October 2026 Newsletter
Updated: 3 hours ago
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Dear Valued Members of the 4th District,
I hope this email finds you well and ready for the fall season. I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past few months and look ahead to upcoming events.
Thank you to Post 8 for inviting 4th District Auxiliary President Sandy Gibson and me to its Family Day. Although the weather wasn’t the best, everyone still had a wonderful time socializing and enjoying the homemade dishes. There’s nothing better than homemade food made with love!
I’d also like to thank Post 168 for hosting the District 4 Auxiliary meeting and Auxiliary President Sandy Gibson for inviting me. The Auxiliary has a busy calendar of events planned, and I hope members of the 4th District will come out and support them. At the meeting, the Auxiliary collected can openers for veterans who rely on the VA Food Pantry. I also had the honor of swearing in the newly elected members of Post 450. The post has about eight members, all of whom served together in the Army’s psychological operations (PSYOP) field. I thought it was wonderful that they’ve stayed together.
Past Commander Jon Haworth continues to encourage all Legion family members to participate in the Food Ruck March to the Minneapolis VA on the third Sunday of each month. The Tipsy Steer, located at 5000 Hiawatha Avenue, has generously allowed us to use its parking lot as a staging area. From there, we walk to the VA.
I had a meaningful conversation with a fellow veteran/Legionnaire about the importance of teamwork in ensuring our organization’s future for another 107 years. She said, “If one fails, then we all fail,” and I couldn’t agree more. We have a responsibility to support one another—whether through mentoring or simply having each other’s backs—regardless of personal differences or disagreements. A true leader understands how to set aside personal feelings for the good of the mission. Those who cannot do so risk the failure of everything we stand for.
I firmly believe that leadership positions within the American Legion should be contested. This approach allows our peers to hear from each candidate directly, fostering transparency and enabling us to select the best future leaders for our organization.
Leadership isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about serving with integrity, supporting your team, and ensuring the collective success of our mission.
The Ramsey County Central Committee (RCCC) Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on October 14, 2026, at American Legion Post 542, 700 County Road C West, Roseville, MN 55113.
For those who can’t attend, here is the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85102320461?pwd=bdUJBja9kYPuQrF7CCzBhovGov5VgN.1
Meeting ID: 851 0232 0461Passcode: 071776
The 4th District Christmas Party Potluck will be held on December 9, 2026. We ask those attending the event to bring an unwrapped Christmas gift, which will be donated to families in need.
Before I close, I would like to remind everyone to check in with our snowbirds as they prepare to leave for warmer climates. Let’s make sure to provide them with updates on Post activities and show our appreciation for their service.
Thank you for your service, and I am honored to serve alongside you.
Sincerely,
Daniel M. Bronk
2026–2027 District Commander
4th District
FROM YOUR VICE COMMANDER
Brenda Hamlin-Lehmann
I am Brenda Hamlin-Lehmann, Area 2 Vice Commander and National Security/Foreign Relations Chairperson. As a Navy veteran, I am committed to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, and Area 2 posts. I look forward to visiting posts and district events, helping posts grow, and serving wherever needed.
I can be reached at brendahamlinlehmann@gmail.com or by text at 612-286-5864.
In September, I attended National Security/Foreign Relations training at Camp Ripley. The training included briefings, ESRG instruction, tours of Valhalla, the State Cemetery, Down Range, new facilities, and the new museum, along with time spent with American Legion leaders. I returned home with valuable information to review and share at upcoming meetings.
I am also asking each Post to help submit nominations for Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and Enlisted Service Member of the Year, since no nominations were submitted last year.
FROM THE 4th DISTRICT AUXILIARY
WELCOME TO FALL! Where did the Summer go?
I was lucky enough to attend the National Convention in Kentucky. It was a wonderful learning experience, and I was proud to see Minnesota showcased on the big screens. There were many familiar faces from across Minnesota, recognizing the wonderful work done by members on the various committees. President Robin again received the Medallion Award. President Linda Kelly was installed as Department President of Minnesota. The new National President is Coral May Grout from Massachusetts. She will be on tour in Minnesota in April, so you will have a chance to meet her. More details to come.
Next year’s National Convention is in Kansas City, MO. There were five of us from the 4th District who attended National this year: Commander Dan Bronk, one other Legion member, two SAL members, one Rider, and myself. We were small in numbers but “Mighty” in spirit. Next year, let’s have more members attend. It is a great learning experience and a chance to meet people from all over the U.S. and make friends.
As you may know by now, the eligibility for membership in the Auxiliary has changed. You will be hearing all about it via email, newsletters, and your Units.
The Fall Conference is coming up fast: October 22–24 in St. Cloud. I am expecting to see many Auxiliary members in attendance. There are many exciting things to do, see, and learn. There will be a joint opening with the Auxiliary, Legion, and SAL on Thursday. On Friday, you will hear all about the work done in the Committees. Learn about how to sign up your loved one for living at the Veterans Homes, and much more.
On Friday afternoon, hear about Jessica Lynch, a veteran and former prisoner from the Iraqi war. Learn how she was rescued (the first woman). She is a Medal of Honor and several other Medal winners.
Friday evening, we are making poppies! Commander Dan is an expert at this! We will also be making cards to send to servicemen and women who are deployed. I am sure that in every Unit, there is someone who knows of a friend or relative who is deployed. Please get their name and mailing address, and they will receive a card. This is one of President Linda’s projects. If you wish, you can give me the information, and I will see that they receive a card. Let’s see how many poppies and cards the 4th District can make!
On October 20th, the 4th District Auxiliary is hosting Bingo at VAMC. Help is always needed. If you can help, please let me know. We meet at 6:30 in the Atrium. It takes about one hour. It gives the Veterans there a peaceful and fun time to get away for one hour and forget why they are there.
Because of the Conference October 22–24, we are not having a District meeting. We will meet on November 18th at WBL Post 168 at 6:30.
There are a lot of events coming up from each Unit. Please volunteer to help where and when you can. Ask your Unit President about events and where help is needed.
PLEASE renew or pay your membership dues NOW! The theme this year is Survivor! Please don’t let Shelly and me be voted off the island! Let’s be a winner this year!
Please say a prayer for all our members who are going through medical, personal, or family issues. Always remember to pray for and thank our Veterans, past, present, and future.
Enjoy the fall weather and each other!
Sandy Gibson4th District Auxiliary President
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