Download the Full PDF below! Greetings to all the wonderful members of the 3 District, It was fun seeing everyone that attended Fall Conference and getting to talk at the get together near the pool on Thursday and Friday night. Thank you to everyone who brought food to share. As you all know my project this year at Hasting is a landscaping project and at St Peter Regional treatment center is a Disc Golf Couse for our Veterans. My goal is $4,000.00 dollars. Right now, Thanks to your support we are halfway there on each project, please keep those donations coming to help our veterans. This is reminder that on December 6, 2025, is the Pearl Harbor Rally sponsored by the American Legion Riders that will be held at Buffalo American Legion Post 270. I hope everyone can attend and enjoy the program and camaraderie of the American Legion Family from all around the state. Social Hour is 11 to 12, lunch is at noon with program to follow. Here is a little bit of history about Attack of Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor was attacked by a surprise military strike by the Empire of Japan on the United State Pacific on Oahu, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. At that time the U.S was neutral country in World War II. So, remember all that gave their all that day. I would like to thank Waconia Unit 150 and Chaska Unit 57. I really appreciated the opportunity to come and visit your units, and I enjoyed meeting your Auxiliary members and seeing the thing that your unit does at your meetings and post. Christmas and the holiday season are fast approaching. What can our units do for our Veterans and their Family's during the Holidays? Here are some ideas: donating food, essentials, care package, gift cards, Adopt a family for the holiday or provide direct support like a meal or seasonal items. I hope all of our units have the opportunity to provide support for our Veterans and their families this Christmas. I hope everyone has a great time with their families and friends during Christmas and the holiday season. One of my favorite things is making cookies with my mom every year. Moravian Sugar Cookies is one of my favorites cookies that we do. Here is the recipe. Moravian Sugar Cookies (Double Batch) ½ cup butter ¼ tsp salt 1 cup sugar 1egg 1 tsp baking powder 1 ¼ cup flour 1 tsp vanilla Mix all the ingredient together. Take 2 8 x10 well-greased cookie pan. Spread ½ of dough in each pan. Mix ¼ cup sugar, 1tsp cinnamon and sprinkle on dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cut into squares, remove from pan while warm and enjoy. Have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season and a very Happy and prosperous New Year, Ann Bovy Third District President Mid-Winter Conference 2026: New Format The 2026 Mid-Winter Conference will feature a new schedule and structure. The event will begin at 9:30 AM and include a joint session with the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) and the Legion. Our guest speaker, Boima Freeman from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, will address the important topic of fraud and prevention. This issue hits close to home, as many families, friends, and members of our Legion family have been affected by fraudsters. Your participation is encouraged, and attending will also benefit your unit or post reports under the appropriate programs or pillars. For the Auxiliary Program Updates and Special Speakers This year, program chairmen will not be presenting their reports in person. Instead, you will receive their updates via email. To enrich the conference experience, several special speakers are scheduled to present on various topics, including: Can You See Me Now - a summary of our new website, Facebook, Twitter, X, Just Ask - Ask our special judges any questions about our auxiliary programs or have questions on what poppy funds can be used for. In the know - Stand or Sit. Pins, Motions, Gavel, oh my, what do I do? Do I need to do that? – forms/ 990/Dues Knowledge Is Power- What do I report and where do I send it. Celebrate Good Times- party ideas for the upcoming year We hope these sessions will inspire your units with fresh energy and enthusiasm. Please note that the order of the list above will change. Prizes and Recognition Prizes will be awarded to the unit that traveled the farthest distance, the unit that brought the most attendees, and additional categories. There will also be other drawings held throughout the afternoon. Roll call of units will take place, and gold stars will be presented to those in attendance. We guarantee that this year's event will offer a new and engaging experience, distinct from past Mid-Winter. Please send your registration early so we know how to plan for supplies that we will need. Hope to see you there. Read the full version in the PDF below!

View the Highlights or Download the PDF below The Commanders Corner Hello Mighty Thundering Third, As the leaves fall and the weather turns colder, we enter a time of year that can be lonely for many. Within our military and veteran community, this season often amplifies feelings of isolation. This is why buddy checks are more important than ever. As part of the American Legion, we are a family of veterans. I urge you all to reach out to your fellow comrades—and if they have fallen, to their spouses and children. A simple text, email, phone call, or quick stop-by to say hello can make a world of difference. For many of our members, we are the only family they have nearby—a vital link to this world and a human connection that makes them feel important, loved, and cared about. My Commitment: Helping Veterans Connect My theme this year is helping veterans connect, and a core part of that is ensuring every veteran knows they have at least one person they can reach out to. If you ever need someone to talk to, please know that you are not alone. Feel free to reach out to me or any of our 3rd District leadership. We are here for you. Amy Larsen Thundering Third Commander 612-306-4438 Pictured Below: Post 501 Commander Bob Dolan, Post Member Bob Wuggazer and Post Vice Commander JoAnne Kramer at the Woodbury Newcomer Event.

