Love those in your Unit- Help pay for their 2026 Membership. If they have expired, see if you can help. Contact your membership chair today.

Department President

Greetings Everyone!

I’m grateful for the warm weather this week—it’s been a busy month preparing for our Mid‑Winter Conference, and I hope all of you are planning to attend. Today is the final day to register and pay online, but if you decide to join us at the last minute, please know that we will not turn you away. Even though we are short a staff member, we’re working to have volunteers available throughout the weekend to help with walk‑in registration.

I truly believe we have a fun and informative weekend ahead. National President Pam Ray from Illinois will be joining us, along with a couple of guest speakers. We’ll enjoy the poppy contest, a lively round of trivia, and of course, the grand finale of the infamous Penny War. I hope to see all of you there!

As many of you know, Riley has moved on to a full‑time position in her chosen field. We’re excited for her, but it does mean we’re operating with one fewer staff member. Please be kind and patient with Crystal when you call. Some days the phone rings nonstop, and if she can’t answer right away, leaving a message will ensure she gets back to you. I’ve expanded my office hours to help cover the gap, and we are actively looking to hire. If you know someone tech‑savvy who would be interested in a part‑time position, please send them our way.

Please continue inviting me to your meetings and events. I love traveling, seeing all of you, and taking part in the incredible work you’re doing. I prefer that you use the visit request form on the website, but I’m always happy to respond to an email if that’s easier for you.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all at Mid‑Winter!

Kim Dixon

Americanism

Americanism Essay Contest topic for this 2026 year is “Celebrating America’s 250^th Birthday and the Veterans who Fought for Our Freedom”. Friendly reminder: Please remember the essays MUST be sent online to me (National requirement) and don’t forget to attach the American Essay Cover Sheet to your winning Americanism Essays turned into me by April 1, 2026. The Americanism Essay Cover Sheet is on the National ALA website with more details. Feel free to contact me and I’ll email it to you: marlenemertens1234@gmail.com.

America’s 250^th Birthday: This year we celebrate America’s 250^th Birthday! Tell me what your Unit or American Legion Family has planned for this once in a lifetime event! Email me at: marlenemertens1234@gmail.com and let me know how you plan to celebrate! If you have already held a celebration, please send me pictures and highlights on how you celebrated! (Our National Americanism Chair is putting together a video and your Unit or American Legion Family could be included! Questions, feel free to reach out to me at my email address above or phone: 319.329.7356.

February dates to mark on your calendars!

February 8 – National Boy Scout Day: On February 8 we celebrate National Boy Scout Day to honor those who are trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, etc. Founded in 1910, by Amereican W.D. Boyce, the Boy Scouts of America has helped shape many of our nation’s leaders.

February 8-14 – National Salute to Veteran Patients Week: The National Salute to Veteran Patients is a week-long observance initiated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to honor and pay tribute to veterans who are receiving medical care at VA facilities. This event encourages community involvement and appreciation for the sacrificies made by these individuals who served our nation.

February 12 – Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday: Abraham Lincoln served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865 as our 16^th president.

February 19 – U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday: A big shout out to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve celebrating their 85^th birthday on February 19! This date commemorates the establishment of the Coast Guard Reserve in 1939, aimed at enhancing maritime safety and navigation.

Fun fact: Since the Constitution was first written, there have been 27 amendments, including the 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights.

Looking for more ideas? The ALA National Website and American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Program Face Book page are great places to get ideas.

Marlene Mertens

Auxiliary Emergency Fund

Coming to Mid-Winter? Come see me at the Programs Fair for FUNdraising.

The ALA Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency assistance to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary up to $3,000 as a result of an act of nature or a personal crisis. This money is raised by members to help members. You can make monthly donations to the National online. Simply click the link below or text “AEF” to 1-844-940-3450. https://donate.legion-aux.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx/QPOMDNR5#c

I will be collecting donations at Mid-Winter to help Iowa reach the $10,000 goal I put forth at the beginning of the year. Looking forward to hearing how you are helping Iowa reach our goal!

