By Department Commander Mark Dvorak I was asked by a Legionnaire the following question: “Why so much emphasis on recruiting new members?” The answer to this question varies as why a person decides to join our great organization or why some individuals get involved at […]
Restorative Justice Act falters, but one-time transfer for surviving spouses passes By Tim Engstrom ST. PAUL — Everyone watching the Veterans Restorative Justice Act expected it to pass the House and Senate in the October special session without any problems. After all, it had passed […]
By State Public Defender Bill Ward It is incredibly unfortunate that after two years, there are still such fundamental misconceptions about the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, the policy reasoning behind the legal incentives and sanctions in the VRJA, the bill’s mechanics, and its relation to […]
Public statement by state Rep. Marion O’Neill I am extremely disappointed that a compromise on the language of the Veterans Restorative Justice Act could not be arrived at. The chief author, Rep. Rob Ecklund, and the House majority were unwilling to compromise and incorporate necessary […]
Violence-Free Minnesota and legal community favor this bill By Tim Engstrom ST. PAUL — Most laws are just a mix of legalese, vague generalities or textbook drivel. The Veterans Restorative Justice Act, however, has a passage that is quite eloquent: “It is in the interests […]
From the November 2020 issue of The Minnesota Legionnaire … By Tim Engstrom REDWOOD FALLS — The VA’s National Cemetery Administration let the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs know last month of a $5.9 million grant for building a state veterans cemetery in Redwood Falls. […]
Do you remember a $52 billion piece of legislation called the VA MISSION Act? It was signed into law on June 6, 2018. It was the greatest reform to VA Health Care in history. Two reforms within the multilayered legislation stood out to veterans and […]
The wise words of Past National Commander Dan Foley in 1964 still apply today Greetings, American Legion Family. As we enter our 102nd year, our belief in law and order, 100 percent Americanism, promoting peace and goodwill on earth, transmitting to posterity the principles of […]
‘Tip of the Spear’ By Kara Hildreth ST. PAUL — One time, a couple showed up at the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans office in St. Paul after the husband, a veteran, lost his job. His wife quietly told MACV staff that her husband was […]
The 2020 American Legion Department of Minnesota Patriotism and Purpose Art Contest had 26 entries from across Minnesota. The entry deadline was Sept. 1, and Department staff members from The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary judged the contest. “The winning artwork will best reflect […]
It was a big day for check passing By Tim Engstrom BRAINERD — The 2020 Legionville Camporee had some big checks being passed around. For one, the 10th District American Legion Riders raised $30,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, all in one weekend ride, Aug. […]
Lyle Foltz served one year in Vietnam with the Black Scarves By Tim Engstrom APPLE VALLEY — Vietnam veteran Lyle Foltz has been a member of Mabel Post 299 for 53 years, lives in Apple Valley and is a former Department of Minnesota adjutant. But […]
For immediate release. Questions? Contact: Tim Engstrom Director of Communications The American Legion, Department of Minnesota tengstrom@mnlegion.org Office: 651-291-1800 Cell: 952-679-0134 The American Legion Department of Minnesota COMMENTARY ON THE NATIONAL ANTHEM By Commander Mark Dvorak Sept. 14, 2020 The American Legion Department of Minnesota […]
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force didn’t give up on the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, and it got over the hump at a most unlikely time because the veterans organizations were working together and veterans all across Minnesota called their representatives and senators. […]
Chaplain’s Corner By Betty Jass “One day at a time, sweet Jesus That’s all I’m asking from you. Give me the strength to do everything what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine. Help me today, show me […]
House to wait until bond-rating quiet period ends; both chambers to do it all again By Tim Engstrom ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Senate on Aug. 12 passed the Veterans Restorative Justice Act during the third special session, but it’s not a law yet. This […]
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation By Jeremy Wolfsteller After years of research and reports released to VA from the National Academics of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, or NASEM on Agent Orange-linked diseases, the VA secretary denies adding three conditions noting significant concerns and limitations with their […]
By Tim Engstrom LAKE CITY — Born to Lawrence and Harriet Fick, Emery Fick grew up on the farm where he now lives along Wabasha County Road 2. There was a one-room schoolhouse across the road. After eighth grade, he didn’t continue to high school […]
Commander’s Column By Mark Dvorak This article is my first for the new Legion year. First and foremost, I would like to thank the Department, District and Post Leadership that will be serving a second consecutive year for your dedication and commitment to our American […]
Whether it is fixing aircraft for the Air Force or coordinating needs for the Hastings Veterans Home, Sue Register is on it By Tim Engstrom HASTINGS — Who in The American Legion in Minnesota doesn’t know Sue? Very few, that’s who. Sue Register, 65, is […]
BLOOMINGTON — Most of the officers and committee members of the Department of Minnesota are remaining in their positions for another year, much like they are at the National level, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “You agreed to be on for another year, […]
I have received a number of calls and emails over the last couple of months about political activity. Can my Post sponsor a talk by our local legislative candidate? Is it OK for any leader of The American Legion to urge members to support a […]
Senator advises chamber to vote against his own bill ST. PAUL — On July 20, Sen. Steve Cwodzinski of Eden Prairie made a motion to suspend the committee process and hear the bill by roll-call vote. Debate ensued on that motion, and it still is […]
Senate votes 35-32 against; House waits Click here to see video (go to 2-hour-22-minute mark) Click here for a story describing the debate. “Senate debate filled with questionable claims” By Tim Engstrom ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Legislature shot down the Veterans Restorative Justice Act […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2020 Contact: Kevin Olson, 651-212-0573, kevin@snowglobepr.com ~~ Veterans organizations disheartened with Minnesota Senate ~~ Statement attributable to Todd Kemery, Chair of the Minnesota Commander’s Task Force “On behalf of the nine congressionally chartered veteran service organizations in Minnesota, we are disappointed with the […]
By Pat Dolan DULUTH — On June 15, 2019, the future USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (LCS-21) was christened by ship sponsor Jodi J. Greene, deputy under secretary of the U.S. Navy for policy, in an exciting side launch into the Menominee River at the Fincantieri […]
This group of builders has overcome veteran discrimination and kept on building, thanks to the local VFW and Legion By Tim Engstrom LAKEVILLE — Terry Branham’s father lost his left leg above the knee at 18 years old as an anti-aircraft gunner on the USS […]
Masks … on the double! DENT — Five thousand four hundred masks. From a partnership between Quilts of Valor and The American Legion. For veterans and staff at VA hospitals and state veteran homes. All made by a dedicated group of quilters. This is patriotism […]
“I used to work for the world’s most diverse employer.” Working in private, for-profit businesses for most of my career, that’s a phrase I would tell people, usually to other managers in discussions about our work staff but occasionally with members of the public when […]