Legionnaire
The Minnesota American Legion and Auxiliary
Volume 97, Number 2
For God and Country
February 2015
Mostly quiet year seen on legislative front
By Al Zdon
It looks to be another fairly quiet year for veterans’ legislation, much like last year. But there’s always the chance
for some controversy, much like last year.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Legislative
Director Mike McElhiney said there have been great gains
and changes in the last many years, and the agency is not
proposing big changes this time around.
“We’re not pushing too hard for anything. We’re still
soaking up all the things in the last four years. We want to
be operationally sound rather than seeking a bunch of new
legislation.”
Department Adjutant Randy Tesdahl, who coordinates
much of The American Legion’s lobbying effort, also said
this will probably not be a watershed year.
“It seems pretty quiet to start. Maybe it’s because there’s
a surplus. Maybe because there has been a shift in leadership, and maybe just plain and simply because most everything is going pretty darn good.”
Tesdahl said the veterans’ programs in Minnesota are
recognized as some of the best in the nation.
That doesn’t mean there will not be ongoing debate on
some ongoing issues. For instance, two bills have already
been introduced to add another veterans nursing home in
the state.
The Minnesota Veterans Homes is a group of five nurs-
Legion compliments
DoD on opening
its bases to VSOs
American Legion’s
Minnesota Military
Hall of Fame
USS MINNESOTA IN PORT -- The USS Minnesota in
a recent Navy photo enters its homeport at Groton,
Connecticut. The boat will add three female officers
this year.
USS Minnesota
adds it first female
crew members
LESLEY MCNAIR
VERNDALE, MINNESOTA
Pages 6-7
Website
redone;
check it
out
The Department
of Minnesota website had undergone
major remodeling in
order to make information more easily
obtained, and to
make the site more
dynamic and changing.
Check it out at
mnlegion.org.
More changes
are expected as the
year goes by.
ing facilities across the state aimed at bringing first class
care to veterans and spouses. There has been movement in
recent years to add a sixth or seventh home to the mix.
This year, so far, legislation has been introduced to
approve bonding for homes in Bemidji and Montevideo.
Potential sites for new homes also include Willmar and
Brainerd.
McElhiney said the legislature is concerned, however,
about the ongoing costs of veterans homes. “The costs continue to go up. We are on the cutting-edge of patient-centered care at our veterans homes.”
Finding money to build a new veterans home is one
Continued on Page 2
(From Stars and Stripes)
The first woman to serve aboard a Navy fast-attack submarine has reported to the USS Minnesota. She is one of six
officers expected to join fast-attack crews in the months
ahead.
Two more women will report to the Minnesota by the
end of January, with three more slated to join the USS
Virginia in the spring, said Lt. Cmdr. Tommy Crosby, a
spokesman for the Navy’s Submarine Force Atlantic.
Integration of Virginia-class submarines comes three
years into the Navy’s effort to gradually bring female officers and enlisted into its undersea service. Female officers
first came aboard Ohio-class submarines in late 2011. As of
last summer, more than 60 women were serving in 14 submarines.
Submarines were one of the few remaining areas of military service off-limits to women when the Navy lifted its
prohibition in 2010. Three years later, the Pentagon
removed the military-wide ban on women in combat units
and required gender integration plans from each of the services.
The Navy’s 10 Virginia-class fast-attack submarines are
armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and designed to conduct surveillance, seek out and destroy other submarines
and carry special operations forces. They are smaller and
have tighter quarters than Ohio-class submarines, the designation for ballistic-missile and guided-missile boats. Fifteen
officers typically make up the wardroom in both classes.
The plan to bring the six female officers aboard Virginiaclass submarines was announced in 2013 by Vice Adm.
Michael Connor, commander of Navy submarine forces.
Two of the women were to be supply officers, with the other
four nuclear trained. Submarine officers must first go
through an intensive 18-month training.
The service says it will open positions for enlisted
women on some Ohio-class submarines next year and for
Continued on Page 2
WASHINGTON – National Commander Mike Helm
praised Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s recent directives
for military commanders to be more welcoming of nonprofit groups that wish to provide support for troops and
their families.
“Secretary Hagel has broken through the bureaucratic
walls that Legionnaires sometimes face when they try to
access military bases so they could provide needed support
for troops and their families,” Helm said.
“The Legion has approximately 3,000 accredited service
officers that are eager to assist troops access the benefits
they have earned.
“Additionally, we have outstanding support programs
such as Operation Comfort Warriors for wounded, injured
or ill troops, job placement, transition assistance, a family
support network and many other initiatives adopted by
American Legion posts throughout the United States and
overseas.
“With frequent personnel changes on military installations, some base commanders haven’t had the opportunities
to establish long-term relationships with the Legion and
were uninformed of our intentions and the services that we
provide.
“Secretary Hagel has taken measures that re-emphasize
the importance of military installations to standardize their
procedures and grant greater access consistent with their
mission requirements.”
In a letter to American Legion National Security
Director John Stovall, Hagel said, “I want to express my
deep appreciation for the wise counsel and support you and
your organization have provided during my tenure as
Secretary of Defense.
“Our many roundtable meetings and other engagements
gave me valuable insights and thoughtful perspectives into
how our Department can best address the needs of our service members, veterans and families.”
Hagel issued two directives to each of the military services, one calling for greater access and support services to
“VA-recognized Veteran Service and Military Service
Organizations” and another calling for access and support
services to “Nonprofit Non-federal entities.”
The
Ambulance
Driver
Don Johnson of Red Wing, Page 8
Page 2
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
Minnesota Legislative session underway
Continued from Page 1
thing, but keeping it running at a high level is another thing.
The issue became more cloudy with the formation of a
new committee in the House on long-term care across the
state. A $250,000 grant has been established for five entities
in the state to look at the future of nursing care facilities.
The committee will not strictly look at veterans’ care, but
it will be in the mix, McElhiney said. There has been a push
with some legislators to provide veterans care at existing
nursing facilities rather than build more homes.
The committee will report back to the legislature in time
for the 2017 session.
Tesdahl noted that the state spent a lot of money and time
to develop a report on where new veterans homes might be
built. “Let’s use that information to the overall benefit of
Minnesota veterans. Don’t let that information just sit on a
shelf.”
The Commander’s Task Force has recommended eight
legislative priorities for this session. (See story on Page 3.)
“The overall message is one of maintenance,” Tesdahl said.
Department Commander Peggy Moon, chairman of the
CTF, said she has been meeting with legislators and more
meetings are planned. “There appears to be a lot of interest,
so I am really looking forward to this session.”
Moon said the CTF’s role includes making sure the
MDVA has the support and money needed to help veterans.
“We also want to promote educational needs, housing and
jobs.” She said that the Legion is often called upon to testi-
Sub to have women aboard
Continued from Page 1
several Virginia-class subs in 2020. All future submarines
will be designed for integrated crews, the Navy has said.
The Navy has described the integration process as
smooth, although a recent episode aboard the Ohio-class
USS Wyoming raises questions about that. The Navy investigated 12 petty officers for sharing and watching a video of
a female officer showering aboard the submarine, according
to the Navy Times. One of the petty officers made the
recording and passed it along, according to the report.
Connor, the submarine force commander, has said two
more fast-attack subs will be integrated next fiscal year, this
time in the Pacific. The Minnesota and Virginia are ported
in Groton, Conn.
fy before House and Senate committees.
“Minnesota has paid a huge price in our recent wars, and
we need to make sure those returning from action don’t
merely just return home – we need to bring them all the way
home to welcoming homes, supportive communities, wellpaying jobs, and good, accessible health care.”
McElhiney said the expansion of the Minnesota GI Bill
would be a great improvement for veterans. The new bill
would allow veterans to use Minnesota GI Bill money to
pay for application fees, exams, licensing or other certification.
It would also allow veterans who do not plan to use the
GI Bill themselves to have spouses or children to use it.
One major issue from the past that will not be an issue
this time around is funding for the final phase of construction at the Minnesota Veterans Home at Minneapolis. The
state is still in construction of Phase II of the project, creating a new Building 17 north.
The news is that the project is now fully funded, with the
federal government coming through this past summer with
the matching funds for the money the state had put up.
One other bill that has been introduced that may again
stir some controversy is the “Honor and Remember Flag.”
The bill would allow for some recognition of the flag and
authorize its use on public buildings. The American Legion
and other veterans service organizations have opposed the
bill, saying the flag is unnecessary and that its copyright is
owned by a private organization.
Tesdahl said there are great hopes the session will be
non-partisan on veterans issues.
“I find it very interesting that both sides talk about the
need for compromise and cooperation, yet the other day at
a veterans committee hearing so many insisted on wearing
their ‘colors.’ I have never seen so many bright red or bright
blue ties,” Tesdahl said.
“Some would say, ‘I’m just wearing my team’s colors.’
Well, I would say, if you’re on a veterans committee, your
colors are red, white and blue.”
Antonio Tejeda Guzman
Attorney at Law
A Veteran serving Veterans
320-262-3669
877-544-3164
214 4th St. SW, Willmar
www.tejeda-guzman.com
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Minnesota Legionnaire
Page 3
American Legion
official sponsor for
Tree Town Festival
MOON LOBBIES LEGISLATORS -- Department Commander Peggy Moon met with key legislators recently at
the state Capitol. From left: Sen. Lyle Koenen, DFL-Clara City, Majority Whip; Sen. Kent Eken, DFL-Twin Valley;
Sen. Foung Hawj, DFL-St. Paul; Moon; Sen. Jim Carlson, DFL-Eagan, vice chair, State Departments and
Veterans Budget Division; DFL-Champlin; Rep. Bob Dettmer, R-Forest Lake, Veterans Affairs Division,
Chairman. Moon is chair of the Commander’s Task Force, a group of veterans service organizations that lobbies for veterans issues.
CTF announces agenda for 2015 session
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Funding and Mission
The CFT urges lawmakers to continue support and funding of MDVA. As the nation enters its 14th year of war
fighting and as we watched the Federal VA issues unfold,
the role and mission of the Minnesota Department of
Veterans Affairs has never been more important. The CTF
urges the legislature to place priority on MDVA and to
enable them through proper funding, the flexibility to support veterans as needed.
The CTF has watched the recent evolution of the department since the merger of its Programs and Services
Division with the Veterans Homes in 2007. Many necessary
improvements have taken place; however, it is the estimate
of the CTF that more are needed to ensure effectiveness,
efficiency and sustainability into the future. The CTF
believes there is still room for improvement in the realm of
professional staffing throughout the agency. The CTF supports MDVA’s workforce development plans, full funding
for the Little Falls Cemetery and ongoing maintenance
funding for all its buildings.
Guardianship Program Removal from MN Statute
The CFT supports the removal of the Guardianship program that is contained in MN Statute. The Guardianship
program allows for a district court to appoint the
Commissioner of Veterans Affairs as guardian of the estate
of a veteran or dependent if necessary. The Commissioner
manages the accounts and all transactions that occur under
that guardianship. At its height, the program had 3 full-time
employees and 1 full-time clerical staff person.
The agency was allowed to take a 5% fee on the income
of any court-appointed client (averaging $2K-$3K per
client/month). However, as non-court-appointed cases grew
more common, the program became unsustainable due to a
decrease in incoming fees. The guardianship program
accepted its last clients in 2004, and the last cases were
reassigned between 2005 and 2006, effectively shuttering
the program.
Removing the program from MN statute would eliminate an unneeded service, and allow the Department of
Veterans Affairs to clean the books in order to best serve the
state’s veteran population. Veterans or families in need of
help to manage their estates may do so by seeking a private
fiduciary.
July Hire a Veteran Month
The CTF supports changing the May-designated “Hire a
Veteran Month” to the month of July.
It is suggested that the month of July would better
accommodate the initiative to hire veterans.
Removing distractions and prior engagements would
free up veterans to make it to employment fairs, job interviews, and focus on tasks that would assist in their hiring.
The current “Hire a Veteran Month” of May coincides
with a number of other calendar events, to include
Memorial Day weekend, and most high school and college
graduation dates. Shifting “Hire a Veteran Month” to July
would allow state and private events and promotions to be
more visible, and therefore more successful in the end goal
of helping veterans gain employment.
Amend the “Support Our Troops” Fund
The CTF supports expanding authorized uses of the
Support Our Troops Fund and placing the funds in an
account that accrues interest. This proposal would amend
MN Statute to provide MDVA grant-making authority and
reclassify the fund account type. This is funding achieved
through the sale of license plates, collected by the
Department of Transportation, split between MDVA and the
Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and then transferred
to the respective agencies. MDVA would like to broaden
eligibility criteria for whom it may award SOT grants. This
would allow MDVA to award the Support Our Troops
license plate funds through grants to additional veteran
groups and support networks who have proved themselves
legitimate and worthy of assistance. Additionally, MDVA
would like the account type reclassified to 2304 (Gift and
Donations) funds in order to accrue interest on the balance.
Currently, the requirements for SOT fund awards are
limited by their amount, and to whom they may be awarded. Additionally, the statute provides for four ways in which
the funds can be disbursed/ used within MDVA. Outside of
the approved options, there are many outstanding causes
that these funds could be used for. As was the original intent
and development of the fund, the account should to be used
for as many veteran needs/issues/programming in
Minnesota as the Commissioner deems appropriate.
