2009/2010 December/January The Hoosier Legionnaire

December 2009/January 2010

National Commander Praises President’s Troop Surge Plan

Legion Nevertheless Concerned Over ‘Exit Strategy’ Containing Artificial Timeline’ For Withdrawal

The American Legion is praising President Obama’s decision to send more troops to Afghanistan, but is troubled by some reports that the administration might set artificial timelines for withdrawal.

“The American Legion is opposed to any exit strategy that takes place before the mission in Afghanistan is accomplished,” National Commander Clarence Hill said.

“To do otherwise would more correctly be called a ‘surrender strategy’ to which the Legion would be opposed.”

Hill said the 30,000 additional troops that President Obama reportedly will send to Afghanistan are a step in the right direction.

“As I said back in September, I would have liked for him to send the 40,000 that Gen. Stanley McChrystal requested, but at least the president is not heeding the call by many in Washington to scale down our efforts,” he said. “The best way to address the extremely high demands that we are placing on our military heroes is to increase our overall military troop levels, a policy that the Legion has advocated since long before the war on terrorism started.”

In October, The American Legion unanimously passed Resolution 1, which states, in part, “The American Legion fully supports the men, women and leadership of our armed forces as they are engaged in the global war on terrorism...”

A Change For Good

Season’s Symbol

The enduring symbol of the Christmas Season provides the officers and staff of The Department of Indiana the opportunity not only to wish the men and women of The American Legion Family the happiest and most meaningful of holidays and a most Happy New Year, but to reflect on the great privilege it is to serve those who served the nation.

White’s Agency Fills Unique Void In Child Services

With the closing of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailor’s Children’s Home at Knightstown, the Department of Indiana is left with a void in its programs in support of one of the four pillars of the organization – support of the nation’s children and youth. Although support of the Home provided the Department with a unique opportunity to support not only the children of veterans but also a group of children not well served by current social programs, the need for similar involvement by the Legion continues, according to a decision by the Department Executive Committee.

The DEC approved continuation of the Knightstown Home Committee as a permanent committee of the organization for at least

SNAFU Snares Mid-Winter Conference

January 15-16 is New Date, Agenda Remains Unchanged; Membership Target Date Now A Mail-In—No Date Change

Legion Family members planning to attend the Mid-Winter Conference in January got an unexpected response when they began calling the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East last month for room reservations for the annual confab.

partment Adjutant Steve Short.

Hospitality Room Assignments

another year, and charged it with reviewing other programs, activities and opportunities for possible support. According to newly appointed Knightstown Home Committee Chairman Jim Daube, “there are plenty of programs and activities out there. It’s up to us to find them, evaluate them and recommend one – or more – of them to the Department as appropriate for the use of Legion resources.”

Among those under consideration – all of which will be featured in future issues of the Hoosier Legionnaire— is White’s Residential and Family Services, which provides a variety of residential and other support services around the state. The following information was provid-

ed by Dana Brady, Annual Fund Director for Whites RFS.

***

The most deserted of children. One who is left alone and turns to life on the streets. One who is addicted to the same drugs as his parents. One who runs away and attempts suicide because she feels that no one loves her. One who believes he is worthless because he is chastised and beaten. One who spends her time alone in her room lost in silence. One who watches and waits for someone to pick him up at school, only no one comes.

Our founder, Josiah White, wrote “the door is here to be opened to the most deserted children.”

That door has been open

What’s Next? Gravesites?

Soledad, “Mojave Cross” Under Siege

As National Commander Clarence Hill visited the Department of California earlier this month, a battle raged – and continues—in San Diego over a case that resembles one that went before the Supreme Court in October and is awaiting a ruling.

The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial near San Diego features a 29-foot Latin cross that was erected in 1954 to honor U.S. veterans. The American Civil Liberties Union wants the cross taken down because it stands on public land; the case currently is awaiting a ruling in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is still deciding whether the Sunrise Rock War Memorial—known as the “Mojave Cross”—will remain standing in the Mojave Desert.

“As the nation awaits the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on whether a harmless cross can remain in the Mojave Desert as a tribute to veterans, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is considering another important case right here in California this week,” Hill said during his visit to the West Coast.

“The ACLU is trying to remove a similar cross from

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since 1850, when White established the institution that bears his name with a bequest from his will. White’s Residential & Family Services has grown to become Indiana’s largest social services agency offering accredited, comprehensive services for children as residents or in foster care and for families.

In 2008, White’s provided direct assistance to more than 3,400 children and families through its various programs and nine offices around the state.

Our residential services program, situated on the original 800-acre campus near Wabash, provides a loving home for children in need. All aspects of the residential program, ranging

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“What conference?”

With that, perplexed Legionnaires began to pepper Department Headquarters with questions and complaints, only to find out that so far as the hotel was concerned, there was no conference scheduled for the weekend on which reservations were being requested.

“I immediately reviewed the contract, which had been signed three years earlier, and sure enough the dates for 2010 were not what we had been publicizing. There was nothing left to do but to kick into gear a major communications and revision project to get everything fit onto the new dates.”

“It was what we called in the Army a monumental Charlie-Foxtrot,” said De-

Within days, Short had contacted all Department Officers, scheduled participants, district commanders and committee chairman, and the entertainer scheduled for the Commander’s party to be sure the

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Health Advocacy Service

The Department of Indiana, in cooperation with one of its long-time benefits partners, is offering an innovative new program for members of The American Legion Family designed to help navigate the turgid waters of health care and related services.

Health Proponent—a program available through the Legionnaire Insurance Trust—offers expert, personalized help to solve a full range of healthcare and insurance problems.

The complexity of the healthcare system can make it difficult to find and understand the information necessary to make informed decisions, resolve thorny coverage or billing issues, or get a timely appointment with a specialist.

The change in conference dates caused a delay in assignment of District hospitality parlors, which prevented the list of assigned rooms from being distributed as usual.Those assignments are: District 1, Commander Fred Lemos, Room 109; District 2, Commander Dana Clark, Room 115; District 3, Commander James Hewitt, Room 121; District 4, Commander Larry Funk, Room 119; District 5, Commander Don Cole, Room 129; District 6, Commander Cliff Stephens, Room 117; District 7, Commander Kenny Ellis, Room 125; District 8, Commander Mel Jantzen, Room 111; District 9, Commander Alex Crook, Room 131; District 10, Commander Paul Smith, Room 123; and District 11, Commander Kenneth Cooper, Room 127. 73%

Health advocacy services have emerged as a bridge between the consumer, insurance company and health providers, offering help to address complicated, timeconsuming healthcare- and insurance-related issues.

Here are some of the many things the Health Proponent program does:

Helps resolve insurance claims and assist with negotiating billing and payment arrangements.

Helps find the right doctors, hospitals, dentists and other leading healthcare providers anywhere in the country. Helps negotiates medical bills.

Additional information on this unique program is available by calling 866-9393435.

due to drop the next renewal notice during the first week of January.

National Commander Announces Cash Award For 2009 Membership Increase

National Commander Clarence Hill is offering big bucks to the District that records real, positive growth over the end of the 2008 calendar year.

He recently announced a new District Commander’s incentive award, called “The Christmas Bonus Award.” It will be presented to all district commanders who finish the 2009 calendar year ahead of the previous year’s end. In order to qualify for this award, the district must go above and beyond its December 31, 2008, membership total. Any district which, as of December 31, 2009, exceeds its membership standing by at least one percent or greater will receive a mon-

etary check authorized by the National Commander, recognizing the determined leadership and successful membership program of the district.

For each one percent increase over last year’s membership, an additional $50 will be awarded.

Districts qualify for this award as soon as they exceed their December 31, 2008, membership total, but not later than December 31, 2009. This award check will be sent to the department for distribution at an appropriate time.

The award breaks down like this: The district must have at least a one percent increase

over its December 31, 2008, membership by December 31, 2009, to qualify for this award. Example based on a district whose membership was 500 members on December 31, 2008, follows:

1 percent increase = 505; The award will be $50.

2 percent increase = 510; The award will be $100.

3 percent increase = 515; The award will be $150.

4 percent increase = 520; The award will be $200.

5 percent increase = 525; The award will be $250. District Commanders should submit their claim to the Department Membership Office, which will verify the achievement and forward the claim to the National Internal Affairs Division.

Soledad, “Mojave Cross” Under Siege

Continued from page 1

Mount Soledad. If the ACLU succeeds, are the thousands of crosses and Stars of David at veterans’ cemeteries next?" Hill said a decision calling for the removal of either cross is wrong for multiple reasons. “How can the United States be considered ‘one nation under God' if it removes all symbols of God from the public square?” Hill asked.

“The American Legion believes that these symbols are not only worth preserving, but the government of the United States should also do everything in its power to end these frivolous lawsuits. Not only should the

courts rule against those who would remove the symbols of veterans memorials, but Congress should also pass the Veterans’ Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2009, preventing the ACLU and like-minded organizations from bilking the public treasury to pay for its misguided lawsuits against religious memorials.”

Liberty Legal Institute filed an amicus brief representing millions of veterans through The American Legion in the case, billed as Jewish War Veterans v. City of San Diego, to save the memorial from being torn down.

“Tearing down this vet-

Conference

conference could continue as planned, but on the weekend of January 15-16, 2010.

“With the exception of the date and a few minor glitches, it will go off as planned. I cannot tell you how much I regret the inconvenience and confusion that this has caused, and I have assured everyone within listening range that nothing like this will ever happen again,” Short said.

A review of the participants and the schedule, along with new confirmations shows that the scheduled training seminars, committee meetings and related activities will go off as planned, with one significant exception.

“Because our Department membership target dates are always scheduled to precede the National Target Dates, the change in our conference date has had a serious effect on our membership turn-in set for the conference,” said

Jerry Jordan, Department Membership Chairman.

“We will still maintain our scheduled target date of January 8-9, but it will be a card mail-in, not a turn-in. We will accept cards until noon on Monday, January 11, which will allow us to process cards and transmit in time for the National Target Date on Wednesday, January 13. All awards that are scheduled to be determined by the January 8-9 turn-in will be determined by results from that mail-in as scheduled,” he said.

Jordan also said additional cards will be accepted during the Conference, but will not be part of the target date turn-in of the previous weekend.

In addition to the usual schedule of committee and commission meetings the conference will feature a special presentation by representatives of White’s Residential & Family Services to

erans’ memorial would be a disgrace,” said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel of Liberty Legal Institute and attorney for The American Legion.

