District 2
Larissa Schmitz – District 2 President
district2@ndala.org
Greetings from District 2
Here’s what we have been up to!
September:
Had just a little fun and puns at the Potato Bowl parade in Grand Forks. As a group of Legion members, Sons, and Auxiliary, we paraded down the route with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head in tow while handing out flags and candy. Check out the ND American Legion Auxiliary Facebook page for pictures.
The District 2 fall meeting in Lakota, ND, started with a social at the Till House Saloon. I enjoyed visiting with the ladies and gentlemen from the area. We all enjoyed an awesome meal. Best pork chops around! I can’t leave out the knoephla soup either. The Joint meeting was opened by District Commander Bryan Ohlhauser. After separating from the Legion members at the Till House Saloon, we made our way to the Legion across the street. Welcome was given by Stacy Kartes first year president!
Shelley Schuster (left), Past District 2 President with Larissa Schmitz, current District 2 President.
Excited for Stacy in her new role as president. She did a fine job with her unit hosting her first District meeting. Department President Candace Berg filled us in on her plans for year and the projects she would like us to support. Department President – Elect Sandy Smith gave a membership report with help of Susan Degner, Department Treasurer, explaining the changes with North Dakota State life members to PUFLs. North Dakota State life members who are now going to be PUFLs should see your new cards in the mail as soon as they are processed.
Erica Claus-Numsali – District 2 Vice President
Photo – IceBerg Art Creations, Candace Berg
Shelley Shuster was presented with her past District President’s pin and presented me with the District President’s pin. Department President Candace also asked for donations towards the silent auction to be held at Winter Conference. Please contact me and I will take them with me to Mandan. We are proud to report that money was raised passing a basket for AEF (American Legion Auxiliary Emergency Fund). Erica Claus-Numsali was nominated and voted in as the new District 2 Vice President. Congratulations to Kain Lee, Northwestern Division Poppy Poster winner. A copy of her poster will be posted on the Facebook page for all to see. Hope all who attended have fine notes to pass on to the rest of your unit members. Too bad they missed out on the whoops with the party next door. Bring more of your unit members to the spring meeting so we can have a good cheer session and make some noise for The American Legion Auxiliary!
The American Legion and Auxiliary held its Spring District 2 Meeting in Park River on Saturday, April 26, 2025. A large group of Legion and Auxiliary members from the surrounding area attended the meeting in the Park River Legion Building.
Prior to the Joint Meeting, special ‘Welcome Home’ coins were presented to all Vietnam-era veterans in attendance. These coins were especially cast to honor and welcome home the Vietnam veterans that never really received a proper homecoming upon returning from the conflict. North Dakota is the only Department (State) that has taken on this project. There were twenty-three veterans that accepted the coin and a sincere ‘Thank You’ from North Dakota’s National Executive Committeeman, Steve Anderson. This was a heartwarming presentation with a few wet eyes in the group.
The coin face depicts the North Dakota state flag, the POW/MIA flag, the Western meadowlark (state bird), the prairie rose (state flower), and the Vietnam Wall. These are all encircled with 238 stars representing the known conflict casualties from North Dakota. The reverse side reads “The State of North Dakota /Welcome Home” with an image of the country of Vietnam and a Vietnam Campaign ribbon.
Following the presentation, a joint meeting was held with the Legion and Auxiliary. Introductions and remarks were made by James Kellogg, American Legion National Vice Commander from Minnesota; LoAnn Dick, Auxiliary Department President; Mamie Havelka, Legion Department Commander; and Candace Berg, Auxiliary President-Elect. The Auxiliary then moved to another venue and continued their meeting with District 2 President Shelley Schuster presiding.
Following both sessions, a delightful meal was served. Park River always does such a great job hosting District Meetings. A big ‘Thank You’ to the members.
Submitted by Judy Twete, Auxiliary NEC
District 2 Units
- Cavalier Unit 11
- Edinburg Unit 156
- Forest River Unit 251
- Grafton Unit 41
- Grand Forks Unit 6
- Lakota Unit 21
- Lankin Unit 157
- Larimore Unit 97
- Manvel Unit 299 (reorganizing)
- McVille Unit 135
- Michigan Unit 238
- Minto Unit 201
- Mountain Unit 227
- Northwood Unit 92
- Park River Unit 147
- Pembina Unit 77
- Pisek Unit 208
- St. Thomas Unit 168
- Thompson Unit 181
- Tolna Unit 162
