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: 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!

March dates to mark on your calendars!

March 8 – March 14- Girl Scout Week: Girl Scouts’ birthday is March 12. Girl Scouts is all about friendship, leadership, and belonging.

March 3 – National Anthem Day: America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” has a rich history. The holiday honors the anthem’s role as a symbol of American identity, pride, and patriotism.

March 16 – Freedom of Information Day: This day emphasizes the public’s right to access government information, promoting transparency, accountability, and informed citizenship.

March 21 – Rosie The Riveter Day: The symbolism of Rosie the Riveter stands for the millions of women who left their homes for factories to keep the country’s manufacturing processes going during World War II.

March 25 – National Medal of Honor Day: This day honors the bravery and sacrifices of Medal of Honor recipients, recognizing those who have demonstrated extraodinary valor in combat.

March 29 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day: A time to pay special tribute to the Americans who served during the Vietnam War era. Those who are memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and to those who never received the recognition they deserved when they returned to America from the war.

Fun fact: On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional order into law making “The Star-Spangled Banner” America’s national anthem. National Anthem Day falls on March 3 annually commemorating the signing of the law.

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

Department Americanism Chair

BE THE ONE

Be The One is spreading the word across the US within the American Legion Family to help everyone better identify subtle changes that could signal an impending crisis. With so much going on in the world right now, it’s easy to forget to look at our veterans, friends, neighbors- even ourselves and make sure that we are all ok.  Haven’t talked to someone in a while? Give them a call and check in – buddy checks aren’t just for our veterans. Are you feeling lost and not sure where to turn? Give someone a call- call ME. Never be afraid to ask for help. Never be afraid to ask someone the hard questions to ensure they are ok.

At our Mid-Winter conference, we had a great training session with the American Legion, as well as presenting to both the Legion and Auxiliary sides during the weekend to help spread the purpose of Be The One.  There are so many tools at our fingertips, and I truly hope everyone takes advantage of them. The Be The One Training is a no-cost training that will help you recognize the signs and also help destigmatize suicide. Anyone can attend: Legion, Auxiliary, community members, ANYONE. The key thing to remember is: If you or someone you know, needs to talk -know you always have someone to talk to within the Legion Family – no questions asked, 24/7! 

If anyone is interested in setting up a training class for your Unit, Post, or community, please scan the QR Code to get signed up.

 I hope to see many of you at the upcoming district conferences. One of our Be The One committee members, or I should be at most conferences. Ask us questions – that’s what we are here for!

Remember: If you see signs someone isn’t being their normal self, don’t be afraid to ASK THE QUESTION: ARE YOU OK? Talk to someone and be prepared to listen. And know it‘s ok to not be ok sometimes, but we are here when you need it. 



Be The One Training Request Form

Sherri Rosener

Be The One Chair

(310) 595-4045

sherrirosener@gmail.com

Community Service

American Legion Family Day is a special opportunity for unity and service across the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion. Units are encouraged to plan, promote, and document their participation for national citation recognition and the Best Promotion award.

Reporting Reminder:

Community Service reports should reflect projects that impact the community as a whole. However, any project completed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day qualifies as Community Service, regardless of whom it benefits.



**Deadlines:**

* April 1 – Year-end Unit reports due to ME! 

* June 1, 2026 – Award submissions due via ALA website

Every act of service matters — be sure your work is counted and recognized!

Cheyenne McDaniel

Finance

It was great to see so many of you at Mid‑Winter. It was a fun and informative weekend! With spring on the way, this is a good time to begin reviewing your upcoming dues for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Please remember that the Membership Data Form is due to Department no later than April 15. Completing this form should be an important part of your budget review process. You need to ensure you have funds to cover all obligations to National, Department, District, and County (if applicable). Setting dues at the appropriate level will help make sure these obligations are met and that remaining funds can support our mission.

Thank you for continuing to manage expenses wisely and for finding creative ways to raise money for the work we do. Keep up the great work!

Your Finance Committee,

Regina Chock, Patti Rolf & Ann Crawford

Governing Documents

Standing Rules contain the details of administration. They can be adopted or amended at a Unit Meeting with prior notification, by a majority vote (unless the bylaws stipulate otherwise) or without prior notification by a two-thirds vote. They should contain:

1.Time (day and hour) of meeting, place of meeting.