Download the PDF Version below Greetings to wonderful members of the Third District Thank you everyone who has donated to my project so far on Hastings (landscaping) and St. Peter Regional Treatment (Disc Golf course). My goal is 4,000 dollars. Right now, I am almost halfway there. Please keep our donations coming to help our Veterans. I attend the Third District Past President Parley. Were they discussed what we can improve in the Third District and mentor our members. This month on November 11 is Veterans Day Please attend a Veteran ceremony to thank our Veteran for their service. And to remember them every day, and to wear the poppy to show our support for the Veterans. In November, it is the American Legion Auxiliary Birthday. This is where the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) birthday celebrates the organization founding on November 10, 1919, and to recognize its century of service to veterans, military families, and their communities. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day Ann Bovy Third District President 25/26 Our unit 601 is having Bingo on November 25, 2025, that is Tuesday. Bingo starts at 6:45pm this is put on by the American Legion post 601. The American Legion Auxiliary will be sale Hamburg and cheeseburgers, pickles, chips, pop, and the Auxiliary will have the Bake sale too. We will start the Hamburg sale at 6pm. This will be held at the New Germany hall downstairs. Download the PDF Version below

The Minnesota American Legion Department Convention was held in Willmar Minnesota again this year! We are happy to announce that our very own Linda Dvorak will be the new Department Commander! Here are a few photos from the convention.

Congratulations, Medallion Hunter Jamie Hafner! 2025 Winner of $500 with registered July 4 th  button! Dave Arend Jr (Clue Writer/Sons of the American Legion 3 rd District Commander), Jamie Hafner (Medallion Hunter Winner), Shelby Hafner (Mom/Medallion Hunter), and Marc Wittibslager (Grandpa/Medallion Hunter) Forest Lake Teen Finds American Legion Medallion and Funds a Dream Trip Fourth Annual Post 225 July 4th Medallion Hunt Ends with a Family Win at David H Kulenkamp Memorial Park in Forest Lake Forest Lake, MN —  The spirit of community, tradition, and adventure shined bright this Fourth of July as 13-year-old Jamie Hafner uncovered the hidden medallion during the 4th Annual American Legion Post 225 Medallion Hunt in Forest Lake. With help from his mother, Shelby Hafner , and grandfather, Marc Wittibslager , Jamie found the prize tucked beneath a few small logs at the base of a tree near the baseball fields in David H Kulenkamp Memorial Park—right beneath a birdhouse and just off the walking path. Since he purchased and registered his American Legion July 4 th button, the discovery brings Jamie a $500 cash prize (his winnings would have been $250 without a registered button). Jamies plans to put his cash prize toward a school trip to Washington D.C., proving that persistence and teamwork really do pay off. The Hafner family’s hunt was truly a team effort. “My dad helped for a while, too. We all texted each other. We hit all the parks,” Jamie said. Shelby recalled that Jamie played a lot of baseball at Kulenkamp Park as a younger kid, which led him to insist they go back there several times. It turned out to be the right call. Marc admitted it wasn’t easy. “We searched Kulenkamp five times. On our fourth trip this morning, the mosquitoes were so bad we had to leave. We went to Mike’s Bait for bug spray, then went right back.” That’s when they spotted a small piece of plastic sticking out from under the logs. They initially thought it might be a geo tracker—until they opened the black box and found the real deal inside. And they didn’t just search—they cleaned. “We were picking up trash as we went along,” said Marc. What a good way to give back while they hunted! Jamie’s instincts—and some strategic Googling of Forest Lake parks—paid off. “The clues weren’t that helpful until the end,” he admitted. But the final clue sent them back to Kulenkamp Park with renewed focus. The Belland family, who found the medallion in 2023 and 2024, had playfully challenged this year’s hunters on social media to work harder. Jamie and his family accepted that challenge—and now they’ll be smiling all the way to the bank. And they weren’t the only winners this year. During the Forest Lake 4th of July parade, three additional $100 winners were randomly drawn: Kari Casserly , Becca Wojciak , and Lindsey Gatzow each received a crisp Franklin of their own — proving that even if you didn’t find the medallion, showing up still pays off! By Wendy Arend, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 225 ALA 3 rd  District Executive Committee

