2023 3rd Quarter Hoosier Legionnaire

2023 FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE MARKS A MILESTONE

Editor’s Note: The current issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire marks a milestone in the production and distribution of the Department’s long-standing official publication. A look back at the inaugural edition puts this historic change into perspective. The Department Finance Committee, the Department Judge Advocate, and the members of the Department Executive Committee have put their full support behind the transition from print to electronic production and distribution.

One hundred and one years ago, the founding members of the Department of Indiana, embracing the latest in print communications technology, launched the first edition of what was to become the voice of the Department, the Hoosier Legionnaire.

In the florid language typical of early 20th Century newspapers, the editors presented their vision for the paper in Issue No 1, Volume No. 1, on March 10, 1922:

“The Hoosier Legionnaire makes its inaugural appearance. It parts the curtain, steps forward and bows to its audience, the exservice men and women of Indiana.

“It hopes that it will be cordially received; that you will be interested in making its acquaintance. It is interested in you; working for your welfare is the reason for its existence. Reciprocally, it is dependent on your friendliness for its life.

“It hopes to chronicle your activities in work or in play, to be a mirror of your thought, to work for you to entertain you, and to be another means of liaison between you and your comrades of other years. It is the product of your pen and invites the best you can do for its columns in story, essay, criticism, philosophy, picture, and rhyme.”

That sentiment remained unchanged during the intervening decades. The paper, however, did not.

Weekly publication became monthly, then quarterly. Advertisements adorned the pages in the early days; postal regulations all but erased those decades ago. Post level correspondents challenged one another and filled the

pages with stories of membership successes, sporting events, and legislative initiatives. Some even embraced emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize communications:

“The Decatur American Legion post … has established what they believe to be a precedent in the Department of Indiana, namely the organization of a Radio Club.

“The club … purchased equipment for sending wireless messages as well as instrumental music … offering no end of entertainment for the members of the club and Post. The ability to entertain a crowd with vocal and instrumental concerts is done by means of a speaker attached to a receiving outfit. With the present equipment an organization can receive messages or concerts from a radius of 800 miles. Additional apparatus to be installed within a relatively short time will have the ability to be heard around the world.”

Those veterans, born at the turn of the century, transported to the battlefields of Europe where they were brutalized by crude technological innovation, and returned to a nation they were determined to transform, saw change as opportunity. And they embraced it. This generation of veterans can do no less.

As the printed version of the Hoosier Legionnaire fades into history, technology and innovation combine to present the Department of Indiana with more unprecedented opportunities, challenges and demands. The Hoosier Legionnaire is not immune from these. The electronic version promises to deliver the

See page 2

You will NOT be receiving a physical copy of the next Hoosier Legionnaire

Starting after this issue, a printed copy of the Hoosier Legionnaire will no longer be sent to your mailing address. Instead, you will receive a digital copy of the Legionnaire via email, provided that we have your email address on record. To ensure that we have your correct email address, you can subscribe to the mailing list on the Department website at www.indianalegion.org. You’ll find a blue section towards the bottom of the homepage where you can enter your name and email address.

You can also access the digital version of the newspaper on the Department website at indianalegion.org/ hoosierlegionaire. We have redesigned the online viewing experience to make it more user-friendly on various devices such as computers, tablets, and cellphones. To assist you in this transition, the Department will send out postcards with instructions on how to access the digital Legionnaire. As always, the Department staff will be available to provide assistance if needed.

We understand that not everyone has access to email or the necessary technical skills to read content online. Therefore, we are asking our posts to help accommodate those who may face difficulties, including residents of retirement homes, in

accessing the newspaper. Going forward, the digital version will be formatted in a way that can be printed on standard 8.5x11 paper.

First Hoosier Legionnaire issue published in Wabash, Indiana, March 10, 1922. To view the full digital issue of the first Hoosier Legionnaire and other archived issues visit: issuu.com/hoosierlegionnaire.

L eading H oosier L egionnaire L etters

BOB OETH DEPARTMENT commander

I am honored and humbled to be elected as your 2023-2024 Department Commander. It is with immense pride that I accept this responsibility, and I promise to serve with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our American Legion thrives and remains a beacon of support and opportunity for our veterans and communities.

Allow me first to express my sincere congratulations to the talented young athletes of Plymouth and Lafayette for their victories in the Indiana American Legion Junior Baseball Tournament and Senior Baseball Tournament, respectively. Their outstanding display of sportsmanship and skill in Kokomo serves as an inspiration to us all and reinforces the positive impact that Indiana Legion programs have on the lives of our youth. As we celebrate these incredible accomplishments, it is essential to recognize the vital role that each

trying to do so. A special thanks to my wife Marylou and my family for the extra push to keep me involved.

member plays in supporting our programs. One way to display your dedication is with American Legion License Plates, proudly displaying our emblem on your vehicles available through the BMV. Not only do these plates symbolize your commitment to our organization, but the proceeds from their sale also directly support our programs. Ask about Legion license plates next time you renew your plates.

Membership growth is crucial to our organization’s vitality, and I urge each member to reach out to fellow veterans, encouraging

Jerry Melton

Southern VICE COMMANDER

Hello Legionnaires!

First, I would like to thank you for electing me as one of your southern vice commanders for 20232024.

I would also like to thank the many who have helped me along the way the last two decade. There are too many to list by name, so please forgive me for not

With the help of all American Legion Families, we can advance the membership, American Legion programs and Commander Bob Oath this 2023-2024 year. In many cases we are going to have to reach out to the individuals in person. Such as our “Be the One” campaign. These people are not as likely to reach out to you. You need to be alert and reach out to those who you think are having

troubled times in their lives. If they do not need your help, there is nothing lost but a little time. On the other hand, some Boy State Candidates may reach out to you, and others, you may need to contact your schools personally. Our “Of the Year” awards recognize our first responders, military, educators, and youth leaders. Most of these will take personal contact with individuals. Our programs show the communities of our posts what The American Legion is about. Dept. Commander Bob Oath believes our Youth

them to join the American Legion family. Together, we can make an even greater impact on the lives of those who have served our nation with honor and distinction. By expanding our ranks, we can amplify our collective voice and provide even more support to veterans and their communities. This year’s National Convention will be from Friday, August 25 thru Thursday, August 31, 2023. We are excited to host a warm and welcoming hospitality suite that will highlight our unparalleled Hoosier hospitality. Moreover, we are eagerly anticipating

Programs are instrumental in maintaining ourselves as pillars of our communities and developing our future leaders. This year we look forward to working with each post to encourage them to participate in as many programs as possible. If your post has not participated in programs for a while and you do not know where to start, contact your district commander, they will help you and give you guidance. With each member’s hard work and donation of time we will have many great posts out there this 2023-

the Department of Indiana Party at the National Convention on Sunday, August 27th beginning at 5 p.m.