Vehicle Reg. Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
The CTF supports a vehicle registration tax exemption
for 100% service connected veterans. This proposal would
amend MN Statute in order to exempt 100% service connected veterans from the motor vehicle registration tax.
Disabled veterans who are 100% service connected often
require modified vehicles in order to conduct daily living
and work related activities. With such a high disability rating, those veterans are often at a disadvantage with their
healthy counterparts.
The CTF believes the best way to implement this is to
have MDVA certify the 100% service connection, and in
doing so, it could count the number of recipients. That
information can then become public as requested. This
could affect 9581 veterans or 2.6% of the state’s veteran
population – a sliver of the greater state population, but one
that is at a tremendous disadvantage compared to their heal
their counterparts. This initiative would reduce income disparities for a small portion of disabled veterans making
them better off.
Minnesota GI Bill Expansion
The CTF supports expansions to the MN GI Bill. This
proposal would amend Statute to expand the use of the
Minnesota GI Bill, matching the flexibility of federal
Chapter 33 (GI Bill) benefits. Currently, paying for school
applications, exams, licensing, and other certifications
using the Minnesota GI Bill is not allowed. By allowing a
broader use of the Minnesota GI Bill, the veterans could use
their benefits at their discretion and in the most appropriate
way. Additionally, current law precludes the veteran from
using the benefits for their spouse or children, even if the
veteran has no intention of using them otherwise.
This proposal would solve the problem in two ways.
First, it would allow for benefits to be used on application
fees, exams, licensing, or other certifications and expenses
accrued in the process of self-betterment. Secondly, the proposal would allow benefits to be transferred to a spouse or
children of an eligible veteran. Broadening the approved
Forest City, Iowa – Tree Town Music Festival has
announced that the nation’s largest wartime veterans
organization, The American Legion, will once again
serve as the official charity of the annual country music
event, which is fast becoming the largest of its kind.
In 2014, thousands of fans descended on Forest City,
Iowa, for the first-year Memorial Day weekend event
to catch performances by some of country music’s
biggest stars, including Brad Paisley, Toby Keith,
Brantley Gilbert, Chris Young, Scotty McCreery and
more.
For the second year, American Legion service officers from Iowa and Minnesota will be onsite to meet
with veterans and their families to help them with their
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and
health-care interests. American Legion service officers
are well-trained experts in VA programs and services. Soldier’s Wish will also be in attendance, granting
wishes to soldiers, veterans and their families as a way
to honor them for their bravery and sacrifice to our
country.
“The continued support of Tree Town Music
Festival is a great display of patriotism,” said Ron
Struble, Department Commander for The American
Legion of Iowa. “We look forward to spending the
weekend leading up to Memorial Day at Tree Town
Music Festival with veterans and their families while
remembering our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s freedom.”
Tree Town Music Festival is bringing the hottest rising stars and established hit-makers in music to Forest
City, Iowa, Memorial Day Weekend (May 21-24). The
newly-expanded four-day event will feature performances by Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts,
Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Thomas Rhett, Chase Rice,
Maddie & Tae, Danielle Bradbery, Old Dominion,
Casey Muessigmann, The Last Ride, Joe Denim,
Hairball, Williams & Ree and more. This year’s festival will also feature The American Legion Stage, hosting .38 Special, Chris Hawkey, Iowa native Ben Lau
and others. In addition to non-stop music from multiple
stages, the grounds of the event will once again be
filled with beer tents, food vendors, rock climbing, zip
lines and much more.
Single-day tickets are now available for $35 for
Thursday and $80 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Four-day passes are available for $150 and VIP tickets
for $525 until April 6. For ticket-holders looking for the
true festival experience, camping is available starting at
$100. Whether you have a two-person tent or jumbo
home on wheels, Tree Town Music Festival has campsite options to meet your needs. For more info on tickets, camping or for any of your Tree Town Music
Festival needs, please visit: treetownfestival.com or
call 877-569-7767.
Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/treetownfest and Twitter: twitter.com/treetownfest.
use of the Minnesota GI Bill would add value to Minnesota
communities, and promote the welfare of veterans and their
families.
Amend Expedited Licensing for Veterans & Spouses
The CTF supports amending MN Statute 197.4552. This
proposal would amend MN Statute concerning veteran and
veteran spouse expedited licensing by including the definition of “veteran” (as per M.S. 197.447), and clarifying that
eligible spouses may also qualify if they are the spouse of a
veteran who is 30 percent or more service connected, or if
they are the unmarried spouse of a deceased veteran.
Under current law, spouses of deceased or disabled veterans do not qualify for expedited licensing benefits. In the
case of a single parent widow or widower, or the spouse of
a disabled veteran, that individual may be the primary
breadwinner of the family. With the unique challenges that
come with those situations, those individuals may benefit
by any available means to expedite licensing requirements.
This would help in avoiding a break in employment or loss
of income.
Veterans Preference
The CTF supports general improvements and clarification for Veterans Preference in hiring.
Additionally the CTF supports funding necessary to
ensure Veteran Owned Small Business can be certified at
the state level. In the 2014 legislative session law was
passed to create a mechanism for veterans with small businesses to get certified at the state level through the
Department of Administration in order to compete for state
contracts however there was no funding allocated to implement that change. The CTF urges the legislature to include
necessary funding this year to ensure proper implementation of the current law.
Page 4
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
COMMANDER’S
COLUMN
By Peggy Moon
Hello again friends.....
I can’t believe that it’s already February, and I am more
than half way through my year as your Department
Commander. As I write this article, all of the Mid-Winters
are in progress, and I am impressed with your dedication
and commitment to The American Legion. Thank you for
your continued efforts for our programs and members. You
continue to amaze me.
So far, I have attended six Mid-Winter Conferences,
well, almost six. I arrived in Olivia for the Seventh District
Mid-Winter just as everyone was leaving the Post, but I had
a nice visit with their members and their Commander in the
parking lot. Driving in from LaCrescent where the First
District was meeting took longer than I thought. All the
Mid-Winters will wrap up just before the National
Commander’s Tour.
Please make plans to attend one of the functions during
Commander Helm’s visit to our great state. We want to
show him our Minnesota pride. I wish we could visit more
Posts along the way, but timing is everything, and we need
to stop in locations that can draw the most members. I’ve
already made notes on places to stop next year, and will be
passing that information along to next year’s team.
Remember, if your Post is at goal, or better yet, All Time
High, you can have your photo taken with our National
Commander and it will appear in the Legionnaire. Bring as
many of your post members with you for this opportunity.
Speaking of membership, as you know, Commander
Helm is very concerned about retention, and has asked each
Post to call three lapsed members per week to renew them.
I’m sure he’d be interested in your progress, both positive
and negative. Most of the Posts that are making the calls
are reaping great results. I am getting good feedback for
your efforts. Our members deserve our time, and we need
to listen to their concerns. It gives us the opportunity to
improve.
Mail Call
Coast Guard Members Sought
To the Editor:
My name is Mike Roberts and a dues paying member of
the Wallace Chute Legion Post 76 of St. Cloud which has
met in St. Augusta for the last few years since selling the
Post 76 Building in East St. Cloud. I am also an exCoastguardsman who served in the United States Coast
Guard from April 1966 to April, 1970 on Lake Superior. I
read the monthly Minnesota Legionnaire Newspaper from
cover to cover and find it immensely interesting. You have
many articles germane to the U.S. Military and thought you
might like to do a human interest story on the happenings of
some local Minnesota U.S. Coast Guard Veterans.
Myself and another ex-Coastie, Chris Kalogerson who
served from 1951-1954, have co-organized and co-hosted
an All U.S. Coast Guard Reunion in June of 2013 and
August of 2014 in the Twin Cities. We have had a good
turnout of ex-Coasties and spouses during the past two
years. We are having the 3rd annual USCG Reunion this
coming summer on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Hopkins
VFW on Shady Oak Road in Hopkins, Mn. We are currently looking for all ex-Coasties throughout Minnesota,
Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin who
might like to attend this summer get together with all other
ex-Coasties who served. The story of how this USCG
Reunion came about is as follows:
During my hitch in the USCG, I was stationed on Lake
Superior for my whole 4 year enlistment except for taking
boot camp training in Cape May, New Jersey. I served on
small boat Search & Rescue at two different Lifeboat
Stations, one in Duluth and the other at North Superior in
Grand Marais. I also was the last U.S. Coastguardsman to
be stationed at the Split Rock Lighthouse on the North
Shore when it was closed down, de-commisioned and went
dark on January 1, 1969.
The book “The Last Keeper at Split Rock” was published by North Star Press of St. Cloud in 2010 and came
out at the same time as the Lighthouse was celebrating it’s
100th year founding in July of 2010. During the next few
years, I was asked to give talks on my USCG & Split Rock
L/H experiences. On October 16, 2012, I gave two presentations in St. Louis Park. An ex-Coastguardsman from
Edina, who served from 1951 to 1954, came to hear me
speak and that’s how I came to know Chris Kalogerson. He
As you know, we have been working on membership in
the Department Office as well. Some of you have had your
memberships returned for corrections. This process started
after I received a call from one of our Post Commanders
who was upset that “Department lost our membership.
How come we have to do everything perfect, and there is no
accountability down there?” I talked with our Department
Adjutant, and we decided to do some research. The next
week, we pulled out all membership transactions that could
not be forwarded to National as they were submitted. If we
did, they would simply be returned to us. Imagine my reaction when I walked into Randy’s office to find the conference table overrun with mail. It was overwhelming. I
looked through many of the transmittals myself. Some had
checks with no cards, some had the incorrect number of
cards for the money sent it, some had cards with no checks
- you get the picture. We decided to still have Department
staff do the “easy” fixes, and those that required phone calls
to fix, or involved Post funds that were incorrect, were to be
returned.
In addition, a report detailing the returning mail would
be sent to each District Commander, District Membership
Director, and Department Vice Commander. They would
receive the entire report because I want and need them to
understand the depth of the issue. We’ve gotten lax out
there, and probably need some additional training.
Ultimately, did we lose that one Post’s membership? It still
hasn’t shown up. However, if our staff needs to call 80
Posts each week to fix membership, it’s totally possible that
something got lost along the way. After all, we’re all
human, and our staff does an incredible job when you
understand the difficulty of working with over 550 posts.
The procedures I have outlined is making us all accountable, and the results are measurable. Thank you for your
resolve to help fix this problem.
Another program in full swing is the Oratorical Contests.
Each District is selecting their winner, and the Department
Oratorical Contest will be Friday, February 13th. Even if
you are not a judge, timer, or escort, still make plans to
attend. Not only will these young people impress you, you
may learn something. I always do.
I was reading through the SAL’s National Newsletter,
and found a wonderful story about Legionville. If you have
your copy, please share it with others. It’s a great article,
and will put a smile on your face. As you know, Legionville
is my project this year, and I am so proud of the work they
accomplish there.
It’s time for me to wrap this up - thanks for reading.
After this last weekend, I am now at 20,074 miles on the
car, and it’s time for yet another oil change. Obviously, I
have made a lot of new friends at the car dealership.
Until next month.....
asked me if I ever thought about having a USCG Reunion
where all ex-Coasties could get together to talk about our
USCG Service. I said I had but never got the job done.
Chris was a member of the Golden Valley VFW and it
seemed like a good place to hold the gathering, so we
picked June 8, 2013 for the 1st annual event. As I went
around Minnesota doing my “Last Keeper at Split Rock”
presentations, I meet some ex-Coasties. Ex-Coasties are
hard to find as they are not found in flocks but are discovered one at a time, like eagles. At the 1st annual Reunion,
we had about 70 ex-Coasties and their spouses attend from
all over the Midwest and one guy and his wife came up
from New Orleans and a couple of guys came over from
Kansas City. We were so encouraged with the attendance
of the ex-Coasties, we decided to hold a bi-monthly meeting to plan the next Reunion. The meetings have turned
into a social gathering as well as a Reunion planning session and we have around 25 guys who presently attend the
meetings on a regular basis.
The second annual USCG Reunion was held on
Saturday, August 2, 2014, and around 55 ex-Coasties &
spouses attended. At both Reunions, we had a great meal
and the ex-Coasties were asked to speak about their time in
the service as to what they did & where they did it.
Due to the closing of the Golden Valley VFW, Our
USCG group has moved to the Hopkins VFW on 100 Shady
Oak Road. The 3rd annual USCG Reunion will be held on
Saturday, June 20. All ex-Coasties are invited to attend.
The next Reunion Planning/Social Meeting will be on
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at noon for lunch at the
Hopkins VFW.
It would help to get the word out to all ex-Coasties from
around the Midwest who could gather to relive their vast
USCG experiences while serving all over the world.
Thanks for any consideration you might give to this USCG
Reunion story. Semper Paratus. Please contact:
Mike Roberts
[email protected]
or
Chris Kalogerson
[email protected]
Chaplain’s
Corner
By
Steve Klinkner
As I sit by the computer thinking what to write, my first
thoughts come to a man that I myself had the honor to meet
when I became a District Commander. I attended the past
Second District Commander Donald Hansen’s funeral, a
cold day this January in Minnesota. The minister was sharing about Don’s life; that he was one of the WWII heroes.
If he were here today and you asked him about WWII, he
would tell you it was a very cold war and what they went
through and that brings me to this story:
On the morning of February 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T.
Dorchester was wallowing through icy seas off Greenland.
Most of the 900 troops on board were asleep in their bunks.
Suddenly a torpedo smashed into the Dorchester’s flank.
