2010 April/May The Hoosier Legionnaire

April/May 2010

Supreme Court Denies Challenge To Mojave Cross; WW I Memorial To Remain

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 5-4 that a Latin cross honoring World War I veterans in southwestern California does not need to be removed or concealed from public view. The American Legion has long supported efforts to preserve the 1934-erected monument at its current location on Sunrise Rock. The American Civil Liberties Union has led efforts to remove it, contending it violates separation between church and state.

“To remove the Mojave Cross, or to conceal it inside a plywood box as it has

Hoosier Veteran Seeks Survival For Memorial

A Hoosier Army veteran has taken on the task of assuring the future of a memorial to the men and women who lost their lives in the War on Terror, a memorial once the private commitment of his stepfather.

David L. Davis, whose late stepfather launched the initiative but did not live to see it become reality, has formed a notforprofit organization to manage the financial and other details necessary to complete the Westfield, Indiana, “Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial For Enduring Freedom.”

“As of March 1, 2010, Indiana has lost 163 Hoosier Heroes. The 163 families who have lost a true Hoosier hero and who have not heard of the fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial need to know about this memorial, whcih was dedicated in their honor June 14, 2009, Davis said.

“They also need to know that 162 other families share in their loss,” he added.

Davis said 56 of Indiana’s 92 counties already have “lost one or more of Indiana’s bravest and brightest Hoosier men and women.” Their families, he said, “have already paid a price for our freedom that “we can never repay.”

Davis has chronicled how the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial For Enduring Freedom came to be in a brief history used to encourage support for its continuation. Portions of his history follow.

Continued on page 2

been for several months, is a violation of free expression in itself,” American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said. “The court ruled correctly in this case. If it had gone the other way, a number of other veterans memorials and monuments around the country would be faced with similar restrictions. It’s a slippery slope, and the Supreme Court acknowledged that. Removal of a religious symbol from a veterans memorial could conceivably be followed by removal of religious symbols from all government-owned

or public spaces even, perhaps, veterans cemeteries.

“The American Legion has filed friend-of-the-court briefs on behalf of our nation’s veterans as the Mojave Cross case has moved through the legal system.

The Legion will continue to fight for the values and freedoms veterans - like those of World War I, which the Mojave Cross honors - gave their lives for.”

The Court closely mirrored The American Legion's amicus brief in ruling that “a Latin cross is not merely a reaffirmation of Christian

beliefs. It is a symbol often used to honor and respect those whose heroic acts, noble contributions, and patient striving help secure an honored place in history for this Nation and its people. Here, one Latin cross in the desert evokes far more than religion. It evokes thousands of small crosses in foreign fields marking the graves of Americans who fell in battles, battles whose tragedies are compounded if the fallen are forgotten.” The cross will remain concealed behind a plywood box for the time being pending

a second look at the case at the U.S. District Court level. The High Court remanded the case to the U.S. District Court to give it a chance to see if any other legal alternatives exist. However, the High Court reminded the District Court that: "Respect for a coordinate branch of Government forbids striking down an Act of Congress except upon a clear showing of unconstitutionality.”

The cross on Sunrise Rock had been tended to for a half-century by World War I Army medic John Riley Bembrey. He diligently kept it

maintained in memory of his fallen comrades. Before he passed away in 1984, Bembrey handed that responsibility over to Henry Sandoz, an area resident who has fought to keep the cross visible to the public.

The ACLU led legal efforts to have the monument removed or concealed. A transfer of land ownership from federal ground to property owned by the Veterans of Foreign Wars did not end the dispute, and federal courts placed an injunction on the land transfer until the the Supreme Court could rule.

Knightstown Home Committee ‘Reborn;’ Conference Hosts National Leaders

Americanism and Government Winners, Million Dollar Service Officers Honored; Hospitality Room Regulations ‘Pretty Well Accepted’ — Adjutant

In what is has become a familiar and welcome sight at Department Conferences throughout the year, a pair of World War II “Doughnut Dollies” preside over the Salvation Army’s display on the history and role of the organization in wartime. In their true-to-form World War I era uniforms, they also serve free doughnuts to conferees.

Posts To Account For Unused Cards

Department Commander Robert Newman and Membership Chairman Jerry Jordon have announced procedures for accounting for unused 2010 membership cards issued to posts during the membership year now coming to a close.

According to the plan, the eleven District Commanders will be responsible for accepting and counting unused cards returned to the Department during Close of Books activities June 13, 2010, at the Indiana Veterans Home. The procedures will be overseen by the Department Vice Commanders. They and the District Commanders will receive detailed instructions from the Commander prior to Close of Books.

District Commanders may accept the cards themselves, or designate a District officer to perform the task. Following the card turn-in and return of unused cards, the Post totals will be tallied and Posts with significant quantities of cards not accounted for will be contacted.

“The Department of Indiana’s Constitution is clear: Posts are required to account for all cards issued to them – preprinted renewal cards, cards pre-printed with the

post number – which usually amounts to about 10 percent of the total cards issued –and any blank cards issued or requested. We have gotten pretty lax with this procedure over the years, and for a lot of reasons it’s time to get back to doing right,” said Commander Newman.

One important reason, Newman said, is that a direct survey of non-renewed members conducted by the Membership Office late last year revealed a large number of members whose renewals were not transmitted to Department, even though the member had received his or her 2009 membership card.

“That represents a serious shortcoming on the part of some Posts – not all, and not many, but enough to be a serious concern,” said Chairman Jordon, who conducted the analysis of survey results.

The failure to remit per capita and transmit memberships to Department was discovered when hundred of members responded to the survey with copies of their 2010 cards and proof of payment.

Commander Newman said because this is the first year of the heightened controls and because posts and

districts were not advised at the start of their year of their responsibility to account for the cards, only the most serious infractions will be addressed. However, he said, “I will be consulting with the Strategic Planning Committee and other Department leaders to assure that accounting procedures for future years are established and followed.

In a related matter, the Department has considered, but made no decision on, a requirement that Posts not certified as of the Close of Books not be issued cards for the coming membership year. Certification of post officers has become a significant issue because of increasing difficulty on the part of posts to identify and elect qualified Legionnaires to important post offices.

The department membership staff has expressed its concern over the possible negative effect on membership retention and records from such a procedure. Additional information will be provided to posts and district officers directly as soon as a final decision is made, but certainly not later than Close of Books.

The Department Executive Committee approved a resolution renaming the popular and long-lived Knightstown Home Committee during deliberation following the close of the 2010 Joint Spring Conference April 11 at the Indianapolis Mariott Hotel East.

The committee will be known as the Children’s Education and Welfare Committee. The change was necessary because of the closing of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown in 2009, following an unsuccessful yearlong fight to save the home, led by the Department of Indiana and the home’s alumni association.

Jim Daube, chairman of the newly named committee, said “Right after the home was closed, the DEC approved continuing the Knightstown Home Committee for one year, to allow it to find other ways to support young people in the way we supported those who lived at the home,” and to decide on a new mission for the committee.

Much of that work remains

to done, Daube said, but “I think settling on a name that encompasses what we were concerned about on behalf of the kids at the home is a good start.”

According to Daube, the committee already has reviewed presentation by White’s Institute, a faithbased youth residential facility in Wabash, and the state-wide Court Appointed Special Advocate program.

In addition to existing facilities the CEWC has also considered establishing a new youth summer camp program to serve as a ‘feeder system’ for traditional Legion youth programs. No decision has been made on future support.

The resolution also granted the CEWC administrative control over the remaining Knightstown Home Committee finances. Yet to be resolved is the future of the separate Knightstown Home Foundation.

On other business, the DEC • Approved and forwarded to the Convention Committee on Trophies and

Continued on page 2

Million Dollar Service Officers

Twentyfive County Service Officers have been inducted or re-affirmed as members of the Million Dollar Club -- service officers whose efforts have resulted in at least $1 million in veterans’ benefits being awarded to eligible veterans in their county during the most recent calendar year, 2009.

The Million Dollar Club, introduced during the general session of the Joint Spring Conference April 10 at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, includes:

• Larry Catt, Monroe County $1.1 million

• Harold Hensley, Knox County $1.1 million

• Phillip Hutson, Vermillion County $1.2 million

• Glen Hammack, Floyd County $1.3 million

• Charles Russell. Johnson County $1.4 million

• Norman Sullivan, Greene County $1.5 million

• Matt Taylor, Bartholomew County $1.5 million

• Karen Barnaby, Vigo County $1.5 million

• Larry Lowry, Cass County $1.9 million

• James Koutz, Warrick County $2.0 million

• Bruce Stanton, Huntington County $2.2 million

• Jerry Griffis, Delaware County $2.3 million

• Will Neibold, Putnam County $2.5 million

• Shelby Shaffer, Clark County $2.6 million

• Randall Fairchild, Tippecanoe County $2.8 million

• Bob Ladd, Howard County $3.1 million

• Brian Lamm, Dekalb County $3.2 million

• Jay Kendall, Miami County $4.1 million

• Gary Whitehead, Elkhart County $4.1 million

• Mark Acker, Vanderburgh County $4.4

• George Bleicher, Grant County $5.2

• Kevin Kelsheimer, St Joseph County $5.6

• Jerry D. Sensing, Madison

• Richard Morfin,

• George Jarboe,

‘Hello, Dolly’

Photo by Joe Hovish

New Benefit Program Cuts Costs, Eases Burden Of Veteran Funerals

The Department of Indiana has entered into partnership with Veterans Funeral Care Indiana (VFC) offering a unique program providing funeral services to members at a fraction of the cost associated with more traditional providers.

In addition to the usual services associated with funerals, Veterans Funeral Care offers a wide range of additional support and assistance to the families of deceased veterans. Foremost among these additional services is applying for and coordinating the delivery of all VA death benefits to which the veteran is entitled.

According to Veterans Funeral Care officials, the program relies on the use of churches, veterans’ service organization facilities, veterans’ cemeteries, and other low- or no-cost alternatives to keep funeral costs at a minimum.

“We take advantage of all these kind of opportunities to keep the cost down,” said David Ring, VFC’s President/Owner, “but we do not skimp or cut corners on any of the services normally associated with transportation, preparations or interment.”

Those activities include transporting the remains from the place of death to VFC’s state of the art funeral home, preparation of the body, opening and closing the gravesite and placing the headstone, as well as taking full advantage of benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“One of the things we have learned since we began providing these services

Editor’s Note: With this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire, the Department of Indiana is launching a new, regular recurring column offering information on benefits, and answering frequently asked questions, about veterans’ funerals and benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have questions, please submit them to the Editor, Hoosier Legionnaire, 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Answers provided by VFC will be published in the next subsequent edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

to members of The American Legion is that most veterans and their families are completely unaware of the benefits they are entitled to,” said Ring. “An important part of our service is to determine what benefits the family is entitled to and apply for those benefits on their behalf.”

Veterans Funeral Care will

order grave space and the opening and closing of the grave, order a grave marker and its engraving or a memorial marker and order the burial flag and arrange for its presentation.

Additional information on Veterans Funeral Care is available at 1 (866) 570-0029 or online at www.indianafuneralcare.com.