I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to lead our organization. Let us work hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, to make a lasting impact in the lives of our veterans, youth, and communities. Together, we shall continue to be the shining examples of service, loyalty, and patriotism that American Legion embodies.

2024 year. The size of the post makes little difference on getting the job done. It is the willingness of the members to get in there and do some work to get the job done. This is not to sell those who have been working hard throughout the years short. We thank each one for your service to the country and hard work done for The American Legion.

I look forward to seeing you at your post and district meetings throughout the coming year. May we all have a wonderful year!

Joe Allen

VICE COMMANDER

Southern

Greetings from the South. I am looking forward to a momentous year of working with all our Legionnaires. A big thank you to the post and districts that I have been able to visit. I appreciate the hospitality and warm greetings that I have received.

We have a goal to make this year, and that is 66,000!

I love the enthusiasm that is happening throughout the state. No one has said that it will be easy, but I know we can do it.

And when you get these new members, we need to do our best to retain them. Greet them, ask them to

come to the post for special events, send them a welcome letter or packet. Make them feel wanted, get them involved, have your post provide mentors for these members.

Have your new members assist with buddy checks. A buddy check can do a lot to make someone’s day better. One way to do this is give them and all your members

10 names to call when they come to a meeting. November is a wonderful time to do this. We have Veterans Day and then the rest of the holidays for the year shortly after that. Remember our brothers and sisters in arms and thank you all for your service every day of the year, especially on Veterans Day.

Keeping members involved in the post and community is another way to keep them. Flag educa-

tion and Americanism are two great programs to get new and existing members involved in the Legion. Shortly after that is the Oratorical contest, let us see if we can get another national champion this year.

Of course, one of the best ways to retain members is to sign up for the Department of Indiana 10-year membership. With a possible price increase on the horizon, now is the time. The cost is only $350, sign up at www. indianalegion.org/jointen. Becoming a Paid Up for Life member is even better. Check it out at https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Membership/Paid-Upfor-Life-Membership .

It was great seeing everyone at Department Convention. I am looking forward to working with everyone and growing our Legion.

Wayne Zeman

VICE COMMANDER

Northern

Greetings to all. I hope everyone is doing well as we begin another membership year!

Membership is something that we are all used to hearing about every year. Every year we hear that it is important.

Well, let me explain a little bit of the “why” it is so important.

The Department of Indiana and the National are funded by dues monies. There is no canteen operation that helps with expenses! The dues are how we pay for all our program’s costs, it is how we have such a fantastic Department Service office, it is how we fund the lobbying efforts at the Statehouse and at the House and Senate nationally!

You will notice that the next edition of the Hoosier

Legionnaire will not be in print, mailed to your address. This is partially because the newsprint industry is dying and becoming more expensive, but it is also because cuts must be made at the Department to go along with less funding. Why is there less funding?

Because over the last two years we have declined in membership by around 6,000 members.

How can we fix this?

Well, one way would be to increase membership! The other is to increase dues.

I am in the “let’s increase membership” camp on this one. We are at a crossroads this year. If we continue the way we have been, we will have to cut more things out of the budget and programs will start to suffer. We must stem the tide and get out there and recruit new members. We must contact our existing members and get them to renew. We must all pull together and truly work membership.

How do we do that? By going outside of our post homes and being active and

engaged in our community, working our programs in the public eye, and wearing our Legion caps while doing it. Get articles in the local paper, social media, TV news, anywhere you can to show our fellow veterans that are not members yet that we are not defined by the canteen and that we are working to make a difference in the lives of veterans, their families and our communities.

Then, go where the younger vets are. Get out to local sporting events and festivals. Find them where they are in your community and be prepared to speak intelligently about what the Legion does. Sure, some will turn down the invitation to join, but some will join.

We have a mission to achieve this year. We must stop the bleeding and start growing as an organization again. If we are not growing, we are dying. We all believe in the mission of this organization, or we would not be members. Let’s get out there and grow it!

Paul Rush

SAL DETACHMENT Commander

I would like to thank the Sons for electing me as their 2023-2024 Detachment Commander. Coming off the year as Detachment Membership Chair, I know the importance of retaining our current members while also building our membership. I would like to thank

MILESTONE from page 1

same excitement and anticipation the advent of radio brought to the founding generation. If the hopes and aspirations set forth in the Prologue to the first issue are to be met, today’s Legionnaires must not only tolerate innovation and change, but also embrace it with the same enthusiasm. The Hoosier Legionnaire for all its history has

Commander Gemlich for the enjoyable past year. It was a privilege serving with him, Commander Daube and the other officers. I am looking forward to working with The Legion Family and I know we will do great things.

My project this year is COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association). When donating, please consider this as one of your fundraisers.

“Every Veteran Counts, Call a Veteran”

chronicled the courage, innovation and vision of the men and women of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, and the record is more than ink on newsprint. It is written in the hearts and minds of generations of veterans.

This change will not erase that record, nor will it prevent the recording of this generation’s achievements for decades yet to come.