Frantically pounding up the ladders, the troops gathered in
confusion on the decks; could you imagine what they all
thought about on coming out on a cold morning on a ship?
I used to think about that as I was out in the cold filling LP
gas tanks for homes and hog barns; at least I could get in my
truck and warm up; these men didn’t get to a warm place.
In those moments of panic, the calmest men aboard were
four U.S. Army First Lieutenants: Clark V. Poling
(Reformed Church of America); Alexander D. Goode
(Jewish); John P. Washington (Catholic); and George L.
Fox (Methodist). The Four Chaplains led the men to boxes
of life jackets, passed them out to the soldiers with boatdrill precision. When the boxes were empty, the Four
Chaplains quietly slipped off their own precious life preservers, put them on four young GIs and told them to jump.
The Dorchester went down 25 minutes later in a rumble
of steam. Some 600 men were lost, but the heroic Chaplains
had helped save over 200. The last anyone saw of them,
they were standing on the slanting deck, their arms linked
in prayer to the one God they all served.
Far away in North Africa, Dr. Daniel A. Poling, distinguished American clergyman and the father of Chaplain
Clark Poling, was couching in a fox hole when he learned
of the heroic death of his son and his fellow Chaplains. In
his mind was born the idea of a shrine in the memory of this
noble sacrifice; a shrine where people of all faiths could
worship God in a spirit of unity.
In the heart of Philadelphia, the Chapel opens its doors
to people of all races and religious faiths. It is also a memorial to the Four Chaplains who went down on the U.S.A.T.
Dorchester. It is an interfaith shine; in it are three altars, one
for each faith. Above the entrance burns an eternal light
which calls men to the unity these Four Chaplains so heroically demonstrated. Chiseled deep into the stone is this:
Chapel of Four Chaplains
An Interfaith Shrine
Here is Sanctuary for Brotherhood
Let it never be violated
After reading this story many times, I think of what went
through those soldiers’ minds, the ones that got saved and
the ones that went down with the ship. Most likely they
were praying harder than they had ever prayed before to
their God that they believed in. It doesn’t make any difference what religion you believe in as long as you believe and
have a strong faith in your God during difficult times.
Remember the sacrifices of the Four Chaplains on that cold,
black morning and we won’t think it is so bad out there in
the cold Minnesota winters.
The Minnesota
Legionnaire
Official Publication of and Owned Exclusively by
The American Legion, Department of Minnesota
Al Zdon, Editor
First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire,
the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 96th year of publication. It is published monthly by The American Legion,
Department of Minnesota, Room 300A, 20 West 12th Street,
St. Paul, MN 55155-2000. Periodicals postage is paid at St.
Paul, MN, and at additional mailing offices. The Legionnaire
is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and
the National American Legion Press Association.
SUBSCRIPTION: $10 for non-members. Members receive
the Legionnaire as part of their dues.
PHONE: 651-291-1800, 866-259-9163, FAX: 651-291-1057
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American
Legion, 20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55155-2000. (USPS
No. 013-679.) (ISSN No. 1644270)
ADVERTISING RATES: Contact Al Zdon, 651-291-1800
E-MAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.mnlegion.org
BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS: President Peggy
Moon, St. Paul; Vice President Don Amundson, Blue Earth;
Secretary Randy Tesdahl, Elk River; Treasurer, Richard
Horn, Melrose. Board Members include: Bob Locker, Fridley;
Clinton Burt, Slayton; Joe Bayer, Minneapolis; Pat Logan,
Bloomington; Virgil Persing, Columbia Heights; Chris
Ronning, Maple Grove; Sandy Fredrickson, Glenville.
February 2015
What’s Happening
Coast Guard Reunion
The third annual Coast Guard Reunion will be held at the
Hopkins VFW Post on June 20. It will begin at 11 a.m. with
lunch at noon. All Coast Guard veterans and those currently serving are welcome.
For more information, contact Chris Kalogerson at
[email protected] or 952-935-9065.
Round Tables
The Fort Snelling World War II History Round Table
will feature “Italian Struggle,” about the brutal combat
fighting involving the U.S. in the campaign from Salerno to
Rome. Author Tim Brady, author of “A Death in San Pietro”
will speak as will combat veterans of the Italian front.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the
Fort Snelling History Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5, and
free for students.
The Rochester Veterans Round Table will be “Fighting
in the South Pacific and Returning a Japanese Sword,” featuring Orville Amdahl and Ron Amdahl. The meeting will
be held at Autumn Ridge Church at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb.
9, with a $5 admission.
The St. Croix Valley Civil War Round Table will meet on
Feb. 23 at the Lowell Inn in Stillwater, and the subject “Fort
Snelling and the Civil War” will be discussed with guest
Steve Osman. Contact Steve Anderson at 715-386-1268 for
more information.
Commander’s Testimonial
The Testimonial Dinner for Department Commander
Peggy Moon will be held at the Northern Lights Casinao in
Walker on Saturday, March 21.
The featured speaker for the event will be Past National
Commander Butch Miller of Virginia.
The event will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. with
dinner and the testimonial program to follow at 6:30.
The cost is $25 per person, and dinner reservations
should be sent to “Commander Peggy’s Testimonial,”
Kriesel-Jacobson Post 560, Box 123, Zimmerman, MN
55398. Reservations must be received no later than March
14.
Rooms at the Northern Lights are blocked out under
“Commander’s Dinner.” For room reservations, call 1-866-
652-4683.
Other hotels in the area include the Country Inn and
suites, 218-547-1400 or the America’s Best Value, 218-5472200.
The dinner will include garden salad, choice of dressing,
garlic roasted red potatoes, green beans, slow-roasted prime
rib with creamy horseradish, rolls and butter, beverage,
cheesecake.
Tree Seedling Purchase
Information on species and prices for purchasing tree
seedlings will be mailed to the posts in January. That information will also be available on the Department of
Minnesota website, mnlegion.org, at a future date.
“It’s never too early to be thinking about purchasing tree
seedlings from The American Legion,” said Energy and
Conservation Chairman Carl Hendrickson. “Spring will be
here sooner than you think.
For more information, call Hendrickson at 218-3930079.
Tour of WWII Italy
The World War II History Round Table will be sponsoring a tour to Italy in May. It will depart on May 20 for Rome
and include three days there. Memorial day will be at the
Anzio Military Cemetery before traveling to Salerno. Other
Thank You
It’s not always easy with the loss of a loved one. The
American Legion Family with the cards, prayers and
thoughts have made the loss less painful. We know she is in
God’s hand and with dad, enjoying no more pain. Thank
you all.
Families of Ruth Goede
Bill, Jean, Julie
Thank you all for your prayers during my recent accident. American Legion Family is the best. Thanks also to
the King Tuts for the flowers. Also, Nurse Marie for being
there.
Bill Goede
Past Department Commander
Jeff Olson elected to AZ HOF
Former
Minnesota
Department of Veterans
Affairs Commissioner Jeff
Olson has been elected to
the Arizona Veterans Hall
of Fame.
Olson, who was born in
Spring Grove in 1949 and
lived for many years in
Mabel and Stillwater, has
been living in Green Valley,
Ariz., for several years.
Olson served in the
Army Courier Service from
1973-1976 and is a Vietnam
Veteran.
He served as assistant
director
of
Veterans
Employment and Training
Service at the University of
Minnesota before being
appointed
Deputy
Commissioner
of
the
Minnesota Department of
Veterans Affairs in 1982.
He took over as commissioner in 2000.
Before and after retirement, he was very active in
The American Legion at all
levels.
He served as chairman
of the Legion’s National
Convention Corporation for
many years, organizing and
preparing for the Legion’s
annual national meeting.
He is presently the
national commander’s representative on the National
Veterans
Affairs
and
Rehabilitation Commission.
In 2009, he was appointed by the Arizona governor
to the Arizona Veterans
Service
Advisory
Commission and has served
as chairman.
He also continues to
serve as chairman of the
Resolutions Assignment
Committee
of
the
Minnesota
American
Legion. He also heads up a
committee looking at the
celebration of Minnesota’s
Legion centennial.
Minnesota Legionnaire
Page 5
stops will include the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Rapido, San
Pietro, Monte Cassino, Florence Cemetery, Pisa, and the
Gothic Line. The last stop will be Siena. Flint Whitlock will
be the tour guide.
For more information or a brochure, call Don Patton at
612-867-5144 or email [email protected].
Waseca Vets Memorial
The new Waseca County Veterans Memorial will compliment the existing memorial at the courthouse. It will recognize those serving from World War II to the present.
Donations are being accepted and veterans may be recognized with the purchase of a plaque for the memorial. For
more information, including forms, see www.wasecaveteransmemorial.org.
Legal Clinics
MACV will sponsor legal clinics at the Anoka County
Government Center on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m., and at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center on
Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Flag Atrium
Balcony.
PATCHES: I BUY PATCHES THAT I NEED
I AM LOOKING FOR OLDER AIR FORCE, AIR NATIONAL
GUARD, NAVY, NAVY AIR, SHIPS, COAST GUARD, ARMY, MN
NATIONAL GUARD, USMC, JACKETS, HELMETS,
CALL JOE, 612-801-4673 AFTER 6
Page 6
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
Minnesota American Legion
Military Hall of Fame
LESLEY J. MCNAIR
VERNDALE, MINNESOTA
By Al Zdon
Verndale was a bustling little community in north central
Minnesota in 1883, with a population nearing 600 and two
grain elevators and a grist mill to keep the economy humming.
On May 25, James and Clara NcNair brought a baby boy
into the world and named him Lesley. The proud father was
a merchant in the community, operating a general store on
the main street of Verndale.
The growing little town was probably a great place for a
young lad to grow up. Many of the local men were Civil
War veterans. In fact, over 100 Verndale families could
claim at least one Civil War soldier as a son or father.
Young Lesley graduated from ninth grade in 1897, and
his parents moved the family to Minneapolis where the lad
could finish his high school years. He was very bright, and
when he did graduate he had his heart set on becoming a
naval officer.
Editor’s Note:
This is the first of a planned series of
stories that will look at some of the
extraordinary people from Minnesota who
served in the military through the years.
The occasional stories will take a historical look at their lives. If you have someone you think should be in this series,
please email Legionnaire Editor Al Zdon
at [email protected].
He won an appointment to the Naval Academy, but at
that time there was a long waiting list of candidates. For a
time, he attended the Minnesota School of Business, but
when he graduated in 1900, he was still on the Navy’s waiting list. Discouraged, young McNair instead applied to the
U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was accepted for
that year.
Four years later, he graduated 11th in his class of 124
cadets and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
During his time at West Point, he earned a reputation as a
mathematical genius, and he gained the nickname,
“Whitey,” which would follow him the rest of his life.
His first duty was with a field artillery unit in Fort
Douglas, Utah. He spent the next 35 years or so mostly with
artillery and ordnance commands. In 1905, he married his
sweetheart, Claire Huster, and they had one son, Douglas.
With the Great War raging in Europe, the United States
got involved in Mexico in two incidents. McNair joined the
4th Field Artillery when it was assigned to occupy the
Mexican port city of Vera Cruz as part of the 5th Reinforced
Brigade. The U.S. was protecting American oil interests in
the area, and occupied the town for seven months.
McNair was back in Texas when Mexican bandit Pancho
Villa staged a raid into Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916
killing 19 Americans and burning the town. President
Wilson ordered a “Punitive Expedition” and sent Major
General John Pershing to lead 4,800 men into Mexico to
find and destroy Villa’s paramilitary forces and capture
Villa.
McNair, now a captain, commanded the 4th Field
Artillery as part of the U.S. forces that plunged 300 miles
into Mexico, not only taking on Villa’s forces, but also
those of the Mexican government. Gen. George Patton also
served in the expedition. After mixed results, negotiations
ended the expedition in January, 1917 — just in time to get
ready for the World War.
In May, 1917, McNair was promoted to major and sent
to France as part of the U.S. First Infantry Division. His job
was to train the artillerymen, and his good work caused him
to shoot up through the ranks. He became a temporary onestar general in October, 1918, just before the war’s end. He
was the youngest general officer in the Army at that time at
the age of 35.
With the war over, McNair reverted to his permanent
rank of major and returned to the U.S. Between wars he
held a variety of positions including becoming a professor
of military science and tactics at Purdue University for four
years. He also was involved in several training commands,
and earned a reputation along those lines.
By 1937, he had worked his way up to brigadier general, and by 1940, he was a major general and had advanced
to the position of commandant of the General Staff College
where he made changes that helped prepare the graduates
for the rigors of the new world war.
He was Chief of Staff of the General Headquarters of the
Army from 1940 until 1942 when General George Marshall
appointed him the commanding general of the Army
Ground Forces.
It was a daunting job. America was poorly prepared for
war, and now had to make up for lost time. McNair’s
responsibility was to develop a training regimen for three
million soldiers, taking them from farmers and gas station
attendants and soda jerks to professional soldiers -- in a
hurry. He used large-scale maneuvers in Louisiana and
North Carolina to get the army ready.
The maneuvers were as authentic as McNair could make
February 2015
Minnesota Legionnaire
Page 7
General Marshall: McNair was the ‘brains of the Army’
them, and he later wrote, “The truth is sought regardless of
whether pleasant or unpleasant, or whether it supports or
condemns our present organizations and tactics.” He concluded, “The principal obstacle now is that commanders
lack either the guts or the discernment to act.”
