From the desk of Commander Callaways... Our legion year has begun; it is hard to imagine we are midway through 2020. Our legion year ended with challenges and changes to our everyday lives. The COVID-19 health crisis descended upon our country swiftly and mercilessly, and I continue to hope that those in our legion family remain healthy and safe as we emerge from the lock-down and economic peril. This month, August, the American Legion Department of Illinois will have an awards lunch for those 100 posts. (details can be found herein) Additionally, they have marked this event as a kickoff to the new legion membership year. A personal "thank you" to all that made a 100 percent, Bravo Zulu! In closing, one of our greatest strengths has always been the support for veterans, our community and Legion programs. These efforts have also allowed us greater opportunities for networking and collaboration which serves as an invaluable tool for goals and initiatives. It will be important, to every one of us, to support each other individually as well collectively. It is our belief that being a veteran family organization is what sets us apart from others and enables us to successfully accomplish our goals. It more than just saying that we have your “six” but having each other back as veterans and legionnaires as we continue into this new Legion year will be vital in our success. Looking forward to seeing everyone at on August 9th. Semper Fortis For God, Family, Country. Warm Regards 

For God, Family, Country

Commander Gigi Callaway

  From Department Headquarters - (view resolution) As the United States and the world tries to control the COVID-19 Pandemic, the National American Legion has canceled the 2020 National Convention. With no clear end in sight to the extraordinary restrictions on business and personal travel, hard decisions have to be made now. The National American Legion after much discussion and weighing of the options determined that it was most prudent for the safety of our members to cancel all Legion meetings until September 30, 2020. 

Most of the Posts, if not all are closed.   The Department Commander asked the Division and District officers to  please call your post commanders to remind them,  if they haven’t checked their post mail in some time, please, go to the post or post office and check the mail. There may be a legionnaire that has sent in their dues. Then ask them to process it on their end and send it to department headquarters so we can process them and get them their benefits back active.  Thanks for all you do, stay on those phones, buddy checking all members!!

Respectfully, Chad T. Woodburn,  Membership Director, Department of Illinois, (309) 663-0361-Office, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Commander Gerogiann Callaway shares some of her pictures from her visits around the Division.

  1st Leadership seminar,   Chess Vets and Veterans resources fair  2020 Membership Caravan   1st Division Veterans'  Winter Ball,  Division Meeting 2-5-2020,  Commanders Breakfast meeting.

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