2007 August The Hoosier Legionnaire

August 2007

Delegates Voted by Acclamation

Hammond’s Somerville Elected 2008 Indiana Department Commander

Delegates to the 89th annual Convention of The American Legion Department of Indiana brought their business to a close by electing a Vietnam veteran and long-time Legion baseball volunteer from Hammond to be Department Commander for 2007-2008.

Thomas A. Somerville was elected by acclamation, meaning that delegates overwhelmingly approved a motion to calling for a unanimous vote cast by the Department Adjutant in favor of his election, during the closing session of the organization’s 89th annual Department Convention July 14, 2007, in Merrillville.

New Charitable Gaming Rules Change The Game

Editor’s Note: The following article was provided by Legionnaire Jeff Brooks, a member of American Legion Post 260.

New rules governing the operation of bingo and other charitable gaming activities took effect July 1, 2007m and guess what?

Your bingo license as of July 1 allows pull tabs punch boards and tip boards only on the night of your bingo session. Sales from pull tab machine punch boards and tip boards on any other day of the week now require a different license called the PPT license -- PPT for Pull tabs, Punch boards, and Tip boards. The new license cost $50.

Those operating pull tabs, punch board and tip board without the new license face fines and penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and/ or suspension of license and prohibition of the operator from associating with charity. Violators also face an additional fine of $100 per day until the original fine is paid. The commission may employ investigators and engage in other activities necessary to assure compliance.

The yearly bingo license includes bingo, pull tabs, punch board, and raffles, only to the extent that the raffle payout does not exceed $500 per bingo night.

Also due is a new financial report, Form CG-8, pages one and two. This report must be filed quarterly. On this report you can show payout, supplies, and equipment expenses.

In addition, the bingo license must now be posted at all entrances.

For more information, contact the Indiana Gaming Commission at (3l7) 232-4646.

Posthumous Honors Included Among 2007 Distinguished Service Awards

The American Legion Department of Indiana annually honors distinguished Hoosier Legionnaires with the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the award, always a highlight of the Department Convention takes place on the convention platform, focusing attention on Legionnaires who for the most part have labored long and hard behind the scenes.

According to Past Department Commander Ron Martin, who assisted Commander Delany with the presentation during the 89th annual convention at Merrillville, “these

Legionnaires have contributed significantly to the organization through their service to The American Legion and the State of Indiana.

“As your immediate Past Department Commander, it is my privilege to chair the selection committee, and I can tell you that it is no easy task to decide who best deserves this honor. But we did it.

The 2007 Distinguished Service Award, went to Thomas W. Pett, Post 111; K.Michael Ayers, Post 12; Robert Oeth, Post 351; John Bubala, Post 332 Herbert Woodard, Post 89; Gerald I. Lamkin, Post 59;

Ida May Jewell, Post 122; Randy McCroskey, Post 368;

According to Past Commander Martin, “These outstanding men Legionnaires an impressive record of service in a variety of Post, District, Department and National Offices, and by their service have brought great credit on the Department of Indiana. The leadership they have demonstrated throughout their enduring Legion careers is being recognized today by a grateful Department. Of the thousands and thousands of fine Hoosier Legionnaires of the Department, in our state’s his-

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State Reps. Kuzman and Micon Earn Distinguished Public Service Award

Commander Delaney presented the prestigious Distinguished Public Service award to three members of the Indiana General Assembly in ceremonies on stage at the opening of the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville July 14.

The 2007 award winners are Rep. Robert Daniel Kuzman, from District 19, representing Lake, Newton and Porter counties, and Rep. Joe Micon, from District 26, representing Tippecanoe and Warren counties.

Delaney was assisted by Legislative Chairman Danny Rice, who said of the awards, “Since their inception, these awards have become among the most highly prized Legion honors. Just like in previous years, selecting this year’s honorees was not easy, but I believe the legislators we are

about to honor certainly do deserve this award.”

The award is presented “In recognition of distinguished

and honorable service as a Statesman, a proven leader in the Indiana General Assem-

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Almost To Second Commander Somerville’s affinity for the “Great American Pastime” is reflected in the chart at left, designed to keep track of the Department’s membership progress this year. The runner will advance along the baselines to the membership percentage attained as of the Hoosier Legionnaire publication date. The diamond will appear in each issue throughout the year.

The convention also elected four new vice commanders, a new National Executive Committeeman and Alternate, a new Sergeant-at-Arms, and delegates and alternates to the National Convention.

In a procedure strictly defined in the permanent rules of the convention and overseen by the Department Judge Advocate, Joseph Bumbleburg, the elections come as the final order of business at the annual convention.

In briefing the delegates on the election, Bumbleburg decreed “the order of nominations shall be in reverse order of final district membership standing. The order of nominations for department officers shall be from the floor on a roll call of the districts in reverse order of their finish.

"First, we will elect the delegates-at-large and the alternates-at-large to the national convention; then the Sergeant-at-Arms, the National Executive Committee Member, the Alternate National Executive Committee Member, two vice commanders north, two vice commanders south, and finally the Department Commander.”

The following Legionnaires were elected to office:

Northern Vice Commanders, representing the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Districts, Jack Cook from District 3 and Gary Steinhart from District 2

Southern Vice Commanders, representing the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Districts, Danny Rice from District 11 and Ken Hylton, from W. Darrell Hansel from Post 185 in the Ninth District was elected National Executive Committeeman and Jack Butler, from Post 402 in the Fifth District, was elected Alternate NEC.

Alphonse Pulido was elected Sergeant-at-Arms. He is a member of Post 66 in the First District.

The oath of office was administered to the newly elected officers on stage by Past National Treasurer Webber LaGrange.

In his acceptance speech, Somerville told the delegates he “considered it an honor and privilege to stand before you as your newly-elected Department Commander,” and thanked members of Hammond Victory Post 168 and the First District for their support and encouragement. But he didn’t stop there.

“I also want to thank the ten Districts for their hospitality and friendship shown on our visits this past year. And a big thank you to all the Past Department Commanders for their advice and support offered.

Commander Somerville described his year campaigning for high office as rewarding and challenging, but reminded the delegates of the challenge he placed before them by repeating it.

“I said then I wanted to

promote and encourage more participation by posts in American Legion community and youth programs. There is no reason why every District cannot have a law officer, firefighter, educator or Eagle Scout here today for a chance of winning a statewide award. Increasing participation and publicizing our efforts within our communities I believe will aid in membership,” he said.

He also challenged delegates to help him “stop the bleeding” in membership –his way of describing the near-

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Vietnam Veteran, Youth Advocate, Avid Baseball Fan

Tommy Somerville, 63, was drafted into the United States Army in 1965, and served 13 months in Vietnam during 1966-1967 as a microwave radio repairman stationed at Ton Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon.

He is a lifelong resident of Hammond, where he attended Harding Elementary School, graduated from Morton High School in 1962, and attended Indiana University Northwest.

As a 32-year member of Post 168, he has served in almost every elective office available to him, including a stint as Post commander in 1984 and 23 years as Post adjutant.

An avid baseball fan, Somerville has been involved in American Legion Baseball throughout his Legion career, first as coach, then as a longtime member of the Department baseball committee, where he served as chairman for eight years.

A Past 1st District Commander, membership chairman, and executive vice commander, Somerville also served the Department of Indiana as chairman of all four permanent commissions and as Northern Vice Commander in 1999, in addition to his eight-year tenure as baseball committee chairman.

Following his release from the Army, Commander Somerville resumed a career in the hardware business, where he remained for nearly 30 years. In 1995, he left the hardware business and joined the North Township Assessor’s office in Lake County, rising quickly to Chief Deputy. After ten years as Chief Deputy Assessor, Somerville retired and began his run for Department Commander.

In addition to his careers in private business and public affairs, Somerville is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Presbyterian Church, and is a Precinct Committeeman for his political party.

The new commander is an untiring advocate for young people. His commitment is demonstrated by not only his decades-long involvement with American Legion Baseball, but also his selection of the Child Welfare Foundation as beneficiary of his special project this year. And, fulfilling the promise of his campaign around Indiana last year, the commander will press for increased involvement by Posts in all American Legion youth programs. His theme for the year is “Team Unity – For Now and The Future.”

Recipients of the Department’s most prestigious award, the Distinguished Service Award, accepted the applause of convention delegates from the platform of the Department Convention. They are, from the left, John Bubala, Post 332; Robert Oeth, Post 351; C.T. “Sugo” Castner, accepting for two Ninth District recipients; K. Michael Ayers, Post 12; Katy McCroskey, accepting for her late husband, Randy McCroskey, Post Everlasting from Post 368; Thomas W. Pett, Post 111; and Ida May Jewell, Post 122.

Rep. Robert Daniel Kuzman, District 19, and Rep. Joe Micon, District 26, accepted the 2007 Distinguished Public Service Award during the opening session of the 89th annual Deaprtment Convention.

Tom Somerville New Commander

Districts’

2007-08 Commanders

Recognized During Convention

During the 89th annual Department Convention, the delegates recognized the newly elected District Commanders, as watched as the outgoing commanders pinned the District Commanders’ pins on their lapels. In a long standing tradition, the pin is passed from commander to commander for week only during the year in office.

The newly elected District Commanders are:

1st District Commander, Don Sales; 2nd District Commander, Bruce Steffen; 3rd District Commander, Richard Richardson ; 4th District Commander, Al Myers ; 5th District Commander, Mike Comerford; 6th District Commander,

Publications Honored For Keeping Members And Public Informed

The Chairman of the Department Public Relations Committee, Jeff Carroll, was called on by Department Commander James Delaney to present the Public Relations Awards during the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville July 14.

Saying “we seek to honor the men and women who work to insure that their membership is informed, and that their post programs and policies are well read and understood by presenting the Wayne L. Talbert Award,” Carroll presented the 2007 awards to Bonnie Sloan Post 28 in New Albany, winner in the large post category, and to Beech Grove Post 276 in Beech Grove, in the small post category. Both were produced by desktop publishing.

The newsletters were judged on a number of criteria, including compliance with accepted formats, neatness and cleanliness of the layout, the use of photographs, and the proper use of art and graphics. Other considerations include reporting on statewide and local programs, the coverage of post activities, news versus gossip, editorials, and other articles that serve to motivate post membership.

Carroll announced that, for next year’s competition, “We have discontinued the typewritten newsletter category, both large and small, because the category is obsolete. We are still looking at new categories to recognize the way in which we communicate today. I hope to have news on

the award sometime during the coming year.”

Carroll also presented what he called “One of our most prestigious, and important, Communications Awards,” the Fourth Estate Award, recognizing excellence in reporting on issues of concern to Legionnaires and veterans, in both the print and broadcast media.

The 2007 Fourth Estate Award went to The Herald of Jasper, Indiana. It was selected on the basis of a continuing pattern of commitment to issues of concern to veterans, to the men and women of the nominating Post, and to its community. The Herald was nominated in the competition by American Legion Post 147 in Jasper in the 8th District.

Phil Hutson; 7th District Commander, Herb Hoffman; 8th District Commander, Mel Vinson; 9th District Commander, Milton Howard; 10th District Commander, Kenny Toll; 11th District Commander Steve Barnett.

Commanders’ Present Their Views On Year Ending, Year Beginning

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catastrophic decline in membership over the past decade.

“Those Band-aids you received today will be a reminder of the “stop the bleeding” membership effort that lies before us,” Somerville said.

He also introduced the Legionnaire who he has chosen to head up his membership program this year, Bob Sutton, a member of Beech Grove Post 276, a Past 11th District Commander and Membership Chairman, and “a man I think will be a hard and dedicated worker, Mr. Bob Sutton.”

Commander Somerville also thanked the 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 11th Districts “for providing the Department with such outstanding individuals to serve as Department Vice Commanders. I am anxious to have them as members of ‘Team Unity, just as I am to have Darrell Hansel and Jack Butler as National and Alternate National Executive Committeemen,” he said.

