News

February Post Meeting

The next Post Meeting (live and in-person) will take place on Tuesday, February 2nd at 7 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the VFW (201 Broadway) in downtown Fargo. Masks are required for the meeting and seating will be socially distanced.

Winter Convention Cancelled

Winter Conference has been cancelled. See the message below from Department Adjutant Ron Matthews:

This decision was a tough call to make. Due to low registration, and the governor’s restrictions on social distancing, it has been decided to cancel the winter conference for this year.

With the restrictions, the meeting space was not available to hold all the meetings at one time. We would not be able to have a general session with everybody allowed in one room. The restaurant seating would not allow everybody a chance to eat on time.

If you have sent in your registration, we will mail your check back in. If you have reserved a hotel room, you will need to cancel it with the hotel.

Ronald J. Matthews

ND Department Adjutant

(701) 293-3120

From the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read the latest from our National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford.

Auxiliary Fundraier!

Unit 2, American Legion Auxiliary of Fargo is once again selling the The Preferred Savings Guide coupon books as a fundraiser for their organization! The Preferred Savings Guide coupon book is the top coupon and savings guide in the FM area featuring 130 merchants with 275 coupons!

CLICK HERE to purchase your coupon book online or CLICK HERE to e-mail the Post Adjutant and he will put you in touch with a member of the Unit 2 Auxiliary right away!

Post 2 Winter Newsletter

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Post 2 Winter Newsletter. A hard copy will be arriving in the mail to you shortly!

National Commander: The VA Must be Held Accountable

In February, American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford called on Congress to investigate allegations that senior leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to retaliate against a veteran for reporting a sexual assault at the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. On Dec. 10, the VA’s Inspector General reported that VA leadership did not follow up or ensure the medical center had been implementing VA’s anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault efforts.

CLICK HERE to read a statement on the matter from our National Commander.

Bismarck Legion Post Doesn't Let COVID-19 Halt Tradition of Assisting Others

Since 1930, Loyd Spetz American Legion Post 1 in Bismarck has led a community effort to provide food and clothing to area families in need during the holiday season. And COVID-19 wasn't going to stop that tradition in 2020.

CLICK HERE to read more!

COVID-19 Vaccines

The VA is working hard to get COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans as quickly and safely as possible. CLICK HERE to sign up and help them understand your interest in getting a vaccine when one is available to you. They’ll send you updates on how they’re providing vaccines across the country - and when you can get your vaccine if you want one.

Suicide Prevention for Veterans and Military Service Members Information

Suicide is a very serious subject with our veterans and our currently serving service members. Please take some time to learn how to recognize when veterans are in distress and how to react and help if they are in trouble.

Here are some helpful web links to help you learn more:

Fargo VA Suicide Prevention Program Website

Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Suicide Prevention Website

The Veterans Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day to those who are in need of help. Dial 800-273-8255, then select 1.

For more information, please contact Fargo VA Suicide Prevention Education and Outreach Specialist Nicole Veselka, BSN, RN at (701) 239-3700, ext. 3370.

Legion Family Stands Ready to Help as Natural Disasters Progress

The American Legion's National Emergency Fund is one way the organization can help those impacted by natural disasters. CLICK HERE to read more.

Legionnaire on Vanessa Guillén: 'Enough is Enough'

American Legion Rider Jay Gonzales, herself a victim of sexual assault while in the Army, hopes the Guillén case leads to changes in the handling of military sexual trauma cases. CLICK HERE to read more.

'We Have a Responsibility to the Community'

A San Diego American Legion post is helping distribute more than 5,000 free meals a week and offering up Saturday food distributions, another way Legion Family members continue to serve during COVID-19. CLICK HERE to read more!

American Legion COVID-19 Impact Survey Findings

An American Legion COVID-19 survey reveals concerns over health, well-being and economy. CLICK HERE to read more on the findings.

'It’s the Reason Why We Became Legionnaires'

Another week, another group of examples of American Legion Family members delivering assistance during the coronavirus pandemic in our nation. CLICK HERE to read more!

COVID-19 Doesn't Stop the Legion Family from Celebrating Memorial Day

Using virtual ceremonies, socially distanced processions and other ways, American Legion Family members across the nation provided their communities with Memorial Day observations. CLICK HERE to read more!

American Legion Family Members Continue to Assist Others During Difficult Times
Virtual Buddy Checks, food drives, creating protective masks and supporting health-care workers are among the ways the Legion Family is shining amidst COVID-19. CLICK HERE to read more!

We're All in this Together
American Legion Family-led food distribution efforts in Arizona and Utah are among the many ways volunteers across the nation continue with coronavirus relief efforts. CLICK HERE to read more.

COVID-19 Not Stopping Legion Posts from Checking Up, Helping Out
American Legion posts across the nation are performing Buddy Checks on fellow veterans, assisting those in need in their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. CLICK HERE to read more.