Third district had membership packet pick up on June 28th in Lonsdale. Sorry no pictures. Then June 29th in Silver Lake. Majority of the packets have been picked up. If the post had not turned in an Officer report or CPR we requested them to fill that out. Here is Jeanne Holfield Membership chairperson from post 96 receiving her packet from Area 2 Vice Commander Jim Entinger. Then Jim Entinger receiving officer report from Post 463 Lester Prairie Commander Darvin  Heldt. Joe Bares District 3 membership Chairman helping Post 141 Silver Lake membership chairman Steve Hackbarth with mylegion. Joe also helped Steve download legions new App legion+ for easy way to recruit and get veterans to sign up directly to your post. Contact Joe at jebares@yahoo.com for membership questions.

Unit 225 President Cavalene “Kandi” Regan shared the Quilts of Valor mission. She handcrafted and donated twelve Quilts of Valor to twelve veterans at local assisted living facilities and VA Hospitals in Minnesota. Kandi invested many volunteer hours and a LOT of fabric to recognize the service of our male and female veterans… and she’s been doing so for years. ALA Unit 225 President Kandi Regan, Chaplain Wendy Arend, and Membership Director Sherri Hernandez-Neville presented one of Kandi’s Quilts of Valor to Legionnaire Jerry Peltier in a ceremony on September 14, 2024 at the Forest Lake American Legion.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 225 and Sons of the American Legion Squad 225 join forces to support the 2024 John Zgoda Memorial Deer Hunt at Legionville Retired Army veteran and former Legion Department of MN Commander (2023-24) Paul Hassing, supported by his guide, Sons of the American Legion 3rd District VA&R Chair Dave Arend Jr, successfully filled his deer tag. Paul, grinning broadly, later recalled, “The disabled veterans deer hunt was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My guide was very knowledgeable and patient. All of the volunteers worked their butts off to make it such a fun and rewarding experience.” The October 2024 John Zgoda Disabled Veterans Memorial Hunt was a success because the entire Legion Family supported its mission. Members of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and American Legion Riders came together to make this an unforgettable event for the hunters.   Six Sons of the American Legion (SAL) members from all over the state guided six disabled veteran hunters during the 2024 John Zgoda Memorial Deer Hunt at the Legionville Education Center near Brainerd MN. Members from American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 225 and SAL Squad 225 in Forest Lake supported the event and the veteran hunters during the 3-day hunt in October. This year, ALA Unit 225 donated $1000 to support SAL 3rd District Commander Dave Arend Jr’s project to repair and rebuild deer stands on the 610-acre property along North Long Lake. Sherri Hernadez-Neville, ALA Unit 225 Membership Chair, volunteered by cooking for the entire team.  Her husband, SAL Squad 225 Commander and 3rd District Vice Commander and 1st and 3rd Detachment Vice Commander Glen Neville, also helped cook for the event. Both were enthusiastic about the experience, “Come on up! It’s fun and worth the trip. We’ll do it again!” Accept their invitation. Honoring John Zgoda: John Zgoda’s father was an Army staff sergeant in WWII. John knew about some of the difficult sacrifices veterans made while serving their country. John and his family experienced their own sacrifices, too, during the war. As a result, John dedicated much of his life to SAL in order to help veterans like his dad. John served as the MN SAL Detachment Commander in 2006-2007. He opened the first deer hunt featuring  SAL squadron members guiding disabled veterans on Legionville grounds in 2007. Zgoda passed away in 2012 from cancer. He was 53 years old. The hunt was named in his honor.   Wendy Arend American Legion Auxiliary MN District 3 Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Chair

