Department and District Officers, As we begin the 2026–2027 membership year, I am pleased to share two resources developed to support our Department, Districts, Posts, and Membership Directors and Legionnaires throughout Minnesota: You Matter: The Strategic Membership Plan and You Matter: The Membership Director's Playbook. The two documents are designed to work together: The Strategic Membership Plan — Where are we going? This provides the direction for our membership year, with an emphasis on strengthening relationships, improving retention, welcoming the next generation of Legionnaires, strengthening our Posts, and building a sustainable future for The American Legion in Minnesota. The Membership Director's Playbook — How do we get there? This is the practical companion to the plan. It provides Membership Directors and Post leaders with ideas, tools, and strategies they can put to work in their own communities. While these are longer documents, don't let the number of pages discourage you. They were intentionally written to be easy to read and, more importantly, easy to use. There is no expectation that anyone read them from cover to cover in one sitting. Read a section at a time, return to them throughout the year, and use the portions that are most helpful to you and your Post. Think of them as resources to work with throughout the membership year rather than books that need to be finished. At the heart of both documents is a simple belief: membership is about people before numbers. When Legionnaires know they matter, when veterans know they are welcome, and when our Posts provide meaningful opportunities to serve, membership becomes the result of a healthy organization rather than simply a number we are trying to achieve. I encourage each of you to review these resources and, most importantly, please pass them along to the Posts and Legionnaires in your respective Districts and areas. These documents were created to be used, shared, discussed, and adapted to meet the needs of every Post. I would also encourage every District and Post that maintains a website to make these documents available there. By placing them on your District or Post website, Legionnaires can easily access the resources when they need them throughout the year, and we can help ensure that the information reaches beyond those who receive this email. The more accessible we make these tools, the more likely they are to be used. Your Charge Share these resources with the Posts you serve, encourage their leaders to use them, and begin one conversation about what we can do differently this year to help every Legionnaire know they matter. My Commitment I am committed to supporting you throughout this membership year with practical resources, communication, training, and assistance whenever needed. I will continue listening to your ideas, learning from what is working across Minnesota, and sharing those successes so that we can grow stronger together. Because when Legionnaires and veterans know they matter, The American Legion grows stronger. For God and Country, James Olson Department Membership Director The American Legion, Department of Minnesota

Hi Everyone, We are excited to share that tickets to the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum galleries are now available! Mark your calendars for Grand Opening Weekend, September 11–13, 2026, as we celebrate the opening of Minnesota’s new home dedicated to honoring our veterans and military history. Event Details Dates: September 11–13, 2026 Location: 21702 Haven Road, Little Falls, MN 56345 Outdoor Activities: Free and open to everyone (military vehicles, live music, historic flyovers, food trucks, family activities, and more). Gallery Access: Advance timed-entry reservations are required to tour the museum galleries. Can't make it that weekend? Gallery tickets are also available for dates beyond September 11–13 so you can experience the new museum at a more relaxed pace. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate this landmark occasion! Adjutant, 3rd District INFORMATION BELOW: Tickets to the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum galleries are now available! Our Grand Opening Weekend is September 11–13, 2026, and we expect a tremendous turnout as we celebrate the opening of Minnesota’s new Military & Veterans Museum. Advance timed-entry reservations are required to visit the museum galleries during Grand Opening Weekend. If you plan to tour the galleries, we encourage you to reserve your preferred date and time in advance. Reserve Your Museum Tickets Here Join us for Grand Opening Weekend The three-day celebration will feature: Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of September 11 Official Grand Opening Celebration Remarks by Gen. Paul M. Nakasone (Ret.) Historic warbird flyovers Veteran-led experiences Military vehicles, concerts, family activities, and more Outdoor Grand Opening activities are free and open to everyone. A museum ticket is required only for entry into the galleries. Please keep in mind that we expect the museum grounds to be very busy throughout the weekend, so plan accordingly. Can't make it Grand Opening Weekend? We’d still love to welcome you! Museum gallery tickets are also available for dates beyond September 11–13. Consider planning your visit for another weekend, when you can experience the new museum galleries at a more relaxed pace. Whether you join us for the excitement of Grand Opening Weekend or visit us in the weeks ahead, we look forward to welcoming you to the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum.