A Message from the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read an urgent message regarding the Coronavirus from our National Commander, James W. "Bill" Oxford.

Oxford Presents American Legion Legislative Agenda to Congress
National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford presented a three-step mission to lawmakers during a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs March 11th. CLICK HERE to read more.

'I Am My Brother’s and My Sister’s Keeper'
Maine Post 202's sixth annual Winter Classic brings in more than $4,500 to help homeless veterans in the state. CLICK HERE to read more.

Legionnaire Buddies Walk 2,462 Miles to Support Veterans
American Legion posts are supporting the Buddy Watch Walk duo as they raise awareness about PTSD, homelessness, MST and suicide. CLICK HERE to read more!

Medal of Honor Recipient Faces Cancer Battle
Staff Sgt. Ronald Shurer, 41 years old, is now fighting on different terrain than the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan, and against a different enemy than the battle-hardened insurgents of that remote region. CLICK HERE to read more.

Puerto Rico Legionnaire: ‘All They Have is Each Other’

National Commander Oxford urges American Legion Family to 'provide support for those in need' following earthquake and frequent aftershocks that have plagued Puerto Rico over the last month. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Veterans Expo Shows Somebody Cares
Kentucky's District 9 brings together dozens of veterans agencies, service organizations to provide assistance to nearly 50 veterans. CLICK HERE to read more!

The Legion Family Spirit of Giving
American Legion Posts and Legion Family members are providing special Christmas and holiday events for those in their communities around the nation. CLICK HERE to read more!

National Commander Oxford Attends Dignified Transfer of Korean Unknowns
The American Legion National Commander saluted the caskets of seven remains of U.S. servicemembers from the Korean War that were disinterred last month in Hawaii. CLICK HERE to read more.

'An Act of Faith and Kindness': How Buddy Checks Make a Difference

Legionnaires reach out to fellow veterans around Veterans Day and create programs to ensure effort is ongoing. CLICK HERE to learn more.

American Legion Survey Reveals Mental Care Disconnect
Over 30 percent of respondents to a recent American Legion survey said they personally knew a veteran who committed suicide. CLICK HERE to read more.

National Commander Fundraising Efforts

American Legion National Commander James "Bill" Oxford shared during Fall Meetings his focus now, the centennial coins, and his shift at the new year. CLICK HERE to read more.

American Legion Documentary, Episode 5 Now Available

CLICK HERE to watch the fifth episode of the American Legion Documentary! This episode concentrates on American Legion Baseball!

HeartSprings Community Healing Center

Thank you to Jan Nelson for stopping in at our Post Meeting to talk about the programs and classes offered at HeartSprings Community Healing Center! CLICK HERE to learn more about them and the services that they offer.

Thousands Attend Funeral of Veteran Who Had No Family
Thousands of people turned out Tuesday to pay their respects to an Army vet in Florida who had no living family to attend his funeral. CLICK HERE to read more.

National WWI Memorial Gets Final CFA Nod
Commission hails approval as "giant step" toward beginning construction of this monument. CLICK HERE to read more.

Legionnaire and World War II 'Hero of Cologne' awarded Bronze Star

Legionnaire and World War II veteran Clarence Smoyer received the Bronze Star Award for his actions in the Battle of Cologne during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2019. CLICK HERE to read more!

Centennial Ride Connects Teams Legacy and Vision
Legion Riders converged in Great Bend, Kansas, after a 1,875-mile motorcycle ride to connect the Team Legacy and Team Vision banner. CLICK HERE to read more.

Legion Centennial Ride to Bisect the Heart of America
Teams of motorcylce riders are connecting “legacy” and “vision” along the American Legion Memorial Highway. CLICK HERE to read more!

Helping to End Homelessness at the Post Level
Damaged after Superstorm Sandy, American Legion Post 107 in New Jersey opensed a new facility – complete with six apartments for homeless veterans. CLICK HERE to learn more!

2019-2020 Officers Installed

Congratulations to the 2019-2020 officers of American Legion Post 2! East Region Vice Commander Larry Reed installed the new officers during the June Post Meeting!

To Strengthen a Nation, Episode 3: Economic Opportunity

The latest installment in the centennial video series explores the ways The American Legion has helped veterans find prosperous careers. CLICK HERE to watch the episode!

Commemorative Coins Evoke The American Legion’s Service and Values

American Legion 100th anniversary commemorative coins are on sale now. CLICK HERE to learn more!

VA Secretary Grilled Over Implementation of VA Mission Act

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie testified on the implementation of the Mission Act before the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs in a joint hearing on December 19th. CLICK HERE to read more.

American Legion Float Has Prominent Position in Rose Parade

The American Legion will have the third float in the parade, directly behind the Marine Corps Band. CLICK HERE to learn more!

A New Name for Post 9
An American Legion Post in Indiana honored the only World War I Hoosier to receive a Medal of Honor. CLICK HERE to read more.

Veteran e-Notifications!