A profound sense of remembrance and respect filled the chapel at Roberts Funeral Home on Monday as the Forest Lake community gathered to celebrate the life of Susan Burrows, who passed away on January 19, 2025, at the age of 73. The beloved community member, artist, and longtime advocate for veterans was honored in a moving ceremony that paid tribute to her many contributions—particularly through her dedicated service with the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 225. Susan, who was born on June 9, 1951, was a familiar and cherished presence within the American Legion Family in Forest Lake. Known for her warmth, creativity, and support of local veterans, Susan’s legacy was reflected in the unique and heartfelt ALA Funeral Ceremony performed by members of both Unit 225 of Forest Lake and Unit 556 of Lino Lakes. At her family’s special request, each Auxiliary member placed a red poppy in Susan’s casket during the service—a touching symbol of remembrance for veterans and a poignant tribute to Susan’s work within the ALA. As Unit 225’s President and Chaplain read the solemn words of the Funeral Ceremony, there were few dry eyes in the room. The ceremony honored Susan not only as a devoted member of the Auxiliary but also as a compassionate and creative spirit who lived her values each day. “Susan was a kind of member of the Unit,” said one fellow Auxiliary member. “She was our Sargeant-at-Arms for years. She gave her heart to our mission.” In addition to her organizational contributions, Susan was admired for her artistic talents. She was known for painting lovely pictures and crafting unique handmade gifts, many of which she sold at the annual American Legion craft sale in Forest Lake. Her creativity brought joy to many and helped raise funds for local veteran programs—yet another reflection of her giving spirit. True to her generous nature, Susan’s family invited attendees to select a keepsake from her extensive collection of arts, crafts, and donkey figurines—a personal passion of hers that brought smiles to all who knew her. In one final act of charity, her family announced that the remaining craft items would be sold at the December 2025 ALA craft sale, with all proceeds going directly to Unit 225 and its veteran support programs. As friends and loved ones bid farewell, there was a shared sense of gratitude for Susan’s unwavering commitment to her community, her creativity, and above all, her love for those who served. Her legacy will continue to live on through every handmade item, every red poppy, and every life she touched. Susan Burrows will be deeply missed—but never forgotten. Funeral Service The American Legion Auxiliary service is non-sectarian. Therefore, it may be varied in accordance with the religious belief of the deceased. The wish of the family of the deceased, and of the officiating pastor, should be respected. Music Unit President: “Death has entered our ranks and members of (name of Unit) of the American Legion Auxiliary are here to pay tribute to one who has been called to the High Command.” Chaplain:  “Let us pray. God of infinite Love and Mercy, draw near to us in this hour of grief. Open our hearts to Your comforting presence and our eyes to the realities of Eternal Life. May the darkness of death be replaced by the dawn of eternity, and the present pangs of separation to the joys of future reunion. Grant us, O Father, that our present sorrow may bring us closer to You, and that our hearts may be cleansed and purified by Your grace. We thank You for the understanding that death does not really separate us from the departed. Help us to look beyond the grave and see the glories of that new Life. Help us to know that our loved ones who have passed on are not dead but are living and enjoying Your Grace and Love more than when here upon earth. O Father, we earnestly pray for our departed member, that this member may enter into all the joys of the life beyond. We pray that by cherishing the memory of this member and by cultivating Your presence, we, too, may grow up into that more perfect Life in which death has no power and sin no part. Amen.” Alternative prayer. “Let us pray. Lord of all life, You have taught us the measure of our days. We are strangers with You and sojourners, as our fathers were. Our days are as a shadow and there is none abiding. But you abide. Your years fail not. You never change. A thousand years in Your sight is but as yesterday when it has passed. The grass withers, the flowers fade, but Your word endures forever. And therein is our help and hope. You heal the broken hearted and bind up the wounds. Comfort Your people, in their sorrow. May there be no bitterness, no doubt of Your eternal goodness. Have them know that You have not mocked us with this stubborn hope of life eternal; that having created and cared for us You will not desert us to the dust; that You hold us with a love unfailing; that our dead are in Your keeping; and that You are able to do for them above all that we ask or think. Until for us also the daybreak and shadows flee away, grant us to so live that our lives may honor the members who have gone before us. Together may we come to that City which You have prepared for them that love You and keep Your commandments. For Your own name’s sake we pray, Amen.” Music Unit President:  “Eternal rest grant unto this member, O Lord.” Chaplain:  “And let perpetual light shine upon this member.” Unit President:  “May this member rest in peace.” Chaplain:  “Amen.” Unit President:  “May the soul and the souls of all faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” Chaplain: “Amen.” Prayer Chaplain:  “Let us pray. O God, our heavenly Father, who ushered Your children into life and recall the soul to Yourself in Your own good time. We thank You for the sweet memory of those dear to us who have been gathered to their fathers. We praise You for all the hallowed influences of our lives and for the rest and peace which they have found with You. May they still be a joy and an inspiration to us; may they quicken us to a more useful life, to higher hopes and greater contentment of spirit, so that in our departure we, too, may leave a memory and example that shall serve as a hope and inspiration to those who follow us. Send Your consolation, we pray You, to those who today recall the loss of loved ones. Speak peace to hearts that are wounded by recent bereavement. Comfort them with the thought of Your wisdom and justice, which You in Your fatherly love grants to Your trusting children. In final submission to Your will and in joyous hope of life everlasting, we praise You in whose hands are the souls of all creatures and the spirits of all flesh.” Unit President:  “Extolled and hallowed by the name of God throughout the world which He has created, and which He governs according to His righteous will. Just is He in all His ways, and wise are all His decrees. May His kingdom come, and His will be done in all the earth.” Chaplain:  “Praised be the Lord of life, the righteous Judge forevermore. Amen.” Music if desired . Unit President:  “This final moment of visible presence with the one who has left us, is sacred. Let us not remember this one in anguish. Tears or words of sympathy cannot bring back the comfort of those loving hands, or the music of the voice that is stilled. Only solemn pride in this member’s service is theirs who live to remember. To those who are left behind, we realize how futile are mere words to express our deep and abiding sympathy in their loss. May they feel that their loved one is at rest and in endless peace. Surely there is an after-life for all who have been loyal and true: a life to which light and peace shall come, where the burden shall be lifted and the heartache shall cease, where the love, the hope, and the fulfillment that escapes us here shall be given to us to be ours forever.” When there is a service at the home, the President and members may at this point place a poppy or carnation within or upon the coffin. Benediction by Chaplain (if desired). Unit President:  “Goodbye, till morning come again, We part, if part we must, with pain, But night is short, and hope is sweet, Faith fills our hearts, and wings our feet And so we sing the old refrain, Goodbye, till morning come again, Goodbye, till morning come again, The thought of death brings weight of pain But could we know how short the night That falls, and hides them from our sight, Our hearts would sing the old refrain, Goodbye, till morning come again.” At the Graveside If no previous American Legion Auxiliary service has been held, the service for church chapel or home may be read at the grave, prior to the following committal Unit President:  “Forasmuch as it has pleased God to take unto Himself the soul of our departed member (name), we therefore place these poppies, the memorial flower of the American Legion Auxiliary, in her memory.” Chaplain places poppies on casket or in some designated place. Chaplain:  “The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace, both now and evermore. Amen.”

