2022 1st Quarter Hoosier Legionnaire

IN THIS ISSUE From the District Commanders see pages 4-6

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1st QUARTER 2022

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Monument in France dedicated to fallen Indiana soldier

“Everybody was overwhelmed. How did we not know this? How did it go on that long with nobody knowing?” Said Jerry Hewitt, a member of American Legion Post 173 in Versailles, Ind. Hewitt was referring to World War II U.S. Army Pvt. Robert J. Whalen, who was the only American soldier killed in action Aug. 29, 1944, during the liberation of Vailly-sur-Aisne in northern France. He was crossing a bridge by Jeep when a German tank fired and struck him. He was 20 years old.

Several town people witnessed what happened and hid his body in the town hall, then moved it to a church, for safety.

Whalen is buried in Epinal American Cemetery, which is located about 230 miles southeast of France. Family members have visited Whalen’s gravesite to pay their respects, including Tamea Hewitt, niece of Whalen and

wife of Legionnaire Jerry Hewitt.

But what the family didn’t know, until recently, was that in 1953 the town of Vaillysur-Aisne erected a monument in honor of Whalen for his service and sacrifice in liberating the town, and have commemorated the anniversary of his death every year since 1944.

Catherine Whalen Purdy, Whalen’s niece, always felt like there was more to the story of how her uncle died in the war. After extensive research, in late 2020 she found his name in the book “Chemins d’absence”

by Vailly-sur-Aisne author Pierre Commeine. Then she saw pictures from the town of Vailly-sur-Aisne commemorating Whalen’s service and sacrifice next to his monument on the 75th anniversary of his passing.

“I thought, ‘This cannot be the same Robert Whalen.

Why would my family not

World War II U.S. Army Pvt. Robert J. Whalen, left, and family members visiting the monument dedicated to him in Vailly-sur-Aisne in France Aug. 29, 2021.

Photo provided by Jerry Hewitt.

know about this (the monument)?’” she said.

The answer was found in a mansion near Paris.

A young man named Alliance was renovating the mansion and found a letter sent to Whalen’s parents in Norwood, Ohio, in 1953

with an invitation to see the monument in Vailly-surAisne that honored their son, along with photographs of his Jeep with American colonels present. His parents had moved, so the letter was returned to sender.

Last month on Aug. 29,

the 77th anniversary of Pvt. Whalen’s death, for the first time several of his family members traveled to Vaillysur-Aisne to participate in the ceremony that remembers him, pays tribute to the See page 2

Post 3: a non-smoking, no alcohol post going strong

by Dan Cunningham, Commander Post 3 and Paul Norton, District 11 Public Relations Chair

A treasure trove of history can be found at the American Legion Post 3 building in Broad Ripple.

Founded on June 14, 1919, the Post is among the oldest posts in the state.

Permanent and semipermanent displays of historical military items greet visitors when they enter the post’s building, prompting interesting conversations among all those who come through the doors.

Children are especially fascinated with the exhibits and eagerly engage members, who seize the opportunity to educate the children about military service.

Consolidating with twelve other posts over time, Broad Ripple Post 3 is still serving veterans and the greater Broad Ripple Village community in northeast Indianapolis.

While past achievements are remembered, the thrust of Broad Ripple Post 3 is to

build on the past for continued service to veterans and the community.

Recently, with the guidance of member Leon Bates, Post 3 successfully petitioned the state of Indiana to erect two historical markers that honor the service of two Indiana veterans of the First World War. Post 3 has “no smoking” and “no alcohol” policies, which attracts new members – veterans who just want to continue their service to the country.” They find this opportunity for service at Post 3. Here the focus is on service to veterans and service to the community.

“Service to veterans” is highlighted by having five service officers trained in the last three years rather than relying on a single Service Officer. Outreach includes monetary assistance and referrals for living accommodations and social services.

Hosting the District 11 meeting each June, the post conducts a formal Post Everlasting Ceremony remembering comrades who passed during the previous year.

This solemn ceremony is always well attended, and evokes praise from the audience.

“Service to the community” is equally broad with service to police and youth.

Support to the Indianapolis Police Department’s North District began five years ago when the post started sponsoring the district’s Officer of the Month program.

Post members attend roll call for each officer being recognized, whether roll call is at 5:30 am, 1:30 pm, or 9:30 pm. While the officers appreciate the gift cards presented by the post, the

Broad Ripple Post #3: 1st Vice commander Leon Bates, Commander Dan Cunningham, 2nd Vice Commander Pete Holtz, Adjutant Don Bievenour, Corresponding Adjutant & 11th District Commander Ben Olsen, Finance Officer Bill Diehl

greater appreciation by all of the officers is that “civilians” show up at their workplace to thank them for their service to the community.

Additionally, Post 3 donates money and time to assist officers with their annual Clothe-A-Child Program at Christmas. Post members help shop and then wrap the gifts for presentation to families in need.

Post 3 has led the 11th District in reviving submissions of American Legion Firefighter and Law Officer of the Year awards. This was achieved by fostering close relationship with both the fire and police departments, and by creating instruction packets that make writing recommendations easy.

Support of youth in the community is more widely focused. Post 3 has supported scouts for years, providing meeting space for both Boy Scout and Girl Scout units and events. Beyond this and

monetary support, the post is the chartering organization for both the Cub Scout Pack and Scouts BSA Troop at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually impaired. Post members, who are also registered volunteer scouters, donate time to support these programs.

School programs were necessarily paused during the Covid-19 shutdown, but have now been revived. The post has successfully promoted the Junior and Senior Americanism & Government Test program in schools for years, along with the fourth grade elementary Flag Education Program.

While far too few people are even aware of the American Legion Oratorical Contest and the monetary awards available to participants, Post 3 has regularly sponsored district and department (state) winners. Competitions are hosted at the post, and the post provides train-

ing for the required judges, timers, and escorts.

Each year the post sponsors a minimum of three young men for Boy’s State.

For Veteran’s Day last year, Post 3 partnered with the Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for the Centennial Celebration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Even with the other Veteran’s Day activities in the city, over fifty people attended this special event. In closing, and to repeat what was mentioned toward the beginning of this article, while past achievements are remembered, the thrust of Broad Ripple Post 3 is to build on the past for continued service to veterans and the community. This Post is doing everything right with the Four Pillars of The American Legion.

Veteran with 40-years of service inducted into Purdue ROTC Hall of Fame By: Joseph Bumbleburg

COL (Ret) Clarence James Kaiser has a long list of achievements, in both his military and civilian lives.

He was born on a farm in the small neighborhood of Eckerty, in Crawford County, IN. Now at 90 years old, he lives on that same farm. That’s not to say that he has remained there all those years. Leaving for college took him to Purdue University, where he had the opportunity to join the ROTC program. From there he went to Artillery School at Fort Sill, OK. He traveled back home to Camp Atterbury, IN, and then across the world to Korea. After leaving active duty, he soldiered on through the U.S. Army Reserves and the Indiana National Guard. For a while, in the early 80s, that young man from Eckerty worked as the JCS Liaison Officer at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. During that time, he was promoted to Colonel. From the ROTC at Purdue University, to his final assignment in the Indiana National Guard, he has had over 40 years in military service to our country.

During the 1980s, COL Kaiser became a member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and flew as a mission pilot until 2006 when he was deemed not medically qualified to fly. That didn’t deter him from remaining in the CAP. He became a mission

scanner and is currently an observer. He has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol for over 30 years.