The convention is rare convergence of commanders, the same stage being shared by both the incoming outgoing commanders. The transition provides a pair of perspectives on the affairs of the Department, and comments by the

outgoing Department Commander provide a thoughtful review of the successes and failure that are common to a year in the life of the Legion.

James Delaney, the outgoing commander, expressed mixed emotions on transferring the mantel of leadership top his successor.

“The time has come for me to set aside the White Cap of Leadership that you all bestowed on me just about exactly one year ago. I do so with mixed emotions, as I imagine most Department Commanders do. But I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the State of Legion is sound. It was handed over to me in that condition, and I am proud to hand it on to my successor in the same good shape,” he said.

Delaney acknowledged that there were areas in which the department could have been more successful – “membership is one of them, of course, and it will probably always be. But overall, it has been an exciting 12 months,” he said.

In a particularly poignant moment, Delaney paid tribute to the man who had help set him on the course to Department leadership.

“I could not wrap up this

year without a word about the man to whose memory this year was dedicated, Ron Bray. He was my mentor, my comrade and my friend. He would have worn the commander’s white cap this year instead of me, and I would gladly have exchanged that cap to have him back with us. I know that is not possible, but I take some solace in knowing that I did my best to serve as he would have wanted me to,” he said.

He also commended the delegates, indeed Legionnaires all over the state for their successful support of his special project.

“I would be remiss if I did not thank those Legionnaires, Posts and Districts that have helped me turn my project into reality this year. It was my dream to provide a new bus to the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown – not a bus for use by the athletes, or the band, or the other special groups, but a bus that would be available for all the students and all their interests. You made that happen, and I know that the lives of the young people there will be significantly improved by the experiences that vehicle will bring their way.”

Saying he would have wished for a better outcome in the membership program, Delaney commended his Membership Chairman for his hard work and imaginative approach to the challenges of membership.

“As Ed Trice, my able and innovative Membership Chairman has pointed out, we lost a little ground this year. But, we didn’t lose as much as has been lost in recent years, and Ed came up with a number of new ideas that I believe have set the stage for a major turnaround in our membership.

Riders on Display

Representatives of The American Legion Riders operated a table provide information and regalia during the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville. The American Legion Riders, who have become an active and visible element of The American Legion Family, were one of only a handful of special activities to display at the convention.

Subscription Rates: $0.85 of each members dues goes for publication of the Hoosier Legionnaire. Volume AA, Number 4 August 2007 Circulation 120,000

“The new District Headquarters Post program launched this year holds the promise of improving the retention rate among members in our Headquarters Post. It also will better allocate National Convention delegates to the Districts, and will provide additional transfer members to our local posts. Ed and the entire membership team worked very hard to devise and implement this program, and I consider it one of the high points of my year,” the commander concluded.

House

Members Honored

For Distinguished Public Service

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bly, a proponent of classical values, and an unwavering advocate for Hoosier Veterans and their families,” according to the inscription on the plaque.

Representative Kuzman, Crown Point, is an attorney in private practice and has been a member of the Indiana General Assembly since 1996. Among his outside interests are serving as a member of the Boards of Directors for Ball State University, the Hoosier Burn Camp, and Hoosier Boys Town. He is a member of the Calumet Inns of Court, and the Lake County and Indiana State Bar Associations. The professional awards to which he today adds The American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award include the Indiana State Teachers Association Legislator of the year in 1997 and the Indiana Trial Lawyers Legislator of the year Award in 1998 and 2004. He is a graduate of Ball State University and the Thomas Cooley law School.

His committee assignments include service on the Public Policy, Rules and Legislative Procedure, and Ways and Means committees.

Representative Micon, West Lafayette, has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2004, where he serves on the Education Committee, the Financial Institutions Committee and the Technology, Research & Development Committee.

In addition to his professional service as Executive Director of the Lafayette Urban Ministry, his many civic activities include stints as President of the Warren County Council, 1999 to 2002; Councilman for District 4; member of the Warren County Council from 1999 to 2002; and member of Parish Council of Thomas

Aquinas Church. He also is a member of the West Lafayette Rotary Club, the National Association of Social Workers, the Vision

2020 Education Roundtable and Junior Achievement. He is a graduate of both Purdue University and Indiana University.

Department’s Highest Award Honors Outstanding Members

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tory, only about 165 Legionnaires have been given the Distinguished Service Award. We are pleased to include these new honorees among their ranks.”

McCroskey’s award was presented posthumously. A long-time stalwart in the Fifth District, he passed away shortly after being elected Northern Vice Commander. His award was accepted by his widow Katy.

Two Fifth District Fourth Graders Top Flag Education Competition

The events of September 2001 forced many changes, large and small on the nation. In the Department of Indiana, it prompted a change in presentation of the Flag Education Awards from a little noticed event at the fall conference to one of the most endearing and popular events at the Department Convention.

This year, at the 809th annual Department Convent ion in Merrillville, two young Hoosiers shared their winning essays and accepted top honors in statewide competition among elementary school students.

Flag Education Chairman Ron Taylor introduced the winners to read their essays.

“This year is the eleventh year of this very successful program, in which flag education tests are administered to fourth graders around the state.

Taylor introduced the winners, each of whom read their winning essays with the delegates. They are Morgan Brown, from Redkey Elementary School, who was sponsored by Post 227 in the 5th District, and Zachary Buhler from Lancaster Elementary School, who was sponsored by Post 85, also in the 5th District. They were joined on stage by the 5th District Flag Education Chairman, Lawrence Hedges.

Some of the newly elected District Commanders await the Oath of Office, which was administered by Department Finance Officer Webber LaGrange (left, back to the camera) during the closing session of the Department Convention.

Memorial Service Honors Departed Comrades, Casualties Of War Tribute To The Fallen

A traditional highlight of the final session of the annual Department Convention is the Memorial Service and Post Everlasting Ceremony.

The solemn ceremony is conducted by those officers who served with Past Department Commander Harold Epley – the so-called ’99 Club — and have been under that group’s auspices since 2003, when they assumed the role from the ’71 Club of Dale Kuhn.

Legion, Auxiliary and SAL leaders, along with the Department Chaplain, also participate in the ceremony, both by the placing of wreathes and brief oral presentation.

In launching this year’s ceremony, Epley said “For many years, we have paused during our state convention proceedings to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our nation. While we have great monuments dedicated to Hoosier veterans, it is only through the personal remembrance and understanding of their sacrifice, that we can ensure our future freedoms.

“By recalling the supreme sacrifice of others, those of us enjoying the liberties of the United States can rededicate our lives to continued noble purposes. Through remembrance, we are forced to recall the lessons of history past. And through remembrance, we are reminded that our younger generations deserve to know the lessons of the past.

“We must ensure that the thousands of Hoosiers who

gave their lives can rest eternal, knowing that the cause has not been abandoned. For we continue our quest for peace, freedom and service to God and Country through our Legion lives and work. We rededicate ourselves to ensuring the security of the widows and orphans of these veterans, and indeed to all veterans who need our helping hand,” Epley concluded. Following Epley’s remarks, Department Commander Delaney and Auxiliary President Vickie Koutz placed memorial wreathes on stage.

In placing the wreathe,

President Koutz said “Symbolic of the simple resting place of one who has served our country is the white cross, surmounted by the helmet which you see in front of me. Physically, it is the key element in a temporary shrine.

“Spiritually, those of us viewing it today will retain its memory as long as such remembrance remains part of our being. Centered in the temporary shrine is the symbol of the vessel of light, exuding its flame of the eternal existence of the spirit of man.

“By the symbolism of the eternal flame of life, we to-

Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard Soldiers Honored As Military Persons Of The Year

Each year, the Department of Indiana presents up to three Military Person of the year awards, recognizing military excellence in personnel of the the Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard forces. Some years, not all components are recognized, but in 2007, delegates to the 89th annual Department Convention honored one from each component, and all attended the ceremonies.

Ralph tolan, Chairman of the Americanism Commission, presented the 2007 Military Persons of the Year awards to:

Major Raymond O. Pfahl, Jr., US Army Reserve.

Captain Donald A. Heichell, II, Indiana National Guard.

Sergeant Keith Platt, The United States Army.

Major Raymond Pfahl is our Military Person of the Year in the Reserve Category. He has served nearly 25 years as a member of the United States Army in both reserve and active duty assignments.

Although retired, Major Pfahl volunteered to return to active duty to participate in the nation’s war on terror.

He has served overseas in Operation Desert Storm, in Bosnia, and in Iraq. He attend-

ed Western Illinois University and earned his commission through the Officer Candidate School. His military assignments includes tours of duty as a drill sergeant, ordnance officer, HHC commander at the 17th Maintenance Battalion, Operations Officers, Liaison Officer, Plans Officer, and Commander of C Company of the 414th Combined Arms Battalion.

Among his awards and decorations are Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster; the Army Achievement Medal; the Good Conduct Medal, the Reserve Component Achievement Medal; the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Stars; the Army Reserve Service Medal; the southwest Asia Service Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the NCO Professional Development Medal; and the NATO Medal, among many others.

He also is qualified to wear the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and Jungle Training Badge, and has qualified as an expert marksman on the rifle, pistol machine gun and hand grenade.

Captain Heichell has served more than 18 years

in uniform, and is currently the Assistant S-3 in the 113th Engineer Battalion. It is noteworthy that Captain Heichell has twice been rated “promote ahead of his peers” and is considered by his commands as a model soldier.

He was commissioned in 1995, having earlier attended a variety of military courses, including Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer course, Officer Candidate School, the Engineer Officer Basic course, the Infantry Captain’s Career Course, and in 2007, participated in the 2007 Combined Arms Exercise in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Among his awards, citations and decorations are the combat infantryman’s badge, the Bronze star with “V” Device, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three battle stars, the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Liberation of Kuwait Medal and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, among others.

Captain Heichell was nominated for this high award by Post 403 in the Third District.

Sergeant Platt served nearly four years in the United States Army. He currently is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He is a member of Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. He has been trained as an armorer, combat life saver, Stryker Vehicle Commander and Reconnaissance Team Leader. He is a veteran of a 16-month tour of duty in the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Iraq as a member of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Among his awards, decorations and citations are two awards of the Army Achievement Award and the Army Commendation Medal. Sgt. Platt is a member of American Legion Post 492 in West Lafayette, and is the son of Legionnaire Jack Platt, also a member of Post 492.

cans, being memorialized today, to lay down their lives in the service of the United States of America.”

Commander Delaney presented the eulogy, saying “Words may not heal the remorse of having lost a son, daughter, husband, neighbor or friend. But we can review the lives of those who have given so greatly for our country. We can bear pride in their service to our nation, and know that from their ultimate sacrifice our lives have progressed.

Following the eulogy, PDC Epley conducted the Post Everlasting ceremony.

day make known to all nations of the earth, the faith of the American people in the Creator, through whose guidance and solicitude this great country has come into being. As long as we, His people, walk in His path and obey His precepts, the future of our beloved land is assured.

“On the other side of the symbolic flame of eternal life, rises the flag of an unbeatable and imperishable America. Proudly it waves its majesty, denoting defiance to its common foes of evil and aggression. It was the privilege and duty of these patriotic Ameri-

“Those who served and died "over there,” the many who perished in the Second Great War, the soldiers of Pork Chop Hill and Inchon, the veterans who fought for our ideals in Vietnam, the veterans of Beirut, Grenada, Panama, and those who did serve and who are now serving in the Persian Gulf ... Indeed, all veterans who have given to this nation a chance for new life.

“That new life is evident in our very existence today, for our nation continues to be the flagship of freedom for the planet earth.

“We retain our rights of the constitution; our citizens honor God in their own way. We enjoy freedoms that are little thought of in our daily lives, and yet they would be sorely missed if they were suddenly gone.

“So it is, to these men and women, these veterans of the past, to our veterans of the future, that we turn our thoughts and thanks.

“The brazier being in place, the equipment for the ceremony being in place, we will proceed. This moment is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before. We come to honor the memory of those who offered their lives in the service of their country, and who are now enrolled in the great "spiritual army" whose footfalls cause no sound, but whose souls, in the memory of man, go marching on, sustained by the private service in time of war.