“It would not only dishonor those who have spilled their blood and given the ultimate sacrifice for their country, but it would open up veterans memorials nationwide to attack.”

The memorial’s Latin cross, the traditional symbol used in World War I memorials, is surrounded by six concentric walls with names and photos of fallen soldiers, including other symbols such as Stars of David, and is dedicated to the memory of World War I, World War II and Korean War veteran.

members of the Knightstown Home Committee at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16.

White’s Institute, founded by Josiah White in 1850, is Indiana’s largest social services agency offering accredited, comprehensive services for children as residents or in foster care and for families, using a residential and house parent model.

The presentation is the second of a series of addresses designed to help the committee determine if and to whom continued support of the state’s young people, in the style previously provided to the young people at the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home, can be continued.

Also scheduled are presentations by the Department of Revenue, focusing on the ever-changing charitable gaming environment in Indiana, and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Both offer valuable information to post officers, club managers and members of executive boards. Charity gaming will be 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Liberty Ballroom; Post Liability Seminar will be 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Salon C.

Two special presentations also have been scheduled.

White’s Residential Facility

from the treatment-based counseling services to the nurturing family style of the cottages, focus specifically on addressing the individual needs of high risk, vulnerable children.

The houseparent model, rare among residential programs, helps demonstrate good parenting, marriage, and caring relationships to our youth.

“More Blessed to Give…”

Department Adjutant Steve Short presides over the annual gift exchange that marks the Commander’s Christmas Party in Indianapolis each year, assisted by the commander’s able assistant, Aubrey Real. Meanwhile, First Lady Rosie Newman shows off a new set of tools by which she will attempt to maintain the Newman Household while he husband runs around the Department.

Stephen Short.........................................................Publisher

Hugh Dagley .................................................................Editor

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

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

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

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

Volume AC, Number 6 December 2009/January 2010 Circulation 120,000 Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

The Association Information Management system, AIM, a software program provided by the National Organization to ease management of Post records, will be conducted by representatives from the National Organization’s Management Information Systems Division throughout the day between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Salon 6&7. Information on the National Personnel Records Center will be provided in Salons D&E from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The day’s activities on Saturday will end with the Commander’s Party beginning at 8:00 p.m. with a “Sea Cruise” theme. It will also feature the grand prize drawings in the semi-annual Department Raffle.

• Total

Emergency Shelter Care is also available for children in need of a safe, temporary placement out of crisis situations. A robust Spiritual Life Program helps children find healing, hope and love through youth-oriented chapel services, Bible study groups, prayer partners, visiting speakers, and Christian concerts.

Another important aspect of White’s residential program is our fully accredited on-campus Junior/Senior High School. White’s is the only residential program in the state with a fully-accredited secondary school on site. With a low student-toteacher ratio, strict behavior standards, and mandatory

study times, students often begin to experience academic success unlike they have before.

As a member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, students can also take part in high school

ing to provide a loving home to these neglected children is immediate and pressing, and White’s recruits, licenses, and trains foster parents to help meet this need.

in

athletics, something that may have been impossible for them in their prior situations.

Finally, the school also offers a Credit Recovery Program, which helps students “make up for lost time,” earning credit for classes they were unable to complete at their previous high schools because of their personal or family situation.

Besides our Wabash campus, White’s has eight other regional offices around the state, providing foster care for abused, neglected, delinquent, emotionally impaired, physically and mentally handicapped children. The need for foster parents will-

Veterans Spotlight

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Employment Service Office, Local Veterans Employment Representative, and Disabled Veterans Employment Award Applications: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/serviceawards.pdf

The American Legion Department of Indiana must approve and forward completed applications to the

National Headquarters by January 15, 2010, so please try to return your applications to The America Legion Department of Indiana Service Office, Room, 325, 575 North Pennsylvania Street, by December 31, 2009.

You have likely come in contact with someone you could nominate for one of these awards. Maybe it’s that local veterans’ employment or disabled veterans

White’s also provides home-based services to meet the needs of families in crisis through inhome counseling and support; transitional living services for youth preparing for independence; and adoption services, helping provide permanent Christian homes for children available for adoption.

Children with White’s experience a change for good. Their perception of themselves and others has changed. Their understanding of life has changed. They become caring people and move into life with confidence. Their experience here can never be taken from them.

Thanks to committed individuals and organizations, White’s will continue to create a change for good in the lives of hurting children far into the future.

More information about White’s is available from Bill Gray, Marketing Director at 260-563-1158 or e-mail at bill.gray@whitesrfs.org.

employment representative that help you find a job, or possibly your own employer you could nominate. This American Legion goal today is no different than in 1919 or 1947: helping veterans find and maintain suitable employment. With your help, the awards program is one way The American Legion can contribute in meeting that goal.

DISTRICT 1

Fred Lemos Commander

It is the precept that our Founding Fathers Based the creation of this Nation, Upon the right to pursue Life, Liberty and Self Government.

These truths are incorporated in our Preamble, And our Constitution and By-Laws

By Dennis Shults

First District Public Relations Officer

Commander Fred Lemos and his wife Becky hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season, putting another calendar year behind us. Commander Fred wants to remind us of several upcoming events, including the First District Bowling Tournament which will be held at Plaza Lanes, 8101 Kennedy Avenue, Highland, January 23 & 24, 2010. Commander Lemos would like to offer a special prize of $50 to anyone with a perfect score of 300.

The First District Oratorical Contest, hosted by Post 16 and Commander Dan Buksa, will take place at Munster High School, 8808 Columbia Avenue, Munster, January 24, 2010. This promises to be an eventful year, so come be a part of the contest, be a volunteer and help Dan with this event.

The Four Chaplains Program will be hosted at Post 20 in Crown Point, February 14, 2010. This has always been one of the brightest highlights of the year in the First District, a great program that always has an excellent attendance record due to interesting guest speakers, so let’s show our respect with a good turn out.

A new radio show, “Veterans Views,” for veterans, about veterans and by veterans started October 2, 2009.

It is presented by Hammond Victory Post 168 on WJOB Radio, 1230 AM on your radio tuner.

The show is hosted by Post 168 Commander Patrick O’Donnell; nationally certified 1st District Officer and Post 168 2nd Vice Commander, Donald Shults; and nationally certified VFW 1st District Service Officer and Post 168 1st Vice Commander Dan Archer.

The show is available on the internet at WJOB Radio (use the search engine).

Listen on line, or at www. heyRegion.com. Watch live where you can call in with questions or comments at 219-845-1100.

The show airs every Friday at 9:00 a.m. It originally started as a 30-minute show; however, in this short period of time the popularity has grown, to the point where the radio station is broadcasting the program in a full two-hour time slot, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The main purpose of the program is to share information with the listening audience, trying to help veterans, their spouses and their families with answers about VA benefits, housing for homeless veterans, job opportunities through the Work One organization, and answer whatever questions the audience asks.

Commander Lemos wants to remind everyone this is the time of year for calling your unpaid members, to see if they are ill or on hard times and if there is any way your posts can be of assistance. Commander Lemos states this will be an exciting year with your helping keeping the First District in good standing with membership and working our Legion Programs.

DISTRICT 2

Dana

Clark

Commander

Season Greetings to everyone from First Lady Dee and me. We hope that this Holiday Season finds you in good health and spirit. Christmas is the season for giving so let’s all make an effort to give to the Legion programs whether it is monetary or otherwise.

Congratulations to the Second District Green Machine Membership Team!

Your hard efforts have kept the Second District in first place at each Department Membership Target Date through November.

That means we have claimed the Membership Trophy four out of four times. Keep up the good work, Membership Chairman Denny Pettit and Vice Commanders.

That is the good news. The bad news is that the Second District is currently 353 members behind this same time last year. This trend has become much too familiar throughout the Department of Indiana and National and has to take a turn for the better or the possibility of extinction could become reality and along with it all of the great American Legion programs.

As the year progresses traditionally the rate of membership renewals slows down. I encourage every Post to look at your Green Bar and contact your one and two year non-renewals to ask them to rejoin our organization as well as those current members who have not paid their 2010 dues. And of course, always continue to recruit new members. They are out there. All you have to do is JUST ASK!

so yet.

The reception that I have received during my Post visitations has been wonderful and I thank those Posts for their kindness and generosity.

Our District meetings have been well attended but there is still room for improvement. We have 48 Posts in the Second District and I would be elated to hear each and every one of you answer roll call at a District meeting. District meetings are where you gain knowledge of what is happening outside of your Posts at a District, Department and National level as well as an opportunity for your Post to let us know your thoughts and accomplishments. Post Commanders in particular, or his or her representative, need to attend these District meetings so

they can take this knowledge back to your Post and share it with your local membership. District meeting schedules were mailed to each Post; if you have not received one contact myself and I will forward you one. We also have a fun time at these meetings so if you have never attended one, try it. You’ll like it! I have many more thoughts I would like to share but will save them for future issues of this publication. So in closing I would like to say keep up the good work, Green Machine, in everything you do to make the Second District ‘Second To None!’ I am proud to be your District Commander and Dee and I sincerely appreciate your support and friendship.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of The American Legion Family.

DISTRICT 3

James Hewitt Commander

Children’s Welfare Fund.

Well, here it is the end of another year and Commander Hewitt and his officers of the Third District hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, wishes all a very Merry Christmas, and wishes everyone well for the coming year.

We have some posts that have been busy since our last article. Post 210 in Middlebury has the following to report:

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ous year. They presented the check to the Fort Wayne Autism Chapter.

And finally, LaPorte Post 83 presented a Veteran’s Day

program at Hailmann Elementary School, including flag etiquette and care for our nation’s flag. Happy Holidays from the Mighty Third!

DISTRICT 4

Greetings from the Fourth District and my fellow District Commanders.

We have been busy here in the Fourth District. By the end of December we will have made 20 visitations. This leaves only about eight Posts after the first of the year. The Fourth District is currently in 5th place in the Department as I write this letter. We have been close to the number of cards turned in last year several times. The membership teams have been working hard all year and I thank them for their efforts.

some sort of activity going on. Most had some sort of food that was served as a way of saying thanks for their service. On November 7, 2009, there was a Veterans Day parade in Fort Wayne from State Street to the Memorial Coliseum. Past Fourth District Commander Charlie Rathsack was the featured speaker. The Legion Riders also participated in the parade. After the parade they rode to the VA Hospital and presented a check to the hospital for things that they needed.

