Resolutions of the 2025 Department Convention

By American Legion Department of Minnesota Published July 2, 2025

The 106th American Legion Department of Minnesota Convention is July 10-12, 2025, at Willmar Conference Center, Willmar. Find convention schedules and registration information by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you there. Delegates, please educate yourself on the resolutions being considered at the convention by reading them here. Thank you.

Resolution No.: 25-01
Date Received: 19 May 2025
Title: Expanding the Presumptive Agent Orange Exposure Due to Soil Contamination on the Korean DMZ to August 31, 2001 (The Tappainer Act)
Author: Post 586 {Marissa LaCourt}

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that veterans who served in certain areas of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides, which has led to various health problems; and

WHEREAS, Agent Orange was used extensively on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to clear vegetation and reduce concealment for enemy forces during the period of April 1, 1968, to August 31, 1971; and

WHEREAS, many veterans who served on the Korean DMZ during the above-mentioned period were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides, but their service has been excluded from the VA’s presumptive exposure list; and

WHEREAS, the VA has recognized soil contamination from Agent Orange on the Korean DMZ, and some veterans who served after 1971 are suffering from conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure, yet they remain ineligible for benefits due to the VA’s limited presumptive service connection timeline; and

WHEREAS, there is growing evidence that soil contamination from Agent Orange remained in the DMZ area for many years after the last known use of the herbicide, potentially affecting veterans who served beyond August 31, 1971; and

WHEREAS, veterans who served in the DMZ up to August 31, 2001, may have been unknowingly exposed to toxic herbicides due to residual contamination from Agent Orange, putting them at risk for the same health conditions as those veterans who served within the original presumptive period; and

WHEREAS, these veterans and their families deserve recognition, support, and access to appropriate medical care and benefits for the health effects caused by Agent Orange exposure; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion has long been a vocal advocate for fair treatment of all veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and recognition they deserve for their service and sacrifices;

Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the American Legion urges the United States Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand the presumptive exposure for veterans who served on the Korean DMZ to include those who served until August 31, 2001, due to the ongoing risk of exposure to soil contamination from Agent Orange; and

Be it further RESOLVED, that the American Legion calls for appropriate funding and research to assess the impact of Agent Orange exposure on veterans who served in this region and to provide them with the medical care, benefits, and recognition they are entitled to under the law; and

Be it further RESOLVED this resolution was approved at Post 586 general membership meeting May 1, 2025 and this resolution is forwarded to the Department of Minnesota Third District convention scheduled for 17 May 2025; and

Be it further RESOLVED this resolution was approved at the Department of Minnesota Third District convention scheduled for 17 May 2025, and this resolution is forwarded to the Department of Minnesota convention 10-12 July 2025; and

Be it finally RESOLVED, this resolution upon approval at the Department of Minnesota convention is forwarded to The American Legion National convention 26-28 August 2025 for concurrent action.

Resolution No.: 25-02
Date Received: 28 May 2025
Title: Timely Distribution of Membership dues to the Departments
Author: Adams Post 146

WHEREAS, The American Legion is composed of the National, Department and Post Organizations; and

WHEREAS, each of these is dependent upon annual dues collected; and

WHEREAS, each of these operates on an annual budget based up on the amount of dues collected to meet their cash flow needs; and

WHEREAS, all dues paid by the members of each Post are collected by the National Headquarters annually; and

WHEREAS, each Department relies on the timely distribution of the dues collected by the National Headquarters to meet their cash flow needs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by American Legion Post 146, Adams, Minnesota in regular meeting on April 13, 2025, that the National Headquarters distribute dues they collect no later than the 28th day of the month following their collection; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the First District Convention in Lake City, Minnesota on May 17, 2025 for their approval, and be it further

RESOLVED, that upon approval, a copy be forwarded to the Department of Minnesota Convention in Willmar, Minnesota on July 10, 11, and 12, 2025 for their approval; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that a copy if this resolution be forwarded to the 106th National American Legion Convention in Tampa, Florida on August 22 thru 28, 2025 for concurring action.

Resolution No.: 25-03
Date Received: 11 Jun 2025
Title: Creation of the Grants, Funding, and Nonprofit Services Committee
Author: Post 19, Madelia, Minnesota

WHEREAS, Billions of dollars were lost in 2024 in unused grants across the nation; some of which fell underneath at least one of the American Legion’s 4 Pillars and

WHEREAS, during the Pandemic, US restaurants applying for grants lost $5 million due to submitting applications with incorrect information and

WHEREAS, Some of the billions of dollars in unused grant funds were applied for but rejected because the applying organizations didn’t meet application deadlines or have the correct information necessary to apply for the grant; Tax ID number, tax reporting, incorrect Form 990s or have organized supporting information and