Because of them, our lives are free. Because of them, our nation lives. And because of them, this world is blessed. May this service strengthen our reverence for our departed comrades. “

The ceremony concluded with the placing of a symbolic American Legion cap on the cross and prayer by Chaplain Keirn, and the ‘transmittal’ by flame of the records of departed comrades to Post Everlasting.

“Almighty God and Heavenly Father, who has dominion over life and death, grant to us the grace to remember with love and reverence our valiant and honored departed comrades. Grant peace and eternal rest to those who have gone before us, and make us ready for that last hour. Strengthen and console those in sorrow, and bestow upon us thy everlasting blessing.”

Police, Firefighter and EMS Awards Honor Indiana’s ‘First Responders’

Telling delegates to the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville that “It is an honor to present these awards of which we are so proud,” retired police officer and Chairman of the Law Officer, Fire Fighter and EMS Committee, John Wrolan, presented state honors to three outstanding ‘first responders.’

“It is the intent of this program to honor outstanding firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel at our annual convention and in some small way let them know that The American Legion recognizes and appreciates their efforts on our behalf, and that we further recognize the terrific pressure they serve under 24 hours a day,” Wrolen said.

Taking top honors in this year’s competition were:

Corporal Troy J. Williams, from the 2nd District, a School Resource Officer for the Portage Police Department, Law Enforcement Officer of The Year; Captain Gary Howard Shough, from the 4th District, a member of the Orland Community Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter of The Year; and Lois A. Ternet, from the 4th

District, an Emergency Medical Technician with the Monroeville Medical Emergency Service, EMS Person of The Year.

The law and order program was a product of National Commander John Davis, 1966-67, of North Dakota, who recognized the breakdown in respect for law and order in the 1960s and initiated the program that year. The Firefighter of the Year award followed a decade later, established by Department Convention mandate in 1977.

It too, recognizes outstanding public servants who dedicate their lives to the public. And just two years ago, the award program, recognizing the increasing role played by Emergency Medical Services Personnel in Homeland Security, established a category for them.

In addition to the state winners, those nominated for the Law Enforcement Officer award were:

Jeffrey P. Plank, sponsored by Post 420 in the 4th District;

Beth A. Gunlite, sponsored by Post 6 in the 5th District; and Richard L. Foutch, sponsored by Post 285 in the 7th District.

The nominees, in addition to the state winner, for Firefighter of the Year were:

Vic Mercaldo, sponsored by Post 260 in the 2nd District;

Kurtis K. Reed, sponsored by Post 6 in the 5th District; and Richard DeCrastos, Jr., sponsored by Post 470 in the 6th District.

The nominees for EMS Person of The Year, in addition to the winner, were:

Vic Mercaldo, sponsored by Post 260 in the 2nd District; W. John McMillen, Sr., sponsored by Post 6 in the 5th District; James Stephens, sponsored by Post 104 in the 6th District; and

Terri R. Hamilton, sponsored by Post 152 in the 10th District; Following the announcement of the state award winners, Wrolan addressed his remarks directly to the District nominees, saying “Each of you represent what we believe are the finest attributes of a public servant. You have received not only the recognition of your community for your professionalism, but you have now received the recognition of a statewide organization that represents nearly 120,000 citizens of Indiana.”

John Bubala, left, a member of the “99 Club,” – officers who served with Past Department Commander Harold Epley, lights the brazier during the annual Memorial Service, followed by the memorial prayer delivered by Department Chaplain Norris Keirn, right.

Two of the Military Persons of The Year attended the Department Convention and accepted their award from Commander Delaney on the convention platform during the opening session.

The EMS, Police Officer and Fiefighter of The Year came together to accept the applause of delegates to the 89th Annual Department Convention, following individual recognition and a luncheon given in their honor earlier in the day.

Retired Police Officer Chairs Committee

DISTRICT 1

Don Sales Commander

“We’ve worked together, we’ve fought together … Let’s build a better America together.”

Commander Don Sales’ installation at Post 20 in Crown Point was a huge success. There was standing room only. The meal was outstanding and the chocolate Fountain on the desert table was the talk of the evening. Commander Don promised everyone in the room the First District will have a better membership count this year.

“We look forward to an exciting year in the First District” said Commander Don, “not only with membership but also with our Legion Programs.” Commander Don also promised to stay in line with Department Commander Tom Somerville’s statement of picking up one Legion program at the Post level.

It is with a heavy heart that I report of the passing of Larry

“Crusher” Kegebei, who was First District Finance Officer for many years, and Leonard Jablonski, SAL member at Squadron 261 who was active for over a dozen years.

This is the start of the Hines Hospital visitations for the year with John Balczo. If you need information, contact John at 844-6648 or Jack Smith at 924-0322. Department Commander Tom Somerville wants to remind everyone of his project for this year, which is the Child Welfare Foundation. He anticipates a record year for the Commanders project, and reminds every potential donor to be sure to forward the donation to department headquarters and not directly to the Foundation. That way, the Commander and the Department of Indiana will receive full credit for the combined contributions.

DISTRICT

To all we say “Greetings from the Second District.”

It is indeed a great honor to have been elected as Commander of the District. This District is very unique in many ways; we are the largest in the membership roles and biggest in area covered. I am very fortunate this year to be assisted by a very capable staff of officers and committee chairs. I am confident that the Second District will be in the hunt for first place membership this year with the leadership of Bob Rettig as Membership Chairman.

Serving as both Assistant Membership and Executive Vice Commander, Jim Hall will be coordinating all the committees. Looking ahead to the upcoming Fall Conference October 5-6, I recommend that all Posts send their committee chairs to attend the planned Legion conference meetings. If you can not attend, do not despair. Executive Vice Jim will see to it that the District will be in attendance at all the Legion committee meetings. The results of the meetings will be reported at the Walton Meeting on October 21. Plan to attend your District meetings to receive information on upcoming events.

Another planned venture this year is to publish a District newsletter. As you know, no newsletter is worthy unless we know what the Posts are

doing. I have appointed Bob Gerstenberg as District Public Relations. Feel free to send all information to Bob at his email address, RF.GERTY@ VERIZON.NET.

You can also contact him at the Portage Post 260 address.

If you want a copy emailed to you, send a letter to Bob’s email and he will record your mailing address for future newsletters. Bob and I will be sharing this article in each Hoosier Legionnaire which we will need to know what your Post has planned. This is also our way of communicating with all of you.

I hope to meet you either at the District meetings or if I visit you at your Post meeting.

In closing, I ask all Post membership chairs to appoint two of your Post members to assist you in membership this year. Have one member work the retention of our current members, and the other member contact and acquire new members by working the list supplied by the New Post 702 (which is made up of members solicited by the National mailings), A good incentive this year will be to award a lined coach style American Legion jacket to all recruiters who sign up eight new or re-instated members. I hope to see many of these jackets around the District this year. Hope you earn one!

GOOD LUCK!

DISTRICT 3

Richard Richardson Commander

The Third District said goodbye to Commander Werner and hello to Commander Richardson at the Indiana Department Convention in Merrillville, Indiana.

But, the post families in our District were very busy the past few months. In May, the Third District had a great showing for the annual dinner for the residents at the Indiana Veteran’s Home. After passing out bananas, the members of the Third took approximately forty of the residents to Post 492 for dinner, drinks and entertainment. As usual, a fun time was had by all.

Post 161 in Mishawaka assisted in hosting the Annual Memorial Day Parade and services in the cemetery and Battell Park with VFW Post 360, also of Mishawaka. The Auxiliary at Post 161 has been very busy. Thanks to the generosity of it’s members and the patrons at the weekly fish fry,

Continued from column 2

casino night and the District meeting just one week later, hosted a meeting for the LZ Welcome Home event to be held in July, hosted the DeltaTheta-Tau annual yard sale and hosted the Third District Boy’s State orientation meeting.

In May, the post hosted the annual Memorial Day Parade and program at the cemetery.

Those participating included Commander Bill Cooly, Chaplain Ralph Everal and speaker Jack Cook, Past District Commander and Northern Vice Commander from Middlebury Post 210.

New Carlisle Post 297 is proud to have three generations who have served or are serving their country. Grandfather Richard M. Garwick, Sr. served with the U. S. Army in the 101st Airborne (Air Mobile) in 1968 during the Viet Nam War. Mother Jacki Badics served in the U.S. Air Force at Borton Air Force Base, CA, during the Grenada Conflict. PVT. Paul T. Badics joined the U.S. Army February 1, 2007, and recently completed boot camp and AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He graduated on June 21, 2007, and reported for duty at Ft. Hood, TX on July 17, 2007, as an MP. He is a 2005 graduate of John Adams High School in South Bend. His father John Badics who also served in the Army, is now a resident of Phoenix, AZ.

Then, if all of that wasn’t enough, Post 297 pulled out all of the stops during the New Carlisle Hometown Days. They had displays of GI tents, weapons, ground equipment, various vehicles and even a visit by “American Huey 369.” There were various booths selling “Welcome Home” and recruiters as well. A great job by the Post 297 family.

On May 9th, Post 154 in Nappanee honored its 50and 60- year members. Those in attendance were 60-year members Harvey Miller Jr. and Richard Best and 50-year member Nevil Speicher.

Post 210 in Middlebury made donations to the following organizations: The Middlebury Men’s Club, The Middlebury Tree Board, The Middlebury Library, and The American Legion in Constantine, MI. They also held the third annual Dusk to Dawn vigil at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury. Guards were posted from 9:00 PM Sunday through 5:30 AM Monday morning. Each veteran’s grave was marked with a battery powered luminary and the public was invited to tour the cemetery and honor those veterans interred there. That was followed by the usual Memorial Day Parade and program in the cemetery where the names of all of the 699 local deceased veterans were read.

Osceola Post 308 sponsored the annual Memorial Day parade in Osceola with the theme being “Politics Aside, We Support Our Troops Serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.” The Parade Marshall was George Drake, a World War II veteran and a 40- year member of the post. Post 303 donated $100.00 to the MDA by means of the “Shamrocks Against Dystrophy” program. On Saturday April 28th, LaPorte Post 83 dedicated a new monument in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

In closing, Commander Werner thanks all of the Third District for their efforts in all of their endeavors this year and wishes Commander Richardson and his officers a successful year.

DISTRICT 4

Al Myers Commander

It's great to be working with a District that is willing to work with me. It seems that the Fourth District is really charged up on the goals that have been set and it appears that they are coming up with very good ideas to meet those goals.

As District Commander I'm very proud to see such Team Unity working as a family and continuing to work for the American Legion Family.

Since installation at Department Convention and at District levels, and knowing the District Officers as I do, I can only think that they are coming up with a few ideas themselves. What a great bunch of people they are.

National Convention was a great learning experience for me. And meeting people from all walks of life. The new found friends that I met. I only hope that I can get the news of such an event out to the Post's in

the Fourth District.

I'm really looking forward to be working with Department Commander Tom Somerville and the entire Department Staff this year. Its really a wonderful feeling knowing that all of these folks are there to lend a hand when you are in need. On the District level I am extremely lucky to have the many years of knowledge in the Past Commanders and all of the Chairmen of the committees. Who could ask for anything more?

As summer leaves us and fall begins, and the playing field set for all the Districts to be working hard for the Department, I'm sure that this is going to put Department of Indiana in a very good position to be among the very top nationally.

See all at the October Conference.

Thanks For Caring

Our Commander of the Mighty 5th, Michael “Jocko” Comerford, has been up-andat-‘em along with his membership chairman, Pete Brannon, making their visitations to our great Posts around the Mighty 5th District.

Commander Comerford wants to congratulate all the newly elected officers of all the posts within the 5th District and looks forward to working with you during this up coming year. Also, Commander Comerford would like to congratulate the following Posts for making 100 per cent for 2006-2007: Laketon Post 402, Kokomo Post 6, Huntington Post 85, Roanoke Post 160, and the home Post of the State Membership Chairman for 2006-2007,.Ed Trice, Fairmount Post 313.