A reminder to all Posts who have a canteen: you can not, by Indiana Excise Law, serve a member unless he or she has a 2010 card in his or her possession starting January 1, 2010. So check those membership cards now and remind your members to renew before the first of the year if they have not already done so.

Membership Renewal Post Cards are available at no cost for each post to mail a friendly reminder to those current members who have not yet renewed. These Post Cards are available through either your Second District Vice Commanders or myself. Please contact any of us if you would like any. They have proven in the past to be very effective.

I would like to congratulate Burlington Post 414, Hebron Post 190, and Lake Village Post 375 for already achieving or exceeding their 2009-2010 membership goals.

The Second District also has twenty Posts that are at or above the recent target goal of 75 percent. Congratulations to you 20 Posts! To those Posts that are below the target goal: if you need help in anyway to achieve and hopefully exceed your goal, please let either myself or your Vice Commander know what we can do to help.

As most of you know I recently went through major surgery that slowed down my Post visitations for about a month, but I am recovering very well and have started traveling again. I look forward to attending your Post meetings if I have not done

Squadron 210 SAL members honored veterans on November 7 with a nice corned beef and cabbage meal. Then, on November 11, several members visited schools, nursing homes and participated in a funeral for a WWII veteran. On November 14 the post held its annual Early Bird Dinner; members of the Legion Family who paid their 2010 dues received their meal for free. In addition, $100 was given to a 2010 paid member whose name was drawn. The delicious meal was prepared by members of Ryan A. Balmer Post 161 in Mishawaka. After the dinner Bill Wargo, Elkhart County Prosecutor Chief Investigator and member of Post 210, gave a presentation on the “Epidemic of Meth in Elkhart County.”

Seven of Post 210’s members participated in a trip to Washington, DC. ALR Chapter 210 sponsored five members, the Legion sponsored one member and the SAL sponsored one member. In addition, the SAL gave each participant “pocket money” to cover some of their expenses.

The Legion Riders participated as escorts in the processions and stood flag line duty for the funerals of Lance Corporal Tenbrook of Middlebury and Staff Sergeant DeCrow of Plymouth.

The following groups were given donations to assist with their programs: Shop with a Cop, The Middlebury Food Pantry, Faith Mission, The Salvation Army, The Middlebury Men’s Club Thanksgiving Basket Project, and the Elkhart County Service Office.

The post home has begun collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program.

One of the members of Wanatah Post 403 was recently honored by being inducted into the Kentucky Colonels on his 75th birthday. Arranging for the award for Charles Martin, a past District Commander, was the work of his loving daughter Melissa. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual by the state of Kentucky. Congratulations, Charlie!

Third District SAL Commander Darin Batten announced plans for the Legion Family to participate in a “piggy smash” next spring to collect donations for the

The way this is going to work is Commander Batten is going to procure approximately 600 of the little piggy banks from the CWF chairman and begin distributing them to Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members to fill with change. When the date of the hog roast, yet to be determined, arrives, the admission to the festivities will be the filled up piggy. The piggy banks will be smashed open, money counted and the presented to the CWF. Of course, everyone is allowed to and encouraged to participate.

LaPorte County Post 130 has been busy donating to various causes recently. The Post and the Northwestern Jaycees combined their efforts and gave gift cards in the amount of $2500 to The Michigan City Area Schools to purchase coats, boots and other warm clothing for needy students. Food sales accounted for the collection of the funds donated. Donations were also made to purchase turkeys and help with the Toys for Tots program. Good job, Post 130!

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, The American Legion Families of Pulaski Post 357 and Bendix Aviation Post 284, spearheaded by their respective Sons of The American Legion Squadrons, hosted their fourth annual Toys For Tots drive. They were joined in supporting the program by the Marine Corps Reserves of Engineer Company B, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th MLG, and various other officers of the Third District Sons on Saturday, November 28, 2009.

Hot chocolate and coffee & donuts were provided by local 7-Eleven and other convenience stores for workers and guests as they donated their time and unwrapped new toys for the community. Past Squadron Commanders Lenny Genchoff and Dave Keck have been the co-organizers from the start.

Members of the South Bend Police and Fire Departments, along with Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriffs Department and Firefighters from New Carlisle were there with vehicle lights flashing. Santa and Mrs. Claus also were on hand to welcome folks and thank them for their donations. Afterwards, all the volunteers gathered at Post 284 for a slice or two of pizza donated by Barnaby's Pizza, South Bend, and enjoyed the fun and fellowship of the American Legion Family.

Osceola Post 308 sponsored their 2nd annual Autism Ride September 25. The 100 plus Legion Riders raised $4,500, more than doubling the $2,000 from the previ-

On a sad note on October 31, 2009, the Fourth District Historian, Norman J. Biddle, passed on. He had been fighting a heart and lung condition the last several months. We had a memorial service for him at Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier. This service was well attended by the Fourth District Officers, Fourth District Past Commanders, Fourth District Auxiliary, Fourth District S.A.L. Officers and Voiture 642 of the 40 & 8 where he was an active member. Norm was a great Legionnaire, 40 & 8er and a great friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

On October 5, 2009, Post 330 New Haven presented Commander Newman with a check for $9,000 for his Commander’s project. This bought another golf cart for the VA. There was a news team from WFFT Channel 55 Fort Wayne taping the event. Commander Newman then explained what the project was about to the news media, which they aired later. Post 97 Auburn was also recognized for its donation to this project. Two of the carts were purchased by Posts from the Fourth District.

On Veterans Day the posts in the Fourth District had

At 4:00 p.m. there was a Veterans Day Parade in Butler. The Legion Posts in Dekalb County, Post 97 in Auburn, Post 178 in Garrett and Post 202 in Butler participated in this parade along with other veterans’ organizations and civic groups. Also, the Legion Riders rode up from Fort Wayne and rode in this one. After the parade a dinner was served to the veterans in attendance sponsored by Post 202, the host post for this event. Later the oldest veteran of Dekalb County was introduced. He was Kenneth Graham, a WWII Veteran

Also, Sterling Robbins of Post 178, Garrett, was presented with the Veterans Advocate of the Year award for his efforts in helping other veterans. This event was put on by the Veterans Administration of Dekalb County and was headed up by Brian Lamm.

I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving Day and gave thanks for all the blessings that they received this last year. Also remember those who are in harm’s way and pray for their safe return home.

I hope that everyone has a great holiday season, and I will see you at Midwinter Conference.

DISTRICT 5

Don Cole Commander

The great train robbery— or rather should I say the” GREAT CANE” robbery— occurred down at National Convention. A walking cane, alleged to be owned by a Mr. Hugh Dagley, (and everyone knows that he is not disabled) was alleged to have been stolen by members of the Mighty Fifth District at National. This was never proven beyond a shadow of a doubt and for someone to point their fingers at the Fifth District, well, I never … At some point Fifth District Commander Don Cole and Past District Commander Dug (Fug Duggitt) Fugitt located the stolen cane. No thanks received for their action in this matter either. So the proper way to dispose of this walking cane alleged to be owned by Mr. Dagley was to auction it off. When the smoke cleared, we’d raised $600 for the Commanders Fund, all in good fun and for a good purpose.

(Editor’s Note: The editor is intimately acquainted with the forenamed Mr. Dagley, and in contrast to the many men of low character who populate the Fifth District, this Dagley is a man of stern stuff and impeccable reputation. Who to believe? Need we remind readers of the Fifth District’s well earned reputation for thievery and skullduggery? Is it necessary for

us to recount the unfortunate incident involving missing controls in the hotel elevator at the Hawaii Convention? I think not. Their guilt and culpability is established beyond all doubt.)

Hey, veteran: If you would like to join the American Legion, just contact your local Legion Post and someone there will guide you through joining our ranks. Welcome home! We would be proud to have you as a member.

American Legion Riders 5th District Meeting was held at Wabash Post 15, headed by Fifth District Rider Chairman Kent Mullett. The ALR later held a ride for the Special Olympics, where $3,028 was raised by this group of energetic ALR members! This is yet another example of Legionnaires motivated with big hearts.

Jack Lynn, Wabash Post 15, took a trip in one of the refueling planes out of Grissom Air Force Base. Course flying is nothing unusual for Jack. He was in the United States Air Force a long time ago. He said back then they sat on webbed seats, not the fancy seats he sat on this goaround.

Burt Myers, Wabash Post 15 Commander, died. Commander Myers helped so much when we brought the

Larry Funk Commander

DISTRICT

Clifford Stephens Commander

By Michael Patrick Sixth District Adjutant

We hope all members and their families had a wonderful and “filling” Thanksgiving. The Christmas and New Year’s Holidays are approaching. On behalf of all the District Officers we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please be safe and keep the members of our Armed Services and their families in your prayers.

The Sixth District is still doing well with membership this year. But it is the end of the year so keep in mind your 2010 dues need to be paid by January 1, 2010. We know the end of year holidays stretch budgets, but your dues need paid to be a Legionnaire “In Good Standing.” The District membership quota is unchanged from last year. We also need to contact the members who’ve not renewed and emphasize the importance of their membership. District 6 is not far from first place so far this year.

There is a relatively new service available from the National Archives regarding obtaining DD214s. If a person wants to obtain a copy of their military records, specifically a DD214, check out the http://vetrecs.archives.gov web site. One of our District Officers has tried the process and stated it worked and seems to be a good service.

It’s also possible for family members to obtain records of deceased veterans. This service can be of help to the Legion, Auxiliary, and SAL in recruiting and verifying eligibility of members.

Many thanks to all the

veterans who participated in Veterans Day activities. The annual Veterans Day parade in Terre Haute was not a parade this year, but was a funeral cortege for Army Sgt Dale Griffin who was killed in action in Afghanistan. It was a somber occasion and a graphic reminder of the price of freedom.

The Christmas drawing ticket sale was a great success. It raised a lot of funds to support Legion programs. The drawing is scheduled for Carmel Post 155 after this article is written. Winners will be posted on the District web site at www.indlegion6.org.

Again, we encourage you to attend the District meetings and the Department conferences. The Mid-Winter conference is at the Marriot East Conference Center, January 15-17, 2010. Hope to you there.

Our appreciation to all the posts represented at the November District meeting at Wayne Newton Post 346. Also present were Department Commander Bob Newman and Southern Vice Commander Jim May. We had 15 posts represented, the highest number in several months. We want to get that number even higher as we need the support of posts at the District meetings. Please try to have someone attend and represent your post. The next meeting is at Avon Post 145, January 10, 2010.

