The Department of Michigan Upcoming Trainings

I wanted to pass along the information about trainings that are coming up for the Department of Michigan. Please note that we only have a couple more training spots open (AMAZING problem to have) for a post to host the Leadership Training. In May, June, and July we will be shifting focus to Commander, Adjutant, and Finance Officer, and Officer duties. In August we are launching two new courses and that information will be put out at a later date. 

1. Upcoming Trainings 

1. Jan 24, 2026 Post 108 -  Oxford Leadership Training 9a - 4p

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

2. Feb 6, 2026 Winter Conference Training Sessions -  2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m

1.  Master Your Morning: Routines of Successful Leaders  - Your mornings are either setting you up to win—or quietly sabotaging your leadership. In this interactive session, you'll learn the simple G.R.I.T. framework top leaders use to take control of their day before the day takes control of them. Miss this, and you'll keep hitting snooze on your potential.

2. The Power of Why: How Leaders Move People - Facts inform—but stories ignite action. This session shows you how to uncover your WHY and communicate it in a way that makes people feel something and move to action. If people aren't lining up to help, volunteer, or join your post—this session will show you exactly why.

3. Be a Champion: Leadership That Builds a Lasting Post -  Great posts aren't built by chance—they're built by champions who focus on the process, not just the outcome. Using proven championship principles, this session challenges you to raise standards, strengthen culture, and lead in a way people want to follow. Warning: after this, you'll never look at leadership—or your post—the same way again.

3. Feb 21, 2026 Post 566 - Memphis - Leadership Training 9a - 4p

REGISTRATION OPENS 1/21/26

4.  Feb 28, 2026 Post 443 - Sanford - Leadership Training 9a - 4p

REGISTRATION OPENS 1/28/26

5. Mar 14, 2026 Post 101 - Greenville  Leadership Training 9a - 4p  

REGISTRATION OPENS 2/14/26

6. Mar 21, 2026 Post 257 Battle Creek  Leadership Training 9a - 4p

REGISTRATION OPENS 2/14/26

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and grow leadership within the Department of Michigan. 

Igniting & Building Leaders for Tomorrow,
Jena Wilmers
Department of Michigan Leadership Development Committee

Michigan Legacy Ride

 

Luck of the Irish Cash Raffle

 

Eagle Scout Scholarship

 

1st District Blog Data Updates

 I have added a link to food pantries in the 1st District Blog (Information Portal) that may be useful during times of need. Some members or their friends may need assistance buying food, and food pantries can be a helpful resource. You can find links to food pantries in our district via the Blog links. Access the lists by:

1. Open the 1st District Blog. www.aldist1.org
2. At the top tabs, click on Food Pantries.
3. On the next page, click on the city you wish to view.

I have also included a link to a comprehensive list of service organizations that our members can use for their daily activities. Many of these organizations offer discounts to veterans. Access the lists by:

1. Open the 1st District Blog. www.aldist1.org
2. At the top tabs, click on Service Organizations.

This information may be quite useful to many of our Post members.

Thank You,

Gary DeMars

Post 32 Blood Drive

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Vietnam Veteran Recognition

 

Post 32 Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony

American Legion Post 32 hosted a solemn ceremony on December 7, 2025, to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day, honoring the lives lost, and the courage displayed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The event, held at the Post 32 location, was conducted by Post Commander Russell Farrington and Post Adjutant Len Roman. They led the community in reflection and remembrance of one of the most pivotal days in American history. The heart of the ceremony was a moving tribute by the Post Honor Guard. They executed a precise and respectful rifle volley, a traditional salute to honor fallen comrades. Following the volley, a bugler played Taps, the haunting melody that signifies the end of the day and, symbolically, the final resting of a soldier. Post Commander Russ Farrington shared remarks on the importance of continuing to teach younger generations about the sacrifices made by the "Greatest Generation" and the lasting impact of Pearl Harbor on the United States.

This annual commemoration is a vital part of American Legion Post 32's commitment to honoring our nation's history and veterans.

Post 426 Fundraiser

 

Deadline is Friday, December 5th, for Registration in the 2026 American Legion Oratorical Contest

American Legion 2026 Oratorical Contest

The Detroit District of the American Legion invites high school students to compete in the 2026 High School Oratorical National Speech Contest.  The invitation to enter was announced by 1^st District Americanism Chairperson Dan McCrary. High School local level winners receive $150 to $175, regional level (Detroit zone) winners receive $200 -$500, State level scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000, and the winner will compete at the National level, with scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $25,000.  The American Legion will pay the expenses of the state winner and the national contest winner.  The subject of the prepared oration of the contest must be about some phase of the Constitution of the United States, emphasizing the duties and obligations of a citizen to the U. S. government. The prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must be 8-10 minutes in length. A 3–5-minute extemporaneous speech on one of 4 preassigned amendment topics is also required. The winner of last year's Detroit area contest was Wisdom Love Walker, a home-schooled junior from Detroit. Wisdom's speech was titled "What Happens When the Cameras are Turned on and the 4th Amendment Off".  https://michiganlegion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/videos/Wisdom.mp4.

Local high school students (9th - 12th) in Wayne, Oakland, and McComb counties are invited to compete in this year's annual American Legion contest. Since 1938, the program has provided participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president Bill Clinton, presidential candidate Alan Keyes, television commentator Lou Dobbs, Vice President Mike Pence and Grosse Pointe attorney Ted Everingham. Recent Grosse Pointe state finalists include Sophie Hugh, Grosse Pointe South graduate; Maria Fields, Liggett Academy graduate; Ponette Rubio, Abigail Turnbull, Gabriella Scipione, and Detroit Catholic Central High School in Novi graduate, Andrew Kill. Andrew took part in the National Championships and was one of the final 15 contestants.

The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest and Scholarship Program registration deadline date is Friday, December 5^th, 2025.  Registration is online: https://michiganlegion.org/oratorical/. Your application will be rejected if it is later than that date. At the time of registration, there are NO speech requirements other than a possible title.   The first local level of competition does not begin until January of 2025.  The winners of the local competition at the regional level go to the State level contest held on March 28^th, 2026, at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing.  The top finalist of the state contest goes to the National held on May 15^th -17^th, 2026, at Hillsdale, Michigan, at Hillsdale College.  Notification Contest dates will be provided by email.
The following 2 hyperlinks provide resources and videos to help the students with the oratory content, rules, and topics of the contest:

https://www.legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/oratorical-contest/about-the-oratorical-contest

https://www.legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/oratorical-contest/oratorical-contest-resources   

If you have any questions, call Americanism Chairperson Dan McCrary on 313 492 7462.2