Over this summer, Dave Dilling and his wife Gladys were named Grand Marshalls of the Laketonian Days Parade held in Laketon. Dave was Post Commander of Laketon Post 402 in 1958 and was our 5th District Commander in 1961. Dave also served on Department Committees for Knightstown, and was presented the Department of Indiana American Legion Distinguished Service Award. Dave continues to serve God and Country.

Ben Jacobsen, Adjutant of Roann Post 419, advised that the Post gave $2,500 to the Stockdale Mill Fund and $2,500 to the Heart Fund in memory of Harold Bowman, deceased member of Post 419. They also purchased $700 worth of chairs for the Roann Community Building.

Now then, Comrade Legionnaires,.what have you to

say about all this? You know Roann Post 419 closed the Post Home doors last year and yet they still maintain an existence with deep community involvement which projects a very positive image for The American Legion in general. Keep up the good work, Roann Post 419!

Wayne Rogers of Dunkirk Post 227 advised they won another trophy for their trophy case, which may be one too many and they probably will have to build another case to hold all the trophies now. They won their latest trophy as the Mayor’s Choice Runner Up with their Legion Fire Truck entry.

Commander Ferguson of Colfax Post 439 advised they had the Viet Nam Moving Wall at Colfax in July.

Huntington Post 85 is serving breakfast and lunch at their Post Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and has an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Then on Wednesday evening’s from 4:00 p.m. to t:00 p.m. they have submarine sandwiches. If you get a chance and are in the area stop in and grab something to eat. Commander Barton and the members of Post 85 would appreciate seeing you. Post 85 has initiated a designated driver program for their Post. What a great way to lend a hand to someone who may need a hand to get home. Safer is always better than sorry. Mouse Baker and the Color/Honor Guard continue to make Post 85 proud. 1st Vice Tom Elick has been doing a bang up great job for Post 85 and the American Legion.

the Auxiliary was able to package and send to the troops 176 lbs of “goodies” including food and personal items, cd’s, games, underwear and socks and many other much needed items, especially Frank’s hot sauce to make the MRE’s edible.

Also Mary Davis, treasurer of the Auxiliary, took first place with her poppy/flower arrangement and second place with her corsage at the Department annual convention held in Merrillville. These and many other items that she made will be taken to a local nursing home to be used to brighten up areas for the residents.

Post 297 in New Carlisle had a busy couple of months as well. During the month of April, they hosted the Boy Scouts for their annual fish fry, hosted the Third District

Want

An energetic demonstration erupted on the floor of the convention when the name of Tom Somerville was placed in nomination for the high office of Department Commander. The demonstrators marched about the convention hall for nearly one-half an hour before the commandeered gaveled for order and the election ensued.

2

Bruce Steffen Commander

DISTRICT 5 Mike Comerford Commander

Gail Gailich, Chairperson of the newly established Girl Scout Committee, addressed the convention briefly to honor the Girl Scout Gold Award winner and to acknowledge the support of the Department in establishing the recognition program for young women. ‘We

DISTRICT 6

Phil Hutson Commander

Here we are, the starting of a new year. And I would like to introduce myself, I am Phil Huston, the new sixth district commander from Post 108. I will do the best job possible for the District with the help of all the Sixth District officers. If you have a problem either let me know or contact one of the vice commanders. We will do our best to help anyone. I hope everyone will get involved to promote our programs and membership. It will take everyone's help to make this to be a successful effort.

I will try to visit as many post

as possible and hope that my District officers are able to do the same. Remember, we are here to help you when needed. Also membership is very important. The more members we have, the stronger our American Legion is, plus the more members we have helps cover cost and keeps our dues at a lower cost. Please, if you know anyone that's a past member, ask them to pay their dues. Also, if you know a veteran, ask that person if they would like to join the American Legion today. Thank You.

DISTRICT 9

Milton Howard Commander

I want to thank the members of the Ninth District for choosing me to serve as their commander for 2007 – 2008. I will do my very best to represent you this year. Our membership goal has been set at 9,003 this year and I believe we can surpass this number if we all get out and try. Every Post is starting out on an even field this year, so it should be easy for all Posts to surpass their 100 percent goal. It would be great if each member of the District would sign up just one new member.

September 9, 2007, is Knightstown Home Day. Come

out and visit with the children and you will see what a great home we have. October 5-7, 2007, is our Fall Conference. If you are on a post committee, you can learn more of what you can and should be doing. The American Legion has some great programs for our children and youth. We need to get more posts involved with these programs.

November is Americanism and Government testing. Talk to your local High Schools and see if each post can have a candidate to send to the District for judging. I think we

Continued in column 5

Continued from column 4

can find a Department winner right here in the Ninth District.

I plan to visit all posts in the District this year at least two or more times. The Ninth District Vice Commanders,

Membership Chairmen, and Adjutant will be with me on these visits when possible. If you have any questions about the District or Department, please feel free to ask. We will answer to the best of our ability.

DISTRICT 10

Kenny Toll Commander

Greetings from the Terrific Tenth District.

We are planning to have an exciting new year in which we will be working on the many programs and activities that the National and Department of Indiana has set up for our membership. Our goal this year is to have as many local posts as we can to be involved in various activities as we can get.

We have a great opportunity this year to promote are membership drive and reach 100 percent for the first time at least in the past few years. We need all the support and drive to make this possible.

With your continued support I know we can make this happen.

Greetings from the “Fighting Seventh District.

First off I want to thank all of my District Officers, Post Commanders, Post Adjutants and membership people for an excellent kick-off on the 2008 card year. The hard work and many hours and miles paid off with a strong start for this card year. But now the battle has just begun. From here we will need a continuous weekly effort to maintain our position into the coming year.

I will be visiting all of our posts this year on a regular basis and discussing with the post commanders and their membership teams just what they need, and what

our District needs from them for a successful 100 percent card year. The opportunity is there for a great membership year, and only thru our hard work will a successful card year happen.

Mooresville Post 103 opened a new “Flag Retirement Facility” on June 14 of this year in proper form and ceremony.

The new brick finished fire oven and surrounding concrete walkways and flowered areas are a welcomed replacement for the old burning area. Concrete disks set in the flowered area represent all branches of the military. Flagpoles behind the facility also carry the flags of the

DISTRICT 8

Mel Vinson Commander

Greetings from the Eighth District.

I would like to thank the members of the 8th District for placing their trust in me and asking me to serve them as their Commander. I will give it my all and with the help of the team of officers I have selected, I know we can keep the Eighth on top.

August 12, 2007, saw the installation of our team at Eugene Pate Post 265. The following are the members of the 8th District Team that will be working to maintain the high standards set by Past Commander Ron Hanger and his officers: Executive Vice Commander Randy Dooley, Membership Chairman Melvin Jantzen, Adjutant and Vice Commander Mike Brady, Finance Officer Mike Bishop, Service Officer Jin Koutz, Chaplain Chuck Wright, SgtAt- Arms David Mattingly, Judge Advocate Harold Epley, and Public Relations, Dave Sharber.

The Vice Commanders, who will be doing a lot of leg work, are Roy Gartelman, John Branson, Ed Giltner, Don Chapman, Kevin Brinkshneider, Daniel Lawson, Coleman Sumrall and Luther Nixon.

Our first District meeting will be Sunday September 16, 2007, at Mt. Vernon Post 5 followed by the first district

services. (See accompanying photograph – Editor)

Mooresville has had a “Flag Retirement” annually for the last seven years and with the help of their local Boy Scout Troop has drawn a growing crowd from the community to witness it.

On a more somber note I had the opportunity this week to sit in with members of Martinsville Post 230 at the funeral of a young veteran from their hometown.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Fritsche paid the ultimate price for his patriotism on the battlefield of Kamu, Afghanistan. Ryan, although only twenty-three years old, was into his fifth year in the Army and had achieved many awards and accolades during that time.

As I sat listening to many of his Army friends pay their respect. I began to see a picture of a young man of spe-

cial quality—a quality that we as veterans cherish and admire, a quality that can’t always be found in those that do not serve our country as we have served.

At this ceremony Ryan was paid his final respects by his former unit the “Old Guard”

Third Infantry Regiment. This unit serves at the Tomb of The Unknowns and Arlington National Cemetery.

Just as Ryan had done for countless others before, now his friends and former comrades were serving him in one last final tribute. As the rifles cracked their gunfire, and a bugler played taps, I thanked God for all the “Ryans” who serve our country. Legionnaires, keep all the young men and women who serve in harm’s way in your prayers and wish them a speedy and safe journey home to their loved ones.

I have a great team in which I believe we can make this happen. My Executive Vice Commander will be Homer Loudermilk, Past District Commander. My Vice Commanders will be Harold Robinson and Jerry Jordon, Past District Commanders. The Finance Officer will be Harley Butler, and the Judge Advocate will be Jim Hagler, both Past District Commanders. My other Vice Commanders are Immediate Past District Commander Jeff Jarman, Jose Gaitan and Dave Espich.

Three new members coming on board this year as Vice Commanders are Brian Crabtree and Paul Smith. Bill Henry will serve as Sergeant-atArms, and Niles Gammon will be working with me this year as Membership Chairman. So you see, we have a team that will not hesitate in working for our District and Department of Indiana.

We already have a good start in our membership drive, and are working hard to make every member proud to be a member of our great district. With your continued support I know we will have a great year.

One of my main objectives this year is to visit as many

posts in our District as I possibly can in the short time we have in the year ahead. I will work very hard to listen to any advice and suggestions I can receive from my fellow brothers and sisters of the District. By the time you have read this article we will have already had our Organizational Meeting and Installation of Officers for 2007-2008. Hopefully, I won’t embarrass myself too much. I will have all the times and dates for our regular District meetings time and places out to your respective posts as soon as I possibly can, so you may plan to attend as many as you are able to. Please keep in mind if you do not attend we can’t help you with your programs and activities you have planned for the year.

Contact me through the book or call (317) 604-9266 to find me for any support I may be able to assist you with.

Again, I am proud to serve you this year as your Commander and am in this office to serve you in any way I can. May we with your help and support make this a very good year for your local posts, our District and the Department of Indiana.

Who Is The Commander?

Continued from page 10

considered becoming Department Commander. I’ve had a lot of people tell me, even my sister’s family doctor, who was my father’s doctor and my mothers’ family doctor, too, tell me I was a saint.

Hoosier Legionnaire—A saint? Well…

Commander Somerville

There are a lot of people who can’t understand why I do it. I could hire someone, but what would I do? Stand around and watch? I’m not sorry I do it. I sleep well at night. I go to bed and sleep knowing everything is okay.

I think my dad was sort of like this. I knew him real well, and I think if he had had the opportunity he would have done the same thing.

Hoosier Legionnaire—Is it in that same vein, then, that you selected the Child Welfare Foundation as your special project for this year?

drive-around on Saturday, September 29, 2007, starting at Post 335 in Charlestown.

The first conference of the year will be October 5-7, 2007. While at the conference, come down and have some fun and participate in the new fun tournament sponsored by the 8th. Our October meeting will be Sunday, October 14 at Post 35 in Jeffersonville.

The latest membership report had the 8th in 3rd place. I know we can do much better. Do not wait for a Vice Commander or Membership Chairman to come around and tell you to start calling your members. If you know someone was a little late last year, contact them early and get them to join in the fun and excitement early! If you have questions on membership, please contact me or any member of your district team. If we do not know the answer right away, we sure can find someone with the answer. I am looking to have all 34 active posts in the district to be 100 percent this year. I know you can do it. I am looking forward to visiting all the posts in the district. I will be contacting each of you and setting up a time schedule. If you have questions please contact me.

Again thanks for placing your faith in me and I will not let you down.

I bring greetings from the 11th District, the home of our State and National Headquarters. As the new Commander, I believe that this District can be stronger and more significant. I have met with our Ladies Auxiliary District President and Commander of the Sons of The American Legion. We are positioned as a family of three, to cooperate and assist each other in unprecedented ways — to support our organization, our veterans, and our soldiers and their families, here and abroad. When servicing our honor-

DISTRICT 11

able organization my motto is, “Either you are on the way or in the way.”