COL Kaiser’s mind and heart have never strayed far from farming. After returning home from active duty, he became an FFA advisor and teacher at Milltown High School in Milltown, IN. He taught Vocational Agriculture, Physics, and Chemistry.

Following that he became the Superintendent at the Purdue University, Southern Indiana Forage Farm, Purdue Agricultural Experiment Station with over 1000 acres. That led him to become a graduate student at the University of Missouri in the Department of Agronomy.

His next few stops were as an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Agronomy at the University of Kentucky, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and Southern Illinois University.

Most of those stops happened while still being a member of the Indiana National Guard.

His love of farming has taken him to eight different countries in a consultant or informational role. COL Kaiser has a total of 40 consecutive years of professional service (research, teaching, extension, and administration) in agriculture during his career in the public sector.

During all of those adventures, he has still managed to

(Left) American Legion, Department of Indiana judge advocate Joseph T. Bumbleburg, and Purdue University Chairman of the Selection Committee David Tate (Right) with Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame Honoree Col. (Ret.) Clarence James Kaiser at his induction ceremony.

have a family and his farm.

He and his wife of over 60 years, Doris (who has now passed), raised 3 daughters and a son on the family farm.

At 90-years old, COL Kaiser still manages approximately 810 acres of forage crops (pasture and hay) utilizing intense soil and water conservation practices. He also managed a commercial herd of 100 cows and 30 replacement heifers. Classified Hardwood forests are managed on 248 acres of the farm. COL Kaiser has always used what free time he

has to better the county for his friends, neighbors, and others throughout Crawford County. He is a member of several boards in the county and is the past president of most of them. The board nearest to my heart is the Crawford County Indiana Veterans Memorial Board.

Jim has worked tirelessly with others over the last several years to have a memorial placed in our county which truly honors those who have served our country. If not for Jim and his commitment, the monies may not have been

found to build the memorial.

He was also instrumental in making sure that it is a truly impressive monument that attracts visitors from all over Southern Indiana and beyond. Jim is also modest, in that he purchased engraved bricks for every veteran in his family before he purchased one for himself.

FALLEN INDIANA SOLDIER from page 01 monument erected in his honor, and celebrates the liberation of the town.

Tamea, Jerry, their son and five other family members attended the ceremony along with Alliance, who brought the letter and pictures he found in the mansion. The ceremony included historic films, an exhibition and a reconstructed American camp.

“It was emotional,” Jerry said. The plaque on the monument reads “ROBERT WHALEN, SOLDAT AMERICAIN, EST TOMBE LE 29 AOUT 1944, POUR LA LIBERATION, DE VAILLY SUR AISNE.” “It’s just an unbelievable story. Especially for them (Whalen’s family and town of Vaillysur-Aisne) … they are living it.”

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hoosier legionnaire 1ST quarter 2022

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Leading Hoosier Legionnaire Letters Mark Gullion DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Greetings and happy New Years. Since being elected Commander of the great Department of Indiana it has been an unbelievable adventure. Traveling the state and meeting new people along with seeing old friends is something that to me, proves we are a family.

I have been to the largest post and to the smallest and the hospitality at each has been outstanding.

We have been able to accomplish a lot so far. All positions are filled at Department Headquarters. Wendy McGinness is in training to replace our program director, Butch Miller who be retiring in July. Candy Long is our new receptionist, and you no longer have to push buttons to speak to someone. Chad Woodburn is our new Adjutant. Chad is a native of Indiana but has worked the last six years as the membership coordinator for the Department of Illinois. We were very fortunate to find these three outstanding individuals to complement our staff. We are also in the process of hiring an additional membership coordinator. Offices are being moved and a fresh coat of paint is being applied. Stop in and say hello to the staff when you’re in Indy.

We have just completed our 2nd caravan which consisted of our southern part of the state. Again, we were joined again by our National Vice Commander, Jerry Wilson, visiting 16 different Post. We were greeted by many Legionnaires, civic leaders, Boy Scouts, and community members, while telling our story and collecting membership cards.

In addition to the Legionnaires on the caravan we

were honored to have Auxiliary President Rose Ann Dzieglowicz, SAL Commander Dennis Budd, and the ALR Southern Assistant Director Shawn McCammack with us. The northern caravan which was conducted earlier in the year and the southern caravan was a great success and I would like to thank everyone who participated.

While we were in the 7th District, we stopped at Clay County Post 2 which is in Brazil. Unbeknownst to us we were there to help dedicate the addition to their building that had just been completed. Previously I had asked District Commander Lonnie Boyce to supply information about his posts, asking for information about dues, post and community activities and membership. During the program he gave the information that was requested by having a member of Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and ALR speak about what they have done and are doing for not only the post but the community. This information was overwhelming especially once it was told that not so long ago, they could not pay their electric bills, they lost their building and had no money to speak of. Not giving up and with the help of members and volunteers working as a family, they have rebuilt a new Legion Home. The post is operated by volunteers and as the Mayor of Brazil said, “Post 2 is the oldest Post in the state and is a major cornerstone of the community.” Post 2 is an example of what the American Legion stands for and what the Legion Family can do working together.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone that has helped me this year. A lot has been accomplished and we have a lot more to do but I’m sure we will get there with the best Department in the nation.

Chad Woodburn DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

Hello, Indiana Legion family. It feels great to be back home again in Indiana.

I am honored and humbled to be the next Adjutant for the Department of Indiana. I realize I have large shoes to fill, sitting in the same position of Legionnaires like Past Department Adjutants Ayers, Short, & Dagley, just to name a few.

I spent twenty-four years in the military - four years in the Marines and twenty years in the Air National Guard. I have been a Legionnaire for 32 years but have grown up in The American Legion Family, thanks to my father. I am blessed to have a very active American Legion family. My wife of 23-years Michelle has been involved with the Auxiliary holding multiple positions at the National, Department, District, and Unit level in Indiana and Illinois. She currently holds the position of Department of Illinois Membership Chairman and plans to return to the

Rob Burkhart NORTHERN VICE COMMANDER

Greetings and Happy New Year from the North.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

The holidays always remind me of traditions and that is the topic of my article this time.

At the writing of this article, we have just finished Mid-Winter Conference and we are just a little short of the 80% membership goal (549 cards statewide). The Department Commander is asking the District Commanders for ideas on how to reverse the downward spiral of membership. Asking them to think outside

Alex Magyar

The Hoosier Legionnaire is published four times each year in February, May, August and November by The American Legion Department of lndiana. Headquarters located at 5440 Herbert Lord Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216. Phone: 317-630-1300 Periodicals Postage Paid at Indianapolis, IN USPS 010-445 ISSN 0018-4772 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE, 5440 Herbert Lord Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216 This publication is overseen and created by: Mark Gullion, Department Commander Chad Woodburn, Department Adjutant, Publisher Josh Marshall, Communications Director, Editor This is the official publication owned and produced exclusively by The American Legion, Department of Indiana Member: National American Legion Press Association and Hoosier American Legion Press Association Advertising and Sales Representative: Josh Marshall, Communications Director, Ph: 317-630-1363 Subscription Rates: $0.85 of each member’s yearly dues goes toward the publication and delivery of the Hoosier Legionnaire Volume LXXXVII, Issue 1, 2022 Circulation: 83,000 Printed by AIM Media, Greenfield, IN

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Indiana Auxiliary after her term in Illinois is up. Our daughter Deanna is a Junior in college at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island. She is a past Department of Indiana Jr. Auxiliary President, National Central Division Jr. Vice President, and still an active Unit member while in college. Our son Luke is a Freshman at Polytech High School and a Past Squadron Commander, District and Division Chaplain, and Past Illinois Detachment Commanders Assistant Sgt-AtArms. My mother, both of my brothers, and their families are all members of The American Legion family.

