2010/2011 December/January The Hoosier Legionnaire

December

Planning Complete For ’11

Mid-Winter

Training Conference

CPR Training, Charitable Gaming, Post Liability And Service Officers Training Top The Agenda, While Membership Continues To Take Center Stage

Registration is underway for housing at the Department of Indiana’s 2011 MidWinter Conference, set for January 14-16 at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, 7202 East 21st Street in Indianapolis.

Registration forms are not required for the conference, but rooms must be reserved directly with the hotel in order for registrants to receive the negotiated room rate. There is no registration fee, and the conference is open to all interested Legion, SAL and Auxiliary members. Room reservations can be made by calling (317) 3223716.

The training scheduled for the Mid-Winter Conference runs the gamut from specialized instruction in Legion programs and activities to important information on post operations from state and federal regulatory agencies. As with all previous Mid-Winter Conferences, there will be no general session.

In addition, the Department Service Office will present a four-hour block of instruction designed to prepare post and district service officers to assist veterans with VA claims and other veterans benefit issues. The training is set for 12:00 noon in Salon 4. See Page 7 of this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire for detailed information on the session.

A popular feature of previous conferences has been Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training, which the Department has brought back for 2011.

“Obviously, we can’t offer certification in CPR,” said Steve Short, Department Adjutant, “but we can offer the kind of familiarization and practical training that may –just may – save a life during one of our meetings.”

Two one-hour CPR Training sessions are scheduled, the first for 8:00 a.m. and the second from 10:00 a.m. Both will be conducted in Salon A at the north end of the atrium.

A pair of sessions offered by representatives of state regulatory agencies, designed to keep post club

operators abreast of the most current regulations, are scheduled and come highly recommended by Department Officers.

The Charitable Gaming/ Excise session is a three-hour program scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Salons C-E; the onehour Post Liability Seminar is set for 9:00 a.m. in Salon 3. Both sessions are usually well attended, so interested participants are encouraged to arrive timely.

Veterans Funeral Care, an increasingly popular member benefit providing advice and assistance in final arrangement planning for members of the Legion Family, is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. in Salon 4. The organization assists families through every step of the process of providing appropriate funeral services for veterans, including securing earned benefits. VFC representatives provide important information for not only veterans, but also post officers and membership recruiters.

The regularly scheduled Membership Committee, a two-hour session set for 10:00 a.m. in Salon 4 will be among the most important of the committee meetings scheduled, according to Commander Leland Baxter.

“We are facing a serious shortfall in our membership this year, just as we have for the past several years,” he said.

“Jack [Membership Chairman Cook] and I fully expected that we would be farther along than we are right now, so it is important that the committee consider some innovative ways to get our members renewed.

“Like Jack says, ‘Every card, every time.’ I am encouraging every post and every member to pull out all the stops to see that our Mid-Winter membership card turn-in is a record setter,” Baxter said.

A full agenda of committee meetings is set for the conference, which will be followed by the Department Executive Committee meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday.

A tentative agenda is available on line at www.indlegion.org.

Remembering

Pearl Harbor

Justin S. M. Kinchen, grandson of 11th District Chaplain Ed Harris Jr., plays the National Anthem to launch Tillman Harpole Post 249’s 12th annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Service December 7, setting the stage for the posting of the Colors by the United State Navy Color Guard (top right) at the US Navy and US Marine Corps Reserve Center on the banks of the White River in Indianapolis. In addition to featured speaker Robert W. Spanogle, Past National Adjutant of The American Legion, and representatives of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary, members of the IPS high schools’ Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps also participated in the service.

Veterans Warned: Be Wary Of Paying For Representation

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is reported to be providing benefit and general information on veterans’ benefits and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with The Department of Veterans Affairs in any way, and Indiana’s Department Service Officer, John Hickey, is warning veterans to be wary of paying this or any other legal entity for assistance with attaining veterans benefits.

“There are certain, and quite limited, circumstances under which it is advisable and acceptable to the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans to seek legal advice on their claims, or to pay for claims representation. Our service officers are well trained and can handle most claims issues without such help, and free of charge. When, in our experience and in accordance with VA rules it appears to be necessary for a veterans to seek additional advice and assistance, we are always ready to so advise our clients,” Hickey said. Those who have examples of VAS employees, or those of similar organizations, assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass that information along to the Department Service Office or directly to

Continued on page 6

The Child Welfare Foundation: ‘Square Deal For Every Child’

By National Commander Jimmie Foster

The needs of disadvantaged children weighed heavily on the minds of The American Legion’s founders. As they assembled in Paris, St. Louis and Minneapolis that first year after World War I, the first Legionnaires fully understood that many of their comrades were not coming home at all. Their wives and children were suddenly widows and orphans. Many newly discharged veterans were permanently changed— shell-shocked, gassed or physically disabled—and unable to care for their loved ones as they once did. America was not equipped to handle the needs of so many disrupted families. It was up to the Legion to provide what the founders called “a square deal for every child.”

Over the years, the Legion has fulfilled that obligation in uncountable ways. Since 1954, one of the most far-reaching Legion programs to fulfill that core value has been the Child Welfare Foundation, which has provided more than $11 million in grants to worthy causes over the years. Last fall alone, the foundation awarded $666,670 in grants to 21 different organizations dedicated to improving the lives of young people who have been dealt difficult circumstances.

Child Welfare Foundation grants are awarded for focused projects that help nonprofit organizations better communicate to those who need assistance. A CWF grant allows an organization to concentrate on the mission at hand – helping kids – by reducing some of the marketing burden. If

National Legislative Council Revamps For New Congress

The American Legion National Legislative Commission is asking the Departments of The American Legion to begin preparing nominations for positions on the National Legislative Council.