Our membership deserves nothing less than the best of our abilities to increase our visibility, which will translate to increasing participation that leads the way to membership. Our Ladies Auxiliary President, SAL Commander and I all are solidly committed to this end.

The help and foresight of the members of the three organizations is needed. We need

new ideas to bring our organization to the awareness of our community.

We need renewed commitment to our stated purpose, to our communities, and our State and Nation. We need to recall the kind of American spirit all of us have that has made this great nation.

So, do you say ‘I have heard this before’? Well, I can only say, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’

What you have heard sounds good, does it not? Let us step out and Do It!

God Bless You! God Bless America!

Commander Somerville —Yes, that’s right. I just have this thing about kids. I’ve always enjoyed kids, even though I don’t have any. That’s why I coached baseball. I always enjoyed being around them. What I want is for every Post in the Department of Indiana to put a Child Welfare Foundation canister on display somewhere in the Post. I want every penny we can get dropped into that canister, and I want every donation from every Post and District to come directly to me for our Department’s contribution. We will be one of the greatest partners in Child Welfare that foundation ever had.

It’s also why I am so interested in urging more post participation in community activities and the youth programs of the Legion. I say, if you are not in the AG& competition, get in. If you sent one boy to HBS, send two. The oratorical contest needs help. I can not understand why every District does not have a representative in the Police, Firefighter and EMS competition -- even if they don’t win, they get recognition. The same thing for the Boy Scouts. I don’t see why every District can’t find one person to be Eagle Scout of the Year.

Hoosier Legionnaire Anything else?

Commander Somerville —Yeah. Don’t you have work to do?

DISTRICT 7

Herb Hoffman Commander

Steve Barnett Commander

Members of American Legion Post 103 in Mooresville, with generous support from the community, recently completed work on a special memorial pit designed exclusively for flag retirement ceremonies. The pit has already become a treasured icon in the small 7th District city.

Derrick Johnson (fourth from the left), driver of The American Legion Busch Series Freedom Car #76, stopped by Tilman Harpole American Legion Post 249 in Indianapolis to accept a check in support of the racing team. With Johnson, are, among others, George Van Sickle, SAL media consultant, Past National Commander Butch Miller, and 11th District Commander Steve Barnett.

It’s Official –Commander Is Distinguished Commander Delaney displays the Distinguished Hoosier award presented to him by Tom Applegate on behalf of Governor Mitch Daniel. Applegate is the State Director of Veterans Affairs.

Americanism Awards Honor Posts For Service to God, Country and Community

Among the most sought after awards at any department convention are those that honor posts and individuals for outstanding achievement in the conduct of Americanism programs. The 89th annual convention in Merrillville was no exception, and the Americanism Commission presented a variety of well deserved awards.

Commission chairman Ralph Tolan called committee chairmen and officers to assist with the presentations, including the Department Chaplain, Norris Keirn, who presented the Four Chaplain’s Award.

Four Chaplain’s Award

The recipient of the 2007 Four Chaplain's Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding service to God and Country while supporting the

principles of The American Legion, was Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington

“The American Legion, since its founding in 1919, has operated on the principle of service to God and Country,” Keirn said.

“The Four Chaplain’s Award honors the personal sacrifice of four Men of God during World War II, and recognizes a Post's contribution to the principles the four represented.”

Gaylord Sheline Post of Distinction

Chairman Tolan, also presided over the presentation of the Gaylord Sheline Post of Distinction Award, which is presented in two categories to the Post, or Posts, whose Americanism programs are judged overall best in the department. The 2007” award,

Trio of Legion Students Win Family Scholarships

The American Legion Family Scholarships were presented for the fifth consecutive year during the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville, marking the award’s successful transition from commander’s project to fully self-funded Department youth award.

Three awards were presented this year. The winners are:

Matthew Dobbertien, a stu-

dent at Notre Dame pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. His father, Mark Dobbertien, is a member of The American Legion in Florida and is the member on whom his application was based. Justin Williams, who graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes. He will pursue a degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing at Vincennes University. His grandfather, Thomas Williams, is a member of American

Legion Post 73. Ashley Thomas, who graduated from South Ripley High School in Versailles. She will pursue a degree in Chemistry or Pre-Med at Marian College. Her father, Gary Thomas, is a member of the SAL.

The brainchild of Past Department Commander John Michalski, who established the scholarship program as his special project during his year in office, the American Legion Family Scholarships

were originally endowed with $50,000 raised by Michalski with the stipulation that only investment income would be used to fund the annual awards.

The program is open to the children and grandchildren of Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members. A key provision is that the scholarship must be used at an Indiana institution of higher learning, and that applicants must be 21 years of age or younger.

Sixth District Eagle Scout Takes Top Scouting Award

Stan Gatewood, Boy Scout Committee chairman, presided over the presentation of the 2007 Boys Scout of the Year Award in ceremonies on stage at the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville July 14.

The honor went to James Kappel, Sixth District Scout of the year.

“The first youth program sponsored by the American

Legion was Scouting,” he told the delegates, adding “The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion begins ‘For God and Country we associate ourselves together’ and the Scout oath begins ‘On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country.’

“This common bond becomes even more exceptional with the recognition of our

Eagle Scout of the Year program, in which we face the daunting task of choosing the best of the best.

Among those vying for top honors, in addition to Kappel, were the following Eagle Scouts:

From the 1st District, Eric Kutemeier, sponsored by Post 261.

From the 2nd District, Jeremy Cox, sponsored by Post 260.

From the 7th District , Jonathon Stanley, sponsored by Post 103.

And from the 11th District, Joseph Packer, sponsored by Post 3.

Each district Scout of the Year received a $100 savings bond in honor of his achievement. In addition, Gatewood announced, the Department of Indiana Scout of the Year received a $500 Savings Bond and a plaque.

New Established Girl Scout Award Goes To 7th District Winner

One of the Department’s newly established committees presented its first ever Department award during ceremonies on stage at the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville July 14.

Girl Scout Committee chair person Gail Galich presented the Girl Scout Gold Award to Allyson Hoch of Greenwood, Indiana, sponsored by the Seventh District.

In making the award, Ga-

lich said “It is a privilege for me to make this presentation to an outstanding young lady.

“Involvement in Girls Scouting is among our Department’s newest youth program activities, and I am gratified

in the large Post category, went to Orland Post 423. In the small post category this year, the award went to Cedar Lake Post 261.

Judging for the award was based on a review of the Post's submission of a scrapbook of their activities.

Byron Waggoner Award

“The American Legion serves not only the veteran community, but also communities throughout the state. We have always been there when our fellow citizens have called upon us for assistance,”

Tolan said.

“The Byron Waggoner Award recognizes this commitment and is given annually to an American Legion Post for its outstanding performance in community service during the year.

This year's recipient of the Byron Waggoner award is Owensville Post 51.

Colonel Frank Kossa Award

Turning to issues beyond the borders of Indiana, Tolan reminded the delegates that “a strong and secure nation is the greatest assurance of a ‘100 Percent Americanism,’ ” and announced The American Legion’s Colonel Frank R. Kossa National Security Award winner.

The award is presented to the winning post for its overall national security program as documented by newspaper clippings, post bulletins, and a scrapbook on national security. The winner of the 2007 Col. Frank Kossa Award went to a frequent winner, Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington.

Dusting Off The “Dust-Off”

Delegates to the 89th annual Department Convention watch as a video production details the salvage and restoration of a UH1 “Dust-off” helicopter that saw extensive duty in Vietnam. The organization restoring the aircraft is designated “American Chopper 369” for the helicopter’s combat designation.

that we are making special efforts to recognize the achievements of young women in this special way.”

Allyson will attend the University of Evansville in the fall.

Delegates And Posts Honored For Boys State Participation

In addition to introducing the Governor and Outstanding Citizen from the 2007 Hoosier Boys State Program, Children and Youth Chairman Bob Newman presented two related awards during the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville July 14.

Hoosier Boys State Governor Ivan Chernovskutov, a senior at Angola High School, and the Outstanding Citizen of Hoosier Boys State Justin

Kingsolver, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School. both addressed the delegates, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity and describing the experience as one of lasting learning. Chernovskutov was sponsored by Post 31, and Kingsolver was sponsored Post 470.

Each year nearly 800 young men gather for Hoosier Boys State on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre

Haute to experience how Indiana government operates. For many years, one Legionnaire in particular dedicated himself to these young men and to helping build their future — Barney W. Breedlove.

In honor of his service, the Department presents the Barney W. Breedlove trophy to the Post sponsoring the Hoosier Boys State’s Outstanding Citizen. It goes this year to Justin Kingsolver’s sponsor, American Legion Post 470 in

Hoosier Legionnaires Take Home $11,000 In Sweepstakes Winnings

The Department of Indiana conducts two sweepstakes each year, in which members receive special direct mail packages giving them the opportunity to donate to Legion programs and return sweepstakes entry tickets for drawings held at the Midwinter Conference and the Department Convention. A total of $11,000 per sweepstakes is awarded in prizes, and bonuses are paid to for winners who are present for the drawings. The winners of the sweepstakes drawing at the 2007 Department Convention in Merrillville, and their prizes, are:

the 6th District.

In honor of John McKeeman, past Boys State Enrollment Committee chairman, Post 499 in the Fourth District established the John McKeeman Memorial Award recognizing the American Legion Post that sponsored the Hoosier Boys State Governor. Therefore, the McKeeman award this year went to Post 31, sponsor of Ivan Chernovskutov, Hoosier Boys State Governor.

Fourth, Ninth District Teachers Take Educator of Year Honors

The Children and Youth Committee honored ten Hoosier educators, four from the elementary grades and six teaching in the secondary schools, as Educators of The Year, during the 89th annual Department Convention, and singled out two of them for top honors.

Robert Ripley, C&Y Chairman, presented the state awards to Paul Marinko, Elementary School Educator of the Year, sponsored by Post 82 in the Fourth District, and

Bonnie Fancher, the High School Educator of the Year, sponsored by Post 185 in the Ninth District. Marinko teaches fourth grade at Saint Paul Lutheran Elementary School in Fort Wayne. Fancher teaches Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science at Switzerland County High School in Rising Sun.

According to Ripley, “each year, awards can be presented in two categories: Category “A” honors the educator in

grades 1 through 6, while category “B” honors the educator of the year in grades 7 through 12. The Educator of the Year judging is based on the candidates’ career, community service, family involvement, and letters of recognition.”

This year’s district winners, in addition to Marinko and Fancher, are, in the elementary school category,

From District 1, Lynn Van Meter, sponsored by Post 261.

From District 7, May Ann Witty, sponsored by Post 22.

And from District 9, Cynthia Griffith, sponsored by Post 185.

In the High School Category, the winners are,

From District 1: Joseph Fetty, sponsored by Post 261.

From District 2: Randall Feola, sponsored by Post 94.

From District 3: Kenneth Moryl, sponsored by Post 83.

From District 4: Albert Jacquay, sponsored by Post 82.

And District 11: Charles Bennett, sponsored by Post 500.