JOHN HICKEY

Rehabilitation Director

As the director of rehabilitation and services, I answer hundreds of e-mails monthly. Since many of them would benefit others, I have decided to replace my Hoosier Legionnaire column with copies of the more interesting e-mails. If necessary and when the occasion warrants, I may still provide a column. Until then, however, you may find copies of our e-mails even more interesting and informative. The following is such an e-mail:

Accrued Benefits Pertaining to Adult Children

Question: My father

was a veteran. He recently passed away while he had a VA non-service-connected pension claim pending. VA granted the claim, but the benefits were left unpaid at the time of his death. He was not married, nor did he have any dependent children when he died, so I filed for the benefits due my father (accrued benefits).

VA paid me $1,588.88 but I believe VA could have paid me more if VA established an earlier effective date for the beginning of his pension benefits based upon when he became significantly disabled. Please help me appeal.

Answer: You have assigned The American Legion to represent you with your VA claim, and VA has given us access to your electronic claim file.

VA notes receiving your

notice of disagreement on May 9, 2023; however, it was not signed so the VA mailed you a letter on May 10, 2023, asking you to return a signed appeal form.

It appears you were attempting to claim an earlier effective date for the grant of your father’s pension benefits from the assigned date of June 1, 2022, to April 29, 2022. The veteran’s formal claim was received on June 29, 2022, within one year of an “Intent to File” notice VA received on May 31, 2022. VA regulations prevent VA from assigning an effective date for the claim earlier than the date VA received the Intent to File notice, then, benefits start accruing from the first day of the following month. This would mean that the effective date for accruing benefits by law could be no

earlier than the first day of the month following receipt of the Intent to File notice that, for this claim, would be June 1, 2022.

Normally, VA can only pay accrued benefits to a surviving spouse or a surviving dependent child.

An exception to this rule though is that VA can pay someone who incurred expenses associated with the veteran’s last illness and death from the accrued benefits due but only up to the amount of the accrued benefit or the amount warranting reimbursement, whichever is less.

In your father’s claim, VA calculated that he was owed $2,050 in unpaid benefits at the time of his death. VA then also calculated that your expenses associated with his last illness and death totaled only

$1,518.88. VA therefore reimbursed you only the $1,518.88 since it was less than the total amount due your father at the time of his death.

Even if you were to win an appeal for an earlier effective date for his entitlement to pension benefits, VA would not be required to pay you more since VA can only reimburse you up to the total amount you paid associated with your father’s death, which, as calculated is only $1,518.88. Because of this, we do not find a way you could obtain additional funds by continuing your appeal but that is your option. If you wish to continue the appeal, please, complete, sign and return the VA Form 10182 that VA recently sent you.

Steve DeFeo DEPARTMENT HISTORIAN

CALLING ALL DISTRICT AND POST HISTORIANS:

It is hard to be in two places at once and hard to document everything that needs to be documented. That is where you come in. There are a lot of things happening around the state involving Legionnaires and all members of the Legion Family that deserve recognition. Things that deserve to be added to the Department’s history.

There are projects and events that should be publicized. Once publicized, those participating in them would be grateful for the recognition and, just maybe, be motivated to do more. Imagine a Legion Family with people motivated to do more because their contributions are recognized and appreciated.

Things of local or district significance should be sent to me. They can be pictures, stories or even links to electronic media containing the story. These can be added to the Department history and even forwarded to Department Communications for real-time coverage.

Send your stories, pictures or links to historian@ indianalegion.org. Help me document how great our posts and districts are. Help me create a robust record of our achievements. Help your people earn the recognition they deserve.

David Miller

Competence, Character and Commitment. The three “C’s” that incoming National Commander Daniel Seehafer focused on in his address to the American Legion National Membership Conference.

Speaking on “competence,” he reflected on each of our special abilities to do the task that we have volunteered for in the Legion Family. That we must take responsibility for the task at hand and attack it with the same spirit that we had when we served in the military, because our mission is so important.

On “character,” he related how to lead we must have a servant’s heart. That leading in our own branch of service required specific leadership skills, but that we must give the absolute best of ourselves to lead in a volunteer organization. That leading with your heart was more important than leading with the blade. In a story from President Lincoln, he says, “To learn a man’s true character, give him power.”

But it was when the incoming commander spoke about commitment, the real fireworks came out. He shared the message of “Eye of the Tiger.” And while the lyrics of this Survivor song was running through my mind, he set the bar for us all. “Rising up, back on the street. Did my time, took my chances. Went the dis-

tance now I’m back on my feet. Just a man and his will to survive.” He intends for us all to pull ourselves up and take our Legion back. To make a commitment for our family to survive.

I can tell you that there is something in the air amongst the entire American Legion nation. That we are ready to fight for our survival. That we are ready to turn the corner. That we are not ready to say our best days are behind us. That each one of us has committed ourselves to the future of this organization. And as incoming commander asked, “Are you ready to follow me?”

It will take competence, character and commitment to build a new American Legion. This first few weeks of this year have already taught me something. That the District Commanders and their officers may be exactly the right people at exactly the right moment. This year will indeed present challenges, and there will be days when we are tired of one another’s voices. But I believe that this team will never give up. I believe the fire will be contagious and success will breed more success. I believe as scripture says we should know no more pain and go from strength to strength.

As I write this to you, the final numbers are not yet in for the month of July. However, what I have seen has shown me that we are on the right track. Five new members. That is what it will take, and we will shock the nation. There is only one question.

ARE YOU READY?

Jeff Everman ALR Director

It has been a remarkably busy year so far serving as your American Legion Riders State Director.

We have just completed our first annual, In-State Legacy Run, and it was an enormous success. The American Legion Riders from all over the state helped raise just over $80,000 for the National American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. I will personally present our check at the American Legion National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in August.

We could not have achieved this without the support from all Legion Family entities. Donations poured in from all over the state, totaling over $50,000 before the ride took place on July 15. We are so grateful for the support and contributions for this inaugural event.

we will continue to have our annual In-State Legacy Run, the Saturday after Department Convention, making next year’s ride on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Mark your calendars and please plan to support us again next year.

Rider’s College classes to help our chapters be more successful. Our next Rider’s College is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, 2023, and is being hosted

Miami Correctional Facility Post 555 donates 737 lbs. of produce to local non-profits

local organizations, the Gilead House and Kokomo Rescue Mission.