My goal is simple. To try and give The American Legion family any tool possible to promote the four pillars to help Indiana veterans, strengthen Indiana, and to help make The American Legion in Indiana, once again, to become the place to be. The staff at Department Headquarters is a very talented and amazing team. Please do not hesitate to call or email if you need something to assist you and your American Legion family goals.

I look forward to seeing everyone at a conference or convention soon. the box. Mid-winter went back to training for its emphasis, and I heard a lot of good feedback from the training. When I started attending conferences midwinter was always when they had the training. New ideas and back to the way we used to do it. Tradition and breaking from tradition. The Legion is built on tradition and change, and we need to figure out where the balance is between the two. For our organization to evolve and grow we have had to make changes over the past 5 generations; is it time to change some of the traditions?

Some food for thought.

If a 17-year-old (minimum age) joins the military and your post is a “smoking” post, it will be 4 years before that service member can come into your post.

Bruce Curry

NORTHERN VICE COMMANDER

SOUTHERN VICE COMMANDER

Greetings from the North.

I cover the 1st, 3rd and the 4th Northern Districts. Every time I make a visit to the district meetings, they make you feel like you are a part of a family. The hospitality is great. On November 4th a 97-year-old WWII Vet, by the name of Norvin McClure was honored. He is also a 76-year member of American Legion. It was a great honor for me to meet this great man. He received a Commander’s Coin from Mark Gullion, Department Commander of Indiana.

I have a firefighter, EMT and a law officer of the year from the third district. Let’s get going on getting all of these expired members back and help Commander Mark.

With help from all of us we can, and we will do so.

Winter is now here and the holidays are gone. I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year.

Greetings from the South. I would like to say, what a great time we had on the South Caravan drive around the last part of January. I would like to thank all the posts and districts for their wonderful hospitality.

It was exciting to hear about all the hard work and support our Legion Family is doing in their communities.

I felt we had a very good Mid-Winter Conference and the Post Adjutants 1 Seminar was very informative and helpful.

As we know membership is critical to our organization. We still have work to do on retaining our current membership, but we must also recruit new members.

The most important process in membership recruitment is just ASK, recruitment is everybody’s responsibility.

Hoosier Boy State will be held at Trine University June 12 - June 18th. Enroll-

ed trice National Executive Commmittee Chairperson

I would like to welcome Chad Woodburn as our new Department adjutant, and him being a Marine.

Enough said.

After a successful MidWinter Conference and Membership Caravan in the Southern part of the State with National Vice Commander Jerry Wilson, plus the Lincoln Pilgrimage we still have a lot to look forward to.

Spring Conference will be April 7th through April 10th and the leading candidate for National Commander Jim Troiola will be paying us a visit. Kenny Cooper and I will pick him up at the airport on April 7th, and will give him a warm welcome to the State of Indiana.

Hope to see you at conference.

February is the month we celebrate the 4 Chaplains, do your post members know why? Does your post commemorate it during your February meeting? It honors four military chaplains who sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of their fellow service members during WWII. Tradition and breaking from tradition, what traditions do we find important and which traditions do we need to look at changing.

Here’s to creating some new traditions and maintaining the important ones.

I would like to thank all the posts and districts for their hospitality during my visits. I am enjoying visiting the posts throughout the northern districts and look forward to visiting even more during the next 6 months. ment is now open at hoosierboystate.org.

Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement will be held at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana June 19 - June 25.

Enrollment can befound at trooper.org.

We need to get the word out about the Blue Post Assistance program. For information contact the Department at bmiller@indianalegion.org. This program is due to end this July.

The Department Flag Education winners are: Girl - Ruby Brinson, 7th District, Post 22 Linton, In. Boy - Tucker King 8th District, Post 44, Newburgh, In. Congratulations to both of you.

hoosier legionnaire 1ST quarter 2022

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Leading Hoosier Legionnaire Letters Laurie Bowman MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON

Hello Legionnaires, it has been a tough start to this membership year with the changes to the MyLegion database & of course covid, however, we still have time to catch up, but must do it quickly to reach our membership goals. The MidWinter Conference is done and from all the feedback the training was very well received and attended. I hope you got all your questions answered and we can all move forward in making this membership year a success. Now is the time to get excited about membership and meeting our goals after all MEMBERSHIP MATTERS to all of us.

As you all know March is Buddy Check month and our Legion birthday.

It would be a great time to schedule an event for all your members, throw a beautiful Legion Birthday party and renew all your unpaid 2019, 2020 & 2021 members. You can get an IDVA Event Sponsorship Program (ESP) grant for up to $500.00 to hold the event. IDVA’s goal is to

provide sponsorship dollars to enhance your event. Your District Commander has the application & information on this program.

Speaking of grants did you know there is a Mission Blue Post Assistance Program (PAP) grant that each post can obtain to assist with paying bills in maintaining your facility and community presence.

It can be applied to mortgage payments, rent, insurance premiums and/or utilities. Go to our website indianalegion.org, Forms & Files, scroll down to Mission Blue, get the application and see all the requirements. It is simple to do but time is running out to apply, the cutoff is July 1st. This grant by National Headquarters can allot as much as $2,000 and our Department HQs will kick in up to an additional $1,000 once approved by National. Your District Commander has the application and information on this program.

Aim High for Change is Commander Gullion’s motto this year so he, his officers, and the membership teams have come up with some exciting membership initiatives starting with the phone bank telethon that was conducted Feb 18-20th at Department HQs with the participation of your

District Commander and their Membership Chair(s).

They reached out to expired 2019-2021 members to reconnect with them and get them renewed for 2022. It also allowed our members to get the information needed to reenroll in our FREE $1,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance provided through the Legion Insurance Trust (LIT) program. A perk every paid member is entitled to when they keep their membership current. MEMBERSHIP IS OUR LIFELINE and we need each and every one of you to make this a successful and strong organization.

The Department Executive Committee (DEC) approved the National Guard Recruitment Initiative at our Mid-Winter Conference so we will have the ability to reach out to our younger military personnel by getting into our armories to explain what the Legion is about. This will allow us to highlight our programs and to change the perception that we are just a bar. That brings me to another initiative that some posts are already doing, but all posts need to do, the program is called Operation Welcome where each post/district welcome each & every new member to the post/district

by inviting them to an informational event to explain all the great things we do for our current members of the military, our veterans, our children & youth and of course the community.

They can also bring a battle buddy. It will give our seasoned members the opportunity to showcase what their posts do every day for veterans & their communities. The County Veteran Service Officer should also be available to explain the benefits provided to all service members and veterans.

This would be a great event to use the aforementioned $500 IDVA Event Sponsorship Program.

This brings us to your elections which are on the horizon. Now is the time to talk to all your members about becoming an officer in your post or about participating as a post or district chair on one of the committees. Engaging your members will give them a better understanding of all that is available through the legion. JUST ASK, sometimes that is all that is needed to get a member involved.

