American Legion National Commander to speak
American Legion National Commander to speak in Bagley on April 20
~~ Members of the media and public are invited to attend ~~
American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley of Kansas is coming to Bagley on Monday, April 20, and will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans.
Wiley’s theme for his year as national commander is “Better Together.” He is a big believer in the American Legion Family of organizations. He says successful posts are ones where the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Riders all work together.
“But ‘Better Together’ has an even deeper meaning. We use phrases like ‘I got your 6’ and ‘I got your back’. Those are not just nice sayings. It’s what we were trained to do when we served. It’s human nature. It’s who we are.”
Wiley is a strong advocate for The American Legion’s “Be the One” efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
“It’s the stigma, right? It’s the stigma of mental health that we’re combating,” he told the American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla, where he was elected in August. “Trying to let people know it’s OK not to be OK.”
He will visit Bagley Post 16 at 112 Main Ave. N. for an 8:15 a.m. breakfast followed by a presentation. Any local residents wishing to attend can contact Denise Milton at 701-799-1427 or email her at kuuky@hotmail.com.
The American Legion is focused on these federal issues: VHA providing veteran community care when VA services are unavailable, improving the Compensation & Pension exam process for disabled veterans, improving care for women veterans, G.I. Bill parity for Guard and Reserve members, strengthen military recruitment through improved housing, childcare, dining halls and benefits (such as passing the Major Richard Star Act), advance the lethality of the Armed Forces, end veteran homelessness, promote veteran entrepreneurship and passage of an amendment to protect the U.S. flag from desecration.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the Four Pillars of veterans’ rehabilitation, national defense, Americanism and youth. Legionnaires continue their service by working for the betterment of their community, state and nation.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Media may arrive at any time during the visit. We will be happy to feed you.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHO: American Legion members, community leaders and local citizens
WHAT: Breakfast and remarks from National Commander Dan K. Wiley
WHERE: American Legion Post 16, 112 Main Ave. N.
WHEN: 8:15-10:30 a.m. with best media availability before or after the program
ONLINE: mnlegion.org legionnaire.org
THE TOUR:
Sunday, April 19
In the morning, tour the Fargo VA Medical Center
Twin Valley Post 431: lunch, noon
Thief River Falls Post 117: social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Monday, April 20
Bagley Post 16: breakfast, 8:15 a.m.
Walker Post 134: lunch, noon
Little Falls Post 46: social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21
In the morning, tour the new Minn. Military & Veterans Museum, Camp Ripley
Long Prairie Post 12: lunch, noon
Clearwater Post 323: social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22
Elk River Post 212: breakfast, 8:15 a.m.
During midday, tour 133rd Airlift Wing, Fort Snelling
Hugo Post 620: social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 23
In the morning, meet Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, St. Paul
Speak at Veterans Day on the Hill, St. Paul, 11 a.m.
Record a session with Minn. Military Radio
Tour Golden Valley Post 523’s new home, 2 p.m.
New Prague Post 45: social and dinner, 5 p.m.
CONTACT:
Tim Engstrom
Director of Communications
American Legion Dept. of Minnesota
tengstrom@mnlegion.org | 952-679-0134