The Gilead House, known for its work in supporting women’s addiction recovery and aiding their reintegration into society after incarceration, welcomed the contribution. The program offered by the Gilead House provides a safe and supportive environment for women during their recovery journey.

by Brazil Post 2. We encourage all Legion Family leadership to attend to learn more about the Legion Rider’s program. Preregistration is required, and the cost is $15 per person. Please go to:

indianalegion.org/riders for more information and to register.

Over the next few months, the Rider’s will be working on making changes to align with the other Legion Family entities. These changes must be made by updating our Operating Document (By-laws), with membership approval. The most notable change proposed would be, that the A.L.R. State Officer elections and terms of office match up with the Legion, S.A.L. and the Auxiliary. I am personally asking for support to help get these changes made and approved.

As always, our Department of Indiana, American Legion Rider’s will continue to “Ride for God and

At the Miami Correctional Facility, incarcerated veterans from American Legion Post 555 found a meaningful way to give back to their community. July 2023 they proudly donated a staggering 737 lbs. of squash and zucchini to two

Meanwhile, the Kokomo Rescue Mission, an organization committed to serving the homeless, also gratefully received the donation. With their mission of providing over 9,000 meals each month and offering transitional housing at three locations in Kokomo, they recognized the value of the fresh produce from the incarcerated veterans’ garden.

The inception of this remarkable garden can be traced back to April when Jerry Thompson, the American Legion Coordinator, and a group of incarcerated veterans joined forces to establish

a community garden within the grounds of the Miami Correctional Facility. Together, they cultivated a diverse range of vegetables and fruits, including squash, zucchini, cucumbers, watermelons, carrots, corn, cantaloupe, honeydew, and tomatoes.

Driven by their desire to extend their philanthropic efforts further, Miami Correctional Facility is actively seeking additional non-profit partners in the Peru and Logansport areas who can benefit from the abundance of fresh produce grown in their garden. By collaborating with these organizations, they hope to make a positive impact on the local community by sharing the fruits of their labor and supporting those in need.

For more information, please contact Community Engagement Director and Public Information Officer James Stamper at (765) 431-0882.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON

Serenity garden being paid for and renovated by the Post 555 members.

Michael Wooden

1st DISTRICT COMMANDER

Hello Friends of the First District, We completed another department convention. To those of you that attended, thanks for attending. Thank you for sharing in the fun of watching the award presentations. Now, the new year begins. Our First District goal for membership this year is 2,800 members. This is a decrease from the 2023 goal by 87 members. The goal of 2800 members means we need to recruit 327 more members than we lose. Post 100 and Post 261 both recruited 20 new members for the 2023

membership year, Post 20 recruited 14 new members, and Post 232 recruited 13 new members. Keep up the good efforts.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend American Legion Hoosier Boys State graduation at Trine University. It is inspiring to see the young people who learned so much about how government works. I was also able to attend Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy at Anderson University. Over 70 cadets marched into the auditorium singing cadence. They were a united team. They learned what the Indiana State Police do in the course of their jobs. There were videos showing them in their classes learning firsthand how police work is done.

The 2023-2024 Department team is looking forward to its orientation in

August. This will instruct us in finance, public relations, veteran assistance, programs, veteran rehabilitation, Legacy Foundation, administration, upcoming activities, membership, and miscellaneous (always an important topic).

This year we need to focus on increasing participation in our youth programs. The first one is Flag Etiquette and Education. This is for fourth grade students. Schools need to be contacted to gain permission to pass out the booklets and give the tests. Booklets need to be ordered before Fall Conference so the tests can be picked up at Fall Conference. The testing will be done in November.

Department awards $2,000 worth of scholarships for this program.

Americanism and Government is a program to

recognize students for their understanding of Americanism and Government. There is a junior division for grades 7 and 8 and a senior division for grades 10, 11, and 12. Information on what to do and how to do it is available at the Department’s website indianalegion.org/programs. The testing is done online. Results are sent to post chairs in December. The post chairs certify their best results to the district. In January, the district best results are certified to Department. The Department awards $8,000 worth of scholarships for this program. Please make sure your post is represented on the first Wednesday of the month at the First District meeting. After each meeting we have snacks provided by the host post. This is an opportunity to share your

fliers about your post activities with the other posts in the district.

We are conducting a paddle auction to help fund First District. Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Fred Schmidt Post 20, 1401 N. Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307. Doors open at noon. The auction starts at 1 p.m. and paddles are $5 each. The public is welcome. Bring a roll of quarters and bid 1-4 quarters on a wide variety of items, including pet baskets, gift cards, children’s items, food baskets, home items, and more. Snacks, drinks, and additional quarters will be available for purchase. We will also have a 50/50 split pot drawing. For more information or if you would like to donate, contact Diane Gallo, phone 219-931-5960, email dsgallo@comcast.net.

Jill Wable

2nd DISTRICT COMMANDER

I am honored by your faith in me to serve the Second District this year. Thank you very much and I will work diligently for every post so that we will meet our district goal of 7,300 members and Commander Oeth and Membership Chair Miller’s Department goal of 66,000 members.

I have been working at the post and district level for a few years now and have seen firsthand the dedication of the Second District. This past Department Convention the pride, hard work and dedication to God and Country from our posts was evident as we saw several awards given to our posts in recognition of jobs well done. Lafayette Post 11 received the Wayne L. Talbert Publication Award. West Lafayette Post 492 received the Byron Waggoner Trophy, the Four Chaplains Award, and their SAL received the Squadron of the Year. Postage Post 360’s Robert D. Rodriguez posthumously received the Distinguished Service Award. We had many participants in both Hoosier Boys and Girls State. Saturday, July 22, I also had the honor of seeing several new Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy graduates cross the stage and celebrate the two that came our district from the Grace Kingma from Post 492 and Liam Wilburn from Rochester Post 36.

We are at a pivotal point in the American Legion – As our membership numbers decline, so will our voice in Congress for veterans and our families. We stress that membership is the lifeblood of the American Legion, and it truly is.