$5,000—Michael J. Warner 3647 W. 200 N. Huntington, IN 46750-9002

$1,500—John F. Hoppes 332 W. Maple Street Columbia City, IN 46725-7716

$1,000—Arthur L. Lageveen 539 Begonia Street, SE #C. Demotte, IN 46310-8898

$500—Michael J. Kreffel 963 Rolling Hill Road Wolcottville, IN 46795-9293

$250—Armand Gottardi 120 Allendale Terre Haute, IN 47802

$250—David P. Arrington 5000 E 100 S Lagrange, IN 46761-9594

$250—Ric J. Holland 19842 Ventura Drive Lawrenceburg, IN 47025-8839

$250—Oliver D. Decker 8229 Picadilly Lane Indianapolis, IN 46256-3515

$250—Arnold Blevins 824 Butterfield Road Muncie, IN 47303-5504

$250—Howard F. Chambers 125 Welcome Way Boulevard, #101B Indianapolis, IN 46214-3053

$250—Gary D. Clinton 5604 Bluffton Road Fort Wayne, IN 46809-2165

$250—Garry Ingram 3460 E 500 N Columbia City, IN 46725-7716

$100—George J. Pazak 127 Ivy Lane Dyer, IN 46311-1348

$100—Ralph D. Hensley 1525 E 765 S. Wolcottville, IN 46795-9293

$100—Larry L. Hoffman 2126 S 23rd Street Terre Haute, IN 47802-2647

$100—Gary D. Clinton 5604 Bluffton Road Fort Wayne, IN 46809-2165

$100—John C. Hufft 1725 Juniper Place #108 Goshen, IN 46526-4494

$100—Jack Stottlemire 9970 Black Road Centerville, IN 47330-9637

$100—Gerhardt H. Jaeckle 3519 Birch Cove Fort Wayne, IN 46804-8602

$100—Cameron Renaud 4155 Trinity Drive Newburgh, IN 47630-7426

$100—David Abbott 6430 Cougar Drive Nineveh, IN 46164-9500

$100—William C. Small 5978 N. State Road 161 Richland, IN 47634-9310

$113 Million in Benefits Recovered

Rehabilitation Chairman Recounts Program Successes

Department Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Mike Miller, tasked with presenting the annual Rehabilitation Awards during the 89th annual Department Convention, prefaced the presentations with a review of the Rehab program’s accomplishments during the 2006-2007 Legion year.

According to Chairman Miller, “numerous accomplishments have been achieved while serving veterans during the last 12 months under the auspices of your Department’s Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation programs. The support of all Department Officers, American Legion volunteers, a large membership, and a dedicated and caring staff made these accomplishments possible.”

In the category of Veterans Assistance, Miller reported that the department service office:

Answered 10,697 telephone inquiries;

Conducted over 418 client interviews;

Conducted 120 VA appeal hearings;

Completed 164 formally written appeal statements;

Reviewed approximately 3,206 VA rating decisions for correctness;

Accepted 2,801 new clients;

Filed approximately 4,629 new benefit claims; and

Recovered $113,180,188 in benefits for American Legion clients including $14,681,382 in retroactive benefits.

“The Department Service Office also processed applications for financial assistance to needy veterans and their families directly from The American Legion Department and National Organizations totaling more than $21,000 during 2006,” Miller reported.

During the 2006-2007 year, the department service office employed three fully qualified VA accredited department service officers, according to the chairman. The department also used the services of a dedicated part time non-accredited service officer, Harold Brubaker, out-stationed at the VA Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

“The department service office previously employed four fully trained VA accredited service officers. One left to work for VA, but has since been hired by our national headquarters and assigned to assist injured service persons at the Walter Reed Medical Center. A four person service officer staff allowed us to conduct many outreach seminars during the 2006-07 year,”

Miller said.

The Service Office also sponsored outreach seminars throughout the year, which resulted in the filing of many more claims with many veterans receiving benefits they may have otherwise never received.

“Unfortunately,” Miller said, “the casework involved with those new claims arrived at our service office when the accredited service officer staff fell from four to three once again causing problems with balancing an increasing caseload.

“Our outreach efforts combined with our well-established reputation for quality claims representation, brought us not only more claims but 2,801 new clients during the last 12-month reporting period. This number is 698 (or 33 percent) more new clients accepted this year than for the same reporting period the year before.”

The Department of Indiana responded to the challenge, according to the chairman, by hiring a new department service officer trainee in September 2006. Steven Duffer will complete his accredited service officer training program in February 2008, and the service office will once again be fully staffed with qualified service officers.

Donations to the department rehab fund financed the general hospital and nursing home committee volunteers with their efforts in distributing $37,992 in comfort items and activities for medically confined veterans. The Department’s 24 recognized rehab volunteers also recruited other volunteers to assist them while offering veterans’ services at both VA and non-

Setting The Standard

The first ever winner of the Thomas “Thumper” Henderson Award for top Post Service Officer is Ludwig “Lowie” Matzat from American Legion Post 92 in North Judson (right.) The award was presented on the platform of the Department convention by Past Department Commander Henderson (center) and Department Commander Delaney.

Service & Legislative Update

VA healthcare facilities.

Among the rehabilitation volunteers’ duties and activities are:

Purchase and distribute refreshments and comfort items; Conduct parties and other social get-togethers for patients; Buy and distribute Christmas presents; Buy and distribute newspapers and other reading materials, and Assist VA Medical Centers with purchasing items to help their veteran patients.

All department rehab volunteers must account for funds spent by providing receipts and signed requisitions subject to the Rehabilitation Office’s approval.

Miller reported that the Department Rehabilitation funds also are used “for the Richard R. Quattrin Homeless Veterans Shelter Assistance fund. This fund awards $50 each time a documented notfor-profit shelter provides a homeless veteran lodging and shelter for at least two nights.

The Richard R. Quattrin Homeless Veterans Shelter fund distributed grants totaling $2,300 during the 2006-07 year, but funding ran out in late January of this year.”

The Rehab fund budget is based on Rehab contributions made to the Department and revenue from the Department’s Spring Card program. For the first time in several years, rehab contributions increased over the previous year,

“Not only are they up,” Miller said, “but they are up by over $19,000 allowing more than a 50 percent increase from last year’s Rehab budget. This has allowed the Rehab

Commission to increase funding in most all rehab accounts, especially in those that have asked for increases including but not limited to the Richard R. Quattrin Homeless Veterans Shelter fund.

“We also want to remind districts that the department gives an annual award to the district contributing the largest dollar amount to the department rehab fund.”

The First District contributed over 50 percent of total district contributions and won the award again this year.

All districts are encouraged to contribute. Even though a district might not have a major VA Medical Center within it, contributions to the rehab program could help veterans in that district when they receive health care services at a VA medical facility or nursing home away from their home district.

Miller reported that post and district Service Officer programs continue to improve, citing the positive effect of training. For example, he said, during the organizational meeting, Department Service Officers conduct a four-hour post service officers training seminar, and also has updated its Field Service Officer’s Correspondence Training Course. They also conducted veterans’ benefits seminars in many locations throughout the state including the County Veterans Service office in Lafayette; Kendallville Post 86; Rushville Post 150; Hagerstown Post 333; the Indianapolis VA Medical Center; Muncie Post 19; the Auburn WorkOne employment office, and at the Wyndmore Assistant living facility in Terre Haute.

Champion of the IVH

Rehabilitation Awards Honor

Volunteers, Posts, Employers

During the opening session of the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville, Chairman Mike Miller presented Rehabilitation Commission awards to individuals, posts and districts whose efforts made a positive impact on the rehab program during the 2006-2007 membership year.

The Ralph V. "Curly" Cushman Award for outstanding efforts in all phases of veterans’ rehabilitation went to Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington.

The Dale Kuhn Award, which recognizes the District in the Department of Indiana having made the greatest donation to the Department Rehabilitation Fund based

on per capita membership as of close of books, went to the First District for the second The First District contributed more than 50 percent of the total Rehab fund budget this year. Immediate Past District Commander Pete Van Woerden accepted the award from Commander Delany.

Miller also presented the inaugural Thomas “Thumper” Henderson Award. Named in honor of a popular Past Department Commander and immediate Past National Executive Committeeman, the award recognizes excellence in both knowledge and service as a Post Service Officer during the preceding year. The first ever winner of the Thomas “Thumper” Henderson Award for top Post Service Officer is Mr. Ludwig “Lowie” Matzat from American Legion Post 92 in North Judson.

Each year the Department of Indiana honors private employers who have a workforce of at least 25 percent veterans and have been in business for at least five years. These businesses do not have a company policy restricting either total employment or individual jobs to veterans.

Winners of the employer of the year awards are selected from two categories, large employer and medium employer. This year, one employer has demonstrated a genuine commitment to veterans and has earned the Employer of the Year Award. That company is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Inc. in Princeton, Indiana.

Homeless Veterans Stand-Down Scheduled for September

Department Service

Office Business Hours

Department Service Officers are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the year, although for training and other purposes, the service officers may be away from the office for up to a week at a time. It is always a good idea to cheick with the office before visiting. Appointments are necessary for client visits.

Contact the Department Service Office by calling our new direct number of 317-9163605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-7237999, extension 3; faxing us at 317-226-6645; or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov.

Homeless Veterans Stand-Down

A Homeless Veterans Stand-Down will take place at the Hoosier Veterans Assis-

Editor’s Note: The Service and Legislative Update is prepared monthly by the Department Service Officers. It will appear in this space each issue from now forward, replacing the Rehab-at-a-Glance Column. Note that because of deadlines and publication schedules, some information included in the update may be outdated by the time you receive your copy of the Hoosier Legionnaire. If you are uncertain, contact Department headquarters.

tance Foundation, 3602 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, on Friday, September 14, 2007, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Services will be available for homeless veterans and near homeless veterans and their families including health screenings, dental checkups, assistance with food, clothing and housing needs, access to VA counselors, and American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Officers. For further Stand-Down information, please call 317951-0688.

Indianapolis VA Medical Center Closing TRICARE Clinic Military retirees and their

dependents are receiving letters from the Indianapolis VAMC noting that TRICARE service will no longer be available at the Indianapolis facility effective September 30, 2007.

The VA letter cites space concerns for serving VA patients as reason for closing the TRICARE Clinic. TRICARE patients currently enrolled at the VA TRICARE clinic should begin looking for an alternate healthcare provider now. Contact the TRICARE Service Center, 5807 North Post Road, Harrison Quarters, Indianapolis, Indiana 46216; telephone, 877-874-2273. The VA Medical

Center will retain the patient’s TRICARE medical records until the patient’s new medical provider makes an authorized request.

Military retirees and other TRICARE patients affected by this decision are encouraged to let your concerns know to your congressmen and senators.

Walter Reed Establishes a Hot Line for Wounded Soldiers

The Army now has a Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

The hot line has logged more than 3,500 calls since it was set up three months ago following revelations that Walter Reed outpatients were languishing in shoddy housing and suffering bureaucratic delays in getting additional care, evaluations and compensation for wounds, mental

problems and other health issues. The hot line, 1-800-9848523, is staffed 24 hours a day, every day, by 100 employees on three shifts. They aim to get an answer for every caller within three business days. The operation essentially cuts through red tape like no average caller could. Though the hot line program was planned as a medical help line — and more than half of the calls are on that subject — the issues are wide ranging. The Hot Line is one piece in a broad effort the Army has scrambled to make across its health system since problems at Walter Reed surfaced in February.

Legion Establishes Physical Evaluation Board Office

The American Legion has a new office at Walter Reed Army Hospital to help service persons with Physical Evalua-

tion Board Cases. The Legion’s contact person for PEB cases is Jerry Johnson, who can be reached at 202-356-1012, ext. 40810, or via e-mail at: jerry. Johnson@amedd.army.mil.

Website Offers PTSD and TBI Information

The U.S. Army's new behavioral health website provides information for soldiers and their families concerning behavioral-health needs before, during and after deployments.

Topics on the website include pre- and post- deployment health assessments; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and symptoms; suicide prevention; and resources where Soldiers and families can get help. For further information, connect to the following web site: http://www. behavioralhealth.army.mil/.

Gary Danekas accepts the Al Waichulis award from Department Commander Delaney. The award recognizes outstanding service to residents of the Indiana Veterans Home.

Call To Order 89th Annual Department Convention Gets Down …To Business And To A Little Bit Of Fun …

Commander Delaney gaveled the 89th annual convention to order on Friday, July 13, in Merrillville against a backdrop of patriotism and enthusiastic support from the delegates. The First District won rave reviews for its hosting of the annual conclave.

The Radisson’s welcome sign was typical of the reception Legion family members received at Merrillville as they arrived for the 89th annual Department Convention.

The Department Commander’s convention party featured “The Classics,” a troupe of entertainers whose impersonations ranged from Elvis Presley to Roy Orbison to the Blues Brothers, a performance which proved to be a highlight of the event.