Part of reorganization of the Army, after watching the
success of the German armored divisions in Europe, was to
increase the role of tanks. McNair, however, wasn’t moving
quite as fast as his Mexican expedition partner Gen. Patton
in this trend, and the two were at loggerheads long before
the U.S. ever got to the battlefields.
Around this time, just before Pearl Harbor, a story in the
Fayetteville, N.C., Observer, tried to capture the essence of
McNair, who by this time had earned his third star. The
reporter noted that McNair did not strut or make a show of
his rank, and that the only way he could be differentiated
from the soldiers he commanded were the three stars on his
shoulders.
“He is as far from pretense… as a man can be.”
The reporter said, “He is just the sort of man who might
be selected in the event the United States should become
involved in the present war, to lead our fighting forces,
though in a thousand years you couldn’t inveigle such a
suggestion from the general himself.”
The story said McNair talked, “in the easy, slow drawl of
the westerner. And when he gives orders, they are obeyed.”
McNair and Marshall, the chief of the Army, were said to be
close friends, the story said. “Each has a sincere regard for
the abilities of the other.”
A booklet on McNair’s life, published in 1976, further
explores the personality of the man from Verndale. It was
said that he would borrow a shovel from a soldier to find
out for himself what it was like to dig a foxhole. When he
did an inspection of a camp he would first go to the kitchen
and garbage pails, “knowing that health and morale center
around chow.”
He cared little for protocol, and instructed his staff:
“Don’t write formal letters when a note will do. Don’t write
notes, when a call will do. Don’t use a telephone when you
can just call out, ‘Hey, Joe.’ ”
McNair disliked publicity and personal praise. When his
picture was put up at the war college, he ordered it taken
down. He is reported to have said, “They can put it up when
I’m dead if they want to.” And that’s exactly what happened.
Marshall reportedly called him the “brains of the Army.”
He was “slender, short, gray-haired and sharp-featured.” He
often worked 16 hours a day. He suffered from some hearing loss, which some said led to his shyness around people.
With the necessity of putting a vast army in the field,
McNair cut short some of the training time, and when
American forces had great difficulty against the experienced German Army early in the invasion of North Africa,
McNair received some criticism for his decision.
McNair, as an artilleryman, had also put an emphasis on
anti-tank weapons that were towed into battle. Patton
favored self-propelled tank destroyers, and as the war went
on, Patton was proved to have the better insight.
McNair didn’t shy from the criticism and went to North
Africa himself to see how the tactics and training he had
helped develop were working on the actual battlefield.
He reported that the artillery was doing well and that a
new weapon, the bazooka, was showing its effectiveness.
He said the leadership was good. And he was especially
impressed by the medical treatment.
In April, 1943, while touring the front lines, he was hit
by shrapnel that badly wounded his shoulder and struck him
in the face. His steel helmet probably saved his life.
He wrote about his experience: “The medical service
was superb. I was wounded at 2:30 in the afternoon. Within
10 minutes they had me at a battalion aid station. There, two
soldiers put a tourniquet on my shoulder to stop the bleeding, bandaged me, fixed me up so I could be taken to the
rear. I went there in a Jeep to the Division Clearing Station
where they gave me blood plasma and checked my dressing. They put me on a litter in an ambulance and started to
take me further to the rear. At 5:30, three hours later, I was
in a field hospital, had been treated twice, had X-rays taken
and was ready to be operated on. That evening, I came to in
a warm bed, with no after effects from the operation. I felt
fine, ready to get up again.”
He concluded, “I didn’t get this sort of treatment because
I was a general officer.”
He returned to Washington and immediately put into
practice changes he felt were necessary in the training to
better reflect the reality of war.
His training emphasis was not strictly on the combat
skills and discipline necessary to create a good soldier. A
speech he gave during the war said that training could only
go so far, and that American soldiers must have a “fighting
spirit.”
He said, in words that bring Patton to mind, “If you call
that hating your enemies, then we must hate with every
fiber of our being. We must lust for battle; our purpose in
life must be to kill; we must scheme and plan night and day
to kill. There need be no pangs of conscience. For our ene-
mies have lighted the way to faster, surer and more cruel
killing; they are past masters.”
With D-Day approaching in 1944, McNair requested a
transfer to England to take command of an army.
Eisenhower partially granted his wish by putting him in
charge of an army that didn’t exist. Like his longtime peer,
Gen. Patton, who was now in disgrace after the slapping
incident in Italy, McNair was put in charge of a non-existent
army. His phantom army was to invade France at the Pas de
Calais, and was a diversion from the actual Allied attack at
Normandy.
His real purpose was, once the invasion was underway,
to once again go to the front and find out first-hand how the
training and preparation of the American soldier was holding up in combat conditions.
It was in this role that General McNair was in a slit
trench near the city of St. Lo on July 25, 1944. The
American forces had been bottled up in the Normandy
countryside, and General Bradley and others had conceived
of “Operation Cobra,” a major effort to break out and take
the war to Germany.
The first part of Cobra was a massive carpet bombing of
the German positions by the Air Forces.
Correspondent Ernie Pyle describes with some horror
what transpired on that day as the bombing continued. “As
we watched, there crept into our consciousness a realization
that the windrows of exploding bombs were easing back
toward us, flight by flight, instead of gradually forward, as
the plan called for. Then, we were horrified by the suspicion
that those machines, high in the sky and completely
detached from us, were aiming their bombs at the smoke
line on the ground – and a gently breeze was drifting the
smoke back over us.”
In the end, over 100 U.S. troops were killed by our
bombers that day. Bradley himself later recounted the
tragedy in gruesome detail:
“The ground belched, shook and spewed dirt to the sky.
Scores of our troops were hit, their bodies flung from slit
trenches. Doughboys were dazed and frightened....A bomb
landed squarely on McNair in a slit trench and threw his
body sixty feet and mangled it beyond recognition except
for the three stars on his collar.”
McNair was 61 years old.
Eisenhower in a letter to General Montgomery said, “His
death cast a gloom over all who had known the most able
and devoted officer.”
McNair was buried in the American Cemetery at
Normandy and his body was never brought back to the
United States. In 1954, Congress passed an act that granted
him, posthumously, the rank of four-star general. He is the
highest ranking American to be buried at the cemetery.
Along with lieutenant generals Frank Maxwell Andrews,
Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. and Millard Harmon, McNair
was the highest ranking American to be killed during the
war.
Two weeks after McNair’s death, his son, Colonel
Douglas McNair, who was chief of staff of the 77th
Division, was killed by a sniper’s bullet on Guam. He is
buried at the Punchbowl in Hawaii.
In 1948, the Army honored McNair by renaming a post
just outside Washington D.C. as Fort Lesley J. McNair. The
fort has been the headquarters of the Army’s military district of Washington since 1966 and it is home of the
National Defense University.
While McNair was credited with building an army that
won wars on both sides of the world, his untimely death left
him unable to personally defend himself against many of
the military critics after the war.
In recent years, though, with the passage of time,
McNair has once again begun to get the praise and recognition for his key role during the war.
In a 2012, historian Mark Calhoun wrote in a doctoral
paper:
“Contrary to many critical analyses, McNair developed
a remarkably accurate concept of modern warfare. In those
areas that fell within his span of control, McNair provided
invaluable service to the nation in preparing the Army to
fight in the conditions he anticipated they would face. In
doing so, he established the model for the Army training
system that is still in use today.”
Calhoun noted that many historians after World War II
have argued that America won the wars primarily through
its industrial might. Calhoun disagrees:
“Rather, they did so by relying on the fundamentals
McNair helped to develop throughout the interwar period,
ideas about how to fight and win wars which the Army
incorporated into its 1941 doctrine, and which McNair
instilled in the psyche of the American soldier by leading
the most effective pre-war mobilization training effort the
nation has ever implemented.”
Historian Marc Blackburn wrote:
“The new view of American combat performance in
World War II highlights how adaptive and innovative
Americans were in the European and Pacific
theaters. While the resources available to the United States
and its allies played a large role in victory, a newer understanding of McNair’s tactics emphasizes the manner in
which these resources were used. His pivotal influence
on the formation of the U.S. army during World War II is
finally being recognized.
“McNair’s untimely death obscured his vital role for too
long.”
McNair, Verndale to St. Lo, Larry and Dorothy Lehner,
Verndale Historical Society, 1976.
General Lesly J. McNair: Little-Known Architect of the
U.S. Army, Mark T. Calhoun, University of Kansas doctoral thesis, 2012.
An Army for Victory: Lesley J. McNair’s Influence in
Organizing the U.S. Army, 1939-1944, by Mark K.
Blackburn, Ultimate History Project, www.ultimatehistoryproject.com.
Bibliography
McNair, wearing his Purple Heart and with his arm
tucked into his shirt, posed after being wounded in
North Africa in 1942.
Gen. Omar Bradley points at a map as McNair listens
during maneuvers in Louisiana in 1942.
McNair is shown with his comrade and sometimes
antagonist George Patton early in the war.
McNair liked to visit the front lines to see how the training he devised was holding up in wartime conditions.
The
ambulance
driver
Page 8
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
T
By Al Zdon
he war brings out different things in different people.
To see Don Johnson now, a gentle man in his 90s who
often softly whistles to himself, it’s a little difficult to see
the Don Johnson of 70 years ago, all five-feet-seven of him,
roaring down roads in Belgium and Germany as an ambulance driver.
But that’s what he did, and he did it well, earning a
Bronze Star along the way.
“I wasn’t a very good soldier, but I did what I had to do
to get by.”
J
ohnson was born and raised in Red Wing, the son of
a men’s clothing store owner. He graduated from
Red Wing High School in 1941 and headed off to the
University of Minnesota.
“I remember we were in the State Theater in
Minneapolis on Dec. 7, 1941. I can’t remember what the
movie was, but they stopped the movie and the manager
came out in front of the screen and said Pearl Harbor had
been bombed. We didn’t really understand at first because
no one had ever heard of Pearl Harbor.”
He said many Americans were still hopeful to that point
that America would not get caught up in the world war. “I
know I didn’t want to go to war.”
Johnson was able to stay out of the draft with his student
deferment until mid-1943 when Uncle Sam finally called.
He reported to Fort Snelling.
“I was there for two months. I don’t know why it took
them so long to place me. I got very good a picking up cigarette butts in the campground.”
He was finally sent to Camp Barkeley, Texas, near
Abilene to go through medical basic training. He was happy
with the assignment. “I wanted to be anything but a rifleman.”
He had a choice at the end of training to head for a medical unit overseas, or to enter the Army Specialized Training
Program that send GIs to college.
True to his thirst for knowledge, he joined the ASTP and
was send to Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge.
“What a deal, but it only lasted two quarters before they
closed the whole thing down.”
He joined the 99th Infantry Division at Camp Maxey in
Texas. In the wink of an eye, Johnson was in getting off the
boat in England. He was a member of the 324th Medical
Battalion, Company C. The division had never been in battle.
“At some point I had told the Army that I used to drive a
truck on the farm for my Uncle Oscar during the summer.
That experience with a farm truck got me into the ambulance service.”
The problem was that Johnson really wasn’t very good at
driving the Dodge three-quarter-ton trucks the Army used
as ambulances. “I kind of learned how on the job. There
was a lot of double-clutching and grinding. I used to get hell
from the walking wounded.”
For a time, he drove wounded soldiers to various aid stations and hospitals in England. At the beginning of
November, the 99th Division was sent to France and
ordered to take its place in the line of battle.
“We had to drive a couple of days to get to the Siegfried
Line.”
The 99th was being sent to what was considered a quiet
section of the Allied front to ease it into combat situations.
That plan went down the tubes when the Germans launched
Donald Johnson of Red Wing
was chosen by the Army to
be an ambulance driver. He
arrived on the scene in
Belgium just in time for the
Battle of the Bulge. His 99th
Division had never seen
combat before, and it was a
rude awakening.
what it called the Ardennes Offensive and what Americans
call the Battle of the Bulge on Dec. 16, 1944. The 99th was
on the northern shoulder of the attack.
On that day, Johnson was transporting two American
soldiers and one German prisoner to a regimental medical
collection area at Malmedy, Belgium. It was 13 miles from
the front.
He was told he could stay the night at the field hospital,
but he wanted to get back to his unit. “That’s where I made
my big mistake. If I would have stayed where I was, I
would have missed the whole thing.”
It wasn’t an easy trip back.
“I came to a crossroads northeast of Malmedy and there
was a column of American tanks and trucks and everything
else crossing the road in front of us going west. The column
just went on forever. We thought we’d never get across.”
What Johnson didn’t know at that moment was that the
long column was the U.S. Army in retreat.
He finally was able to cross the road and returned to his
unit at Krinkelt, Belgium.
The first casualty in Johnson’s war was the orderly
assigned to his ambulance. He was a medic from
Pennsylvania. “He just lost his mind on the first day of battle. He was totally out of it. The sergeant just put his overcoat around the guy. He just stood there.”
There had been some shelling coming into Krinkelt the
day before, but on Dec. 17 all hell broke loose. “The
Germans threw everything at us, and they knew the country
better than we did.”
The advancing German army quickly surrounded the
twin towns of Krinkelt and Rocherath and the Americans
were under attack from both shelling and small arms fire.
“None of us had been in combat before. The called our
division the “Battle Babies.” Quite a few of us gathered in
the basement of a church to hide from the shelling. There
were probably a hundred soldiers in that church.”
