March...... Will it Rain? Will it Snow? Be Windy? Nobody knows! But we do know we love our American Legion Family!

Department President

ATTENTION DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

Just a reminder, you are still the District President until your new president is installed at the Department Convention on July 19, 2026. Please continue to work the mission and support your units until your term is complete.

I hope you’ve all dug out from that wonderful spring snowstorm we experienced earlier this week. I’ve had a great time at conferences so far, but I do want to share one concern. I’ve spoken with a few units that are really struggling.

Please, please, please don’t struggle in silence. Call the Department Office and ask for help. We’ve already been able to turn things around for at least three units. One was having trouble with ALAMIS—an easy fix—and now they’re off and running. Another needed a leadership change and is now thriving, with membership and participation on the rise. The last one needed a jump start. Also an easy fix!

Most challenges you may be facing as a unit are easier to resolve than you might think. But we can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on. Don’t let issues linger. Reach out at the first sign of a problem so we can get you the support you need right away and get you back on track.

No problem is too big or too small. We’ll figure it out together.

On a lighter note, I love all of the visit requests I have gotten recently. Please continue to invite me to your Unit and County meetings, events, and parties. I look forward to seeing everyone at the remaining Spring Conferences.

Kim Dixon

Department Vice President

No report

Judy Ring

Department Junior President

No Report

Lea Campbell

National Executive Committee Member

More learning opportunities available for our members. Check out these free webinars being offered. Make sure to also go to the National website and check out past webinars available under the ALA Academy. This would be great to do at a unit meeting!

KDH2 (Kids of Deployed are Heroes Too)

When: March 31 @ noon ET

Kids of deployed servicemembers carry a unique responsibility — and they deserve to be recognized as heroes too. This webinar will provide practical, step-by-step guidance for implementing the American Legion Auxiliary’s KDH2 (Kids of Deployed are Heroes Too) program at the unit level. Participants will gain a clear understanding of program eligibility, learn how to connect with military families in their community, and walk through planning a meaningful and manageable KDH2 event. Whether you’re near a military base or simply want to strengthen your Children & Youth outreach, this session will equip you with tools, ideas, and confidence to celebrate and support the children who serve alongside their families.

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Building a Strong Membership Strategy: Engagement, Retention, and Year-Round Planning

When: April 14 @ 7 p.m. ET

Looking for fresh ideas to strengthen membership in your unit beyond “dues time?” In this ALA Academy Live webinar, ALA national membership leaders will share practical strategies to help units engage members year-round, improve retention, and build a welcoming culture focused on mission and connection.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Identify key motivation and retention drivers — and why members step away.
Use mission-based engagement to build loyalty, belonging, and involvement.
Apply best practices to welcome and retain members across generations and backgrounds.
Create a simple year-round plan that includes recruitment, engagement, and retention goals.

Go here to register!

Kelly Elliott

Department Executive Director

It’s hard to believe it’s already March, and the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary is going strong!

Congratulations to everyone as we have reached the National membership goal of 85%.

That is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our members across the state.

But why stop there? Since we are already over that mark, let’s set our sights even higher and work toward 92.5% membership. Why 92.5%? Because reaching that level would give us our highest membership percentage since COVID—and that would truly be something to celebrate!

Let’s keep the momentum going, continue reaching out, and encourage renewals so we can make this our strongest year yet.

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary units to start attending District Conferences, learning who the new leadership will be, and getting your unit organized for the upcoming membership year.

Membership – Why now?

Your first form due to the Department is the Unit Data Form, and it is due April 15. This form lets us know if your unit has changed its dues rate or the membership remittance person. If I do not receive this update, your new membership cards will print with the old information, and we definitely don’t want that!

Department Convention Delegates

Department Convention will be here before we know it. You will use the Iowa Department Convention Delegate/Alternate List, along with the membership report from May 15, to determine your delegates. These forms are not due until July 1, but why wait?

Unit Impact Report

Don’t forget your Unit Impact Report, which is due April 30. If your unit is no longer in an active county, don’t worry—simply send the report directly to your District President.

Poppy Month – May

If your unit distributes poppies, please remember to complete the Poppy Distribution Form, which is due June 20.