2.Dues–Senior,Junior,Honorary Life Members, and information on dues that the Unit will pay for specific members (example:Gold Star Mothers, Active Duty Military, those in Nursing Homes, etc.)

3.Election of Officers. When is it held? Which officers are electedorappointed.

4.Installation of Officers–when, where, who is in charge.

5.Election of Delegates to County, District and Department meetings–when and howselected.

6.Audit–when and by whom.

7.Finance

a.Working funds for officers, chairmen, poppy purchases, ALA Girls State, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, etc.

b.Benevolence-gifts for illness, death, etc.Funeral dinner?

c.Expenses for delegates to attend County, District and Department meetings(registration fee, mileage, per diem).

d.Courtesies for visitors (Department, District, and County Presidents)

e.How bills are paid and who signs the checks.

8.Any other rules specific to your Unit.

9.Date the Standing Rules were amended and signature of President and Committee Chairman.

10.Send approved/signed copy to the Department Office to be placed in your Unit file.

Sandy Deacon

Governing Documents Chairman

Junior Camp

REGISTRATION

Extended Thru March 31^st, 2026

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

Please register your juniors now

www.ialegion.org/ala

Unbelievable activities this year!     

Kayaking, swimming, Ga-Ga Ball, Miniature Golf, Archery, Crafts by Elaine, Patch Program, Programs Fair.

Presentations by :

Puppy Jake - Ronald McDonald House

Wreaths Across America - Final Salute

Female Veterans – Human Trafficking – Bullying

Plus Department Junior Convention

Doris Jackson, Junior Camp Director

Lily Gobart, Asst. Director

Legislative

What is your Why?

A couple of weeks ago, my Why was made ever more clear. I went to the rally at the Iowa State Capitol to support our wounded veterans. It was in support of passing the Major Richard Star Act. We found out while there, that Iowa Legislators were in favor of this national priority of the Legion. It was walking out with two other auxiliary members that we met a Vietnam veteran from Pleasant Hill, Iowa. I stopped and thanked him for his service, as I have tried to make an effort to do whenever I see a veteran. (Thanks president Kim, for this being one of your projects this year!!) The four of us stood there and talked for about fifteen minutes in the blustery February wind.  This gentleman shared just a snapshot of his life, and at one time, teared up and asked, “Why did I come back? Why not my buddies as well?” He then continued to say that he recently joined a local Legion and found his home. He went on to say he now served on the honor guard for funerals. He said it was the least he could do to help remember and honor his brothers and sisters. And this is when I told him, “Sir, that is your Why. Why were you allowed to come home, so that you could go on to serve others?” We parted ways, and I teared up thinking of my Why, and how I can help others and their “why’s”. 

Legislatively, we can show up. Attend the town hall meetings, rallies, or forums, find out what our veterans and service men and women need, and then use our voices to support those needs. We can send written letters, emails, texts etc, to legislators to voice our stance on different issues that directly impact the lives of those who have fought (or are currently fighting) for this freedom. Phone calls to legislators or even a visit to the capitol. Whether local, state or national, use your voice and make a difference. To quote our preamble: we are “to participate in and contribute to the accomplishments of the aims and purposes of The American Legion.” Let’s do that Auxiliary!

Rebecca Teed

Membership

Wow! Here we are, the Mid-Winter Conference has come and gone. It was so great seeing so many familiar faces. Congratulations to ALL the Units that were recognized as 100% or more. Also, a special congratulations and a shout-out to Veronica Daniels, 3rd District President, for being in first place at that time. But wait, there is still time for other Districts to get in on a prize that President Kim is ready and willing to give to the District President who finishes the year in first place. She will present that at the Department Convention in July. As I checked ALAMIS, I see a few more Units have reached 100% goal. But wait, there are so many Units that are so close (approximately 23 Units, literally 95% or better, and many more that are 90% or better). Continue to get those renewals and try to find those new members. Continue to invite possible members to your meetings or activities. I hope to see many of you at your Spring Conferences.

