Department of Montana

Dear ALA Leaders, May was another productive month as we continued preparing for National Convention, supporting leadership development, and building momentum around National Poppy Day activities. The team at NHQ remained focused on member engagement, operational improvements, and preparing incoming leaders for the year ahead. One of the biggest highlights this month was the tremendous response to National Poppy Day activities across the country. From the inaugural Natio

June 2026 After much thought and many meetings and conversations, it has been decided to bring a motion up at the Convention on Friday at 10 am, to separate the Girls State program from the Boys State program. We joined with the Legion in 2022 and had a 3-year trial period. We have many concerns and reasons for wanting our own program. Our joint director, Jennifer Dalrymple has had no control or input in the program. Our Girls State chairman has not been recognized, but was t

We are in the home stretch, my year is coming to an end. I am planning a Birthday Party at our Convention, come celebrate with us at the Best Western Capitol, 1714 11th Ave. Games, prizes, money march, and business. Poppy Chairman, Dixie Parsons, has decided not to have a poppy boot contest. Chairman program reporting has been concluded, a Book of Reports will be available at our convention. If you are a chairman and need certificates contact the Dept. Secretary for the ca

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 130 passed out poppies at the Sun River Valley Church of Latter-Day Saints. We also assisted the AL Post and Sons of American Legion to setup for the Memorial Day presentation.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 130 assisted the AL Post and Sons of American Legion to place flags and pass out poppies. DJ Capps, Kim-Kay McCarty-Martin, Mike Mehegan, Dave Capps, & Kim Kimmerle. Mike Mehegan & Dave Capps Herb Phinney on bugle performing Taps.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 130 assisted Post 130 and Sons of the American Legion with Memorial Day activities at Fort Shaw on Monday, May 25th. Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2026 Fort Shaw DJ Capps, Kim-Kay McCarty Martin, Kim Kimmerle, Mike Mehegan & Dave Capps Mike Mehegan & Dave Capps Kim Kimmerle, Kim-Kay McCarty-Martin & DJ Capps Graveside crowd with ALA Members Rochelle Kimmerle, Peety Santopierro, Betty Mehegan & Patty Capps (taking picture). Herb & Nedra Phinney

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 130 conducted Poppy Day activities on May 30th at the Sam's Club in Great Falls. Volunteers from the unit and post were there from 9am to 5pm. More than 360 poppies were distributed and received more than $1400 in donations. Dog Cujo, Patty Capps, Betty & Mike Mehegan, Rochelle & Kim Kimmerle, Kim-Kay McCarty-Martin, Dave Capps, & Mark Adler We handed out 363 Poppies and collected $1,404 in donations

Below is an article written about Mandy Steiger, senior from Bridger High School, who attended American Legion Auxiliary Girls State 2025. Great recognition for this program. Bridger student recounts time at ALA Girls State Alastair Baker News Editor May 7, 2026 Bridger High School senior Mandy Steiger called her experience at last summer’s ALA Girls State in Helena, “one of the best weeks of my life.” “I’m not even joking about that,” she laughed. The venture seems tai

During Fall Conference, a motion was made and approved to donate $12,000 a piece to Grace Home and Grace Haven. In November 2025, Patty Capps presented Deb Kottel with two checks for both veterans' homes. Grace Home will remodel their bathroom and Grace Haven is putting in a second bathroom/shower for upstairs. Thanks everyone for their support.

May/June 2026 The month of May Day, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day! We have reports due to all department program chairmen. You need to toot your horns on all you do. We are a vital part of our communities. Impact Reports are due to Community Service Chairman, Tricia McKinney at ala.triciamc@yahoo.com Please send your Unit and Department officer rosters into the Department Secretary, she sent out the form in an email. The updated rosters need to be ready for the Departme

Happy Easter Season! As we are continuing the Spring District meetings a lot of new information has been shared. We continue evolving as an organization. One of the changes is with our membership applications. It is now up to the Auxiliary to verify the member’s eligibility by reviewing documentation such as the DD214, then promptly returning the document to the individual, no copies are to be made. This became effective February 4, 2026. Please review your Constitution a

Dear ALA Leaders, Many of us began February in Atlanta for Mission Training, which served as the final event of the 2025–2026 Mission Training cycle. This year marked the most successful Mission Training program since its launch. Attendance reached an all-time high, juniors participation continues to trend in a positive direction, and participation from the broader Legion Family continues to grow. More than 275 members from The American Legion and Sons of The American Legio

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY EXPLAINED RELATIONSHIP TO VETERANS · MOTHER · DAUGHTER · SISTER · GRANDMOTHER · GRANDDAUGHTER · SELF – FEMALE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED · MALE or FEMALE SPOUSE TWO PATHS FOR ALA ELIGIBILITY Path One: The potential member is related to a living veteran by one the relationships stated at left and the veteran is living AND a current member of The American Legion. Path Tw

As most of you know, our American Legion Auxiliary Girls State committee is working with the American Legion Boys State; referred to as ALBAGS. The link below are fliers that you can hand out and post. 2026 ALBAGS.pdf

Here you will find The Auxiliary Service Start from the February 2026 edition of the Montana Legionnaire. Also, included is the registration form for the upcoming Spring Conference in Helena June 25-28, 2026. 02 FEB 2026 The Auxiliary Service Star.pdf

I didn’t realize the February paper would be sent out the end of the month, so I am doing March and touch on important issues for April. We have had a couple of personnel changes; Jamie DeBates, mtjme2013@yahoo.com , is our new Department Treasurer, continue sending money with the donation sheet to the Department Secretary, Leila Seyfert, ala.mt.sec@gmail.com , Box 897 Glasgow, MT 59230. Kathryn Long was gracious enough to become our new Department Chaplain, contact her at.

Poppy Day is right around the corner, and it is time to get those orders in! Please take a moment to complete the attached form (after confirming how many poppies you currently have on hand) and the total number you will need. Once your form is finalized, kindly submit payment to the Department with the form as soon as possible so we can have your poppies made and shipped in plenty of time for your big day. We are excited to help make your Poppy Day a success. Let me know if

A few months ago, we shared the exciting news that Ben Hendricks joined ALA National Headquarters as our new executive director. Now, I’m pleased to share a short video that offers a closer look at the leader stepping into this important role. In the video, you’ll learn more about Ben’s background in marketing and strategic planning, as well as the experience he brings from working with nonprofits and membership organizations. His approach, insight, and energy already feel