March/April 2026 Newsletter

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 24bluejay@gmail.com. 2^nd Vice President, Tricia McKinney, has a new email, ala.triciamc@yahoo,com.

ALBAGS (American Legion Boys and Girls State) application can be found on our website, there is a flyer with a QR code for delegates to access. June 14-20^th are the dates to remember, if you can offer your help as a counselor or worker please contact ALBAGS Directo Jen Dalrymple, dymples43@gmail.com. The ALBAGS Committee is encouraging each Unit, Post, Squadron and Riders to support this program by pledging at least $300.00 per year. Our goal is to get as many delegates as possible, so if you plan for one delegate and you have more and need funds to pay for the extras, the committee is hard at work writing grants and finding business sponsors. Remember the donations are tax deductible. Gwen Marshall, the Girls State Chairman, is working diligently to grow this program, contact her at cody8mt@yahoo.com.

What have your Units or members decided on for the 250^th Birthday challenge?

You have until July 4^th to complete the challenge, but I would like your reports in the Community Service Impact Reports and sent to our Public Relations Chairman Candice Gehring at, mtala.candice@gmail.com.

Please get the word out to your school guidance counselor and encourage the seniors to apply for the Scholarships available. There are two $500 department scholarships to be awarded. For more information contact Education Chairman, Fran Allen ozfarms@hotmail.com or call 406-374-2398. We have many other scholarships available, which you can find on our website.

Spring District Meetings will begin March 7^th and finish up on April 25^th.

March 15^th is the Legion’s Birthday; it is suggested doing “Buddy Checks” to connect with Veterans. The Auxiliary’s Birthday is November 10^th.

April will be here before we know it. April is the month of the Military Child. April 15^th is PurpleUp! Day for Military kids to recognize children who also sacrifice when their parent(s} are serving. One Unit is giving purple suckers to all the students in the school with an explanation of what it means.

The Department Convention is in Helena at the Doubletree by Hilton Helena Downtown, June 25-28^th. Registration form is in the Legionnaire.

The 107^th National Convention is on Aug 28^th-Sept 3^rd in Lexington, KY. Get your plans made soon, the registration form is in the Legionnaire.

For God and Country

Montana Treasures-Copper, Silver, Gold and Veterans

Leona Somerfeld, Dept of MT president