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JEFFREY L. GAY, District Commander

Here is a glimpse of where we stand (as of January 16th) with the rest of the State. We

are at 86.63% or meeting our annual target goal, we have fourteen Posts who have already reached their goal for the membership year! Kudo’s to them! This puts us in 5

th place overall for

actual numbers.

This is a report that Commanders receive monthly helping us to determine our needs in the area of recruitment. It’s also a motivator for each Commander to do better, as in a competition. There is a Competition also and, to be honest, when I figure it out I’ll let you know too!

below is a list of the Posts who have turned in new or renewal memberships to Department Since the last report. Is your Post listed? If each Post only turned in one new member or renewal that total would read 73. It only takes a little to make a big difference!

As I’ve said so often before, it takes a team to make this happen. Unless we work together between our Posts it won’t! We’ve got time to plan and there are many local events coming up where we can set up in a park, have a float in a parade, set up at local evets or just greet people as they come into the grocery or department store.

Use your imagination! Get out there and OWN THESE EVENTS! You may say nobody’s interested but it’s up to you to show them that they really are interested! Use all of your assets to include local media. Most important ask us for help! We’ll come and stand alongside of you! Why? BECAUSE WE ARE A TEAM!

February 2019 A Veteran focused, Family friendly and Community partnered organization!

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FROM THE CHAPLAIN David Ecker, District Chaplain

Here it is February already. Valentine’s Day will soon be here. I hope you will have a chance

to spend some time with your loved ones.

In Luke 6: 27 Jesus tells us “Love your enemies”. It’s easy to love those who love you. But what about your enemy? How can you love the very person who hates you? It seems the Lord is calling you to an impossible task. If you find it hard to love your enemy, see how Jesus treated His enemies. Jesus loved his enemies to the end. When the Lord Jesus was met with hatred, He met His enemies with love.

This is valuable lesson that we can all relate to. Let us all treat one another with just a little more love and understanding.

“I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”

― Jana Stanfield

LOCAL ARMORY VISIT STRATEGEM

On Dec. 8, 2018, while en route from the Pearl Harbor Rally at Faribault, MN, 7

th District Commander Gay

stopped and delivered a few words to a crowd of National Guardsmen and their significant others at a holiday event, their annual military ball.

The gist of the address was what the Legion has done for Veterans over the past century as well as providing an overview of Legion programs and the Four Pillars. Finally, how membership needs to

improve and the role younger members can play to carry the baton forward in making this their organization!

He also provided information, as asked, concerning TRICARE benefits and the importance of ESGR for still-serving Guard and Reserve members as well as his position as a County Veterans Service Officer.

Although the location was in the 2nd

District (Say thank you, Cindy…) more talks like this are planned throughout the 7

th District as well, to be shared with the

area Vice-Commanders at local area Guard and Reserve units in the next couple of months. It’s important that our Posts partner with their local units to stay connected as deployments happen and to be prepared to assist in any areas of unmet needs for the Service Members, their Families and the community.

VISITING YOUR LOCAL ARMORIES

This is not a new concept, however it is one that hasn’t seemed to be actively approached. Sure, some Posts have visited their armories but have left discouraged because of a seeming lack of interest.

It could be the manner in which you present or approach the leadership. It could be the amount of enthusiasm you project toward your audience. It could be the optempo of the training that day. Or even sometimes a person can be too “pushy” and turn others off to the idea they are purveying.

There are many things which can affect the outcome of anything that we do, it’s nothing to become discouraged about. We just regroup and do it again!

We have eleven Armories or Reserve Centers in our District. Each one has a Point of Contact (POC) you need to become acquainted with. Unlike in the past the Full Time Support staff (FTS) rotates regularly so it is imperative that you have an ongoing relationship.

Alexandria - 310 Broadway Street, 651.268.8022 Appleton - 25 N. Munsterman St, 651.268.8043 Litchfield - 525 North Gilman Ave, 651.268.8372 Madison - 504 3rd Street, 651.268.8402 Marshall - 500 Timmerman Drive, 651.268.8432 Montevideo - 711 S 17th St, 651.268.8465 Morris - 722 Iowa Avenue, 651.268.8513 Olivia - 910 West Lincoln Ave, 651.268.8583 Ortonville - 309 Madison Ave, 651.268.8594 Willmar - 614 North Highway 71, 320.231.6083 Willmar - USAR, Same Address, 320.235.0011

I have done the heavy lifting by contacting each unit and making appointments to visit them. Now it’s up to you and the Vice Commanders to make sure those days are covered.

