“This past fall, the Jordan Legion, Post 3, donated American flags to classrooms to replace the older, worn and mismatched flags we had in classrooms, as well as provided new flags to rooms in the new addition of our building. We are so appreciative and grateful for the continued support from our local veterans and community members. It was a memorable and heart-felt donation that we will cherish at JES for years to come!" Read the full article published by The Hub News! https://www.thehubnewsmn.com/p/jordans-american-legion-post-3-a

The Thundering Third Mid-Winter will be held at the Lonsdale American Legion! Saturday, January 25th Social Hour & Registration at 8:00 AM Conference begins at 9:00 AM Cost is $10 in Advance or $15 Day Of Lunch is $10 Registration by Mail Closes January 20th Online Registration Closes January 23rd Register Online Directions

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) units partnered with Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths on the graves of military service men and women. This effort reflects a beautiful tradition of honoring and remembering the sacrifices of U.S. military service members. The partnership between the ALA and Wreaths Across America is an excellent way to involve communities nationwide in ensuring that those who served are not forgotten. The $17 sponsorship per wreath provides individuals an opportunity to personally contribute to this meaningful cause. By laying wreaths and learning the stories of those who served, volunteers and donors keep the memories of these heroes alive. The invitation to view the stories or sponsor a wreath at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org opens the door for even more people to participate in this important mission.

The second of 3 Free Dental Clinics is scheduled with appointments on 3 possible dates at the Rochester Community and Technical College Dental Clinic. I’m excited to announce that this dental clinic will also include nursing and social work services by the students in the nursing program and social work program at Winona State. They will have the capacity to see 24 veterans. Please help me in spreading the word about this great opportunity for veterans.   If at the clinic they are referred for further dental restorative care that maybe a hardship, they can contact me to get money from my President’s project to pay for their needed dental work. If you know of a veteran in your Unit, Post, or community that knows already that they need dental work but are not signed up for this clinic and they feel they need dental assistance to pay for the needed dental work, please have them contact me to see if our district can pay for their dental work. I’m attaching the flyer for you to distribute to your Post and Auxiliary. If you get asked about my project, here is what you can tell them: 3rd District President Tamara Thayer’s President Project: Theme:  “Bringing Smiles to Veterans” Symbol: a smiley face Project: 3 Free Dental Clinics this year. The 1st was at MSU, and the 2nd at RCTC. The 3rd Clinic will be announced soon.  Goal: $5,000 to assist in paying for dental bills for our veterans. This goal was met!! I’m continuing to raise money as the cost of dental restorative care from the 1st clinic was $2,500 and we have 2 more clinics to fund. Please share the need to donate to this project with your local Unit, Post, SAL, Riders, and local newspapers. The 3rd District Junior Honorary President is Evelyn Koran. Her project in support of my theme, is to assemble the dental care kits to be handed out for free at the clinics.   Thank you all for your help in getting this advertised.  *Only 7% of all veterans have dental insurance. Let’s show our veterans a big thank you for their service by getting them to these free clinics! This is a very needed project and I appreciate your support in  Bringing Smiles to Veterans ! Sincerely, Tamara Thayer, 3rd District President ’24-’25 American Legion Auxiliary tlthayer@gmail.com 507-319-4349

The Role of The American Legion Auxiliary’s Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairperson: The American Legion Auxiliary’s (ALA) Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) Chairperson plays a crucial role in supporting veterans and their families. This dedicated individual leads initiatives that address the unique needs of veterans, from providing financial assistance and supporting rehabilitation efforts to organizing events and resources to improve quality of life. They coordinate volunteer activities in VA hospitals, homes, and clinics, bringing comfort to veterans through personal visits, gifts, and special programs. In addition, the VA&R Chairperson works closely with community partners to ensure veterans receive the resources they need, such as housing, employment, and healthcare assistance. They guide members of the ALA in identifying veterans’ needs within their communities and creating projects that provide hands-on support. By raising awareness of veterans’ issues, the VA&R Chairperson helps others understand the sacrifices made by service members and promotes a culture of appreciation. Whether advocating for veterans’ rights, assisting with healthcare programs, or offering emotional support, the VA&R Chairperson exemplifies the ALA’s commitment to honoring and aiding those who served. Their efforts make a lasting difference in veterans’ lives, showing them the respect and gratitude they deserve. American Legion Family members toured St Cloud VA Hospital (SCVA) on October 24, 2024 prior to this year’s Fall Convention. SCVA staff presented data on VA programs and how they care for veterans. They highlighted SCVA’s Physical Health, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Caregiver Retreats, and Women Veterans Programs. ALA National President Trish Ward, ALA Department President Judy Ackerman, ALA Department Membership Chair Hope Wilson, ALA Department National Executive Committee member Jean Walker, ALA Third District VA&R Chair Wendy Arend, Legion Department Commander Dr Carl Moon, Legion Department VA&R Chair Pam Krill, Legion Department VA&R Committee members Garylee Davenport, Marissa Lacourt, and Jan Eckert, Legion Assistant Department Service Officer Janet Lorenzo, and Sons of the American Legion Third District Commander and Detachment VA&R Chair Dave Arend Jr met with SCVA Hospital leadership for a question and answer session after the formal presentation. Wendy Arend, Minnesota District 3 Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Chair

We've gathered a few more pictures from New Orleans to share. Feel free to send your pictures for our website and social media to hello@legion-social.com .

