February 2026 Newsletter
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Read the Highlights or Download the Full PDF Version below.
District Commander Thomas Behrends
Greetings to the Solid 2nd District!
Reminder, Mid-Winter conference is just around the corner at 9:00 AM on February 7. The conference is being hosted by Hardwick Post 478. Please support the Hardwick Post in this endeavor, and register early so they get an accurate headcount for the meal. Come and enjoy comradery with your fellow legionnaires, learn about topics near and dear to our hearts, and enjoy a delicious meal. I would be humbled if every post in our district was represented at the conference. We will be having the 2nd District Oratorical Contest at 1:00 PM that afternoon also.
Please join us at 10:00 AM on February 17 th as we remember those who called Luverne Veterans Home their home and have departed this earth onto their post everlasting. Honoring, Sharing, Remembering, Grieving together; Is Vital. The service will be in the Luverne Veterans Home Large Dining Room.
We are working on a new website for the 2nd District. We have hired Jennifer Cole who designed the Department of Minnesota website and many others. If you see something out there that you would like on the website let me know and we can see if it can be included. If you have an event let me know so it can be added to the calendar. If you know of any Veteran owned businesses we can include them on that page in the website. The website will be launching in the month of February, stay tuned!
The battle for 1 st place in membership has slipped from our grasp this week. Only .398035 of a percent separates the top 3 in the Department standings. We are currently in 3 rd place, but could regain 1 st place very easily. The 1982 lists have been distributed to the posts, if we get some of those individuals in a home post that would be great. Keep asking veterans if they are a member, explain to them what we do, and ask them to sign up. The Department of Minnesota is doing great this year, currently in 2nd place nationally in membership. Keep up the great work!
Happy Valentines Day!
For God & Country,
Tom Behrends
Commander
2nd District American Legion
Department of Minnesota
2nd District Sons of the American Legion Commander
Randy Olson
Welcome in February 2026! The Sons of the American Legion are off & running! Doing great things in your communities. The 2nd District website is about to launch February 1st! Check it out right away, as each Squadron can input their activities on it! What a tool for us to highlight our activities & attract new members who would like to Honor their loved ones Service.
2nd District has been doing a phenomenal job at membership! You make me proud to be your District S.A.L. Commander.
We have been in 1st place in Detachment for 4 weeks now. We are currently at 93.25%. Awaiting this weeks numbers that will be posted February 1st. Department is still waiting for lists of Officers & Squadron Data Reports! Please take the time to turn them in. It makes it difficult for everyone to contact you & offer any help you may need!
Membership for 2026 started around July 1st to August1, 2025. You have up until December to re-new for 2026 as your 2025 membership expires December 31! If you let it expire you will lose your continous years! Being a leader I am trying to resolve discrepancies before they happen. Let me help you get set up on mylegion.org. It is a fantastic program in so many ways besides membership. We currently have around 6 squadrons that only need 1 to 3 more renewals or new members to reach their goal. I know you can do it.
Department has informed me that they received the Charter Application for Lucan Squadron. If approved it will go to National for Chartering! We currently have 32 Squadrons for approximately 78 Posts! I am currently speaking to numerous large Posts about Chartering Squadrons! If you are interested please get ahold of me! I am here for you all, just ask!
Remember self care & take care of your neighbor! Everyone has a load of burden they carry, no one should have to carry it alone!
February 14th is Valentines Day, take time to show your loved ones you care! Spread Love!
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