Fred E. Wilson, Jr. Dept. Commander 2026 - 2027

Commander Fred E. Wilson, Jr. August Message Good day to all. The American Legion's motto is "Veterans Strengthening America." The American Legion's value principles are as follows: A VETERAN IS A VETERAN - which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities. SELFLESS SERVICE - which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America. AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM - which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship, and honoring military service by seeing and participating in memorial events. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities. ADVANCING THE VISION - which means The American Legion educates, mentors, and leads new generations of Americans. HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US - which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations. The American Legion Family! We strengthened the nation. We honor all who serve. Commander’s Project Announcement and Commander’s Project Beneficiary: VA White River Junction Suicide Prevention Program VA White River Junction Medical Center 163 Veterans Drive White River Junction, VT 05009 Main Line: (802) 295 9363. For the 2026–2027 membership year, one of my Commander’s Projects will focus on a mission that stands at the heart of our duty as Legionnaires: preventing veteran suicide and strengthening the network of care that saves lives. I have designated the VA White River Junction Suicide Prevention Program as an official beneficiary of this year’s Commander’s Project. Why This Program Matters: Veterans across Vermont turn to the White River Junction VA Medical Center for crisis intervention, mental health support, and suicide prevention outreach. Their Suicide Prevention Program delivers: Direct support to veterans at risk. Crisis follow up and individualized safety planning. VA S.A.V.E. training for community groups and service organizations. Coordination with Vet Centers, the Vermont National Guard, and local agencies. Outreach to isolated and rural veterans who may otherwise go unseen This mission reflects the core of the American Legion’s "Be the One" initiative and aligns with our American Legion Priority #1: ensuring no veteran feels alone, forgotten, or without a path to help. How Posts Can Support the Commander’s Project: Posts, Squadrons, Riders Chapters, and Auxiliary Units are encouraged to participate through: Direct donations, Fundraising events, Dedicated proceeds from raffles, dinners, or community activities. Memorial contributions honoring departed veterans. Every dollar collected will be directed to the VA White River Junction Suicide Prevention Program to strengthen training, outreach, and life saving intervention efforts. Our Duty and Our Promise> The American Legion was founded on service, responsibility, and care for those who served. By supporting this program, we reinforce Vermont’s ability to reach veterans in crisis and uphold the values that define our organization. I call every post in our department to join me on this mission. "Be the One" who helps save a life. Additionally, I would like to raise $1000.00 each for the Oratorical, Boy State, Legion Baseball and (TFA)Temporary Financial Assistance programs. Every Post will have opportunities to contribute, and every dollar will go directly toward assisting and saving people’s lives here in Vermont. Attended The Addison County Fair and Field Days, 3 Aug. - 9 August 2026. Objective: Showcase Addison County’s Agricultural Heritage highlights local farming traditions, livestock, crops, and rural skills through exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions that preserve Vermont’s agricultural identity. Offer space for community organizations, including veteran groups. Provide Community Education & Youth Development. Will attend The 2026 Vermont State Fair in Rutland, Vermont will be held on August 18-22, 2026. This fair will feature 4-H/FFA shows and exhibits, livestock shows and sale, professional rodeo, motorsports show, entertainment, concerts, carnival rides, demolition derby, vendors, great food and more. Admission: Children 5 & under: and military (with ID): Free every day. Thursday (Veterans & Senior Day): Veterans & Seniors free. Attended the National Membership Workshop on 7–8 August 2026 in Indianapolis, a two day American Legion training event focused on: 1: Strengthening recruiting and retention skills — presentations on effective outreach, welcoming new members, and sustaining engagement. 2. Advance leadership development — responsibilities at post, district, and department levels; succession planning; mentoring future leaders. 3. Developing actionable membership strategies — participants collaborate to build department membership plans using national vice commanders and regional groups. 4. Understand organizational processes — instruction on resolution development and how ideas become policy. 5. Explore innovative membership tools and trends — interactive sessions and best practice sharing. 6. Support revitalization efforts — guidance on post/district revitalization and legislative priorities. 7. Advance “Be the One” integration, incorporates suicide prevention awareness into membership conversations and outreach activities. I will attend the 107th National Convention 2026, with other members of the Vermont American Legion Family from August 28th through September 3rd, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. Essex claims the 2026 Vermont American Legion Baseball State Title. Game 1: Brattleboro Post 5 def. Addison County, 19–9. Game 2: Ludlow Post 36 def. Franklin County Post 1, 10–9. Game 4: Essex Post 91 def. Lakes Region, 9–8. Game 8: Essex Post 91 def. Ludlow Post 36, 8–2. Semifinal: Essex Post 91 def. Brattleboro Post 5, 10–0 (6 innings). Semifinal: Ludlow Post 36 def. Lyndon Post 30, 8–5. Final Game 14: Essex Post 91 def. Ludlow Post 36, 9–6. Championship Game 15: Essex Post 91 def. Lyndon Post 30, 11–6. We have celebrated America’s 250th birthday. But more importantly, we celebrate America’s promise. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Now it is our turn to lead with honor, integrity, and purpose. I would like to visit as many posts as possible during the next ten months, please email me @ 2fredwilson@gmail to schedule a time and place for my visit. Thank you for your trust. As I have stated before, I am ready to serve all legionnaires and our American Legion Family. Fred E. Wilson Jr. Commander - 2026–2027 The American Legion Department of Vermont