Reminder, please send the information for these articles to the Commander at cliffstep@verizon.net or to the Adjutant at mike4024@aim. com. The next article will be published in February so please have information to us by January 20th.

DISTRICT 7

Greetings from the Fighting Seventh.

The first and most important thing is membership. At this writing the District stands at 66.05 percent. That’s only good for 10th place and I don’t think we want to accept that. We only have about a month until year’s end. So, guys and gals, we need to pick up the pace and really get serious and I think we can get the job done. And now for the news:

On Nov. 2nd it was the district’s day at the Indiana Veterans Home. We passed out fruit and played bingo. We had seven Legion members.

They were Bill Kocher, Don Barry, Jimmy Walker, Jimmy May, Fred Lewis, Mike Brinson, and Commander Kenny Ellis. We also had 11 Auxiliary members. They were Rita Ellis, Charlene Barley, Louise Hyde, Cheryle Cox, Gracie Cooly, Susie Brinson, Department Chairperson Bon-

Continued from column 2

you know me as a past 8th District Commander, and others know me as the Public Relations Officer for the 8th District. One thing I am asking this year as I speak to Legion family members around the state is that they take renewed pride in their membership in the Legion family.

I ask that they share the story of what the Legion stands for and what it does with others in their lives. The best advertising that we can get is word of mouth. Take the time to think about why you’re in the Legion family, educate yourself about the programs of the Legion. There are lots of publications on American Legion programs and one of the best resources to see what is going on with the American Legion is the Department of Indiana website, http://www.indlegion.org.

When you talk with coworkers and friends, pass the story on. When your post does something in your community, call and get the media involved, spread the good news. If the only reason you think of to belong to the Legion family is that the drinks are cheap and the food is good, maybe you shouldn’t be a member.

Our membership strength in the American Legion has dropped steadily over the past 14 years from 3.2 million to 2.5 million. If that trend continues, how much longer will we last as an organization? Many people try to tell me the reason Legion membership has dropped is because of all of the World War II vets who have died. That has been a factor but there are other factors that could have compensated if we as members of the Legion family were doing our job.

is Irvin “Flop” Thomas. Flop showed me an article from the New Albany Tribune that told about a very successful local program to raise funds for the “Comfort Cart” at the Louisville VA Medical Center.

The program involved an Elks lodge, two VFW posts, a chapter of the Knights of Columbus and Bonnie Sloan Post 28 of The American Legion working together to host a “Karaoke Idol” contest spanning four weekends. This is the third year for the contest.

In 2007 they raised $8,000; 2008 netted $10,000 and expectations for 2009 are even greater. Many of us are members of other organizations. What a good way to work together for a great cause. This is a true example of thinking outside that box. Way to go!

I know we have enjoyed unusually warm weather but we all know what is around the corner. The Eighth District is once again this year collecting coats, hats, warm socks and gloves for homeless veterans. Dave Bryant from Jeffersonville Post 35 has made arrangements with a local cleaner to have the items cleaned at no cost. Please take the time to look through your closets for those coats that might have shrunk from hanging and get them to Dave Bryant. He usually attends every district meeting so come to the meetings and bring your donation.

The next meeting will be at Jeffersonville Post 35, lunch at 11:30 AM and meeting at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

By the way, get involved in your Legion, don’t just sit back, wait for someone else to do it and then “B---H” about what was done wrong. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.

nie Fox, and Auxiliary President Susie Lewis.

The Auxiliary Units and District donated $520, and the Legion posts and Districts donated $884. It was a good day.

I want to thank all the post that had Veterans Day programs at schools, nursing homes and court house squares. I take my hat off to the Bloomfield Post 196 color guard, who led the Department of Indiana in the Veterans Day parade in Indianapolis. Good job, 196.

On Veterans Day, Linton Post 22 dedicated its Veterans Memorial Park next to the post. It is beautiful. And I thank Jimmy May for being there and representing the District and Department.

I hope all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving. And I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And by all means be safe.

‘Til next time around.

DISTRICT 8

Melvin Jantzen Commander

By David Sharber Eighth District Public Relations Officer

Melvin Jantzen, the 2009–2010 District Commander from the Eighth District, asked that I extend wishes to everyone for happy holidays in this article. Let us always keep our brave service men and women in our minds. Their holidays won’t hold the same warmth and comfort that we enjoy. Let us never forget that we are the lifelines to the world they are

protecting. Every card, letter and goodie box are a reminder that we still care and that we truly appreciate their sacrifices. Melvin asked also that I thank everyone for the hard work they have done on membership. The Eighth District has done well with membership but the job is far from done. We can never get too many members.

Many of you know me as Dave Sharber, some of

At the end of World War II there were 16 million vets eligible for membership in the American Legion. Today there are 23 million vets eligible for membership in the Legion and most of them have family members who could join the Auxiliary or SAL. Look at the potential! The “right to privacy laws” won’t let us get a list of those eligible veterans but if we ask the questions in casual conversation, advertise in local news and hold open houses at our post homes we can grow.

One of our prominent Eighth district Legionnaires

I need your input for the Eighth District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. That way, you want have to read as much of my rambling. If your Post or someone in your Post does something newsworthy please send it to me, Dave Sharber by e-mail to wobegon@sit-co.net or by mail at PO Box 60 in Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. We need newsworthy legion, veteran and community-related information. Be proud of your post and your Legion Family. Share what they are doing. No gossip please, just news.

DISTRICT 9

Alex Crook Commander

Greetings from the Nifty Ninth.

Another Veteran’s Day has come and gone. This is one day of the year that we as Americans set aside to honor all veterans. There were many programs and celebrations throughout America that took place on that special day.

We, as veterans, understand the importance of this recognition on at least one day of the year. More importantly, we need to honor veterans on very day, in any way that we can.

In doing so through the activities that we do as members of The American Legion, we must strive to bring attention and recognition to all of our brothers and sisters who have served. We must honor bring recognition and honor to the families of all veterans. Veterans and their families have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much for us and for our country. We must not forget our POWs and MIAs. They have sacrificed much more than we can imagine. As you perform your duties with your Posts please remember and honor these special veterans. Other veterans to be con-

sidered are homeless veterans.

Here are some statistics from the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans:

• 500,000 veterans experience homelessness each year.

• 1 in 3 homeless males are veterans of the United States Armed Forces

• 47% of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam Era.

• 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness

We see on the news everyday that these numbers are rising or have a strong potential to rise due to the devastating injuries that our veterans are currently experiencing during their combat experiences. Also, the economy is continuing to be a factor influencing the lack of opportunities for veterans as well as all Americans.

Please do not forget the veterans in your local nursing homes. Honor them by including them in your Post activities if they are able. Anything that you can do for them is greatly appreciated by them, their families, and the staff at the facilities. Your local Service Officer

Continued from column 4

may have information on ways that your American Legion Post can help all of the veterans that need our help.

DISTRICT 10

Paul Smith Commander

Greetings from the Terrific Tenth District.

I have to apologize for missing the first issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire during my term in office. Thus far, it has been a very busy time for my officers and me, trying to visit all of the posts in the district, making it to meetings of each individual posts, and going to training meetings and functions that I’ve been invited to attend.

I would like to thank all the Legionnaires in the Tenth District who supported me for Commander and hope that I can live up to your expectations as I carry out the duties you have entrusted me to accomplish as the year progresses.

The Tenth District membership has been coming in at a slow pace this year, but is expected to be picking up as the calendar year is coming to a close. Some of our members seem to think that it is not necessary to pay 2010 dues before 2010. We are trying to instill in our members that it is necessary to pay your dues as soon as the new cards arrive at the post.

So far this year has been a very rewarding experience for me. I’ve met so many very interesting people from all walks of life. They all have stories and experiences they like to share about the Legion and times they spent in the military.

My expectation for the Tenth District this year is that all Posts are at 100 percent or more at the close of books. This can be accomplished by a lot of hard work by the District Vice Commanders and the membership person at the post level. These are not the only people who should be involved with membership, as it is up to all personnel that are involved with the Legion to be recruiters for the largest veterans group in the world. We did not reach this

level by sitting on our duffs and letting our new members come to us. We all need to recruit one new member to keep our organization strong and to return to our membership level to where it has been in the past.

As the year is coming to an end and 2010 is fast approaching, it is time to start thinking of our programs that will be upon us before we realize it. Flag education is upon us, oratorical contests should be in place and it’s time to start planning our programs for February. The oratorical contest for the Tenth District is planned for Sunday January 3, 2010, at Post 216, Middletown at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

This is the year to bring the programs of the American Legion back in the limelight, to get these programs back in our communities, to honor the people that do outstanding work day in and day out. These are the police officers, EMT, school teachers, military personnel. Let the people in our towns and cities know that The American Legion supports the jobs they individuals do. Let them know that Boys State and Girls State are programs that enlighten our future leaders, Clear it up once and for all that the American Legion is not “the bar on the corner or up the street,” but rather we are dedicated to the future of our children and our country, that we will never forget our veterans.

To get this information in our local media is the way to enlighten our communities and make veterans and their families want to belong to an organization that supports these programs. As this year comes to an end, Seasons Greetings from the Tenth District Officers and members.

DISTRICT 11

Kenny Cooper Commander

Comrades:

I would like to thank the Department Commander and our membership Chairman Jerry Jordon for sending out the letters asking for past members to renew their membership or, if they did not want to rejoin, why not? The letter was expensive, but in the long run it will help all of us. We had a Post Commanders’ meeting in October. The meeting was hosted by Commander Gordon Erickson at Robert E. Kennington Post 34. It was an informal meeting to talk about what the commanders would like to see from the District and to get information on what the other posts were doing about different problems. It was a highly attended meeting with over three quarters of the posts being represented. The District is looking into ways to reduce the cost for our posts. One of the things that we are doing is getting bids on building insurance. We are also looking into who will give our members in the District a discount by showing their American Legion card. I have contacted Lowe’s, Home Depot and Menards and all three said they would give a ten percent discount to anyone showing their American Legion card. I am sending out renewal notices in December for Wayne Post

64 and will include this information. We will continue to look for businesses to help our veterans.

We had a yard sale to raise money for some of the projects that I wanted to support for the 11th District this year.

I want to thank everyone who donated items and time for this project. I want to thank Commander Glen Hawkins at Wayne Post 64 for allowing me to have it at our Post. I would like to do it again in the Spring if the commander will allow us to do so.

