President

It is time for fall conferences, let the fun begin. I will be at 8th, 9th, 2nd, 6th, 5th and 7th. I am looking forward to seeing each of you and learning new things.The National Convention was full of ideas and some new changes are coming so be sure to attend your conferences to learn all about the new membership eligibility. Membership will always be our driving force and will always be a topic of discussion.

Congratulations to all of the Committee chairmen that won awards this year and the Units that won awards as well.  There were a lot of awards for Iowa, great Job!!

Mission Training is also upcoming, be sure to register for one of the following dates and places.

Nov.14 Omaha, Ne *

Jan 30 Albany, NY*  

Jan30  Springfield, Ill

Feb 6 Atlanta, Ga       

Feb. 6 Las Vegas *

*Events will be held with The American Legion National Information Conference and the SAL Regional Meetings

My projects are AFIL,See the attachment to purchase a raffle ticket for a camper,  BLue Star Moms, needs list available from district presidents, HERO Weekend retreats for Veterans and Families.

Start thinking about Mid winter Feb 12-15, there will be some fun and exciting event. More to come later.

Keep the invitations coming. I have having so much fun meeting everyone and celebrating with you. 

Continue to keep our soldiers, airmen, coast guard, navy,marines, space force and their families in your prayers.

Judy Ring

Vice President

Fall Conferences start NOW! I will be attending 4th District in Protovin and 1st District in Fairfield for President Judy.  I am planning to attend some of the others this fall… Just not sure which ones.

As Vice President I am to observe our members and build a team for myself. The Department of Iowa is always looking for members (new and seasoned) to serve as members of our committees - and even our officer positions. Last year a form was created to gauge the interest of our members and to try and find mentors for those possibly wanting to try a committee on the Department level. I would love to pair you up with someone that has served on the committee you are interested in and have them mentor you for a year. 

Just like Uncle Sam… WE WANT YOU! 

If you see me at your conference, be sure to introduce yourself. I look forward to seeing new faces at every level of the American Legion Family. 

Dawn Aberle

Chaplain

Prayer changes things. Sometimes the change is not in the way or in the time we expect it to be. This can cause us to feel as if our prayers are not making a difference. But God’s thoughts, His ways and His time is not like ours and we have to be open and receptive to the change that God knows is best. Whether it is a change in the situation or a change in our attitude towards the situation, we have to trust and believe that God hears our prayers and that He is working on our behalf to cause things to line up with His perfect plan for our lives.The Lord says, 'Remember! My thoughts are not the same as your thoughts. The way that you do things is not the same as the way that I do things. Isaiah 55:8

Let us keep our new National Officers in our prayers as they begin their new year.

Joyce Elliott

Historian

Have you considered writing your unit’s History? When was your unit started and where did they hold meetings?  Who were its first members, why did they join, and what did they do? Where can you find answers to these questions?  Is there an old notebook on a shelf in your Legion, or in a box at the library?  Are there some older members who may know the answers to these questions?  Reach out to them, visit historical societies and other community organizations to find out what your unit did in its beginning years.  Members joined for a purpose, find out their why - did they lose a brother in the war; were they needed to help take care of families left behind?  What could have motivated the ladies to join the Auxiliary?  Answering these questions would make a great beginning for your Unit’s History ‘Story’.

One of our units, Moville Unit 303, has much to write about with all they have already done this year.  Their list includes scholarships, Girls state, a pancake breakfast, lunch for 83 staff members at school, 15 Quilts of Valor - one veteran in each town in the county, new flag holders, items for the Sioux Falls VA, working with 4H kids to say the pledge of Allegiance over the loud speaker every day at the fair, stepping up for leadership positions and attending workshops. What motivates this unit?  Read between the lines and include the reasons in your history, too!  Thank you, Moville members!

I look forward to hearing from more units to be included in our Iowa History. Here are some ideas - How did your unit remember 9-11?  Did you do anything special for Constitution Day?  Grandparents Day?  POW/MOI Recognition Day? Gold Star Mother’s Day?   School?

Happy writing…….

Mary Jo McLaughlin

NEC

We just returned from National Convention.  As you may have heard the qualifications for becoming a member of the American Legion Auxiliary have changed.  The resolution to change them passed in the Auxiliary and in the Legion.  New applications and other documents are being changed. Below is a diagram of those changes:

Our membership team will be visiting your district conferences and will be discussing further.  

Kelly Elliott

Executive Director

Membership Rolling Along!

Membership for the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary is rolling in smooth and steady as we begin another exciting year! Thank you to all of our members for your continued support and commitment to the Auxiliary.

Renewal notices from National will be mailed out within the next week, so be sure to watch your mailbox! When your renewal arrives, take a moment to renew your membership and encourage a fellow member to do the same.