Walter Krohn and Marty Dzieglowicz, 2006-2007 Northern Vice Commanders, got business underway by conducting the traditional POW-MIA ceremony as part of the convention’s opening activities.

George Evans and his new wife, Bernadette, take a turn on the dance floor during the convention party.

The Radisson decorated its indoor poolside area in a South Pacific motif – complete with a World War II jeep emerging from the palms and ferns. Convention delegates could not resist the urge to take a slow turn in the antique vehicle.

C.T. “Sugo” Castner and his wife, Mary Ann, took the party’s theme to heart as they appeared as high rollers for the casino party.

Fred Langley tries unsuccessfully to hide his true feelings. It is not true that the sign was slapped on his forehead without his noticing.

It wouldn’t be a commander’s party without somebody suggesting a handful of otherwise respectable Legionnaires don the headgear for a rousing – but artless – rendition of “YMCA” by the Village People.

Stanley Nawlewski and his wife enjoy the commander’s party- more sedate, perhaps, than many of the other party goers, but certainly no less enthusiastic.

Time To ‘Stop The Bleeding’ In Department Membership

As I begin this year as Department Membership Chairman, I am very much aware of the challenges before us. As Commander Tom Somerville has said, it is time to “stop the bleeding” – a rather colorful way to describe the serious decline of membership over the past decade or so.

I think the phrase describes the problem pretty well. We are losing members from the inside; we are not failing to recruit new members. Each year, between the efforts of our members and the National Organization’s Direct Membership Solicitation program, we enroll more than enough members to cover our loss through normal attrition – causes such as death, moving away, or just

Robert Sutton Membership Chairman

plain dis-interest. But despite that fact, we continue to lose total membership. That means only one thing: we are not renewing all the members that we have available on the roster.

What can do about that?

Number 1: Stop waiting for the renewal notices to do your membership job. It was not notices sent out by the National Organization that built the American Legion. It was a variety of activities that put members face to face

with each other, activities like phone banks, knocking on doors, delivering cards to housebound members, and reminding members at every opportunity to pay their dues.

Number 2: Ask everyone you meet if he or she is a veteran, and offer those who are an opportunity to join. Have an application handy and get it filled out on the spot.

Number 3: Report your successes to the department and proudly wear my 2008 Membership Recruiter Jacket. That’s right, all you have to do is sign up eight new members and you get one of these first quality jackets that will be worn only by successful membership workers.

Awards Cap ‘Disappointing,’ Memorable, Membership Year

Commander Delaney called on Membership Chairman Ed Trice to conduct the presentation of the 2007 membership awards during the 89th annual Department Convention in Merrillville.

Trice took the opportunity “personally thank all the Legionnaires throughout the state who contributed to our efforts this year. Many of us were disappointed with the outcome, but nevertheless, every member of the Indiana American Legion can be proud of Commander Delaney and of our efforts to make Indiana a better place for all our fellow veterans.”

Recruiter Of The Year

Trice told the delegates that “each year Legionnaires spend countless hours talking and visiting with their fellow veterans, telling them about the benefits of belonging to The American Legion. Among these dedicated workers is one Legionnaire who has signed up more new members than any other Legionnaire in the state. He is this year's Indiana American Legion Department Recruiter of the Year: James B. May of Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington, who recruited 51 new members this year.”

Gold Brigade

The National Organization has established an elite level of recognition for those Legionnaires whose membership recruitment achievements are beyond the call of duty. According to Trice, “In membership, these Legionnaires take the extra step by asking everyone they meet to join our great organization. These Legionnaires earn the distinction of being members of the ‘Gold Brigade.’

To qualify for membership in this elite group, a Legionnaire must recruit at least 50 new members into The American Legion before May 11 of the membership year. This year three Hoosier Legionnaires qualified for the roster of the Gold Brigade:

Receiving their first Gold Brigade awards are David Horacek, Post 47, and Denny

Lasting Reminders

Commander Delaney accepts the colors of his year in office as the convention draws to a close from Past Department Commander and outgoing National Executive Committeeman Thomas “Thumper” Henderson. The colors are meant to serve as a reminder of the meaningful accomplishments of the year.

Pettit, Post 492, while Jim May, Post 18, received his eleventh Gold Brigade Award.

Silver Brigade

In addition to the Gold Brigade, the National Organization established the Silver Brigade as a way to honor other successful recruiters who are working their way to the top. This year, five Hoosier Legionnaires reported recruited 25 members by the May deadline to qualify for the Silver Brigade Award. They are: David Ritenour, Post 160 Herb Hoffman, Post 103 Bill Clark, Post 205; and Larry Summit, Post 18 Richard S. Kaplan Award

In addition to individual awards, the membership program also recognizes the efforts of Posts throughout the state for their work in membership this year. Each year the Richard S. Kaplan Award is presented to the Post which secured the greatest number of new members, as certified to department headquarters. This year's recipient of the Kaplan award -- with 51 new members -- was Bloomington’s Burton Woolery Post 18, in the Seventh District.

Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Memorial Award

The Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Memorial Award is presented to the Post with the greatest percentage of increase in membership over its previous four year average. This year's award went to Lafayette Post 492 in the 2nd District.

Donald W. Hynes Memorial Award

The Donald W. Hynes Memorial Award recognizes the Post in the Department which attains an all-time high in membership for the highest number of consecutive years. Recognizing the perennial winner in this competition, Trice presented the award for the 58th consecutive year of growth and all-time highs, to St. Joseph Post 464 of St. Leon, in the 9th District.

SAL Awards

The American Legion also recognizes the membership

District Headquarters Post Program

My predecessor launched what has all the earmarks of a very successful program to move members out of the headquarters Post 777 into District Headquarters Posts and from there, if they so desire, into local posts. This program can be a boon to posts, providing as it does a pool of verified eligible members who have indicated they want to be a part of what your post is doing. Each District has a working group to communicate with Headquarters Post members, verify their eligibility and initiate their transfer into a local Post. Nothing could be easier, and it eliminates any doubt or reluctance on the part of

Posts as to the eligibility of those who seek to transfer in.

Commander Somerville and I were in on the development of this program, and it has our full and unqualified support. I encourage all Post and District officers to get behind this program and make it a success.

If you have any questions, you can address them to me, or to the Department membership office, where Hugh and Jessica will be happy to help.

District Goals

The 2008 membership goals have been set at a level to encourage and assist District Commanders in reaching 100 percent this year. I am firmly convinced that goals that can not be reached are

goals that our members will not work for. That has been evidenced in each of the past several membership years, and I came into office determined to set the goals for each of you within reach.

However, I also am aware that, because of the many years of consecutive decline, simply reaching 100 percent of this year’s goal will not result in growth – and after all, growth is our ultimate objective.

So I am asking that each of you make a concerted effort to not only reach your goal, but also to surpass it. When you get to 100 percent, drive on. That is the only way that we will reverse the trend in membership and, as the Commander has asked us to do – “Stop The Bleeding.”

accomplishments of one outstanding SAL squadron, and the largest Squadron in the Detachment. This year, the outstanding squadron award goes to Squadron 18 in Bloomington and, for the 8th consecutive year, Squadron 253 of North Webster took the largest squadron award.

Top Ten Posts

The Top Ten Posts in the Department were honored at the convention, as well. Post 11 in Lafayette was honored as the largest post in the state, and the nine runners-up are:

10th Place – East Chicago Allied Post 369: 1,051 members.

9th Place – Vincennes Post

73: 1,052 members.

8th Place -- Bonnie Sloan Post 28: 1,161 members.

7th Place -- Speedway Post 500: 1,104 members.

6th Place – Seymour Post

89: 1,142 members.

5th Place -- Robert Kennington Post 34: 1,240 members.

4th Place – Fort Wayne Post

47: 1,298 members.

3rd Place – Burton Woolery Post 18: 1,316 members.

2nd Place -- Lincoln Post

82: 1,355 members.

All Time High Awards

Three Posts qualified for citations recognizing achievement of at least five consecutive all time highs in membership. Avon Post 145 achieved its sixth consecutive all time high and Orland Post 423 achieved its fifth. Nine other posts attained an all time high for the first, second, third, or fourth time during the 20062007 membership year. They are:

William Zeb Longest Post

42 – 3 years

Koselke Mayfield Post 403

-- 3 years

Charles C. Anderson Post

– 1 year

West Lafayette Post 492 – 1 year

Donald E. Converse Post 85

– 1 year

Kenneth L. Diver Post 337

– 1 year

Atkins Saw Post 355 – 1 year

The Awards And Who Gets ‘Em

The Department Convention awards scheduled for presentation during the 89th annual Department convention were arrayed stage-side prior to the start of the convention as a silent reminder of the hard work that goes into a successful membership year. The awards all were presented during the two-day convention, and went to deserving Legionnaires such as James B. May of Post 18, a frequent presence on the convention stage this year.

Use Member Data Form For Corrections, Changes

Dear Jessie: I just received my 2008 card and the continuous years are incorrect and my address is incorrect because I’ve recently moved. Who should I contact to correct these changes, my Post or Department?

Lost Out

Dear Lost: Your best bet is to stop by your post and have the adjutant there complete a Member Data Form. Be sure he signs it. You can correct your address and continuous years right on the form. The completed member data form should be sent to the Membership Office at Department Headquarters. We will make sure both our

Editors Note: The Ask Jessie feature is designed to answer you questions about the Department Membership program, and provide information for both membership workers and interested members alike. Please send your questions concerning membership to Jessica Berggren, Senior Membership Specialist, c/o Department Headquarters. And don’t be surprised if a question from one of your phone calls to Jessie ends up in the paper!

records and those at National Headquarters are updated.

Dear Jessie: I am a newly elected Post Adjutant and I’ve heard two different amounts for the Department per capita per Legion member. Is it $27 or $27.50?

Need Information

Dear Need Information:

Hammond’s Victory Post 168 Takes Second Consecutive Community Involvement Award

In an effort to recognize, the accomplishments and outreach of American Legion Posts in their communities, the Department of Indiana established the Community Involvement Award in 2006.

Eric Baggett, chairman of the committee assigned to oversee and select the award winner, presented this year’s award to Hammond Victory Post 168 in the First District.

“This award, I believe, is destined to become one of the most prestigious and meaningful awards we give, not only because it recognizes ef-

forts to serve the community, but also because such efforts form the most solid underpinning of a successful membership program,” Baggett told delegates to the 89th Annual Department Convention in Merrillville.

“Those posts that compete in this competition are among the best and the winners are truly outstanding.”

The award is the second consecutive win for Post 168, competing in the under-500 member category. There were no entrants in the over-500 member category.

The Department per capita is $13.50. The National Organization’s per capita is $13.50. The total amount which must accompany your transmittal of renewed or new members is $27 per member.

Dear Jessie:

I live in two different states throughout the year, one state in the winter and another in the summer. Do I have to contact my Post each time I leave and come back or is there a simpler way to keep my two addresses on file?

Dear Snowbird:

Snowbird

Ask your Post Adjutant to get the “Snowbird” form out of the 2007-2008 Department Membership Awards Guide, which he received with your Post’s 2008 membership cards and roster. Complete the form and return it to the Membership Office here at Department Headquarters. Be sure to include the dates on which you want the mail to revert to each address. Forms are also available from the Membership Office if the Post Adjutant does not have them.

Ask Jessie

Whole Story On Somerville Is More Than Meets The Bio

Who is Tommy Somerville?

The easy answer is, he’s the newly elected Commander of The American Legion Department of Indiana. But to get at the substance of the man, to find the more subtle and substantive answer to that question, the Hoosier Legionnaire caught up with the life-long Hammond native on his first official visit to Department Headquarters where he took time out to answer all, even the impertinent, questions posed to him by the Hoosier Legionnaire. Here, unvarnished and in his own words, is Tommy Somerville.

Hoosier Legionnaire—Let’s start with the easy stuff. Where were you raised? Where did you go to school, that kind of thing.