I will have talking points to discuss at these times, be sure you read them ahead of time and do your research as you will be the resident expert.

We need to take care to not distract from or interrupt their training. Coordinate your visit with the FTS and Commander. There various means of approaching the service members when you visit, you must decide what will be best for the circumstances.

1. Stand-up presentation 2. Static Display (Manned) 3. Chow Line greetings (Sitting in the chow line

greeting each soldier as they come through)

Lastly, use your best assets for this, pick people who will best be able to communicate with the audience, relate well to their age groups and who look sharp, both grooming and dressing. We are professionals and we must make them realize this!

I recommend everyone to go to www.legion.org/alei and take the Legion Basic Training. Great stuff to put your Legion into perspective! It will also help you be a better informed Legionnaire when people

ask you about it or if you present to other organizations. Be more “in the know”!

NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-273-8255 GAMBLING HOTLINE 1-800-522-4700

ALCOHOL/ADDICTION 1-800-662-4357

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“Save that Date” for DISTRICT 7FEBRUARY – NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH

3rd - Four Chaplains Day

9th - Sweetheart Rally - Royalton

10tH – 7TH District Oratorical Contest - Willmar

14th - VALENTINES DAY! Remember, Flowers and a card!

16TH - 7TH District Mid-Winter Conference - New London

19th - US Coast Guard Reserve Birthday

20th - President’s Day (Federal Holiday)

TIMELINE ITEMS FOR POSTS THIS MONTH 13th - 85% Target Membership Renewal

DISTRICT 7 LOOKING AHEAD – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Jun 8, 2018 - 7th District Convention - Marshall (10AM)

Jul 11-13, 2019 - Department of MN Convention - Willmar, MN

Oct 25-26 2019 - Fall Conference - Mahnomen, MN (Shooting Star Casino)

Jul 16-18, 2019 - Department of MN Convention - Redwood Falls, MN

Aug 23-29, 2019 - Legion National Convention - Indianapolis, IN

BUDDY CHECK WEEK! ASK YOUR COMMANDER FOR MORE INFO.

HEY BUDDY! HIOW’S IT GOING FOR YA? Long time no see…

1. Gather up a team to call or, if possible, personally visit members and former members of

The American Legion. If each member in a team of 10 calls just 10 Legionnaires or former

Legionnaires, 100 veterans can be reached in one sitting.

2. If you don’t have a list of members and former members at your fngertips, visit myLegion.org and download the names of current members and those who have let their memberships expire.

3. Save the fle of members and those whose memberships have expired onto a spreadsheet or

copy and paste into a Word file to distribute among your team members. Print several copies of the lists.

4. Divide up the call list among your team members. Some may have personal

connections with the member or the former member and should make that particular buddy

check.

5. Start calling – either from a quiet place inside the post or from your home – to see how the

members and former members are doing, ask if they need anything and invite them to any event

or activity planned to help celebrate the Legion’s 100th anniversary.

6. Use the spreadsheet to record your calls and identify those who haven’t been

members since 2014, 2015 or 2016. For each former member who rejoins from those years,

your post receives a $5 reward.

7. If you are making it a group effort, where many members of your team are calling on a

particular night or time, invite the local media to show The American Legion celebrating its

100th birthday the personal way: by checking in on their buddies in the community.

8. Make sure you thank the member or former member in the beginning and at the end of

your call.

9. If the member or former member wishes to renew, be sure to have your post’s payment procedure at your ngertips, the address to send a check or offer to stop by in person to pick

it up (another opportunity to connect).

10. Leave contact information in case the member or former member can’t take the call or

needs anything in the future

DIS

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7 O

FF

ICE

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Jeffrey L. Gay Commander

Karen Welander Adjutant

Cal VanHorn Finance Officer

Victor Gades Sgt at Arms

David Ecker Chaplain

Dean Knutson Vice Cdr At Large

Earl Cline Area A Vice Commander

Josh Beninga Area B Vice Commander

Garylee T. Davenport Area C Vice Commander

Harley Wahl Area D Vice Commander

Richard Wog 2

nd / 7

th Vice Commander

Merlin Ellefson Judge Advocate

Dean Knutson Membership Dir.