In the Department of Indiana, most positions on the council already have been filled, according to Department Adjutant Steve Short.

“Once the recommendations have been submitted to me for those Members of Congress recently elected, I will forward the list to the National Organization to be included on the Council,” he said.

“Most members will not change, unless the new member of Congress represents a drastic change from his or her predecessor.”

The nominees are expected to be on familiar terms with the Member of Congress to which they are assigned, and communicate regularly on issues of concern to the Legion.

Indiana has nine Congressional districts. The Department of Indiana has 11 districts, none of which coincide with Congressional Districts because of redistricting and changes in the state’s representation based on population. Neverthe-

less, District representatives are consulted prior to the selection of nominees to the council, Short said.

During the 2010 Fall Meetings in Indianapolis, outgoing Legislative Commission Chairman and Indiana’s endorsed candidate for National Commander, James E. Koutz, stressed the importance of the Legislative Council to members of the National Executive Committee.

“I cannot begin to tell you how important the council is to the American Legion’s legislative victories,” Koutz said. “I anticipated many changes

Continued on page 7

you think about it, there is no better way to spread a charitable contribution dollar than by granting it for an effort to spread the word far and wide. It’s a real multiplier effect.

I invite you to look at this year’s list of CWF grant recipients. These are truly amazing organizations that make real differences in the lives of young people. Among them are the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, a Bloomington-based organization which assists families nation-wide with securing live-saving procedures for their children. A DEC resolution officially endorsing the organization is pending additional information for further considereation.

Other organizations include Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the National Autism Association, the Na-

tional Children’s Cancer Society and Young Marines. As just one example, I give you the National Exchange Club of Toledo, Ohio, which received a $25,000 grant to use in 2010 for its Child Abuse Prevention program. CWF funds were used so the 23,000-member organization could produce and distribute child-abuse prevention kits, along with effective “cheat sheets” that provide advice to help parents get through stressful times.

“The Child Welfare Foundation grant is enabling us to better protect our children,” said Genevieve Stults, a program specialist who participated in our Children & Youth Conference in September. The organization, she explains, has helped 691,000 parents break the cycle of abuse for 30 years and has created safer homes

Continued on page 6

VETERAN INFORMATION VETERAN INFORMATION

DISTRICT 1

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

John Rassbach Commander

someone a membership to their local post for a Christmas present?

will need those resources in years to come.

DISTRICT 4

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

Hello again from the First District. I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Many of our Posts opened their doors on Thanksgiving, feeding the needy and showing them that we care.

located in Leroy on November 6. On Veterans Day, Post 369 held its program at the intersection of Indianapolis Boulevard and Chicago Avenue. The East Chicago police blocked off the entire intersection for the ceremony.

It’s time again to thank Membership Chairman Larry Macy and the Green Machine for all of their hard work in membership. Please make sure your posts turn in all of the cards sitting on their desks. We can’t afford to leave any unaccounted for and miss our target dates.

Let’s not forget about the mid-winter conference coming up in January. This gives us an opportunity to turn in more cards as well as sharing best practices with one another. As some people may be at work and can’t attend, we need help attending all the meetings so we make sure we can get this important information back to our posts.

Nick Nicholoff Commander

of Veterans Day functions, I couldn’t make them all, but thank you for the invitations.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

Everyone then proceeded to Veteran’s Park for the final veteran’s program. Post 369’s Chief Chef Richard Novak (a former Marine cook) then served up chili and hot dogs for everyone.

FEATURES FEATURES

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

On Veterans Day, I participated in the Veterans Day program held at the Lake County Government Center, located in Crown Point. There were speakers from the VFW, KWVA, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and The American Legion, to name a few. There were many other programs held throughout Lake County honoring our veterans and The American Legion was well represented. It was made very clear, without our veterans, we would have nothing.

Visiting the Posts in the First District, the major topic, as always, is membership.

My congratulations to Post 17 on making 100 percent and to Posts 279, 78 and 508 for being over 90 percent. This is something that these Posts can be proud of. Our membership team has been working very hard but I have to admit that the times are tough. I wish I had the answer to the membership problem.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT NEWS NEWS

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

On November 26, Post member Marty Dzieglowicz was interviewed on JOB radio’s program “Veteran’s Views.” He spoke on issues pertaining to POW/MIAs. Commander Ray also reports bingo is on the rise and the bowling league is off to a fast start. The Post is looking forward to the annual kids’ Christmas party, to be held on December 11. Gifts, food and a visit from Santa! On Dec. 14, 369 will host the East Chicago Senior Christmas party. Attendance will be in excess of 400 people. A sit down dinner with all the trimmings will be served. Gifts and music will be provided.

I want to challenge every Legionnaire to sign up at least one new member for 2011. Our increase in membership will help to continue to provide stability for the future of all of our Legion programs and our children who

DISTRICT 3

Orville Kling Commander

Happy Holidays from Commander Kling and the Third District.

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

Our November District meeting was the annual salute to our Past District Commanders. Past State Commander Robert Newman handled the introductions and the attendance was outstanding. It’s an honor to be associated with these men that have led the Fourth District.

The Fourth District meetings have been well attended. We are averaging between 80 and 90 percent Posts present at our meetings. The Fourth District membership could be better, but we are working on it. Membership chairman Jim Hamilton and I handed out a dozen ‘Bravo Zulu’ Awards.

I made it a priority to attend the Fourth District SAL meeting at Post 111, Bluffton, on November 10. Past District Commander Rathsack meet the man that preformed his CPR in the National Convention in Milwaukee. We won’t forget that evening.