Commander Somerville—Well, you already know where I’m from. I was born and raised there. But what you don’t know is I went to Harding Elementary School – the same school that’s featured in The Christmas Story by Jean Sheppard. As a matter of fact, he grew up just one street over from where I did.

Hoosier Legionnaire—Is that your only brush with fame?

Commander Somerville

Yep. But that isn’t where my education ended. I graduated from Morton High School in 1962 and attended Indiana University Northwest until I was drafted. That was 1965. I went to basic training Fort Knox, and then I went to Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey for

Short Takes

training in Signal Communication. They sent me to Vietnam, right after training, and I was assigned to the 69th Signal Battalion as a microwave radio repairman.

Hoosier Legionnaire

Were you in the field?

Commander Somerville—No. I was stationed at the air base (Ton Son Nhut) in Saigon. I actually stayed 13 months instead of the regular 12 month tour, because I got an early out for extending that extra month. I thought that was a pretty good deal.

Hoosier Legionnaire—And after that?

Commander Somerville—

Let’s see. That was 1967, when I got back. I started a job, but my old boss in the hardware business, who I had worked for before I went into the

Department Officers ReadyTo Launch New Year

Congratulations to the 2007-2008 Department and District officers. Once again, we have an outstanding leadership team to take on the challenges of membership, youth activities, legislative issues at the local, state and federal levels as well as providing as much community service as possible.

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

As we near the sixth anniversary of the attack on America on September 11, 2001, let us strengthen our resolve to continue the fight against those who would do our country great harm.

Regardless of our political position, political party or conservative/liberal views, we as veterans must continue to support our troops and encourage other Americans to be supportive.

Presidential politics have a way of polarizing views, opin-

Chaplain’s Corner

ions and anger among voters. We cannot allow our troops to become political footballs by either party or any candidate as they aspire to become president. Nor can we permit those who support candidates to create an environment where our troops are belittled or scorned as many were during Vietnam.

Furthermore, take your status as a citizen seriously as you prepare for the upcoming elections. Be sure you vote, but make certain your vote is an informed vote. You’ll be reading and hearing a lot of dicta (BS) from all of the candidates. Hold their feet to the fire and enter your polling place as knowledgeable about the issues as possible.

Finally, have a great new Legion year and work to make a difference.

Army asked me to come back and help him out. I did, and I ended up staying with him a while.

Hoosier Legionnaire

What do you mean by a ‘while?’

Commander Somerville— Almost 30 years.

Hoosier Legionnaire—Oh.

Commander Somerville

In 1995 I left the hardware business and went to work in the North Township Assessors office in Lake County. Within a year I was given the job of chief deputy, which is the No. 2 guy behind the elected assessor. I pretty much ran the office until 2005, when I retired from there.

Hoosier Legionnaire—Tell me about your wife and children.

Commander Somerville

Auxiliary News

I’m not married. You know that.

Hoosier Legionnaire True, but I don’t know why. This is my subtle way of prying into your private life.

Commander Somerville —It’s really simple. I guess I never found the right woman. I was never really looking, actually. I do miss not having kids. I really like kids and I’m kind of sorry I didn’t have any. I miss having my own son to coach in baseball. I went through a lot of kids, and none of them are my own.

Hoosier Legionnaire Baseball has been a big part of your life, hasn’t it? Especially American Legion Baseball.

Commander Somerville That’s right. I got involved in baseball when a friend of mine asked me to help coach his American Legion ball team. I was active in Little League before my army service, primarily as a coach, and was interested in getting back into something like that. He asked me if I wanted to coach Legion ball, and I agreed to do it. That was, oh, about 1969, maybe 1970. I kept on coaching Legion ball until I became state baseball chairman, a job I had for eight years. I’ve been on the baseball committee a lot longer than that, though. Probably for about as long as I’ve been a member of the Legion.

Hoosier Legionnaire—Do you ever see any of the youngsters you coached?

Commander Somerville— Oh, yeah. I run across the kids

Auxiliary Efforts to Focus On Children & Youth

Our Troops and Our Children. What a great way to start our year.

I am looking forward to working with you this year. Like Commander Tom’s theme says, “Team Unity For Now And The Future.”

Judy Butler Auxiliary President

We are going to have a great and fun year, One of my projects this year is buying new furniture for the Lincoln and Tecumseh Rooms at the Indiana Veterans Home. The cost is $1,650 per room. I want to give a big “Thank You” to our past department presidents for their donation. Thanks to you they now have one room furnished. My other project is a dance floor video game for the children at the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown. The price ranges from $6,875 to $14,975. Please be generous in your monetary donations this year. Let us

also remember what our organization is about: promoting our programs, and supporting our veterans, our troops and their families. I do want to mention membership. As you know, the national organization will not be mailing our renewal notices until October, and it is going to be hard for all of us to get membership. Please spread the word. Word of mouth is always a good way to get the message out. I would like to make our goal of 55 percent at the Knightstown Home Membership Turn-In. With your help I know we can make itt happen.” We are doing all that we can to help membership as we currently have four Legion, seven Auxiliary, and 12 SAL members in our immediate family. I am so proud to be a part of our great organization.

I coached all the time. They are adults now, of course, and some have kids of their own playing Legion ball now. I run into them, and they remember me. At least they say they do. I think they really do remember. Here’s a story to prove it.

Do you remember Hal Morris? I coached him when he was a kid, and later he played for the Cincinnati Reds, signed with the Yankees and was Don Mattingly’s roommate. He seemed to just keep going wherever Lou Pinnella went. Well, in 1991, I was still in the hardware business and Cincinnati was going to the World Series. The phone rings in the store and it’s Hal Morris. We talked a little and then he says, “How’d you like to go to the World Series? Well, what do you think I said? He had two complementary tickets for me to the World Series, and I picked them up at the window.

Yeah, I think they remember me.

Hoosier Legionnaire During our many discussions, we have touched on your devotion to your sister, who

suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. How is it that you, a confirmed bachelor who, frankly, many men might envy for the freedom that suggests, spend so much of your time as her primary caregiver?

Commander Somerville

It is sort of like why I spend so much of my time with young people. I want to see them healthy. It’s bad enough to see unhealthy adults, let alone kids. I want to do what I can.

It’s true. I have a handicapped sister; she has MS. She can’t walk, but she does work full time. I take her to work, pick her up. She operates out of a wheel chair, and we live in the same house I was born and raised in.

Hoosier Legionnaire—But why do you do it?

Commander Somerville —I was a caregiver for my dad. Rather than put him in a nursing home, I said ‘why can’t I do this?’ Then I did it for my mom. I was single, I had plenty of time. Then when my sister became worse, I said, ‘why can’t I do this for her, too?’ So I did. This was long before I ever

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SAL News New SAL Commander Ready for Challenges

We will be building on a strong foundation this year. I am truly honored to serve as the 33rd Commander of the Detachment of Indiana Sons of The American Legion. Our theme this year is “Maintaining Contact.” The challenge is before us; more than 35,000 members of this Detachment will rise to the task.

Dwayne Alexander Department Adjutant

I look forward serving with Legion Department Commander Somerville and Auxiliary Department President Butler. Bringing our organizations closer together will prove to be a win-win situation for us all.

My membership chairman this year hails from the northwest corner of our state, the 1st District. Glenn Nagel has set our goal at two cards per squadron over close of books. That totals 35,955 members. I’m sure we will exceed that because there are a lot of good, eligible descendents of veterans out there waiting to be asked to join the Sons.

One of my first duties has been to set fundraising goals for a variety of charitable purposes. We have excellent leadership one the committees leading our fundraising efforts. Mike Sundy, CWF Chairman, has been given a goal of $50,000. Mike Ar-

end, CMN Chairman, is out to raise $15,000. James Arter, Sr., IVH Chairman, has a goal of $10,000. David Siggers, Knightstown Home Chairman, will spearhead plans to raise $10,000. My Commander’s Project will be Habitat for Humanity and I will work to raise $30,000 for their good work. All combined, I’m asking Sons throughout Indiana to help provide $115,000 in support to these very worthwhile causes.

On top of that amount, I know that many squadrons raise money for many local and regional projects. I’m sure many local charities will benefit from the kindness of our giving. Habitat for Humanity was introduced to the Legion Family last year. Sons have always taken to heart the ideals and programs of our sponsoring organization. Doing work like this in the name of The Legion Family shows we are very thankful to be part of this great organization. I look forward to serving as your Detachment Commander and hope to see many of you as I travel across this great state of ours while promoting programs, building membership, and having fun along the way. Remember those in uniform, whether serving in harm’s way or here at home.

New Year Offers Opportunity For Renewal and New Beginnings

You can tell summer is nearing an end as you go through the store aisles and see notebooks, pencils, crayons and glue. School will soon be starting. Parents will be stocking up with new clothes, backpacks and equipment that each student needs. We always took first day of school pictures of our children. Looking back gives us some fond memories as we see again the excitement each child shows. Each one proudly displays new clothes, shoes, and backpacks. Of course the favorite new clothes were always put on for the first day!

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

new box of crayons which has all the colors whole and unbroken? Each new class had its wonders and experiences. It was always good to see your “buds” which you hadn’t seen since school let out. It was an exciting time of the year. Outside of the school food which never changed, everything was a new and stimulating adventure.

es, got braces put on or taken off, and there were even personality changes. Girls grew into women and boys turned into men.

What do you remember about your first day of school through the years? I loved the new pencils all sharp with square erasers, new notebooks, and paper keepers. Who can forget the smell of a

The beginning of school brought changes and challenges. New students would move in while others had moved away. Moving up in the grades brought changes of class schedules, new alignments and associations. There were always some new relationships to establish. Even old friends changed in just three months. Classmates were taller, wore glass-

These were often the greatest changes in our lives and rapidly forced us to adapt and rearrange our lives. Our experiences during summer break at camp, work, and vacation often had great impact on our lives. We learned that life is not stagnant. These were exciting times where there was always something new to try or to experience. We were not afraid to learn or try different things.

In the adult world change is often more subtle. A position or task may be held for years. Once we learn a task, we tend to just keep doing it that same way. Our duties become comfortable and, at times mindless. Under these conditions growth can stagnate in our personal, spiritual and orga-

nizational life. Life becomes a “same ol’, same ol’”. Things are secure and ordered, but they are not going anywhere. We tend to warehouse our lives, storing up and staying secure.

The reality is that immediately after our growth peaks, we begin to loose ground. Even if we don’t change, the world around us changes and by not going forward, we fall further behind. One of my professors presented a study showing that people experience a loss of ninety percent of the knowledge gained three years after completing a course. The cliché “If you snooze you lose” has a lot of validity.

I pastured a church that always talked about the “new building” even though it was over forty years old and fell into great need of repair. They had followed the “Ronco” advertisement, “Set it and forget

it”. They were oblivious to the deterioration and made no changes at the same time they were wondering why they weren’t the church they once were. Living in oblivion can even become dangerous as accidents happen when we don’t pay attention.

It is said that the last seven words of a dying church or organization are, “We never did it that way before” and the five last words are, “Who did it last year?” A declining organization measures success when “everyone was there” while a growing organization measures success by “how many were there”. If we keep doing things the same way, we will get the same results. Making excuses only eases the pain; sooner or later there aren’t enough to keep going.

I believe we need to take a lesson from the good old school days where we achieved some of the greatest

growth of our lives. We tried some new things; we were willing to learn and to change. We may have failed at a few things, but in school even failure becomes a new learning experience. While a rudder is the smallest component on a ship, even a slight shift in position will radically change the direction. Trying one new thing can become the beginning of a new course. As school starts this year, what new things are you willing to learn? What changes are you willing to make in your post’s life? Our learning and trying new ways can bring change to the whole. Learning and doing new things is still as exciting as it was during the “good old school days”! Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(KJV)

Newly elected Department Commander Tommy Somerville, bearing the visible sign of his new responsibilities – the white cap – appears with his predecessor, Jim Delaney, shortly after the reins of authority were passed between them at the close of 89th annual Department Convention. Somerville brings to the office a unique dedication to the welfare of young people.