President’s packets are also being delivered. If you have not received yours yet, please reach out to your District President to make sure you receive the information and materials you need for the year ahead.

District Conferences are just around the corner, beginning this Saturday! If you are feeling a little lost, have questions, or simply need more information about the upcoming year, we encourage you to attend your District Conference. These gatherings are a great opportunity to connect, learn, ask questions, and get ready for a successful year.

For all District Conference dates and locations, visit the Department of Iowa ALA website at iowaala.org and go to Events.

Let’s keep that membership rolling and make this a great year for the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary!

Crystal Wright

First District

Hello everyone!

I am excited to see everyone at our fall district conference, on October 3rd at the VFW in Fairfield. For a fun little competition, the unit that brings the most Juniors will receive a Mystery Prize, because it is important to our organization to get our Juniors involved, so that they can evolve into strong active Senior members.

 I am excited to tell you guys about my project this year. My project is going to be Mental Health Bags that will be going to the Women’s Clinic at the Iowa City Veterans Hospital. The bags will include a notebook, pen, stress ball, bookmark and a Glitter calming bottle. I have done a similar project in the past and it was greatly appreciated by the Des Moines VA. 

The National Convention happened at the beginning of this month as hopefully many of you know. First District had a small but solid turn out. I am going to keep this month’s update short but please remember to get those memberships renewed and pay attention to updates from the department. Also keep an eye out for the First District Newsletter! And did you know, First District has a facebook page? Go ahead, check it out, and be active on it! Share what your unit is doing, we would all love to see it. Also, please share if you have events coming up, I would love to come to them, even if it's just a simple monthly meeting. 

If you need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Liberty Smith

Second District

Wow, has this been a busy time for me.  I’m sure it has been for all of us.

I attended my first National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky and it was “AWESOME”.  Learned so much more about our government for the Legion and voting procedures.  Not to mention spending time with more of my Auxiliary friends and made some new ones as well.  I got to meet a Medal of Honor Recipient, Leroy Petry who told me the story of how he lost his hand and part of his arm in Afghanistan.  He also received a Purple Heart.  Needless to say at the end of his story I was in tears.  Now that is a true Hero! 

Louisville was very accommodating to all of us and I know that not only myself, but we all had a very good time, site seeing and I went on a tour of the Angel Envy Distillery!  That was so interesting. Did you know whiskey is first beer??  I didn’t but I do now.

Now it is back to work and getting ready for the Scott County Fall Conference on September 24th in Davenport.  Then on October 3rd I have the District 2 Fall Conference in WalCott.  My desk is a mass of paperwork and for the second time ordering more ink for my printer.

I hope to see everyone from District 2 at the Fall Conference. It should be fun and informative.

Until I see you all again, God Bless You and God Bless the USA!

Respectfully Submitted,

Pamela Persson

Third District

Hello, Third District! 

One month in and I’m having a GREAT time!  Thank you to all the counties and units who have invited me to your meetings and conferences.  Keep them coming!  I love seeing how creative you are and the amazing things you are doing in your communities!

As we reflect on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, let’s continue to honor those we lost, especially our first responders and service members.  We will never, ever forget. 

The 3rd District Conference is September 19, 2026 at the Iowa Veterans Home
Registration: 8:00 AM Starts: 9:00 AM.  I hope to see many of you there!  Please consider supporting my President’s Projects:  NuStep Exercise Machine for the Iowa Veterans Home helping our veterans maintain strength, mobility, and independence.  Fighting Hunger supporting Emergency Food Boxes and food pantries throughout the 3rd District.

Did you know more individuals may be eligible to join the Auxiliary? Check out the eligibility information!  Check Auxiliary Eligibility

Thank you for all you do!  Third District let’s keep making a difference together!

Laurel Degelau

Fourth District

Wow - what an amazing month I have had so far.  I have been able to attend County meetings for Winneshiek, Chickasaw, Worth & Cerro Gordo, and have met some amazing women across the district. Thank you all for having me at your meetings and making me feel so welcomed.   

Reminder:  

4th District Fall Conference, Saturday September 19th, 2026

In Protivin, IA at the Community Center.  

Registration begins at 7:30am with Coffee and rolls. The Executive Board Meeting will be at 7:45-8:15am.  The Joint Memorial service will begin at 8:30am.  The Meeting starts at 9:00am with special speakers at Noon:  NE Iowa Vietnam Veterans: giving an update on the Girad Roadside Memorial Park, will conclude with lunch after. 

 There will be a Silent Auction - Please bring something to contribute and Be ready to get some unique items for yourself or a friend.  