The District Post visitations are progressing, it’s difficult to schedule some of them because of the holidays, but we will visit our Posts.

Looking at the Membership Report: The Department is down 2,900 cards from last year at this time! And only one District is ahead of last year’s total. After saying this, I want you to know the “Brown Bombers” will not stop working on membership. Membership has to be everyone’s top priority!

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS

CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

Post 369 will also host its annual New Year’s Eve party. Second Vice Commander Tom Koval says the Post membership quarterly birthday party will be held December 20. Good food and music will be provided for all attendees and the birthday recipients will receive a gift.

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

This month, I would like to highlight East Chicago Allied Post 369. Commander

Ray Pisowicz reports Post 369 participated in the Veteran’s Day program held at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial at Stoney Run Park,

I would like to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone from the “Brown Bombers!” May all of your wishes and dreams come true and may there be peace on earth. God Bless You, Bless America and May God Bless Our Troops. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Some of the following items are corrected as they were not reported correctly in the last edition of the Legionnaire. Post 143 in Bristol would like to report their participation in the Bristol Parade this year. The post entered in the Bristol Parade and took the "Best over All" Trophy. Their entry included a color guard consisting of Legion Family members as well as an active duty member of the Army, a convertible with the commander, thirty kids from the local teen center as a walking flag, a float with an active duty Sailor, and thirty bikes from the American Legion Riders.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

DISTRICT 2

I would like to thank everybody for their continued support. One that comes to mind is the fundraiser that the Auxiliary from Unit 11 is conducting. It is a raffle with the proceeds going to the veterans, both home and overseas. I would like to also thank everyone who has remembered the residents here at the IVH who don’t have any family to share the holidays with. Donations from all the districts and the Department have been very generous.

The last district meeting was at the IVH on Sunday December the 12th with the Delphi Post 75 hosting. Meeting started at 2 p.m. Indy time. December the third was the next card turn in with a goal of 85 percent to date.

Now would be a good time to renew your dues for 2011! Remember your current 2010 membership will expire on December 31. Have you thought of giving

Post 210 celebrated Veterans Day with a meal of ham, beans and cornbread. On Saturday, November 13, the SAL provided a lunch of corned beef and cabbage. Each of these meals was free for veterans.

Also on Veterans Day, Marty Bontrager and Steve Rathka posted the colors at Osolo Elementary School in Elkhart. In the spirit of thanksgiving, the post donated to the Middlebury Food Pantry, Faith Mission, The Salvation Army, Northridge Area Swimming Association, and Shop with a Cop. They also donated an American flag to Jefferson Elementary School. They are currently collecting toys for Toys for Tots.

In September, ten American Legion Riders from the Middlebury Post 210 Chapter rode to Battle Creek, Michigan, to honor Senior Airman Jimmy Hansen. On October 2, thirteen Riders honored Marion Calhoun of Elkhart, Indiana who was killed in action in Afghanistan. On the anniversary of the death of LCPL Zachary Tenbrook, the Riders and Legion family members honored his memory by placing a rose on the memorial, a wreath on his grave and gave his mother a bouquet of flowers.

There were several Veterans Day Programs throughout the Third District during the month of November.

They included Post 297’s Veterans Day Ceremony at New Carlisle Post 297 on November 6, which featured Department Commander Leland Baxter as the guest speaker. He spoke on Veterans Affairs and sacrifice by veterans in the World Wars and current conflicts. He also mentioned the dedication of the men & Women serving in the armed forces.

The Auxiliary prepared a very fine meal and it was enjoyed by all. Then, the Legion participated in a Veterans Day ceremony at New Prairie School. Jim Holfield School Principle conducted the ceremony. The NP Middle School Choir sang a

Editor’s Note: Because of an editor’s error, an incorrect version of the Third District Column was printed in the October/November Hoosier Legionnaire, resulting in some district information being left out of the report. The omitted information is included in this issue’s column. The confused editor – and we only have one, so you know who he is – apologizes for the mistake.

medley of songs in tribute to Veterans Day.

Students Abby Chlebowski, Emily Glasman, Jaclyn Kosinski, Yessenia Grimaldo, Jacob Malik and Danielle Woodcox spoke on the history of Veteran's Day.

Rich Mrozinski, Commander of the Third District of the VFW Dept of Indiana delivered the message for Veterans Day, praising the service men & women for all the sacrifices they made during the world wars and current conflicts. Mentioned as one of the local men and women serving in the Armed Forces, Jacob Job, an active US Army Reservist, helped post the colors. 710 students and faculty attended the service.

On October 20 Gary Whitehead was honored for his service to the veterans of Elkhart County. Gary is a member of Post 210 and the Elkhart County Service Officer. Among his awards, Gary received the key to the City of Elkhart from Mayor Moore and a plaque from Congressman Donnelly.

Have a happy and safe holiday this season! Hope to see you at the Christmas parties. Don’t forget about the Department Commander’s project with Riley Hospital. Let’s all have a successful new year. Continued in column

And finally, October 24 was the Tenth District’s day for visitation to the Indiana Veteran’s Home. Sticking to a tradition which started a few years back, the following Third District members joined the members of the Tenth in passing out the fruit and then providing a fun time at a bingo event for the residents. Those who participated included the following Legion Family members: From Walkerton Post 189, Jim and Lois Daube, Rob and Charlotte Kelly; from Post 161, Mike Miller, Leroy Bowers, and Bill Jilek; from Post 210, Paul Steward. Members from the Tenth District included Jerry Jordan, Homer and Patsy Loudermilk, Jim and Jean Hagler and Mary York.

