September 09, 2026

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National Regional Information Conference

Omaha, NE - Saturday, November 14


Registration is now open for:

  • The American Legion National Regional Information Conference (NRIC)
  • American Legion Auxiliary Mission Training
  • American Legion Auxiliary National Junior Meeting
  • Sons of The American Legion Meeting


Special Labor Day Week Registration Discount

  • Save $5 on your registration fee by using code LABOR at checkout.
  • Offer expires September 13, 2026.
  • Code: LABOR
  • Savings: $5
  • The discount cannot be applied retroactively.


Registration is currently $70 and will increase to $80 approximately two weeks before the event.

 

DeSloover Appointed National Chaplain


Vic Desloover of Harold Redman Post #279 in Lawler, Iowa, was appointed National Chaplain by National Commander Jay Bowen at the Post Convention meeting of the National Executive Committee at the conclusion of The American Legion's 107th National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.


DeSloover will serve as National Chaplain until the close of the 108th National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

Iowa American Legion Riders Raise $45,973 for VCF


American Legion Riders from Iowa raised a record setting $45,973.70 during the Legacy Ride for The American Legion's Veterans & Children's Foundation (VCF).


In total, the 2026 Legacy Run raised $1,011,563 for VCF.


Through VCF funding, the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance grants feed and house children of military personnel and veterans facing urgent, unexpected hardships.


The VCF also covers training and accreditation costs for American Legion claims experts who provide free representation for veterans and families applying for disability benefits, survivor assistance, GI Bill opportunities and more.

Fallen Rider Honored


On September 4, 2026, the American Legion Riders honored a fellow rider at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines, IA.


Michael Haas, member of Post 128 in Sterling, KS, died in Keokuk, IA, during the 2026 Legacy Run. His remains were taken to Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines. From there, American Legion Riders from Iowa, Kansas, and other states escorted him home to Kansas.

Dos and Don'ts of Using Generative AI for American Legion Emblem and Brandmark


Generative AI use of the American Legion emblem and brandmark is becoming more widespread in artwork for flyers, posters, graphics and more. Because of this, American Legion National Headquarters has updated its branding guidelines on incorrect usage of the emblem and brandmark with generative AI, along with a two-step method to align with branding guidelines when using AI tools.


Download the updated American Legion Brandmark & Emblem Branding Guidelines. The use of generative AI is on pages 21-22. 


Training on the dos and don’ts of using AI for the Legion emblem and brandmark will be conducted during a virtual Training Tuesday Sept. 29. Registration information will be available here. 


As outlined in the branding guidelines, generative AI tools of any kind may not be used to create, recreate, upscale or otherwise alter, stylize or modify the official symbols of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, American Legion Riders, American Legion Family, American Legion Baseball, Be the One, American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Girls Nation, American Legion Junior Shootings Sports, charities of The American Legion and any associated sub-branding. This includes any use of the Legion marks in the visual branding of departments, districts, posts, squadrons or programs associated with any departments, districts, posts or squadrons.

Did You Know...


Did you know you can use the VA home loan benefit more than once? You can restore your entitlement after selling a home or paying off the loan. You can also have more than one VA loan at the same time under specific rules.


The details provided come directly from official federal regulations, mortgage guidance, and benefits policies outlined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and codified in Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.).

Veterans Employment Awards


The Department of Iowa Veterans’ Employment and Education Committee is accepting nominations for The American Legion Employment Awards. Deadline for submittals is October 15. The American Legion annually presents several awards to honor employers who hire veterans, disabled veterans, and older workers. Those who help veterans find employment are also recognized.


The Department of Iowa Employment Awards will be presented at the annual Department Convention.


The Department of Iowa then nominates its winners for consideration for the National Employment Awards. The national awards are presented annually at The American Legion National Convention.


A list of available awards, including forms and criteria, is available on our website.

LIT Product Spotlight

Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+)


August is one of the busiest travel months of the year. Legionnaires and their families are taking vacations, attending American Legion events, visiting loved ones, or enjoying retirement travel.


While we all hope every trip goes smoothly, emergencies can happen. Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) will ensure you get the care you need in a medical emergency while away from home and get home safely afterwards. Plus, critical support for loved ones traveling with you. 


With several membership options available, we have created a 6-question quiz about how you typically travel to help guide you to make the right decision. Please click below.


HELP US DETERMINE WHICH PLAN OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU


WHAT is Emergency Assistance Plus?

Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) is an annual membership that provides Legion Family member cardholders with protection anytime they travel.


WHY it matters:

Whether Legion Family members are thousands of miles away or merely a short road trip from home, EA+ members take with them the peace of mind knowing that should a medical emergency arise, there is a team of highly skilled professionals at the ready to ensure they are receiving proper medical care and are provided necessary transportation home.


HOW to take action:

Members can learn more and enroll directly through The LIT webite.

District Fall Conferences

1st District

October 3

Fairfield

2nd Distict

October 3

Walcott

3rd District

September 19

Marshalltown

4th District

September 19

Protivin

5th District

October 10

Montezuma

6th District

September 26

Des Moines

7th District

October 24

Walnut

8th District

September 19

Coon Rapids

9th District

October 17

Hornick

SAL Detachment

October 25

Des Moines

2027 National Membership Standings

September 3, 2026

9th Place

Iowa

55.04%

2027 Actual Membership: 16,819

2027 Membership Goal: 30,559

Department Calendar

Sep 11

Patriot Day

Sep 12

Membership Committee - Dept HQ

Sep 15

Post Officer Forms due

Sep 16

American Legion Day

Sep 18-20

Combined Americanism Conference

Sep 18

U.S. Air Force Birthday

Sep 18

POW/MIA Recognition Day

Sep 19

3rd District Conference - Marshalltown

Sep 19

4th District Conference - Protivin

Sep 19

8th District Conference - Coon Rapids

Sep 26

6th District Conference - Des Moines

Oct 3

1st District Conference - Fairfield

Oct 3

2nd District Conference - Walcott

Oct 4-8

National Fall Meetings - Indianapolis

Oct 10

5th District Conference - Montezuma

Oct 12

Columbus Day

Oct 12

Department Offices Closed

Oct 13

U.S. Navy Birthday

Oct 15

Employment Award Nominations Due

Oct 17

9th District Conference - Hornick

Oct 24

7th District Conference - Walnut

Oct 25

SAL Detachment Conference - Des Moines

Nov 3

Election Day

Nov 7

Finance Commission / DEC

The American Legion of Iowa

720 Lyon St

Des Moines, IA 50309

515-282-5068

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