If Johnson thought he was going to stay out of the bombardment, he was quickly disabused about that line of
thought. “A first lieutenant came into the basement of the
church and yelled, ‘Whose ambulance is that out there?’ I
had to admit it was mine. He said I’d better get to work.”
Johnson went out into the shelling and rifle fire and got
one more encouragement from the officer. “He said that
he’d get me the Silver Star.” For the next couple of days,
DON JOHNSON
At home in Red Wing
DON JOHNSON
During World War II
Johnson transported wounded through the heavy shelling to
aid stations.
He made trip after trip, and his ambulance was hit several times by small arms fire, but Johnson went unscathed.
It didn’t take long for the American troops to learn about
the massacre that had occurred at Malmedy on Dec. 17
when SS units killed 84 American prisoners. Johnson had
been there the day before.
“It changed our way of thinking about prisoners. We had
been a peace-loving people before then.”
The 99th, despite its lack of experience, did its job and
held up the German offensive just long enough to severely
upset its timetable and to allow Allied reinforcements to be
called up. Two of the division’s regiments were badly
mauled, and had to be combined to make one effective regiment.
On Dec. 19, four days into the Battle of the Bulge, the
division made its way to Elsenborn Ridge, just to the north
of Malmedy, where it stood its ground against violent
German attacks.
“I’ve always said, if you don’t get wounded, the war was
really interesting to watch.”
On one run, Johnson and others were cutting through a
woods and found an American fuel dump. “It was filled
with five-gallon jerry cans of gasoline. There must have
been 10,000 of them. The Germans had gone right by the
dump and didn’t see it. And at this point they were running
out of gas.”
His chore, sometimes day and night, was to keep heading to the battle areas, pick up wounded men, and bring
them to aid stations. “It was a dangerous deal. I would have
rather stayed in that church.”
W
hen the order was given for the division to
occupy the ridge, there were few roads through
the Ardennes to where they wanted to go. “It
was about 10 or 15 miles, and the other roads had been cut
off. So the Corps of Engineers just cut a road through that
forest. We were one of the last two ambulances to leave
Klinkert.”
Johnson didn’t have any wounded for the trip, but he
wasn’t alone. “I had four soldiers on each bench in the back,
and there were two guys on the running boards. We left the
windows open so they could hold on. They were very
thankful for the ride.”
The weather during the battle was terrible, cold and
snowy, and many American soldiers got frostbite. “I was
saved by my truck. I would run that heater every day and
every night. I never had wet feet. If I had room, I’d always
invite other soldiers to share the back of the ambulance with
me at night.”
He also was better prepared than many soldiers. “I never
had boots. I had four-buckle overshoes, and they kept my
feet dry.”
He said generally, the Germans didn’t shoot at the ambulances. “At least they hardly ever shot at me.”
Johnson kept sandbags stashed around his seat in the
ambulance. “It was just in case we hit a landmine. I don’t
know if the sandbags worked, but everybody did it.”
On one run, Johnson got lost in the woods trying to find
the wounded men. “I just kept driving around, and finally I
switched on my half lights. It turned out I was right in the
middle of an American unit in foxholes. A guy yelled, ‘Turn
those damned lights off.’ And so I did.”
By January, things had calmed down quite a bit, he said.
The Germans were stopped and had little fuel left after the
opening days of the fighting.
The soldiers were gathered together for medal ceremony
at one point, and Johnson was surprised to hear his name
called out as the recipient of a Bronze Star for his work at
Krinkelt. “I said to a friend, ‘What the hell, he told me I
was going to get a Silver Star.’ ”
A few minutes later in the ceremony, the officer who had
promised Johnson a Silver Star was awarded one himself.
Johnson was not bothered. “Both medals were worth
five points toward going home early. That was the key to
any medal. Of course, the guys who had done the same
thing as me in Belgium were not impressed with my Bronze
Star.”
February 2015
Minnesota Legionnaire
Page 9
Johnson stands next to the Dodge 3/4 ton truck that was the standard Army ambulance in World War II. The
picture was taken at Camp Maxey, Texas, just before the 99th Division was shipped overseas.
Dodge 3/4 ton Ambulance
Manufacturer: Dodge Brothers (Chrysler)
Crew: 2
Weight: 5,920 lbs.
Engine: Dodge model T214, six-cylinder,
230 cubic inch.
Speed: 54 miles per hour
Range: 240 miles
Gas consumption: 8 miles per gallon
Transmission, manual four speed
Ground clearance: 10 inches
The heavily damaged church at the twin towns of
Krinkelt and Rocherath, Belgium, was a hiding place
for many GIs as the shelling rained in from the
German blitz in the Battle of the Bulge. Johnson
stayed at the church until an officer sent him back to
work.
B
y March, the 99th Division was on its way into
Germany.
“I remember one town we went through called Duren. It
was the most bombed-out town I ever saw, and we saw a
lot. They put a blade on the front of the tanks and just had
them follow the streetcar lines to clear the way.”
On March 11, 1944, the 99th became one of the first
divisions to cross the Rhine River, crossing the bridge at
Remagen.
“We were moving up the river, and toward evening we
could look down the hill and see the Rhine River and the
Ludendorff Bridge. They had captured it the day before.
When we got up to the bridge, the guard said, “Not over
five miles an hour and we mean it.”
“The bridge had been hit so many times, that they had
put sheets of steel over the holes. If you went more than five
miles an hour, it would move those sheets. So over we went.
It was terrifying.
“And when we got to the other side, we realized that we
could never go back. We thought we had been abandoned.
Johnson and a comrade lean on a Jeep during the war
in Europe. The 99th Division fought in Belgium,
Germany, and ended the war in Austria.
Don Johnson, right, was able to hook up with his
brother, Kenny, during the war. The two later ran the
family’s men’s clothing store in Red Wing for many
years.
But it was amazing how many troops they brought over that
bridge.”
Before it collapsed, six divisions made it across the
bridge and the pontoon bridges built near it.
The Germans were shelling the bridge constantly and
would now and then attack with airplanes. “We had the
biggest collection of anti-aircraft guns ever assembled during the war at Remagen. They were up and down the river,
on both sides.”
Still, a flight of two German planes came over the
bridge. “They came through so fast it was unbelievable.
They were the first jets in the war. Don’t think that wasn’t
an eye opener. Of course, our AA batteries couldn’t hit
them, but the jets also didn’t hit the bridge. They only made
one pass.
“The Americans were just like they were at a state high
school basketball championship or something. They were
all looking up and cheering as we tried to shoot them
down.”
There was one down side. “Those AA rounds were coming down as fast as they were going up. We were hitting a
lot of guys. It kept the ambulances busy.”
The divisions that made it across were able to form part
of a pincers movement in the Ruhr Valley that had trapped
thousands of German troops. In one day, the 99th Division
captured 23,000 troops.
“I went by the stockade, and I remember that the German
officers were mad as hell that the American soldiers wouldn’t salute them. They kept yelling about the Geneva
Convention.”
By this time of the war, it was clear the German Army
was finished. “They had no will to fight and nothing to fight
with.”
Page 10
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
T
he 99th was transferred to the Third Army in April
and came under the leadership of the famed Gen.
George Patton. Johnson had been a big fan of Maj.
Gen. Courtney Hodges, the commander of the First Army.
Those sentiments didn’t hold true for Patton.
On the 29th of April, the prisoner of war camp at
Moosberg, Germany, was liberated by the U.S. 14th
Armored Division. Johnson and the other nine ambulances
in his unit were sent to the camp.
“We were talking to the prisoners. I had a bunch of
Sunday papers that my folks had sent me rolled up behind
my seat. One guy said, ‘Where are you from?’ I said
Minneapolis. He said, ‘Oh, I’m from Duluth,’ and he
grabbed those newspapers. I never saw him again. I’m sure
he got a lot more out of them than I did.”
As the men were milling around the camp, Patton’s Jeep
with the siren blaring suddenly roared into the stalag.
“There was Patton, in all his glory. You knew he had to put
in an appearance there. When he was done, the Jeep went
roaring out of the camp right through all the prisoners. All
of a sudden it came to a skidding stop. Patton jumped out
and tore the stripes off a sergeant. They guy hadn’t saluted
him.”
The division ended up in Linz, Austria. “I remember the
American soldiers shooting the little chamois deer with
their burp guns. The local farmers didn’t like that very
much.”
In the hundreds of trips he made bringing soldiers to aid
centers, Johnson never had a soldier die in the back of his
ambulance. Of the ten ambulances in his unit, none was
seriously hit during the war.
He said his closest call to an accident was when he was
transporting some American soldiers and one German soldier to a hospital. “It was pitch black out, and I was trying
to follow the cat-eye lights of the trucks in front of me. The
German kept complaining and complaining. The Americans
were quiet. They were going home.
“Well, I lost track of the other trucks, and I speeded up
to try to catch them. Sure enough, I ran right into another
truck in the dark. Wouldn’t you know it, it was the German
who got thrown out of the stretcher onto the floor. Boy, did
he complain then.”
A U.S. Army photograph shows an ambulance delivering wounded soldiers to an aid station in Europe during
World War II.
Johnson, left, posed with Wally Johnson, no relation,
in Hammelberg, Bavaria, in June 1945.
After the war, Johnson and his brother, Kenny, ran the
Johnson and Meyer Clothing store in Red Wing. It is
now a confectionary shop.
W
hile the rest of medical unit got ready to head
for the war in the Pacific, Johnson was able to
use the points he had earned for his Bronze Star
to get a 30-day furlough back to the United States. He was
with his family in Minnesota when the war with Japan
ended.
He was never reunited with his division, and was sent to
Fort Hood in Texas and then to Louisiana where he guarded prisoners. He got out in December of 1945.
After a stint at the Minnesota School of Business, he and
his brother, Kenny, took over his father’s business, Johnson
and Meyer. It was one of the finest men’s stores in the area.
“We did well until the Targets and the rest came along. I
finally liquidated it in 1981. It was a lovely store.”
Kitty-corner from the St. James Hotel, the store is now a
confectionary shop.
He married Frankie in 1949, and they had two girls.
Frankie, who was an accomplished rosemaling artist, died
seven years ago.
Johnson still lives in his hometown and still goes down
to the Red Wing American Legion Post for a cup of coffee
now and then. He said he likes to give Past National
Commander Dan Ludwig, also a member of the post, a hard
time.
Johnson posed with his mother and father when he
was home on furlough in Red Wing.
Johnson stood by some of the local architecture in
Bavaria at the close of the war.
February 2015
District Commanders
FIRST
DISTRICT
Myron Ehrich
Commander
I was invited to attend the 59th Annual Venison Dinner
on January 16 at the Minnesota veterans Home in Hastings.
The meal was very good and had a good time visiting with
the other District Commanders that were in attendance. I
am looking forward to the National Commanders Tour in
Minnesota. Let’s all give him a great Minnesota welcome. I
hope to see him at the New Ulm Post 132 for the evening
meal. Is the weather going to be good for his week and also
for the Sweet Heart Rally in Chanhassen? We have had
some up and down temperatures as of late but we have no
control over that. We just have to take what comes. Think
Spring.
SECOND
DISTRICT
Jennifer Kafka
Commander
As I sit and wonder what to write about the main thing
that pops in my head is “what as an organization are we
doing wrong with new members?” I don't mean this to be
negative but we always look at what we are doing right in
getting new members, but our retention is down. Our membership team works hard to get new members but, we as an
organization is lacking in the retention.
We can make a list of reasons why our members drop
after the first couple years, but we need to look at what are
we doing to keep them? Are we investing in new members?
Because if not why should they invest in us? Are they just
a number? If we see them as a number that “number” will
drop, but if we take time to get to know them, invite them
to events, learn about these men and women who, chances
are have a story to tell. Then we give them more than a
membership, we give them a place to belong, a place that
understands and is there even if it's just to listen.
Mentoring is great. This has been around for a long time
but we need to use it the right way, we need to guide and
teach. Not preach and point out everything they are doing
“wrong” or talking down to members, these are things that
will belittle and leave a sour taste in anyone’s mouth.
I love the American Legion Family and what it stands
for. I am passionate about its beliefs but I am more passionate about our veterans. So please if you have a new
member you know of or a long time member who hasn't
been active reach out to them, befriend them but more
importantly invest in them.
THIRD
DISTRICT
Duane Anderson
Commander
I’m still trying to get caught up after the holidays with
days going by way too fast. I just was reading a report sent
down from National American Legion regarding our
national security and thought I might recap some of it. The
report quotes Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. She
states that the Air Force is planning for future budget constraints at the same Airmen are pursuing the fight against
terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Event over
the skies of Syria and Iraq. Our Air Force has provided
more than 60 percent of the 16,000-plus sorties that have
been flown over this area. At the same time, she said, the
Air Force is ensuring the United States remains dominant in
the air and in space and executing missions ranging from
intelligents, surveillance and reconnaissants to global
mobility and global strike. She indicates that the tough
budget decisions have led to an increasingly stressed Air
Force. The bottom line, she says, is that everyone wants
more Air force and indeed we have never been busier
around the world. Demand for our services is way up, but
we are meeting those demands today with the smallest Air
Force in our history. I am sure the rest of our military is facing these same challenges at the same time our country is
trying to find new ways to give away money.