Final Honors

What Military Honors, if any, are available to former servicemen and women?

The full range of military honors are available to any former member of the United States Armed Forces. The rules governing them change frequently and with recent military cutbacks, the honors can be difficult to arrange. VFC makes every effort to obtain these honors and considered Military Honors to be a priority for all veterans’ funeral services. Currently, the following honors are available: Burial Flag— Cutbacks have not affected the availability of burial flags. The families of all eligible deceased veterans will receive a flag. Honorable discharge is the only condition of service required.

Rifle Volleys—Three volleys are normally fired at a veterans’ funeral service; such honors are usually available, but often depend on the availability of VSO or uniformed service firing squads.

Bugle Taps— Usually available, but dependent on resources similar to those for the volleys.

Retired Navy and Marine Veteran Honors— Some honors available only in regions where Naval or Marine Corps installations are present.

Retired Army and Air Force Honors—All honors listed above are usually available, and are complemented by the participation of a military chaplain.

Next Issue: VA Burial and Cremation Benefits

Hoosier Veteran Seeks Survival For Memorial

Continued from page 1

“Part one of the story is a love story. In the 1970’s my stepfather CSM. Donald Peed became a recruiter for Indianapolis and Indiana. When he first moved back to Indiana it was his desire to live in Westfield. In 2000, after the passing of my mother, he was lonely and heartbroken and did not want to live alone. He got on his computer and did online dating, resulting in the meeting of my future stepmother, Mrs. Carol Hartman-Peed. As fate would have it, she lived in Westfield, in a small farmhouse on North Union Street.

“Part two of this story

is the patriotic part. CSM Peed was Vietnam veteran. During his service in Vietnam he contracted Agent Orange. My stepfather had lost his patriotism after dealing with health issues and the passing of my mother. I didn’t think he would ever be the same.

“After 9-11, he joined the local VFW Post 10207 which is considered to be a paper post, meaning they have no facility of their own. His patriotism returned two-fold, and he decided he wanted to do something for Hoosier military men and women, their families, and loved ones. He started a memorial garden in his front yard by placing a hand-made

April/May 2010

92nd ANNUAL INDIANA AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

JULY 15-18, 2010

CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

offices.

USPS 010-445 ISSN 0018-4772

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE, 777 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Robert Newman ..........................Department Commander Stephen Short.........................................................Publisher Hugh Dagley.................................................................Editor

Official publication of and owned and conducted exclusively by The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

Member: National American Legion Press Association and Hoosier American Legion Press Association.

Advertising Sales Representative: The Herald-Times, Bloomington (800) 422-0070.

Subscription Rates: $0.85 of each members dues goes for publication of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Volume AD, Number 2 April/May 2010 Circulation 120,000

Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

white cross for each Hoosier Hero who made the supreme sacrifice in the war on terrorism.

“In September 2005, my stepfather lost his battle with Agent Orange. My stepfather never really shared his intentions on how the memorial be had started would progress, and after years of trying to keep up with adding a cross for each of our fallen, my stepmother and I decided it was time to make the memorial permanent. I knew it was my duty, being a 17 year Army Veteran, to form a committee and redesign the memorial so it could be dedicated in honor and in memory of our Fallen Hoosier Heroes.

“Part three of this story is the historical part of the story. The memorial was started on an easement to a historical cemetery that was once part of the underground railroad. This is where the Quakers who founded Westfield helped the oppressed find their way to freedom.

“There are two ironies in this: the cemetery behind the memorial recalls the men, women and children who sought their freedom, and the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial For Enduring Freedom in the front represents the men and women who are still fighting for all of our freedom; and the second irony is the that the first Hoosier causality of the War on Terror was an African American female Marine sergeant.” Additional information on the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial For Enduring Freedom is available at www.fallenhoosiers.com

Please print

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: ZIPCODE:

PHONE: POST: DISTRICT:

YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

EACH DELEGATE/ALTERNATE MUST FILL OUT SEPARATE REGISTRATION FORMS. IF THE POST IS SENDING THE MONEY IN FOR THEIR DELEGATES/ ALTERNATES ATTACH A COMPLETE LIST WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION

DELEGATE ($15.00) includes Indiana party $

ALTERNATE ($15.00) includes Indiana party $

GUEST(S) ($15.00) includes Indiana party $

TOTAL $

CONVENTION REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

The form above should be used to register for the 92nd annual convention of The American Legion Department of Indiana. Registrants may use the form as it is printed above or duplicate the form for use by additional registrants.

All delegates, alternates and guests, including spouses, must register for the Department Convention in order to be admitted to general sessions and other official functions. The registration fee, unchanged from previous years, is $15.00 per person, regardless of the type of credentials requested.

All past department commanders are automatically granted delegate status, but each must pay the delegate fee in order to receive their credentials.

The Department Constitution establishes the formula for determining the number of delegates to which each post in the Department is entitled.

Convention credentials will be available at the Department Convention Registration Desk beginning at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 15.

Registration forms should be returned to Department Headquarters, 777 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204, to the attention of Amy Bender. Registrations will be accepted through the start of the convention, but registrants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid the delays associated with on-site registration.

Conference

Continued from page 1

Awards a resolution submitted by Fairmount American Legion Post 313 to establish a new Department Convention Award recognizing excellence in retention of members, which will be named for the late Alternate NECman, Jack Butler, Post 402.

• Approved and forwarded to the Convention Committee on Rehabilitation a Resolution from Boonville Post 200 that would authorize use of military Post Exchanges and Commissaries world-wide by US veterans with a VA service-connected disability, and

• Approved a National Security/Foreign Relations Committee resolution citing Purdue University and its Krannert School of Management for their Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities Program.

The 2010 Joint Spring Conference also saw the implementation of new, more stringent rules on the conduct of District hospitality rooms designed to enhance the comfort and safety of conferees, ease the financial burden on districts, and protect the hotel from possible violations of law and regulations.

“As far as I know, the new rules were pretty well accepted,” said Department Adjutant Short. “I didn’t hear any real serious complaints, and I think some of the things we did to make the transition easier helped immensely.”

The Department arrived at the new rules after hearing from District Command-

ers, department officers, and officials of the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel. The hotel assisted in the transition to the new rules by providing a inexpensive “Lunch on the Go” and furnishing no cost coffee service to each of the eleven district hospitality rooms.

“I can say with confidence that these will be the rules we follow in the future,” Short said.

National American Legion Family leaders highlighted the opening general session of the Joint Conference, including Jimmie Foster (AL) the leading candidate for National Commander, The American Legion Auxiliary’s Central Region Vice President Norma Swanson, and SAL National Vice Commander Dennis Theobald (IA).

The Department also recognized the winners of the annual Americanism and Government Testing. Five of the six winners were present, and accepted their scholarships and awards from Commander Robert Newman and A&G Committee Chairman John Wrolen. The winners were:

• The 10th grade girl winner, Kelly Singer from Eastside High School in Butler, sponsored by Post 202 the 4th District.

• The 11thh grade girl winner, Alexis Thomas from Riverton Parke High School in Montezuma, sponsored by Post 48 in the 6th District.

• The 12th grade girl winner, Maria Khokhar from New Palestine High School in New Palestine, sponsored by Post 182 in the 10th District.

• The 11th grade boy

winner, Andrew Griggs from Griffith High School in Griffith, sponsored by Post 66 in the 1st District • The 12th grade boy winner, William Franklin from Crown Point School in Crown Point, sponsored by Post 261 in the 1st District The 10th Grade Boy winner, Edward Fitzgerald from Griffith High School in Griffith, was unable to attend, but receives the same award. He was sponsored by Post 66 in the 1st District. In an event that has become a highlight of the general session each spring since its inception two years ago, 25 County Service Officers were honored for their success in gaining VA benefits for veterans. As part of their honors, they were inducted into the Million Dollar Club on the platform of the conference.

Ken Hylton, Chairman of the Rehabilitation Committee said, in presenting the service officers, “Our Department Service Office … team includes not only our department staff, but also veterans' service providers at posts, districts, and counties.

“Almost all Indiana counties have an appointed County Veterans Service Officer. Twenty-five of those County Veterans Service Officers worked in cooperation with The American Legion to win over $1 million in each of their counties last year for veterans, their dependents and survivors.”

The list of Million Dollar Club Winners is at the bottom of Page 1.

americanism

edward J. Trice chairman

The Americanism Commission met at 4:15 p.m. in Salons A&B of the Marriott East Hotel during the 2010 Joint Spring Conference.

Chairman Ed Trice opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Ed Trice, Vice Chairman Walter Krohn, Baseball Chairman Owen Wells, Golf Chairman Michael Comerford, National Security/Foreign Relations Chairman Gary Steinhardt, POW/ MIA Chairman Martin Dzieglowicz, and SAL Chairman Larry Horvath. There were no guests in attendance.

Those absent included:

Vice Chairman Peter VanWoerden, National Liaison Representative John Hayes, and Bowling Chairman Phillip Deckard.

Baseball Executive Committee

Chairman Owen Wells announced the regional locations to be bid on, Crown Point and Plymouth. Sectional and regional pairings were made and the State Finals Pairings were set. There will be sixteen sectionals and four regionals.

Chairman Wells discussed the need for the committee to promote their programs, such as the “B” Team, to the high schools in the state. Rules and hand books should be handed out.

Chairman Wells conferred with the committee regarding a possible rule change on the selection of Regional Tournament host. A change in the national application, which included assigning a place on Form #2 for a notary to sign, was also discussed.

A motion was made dealing with Department funds for $300 to attend the High School Coaches’ Association Conference in Indianapolis. The motion was carried.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Baseball Committee Minutes from previous meeting were read and approved.

Chairman Owen Wells announced the $1,053 “B” Team bid from Post 6 in Kokomo. The bid was accepted and it was decided that Kokomo will host the “B” Team.

Chairman Wells and the committee discussed the rule change on how Regional’s are determined. The committee also discussed the high school baseball meeting and the District Chairman are to help get new teams.

Chairman Wells stated that the date for transfers and school changes is no later than June 1, 2010, with the meeting on June 5, 2010.

A motion was made to approve the Sectional, Regional, and State Finals pairings.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Bowling Committee

The committee discussed the officer elections for 20102011 and it was decided that the officers would remain the same.

The committee announced that the Bowling Tournament for 2011 will begin on February 19, 2011 and end on March 13, 2011.

There were no motions made. There was no motion made dealing with Department Funds.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Golf Committee

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.

Chairman Michael Comerford led a discussion on allowing the SAL to compete in the Legion Golf Tournament.

Chairman Comerford led the committee in the selection of the location for the 2011 Tournament. The winning location is Post 6 and the tournament will be held on June 25th/26th, 2011.

District Chairman Jim Tracey addressed the committee with a letter from Department Headquarters regarding tournament entry fees.

There were no motions made. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

National Security/Foreign Relations Committee

There was a motion made before the committee to adopt the resolution titled “Commend Entrepreneurship Boot Camp,” which is intended for veterans with disabilities and is run through Purdue University.