Vice Commander Mark Gullion and I were invited to Post 249 for its annual Commander’s Ball October 24, 2009. Commander Trevor H. Bacon and his comrades always put on a great ball. Dinner was excellent and the band was great. We could not have asked for better weather for the Veterans Day parade. We all had a great time.

American Legion Wayne Post 64 celebrated its 70th year as a chartered American Legion Post. Tom Lahey and all of his volunteers did a great job putting it all together.

I want to thank Vice Commander Rich Brown for inviting my wife Katie and me to the John H. Holiday Jr. Post 186 celebration of its 90th year as a chartered post.

As the holiday season approaches, please do not forget that there are veterans that need our help. Let’s do what we can for them. Continued

Kenny Ellis Commander

6

Continued from page 8

his wonderful family. Suffice it to say that George will be missed, but fondly remembered by his friends in the Squadron, District, Detachment, and National levels of the organization.

Thanks, George, for all that you gave to all of us who are left behind.

On a more positive note, we’ve experienced yet another change in the membership office. How can a major change in the middle of the year possibly be positive? We often times approach changes in the membership office with a bit of apprehension, especially in the middle of the year. Well, not this time.

We’re fortunate to have Mrs. Aubrey Real (formerly the Department Commander’s Secretary) coming to us to assume new responsibilities in the membership office. Mrs. Real always has a smiling face, a hard-working spirit, and positive attitude. I think you’ll find nothing less. We welcome Aubrey aboard and we look forward to working with Mrs. Real as she assumes her new role.

I also want to take a moment to personally thank Becky Fancher all of her help in making my year run as smoothly as it has. We’ve had some really great times and I will miss that (some of those times were captured in pictures). Becky will remain with us, just not in the membership office. I wish Becky all the best.

The summer and fall of 2009 was full of travel for me as your Detachment Commander. I have now been to each of the districts with the exception of the 2nd. I was privileged to attend the Veterans Day Banquet in Indianapolis November 11. It was an honor to represent the Detachment and what a privilege it was to see my fellow soldiers receiving recognition.

I’ve found myself attending several of the SAL Squadron and District meetings, participating in the 10th and 7th District SAL membership

District 5

Continued from page 3

traveling Viet Nam Wall here to Wabash. He was also a good Color Guard and Firing Squad member having worked a lot of funerals. Burt will be missed and it is sad he didn’t get to finish his term of office. He was sent to Post Everlasting via The American Legion and VFW color guards and firing squad of which he had been a member. The flag was folded by members of the U.S. Army funeral detail.

Post Vice Commander Phil Turner of Marion Post 10 advised that Post 10 members along with the Marion Fire Department observed the anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our nation on 9/11 at Fire Station Number 1 in Marion.

Vice Commander Turner also reports the passing of Legionnaire Dave Bartel. A memorial was held for Bartel by members of Marion Post 10.

Sons of American Legion members of Huntington Post 85 recently donated over $1,000 to the child care program Kids Kampus Early Childhood Center. The money was raised from a hand breaded tenderloin fundraiser. The donation was presented by Post Commander Dave Baker, American Legion Auxiliary President Ravin Chapin, and Wayne Sellers, Commander of the Sons of the American Legion. Ray Yates, Past NVC and Past Fifth District Com-

drive around.

We’ve now hosted two Bingo parties at the Indiana Veterans Home, with a 3rd on the way in February.

Thanks for the wonderful hospitality shown to us while we were in Boonville just a few weeks back. For those of you who may not know, the Boonville post hosts an auction each year to raise money for the Department Commander’s, Detachment Commander’s, and Department President’s projects. This year $5,700 was raised which will be split evenly between the projects. Thanks a lot, Boonville!

High School Oratorical contests are being conducted statewide in preparation for the Department and National Contests in March and April. Our poinsettia sales have just been completed that help the Hemophilia of Indiana. I recently attended the ceremony with Department Commander Bob Newman of the VA’s acceptance of four carts that were purchased through the combined efforts of The American Legion Family. These four carts have gone to the VA in Marion and Ft. Wayne and have fulfilled the original goal for the Department Commander’s project in record time. We’re not stopping there. There’s more to do. The Department Commander would like to continue to provide at least another cart or two to other VA facilities. The 11th District has partnered with the Indiana National Guard Family Programs Office for the 2nd year to help provide Christmas to 4 soldiers and their families who may be facing a deployment or who may be just returning from a deployment.

Congratulations to 11th District Commander Chris Carlton of Squadron 495. Chris will be going with us on the Lincoln Pilgrimage in February due to his work and the hard work of his Squadrons in putting the 11th District in First place as of the November membership target date.

We’re almost at the midway point through the year and our hard work to support the programs of The American Legion Family is well underway. Now that the new year is finally here, many of those programs that we started talking about and shaping early on in the year will start paying a collective dividend.

That dividend comes in the form of a successful conclusion to the year’s many programs (all the children and the veterans we’ve helped). Once again, thank you for whatever it is that you personally do to make our family of organizations what it is – no matter what it is and no matter at what level in the organization you do it.

It takes everyone doing their part for things to be successful. Your part and your contribution may be different from those comrades to both your left and right. We’re all different and we all bring unique talents to the table, and while not everyone has the same talent as the next person, everyone has a place in the organization and a talent or contribution they can lend to better the organization or to assist in bettering the programs.

Hey, Cloverdale Sons, I read what you’re doing in the local newspaper. Everyone else, are you telling the community what you’re doing? Share the good news. Tell your story!

If you’re sitting on the sideline – get involvedyou’re missing out and so is the organization. If you’re in a squabble with someone over something, try to find a way to put it away and put it to rest, once and for all –you’re hurting yourself and the organization truly suffers because of it. You can be right, right down the line (and still be wrong). Please think about it.

It is my sincerest hope that my correspondence finds you and your family doing well and prospering. Better times are ahead. Keep your head up. I hope to see you on my travels. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Remembering

Ask Becky

Continued from page 7

can not change your records yourself. No one at the Department is authorized to change a member’s record without the appropriate paperwork; however, because our records are updated weekly by National and the National Organization’s records are updated by the Postal Service after each issue of the magazine is mailed, we eventually will get your new address

without any action on your part. That is not true of other changes, like continuous years, etc. Those still have to be made on a Member Data Form through your post.

Dear Becky: My father, who was a 54year member of The American Legion, passed away not too long ago, and I wonder if there are any insurance or death benefits payable to my mother because of his long time membership.

Charles S.

mander from Peru Post 14 passed away. A walk-through by members of the Fifth District was given. He will be missed by the District and served the District well. We salute Ray as he passes over to Post Everlasting. Post Commander Dewayne Dunn of Hartford City Post 159 held a ceremony last September to return a missing Purple Heart medal back to the family of deceased veteran Bryon Hughes.

The medal was earned on Saipan in 1944 and Hughes also earned another Purple Heart on Okinawa in 1945. A collector of medals from Lancaster, PA, Stephen Shaw, purchased the medal in Florida at an auction house. He and Bill Pawson of Canton, Ohio, then began research on the medal and located the family of Hughes in Hartford City where Hughes had lived. They were in communication with the family and before it was all over with he had made a wooden display case for all of veteran Hughes’ medals from WWII and it also included the second Purple Heart medal which he purchased on his own so that the medal collection would be complete for the family.

The family will display the medals at the courthouse in Hartford City. American Legion State Commander Robert Newman, Fifth District Commander Don Cole, Fifth District Officers Jerry Stevens, Dan Hasty and Rod Stoffer were in attendance.

Commander Dunn presented Shaw and Pawson with certificates of appreciation for all their efforts and work in restoring the medal to the family.

Fifth District Vice Commander Larry Hedges along with American Legion Post 6 Commander Dick Thomas were hard at work to cause the City of Kokomo via their Mayor, to proclaim the week of Nov. 9-16 as Armed Forces Recognition week. The Mayor also signed the American Legion covenant that was initialed at the 91st National Convention.

Paul King, Commander of Wabash American Legion Post 15, held a flag retirement ceremony along with Wabash Elks 471, VFW Post 286 and Boy Scout Troop 404. In attendance was our Fifth District. Commander Don Cole.

Phil Turner, First Vice Commander at Marion Post 10, didn’t waste any time recently while a Veterans Health Seminar was being held at the Post. Phil certainly cannot be accused of ineptitude when it comes to membership. Phil set up a table and enlisted new members into The American Legion. Last time I talked to Phil that day he had signed up two new members and one Auxililary member. Phil could have taken a seat somewhere among the 400 or so other veterans assembled there, and got lost, but he chose to be front and center and put up a table for recruitment

into The American Legion.. Nice Job Phil. The American Legion salutes you.

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marines November, 10, 1775 and the U.S. Navy, October 13, 1775.

The other evening my wife Roxy and I had stopped for a pizza and noticed a table of people sitting nearby. A young lady was holding a baby and it was an obvious family gathering of some kind. One of the young ladies started taking pictures of the group to send overseas. They were getting together giving each other a family hug of sorts. The young lady with the baby has a husband over in Iraq and another member of the family is serving in Kuwait. Needless to say, they didn’t have to pay for their pizza.

Frank Adamson, a WWII Marine who served in the South Pacific went to Post Everlasting. When I thought of a Marine, I always thought of Frank Adamson. He was a cigar smoking, cut-to-thequick kind of guy, who loved to play cards and had been a Post Commander in 1975 at Wabash. I, being Navy, always brought his ire. We would exchange some choice words. One time someone nearby tried to get into the fray and Frank barked at the guy, telling him that we were family and we could say what we wanted and anyone else better just back away and keep their mouths shut. That was Frank.

Dear Charles: First of all please accept my condolences. Men like your father built this organization and we all are grateful for the years they devoted to the Legion.

District 11

Continued from page 4

The post requested the charter in 1918 and received the permanent charter in 1919.

Post 153 also celebrated its 90th year Lilly Post 374 had four of its officers participate in a Veteran’s Day event at the pharmaceutical company in Indianapolis Mike Chapman, Past Commander and current active Lilly employee, helped coordinate the activities with Lilly. Alescia Johnson, the 11th District Information Officer, gave Ryle Perry, current Post Commander, the materials and information to be pass out.

Richard Johnson and James Nuttall also helped.

The Post Officers manned a table and represented The American Legion by passing out various forms of Legion information.

Their mission was to attract new members and inform non members of the benefits of the American Legion. Several hundred employees stopped by the tables to view materials, chat and thank the Legionnaires for their service to their country.

