Official Guide to Winsted, MN 2020 | Page 12

Winsted Area American Legion, Martin Krueger Post 407 The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Locally, Winsted’s Martin Krueger American Legion Post #407 sponsors the Winsted BSA Scout Troops, and annually sponsors youth delegates to Minnesota Boys State. Members visit and provide Christmas gifts for veterans in the area’s care centers and Veterans Administration hospitals, as well as donate to local charities and causes. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Legion has reintroduced the Blue Star Banner program for families with a loved one in uniform, and the Post has presented these banners locally. Each year, the Legion conducts a public Memorial Day observance, a Veterans Day dinner, a pancake breakfast the first Sunday of each month, and dinners as announced. An important duty and honor of our members is to render military honors at our veteran funerals. Our post is proud to have served as the fiscal agent and sponsor of the recently completed Winsted Veterans Memorial of which the entire community is rightly proud. To join the American Legion, you must have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving honorably. Annual dues are $35. Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 pm (with the exception of January) at the Legion club at 161 1st Street North. With present membership of 98, officers are: Commander Jeff Sterner, Finance Officer Chris Otto, and Adjutant/Membership Director Chip Guggemos Post #407 welcomes the public to consider hosting their event or meeting at our renovated building with access to a full kitchen and beautiful views from our large deck overlooking Winsted Lake. For club rental information, contact building owner Dr. Michael Thoennes at (952) 465-8293, or drmike@tds.net. To contact our Post e-mail us at post407@live.com or write us at PO Box 360, Winsted, MN 55395. Please follow Martin Krueger Post #407 of the American Legion on Facebook. The members of Post #407 are grateful to the people of the greater Winsted community for their decades of support and love for our veterans. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 407 American Legion Auxiliary Unit 407 was established to help support veterans, soldiers, and their families. The unit also supports other organizations within our community by volunteering hours or providing monetary support.