God Bless, Teresa Kramer, Co-Chair

National Security

No Report

Paige Copple

Poppies

 Mid- Winter conference is done! Happy to have 4 entries for the Adult poppy poster, and 4 entries for the 12 inch Poppy wreath. They were presented in the Mid-Winter newsletter. Now it is time to move on to encouraging the students in your schools to make their Poppy poster. I look forward to collecting them and sending the winners on to National. If you bring them to your Spring conferences, send the winners with the Department guests. I can also arrange to get them if not ready by your conference. Soon after, units will be receiving their Poppy orders. I will be zooming with the National Poppy Chair soon and hope to have more ideas to pass on to you. Any questions email kellylux@midlands.net or call/text 712-395-0129

Linda Lux 

Public Relations

The “How” continues in the PR world. Recently, a National Chairman's Public Relations Zoom meeting took place, which I was able to attend, still stressing the “How”. How are all your units' advertising events happening? Please tell me in a narrative so I can report to National, “How Iowa is getting the word out! Flyers are still a popular item to use when getting the information advertised for your event. Why not kick it up a notch and use that same flyer in a social media post? Exposing more people in a faster mode than reading it in a business window. When creating your flyer, make it eye-catching and easy to read. Keep it simple by focusing on key information and avoiding clutter, such as too much small printed information. Use a bold headline, a large, readable font with location, date, and time near the top. Include a contact name with a phone number or email for the event. Use bright or high-contrast colors to grab attention and accent colors to highlight the key elements. If using photos, use a high-quality image or a professional photo. Tailor the design and message to your target audience. Remember to post your flyers where people frequent, and always ask the business owner permission to hang up the flyer. Many post offices have rules as to what type of flyers are able to be posted in their lobbies or windows.  Report deadlines are approaching, so send them in! National still wants the National Awards form to be used, and everything should be sent online and not mailed to them. Email the same report to me at flewellingdj@gmail.com. I can then compile your information for my year-end department report. 

Donna Flewelling

Risk & Compliance

The committee has split up the districts among our committee to reach out to any organizations who are not fully compliant with the IRS. I’d like to emphasize the importance of the tax return that you are hearing about…

If your unit has fallen out of good standing with the IRS, currently, the unit has two options:

Option 1: Remain a taxable entity (Being tax exempt is not a requirement to remain an entity of the ALA). If an organization’s tax-exempt status is automatically revoked, it is no longer exempt from federal income tax. Consequently, it may be required to file one of the following federal income tax returns and pay applicable income taxes:

•            Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, due by the 15th day of the 3rd month after the end of the organization’s tax year

•            Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts, due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of your organization’s tax year

Option 2: Reinstating Tax-Exempt Status – This is what would be needed to qualify for future ALA Foundation grants.

The law prohibits the IRS from undoing a proper automatic revocation and does not provide for an appeal process. An automatically revoked organization must apply to have its status reinstated, even if the organization was not originally required to file an application for exemption.

To apply for reinstatement, you will want to follow the instructions provided in the IRS revenue procedures 2014-11 (see attached). Because it has been longer than 15 months since the revocation, the unit will want to look at the Retroactive Reinstatement Procedure after 15 months.

The reinstatement process will include completing form 1024. The IRS has now moved to an entirely electronic version of completing their form 1024 and paying the applicable fees, which is currently set at $600. I have the IRS’s instructions for that form as well as our recommended supplemental instructions that are specific to ALA Units (and districts). It is recommended that you prepare your answers for form 1024 prior to completing the online official form. Once reinstated, the unit would file the appropriate 990 series (990N, 990EZ, 990) annually based on their revenue threshold.

Let us know how we can help you!

Jamie Barker, Verlinda Prior and Dawn Aberle

VA&R Service to Veterans

I'm so happy we set the clocks ahead soon! I'm ready to get outside and start walking again...it's good for my brain and my soul!

 I enjoyed the Mid Winter conferance last month. It was nice to visit with friends and listen to all of the information that was shared with us!

I want to remind everyone that your volunteer hours are important!!

