Iowa Department President

Theme           “Family: NO ONE FORGOTTEN, NO ONE LEFT BEHIND”

Symbol          THE FAMILY TREE

Colors           PURPLE, TEAL, AND WHITE

Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8“Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are commendable, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, think about these things.”

Songs: Trace Adkins: Empty Chair & Tyler Braden: Call Me First

A Message From Your President

Family. No One Forgotten, No One Left Behind.

This year will start with growing our American Legion Family.  Membership is more than a goal—it’s a promise to every veteran that they are not alone. By welcoming new members, we enhance our ability to provide resources, companionship, and advocacy for those who have served our nation. By working together as a family, we can reach more veterans, offer more assistance, and make a greater impact. Every member’s contribution, no matter how small, adds up to significant change.

Following the Be The One initiative there will also be focus on suicide awareness and prevention and ending the stigma of seeking help for mental health.  With that being said, I have initiated a statewide campaign to distribute pocket hugs. (refer to pocket hug handout for further explanation)

I have 3 projects I have chosen which reflect my theme and will be raising funds for:

The first is to thank a Veteran for their service to our country.  Please take the time to do so whenever you can!  It is sure to brighten their day!

The Final Salute, created by Lanae Strovers, a funeral director at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines. The Final Salute believes that every person deserves to be honorably laid to rest. It is their mission to give each unclaimed veteran the burial and respect that they deserve.

Be The One – Iowa.   As you all know, Be The One, is a concentrated effort to save the lives of veterans and service members at risk.  Iowa is providing training for those who want to help reduce risk.  Money raised will help defray costs of training, provide counseling, and resources to our at-risk veterans and will stay in Iowa.