November 2025 Newsletter
- Nov 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Read the Highlights or Download the Full PDF Version below.
District Commander Thomas Behrends
Greetings to the Super 2nd District!
Salute! Congratulations 2nd District on being in 1st place in the Department of Minnesota standings for membership, again! We are at 73.2% of goal, over 1% ahead of second place. Hat’s off to Membership Director Roxanne Zoet and all the posts who are keeping the new memberships and renewals rolling in. The Department of Minnesota’s goal is to sit closer to the front at the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The higher we are in the national membership standings, the closer we get to the stage. Currently we are in 3rd place in the nation; the 2nd District is a big part of that number.
We had memorial services for long time Brewster Post 464 member, adjutant, and gambling manager Gerald McConkey on October 5th . He had planned his service for some time, wanting to do the Post Everlasting service that is in the American Legion Officer’s Guide. We had never done a Post Everlasting ceremony before; it was a humbling experience. The ceremony is laid out quite well in the guide, we modified it a bit to fit family’s wishes. After the memorial services were over, I mentioned if I tip over tomorrow, this is the service I would like. It was a very patriotic and respectful way to honor our fellow American Legionnaire. Rest in Peace Gerald McConkey.
Fall conference is in the rear-view mirror; those that attended had the opportunity to further their education and understanding of the American Legion. Fellow Iraq War veteran John Kriesel was the keynote speaker. We heard his story of survival, hope, and inspiration; as he went through his life from deciding to join the military, to volunteering for Iraq, to the fateful day when they rolled over a huge buried IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Two fellow Soldiers died from the explosion, Bryan McDonough and Corey Rystad. Freedom is not free. The month of November is upon us. With the turn of the calendar comes Veterans Day, an
opportunity to honor all veterans who served our great country. Take the time to go to one of the many events that are put on that day by patriotic Americans, and reflect.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
2nd District Sons of the American Legion Commander
Randy Olson
Welcome to all of the 2nd District Sons of the American Legion!
The harvest season is wrapping up nicely. Take the needed time to rest. Treasure the beauty nature provides us, & the gifts we have received. The hunting season is here & I ask all those hunters to think safety first & to have a successful hunt!
November is National Veterans & Military Family Month! Taking care of our Service Members & their families.
Thanksgiving is amongst us! Take time to give thanks for all that we have! Thank you for everything you do to serve our Veterans & your Community! Thank you for your continued membership, your commitment to serve on our programs, participating in all your events, & your dedication to your Squadron, the District, & the Detachment of Minnesota!
I ask everyone of you to reach out to a son or grandson of a Veteran & invite them to one of your S.A. L. activities to see how they can make a difference if they joined! Make it a daily conversation with others about what we do & let the seed you plant, become a harvest!
November is widely promoted as a key time to check in on each other! Stop, take time to check up on your comrades, friends, & family. BE THE ONE!
A new Department Webpage is underway & will be announced in the future. Utilize it & send in pictures of you events, add your future events to its calendar, invite others to the Social Media pages, & read about what’s happening in the Department & Detachment of Minnesota!
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