Colman American Legion - Post 278

03/07/2026

03/03/2026

There are TWO separate $1,000 scholarships from Valley FiberCom available for any senior entering college that lives within the Colman exchange AND the Flandreau exchange, which would include anyone in or around Egan. And you DON'T have to have our service to be eligible - you just have to reside within our service area.

Miss Tammen at the school has several copies of the application or you can download one at the link here. Due March 31! https://valleyfibercom.com/valley-fibercoms-2026-scholarship-application-now-available/

-- Credit Jenna MW

👎Every year, scholarship funds go unclaimed simply because students didn’t realize they were eligible.

The Valley FiberCom Scholarship is one of those local opportunities — seven $1,000 scholarships, one awarded in each of our service areas.

If you have a graduating senior in Arlington, Colman-Egan, De Smet, Flandreau, Iroquois, Lake Preston, or Volga, there’s still time to apply.

⏰Deadline: March 31
📝Application linked here or ask your school counselor for a copy: https://valleyfibercom.com/valley-fibercoms-2026-scholarship-application-now-available/

02/25/2026

🇺🇸 🇺🇸

Last night, our nation paused during the State of the Union to recognize a true American hero — South Dakota’s own Capt. E. Royce Williams.

A native of Wilmot, South Dakota, Capt. Williams is a U.S. Navy fighter pilot and Korean War veteran whose courage in aerial combat became the stuff of legend. In one of the most extraordinary dogfights in history, he engaged seven Soviet MiG-15 fighters — shooting down four while flying a badly damaged aircraft and wounded himself. His actions remained classified for decades, leaving his heroism largely unknown to the public until recent years.

To see this humble South Dakota veteran honored before the nation is a powerful reminder that some of America’s greatest heroes come from small towns and quiet communities. Capt. Williams’ story reflects the courage, resilience, and sense of duty that define generations of service members — including so many from our own state.

South Dakota has long answered the call to serve, and last night the entire country saw what we already know: our people stand tall when it matters most.

Thank you, Capt. Williams, for your service, your sacrifice, and your example. Your legacy will inspire South Dakotans — and Americans — for generations to come. 🇺🇸

02/16/2026

🇺🇸 Military Funeral Fact You May Not Know

Did you know that by law, every eligible U.S. veteran is entitled to a military funeral honors ceremony — including the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of the American flag?

Under federal law, the U.S. Department of Defense is required to provide a minimum of two uniformed service members for the ceremony. At least one must represent the veteran’s branch of service.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that in communities across the country, volunteer honor guards often step in to provide additional ceremonial support — standing watch, rendering rifle volleys, and ensuring that no veteran is laid to rest without dignity and respect.

These volunteers give their time freely, often traveling long distances, simply because they believe every veteran deserves to be honored.

It’s not just tradition. It’s a final salute.

02/16/2026

🇺🇸 Did you know?
The average age of an honor guard member in the United States is 77 years old—and many honor guards proudly serve alongside members in their 80s and even 90s.

These men and women have already given so much in service to our country… and yet, they continue to stand at attention—ensuring every veteran receives the final honors they have earned.

But today, a national crisis is quietly unfolding.

Across the country, honor guards are facing a growing shortage. Many of these dedicated volunteers are becoming ill, slowing down, or passing away. And while younger veterans are stepping forward to take their place, there simply aren’t enough to meet the rising need.

Every day, more families are requesting military honors. Every day, honor guards are doing everything they can to keep up.

We cannot let this tradition fade.

Operation Honor Guard is working to:
• Recruit and support the next generation of honor guard members
• Provide uniforms, rifles, flags, and training
• Ensure every veteran receives a dignified farewell

If you are a veteran—or know one—your service is still needed.
If you’re able to support our mission, your help makes a real and lasting difference.

👉 Visit OperationHonorGuard.us to learn more, get involved, or support our mission.

Let’s stand together to ensure that no veteran is ever laid to rest without the honor they deserve.

🇺🇸

01/15/2026

🇺🇸 Today we pause to remember one of our own — Robert “Bob” Landis 🇺🇸

It is with deep respect and heartfelt remembrance that the Colman American Legion reflects on the life and service of Bob Landis, a dedicated member of our post whose presence, leadership, and spirit helped shape our community for decades.

Bob’s commitment to the American Legion spanned many years, including more than 20 years of continuous membership, and in reality going back even further—long before our current Post Commander arrived in Colman in 1989. Over the years, Bob served our post in numerous roles, most notably as Vice Commander for eight years, and through many other positions that helped keep our mission strong and our traditions alive.

Bob wasn’t just a leader—he was a friend, a mentor, and a steadfast supporter of the values we hold dear: service, honor, and community. He exemplified the very best of what it means to be an American Legionnaire, and his contributions will continue to resonate in the work we do and the way we serve.

We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and loved ones. May you find peace in the memories you shared and pride in the legacy he leaves behind. We are grateful for his life, his service, and his dedication to veterans and community alike.