David “Chip” Manson Historian

DIS

TR

ICT

7 C

OM

MIT

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HA

IRS

American Education Week Dean Knudson

Americanism Rueben Nathe

American Legion Baseball Randy Schaub

Blood Program Duwayne Underthun

Boy Scouts David “Chip” Manson

Boys State Steve Gardner

Children and Youth Karen Welander

Employment Committee Vacant

Energy and Conservation David Ecker

Shooting Sports David “Chip” Manson

Law and Order Vacant

Legionville & Safety Patrol Victor Gades

Legislative Karen Welander

Nat’l Security/Foreign Relations Merlin Ellefson

Oratorical Contest Hal Meyer

Public Relations Tom Phillips

Rehabilitation Garylee Davenport

Sons of the American Legion Cal VanHorn

Golf Tournament Vacant

Post Development Richard Wog

Assisting Member Vacant

Assisting Member Lew Roberts

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OLD PLAN REVISITED! IT DOES WORK…

We Have received information concerning a “new” plan that our National Commander wants us to implement. The program is named:

Essentially it’s a plan to call all your members past, present, recently expired memberships and long-expired memberships. Simply put, take a week, split the list

between several members and begin calling.

May 8th

, 2019 is the target date to end this program so you need to start your

planning and calling now!

There are monetary rewards involved as incentive but I still believe the real incentive is to keep your Post alive and touching base with all of your members. A personal phone-call just to say hi makes everyone feel good. We don’t do enough of that except probably around the end of a membership year.

To do this you have to have a plan, it’s very similar to how you plan for a revitalization. In your plan you have to make personal promise to work the plan and don’t leave anyboy out!

What else can doing this do for you? It will provide more respect among your membership, especially those who sign up but never show up. You may also get an increased revival of people coming to meetings.

What happens then? Well, it’s up to you to host an engaging and interesting meeting so they’ll keep coming back. Involve them in events other that those centered around membership, something fun for them, their family and your community!

For more on the “Buddy Check” program go on-line to www.legion.org/membership/buddycheck. Or call your District Vice Commanders for help too. That’s what they’re there for…

More will be discussed at the Mid-Winter Conference! See you all there!

“Here is a powerful yet simple rule. Always give people more than they expect to get.”

– Nelson Boswell

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Part of the “Buddy Check” program involves answering some basic questions.

DEPARTMENT POST

What does your Dept. do... …in support of Veterans? …In support of children

and youth? …in suport of Troops and

National Secirity

What does your Post do… …in support of Veterans? …In support of children

and youth? …in suport of Troops and

National Secirity

Take some time consider and answer those questions, they are vital to our future. Exactly what do we do? Anything? Does everybody know that they are supposed to? It’s all about helping others…

DISTRICT ENDORSEMENTS

Pedersen-Tripp Post 357 of Ashby, MN proudly endorses Dean Knutson for the position of the 7

TH

District Commander for the year of 2019-2020. Dean is a 28 year life member of American Legion, is in good standing and has held numerous positions at Post level, District level and also at Department level. We are proud to endorse Dean for this high position.

Post 29 of Morris, MN endorses Cal VanHorn and Victor Gades as delegates to 2019 American Legion National Convention August 23-29 at Indianapolis, IN.

Post Endorsements are needed for several aspects of your Legion Memberships. At

this time we need to post your Post endorsements as delegates to the National

and State Conventions as well as any District or Department Officer positions. Please send them to me as soon as you

vote on them.

“NoN Nobis solum Nati sumus” (Not for ourselves alone are we born.)

We are here to help others… ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

POST BY-LAWS Do you know where your Post’s copy of your Post By-Laws and Constitution?

As Commander of Post 113 several years ago I ran across a copy. I looked at it (the cover) and dismissed as something I’ll look at later. Well, I never really did gtet back to it.

Your Post By-Laws are extremely important to your Post and how it functions. It’s a living document which needs to be reviewed and updated periodically to keep your Post on-track.

My first real experience with By-Laws was when we reviewed the District By-Laws. It was an eye opening experience, to say the least. We made changes and, as

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Adjutant at the time, I prepared a new copy with all changes (keeping the old copy for historical reference).

