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Learn about the Officers of the Auxiliary Third District American Legion of Minnesota and get in touch. District Officers Ann Bovy President Cavalene Regan First Vice President Wendy Arend Second Vice President Sherri Hernandez Executive Committee Tami Paul Executive Committee Tamara Thayer Junior Past President/ Chaplain Karla Otterness Secretary Barb Klehr Parliamentarian Sally Strasser Historian Teri Richardson Treasurer Diane Mackenthun Sgt At Arms For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. Key Links MN ALA Website National Website Third District Website Social Media MN ALA National ALA For Veterans Third District ALA Facebook Get In Touch Committees Officers 2025 By Legion Social. Contact the Webmaster. Minnesota Third District Who We Are Presidents Message Decades of Making a Difference District Officers Mission / Preamble Past Presidents Past President Photos Presidents Message Decades of Making a Difference District Officers Mission / Preamble Past Presidents Past President Photos Programs/Committees Auxiliary Girls State Essay Contest Oratorical Contest Poppy Program Auxiliary Girls State Essay Contest Oratorical Contest Poppy Program Membership Application Book of Annual Reports Eligibility Membership Transmittal Membership Video Application Book of Annual Reports Eligibility Membership Transmittal Membership Video Upcoming Events Fall Conference Pearl Harbor Rally Unit Events Fall Conference Pearl Harbor Rally Unit Events Media Book of Annual Reports Bulletins/Newsletters Poppy Video Presidents Message Book of Annual Reports Bulletins/Newsletters Poppy Video Presidents Message Resources Auxiliary Forms Contest Rules Honor Flight Video Quilts of Valor Wreaths Across America VA Wish List Auxiliary Forms Contest Rules Honor Flight Video Quilts of Valor Wreaths Across America VA Wish List Key Links Auxiliary District Facebook Auxiliary Department of MN Auxiliary Department of MN Facebook Auxiliary National Headquarters MN Third District National Headquarters Emblem Sales Auxiliary District Facebook Auxiliary Department of MN Auxiliary Department of MN Facebook Auxiliary National Headquarters MN Third District National Headquarters Emblem Sales Menu Close

Join the Department of Minnesota American Legion Riders at the Annual Pearl Harbor Rally. Find out more and how to register. Pearl Harbor Rally What: The American Legion Pearl Harbor Family Gathering-Rally When: 6 December 2025 Where: Post 270, Buffalo MN Who: MN American Legion Riders Social hour and membership turn-in: 11:00 a.m. Lunch served Cost: $20.00 Registration by postal mail to: The Minnesota American Legion Riders organize the Pearl Harbor Rally, an event for all members of the Minnesota American Legion Family. Lodging: The Budget Host Inn is right across the street from Post 270. Its phone number is 763-682-5930. Click here to visit its website . More Info Key Links MN ALA Website National Website Third District Social Media MN ALA National ALA For Veterans Third District ALA Facebook Get In Touch Committees Officers For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. 2025 By Legion Social. Contact the Webmaster. Minnesota Third District Who We Are Presidents Message Decades of Making a Difference District Officers Mission / Preamble Past Presidents Past President Photos Presidents Message Decades of Making a Difference District Officers Mission / Preamble Past Presidents Past President Photos Programs/Committees Auxiliary Girls State Essay Contest Oratorical Contest Poppy Program Auxiliary Girls State Essay Contest Oratorical Contest Poppy Program Membership Application Book of Annual Reports Eligibility Membership Transmittal Membership Video Application Book of Annual Reports Eligibility Membership Transmittal Membership Video Upcoming Events Fall Conference Pearl Harbor Rally Unit Events Fall Conference Pearl Harbor Rally Unit Events Media Book of Annual Reports Bulletins/Newsletters Poppy Video Presidents Message Book of Annual Reports Bulletins/Newsletters Poppy Video Presidents Message Resources Auxiliary Forms Contest Rules Honor Flight Video Quilts of Valor Wreaths Across America VA Wish List Auxiliary Forms Contest Rules Honor Flight Video Quilts of Valor Wreaths Across America VA Wish List Key Links Auxiliary District Facebook Auxiliary Department of MN Auxiliary Department of MN Facebook Auxiliary National Headquarters MN Third District National Headquarters Emblem Sales Auxiliary District Facebook Auxiliary Department of MN Auxiliary Department of MN Facebook Auxiliary National Headquarters MN Third District National Headquarters Emblem Sales Menu Close