Rest in peace, Bob Landis. Your service will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

View Robert (Bob) W. Landis's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/01/2026

🎆 Happy New Year! 🎆

As we step into a brand-new year, we want to thank everyone who supported, encouraged, and stood alongside us throughout the past year. Your dedication to our veterans, our community, and one another makes everything we do possible.

Here’s to fresh starts, new opportunities, and continued service in the year ahead. May 2026 bring health, happiness, and hope to you and your families. Cheers to the year ahead! 🇺🇸✨

12/25/2025

This holiday season, we extend our warmest wishes to our veterans, their families, and our entire community. We are grateful for your continued support, service, and the spirit of unity that makes Colman such a special place.

May your days be filled with peace, joy, and time well spent with loved ones. As we reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to the new one, we remain honored to serve those who have served our nation.

From all of us at the Colman American Legion—Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🇺🇸🎅

12/09/2025

🎓 ATTENTION STUDENTS, PARENTS & EDUCATORS!

The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program is now open—one of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the nation for high school students!

If you know a student who enjoys public speaking, American history, leadership, or civic education, this program is an incredible opportunity to earn scholarships, recognition, and experience that will serve them for life. 🇺🇸✨

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💬 How to Enter

High school students who wish to participate should notify their high school principal, who will then contact their local American Legion Post.

• If multiple students from the same school want to compete, a local Post contest must be held under the joint direction of the school and Legion Post to determine the school’s representative.

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🗓️ District Contest Information

📍 Humboldt Community Center
📅 January 11, 2026

The winner of each District Contest will receive a medal and the honor of representing their district at the State Oratorical Contest.

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🏆 State-Level Scholarships

The South Dakota State Contest offers significant scholarships, including:
• $1,500 – 1st Place + Trophy + High School Display Plaque
• $1,000 – 2nd Place + Trophy
• $500 – 3rd Place + Trophy
• $200 – Awarded to remaining finalists

All state-level scholarship awards are redeemable at any institution of higher learning for up to 5 years after graduation.

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🏛️ National-Level Scholarships

Finalists who reach the national stage can earn some of the largest scholarships available to high school students in the country:
• $25,000 – 1st Place
• $22,500 – 2nd Place
• $20,000 – 3rd Place
Plus:
• $2,000 – For each certified state winner entering Round 1
• $2,000 – Additional for advancing to Round 2

These scholarships may be used at any U.S. college or university.

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📚 Learn More & Get Started

Full program details and resources can be found here:
👉 https://sdlegion.org/oratorical-scholarship

Encourage your students to step up, speak out, and seize this opportunity. Help us showcase the talent of South Dakota’s youth on the national stage! 🇺🇸✨

11/11/2025

Today, we honor all who have served and continue to serve our great nation — the men and women who stood ready to defend freedom at home and abroad. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten.

The Colman American Legion, Shaffer-Lellelid Post 278, would like to extend our sincere thanks to Colman-Egan Public School for once again inviting us to take part in today’s Veterans Day program. Each year, your support and recognition remind us why community matters so deeply. Seeing the students, staff, and families come together to honor our nation’s heroes is both humbling and inspiring.

To all veterans — past, present, and future — we salute you.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to the United States of America. 🇺🇸

11/04/2025

Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11th at 9:30am!
All Veterans, and their spouses or guests are welcome to come to the school for a free roll, with coffee/juice, starting at 8:45a.m. No need to RSVP. https://edl.io/n2129502

10/31/2025

🇺🇸 Today we pause to remember one of our own — Roger Allen Fritz. 🫡

A valued member of the Colman American Legion – Shaffer‑Lellelid Post 278, Roger’s life was guided by service: to his country, to his community, and to the young minds passing through the halls of Colman-Egan Public School .

Roger served his country honorably in the United States Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel after many years of dedication. In his civilian life, he spent 48 years at Colman and Colman-Egan School Districts — teaching vocational agriculture, then leading as principal and finally as superintendent for 42 years. His impact was recognized in 1998 when he was named Superintendent of the Year for South Dakota, and the football field at Colman-Egan was later named "Fritz Field" in his honor.

Here in Colman, Roger’s legacy resonates throughout the community. For nearly four decades he was a committed member of Post 278, serving as Commander for 25 years and leading efforts such as the Colman Veterans Memorial dedication. He didn’t just honor veterans — he empowered their remembrance, ensuring that those who served were never forgotten.

We are grateful for the years Roger invested in our community, in our schools, and in our veterans. His dedication set a standard of integrity, compassion, and leadership that continues to inspire us all.

To Roger’s family — his wife Judy, his children Greg, Sue, Sandy, and Jeff — and their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: you have our deepest condolences and our shared respect for the life Roger lived.

May we all honor Roger’s memory by upholding the values he exemplified. May our actions reflect the dignity he brought to every role he filled. Today, and every day, we stand united in gratitude for his service.

Rest in peace, Roger Fritz. Your legacy lives on with us forever.

Roger Allen Fritz, 86, of Colman, SD, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Dells Nursing and Rehab Center in Dell Rapids, SD. A funeral service will be held at 200 PM on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Colman-Egan High School in Colman, SD. Family present visitation will take