Commander’s Corner

A Message from the Commander – A Proud Farewell and a Heartfelt Thank You

Dear Fellow Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons, and Legion Riders,

After two years of service and in accordance with our bylaws, I will step down as your Post Commander during the Change of Command ceremony on June 6th. Serving this Post and this community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I will always carry that gratitude with me.

When I accepted this role, my hope was to help ensure our Legion Family had a place that felt like home and a support system strong enough to carry us through any challenge. As I reflect on all we have accomplished together, my heart is full. From hurricane relief and expanded community service to hosting events and simply being there for one another, you showed the very best of who we are.

Together, we have strengthened our Post in remarkable ways. Today, our Legion Family includes 707 veterans, 479 Auxiliary members, and 485 Sons—bringing our total membership to almost 1,700. We have secured additional resources and are now well-positioned to advance our renovation plans. Our partnerships throughout the community have continued to grow, and because of all of you, our American Legion Post remains respected, visible, and deeply connected in our area.

Your dedication, your countless volunteer hours, the commitment of our staff, and the steady support and guidance of our Post’s executive committee have meant more to me than I can fully express. I am deeply grateful to each of you.

As I pass the torch to an outstanding group of incoming Legion officers, I do so with pride and with great hope for the future. I know they will lead with honor and continue building on the strong foundation this Post has laid over the past 100 years.

And while my term as Commander is ending, I am not saying goodbye—I will be right here, supporting our new leadership and continuing to serve as a Past Commander.

Thank you for your trust, your friendship, your strength, and your unwavering service to our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families. It has been an honor to walk this path alongside you.

For God and Country—and with heartfelt gratitude for all who continue to strengthen our veterans, their families, and our community.

Best Regards,

Laura Goldthwait
Outgoing Commander

Change of Command

The Change of Command and Installation of Officers will be held on June 6. Approximately 60 seats are available, so please contact the Post to RSVP before they fill up.

Volunteers may also be needed for the event, so please watch for opportunities to assist.

American Legion Auxiliary

As this marks my final newsletter as Auxiliary President, I want to thank all of our members for your support, dedication, and service throughout the past year. It has been an honor to serve with you.

As our new Board prepares to take office after July 1, let us remain committed to the Auxiliary’s mission of supporting veterans, military members, and their families while promoting patriotism, good citizenship, and service to our community.

Please join me in warmly welcoming your 2026–2027 Auxiliary Officers:

President: Katie Beardsell
1st Vice / Membership: Teri Peters
2nd Vice / Events: Jan Smart
Secretary: Cheryl Jeska
Treasurer: Theresa Mailloux
Sergeant-at-Arms: Becky Saylor
Chaplain: Karen Browning
Historian: Marlene Martin

Thank you all again for your continued support in everything we do. I am confident that our new officers will lead with passion and dedication. Let’s wish them the very best of luck in the year ahead!

With gratitude,

Your Auxiliary President

Sons of the American Legion

As we welcome June and the start of a new term, congratulations to all newly elected leaders. Thank you for your commitment to serving our Sons of the American Legion family.

Looking ahead, we are excited for another successful and productive year, building on past accomplishments, growing our membership, and creating new opportunities to serve and connect.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Post 141.

Here’s to a strong start and a June filled with camaraderie, pride, and service.

Join us for the ARC Dance on Friday, June 20, from 6:00–9:00 PM as we bring a fun Carnival theme to the evening! We’re looking for Legion Family volunteers to help make this event a success.

Volunteer opportunities include kitchen prep/cooking, servers, runners, dishwashing, and cleanup. We are also seeking carnival-themed items and activities such as a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, balloon artists, clowns, or other creative ideas.

The planned menu includes pizza, corn dogs, and tater tots, with popcorn, cotton candy, and cookies for snacks and desserts.

If you can help with volunteering or provide any carnival-themed items, please contact Christopher Scott (“Whiskey”), 1st Vice SAL, at (616) 737-1918.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

American Legion Riders

Members of American Legion Riders Post 141, along with riders from other Michigan ALR posts and Rolling Thunder, escorted two different groups of Michigan Army National Guard soldiers returning from a year-long deployment back to their Armory so they could reunite with their friends and families. We also assisted with the placement of Flags for Veterans in the local cemeteries.