As Commander, Adjutant, Finance Officer or just a forward thinking member make it your mission to find these, read them and bring them up to the Post to make changes that may be needed. This document really is the “business plan” for your post and addresses most everything you do.

I would like each Post to send their copy with whomever attends the Mid-Winter Conference so we can discuss them and work toward getting them up to date.

DO YOU SEE A PATTERN HERE?

February is synonymous for Valentine’s Day. Did you know of other special meanings for the month? I just found this to be interesting.

An Affair to Remember Month

Creative Romance Month

National Weddings Month

3rd Week - International Flirting Week

American Heart Month (ok, this one might be a stretch but it fits)

With this said, don’t forget to do something special for your sweetheart on the 14

th! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in the U.S., is an annual observance in

Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States. It began as a way for remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Throughout our history African Americans have made innumerable

accomplishments for our country as well as being a part of our militaries in every major war and conflict. Go to hwww.infoplease.com/blacks-military for a snapshot of their bravery.

For more information on Black History Month please go on-line to: www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov

US COAST GUARD RESERVE

When the Coast Guard "Reserve" was authorized by act of Congress on June 23, 1939, the Coast Guard was given a legislative mandate to use civilian volunteers to promote safety on and over the high seas and

the nation's navigable waters. The Coast Guard Reserve was then a non-military service comprised of unpaid, volunteer U.S. citizens who owned motorboats or yachts.

Two years later, on Feb. 19, Congress amended the 1939 act with passage of the Auxiliary and Reserve Act

of 1941. Passage of this act designated the Reserve as a military branch of the active service, while the civilian volunteers, formerly referred to as the Coast Guard Reserve, became the Auxiliary.

February 19 is formally recognized as the birth of the Coast Guard Reserve while June 23 is recognized as birthday of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Today the Coast Guard and its affiliates perform missions of safety, drug/trafficking interdiction and coastal defense working closely with law enforcement, homeland security and the US Navy.

For more on the USCGR go on-line to http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=130&category=custom-1#.XES5OFxKhhE

THE FOUR CHAPLAINS

It was the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902

service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers…

Through the pandemonium, according to those

present, four Army chaplains brought hope in despair and light in darkness. Those chaplains were Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed.

Quickly and quietly, the four chaplains spread out among the soldiers. There they tried to calm the frightened, tend the wounded and guide the disoriented toward safety.

“Witnesses of that terrible night remember hearing the four men offer prayers for the dying and encouragement for those who would live,” says Wyatt R. Fox, son of Reverend Fox.

The above is an excerpt from the Four Chaplains website. While researching this I found many more snipets of history concerning theese men and their heroism and the many programs that have been established in their name. www.fourchaplains.org/the-saga-of-the-four-chaplains

Four Chaplains Scholarship Program

Something you probably didn’t know is that the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation has sponsored the National Student Scholarship Competition for students in grades 5th – 12th for more than 15 years. Each competition is designed to challenge young people to understand and practice the values of inclusion, cooperation, and unity that were shown by the Four Chaplains. Participating provides a forum for youth to

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express their views on the benefits of working together in a diverse world.

Winners are selected by the Scholarship Committee of the Board of Directors. For more information on the scholarship program go on-line to: www.fourchaplains.org/youth-scholarship-programs

A couple of YouTube films for your information. The first is a documentary about the Four Chapains and the other is a WWII training film about the Chaplain Corps w/Ronald Reagan.

THE FOUR CHAPLAINS: Sacrifice at Sea. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ewJp8HhYzA

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY U.S. ARMY CHAPLIN CORPS WWII Film w/ RONALD REAGAN

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWkqQUtZYyM

MOVE FORWARD BUT WATCH BEHIND…

To move forward as an organization and as individuals is vitally important to remain current and viable. However. Let us never forget our past and the lessens we can learn form it.

CURB APPEAL

Does your Post have “Curb Appeal”. Does it look inviting to the casual passerby? Is the grass mowed, the shrubbery trimmed, the windows washed does it need any painting, snow sohveling?

Your Post home is a business, and also your “home” whether you have an open club or not. It still represents you and your membership.

Take care of your “home”, make repairs before they become expensive, replace light bulbs as they burn out, keep the walk swept and shoveled. Showing pride in your Post shows your pride for the Legion!

