Read the highlights or download the full PDF below: Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all 3rd District Members, A BIG Thank You to all the units and members that made donations to support my project for the Hasting Veterans Home (Landscaping) and St. Peters Treatment (Disc Golf Couse). Which scored the goal. But let's keep the goal growing for our Veterans. Unfortunately, we had to cancel Mid-Winter because of the cold weather and at this time we have not been able to come up with a date to reschedule it. I had a great time when I visited Stewart Unit 24. It was nice to meet the members and to talk to them about how things are going for their unit. I did get to attend the 1st and 3rd get together held at the Faribault Post in January. A good time was had by those that attended from the 1st and 3rd Districts. I am asking all the 3rd District Units to please fill out the Impact report for their unit and send the information to me. It would be wonderful to have 100% reporting from all the 3rd District Units. If you would like a fillable Unit Impact report that can be emailed to me, go to the 3rd District Auxiliary website and go to Resources then click on Auxiliary Forms and click on Unit Year End Impact Numbers Report fillable . Or contact Teri Richardson, our Treasurer, and she will send you one. Otherwise, I do believe they will need to be printed out to be filled in, and they will need to be sent by U S Mail. Your unit should have received this information from Department. Just a reminder that the American Legion’s official birthday is March 15 marking the date in 1919, when the first American Legion caucus convened in Paris by members of the American Expeditionary Force. It was chartered by congress later that year, and annual celebrations are held to honor of its legacy of service to veterans and communities. Our units could send cards or make lunch for your Legion Members to celebrate the event. The Navy Reserve formed on March 3,1915 in response to the outbreak of World War 1. The Navy Reserve made up almost 84 percent of the Navy fighting force during the war. Among its ranks were five future U.S Presidents and 15 recipients of the Medal of Honor. Medal of Honor Day is observed annually on March 25 to honor over 3,500 recipients of the U.S military’s Decoration for Valor. Established by Congress in 1990, this day recognizes acts of bravery above and beyond the call of duty. It marks the anniversary of the first medals presented in 1863. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day Recognition Act, signed into law in2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Most states celebrated “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30 of each year. The U.S Navy Seabee celebrate their birthday on March 5th marking their establishment in 1942. Founded during World War II, the force received official permission to use the name “Seabee” derived from the pronunciation of “Construction Battalion s (CBs) on this day. Which also coincides with the anniversary of Civil Engineer Corp. Ann Bovy 3rd District President The Leadership Training event, sponsored by the Hutchinson and Cosmos Units, was well attended and brought together members from the Sixth District, Third District, and Seventh District. Participants enjoyed a day filled with educational activities, opportunities to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and share delicious food. Presenters Ashley, Carol, and Mary formed an outstanding team. Their collaborative efforts and engaging presentations made the training memorable and successful for everyone involved. They really earned their GOLD!

Read the highlights or download the full PDF below: Happy Valentines to all 3rd District Members, Thank you to all the units that have supported my project for the Hasting Veterans Home (Landscaping) and the St. Peter Regional Treatment (Disc Golf Course). I am getting closer to my goal of $4,000.00 dollars. A Big Thank you to all the units that came to the Mid-Winter Conference at the American Legion Post 586 in Lonsdale. I hope you share all the information that was presented with the members of your unit and the information helped clarify what is expected of the unit each year when carrying out your programs and sending needed information to the Department and District. It was so nice to see everyone that attended the Mid-Winter Conference. For Valentines Day, I would like to see our units go into our community. For example: go to elementary school to make Valentines cards, visit a veteran and give them a card or bring goods or balloons or flowers to show how much you appreciate them for their service to our country. I attended the Poppy Palooza workshop at the Waconia American Legion Post 150. It was such a good time visiting and making the poppies. I am going to American Legion Post 2 at Shakopee for the Decades Trivia Night. Some members attended in the past and had a lot of fun. I am looking forward to that night. On February 21, 2026, I am planning to attend the Leadership Conference that will be held at the Cosmos Community Center. I hope to get some new ideas and use them to further my experiences with people. Four Chaplain Day is on February 3rd. Please remember to honor the bravery of the 4 Chaplains who died while saving the lives of Military and civilian personal as the USS Dorchester sank on February 3rd, 1943. On February 4th the USO will celebrate its birthday. The USO is the bridge connecting overseas soldiers to their families, friends and home. The USO is partnered with the War Department and later with the Department of Defense. To help support the USO we can provide entertainment care packages. February 8th through the 14th is National Salute to Veterans Patients week. This week is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the sacrifices of Veterans receiving care at VA medical centers and to raise awareness about the importance of these facilities and encourage community involvement through visits and volunteer opportunities. Please take time to visit someone in your community, nursing home or Veterans Home. American Legion Auxiliary Third District Newsletter February 2026 If your members know anyone that is in the Coast Guard Reserve, help them celebrate their Birthday on February 19 and 85th years of their establishment. Remember to thank them for all their dedication to serving our county. Ann Bovy Third District President