Unit Elections

I hope your units will hold elections soon and bring in new officers and mentors. Please share your knowledge and help guide your members. Once elections are complete, be sure to submit an updated Unit Officers List—even if your officers did not change. We need updated contact information, including cell phone numbers and email addresses.

I can’t wait to see everyone at the District Conferences. Thank you for everything you

do for the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary!

Crystal Wright

Department Chaplain

Have you ever noticed a dilapidated barn alongside the road? What happened on the inside of that barn in its glory days?

Maybe there is a story of two teenagers falling in love, only to have one of them leave the other behind. Maybe there is a story of a great barn dance where the neighbors had time to spend together without the pressures of the outside world. Can you hear the laughter and the music?

Maybe… it is “just a barn” but, more than likely, there is more to the dilapidated barns story.

There is more, I am absolutely certain of it! Just like there is more to each of us.

More to our story
More to each and every one of us.

I am absolutely certain of it! We only need to look inside ourselves.

Dawn Aberle

Department Historian

As I was preparing for my year as historian, I was reminded of a skit my mom did the year she was historian. She portrayed a character, “Sharon R. History,” who talked about the importance of sharing with new members and our youth the history of the American Legion Auxiliary and of our Units. I contemplated coming up with a new character, “Maken History.” As we live our lives, we are history in the making, and it is so important to share that history. Share our why, share our veterans' story, share our stories.

I am excited to read your stories as you wrap up this year and record the history you are making.

Alida Kolthoff

1st District President

Hope everyone is healthy and making it through this interesting Iowa Weather. Thank you all for contributing to the Penny Wars. Looking forward to our Spring Conference in Victor on March 28.

Julianne Jensen

2nd District President

Greetings from the 2nd District! Mid-winter is over, and we hope that winter is also over; bring on spring and Spring Conferences. By now, several of the District Conferences have been held, and new officers have been elected. Our conference just happens to be one of the last, as it is scheduled for April 17 th and 18 th . Come join us at the Marion Post on Friday, April 17 th, for our hospitality night. The Legion will hold its meeting at the

Post on Saturday, April 15 th . The American Legion Auxiliary will meet at the Springville Post, just a few miles east on Hwy 151. We should both have plenty of room to have extra quests to join us. Check the Call to Conference for details regarding our conference. It can be found at 2nd District, American Legion of Iowa - Upcoming Events.

Keep up the good work on membership and supporting the programs of the American Legion Auxiliary. Remember, if your unit has some funds that you could donate to my President’s Project, please send the donation to either me or our District Treasurer, Linda Hendricks. We want to build our Merit Award funds so that we can continue to support the youth in our District. By now, your Girl State candidates should be registered, and if your candidate changed her mind, please reach out to the Department of Girl State Director, Bev Copple, as she has a waiting list of high school juniors who would love to have a sponsor and the opportunity to attend this wonderful week of education and growth of knowledge regarding our form of government. Say an extra prayer for those who have lost a loved one or are struggling with their own life issues. Maybe even say a prayer of thanks for returning so many of our active military members back home this past month. We should allow remember to those that are deployed and may they return home safe as well.

God Bless America and all our veterans! Hope to see you at Spring Conference.

Helen Hildebrand

3rd District President

Thank you to the Parkersburg Unit for hosting our Spring Conference this past weekend – it was well attended. A thank you to their SAL for helping to serve our meal so the ladies could attend the meeting. Once again, our reports were informative, and questions were answered as needed.

My Penny Bucket was returned to me, but every time I see a penny now I want to save it so it can go into the BUCKET, so now I’ll fill it with pop tabs to take to Jr. Camp in June.

Jr. Camp and Girls State Citizen registration is due on March 31 on CAMPWISE.

As we start to wind down this year, be mindful of when reports are due and who they go to. Like anything else, be aware of due dates; should you get them completed beforehand, send them in, don’t sit on them. Everyone has received the Information and Deadline Checklist, so please refer to it often in the coming months.

Vernica Daniel

4th District President

Happy Spring to all. It is that time of year when families are planning gardens, vacations, celebrations, and more. The same is true with our Unit Members planning events, fundraisers, distributing Poppies, services for Memorial Day, and of course, the 250 th Birthday of our Nation.

I hope that all Units will mark this date in some way. A party, a service, volunteerism, or some other way. We are proud to be Americans, and proud of those serving our country, and celebrating in some way is going to show others the importance of it to us.

