April 2026 Newsletter
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Read the Highlights or Download the Full PDF Version below.
District Commander Thomas Behrends
Jack was born on a farm by Jeffers, Minnesota in the summer of 2007. I was finishing up my tour in Iraq. Little did we know our paths would cross. I saw the add in the newspaper, yellow lab puppies for sale. I gave the guy a call, got the address, set up a time to take a look at the two he had left. I turned down the long lane of his farm, there at the end sat an old hip roof barn, with a huge American flag painted on it. It must be a sign. My kids were excited, dad was home and we were going to get a new puppy.
We pulled up to the farmhouse, met the farmer, Ed Tasler. The two puppies were in a kennel, the father of them showed us that this was his kingdom. We looked them over, hard to not take them both. The little male won us over and we went inside to settle up. We met his wife and daughter who were cleaning raspberries they had just picked. I told Ed a little of my story, just got back from war. Turns out he was in the 1-125th Field Artillery during the Korean War, the same unit I was in. Interesting conversation about his experiences, went to train in Fort Rucker, Alabama but did not get sent overseas. He expressed his wish that after training for nearly a year that they would have been sent to Korea. I said, I’m glad you drew the card that kept you here.
We took Jack home, supposed to be an outside dog. We left him outside, the next morning he
was no where to be found. We searched and heard a whimper under the deck, brought him inside the house, and onto the couch in the living room. That was his kingdom for the next 14 years.
And for 14 years he was my therapy dog, and I was his therapy human. It seemed he knew when I needed him to stick his cold nose on my arm, so I could pet him and be comforted myself. I smile when I think of how a greater power put us in each other’s lives, and get misty eyed at the same thought.
What the mutual love of a dog can do for a Veteran is why I chose the therapy dog program at Bravo Zulu House in Winnebago, MN for my commander’s project. Having a companion that is there for you through the thick and thin, loving you unconditionally, means a lot to me. I know from experience.
Donations can be sent to: Thomas Behrends, 78739 320th Ave, Worthington, MN 56187
Or they can be presented at the 2nd District Convention on May 16th at the Redwood Falls American Legion Post 38, 100 Industrial Dr. Redwood falls, MN 56283.
Thank you all for all you do supporting Veterans causes!
For God & Country,
Tom Behrends
Commander
2nd District American Legion
Department of Minnesota
2nd District Sons of the American Legion Commander
Randy Olson
April is here & couldn't be more welcome! Flowers are coming up to beautify the landscape! Let's spring into the warmer weather & start enjoying activities outdoors!
Happy Easter everyone!
This past weekend there was a 2nd District Testimonial in Brewster, Mn. for Legion Commander Thomas Behrens, S.A.L. Commander Randy Olson, & Rider Director Robin Olson.
Thank you to the Brewster American Legion for hosting this event! It was very much appreciated! A great pork chop meal cooked on the outdoor grill & and awesome cake!
Congratulations go out to Thomas Behrens & Kelly Ackerman on their recent engagement!
Thank you Kelly for being our Chaplain! She's finding out why we are the solid second, second to none!!
Thank you to all the Squadrons for your dedication to our membership! Another month of being #1! 2nd District is currently at 105.59%! We have 9 Squadrons left that only need between 1 to 7 members renewed to be 100% per each Squadron! Let's get'r done! I could not be more proud! I have not made it out to alot of the Squadrons, but I have tried to keep in touch with all of them, except those whom I do not have a contact number for. Anyone needing help with mylegion.org just contact me & I will help you! It has been an Honor for me to serve as your 2nd District S.A.L. Commander!
Please, Please, Please, remember that all 33 Squadron Data Reports are due by April 15th, 2026! Remember to include what your dues are for next year, otherwise National sends out online renewals at $13.00! Also, we need an Officer Reporting Form from each Squadron as soon as you have you yearly inspections!!
Best Regards
2nd District S.A.L. Commander
Randy R. Olson
734 Cleveland Ave W, Winnebago, MN 56098
507-525-6532