The spring conference is in April at the Marriott East in Indianapolis. The general session and committee meetings will be held on April 9th, come one, come

all; bring your family & friends. Every Legionnaire is welcome and you can attend most of the committee meetings as a guest if you are not on the committee.

It is a great opportunity to learn about these committees and what they do. Getting involved in one of the Legion Committees can be very rewarding.

This year will be the first year for The Department of Indiana American Legion College. It is available for Legionnaires & Sons of The American Legion.

It will be conducted right before the Spring Conference, from April 6-8 starting at 10 am on Wednesday at the Marriott East. Go to indianalegion.org, News & Events, click on Department American Legion College, Class of 2022 to get all the information and application. Every applicant must have completed The American Legion Basic Training course prior to the first day of class, which is completed through the National website and is free to all members.

In our 103rd year, we need our most valuable resource - and that is YOU, our blue cap volunteers.

God Bless and thank you for all you do for our veterans, our families, our children, and our communities.

FROM THE DISTRICT COMMANDERS Kevin Urbanczyk 1ST DISTRICT COMMANDER

I would like to start this quarterly message with a quick reminder: check in with your members and make sure they have their current membership cards.

If they do not, have them contact their post adjutant so they can get one.

The 2022 Mid-Winter Conference was a week or so ago, and it was a lot of fun and highly informative.

I want to thank everyone who was able to attend. I also want to thank the Department Commander for the excellent training opportunities at Mid-Winter Conference.

Oh! A gentle reminder: the Membership Committee has nomination packets for Law Officer, Firefighter, EMT of the Year, Educators of the Year, and the Military Person of the Year. Check

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with your post or the committee chairperson to get the information needed to complete these packets but make sure we get them done by the cutoff date. Please get with the Chairperson of those Committees to get further information.

If you have any high school Juniors, remind them it is time to apply for Eagle Scout and Girl Scout of the Year and the Boys & Girls State. We have scholarships available for these kids, so let us make sure we get their paperwork completed and submitted on time.

I have been and will continue to attend post meetings throughout the district.

I look forward to seeing you all soon. As 2022 continues to barrel along, let us remember the importance of retention in the American Legion. Without our members, we lose our voice for our fellow veterans.

Thank you all for your service to our country and your continued service to The American Legion. God bless.

Mitch Mullins 2nd DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings from the Big Green Machine.

As I look out my window today, instead of the usual green lawn and, leafed out trees, I see a sea of white as we recently had a snowstorm that left 14” of white stuff in my yard. Glad we have a plow service that comes in. In the district we have had a good Fall. Membership is close to where we expected it to be, notwithstanding the still evolving MYLEGION.ORG. It has been a close race among the districts this year. The top 6 Districts have only a 1.87 percentage point spread.

That is close at this point in the membership year. Posts in the district are starting to come out of the COVID restrictions and having fund raisers and opening their halls to events. This is the time of year that, here in the district, we are putting an emphasis on contacting our older members and those that we haven’t seen in a while. A special emphasis is contacting those that have moved to warmer climates.

We need to stay in touch with these loyal members and keep them informed on what is going on in THEIR post.

Well enough of my rambling. Let’s talk about the MID WINTER CONFERENCE. The Commander and the Department put on a very informative and well-thought-out program of subject matter experts in their fields. These classes

took place all day long so everyone could attend each class. The IBC was there with all the new changes in the laws. The Gaming Commission had a very interesting class on the new laws and changes back to existing rules before the covid exceptions. For those who couldn’t make it to the Midwinter the Department website has the classes recorded and available to view under the Mid-winter update on the home page. After a long search the Department has found a new Adjutant.

Chad T. Woodburn was sworn in at the conclusion of the conference on Sunday morning at the DEC meeting. Chad has been a member of the American Legion for 32 years. Chad comes to us from Illinois where he was responsible for several membership positions over the years. Chad will be a very welcome addition to the staff with his knowledge and experience.

As we transition into the new calendar year it is time to get our OF THE Year Awards up and going. In the district we are currently working on Educator, EMS, and actively searching for a Law, Firefighter, Military candidates. In the District this year we had 10 finalists in the Americanism and Government testing. Congratulations to all of them.

I tried this test and it was not as easy as I thought it would be. Let’s just say my score was (and leave the answer blank). Boys State candidates are starting to look like a strong showing this year. Several posts are reporting multiple candidates this year. Eagle scout of the year has several candidates throughout the district which is an improve-

hoosier legionnaire 1ST quarter 2022

ment over the last several years. The Scholarship programs that the Legion promotes are some of the finest and most lucrative available today. I ask each of our members to go to the program tab on the Department Website and scroll down through the list and look at the scholarships available.

There is a lot of money out there to be had. I just have a couple more items to bring up. First one Oratorical contest. I have had the great pleasure to watch and listen to our 2nd District candidate, Knox Boyd of Lafayette, IN sponsored

by Post 38. This young man is a tremendous orator. His presentation is spot on in today’s political climate.

Presentation and stage presence are a masterful delight to watch. He won both the District and Zone competitions and I look forward to being in Indianapolis for the Department competition. My last item this time is our new entry into furthering your Legion Education. We have opened registration to the Department of Indiana Legion College.

Registration is online on the Department website.

The first class is open to 40 students. It will be held the three days before the Spring Conference. The American Legion Basic Training must be completed to attend this class.

Until next time may God Bless and Guide our Nation, The American Legion and keep us all in his heart.

Please remember 1-800273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you know a vet in trouble, please make the call.

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FROM THE DISTRICT COMMANDERS Rob Kelley 3RD DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings from the 3rd district. There have been a number of things going on in the 3rd District since the last time I wrote for the Hoosier Legionnaire. A lot of posts have been having breakfasts and dinners and they have been going over really well. Please check with your local post to see what they are going to be doing for the upcoming weeks.

Many posts have been running a treasure hunt style game and a number of them are up in the high dollar value. Please get out and support your local posts in these endeavors. With the new year comes some new changes in the tax law.

Please check with your local post if you are the winner of a high-value prize.

With the recent nasty weather and temperature drop please get out or at

DAVE MILLER 4TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

I often think about this Legion I love so much, and wonder, will this next generation of warriors love it the same way we do? I pray they will.

I believe that Vietnam veterans who 50 years ago were looked down on at by WWII and Korean War veterans and wondered if The American Legion would survive for another decade with these veterans who saw the world differently, but, maybe we all are not so different. This last weekend brought so much of this into focus for me. I was honored to be a part of the 87th annual Lincoln Pilgrimage.

An opportunity to remember and show our respect for a man who truly made history. I rode on bus full of ladies and gentlemen that I admire for their knowledge and love for the Legion. I realized that on this bus, I was the young pup. I joined the military when they were retiring. Some had served before I was born. So how is it that men and women

Mike Harrison 5TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings to my American Legion Family, First, it has be a busy year for me, and I must apologize for not writing to you sooner. I have been amazed by the number of dignitaries that visit our department and tour our state.

National Vice Commander Jerry Wilson was with Commander Mark Gullion during a drive around, it was inspiring, and encouraging to strive for more than 100% membership.

We had a revitalization in November at Van Buren Post 368. While it wasn’t as rewarding as I’d hoped, we were able to reach some veterans to renew or trans-

least call your neighbors and fellow Legionnaires to check on them.