If we are to keep this organization growing and thriving and not fading away. It is time for us to again start giving our own blood, sweat, and tears for the continued success of our mission of helping veterans and their families. There are currently 32,829 veterans

who live in the Second District. I challenge everyone reading this article to personally sign up and mentor five new members this month. How do we do this, you may ask.

We will accomplish our mission this year and provide a new foundation for those Legionnaires who will follow in our footsteps. Knowledge is power and enthusiasm is contagious. With the help of the officers at post, district, department, and National levels, we will help you learn the programs offered by American Legion. We will help give you the education you need to lead and develop our upcoming leadership in our organization and deliver our message to the communities where we live. We will help them to understand “Why the American Legion is here for them and what we do.”

I am happy to announce that Second District is currently in first place! Thank you for all the membership renewals and new memberships that your posts have processed. The top new recruiter is Kelly Murray from Post 11 with seven new memberships. Congratulations Kelly, you are a rockstar! She received a wonderful challenge coin from David Miller, our Department Membership Chair, at our first district meeting in Demotte.

I would like to introduce Kim Pulsipher (Exec Vice Commander and Co-Membership Chair) and Ira Glover (Co-Membership Chair).

If you have not heard from them yet, you will soon start receiving emails from them regarding training materials, training dates, and scheduling visits with your vice commanders and myself to your posts. All posts should have received their 2023-2024 membership goals for the year. Make no mistake about it, our goals are big this year, yet they are attainable. I am excited and look forward to having a wonderful year and working with all of you to grow American Legion stronger and larger to help more veterans and their families. We are the Second District, and we are second to none!

Cecil Brummett

3rd DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings to the Third District.

I am proud and humbled to have been elected to represent Third District. We may have a challenging year ahead of us, but with everyone’s help and support, we will succeed. Membership is especially important to the Legion. It helps us keep operating costs down and our Legion programs strong. I am asking every post to push membership like never before. If your post holds a special event, such as a bike ride or open house, please consider having a membership table or booth present. We have plenty of resources, so we need to start using them to the full effect. Our membership team is about to make history with membership goals this year. Help us be successful and all our programs will strive. We, as Legion members, need to let others know what programs are offered and be proud of our Legion.

J. David Burnette Jr.

5TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Hello, my Legion family. My name is David Burnette, and I am here to serve as your Fifth District Commander. My wife and I just celebrated our 34th anniversary, we have three children ages 32, 27, and 15. As I travel the district, many of you may recognize me, because I have served as District Commander in the past. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again and meeting new friends along the way.

Fifth District’s membership goal is 5,300. I know it will not be easy, but I believe we can achieve this goal, and it will take everyone working together. You will be rewarded with a challenge coin if you rise to the challenge set by the State Membership Chair, David Miller, for everyone to get five new members. You will need to keep track and turn the form in to get

Dan Richardson

4th DISTRICT COMMANDER

Hello Legionnaires, I hope everyone is having a great summer. My name is Daniel Richardson. I am the Fourth District Commander and am so happy to be here working for such a great district in the great State of Indiana.

To let you know a little about myself, I was a sixyear aircraft mechanic in the Air Force from 197076, my father served eight years in the Navy, my two brothers served in the Air Force, and my sister served in the Army. My family has been represented in the Service and proud of it.

At Post 409, I was Post Commander for six years, adjutant for two years, second vice for two years, Sargent-at-Arms for two years. I became a Fourth District Officer seven years ago and held the office of Public Relations, two years as a Membership Officer, Service Officer, Chaplain, Adjutant, Vice Commander and now Fourth District

it (form available at Indianalegion.org).

When recruiting, know your “Why.” Ask what American Legion can do for you? When your post is hosting events, fundraising, and donating, blast on social media and get it in the newspaper, show your community why they should belong to American Legion.

Fifth District has a recruiting booth for any post in the district to use free of charge. Please reach out, and book your dates for any town festivals, fairs, car/ motorcycle shows or post events, even consider First or Second Fridays if your town has them.

Make sure you are working American Legion programs. Now is the time to reach out to the schools about 4th Grade Flag Education, Americanism and Government, Hoosier Boys State, Indiana You Cadet Law Enforcement Academy, Junior Shooting Sports, Baseball, and Oratorical. Another thing to be looking for is your scouting awards. The Eagle Scout

Commander. I know a lot of my brothers and sisters out there have held more offices than me, and I thank them for that, I have worked hard at my jobs, and I will continue to do so and enjoy the work that I do and what American Legion does for all our veterans.

The last thing I am going to speak of is membership. This is a topic that is especially important to American Legion and me, our Legion is hurting, we need everyone’s help. All members on deck. If we all recruit one new member, we can double our numbers and beat old time records, I am sure we all know one veteran who is not a member yet. Let us get out there and sign them up, it is for them, and their families benefit. Membership responsibility is not just for your officers, it is everyone’s responsibility. Let us make the change. Thank you for listening to me, I will be back next issue.

and Girl Scout of the Year each receive $1,000. I hope every post is working one or more of The American Legion programs, because programs and membership growth go hand in hand. We need members to work on the programs, and the programs help recruit new members. You can find more information on these and all American Legion programs at Indianalegion. org. Do not forget to try homeschooled children, the National Oratorical winner is homeschooled right here in Indiana.

Reminder, there is a 10year membership program that costs $350. Posts receive $5 per year from the Department for each 10year member. The only restriction is that you must maintain your membership in the state of Indiana, otherwise you donated the remaining years.

I hope to see you soon as I travel the posts of Fifth District.

Judy Pearson

6TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings to all our Legion Family, I would like to personally thank all my fellow Legionnaires who have entrusted me to be your 2023-24

Sixth District Commander.

I have many fellow members who are taking office again and a few members who are new to officer roles in the district. I am excited about the fact that our resolute team is comprised of a very diversified group of individuals.