Again, the Mighty Third wishes everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. On November 27, 2010, Pulaski Squadron 357 and Bendix Aviation Squadron 284 conducted the Fifth Annual West Side American Legion Family Toys for Tots Drive, held at Pulaski Post 357, in South Bend, Indiana. In addition to the Sons, several members of the Legion and Auxiliary were on hand to help with this year's efforts. Volunteers braved the cold and wind to raise nearly $900.00 in donations and collect approximately 1,100 toys and games from the South Bend community.

We then called on Commander Barron, Post 467 Hamilton, and presented him with 100 percent certificate, ribbon and pins – then I presented Commander Barron with the 100 percent Commanders cap, a special award from State Commander Baxter. There was a Service birthday around November 10.

Happy Birthday Commander Baxter!

Around the Fourth District there were a number

I also made the Auxiliary District meeting at Post 178 in Garrett. The Department Auxiliary ladies were present; it was very nice to see some of the Auxiliary friends.

(I almost wrote old friends… Whew!!!)

Condolences to the Fourth District American Legion Riders on the loss of their fellow rider Marty “Cupcake” Manahan.

Jone and I want to wish all of you a happy and safe Holiday Season and don’t forget the less fortunate during this time of giving.

Jerry Stevens Commander

Certificates were presented by Fifth District Commander Jerry Stevens at the November District meeting to Kokomo Post 6, Peru Post 14, Tipton Post 46, Elwood Post 53, Roanoke Post 160, Kokomo Post 177, Lapel Post 212, Fairmount Post 313, and Van Buren Post 368, for making the 75 percent goal. Congratulations Post Commanders and Membership Chairmen! Job well done!

Post Commander Kirk Bias, of Kokomo Post 177, advised they are trying to get the Post back up and running again. On December 2 a fund raiser and membership drive was held at the Kokomo Elks Club to help with this effort.

Recently a discussion took place about how our children seem not to be aware of nor care about patriotic things concerning our nation. While the discussion was taking place I could not help but think, “duh, doesn’t The American Legion have programs in place to help teach our youth?

‘Like Boy’s State, Girl’s State, Flag Education, Oratorical, Americanism and organization striving to better our children and youth?’

Of course we as an organization are, but what about at the local level? Our message via our programs is not getting out there. Our programs are getting kicked under the rug, therefore contributing to this generation not caring enough or knowing enough about this great nation of ours. This needs to be corrected somehow.

We need to keep the children and youth on the front burner with our programs so they can be better prepared for life with a respect for our country and what it stands for. Our programs for children and youth are important to the very backbone of the United States and its future. So let’s get out there and promote and push our programs. It’s a matter of national security.

Laketon Post 402 hosted a dinner for veterans on Veteran’s Day again this year. Thelma Butler reported that they had a pretty good turnout.

Bart Corricelli, Past Commander of North Manchester Post 286, recently took part

in one of the Honor Flights to DC to visit the World War II Memorial. He wrote a recap of the trip for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette which was very interesting. He was really proud to have been one of the chosen to fly out to DC. He couldn’t thank everyone enough.

Dave Ritenour, Past State Sergeant at Arms from Post 160, was one of the Legionnaires behind the scenes who helped get enough money to pay for these trips of the Honor Flight by the post having a fund raiser to raise the needed funds. This is yet another example of the Legion helping veterans. It doesn’t get any better PR-wise than this, but it must be noted and stressed that it wasn’t done for the PR, it was done to honor those who served in World War II. The veterans of that conflict finally got their memorial built and the Honor Flight is a way of getting theseheroes to DC to see it while they can.

Marion Post 10 Commander Phillip Turner in the post newsletter,thanked Mr. and Mrs. Lee Shultz for donating their time, money, and business to the Post. It is very much appreciated. Post 10 is an authorized collection site for the USMC “Toys for Tots” in case anyone has something they would like to donate. Post 10 is also a great place to eat if you are in the area.

Jack Lynn, Wabash Post 15, advises that the District Bowling Tourney will be held in Wabash this year and that he will be mailing the entry forms out sometime in December. This is always a fun time for the District members. So get a team and come to Wabash and have some fun.

District Commander Stevens and his Membership Chairman Dewayne Dunn are working on the District Membership numbers. If the Legion is to survive we need more members—active members. If you know a veteran, ask them to join our ranks and become a Legionnaire. Our membership numbers statewide has fallen to below 100,000 and we are losing our voice on the important matters that

Dennis Pettit Commander

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT

VETERAN INFORMATION

VETERAN INFORMATION

DISTRICT 6

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Continued from column 4

ment Company’s Christmas Party. Commanded by Captain Brett A. Dunn, FMC is a Family Readiness Group.

• Winchester Post 39 had a rededication of their Veterans Memorial December 7.

All posts need volunteers, so please get to your post and help out.

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

This year has slipped by quickly. It seems such a short time ago that I started my year as District Commander.

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

If you happen to see John French from Lebanon Post 113, please offer your support in his campaign for Department Southern Vice Commander for the year 2011-2012. I know he will do an excellent job.

• New Palestine Post 182 held a fundraising dinner with many donations going to help the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation.

In closing I would like to say to everyone involved with this year’s work in The American Legion in any role, to keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Mid-Winter Conference January 13-16. Remember: Sign up a new member.

DISTRICT 11

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

One of my goals is to visit each post in the district and it means I’ve some significant traveling to do in the next few months. As usual, membership will be a topic in my visits. As Department Membership Chairman Jack Cook is emphasizing, please turn in “Every Card, Every time.” Our district finished first in the state last year but we are currently running in the fifth position. We need everyone’s help to get back into first place.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

Two individuals, Frank Parks and Bob Luenbrink, members of VFW Post 6128 and Avon American Legion Post 145, have started an organization called “The Path Home.”

