I Am The American Legion Family: Mike Monserud

Mike Monserud is one of the first people to hold memberships in all four American Legion Family organizations. Most recently, he joined the ranks of the American Legion Auxiliary, where he’s grateful to honor the service of his wife, Jennifer.

“What The American Legion means to me is family,” says Monserud, the Iowa detachment commander for Sons of The American Legion. “There are veterans who need assistance but may not know where to turn. The American Legion fills that void. We help these veterans get the benefits they need.”

A Navy veteran who served aboard USS Normandy, Monserud joined the Sons to recognize the service of his grandfathers, one of whom was in the third wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day. “It’s a way for me to carry on the legacy.”

He sees the work of The American Legion as generational, serving veterans and current servicemembers alike.

“My time in uniform is over. But there is a whole other aspect to it: VA health care, fighting for the guys and women who are still in uniform. Our job as the American Legion Family is to support them and the ones who wore the uniform. It is our job to make sure the ones who went before us are taken care of. It is our job to make sure the ones coming behind us are taken care of.” 

Branch of Service  Navy (1996-2004)

Military job  Gunner’s mate second class

American Legion post  American Legion Post 37, Ames, Iowa

Years in The Legion  7

American Legion activities

• Post second vice commander (2019-present)

• Post executive board member (2017-2018)

• Post sergeant-at-arms (2018-2019)

• County sergeant-at-arms (2019-present)

• District National Affairs chairman (2018-present)