Department of Colorado American Legion

10/07/2026

As The American Legion Fall Meetings in Indianapolis come to a close, I want to wish all of our Legion Family members safe travels as you make your way back home.
These meetings are always a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, exchange ideas, and continue working together in service to our veterans, our families, our communities, and our great nation.
Thank you to everyone who traveled to Indy and dedicated your time and energy to moving The American Legion forward.
Travel safely, take care of one another, and I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
🇺🇸 Thanks for all you do — safe travels home, Legion Family! 🇺🇸

08/18/2026

Dear Legion Family,

I received word from Luann Williams that Past Department Commander Gar Williams, who has been experiencing medical challenges over the past several months, has now entered hospice care.

During this difficult time, Luann, who is also a Past Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary, shared that Gar would greatly enjoy receiving cards, notes of encouragement, and messages letting him know that his American Legion Family is thinking of him.

Gar has given much of himself in service to The American Legion, his fellow veterans, and the Department of Colorado. This is an opportunity for us to return some of that friendship and fellowship by surrounding Gar and Luann with the support of the Legion Family.

I encourage our Posts, Districts, Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, Sons of The American Legion, and Riders to take a few moments to send Gar a card or personal note. Even a few simple words can mean a great deal during a time like this.

Please send cards and correspondence to:

Past Department Commander Gar Williams
P.O. Box 153
Craig, CO 81626

Please keep Gar, Luann, and their family in your thoughts during the days ahead. Let us make sure Gar knows that the Department of Colorado remembers him, appreciates his service, and stands beside him.

Thank you for helping us surround one of our own with the friendship, encouragement, and fellowship that define our American Legion Family.

For God and Country,

Jim Talaska
Department Adjutant
The American Legion
Department of Colorado
140 W. 29th St. #331
Pueblo, CO 81008
309-397-9196
[email protected]

08/17/2026

Department Headquarters Move-Out Assistance
Subject: Volunteers Needed – Final Move-Out of Department Headquarters

Dear Legionnaires,

As many of you know, the Department Headquarters has been transitioning to its new location. We are asking for your assistance with the final move-out of our former Department Headquarters.

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location:
American Legion Department of Colorado (Former Headquarters)
7465 E. 1st Ave., Suite D
Denver, CO 80230

September 1, 2026 is the final deadline for vacating the building so that National Headquarters can prepare the property for leasing. We need as many volunteers as possible to help remove the remaining items from the building.

If there are any Department items you believe should be retained or that you have been authorized to take, they must be removed on August 22. After that date, all remaining property will be removed by a professional removal company, and the facility will be cleaned and prepared for lease.

The more volunteers we have, the quicker the work will be completed. Whether you can help for an hour or the entire day, your assistance will make a tremendous difference. Please bring power screwdrivers, Sawzall’s, etc. for demolition work and gloves.

Please join us on Saturday, August 22, at 9:00 a.m. and help us complete this important final step in the Department's transition.

Thank you in advance for your continued dedication and support of The American Legion Department of Colorado.

For questions, please contact me.

Respectfully,

Jim Talaska
Department Adjutant
American Legion Department of Colorado
309-397-9196
[email protected]

08/02/2026

Colorado is back. This is our first year back as a Department and we have a leading candidate for National Commander as well as being the host state for the 4 Corners party. Hope to see everyone there.

07/05/2026

Let’s Go Colorado. A new card year and a leading candidate for National Commander let’s show the country Colorado is back.

07/01/2026

Form For Delegates to National Convention
Please fill out the attached form and return it by 7/10/2026
If you miss the deadline there are NO extensions.
This Form is for the Legion, Auxiliary and SAL
ALL emails to Department go to the following address:
[email protected]
The Form is on the Department website under the National Convention Tab
Coloradolegion.org
We are at the Galt House and the rate is $144.00 per night

06/30/2026

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/legislative/2026/june/american-legion-18-other-vsos-urge-congress-to-pass-tcava

The American Legion and 21 other veterans service organizations sent a coalition letter to the top leadership of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs on June 29, calling for Congress to pass the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA).

06/26/2026

The American Legion Department of Colorado Mourns the Passing of Past National Chaplain Stan Hamamoto

It is with profound sadness that The American Legion Department of Colorado announces the passing of our dear friend and fellow Legionnaire, Past National Chaplain and Past Department Chaplain Stan Hamamoto.

Pastor Stan faithfully served The American Legion at every level with unwavering devotion, compassion, and humility. Whether offering a prayer, comforting a grieving family, or inspiring Legionnaires through his steadfast faith, Stan exemplified what it meant to live a life of service to God, Country, and our nation's veterans.

His dedication to The American Legion, his fellow veterans, and his community touched countless lives. He will be remembered not only for the offices he held, but for the kindness, wisdom, and genuine care he showed to everyone he met. His legacy of faith, leadership, and selfless service will continue to inspire generations of Legionnaires.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandra Hamamoto, and the entire Hamamoto family during this difficult time.

Those wishing to send cards or expressions of sympathy may do so at:

Sandra Hamamoto
25-210 Hana Street
Hilo, HI 96720

Funeral Services

Tuesday, July 14
10:00 a.m.

Swan Law Funeral Home
501 N. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO

Interment will immediately follow at:

Pikes Peak National Cemetery
10545 Drennan Road
Colorado Springs, CO

Please keep the Hamamoto family in your thoughts and prayers as we honor the life and legacy of a remarkable Legionnaire, pastor, and friend.

May he rest in eternal peace.

06/01/2026

To: Department and District Leadership and Post Officers
Subject: The Importance of Consolidated Post Reports (CPRs)
Legionnaires,
As we move through another year of serving veterans, their families, and our communities, I want to stress the importance of completing and submitting your Consolidated Post Reports (CPRs).
CPRs are not simply another piece of paperwork required by National Headquarters. They are one of the most important tools we have as an organization. The information gathered through CPRs allows The American Legion to demonstrate our impact nationwide and provide real numbers to Congress, state leaders, and communities about the work our posts are doing every single day. Whether it is veteran assistance, youth programs, community service, Americanism activities, or support for military families, those numbers matter.
But the importance of CPRs goes far beyond the national level.
At the department level, CPRs help leadership identify the incredible work being done across our posts and recognize those posts that are actively making a difference in their communities. They tell the story of success, dedication, and service happening throughout our department.
More importantly, CPRs also help identify posts that may be struggling, inactive, or unsure of where to start. When reports are missing or show limited activity, it gives department leadership the opportunity to reach out, offer assistance, provide resources, and help those posts become more engaged and successful. The goal is not punishment or criticism — the goal is growth, mentorship, and strengthening our organization from the ground up.
A complete CPR gives us a clearer picture of where we are succeeding and where we need to focus our efforts. It helps us ensure that no post is left behind.
I encourage every post to take the time to complete and submit your CPR accurately and on time. The work you do matters, and your report helps ensure that work is seen, recognized, and supported.
Thank you for everything you continue to do in service to veterans, our communities, and The American Legion.
For God and Country,
Ben Headen
National Vice Commander – Western Region
The American Legion