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.

“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!