Access the Department of Minnesota American Legion 2026 Committee Reports below.

View the highlights or download the full PDF below The Commander's Corner I’m James Entinger, the new incoming 3rd District Commander. I have been a District Officer for 13 years; I’m not a newbie. I have put together a great team. We are here to help you and yours post any way we can. Happy 250th Birthday America and God Bless us all. P.S. Hope to see at the Department Convention this week. Membership Update Hello, Thundering Third! It’s July already! Happy 250th Birthday to the United States of America! Attached are our end-of-year membership numbers as of June 30, 2026. The Third District finished 3rd in membership with 95.47%, just 0.55% out of 1st place. That is an accomplishment we can all be proud of. Thank you to every Post, Membership Director, Commander, Adjutant, and Legionnaire who worked so hard throughout the year. We had 11 Posts reach 100% membership or better: Post 3 - Jordan Post 65 - Rosemount Post 74 - Henderson Post 150 - Waconia Post 184 - Pine Island Post 380 - Kilkenny Post 407 - Winsted Post 586 - Lonsdale Post 598 - Bellechester Post 620 - Hugo Post 1995 - Victoria Congratulations to each of these Posts on an outstanding achievement! Two of these Posts also reached the level necessary to earn a National Membership Ribbon. District Commander Entinger and I are looking for two Posts that would like additional assistance with their membership program. If your Post is struggling with membership or would simply like some extra help, we are ready to assist. We will gladly come to your Post and work with your membership team. Please contact me at 952-686-3311 or jebares@yahoo.com to schedule a visit. I am also looking for two Posts interested in hosting a District Membership Workshop. Topics will include: Finding 1982 and 1982AD At-Large members Processing membership transfers Sample renewal letters Sample letters for recruiting and retaining members Effective membership phone calls, including conversation starters and questions Calling 1982 and 1982AD members to transfer them into your Post or another Post within the Third District Whether you are an experienced Post commander, Membership Director, Post officer, or just getting started, these workshops are designed to share ideas, answer questions, and help every Post become more successful. If your Post would like to host a weekend workshop, please get in touch with me. Together, we can strengthen membership throughout the Third District. If your Post needs officer or Legion training in any area, please reach out to the Department Training Committee. They are available to help your Post succeed. Thank you again for everything you do for our veterans, our communities, and The American Legion. Let’s keep the momentum going as we begin another membership year! For God and Country, Joe Bares Third District Membership Director Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Happy 4th of July everyone, 250 years strong. My name is Glen Neville, and I am the newly elected Commander for the 3rd District Sons of the American Legion. I am looking forward to having a great year and helping to make the American Legion Family stronger with the help of all the squadrons in the 3rd District. During the convention we held the yearly elections and here are the newly elected officers for the Sons of the American Legion. Commander Glen Neville Adjutant Dave Arend Vice Commanders Kirtby Olesen, Tom Koch, Dave Vulcan, Gregg Wilwert Membership Casey Lenort Finance Gregg Wilwert Sgt-at-Arms Dave Vulcan Historian Casey Lenort Chaplin Casey Lenort Vice Commanders for the District are being assigned shortly and will be delivering Membership Card to you when we get them from National. As of this writing, we have not heard when Membership cards will be delivered. As soon as we get them, they will be sent out. Have a great and safe 4th of July, enjoy the celebration of our nation with all your family and friends. Keep our deployed service members in your thoughts. Talk to you next month, Glen CALENDAR of EVENTS July 9 – 11 Department Convention Willmar, MN www.mnlegion.org/department-convention National Convention Delegates 1. Amy Larsen 2. Jim Entinger 3. Nathan Olson 4. Don Pankake 5. Mark Dvorak 6. Cindy Yanchury 7. Don Skow 8. Pat Logan 9. Terry Larsen National Convention Alternante Rod Reifsteck 2. Carla Tappainner 3. Joe Tappainner

