December 2025 Newsletter
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
Read the Highlights or Download the Full PDF Version below.
District Commander Thomas Behrends
Happy Holidays 2 nd District,
I hope all of you and your family’s had a Happy Thanksgiving! I myself cherish this time of year. As a farmer it is a time to reflect on God’s bounty, and how the year and the seasons played out. It is time to put the machinery to rest for a while, rest from the long hours of harvest, keep an eye on the grain, and get ready for next year. It is a time of thanks, and wonderment of the holiday season.
But, as I found out at the chiropractor last week, a lot of people are crabby about the season. The stress of shopping, having family around, preparing a big meal; takes its toll on some people.
Veterans are not immune from this either, in fact research suggests that we are more susceptible to dark thoughts during this time than the civilian population. Buddy checks are important all year, but during the winter months they are extra important. Keep your loved ones in your thoughts, check in on each other, and enjoy the season!
It does not take much to brighten a veteran’s day. When I left Fareway with Thanksgiving supplies, I was thinking of a young National Guardsman who was working in the store. I had hope that my service had made his less stressful, that maybe if he was lucky, he would not have to go overseas in his career. I think we as veterans feel this way, that hopefully our service has allowed others to live in peace and freedom. So, when I got out to my pickup there was a flag card stuck in my window with a hand written note on the back. I was humbled. This card may have been written to me, but its words are for all of us.
I noticed your license plate – THANK YOU for your service to our country! I appreciate it and you! GOD BLESS! (smiley face).
We are doing very well on staying ahead of goal in membership. We are currently in 2nd place in the Department of Minnesota, by a fraction of a percentage. Congratulations to Bricelyn, Cambria, Hills, and Dovray for being 100% or better in membership!
If you would like a post visit give me a call at 507-360-3057 or shoot me an email at thomas.behrends@gmail.com. I am having a rotator cuff repair December 3rd , so might be laid up for a few weeks.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2nd District Sons of the American Legion Commander
Randy Olson
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Make it a memorable time for you & your loved ones! Remember those that are living in Veterans Homes, Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, & those who are in Hospitals! Take the time to visit them, send them a Christmas Card, & give them a call. Check up on your family members, friends, & comrades, especially those you haven't heard from in a while! It can be very lonely for them during the Holiday Season. Spread some cheer, ask them how they are doing, if there is anything you could do for them, & just listen closely.
If any of you need help in anyway just give me a call, text, or email.
As the year 2025 is coming to a close, remember to renew you S.A.L. membership as it expires December 31st! Renew today & keep you Squadron & Detachment of Minnesota moving forward! 2nd District is in 3rd place at this time in the Detachment. What matters to your Squadron, is that you renew, keep adding new members, to achieve the goals you set, for each mission you partake in. Strength is in the numbers who volunteer their time!
Remember you are Honoring your loved ones Service by being a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Everything we do to help our Veterans, their families, & our communities, is a reflection of that!
Let's bring in 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose!
Winter is upon us, drive with caution, slow down, wear or have proper clothing along, prepare your vehicles with necessities needed if you get stranded. Everyone is somebodies someone!
Have a very safe & Happy New Year!
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