Rosemary Lancaster

BE THE ONE

How is everyone coping in the new year? Have you got over your holiday slump and looking forward to moving towards spring? Have you noticed that others be still in that slump? If so, have you done anything to help them, or did you just ignore them because you didn’t want to get involved? I can tell you personally that my January did not start off well. In fact, I wanted a do-over from the second day into 2026 and it’s been a tough few weeks for me but I’m slowly getting back to my “new normal”. I’m so glad I have people to talk with and share my stories, my sorrows and my burden to help me along the way whenever I need it. But not everyone has that in their lives or feels comfortable turning to others with their issues. We need to help those that are struggling but afraid to ask for help. Don’t’ be afraid to ask the hard questions. One of the hardest things we can do is ask people, “Are you ok?”. The easiest thing we can do is LISTEN.

Across our state and nation, we need to continue to remember the focus of Be The One: to save the lives of veterans and servicemembers at risk of suicide. Now more than ever, this also relates to loved ones of our veterans, to teenagers, young children, our coworkers and maybe even our next-door neighbors. No one is immune to this crisis, and we are here to try and help navigate through this. The American Legion Family provides free training and resources and helps to reassure those who are struggling that you are not alone and that’s it’s OK to NOT be OK. Are you doing your part to help with this mission?

Is your Unit or Post helping to promote Be The One? Share your pictures and stories with me about what you are doing. I’d love to see that… better yet, send me an invite! I’d love to come participate with you! I haven’t seen nearly enough Be The One talk around our districts as I’d like to.

We have had several Be The One Trainings over the past several months, but I’d love to see more! Get your groups together. Reach out to me and let’s get your class scheduled. Whether this is your Legion Family, work, church or community group- let’s get it scheduled. While this IS a heavy topic, the class isn’t hard and teaches an invaluable lesson that can be used to help ANYONE in crisis. Classes can range from 5 people to 35+ people. We can do this in person, or talk about other options to get your training in.

Are you interested in helping with the Be The One mission? Would you like to be a trainer and help to teach others how they can Be The One and help recognize and prevent suicide? Again, let me know.

I look forward to seeing you at Mid-Winter and continuing our Be The One talks. Until then, remember, we can Be The One... we just need to take that first step!

Sherri Rosener

Be The One Chair

(310) 595-4045

sherrirosener@gmail.com

Children & Youth

Hello!

I hope to see many of you at Mid-Winter next week. I can’t wait to hear what units have been up to in the Children and Youth Department.

You are doing a nice job submitting Good Deed Awards. Keep submitting these and Youth Hero Awards.

We are in the second half of our year, and it is time to start thinking about spring. Try to plan something in your unit this spring to support our children and youth.

April will be here before you know it. April is the month of the military child, with the 15th being Purple Up Day. It also brings time for your reports to be in to me. Make sure you have been documenting your year!

See you soon!

Lily Gobart

Community Service

The purpose of the Community Service program is to contribute to making our communities better places to live through participation in and support of local service projects. Partner with other organizations that support similar initiatives for the betterment of the community. There are endless ways that ALA members can make a difference in their communities.

Ways to Get Involved

Donate to a food bank, contribute to a clothing drive, participate in a walk/run to support a charity, or provide support for shelters for women and children.
Promote the Be the One initiative in the community to reduce stigma related to seeking help for mental health issues.
Assist with community events sponsored by like-minded organizations.
Wear branded clothing/insignia when serving the community. Have your elevator speech ready to share about the ALA mission.

Unit Updates Needed

Please share updates on community service events you have attended, held, or volunteered with. Please include the event name, date, brief description, and any pictures you may have. Your updates help highlight inclusive service happening across our Auxiliary. Thank you!