2026-2027 Auxiliary Unit Member of The Year 

It’s time to start thinking of your nominations of someone within your unit to recognize this honor. They are NOT to have held an office higher than UNIT President and are a member in good standing. This is based on their accomplishments, activities, etc. helping veterans and or your community for the current year of 2026-2027. Please include their name, address, & unit they belong to with the   signature of your unit President or Past officer on the narrative entry. 

These nominations will be due 2 weeks prior to the 2027 4 th District Spring Conference. ( DTD) - Thank you!

Committee Chairs – Dee Onken and Sheryl Noble

Dee - 3719 Kirkwood Ave., Osage, IA 50461 – Email onkendee@gmail.com

Sheryl - P O Box 262, Riceville, IA 50466 – Email shenoble74@gmail.com

I am so excited to see everyone on Saturday and have a fun meeting.  I’ve spent some time thinking about how to add some fun to the meeting so I’ve added a few activities so we can get to know each other better.    

Hope you all read the Newsletter that went out.  There is a clue about one of the activities in it. 

Please bring any unpaid dues to the meeting.  Also looking forward to hearing about what some of the units have been up to. 

Carrie Chesmore

Fifith District

Busy month getting everything going, state fair, Old Threshers, Joe and I celebrated 30 years by going on a trip to Nebraska. Not to mention all the meetings where I get to hear the issues, meet new people and help people out. So much fun.

Reminder: the 5^th District fall meeting is Oct 10^th at Montezuma with registration starting at 8 am and conference starts at 9 in the legion hall at 803 East Jefferson. Lunch will be at the post hall at 12:00. There will be a hospitality time at the Legion hall Friday night the 9^th from 5-7 pm. Please bring baked goods for the bake sale or things to silent auction off for fundraising for the shoes or Wheelchair gloves for my fundraiser this year. Also anything for the Blue star mothers wish list, your presidents of your local units will have the list as well as a QR code to shop their amazon account to send it right to them.

The holidays coming up have me thinking of how the soldiers used to communicate compared to the level of communication back and forth now. Now it's almost everyday if they are on base and they couldn’t dream of once a month or less. 

My great grandfather served in WWI and sent many letters home but the biggest letters I remember looking over were the ones from my grandfather in WWII where he was very young going in so my father was only 18mths old but almost 7 when he came out. The letters were written on onion paper by my grandmother, and she only wrote on one side so he could write back on the other side. Many letters talked about farming back here in Iowa and how my dad was growing up but also about the things my grandfather was missing out on around town and the state. 

If we wrote letters like that today just think of the moral boost we could give someone overseas, on a base or in a hospital. Imagine getting those letters back on how their days are going and what they are looking forward to when they get to come home. 

Maybe we could get our youth to color pictures to send with the letters and start a pen pal (Might have to explain that to the new generations). It's hard for some soldiers to understand how proud we are for what they do and keeping their morale up is our jobs back home. Maybe it will be the one letter they receive and they can rally up even more courage to fight on. 

State President Judy Ring has asked us to help support the Blue star mothers by sending donations of water flavor packets, hot chocolate packets, instant oatmeal packets, microwave popcorn, travel size tissue packets, toothbrushes, lip balm, playing cards, crossword puzzle books, black crew socks and many more things on their amazon account. Those letters can be put with those things as well.

Annette Roe

Sixith District

What a whirlwind this past month has been!  It has been non-stop over here and I hope we don’t slow down anytime soon!   We had a fantastic turnout for our Programs Workshop and I am excited with what’s ahead for us!  I was able to attend National Convention in Louisville along with many other Iowa Auxiliary members and what a great time, very informative and energizing for the year ahead! 

Some sad news to share: the Des Moines Veterans Stand down has been cancelled this weekend (9/18-20) due to the weather we are having.  They will be meeting in the near future to decide if they will be able to postpone this to later in the fall, or if it will be scrapped completely for the year. Here’s sending good thoughts that they are able to make all the stars align to still host the Stand Down!  I know everyone involved has put their heart and soul into it, including our own Sandy Deacon along with so many others!

Sixth District Fall Conference will be held on Saturday, September 26th at Baldwin Patterson Post 274 in Des Moines. Registration starts at 8am with our programs kicking off at 9am.  I hope everyone is able to attend and hear more about what’s happening around the Legion Family. It should be a fun and informative day!  We will also have some special visitors from Retrieving Freedom on hand to tell us all about their organization. 

Remember to bring any items for donations for Retrieving Freedom, USO Camp Dodge Closet or Blue Star Mothers of Iowa to the 6th District Fall Conference. If you need the needs list for any of these again, please let me know.  

Lastly, we are looking for volunteers for the USO’s Fall Fest Event at Camp Dodge on Saturday, October 24th. If you are interested in helping with their event, please let me know. They will have games, trick or treating, music, food & much more!  The event is open for all of our active military/veterans & families as well as the local community. 