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

FEATURES FEATURES

Mark Gullion Commander

Greetings from the Eleventh District. I hope everyone had a great holiday session.

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

Congratulations again to Wayne Newton Post 346’s 2010 baseball team, the runner-up in the Great Lakes National Regional. The post will be hosting a dinner for the players, coaches and families on December 28. This is a truly exceptional group of young men.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

With the added support of Brownsburg Post 331 these two individuals are doing a lot to help veterans and their families. You can check out the web site at www.thepathhome.net. It’s all about veterans helping veterans and their families. The passion and efforts of these two individuals is very apparent and is much appreciated by those that are being helped. This is an outstanding example of the great work being done by members of our district.

DEPARTMENT NEWS NEWS

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

We are looking forward to the Mid-Winter Conference January 14-16. We hope to see many of you there. The committee meetings are very informative and the hospitality rooms are always fun.

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

The annual district fund raiser Christmas ticket drawing has been a big success this year. Thanks in large part to the salesmanship of Past District Commander Gene Hooker, Post 346 sold the most tickets, so the drawing was held at Wayne Newton Post 346, 1346 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, on December 11 at 2 p.m. The winners will be listed on the District web site, www.indlegion6.org.

You are there, now you must really work to stay there. Every member of The American Legion is part of that membership team. This means we all should be helping that overworked and underpaid membership team at our local post by getting in touch with our unpaid members and maybe helping on that year end call team.

will be a Saturday meeting. These meetings follow the Mid-Winter Conference on January 15-16, 2011 in Indianapolis. There should be lots of good information available at the January meeting.

Just a few things going on in the District this Holiday Season:

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

CONVENTION NEWS

Dolores Knever and Jean Milner visited the Danville VA hospital November 9. They took some personal items and a card for every resident for Veterans Day. The residents were very grateful. This is another example of the great things being done by members of our district.

As usual, I’m asking people to email me at mike4024@ aol.com with anything that you would like included in the next District article for the Hoosier Legionnaire. Material for the next issue will be due not later than February 7.

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

In closing, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please be safe and I hope to see you at the District meetings and Department Conferences.

A very big “Way to Go” goes out to Post 463, Tennyson, which is at 112.50 percent and to Post 242 Santa Claus who is at 104.04 percent. Jasper Post 147 and Henryville Post 105 both are above that 90 percent mark. Keep up the good work. We have four posts that need less than 10 members to reach that 100 percent mark. Keep up the good work to all of you.

Kapperman Post 44 in Newburgh will be delivering food baskets to those in need again this year. This program is headed up by Past Eighth District Commander John Branson. This type of program is what being a Legionnaire is all about. A big thank you to all those posts that do this good deed.

The first holiday we celebrated was that of Veteran’s Day. What a great day we had to honor those who served and those who are still serving. For one who has marched in about 15 veterans’s day parade, the weather was fantastic. The District was represented in the parade by members of Posts 249, 438, 3,186, 355 and 500, along with all four American Legion Rider chapters who had over 60 motorcycles in the parade. After the parade Tilman Harpole Post 249 hosted an outstanding memorial service and a great lunch.

tickets. Jerry Jordon supplied the cows, and they did an outstanding job. The plops were a success and the winners were Mike Biddle and Karen Lowe. The district was able to give a nice donation to our friend Jimmy Koutz for his National Commander’s Campaign fund.

As of this writing the District is in 4th place in membership. This is good compared to past years, but it could be better. I am asking all Eleventh District members to do their part and help your Post with their membership efforts. Remember that membership is our life blood and without it all of us are affected in one way or another.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

DISTRICT 7

Greetings from the Seventh District.

Wow! This year is going by fast! By the time this is printed, the holidays will be over.

November was a very busy month. We had a great turnout for bingo at the Indiana Veterans Home. There were about 70 residents who turned out to play. I want to thank all who came out to help. We had twelve Legionaries, eleven Auxiliary, one Junior, and four JROTC.

We raised over $1,000 from the bingo. A big thank you goes out to all the posts who donated either money or supplies. Several posts also donated clothing to the IVH. These were: Linton Post 22, Sullivan Post 139, Vincennes Post 73, Mooresville Post 103, and Bloomington Post 18. Bloomington also donated three electric wheel chairs. I am sure that every Post in the District conducted a program for Veterans Day.

I say thank you, and all the veterans and their families say thank you. We need to teach the younger generations what it means to be a veteran. So if you didn’t have one this year, try for one next year.

Now let’s talk about membership. There can’t be enough said about it. There is a lot of work still to do. We need to put our noses to the grindstone. Every community has eligible veterans, so get out there and work on them. Don’t forget: we still need to retain the members we already have. Post Adjutants and Membership Tearns need to get busy on the phones and get out knocking on doors. This kind of contact goes a long way. Our Membership Team will be out visiting posts throughout the year. If help is needed, please let your Vice Commander know and we will come and help where needed. A big thank you to my Membership Team for the hard work they have done. If we keep up the hard work we will complete our mission.

The next District meeting will be January 8, 2011 at Edinburgh Post. Hope to see you all there.

I hope all had a Happy Thanksgiving. My family and I wish all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Be safe—Be healthy—Be happy!

DISTRICT 8

Greetings from the Eighth District.

It is that time of year and all the officers and members of the Eighth District want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now is the time for all the

posts to check that membership list and communicate with those who have not paid to get that membership renewal in. As of this writing the Eighth District sits in the number one spot. Way to go to the membership team.