FOURTH
DISTRICT
Dan Williams
Commander
Our Mid-Winter was held at Arcade Phalen Post 577. A
good time was had by all. Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons
members we thank you all for making it a success. Post
577, you were an outstanding host, as always. We appreciate every guest and visitor for taking the time to come and
share a portion of your busy day with us.
Congratulations Carroll “Bird” Partridge on receiving
endorsement from 3M Post 599 for 2015-2016 Department
Vice Commander for 4th and 5th Districts. We know you
will serve the districts and department very well, if elected.
A rare “Bird” and great choice.
Calendar reminders: Wednesday, February 4th National
Commander’s Breakfast at Rosetown Memorial 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 7th, Sweetheart Rally at Chanhassen
Post 580 (Turn-in 3:00–4:00 PM.) February 13 - Dept.
Oratorical Semi-Finals - AM (Coon Rapids & Osseo) and
Finals - PM (Anoka). February 11th RCCC District
Meeting will be held at Rosetown Post 542. The E-Board
will meet 6:30 and general meeting starts at 7:00 PM. Our
guest speaker will be Past Department Commander Mike
Ash. Minneapolis VA Visitation Sunday, February 15th.
The Department of Defense reported 2014 had a slight
increase in the number of suicide deaths among active service members. Let none stand alone, we are our brothers’
and sisters’ keepers.
FIFTH
DISTRICT
Wayne Glanton
Commander
The holidays are over and we must work on membership. Old and new members are what we need. Chairmen,
every member should call on just two members that you
know and encourage them to pay their dues.
With all the benefits and programs that the Legion has to
offer, this would be a good start and help your posts to meet
their membership total.
The Oratorical program is now being put together. It
would be wonderful if every post would send a high school
person to enter in the contest. The prize is for a scholarship
to a collage. I have attended the contest in the past and the
students do a good job preparing for the contest and presenting their subject.
I am amazed how the motorcycle Riders can raise so
much money on their rides. Keep up the good work Riders.
I hope you are able to settle your problem.
John Austin, our Sargent at Arms, is doing a great job at
raising funds for the commander’s project. Thank you John.
And may God Bless America.
SIXTH
DISTRICT
Carl Moon
Commander
The Sixth District is starting the new year in a pretty
close race with our Sister District, the Ninth, for First Place
in membership for the Department. As with Sisters, one is
always trying to one-up the other and so it appears this is
happening between our Districts. Currently the Ninth is in
the lead, but only by 0.5%. Little do they know that we are
just being the Good Sister District by letting them have a little glory before we leave them in the dust. Now I know that
our Department Vice Commander Mel Buesseler is thrilled
to death to have both the First and Second place Districts in
Department but since he is from the Sixth, I know he won't
mind if we put our Sister in their place; "Second" that is.
I know that all of the Districts are in the middle of having their Mid Winter Conferences, and I know this because
I don't think I will be seeing much of my wife (AKA
Department Commander Moon) until mid March at her
Testimonial. I want to thank Aitkin Post 86 for hosting our
Mid Winter Conference that was held on January 24th.
The Sixth District will be having a Membership
Revitalization on April 9 through the 11th concentrating on
areas in a 20 mile radius from both Brainerd and Little
Falls, which will include Camp Ripley. We are fortunate
that our National Membership Director, Billy Johnson, has
agreed to come in to conduct the training for this endeavor.
My Testimonial "ROAST" will be on April 11th at the
Zimmerman Legion. 5:30 Social/6:30 Dinner. More information to follow.
SEVENTH
DISTRICT
Victor Gades
Commander
We are just back from Mid-Winter and membership rally
at the Olivia Post. We were at 50, combined American
Legion and Auxiliary memberships turned-in for the day.
Thank You to all that attended.
We are doing well with incoming memberships; the
membership team has been doing well. If you are lagging in
meeting goal be prepared to be receiving a call from the
membership team. We do already have 17 Posts at 100% or
better, with several Posts within striking distance by one or
two memberships. Even if you are at 100%, you still may
Minnesota Legionnaire Page 11
have some members that have lapsed over the years and
there are definitely other eligibly members out there. Now
is the time to contact these individuals, find out why they
have not renewed or joined.
A short message to 7th District Posts: We want a valid
email from each Post that will accept electronic mailing. By
the time your Post receives a printed newsletter some or all
the included information is at best 10 to 14 days old, some
even older. Having these emails will enable District and
everybody to communicate and disseminate info in a more
realistic time frame.
EIGHTH
DISTRICT
Wilson Spence
Commander
I would like to thank all who attended our Mid Winter
meeting in Virginia. I also would like to publicly thank
Kurt E. Thielen, business manager for the VA Medical
Center Minneapolis for his willingness to speak to us. All
attendees were able to renew friendships, make new ones,
learn more about The American Legion, and able to hear
from/ask questions of Thielen about VA health care.
We are all members of that American Legion Family.
When any of our district posts excel, we all excel. When
any of our posts have difficulty, we all have difficulty with
them and we want to help in any way we can. I know many
post are exceling and a few are struggling. The Eighth
District members want to give our aid and share our ideas
to those of you who feel overwhelmed. Please let us know.
Membership is a very important to all of us. The national, Department of Minnesota, and the district all speak of
the importance of membership. Why you ask? You are The
American Legion. The sacrifices for our Nation continue
with the activities of our posts. When you help a fellow veteran, a member of a veteran’s family, your community, or
contact your public officials, you help The American
Legion. Ask your neighbor, your policeman, your sheriff,
your fireman, you never know who will say “yes” and be
become an American Legionnaire.
NINTH
DISTRICT
Thomas Norgaard Sr.
Commander
February stacks up to be a fairly busy month. On the 2nd
I will meet the National Commander Mike Helm at Walker
for supper. The 6th is our 9th District Godfather’s Rally in
Mahnomen at the Post starting at 6:00 pm. Let’s help all the
Godfathers out and have a lot of memberships to turn in at
the Sweetheart Rally in Chanhassen the next day. February
11th is the National 85% cutoff for membership. We are
past that goal already and need to be over 90% by that date.
During the Mid-Winter Conference, I was able to turn in
$680.00 toward my Commanders Project. This year is to
raise money to purchase a handicap assessable pool table
for the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. They have set a cost
of about $6,000 for it and are getting donations from other
area organizations as well as from the 9th District. My goal
is $2500 and I think that we could go beyond that. I would
like to see every Post in the District contribute something,
even if you can only afford $10.00.
Last year’s project, a bingo machine, was a success as I
was just informed that the machine has arrived and is working perfectly. Jen Morken, last year’s 9th District President
and myself will have to set a time to go down and have a
photo taken with the new Bingo Machine.
TENTH
DISTRICT
Tom Sanders
Commander
Mid-Winter Conference at Anoka Post 102 went well. I
want to thank "Helping Paws" for their demonstration of the
Districts combined project. I hope that everyone present
enjoyed it and found it a deserving project to donate to. I
hope the information that was presented was something you
can bring back to your own American Legion Family in
your community and use. I would also like to thank the
Anoka folks for putting on such a great conference.
The 44th Annual 10th District Snowmobile Rally was
a huge success. It is my honor and pleasure to thank everyone involved that came on the run. This has been the "Big
Kahuna" for getting all the Family closer to the set goals for
membership. Special thanks to Hopkins Post 320 for hosting the turn in at the end of the run.
Now that we are in the month of February "Dues are
due" so now is the time to really work those members that
are in jeopardy of losing those continuous years. As of Jan.
31st dues became delinquent. This is the time of "snowbirds" and frosty weather, so let's keep warm and working.
Page 12
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
Taps
Hansen, Donald C., 92, Navy veteran of World
War II, died Dec. 30, 2014. He helped organize Hardwick Post
478, and served as post commander three times. He was a Second
District Commander from 1966-67 and a Department Vice
Commander from 1969-70.
Waytashek, LeRoy, 85, Air Force veteran of the Korean War,
died Jan. 15, 2015. He was a member of Hillman Post 602.
Hulke, DeWayne “Red,” 80, Navy veteran of the Korean War,
died Dec. 24, 2014. He served on the USS Quincy. He was past
commander of Clarissa Post 213. He was the brother of Past
Department President Gwen Hamilton.
Seide, Roman H., 85, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Jan. 12, 2015. He served on the color guard of Chisago City Post
272.
Clausen, Douglas E., 80, Navy veteran the Korean War, died
Dec. 25, 2014. He trained as a Seabee and did construction projects in Japan and the Philippines. He was a member of Waseca
Post 228.
Swenson, Marvin Sanford, 89, Navy veteran of World War II,
died Jan. 12, 2015. He was a radioman on the USS Adams. He was
a member of Waseca Post 228.
Bruner, Ervin A., 88, Army veteran of World War II, died Dec.
25, 2014. He served in Germany at the end of the war. He was a
member of St. Michael Post 567.
Fredrickson, Duane W., 79, Army veteran of the Korean War,
died Dec. 28, 2014. He was the manager of the KenyonWanamingo Legion Baseball team for 22 years and was active in
fund raising. He was commander of Kenyon Post 78.
Poser, Leonard Math, 85, Marine Corps veteran of the
Korean War, died Jan. 11, 2015. He served in California. He was
a member of Pierz Post 341.
Leidenfrost, Herbert, 92, Navy veteran of World War II, died
Jan. 2, 2015. He was a member of Pierz Post 341.
Rademacher, Leander Philip, 89, Navy veteran of World War
II, died Dec. 31, 2014. He was a member of Alexandria Post 87.
Benesh, John Martin, 91, Army veteran of World War II, died
Jan. 1, 2015. He served at Corregidor and Manila in the
Philippines. He was a member of Alexandria Post 87.
Atwood, John, 89, Army veteran of World War II, died Jan. 3,
2015. He served in Korea during World War II. He was a member
of Paynesville Post 271.
Larson, Wallace Otto, 95, Navy veteran of World War II, died
Jan. 6, 2015. He served at North Africa and Okinawa. He was a
member of Mora Post 201.
Gams, Paul M., 51, Army veteran of the Grenada and
Lebanon conflicts, died Dec. 29, 2014. He served as a medic and
later joined the Army Reserve. He was a member of Mora Post
201.
Rosendahl, Harold, 85, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Jan. 7, 2015. He was a past commander and honor guard member
of New London Post 537.
Bridges, William, 88, Coast Guard and Army veteran of World
War II, died Dec. 24, 2014. He served as a reserve officer in the
U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was a top officer at the St. Cloud
VA Medical Center. He was a member of Rice Post 473.
Stewart, Amanda Lee, 28, Army veteran of the Iraq War, died
Dec. 24, 2014. She served in both the Minnesota and Colorado
National Guard. She was a member of Rice Post 473.
Hoye, William, 81, Army veteran of the Korean War, died Jan.
12, 2015. He served in Japan. He was a member of Twin City Ford
Post 439.
Bereuter, Wilmer O. “Buzz,” 88, Army Air Corps veteran of
World War II, died Dec. 17, 2014. He was a past commander of
Brainerd Post 255, and a long time member of the color guard.
Nelson, Clifford J.B., 86, Army veteran of World War II, died
Dec. 24, 2014. He was member of Brainerd Post 255.
Austin, Lyle, 92, Army veteran of World War II, died Jan. 11,
2015. He was a member of Brainerd Post 255.
Linnerooth, Wallace, 93, Navy veteran of World War II, died
Jan. 11, 2015. He retired from the Navy in 1982 as a lieutenant. He
was a member of Brainerd Post 255.
Hayes, Arthur Dean, 92, Navy veteran of World War II, died
Jan. 8, 2015. He was a member of Park Rapids Post 212.
Donnay, Arthur M., 94, Army veteran of World War II, died
Dec. 21, 2014. He was a member of Kimball Post 261.
David, Jason Donald, 85, Army veteran of the Korean War,
died Jan. 2, 2015. He served active duty and in the National Guard.
He was a past commander of Lonsdale Post 586.
Lacina, William, 92, Army veteran of World War II, died Jan.
11, 2015. He served in the 311th Infantry Regiment, M Company,
in Europe. He was a member of Mankato Post 11.
Jacobsen, Marvin W., 88, Navy veteran of World War II and
Korea, died Jan. 8, 2015. He served as a Seabee. He was a founding member of Zimmerman Post 560.
Reineccisu, Royal T., “Ted,” 85, Army veteran of the Korean
War, died Dec. 1, 2014. He was a sergeant in radio communications and he served in Japan and Okinawa. He was a past commander of Princeton Post 216.
Sumner, Clifford E., 74, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War,
died Dec. 27, 2014. He served on the USS Valley Forge. He was a
member of Thief River Falls Post 117.
Defreece, Virgil, 68, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, died
Dec. 26, 2014. He served in Korea. He was a member of Thief
River Falls Post 117.
Braun, Raymond E., Navy veteran of World War II, died Dec.
22, 2014. He served on the USS Pennsylvania in the Pacific. He
was a member of Chisago City Post 272.
DeClercq, Dayle L., 82, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Jan. 3, 2015. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He was chaplain of
Chisago City Post 272.
Macken, Stephen, 69, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, died
Dec. 18, 2014. He was in Naval Air. He was a member of Eyota
Post 551.
Lund, Glenn R., 74, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, died
Dec. 14, 2014. He was an Army nurse during the war. He was a
member of Franklin Post 308.
Asleson, Richard, 82, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Dec. 30, 2014. He drove a Jeep for a general. He was a member of
Eyota Post 551.
