The American Legion Post 15 of Detroit Lakes will be hosting the Legion's national commander to a dinner Friday, April 9.
James W. "Bill" Oxford, national commander of the American Legion, will be speaking in Detroit Lakes as part of a statewide tour of nine different posts to talk about issues facing veterans and raising awareness for the 100 Miles for Hope fundraiser .
100 Miles for Hope provides funds for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. The foundation provides grants for military, and veteran parents, in unexpected financial crises and assistance to disabled veterans, military families and young people who lost parents in service to the nation, according to the group's website.
"We are honored to showcase National Commander Oxford throughout Minnesota," said Mark Dvorak, commander of the Minnesota American Legion. "The post-9/11 veterans are our future, and the more we can do to inform them about what’s going on in the veteran community, the better."
During his speech, Oxford is expected to address important issues facing the American Legion today, like: How to get post-9/11 veterans involved in veteran service organizations, American Legion Buddy Checks, suicide prevention and COVID-19 vaccines.
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The dinner will be held at Detroit Lakes Post 15 at 810 W. Lake Drive, on Friday, April 9, at 6 p.m. Tickets will be $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets should call Detroit Lakes Post 15 at 218-847-8533. Seating will be limited due to COVID-19 health protocols.
Founded in 1919, the American Legion has a membership of nearly 2 million veterans, around 13,000 posts across the country, including 539 in Minnesota.
