The 97th Annual Custer County American Legion Convention was hosted by Merna Post 50 in the Community Center in Merna. The joint session was called to order by Custer County Commander Bill Schaad. Opening prayer was given by Chaplain Danny Schall.

Opening ceremonies were observed. Guests of County Commander and County Auxiliary President Linnea Eggleston were District 6 Brian Rapp, District 6 SAL Commander Eric Garrels, District 6 SAL Vice Commander Robert Lawrence, and Department of American Legion Auxiliary President Ruth Hietbrink. Custer County Veterans Service Officer Emory Haynes spoke to the joint meeting about Veterans' issues and changes to Veterans' Benefits. Commander Schaad asked for a very in-depth discussion on what we can do to stop the very big decline in membership throughout the county for the Legion and the Auxiliary. We still have nine posts in the county, but now only have six Auxiliary units. Some of our Posts are close to the numbers that they could lose their Charters. We all agreed that our organizations provide many needed programs for our Veterans and our communities. There were many suggestions of possible things to do to reach the ones that we know are eligible for membership in our community. We decided to form a committee to determine the events and kind of membership drives to address this critical problem.

Commander Schaad announced the selection of Michael Harvey of Arnold as the 2025 Custer County Legionnaire of the Year. This award was presented later on in the convention.

Commander Schaad announced the selection of Wayne Belew of Callaway as the 2025 Custer County SAL Member of the Year. This award will be presented at a later date, as Wayne was at his National Guard training over the weekend.

Broken Bow Unit 126 provided a Memorial Service remembering all members who had passed away in the last year.

It was announced that the District 6 Convention will be held in Broken Bow on Oct. 12. County Government Day will be held in Broken Bow on Nov. 17, with Senator Tanya Storer as guest speaker. The lunch prayer was provided by Judy Struempler, and the joint session was adjourned.

After lunch, the Auxiliary remained in the main room for their meeting and the Legion and SAL reconvened in a separate room. Roll Call of Posts and SAL were taken with them giving their reports of all they have done in the last year. Commander Schaad gave his report on the last year. The Time and Place Committee reported that the 98th Annual Convention will be hosted by Oconto Post 250 on Sept. 13, 2026, at the Community Hall. Elections were held for the next year. Commander Schaad will be retained as County Commander for another year. John Phillips of Arnold was voted in as County Vice Commander. A Resolution was read thanking Merna Post 50 for their outstanding job of hosting the 97th Annual Convention.

A moment of silence was observed, followed by a prayer by Chaplain Danny Schall. Door prizes were drawn that were donated by local businesses. Closing prayer was offered by Chaplain Schall, and a salute to the flag concluded the 97th Annual Custer County American Legion Convention.

We would like to thank the following fine businesses and individuals for donating door prizes for the 97th Annual Custer County American Legion Convention: Callaway True Value, Nebraska Owners Insurance – Callaway, 1st Interstate Bank – Callaway, Rescue Bar and Grill – Sargent, Wenquist – Broken Bow, Mason City Post 142, Chill and Fill – Ansley, Ansley Lumber and Supply, Trotter Service – Broken Bow, Whoa and Go West – Broken Bow and Downey Well – Merna. We would also like to thank Mary Hall (Motherhood Printing) for donating the Printed Programs for the Convention, as she has for many years.