Here are what is happening at some of the Posts in the District: Bremen Post 191 in conjunction with VFW Post 8972 closed to the public during recent Winter Storm Event, the post remained open to provided free hot meals to first responders, plow operators, and mail carriers.

Nappanee Post 154 on March 30th the S.A.L. and Auxiliary are preparing a meal and program for our annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” dinner.

We invite our local Vietnam Veterans and their spouses and there is a short program afterward.

While suffering Covid 19 restrictions (no fundraisers), American Legion Post 130 has been able to improvise. We recently donated $250.00 to Team Rubicon, which is an organization that provides opportunities for veterans to utilize their military skills while continuing to serve as first response team members

for natural disaster relief around the globe. We have also collected Coke box codes from our population. When redeemed, they have accumulated to currently $270.00. We have redeemed $250.00 so far for The Children’s Miracle Network. The remaining (as well as any more we accumulate), will be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. As far as activities, we recently had an American Legion Basketball Tournament against the Northwestern Jaycees Organization. We are set up for many other functions and activities, all scheduled to begin after the current Covid-19 facility group restrictions are lifted.

Some of you may not know but Post 130 is located within the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City and is composed completely of residents of that facility.

Post 27 Plymouth is having a comedy night the 19th of this month. Five comedians with three shows and a clean version at 7 pm. A more adult version at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $15 per

so different in age from I, would accept me? After all, they fought in jungles while I fought in the desert, they ate C and K rations and I survived on MRE’s. How are we the same I wondered?

The answer came in the Super Bowl halftime show!

No really, hear me out.

Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J, Snoop Dogg and 50 cent? It was like someone scheduled a football game around a hip-hop concert!

But as soon as the halftime show was over, here came the chirping on Facebook.

There was a clear line between those who thought it was a waste of time and it was the worst thing ever and those who enthusiastically cheered for the halftime show and it’s sound.

That’s when it clicked.

September 9th, 1956. Elvis was on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time, and he “provocatively” wiggled his hips! Girls swooned and old men grumbled. Fast forward to 1983, Michael Jackson moonwalks and grabs his groin! The sensors went nuts. And in 2022 Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg set the halftime show off! See the pattern?

My point is we don’t have to love the same mu-

sic, we don’t have to have eaten the same chow, or fought in the same conditions. We just have to love America the same way. We signed our name to protect its citizens the same way.

We joined the American Legion to confirm our commitment to “care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,” as President Lincoln said. All in the same way.

“WE ARE HERE TO ASSERT in the strongest terms possible that The American Legion stands for equal rights for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or any other characteristic. There is no qualifier to that statement.”

This quote from PNC Bill Oxford is so powerful.

The power of our membership in the American Legion is not based on the things that are different. Our power comes from what makes us all the same: I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; Opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

fer into a post within our District. I hope all post within the 5th District can take some time to Buddy Check their unpaid members or members they haven’t seen in a while, call or stop by to see how they are doing, or ask if they need some kind of assistance.

January, we had our annual bowling tournament, and it was a very successful event. I think we all had fun I’m looking forward to next year on January 29th, so mark your calendars!! The State Bowling Tournament will be at Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl in Lafyette on March 5,6, and 12,13.

I was honored to go on the Lincoln Pilgrimage this year. They said this year was a larger number of states attending than usual. If you haven’t been

to a Lincoln Pilgrimage and get the opportunity, I highly recommend it.

Looking forward to nice weather coming soon. I want to remind you we have a membership recruiting booth that is free for any post to use, just contact the district to reserve your time. The district golf scramble will be in Marion at Arbor Trace Golf Club, watch for flyers, and we will accept donations and hole sponsorship, between now and up to the date of event.

We are looking for volunteers to take a position as a district officer. The district’s job is to communicate information between the department and the posts within our district, and we need people to step up and volunteer.

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show.

Post 143 Bristol has limited menu dinners on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s. Trivia on Thursday’s starting at 1800. All you can eat fish every Friday from 4:30-7:00. A different dinner every Saturday night 4:30-7:00. The Auxiliary will be having an Easter egg hunt on April 16th 11:001:00 open to the public. We recently had a Craft show / Vendor event on January 29th with over 25 booths set up. We will be having our next one on April 30th.

Further information can be found at their website www. bristolamericanlegion post143.com. They have a full newsletter that is very informative.

Post 210 Middlebury.

Every Friday we serve a meal, and the last Saturday of the month is a steak grill.

If there is a 5th Friday in the month, the Boy Scouts serve lasagna. In May we will be hosting the District meeting. In December we donated $500 to Christmas for kids. The Sunday night, before Memorial Day, we hold a dusk to dawn vigil at

Linn Hutchinson 6TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings from the sixth district, I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season.

As I write this, I hope I find you well. The weather has changed considerably since my last newsletter. We have about six inches of snow on the ground with another eight inches on the way tonight, but it will be spring and hopefully warm weather by the time you receive this article.

I would like to thank all officers and members, for your continued hard work and support in these trying times.

The Mid-Winter Conference held January 13-16 was a great success, there was lots and lots of information and training all day Saturday. I’m sure those who did attend thought the event was very helpful.

Sixth district did come up a little short of our goal at the conference, but we’re headed in the right direction.

We moved up from sixth place to third in the Department standings. I know our membership chairs and vice commander will make sure we keep going up the ladder to be in first place by the end of the year.

Vice Commanders and Membership Chairs and Team, let’s all, please contact the posts and members who have not renewed, also keep pushing the benefits of the ten-year membership plan.

I would encourage the entire American Legion Family: Legionnaires, Son of American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, if you’re not already, please become active in your post and district. I’m sure you would be welcome. Many helping hands mean we each can add a little more to help accomplish our goals.

The American Department of Indiana hosted National Vice Commander Jerry Wilson after the midwinter conference to tour the southern districts from January 27 to January 31. I

Gracelawn Cemetery, participate in Middlebury’s parade on Memorial Day, then afterward we meet at the cemetery where the names of all veterans buried in the area, are read aloud.

While some of these events have happened, please contact your local post to see what is upcoming. I know that there are some posts that are conducting chili cookoffs in the coming months and with the weather the way it is, it would be a good thing to get out and support your local Post.

There will be a District revitalization in March at Post 308 in Osceola on March 19. I encourage as many of you that can come out and help the district and your own post at the same time.

As always, if anyone has any questions, comments or complaints, please forward them to me so that I can either answer them or forward them to the appropriate people. was able to join Commander Wilson and department delegates when they traveled thru the sixth district on Sunday January 30TH. We were able to make three stops in our district and I am glad to say we all received a warm welcome and great conversations and food at each post. We visited Greencastle Post 58, Crawfordsville Post 72 and Carmel post 155.

Our district had a banana pass-out at the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette on Sunday February sixth. All seemed to have an enjoyable afternoon, meeting and talking to all of the residents. My thanks to Jesse and Bob Bulington for doing all the leg work for this fun filled afternoon.

All the residents seemed pleased to see us drop in for a visit to deliver candy and bananas.

My thanks to Executive Vice Commander Judy Pearson, for scheduling our second revitalization and Buddy Check at Post 72 in Crawfordsville on Saturday February 12 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Judy and the crew did an outstanding job in such a short amount of time.

She also planned a membership drive around on March 5, on the East side of our district. We visited five or six posts and I must say the hospitality was great at each Post.

I would like to thank everyone who pitched in to help or bring in food at the last two conferences.

Both were a huge success.