The last drive around for the District will be held on Saturday January 8, 2011. The drive will start at Ferdinand Post 124 and proceed thru the central part of the Eighth District. This would be a good time for those who have not been on these drivearounds to see and visit some of our posts. A good time will be had by all.

The next few District Meetings will be January23, 2011 at Ferdinand Post 124 and February 19, 2011 at Boonville Post 200. This meeting

Several posts will be having a New Years Eve party. Let us all have fun but remember we must be safe and careful when we leave. This would be a perfect time to get those members who wait until the last minute to renew that membership.

Remember if you have something going on in your post and want others to hear about it, just drop me a line and we will get the word out in this column. You can let me know at any District meeting or send me an email at mel3446@yahoo.com

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; we all are looking forward to seeing some of you at the Mid-Winter Conference in January.

DISTRICT 9

Sam Moore Commander

I would like to start off by saying ‘Thank You’ to all the veterans for their service to our country. We must continue to remember our veterans, not only on Veterans Day but every day of the year. I know you are probably tired of hearing this by now, but we are getting close to the year’s end; by now most of us, if not all of us, should have our dues paid. However, there always seem to be a few stragglers who have not paid their dues, and this makes it harder for everyone, including The American Legion.

I ask of you to please pay your dues in a timely manner, so we may get on with the business at hand. This

being the programs that The American Legion so greatly affords us, such as Flag Education, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and veterans assistance, just to name a few.

I would like to congratulate all the posts that won the 75 percent awards from the Department also. These are big achievements which all of us need to try and attain in our posts—the biggest one being 100 percent!

I would like to thank St. Leon Post 464 for having a fish fry for the National Commander’s Campaign. Hopefully this will be a huge success and we can make a lot of money for this worthy cause.

DISTRICT 10

David Espich Commander

Greetings to all from the Tenth District, and Happy Holidays to all members and families.

Now that we are in the New Year, it’s time for us Legionnaires to ask our friends and neighbors if they are current on their American Legion dues. If not, they should stop by their post or mail a check in to get current for 2011. We need to get all posts at 100 percent.

We had two drive-arounds this past fall. We met a lot of

I also attended the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis dinner where our own Chaplain, Ed Harris Jr., gave the benediction. It was an honor to be in the company of all the military heroes that were in attendance.

Sgt. Stephen Tonini, USMC and member of the Robert E. Kennington Post 34, was presented with an achievement award for his outstanding performance. The sad part of the night was listening to the awards that were being presented and hearing that these young men and women are being activated three to five times to defend our freedom.

Thanks to all who purchased our Cow Plop raffle

District 5

Continued from page 2

we have always championed and fought for on behalf of Veterans. Statistics tell us there are numerous eligible veterans out there. Let’s sign them up. Be proud. Be a Legionnaire.

If you know of any person serving his or her country in the Armed Forces away from home, especially at this time of year, around the holidays and all, make a special effort to assist the families left behind. The heroes on the line would appreciate your post members watching out for

Commander Tim Elson and the members of Post 34 have agreed to assist the families of deployed members of the 656 Transportation Company FRG group living in the Indianapolis area. They have offered their assistance to Group family members while they are deployed for one-year service in Afghanistan.

Special thanks goes out to the Eighth District Posts 44, 200, 265 and 351 for the hospitality they extended to me over the Thanksgiving weekend, See you again in February.

I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Mid-Winter Conference.

their families while they are gone. Let the families know your Post is available and willing to assist them. They are protecting our front, so let us protect their backs so that they don’t have to be worrying about family left behind.

Let’s step up to the plate and look out for these families and give some stress relief from worrying about family left behind so that they can feel secure that The American Legion is there for their families while they are gone and they do not have to worry so much.

Hoosier Legionnaire Declines To Publish Commanders’ Info

A number of callers and other correspondents have recently contacted the Department Membership Staff to request that the District Officers’ home phone numbers and email addresses be listed in the standing headlines placed above each of their regular recurring district reports.

Despite the number of requests, the Department has determined that to publish such contact information would place an unfair burden on the District Commanders and interfere with their already limited time to devote to their volunteer duties. The Department and the Districts demand much of the commanders, and the private time they carve out for themselves is important to their success.

real great people and experienced good card turn-ins, but we need to keep those cards coming in. Thanks to all my officers for their help so far, but we’ve still got more work to do.

In post activities recently:

• Rushville Post 150 hosted a membership training session in October

• Middletown Post 216 volunteered to help support and donated $100 to the 138th Financial Manage-

Continued in column 5

District Commander’s contact information is published annually in the Department Directory, and most, if not all, Hoosier Districts print and distribute directories for the use of their officers and posts. Distribution of Department Directories is strictly limited, but the District listings should be readily available.

Post officers and others who believe they need to contact their District Commander’s should attend the regular district meetings, where most of their questions can be answered, or arrangements made that are convenient to both the commander and the members.

Department staff members are always available during business hours to answer questions from members and officers, and are more than willing to answer questions or to deliver messages urgent messages to the District commanders if other means of contact are not available or suitable.

Hoosier Legionnaire

Bill Andrews Commander

Mike Patrick Commander

Mike Brady Commander

Continued from column 2

Commander Phil Freeman (right) of Dubois County Post 147 in Jasper presents a commemorative plaque with clock to Cheryl and Robert Schnell, owners of the city’s Sunset Cleaners, in appreciation for their efforts in dry cleaning over 400 coats for the Post’s Veteran Homeless Program, “Save a Life, Coat the Homeless.” Two hundred of the coats were donated to the Rescue Mission in Evansville and the balance were presented to residents at the Indiana Veterans Home in July during the 8th District’s Annual Picnic there.