My President’s Projects this year are Retrieving Freedom and Be The One.   Both hold a special place in my heart, and I hope to pass that along to each of you and help these truly great organizations out as much as possible!  For more information on either, please let me know. 

Now back to the grind until I see you all on September 26th!  

Sherri Rosener

Seventh District

Welcome to September.  It has been busy so far and will get busier the closer we get to the Fall Conferences. I'm hoping to meet with Mitch Braum, District 7 Commander, on Thursday so we can get everything finalized for the Fall Conference in Walnut on October 24. As soon as I get the information, I will pass it on to everyone.

My main goal right now is to get the Officers list from every Unit in District 7. We are making headway but there is still information that I don't have yet.

Shenandoah has a fall celebration called ShenFest. It is the weekend of September 26th and 27th.  Our unit is putting together a food stand for a fundraiser and we are going to have a float in the parade.  Brian and Judy Ring are going to be pulling the float with their pickup that will have all of the flags displayed from the different military branches.  It should be a good time as we are "Focusing on the Legion Family" during the 250th anniversary of our nation.

Luann Armstrong

Eighth District

Late summer greetings form 8^th district. It has been a very busy and exciting month. Leadership workshop was exciting and informative. To those who were able to travel to the far northern area of the district thank you for giving of your time on an August Saturday. Once leadership workshop was over it was on to the National ALA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a new and exciting experience for me. My travel companion and friend Phyllis was most helpful. Some of the highlights of the week-long experience was, meeting and getting to know the National President Pam Ray. Her year was busy and exciting. One of president’s Ray accomplishments was to organize an a much-needed Honor Flight for Women Veterans. The adventure was a huge success and hopefully it will become and annual event for our lady vets. The committee reports were timely and interesting. There were many successful fund raisers throughout the nation and many heartwarming stories were shared. 

Being a Delegate for the 8^th District was most interesting. Voting was done electronically; it was quick and very efficient. As delegates we voted on the officers for the 2026-2027 year. The 2026-2027 National President is Carol may Grout.  The 2026-2027 Iowa Department President Judy Ring was installed with other department presidents through the nation. Tuesday was Polka Dot Day and the convention center was all aglow with red, white and polka dots. ALA members sported their dresses, tops, hair bands, bows, and accessories of every kind.  What a fun event! Before we knew it the week was at an end and we were on our way back to Iowa. Louisville had fun sights, such as the “Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. We walked through the factory and learn how baseball bats are made from a block of timber to the labeling and finishing of each bat. As we left the factory, we each received a small baseball bat. Hot! days but the evenings were cool so we could sit on the hotel patio where we met and made new friends.

Once back in Iowa it is time to prepare for the 8^th District Conference which is September 19,2026 in Coon Rapids. Our host is Post 357 and the location is the Community Center/ Legion Hall, 419 Main Street, Coon Rapids, IA 50058. Registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. The Joint Meeting begins and 9:00 AM with the ALA meeting to follow. Please contact me with any questions. Phone: 712-260-4748, e-mail grmadonna@ringtelco.com. 

I am excited to see all of you at conference as there will be something for everyone. Come spend the day with your ALA sisters and friends.

Donna Jensen

Ninith District

Hello from 9th District! 

The 9th District American Legion Family will gather in Hornick on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for the 9th District Fall Conference.

This conference is a wonderful opportunity for members from across the district to come together, reconnect with fellow Legion Family members, share ideas, and learn more about the programs and activities happening throughout the district.

As we begin a new year of service, the conference provides a chance to celebrate the work our units are already doing while looking ahead to the many opportunities we have to support our veterans, military families, youth, and communities.

We encourage all units to make plans to attend and bring your ideas, questions, and enthusiasm. Every member has something to contribute, and together we can continue making a difference throughout the 9th District.

We look forward to seeing you in Hornick on October 17!

For real-time updates and Fall Conference event details, please follow us on Facebook: “9th District American Legion Auxiliary, Dept of Iowa”.

Learn about and donate to 9th District President Projects here. 

Department President Judy Ring, 9th District President Shelley Conover, and ladies from Sioux Center Unit #199 in on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, visiting the Sioux Center Area Veterans Memorial.

Shelly Conover

September

(Canceled

18-20 Des Moines Stand Down- CANCELED)

19th- 3rd District conference Iowa Veterans Home

19th- 4th- District Conference Protivin Community center

19th-8th District Conference Coon Rapids Legion and Community center

26th- 6th District Conference Baldwin Patterson

October

1st- Girls State Unit Registration Opens in Campwise

3rd-1st District Conference Fairfield VFW

3rd- 2nd District Conference Walcott

10th- 5th District Conference Montezuma

17th- 9th District Conference Hornick

24th- 7th District Conference Walnut Legion