Cheyenne McDaniel

Committee Appointments

A New Year, A New Way to Serve

The New Year is a perfect time to reflect on how we can grow and serve in new ways. Members of the Department of Iowa American Legion Auxiliary are encouraged to consider getting involved as Department Committee Members or stepping into leadership roles such as Committee Chairman.

Department Committees play a vital role in supporting our mission to serve veterans, their families, and our communities. Committee service offers members the opportunity to learn more about the organization, share ideas, and help guide programs across Iowa.

Making leadership part of your New Year’s resolution can be both rewarding and impactful. You don’t need prior experience—just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and serve. Mentorship and support are always available.

This year, consider saying “yes” to a new role and a new opportunity to lead within the Iowa Department of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Fill out our interest form today!

CLICK HERE

Education

We are excited to announce that the scholarship application link for 2026 is officially available. Eligible students can now access the online form and begin submitting their materials. To ensure your application receives full consideration, please visit the document to review the requirements and submission guidelines. We encourage all applicants to start early to allow ample time for gathering letters of recommendation and refining their information before the deadline.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BIeJAfttJmeXVwIebrOXQpeR2nchETgHzi5T5vdsRvc/copy

Shelley Conover

Finance

Finance:

January has finally ended, and the frigid days seem to have passed, hopefully they won’t return. What are we thinking about in February as it relates to Finance? Your finance committee is reviewing how we are doing with revenue and expenses that we projected at the start of the year. As the theme has been, we need to continue pursuing membership. How is membership coming in? Do we need to start thinking about tough decisions for the second half of the year? If you are below 100%, have you contacted everyone to see why they haven’t paid? Maybe they have a reason that you could rectify. Membership and fundraising aren’t just numbers. They’re the fuel that keeps the mission alive. They keep the department going, provide scholarships, and support to our VA Facilities. As you're working your membership rolls, how are you doing on your unit budget? Do we have the funds to carry out our planned activities? All good food for thought! Your finance committee hopes to see a lot of you at Mid-Winter with all your pennies and coins for the District President’s Penny wars.

Your Finance Committee,

Regina Chock, Patti Rolf & Ann Crawford

Girls State

GIRLS STATE 2026 is less than 5 months away.

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Board is continuing the traditional “White Elephant” silent auction with a twist is less than two weeks away at the Mid -Winter Conference. The auction will include three different categories: Donation of a “Themed Gift” of your choice by filling a basket or box with items such as edible foods, gift certificates, or any related product, “White Elephant” including gently used or new merchandise, or Bake Sale goods. Please participate as the more donations, the more bidders, and the more fun you can have, as well as the more contributions can be collected for this premier program.

COMMUNICATE with your selected girl or girls. CHECK with her to make sure she has registered after you, as the unit/post representative has given her the special code. Remind her about the Samsung scholarship. Well, it is worth their time to check into, but it does take a little bit of extra effort on their part. It is not a quick application.

What does this program need? Volunteering Staff?? Counselors, nurses with preference going to any senior American Legion Auxiliary member or former girl state citizen. Apply by filling out an application, open as of February 1^st. As a volunteer on the staff of this program, you will have the most rewarding time of her life. Other items would include continuing to give each city mayor a gavel for her to take home so she would have a visible memory of all her hard work and achievement. Cash donations always will work as they fit the cause and are non-returnable. Cash is used for incidentals during the week, Saturday evening meal, Sunday breakfast, and lunch for staff. Gift cards to Walmart, Hy-Vee, Sams Club or an office supply store are always great for you to provide and us to receive. For the infamous field trip, we transport the girls via chartered bus to the capital, we are asking for sponsors to provide bus seats. The Girls State store has been self-supporting; we hope to keep it that way.

If you have any concerns, contact me (at Sloancafe@aol.com subject 2026 girls state or phone 712-420-0272, leave a message), any other Board Member, or Crystal at the Department Office.

Again, I cannot stress COMMUNICATION with your selectee. The closer to girl state time the more apprehension sets in with these young women.