Peterson, John William, 61, Army veteran of the Vietnam
War, died Dec. 26, 2014. He was a member of Clarissa Post 213.
Hulke, DeWayne “Red,” 80, Navy veteran of the Korean War,
died Dec. 24, 2014. He was a past commander of Clarissa Post 213
Minnesota Legionnaire Obituary Policy
Obituaries of members of the Legion Family will be published in the Minnesota
Legionnaire in a monthly column under the heading “Taps.”
Obituaries must be recent, within the last two months prior to the publication of the new
edition of the Legionnaire. For example, the February edition would only contain obituaries from January and December.
While the obituaries are brief, the Legionnaire does seek certain information for our
readers:
1. Complete name of deceased.
2. Age at death.
3. Branch of service and war or wars the veteran served in.
4. Exact date of death.
5. Additional information about the veteran’s service background including unit, type of
service, place of service, medals, etc.
6. The post, unit or squadron the deceased belonged to.
7. Additional information about Legion service including officer posts held.
The Legionnaire reserves the right to edit all obituaries for style and brevity.
Membership Chart
As of January 21, 2015
District
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
At-large
Totals
2015
Goal
9,976
8,110
12,486
2,554
2,959
12,698
7,245
4,768
7,443
11,243
2,340
81,822
Total
2014
9,918
8,026
12,421
2,530
2,936
12,627
7,167
4,727
7,378
11,189
2,338
81,257
Total
2015
8,879
7,203
11,200
2,261
2,513
11,402
6,412
4,139
6,678
9,952
2,417
73,056
Percent
of Goal
89.00
88.97
89.70
88.53
84.93
89.79
88.50
86.81
89.72
88.52
76.54
88.42
Same
Date ’13
9,201
7,518
11,467
2,336
2,661
11,727
6,638
4,402
6,905
10,228
2,151
75,234
and served as Clarissa Police Chief.
Gurven, Morris Smith, 81, Army veteran of the Korean War,
died Dec. 30, 2014. He was a member of Bertha Post 366.
Johnson, Roger Bruce, 63, Army veteran of the Vietnam War,
died Dec. 31, 2014. He served for 25 years in the North Dakota
National Guard and served in Germany. He was a member of
Breckenridge Post 53.
Banitt, Ronald J., 86, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Dec. 20, 2014. He was a member of Zumbrota Post 183.
Kuntz, Alfred A., 77, Army veteran of the Vietnam War, died
Dec. 5, 2014. He served in Vietnam. He was a member of Waconia
Post 150.
Sanders, Andrew G., 82, Marine Corps veteran of the Korean
War, died Dec. 6, 2014. He was a past commander of Albert Lea
Post 56.
Morley, George H., 89, Navy veteran of World War II, died
Dec. 11, 2014. He was a member of Albert Lea Post 56.
Doty, Glenn L., 89, Marine Corps veteran of World War II,
died Dec. 20, 2014. He served in the Battle of Okinawa. He was a
member of Albert Lea Post 56.
Carlson, Albin R., 98, Army veteran of World War II, died
Dec. 10, 2014. He served in Italy and North Africa. He was a
member of Cass Lake Post 284.
Schroedl, Leroy A., 88, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Jan. 2, 2015. He served two tours in Korea. He was a member of
Fairfax Post 205.
Paulson, Daniel E., 70, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War,
died Dec. 20, 2014. He served for 20 years as a nuclear weapons
superintendent in the Strategic Air Command. He was a member
of Park Rapids Post 212.
Lindquist, Donald, 81, Marine Corps veteran of the Korean
War, died Dec. 25, 2014. He was a past commander of Park Rapids
Post 212.
DeCrans, Alfonse Peter, 93, Army veteran of World War II,
died Jan. 3, 2015. He was a forward observer in the Battle of
Okinawa. He was a member of Park Rapids Post 212.
Dragstra, Joseph A., 87, Army veteran of the Korean War,
died Dec. 23, 2014. He served in Germany. He was a member of
Edgerton Post 142.
DeLay, George E., 98, Army veteran of World War II, died
Dec. 31, 2014. He was a member of Faribault Post 43.
Marshik, Donald A., 75, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam
War, died Dec. 26, 2014. He was a member of Hillman Post 602
and a great volunteer.
Zapp, John W., 87, Army veteran of World War II, died Jan.
2, 2015. He was a member of Cold Spring Post 455.
Fuller, Keith H., “Murph,” 67, Army veteran of the Vietnam
War, died Dec. 25, 2014. He served in the honor guard of Faribault
Post 43.
Brooks, Paul, 96, Army veteran of World War II, died Dec. 21,
2014. He was a member of Fairfax Post 205.
Vait, Leroy W., 84, Army veteran of the Korean War, died
Dec. 22, 2014. He was a member of Fairfax Post 205.
Shierts, Kenneth William, 85, Army veteran of the Korean
War, died Jan. 16, 2015. He was a member of Monticello Post 260.
Westphal, Roger “Butch,” 83, Army veteran of the Korean
War, died Jan. 16, 2015. He was a member of Maple Lake post
131.
Stahlke, Donald E., 81, Coast Guard veteran of the Korean
and Vietnam Wars, died Jan. 19, 2015. He was stationed at the
Coast Guard Academies in New London and Norfolk. He was a
member of Waconia Post 150.
Sons of The
American Legion
By
Dennis Henkemeyer
As I have traveled
around the State of
Minnesota this year, there is
one thing that truly sticks
out and that is the
Minnesota epitomizes the
term American Legion
Family. The kindness and
hospitality that has been
extended to me as the
Detachment Commander of
the Sons of The American
Legion has been unbelievable and I thank all of you
for that.
As I write this article, I
have traveled to three district mid-winters and will
hit another two this weekend. From what I can see
the meetings have been well
run and the reports and
speakers have been very
interesting. It is obvious to
me that The American
Legion Family is working
hard in promoting our programs and setting them in
motion.
Just a reminder to the
SAL members here in the
Detachment of Minnesota
that it is not too early to
start making plans for our
Spring Meeting in Anoka.
The finance committee
meeting and the detachment
executive committee meeting will be held on Friday
evening, March 20, 2015.
The general session will be
held the following day and
will more than likely start a
little early to allow those of
us that are planning on
going to the department
commander’s testimonial in
Walker a safe trip. More
information will be coming
soon from Detachment
Adjutant Douglas Bible.
We are having a great
year with our membership
program. We have met all
national targets to date and
have stayed consistently in
the top 10 nationally for a
number of weeks now. We
have also been number one
in the Central Region on a
number of occasions. I
have to say that we are on
track to obtain another all
time high for Minnesota
and I am confident that we
will break that magic number of 11,000 members by
the time the year is done! I
thought it very fitting and a
fine tribute to Past
Detachment Commander
John
Affolter
that
Minnesota did make an all
time high for 2014.
As for my project of the
Minnesota Fisher House,
donations are continuing to
come in. I have said that I
had no idea what type of a
goal to set since this particular project was a first for
Minnesota and a lot of people have little or no knowledge of this terrific program. However, based on
donations to date, I have
finally set a goal for my
year. Since we are going
for 11,000 members in
Minnesota, I think the goal
for the Minneapolis Fisher
House should also be
$11,000.00. I have not seen
any totals to date, but I
know that we are somewhere around $8,000.00
right now, so yes it is definitely obtainable.
February 2015
Listening Post
Silver bay
hosts 23rd
Superior
fishing trip
Minnesota Legionnaire
Page 13
News from around the State
ST. FRANCIS DONATION -- St. Francis Post 622 donated over $6,000 worth of
clothing to the St. Cloud VA Medical System at Christmas time. The money came
from the post’s annual Support our Troops Golf Tournament. In front is tournament
organizer Bob Nelson with some of the donation boxes.
Since 1993, the Silver
Bay
Minnesota
Veterans Home has
hosted a fishing trip on
Lake Superior. This
year, 60 residents from
Silver Bay, Mineapolis,
Hastings and Fergus
Falls fished and caught
50 fish on 15 charters.
They later had a shore
lunch.
At top, Art Kale get his
line ready. At bottom,
a poster welcomes vets
aboard a volunteerdonated charter boat.
NORTH BRANCH HONOR -- North Branch Past Commander and Chaplain Jim
Johnson, center, was honored as North Branch Post 85’s Member of the Year.
Presenting were Commander Randy Koivisto and 10th District Vice Commander
Ron Rollins.
EDEN VALLEY HONORS OLD TIMERS -- Eden Valley Post 381 gave out continuous membership awards recently. From left, front: Gary Scheierl, Roman Utecht,
Willie Becker and Butch Belanger. Middle row: Ken Tschumperlin, Arnie Thielen,
Sonny Thielen, Post Commander Art Kuechle. Back row: Greg Utecht, Fritz Theis,
Jim Haag.
FIFTH DISTRICT AT MOA -- Organized by the SAL’s Shawn Davis, the Fifth
District had a booth at the Mall of America. Carol Larson, right, holds the baby of
a veteran signing up for additional information. Richfield Unit 435 President Jill
Davis sat behind the booth.
VIKES HONOR WINDOM VET -- Joe Carpenter, a Viking season ticket holder
since 1963 and a longtime member of Windom Post 206, was honored during the
Vikings-Bears game in December. Carpenter, who got a standing ovation from the
crowd, served with the 45th Division in North Africa and Italy, and was at the invasion of Sicily where his landing craft was sunk and he had to swim ashore under
enemy fire. He wore his Legion hat for the recognition at TCF Bank Stadium.
HAMEL VETS VOLUNTEER -- Three members of Hamel Post 394 serve on the
Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad in the Tuesday group as well as doing thousands of our hours of volunteer work. From left are: Dale Malmberg, Jim Heimerl
and Roman Rowan.
Page 14
The Auxiliary Bulletin
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
No. 15-1
February 2015
President Chris Ronning
Secretary Sandie Deutsch
Department Headquarters, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
National President Jefford
to visit Minnesota March 2-5
The
President’s
Column
By
Chris Ronning
What an amazing month of January, the weather was
kind to us, gas prices kept getting lower, how much better
can it get?
I attended seven District Mid-winters throughout our
great state. As each District Chairmen gave their reports I
knew we are in good hands.
These ladies give their all to work our programs and I
want to thank them for all they do.
Sandie and I went over to the Fisher House to deliver all
the items the Auxiliary members have collected. We were
running out of space at the office.
We had several bags to be delivered and also lots of gift
cards, such as gas cards, Target and Wal-Mart cards and
many more.
I wasn’t sure how this would work, when I asked the
members to bring items for the Fisher House. They came
through, plus so much more.
Some of you had Fisher House Showers, Silent
Auctions, collected items at your Unit meetings and Rallies.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your
generosity.
February will be another busy month. Our National
Commander Mike Helm will be visiting our great state.
Let’s hope that the weather stays nice for a little while
longer. I hope some of our Auxiliary members will be able
to visit with him at one of his stops.
I am looking forward to Washington DC in February.
This is such an exciting city and it gives me a chance to visit
with our Legislators and talk to them about issues concerning our Veterans.
A few dinners, Department Sweetheart Rally and final
Oratorical contests are coming up.
American Legion Bowling will kick off February 21st. I
will be on my way to Washington, so you will miss me
throwing out the first ball. It would have been ugly.
It is time to get Girl State information to your schools.
This is one of the best programs we as the American Legion
Auxiliary offer.
These ladies are the cream of the crop and I encourage
all Units to send at least one girl.
Keep our service men and their families in your prayers
and let’s not forget our Veterans that gave so much so we
can live in this great country.
Our Veterans – Past –Future and Present.
Auxiliary
Membership
as of Jan. 20, 2015
District
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Tenth
Depart.
Total
1-20 Total
4,276
4,337
3,795
607
712
5,312
3,490
1,374
3,851
4,431
106
32,291
651-224-7634
Percent
73.13
76.18
75.61
69.77
69.87
75.11
76.45
71.01
76.11
73.58
60.92
74.62
Goal
5,847
5,693
5,019
840
1,019
7,072
4,565
1,935
5,060
6,022
174
43,276
National President Janet Jefford will be in Minnesota on
Monday, March 2, through Thursday, March 5. There is a
daily itinerary included in this issue of the Legionnaire.
Please make a point to visit one of her stops. She will be
telling everyone of her year so far and her plans for the balance of her year.
Jefford, of Manchester,
Conn., was elected national
president of the American
Legion Auxiliary during the
organization’s 94th National
Convention in Charlotte,
N.C., Aug. 22-28.
Jefford
joined
the
American Legion Auxiliary
through her father William
Lucas, a WWII Army veteran. She is also eligible
through her son, Jeff, a
Desert Storm Army veteran.
Jefford is a member of
Goodale-Rameker Unit 56.
Jefford is the first
Connecticut resident to represent the American Legion
JANET JEFFORD
Auxiliary as national president since Helen Lee Gilbert
during the 1944-1945 administrative year. She has held
numerous leadership positions in the organization at the
unit, district and department levels, including eight national program chairmanships. She currently serves on the
2014-2019 Centennial Strategic Planning leadership team.
Jefford recently retired as vice president of institutional
effectiveness at Goodwin College in East Hartford, Conn.
She served as a commissioner on an agency that accredits
schools and colleges, and as president and chairman of the
Board of Connecticut Training Center, a community-based
nonprofit training center. Jefford has two children and two
grandchildren. All are members of The American Legion
Family.