WHEREAS, Without organizing and centralizing this effort, The American Legion Department of MN is losing out on grants, benefits afforded to nonprofits such as tools and services, and modern fundraising methods and: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By Post 19, Madelia regularly assembled in Madelia, MN on February 13, 2025, That The American Legion Department of MN shall establish a Grants, Funding and Nonprofit Services Committee at the Department level; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants, Funding, and Nonprofit Services Committee’s purpose is to support Department operations, programs committees, districts, and posts through research, detecting trends, determining current best practices by providing knowledge, and documentation around modernizing fundraising, applying for grants and technical tools and various services afforded to nonprofits; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants Funding and Nonprofit Services Committee will effectively train and disseminate information in the following areas but not limited to best practices and workflows regarding grant applications, requests for donations, starting a 501C3, yearly requirements, creating a Legion Family fund, templates of letters to governing bodies, opening a checking account correctly, filing and understanding a Form 990, applying for grants and technology tools and services afforded to nonprofits, and knowing what to look for when signing paperwork; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants Funding and Nonprofit Services Committee will research modern, effective fundraising methods, and legal charitable fundraising methods (outside of daily gambling operations), create and document guidelines, and publicly acknowledge and award successful districts and posts; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants Funding and Nonprofit Services Committee members must ensure training by creating and documenting training guides or using a third-party provider and disseminating them state-wide via the department website, email, social media, and in-person training at Legion College, Fall Convention, and other training opportunities; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants and Funding Committee will collaborate with Legion Family leadership and committees to exchange knowledge, and the Committee will take part in Department strategic planning; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants Funding and Nonprofit Services Committee shall consist of five appointed members, including an elected Chair, and shall report to the Department Commander; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department Controller, Department Adjutant, Department Service Officer, and Department grant writing employees and contractors shall sit on the Committee as non-voting staff advisors, and the remaining members will be selected at large based on knowledge or education about grants, nonprofit fundraising, charitable gambling fundraising, and nonprofit tools and services and experience required as an active Post Officer and at least one committee member must have experience as a Gambling Manager; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That of the five members appointed immediately following the 2025 Department Convention, three shall serve a term of three years, one shall serve a term of two years, and one shall serve a term of one year; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That thereafter, appointments to fill expiring terms shall be made annually by the Department Commander, and such appointments shall be for terms of three years; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department Commander is authorized to make such interim appointments as may be required to fill vacancies in unexpired terms and to replace inactive members or those members deemed ineffective; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department Commander may appoint such consultants and Department Commander’s Representatives as he may deem appropriate; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Grants Funding and Nonprofit Services Committee will meet a minimum of once monthly and provide reporting to the Department Commander; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That upon approval, this resolution will be forwarded to the 2nd District Adjutant for consideration and action by the 2nd District Convention regularly convened at Pipestone, MN, on June 6-7, 2025, for concurrent action; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That upon approval by the 2nd District Convention, this resolution will be forwarded to the Department of Minnesota Adjutant for consideration and action by the Department of Minnesota Convention regularly convened at Wilmar, MN on July 10-12, 2025 for concurrent action.

Resolution No.: 25-04
Date Received: 11 Jun 2025
Title: Creation of the Technology and Innovation Committee
Author: Lorentz Post 11, Mankato

WHEREAS, The American Legion Department of Minnesota’s membership has declined as the older generations are not being replaced by the younger generations and

WHEREAS, Multidirectional communication at all levels is difficult as there is a lack of streamlined operational communication methodology and

WHEREAS, Communication and outdated methodology affects every aspect of the American Legion’s success, from the Department to the post level

WHEREAS, lack of coordination, steering, standardization, and strategic planning for modern, efficient communication, business processes, and engagement through innovations and technology creates inefficiencies that hinder membership recruitment, engagement and

WHEREAS, Almost every organization today has an information technology or systems department responsible for providing ways to implement and facilitate the flow of information through the company and: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By Lorentz Post 11 regularly assembled in Mankato, MN on March 13, 2025, That The American Legion Department of MN shall establish a Technology and Innovation Committee at the Department level; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Technology and Innovation Committee’s purpose is to support and enhance Department operations, programs, and all committees through technology and process innovation, by driving solutions that result in increased membership, engagement, ease of use, and automation, for Posts Districts, and Department; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Technology and Innovation Committee shall consist of five appointed members, including an elected Chair, and shall report to the Department Commander; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department Communications Director, Department Adjutant, Department Service Officer, and Department technical and innovation employees and contractors shall sit on the Committee as non-voting staff advisors, and the remaining members will be selected at large based on knowledge or education pertaining to technology and innovation and experience required as an active Post Officer and a District Officer; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Committee members must ensure training and either be able to use and train others on newly introduced technology and innovation (business processes and services) by creating and documenting training guides or using a third-party provider and disseminating them state-wide via the department website, email, social media, and in-person training at Legion College, Fall Convention, and other training opportunities; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That of the five members appointed immediately following the 2023 Department Convention, three shall serve a term of three years, one shall serve a term of two years, and one shall serve a term of one year; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That thereafter, appointments to fill expiring terms shall be made annually by the Department Commander, and such appointments shall be for terms of three years; and, be it further RESOLVED That the Department Commander is authorized to make such interim appointments as may be required to fill vacancies in unexpired terms and to replace inactive members or those members deemed ineffective; and, be it further

RESOLVED That the Department Commander may appoint such consultants and Department Commander’s Representatives as he may deem appropriate; and, be it further

RESOLVED: That the Technology and Innovation Committee will meet a minimum of once monthly and provide reporting to the Department Commander; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That upon approval at the 2nd District Convention, this resolution will be forwarded to the Department of Minnesota Adjutant for consideration and action by the Department of Minnesota Convention regularly convened at Wilmar, MN on July 10-12, 2025 for concurrent action.

