February 2026 Newsletter

Volume 11, Issue 6

Read the Highlights or Download the full PDF below:

Legion February 2026.pdf

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The Commander's Corner

Fellow Legionaries and family, We are one month in to the new year, and spring is not too far out. I’ve been hosting dental clinics for my Commanders project this year.

As part of that, I have met Vets that are struggling and just needed someone to listen. A lot of times in our lives, we are asked how are you doing? We just say, “fine” even when we’re not. It’s just a quick answer because we believe that no one actually wants to hear. No one cares. “Fine” for many of us, is just a coping mechanism to seem like a normal part of society, and not the truth.

So, I want to encourage you. When someone says they’re fine or just okay. Take a moment. Stop and see what’s going on. Listen and let them talk. Don’t judge, don’t offer advice, just be a friendly ear to hear to what they have to say. If you have words of encouragement or wisdom then offer them.

Many of us tend to go into things like, oh well, I’ve experienced this or that, and it turns the conversation into a comparison or a competition. We’re trying to relate, but instead of doing that we end up missing out on what’s going on in their life. I encourage you to listen and then repeat a part of what they said back so they know you were ACTUALLY listening.

Sometimes all a person needs is someone willing to hear what they have to say. Someone who takes their thoughts into account and understands the importance of their situation.

If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to a Legionnaire or feel free to call me personally. If you can’t reach a friend or don’t feel comfortable speaking with a legionnaire, 988#1 it is completely anonymous with 0 judgment. They are just a friendly voice ready to listen.

So, I ask all of you to take a moment and listen to others and if you are need just reach out, we are all here to help each other.

Amy Larsen - Thundering Third Commander