Chairman Gary Steinhardt discussed the presentation made by Sergeant Richard Joyce regarding the Agribusiness Development Team Operation Enduring Freedom 2009 in Afghanistan. His presentation looked at agricultural technology.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

POW/MIA Committee

Chairman Martin Dzieglowicz mentioned retired Admiral Denton’s book to the committee.

Chairman Dzieglowicz discussed the hand-out mentioning the Medal of Honor ex-POW’s that were honored. Other hand-outs discussed includedSouth Korea wanting a mmit with North Korea regarding POWs that are being held, a sunken WWII submarine that was found February 10, 2010, and the JPAC upgrading lab in Hawaii.

Chairman Dzieglowicz announced the “Run for the Wall” event that will be held in Corydon on May 25.

Chairman Dzieglowicz conferred with the committee on the presentation of POW/MIA certificates of appreciation by the committee. Three certificates were presented by the 6th and the 8th Districts.

There were no motions made. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

SAL Advisory Committee

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.

There was a motion made by Greg Spaulding, 20102011 Northern Vice and Jake Weber, 2010-2011 Sergeant at Arms, for a $1,500.00 line item for the SAL camp-out. The motion was carried.

Chairman Horvath made it a matter of record that the Detachment would cover room and meals for the NEC meetings for those who agree to turn in their call-in checks.

District Chairman Rodney Strong reported to the committee a problem SAL chairmen are having with getting their reports when everyone else is at the Oratorical Contest. This conflict caused several delays and confusion.

Chairman Horvath thanked they committee chairman for their participation this year.

cHiLDren & YOUTH

michael J. miller chairman

The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, in Salon C at the Marriott East Hotel during the 2010 Joint Spring Conference.

Chairman Mike Miller opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman John French, Vice Chairman Al Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney; Americanism and Government Committee Chairman John Wrolen, Boy Scouts Committee Chairman Stan Gatewood, Boys State Enrollment Committee Chairman Jack Cook, Children & Youth Committee Chairman Pete Van Woerden representing Darrell Hansel (excused to host the Leading National candidate), Flag Education/Etiquette Committee Chairman Randy Beeler, Girl Scouts Committee Chairman Gail Galich, Junior Shooting Sports Committee Chairman Jerry Maune, represented Ida Jewell, and Knightstown Home Committee Chairman Jim Daube. American Legion Family Scholarship Committee Chairman Charlie Wier had been taken to the hospital earlier in the day. Oratorical Chairman Dave Morrow was attending the National American Legion Oratorical contest and as such his committee did not meet. One guest was present.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee

John Lloyd, Charlie Rathsack, Oscar Lopez, and Eric Baggett judged the 32 American Legion Family Scholarship applications. Thirteen additional applications were submitted after the deadline.

Alex Rachel Bueker, Brittney Ann Hopf, and Jessica Lynne Bealor were selected as the three winners. Alex attends Homestead High School and will attend Indiana University. She was eligible for the scholarship because of her grandfather, Paul Dannecker of Post 296 in the 4th District. Brittney attends Jasper High School and will attend IUPUI to become a dental hygienist. Her grandparents, Richard Begle and Mary Hopf, are members of Post 147 in the 8th District. Jessica is a current student at Saint Joseph’s College studying elementary/special education. Her deceased grandparents, Robert and Evelyn Kennedy Sr., were members of Post 400 in the 3rd District. These students will be recognized at the Department Convention in July.

Americanism & Government Committee Chairman Wrolen shared educator test evaluation replies with the committee. The state winners were introduced during the general session. The 10th grade winner, Edward Fitzgerald from Griffith HS, was unable to attend the general session. He will receive his award at a first district meeting. John French expressed appreciation to the committee for their work on behalf of Commission Chairman, Mike Miller. Boy Scout Committee Minutes were read and approved. Chairman Gatewood discussed the American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year judging which took place at Camp Belzer in Indianapolis on March 20 at 9:00 a.m. Candidates from the first, third, fifth, eighth, tenth and eleventh districts were judged. The other districts did not submit eligible candidates. The winner will be announced at the Department Convention. Some scout districts are not receptive to having an Eagle Scout candidate. Jonesboro

Post 95 and Allied Post 369 East Chicago have fifty years of sponsorship for their respective troops. The Square Knot Award booklet should contain all pertinent information in an orderly manner. The committee is aware of three possible candidates for the Square Knot Award. Chairman Gatewood discussed the finances of the committee and encouraged solicitations for donations to the scholarship fund. The committee would like scouting magazines to promote American Legion Scouting and Americanism programs. Post 3 will write a resolution for publicity in scouting magazines. Butch Hammond, 6th District Chairman, reported the 12th Annual Hoosier Invitational Campout will be October 22-24, 2010 at Rockville Lake.

Boys State Enrollment Committee

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Chairman Jack Cook passed out a list of all HBS Post Chairmen and all registered delegates. Chairmen should remind delegates of the available scholarships, in particular, Trine University offering $1000 per semester for a maximum of $8000 for any delegate attending Trine and Wabash College offering $7500 per year for those attending an orientation session.

2nd District Chairman Scott Weyler stated the baseball season is still a factor in recruiting delegates. Chairman Cook stated the importance of being able to add attendance at Boys State to your resume. Committee members should contact Susan Long if they will be submitting applications after May 15th. Chairman Weyler said activities should run smoother at Trine as both groups have learned more about one another.

1st District Chairman Terry Pierson suggested volunteers confirm family contact information at registration as some delegates are listing their cell phone numbers instead of family. 2nd District Chairman Scott Weyler will help execute this request at registration. Dave Bryant, from the 8th District, noted more alternates are applying as posts do not have the funds available. He recommended posts approach police and fire departments, insurance companies, and drug stores to fund more delegates.

Children & Youth Committee

Minutes were read and approved. All Educator of the Year binders are due by June 1, 2010 to the Department Headquarters. Sue Fugitt spoke about children organ transplants, finger painting, and DNA programs. The 6th District Ladies Auxiliary collected mittens and gloves for children in school. The 5th District President gathered blankets for the children’s hospital.

Flag Education/ Etiquette Committee

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. The 7th and 11th districts did not submit district winners for consideration as state winners. The Committee selected Tyler Perry of Switzerland County Elementary School sponsored by Post 185 in the 9th district and Megan Everett of Howard Elementary sponsored by Post 6 in the 5th district as the state winners. They will be awarded a $1,000 savings bond at the Department Convention.

inTernaL aFFairs

richard a. Jewell chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met on Saturday, April 10, 2010 during the Joint Spring Conference at the Marriott Hotel East at 4:15 p.m. in Salon D.

Chairman Richard Jewell opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Jewell, Vice Chairman Mary York, American Legion Riders Chairman T.J. Small, Community Involvement Chairman Eric Baggett, Convention Contests Jim May, Firefighter/Law & Order Chairman Wilfred Kocher, Legislative Chairman Danny Rice, Membership Chairman Jerry Jordon, New Post Development/Revitalization

Chairman Chuck Mason and Public Relations Chairman Jeff Carroll.

Roll call disclosed the following members absent:

Vice Chairman David Morrow, Nat’l Liaison John Pipher and Religious Emphasis Chairman Norris Keirn.

Chairman Jewell accepted the following committee reports.

American Legion Riders Chairman Small asked all in attendance if they have been utilizing the folder given out to the Committee and asked if it was helpful. All agreed that it was helpful.

He reported to the Committee that The Riders constitution and by-laws changes will be discussed during the Chapter meeting at 1:00 p.m. There was some discussion that the Committee doesn’t want any provisions regarding divorce. They feel if a member is productive and wishes to stay a member, they suggest they give them honorary member status.

The Legacy Run will be approximately 1,600 miles this year.

Chairman Small asked for District reports.

There were no requests for Department Funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Community Involvement

Past President Denise

Wrolen introduced Department Auxiliary Community Involvement Chairman, Pam Shook.

Chairman Bryant informed the Committee that he has had a discussion with Department assistant adjutant Hugh Dagley regarding getting articles and photos published in the Hoosier Legionnaire showing our community involvement. Assistant Dagley directed all to go through their District Commanders and they would work with Department. There was some discussion regarding what type of photos may be sent for publishing.

Chairman Baggett stated that you do not have to be a large post to do community involvement. He reminded the Committee that scrapbooks and the newspaper can work hand in hand. He informed the Committee about the Eli Lilly grant to help those in Lake and Porter Counties for a Flood Recovery Program.

Chairman Kusiak informed the Committee of a program held March 30 in Valparaiso Post 94. Department Commander Bob Newman and other representatives participated in a Vietnam Veteran’s Welcome Home celebration.

Chairman Johnson showed the Committee a plaque for Habitat for Humanity and started another.

Chairman Brinson reminded the Committee to have all scrapbooks submitted by Close of Books.

There were no requests for Department funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 2:25 p.m.

Convention Contests

Chairman Jim May informed the Committee that the State Competition will be held Saturday, July 17, 2010, at 7:00 a.m. during the Department Convention at the Marriott East Hotel, with a 6:30 a.m. inspection. He will have department send out in

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reHaBiLiTaTiOn

Kenneth c. Hylton chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, in Salon E of the Marriott Hotel during the 2010 Joint Spring Conference.

Chairman Kenneth Hylton opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Kenneth Hylton; Vice Chairmen James Hagler, Rick Hudson; Commander’s Rep, Fred Lemos: National Liaison Representative James Koutz; Employment: James Piepenbrok, General Hospital, R J Nunweiler; Homeless Veterans; Robbie Robinson: Indiana Veterans Home; Gary Danekas: Nursing Home, Cecil Brummett represented by Carl Thieme: Veterans Assistance; David Heath represented by C.T. Castner. There were no guests present. There were no members absent.

Employment Committee

All Districts were represented. Guest speaker Chris Thompson from Student Veterans of America spoke about Chapters 31 & 33 benefits. Contact the Vet Reps or the Department Service Office for more information.

Larry Wilson said some children of service-connected veterans get free tuition and to go on line to The American Legion website for more

information.There were no funds budgeted for or requested by this Committee. The committee will meet at the Fall Conference.

General Hospital

The Fort Wayne VA Hospital has a volunteer position available.

1st District reports they have 32 volunteers making weekly visits to the patients. There are currently 375 patients at the Crown Pointe Center. Ground breaking on the new facility will be April 30, 2010.

8th District reports they are still purchasing clothing for the patients. They also reported that the Louisville Hospital will be receiving a golf cart. Evansville Outpatient Clinic reports they are out of Rehab funds. They had nothing new to report on the new facility. Betty Thomas reports that she visits the VA Hospital every two weeks and that there are 60 new patients at the hospital. The Department Auxiliary gave Betty Thomas $700 for the VA Hospital to use toward hospice rooms, transportation tokens, games and other programs

Homeless Veterans Dan Lawson spoke about his tour of the Evansville Rescue Mission. Amy Blackburn spoke about the homeless

Information not delivered is useless; information not only delivered but acted upon is strategic Greetings to my fellow Legionaries from the First District. Let me share with you what keeps us busy here.

Our annual District Bowling tournament took place in January with myself throwing out the first ball, unfortunately it went nowhere (in the gutter). We also had 31 students compete in the Oratorical Contest, Sumantha Chintamani was the winner. It was another great program, hosted by Post 16.