EDITORIAL & OPINION EDITORIAL & OPINION

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

NATIONAL CONVENTION

NATIONAL CONVENTION

Self Reliance, Sacrifice, and Initiative Keys To Maintaining Equitable VA Benefit System

DISTRICT NEWS DISTRICT NEWS

VETERAN INFORMATION VETERAN INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

Americas have a history of self reliance, sacrifice, and initiative. These attributes have transformed approximately 3.79 million square miles of wilderness into the world’s largest national economy. Since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, most of those defending America and its principles of freedom with limited government have sacrificed in wars, taught their families the meaning of “God and Country,” and improved their lives and lives of future generations of Americans through hard work and initiative.

Veterans are our country’s best. Most of them thought

John Hickey Department Service Officer

very little about veterans’ benefits when they volunteered for military service or received their draft notice. They simply knew their country needed them, and they had to help protect the freedoms Americans had come to enjoy. These veterans always sacrificed time. Many of them also give their health and sometimes their very lives.

Since its inception, The American Legion has promoted programs to help compensate veterans for their unselfish sacrifices. These programs come in various forms: monthly compensation benefits for the average loss of earnings capacity caused by “service connected” disabilities, monthly pension benefits for disabled and elderly veterans with very little income, education benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, health benefits, etc. Most all veterans are very grateful for the benefits they have earned and receive. Many veterans sometimes

find it difficult to prove their claims and ask for the Legion’s assistance with appealing VA decisions. The vast majority of those veterans are either entitled to the benefits being sought or should be entitled if not for the lack of available evidence.

Sometimes, however, we encounter a few (even veterans) who attempt to obtain benefits not meant for them. Just a few examples of many include veterans who sometimes will want a nonservice connected pension when they fail to meet the prerequisite wartime service requirement, demand a higher compensation rating

than the law allows for the severity of their disabilities, or seek additional compensation benefits simply because they know someone receiving more benefits than themselves.

In these cases, we must explain the law, regulations and why it is not possible to receive what they are after. Sometimes we can find another benefit for which they may qualify, but, if not, those veterans might leave disappointed.

We should all take caution in depending too much on the government. I would be the last one to advise anyone not to file for and seek out the

benefits they have earned. No one should, however, depend on government for all answers. Government rules and funding can change at anytime causing benefits to fluctuate. Veterans have already sacrificed, but we must also keep the habits of our heritage with continued focus on self reliance and initiative. Only in this manner can the country continue to prosper, can our children live a better life than ours, and can we maintain the ability to care for those among us who can no longer care for themselves due to physical or mental incapacity or other unavoidable life circumstances.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT

FEATURES FEATURES

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

For the past several months, VA has been remodeling its Indianapolis offices at the 575 North Pennsylvania Street Minton-Capehart Federal Building. The second stage of VA’s major remodeling effort includes moving the service organizations to the core of the building for approximately eight months while remodeling the outer office areas. Our move is scheduled for the week of December 13, 2010. Our ability to accept phone calls or schedule interviews during that week looks unlikely.

DEPARTMENT NEWS NEWS

Department Service Office December Business Hours: The Department Veterans Service Office will be closed from Friday, December 24, 2010, through Friday, December 31, 2010, for the Christmas Holidays. The office will otherwise be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. during the month of December. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the us by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-723-7999,

FALL CONFERENCE

FALL CONFERENCE

ciation and recognition to employers having outstanding records of hiring and retaining veterans. Each year the Indiana Department of The American Legion may provide one employer award each for small companies with 50 or fewer employees, medium sized companies with work forces of 51 to 200, and large companies with 201 or more employees. Employers may also receive American Legion awards for hiring and retaining older workers and disabled workers.

On Target

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

If your call to our office between December 13 and December 17 is unsuccessful, please try again on Monday, December 20. While we are in the temporary office space, our mailing address will remain the same.

Flag At Half-Staff On Pearl Harbor Day

CONVENTION NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

In accordance with United States Code Title 36, Chapter 1, Section 129, the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation for the United States Flag to be displayed at half-staff for the entire day) on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7. When issued, the proclamation can be found on the White House web pages @ http://www.whitehouse. gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/proclama

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

The American Legion also provides certificates of appreciation to recognize and honor outstanding local veterans employment representatives, disabled veterans outreach program specialists, and local job service officers. American Legion Posts, or others, may make award nominations by sending completed nomination applications to the Department Veterans Service Office by December 31, 2010.

Southern Vice Commander Ray “Skip” Nunweiler draws a bead and fires to open the annual Junior Shooting Sports Competition sponsored by The Department of Indiana. The competitive air rifle marksmanship program is open to High School students with teams sponsored in the competition by Legion Posts. According to Ida May Jewell, Department JSSP Chairman and a member of the National Organizations JSSP committee, the program is among the fastest growing and most popular youth programs.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

tions

New Location For Indianapolis Vet Center

The Indianapolis Vet Center has moved.

The new address and phone number is: 8330 Naab Road, Suite 103, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. The phone number is (317) 9881660, and the fax number is (317) 988-1617. Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Upon request, Vet Centers will provide services after normal work hours and/ or on weekends. All military veterans are eligible to receive services, treatment and care at Vet Centers. The Indianapolis Vet Center is staffed with 80 percent veterans, including women veterans on most teams, and treats over 4,000 veterans annually. The Vet Center provides free services that are private and confidential. They provide individual, group, and family therapy, as well as assistance with bereavement, claims, readjustment/PTSD assessments, and employment services. They also provide sensitive and specialized therapy for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors. Additional information about Vet Centers or the location of a Vet Center nearest you is available by calling (317) 0988-1600.

