnesota July 2-5, 2026. There will be a dinner on Thursday, July 2, at Osseo-Maple Grove Post 172. The flier is included in the unit mailing and is available on the department website. You can also see President Ray in the Forest Lake Post 225 Fourth of July Parade.

More details will be shared once travel is confirmed.

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.”