In February Dona Sales and Post 20 hosted the Four Chaplains Program this year and there was a good turn out by the Legion Family.

Post 369 held its annual Americanism Dinner with the Keynote Speaker Department Commander Bob Newman on February 20.

The First District thanks Commander Newman for attending.

Chairman John Balczo is running a great program at Hines Hospital, month to month. There are usually 40 or 50 members of the Legion Family represented giving numerous gift packages to the patients.

In honor of Sergeant Ted Uzelec who just returned from Iraq, 113th Engineer Battalion, Indiana National Guard, in late February, a Purple Heart Ceremony was attended by many Officers and members of the First District. The Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Major Tammy Duckworth was the main speaker.

In the continuing effort to pay tribute monthly to fallen

Soldiers Post 54 in Hobart meets on the last Friday of every month at the Statue of the Doughboy.

Al Pulido of Post 66 ran a well organized program at the Indiana Veterans Home during the month of March, giving out gift packages. There was a huge turnout by the First District.

Also during March, the birthday of The American Legion was observed by many of the Post in the District. One of the outstanding events was at Post 100, Lake Station, where Commander John Rassbach handed out awards to local students for their participation in Legion Programs.

Post 168 Radio program, Veterans Views, which can be watched live on Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m. at WJOB Radio, heyRegion.com on the internet, is enjoying a large number of calls about benefits from the listening audience. If you are able, tune in to see and hear what’s going on. Now it’s time to talk about membership. The District Membership Team has been busy going around to Post, asking how the District can be of help. They have gone with some of the local membership chairmen, knocking on doors to check on delinquent members asking them to renew, or to make sure they are well, or need help. The Post Cards that were provided by National were mailed out, the First District is trying to improve its standing in the Department, we haven’t given up. Now is the time for all Posts to make phone calls, knock on doors and utilize all tools possible.

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Larry Funk commander

Greetings from the Fourth and my fellow District Commanders.

The Fabulous Fourth District is still in fourth place in the Department with 85.88 percent of goal as of this writing. We are 344 cards behind last year at this time. The membership teams are working hard to correct this problem. Plan to see some results soon. We have four Posts that are at 100 percentplus and several Posts at 90 percent-plus and should reach their goals soon.

In February the oratorical winner from the Fourth District went to Post 315 in Fairmont for the zone Oratorical Contest and was the winner of the zone competition. He is Chris Reilly, a senior from Belmont High School. He was sponsored by Post 43 Decatur. He later competed in the State Oratorical Contest where he took the runner-up award. He did a good job and represented the Fourth District well.

The Flag Etiquette program has been completed in the Fourth District and now is the time to judge the essays to determine the winners. The winners will be announced at an upcoming meeting and their tests and essays will be entered in the state competition. We had 10 Posts participating in the program this year. Our Chairman Larry Thiele has done a terrific job with this program as he has done for the past several years. I want to thank Larry for a job well done.

The Fourth District Chaplain Bob Miller has started something new this year. He has created a “Chaplains Corner” in our newsletter. The purpose of this is whenever someone from a post is sick or injured they are to contact Bob by email or call

him and it will be forwarded to other posts and individual members who request notification and it will be published in the Fourth District Delegate. This is also to keep track of the Legionaries who have died in order to include them in our Post Everlasting.

March being birthday month for The American Legion many Posts have had birthday celebrations for this event. It is also when the posts recognize those members who have been members for 50 or 60 years of continuous service with this organization and to thank them for that service.

It has been 91 years since our proud organization was founded. The American Legion has always fought for the benefits that our veterans enjoy and will continue to fight to keep them and to improve on them. Our Department Commander Bob Newman was the featured speaker at several of these celebrations and he did not give the same speech twice. I want to thank those Posts that invited me and the officers of the Fourth District to attend their celebrations. The hospitably was great and the food was fabulous.

The May meeting of the Fourth District is at Post 381 Rome City. This is our combined meeting with the Auxiliary and the SAL. This is also the night we have our District Post Everlasting. This is a very special meeting where we honor those who have passed away this last year and transfer them to the Post Everlasting. It is a well attended meeting.

In closing it has been a great year so far. There are a few things that need to be done yet. Time now is short but we can get it done. See you at Spring Conference.

non- Legionnaires, is a prime example of what the Legion is all about veterans helping veterans …veterans helping others in the community. It doesn’t get any better than that to make a Legion heart pound with pride. And needless to say, you cannot buy better PR then for someone to give the Legion a pat on the back to get veterans attention and focus toward The American Legion and the good that they accomplish.

Hartford City Post 159 hosted a lunch for six soldiers from Company C of the 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry in February. A nice way to

thank our newest heroes. It was noted at the last District meeting that a good tool to use in recruiting new members into the Legion is that while on active duty they can get five points for being a member of two veterans organizations or two points for being a member of one veteran organization added on their test scores for promotion, which would help them receive a higher score for promotion. Something to think about and to use for potential membership in The American Legion. Tipton Post 46 is planning a golf scramble for July 24. Proceeds will go toward the Veterans Fund.

DisTricT

8

melvin Jantzen commander

The Eighth District has done well this year but the job is not done yet. We still have a great number of members who have not renewed. They may be a friend or neighbor.

It’s OK to ask fellow Legionnaires if they have paid their dues yet and if not, ask why. If the answer is because they don’t drink anymore, please tell them all the many things the Legion is really about.

Tell them how important our Americanism programs are in preserving and promoting our American values; tell them how important our Rehabilitation programs are to the young men and women returning from combat today and to those with injuries from previous conflicts.

Tell them how our Children and Youth programs help to inform and influence our nation’s youth and how our Internal Affairs programs promote legislative influence to preserve the veteran’s benefits that the Legion fought to win for them.

In short, tell them how important The American Legion is to our way of life and why they should be proud to belong.

School where Milltown Post 332 presented a POW-MIA flag to Principal Tami Geltmaker and explained the significance of the flag to the students.

One of the Legionnaires attending the ceremony was Archie Hanger, a World War II fighter Pilot in his mid-80s who was shot down over New Guinea and spent 18 months and one day in a Japanese prison camp.

Archie commented that the government rounded it to 18 months but he couldn’t forget even one day. Archie raised the POW-MIA flag for the ceremony. Hats off to Eddie Wetzel and the other members of Post 332 for making this happen, and for helping to increase awareness of the ongoing program to return POW-MIAs and repatriate the remains of those who died on foreign soil.

Hello again from the Mighty Third District.

Some of the posts in the Third have been busy honoring their respective heroes. Otho B. Place Post 191 in Bremen honored a police officer and a firefighter for their efforts in saving a person who was trapped in a house fire on December 15, 2009. Bremen Police Officer, Brad Kile, and Bremen Volunteer Fire Fighter, Jon Adams, were awarded The Law Enforcement Certificate of Commendation and the Fire Fighter Certificate of Commendation, respectively.

Kile and Adams were the first responders to a house fire which occurred on December 15, 2009. Upon arriving at the scene, it was discovered that there was a person trapped inside the structure unable to free himself. Without regard for their own safety and despite parts of the house being fully engulfed with smoke and fire, Kile and Adams we able to free the trapped person. Both Officer Kile and Fire Fighter Adams were also awarded the Medal of Valor from The Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.

In Marshall County, several veterans were awarded past due medals for their service to their country. In attendance was the Post Commander Julian Keiser, Marshall County Commander Jay Kling and Past Third District Commander Rich-

ard Richardson. Those honored were the following: Richard Overmyer, US Army; John Miller, US Navy; Gediminas S. Merchertas, US Army; Harold Walter, US Army; Kenneth A. Garland, US Marine Corps; Wayne Hostetler, US Army; William J. Homan, US Army; I. J. Smith, US Army; Christopher D. Jackson, US Army; Raymond G. Bradley, US Army; Thomas Berndt, US Navy; Elson J. Kuskye, US Army; and John M. Helak, US Army.

LaPorte County Post 130, the post inside the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, made the following donations the past few months:

$1,000 for relief to Haiti, $500 to the Fisher/Nightingale Houses, $500 to Riley Children’s Hospital,

$500 to Ronald McDonald House, $500 to Stepping Stone Shelter for Women

$1,250 to Michigan City Schools to purchase coats, hats and gloves for the children, $250 for the Special Olympics, $250 to the American Legion’s Child Welfare Fund; and $200 for turkeys at the area Homeless Shelter. Good going Post 130, keep up the great work. So long for now from Commander Hewitt and his officers.

Greetings from the Mighty Fifth District.

I’m happy to report that The American Legion is alive and doing good things around the District. Marion Post 10 held its Legion 91st Birthday Dinner on March 6. State Commander Bob Newman gave the keynote address. In the audience were Past State Auxiliary President Rosey Newman, Past State Commander Ralph Tolan, 5th District Auxiliary President Rosemary Hammonds, 5th District American Legion Riders Chairman Kent Mullett, 5th Dististrict Vice Commander Dewayne Dunn and wife Tammy, and Past District Sergeant at Arms Paul Layman and his wife Onie. This was a nice showing of Legion officials for this important function. Also present were two of Marion Post 10’s newest Post members, James and Mathew Purvis. Glad to see them at the 91st Birthday party for The American Legion.

We have a Vice Commander in the District that I can’t say enough good about. Dewayne Dunn, from Hartford City Post #159, has been doing an outstanding job for The American Legion at all levels. He is a go-getter and knows how to get things done. He is thinking outside the box for novel new ways to get more people involved in the American Legion, ways to have some good clean fun doing things that are geared for those that are interested and things that members can participate in other than just sitting around on a bar stool. He has taken an idea

that originated out at San Francisco American Legion Post 911 for the “Airborne Legion,” which they started in 2007. Vice Commander Dunn is starting a “District Five Airborne Legion Unit” here within the District. It is a parachute jumping unit. It would require a four-hour class. And perhaps after a set number of jumps you would receive a hat pin to put on your cover. It is still in the planning stages, so if you are interested in joining this elite outfit and would like to make some new friends while having fun, contact Vice Commander Dunn at 765-3485498.

VC Dunn is also looking to form a “Legion Scuba” program in which we could assist law enforcement helping them dive if requested. It would be a nice way to return something to the community by doing a community service.

Talk about community service: Wabash Post 15 was commended recently commended in a letter to the editor for helping a veteran in need. In a nutshell, the article stated that the writer would like to extend a very big thank you to Post 15 for the assistance it gave to a veteran who had served his nation proud. Post members built a ramp so that the veteran could get in and out of his house. The writer went on to say that when the family talked about who they might ask for assistance in erecting the ramp, they immediately thought of the Wabash American Legion Post 15.. This, Legionnaires, this,

In preparing to write this article I ran across this quote from an unknown source and wanted to pass it on to you:

“A veteran is someone who at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of up to and including his life. That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.”

Milltown Post 332 in Crawford County through the work of Eddie Wetzel and other post members recently started a program with the Crawford County school system to fly the POW-MIA flag at all Crawford County schools. The program was kicked off with a ceremony at Milltown Elementary

When you finish reading your Hoosier Legionnaire, your Legion Magazine or other Legion publications; casually ‘forget’ and leave them in the waiting room of your dentist or doctor or mechanic or wherever, and perhaps someone else will learn a little about The American Legion. You might want to take the time to remove or blackout the mailing label before your do. This is good cheap advertising for us, and a way to reach potential members.