Special thanks to my wife Rosemary, friends or (adopted grandkids} Andy and Kristy Byers and granddaughter Rainee Martin.

No way could I have pulled it off without them. Thanks again.

Keep up the good work and thanks for all you do.

Until the next time, May God bless you, family, friends and the United States of America

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FROM THE DISTRICT COMMANDERS Lonnie Boyce 7TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Everything is moving slowly in the Fighting 7th, hoping to get rid of Covid-19 and the cold weather soon and get back to normal if there is such a thing anymore. Membership caravan in January was well received and appreciated.

Had to cancel the February Meeting at Post 285 in Spencer due to weather conditions which means we will be doing our Four Chaplains service March 5th at Post 106 in Worthington. Working hard on retention of existing members and getting new members to belong to The Legion.

Congratulations to Post 1919 in Greenwood which leads the Fighting 7th with

Dave Roach 10th District Commander

As we continue our journey to warmer weather, let us remember those fellow veterans that will not make the trip. Depression is an illness that hides within and sometimes is not noticeable to the people close by. Depression sometimes leads to the dreadful decision to take one’s own life. Veteran suicide, depending on which polls you follow, affects 20 to 40 veterans each day. I believe it is part of our job as Legionnaires to try and stem the rise of this atroc-

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105.6% of their membership goal. Also Post 479 in Lyons doing an outstanding job of attaining 100% of their goal despite the untimely death of their commander this year. Posts over 90% are: Posts 194 Haubstadt, 462 Somerville, 450 Solsberry, 51 Owensville, 2 Brazil, 245 Elnora. Posts over 85%: 103 Mooresville, 225 Clay City, 224 Dugger, 298 Hymera. We are seeing improvement from top to bottom in the Fighting 7th. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Legion Family in Post 106 Worthington of their loss of Jeff Coulter and Post 196 Bloomfield for the loss of Missy Long. Watch out Jim May, Brazil Post 2 only needs 2 more new members to pass Bloomington 18. That steak will taste good.

ity. One of the ways we can help is the Buddy Check.

Sometimes just knowing that someone cares enough to call and talk is all that is needed to break the thought of taking one’s own life.

Revitalizations I have been a part of have been very rewarding also. Some of these Veterans have no one to talk to. A lot of times, when we call, they will talk on and on about their life and experiences they have encountered. So, continue to do these Buddy Checks.

Let these members know we care about them and their well-being!

Tina Wallace 9th District Commander

Greeting Hoosier Legionnaires. It is with a heavy heart that we start 2022 with the passing of Past Department Commander Rodney Strong and his wife, Sharon, and one of the 9th District’s, Post 13 Nashville, oldest veterans at the age of 104, Bob Vollmer. We want to send our deepest sympathies to all families that have lost a loved one over the holidays.

Our posts were kept busy over the holidays. Post 464 in St Leon delivered about 186 bags of fruit for the VA in Cincinnati and also delivered fruit to our post shut-ins for Christmas. One member delivered “vegetables for veterans” after picking

Ben Olsen 11th District Commander

Greetings from the 11th District! Thank you to all our posts for your continued efforts in keeping the 11th District as a leader in membership. Congratulations to both Post 56 and Post 360 for qualifying for the 11th District Membership Incentive by reaching 100% of goal by the end of 2021.

The last quarter of 2021 was highlighted by Chaplain Ed Harris, Jr. and Post 249 at the Pearl Harbor Remembrance on December 7th. At the Mid-Winter Conference, we saw a new

them up at VA Greendale.

The veterans were tickled.

Post 464 Commander Jerry Maune bought $1,000. of phone cards and gave them to VA. Post 464 also had a blood drive in November with great participation and their yearly Gobble-Wobble. Post 185 in Vevay conducted their annual Christmas box drive in December. Also, with the major destruction in Kentucky from the Tornado, they sent a large amount of canned goods to the area.

They have made donations to various organizations as well as the local schools.

Upcoming in the near future they have been asked to assist with an ongoing flag folding education as well as properly displaying.

They have been working with the school system here to not only the 4th grade flag education but to also present different presentations to the upper grades.

Post 239 Lawrenceburg recently honored Veterans with Quilts of Valor and plaques at a dinner. Post 452 New Alsace is hosting its annual euchre tournament in February and March. I am very proud of our posts for their dedication to the Flag Education and Etiquette Program.

The Department hosted the Mid-Winter Conference with great training. I have heard good comments after the conference by a few of my members that attended and passed the information along to their posts. I am looking forward to attending the planned giving presentation next round, as I was not able to make the class this time around.

Membership is going strong for the 9th and looking to visit the Posts in the next few months. Thank you to everyone in the District and the Department for their support and guidance.

format oriented towards Post topics and it was well attended. Many of us found it was very helpful and I hope we continue this format for the Mid-Winter Conference next year.

Zone competition for the Oratorical Contest was conducted on February 5th at Broad Ripple Post 3. In March, the Annual Post Data Report needs to be returned to Department. This report was mailed to posts from National and only changes need to be made on the right side of the page before returning.

Our Spring Conference will be conducted on April 8th, 9th & 10th. Please see the Department website www.indianalegion.org for the agenda. The award submissions for Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS, Educators

and Military are due to Department by May 21, 2022 and to District 11 by May 1, 2022. Please get these finalized and turned in on time to be considered.

Both Boys State and the Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy take place in June this year. Encourage your members to have eligible students enroll now and contact your post officers if you have any questions.

As warmer weather arrives, take the opportunity to reach out in-person to make buddy checks to our members who may not be able to get out. Let’s also take this time to connect with those who have not been to our posts for a while and encourage them to join us for post events and Legion Programs.

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Leading Hoosier Legionnaire Letters NORRIS KEIRN DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN

I landed at the DaNang air strip while it was under fire by the NVA on February 5, 1968. In Ken Burn’s The Vietnam War there is a picture of a similar attack on the morning of January 30th 1968. My arrival had been held up as military leaders were unsure how the Tet offensive would unfold. All hell seemed to be breaking loose and there was a lot of chaos.

While great attention was given by the press to Tet ‘68, the greater and more damaging NVA offensive was in May of ‘68 in commemoration of “Uncle Ho’s” birthday. Of the few pictures I have from the war, only one picture is dated. It is an “Instamatic” black and white picture. You would snap a

Steve DeFeo DEPARTMENT HISTORIAN

Before beginning this article, I’d like to express my personal condolences to the family of Rodney and Sharon Strong. Commander Strong was the Department Commander during our Centennial year. Their sudden deaths were a profound shock. They will be missed.

In these times of living in a pandemic and the negative effects of it on day-today post operations, it is easy and understandable to just focus on post survival

Rose Ann Dzieglowicz ALA PRESIDENT

I hope everyone enjoyed the Holidays! December was a very busy month with VAMC gift wraps, IVH gift wrap and a wonderful Christmas Party at IVH for the residents. They were very thankful for the treats, music, multiple gifts and Mr. & Mrs. Santa’s visit.

The residents were so appreciative, but I believe all of the ALA volunteers in attendance enjoyed seeing their smiling faces even more!

On December 18th I was honored to participate in the

John Hickey Service Department

Service Department Opens Annex Office: The American Legion Department of Indiana has expanded services by opening a second veterans service office. Unlike our office in the federal building, the new office is dedicated to in-person claims filing assistance only. Once the claim is filed, our service officers at the federal build-

picture and the film would be ejected so you could take a special crayon (easy for Marines) and run over the 2x3 inch picture to preserve it. The date was May 5, 1968. I had it snapped of a buddy and myself, because I was alive! By the hand of God I had miraculously survived a 61mm mortar attack.