Spring’s coming and that’s a great time for sprucing up the building and grounds, cleaning away the winter grime and making it shine for Spring?

Check out Eden Valley’s Post home. It looks like it’s going to welcome you home!

Photo courtesy of David “Chip” Manson

Many Posts are very nicely done and well kept, I just had the

picture above available and it is a rather unique Post home so I thought I’d share. It’s just screaming “C’mon home!”.

FIXING THE PROBLEM, NOT THE BLAME! Let’s take a lesson from an old proverb. “Seek only to ‘fix’ the problem rather than to ‘fix’ the blame.” Blame does not solve the problem, just use common sense.

YOUR LEGION PROGRAMS

Just a quick overview at SOME programs the Legion has and that your Post can advertise! For more on each go on-line to www.legion.org/programs Explore the wonderful world of your American Legion and it’s programs within the programs!

FAMILY AND YOUTH

BASEBALL

BOYS STATE / BOYS NATION

JUNIOR SHOOTING SPORTS

ORATORICAL CONTEST

SCHOLARSHIPS

SCOUTING

YOUTH CADET LAW ENFORCEMENT

YOUTH PROGRAMS

YOUTH SUPPORT COMMUNITY

AMATEUR RADIO PROGRAM

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK

HOMELESS VETERANS

LEGION COLLEGE

NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND

OPERATION COMFORT WARRIORS

TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

VOLUNTEERING

WOMEN VETERANS MEETINGS AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS

CITIZENSHIP

FLAG ADVOCACY

GET OUT THE VOTE

LEGISLATIVE

NATIONAL CONVENTION

NATIONAL SECURITY

SYSTEM WORTH SAVING

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

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SPOTLIGHT ON

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Benefits are NOT benefits unless you use them, find them at www.legion.org/members

Newsletter Editor contact information:

(Use this info to contact with questions,

comments or to submit a news story)

Jeffrey L. Gay 7

th District Commander

145 3rd

Ave Jackson, MN 56143

jlymang@gmail.com | (507) 933-4576

Remember, if you get this via e-mail any hypertext link is active and can be accessed by hitting your “CTRL” button in unison with a left mouse “click”.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND ALL

YOU DO. WE CANNOT BE AN AMERICAN

LEGION WITHOUT YOU!

That’s all for now! This convoy’s movin’ out! Be safe, ‘til we see you next month,,,

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NOTICE OF CALL FOR 7TH DISTRICT

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE

7th District Commander Jeffrey Gay hereby calls the 7th District Annual Winter Conference for Wednesday, 16 February 2019, at 10:00 hrs at American Legion Post 537 New London, MN.

Registration begins at 08:30 hrs and the Conference will be called to order 10:00 hrs.

All 7th District Post Commanders and 7th District Executive Officers are expected to attend. Other members (Vice Commanders, adjutants, Post membership) are welcome and very much encouraged to attend.

Cost Registration Fee is $10.00 per person Registration Fee includes noon meal Registration Fee may be paid at the door or

mailed, please make check payable to “American Legion Post 537”:

Location

American Legion Post 537 21 Ash Street, P.O. Box 154 New London, MN 56273 320.354.2284

Conference agenda will include District committee reports and such other business of the 7th District that may properly come before the Conference. Short presentations from candidates for 2020 Department offices will be heard. Complete agenda will be available upon arrival.

If there is any specific business you wish to be brought up for discussion, please provide the Commander with a title and short synopsis so we are able to prepare for it on the agenda. Please do this as soon as possible.

In an attempt to keep this meeting on point and timely please adhere to the following:

Each presenter has up to three minutes to explain the item they are presenting and then we will follow with discussion as needed.

Each rebuttal is limited to two minutes or less.

Any minutes or discussion items will be passed out in print prior to the meeting start time.

There will be no off-point discussions outside of an open forum unless expressly approved by the Commander

Please bring a copy of your Post By-Laws as we will be discussing by-laws during the meeting.

RSVP You may RSVP by Mail or E-mail. In either case the following information must be included. For additional attendees you may copy this form. PLEASE PRINT!

POST # UNIT # SQUADRON #

LEGION AUXILLIARY SAL

NAME ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE E-MAIL

By mail to: Jeff Gay, 145 3rd

Avenue, Jackson, MN 56143 - Include check for registrations By e-Mail to: jlymang@gmail.com