Sign up today for the Department Convention

By Tim Engstrom
Family is always welcome at the Department Convention. Kids aren’t charged registration fees.

WILLMAR — Registration is open for the 106th American Legion Department of Minnesota Convention.

To sign up with a check or via Eventbrite, please go to this webpage on the department website.

The convention is when the business of The American Legion gets done. New department officers are elected. Committee chairs give their reports on what they accomplished in the past year. Resolutions are voted upon and sent up the chain to the National Convention.

The event is also a time for sharing ideas. Membership directors learn membership tips. Gambling managers hear from Gambling Control Board staff. New district commanders learn from old district commanders.

Camaraderie and mutual helpfulness are on display, with great entertainment at Willmar Post 167. A shuttle service to the hotels is planned out, too.

“If you have never been to a department convention, go. You will encounter new friends that you will enjoy seeing as old friends when you attend a second, third, even fourth convention down the road,” said Commander Carl Moon. “And your post will be better off for having sent you to the convention.”

Register before June 26 to take advantage of the best price. The fee rises to $30 after June 26.

Lodging is available at the following hotels. Be sure to ask for the “American Legion block”:

Best Western Plus: 320-235-6060

Holiday Inn Express: 320-231-2601

Country Inn & Suites: 320-214-0300

AmericInn: 320-365-1995

The Days Inn doesn’t have the “American Legion block,” but it is only about three city blocks away: 320-403-2334

There are other lodging options available in the Willmar area but are farther from the convention hall. They can be found with a simple Google Maps search.

The Explore Willmar Lakes Area agency encourages members and their family to enjoy the golfing, fishing, boating, shopping, dining, cycling and hiking in the area. Visit willmarlakesarea.com to find things to do.

A convention schedule will be published in the June issue of The Minnesota Legionnaire.

Also, look for a sample ballot of candidates in the June issue. See you in Willmar.