In Memoriam – Past Department Commander Gar Williams
Fellow Legionnaires and Members of The American Legion Family,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Past Department Commander Gar Williams, who passed away on October 11, 2026.
Commander Williams dedicated much of his life to serving our veterans, their families, and the ideals of The American Legion. His leadership, commitment, and devotion to our organization left a lasting impact on the Department of Colorado and the many Legionnaires who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
As a Past Department Commander, Gar was part of a distinguished group of leaders who helped shape the future of our Department. His service to The American Legion will not be forgotten, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for the time, dedication, and sacrifices he made on behalf of our fellow veterans.
Our thoughts and prayers are especially with his wife, Luann Williams, who herself served our American Legion Family as a Past Department President of The American Legion Auxiliary. Both Gar and Luann have given so much to our organization, and I ask that our entire American Legion Family come together to support Luann and her family during this difficult time.
For those wishing to send a card of sympathy or a personal message of remembrance, correspondence may be mailed to:
Luann Williams
P.O. Box 153
Craig, CO 81626-0135
At this time, funeral or memorial service arrangements have not been announced. We will share that information with the membership as soon as it becomes available.
I also ask that this notice be shared with our American Legion Auxiliary leadership and membership so they may join us in honoring Gar's memory and supporting their fellow Past Department President, Luann.
As a mark of respect, I encourage all Posts throughout the Department of Colorado to observe a moment of silence at their next meeting in honor of Past Department Commander Gar Williams and his years of dedicated service.
While we mourn the loss of a fellow Legionnaire, a leader, and a friend, let us also celebrate a life devoted to service. Gar's legacy will live on through the veterans he helped, the friendships he built, and the American Legion Family he served so faithfully.
May God grant comfort and peace to Luann and the Williams family during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Commander Williams. Your duty is done, and your service will never be forgotten.
Thanks For all you do,
Jim Talaska
Department Adjutant
The American Legion
Department of Colorado
adjutant@coloradolegion.org
309-397-9196
Post Officer and Adjutant Training
District Post Officer & Adjutant Training – Reserve Your Date
Dear Legionnaires,
The American Legion Department of Colorado will once again be offering Post Officer and Adjutant Training on a first-come, first-served basis by District. If your District would like to host one of these training sessions, please contact Department Headquarters as soon as possible to reserve one of the available dates.
Training Dates:
District 2 Training is on October 10th at Byers Post #160
District 8 Training is on November 14th Post # 2 Pueblo
District 3 Training is on November 21 at Post 19 Ft. Morgan
District 4 Training is on December 5 at Post 32 Longmont
District 7 Training is on December 12th at Post 171 Cripple Creek
District 9 Training is on December 19th at Alamosa Post 113
District 5 Training is on January 9th location Post 11-11 Broomfield
Available:
November 7th
I strongly encourage anyone who has not previously attended one of these training sessions to do so, especially new Post Officers and Adjutants. These sessions are designed to provide practical information, answer questions, and help ensure your Post is successful and operating in accordance with The American Legion's policies and procedures.
This training is not limited to current officers. We encourage Legion and Sons of The American Legion (SAL) members, as well as anyone interested in learning more about Post operations or considering serving in an elected or appointed position in the future, to attend.
Topics will include Post administration, membership, finances, reporting requirements, MyLegion.org, officer responsibilities, available Department resources, and best practices for operating a successful Post.
If your District would like to host one of these sessions, please contact me as soon as possible to reserve your preferred date. Once a date has been assigned, it will no longer be available to other Districts.
We look forward to seeing you at one of these training sessions and helping build stronger Posts throughout the Department of Colorado.
For questions or to reserve a date, please contact me directly.
Respectfully,
Jim Talaska
Department Adjutant
The American Legion Department of Colorado
140 W. 29th St. #331
Pueblo, CO 81008
Phone: 303-366-5201 | Cell: 309-397-9196
Email: adjutant@coloradolegion.org
Fellow Legionnaires and Members of The American Legion Family,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Past Department Commander Gar Williams, who passed away on October 11, 2026.
Commander Williams dedicated much of his life to serving our veterans, their families, and the ideals of The American Legion. His leadership, commitment, and devotion to our organization left a lasting impact on the Department of Colorado and the many Legionnaires who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
As a Past Department Commander, Gar was part of a distinguished group of leaders who helped shape the future of our Department. His service to The American Legion will not be forgotten, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for the time, dedication, and sacrifices he made on behalf of our fellow veterans.