Till next time, Bev C, Director

Governing Documents

You may recognize some of the following information from a previous newsletter, but it is important to repeat since it is time sensitive.

Your Unit Dues

· Are your dues for Senior and Junior members high enough to operate your Unit? You must send $28 for Senior members and $4.50 for Junior members to the National Organization for dues. In addition, there are obligations that you must pay to the Department, District and County. Make sure you are collecting enough to pay all of these obligations with some money left over to support the Auxiliary programs that you want to support.

· Changing your dues structure requires two readings at regular Unit meetings. Now is the time to start working on this. You must report your dues structure on the Unit Data Form by April 15^,2026. That means you need to have the 1^st reading of a dues change at your March meeting, and vote at your April meeting.

New Members

· Do you vote on acceptance of new members at a Unit meeting? If not, you will want to give authorization to the Membership Chairman or a Unit Officer to approve new members, and it must be included in your Governing Documents.

· Possible wording: “New members may be approved directly by the Membership Chairman, or, if deemed appropriate, their application(s) may be brought to a regular Unit Meeting for discussion and action.”

· This change also requires two readings a regularly scheduled Unit Meeting.

Don’t forget to send a copy of your updated Governing Documents to the Department Office to be placed in your Unit file.

Sandy Deacon

Governing Documents Chairman

Junior Activities

Happy February!

As Mid-winter approaches, remember there’s still time to register your Juniors and young SAL members up for our Junior activities this year. We will be having a movie and pajama party Friday night, followed by a fun-packed day on Saturday! Encourage the Juniors in your unit or district to join us. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation!

Junior President Lea and I are would love to see them there! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3g3a-1NfldWjseIoivPoX6BVjN6Ud2i5xTQ9DpzLSy3cGOA/viewform

Alyssa Sparrgrove

Junior Camp

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Please register your juniors now

Last day to sign up is March 6^th

www.ialegion.org/ala

Camp: June 7^th - 12^th , 2026

Thank you

Junior Camp Board

Leadership

Hello auxiliary members,

What can I say about Leadership?

When I hear leadership, I think of someone of authority, someone in charge, someone leading the way. I have learned that leadership is so much more.

Leadership is progress, sometimes big a big success, sometimes a small gesture. Leadership is communicating, listening, working together as a team and celebrating everyone’s accomplishments.

Leadership is not a title, it is action, empathy and the ability to inspire others. Leadership recognizes not just results but the effort. Leadership is recognition of those who do big things, but also those who do all the little things that make big things possible.

When you think of your unit, who are your leaders? They are the ones who do so much that help keep your unit running and make your events a success. The one who contacts members to bring salads for a luncheon, the one who remembers the birthdays of veteran’s or other members, they are the ones in the kitchen cooking, cleaning and serving. Maybe they are the ones doing the dishes or fixing to go boxes for those who could use a little extra help during a difficult time. Leaders are not always on the front lines, not always the ones in front and usually they are not the ones taking the credit. It was a team effort.

Look around your unit, find those “hidden leaders” who just do what they do because it needs done, and nominate them for unit member of the year. Get those nominations to your district, and district send that one outstanding member to me so that I can help choose Iowa’s member of the year. Remember your nominee must have never held an office higher than unit President. They must be a member in good standing (duh). Send your district a name and narrative. Celebrate those leaders!!!

On another note, don’t forget to nominate ANY member to be recognized on the ALA Leadership face book page! This year our goal to celebrate 250 amazing members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALALeadership is the place to go.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

Judy Ring

Legislative

It was great to see many familiar faces and meet new ones at the Veterans’ Day on the Hill event in January. I had the pleasure to share with many veterans and supporters what House File 1000 is and how it can impact our veterans personally. Remember, keep messaging your Iowa Senators regarding HF 1000. We need to pass it through the Senate so that our veterans can have more Service Officers available to help get the services/benefits they deserve.