Members of American Legion Riders Post 141 took part in the Memorial Day parades in Webberville, Fowlerville, and Howell. We are also helping the Auxiliary distribute poppies at local establishments, while raising funds for veterans, military, and their families. Riders provided a funeral escort for a local community champion in support of his family.

Our annual Bike Night will be held on June 13 from 4 to midnight.

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

June 1 @ 1900 Past Commanders Meeting

• June 2 @ 1830 – Combat Veteran’s Peer to Peer Group (Downstairs)
• June 6 @ 1700 Change of Command and Legion Family Officer Installation with Dinner
• June 9 @ 1930 – Marine Corps League Meeting
• June 13 @ – Riders Bike Night
• June 14 @ 1800 Flag Day Ceremony
• June 19 @ 1800 – Vietnam Veterans of the Month
• June 20 – ARC Dance
• June 22 @ 1100-1700 Red Cross Blood Drive
• June 28 @ 1300-1600 Meat Bingo
• July 1 @ 1900 – Riders Meeting
• July 4th – 250th Anniversary of the United States BBQ at Post

Emily currently serves as the Auxiliary Historian and has played a major role in the HVA Planning Committee, the Golf Outing, Meat Card Bingo events, and the annual Gala. Her dedication and determination were especially evident during Gala preparations, where her leadership and persistence helped keep the team motivated and moving forward, contributing greatly to the event’s success.

In addition to committee work, Emily consistently volunteers at Post events including fish fry dinners, military send-offs, and community activities, always willing to support others regardless of whose event it may be. Her positive attitude, work ethic, and commitment to veterans, families, and the community make her truly deserving of recognition as Volunteer of the Month.

Post Happenings

May was another busy month filled with opportunities to get involved. Thank you to everyone who volunteered or attended the Bob Beck Steak Dinner, Vietnam Veteran of the Month, Riders Blessing of the Bikers, Mother’s Day Brunch, Military Send-Off, Meat Bingo, troop homecomings, and the Memorial Day parade, ceremony, and luncheon. The Gone and Not Forgotten Committee also placed flags at local cemeteries, and we welcome continued support from our Legion Family and community volunteers throughout the summer as we care for veterans’ graves.

June events include Bike Night on June 13th and Flag Day on June 14th. An All-Family Membership Meeting will be held on June 15th at 1930 followed by the Vietnam Veteran of the Month being recognized on June 19th. The Red Cross Blood Drive is June 22nd, and they are in critical need of blood donations. The State Convention will take place June 25–28th in Battle Creek.

Looking ahead to July, the LCVS Veteran Resource Fair is July 1st, and we will host a BBQ on July 4th to celebrate our county’s 250th anniversary.

Let’s go out to the Ball Field! The Legion is sponsoring a Howell Area Junior Baseball 14U team. You can view their calendar at the American Legion U14 Baseball Team Calendar. The Auxiliary is sponsoring a Tball team as well, and that calendar can be found at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 141 Tball Mon & Wed Calendar. Consider attending a game to cheer them on!

Chaplain’s Compass

June arrives with long days, warm evenings, and a renewed sense of energy in our communities. It’s a month that invites us outdoors, brings families together, and reminds us of the freedoms we cherish — freedoms secured and protected by the courage of those who served.

For the American Legion, June is a time to strengthen our bonds, support our fellow veterans, and continue our mission of service. Whether through community events, outreach to veterans in need, or honoring those still serving around the world, this month encourages us to live out the values that define our organization: duty, honor, and commitment.

A fitting Scripture for June comes from Psalm 46:1:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

This verse speaks to the heart of resilience — something every veteran understands deeply. It reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, we are never without support. Strength is not only found in our past service, but in the community we build today and the faith that carries us forward.

As we move through June, may we continue to uplift one another, serve with purpose, and remain steadfast in our dedication to veterans, families, and our nation. Let this month be one of unity, gratitude, and renewed strength.

Thank you for your continued service and the example you set in our communities.

Karen Browning, ALA & ALR Chaplain