I need your input for the Eighth District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. That way, you want have to read as much of my rambling. If your Post or someone in your Post does something newsworthy please send it to me, Dave Sharber, by e-mail to wobegon@sit-co.net or by mail at P.O. Box 493 in Mt. Vernon, IN 47620.

We need newsworthy legion, veteran and community-related information. Be proud of your post and your Legion Family. Share what they are doing. No gossip please, just news.

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11

Kenny cooper commander

Greetings from the Exciting Eleventh!

As we wind our way toward the completion of the Legion year, several aspects of our mission remain to be accomplished. The rest of the Officers and I are redoubling our efforts to help you enjoy a successful year in membership. Several of the Posts have already achieved their 100 percent and a great many more are extremely close at this time. I appreciate the energy that you have expended so far and ask you to push just that little bit harder to break through to the finish.

I had the opportunity to listen to the leading candidate for incoming National Commander this weekend. Clarence Hill from Florida commented that if all Posts

were to achieve 100 percent this year, that is still less total Legionnaires in our organization than we had last year. Negative growth is not progress. We need to look less at percentages and more at totals. 100 percent from every Department this year means 2.5 million Legionnaires, down from 2.65 million. Our effectiveness is based in part on our ability to cause changes at the national level. The Legion has had a significant effect on veterans legislation at the national level because the number of veterans who would vote. Fewer Legionnaires means less clout on Capitol Hill.

I often state that I enjoy the knowledge that my actions affect the lives of vet-

Internal Affairs Commission

Oratorical Champion Finishes Strong

National Commander Clarence Hill, left, and National Americanism Chairman Joseph Caoutte join Indiana’s State High School Oratorical Champion Emily McAllister following competition in the National High School Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis April 10-11, 2010. Emily, who attends Faith Christian School in Lafayette and was sponsored in the competition by American Legion Post 38 in Lafayette, made it through the second round of competition before being eliminated.

SAL News

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ing asked of them and gave some very thoughtful and insightful feedback.

The month of March was filled with American Legion Birthday celebrations of the many American Legion posts throughout the state and nation. I received a number of invitations and was truly blessed to be among my American Legion Family as I was able to attend six birthday dinners this year: Marion, Bloomington, Mitchell, Vincennes, Bloomfield, and Kingman. Thanks to all those whose hospitality I was blessed to have very much enjoyed.

Back in Indiana, I had the opportunity to sit in on the Department Oratorical Contest in March. The audience in attendance saw another fine group of students competing to represent the Department of Indiana at the National High School Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis in April.

In the month of March I was also honored to attend the SAL National Commander’s Homecoming in Atlanta, GA, along with a number of other distinguished SAL members from Indiana. The weekend began with a long ride from Indiana to Georgia starting early Friday morning, a small reception at the Post on Friday night, a large reception on Saturday night and long ride home on Sunday. If Indiana didn’t make the largest showing, we certainly had one of the largest contingents there.

The National Commander was presented with a personally hand crafted wooden pen from the hands of our own Department Assistant Adjutant. The National Commander’s coin ornamented

the wooden box which accompanied the pen. The gift was well received by the National Commander and very much appreciated. I learned later that the pen has a lifetime warranty. I did not know that.

Thanks Hugh.

Thanks to all of you who took time out to join us in Indianapolis for the recently concluded Department Spring Conference. One of our notable guests was SAL National Vice Commander Dennis Theobald from Iowa. Vice Commander Theobald always has an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious. You just can’t help but be upbeat when he is in your presence.

Vice Commander Theobald was given the opportunity to see first-hand the Detachment’s involvement in the National Oratorical Finals. The Detachment of Indiana is a staple of the volunteer staff and has assisted the National Oratorical Finals for a number of years, involved such activities as being an escorts, ushers, and timekeepers. One of our very own, Mike Pipher, has been tapped as a judge for the contest on a number of occasions in past years.

All in all, I believe Vice Commander Theobald walked away very impressed with the way our Detachment assisted in making this one of the premier programs of the American Legion.

In May, I’ll be attending the National Executive Committee meetings May 1st and 2nd and as always, I will be out visiting as many of the squadrons and district in May and June as is possible.

Coming up very soon in June is the Detachment Convention in Marion. The dates are June 24, 25, and 26. We’ll

Rehabilitation Commission

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veterans in the Shelbyville area. She suggested contacting Ken Toll for help for homeless veterans.

Jim Franklin with “Save our Veterans” spoke about the 6,000 homeless veterans in Indiana and filling in the gap of finding them jobs.

A motion was made and approved to donate $2,400 to the Evansville Rescue Mission.

A motion also was made and approved to donate $2,000 to “Save our Veterans”.

Indiana Veterans Home Auxiliary Chairman Bonnie Fox spoke about the home and about a 90-yearold Indiana Veterans Home resident who will be laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. Chester Lobodzinski talk-

be electing new leadership to guide the Detachment in 2010-2011. Mark your calendars now and please plan to attend this very important event. More information will follow in mailings to your squadron’s designated representatives. Squadrons that are not certified stand a chance of not being seated at the convention.

Membership is still looking good and I am very pleased. Speaking of membership, our 90 percent target both nationally and as a Detachment is just around the corner. We’re almost there. Don’t give up.

Because a small handful of Squadrons within your respective Posts and Districts have failed to turn in even a single membership card to Department as of this time in the membership year, we could certainly use your help.

If your Squadron has yet to turn in any cards this year or has turned in very few, please take a few minutes to show your support and interest in this program, your program, The Sons of The American Legion, by making an inquiry. If there is anything I or my membership

Short Takes

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members to see us every time we visit Washington. We simply ask for the courtesy of a timely reply from their staff. Indiana is blessed with some talented congressmen, but it appears that sloppy staff support may be adding to the increasing lack of confidence in the U.S. Congress as an organization.

team can do to assist in any way, please don’t hesitate to call. My number is (317) 538-1516. Thank you.

As we begin to wind down this membership year, please remember that the 36,629member goal we have set is merely that, a goal. It is not our intended end-state. We want and need as many members as possible. If you’ve surpassed your goal, thank you very much, but please don’t stop; do what you can to attract more new members or help track down members who still have not renewed. Use the resources you have at your disposal –family and friend contacts to get the word out, post office, phone book, internet, etc.

Close of Books is just around the corner – June 13.

If your Squadron is not certified at Close of Books and you have not accounted for all membership cards from 2009-2010, you will not be issued your 2011 cards. Please get your Squadron certified. It’s quick and it’s easy.

As always, I hope this correspondence finds you and your family doing well. Take care, friends!

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the next mass mailing, information to each Post Adjutant regarding the contest. He stated that there will be photos in the Hoosier Legionnaire after Department Convention. He announced to all in attendance that Convention Contests have a budget to pay for the room where the contest will be held and to feed the judges’ breakfast.

There were no requests for Department funds made.

Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Firefighter/Law & Order

A motion was made to accept the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Chairman Kocher reminded the committee that all nomination books are due before or at Close of Books at the Lafayette home.

No requests for Department funds were made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Legislative Chairman Danny Rice introduced Auxiliary Department Legislative Chairman Billie Bubala.

National Executive Committee member Darrell Hansel introduced the leading candidate for National Commander, Jimmie Foster. He made comments regarding the importance of keeping in contact with your Legislators about veteran issues.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

H.B. 1086- passed to amend the criteria from 3 years to 1 year to get into the I.V.H.; H.B. 1165- protects disabled veterans from liens; H.B. 1178 National GuardPDHRA to participate in face to face evaluations after returning from deployment.

A motion was made not to present any State Legislative Awards this year due to it not being a budget year for the Statehouse. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Goals by making each Post meeting.

Jack Cook explained the Close of Books accountability and certification guidelines that will affect each of them directly.

There were no requests for Department Funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

New Post Development/ Revitalization

A motion was made to suspend the reading of the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

All members of the committee were asked to report on their districts.

An open discussion followed. Internal Affairs Chairman Dick Jewell commented on the projected veteran population by the year 2035. The recruiting of these new veterans will be the key to the success of The American Legion in the upcoming years. The task assigned to this committee is to keep our posts a place these veterans want to belong to. Also the committee is charged with recognizing the posts that need to be revitalized and the areas that may require starting a new post.

Things that are working:

Department Northern Vice Commander Clyde Cosgrove spoke on the cable call in TV Program which is broadcast on Mondays at Hammond Post 168. The program addresses veteran’s issues. Also at Post 168, the DVA does a radio program on station WJOB on Monday mornings.

Department SouthernVice Commander Dave Sharber reported that Jasper Post 147 purchased a $300 WII video game for the post. They are now holding tournaments with nominal prizes being awarded to the winners. This is the type of thing that will attract younger members.

ed about the 2nd Annual Bowling for Veterans fundraiser.

VH Superintendent Antonio Stewart spoke about the home receiving over $3 million in stimulus money. They have been fixing roofs and have completed the demolitions ontwo of the buildings. He also talked about how the laundry and food services are both improving daily. There are currently 258 residents at the home.

A motion was made by Randy Dooley and seconded by Ed Giltner to purchase two electric lifts for a total cost of $8,300. Chairman Gary Danekas announced his retirement from the Committee.

Nursing Home

There was a moment of silence for Harold E Brubaker, 4th District Chairman, who passed away earlier this year.

8th District, Betty Thomas asked if Department could provide names of female veterans. She was told to check with each nursing home. They visit the nursing homes on Veterans Day and Christmas. There are seven nursing homes that they support in their area.

9th District reports that they spend their Rehab funds on standard unisex kits purchased from Federated Wholesale in Northcross, GA. They asked if their account would increase next year. They also went to casinos asking if they could have playing cards to distribute. The casinos do support veteran groups.

There were no motions made or funds requested.

Veterans Assistance

Guest speaker Craig Cooley gave a briefing on the National Guard Seamless Transition Workshop. The

I would hope that our Members of Congress understand that they are under an incredible microscope right now, regardless of party affiliation. There is no room for complacency either from their personal outlook, or in the quality of staffer they hire to represent them with their constituents. We are watching. Are you listening?

mission of these workshops is to enlighten and educate all returning Indiana veterans on the various benefits they have earned while deployed to a theater of combat operations. For more information, contact 317247-3300 ext 85444.

The Director of Rehabilitation spoke on ensuring soldiers currently being treated for PTSD are re-evaluated prior to being re-assigned to a combat area. The problem is, his medical records may be maintained at his local VA Hospital and his guard unit cannot obtain his medical records prior to deployment for the second or third time. There were no motions made or funds requested. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

At the national level, TriCare or Medicare will not be affected by the new Health Care Bill. Legislative priority sheets were handed out to all in attendance.

Commission Chairman Dick Jewell briefed the Committee on the Washington, DC legislative visits. An invitation-only breakfast was attended by Senator Lugar, Congressman Pence and Congressman Viscosky. SB1963 concerning VA services was brought up. The American Legion supports this bill and urges Legionnaires to call their representatives, giving support.