View the highlights or download the full PDF below The Commander's Corner Fellow Commanders, Adjutants and Membership Directors, The MN 3rd District Membership packet pickup is scheduled for June 27 this year. To make it easier, the packets for your post can be picked up at two locations this year. In the morning, from 9 am to 11:30 am, your post membership packets can be picked up in Eagan at the Cedarvale Bowl located at: 3883 Cedar Lane Eagan, MN 55122 (The packets pickup will be in the basement Banquet Room.) In the afternoon of June 27, from 1:00 pm to 4 pm, your post membership packets can be picked up at the Silver Lake American Legion Post 141 241 Main Street West Silver Lake, MN 55381 Looking forward to seeing you there to meet you and answer your questions you may have. All the best, Jim Entinger Chaplains Corner Writing this article is bittersweet. I am grateful to have served as your chaplain under two Third District Commanders. Thank you Joe Tappainer for inviting me and to Amy Larson for allowing me to continue in this role. I had never served as a district officer before and had no idea what the expectations were. Thankfully they fit right into the way I’ve always served as a spiritual leader. The opportunity to lift up each post by name, to pray for the leadership and the communities you serve brought a new depth to my personal prayer life, so thank you! The month of June brings Flag Day, a day we celebrate on June 14th in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Flag Day was first proposed in 1861 to rally support for the Union, but it wasn’t until 1916 that President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation that designated June 14 as Flag Day and then on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially established by an act of Congress. This long road to official recognition reminds us that change happens slowly and over time. As I read the stories behind the creation of this day, I was blown away by the variety of people and places that worked to bring it to bear. As we stand to honor, as we salute to honor, as we fold it to honor the fallen, may we remember to recount what it symbolizes – a more perfect union, a republic within a democracy. May this flag stand as an enduring symbol of freedom. Holy One, ground us in your love, lift us in your grace, hold us in your mercy. May be always be a people who stand for freedom, justice and liberty for all. Amen In gratitude, Cindy Yanchury Third District Chaplain Calendar of Events June 27 Commander’s Testimonial New Prague, MN www.mnlegion.org/commanders-testimonial June 28 Third District Picnic Sponsored by the Third District Legion and held in Glencoe, Minnesota, at Oscar Olson Park. Social time begins at 11:00 a.m., and food will be served at noon. July 9 – 11 Department Convention Willmar, MN www.mnlegion.org/department-convention

Read the highlights or download the full version: Happy Summer to all 3rd District Members, Memorial Day is the day we all set aside to honor our Veterans who gave their all for our country and our citizens. May you all take some time to remember these men and women and the sacrifices they made for us. Thank you, to all the 3rd District members for your support on my two projects, Hasting Veterans Home (raised garden beds) and St. Peter Region Treatment Center (Disc Golf Couse) I am happy to report that $6,044.00 was raised, so we exceeded the goals for the Veterans Project. A Big thank you to all the members who attended the convention on May 16,2026 at New Prague Post 45. It was fun to see everyone. It was so great that we had 7 Auxiliary members who came for the first time. I am so glad that it was such a beautiful day for the convention. I would also like to thank the executive committee members and the program chairman for their support and for all their hard work throughout the year. A Big thanks to the Past President Parley for your support and believing in me. I want to take this time to thank my husband (Phil) and sons (Zach and Joe) for their support, when I was busy with 3rd District events. I want to thank 3 people from the Auxiliary for presenting my dad (Roger) with a Quilt of Honor. The person looking for a story about my dad and his time in the service, the person who made the quilt, and the person who did the presentation. It was a special day for my family with good memories that we will cherish. I am looking forward to being at Forest Lake Post 225 for the 4th of July parade. I can’t wait to visit the members and be in the community parade on July 4, 2026. I hope all members of the Auxiliary have a great summer with each of their families and enjoy the nice weather. My family is planning a camping trip with our camper this year. It will be great to be outside, enjoying the fresh air and the woods. It has been a great honor to have this opportunity to be your 3rd District President. I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life. Hope to see you all at the Department Convention in July Sincerely yours, 3rd District President Ann Bovy

