American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. is in Minnesota this month to raise awareness about the Legion’s “Be the One” efforts to prevent veteran suicide. On Monday, LaCoursiere will be the featured speaker at an event at the American Legion Post No. 225 in Forest Lake. On Tues day, he will speak at a breakfast event at American Legion Post No. 1776 in Apple Valley. James A. LaCoursiere Jr. (Courtesy of the American Legion) LaCoursiere was elected national commander of the American Legion on Aug. 29 during the 105th national convention in New Orleans. Veteran suicide is the “most significant issue facing veterans,” LaCoursiere told the convention after being elected. “It is the most significant issue of our time. It’s also an issue that galvanizes all of us. I know that we are all touched by someone who has taken their own life.” A U.S. Air Force veteran and member of American Legion Post 91 in Moosup, Conn., LaCoursiere will visit Post No. 225 at 355 W. Broadway Ave. for a social hour, dinner and presentation starting at 5 p.m. Monday, and talk with veterans, community leaders and local residents. The event is open to the public; cost of dinner is $10 for members of the post and $20 for non-members. To RSVP for the Forest Lake event, call Terry Larson at 651-464-2600, ext. 308. LaCoursiere will visit Post No. 1776 at 14521 Granada Drive in Apple Valley for a breakfast and presentation starting at 8:15 a.m. The event is open to the public. If interested in attending, call Carla Tappainer at 952-240-7849. For information on other Minnesota stops, visit legionnaire.org. Related Articles Local News | ‘You were willing to risk your life to maintain our freedom.’ Cottage Grove World War II veteran honored for service Local News | Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo Local News | Biden awards the Medal of Honor and Medal of Valor to military heroes and first responders Local News | At South St. Paul’s Sunlight Restaurant, four veterans in their 90s still meet to reminisce Local News | New Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum taking shape next to Camp Ripley ...read more read less