Greetings Third District American Legions! We are pleased to announce a new page on our website where current Membership standings will be hosted. You can check it out by clicking here . The members of the American Legion are vital to the success, strength, and continuation of the American Legion organization and mission. Our Minnesota Thundering Third District is currently at 59.02% of our goal for 2025. Let's keep going! You will find the goals for each milestone, at each individual Post, on an excel spreadsheet. Simply click here to download it . We recommend engaging with your members, share this information on Facebook and Social Media; include it in your Newsletters, and continue your Membership outreach. If you need assistance, get in touch and also be sure to check out the National American Legion website for resources, tools, and ideas. Thank you! We are doing great so far, keep up the excellent work!

As we wound down after the trip to New Orleans, we thought it would be in good favor to garner feedback on what our Third District had to say about the Convention. We've gathered a few statements to share, as well as a handful of pictures. If you have additional feedback, please feel free to send it to Linda via email. These comments are helpful for the district and the department! Thank You! "I have been to a lot of National Conventions and this one in New Orleans with National Commander Daniel Sehaffer is by far the most informational and moving convention I will probably will see in my time. The Commander being a minister knew how to give exciting and moving addresses from beginning to end. Good convention, lot of 1st timers." "One of the best! New Orleans, the hotel and Convention was an amazing experience. This was my 15th consecutive convention." "This convention for me was extremely informative and I thought it was highly motivating. As a first time attendee I was a bit disappointed that there was not a department or district event that was put together other than the boat tour and the photo. Both events would have been nice to attend however, if it was an optional event, some people did not attend so it would not have been a true "district or department event". Maybe in the future it would have been nice to have a small social prior to the department caucus. I think for me it would have been nice to be able to all stand up and introduce ourselves and what we do within the organization. I think it would be nice to have everyone within the department to have been on an email list so that we would have the contact information prior to coming down. I know that most people this is not their first rodeo but for the new people coming and getting more involved it would have felt a little more welcoming."

Woodbury American Legion Post 501 celebrated with Veteran Paul Esparza on August 11, 2024 on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Paul served in WWII in the Army during the battle of bulge where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He went on to serve 35 years in the Air Force, Retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant.  Congratulations Paul on your 100th Birthday. Thank you for your service to this great country.

In today’s digital age, staying connected and informed is easier than ever. For members and supporters of the American Legion. Following the Department of American Legion Minnesota, the National American Legion, and The Thundering Third District on social media is a vital step in staying engaged with the community and up-to-date on important information. The Thundering Third District of Minnesota Links: Facebook Minnesota Department of American Legion Links: YouTube Facebook Instagram TikTok The American Legion National Headquarters Links: Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn It's helpful to also follow your fellow American Legion Posts! In the spirit of camaraderie and as a learning opportunity. Social Media is always evolving and there are always new ideas to be found. Thank you!

The American flag is a powerful symbol of freedom, unity, and the values upon which the United States was founded. Knowing when and how to display the flag is a matter of pride and respect for many Americans. This guide will help you understand the key occasions and proper etiquette for flying the Stars and Stripes. National Holidays 1. Independence Day (July 4th): This is one of the most significant days to display the American flag. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. 2. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): On this day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon to honor those who have died in military service. After noon, the flag is raised to the top of the staff to symbolize the nation's resolve to continue fighting for freedom. 3. Veterans Day (November 11th): This day honors all military veterans. The flag should be flown at full staff. 4. Flag Day (June 14th): This day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. 5. Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February): A day to honor all U.S. presidents, the flag is flown at full staff. Other Significant Days 1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January): Honoring the civil rights leader, the flag is flown at full staff. 2. Labor Day (First Monday in September): Celebrating the contributions of American workers, the flag is displayed at full staff. 3. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th): The flag is flown at half-staff to honor those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. 4. Patriot Day (September 11th): The flag is flown at half-staff to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 5. National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Third Friday in September): Honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action, the flag is displayed at full staff. Daily and Special Occasions 1. Daily Display: The flag can be flown daily from sunrise to sunset. If the flag is illuminated, it can be displayed 24 hours a day. 2. Special Occasions: The flag is often displayed during parades, ceremonies, and other patriotic events. It is also appropriate to display the flag on election days and state holidays. Proper Flag Etiquette 1. Handling and Display: The flag should never touch the ground. When displayed, the union (the blue field with stars) should be at the peak of the staff. If hung vertically, the union should be at the top left from the observer’s perspective. The flag should never be used as clothing, bedding, or drapery. 2. Half-Staff Guidelines: The flag is flown at half-staff in mourning or on special occasions as directed by the president or state governors. When raising the flag to half-staff, it should be hoisted to the peak for a moment before being lowered to the half-staff position. When lowering, it should again be briefly raised to the peak before fully lowering. 3. Disposing of the Flag: When a flag is worn out or no longer fit for display, it should be disposed of respectfully, preferably by burning. Many American Legion posts and other organizations conduct flag retirement ceremonies. Conclusion Displaying the American flag is a meaningful way to show patriotism and respect for the values it represents. By following these guidelines on when and how to display the flag, you honor the traditions and history of the United States. Whether on national holidays, special occasions, or daily, flying the flag is a proud tradition that unites Americans in their love for their country.