Eli Lilly has formed an internal veterans’ organization

It is possible that there are insurance benefits due your mother, but only if your late father had purchased any Legion-sanctioned life insurance products, in addition to paying his annual dues. There is no death benefit offered as a benefit of membership except a $1,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy, and even that requires enrollment by the member. You can contact the provider, AGIA, which offers a variety of insurance products through the Legionnaire Insurance Trust, by calling 1 (800) 235-6943. Other than that, the National Organization offers some insurance benefits also. You can get information on those programs by calling 1 (317) 860-3100.

of volunteers called “Veterans Service Members @ Lilly” or VSL for short. This group was formed in May 2009 and has only met twice since being formed. It is part of Lilly’s strategy to honor and recognize diversity of their employees through such affinity groups.

There are currently 10 of these diversity groups representing unique groups of employees.

Post 374 has now established a connection with this group. It is on their mailing list and members will attend future meetings to help encourage Legion involvement.

I want to congratulate Commander Don Crist, Adjutant Bill Forman and Membership Chairman Stanley Piatt of Police Post 56, and Commander George Steel and Adjutant Jeff Brown of Frank McKinney Post 510, for their hard work on membership. Even though they have not reached their goal of 100 percent, both Posts have more members now than they did at the close of books in June.

Wishing every one a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Legionnaires from Tilman-Harpole American Legion Post 249 in Indianapolis conduct their annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony – one of only three conducted around the nation – at the Naval Armory in Indianapolis December 7. A symbolic act of solidarity with those who lost their lives in the attach concludes the ceremony when dignitaries place a wreath on the turgid waters of the White River. The post has conducted the ceremony for 12 consecutive years. Department Commander Newmanwas this year’s keynote speaker.

December 2009/January 2010

Veterans Spotlight

Deadline Looms For Employment Awards; Local Participation Is Key

The deadline for submitting nominations for veterans employment awards is rapidly approaching, and those who labor in this longstanding and fundamental concern of The American Legion deserve to be recognized for their successes.

This year’s deadline for submission of nominees to the Department Service Office is December 31, 2009.

Mission Accomplished

From the outset of its foundation in 1919, The American Legion has worked with veterans employment and vocational rehabilitation issues. The Legion’s concerns then were with the postwar employment needs of four million servicemen returning from the Great War. Furthermore, vocational readjustment problems facing those disabled while serving their country

John Hickey Department Service Officer

also prompted the Legion into action. The American Legion knows a veteran’s rehabilitation is not complete until he or she finds suitable employment.

The American Legion added its employment service and employer award programs to its veteran’s economics services in 1947. These awards encourage veterans’ employment by recognizing employment service representatives for extraordinary veterans employment services, and recognizing employers for hiring and retaining veterans

Indiana World War Memorial Now Available For Veterans’ Funerals

J. Stewart Goodwin, Executive Director, Indiana War Memorials Commission, has announced the Commission’s new policy authorizing the use of the Indiana World War memorial in downtown Indianapolis for veterans’ funerals. In a recent issue of the IDVA Update, he wrote:

“By now I hope all of you have heard about our new policy of conducting funerals for Hoosier Veterans at the Indiana War Memorial. We have received a very positive response with this and have conducted numerous services for our fellow service members. The purpose of this memo is to take another opportunity to ensure all of the Veteran’s Service Organizations know about this service and to ask you to assist us in spreading the news in your individual newsletters and communications.

“The opportunity to conduct a funeral service at the Indiana War Memorial is based on the following guidelines: The deceased must be a Hoosier veteran, which means their military home of record must be from Indiana; a funeral home certified by the State of Indiana must be involved with the event. Families interested in pursuing this opportunity should contact Mrs. Dani Powers, IWM Event Coordinator, at 317-233-0991 or DAPOWERS@IWM.IN.GOV

“Thank you for assisting us in making sure every Hoosier veteran is aware of

Editor’s Note: The Department Service Office will be closed from Thursday, December 24, 2009, through Friday, January 1, 2009 in celebration of the Christmas and New Years Holidays. The Department Service Office will re-open for regular business Monday, January 4, 2010. Normal hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-7237999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-226-6645; or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov

this opportunity.”

Homeowners Assistance Program

The Department of Defense today announced details for the temporary expansion of the Homeowners Assistance Program. Using $555 million in funds from the American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act, this program is designed to partially reimburse eligible military personnel, surviving spouses, and federal civilian employees whose service to the nation has required them to relocate and sell their primary residence at a loss. Potential eligible person-

nel include: active and former service members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard; Civilian employees of the DoD, Coast Guard, and nonappropriated fund activities; and surviving spouses of both fallen service members and civilian employees.

Potential eligible personnel who have sold a primary home for a loss or are considering selling their home are encouraged to visit the DoD HAP Web site (http:// hap.usace.army.mil) to check specific program criteria, and if eligible, apply online.

“Stop Loss” Service Members To Be Compensated

The Department of Defense announced that they will be implementing a new program to compensate service members affected by the “Stop Loss” authority. This new initiative pertains to current and form service

members who involuntarily served from September 11, 2001 to September 30, 2009. Service members will receive $500 for each month that they served past the end of their contract. Service members seeking to take advantage of this program have until October 20, 2010 to apply. In order to qualify, the service member must have been honorably discharged and has the appropriate document to prove eligibility. For additional Information, service members of each branch should follow these links:

Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil;

Navy: NXAG_N132C@ navy.mil;

Air Force: http://www. afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss/;

Marine Corps: https:// www.manpower.usmc.mil/ stoploss.

in their businesses.

The American Legion provides awards for the following eight categories of employers, state veterans employment representatives, and state employment service offices.

Outstanding Employer of Veterans with 50 or fewer total employees;

Outstanding Employer of Veterans with 51 to 200 total employees;

Outstanding Employer of Veterans with 201 or more employees;

Outstanding Employer of Older Workers;

Outstanding Employer of Disabled Veterans; Outstanding State Employment Office Veterans Employment Services;

Outstanding State Local Veterans Employment Representative, and Outstanding State Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Representative. American Legion posts, Legion members, employment representative, and company officials may provide nominations for any one or all of the awards. You may obtain applications from The American Legion Department Service Office, Room 325, 575 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204; phone: 317-916-3605. You may also find the applications on line at:

Employer of Veterans Award Application: http:// www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/employerveteranaward.pdf ; Award to Enhance the Lives of Disabled Persons Application: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/ awarddisabledworker.pdf

Employer of Older Workers Award Application: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/employerolderworkers.pdf

Continued on page 2

GOP Leader: Health Care Reform Threatens Veterans

Medical facilities for veterans and military personnel stand to suffer if a new national health-care system becomes law, House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, told The American Legion Magazine during a Veterans Day interview in Ohio.

“The cost of this government takeover of health care is going to end up crowding out the rest of

the budget,” Boehner said shortly after delivering a Veterans Day speech at American Legion Post 218 in Middletown, Ohio.

“As a result, funding for veterans health care and DoD health care are likely to get squeezed. The money crunch that is going to come as a result of this is going to affect everything.”

By a 220-215 vote, the House passed national

health-care reform legislation Nov. 8. If signed into law, it would require most Americans to carry medical insurance and provide federal subsidies for those who cannot afford it. Penalties could be imposed on those who do not have health insurance, private or government-subsidized, and insurance companies could not deny coverage based on pre-existing con-

ditions or raise premiums due to medical history. The Senate is now debating its own version of health care reform.

The American Legion National Executive Committee passed a resolution in October urging Congress to “ensure any legislation addressing national health-care reform contain specific language excluding health care provided

by the Department of Veterans Affairs and military retiree health care.”

During the interview, Boehner also addressed a range of issues related to veterans and national security heading into the second session of the 111th Congress. The interview is scheduled to appear in the February issue of The American Legion Magazine.

Bill Would Aid Caregivers Assisting Disabled Veterans

In an effort to move two important legislative initiatives to assist service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents who receive their health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Akaka has introduced Senate Bill 1963, the Care and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009.

This bill combines provisions from Senate Bill 252, the Veterans Health Care Authorization Act of 2009, and Senate Bill 801, the Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009, which were stymied by a congressional hold. Both of these measures were supported by The American Legion because of the significant changes each measure will make in the lives of America's veterans and their families.

The American Legion is calling on members of The

American Legion Family to contact their Senators by calling their Washington offices (switchboard: 202-2243121) to request they become cosponsors of S. 1963 today and encourage them to push for immediate floor action to assure passage of this legislation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs faces a looming shortage of health care personnel; according to information provided by the Legion’s Washington-based Legislative Division, without concerted and timely action, this situation will only worsen in the years ahead. This is especially true as more Iraq and Afghanistan veterans return home injured and in need of new and specialized care. In order to avert this problem, VA must be able to offer competitive salaries, work schedules, and benefits. The provisions in Sen-

ate Bill 1963 will allow VA to recruit and retain nurses, home health aides, and specialty care providers.

The bill also contains measures that would improve the efficiency of health care delivery to veterans, including a number of pilot programs designed to help VA find new and innovative ways to deliver better, faster, and more comprehensive treatment.

Women make up an ever growing percentage of the Armed Forces. As such, they are also making up an ever growing percentage of the veterans' population. While there have been efforts over the years to address the unique needs of women veterans, there is much more that VA might do. To that end, there are provisions in this bill to address current shortcomings and help VA better respond to the increased demand for care from women veterans.

One of the most troubling and difficult challenges of warfare, which can be seen particularly in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, is diagnosing and treating those who suffer from the invisible wounds of war. The lack of understanding of these injuries, the stigma associated with them, and many other factors make effective treatment difficult.

During the last Congress, the Veterans Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act, was enacted as Public Law 110-387. The current Congress must build on those advances and continue to provide accessible, cutting-edge care for those afflicted with invisible wounds. S. 1963 would expand eligibility and authority for the Vet Centers to provide needed services, and would commission a comprehensive study on suicides among veterans so that we can im-

prove efforts to prevent such tragedies.

The bill would also:

Provide support for homeless veterans through a proposed series of innovative pilot programs. These programs are designed to significantly improve VA outreach to these veterans, in order to help them access the benefits and services provided by VA.

Direct the VA Secretary to waive charges for care provided by VA in emergency cases to attendants accompanying veterans severely injured while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, while such veterans are receiving VA care for such injuries.