Chaska American Legion Post 57 Installation of Officers

View the highlights or download the full PDF below The Commander's Corner Supporting Our Graduates in Uniform & Celebrating Family and Fun in Our Community As high school seniors across the region celebrate graduation, many are preparing to take bold new steps—some toward college, others joining the workforce, and a proud group answering the call to serve by enlisting in the United States Armed Forces. These young men and women are embarking on a life-changing journey, and they deserve to know that their community stands firmly behind them. In response, the American Legion should be reaching out to these graduating seniors who are entering military service, gathering their or their family’s contact information, and preparing to send them care packages during basic training—little boxes of comfort and goodies that they can share with fellow veterans. This effort will not only support our future veterans but also introduce a new generation to the American Legion, ensuring that their journey in service is connected to a community of care. At the same time, the American Legion can also make a broader reach into their community this summer by encouraging full family involvement in seasonal activities. Warmer weather brings a wealth of opportunities, and the Legion Posts can help lead the way by hosting kid activity days, family events, and more. These gatherings could include outdoor games, educational workshops (how to cast a fishing pole, gun safety and many more things), and family days with entertainment, food, and fun. In addition to their own events, the American Legion can be seen participating in county fairs, parades, and other seasonal festivals—showing that they are a visible, active part of community life. We want families to see that the American Legion is more than a veterans’ organization. We’re a place for veterans and their families. As the weather warms, Posts are encouraged to keep an eye out for these upcoming events and find ways to get involved. Whether celebrating a graduate’s new chapter, joining a kid’s activity day, or gathering at a local fair, the American Legion is proud to serve as a cornerstone for both veterans and families. This summer, let’s come together, celebrate, and build a stronger community for all. Amy Larsen Thundering 3rd Commander BE THE ONE Chaplains Corner May 2026 Third District Newsletter May – the month of remembering with honor those who sacrificed so much on our behalf. When I consider those who have entered military service, knowing full well that it might mean that ultimate sacrifice and yet they served (and continue to serve). Not all went willingly – I remember the years of the draft for Vietnam - those who made the ultimate sacrifice rest in our thoughts and prayers during these days of remembering. May is the month when many, if not all of our posts, will turn our hearts to remembering. Memorial Day – that’s what it’s about isn’t it? To remember. But it’s not that simple! We remember, and we honor. We respect and we weep. We gather and we offer up thanks. We gather. After the agony of a country torn apart in a Civil War, and the horror of the First World War, the fight to free others from dictators of the Second World War and so it goes – we place flags, we recite words of remembrance, we hear the echo of taps. And we remember. We remember those who have given that last full measure of devotion. And so, it is. And so, it goes. We remember. Let us pray: Holy One, hold us as we weep, hold us as we remember those who have gone before us. And then we rise up with those memories that are dear to us and we go forth to live as loved and blessed souls. May it be so, Amen

Read the highlights or download the full version: Happy Springtime and Happy Mother’s Day The end of the year is fast approaching and if you would like to support my project for the Hasting Veterans Home (raise beds and growing vegetables' to be used in the cafeteria for Veterans. Or the St. Peter Region Treatment Center Disc Golf Couse. Please send your donation to the 3rd District Treasurer. I do appreciate all the support from the members. I am still visiting Units and participating in functions put on by the Units and Posts when invited If you would like me to come and visit or participate in something your unit is hosting, please let me know and I will be glad to attend. I really enjoyed being a part of Shakopee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 2 at the Bowling Tournament. It was fun to visit and bowl with the members. I was honored to be asked to be on the team and to represent the 3rd District. I would like to thank all members of American Legion, Auxiliary and SAL for attending the Testimonial dinner for the 3rd District leadership, at the Savage Post on April 10th. I had a great time visiting with everyone. Just a reminder again that the 3rd District Convention will be on May 16, 2026, at the New Prague Post 54. I hope everyone has a chance to attend and hear about all the great work that our members do. I would love to see all the members of the 3rd District Auxiliary get together and make new friends and visit with those you know. I what to Thank all the Units for taking the time to fill out and turn in their Year End Reports. Holidays to Celebrate in May: May is National Military Appreciation month, a time to recognize and show appreciation to the Armed Forces of United State. Silver State Service Banner Day. This day is set aside to honor our wounded, ill and dying miliary personal, you can participate by flying a Silver Banner. Let’s not forget to celebrate Mother’s Day with our children on May 10. I hope all mothers have a great day. May 25 is Memorial Day; this is a day to commemorate all who have died in military service for the United States. You can participate by attending or marching in a parade, attending a memorial service or visiting memorials and/or cemetery. Sincerely yours 3rd District President Ann Bovy American Legion Auxiliary Third District Newsletter May 2026