There were no requests for Department Funds.

There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Membership

Commander Newman addressed all in attendance regarding the DMS program. He touched on Department’s National goal versus Department of Indiana’s goal. He explained how many members we are rapidly loosing. He explained that Indiana could finish fewer than 100,000 members for the first time since 1945.

Chairman Jerry Jordon passed out the expired members mailing spreadsheet. He encouraged personal contact with the posts. He touched on the cut off date for preprinted cards through National. There was some discussion concerning the District Commanders’ meeting their National Incentive

Ron Kizer from the 4th District talked about post officers that don’t know the scope of the position they have been elected to. The past officers in the posts need to mentor and teach younger members the workings of the American Legion. We can’t expect to recruit and retain members if we are not able to run a meeting much less the post.

Dick Motsinger from the 2nd District said county veterans’ service officers should be asked to attend meetings and hold additional seminars on the ever changing veterans’ benefits.

Chairman Mason reminded everyone that New Post Development/Revitalization Committee meetings are open to ideas concerning the establishment of new posts or revitalizing posts that may be struggling. The committee will assist any post or district when asked. Plan on attending the next meeting of the committee at the Fall Conference in October, or send your ideas or concerns to Department Headquarters.

There were no requests for department funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Public Relations Chairman Carroll introduced Auxiliary Department Public Relations Chairman Sue Comerford. Chairman Carroll made available PR material and reminded all in attendance that awards entries are due to Department by June 1st. Judging will be at Department June 12th at 10:00 a.m. Chairman Carroll was still in need of one more judge, Sue Comerford volunteered.

There was some discus-

Timely Claims Decisions Depend On A Variety Of Factors

Veterans and other VA claimants often complain about how long it takes VA to process their disability claims. In some cases, two, three, or more years elapse before VA grants the claimed benefits.

On an average, VA takes anywhere from six to eight months to make a decision on an original claim. If the claimant must start the appeal process by filing a Notice of Disagreement, twelve to eighteen months may pass before VA makes the next decision. If the claimant must continue the appeal, the Board of Veterans

John Hickey Department Service Officer

Appeals in Washington, DC makes the next decision. This could take another two years or more. If the Board of Veterans Appeals (determines the case had not been fully developed – that is, if VA failed to obtain available evidence the BVA will remand the case for further development. The remanded case

VA Proposes Service Connection For Some Persian Gulf Illnesses

Service Office Hours

Department Service Of-

fice April Business Hours:

The American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the month of May. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-9163605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-226-6645; or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov.

Department Spring Conference

At the Veterans Assistance Meeting held during the annual Joint Spring Conference, 1st Lt. Craig G. Cooley, Indiana National Guard Transition Workshop Coordinator, presented information concerning The Indiana National Guard Seamless Transition Program, and county Veterans Service Officers winning more than 1 million dollars for veterans in their counties with American Legion representation were honored at the general session. They are listed elsewhere on this page.

VA Benefits Guide

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently published their Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents. An easy-to-read reference guide, it provides the most current information about your earned benefits. https://www1.va.gov/opa/ publications/benefits_book. asp offers a free downloadable copy.

Presumption of Service

Connection For Persian Gulf Service

In March, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed regulation in the Federal Register to establish presumption of service connection for nine diseases frequently reported by Persian

could return to the Appeals Management Center in Washington, DC, to an Appeals Management Resource Center in another area of the country, or back to the local VA regional office for further action and the next decision. This could take another year or two years.

If the Appeals Management Center or one of its appointees continues the denial after completing the instructed claims development, the appealed case once again returns to the Board of Veterans Appeals for its review and final decision. This could take another six months to a year. If the BVA then concludes that the Appeals Management Center failed to fully apply the remand order, the BVA could once again remand the cased back to the AMC adding another year or so to the appeals process.

remands the case, the case is returned to the BVA that then remands it once again to the AMC to start the process all over again.

As you can see the “or more” in “two, three, or more years” before VA makes a final decision to grant or deny the claim on an appealed case could be considerable. There have been appeals lasting five “or more” years.

Claimants can often avoid waiting years for their benefits by knowing what VA needs and supplying that information “up front” with the formal claim.

benefits can begin -- the effective date. If a claim for service connection of a disability is filed within one year of the veteran’s discharge, VA can establish the effective date as the day following the veteran’s service discharge.

If, however, the veteran files a claim more than one year following service discharge, the effective date is usually no earlier than the date of claim.

Waiting to gather all the evidence could, therefore, cause the claimant to lose months of potential benefits.

the date of that letter to complete and return the formal claim application. During that one year period, the claimant can start finding the necessary supporting evidence, such as copies of the service medical records, copies of the service personal records, witness statements, copies of medical records showing continuity of symptoms from the date of service discharge to the present, supporting doctor’s statements, and any other evidence particular to the claims.

Gulf veterans.

This action is necessary to implement the decision of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that there is a positive association between service in the Southwest Asia theater of operation and Afghanistan during certain periods and the subsequent development of the following infectious diseases:

Brucellosis, if developed within one year from service, Campylobacter jejuni, if developed within one year from service, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), if developed within one year from service, Malaria, if developed within one year of service or at a time when standard or accepted treatises indicate that the incubation period commenced during service, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, (open ended presumption; diagnosed anytime following service), Nontyphoid Salmonella, if developed within one year from service, Shigella, if developed one year from service, Visceral leishmaniasis (open ended presumption; diagnosed anytime after service), and West Nile virus, if developed within one year from service.

The new presumptive conditions will apply to veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, as currently defined under title 38 CFR section 3.317(d), and to veterans who served in Afghanistan on or after September 19, 2001, the date specified in Executive Order 13239 as the date of combatant activities commenced in that country.

Since congress has not officially ended the period of the “Persian Gulf War,” this proposed regulatory change applies to all veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operation from August 2, 1990 to present.

Department Chaplain

Continued from page 8

healthcare can increase our level of wellness and quality of life.

This networking and care for veterans seems to be one of our best-kept secrets. The strength of an organization is greater than the sum total of its individual parts. We are much stronger together. Just like the panorama of the spring colors that are stunning because of the harmony that takes place, when we join together in care and concern for one another, lives are enriched.

“Welcome home” is more that a handshake, it is a re-

If the AMC continues the denial after obtaining the additional evidence, the case would once again returned to the BVA. If the BVA then denies the issue on appeal, the veteran can appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Court might not get to the case for a year or more to make its decision. The court could deny, grant, or remand the case for further development. If the court

For example, there are three elements to a successful claim for service connection of a disability for compensation purposes: an incident or incidents in service, a current medical condition, and a medical link between the current medical condition and that incident or the incidents in service. If the veteran finds and submits evidence meeting all these elements, VA may very well return a favorable decision in a relatively short time: a few months instead of years. A well trained County or American Legion Department Service Officer can provide all the details for filing complete claims.

VA has rules about when

The answer to this problem is to file an informal claim, gather the evidence, and then file the formal claim.

An informal claim is simply a statement (letter) from the claimant identifying him or herself, requesting a specific benefit, and asking VA to accept the statement as an informal claim. It’s also advisable for the claimant to supply a copy of his or her service discharge document, usually a DD Form 214, along with the informal claim statement. The veteran should also appoint a representative such as The American Legion when filing the informal claim.

Once VA receives the informal claim, VA will send the claimant a formal claim form and letter noting the claimant has one year from

After gathering all the supporting evidence, the claimant should then complete the formal claim form, attach copies of all the supporting documentation, and supply it to the VA regional office through the claimant’s accredited representative’s office. Caution: do not attempt to file and develop VA claims without the advice and guidance of a fully trained professional veterans service officer. It would be like me trying to repair the engine or transmission of my own car; believe me, that would not turn out well.

The American Legion wants to make sure claims are properly developed before filing with VA. This will help clear the VA claims and appeals system, and provide veterans and their dependents faster and better VA decisions the first time.

District 11

Continued from page 4

erans who are as yet unborn.

For example, the actions of Legionnaires in the 1940s gave all of us the G.I. Bill. Every generation of veterans passes on the gift of having made military life a little easier for those who follow.

That is our true legacy that we help make life easier for the next in the line of march. I do not want to have to look a young person in the face and say “I’m sorry, we just can’t help you or your family while you are wearing that uniform.” One of our main emphasis points is veterans helping veterans and their families. That is only possible if we stand together and concentrate our efforts with a narrow focus.

‘Now Hear This’

The Department Commander launches every Conference and Convention with a meeting of district and department officers, designed to bring them all up to date, coordinate schedules and assign new challenges and duties as the delegates and conferees begin to gather. Here, Commander Bob Newman puts his officers through their paces prior to the 2010 Joint Spring Conference.

Legion Urges VA To Strengthen Aid To Vets Unable To Manage Benefits

Speaking to a House subcommittee Thursday, Jacob Gadd of The American Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division said the Veterans Business Administration needs to speed up its process of appointing fiduciaries to handle the finances of veterans who are mentally incapable of managing their own benefits.

system. “VA workers receive credit for processing the case within the 45-day period. If a case is not completed during the 45-day period, there are (no longer) any work credits or staff initiative to get the case finalized.”

ficult for veterans to contact anyone in the Fiduciary Hub (in Salt Lake City) because they do not have a ‘public contact’ number dedicated solely to fiduciary issues, and the general VA public contact line can only provide limited information.”

So as we see June and the Close of Books “finish line” approaching, I ask all of you to consider what it is that make you proud to be a Legionnaire. Whether you are very active in the projects and programs of your Post or you simply contribute your dues and only read this newspaper, you are still contributing to the mission of the Legion because your dues money helps to keep the Legion functioning and relevant.

lationship that takes place when veterans help veterans. Let’s strengthen and support our great Service Department and get the word out to other vets!

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes

Gadd told the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs that many veterans continue to suffer hardship because of the time VBA takes to process fiduciary applications and approve them.

In one of VBA’s offices, according to Gadd, more than 100 cases have been waiting 3-12 months for final approval. “In another case, the fiduciary process took four years,” Gadd told the subcommittee chaired by Rep. John Hall, D-N.Y.

A key problem in getting VBA to process such approvals more quickly, Gadd explained, is its work-credit

American Legion service officers who work with veterans and their families have documented many problems with the current fiduciary program, including one case where “a (Legion) service officer in a pensionmanagement center helped schedule a fiduciary field exam because the veteran had been waiting for over four years.”

“Mr. Chairman, this is unconscionable that a veteran’s claim can be delayed for this period of time,” Gadd said. “Our nation’s veterans and their beneficiaries deserve better.”

Several American Legion service officers have witnessed firsthand some of the fiduciary program’s difficulties. One service officer told Legion officials that “it’s dif-

In his testimony, Gadd offered several American Legion recommendations to improve the fiduciary program: hire full-time employees solely dedicated to program management and oversight, enhance communications between key offices with better IT/software support, provide more effective phone access to veterans’ service officers, and create a national toll-free phone service for family members and the general public.

The American Legion also recommended that Congress direct VA to establish a pilot program for training volunteers to become fiduciaries.

“The American Legion has over 6,000 volunteers that serve veterans every day in the community,” Gadd said.