In the next few months, I will be making several post visits to inform them about what is going on and learn a thing or two because it is all about you. I believe as the Army always taught us, WE WANT YOU, because it is our future. Each member or post has a story to tell, and that is how we continue tradition and share our story to help the next generation. We can also learn from the next generation to start a new story or tradition. I want to learn what your story is and how your post works in your community. I will always encourage us to have more members, but like Commander Oeth stated, “It’s about the programs.” We have programs

Dale McDonald

7TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

GOOD JOB FIGHTIN’

7TH! We finished fourth place in membership. I hope all members and posts are still working for new members!

I have three new members with children still in school, I gave them the family scholarship book showing them about all the programs we offer. One asked about shooting sports, wanting to get his son involved. Another asked about scholarships besides his V.A. program. So, as a reminder, Legion programs are particularly important to membership for the future. Help by letting our young veterans know about all the American Legion Programs offered. They are there for their families and our communities.

In addition, I gave my new members the L.I.T. Accidental Life Insurance for $1,000 or $5,000 if they are going to a Legion function, and it is free with their membership.

I know it is early but let us see about getting young veterans to come in and be part of our Legion Family. October 1st is Fall Conference and I hope to see you there. Also, the list of district meetings is available on the Department website so your posts can attend. indianalegion.org/ members

We had a great Department Convention, and I had the pleasure of meeting several award winners.

I would like to welcome the new Department Commander, Bob Oeth! His

Brian Barnett 8th DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings to all Legionnaires from the Great 8th!

As we prepare for our 2024 membership year, there is a new optimism to push growth in the Department of Indiana. The goals may be lofty, but they are attainable if we all work as a team. Membership will always stand as our life blood, but our programs stand as a testament to growth. If we do not instill our programs into our posts and communities, we are doomed for sure. The Four Pillars and our programs stand as our backbone for growth, and we need to push our programs now more than ever before. We have such wonderful programs for our children and youth to build our membership such as Hoosier Boy’s and Girl’s State, Junior Shooting Sports, Oratorical Competition, Flag Etiquette and Education just to mention a few. With these building blocks, if presented as they should, will help us grow as an organization.

I ask that all posts in Eighth District become experts in our programs and get the word out that we are more than a club, but people that are invested in our community. We will work hard in expressing the message of our programs that drive our success. I am personally asking all our members in our district to act on this behalf and to recruit at least one new member. I believe that buddy checks work, let us empower our members to find us new buddies. We ended our year with 6,348 members, now imagine a realistic chance of doubling that. Sounds great on paper, now let us get to work and turn this downslide of membership around. When you mail out that renewal, include a letter expressing what we are trying to achieve and a recruiting application for that member to give to another veteran. I have a group of hard charging officers that will help get this message out and increase our membership. Now is the time,

for elementary, middle, and high school children and even scholarships for our graduates and young adults. Who loves our firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS, or teachers? They could qualify for an “Of the Year Award,” but we must nominate them. The Oratorical Contest is something you should try to view for yourself. High school students with a deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution compose a 3-to-5-minute speech. I was a judge a few years back and was speechless on how fluent and knowledgeable these young men and women were about our Constitution.

Americanism and Gov-

ernment is a junior test for 7th and 8th graders and a senior test for 10th, 11th and 12th graders who can win a monetary award. The test is given in November and available to all public, private or home-schooled children in Indiana. I was able to grade a few of these tests and was extremely impressed with their knowledge and composition skills.

“Are you Ready?” is Membership Chair David Miller’s slogan. What does this mean? In the past, we waited for the veterans to come to our post, but now we must find the veterans. There are many veterans in the 18–50-year-old range that we need to reach at lo-

Lonny Barnett

9TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Greetings to my fellow Ninth District Legion Family. I would like to thank the men and women of the Ninth District for their confidence and trust in electing me as District Commander again, for 2023 – 2024. My Adjutant and Membership Chair for the district will be Mr. Kevin Thomasson from Post 209 in Moores Hill. Together, we have a passion for growing our membership and growing our Department, one veteran at a time. We will attack our goal of 5,500 for the district this year with unwavering dedication. With fall just around the corner, use your local church and Fireman’s Festivals to generate interest in American Legion and attract new members to your post. You will be surprised how many veterans are out there looking for an empathetic ear to converse with and share stories. Please continue to encourage your membership to take advantage of the 10-year dues opportunity. If dues are raised in the future, they will be locked in for the next ten years.

Just before the 104th Department of Indiana Con-

vention, the 84th session of Hoosier Boys State kicked off at Trine University in Angola. Ninth District’s own, Cooper Hawkins, sponsored by Columbus Post 24, was elected Governor among his peers. Congratulations to Cooper, his family and Post 24. Boys State is an American Legion Scholarship program for Junior Boys that needs to be promoted in your communities and specifically, your local high schools. I would like to see Ninth District support at least 30 candidates for the 85th session of Hoosier Boys State but it is going to take maximum effort from each post. We can do this.

During Department Convention, Ninth District had many successes to celebrate from our 2022-2023 Legion year. One specifically, the Ninth District representative for EMS of the Year, Misty Russell, was selected as the Department EMS of the Year. Congratulations Misty and Congratulations to Floyd Becker Post 209 in Moores Hill for nominating her for this great honor. We will also celebrate Jerry Melton (Cecil C Martin Post 250, Mitchell) for his election to Southern ViceCommander for the coming year. Jerry has held various leadership positions within the Department, district and Riders and will serve the southern districts well in

cal festivals, vendor fairs, sporting events, or concerts. Do you have any local events that you would like help promoting membership for your post or the area? Please CONTACT me through my email below so we can talk about this year and reach the goal of 7,100 for Sixth District. Good luck and let us go look for the next family to join our family for all entities.

In closing, let us become friends and educate each other along the way on this journey to helping our fellow veterans. My email is judy.pearson88@yahoo. com if you need to talk.

this new role. Good Luck, Jerry. Ken Hylton (St Joseph Post 464, St Leon) will be wrapping up his term as National Vice-Commander at the upcoming National Convention at the end of August. Ken has been extremely busy over the past year serving the surrounding states and we want to thank him for his leadership and guidance along the way. You will need a welldeserved vacation after this.