I like to tell people that I have been living on “grace” ever since that date. You might think that was a powerful day of rejoicing, but it was a mixed bag of emotions for me. While on the one hand I was grateful for survivorship, on the other hand I was mad at God that I lived when fellow Marines didn’t! At nineteen, I had no comprehension of what “survivor’s guilt” was. Very few experts did at the time as it had only recently been coined in the 60’s in regards to the Holocaust survivors of WWII. Shortly thereafter, I broke a crown off my front tooth in another attack. The

7th Marines had a field unit for emergency dentistry that was occasionally staffed. I went in to get it fixed. There I was told, “If you were Navy we could fix it, but since you’re a Marine we can’t!” I said, “But I thought we were in this together, why not?” To this the 1st Class Petty Officer sternly responded, “It’s our orders!” Not letting it go, “I said, “But why the difference between Navy and Marines?” He responded gruffly, “You won’t live long enough to get the crown!” I guess Jenna M. Loyd was right in her slogan, “War is Not Healthy for Children and other Living Things”.

Researchers didn’t coin PTSD until 1980. I was in Clinical Pastoral Education, in New Orleans when I attended a seminar by Charles R. Figley, PhD who authored and signed his book for me: Stress Disorders Among Vietnam Veterans.

I helped to charter the first chapter of the Vietnam Vet-

erans of America there. Traditional veterans organizations were just not equipped to handle our special needs.

The majority of us went to war by ourselves and came home by ourselves and we were the youngest military ever mustered. Reserve units with older and experienced personnel were seldom activated. It was a unique encounter for America’s warriors In 2006 a new term was applied to veterans struggling from their experiences in combat called “Moral Injury”. While PTSD was classified and recognized as a disorder by DMS-5, it began to be applied to all traumatic injuries, not just combat veterans. Moral Injury deals directly with the reactions of being ordered to perform actions or placed in situations where actions were performed that were opposed to the combatant’s moral or ethical codes. This Moral Injury haunts those who are highly functional.

Recently a veteran shared

with me about reoccurring flashbacks which started up again 54 years after coming home. This era of veterans still hold the highest rate of suicide among the veteran population.

“Buddy Check 22” or any such form of reaching to those who have “born the battle”, is not just a nice thing to do. It saves lives!

Perhaps we forget how much the very existence of an American Legion Post and being a part of the American Legion family does for the individual veteran and their families.

We need to keep this as a priority when we push for programs and membership drives. We are here for one another. Don’t forget to let someone know that you care about them!

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Ps. 34:18 ESV

and forget what makes The American Legion great.

Since its founding, the Legion has relied first and foremost on the Four Pillars to serve veterans, their family members, and community. Perhaps, going back to our roots of the Four Pillars will help overcome the effects of the pandemic.

What are the Four Pillars?

They are the commissions managing the key programs of: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth. They are the engines driving all Legion programs and activities. All of the pillars are as relevant today as when they were first adopted.

The Veterans Affairs and

Rehabilitation Commission recommends plans and programs for direct assistance and outreach and support for veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Commission also coordinates the activities of veterans’ affairs for the entire national organization and oversees the effectiveness of the support and benefit programs for veterans and their dependents with state and federal programs.

The National Security Commission concerns itself with recommending policies to preserve national security. The commission is responsible for relations with Congress and the Department of Defense and

Department of Homeland Security. They also are to be knowledgeable of threats to national security.

The Americanism Commission promotes an understanding and appreciation of American government and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. The commission’s programs promote the American way of life through youth activities, community service, instruction of prospective citizens and legal immigrants, education and educational facilities, and protection of the U.S. flag from physical desecration.

Finally, the Children and Youth Commission is guided by three main objec-

tives: to strengthen the family unit, work with quality organizations that provide services for children and provide communities with well-rounded programs that meet the needs of young people.

These are the programs the Legion has had and developed since its inception.

It is this service that brought in members. Our service drives membership. Our service can get us through the pandemic. All members should get involved in the programs with outreach efforts to our veterans and communities using the Four Pillars as a guide.

“Wreaths Across America” program sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution at Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point, Indiana. Ceremonial wreaths were presented by Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members representing each branch of the service. The purpose of this program is to Remember, Honor and Teach the values of freedom. Hundreds of wreaths were placed throughout the cemetery and no veteran’s grave was forgotten.

The New Year started off at a fast pace with Veterans Legislative Day in Indianapolis at the State House.

We were able to visit our Legislators and present the American Legion’s legislative agenda. We are hopeful they will listen to our

voices and keep Indiana veterans as top priority.

The American Legion MidWinter Conference was held the following weekend with excellent meetings and important information disseminated.

On January 27th through January 31st my Membership Chair Connie Banks and I were invited to once again travel with Commander Gullion and National Vice Commander Jerry Wilson on a membership caravan through Districts 6 through 11. What a wonderful opportunity it was to visit with our members, collect membership and spread the word about how important membership is to our organizations.

It was especially great to congratulate two units who

achieved 100% membership during the caravan! We did take time in the middle of the caravan to pay our respects and attend Rodney and Sharon Strong’s funeral service. Our sincerest condolences to the Strong family for their loss.

February 11th through February 12th had us boarding the bus once again for the Lincoln Pilgrimage to Springfield, IL. This was our opportunity to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and spend time with leadership from neighboring departments.

ALA is presently over 82% of our goal for membership and proud that we are pacing ahead of last year. If your membership card does not say 2022, it’s time to pay your dues! We

are all on a mission to “stop the slide” and continue growing so we can maintain our programs for our veterans, military and their families. Just a reminder, spouses of veterans are now eligible to become ALA members. Also, check with your mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, daughters and granddaughters so see if they are American Legion Auxiliary members.

If they are not members, we would love to have them join our mission.

Let’s continue to “Remember Our Service to Veterans Every Day” since our veterans and military are the reason we live free in the United States today.

ing will track the claim through the VA claims processing system, help ensure VA issues correct decisions, answer any questions (via phone, e-mail, or letter) veterans may have while their claims are processing, and, when necessary, assist with appeals and during hearings.

The new claims office is in the State of Indiana Veterans’ Center, Room 126, at 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. It is open from 8:00 AM until 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM until 4:00 PM each Monday through Friday except for holidays and special Legion

events. Veterans may visit with or without appointments, but those with appointments have priority.

You may schedule an appointment by calling our normal office number of 317-916-3605. In addition, nearby parking is available in the Central Library Parking Garage and the Veterans Center security desk will validate your parking ticket.

Post Service Officers Attend Service Officer Training Seminar: American Legion department service officers conducted a training seminar for post service officers during the

2022 Department MidWinter Conference on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

Those present obtained information for helping post members and other veterans within their local communities better understand veteran’s benefits as well as where, when, and how to apply for those benefits.

These dedicated volunteers help further the goals of The American Legion by selflessly giving their time serving veterans their dependents and survivors.