Resolution No.: 25-05
Date Received: 11 Jun 2025
Title: A Resolution in Support of Increased State Funding for the Minnesota Veterans Employment Program
Author: Lee C. Prentice Post 36

WHEREAS, The American Legion remains steadfast in its mission to support and advocate for the economic well-being of all veterans, particularly through access to meaningful employment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota is home to approximately 267,133 veterans, comprising nearly 6% of the state’s adult population, including aging veterans, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and a new generation of post-9/11 veterans reentering the workforce; and

WHEREAS, The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) administers the Veterans Employment Program, which delivers specialized career services to veterans through Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs); and

WHEREAS, These DVOPs and LVERs provide critical case management, job readiness support, employer outreach, and individualized assistance to veterans facing employment barriers including disability, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, or rural isolation; and

WHEREAS, In Fiscal Year 2024, DEED reported serving 536 veterans with case-managed employment services, achieving an 81% employment rate for program exiters with an average wage of $28.73/hour-demonstrating strong outcomes when adequate resources are available; and

WHEREAS, Veteran unemployment in Minnesota, previously reported at 2.8% in late 2024, has increased to 4.0% as of April 2025, indicating growing economic pressures and a widening service gap for dislocated veterans; and

WHEREAS, Veteran underemployment remains an ongoing concern, with 33% of veterans estimated to be underemployed and 15.6% more likely to face underemployment compared to their civilian peers–often due to challenges translating military skills to civilian roles; and

WHEREAS, DVOP and LVER positions are primarily funded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Jobs for Veterans State Grant (NSG) program, yet funding levels have not kept pace with the increased demand for services, resulting in staffing shortages and underserved regions across Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, Without supplemental state appropriations, the Minnesota Veterans Employment Program cannot fully meet the needs of dislocated, transitioning, and underemployed veterans statewide; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, By the American Legion Department of Minnesota, assembled at its 2025 Department Convention, that the Department strongly urges the Minnesota State Legislature to increase funding allocations to support and expand the Veterans Employment Program administered by DEED; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, That such state funding increase be used to hire additional DVOP and LVER staff, enhance outreach services in underserved communities, and develop innovative programs to help veterans achieve competitive employment outcomes aligned with their skills and experience; and BE IT FINALLY

RESOLVED, That upon adoption by the American Legion Department of Minnesota Convention, this resolution be used to promote legislation that would allocate State funding to support the Veterans Employment Program.

Resolution No.: 25-06
Date Received: 16 June 2025
Title: Clarify and restate the intent of Article II, Section 2 of the National American Legion Constitution and By-Laws.
Author: Paul Edwards, Post 627, Commander, Nisswa, MN

WHEREAS, the charter of the American Legion states under §21706. Political activities, “The corporation shall be nonpolitical and may not promote the candidacy of an individual seeking public office”, and

WHEREAS, Article II, Nature, Section 2 states, “The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment”, and

WHEREAS, The American Legion uses political methods in support of its legislative agenda and priorities to support the four pillars of the American Legion, and

WHEREAS, The American Legion has Legislative Committees and Chairs at the national, department and district levels whose function it is to use political methods to work with federal and state legislators to support The American Legion’s policies, legislative agenda, and programs, and

WHEREAS, many Legionnaires interpret Article II, Section 2 to mean that Legionnaires are forbidden to hold or express a political opinion on any topic, and

WHEREAS, the definition and interpretation of the word “political” has changed since the Constitution was first written, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the members of Post 627 of Nisswa, Minnesota in regular meeting assembled that Article II, Section 2 of the National Constitution be changed from, “The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.” To read “The American Legion shall use political tools and methods in pursuit of legislative action to support the furtherance of its legislative priorities and agendas but shall be absolutely nonpartisan and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment” and be it further

RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the 6^th District Adjutant for presentation to the District 6^th District Convention convened at Brainerd, MN on June 6-7, 2025, for consideration and approval and be it further

RESOLVED, that on approval this resolution be presented for consideration to the Department of Minnesota Convention to be convened at Wilmar, Minnesota on July 10 – 12, 2025, and be it finally

RESOLVED, that upon approval this resolution be forwarded to the National Adjutant for presentation and consideration at the 2025 National Convention in Tampa Bay, Florida, Aug. 22-28, 2025.

Resolution No.: 25-07
Date Received: 16 June 2025
Title: All Veterans Be Allowed Free Access to Minnesota State Parks.
Author: Frank Krey Post 455, Cold Spring

WHEREAS, all disabled veterans now have free access to Minnesota State parks, and now be it

RESOLVED, all veterans be allowed free access to Minnesota State Parks and be it further

RESOLVED, this resolution be forwarded to 6th District Adjutant for presentation at 6th District Convention on June 7, 2025 and be it further

RESOLVED, that on approval be forwarded to the Department of Minnesota Adjutant for presentation to the Department Convention on July 10-12, 2025.