Thank you to Vickie Koutz (Auxiliary National President) and Chris Carlton (SAL National Commander) as well for representing The American Legion and the state of Indiana so well this past year.

As the new school year starts to take shape, I would challenge each post in Ninth District to pick at least one elementary school in their area and offer the 4th Grade Flag Education & Etiquette program to that school. This is a fully packaged program that involves little effort but delivers tremendous results. The youth of this great country need the leadership of our organization to educate them and promote pride in our community, State and Nation. Please do your part.

Best of Luck to my fellow District Commanders and the Officers of Ninth District.

Scott Meyer

10TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

The State of Indiana limits the number of “open to the public” days to seven per month for private clubs such as American Legion Posts. This limitation can be a bit of a hinderance, however, using them wisely can help posts create public awareness about American Legion activities, programs, and goals. Open to the public nights can be used to host live music, karaoke, trivia events, and more. These ideas can take a little time to develop but with good advertising on social media and word of mouth, these events can really take off in popularity and bring new people into the post. These programs should be developed to include all ages so that families are welcome. Attracting families is an integral part of growing membership so that younger veteran fami-

lies feel welcome at the post. Fighting the stigma that American Legion Posts are just a bunch of old vets sitting around, drinking, and telling war stories is our biggest hurdle. Using family friendly events to start the education and awareness process of proving to our younger veterans that American Legion is far more than just a canteen is just the beginning.

Hosting small events for the holidays such as Halloween parties that offer treats with a kid friendly scary movie or Christmas with Santa where the kids can visit with Santa, have their picture taken and maybe get a small gift are also good opportunities. Events like these that focus on families only work to enhance the message that the local post is more than just a canteen.

As these new families develop into American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary members and American Legion Riders, the post gains strength in membership as well as de-

veloping the future of not only that post but the American Legion overall. The future of the American Legion is reliant on a younger generation of veterans that ranges in ages from 25-40 and they need to be educated on the real mission of our American Legion Families.

If a post decides to venture out into these extracurricular events, they must also be cognizant of how these new families will be treated upon their arrival at the post or event. Some younger veterans have expressed their disappointment that they were seemingly unwelcome at a post during their initial visit. The “old guard” of veterans must openly welcome and encourage the new generation of veterans to not only join American Legion, but to also attend meetings, events, bring innovative ideas and foster their path to leadership roles at all levels.

FROM THE DISTRICT COMMANDERS

year is to promote growth in the American Legion and the 11th District in Membership and the Programs of the American Legion.

Robert Rowley 11TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

My fellow Legionnaires of the 11th District I would like to express my gratitude you have shown me by electing me as your 20232024 District Commander. I look forward to working with our Department Commander Bob Oeth and his officers including 11th district’s own Southern Vice Commander Joe Allen. I also look forward to working closely with all my officers and Vice Commanders. Our main objective this

I am calling on all members of the 11th District to get involved in our Buddy Check program. I also would like all Post to submit a candidate for Police officer and Firemen of the year award, along with all the award categories the Legion honors. On a sad note, we lost a Past District Commander in July. Ronzel Collins passed away. He was a very devoted friend to the American Legion serving right up to the end. You will be sorely missed, Rest in Peace Comrade.

Grassroots in Action: American

Legion Post’s Resolution

Adopted by The American Legion National Executive Committee

After reflecting on 20 years since the heinous terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Legionnaire Richard Boye of Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison American Legion Post 510 in Indianapolis wanted to do something to recognize those veterans who left their homes and careers to deploy as reservists at the start of the Global War on Terrorism. He recognized that more than one million Reserve Component servicemembers had mobilized in service to their nation and he knew that those servicemembers who mobilized for periods of active-duty service after January 28, 2008, enjoyed a new benefit not previously available to servicemembers of the Reserve Component - reduced retirement age eligibility at a day-for-day credit in 90day installments. That is, instead of waiting until age 60, a Reserve Component servicemember could start receiving their nonregular military pension at age 59 if they had mobilized for a period of 12 - 14 months in a qualifying active-duty status.

This new reduced retirement age program for Reserve Component servicemembers was a result of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2008. The choice of January 28, 2008, as the effective date was chosen to limit the fiscal impact and place the start date of the program within the fiscal year of the NDAA itself. This choice of effective date resulted in the exclusion of hundreds of thousands of Reserve Component servicemembers who had honorably served their nation during a time of war.

The only difference between those servicemembers whose mobilizations

excluded is the timeframe of their mobilized military service within the same conflict - the Global War on Terrorism. Notably excluded from eligibility for the reduced retirement age program were numerous major campaigns of the Global War on Terrorism.

Richard consulted several prominent Legionnaires within the 11th District and together the team drafted a resolution to remedy this inequity in federal law. The resolution soon passed at the post and district levels then eventually was adopted by the Department of Indiana’s Department Executive Committee and forwarded for final adoption to The American Legion’s National Executive Committee.

Richard’s resolution recognizing that a foundational idea of The American Legion is that “a veteran is a veteran” and that the veteran has no choice about the timing or location of their military service. Many of the currently excluded campaigns listed above encompassed the pivotal campaigns of the Global War on Terrorism. By its adoption of this resolution at 2023 Spring Meetings, The American Legion National Committee added this effort to its national legislative agenda so that hopefully soon all veterans of the Global War on Terrorism can enjoy the full fruits of their mobilized service by receiving their nonregular retirement at an earlier age - the same as later veterans of the very same global conflict. Through this resolutions trajectory from post to district to department to final adoption by the national organization, Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison American Legion Post 510 displayed the power of

Post 1:

Paul W May

Earl J Schneider

Ralph W Bright

Wayne W Ekstrom

Frank D Stegner

Donald L Funk

Post 2:

Douglas Fulk

Marion R Lacy

Richard E Stearley

Ronald J Pearce

Don A Dalton

Fred W Garrison

Raymond L Johnson

Richard W Holmes

Randy Thompson

Stephen D Mackenzie

Robert L Schlegel

Post 5:

