Fellow Legionnaires,
As we prepare to gather for our Department Convention and reflect upon the year behind us, I would like to take a moment to share a few thoughts from the heart.
This past year has been one of both challenge and loss for our American Legion family. We have said goodbye to friends, mentors, and dedicated servants of our organization whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come. While we celebrate their lives and contributions, we also mourn their passing and recognize the void they leave behind.
Just a few days ago, we lost Stan Hamamoto. Stan faithfully served as our Department Chaplain for many years and also served as a National Chaplain. He devoted countless hours to caring for Legionnaires and their families, offering comfort during difficult times and reminding us all of the importance of faith, service, and compassion. His unwavering commitment to God and Country and his love for The American Legion touched many lives throughout Colorado and across our nation.
Only a short time before that, we lost Dean Case. Dean served for many years as our Department Service Officer and was a tireless advocate for veterans. He worked diligently to ensure that veterans and their families received the benefits and support they earned through their service to our nation. Dean also served as Department Senior Vice Commander and approached every responsibility with dedication, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help others. His legacy of service will not be forgotten.
We also lost Elaine Bock, a person who was truly the heart of Department Headquarters. For many members, Elaine was the first voice they heard when calling the Department and the person who always found a way to help. Her knowledge, kindness, patience, and commitment to serving our members made her an invaluable part of our Legion family. It is difficult to imagine Department Headquarters without Elaine, and her absence will be felt by all who knew her.
Each of these individuals gave so much of themselves to The American Legion and to the veterans of Colorado. They dedicated countless hours, shared their talents, and made sacrifices because they believed in our mission and in serving others. We owe them our gratitude, our respect, and our remembrance.
Our Department family has also endured personal tragedies. Our Past Department Finance Officer, A.C., suffered the heartbreaking loss of his son, and our National Executive Committeeman, Florez, recently lost his brother. On behalf of the Department of Colorado, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to them and their families. During times such as these, we are reminded that the strength of The American Legion is not found in buildings or titles, but in the bonds of friendship, fellowship, and support that unite us as one family.
I ask each of you to keep these families in your thoughts and prayers. Let us honor those we have lost by remembering their service, carrying forward their example, and continuing the work they cared so deeply about.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to every Legionnaire throughout Colorado. Thank you for your dedication, your volunteer hours, your leadership, and your continued commitment to veterans, their families, and our communities. The success of The American Legion is built upon the selfless service of members like you. Whether your contributions are seen by many or known only by a few, they matter, and they make a difference every day.
As we look ahead, I encourage every Post that has not yet submitted its Delegate and Alternate Delegate registration to do so as soon as possible. Your participation in the upcoming Department Convention in Alamosa is important. The Convention provides an opportunity for us to come together, honor our traditions, conduct the business of our Department, and chart the course for the future of The American Legion in Colorado. Every Post deserves to have its voice heard.
Thank you for your continued service, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to our veterans and to The American Legion. May we always remember those who came before us and strive to honor their legacy through our own acts of service.
For God and Country,
Michael Crow
Department Commander
The American Legion
Department of Colorado
A Day to Honor SPC Kyan R Hussain
16 June 2026
Memorial Service at 11:30 am
Resthaven Funeral Home Ft. Collins CO
Graveside Service 1:00 pm
Lakeview Cemetery Windsor CO
16 June 2026
Memorial Service at 11:30 am
Resthaven Funeral Home Ft. Collins CO
Graveside Service 1:00 pm
Lakeview Cemetery Windsor CO