Some upcoming dates to remember: Wear RED every Friday to Remember Everyone Deployed: April 15, Wear Purple in support of the military child; May 22 National Poppy Day; May 25 Memorial Day.

Spring Conference is Saturday, April 11, in Waucoma St, the Event Center. Registration starts at 7:30, Memorial Service at 8:45, and the meeting begins at 9:00 am. Come to learn and hear from our Dept. President Kim Dixon and more. We will conclude lunch at 12:00. It would be great to have representation from each unit!

Susan Franzen

5th District President

I have been working the past few days diligently for the 5th District and for my own unit on Membership. We all know how vital this is to the auxiliary. A couple of things that I have learned in the last few days are that we have to make contact with our members. I have been working on a list that was given to me by my unit Membership Chairwoman. When she gave me this list in the middle of January, there were over 75 names on the list. I have contacted so many on that list, and I believe I am down to around 25 on the list now. Much more manageable for sure. My membership Chairwoman thought I did a pretty good job, and she handed me a list of people who were rejoined members. The list was extensive. I started looking through that list.

Guess what? In the last 4 days, I have gotten 2 members and 2 to rejoin. I got them by just sitting down and talking to them and reminding them what a great Auxiliary we are. REMIND THEM OF THEIR WHY! We can do this one member at a time if everyone does their part!

On Sunday, March 8th, I had the pleasure of attending the Junior 5th District conference. Wow! Congratulations Ava! I was amazed at this group of young ladies. They had a great meeting, a couple of guest speakers, including Department President Kim Dixon, they had refreshments, concluded their meeting with doing cards for Marshalltown VA, and painted rocks for themselves. These young ladies are the future of our Auxiliary. Please encourage and support them in their meetings and projects, and continue to mentor them.

It seems like we have had a lot of individuals going through a lot lately. Take the time to see if they need something. Make an effort to call them, deliver a meal to them, or even drop a card to them.

One of those items can make a world of difference in someone's day.

Make the buddy checks. For God and Country

Kristi Bridges

6th District President

Greetings, Sixth District. It’s clear that Spring is on the way . . . robins in the yard, more daylight hours, baby lambs and calves kicking up their heels . . . all signs of growth and renewal after the winter “sleep”. Even the snow and cold spells are more tolerable

knowing they won’t last long now! It’s also time for growth and renewal in the American Legion Auxiliary. We’re getting ready for Spring Conferences, where we will choose new leadership for the coming year. What a wonderful opportunity to breathe new life into the organization by supporting new leaders (maybe even inexperienced leaders) who can bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to the group as we look to the future.

Have YOU considered accepting a role in the organization that may be new to you or slightly outside your comfort zone? The ALA needs YOU to step forward and help shape our future. While legacy, tradition, and experience are invaluable, our world is changing, and so must the ALA. I encourage you to say yes to that phone call that

suggests you might be just the one we need to fill an officer position or committee chairmanship. And I strongly encourage you to attend ALA meetings and conferences, invite others to attend with you, and support those special individuals who step forward

to serve. They will benefit from your experience and expertise, will value your suggestions and support, and we will be a stronger ALA for your efforts.

I look forward to seeing you at the 6th District Spring Conference, Saturday, March 21, at Maranatha Baptist Church, 877 SE 19th St., Grimes, IA. Remember the free BE THE ONE training sessions at 1:00 PM in the same location following the conference and lunch. Attendance at Spring Conference is not required to attend the BE THE ONE training.

Sharon Luellen

7th District President

Hello everyone!

Spring has arrived! There are so many activities coming our way, it looks like an adventurous summer ahead. I will inform you of some of the events that are coming up. Also, if you have an event that you would like me to put in my newsletter, let me know and I will do my best to help.

There is a Veterans Resource Festival Saturday, April 25th from 10 am to 3 pm. This will be at the Pottawattamie County Veterans Service Office at 623 6th Ave. Council Bluffs, Iowa. I have been posting the flier on my Facebook stories.

There is a Iowa American Legion Riders State Legacy Ride July 11-12th https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA9AA2EA3FAC16-62975221-iowa#/ to sign up. Looks like a great event with several stops on the way.

