Kimball Auxiliary attended annual Junior Conference

Sixth-District American Legion Auxiliary Department of Minnesota 67th annual Junior Conference was held Saturday, March 1, in Walker, Minn.

The Executive Committee met at 9:15 a.m. Amber Mertens, Honorary District Sergeant-At-Arms, recognized the Colors of our Nation. Anika Mertens-Maxson, Acting Honorary District Junior President, called the meeting to order. Shania Mertens, Honorary District Junior Chaplain led the assembly in prayer. Shania Mertens, Honorary District Junior 2nd-Vice President, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. The National Anthem was led by Amber Mertens, Sergeant-At-Arms. The Preamble was led by Piper Dragan, Honorary District Junior 1st-Vice President. The POW/MIA flag was placed by Hazel Mertens, Honorary District Junior Treasurer.

Welcomes were given by Ryan Pels, Commander of American Legion Post 134 in Walker. Joanne Pels representing the American Legion Auxiliary did a Welcome for the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 134 in Walker.

President Anika introduced Teresa Stuart, the Sixth-District Junior Activities Chairman; Renee Berscheid, Parliamentarian; and Karen Foss, Senior Secretary.

Greetings from Department of Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary President Judy Ackerman; Commander Frank -Grittner Sixth-District American Legion; and President Sixth-District American Legion Auxiliary Dori Hamilton.

Committee assignments were appointed and then there was a recess for the committee meetings. Next, the committee meeting reports were given.

Abbigail Koltes read the minutes from the Executive Committee.

Junior Unit reports were given, and nominations for Honorary District Office were named.

The Guest Speaker was Veteran Austin McGlaun who talked to the assembly about growing up poor with alcoholic parents and how he survived through it all. He talked about depression and suicide, and that you can be whatever you want if you keep trying.

After the guest speaker, we broke for lunch and then some bingo for prizes.

The meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m. The President introduced her family.

Then there was unfinished business and new business.

Election results were given by the Election Committee. 

2025-2026 Honorary Sixth–District Junior Officers:

• President – Anika Mertens-Maxson

• 1st-Vice President – Amber Mertens

• 2nd-Vice President – Abbigail Koltes

• Secretary – Abbigail Koltes

• Executive Committee members – Shania Mertens and Lily Knutson

• Treasurer – Piper Dragan

• Chaplain – Brooke Mertens

• Sergeant-At-Arms – Hazel Mertens

• Historian – Amber Mertens

Installation of Officers took place.

Closing prayer by Shania Mertens and Retire of Colors and the meeting was adjourned by Honorary Junior President Anika Mertens-Maxson.

After the Conference, the Juniors filled 72 bags for children of deployed military who pass through the Armed Forces Center. The bags contained items such as coloring books, crayons, etc. that help to keep the children occupied while traveling.

Renee Berscheid

Unit 261 American Legion

Public Relations Chairman