November 2026 Newsletter
Greetings, Mighty 10th District!
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather. October was wonderful, and I especially enjoyed spending time up north over the past couple of months. I attended the Fall Conference on October 22 and 23. We had an excellent turnout, learned a great deal, and enjoyed the fellowship. On Friday afternoon, Jessica Lynch addressed a joint session and shared her account of being ambushed and taken prisoner in Iraq in 2003. She spoke about the mistreatment and injuries she endured during captivity, as well as her rescue by U.S. Special Forces. A retired lieutenant colonel who served as an Army Ranger during the rescue was in the audience, unbeknownst to her. Their reunion was deeply moving, and there was hardly a dry eye in the room. Her strength is remarkable, and she continues physical therapy 23 years later.
I returned on Friday after her presentation so I could be at the Anoka Legion on Saturday morning. I had the honor of riding on the Legion float in the Halloween Parade. The turnout was extraordinary; I have never seen so many people attend a parade. The Anoka Legion team did an outstanding job preparing the float and serving breakfast and beverages to such a large crowd. The post was filled throughout the morning and afternoon. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success.
The 10th District Breakfast will be held at the Osseo Legion on November 15 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. A wide selection of breakfast items will be available, and the proceeds will support our district projects. There will be plenty happening throughout the morning and afternoon. The Vikings will also be playing the team from Wisconsin, so it should be an enjoyable day.
We discussed holding a District Christmas rally but decided not to schedule one this year because attendance was very low last year. December is already busy with the Pearl Harbor rally, Breakfast with Santa, and family commitments. We can revisit the idea next year and select a date that may encourage stronger participation. Mid-Winter will be held in Anoka on January 16, and I encourage everyone to attend.
Membership is progressing, although there is still room for improvement. I understand there are delays at National that are beyond our control; please continue submitting memberships. Thank you for all that you do.
I wish you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving.
God bless our troops and their families.
Thank You
Tom Olson
10th District Legion Commander
Membership
Hello, Mighty 10th District!
We are now four months into the 2027 membership year, and our district is in last place in the Department Premier race. As a District we are at 66% of our District goal of 6551 that’s 4293 members renewed or a combination of new members signed up.
Congratulations to Post 93 Rush City for reaching 116% of their 2027 goal and Post 394 in Hamel for reaching 100%. Both Posts will receive my Veterans Day membership Challenge for reaching 100% before Veterans Day each will receive $100 at District Convention in June. For any Post that makes goal after Veterans Day and before January 1st will receive $75 at District Convention in June. After January 1st any Post making Goal before the spring national renewal notice will receive $50 at the June Convention.
I’m in high hopes that the District will be at 75% by January 1st that’s 620 members renewed or combination of some new members signed up before January 1st.
I provided your area Vice Commanders with the Department 1982 hold post members list transferring any of these members will help your goals. If a member has already renewed for 27 they will count toward your 28 goal when they renew for 28. Any member on that list that has not renewed for 27 that you transfer into your post will count toward your 27 Post goal. If you have not received the list let me know and I’ll get it to you.
A big thank you to everyone for all of the hard work put forth on the 27 membership drive and the American Legion programs’ keep up the great work for our origination.
KEEP THE FAITH
Jim Copher10th District Membership Director612-396-9730, Copherjames41@gmail.com
Chaplain
The Fall Conference was a huge success. I personally enjoyed the joint opening. The training sessions I attended were very well planned and presented. The guest speaker, Jessica Lynch, was very moving.
Halloween is this week and so is the end of Daylight Savings. Like most Posts we are having our own Halloween party. With this weather, we are definitely in to Fall
Next week starts November already! Another busy month with Election Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Not to mention all the Post and District events.
Almighty God, You have called us to act with integrity, serve with love, and work for peace. Lead and empower the American Legion to treat individuals in need with dignity and respect. We pray for those who make difficult decisions, those with sickness, those in time of crisis, and in need of protection.
Lead and empower the American Legion in ongoing service. We pray for the urgent needs around us, the poor and the alienated; the hungry and the homeless; and the despairing facing darkness of depression. Lead and empower the American Legion to respond without delay
Amen.
Riders
What a great fall. Sad to say but bikes are being made ready for the winter storage / non-use. Some of us are already looking forward to next summer. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Mike Barts
Riders Director
District Shirts
District Shirts are for sale thru Commander Tom Olson. If you put S608 Port Authority in your search bar you will find the website with the shirts, there are men's and women's, long and short sleeve.
The price is long sleeve is $36.00, short sleeve is $34.00, name is $6.00 and Flag is $7.00. I already paid for the logo. Pick out the color and size and short sleeve or long sleeve.
Let me know by the end of August, make the checks payable to Fully Promated.
Any questions let me know.
It should take 1-2 weeks to get everything after the order is placed.
Thank You everyone, I am looking forward to a great year with everyone. Please fill out the attached order form and return it to Tom.
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