Volume 11, Issue 6 Read the Highlights or Download the full PDF below: The Commander's Corner Fellow Legionaries and family, We are one month in to the new year, and spring is not too far out. I’ve been hosting dental clinics for my Commanders project this year. As part of that, I have met Vets that are struggling and just needed someone to listen. A lot of times in our lives, we are asked how are you doing? We just say, “fine” even when we’re not. It’s just a quick answer because we believe that no one actually wants to hear. No one cares. “Fine” for many of us, is just a coping mechanism to seem like a normal part of society, and not the truth. So, I want to encourage you. When someone says they’re fine or just okay. Take a moment. Stop and see what’s going on. Listen and let them talk. Don’t judge, don’t offer advice, just be a friendly ear to hear to what they have to say. If you have words of encouragement or wisdom then offer them. Many of us tend to go into things like, oh well, I’ve experienced this or that, and it turns the conversation into a comparison or a competition. We’re trying to relate, but instead of doing that we end up missing out on what’s going on in their life. I encourage you to listen and then repeat a part of what they said back so they know you were ACTUALLY listening. Sometimes all a person needs is someone willing to hear what they have to say. Someone who takes their thoughts into account and understands the importance of their situation. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to a Legionnaire or feel free to call me personally. If you can’t reach a friend or don’t feel comfortable speaking with a legionnaire, 988#1 it is completely anonymous with 0 judgment. They are just a friendly voice ready to listen. So, I ask all of you to take a moment and listen to others and if you are need just reach out, we are all here to help each other. Amy Larsen - Thundering Third Commander

Read the Message from The President below or Download the Full PDF Happy New Year to all 3rd District Members A BIG Thank you to all 15 Units and everyone who has donated to my project for the, Hasting Veterans Home (Landscaping) and the St. Peter Regional Treatment (Disc Golf Couse). I am over halfway there to the goal. My goal is $4,000.00 dollars I am hoping to see many of you on January 24, 2026, at the Mid-Winter Conference at the Lonsdale American Legion Post 586, the program starts at 9:30 a.m. Please let everyone know that our mid-winter conference is changing this year. First, we will have a joint session with the Legion and the Sons of the Legion. There will be a guest Speaker, his name is Boima Freeman from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. He will be covering fraud and fraud prevention. The cost for lunch will be $15.00. Look for the registration, in this newsletter, Facebook or on our website. There will be a prize to win. The Auxiliary will have a new format which will be more of teaching, instructional and informational meeting. Hope to see a good showing from all the 3rd District units. I was invited to attend and was part of the new member initiation ceremony at St. Paul Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit 98. It was nice to see the unit grow and visit with these new members. I was invited to attend the Silver Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 141 meeting. It was a very nice meeting, and it was fun to visit with the members of the unit. I attended the Department Pearl Harbor Family Gathering at the Buffalo American Legion Post 270. It was nice to see other District members and those from around the state. They talked about membership at the National Department, District and Unit levels. The Honorary Department Junior President talked about the history of Pearl Harbor. The lunch was served by the Buffalo American Legion. There was also information shared about the Armed Forces Service center and how they escort the remains of our fallen service members. There was a lot of other information shared. Donations were collected to send packages to Qatar for our service members that are unable to be home for Christmas, I joined the Chaska American Legion Unit 57 on December 13th to participate in the Wreath Across American at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. This was my first time ever doing this at Fort Snelling and it was an experience that I will never forget. This is one way we can pay respect to our veterans who did so much for our country. Have a wonderful New Year, Ann Bovy Third District President

Third District Mid-Winter Conference I have included registration information regarding the upcoming Third District Mid-Winter Conference.  A flyer with more details is in development and will be provided soon. The 2026 Third District Mid-Winter Conference will take place at Post 586, Lonsdale American Legion, located at 115 – 2nd Ave. NW, Lonsdale, MN 55046. The venue is one block north of the Veteran’s Memorial on Main Street.  The conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, and will Start at 9:30 AM. This conference is open to all members of the Third District Family.  The morning session will begin with a joint gathering. Guest speaker Boima Freeman from the Minnesota Department of Commerce will address the conference. He will provide valuable insights into fraud and prevention.  To register for the conference, please complete the official pre-registration form. Joint Rally 1st and 3rd District There will also be a Joint Rally with the 1st District on Saturday, January 31, 2026 - Time TBD.  This will take place at the Faribault American Legion.  More details will be provided once they are finalized. Thanks! -Nate Wishing you a Merry Christmas. As we celebrate the holidays, we remain ever mindful of those currently serving in harm’s way and the veterans who paved the way for our freedom.

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.