Stay updated with the latest news from the Minnesota Third District American Legion. Find out about upcoming events, recent achievements, and important announcements. LATEST NEWS You'll find updates from Leadership and Messages for District Posts here! Contact us with any questions or comments. EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE

Find event ideas for your Sons of the American Legion Squadron. Sons of the Legion District Events Find a Squad Officers Join the SAL Squad Resources 2025 Membership Report District Website Event Ideas for SAL Forms Using Social Media Programs We Support Disabled Vets Deer Hunt Legionville Safety Camp MN Boys State TAL Child Welfare Foundation Menu Close Sons of the Legion District Events Find a Squad Officers Join the SAL Squad Resources 2025 Membership Report District Website Event Ideas for SAL Forms Using Social Media Programs We Support Disabled Vets Deer Hunt Legionville Safety Camp MN Boys State TAL Child Welfare Foundation A List of Event Ideas for your Squadron Submit your Event to be listed on our website. Annual Events Hosting events at the same time each year helps ensure growth. It also empowers you to start advertising long in advance. Here's a short list of ideas for your squadron to try: Chili, Casserole or Soup Cook-Off Veteran's Day Breakfast (charge for non-Veterans) Breakfast with Santa Event Christmas Toy Drive or Drop Turkey & Ham Meat Raffle Turkey Bingo Golf Tournament Breakfast, Bingo & Bloody Mary's Bean Bag Tournament Membership Drive (party) Rib Cook-Off Dunk Tank & Grill Out Party Send us your Ideas Here's a few more ideas Contact local Boys Scout clubs, invite them to have meetings at your Post Invite school teams to volunteer at large events, take the opportunity to educate them on the importance of honoring & supporting Veterans Sell Raffle Tickets for large ticket items or cash Organize Benefits for members of your Legion Family who have fallen ill Gun Raffles Work with your local Golf Course, see if you can create a partnership to sell Golf Memberships and get a cut of the proceeds for your Unit Follow other Legions on Social Media and find out what they are doing Send us your Ideas Make a difference, become a member of the SAL. Find a Squadron . MN Third District Sons of the American Legion Sons of the Legion District Events Find a Squad Officers Join the SAL Squad Resources 2025 Membership Report District Website Event Ideas for SAL Forms Using Social Media Programs We Support Disabled Vets Deer Hunt Legionville Safety Camp MN Boys State TAL Child Welfare Foundation Created by Legion Social

Learn about Linda Dvorak's project as Department of Minnesota American Legion's current commander. Find links and a QR code. Help Commander Linda Dvorak reach her goals: Her Commander's Project raises funds for the Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund (Fund 85) and benches and pillars for the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley. Out of the funds raise, 75% goes to Fund 85 and 25% to the museum. The Department Commander's Project each year is classified as Fund 82 under the Minnesota American Legion Foundation. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and can accept gambling funds. Learn More EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE Minnesota Department of American Legion Commander's Project

The MN Thundering Third District American Legion provides resources and links to aid Veterans in housing, PTSD, and Health and Wellness. Find information on this page. Resources Find the resources & support for veterans and your Auxiliary Unit or SAL squadron. Find resources by topic. What are you looking for? Federal Resources VSO Directory Veteran Solutions Veteran Organizations PTSD 24/7 Confidential Support for Veterans & their loved ones. Thank you to all of those who have served and continue to serve our country. Forms, materials, and more. Find ideas & resources for your Squad or Unit!