I hope you've been keeping track of all the wonderful hours you've been spending with our deserving Veterans! Whether it's volunteering to drive a Veteran to an appointment, making tray favors, sewing, cooking, or shopping for active duty military/veterans and or their families.

If you are new to volunteering and not sure where volunteers may be needed, ask the leaders in your community about different programs that serve veterans. There are many volunteer opportunities!

When you fill out the End of Year volunteer hours form, which is coming up quickly, you will be recording these hours under Service to Veterans, unless you are registered with the STATE. This information is forwarded to National, where they compile it. This helps them see if programs are effective, if there needs to be changes made, and where more (or less) funding may be needed.

Thank you for volunteering, and please get those hours recorded.

Stacy Bane

VA&R

We have had a change in our committee makeup. President Kim has asked that you send your VA&R reports to me. Judyring.auxiliary@outlook.com

I will need to send a report to national so let me know what you have been doing.

Iowa Veterans Home has been very busy, hosting bingo, Mardi Gras dance, and of course making and shipping poppies. Other activities include celebrating WWII’s 100^th Birthday, Superbowl watch party, a Salute to Hospitalized Veterans with cookies and ice cream, and even a Winter Olympics event held for the residents. Thank you to 3^rd District President Veronica Daniels for making her project a wheelchair lift. With her project money and other organizations’ help, $26,000 was raised, and the new wheelchair lift is up and running after 4 months! Thank you to all who helped by escorting our veterans to events such as bingo, and thanks to those who provided Valentines to our residents. We can never have too much help.

Our Iowa City VA was also very busy.

The month of February was a very busy month with the Salute to Veterans week, which was held the week of Valentine's Day. I started out on Tuesday by popping popcorn all morning, and then on Wednesday, I handed out valentines to veterans. On Thursday, my auxiliary unit #17 handed out bananas and cuties to the veterans as they came in, plus we visited all the inpatients and outpatient clinics and gave them fruit and valentines. On Friday, a VFW member and I popped popcorn and handed out carnations along with valentines when they came in the front entrance. It was a very busy but rewarding week. Along with all of this, I did my regular duties of making coffee and delivering the cart to the waiting area, plus doing the mailing of letters on Tuesday and Thursday, plus working the afternoons in the escort office on the computer. I had a total of 80 hours for the month of February.

Omaha was also very busy with attending meetings, providing craft kits, and honoring our Veterans as well with the Salute to Veterans week. The Auxiliary had a booth and passed out cookies, popcorn, water, and stocking hats filled with goodies to the veterans.

Thank you, Wendy, Ann C., and Mary L, for your reports and your continued dedication to our Veterans.

Judy Ring

Past DUE??? Very much so.......

Obligations to Department were due October 20, 2025. Did your unit pay? We have many Units that have not paid these, Please get them in NOW! If you are unsure, ask.

Current Membership Totals

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTERS TODAY!

To sign up for the LEGION NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE

To sign up a Friend, your unit members, or your spouse for the AUXILIARY NEWSLETTER 

CLICK HERE

National Convention

Do you want to attend the National Convention? August 28th- September 3, 2026. What you need to do is attend your district conference, dates listed below. Get elected to be a Delegate, Alternate, or come as a Guest. Make sure the form is filled out and sent to the department by the deadline.

CLICK HERE to find out more, and then go to National Convention selection.

Upcoming Events

March

March 7th - Stanton 7th District Conference

March 8th - Spillville 4th District Junior Conference

March 8th - Deep River 5th District Junior Conference

March 14th- Parkersburg 3rd District Conference

March 21st - Grimes 6th District Conference

March 28th- Victor 1st District Conference

March 28th Roland 6th District Junior Conference

March 31st Girls State Citizen Registration Closes

April

April 11th- Fort Dodge 8th District Conference

April 11th - Paulina 9th District Conference

April 11th - Waucoma 4th District Conference

April 18th - Hedrick 5th District Conference

April 18th- Springville 2nd District Conference

April 25th Legion Family Day

Girls State Orientation Dates & Sites

9th District – April 26th Paulina & May 2nd Le Mars

720 Lyon Street Des Moines, IA 50309

aladirector@ialegion.org

+1 515-282-7987