Official portrait of National Commander Daniel K. Wiley of Kansas
TWIN VALLEY, Minn. — The national commander of the American Legion will visit northwest Minnesota next month, with a stop planned in Twin Valley.
Dan K. Wiley of Kansas, the National Commander of the American Legion, is scheduled to speak Sunday, April 19, at American Legion Post 431 in Twin Valley. The event will include lunch and a presentation beginning at noon and is open to American Legion members and the public, though space is limited.
Wiley’s national theme during his year as commander is “Better Together,” emphasizing cooperation among the American Legion Family — including the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders.
Wiley says strong posts are those where the organizations work together in service to veterans and their communities. He also says the theme reflects the bond shared by those who served.
“We use phrases like ‘I got your 6’ and ‘I got your back.’ Those are not just nice sayings. It’s what we were trained to do when we served,” Wiley said.
A key focus of Wiley’s message is The American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative, which aims to prevent veteran suicide by reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging people to reach out to veterans who may be struggling.
“It’s the stigma of mental health that we’re combating,” Wiley said after his election at the American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Florida. “Trying to let people know it’s OK not to be OK.”
The event will take place at American Legion Post 431, located at 212 West Main Street in Twin Valley. Anyone interested in attending can contact Preston Halvorson at 701-729-5328 or by email at preston_halvorson@yahoo.com.
During his visit to the region, Wiley will also tour the Fargo VA Medical Center earlier in the day before traveling to Thief River Falls for a social and dinner event later that evening.
Wiley’s stop in Twin Valley is part of a multi-day visit across Minnesota where he will meet with veterans, visit local American Legion posts and tour several veteran-focused facilities.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 and focuses its work on four pillars: veterans’ rehabilitation, national defense, Americanism and youth.
Tour Schedule
Sunday, April 19
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Morning: Tour Fargo VA Medical Center
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Twin Valley Post 431 — Lunch and remarks, noon
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Thief River Falls Post 117 — Social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Monday, April 20
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Bagley Post 16 — Breakfast, 8:15 a.m.
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Walker Post 134 — Lunch, noon
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Little Falls Post 46 — Social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21
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Morning: Tour the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, Camp Ripley
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Long Prairie Post 12 — Lunch, noon
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Clearwater Post 323 — Social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22
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Elk River Post 212 — Breakfast, 8:15 a.m.
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Midday: Tour 133rd Airlift Wing, Fort Snelling
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Hugo Post 620 — Social and dinner, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 23
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Morning: Meet with the Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, St. Paul
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Veterans Day on the Hill, St. Paul — 11 a.m.
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Record a session with Minnesota Military Radio
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Tour Golden Valley Post 523’s new home — 2 p.m.
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New Prague Post 45 — Social and dinner, 5 p.m.