Meet the leaders of the Hastings American Legion. Our Officers page lists the dedicated individuals guiding our mission to support veterans and serve our community. Our Leadership MN Third District American Legion Through strong leadership, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those who have served our country and the communities that support them. Meet our 2025-2026 Leadership! The Directory is below or you may Download the PDF if you prefer. Amy Larsen Commander Post 586 Lonsdale MN 55046 AmyLarsenLegion@gmail.com 612-306-4438 Nate Olson Adjutant Post 45 New Prague MN 56071 nocanby@gmail.com 612-804-6117 Joe Bares Membership Director Post 3 Jordan MN 55352 jebares@yahoo.com 952-686-3311 Barrett Kirchenwitz Finance Officer Post 594 Montrose MN 55363 bmk6712@yahoo.com 612-998-5033 DON PANKAKE Judge Advocate Post 96 Hutchinson MN 55350 pankake@hutchtel.net 612-280-7320 CINDY YANCHURY Chaplain Post 594 Eagan MN 55123 cindy.yanchury@gmail.com 651-261-1594 Ashley Venburg Historian Post 225 Forest Lake MN 55025 wsskat@gmail.com 651-283-2354 Neil Hoadley Sgt-at Arms Post 47 Hastings MN 55033 airrachet@gmail.com 651-703-6304 DAN LUDWIG Past National Commander Post 54 Red Wing MN 55066 dankludwig@gmail.com 651-253-9086 Joe Tappainer Past 3rd District Commander Post 1776 Apple Valley MN 55124 jtappainer@frontier.net 612-770-5124 Vice Commanders By Area MN Third District American Legion Mark Doble Area 1 Post 594 Eagan MN 55122 m.doble4@live.com 952-393-7609 JAMES ENTINGER Area 2 Post 95 Glencoe MN 55336 jentinger@yahoo.com 920-328-7512 Wayne Beierman Area 3 Post 594 Eagan MN 55122 beierman66@gmail.com 651-497-0971 Ross Lacourt Area 4 Post 54 Farmington MN 55024 rmlacourt@gmail.com 760-586-5558 MARISSA LACOURT Area 5 Post 1776 Farmington MN 55024 marissa.lacourt@gmail.com 760-586-5136 EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE EXPLORE OUR SITE

The mental health and emotional well-being of our Veterans is important to the MN Third District American Legion. Click to find resources to help you and your family navigate through difficult times. Thank you to all of those who have served and continue to serve our country. "PTSD in veterans is a silent battle fought daily, a testament to their resilience and sacrifice. Acknowledging their struggle is the first step toward healing." Support for Veterans with PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects many veterans who have experienced the intense stress of combat or other traumatic events during their service. This invisible wound can lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges, impacting not only the veteran but also their family and friends. At the Minnesota Third District American Legion, we are committed to providing support and resources for veterans dealing with PTSD. Symptoms Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, nightmares, or flashbacks. Avoidance: Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event, avoiding places, activities, or people that remind them of the trauma. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, negative thoughts about oneself or others, memory problems, and difficulty maintaining close relationships. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, feeling on guard, having trouble sleeping, and experiencing irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior. Find Support Support and Treatment Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other forms of counseling. Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms. Support Groups: Connecting with other veterans who understand the experience can provide invaluable emotional support. Find Support National PTSD Resources Veterans Crisis Line: Available 24/7, the Veterans Crisis Line provides confidential support for veterans in crisis. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers comprehensive PTSD treatment programs. Visit their PTSD Treatment Programs Locator to find facilities near you. National Center for PTSD: This center provides extensive information on PTSD, including treatment options and educational resources. Explore their website at www.ptsd.va.gov . Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs: Offering local resources and support, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs can help connect you with services in your area. Visit Minnesota Veterans. American Legion PTSD Resources: The American Legion provides numerous resources and support for veterans with PTSD. Check out their PTSD/TBI page at www.legion.org/ptsd. More Organizations