The Minnesota American Legion Family Sweetheart Rally has been cancelled because of the expected winter snowstorm. The National Weather Service has forecasted 5-8 inches for Central Minnesota. If you made reservations in advance and paid you will receive a refund check in the mail. Please note if you paid via Eventbrite we are unable to refund the convenience fee.

Sherri Hernandez, Unit 225 in the 3rd District, developed and promoted her idea of accepting donations for Radiation and Chemo Kits for Veterans undergoing cancer treatments at the Minnesota VA Hospitals. You can help! This initiative is to provide comfort and care items to Veteran patients at the start of their chemotherapy or radiation care with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Individuals or groups looking for a service project can purchase items to make full kits. Please include one of each: Soft Fleece Throw Blankets Reusable Water Bottle 12-20 ounces Digital Thermometer Journal/Planner/Notebook Pens Duffle Bag or Large Tote Bag Extras: Stress Ball Word Find/Puzzle Books Adult Coloring Books & Colored Pencils Lip Balm/Chap Stick Hand lotion Neck pillow Slipper Socks Contact Sherri Hernandez at 651-955-2942. Donations can be dropped off at: Forest Lake American Legion 355 W Broadway Ave Forest Lake, MN 55025

Armed Service Centers in major U.S. airports provide a vital haven for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families during their travels. These centers, often tucked away in bustling terminals, offer a tranquil space to rest, recharge, and connect with fellow service members while awaiting flights. The Armed Service Center at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) exemplifies this mission. With the goal of remaining open 24/7, the center offers complimentary snacks, beverages, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and even cots for those with extended layovers. It also provides a sense of camaraderie and support that can be a lifeline for travelers far from home. The American Legion family plays a significant role in sustaining these centers. Local posts nationwide volunteer their time to staff the facilities, ensuring a warm welcome for military visitors. They organize fundraising events to keep the centers operational. In Minnesota, American Legion Auxiliary Units donate essential items like coloring and puzzle books, crayons, colored pencils, travel games, small toys, and snacks (and knitted or sewn bags to carry the swag) to enhance the center’s offerings, especially for families traveling with children. “MSP’s Armed Service Center is a blessing,” said a retired Air Force veteran who frequently uses the facility. Her husband, a member of the Army National Guard, added, “It’s a quiet and safe place for us and incredibly helpful when we travel with our three young boys.” Beyond providing physical comfort, these centers symbolize gratitude and respect for those who serve. The partnership between Armed Service Centers and organizations like the American Legion highlights the community’s dedication to honoring the sacrifices of military families. Travelers are encouraged to support these centers by donating supplies or funds through American Legions, or other local veterans' organizations, making certain these sanctuaries continue to thrive as a beacon of support for America’s heroes. Nancy Zak from American Legion Unit 225 sorted and organized donations collected by her Unit for the Armed Services Center at MSP.