Commander’s Corner

Warm regards,

Spring is here, marking the beginning of our 100th year! As we head into April and May, our momentum keeps building, and there are plenty of ways for you to get involved. We need your help!

Opportunities abound—whether it’s assisting with the Easter breakfast and egg relay, cooking or enjoying pizza, volunteering or donating at the Stars and Stripes Gala, supporting the ARC Dance, helping out or attending Meat Bingo, dining at or supporting the LCVC Veteran/Auxiliary of the Year Banquet to honor one of our own, eating or broasting chicken, raising funds for the Fisher House during the Bob Beck Steak Dinner, joining the Riders Blessing of the Bikers, making Mother’s Day memorable, honoring recruits, cadets, and their families at the Military Send Off, or participating in the Memorial Day parade and ceremony. Let’s come together as a family to make it all happen!

Also, consider running for an officer position in one of the Family units for 2026-2027 membership year. Nominations for Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons will happen at the April meetings, with additional nominations and elections in May.

In the spirit of Veterans and their families, strengthening America!

Laura Goldthwait
Commander 

American Legion Auxiliary

As we welcome spring, we also welcome new opportunities to serve our veterans, support our military families, and continue the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated, or represented our Unit in March. Your dedication keeps our mission strong.

April is also the Month of the Military Child, and we encourage all members to take part in celebrating and supporting these young heroes who show strength and resilience as part of military families.

Just a reminder to all that we will be accepting nominations for a new board at our April meeting: All positions are open – President, 1 Vice/Membership, 2 Vice/Events, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Chaplain, and Historian. Thank you to Everyone for your continued support in all we do. 

Sons of the American Legion

Please mark your calendars for our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast on May 10th, hosted by the Sons from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join us in celebrating the incredible women in our lives by bringing your wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and all the special ladies you cherish to enjoy a delicious meal in a warm and festive atmosphere. This beloved tradition is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and spend meaningful time together—we look forward to celebrating with you!

This month marks your final chance of the season to enjoy the Sons Pizza Night! Be sure to stop by on April 8th and savor one last slice with us.

Save the date for May 3rd as we host the Bob Beck Memorial 1 lb. Steak Dinner. Appetizers will be served from 3:00–4:00 p.m., with dinner beginning at 4:00 p.m. There will be 50/50 drawings, gift baskets, and gun raffles, all supporting Fisher House. The Fisher House provides free, comfortable lodging to families of military members and veterans receiving medical care at VA and military hospitals. By easing the financial and emotional burden of travel, Fisher House helps families stay close to their loved ones during treatment and recovery. 

American Legion Riders

Members of Post 141 American Legion Riders took part in the Leslie Polar Bear Ride to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Despite temperatures of 36 degrees, participants joined other American Legion Riders to support this distinguished organization that assists children and their families.

Members of the American Legion Riders from Post 141 participated in the post’s 100-year anniversary by serving as ambassadors to the community, promoting events, and providing mutual support.

Reminder that our annual Blessing of the Bikers will be on Apr 9 from 11 to 2.

For Post 141 ALR event information and photos, visit our Facebook page: Post 141 ALR Facebook, titled “American Legion Riders Post 141 – Howell, MI”. 

Important Dates

• Apr 4 @ 1000 – Easter Breakfast and Egg Relay
• Apr 7 @ 1830 – Combat Veteran’s Peer to Peer Group (Downstairs)
• Apr 10 @ 1800 – Vietnam Veteran of the Month Recognition
• April 14 @ 1930 – Marine Corps League Meeting
• April 18 – Stars and Stripes Gala at Crystal Gardens Event Center
• April 18 @ 1800-2100– ARC Dance
• April 19 @ 1300-1600 – Meat Bingo
• Apr 21 – Livingston County Veterans Council – Veteran/Auxiliary of the Year Dinner
• Apr 29 @ 1800 – Howell High School AFJROTC Awards Ceremony (High School Campus)
• May 3 – @ 1500 (appetizers) Bob Beck Steak Dinner in support of the Fisher House dinner @ 1600
• May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
• May 5 @ 1830 – Combat Veteran’s Peer to Peer Group (Downstairs) 

Chaplain’s Compass

A Season of Renewal

As winter fades and spring begins, the world quietly comes back to life. The days grow longer, the air softens, and what once seemed dormant begins to rise again. Spring reminds us that even after the hardest seasons, renewal is possible.

For many who have served, life has included seasons that felt like winter—times of sacrifice, hardship, and endurance. Yet just like the earth, something was happening beneath the surface. Strength was being built. Character was being formed. Perseverance was taking root.

Isaiah 43:19 says,

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Even when we cannot see it, God is at work—bringing new purpose, fresh strength, and renewed hope.

This season is a reminder that your story is not finished. The qualities that carried you through your service—courage, discipline, and resilience—still matter today. They still have purpose. They still make a difference.

Spring invites us to look ahead with hope. No matter what the past season has held, there is still growth ahead, still purpose to live out, and still new life to embrace.

Pastor Drew Etten 

John consistently steps up wherever he is needed, generously giving his time and energy to support a wide range of Post activities. He is a familiar face at many of our signature events, including the Chili Cook-Off, Mother’s Day Brunch, and Lions Tailgate Parties, where his willingness to help ensures each event runs smoothly and successfully. In addition, John plays a key leadership role in organizing and heading up serving crews for dinners, helping create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for members and guests alike.

Beyond event support, John serves with distinction on the Executive Committee as the First Vice Commander for the Sons of the American Legion. In this role, he demonstrates strong leadership, a commitment to membership, and a deep respect for the organization’s mission.

John’s service extends even further into the community, where he volunteers his time and skills to assist veterans with building and improvement projects. His hands-on support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.

John Browning exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, leadership, and service that defines Post 141. His continued contributions make our Post stronger and our community better. We are proud to recognize him as our Volunteer of the Month. 

Infrastructure Grant Update

Our application for the State Infrastructure Grant from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is still under review. The process has been extensive, but we anticipate receiving funding within six weeks. During this period, we’re gathering bids for site design. Once that’s complete, we’ll seek approval for local zoning and the site plan. We expect the site design and approval phase to last around eight months, which will bring us into winter. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2027. 

Community Pride: Post 141 Recognized for a Century of Giving

Our Post was nominated for recognition on WCSX Thank You Friday by Mary Kincade. Here is what she had to say:

Mary: “… There’s an American Legion post here in our town of Howell that I believe deserves to be recognized for helping so many of the veterans here. The American Legion Post 141 is preparing to celebrate 100 years of existence. Ever since I was a kid, I can recall them reaching out to my fellow neighbors and local businesses, as well as helping other veterans with simple things we take for granted, like mowing lawns, shoveling snow, painting a shed, and raising awareness to remind us that those who have passed in service to the United States are not forgotten for their sacrifices. To read the entire article, use the following link: WCSX Thank You Friday – American Legion Post 141. 

Passport Program

American Legion Passports are a fun and engaging way for members to visit different Posts across the state, collect stamps, and build connections with fellow veterans. They encourage camaraderie, support local Posts, and showcase the broader American Legion community throughout Michigan. Passports are now available for purchase at Post 141 for $10.