These post service officers will allow many more veterans to learn about life changing benefits. Thanks

goes to the following post service officers and other post representatives for attending the seminar: Bill Long, Post 241; Timothy Golliher, Post 19, Roger Vandrey, Post 3, Cheri Johnson, Post 308; Anna Murphy, Post 303; Bob Rettig, Post 75; Wyonne Hale, Post 56; Geoff McCuen, Post 34; Darryl Begay, Post 331; Danny Nelson, Post 331, Christina Delos Santos Baker, Post 331; and Patricia Esslinger, Post 157.

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DEPARTMENT COMMISSION REPORTS Internal Affairs Commission

BOB OETH Commission Chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met at the Department of Indiana MidWinter Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 16, 2022.

The meeting was held in Salon D at 1600 hrs. Only 3 Committees held meetings at this Conference.

Ronnie Patton Chairman of the AL Riders reported.

Meeting opened in due form at 1430 hs. in Salon E on January 15,2022. There were 9 members present, 5 absent and 4 guests. Districts not represented were 1, 4, 5, and 10.

The only motion made was to accept the changes to the SOP of the Riders. There were no requests for Department funds and no dates for upcoming events. Chairman Patton closed meeting at 1500hrs.

Fire Fighter/EMT/Law

Rehabilitation Commission

and Order report was given

by Chairman Nick Nicoloff.

The meeting was held in Salon B at 1100hrs. on January 16.

All Districts were represented, Vice Chairman Dave Gorsuch was absent and there were 7 guests. Harold Adams was nominated to replace Dave Gorsuch on the Committee as Dave no longer lives in the State.

Motion was made by Cliff Stevens 2nd by Ron Byrley, motion passed. Nick Nicoloff read the minutes of the last meeting and they were accepted. Nick suggested that candidates are needed even if you need to go to another District to get one. The handouts with the timelines for turning in your Candidates packet were passed out.

New Business: Applications are online at the Department website and the binders will be passed out once the Districts have the candidates. Chairman asked that all district chairs give an updated report on what they were doing to find candidates. No further business

came before the Committee.

The meeting was closed in due form.

Membership Committee 1/15/22, Veterans Hall 4.

The meeting was opened in due form at 1506. The body saluted the flag, prayer was given. Roll call of officers indicated 19 members were present, 6 were excused or absent and there were 14 guests. All Districts were represented.

The Minutes were read and a motion was made to accept the minutes as written by Dave Miller, District 4 with Lonnie Boyce, District 7 2nd . The motion carried.

Commander Mark Gullion was introduced and he addressed those in attendance. He stated that there are thousands of dollars in the Post membership accounts maintained at the Department. They have 2 choices to spend the funds.

The first is to submit membership cards and use the credit or request a check for the balance. The first initiative that will be conducted is a meet and greet with all

new members by District.

We have over 1,500 new members at this time. A roster will be provided to each District to contact the new members and invite them to a welcome to the Legion event and explain exactly what the Legion does. It will also allow the opportunity to ask for leads to sign up their battle buddies.

The next initiative will be in the form of a resolution so that it can continue from year to year. It is called the National Guard Recruitment Initiative. If approved, it will allow Legion representatives to go to NG armories during training sessions to talk to the soldiers about the American Legion and our programs. The third initiative will be a phone bank telethon where every District Commander and their Membership Chairs Will come to the Department and make phone calls to all expired members from 2019, 2020, 2021 to renew them or find out why they have not renewed. It will be held Feb. 18-20.

Gina Owens , Vice Chair,

Children & Youth Commission

RICK HUDSON RON HOAKS

Commission Chairman

Commission Chairman

The commission did not meet for the MID-WINTER CONFERENCE January 15th, 2022. There were no meetings scheduled under the Rehabilitation Commission for this conference.

General Hospital No scheduled meeting.

Homeless Veterans No scheduled meeting.

Nursing Home No scheduled meeting.

Indiana Veteran’s No scheduled meeting.

Employment No scheduled meeting.

Veterans Assistance No scheduled meeting.

The American Legion Legacy Foundation began four years ago as an innovative approach to the future for The Department of Indiana. We wanted to make sure we would always be there for Hoosier veterans and their families.

The Foundation received its 501 (c) 3 approval status on April 20, 2020.

Unfortunately, we were unable to fully kick-off the Foundation fund-raising campaign until late 2020 because of Covid-19. However, even with the delay, the support of businesses, members, and posts has been great.

To date over, $500,000 is now in Foundation! Half of these funds are from individual gifts, local posts and our business partners investing in the future of The American Legion.

There are those who ask, why is there a need for the Legacy Foundation when we already give to the many causes and programs supported by The American Legion? We want to

read resolution 2022m03 and discussion ensued. A motion was made by David Miller, District 4, and seconded by Rob Burkhart, Northern Vice Commanded.

The motion passed unanimously. The resolution will be forwarded to the resolution screening committee after all signatures are completed.

Membership is at 79.19% with 53,838 members paid.

We need 549 cards to reach the 80% target by Wednesday Jan. 19th.

There being no further business to come before the meeting , the meeting was adjourned at 1600hrs.

Laurie Bowman, Department Membership Chair 2021-2022 reporting.

This being the last Committee to report a motion was made to except these reports and have Commission Chairman Oeth submit them to the DEC for acceptance, motion passed. Chairman Oeth closed and adjournded at 1630hrs.

–

CEWC: Roll Call, 19 present 4 absent Motion to approve IVETS from 1st district.

2 motion from 4th district pending statement Motion and approved funding 2 @ $1,500 scholarships Motion to move all CEWC funds to Legacy Foundation

American Legion Family scholarship No scheduled meeting Boy Scout No scheduled meeting Junior Shooting Sports No scheduled meeting A&G No meeting notes

See notes attached.

ensure you understand why it is so important to support the Foundation and how it can be beneficial in the future.

The Foundation builds for the future and allows fundraising to be long term through the form of bequests, grants, trusts, annual gifts and even to honor a loved one. One can give to any program of their choice. It has an outreach beyond just members but to local businesses who want to support The American Legion through its charitable giving.

Our ability to sponsor and support programs today is primarily based on membership dues. For the past, several years we continued to see those membership numbers decline. We have the chance to ensure not a single program suffers due to funding. Even if we did not have a single member, the funding of the Foundation would allow The Boys State program, the Cadet Law Program, and others to continue.

There are individuals who

Flag Education: Roll Call, 18 present, 3 absent, 4 guest See notes below * Could not grade test because of error will do online * Need to work on standard operating procedures * How is our progra administered * We need more posts involved in our program * People did not realize the differences on how each post presented or did not present the program * will have an SOP to vote on at spring conference.

With emails prior to see if changtes are needed * We need a digital program also if it does not keep us from going into the schools * Comic book needs changed

have benefitted from a program sponsored by The American Legion who are wanting to help in some way. They may not qualify for membership but still want to support the Legion’s efforts. That is now possible through the Foundation. The Foundation affords them the opportunity to give by choosing a specific program or just to give to the Foundation.

Either way the monies will be used to support programs now and in the future. Gifts can be given through bequests, trusts, annual gifts, honoring a loved one or simply by adopting one of the departments programs.

Be a part of The Indiana American Legion Legacy Foundation and help us ensure our success for another one hundred years in making a lasting impact on generations to come!

If you want to learn more or want to give, please visit the Foundation webpage at www. indianalegion.org/foundation.

You may also call 317-6301362 to learn more.

5440 Herbert Lord Rd. Indianapolis, Indiana 46216 317-630-1362

www.indianalegion.org/give

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hoosier legionnaire 1ST quarter 2022

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