May 1, 2026

logo

New Platform


Welcome to the new platform for our email newsletter, Legion Link.


Help us keep your information up to date! Click the "Update Profile" link in the footer of this email to update your contact details.


Share with friends and encourage them to subscribe!

Department of Iowa Receives $36,771 from LIT

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) was founded to provide Legionnaires with the most advanced and least expensive form of insurance to protect themselves and their families while providing American Legion Departments with a reliable source of revenue.


The Department of Iowa became a participating member of the LIT in 1992. Since its affiliation with the Trust, the Department’s Legion families have enjoyed access to a wide-range of products and services designed around the needs of veterans and their families.


The LIT, as the only endorsed provider of the Department’s voluntary purchase programs, has made it possible for thousands of Legion families to collect millions of dollars in benefits by enrolling in one or more of the products and/or services offered.


Since Iowa joined the LIT in 1992, the Department has received a grand total of $2,017,474.


The Department has come to rely on the LIT as a steady source of income. These monies are only possible by the LIT providing great products and services to the Legionnaires while enjoying the full support of the Department.

Department Baseball Championship


Teams: Moville Post 303 vs. Dubuque County Legion Baseball Team


Tournament format: Best of three games.

  • Game 1 - Saturday, May 2, 1 pm
  • Game 2 - Saturday, May 2, 20 minutes after first game.
  • Game 3 - Sunday, May 3rd, (if necessary)


Location: Briar Cliff University, Bishop Mueller Complex, 3303 Rebecca St, Sioux City, IA 51104.


Winner: The winner will advance to the Region 6 (Central Plains) Regional Tournament in Fargo, ND August 5-9.

Stars Stripes Spirit 5K

The Stars Stripes Spirit 5K will be held on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Gray’s Lake Park in Des Moines. There will be a 5K Walk/Run and a 1K Walk Option.


Registration is $50 for adults and $25 for U18s. 


On-site registration begins at 8:00 am with the Walk/Run starting at 9:00 am. Post event ceremonies will be held at 10:00 am.


We are also seeking volunteers for the event.

Department Leadership School

The Department Leadership School will be held May 29-31, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport and Conference Center. The school will take place on Friday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.


The Department will cover the cost of six (6) attendees per district. This includes room (based on double occupancy), course materials, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.


Endorsed candidates for department and national offices are also invited to attend at Department expense. Candidates are in addition to the six allocated for each district.


Additional attendees from each district are allowed but will be required to pay for lodging.


Registration deadline is May 15.

National Convention

Louisville, KY


The National Convention will be August 28 - September 3, 2026, in Louisville, KY.


Delegates and Alternates were elected at the Spring District Conference. Those not elected as Delegates or Alternates can attend the National Convention as a guest.


Registration information, instructions, and forms are available on the Department website.


The deadline for National Convention registration is June 15.


IRS Filing Requirements


The American Legion is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended. Our Group Exemption Number (GEN) is 0925. Every post must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. 


Federal regulations require every American Legion post to file an annual information return with the IRS.

   

Form 990-N, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990 must be filed by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the post’s annual accounting period.


A post that fails to file the required informational return for three consecutive tax years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.

Consolidated Post Reports


The Consolidated Post Reports (CPR) have been mailed to each Post Adjutant on record. The Consolidated Post Report must be returned on the correct annual form to Department Headquarters or submitted through myLegion.org (preferred) before June 15 to be considered for Department Community Service and Children & Youth Awards.


Posts wishing to be considered for Community Service and Children & Youth Awards need to provide a narrative of their activities with their CPR submission. Narratives may be submitted separately if your post’s CPR is submitted electronically.


Awards will be presented during the Department Convention.

National Legion College

The 2026 National Legion College class is scheduled for November 15-20, 2026.


The Department of Iowa is currently seeking two candidates. The prerequisites to apply for the National American Legion College are as follows:

  • Current member in good standing for at least 3 consecutive years
  • Demonstrates leadership potential
  • Capable of developing/facilitating training
  • Completed American Legion Basic Training and certificate is included with application
  • Application is completed correctly and accurately by applicant
  • Submitted by Department of Iowa deadline of July 1.

National Membership Standings

April 28, 2026

28th Place

Iowa

92.61%

2026 Actual Membership: 29,914

2026 Membership Goal: 32,300

Department Membership Standings

April 29, 2026

1st Place

District 2

94.46%

2nd Place

District 6

93.10%

3rd Place

District 1

92.94%

4th Place

District 4

92.29%

5th Place

District 3

92.02%

6th Place

District 5

91.43%

7th Place

District 9

91.20%

8th Place

District 7

91.04%

9th Place

District 8

90.77%

Department Calendar

May 1

Boys State Registrations Due

May 3-7

National Fall Meetings - Indianapolis

May 10

Mothers Day

May 15

Department Leadership School registrations due

May 21

American Legion of Iowa Foundation Annual Meeting

May 25

Memorial Day

May 25

Department Offices Closed

May 29

District Commander Orientation

May 29-31

Department Leadership School

Jun 14

Flag Day

Jun 15

Consolidated Post Reports (CPRs) due

Jun 15

Legionnaire of the Year nominations due

Jun 15

National Convention Registration due

Jun 19

Juneteenth

Jun 19

Department Offices Closed

Jun 21-26

Boys State - Camp Dodge

Jun 26

Department Finance Commission

Jun 27

Department Executive Commitee

The American Legion of Iowa

720 Lyon St

Des Moines, IA 50309

515-282-5068

Facebook  Email  Web