It is up to us to use our talents and energies to show other eligible veterans why it is important to BECOME a Legionnaire. As an organization, we do many very good things that we keep to ourselves. The opinion of many non-veterans is that the Legion is a bar where people drink cheap liquor and tell war stories. And while it is something of a deserved reputation, its’ a real shame that we have always had so much more to offer and we seem to be less able to show it to the public.

I have asked for the members of the District to “Be identifiable as a Legionnaire” at least one day per month. To help educate the public and attract new members, we need to be recognizable and to be seen as good examples of ‘helpfulness”, as stated in the Preamble that we recite at the beginning of every meeting. I thank you for your good work so far and it is my honor to serve with you.

Photo by Joe Hovish

Chairman's

Membership Successes Don’t Mean It’s Time To Slow Down

After nine months in the role of Membership Chairman, I think back to all the things we have tried to do to increase membership and some of the successes.

We kicked the year off with a membership plan carefully laid out and with real obtainable goals for the Department of Indiana. Each of the eleven districts were asked to meet last year’s close of books numbers plus one member, which would put the Department back on the plus side.

In September we had a very successful Knightstown Home turn-in of 6,586 cards and even though we were not able to hold it at our traditional location in Knightstown, moving it to the Legion Mall in Indianapolis proved to be quite positive. Also in September we

mailed over 10,000 letters to 2008 non-renewed members inviting them back to the American Legion and also asking them why they chose not to renew. The information learned from those mailings continues to provide us with valuable information that can be used in years to come.

The Commander, the four Vice Commanders, and I have traveled this state from top to bottom speaking at district meetings and to post officers explaining the importance of membership. We have also spoken to them

regarding all the negative things that can happen and how the post is impacted when membership declines. Other times, we visited individual posts offering advice and assistance with any problem they might have.

The past couple of months at District meetings, I have suggested ways to renew members as the end of this membership year approaches. One thing I found very successful at my own post was sending out a letter asking members to please renew, and informing them of all the things our post does for the community. I also sent a couple of pamphlets, supplied by the National Organization, entitled “Know Your American Legion Benefits” and “Why You Should Belong.”

I enclosed a self-addressed

envelope and received a 20 percent response in renewals. Other posts have tried this with much the same response. If all the remaining posts were to try this and if they were to have the same success rate we would be well on our way to meeting our end of year goals.

One thing I have noticed while speaking at District meetings is that many posts aren’t represented and I wonder, why?

I have heard post officials ask ‘what has the District or Department done for us?’ Well, if it’s a direct money thing we probably haven’t done much. Please realize all the Legion programs are funded by Department or National. They supply most all the materials, books, pamphlets, and staff to run the programs. The Legion maga-

Ask Aubrey

Close, But Still No Cigar

Children & Youth Commission

Girl Scouts Committee

Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The budget/finance report was distributed. The 1st District submitted a $412.33 donation. The committee collected $2 during the meeting as a donation. The application is available on the department website, www.indlegion.org click on Programs, Girl Scouts. The committee has not received any applications, but the 6th District may have a candidate. Applications are due to district chairmen by May 1 and to Chairman Galich by June 1. Chairman Galich dispersed applications at a local high school, but there seems to be a lack of girls achieving the religious award. Chairmen were encouraged to visit their local high schools with applications and invite scouts to put flags on graves for Memorial Day. Posts should be reminded Girl Scouts is not just an auxiliary program.

Junior Shooting Sports Committee

The National Rifle Association Coaches Clinic will be April 23-25, 2010, at the Marriott East in Indianapolis. Twelve students are registered. All shooting equipment from the former Knightstown Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children Home is at the Indiana American Legion. If teams are interested in those materials, they should contact Adjutant Steve Short. The equipment will be available on a loan, first come, first serve basis.

Knightstown Home Committee

Minutes were read and approved by motion from Jeff Carroll and 2nd by Tony Riley. Treasurer Tony Riley reported $110,615 in the general fund and $125,792 in the scholarship fund. The committee continued their discussion of the pros and cons from the Midwinter conference resolution to rename the committee. As the

Internal Affairs Commission

sion regarding a veteran’s radio program in Hammond, WJOB Radio.com. For more information you may contact Pat O’Donnell at (219) 588-2797. There was some discussion regarding the Awards Guide not being available on the new website. Chairman Carroll stated he would speak with Department on the matter.

There were no requests for Department funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the

Committee, the meeting adjourned in proper form.

Religious Emphasis

There was some discussion regarding the memorial service preformed during Spring Conference and all feedback was very good.

Chairman Keirn gave a special thanks to John Balczo and the 1st District for folding and taps. Balczo recommended that the Committee pass out poppies before the service which his post would furnish. Volunteers signed a list to help with the next service and to pass out poppies. There was some discus-

Photo by Joe Hovish

Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home is closed, it is essential to rename the committee. Jerry Jordan made a motion to have the new committee name be American Legion Children’s Education and Welfare Committee. Jeff Carroll seconded the motion and it passed.

Jack Cook presented a request for funding in the amount of $3,000 for Hoosier Boys State. The discussion was tabled. A motion was made by Jerry Jordon to put a new slate of officers in for the upcoming year. It was seconded by Jeff Carroll and passed. The following is a list of officers: Chairman Jim Hagler; 1st Vice Chairman Ralph Tolan; 2nd Vice Chairman Dave Ritenour; Treasurer Tony Riley; Secretary Jim Holmes; Chaplain Paul Steward; Commander’s Representative Jerry Jordon; Executive Section, three years, Ron Lowe and Jerry Jordon; two years, John Bubala and Larry Lowry; one year Jeff Carroll and Dave Sharber.

sion about Corporal Snyder’s funeral and the radical church group that protested and the court’s support.

Chairman Keirn introduced Department Commander Newman to all in attendance. He first thanked the committee for the service this morning. He stated that the National Organization has already responded to the Corporal Snyder issue and that Bill O’Reilly has paid the initial legal fees and a law group has taken the case on “pro-bono” to the Supreme Court.

Chairman Harris related

zine is sent to you monthly as part of your membership dues from National; the Hoosier Legionnaire is sent to you by Department, again at no additional cost. Both publications are very good at getting information to you concerning veterans and veterans’ issues.

The District meetings are a place you can get valuable information. Most of the officers have been in the trenches for a while and know the ropes. If you are having problems at your post and need a solution, attend a District meeting and seek help. Two things will happen: you will get help, and you will learn that, most likely, at some time some other post has had the same problem and already knows the solution. We just completed our Spring Conference and it ap-

pears all meetings were well attended, we do this to gain knowledge to better assist our posts. A turn-in of 945 cards brings the Department year total to 93,966, which is 87.82 percent of goal. Our next membership card turn in will be Monday, May 10th and we will accept cards until 12:00 noon.

Total Membership Determines Delegate Strength

Dear Aubrey: How does the Delegate/ Alternate Delegate system work?

Counting the Votes

Dear Counting:

That depends on which convention you are concerned with. The process for both the Department and National Conventions is similar, but there are real differences. For the Department Convention, the post receives one delegate for its charter, plus one more for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof (the first major fraction of 100 is 51/100.) So, a post with 100 members will be assigned two delegates: one for its charter and one for the first 0-100 members. A post with 200 members will be assigned three delegates: one for its charter, one for the first 100 members and the third one for the second 100 members. For simplicity sake, think of it as adding one more delegate as the membership hits the -51 mark; that is, 51 members equals two delegates, 151 members equals three delegates, 251 equals four delegates, and so on.

The same procedure applies to alternates.

For the National Convention, each department is entitled to five delegates plus one additional delegate for every 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. In Indiana, delegates are selected by the Districts, based on their membership totals, one delegate per 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. The additional delegate is added when the membership total hits the -501 mark; i.e. 501 members equals 1 delegate, 1,501 equals two delegates, 2,501 equals three delegates, and so on. Your district, with a total membership of 8,914, would be entitled to nine delegates.

Alternates are allotted by the same procedure.

another story regarding an American Legion Welcome Home of Troops at the airport. When a former Marine asked what they were doing, after an explanation, he was so moved emotionally because he was not welcomed back from Vietnam and joined them to honor the returnee’s.

Bethel Calbert, 2008-2009 Auxiliary Vice Commander and current chaplain addressed the Committee. She stated that she would like for more SAL chaplains attend the meeting. After much discussion, Chairman Lowe

Editor’s Note: Ask Aubrey is a question and answer column prepared by the Department Membership Staff. Here you will find reliable and helpful information to help you manage your own membership and that of your post. The questions are representative of those the office receives over the phone and in the email every day. Please send your questions to Aubrey Real c/o Department headquarters, or call 317.630.1300. Don’t be surprised to see one of your questions in the column some day.

Dear Aubrey: One of our Post’s members says he just paid $25 to renew his dues for 2010. He said he got a notice from National offering him renewal at less than we usually charge. We don’t have record of him paying. Where did this member’s dues go? Searching

Dear Searching: There’s a great possibility that the member renewed through National Headquarters. National Headquarters will solicit expired members in hopes that the member will renew at the discounted rate. Meanwhile, the member is under the impression that he/she is renewing their membership at their post. This is not the case. That member is now a member of National Headquarters Post 0017. They are able to transfer back into the post they belong to, but accounting for that member toward the post goal will not happen.

Dear Aubrey: How do I transmit a member’s dues if he/she wants to pay for prior years as well?

Dear Edgar:

Edgar S.

On a separate transmittal. You don’t have to have a separate transmittal for each prior year, but you do need to keep current year transmittals separated from prior years. For example: if a member has not paid dues since 2007, you will need to send a transmittal sheet along with the current per capita payment (currently $27 for the combined national and

made a motion that SAL chaplains be invited to attend all meetings, they will have a voice but no vote. Chaplain Harris seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Bethel will compile a list of SAL chaplains and submit to Chairman Keirn to send out a personal invite to each to attend.

Vice Chairman Hensley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chairman French seconded and passed unanimously.

There were no requests for Department Funds made.

There being no further

department portion) for the member’s current year dues. Then, prepare a second transmittal sheet, indicating that it is for prior years 2008 and 2009 in the upper right hand corner and send it along with payment of two years’ per capita at the current per capita rate (in this case, $54).

Dear Aubrey: When is the last day a post can submit cards before Close of Books? Still Counting

Dear Still Counting:

The Department will accept cards at the Close of Books activities at the Indiana Veterans Home on Sunday, June 13, 2010. Cards not in possession of the Department be the end of the Close of Books Turn-in will not be counted. Cards that are sent or dropped off at Department Headquarters must be in the building by the end of the business day on Friday, June 11, 2010.

Dear Aubrey: My post has turned in all the preprinted cards they were given at Close of Books ‘09. Why isn’t my post at 100 percent?

Dear Joseph:

Joseph P.

Probably because the goal assigned to your post was higher than the number of members renewed by the end of the membership year. Your initial supply of preprinted cards is based on all members renewed not later than April 15. You received three more batches of cards for members subsequently renewed in that year. But your goal for the year was determined by your District Commander in July 2009, based on what he or she was assigned by the Department Commander. Sometimes your goal will be more, sometimes less, and sometimes the same as your close of books total.

business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Adjournment

Chairman Jewell thanked the Chairmen for all their hard work. He announced that this meeting will end his Commission Chairmanship. He is proud of our programs and the members who make them work.