Want to be notified of the latest veterans news and events in Cass County? Then sign up for eNotifications! CLICK HERE and enter your contact information to receive these handy notifications!

American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation
The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation was recently launched. Funds will help needy military families and disabled veterans. CLICK HERE to learn more

New York American Legion Honors Wounded Veterans
Marine Sgt. Eddie Ryan received a honorary Paid Up For Life membership during Patriot Highlander Challenge. CLICK HERE to read more.

Thank You to Our Color Guard

Thank you to our outstanding Post 2 Color Guard for all that they do in and around the Fargo-Moorhead area. From posting colors are local patriotic and sports events to providing military rites and final honors at funerals, this group of dedicated individuals perform their duties diligently regardless of the day or weather conditions.

Legion Steps Up to Help Hurricane Victims, First Responders
A South Carolina post created hurricane relief kits for Soliders assisting with clean-up efforts, and an Arkansas post has uplifting letters written for those staying in shelters. CLICK HERE to learn more.

California Post Opens Doors to Fire Evacuees, First Responders
Post 519 in Palm Springs served as a shelter for Cranston fire victims, serving food and announcing its assistance through news channels and a Legion ham radio station. CLICK HERE to read more.

Finally, a New VA Medical Center in Colorado
The long-delayed and debated project ushers in a new era of care for Denver-area veterans. CLICK HERE to read more.

American Troops Involved in Thai Cave Rescue
United States Special Operations Forces were called upon to help rescue the trapped boys’ soccer team. CLICK HERE to read more.

Sweeping Veterans Health Care Bill Becomes Law

Among other provisions, the VA MISSION Act includes provisions to consolidate community care programs into a single, streamlined service and provides sufficient funding to extend the program through 2019. CLICK HERE to read more.

A Century of Americanism

A Tennessee Post is marking the American Legion centennial by teaching area students about the flag. CLICK HERE to read more!

North Dakota Veterans Home Director Receives Award

Mark Johnson, Director of the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon, has received the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) "Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award. CLICK HERE to read more!

Do You Know 2nd Lt. C.A. Jackson, 2nd Division, AEF?

A Wisconsin Legionnaire is looking to reunite a canteen with descendants of this World War I Soldier. CLICK HERE to read on.

Commander Rohan Pledges to Work with New VA Secretary

The National Commander released a statement regarding the selection and confirmation for a new VA Secretary. CLICK HERE to read more.

Electrical Stimulation Treatment Helps PTSD Patients

Treatment helps patients reduce stress, anxiety. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Final 100 Cities/100 Memorial Grant Recipients Named

The American Legion was involved with several winners, also designated as national centennial memorials. CLICK HERE to read more.

Legacy Scholarship Gives Ohio Student Home

Chase Cooke received the college scholarship in honor of his father, a post-9/11 disabled veteran. CLICK HERE to read more!

Survey Shows Veteran Households Support Research of Medical Cannabis

CLICK HERE to see the results of an American Legion survey conducted by an independent research company.

Old Glory All Over the World

Wisconsin Boys State alum and current US Army Lieutenant has been able to fly his US flag in 21 countries spanning all seven continents. CLICK HERE to read more!

Legion Reaffirms Position for a Stong America

National Commander Denise H. Rohan and Legion leadership meet in Indianapolis to vote on resolutions, receive donations and promote Family First! initiatives. CLICK HERE to read more!

Are You a Past Post 2 Baseball Player?

If you are a past Post 2 Baseball player, please let us know! Post 2 Baseball would like to put together a list of Legion members who have played Post 2 baseball into an "alumni list"!

CLICK HERE to E-mail Adjutant Hanson to submit your name as a Post 2 baseball alum!

Who Will Fill Our Shoes?

American Legion national commanders asks members of the NEC who is going to carry the organization into the next century. CLICK HERE to read on.

America's Military is Losing Its Technology Edge

The global war on terrorism and reduced defense spending have taken their toll, even as rival nations are modernizing their forces. CLICK HERE to read on.

VALOR at NDSU

VALOR (Veteran Alliance Organization) was created to improve the campus climate for military and veteran students at North Dakota State University. The concept is to create a network of ADVOCATES made up of staff, faculty, and administrators at NDSU who are identified to our veteran students as people that they can go to for guidance and direction.

VALOR materials and training opportunities provide:

An understanding of military culture.
An understanding of potential issues student veterans face.
An awareness of the resources available to student veterans on and off our campus.

VALOR is sponsored by American Legion Post 400 and an Advisory Board that provides guidance and oversight.

Questions on the program can be directed to Adjutant Christopher Hanson or Past Commander Brad Aune, both who are Advisory Board members of VALOR.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NDSU VALOR PROGRAM!

Why Join the Legion?

Looking for good reasons to join or convince someone to join the American Legion? Wondering if it would be worth it to start up again after letting your membership lapse? CLICK HERE to read more about why you should join us in our mission and cause!

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