Direct the VA Secretary, as part of authorized VA home health services for veterans, to furnish family caregiver assistance to family members of veterans in need of personal care services due to a serious injury incurred

or aggravated during active duty;

Require the VA Secretary to:

(1) evaluate the services needed by each veteran; (2) provide training and certification to the caregivers;

(3) designate a primary personal care attendant for each eligible veteran; (4) provide ongoing family caregiver assistance to such family members; (5) provide respite care, in appropriate cases; (6) pay monthly caregiver stipends;

(7) conduct oversight of the caregiver assistance program; (8) provide program outreach; and (9) report on program implementation and evaluation; Authorize the provision of VA health care to primary personal care attendants; and Direct the VA Secretary to reimburse attendants for travel expenses, including lodging and subsistence, in connection with authorized VA treatment for veterans.

Department Commander Bob Newman and SAL Detachment Commander Steve Tansel were on hand recently as a pair of patient transport vehicles were unveiled at the Marion VA Hospital. The transporters, bearing the emblems of all three American Legion Family organizations, were the first of four to be delivered in keeping with the commander’s project to provide the transporters to the Marion and Fort Wayne hospitals. Efforts continue to provide similar vehicles to the veterans cemeteries in the state.

Chairman's Notes

Final Push Toward Membership Goal Depends On Post Teams

The editor informs me that by the time you get this informative newspaper Christmas will have come and gone. He was also unclear as to whether you would get it in time for New Years so Linda I would just wish all a belated Merry Christmas and safe, happy and prosperous New Years.

As I look ahead to the New Year and what it will mean to membership, one date and goal really sticks out, and that would be June 13, 2010. That’s the day we will know if the slide in membership has ended. Between now and then we have a lot of opportunities to be successful at stopping a decline that has lasted far too long.

The membership turn-in at the Mid-Winter Conference – which by now most of you know will be January 15-

Becky

Dear Becky:

Jerry Jordon Department Membership Chairman

17, rather than the earlier date mistakenly announced—will be very important because it will set the tone for the rest of the year and determine how much work remains to be done. Historically, large card turn-ins are few and because we continue to lag behind last year if we don’t make up the deficiency by Mid-Winter our membership goals become much more difficult to attain.

The National Organization has sent two renewal notices so far and they will

Membership Office Undergoes Change In Staff Assignments

What is going on in the membership office? Over the past few weeks, every time I call I get Aubrey, who used to answer the phones at the switchboard.

Who’s In Charge?

Dear Who’s:

Actually Steve Short is in charge. However, he and the Assistant Adjutant decided to switch the primary responsibilities of a couple of us. I will be taking over the front desk and the commander’s assistant responsibilities, and Aubrey Real will be taking over membership duties. The change was effective December 1. Don’t think you’ve heard the last of me, though; in keeping with the policy of maintaining back-up capabilities among the staff, I will continue to assist as required with membership processing.

Of course, you know what this means: From now on, this column will be the Ask Aubrey feature. I know she will be able to answer all your questions.

Dear Becky:

I joined The American Legion a couple of months ago when I got a letter in the mail. I would like to transfer to the post here in town, but they won’t take me unless I show them a discharge or a 214. No one asked for that kind thing when I sent in my payment. And you told me you can’t even find my membership. What am I supposed to do?

Lost in the Shuffle

Dear Lost: You’re not really lost. You just don’t know where you are.

When you respond to an invitation from the National Organization, you go into an administrative post operated

be sending three more, the next being on or about January 4. By then any member receiving a notice will be delinquent. Department, for the first time, sent letters to non-renewed 2008 members asking them to renew and we conducted membership training seminars that all post officers were invited to attend. From now until June 13 is the time we will count on posts to make personal contact with these members seeking their renewal.

I would encourage all post Commanders that do not have a membership team to form one and contact all non-renewed members as soon after the New Year as possible.

We had originally announced that the District Commanders would have

pre-printed post cards for your posts to send to delinquent members asking them to renew. However, although the National Organization has provided these in the past, the National Staff has notified us that those post cards will no longer be printed and made available by National. That cost and responsibility has been transferred to the Department. We are currently looking for a source of funding by which we can print the cards, and we hope to have them available to you by the time you read this.

I have found them to be very useful as a means to renew members. However, the best means to renew members remains the old triedand-true personal contact; a

visit from the post membership team has always been the most successful. In the age of cell phones a group sitting down one evening and calling members has also been found to be productive.

I would like to congratulate the Second District Commander Dana Clark and his membership team on the fine job they are doing in the Second District. They have managed to stay at the top of department membership all year and have been able to retain the traveling trophy.

It has been very rewarding traveling around to all the Districts. Linda and I would like to thank all of them for the hospitality shown to us.

I am amazed at how different they are and the dif-

ferent ways they go about conducting the business of the Legion. I have visited all eleven districts at least once and am now making my second round of visitations. I continue to enjoy meeting members and speaking with them. Some really good ideas concerning membership have been given to me and I will pass them along to next year’s membership chairman and to the strategic planning committee. All the great things and programs of the Legion have came from members sitting around a table or at some other gathering and someone saying I have an idea. I am sure if we keep working at membership and if we keep our minds open we will solve this membership dilemma and move forward.

Always Something More To Learn

by National. Under new rules for the program, you must remain in that post for at least two renewals unless you specifically request a transfer into the local post, which would done by a member of the National Staff. However, that does not change the constitutional authority of local posts to accept or not members into their post; posts are encouraged to have proof of eligibility for membership, and that is what you are being asked to provide. Without it, the local post is well within its authority not to accept your transfer. Your situation is further complicated by the fact that the records of members such as you are not accessible by the Department staff. That is why your transfer must be accomplished by a member of the National Staff. Your records will remain out of reach to us until you transfer to a local post, or the Department receives access to your records after your renewal with the National Organization according to the rules.

Dear Becky:

I need to change my address. How do I do that? On The Move

Dear On The Move:

This is one of the basic procedures for members, but we get this question almost every day. In order to change your address, you need to complete a Member Data Form and submit it to your Post. Your post has a supply of them. The post will transmit the change to me, and I will transmit it to National, and your records will be updated. If your post has access to ALPOP, which is part of the AIM post information system, the change can be made on line, but you

Continued on page 5

One Hundred Percent Posts

The Second District leads the race for most one hundred percent posts in the Department, with three posts having achieved the standing early in the membership year. The Second

Complacency Kills

Past Northern Vice Commander Ed Trice and 5th District Legionnaire Bob Bach pore over the handout material provided during one of three regional training seminars conducted by Membership Chairman Jerry Jordan and the department staff in Octobert and November. This session was held at Wayne Post 64 in Indianapolis. One seminar remains to be conducted, at Fairmount January 22.

Future Of The American Legion Depends On Recognizing It’s A Battle For Survival; It Applies To Veterans And Soldiers Alike

Complacency Kills! Complacency Kills!

While touring Camp Atterbury recently during a 38th Division Association meeting I noticed these signs all around camp. The young warriors who are training for deployment read these signs every day. And how true this is.

Stop and think about it. And not only does that apply to the mission these young brave warriors will take on but it can also be said about The American Legion in so many words and meanings. While the meaning put on the signs down at Atterbury has a far more dangerous meaning, the Legion could look at this and apply it to the membership numbers and their Post homes. Sit around doing nothing gets’ you nothing, and certainly not members.

There are many groups forming up all around the Legion. The new age veterans are forming their own groups bypassing the Legion because they really do not know what the Legion does or has done for them and they feel unwelcome by the older veterans at the Legion Posts.

Those of you from WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam can remember when you joined the Legion. Mostly, the older veterans really didn’t give you the time of day and some even went as far as saying that you really didn’t fight a war—that you were in a police action, not a war. Those kinds of things were a slap in the face to heroes returning from war.

While I’m pretty certain that these things are not being said anymore for the most part, the same feeling is felt by the homecoming

Editor’s Note: The following essay was submitted by Jerry Stoner, past Fifth District Commander (2006-2007) and current District Public Relations Officer, as part of a recent Fifth District Commander’s Column. In it, Stoner rightly identifies a critical attitude that can kill a membership program. His perspective and views bear serious consideration and the widest possible dissemination.

veterans of today when they enter the Post Home.

They feel unwanted and un-appreciated and not welcome. Just the other night, I ran into the same sailor that I had talked to last year, the one that entered a Legion Post down in Florida and felt so unwelcome that he went over to the VFW Post where he was welcomed with open arms and joined.

Well, lo and behold, he told me that he had just walked into a Legion Post here in the district and was not welcomed or spoken to, giving him a feeling of not being wanted so he walked back out the door and will never enter the Legion Post again. That is a form of complacency on the part of those that were in the Legion that day. You wonder why he was not asked for a Legion card. So in defense of those at the Legion, if no one knew who he was or where he had served, no one could acknowledge this young hero by giving him a pat on the back, a welcome home, thanks for your service, would you like to join the Legion, how about a drink, hello, where did you serve?

It is a two way street. He, as a stranger to the Post, should have been asked for a Legion card or had someone sign him in. No one can second guess an individual entering a Post and certainly someone should have challenged his presence. And he should have announced his

presence to be signed in or something. Let the members sitting around the Post know he is an active member of the service.

So, as this American Hero entered amongst their midst and was not acknowledged in any shape or form whatsoever he got the feeling of being unwelcome and away he went again. The sad thing is that one day those at the bar will be gone to Post Everlasting and this young man certainly will not be replacing them primarily due to complacency on the part of the members of that American Legion Post and on his part also.

The other side of this coin is that this young man was walking into the midst of heroes past that had paid their dues long before he had.

When they joined the Legion everyone did not rise to their feet and kiss them on both cheeks and make a fuss over them.

When I joined, and as I still do, I enter a Legion Post in awe and with the feeling that I owe them, they don’t owe me and I’m honored to be in the midst of these heroes past who had served their country during war time and are continuing to serve their country by belonging to The American Legion, and supporting the various programs The American Legion puts on the table.

Those sitting at the bar minding their own business perhaps have been through more than this young man

will ever encounter in his life time and they also did not get the respect they thought they deserved when entering a Legion Post, but their better side opened up to the fact that The American Legion is more than a welcome home wagon.

The American Legion with programs of Boy’s State, Girls State, Boy Scouts, Oratorical Contests, Flag Education, Junior Shooting Programs, SAL, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scout of the Year, Baseball, the Legacy Run, Educator of the Year, support for the Veterans Home in West Lafayette, support for the VA, the Heroes to Home town programs, the Operation Comfort Warrior Program, and our continued fight for Veterans Rights and Benefits.

With our Color Guard and Firing Squads honoring those veterans passing on to Post Everlasting means a lot. That is what the Legion is about, and for this the Legion remains the biggest veterans’ organization going and does the most for the veterans.