Charles E Blackburn

Marvin R Carr

Louis G Fuelling

Melvin C Gillenwater

Milburn A Jackson

William E Lang

Marie W Mattingly

Donald W Reinitz

William C Schroeder

Larry Steele

Charles L Thompson

Frank E Weir

Terry W Mansfield

Arnold Brown

Harold L Greenwell

Jerold R Guth

Jerome L Thomas

Post 6:

Jerry Christie Elmer E Lewis

Robert F Sargent

Greggory W Goff

Norman V Hankins

Robert W Wesner

Charles L Sovern

Louis Stout

Paul J Sandy Jr

Robert E Cassis

Wayne Myers

William J Heck

Paul R Smith

Arnold Pasquali

George L Hembree

Bruce L Snyder

Pamela A Harshbarger

David L McKoon

Donald G Knight

Larry L Majors

Raymond L Gilbert

William L Tyler

Randy L Duffitt

Gerald A Tomlinson

William Wittig

Carl Justice Post 7:

Elbridge W Grover

Charles A Kriegbaum

Robert

Robert E Karaffa

David G Fisher

Robin A Roberts

William Evans

Jeffrey L Shannon

Robert L Loviscek Jr

Gary L Todd

James A Peterson

William T Settles Jr

David K Johnston

Brian K Smith

Herman Vanderdussen

Roger M Crane

Gordon W Kirk

Jack D Higgins

Charles E Swango

Melvin L Eberle

Darrell W Stoll

Jack R Clark

Stephen K Harman

Erwin L Cooper

Burrell E Scholl

Morris D Deckard

Steven L Norman

Gary Hall

Samuel Fritch

Wilbur Quint

Jerry W Deckard

David L Pierce

David W Lutes

James C Kinser

Cletus V Carie

Theodore W Matlock

James L Eller

Terry Moots

Michael S Gooley

Oliver T Feschyn

Charles E Arnett

Thaddeus M Zawilinski

Franklin E Swafford

Galen A Fox

Post 19:

Gilbert L Noble

Clyde L Cox

Frank McQueary

David A Taylor

Jack Peckinpaugh

Dennis A Meranda

George R Yingst

Raymond L Kaeser

Joseph B Duncan

Maurice B Carver

Donald R Green

Jerry D Brown

Clyde Keeley

Kenneth N Hough

Paul E Evans

Edgar Huntington

Carl Strong

James L Estes

Richard A Macy

Nancy Ellingsun

Mark J Jackson

Post 20:

Harold Boersma

Joel D Edgington

Wesley Gibbons

Ted R Hansen

Henry Jebens Jr

Daniel R Johnsen

Jerry N Polakis

M R Morfin

Bernard Baltrushaitis

Michael J Kienzynski

Clyde L Gercken

Richard F Rudi

William A Leonard

Carl W Wilke

Post 21:

Erwin Zeman

Post 22:

Donald M Baize Sr

Charles Botsford

Robert L Rooksberry

David L Boucher

Norman L Brand

Russell D Wilkerson

Delmar C Hasler

Robert L Motto

Robert Frields

Earl L Jerrell

Carl E Wence

Danny M Geatches

Harold Helderman

Post 23:

Marvin C Whaley

James B Wilson

Post 24:

James R Newton

Charles E Goins

Oliver Seegraves Jr

Larry Milburn

Robert J Burger

Thomas M Conway Joseph L Bronnert J C Bennett

Ronald G Lynn

Gerald C Kenny

Peter K Jones

Audy D Waldrop

James F Carson Norman D Ford Sr Frank Anderson Robert Baierlein Post

James L Bishop Clyde Doyle Gilbert A Karcher Donald G Clark

David J Perry Dennis G Stewart

Post

Allen L Hartman Earl D Scott Norman B Haynes

William H Smith Raymond C Devault Kerry D Koz Hayward W Stuntz Kenneth Barr Carl Major

Gary L Martin Merlin J Farish Charles Rothbauer Gary R Beck Jr Ron D Hanger

William L Shore

Manuel Mason

Annetta F Doss

Thomas J Tilly

Donald A Gustafson

William F Carwile

Michael H Fink

Post 29:

Wayne A Bretzinger

Charles A Edwards

Thomas A Flick

H L Latta

Fred K McEwan

George J Tonner

Ernie A Randolph

Michael S Kanne

Dwayne A Ellrich

Post 30:

William B Bigler II

Larry D Tully

Wayne A Weaver

Charles R Lewallen

Larry J Miller

Terry C Morgan

John A French

Jeffrey A Vance

Morris W Randolph

Charles E Harrell

Post 31:

Bobby J Steele

Ronald D Sutton

Edgar L Jones Sr

Bruce A Householder

Michael D McAlister

Patrick M Garr

Robert E Halloran

Blaine Watson

Howard Owens

Charles Drouillard

Glenn Delong

Charles Anderson

Post 33:

Homer L Grubb Jr

George R Adams

Chester J Baker

Ronald Cummings

James S Terrell

Donald Underwood

Gene P Whitford

Ken Finley

Robert A Barrett

Michael D Arena

Paul E Porter

Charles E Hillenburg

Timothy J Arvin

Paul E Allen

Charles K Baker

Travis D Stewart

Bobby H Hearth

Post 34:

Henry W Boerner

Robert B Wallace

Stephen K Allison

William L Rose

Malcom E Fancher

Michael L Thornburg

William M Haynes

Karl L Manders

John G Lichtenberg

Dan W Preston

Carl F Miller

Thomas J Mathus

Theodore N Wells

Bradford Stevens

Post 35:

Robert D Collins Sr

Raymond E Cooler

Murrell R Eckerty

Ella H Katzman

James A Keown

George E McKean

David J Willis

Carlos O Mitchell

Paul E Campbell

Weldon M McClure

Edsel S Reed

Marquetta D Percell

James E Logsdon

Raymond R Leach

Edward Angel

Donald Rosenbarger

Claude F Hixenbaugh Jr

Charles H Babb

Robert L Mitchell

Joseph Driskell

Bob Wright

James D Howell

Ronald Bruner

Brian White

Virgil Brooksbank

David Miley

Post 36:

James D Hart