They are requesting graduation cards for the son of Master Sergent Nicole M. Amor, who lost her life in Kuwait. To help, please, send a graduation card to her son Owen Specker, who graduates high school in June. Mail these to Angelina Grooms, Buckler Callihan Law, 531 6th St. Portsmouth, Ohio 45662. She also has a daughter who is entering the 5th grade. If you would like to send her a special note as well, I’m sure that it will be appreciated.

The Veterans Service Office of Pottawattamie County is hosting The wall that Heals on this Memorial Day weekend between May 21-25th. They are volunteer contact https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044FA5A828ABFEC61-61342055-thewall.

We are here to support our nations veterans, lets get out there and attend, volunteer, and don’t forget your buddy checks. These soldiers fought hard for all of us, let’s show them how much we appreciate them and the sacrifices that they have made for us all.

We held elections for our new District 7 Officers to be installed in July at Department Conference. Our new District 7 President will be Luann Armstrong, Patti Rolf as Vice President, Rhonda Russell as Secretary, Shelby Money as Treasurer, and Mary Jardon as Chaplin. Congratulations to all!

Penny Clair

8th District President

Have you gotten settled into daylight savings time? It seems it takes me a little longer each year to adjust. However, I do like the long evenings we have with savings time. The robins have returned, which indicates spring is on its way. I love hearing all the songbirds in the fresh morning air as I begin my day. What do you like about the first days of spring?

The 8th district is gearing up for the spring conference. The date is April 11, 2026, at the Crossroads Hotel and Event Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It will be an interesting and informative day. The day will begin with registration, coffee, and rolls, and a joint meeting with the American Legion, followed by the Auxiliary meeting. There will be something for everyone, along with sharing what is happening with other units in the district. Spring is the time for the election of officers. If you are interested in taking an office or being a committee chairman, please consider doing so. We will be choosing delegates for the District Summer Convention along with Pages. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there.

April is a busy month as there are several deadlines that need to be meant. Forms can be found on the Iowa Auxiliary website. Some can be filled out online, which makes it very easy to forward them on to the department. Please try to be punctual in getting the forms in on time.

Let’s keep working on membership. Remember that is what keeps the Auxiliary moving forward.

Keep our deployed men and women in your thoughts and thank a veteran for his or her service. Be kind! Wishing you a Holy and Happy Easter.

Donna Jensen

9th District President

Apparently, the weather can’t decide whether it is winter or spring. What we do know for sure is that it is spring conference season. Our ninth district will be in April on the 11th . Everyone is invited to join us at the Paullina Legion Hall beginning at 9 AM.

Spring is such an enjoyable time of the year. All the new beginnings are a joy to see. The grass turning green, the trees starting to bud and sprout leaves, and the spring flowers poking up their heads are all sure signs of spring arriving. Are your units showing signs of growth? Have you sprouted some new ideas? If you have, be sure to share them with other units in your district. Come to the spring conference ready to share your successes as well as failures. Your conference offers an opportunity to

network with other units. I hope to see you there and to hear what you have to share.

There will be ladies from the department in attendance as well to share information in addition to the district program chairmen.

Hopefully, all your units have chosen one or more girls to attend Girls’ State, and

they have been registered as required. Each citizen and their parent(s) should attend one of two orientations. The first will be held at the Paullina Legion Hall on April 24, and the other at the LeMars Legion Hall on May 4. Both are scheduled to begin at 2 PM. It is my hope that you have also been able to register a Junior for Junior Camp. Does your unit offer scholarships for these young ladies to attend these events?

Marilyn Berke

How to Run for Department office!

*Be asked by the Nominating Committee or the Vice President to be on their team

*Inform the Department office which office you wish to run for.

*Obtain an Endorsement - Starts at the Unit; get this done as early as your August meeting. Then, the county in the fall, if you don't have an active county, then it goes straight to your District in the Fall.

After being endorsed by those, it will then go to the other Districts to be read for you. Choose someone who will read it for you.

*Did you know you can also run for office from the floor?

........ But what's an Endorsement?

This is information about you. Who you are, your Unit, and how long you've been a member. What Veteran are you here because? Your family, where you work, hobbies, Auxiliary offices held on all levels, and little tidbits about yourself you wish to share. What office are you running for, and why you would be great at it!