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American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr
By Crystal Reith The American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere will visit with members of the public and media during a stop at the 4-H Building at the Murray County Fairgrounds in Slayton on March 28. Hosted by the Slayton American Legion Post 64, the National Commander’s presentation and lunch will begin at 11:45 a.m.
Brad Pagel, an American Legion member for 11 years and the Slayton Post 64 Commander, played an instrumental role in the National Commander’s stop in Slayton.
“The National Commander visits Minnesota every year at different posts throughout the state. They try to rotate around the state,” said Pagel, who noted that this is the first time a National Commander has held a presentation in Slayton. “The visit to Slayton is partly my doing. Being involved as I am at different levels, I kept asking what it takes to host an event for the department level. This is a great opportunity for Post 64 as it shows we can still host different events without having an actual building.”
The Slayton tour stop concludes the National Commander’s Minnesota visit. Leading up to the March 28 visit, the National Guard Commander will engage in conversation and share presentations at gatherings hosted by Forest Lake Post 225, Apple Valley Post 1776, Pine Island Post 184, La Crescent Post 595, Eyota Post 551, Faribault Post 43, Fridley Post 303, Buffalo Post 270, Paynesville Post 271 and Granite Falls Post 69. LaCoursiere will also meet with the state Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Minnesota National Guard commander and the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Director.
As post commander, Pagel and a few other district and department members will welcome guests and introduce the National Commander. Hailing from the American Legion Post 91 in Moosup, Conn., National Commander LaCoursiere’s message will focus on veteran suicide and other issues facing veterans. He will also share about the mission and values of the American Legion.
“This is important to attend, as participants will find out some of the reasons why the American Legion fights so hard for the rights and benefits of veterans,” said Pagel, who also serves on the Department of Minnesota National Security and Foreign Relations Committee. “You will also find out about some of the organization’s areas of focus on its legislative agenda.”
As National Commander, LaCoursiere is charged with serving as the face of the American Legion on a national level which includes enforcing the organization’s constitution, bylaws and resolutions. The National Commander is also responsible for supporting the organization’s mission to prevent veteran suicide and serving as the official spokesperson for the organization.
Each National Commander is also an advocate for the American Legion’s mission which includes upholding and defending the United States Constitution, promoting peace and goodwill and safeguarding and passing on the principles of democracy, freedom and justice. A new National Commander is elected annually at the National Convention in August.
For anyone interested in joining an American Legion post, you must have served in the military or are currently serving to become a member. According to Pagel, there are seven posts in Murray County.
