Courtesy photo From left, Detachment Commander Gary LaMunyon, State Commander Steve Striggow, 5th Zone Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Bill Germain, 5th Zone Commander of the American Legion Carl Morrison, and, in front, State Auxiliary President Deb Williamson pause for a photo at Gladstone Post 71.

NEWBERRY — The 2019 Annual Commander’s Winter U.P. Tour began at the Newberry American Legion Post on Sunday, Jan. 20. Michigan Department Commander Steve Striggow was accompanied by Deb Williamson State Auxiliary President and the Son’s Detachment Commander, Gary LaMunyon for the week-long event.

The tours — whether they are for the Upper Peninsula, the 11th or 12th District, or another district in the state of Michigan — are all about meeting the membership. Michigan is a large state, and the commander’s term in office is only one year. They want to meet as many members as they are able. Tours set up by district commanders and zone commanders help the department commander meet that goal. The tradition has been going on since the beginning of the American Legion.

Everyone was invited to meet the commander at any one of the several stops on tour. The commanders wanted to meet members and wanted to hear about what Legionnaires are doing for our veterans and our military. Friday, the group received a tour and briefing at the Iron Mountain VA Hospital before traveling to Stambaugh Post for the U.P. Association Winter Meeting that began on Friday evening and wrapped up on ­Sunday.