Our thoughts and prayers are especially with his wife, Luann Williams, who herself served our American Legion Family as a Past Department President of The American Legion Auxiliary. Both Gar and Luann have given so much to our organization, and I ask that our entire American Legion Family come together to support Luann and her family during this difficult time.
For those wishing to send a card of sympathy or a personal message of remembrance, correspondence may be mailed to:
Luann Williams
P.O. Box 153
Craig, CO 81626-0135
At this time, funeral or memorial service arrangements have not been announced. We will share that information with the membership as soon as it becomes available.
I also ask that this notice be shared with our American Legion Auxiliary leadership and membership so they may join us in honoring Gar's memory and supporting their fellow Past Department President, Luann.
As a mark of respect, I encourage all Posts throughout the Department of Colorado to observe a moment of silence at their next meeting in honor of Past Department Commander Gar Williams and his years of dedicated service.
While we mourn the loss of a fellow Legionnaire, a leader, and a friend, let us also celebrate a life devoted to service. Gar's legacy will live on through the veterans he helped, the friendships he built, and the American Legion Family he served so faithfully.
May God grant comfort and peace to Luann and the Williams family during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Commander Williams. Your duty is done, and your service will never be forgotten.
Thanks For all you do,
Jim Talaska
Department Adjutant
The American Legion
Department of Colorado
adjutant@coloradolegion.org
309-397-9196
Post Officer and Adjutant Training
District Post Officer & Adjutant Training – Reserve Your Date
Dear Legionnaires,
The American Legion Department of Colorado will once again be offering Post Officer and Adjutant Training on a first-come, first-served basis by District. If your District would like to host one of these training sessions, please contact Department Headquarters as soon as possible to reserve one of the available dates.
Training Dates:
District 2 Training is on October 10th at Byers Post #160
District 8 Training is on November 14th Post # 2 Pueblo
District 3 Training is on November 21 at Post 19 Ft. Morgan
District 4 Training is on December 5 at Post 32 Longmont
District 7 Training is on December 12th at Post 171 Cripple Creek
District 9 Training is on December 19th at Alamosa Post 113
District 5 Training is on January 9th location Post 11-11 Broomfield
Available:
November 7th
- January: 16, 30
- February: 6, 13, 20, 27
I strongly encourage anyone who has not previously attended one of these training sessions to do so, especially new Post Officers and Adjutants. These sessions are designed to provide practical information, answer questions, and help ensure your Post is successful and operating in accordance with The American Legion's policies and procedures.
This training is not limited to current officers. We encourage Legion and Sons of The American Legion (SAL) members, as well as anyone interested in learning more about Post operations or considering serving in an elected or appointed position in the future, to attend.
Topics will include Post administration, membership, finances, reporting requirements, MyLegion.org, officer responsibilities, available Department resources, and best practices for operating a successful Post.
If your District would like to host one of these sessions, please contact me as soon as possible to reserve your preferred date. Once a date has been assigned, it will no longer be available to other Districts.
We look forward to seeing you at one of these training sessions and helping build stronger Posts throughout the Department of Colorado.
For questions or to reserve a date, please contact me directly.
Respectfully,
Jim Talaska
Department Adjutant
The American Legion Department of Colorado
140 W. 29th St. #331
Pueblo, CO 81008
Phone: 303-366-5201 | Cell: 309-397-9196
Email: adjutant@coloradolegion.org
New Department Address for all correspondence and packages
American Legion Department of Colorado
140 W 29th St.
#331
Pueblo, CO. 81008
the Department phone number remains the same at 303-366-5201
Please Note: As of tomorrow 5-15-2026 the email address jtalaska@legion.org will be no longer. Please send all emails to adjutant@coloradolegion.org
American Legion Department of Colorado
140 W 29th St.
#331
Pueblo, CO. 81008
the Department phone number remains the same at 303-366-5201
Please Note: As of tomorrow 5-15-2026 the email address jtalaska@legion.org will be no longer. Please send all emails to adjutant@coloradolegion.org
Notice of Department Executive Committee Meeting – October 24, 2026
|
New Department Constitution and By-Laws.
Passed on January 25, 2025 - At Department Special Convention
Pictures from the Department Special Convention
REMEMBER YOU MUST DO A INVENTORY EVERY THREE YEARS.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU HAVE SENT
YOUR INVENTORY IN DO IT NOW!
See the form below.
You can also get the from online at
usarmy.detroit.tacom.mbx.ilsc-donations@army.mil
BE THE ONE
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