The 52nd Annual Department Junior Conference will be
held April 10th and 11th at the Stewartville American
Legion Post 164, Stewartville, Minnesota, hosted by the
First District.
We are hoping that a large number of the Junior members are able to attend and participate. If your Juniors have
never attended a Department Junior Conference, plan to
join us this year. Junior members will enjoy a “fun night”
on Friday, April 10th, the night before the opening of the
Conference. The 1st District has been working hard to
make this a special evening for the Junior members.
On Saturday the Conference will be called to order at
9:00 a.m. by Jules Efta, the Department Honorary Junior
President. This is a day when the Juniors become reacquainted with each other, make new friends, learn how to
conduct a meeting and participate in it. This meeting is a
Junior Conference and the Junior members run it. They are
very capable young women.
The “Call to Conference” was included in the January
Unit mailing, giving you all the details. Junior Activities
Chairmen, please obtain this information from your Unit
President so you can make your plans to have your Juniors
attend. You to not need to have an organized Junior group
to participate. All Juniors are welcome. The information is
also posted on our website mnala.org
Hotel reservations must be made by March 13, 2015. All
reservations should be made with the Americinn, Rochester,
7320 Airport View Drive, Rochester, Minnesota 55902.
The direct telephone number is (507) 536-7000 Block
name: American Legion Auxiliary Juniors.
Efta has chosen to raise monies to make activity bags for
children while their parent(s) are at doctor’s appointments.
These will be put in the VA Medical Centers and Veterans
Homes. Please bring your donation to the Conference so
she can finalize her project.
STATE JUNIOR CONFERENCE
February is Americanism month.
Chairman Joanne
AMERICANISM MONTH
Joachim has put various aspects of this most important program in the February Unit mailing. All members should
strive to be a patriot through Unit involvement in community events. Encourage and get involved with your youth to
teach them the importance of Americanism. Work closely
with The American Legion and their Americanism programs.
Poppy Card Distribution Days will be held April 17- 26,
2015, inclusive for closed territories, starting at 12:01 a.m.
on April 17. Beginning April 27 Poppy Cards may be distributed anywhere right up until Poppy Day. Poppy Cards
may be distributed within the confines of one’s own Post
home to members and patrons only on Thursday evening,
April 16 – if the Cards are hung on the wall of the Post
Home and NO distributed Cards leave the building on
Thursday evening.
Poppy Days will be May 15-16, 2015, beginning at
12:01 a.m. on May 15. Closed territories are in effect until
noon on Friday, May 15.
This “gentlemen’s” agreement involves the VFW,
VFWA, The American Legion and American Legion
Auxiliary Posts and Units. Everyone’s cooperation is necessary to ensure a successful Poppy program. Please do not
distribute any Poppy Cards and/or Poppies prior to these
dates. This applies to all Posts and Units in the seven-county metropolitan area (Ramsey, Hennepin, Washington,
Dakota, Carver, Scott and Anoka counties).
POPPY CARDS AND POPPY DAYS
Shipping of 2015 Poppy orders began last fall as orders
were received and Poppies were available. All orders are
shipped according to the “need by” date indicated when the
order was placed. Orders are shipped by first class mail.
Upon receipt of your Poppies please check it carefully.
Contact the department office with any discrepancies. If
your Unit has already ordered Poppies, but needs more,
please order again. Units may place as many Poppy orders
as they want to.
If you haven’t placed your Poppy order yet, please do so.
We need to finalize the number of Poppies needed for this
year’s Poppy distribution so we can plan accordingly. Let’s
have 100% Unit participation in the Auxiliary Poppy program. Right now out of 444 Units 326 have placed orders.
Remember our Poppies are made by our veterans and they
receive a small compensation for their work. Let’s support
their efforts.
POPPY ORDERS
Gosh, it seems that these months go by so fast — in the
February Unit mailing, every Unit received a notice asking
for the amount of your Unit’s 2015 Senior and Junior dues,
and the name and address of the person whose name should
appear on your Unit’s 2015 dues’ notices. Please make sure
this information gets back to Sandie at the Department
Office by March 15. There are no increases in dues at either
the National or Department level this year.
2016 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Just a reminder all applications for any Department and
National scholarships must be received in the department
office by March 15. Let your schools know they are available and provide them with the application forms. They are
also posted on our website for your convenience. If additional copies are needed, you may duplicate those you have
received or contact the Department office.
SCHOLARSHIPS
If our Department President Chris has attended an
Auxiliary or Legion function in your community, be certain
to share with her through her Memory Book Chairman any
pictures, newspaper articles, etc. that pertain to her visit.
You may send these directly to: Jill Mueller, 548 E. 10th
St., St. Charles, Minnesota 55972 or email them to Jill @
jilly1026@gmail. You can also send them to the department
office and we will forward them for you. It has been such
a pleasure watching Chris have so much fun while still getting our American Legion Auxiliary message out this year.
PRESIDENT’S MEMORY BOOK
Auxiliary Bulletin
February 2015
Minnesota Legionnaire
Page 15
National President’s state tour schedule
Continued from Preceding Page
I am sure many of you have some real interesting
“moments.”
Unit Annual Reports have been mailed to each Unit in
January. All reports, instruction sheets and history paper
will be in one envelope. If you don’t receive this envelope,
contact the department office immediately. Please note:
The Unit reports cover the period from April 1, 2014 to
March 31, 2015.
This year the reports have again been reformatted
because of the feedback we received from the Units. We
have made the Unit reports like those in the past. When our
Units ask for better ways of doing things we do everything
in our power to come through.
All Unit reports are due on or before April 15. Reports
are important. Let’s hear from every Unit.
UNIT ANNUAL REPORTS
Now is the time to send your $300 fee to reserve a place
for your American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Girls State
citizen(s). Cut-off for reservations is March 31. Upon
receipt of your reservation fee ($300 per girl) you will
receive the needed registration packet(s).
Enrollment is limited to the first 445 applications
received. The name of the girl, information sheet, enrollment card, pledge and order form for the citizen’s Capitol
Day polo must be into the Department office by May 1.
There is no restriction as to the number of delegates a
Unit may send to Girls State from their high school(s). The
delegate must be a Minnesota resident, or attend a
Minnesota school. Please note that there will be NO
refunds given this year. Once we receive your registration
fee and you do not have a girl to sponsor we will use it for
a deserving girl who wants to attend but has no sponsor.
Each high school principal has received a mailing pertaining to Girls State. Contact your high school now and let
them know if you will be sponsoring a girl. High schools
may not register a girl on their own. All Girls State citizens
must be sponsored by an American Legion Auxiliary Unit.
Girls State will be held June 7-12 at the University of St.
Thomas in St. Paul. This year will be very exciting with
many new changes in store.
GIRLS STATE
District 1, Michelle Weaver, April 18, 6 p.m., Winona
District 2, Vida Bacon, April 11, 5 p.m., Blue Earth
District 3, Michelle Leonard, May 30, Farmington
District 4, Joan Strack, April 24
District 5, Cari Lamb, May 23, Post #1, Minneapolis
District 6, Jessie Hoppe, April 18, Sauk Centre
District 7, Sandy Wersal, May 25, New London
District 8, Zandra Kessler, June 20, Two Harbors
District 9, Margee Keller, May 2, Noon, Crookston
District 10, Robin Dorf, May 2, 11:30 a.m., Monticello
Please contact the District President listed for more
information.
TESTIMONIAL DATES
Another month has come and gone - spring is getting
closer every day. I would like to take the opportunity to
introduce my newest staff member, Julie Deneffe. Julie will
be greeting you when you call in to our Department Office.
Take a minute to wish her well. She has started out running
and done a great job so far. Jan Lauby will be transitioning
into some of the bookkeeping functions at the Department
along with membership. If you need anything, please don’t
hesitate to call, all three of us are more than happy to help.
There are many events coming up and I encourage you to
attend as many as you can. We have the Sweetheart Rally
in Chanhassen, the National President’s Tour, the Family
Appreciation Rally in Royalton and then the Spring Round
Up Rally in Duluth. I hope to see many of you at one or all
of these membership rallies. They are a great time to visit
and catch up with those you haven’t seen in awhile and to
meet new friends as well.
I know this gets beaten to death but I would like to bring
up membership. We have been doing a great job to date but
here is where we always seem to falter. We are in 5th place
in the Nation but we are behind last year’s Minnesota numbers by 1,489 dues paid. I encourage you to come up with
ways to get our current members paid. Have a little “membership party” at your meeting place. Have those that
attend each call one of two of your members that haven’t
paid. Spend a little time on the phone with them, let them
know what we are doing and what our mission is. Without
our members we don’t have an organization. If you can
come up with other success stories, please share them with
me and I will get them out to other Units that are struggling.
Happy Valentine’s Day to each and every one of you. I
sure hope your special Valentine remembers you with a special treat. I know my special Valentine had better remember me or he might not be so special anymore.
SECRETARY SANDIE’S NOTES
Americanism Month
The Americanism program promotes patriotism and
responsible citizenship year round. We, as the Auxiliary,
should be promoting patriotism and responsible citizenship
all year round. We should be doing this not only at our
meetings but all around our communities.
What can you do?
Be knowledgeable on flag history, etiquette, and proper
flag disposal methods and promote the observation of patriotic holidays so our communities will look to the ALA for
information.
As a unit you can conduct a flag disposal ceremony, host
flag awareness events, participate in local patriotic holiday
events, encourage members to fly the flag, compile a list of
patriotic holidays and events and share with your unit.
As a member you can publish flag etiquette tips in the
newspaper or social media, practice respect for the flag at
public events, volunteer for a local patriotic event.
Encourage our members to get out and vote.
As a unit encourage members to participate in Get Out to
Vote and Kids Voting USA campaigns.
As a member, vote and encourage others to vote, take
your children/grandchildren with you when you vote.
Increase participation in the Americanism Essay
Contest. This year’s theme is “What Does Freedom Mean
to my Family?” Guidelines were sent in earlier Unit mailings for the contest and will be included again.
As a unit contact schools and other organizations such
Boy and Girl Scouts about the essay contest, offer incentives for winners, encourage your juniors to participate in
the contest, create information packets on the contest, work
with school administration to identify guidance counselors,
history teachers, etc. whose students would be interested in
participating. Include this in your unit report to your district, department and national chairman.
As a member encourage your children/grandchildren to
participate, offer to contact schools or other organizations,
help judge essays.
Promote pride in belonging to the world’s largest patriotic women’s organization, the American Legion Auxiliary.
As a unit and member encourage members to wear
Auxiliary logo clothing and/or jewelry at functions, carry
membership applications for the Legion Family; plan a program to honor your unit’s Junior members who will become
eligible for senior membership.
Participate in the promotion of American Legion
Americanism programs.
As a unit and member work with the post and/or district
Americanism chairman, support and help with American
Legion Baseball, support the oratorical contest at either post
or District level, support Junior Shooting Sports.
Please check the American Legion’s Action Program of
Americanism brochure: www.legion.org/publications.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
JOANNE JOACHIM
Americanism Chairman
SANDY FREDRICKSON
Legislative Chairman
Legislative Month
As chairman for Legislation in the Department of MN,
we as Auxiliary members must become more aware of veterans issues. Members need to know the importance of
contacting our senators, legislators, and representatives.
We must be advocates to ensure our Veterans are cared for,
are honored, and are respected!
Even though monthly newsletters are sent out by the
Department we must open doors and contact our representatives, either by phone, letters, e-mail, etc.
2014 was another election year with many changes.
Changes, not just for the state of MN, but the Federal government changes for Senators and House of
Representatives. We must continue to contact these members and remind them of the oath and promises they made
in representing all of us, especially our veterans and their
families.
One positive item this past session was, as of Jan 2,
2015, Minnesota Woman Veterans are now able to purchase
license plates in their honor. It states “woman veteran”.
Cost for each plate is an extra $20.00 for registration and
taxes. This is an honor for the some 29,000 female veterans in Minnesota.
Our NW Division chairman, Norma Tramm, keeps us
updated and informed of changes with Veterans issues and
who our contacts are in Congress.
We as Auxiliary members must always be reminded —
-we follow the actions of The American Legion, never
endorsing any measure until The American Legion has first
endorsed it.
As the Auxiliary year continues, I will advocate to our
members important issues facing the Veterans and their
families. I will continue to encourage members to contact
their representatives. Be a “voice.” Be “heard.”
-- Sandy Fredrickson
Page 16
Minnesota Legionnaire
February 2015
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this newspaper
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Minnesota
Legion’s website:
mnlegion.org
Legionville
Seeking
Summer
Help
#1 cabin counselorswill be living in the Dorms
with the campers. Will be
acting as big brother or big
sister during the week the
campers are here at
Legionville.
#2 InstructorsWe will be needing a
Beach Front Director who
will instruct Swimming or
Canoeing and supervise
the others, working as a
team. Instructors are also
needed for swimming,
canoeing, first aid.
# Lead staff- We will be
needing lead staff that will
be in charge of camp
administration, do daily
reports to the Camp
Manager and be able to
run to camp General
Store. Will need to run
computer to do the Camp
Newsletter and Graduation
Diplomas and other
reports need to run camp.
Contact: Roy Kruger,
[email protected]
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x Roundtrip Delta flights from Minneapolis
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hotels
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x A 7-night
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x All meals and entertainment while aboard the Coral Princess
x Cruise gratuities
x All transfers to and from the airport and pier
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