From: Department Commander
             Dale A. Heiligenthal

Subject: American Legion Family
                 of New Mexico
 

Our job at Department is to assist and guide the Posts and their Officers to overcome issues. The Department cannot solve the Post problems but can provide available resources, direction and clarity to Constitution and By-Law issues.

I have traveled to numerous Posts and District Meeting around the state of New Mexico over the last five months. Not all Post and District meetings are being conducted using "Roberts Rules of Order". Veterans expect organized and disciplined meetings from their elected leaders. Adjutants are having a hard time keeping proper minutes because of cross talk that happens, and it often causes confusion for our members.

Please remember the last statement of our Preamble where we pledge "Mutual Helpfulness". We need to ensure that our veterans and elected officers get total support to accomplish our mission as the American Legion Family. Everyone benefits from success.

We need to focus on our membership. New Mexico is behind the power curve at just over 54% renewals and new members as of 14 November 2025 for 2026. Remember dues increase on the 1st of January by $5.00.

Children and Youth funds have been depleted at Department because of the numerous requests for assistance. If your Post can assist with any additional funds, please do. These funds are to help statewide and not just Albuquerque. If your Post needs help assisting a veteran or their family and you do not have the funds, please call or ask another Post for help. The American Legion is one family even though it has many Posts.

Please do not allow personal differences destroy your Posts! One Team, One Family. Our current Veterans and those that follow us are depending on us to provide what our forefathers gave us. A place to meet and heal and provide for them, our community and nation!

GOD BLESS,

Dale A. Heiligenthal
Department of New Mexico