The Thundering Third District American Legion is dedicated to continuing the mission. With 64 Posts across Minnesota, we continue to grow and thrive. The Minnesota Thundering Third District Our History The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines. Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth. The Minnesota Third District now encompasses 10 Counties within Minnesota and have 64 Posts across the state. Together we work diligently to ensure the mission and legacy of the American Legion continues to grow and thrive. Are you interested in joining? Find a Post or go to MyLegion.org to discover your Membership options and benefits. Thank you for your ongoing support. Thank you to all of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Find the latest Book of Annual Reports for the Minnesota Third District American Legion Auxiliary. Annual Reports Find the Book of Annual Reports for each year here. 2024-2025 Book of Annual Reports 2023-2024 Book of Annual Reports For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. Key Links MN ALA Website National Website Third District Social Media MN ALA National ALA For Veterans Third District ALA Facebook Get In Touch Committees Officers 2025 By Legion Social. Contact the Webmaster. Minnesota Third District Who We Are Presidents Message Decades of Making a Difference District Officers Mission / Preamble Past Presidents Past President Photos Presidents Message Decades of Making a Difference District Officers Mission / Preamble Past Presidents Past President Photos Programs/Committees Auxiliary Girls State Essay Contest Oratorical Contest Poppy Program Auxiliary Girls State Essay Contest Oratorical Contest Poppy Program Membership Application Book of Annual Reports Eligibility Membership Transmittal Membership Video Application Book of Annual Reports Eligibility Membership Transmittal Membership Video Upcoming Events Fall Conference Pearl Harbor Rally Unit Events Fall Conference Pearl Harbor Rally Unit Events Media Book of Annual Reports Bulletins/Newsletters Poppy Video Presidents Message Book of Annual Reports Bulletins/Newsletters Poppy Video Presidents Message Resources Auxiliary Forms Contest Rules Honor Flight Video Quilts of Valor Wreaths Across America VA Wish List Auxiliary Forms Contest Rules Honor Flight Video Quilts of Valor Wreaths Across America VA Wish List Key Links Auxiliary District Facebook Auxiliary Department of MN Auxiliary Department of MN Facebook Auxiliary National Headquarters MN Third District National Headquarters Emblem Sales Auxiliary District Facebook Auxiliary Department of MN Auxiliary Department of MN Facebook Auxiliary National Headquarters MN Third District National Headquarters Emblem Sales Menu Close

The MN Thundering Third District is proud to advocate for and support Legionville Safety Patrol Camp. Find out more about camp and how to register on this page. Shaping Safe and Responsible Citizens at Legionville Legionville Safety Patrol Training Center The Minnesota Third District American Legion is proud to support Legionville, a unique educational camp dedicated to teaching safety and leadership to young students. Located on beautiful North Long Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota, Legionville Safety Patrol Training Center has been shaping the lives of young Minnesotans since 1936. Legionville is a week-long summer camp where students learn essential safety skills, leadership, and responsibility. The primary focus is on training School Safety Patrol members, but the program also includes a variety of other safety-related activities. The goal is to prepare students to be leaders in their schools and communities, ensuring a safer environment for everyone. At Legionville, participants will: Learn Safety Patrol Duties: Receive comprehensive training on how to effectively manage school crossings and ensure the safety of their fellow students. Develop Leadership Skills: Take part in activities that promote teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. Engage in Safety Education: Participate in classes and practical exercises covering a wide range of safety topics, including water safety, first aid, and emergency preparedness. Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Experience the beauty of North Long Lake through swimming, canoeing, and other recreational activities that promote physical fitness and environmental awareness. Build Lifelong Friendships: Connect with peers from across the state, forming friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Benefits of Attending Legionville: Enhanced Leadership Skills: Students develop confidence and leadership abilities that benefit them in school and beyond. Safety Awareness: Comprehensive safety education helps students become more aware of potential hazards and how to address them. Community Engagement: Graduates of Legionville are well-prepared to contribute positively to their communities, promoting safety and responsibility. Fun and Learning: The camp balances educational activities with fun and recreational opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded experience. How to Register Interested students or parents can find registration details online at Legionville.org. You may also contact your school or local American Legion Post as they may be able to assist with the camp cost. Legionville.Org Thank you to all of those who have served and continue to serve our country.