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5th Grade Flag Essay
Applications can be downloaded from our website.
Posts will forward one winning entry to their District Children and Youth Chairman or District Commander with a signed Participation Application by January 5, 2027.
District entries will be judged by the respective District Children and Youth Chairman and sent to Department Headquarters at the address at the end of this report by January 22, 2027.
Department judging will be by the Department Children and Youth Committee at the Mid-Winter Conference.
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Oratorical Contest
Contestant applications, information, chairman guides, and brochures to take to the schools are available on the Department website. National no longer provides hard copies of the National Rules Brochures.
Contest Deadlines:
- Local completed by December 7, 2026
- County completed by December 21, 2026
- District completed by January 11, 2027
- Area completed by January 25, 2027
First and second-place district finalists may advance to the area contest.
Dates and details will be updated on the Department’s website.
Department Finals: Sunday, February 14, 2027, Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines at 8:00 a.m.
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This Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026, we invite you to stand with The American Legion of Iowa as we continue our mission of service to veterans, servicemembers, their families, and our communities.
For more than a century, The American Legion has been a leading voice for veterans, advocating for benefits, supporting those facing challenges, mentoring youth, promoting patriotism, and strengthening communities throughout Iowa.
Your generosity helps us continue programs and services that make a difference every day. From assisting veterans and their families to supporting youth leadership opportunities and community initiatives, your donation helps us fulfill our promise to those who have sacrificed for our nation.
Every gift matters. Every dollar supports the mission.
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November Membership Awards
Get your memberships in to help your district and your post win in November!
Robert W. Colflesh Trophy
Presented each year to the post with the highest growth goal percentage, in the district in 1st place in the department membership standings on November 11th (Veterans Day). The Trophy will be presented at the Department Mid-Winter Conference.
Unity Award
Awarded to the district with the highest combined membership goal percentage of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The award will be presented at the Department Mid-Winter Conference.
American Legion Gold Watch
An American Legion watch is awarded to the District Commander in 1st place in the membership standings on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The award is announced in November and will be presented at the Department Mid-Winter Conference.
| | | 7 | Fontanelle | 247 | 95.00 | |
| Carson | 556 | 92.31 | |
| Bedford | 164 | 91.55 | | 8 | Williams | 633 | 100.00 | |
| Glidden | 386 | 97.92 | |
| Schleswig | 645 | 96.88 | |
| Corwith | 229 | 96.43 | |
| Farnhamville | 510 | 95.83 | |
| West Bend | 151 | 95.65 | |
| Algona | 90 | 93.02 | |
| Ayrshire | 173 | 90.63 | | 9 | Brunsville | 724 | 105.88 | |
| Lytton | 546 | 104.55 | |
| Cushing | 624 | 100.00 | |
| George | 404 | 98.31 | |
| Danbury | 336 | 95.24 | |
| Battle Creek | 364 | 94.44 | |
| Spirit Lake | 23 | 92.00 | |
| Little Rock | 316 | 91.30 | | | |
Is your American flag looking a little weathered? Join Scheels Iowa City and the American Legion of Iowa to ensure your old flag is retired with the respect it deserves.
Bring in your worn, faded, or torn flags, and exchange it for a new one.
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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
November 14, 2026
Hilton Omaha
1001 Cass Street
Omaha, NE 68102
The conference is designed for any American Legion Family member to learn the organization’s mission, vision and programs, and to connect with other American Legion Family members. Attendees do not need to hold an office or position to attend.
Housing
- Room rate: $139/night + 18.16% tax
- Parking: $5 Daily Self-Parking, $10 Overnight Self-Parking
- Check-in: 3:00 pm
- Check-out: 11:00 am
Online housing reservations are now closed. Housing requests should be sent to meetings@ALAforVeterans.org and will be subject to availability.
Registration
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Registration fee is $70
- Fee increases to $80 after November 1
- Fee includes materials for the conference, 1 continental breakfast, and 1 lunch
- No refunds will be issued after November 2
- Refunds before November 2 will be charged a $5 processing fee
- Registration will close on November 9
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Firefighter of the Year
The American Legion of Iowa will give its Department Firefighter of the Year Award to a firefighter who has exceeded the requirements expected of his or her position and has shown a distinct pattern of community service and professional achievement. The award, which takes into account heroic acts, will be given annually at the Legion’s Department Convention.
Fire departments are encouraged to submit nominations to the Department National Affairs Committee. Applications must be received by November 30. The Department winner nomination packet will be forwarded to national for consideration of the National Firefighter of the Year award, which is presented annually at the Legion’s National Convention.
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Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Each year, The American Legion of Iowa gives its Department Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of his or her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement.
The award, which especially takes into account heroic acts, is presented annually at the Legion’s Department Convention.
The Department of Iowa then nominates its winner for consideration for the National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The national award is presented annually at the Legion’s National Convention.
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Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7. It is an opportunity for people with Medicare to review their coverage and explore available options for the coming year.
Why does it matter?
Medicare plans, benefits, costs and individual healthcare needs can change. The enrollment period gives members an opportunity to review their current coverage and determine whether another option may better meet their needs.
What should you do?
- Review your current Medicare coverage.
- Consider your healthcare needs for the coming year.
- Review available Medicare options before the December 7 deadline.
- Make sure you understand the coverage and costs before making a decision.
How to take action:
Visit the Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) eHealth portal to shop for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance.
The LIT has partnered with eHealth to show plans available in your area. Many of the plans are available at no cost to you.
Or you may speak with an eHealth licensed insurance agent at (844) 485-3434.
By using LIT and eHealth, you know that The Department of Iowa will benefit, and your selection supports American Legion programs right here in Iowa.
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Renewal Notices & Target Dates
The third renewal notice is scheduled to mail November 7th through 13th, 2026. Members not paid in the system by October 14th will receive this next renewal. Below are the full renewal schedule with printing cutoff dates and the National membership target dates. These dates can be found in the Membership Processing Manual.
| | 2026-2027 Renewal Notice Schedule | | 2026-2027 National Membership Target Dates | | | | |
