April 2026 Newsletter
- 10th District
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
We are all looking forward to warmer weather and more time in the sun, until we get it. Now that the Easter Rabbit has provided you with enough eggs its time to start cracking them. Step out of your shell and attend at least one convention this year or even two. See for yourself what other veterans in our district, state and nation are doing for you and our fellow veterans. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Today the largest growing veterans demographic is female veterans, regardless of gender we are ALL VETEANS. No matter what the service branches, we all raised our right hand and took the same oath. “ , I__ ______do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that; I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So, help me God”
Female veterans are a vital and growing segment of the veteran community, facing unique challenges while also making significant contributions to our military services and society. Woman veterans often report difficulties in accessing gender-specific healthcare services through the VA , which can impact their overall well-being. Many woman veterans feel overlooked and are often mistaken for military spouses rather than being recognized as veterans themselves. The transition to civilian life can be particularly challenging especially for those who have served in high stress roles. Issues such as PTSD and military sexual trauma are prevalent among female veterans.
As the number of female veterans grow. It is essential to recognize their contributions, address their unique challenges. My daughter served in the Army, and I am extremely proud of her achievements and everything she has accomplished.
Changing your thinking involves recognizing what limits you have set on your own beliefs. These women have never asked for anything more than you would give a fellow veteran. “RESPECT” the same respect you expect yourself. “Most people who are criticizing and judging haven’t even tried what you failed at.” — David Goggins
Bill Gordon
10th District Commander
Wgordon2494@hotmail.com 320-491-5665
Membership
Hello Mighty Tenth District,
Hello everyone, in the Might Tenth. Spring has arrived finally and we have been having some good days for getting outside for some exercise or just sitting in the sun on warmer days.
Our 26 Membership year is on track, and we are now at 92% of our 26-membership goal as a District. There is a lot of Post very close to achieving their membership goal for the year.
As a District currently, we only need 512 members to achieve our 26-membership year goal of 6846 members. We have two months to the District Convention and three Months to the Department Convention. I’m asking all the Post membership teams to keep on renewing unpaid members and most definitely recruit new members. If you haven’t used the 1982 list yet give it a try and see if you can pick up a member that hasn’t renewed yet for the 26-membership year.
Remember the District Officers are here to help should you need it.
Thank you all for the outstanding work you have put forth this year on membership and the American Legion programs. I hope to see you at District joint testimonial for Commander Bill, President Brandie, SAL commander Tom and Riders Director Matt on the 18th of this month.
KEEP THE FAITH
Jim Copher
10th District Membership Director
612-396-9730, Copherjames41@gmail.com
Chaplain
By the time you read this Easter will have happened. Hope everyone was able to get together with friends and family and reflect on why we celebrate this occasion. With the end of Lent, that also means the end of Friday Fish Fry for most Posts. It’s bittersweet, but most people are ready for a break.
April will be a busy month with Post Data Reports due. The District Testimonial in Anoka, the National Commander’s Tour and Veterans Day on the Hill. Not to mention all the activities going on in your own Post.
O God, your power is without measure, the treasures of your goodness without limit. You have blessed us with many dedicated volunteers to carry on the work of the American Legion. Stay close to them all, giving them the health and wisdom and perseverance in their most noble cause. Continue to bless this great organization. We pray in your name. Amen
Tom Merino
District Chaplain
SAL Commander
Hello Fellow SAL Members and Legion Family
Spring is almost here; we had some great days and some days not that great. Easter is coming up this weekend, I hope everyone has a good Easter with family and friends. There are a lot of events coming up in the next couple of months. On Good Friday April 3rd the Osseo legion is having the annual Fish Fry for Homeless Vets. They are asking for new in package t-shirts, underwear and socks for male and female Vets. The clothing will be divided up between the CRRC and Every Third Saturday. It's for a great cause, if you can make it come down for a good meal and donate to those in need.
April 18th is the District Testimonial at the Anoka Legion. Social hour at 5pm and dinner at 6:00 pm with a program to follow. There will be a flyer in the newsletter for the info on cost of the meal and where to send your payment to. It's always a good time, come out for an evening of fun.
May 16th is the District Family Picnic at the Train Park in Sandstone. The event starts at 11:00, I hope to see a good turnout for this. Let's support the northern part of the 10th District. Hope to see everyone there.
May 29-30 is the District Convention at the Buffalo Legion. Banquet is Friday Night and the Convention starts Saturday morning. The SAL meeting will be at the New Community Center in Buffalo at 10:00 am. I will be sending out the address and any other info in the next newsletter. If you want to get involved with the District this is a good time to do so. I was at the Askov SAL meeting last week; they are doing a gun raffle. If you are in the area buy some tickets from them. They are doing a great job
That's all I have for now.
Thank You everyone for everything you do.
Tom Olson
10th District SAL Commander
Legion Rider Director
Hello everyone, and happy April!
I really wish the weather would decide whether it's winter or spring, so the Legion Riders of the Mighty Tenth District can get out on the road. We've got a lot of great events planned this season. I’m hoping that everyone attends our joint Tenth District Testimonial Dinner in Anoka on April 18th at 5pm. I promise that's going to be an event to remember. I may break out the Fireball again.
I also want to talk about our great motorcycle events coming up, we’ve got some great ones. Our annual Fund 85 Ride benefiting the Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund is kicking off in New Ulm on July 23rd, it’s going to be amazing. North Branch has their legendary Christmas in July ride on July 18th, this is always a must-attend. And finally, the Clearwater American Legion Riders have their Homeless Veterans Run on August 1st.
That's all I have for this month! For the record, I also visited several of my posts as South Hennepin district Vice Commander. Things are going great!
Matt Berens
Riders Director
Pine County Vice Commander
Hello everyone.
Hope everyone is having a great Spring so far. I stopped at several Legions last weekend.
I was passing out the flyers for the District Picnic on May 16th. I had a very good response to this. Sounds like we should get a good turnout from Pine County. We are close on membership for several Posts. Let's keep working on Membership, we don't want people to lose their years. I hope to make more Legion Meetings in the upcoming year. If there is anything you need from me let me know.
The Bruno Legion will raffling off a new Polaris 450 Sportsman on their ATV ride in September. Hope to have the machine at the picnic and will be selling tickets.
Keep up the good work.
Tom Olson
Pine County Vice Commander
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