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March 2025 Newsletter

Updated: Dec 4

The American Legion Department of Minnesota Sixth District


View the Commander's update below or Download the PDF



Greetings BIG 6th District –

 


Frank Grittner

It has been a busy month since I last sat down to give you an update. In that month, we have had to postpone a 6th District Executive Board meeting because of weather, held the 6th District Mid-Winter conference, and the 6th District Oratorical Contest. Along with these are the many Post and County Council meetings, so you can see, we have started the year off busy.


THANK YOU to Melrose Post 101 for hosting our 6th District Mid-Winter Conference this year. The staff, officers, and members of Post 101 did a FANTASTIC job. We had a very good turnout at the conference, and we even had time to make up for the postponed exec board meeting. I’d like to thank everyone that attended this conference. By showing up for these events you are proving your dedication to our organization, and more importantly, to our veterans and community. There was a lot of great information passed on from many resources. I’d also like to thank NEC Bill Barbknecht, Alternate-NEC Peggy Moon, Department Commander Carl Moon, Department AL Riders Director Jodi Hassing, and all the other special guests that spoke or sent messages. We truly appreciate you taking time out of your hectic schedules to come and visit us.


The 6th District Oratorical contest was once again held at Nisswa Post 627. While the weather almost caused us to postpone, we ended up with a great turnout, and a wonderful event. We had 8 contestants scheduled to compete this year. Of those 8, 7 showed up for the contest (one had to drop out because of illness). The contestants all did a wonderful job again this year, with Elijah Cox winning the 6th District first place honors once again. Elijah will be moving on to compete at the Department of Minnesota Oratorical contest on 22-Feb-2025. We encouraged everyone that is eligible to return next year, and most of them were excited to come back again. These young people are our future leaders, and it is a privilege to be able to support them in their journey. A huge THANKS goes out to Post 627 (they even had the parking lot cleared before we arrived), and to all the volunteers that showed up to judge, keep time, escort contestants, tally scores, and all of the other jobs needed to run this contest. None of this would be possible without your help.


I would also like to recognize the passing of a longtime member of the 6th District leadership. . . Dewayne Collins. For those that are not aware, Dewayne passed away on January 24, 2025. Dewayne will be remembered fondly by many as a kind, good-hearted, jovial person. The Post Everlasting has gained a dedicated and loyal Legionnaire. Rest well trusted comrade, we have the watch!


Please remember to keep working on the membership goals. I know that this time of year is our slow time, but we must keep pushing forward. Membership is so important because we need to ensure our government listens to us when working through veteran issues.


And BE THE ONE that checks in on folks you haven’t seen in a while. BE THE ONE that asks hard questions when you see someone struggling or in need. BE THE ONE to show you care enough to go out of your way to help. You never know when you will BE THE ONE to save a life!


I hope to see you as I travel around the BIG 6th District. Stay safe, stay warm, and God Bless!

Until next time remember to BE THE ONE and TOGETHER WE CAN!



6th District Events


  • National Commander’s tour stops at Paynesville Post 271 – 27-Mar-2025

    • 1700 Social – 1800 Dinner

    • Contact Post 271 for reservations

  • Executive Board meeting – 06-Apr-25 at Post 368 in Backus

  • Joint Testimonial held on 3-May-25 at Post 621 in St. Augusta. Registration info in this newsletter

  • Convention held on 6 & 7-Jun-25 at Post 255 in Brainerd


Department of Minnesota Events:

  • Department Oratorical Contest – 22-Feb-2025

  • Appreciation Rally – 08-March-2025 – Post 580 in Chanhassen

  • National Commander’s Tour – 23 thru 29-March-2025 – See Department website for schedule

  • Department Commander Testimonial – 05-April-2025 – Northern Lights Casino

  • Department Convention – 10 thru 12-July-2025 – Willmar Convention Center





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