There were no requests for Department Funds made.

Being no further business to be brought before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Convention Awards Recognize Hard Work During A Legion Year

The end of an American Legion program year brings with it innumerable opportunities – for our posts, our districts, and, indeed, for the Department Commander. Not the least among these opportunities is the chance to compete for awards at the Department Convention.

These awards not only offer a tangible reward for jobs well done, but also focus the attention of the entire department on successful undertakings. It is often said that the most coveted honor is the praise and recognition of one’s peers. In The American Legion, convention awards are the surest way for members, posts and district to stand before their comrades to receive that hardearned recognition.

The Department sponsors awards for membership, community service, legislative activity, children and youth programs, support of veterans – both financially and by the contribution of time and talent – and myriad other areas of involvement.

Each year about this time, the staff sends a packet of information and application forms on the Department Convention Awards to Post Adjutants; because the deadline for submission of

the entries is June 1, plenty of time remains for getting your entries in. I encourage you to check you’re your post officers to make sure you and your comrades receive the recognition you deserve. I hope to have the stage packed with new winners and smiling faces.

Speaking of smiling faces: If you have never attended the formal ‘Pass in Review’ and closing convocation of Hoosier Boys State, you will see the well-scrubbed and enthusiastic faces of many of Indiana’s finest young men beaming in pride at their accomplishments and in appreciation for this unique Legion program we provide them.

I encourage you to put Friday, June 18, 2010, on your calendar and plan to attend

the 73rd Hoosier Boys State closing ceremonies at Trine University in Angola. Frankly, during the past few years, the turn-out of district officers and representatives of posts which sponsor delegates has been disappointing, if not down-right embarrassing. We owe it to these young men to support the program. I hope to see you there.

I also am looking forward to seeing you at our annual Legion Day at the Indiana Veterans Home at Lafayette, June 13, 2009. It is always a good time for the districts, almost all of whom serve up a fine picnic lunch for their members, and is a day greatly anticipated by our comrade who call IVH their home. During the day, we will honor many of those who serve as members of the IVH staff,

as well as collecting the final turn-in of cards for the 2010 membership year.

This is a very important membership turn-in. The final tally of cards will determine the number of delegates each post will be authorized for the Department Convention, and it is no exaggeration to say that one card can make a tremendous difference. Now is the time for the final push toward the Close of Books, and June 13 is our last opportunity to put Indiana over the top in membership.

I said at the top of this message that year-end brings with it opportunties for all, including the Department Commander. Foremost of those opportunities is the chance for the Commander to say ‘thank you.’

The year is not over, and the work is not done, but it certainly is not too early to express my heartfelt appreciation for your support of my special project. To say we exceeded my wildest expectations is certainly an understatement, for when it is all said and done, we have funded and presented eight instead of the four I had hope for transport vehicles for the use of our hospitalized veterans. The golf cart style vehicles have gone to not only the Marion and Fort Wayne facilities, but also to those in Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois where our Hoosier veterans also go for care. I am so proud of you, and I always will remember your generosity and support for this project.

Children’s Homes Need Support Staffers Can Damage Congressman’s

In a recent mailing, I asked that you begin showing some support for the various children’s homes around the state, and that you send me the names of those homes to list in my mailings. Hooray! Somebody is listening and reading the things I write!

I am proud to offer you this list of homes that would appreciate your assistance. Please continue sending names of such institutions to me.

• Woodburn Children’s Home, Woodburn.

• Lebanon Children’s Home, Lebanon.

• Whites Institute, Wabash.

Don’t forget to count your hours as well as the money spent on whatever you do for these kids, and thank you.

I recently received some information about a Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial in Westfield. Have you seen it? Go to this website for more information about this fantastic memorial for men and women from Indiana who have paid the

ultimate price in the War on Terrorism: www.fallenhoosiers.com.

You can view a list of those already memorialized, you can buy a brick to add a name for memory, and you can read the story of how it began. (Please do not contact department for information. Instead, go to the website or phone David Davis at (317) 997-2938.)

Commander Newman keeps assuring me that The American Legion is a small percentage ahead of the Auxiliary when it comes to membership; however, I want to brag on my ladies and the fact that we are at 88.59 percent and only need 6,658 cards to make goal! We have 80 units at 100 percent or more! Wow!

Again, I remind you that paying someone’s dues would be a nice gift to her

for her birthday, Mother’s Day, and other such special occasions.

I want to thank those of you who have helped with all the birthday and Americanism dinners that I have attended. They were wonderful and I enjoyed each one. Unfortunately, I could not get to all for which I was sent invitations but I thank you for thinking of me.

Most of the posts and units are getting real good at serving a good cup of coffee. It is my drink of choice and I appreciate that, as well as not having to cook all month.

Now we prepare for Joint Spring Conference and filling out the ever popular annual reports. (I heard that groan, but you know we have to do them in order to keep our power.) And we do have power, so we don’t want to lose it!

When you see me at Joint Spring Conference or just in daily business, extend your hand and make yourself known to me.

Until next time, I raise my cup of kindness to each of you.

My column this issue deals with the continuing citizen dissatisfaction with members of the United States Congress. Volumes are currently being written by professional journalists on the topic as many of our legislators, feeling the intense heat, are deciding to retire instead of facing the wrath of the voters in the next election. My comments will center strictly around this Department’s dealings with our Members of Congress and recent events.

Twice a year, we send members of our leadership to Washington to make contact with Indiana legislators and provide them with the legislative agenda of The American Legion. Every September, the National Commander of The American Legion testifies before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees and we send a delegation in support. We also provide Indiana representation at the annual American Legion Legislative meetings held each spring in D.C.

Prior to each of those trips, (about three weeks out) I follow the standard

procedure of contacting Indiana’s Members of Congress by faxing a formal request to their respective “schedulers.”

This formal request tells the scheduler when we are coming, who will be making the visit (we only send a constituent to visit a particular member) and the topics we wish to discuss. I give them all of my contact information including my cell phone, email, office phone and fax.

Typically, I hear nothing and follow up with a phone call to the scheduler about two weeks later. In the past, most visits are confirmed with that follow up phone call. This year, we had scheduled a continental breakfast on Capitol Hill with the kind assistance of Congressman Mike Pence’s office. Congressman Pence hosted our breakfast again this year.

We received an immediate RSVP this year from Senator Richard Lugar’s office

who graciously attended the breakfast. In all of my other follow up phone calls that morning (made between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.), the staffer answering the phone told me that the “scheduler” was either in a meeting or away from their desk.

Subsequent follow up calls to the schedulers over the next week or so also proved fruitless in most cases. I received call backs from Congressman Buyer’s office and Congressman Visclosky (who also attended the breakfast). The scheduler for Congressman Souder’s office attempted to work out a visit with Commander Newman right before our visit. Congressman Joe Donnelly’s staff called back just before the trip as well.

The point is this. If it is this difficult for a large important group like The American Legion to even make contact with some young staffer whose only job is basically to schedule visits for the congressman’s constituents, how accessible are these members to individual Joe Public? We’re not expecting the

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Year's End Approaches; As It Does, SAL Winds Down, Looks Ahead

Several weeks ago many of us performed the task of setting our clocks forward an hour in observance of daylight savings time. That spring forward helps to set our minds toward the coming season. Spring and the lead-up to it is a busy time for The American Legion Family.

Legion, Auxiliary and SAL leadership from all over the Nation spent several days in

Washington, DC the end of February and the beginning of March for the National American Legion Legislative Conference. My wife and I

were honored to be present for the wreath laying ceremonies at the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Additionally, we were awed by the tour given to some of the entourage accompanying the SAL National Commander, of the operations center

and personal living quarters of the soldiers that guard the Tomb. During our “down time” we were able to take in such sites as Ford’s Theater where President Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot and the house across the street where he later died (the Petersen House), the Washington Monument, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History.

A couple of days later while on Capitol Hill the Indiana delegation visited with our congressional representatives from both the House and Senate on the varying issues facing our organization, the defense of our Country, and being the voice for our veterans and children, and the ongoing concerns that impact our very way of life.

The Legion Family delegation from the Department of

Indiana met with Indiana’s representatives to Congress, House Democrat Pete Visclosky, House Republican Mike Pence, and United States Senate Republican Richard Lugar. The Congressmen mingled with the delegation and took questions both on an individual and group basis for about an hour and a half. They listened very intently to questions be-

Spring unfolds and projects its colors in a marvelous way. I am amazed at the panorama of flowers that burst on the horizon for only a moment. Within days or a week they are gone. Soon another variety takes its place. It seems that nature is displaying its own fireworks as a prelude to the longer lasting flowers of summer. With the croaking of the frogs, chirping of the birds and scampering of the squirrels, it is hard not to experience a burst of joy as new life bursts forth before us. Nature is in splendid harmony in the spring.

Harmony is imbedded in our preamble especially in the final phrase, “our devotion to mutual helpful-

ness.” This placement lends emphasis and purpose. It calls out, “Above all, do not forget our purpose is to help veterans.”

High on this list is our Service Department. Claims keep coming in at an ever increasing rate, and this team of hard working men and women do a diligent job of filing claims and giving wise counsel at no cost to the veteran or the veteran’s survivor. This service is not just

for members, but is offered to any veteran who calls.

Having dealt with a Service Department in another state and having listened to representatives from other departments throughout the Legion, I would put our Department Service Officers up against all the rest. I am very sure they would quickly rise to the top! Post and even other service officers, are often on line consulting with and filing papers through John Hickey’s team. Our Service Department exists outside the realm of political changeovers giving us a full measure of expertise in years of experience and training.

In times of declining membership and revenues, we tend to tighten up and

pull back. To promote any organization, it is important to put your best foot forward. Before we ask potential members what they can do for us, we need to share what we can do for them. Helping a vet to get his/her rightfully earned disability, and the privileges that come with it, can make major differences in the lives of our fellow veterans and their families. I knew a WWII veteran who served in North Africa, was in North Italy waving to Patton’s tanks when they came in, and later fought in the Rhineland. He had nine battle stars in his campaign ribbon. At the time I met this gentleman, he was in his eighties, living under

a leaking roof on a limited pension. He drove a “beater” car, and worried about how his wife would survive without him. Much of what had happened to him in the service was never recorded and his records were burned in the VA records fire. Though he had received care from the VA in years past, no one had talked to him about filing a disability claim. Because of my experience with our Service Office, I made contacts and received the advice needed for him to be referred and file for support properly. The 80 percent rating he was granted radically changed the last two years of his life. Instead of despair and worry there was hope!

The networking that

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goes on by one veteran telling another veteran how to get help is essential. I have personally seen veterans receive services for which they were entitled but of which they were unaware. Examples include Agent Orange diabetes rating (Thank you, Dave Wilson!), special shoes for treatment of neuropathy, state of the art hearing aids, eyeglasses, and perpetual care for chronic diseases of all kinds because fellow veterans shared their stories with one another. Often, the VA healthcare providers themselves do not share this information and may be uninformed that it exists. Helping one another to be actively involved in our own