MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 29, 2021
CONTACT:
Tim Engstrom
Director of Communications
American Legion Dept. of Minnesota
952-679-0134
American Legion National Commander to Speak at Twin Cities locations
~~ Members of the media and public are invited to attend ~~
American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford is coming to the Twin Cities and will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans.
Among the topics Oxford typically addresses are how to get post-9/11 veterans involved in veteran service organizations, American Legion Buddy Checks, suicide prevention, COVID-19 vaccines, VA health care for women veterans and a fundraiser called 100 Miles for Hope.
He will visit American Legion Post 98 in St. Paul Park for lunch on Tuesday, April 6, then at Post 39 in North St. Paul for supper. On Wednesday, April 7, he will be at Post 172 in Osseo for breakfast, then depart for stops in Greater Minnesota.
“We are honored to showcase National Commander Oxford throughout Minnesota,” said American Legion Minnesota Commander Mark Dvorak. “The post-9/11 veterans are our future, and the more we can do to inform them about what’s going on in the veteran community, the better.”
With a membership of almost 2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the Four Pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts across the nation and overseas, including 539 in Minnesota.
COVID-19 protocols will be in place.
100 Miles for Hope is a wellness program that raises funds for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation, which provides financial assistance to disabled veterans, military families and young people who lost parents in service to the nation.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. Media may arrive at any time during the visit. See media availability times below.
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EVENT DETAILS:
WHO: American Legion members, community leaders and local citizens
WHAT: Meals, media availability and remarks from American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford
WHERE: • American Legion Post 98, 328 E. Broadway Ave. S., St. Paul Park, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., media availability before or after noon lunch
• American Legion Post 39, 2678 Seventh Ave. E., North St. Paul, from 5 to 8 p.m., media availability 5-6 p.m.
• American Legion Post 172, 260 Fourth Ave. SE, Osseo, from 7:55 to 9:40 a.m., breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by remarks and media availability
NOTE: Typically, we experience the greatest media interest at the first stop of the tour, so St. Paul Park Post 98 is probably your best bet.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.mnlegion.org
THE TOUR:
Tuesday, April 6
Visit with state officials
St. Paul Park Post 98: Lunch, noon
North St. Paul Post 39: Dinner, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7
Osseo Post 172: Breakfast, 8 a.m.
Royalton Post 137: Lunch, noon
Nisswa Post 627: Dinner, 6 p.m.
Thursday, April 8
Walker Post 134: Breakfast, 8 a.m.
Visit with Camp Ripley officials
Visit with Minnesota American Legion College
Friday, April 9
Park Rapids Post 212: Breakfast, 8 a.m.
Bagley Post 16: Lunch, noon
Detroit Lakes Post 15: Dinner, 6 p.m.
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