I think this young man is missing out on so much and he is so bitter. Too bad. I wish he would open his eyes and see what is going on around him in the Legion posts. But what may have happened at the last Legion Post if he had been asked for his card, discovered not to be a member, and progressed from there? I dare say there may have been far different results than how it turned out.

Complacency kills membership. Stop it. Make the effort. It doesn’t cost a dime to approach someone, especially inside your Post, and strike up a conversation with someone unknown. It could pay off with a new member.

Ask

Uproar Over Mid-Winter Conference Dates A Communications Problem

Circumstances require that I depart from the message I had in mind originally to add my apologies to those of other officers and staff for the confusion over the date of the 2010 Mid-Winter Conference.

The most important thing is to be sure you all know that the date for the conference is not what was originally disseminated. The Conference will be January 15-16 at the usual location, the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East in Indianapolis. The schedule of meetings and event sis unchanged. Almost all participants have confirmed their plans to attend, so by the time you read this, the conference will be in excellent shape, I am sure.

Contract issues caused

Short Takes

Robert Newman Department Commander

the change, and clearly, we could have done a better of job of communicating it. Be assured, however, that the hotel is prepared to handle us and we are go for the conference. I apologize sincerely for the confusion and inconvenience that has resulted from this situation.

***

For Department Commanders, the end of the year is a good time to reflect on what we have done over the past year, the places we have

been and the people we have met. It also is a good time to consider what we’ve learned from the men and women of The American Legion Family.

For me, one of the most astounding lesson learned is how little so many of our members know about the tangible benefits of membership. Oh, we all know about the rewards for selfless service, the opportunity to care for our comrades, and the endless gratification that come from putting others before ourselves. But there is so much more available to our members, everything from discounted cruises to credit cards and investment opportunities. These are not to be known by a select few, but seem to be among the

‘The Keys To The Kingdom’ Don’t Go With Legion Office

As we look toward the new year of 2010, our officers at the Post, District and Department levels have been in office now for a little over half of their terms. Hopefully, your year as an elected officer is going smoothly and you are experiencing the satisfaction of great teamwork and cooperation with your fellow officers.

Before too long, each Post will be putting together a nomination committee to start building a slate of nominees to run for their respective Post offices for 20102011. Ideally, each office will have at least two candidates, but the sad reality is that usually we scramble to find anyone to take the respective offices at the Post level. When the available talent pool willing to run for office drops, the quality of talent leading the Post is sometimes in jeopardy as well.

That brings me to my topic for this issue, based on calls and concerns sent to me from members around the state from various posts.

I call it, the “King of England” syndrome. Unfortunately, in some posts (happily not in too many), I observe a phenomenon that occurs that usually happens when a first time post commander is elected. The other time I notice this situation occurring is when absolutely no one else will consider running for commander. The issue I’m describing is when a commander is elected and for some strange reason, he/ she suddenly believes that he/she has been given the keys to the universe and absolute control over the Post, hence my moniker, “King of England.”

Somehow, the term “commander” is taken much too literally, almost in a military sense, and the new post commander becomes Captain Queeg (for those of you younger than 50, check out Herman Wouk’s The Caine Mutiny, 1951. Bogart played Queeg in the movie).

In an American Legion Post, the commander is there to “serve” his Post much more than to “command” his Post. He or she works with the other elected officers as a TEAM to serve other veterans and the community, NOT the other way around. The commander “leads” the discussion at executive board meetings and conducts the business of the regular post meetings. He presides over ceremonies and special events and represents the post at District and Department functions.

The other frustrating thing about some of the calls

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

I receive on this subject is this. Members who have a commander who believes he is the “King of England” want me or the Department to do something about it. Once again, the burden of finding and electing good leaders at

Today’s weather is about 55 degrees, and December is just beginning! It feels like summer, and we are getting ready for Christmas—don’t misunderstand, I’m not complaining. I just can’t believe I am in Indiana! It feels like Florida without the sand and water!

the post level falls back on those members who are doing the calling. If you have officers you feel are inadequate, find better candidates or better yet, run for office yourself.

An American Legion post is only as strong as the participation of those willing to support it. If you leave the leadership up to the “other guys” because you don’t have the time, you’ll end up with Captain Queeg hunting for the stolen strawberries.

best kept secrets of our organization.

For example, how many of members know that an entire division of the National Organization is devoted to researching, testing and offering member benefits? It’s true. Among those that are already offered are valuable discount programs that can pay for an annual membership many times over. They include:

Eye Med, which offers discounts on eyewear (up to 60 percent) and eye exams at a network of locations including Sears, Target, Pearl Vision and Lenscrafters.

American Legion Wireless, which offers free cell phones and equipment and discounts on service from such providers as AT&T, Cingular and T-Mobile. Dish Network, which will provide up to two free Dish Network Satellite receivers to a post or business with service contracts as low as $27.99 a month, and up to four free receivers for mem-

bers’ homes with a monthly contract as low as $31.99.

RX America, a discount drug program offering discounts up to 20 percent on pharmacy-distributed prescriptions and even greater discounts on mail pharmacy services.

These and the many other rewards available will never take the place of personal dedication and a desire to serve as reasons for being a member of The American Legion Family, but they certainly do make membership more affordable and renewal more attractive. I encourage all members to check out these benefit programs, and all posts to make them known to their members. A good place to begin is at www.Legion.org/benefits, or write to the headquarters for an informative brochure.

The end of the calendar year brings with it the festive holidays of Christmas, Hanukah and New Years. These are joyous times, and provide ample opportunity for

us to wish one another the best such sacred and secular observances bring with them. And so, Rosie and I do wish every member of The American Legion Family our most sincere best wishes for the season, regardless of how you celebrate it.

The end of the year also brings with it, for any commander, the stark realization that this year of service is already half over. For me, it has gone with lightening speed, and has been marked by every kind of success and reward that I expected from it.

I remain humbled by your having trusted me with this great responsibility, and heartened by the extent to which so many of you have supported my goals and plans. This is no time to say thanks, since there is so much work to be done, but I can say to you I appreciate the certain knowledge that you will be behind me for the months that lie ahead as we continue to “Sail Into The Future Together.”

President

November went by rather fast and furious, but I hope you all took the time to thank a veteran in your little corner of the world for the freedoms you and your family have. And as you get ready to put up the tree and decorations, remember to say a prayer and thank you for those who fought to earn us even these small freedoms. Large or small, no freedom comes totally “free.” Someone, somewhere, pays a price for us to enjoy those small, mundane things, so enjoy, but say “thanks”.

Recently death knocked on our door and through that door departed a good friend, Mr. George Evans of Miller Dunes Squadron 279 in the 1st District, who passed away in November.

George was a great friend of this organization. He held many of the offices and positions that you could reasonably put the word ‘Past’ in front of. This article would be

This past July I asked all Auxiliary members to recycle, reuse, re-gift, and now I am requesting the same from the Legion and Sons of the Legion. Help us save our earth by doing the smallest, simplest things: saving pop-tabs for the Riley Hospital finding places that recycle your ink cartridges and cardboard boxes and the oil change oil (if you do your own) and tires from your vehicle. There is a lot of stuff! See what you can do to save the planet; you might be surprised. You might even get money for some of the items (and you could donate the money to one of our many projects.)

Lastly, I wish for each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year— and a cup of your favorite beverage with unlimited refills!

Festivities and gatherings with family and friends add unique warmth to this chilly season. Sharing expressions of love and concern take precedence throughout the final two months of the year.

Certainly Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol has made a deep impact on our moral fiber. We seem to never tire or hearing the story again and cheer as Scrooge is transformed into a giving and caring person.

Two Godly principles come to my mind when I think of generosity. First, it is in giving that we receive and secondly, we can only give out of our prosperity. Jethro Bodine of the Beverly Hillbillies was fond of ciphering, “Naught from naught leaves naught.” You cannot give what you do not have.

I said, “Mae I am a new pastor in town and I have a lot of work to do. Would you pray for me and others in need?” Quickly, she responded with enthusiasm, “I could do that!” I related to her that prayer is the greatest gift we can give anyone.

position that George held. Most notably, George was a Past Detachment Commander from Indiana and most recently served as the Vice Chairman of the National Legislative Committee. Those fortunate enough to have known George know of his years of devotion to The American Legion, the Sons of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, to the causes of our nation’s veterans, and to

However, like Scrooge, poverty may be only a perception. Prior to his three visitors, Scrooge lived a miserly, impoverished existence despite his great wealth. Wealth is a relative concept.

I grew up hearing those who lived during the Great Depression say, “I never knew I was poor because everyone else was poor.” Pain and turmoil come into our lives when we focus on what we don’t have instead of what we do have.

Finances are only one small category of abundance that God can bestow. Certainly good health, family, friends, ability, time and faith are of greater value!

In the early days of my ministry I met Mae in a nursing home where she existed in constant pain as her body

struggled with terminal cancer. Oxygen and high levels of pain medication brought only minor relief. There was no position in which her body could be placed where she could find relief. One of the staff asked if I might call on her since her retired pastor drove in only two Sundays a month.

When I met Mae she asked me, “Why doesn’t the Lord just take me?” She continued in despair, “There is nothing left that I can do!”

She had been a devout Presbyterian, a pillar of faith, and very involved caring for others in the community. However, her sickness had absorbed all of her finances, she had out-lived her loved ones and she was bound to her bed with a terminal disease. Depression was a natural result of her experience and it was consuming what was left.

Though she talked about the Lord in despair, I knew that she still had faith. A mustard seed of faith was enough to plant. She had fitful sleep with long hours awake in the night. This afforded her an abundance of time. I softly responded to her, “Mae I know something you can do.”

“What could I possibly do?” she responded despondently.

The next time I visited, there was a total transformation in her being. She was even making some physical gains. I found a young volunteer sitting on her bed, being counseled by her. Mae let me know that she had been sincerely praying for me. Another staff person peeked into the room to ask if Mae had time to talk with her.

Mae was still dying, she had no money, and she couldn’t even go to the bathroom by herself. Yet, Mae discovered her wealth. She could give time in prayer and in godly counsel. She gave it abundantly! All who came around her were greatly blessed and I had one of the most dynamic ministries of my career because she prayed for me.

As long as we focus on what we don’t have or what we are afraid to give, we will always be in poverty. Let us instead give from our abundance, and see what God can do with it! Giving is what brings life to the Legion family.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Luke 6:38 (NRSV)