I cannot believe it is already February, which may be the shortest month of the year, but one that is jam-packed full of things to celebrate! One big thing, for our American Legion Family, is the Mid-Winter conference – the weekend of Valentine’s Day. It is a time to not only learn about the different programs and committees in the American Legion Auxiliary, but also a time to connect with many like-minded people. It is a way to learn and grow individually and as an organization. With that being said, the first 10 people who come up to me at Mid Winter 2026, and tell me their favorite color, and answer a legislative question or two, will receive a special surprise from me.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” - Abraham Lincoln

Rebecca Teed

Marketing

Marketing, Jamie Barker, Chair

Committee Members: Carol Mooney, Teresa Shaw, Kim Dixon, Judy Ring, Crystal Wright

As I write this, I can’t believe that Midwinter is right around the corner. We look forward to seeing you there. We plan to have plenty of fun and will be in the Programs Fair, so stop in and see us! We are open to some new and bright ideas!

We will finish up the Penny Wars at Midwinter and the victor will be announced during the closing joint session. Unit Presidents, please be sure to request one more round of penny donations and help your District Presidents by going to the bank, getting your slip of the deposit showing how many of each denomination you have and submitting the receipt and the cash funds to them at/before the Midwinter Conference. District Presidents, please do the same, so you are ready with all your donations for the Penny War! Also, don’t be afraid to continue to sabotage another district by making donations to them one final time during social time in the evenings before the cutoff… it has been fun to watch the Districts challenge each other. Thanks everyone!

Speaking of the conference, we will also be offering some carnations and chocolates for a free will donation, so be sure to find us and get something sweet for your friend or loved one! Happy Valentines Day!

Your marketing team is also working on a form for businesses to sponsor our department conference. We are looking at ways we could advertise for the different levels of sponsorship! Please let me know if you have some great ideas or know a business we should contact.

District Presidents and Department Committee Members, I hope you have received an email message from me to consider donating your mileage or per diem back to the department (if you hold a position who receives this). Please consider if you are able to do so. Volunteering is why we all joined to support our Veterans, current service members and their families and this organization couldn’t run without all of you as our volunteers providing outstanding leadership. Thank you for considering this request.

All marketing funds go to the Department of Iowa to support the office that supports all of us so that we can continue the mission. We can do this as we work together, leaving “No One Forgotten, No One Left Behind”.

Jamie Barker

Membership

Membership declines in some units due to aging membership. Difficulty reaching eligible younger members. Variably in unit-level membership, reporting, and follow-up.

How do we move forward? We continue to emphasize renewals. We encourage members to conduct personal outreach (calls, notes, in-person asks) Promoting auxiliary programs that resonate with younger families and working members.

With focused effort, encouragement, and shared success stories, The American Legion auxiliary is well-positioned to meet our membership goal.

Jacki Bolen

National Security

What did your district, county, and unit do to support our troops over the holidays? I would love to highlight the things you’re doing to support our servicemembers.

We are still looking for Warrior Wednesday nominees. My challenge to each of you is to find 1 servicemember to share the link with (or fill it out with them). Each Wednesday, a servicemember is highlighted on the National Security Facebook page. Share this link with your servicemember: https://legion-aux.formstack.com/forms/stories_of_servicemembers_and_their_families. Once your servicemember submits the form, email me letting me know you submitted a nominee; those who do so could win a special surprise.

Reminders: Salute to Servicemember Award nominations are due to me by May 15, 2026. Continue sending unit reports to me with ‘National Security’ in the subject line.

Did you know…during Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026, the U.S. conducted a joint operation featuring 150 Air Force, Navy, and Army aircraft, along with Army Special Operations Forces, to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to bring him to trial in the U.S. The operation lasted just over 2 hours with no American casualties and is now considered one of the most successful operations in U.S. military history.