National Commander’s Tour of Minnesota 2025-2026 National Commander Dan Wiley Third District Events April 22     Post 620, Hugo Dinner & program    www.hugolegion.com April 23     Post 45, New Prague Dinner & program  LINK April 23     Veteran’s Day on the Hill (flyer below)       St. Paul, MN Learn more about Commander Wiley o n   Legion.org . National Convention Endorsements Post 45 endorses Mark Dvorak to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 1776 endorses Joe Tappanainer to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 1776 endorses Carla Tappanainer to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 491 endorses Pat Logan to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 311 endorses Rod Reisteck to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 225 endorses Don Skow to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 225 endorses Terry Larsen to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. Post 96 endorses Don Pankake to attend the National Convention for 2026 in Louisville KY. 3rd District Adjutant Nathan (Nate) Olson cell 612-804-6117 nocanby@gmail.com

View the highlights or download the full PDF below The Commander's Corner Fellow Legionnaires and Legion Family, As we approach election season, our posts are once again looking for leaders to step forward and serve our communities, our fellow veterans, and our nation through the American Legion. Too often, I hear members say: “I’m not smart enough.” “I don’t speak well” “I’m not educated enough.” “I’d rather just follow—it’s too much work.” Let me assure you—none of that disqualifies you. Some of the most capable and successful people, I know don’t hold advanced degrees. What they do have is dedication, work ethic, and a passion for serving others. That’s what truly matters in leadership. You don’t need a college degree to serve in the American Legion. You need a desire to help, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to your community. And you won’t be doing it alone. There are many resources available to support you: District and Department of Minnesota events A strong training committee Experienced past commanders Fellow Legionnaires ready to lend a hand If you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out. Support exists at every level—from your local post to the district and beyond. Personally, I never imagined I would serve as a Post Commander, let alone at the District commander. Yet here I am, nearing the end of my year, grateful for the opportunity. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people, visited outstanding posts, and gained invaluable knowledge. I’ve also learned that support is always there when you ask for it. We may not always agree, and we don’t have to. But we share a common mission: supporting veterans, their families, our communities, and our nation. That shared purpose allows us to move past differences and work together effectively. As elections draw near, I encourage you to consider stepping up. Put your name forward. Take that chance. You might surprise yourself. Answer the call. Lead with purpose. Serve with pride. Also, April 10th is the joint testimonial. (A party celebrating this year’s Commander, Auxiliary President and the Sons of American Legion Commander). We want everyone to come have a good night out. The cost is $20. It will be held at Savage American Legion, social hour starts at 6 pm. Just call me at 612-306-4438. Let me know you’re coming. Once again all are welcome. Thundering Third Commander, Amy Larsen

Read the highlights or download the full version: Happy Easter to all 3rd District Members, Please continue supporting my project for the Hasting Veterans Home (Landscaping) and St. Peter Treatment (Disc Golf Course). Let’s keep the goal growing for our Veterans. I visited the Norwood American Legion Auxiliary Unit 343 and had fun meeting the members. I also went to Browntown American Legion Auxiliary Unit 143 and attended a Legion Birthday party. I have been busy going to District meetings and attending Zoom meetings with my District Sisters. It has been fun to spend time with them and share ideas. I am very excited to be part of Shakopee American Legion Auxiliary Unit 2 bowling team on April 19th. There will be 2 teams attending the American Legion bowling tournament at (Sundance Lane) in Dayton. If anybody would like to come and cheer us on, we will be starting at 12pm. This will be a real fun time. As part of the New Germany American Legion Auxiliary Unit 601. We will be visiting Hasting’s Veterans Home and doing activities with the Veterans. Also going to check out where the President project money will be used. I will be going to the St. Peter Treatment Center when they have completed the Disc Golf Course. Just a reminder to please send your Year End Reports to the chairman and your Impact report to me by April 14Th. Thank you for taking the time to fill out the reports. Don’t forget to save the following dates, April 10th will be the 3rd District Testimonial in Savage for the 3rd District Commander, President and Detachment Commander. May 16th will be the 3rd District Convention in New Prague. I hope to see all our Auxiliary members at Convention. April 5 is Golden Star Spouses Day. This is a day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of the Gold Star spouse organization that supports Gold Star Families. April 15 is the day called Purple UP! Day. This means during this month to recognize some of the military’s most unsung heroes-their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other. Sincerely yours, 3rd District President Ann Bovy