Paige Copple

Poppies

Greetings! It’s February, and time for Mid Winter. I am looking forward to the Poppy contest. I have already received 3 entries, 2 wreaths and 1 Poppy poster from units in my 9th district. County and unit presidents please make sure your units are able to get their entries to Des Moines by Saturday morning 7:30 - 8:30 Feb 14th. Judging will take place in the morning, I have enlisted a couple of the juniors that are attending to help with the judging. All entries will be returned, I will take pictures for my report and, also, to send to the Central Division Poppy Chair.

If there are any questions email Linda Lux kellylux@midlands.net or text/call 712-395-0129

Dept Poppy Chairman

Public Relations

The “How”. How do you create a flyer for your event? How do you make a brochure about your merit awards or scholarships? How do you write a donation letter or newsletter? The “How” can be found on the National Website, www.legion-aux.org, Public Relations resources. There are several templates on this site ready for your use to help you make can wraps, banners, bookmarks, PowerPoint presentations, and much more. For example, how to write a press release: Clarify the purpose, decide “ What” you want to communicate. Know your audience. Target your memo to local media, auxiliary members, community partners, or the general public. Use the official format. Include date, time, “Who” is it going to (recipient or media outlet), “Who” is it from? ( Your name, title , and department/unit) “What” includes the subject, clear and concise. Begin with a strong introduction, state the main news, and why it matters to the Auxiliary’s mission. Share key details, including specific accomplishments, service projects, or unit/member being recognized. Connect to our mission and explain how the recognition supports veterans, military families, or community service. Include a call to action by inviting readers to attend an event. Add a contact information with name, phone number, email, etc. Attach supporting materials such as photos or documents. Be sure to review and proofread to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Now your press release will be ready to publish with all the information required for a successful article.

Donna Flewelling

Risk & Compliance

Risk and Compliance, Jamie Barker, Chair

Committee Members: Verlinda Prior, Dawn Aberle

Good news everyone! Your Department of Iowa audit audit has been completed with a positive review and very minor changes to our reporting processes. As you might suspect, without an additional member in the department office, separation of duties is difficult at this time, but we continue to work on that part!

Under the Compliance part of our committee, I’d like to emphasize the importance of the tax return that you are hearing about…

Filing the 990 with the IRS is not an option; but it is a requirement. To file it, most units (if receiving under $50,000 in gross receipts) will only need 8 pieces of information.

1. EIN – your employer identification number

2. Tax Year

3. Legal name and mailing address

4. Any other names the organization uses

5. Name and address of a principal officer

6. Website address if the organization has one

7. Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less

8. If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business)

Here is a link to verify that your unit is current: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

On the Risk part of our committee, I’d like to suggest that you consider how you can best protect your unit against fraud. Sadly, people and lax procedures are the biggest risks for fraud. Fraud is theft and a crime. Safeguarding ALA funds requires having and following proper procedures for oversight, internal controls and checks and balances. Right now, we are all experiencing a slump in volunteerism. Adding a layer of oversight is really protecting ourselves and any suggestion of wrongdoing. We can do that by looking at our own governing documents to see if financially, we can add a layer of protection. This would help protect the unit and also the person who is in charge of the funds. Can we add a person to review the receipts separate from the person who makes and records the deposits? That would be a double check. Are payments made with prior approval of the unit? Are there policies and procedures to ensure that happens? Please review your governing documents each year with a particular emphasis on financial processing and reporting. We are all in this together!

Jamie Barker

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

NO ARTICLE SUBMITTED

Angie Blazek

VA&R Service to Veterans

NO ARTICLE SUBMITTED

Stacy Bane

Job Opportunity at Department Headquarters

Riley has left the office to pursue her coaching career! Congrats Riley! If you are interested in becoming the membership/Customer Service person, please reach out to Crystal Wright.

Job Description: CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Job Types: Part-time Flexible Hours

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site Membership Services role located in Des Moines, IA at the American Legion Auxiliary. The Membership Services representative will be responsible for providing customer service to members, managing membership sales and finances, and utilizing analytical skills to improve membership engagement and retention.

Qualifications