Indiana State Transitional Assistance Advisors State-level veteran's assis-

tance is available for soldiers just returning home, those who have moved to a new state, and veterans of past conflicts for a wide variety of issues. The Transitional Assistance Advisors' contact information is posted below for your resource and information. This assistance is primarily directed at guardsmen returning from OEF/ OIF, but the Indiana State Transitional Assistance Advisor will attempt to help all veterans and service members facing hardships. Indiana’s Transitional Assistance Advisor is Roger Peterman, Indiana National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, 3762 W. Morris Street, Indianapolis, IN 46241-4839; 317-2473300 ext 85472 Cell 317-7527145; Fax 317-486-8417; or by email at roger.peterman@ us.army.mil.

Veterans Employment Opportunity

St. Vincent Health, one of the largest employers in the state of Indiana, currently has job opportunities available for veterans. You may visit the St. Vincent website to search and apply for opportunities of interest at www.stvincent.org/jobs.

St. Vincent health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Post Service Officer’s Awards

Each year, The American Legion National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and the Indiana Department of The American Legion acknowledge the contributions of exceptional post service officers with the presentation of National Citations for Meritorious Service and the Department of Indiana Post Service Officer Awards.

Those posts interested in nominating their post service officer for these awards may contact the Department Service Office for an award application.

Veterans Employment Awards

The American Legion awards certificates of appre-

The department employment committee selects the winning nomination at the department mid-winter conference, and awards are then given each year at the American Legion Department of Indiana Convention. Applications are available from The American Legion Department Service Office at 317-916-3605 or by using the following website links:

• 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

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

• Employment Service Awards Application: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/employmentserviceawards.pdf.

but it would deny the gallant service of numerous sistersin-arms. I carefully followed and observed the Marine training my daughter went through, and can assure you that the Corps only makes Marines. Therefore, my hope and dreams for peace are very real and intimate this year. Because there will always be those who will choose a path of violence and aggres-

sion, we will need warriors to defend and to protect those who are weak. Truly these warriors and their loved ones know the cost of freedom that the protected will never fully grasp. Though battles end, payments for this service continue both physically and psychologically throughout a lifetime. A warrior’s hope, prayer and commitment are that true and lasting peace will one day come. May the Legion family continue to

Child Welfare Foundation

Continued from page 1

for more than 1.7 million children in that time. The holidays are upon us. Our hearts and prayers, as always, are with U.S. troops in harm’s way and their fam-

ilies. Many of us will take time to donate items, or fill care boxes to ship overseas, or help veterans in VA facilities send gifts to their families. I would ask that you also consider the Child

Veterans Warned

Continued from page 1

Michael Daugherty, Staff Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General

Counsel (022G2) VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20420.

Any questions concerning legal representation during

pray for those who place their lives in harm’s way and let us hope for the day when more grandchildren can play on former fields of battle.

“He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2: 4 NRSV

Welfare Foundation in your giving plans this season. All overhead costs are covered by the Legion, so every donated cent directly helps us to “better protect our children.”

the claims process should always be addressed to a County Service Officer or to the Department Service Office at (317) 916-3605.

Clarification

Because of an editing error, much of the photograph at left was cropped out of the October/November issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire. As a result, the powered wheelchair presented by Harry and Joann Housour (second and third from left) of Charles Harker American Legion Post 143 in Bristol, was not visible in the photograph. Also in the photo are Michelle Gasser, right, daughter of Department Commander Leland Baxter, with her adopted children Purla and Tre Von, along with Cara Lathrop, Assistant Vice President for Development for the Child Welfare Foundation, and Dr. Michael Murphy, MD, a cardiovascular surgeon and clinical researcher with the Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Riley Children’s Hospital. Representative of the Post also joined the Mr. and Mrs. Housour on stage for the presentation.

Legion

Commander Never ‘On His Own’

Many of you were present during my election to the high office of Department Commander in July in Indianapolis. You will recall that it was an emotional moment, and I tried to put into words how it felt to find myself ‘capped’ as your Department Commander – an office that, as I began my Legion journey I neither expected nor hoped for. It was enough for me to be one of you.

In many ways, that white cap rested easily on my head, since I knew I was prepared for the tasks I would face; in other ways it rested heavily, bringing with it unanticipated uncertainties, a gnawing sense of inadequacy and a fleeting of time that reminds me that only so much is granted to us for our great tasks.

These feelings, I know, are not unique to me. They have rested on the shoulders of each and every one of the great men who preceded me.

They have been driven home to me recently by a variety of factors. For reasons that need not be detailed, some of my activities have been curtailed. I have been forced to the sidelines temporarily on occasion, and frankly, I have had to disappoint some of my friends and supporters by an absence from duty from time to time. But during this time I have learned the lesson that all commanders eventually learn: The Commander is never completely on his own. The Commander is not asked to do it all, be it all or know it all. The Commander is asked only to serve.

The officers elected to serve with me… the men and women I have appointed to key offices, committees, and

Short Takes

Leland Baxter Department Commander

positions … and those who have simply asked, ‘what can I do to help? … have demonstrated to me the true strength of The American Legion. It lies in the dedication, the commitment and the kind of mutual support that generations of soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors have demonstrated to one another by slinging an arm around a wounded comrade and dragging him to safety.

We hear much about the future of The American Legion, the decline in membership, the rising costs of keeping our doors open. Those are the wrong criteria by which to measure our potential for survival. Yes. They are serious concerns and will take much energy, wisdom and hard work to overcome them. But at its core, The American Legion is sound because of it character and the character of the men and women who comprise it.

As you read this, Christmas will be only hours away.

I want to thank my officers for the unforgettable gifts they have given me this year, gifts of friendship, support and encouragement. But as an old Marine who spent most of his career trying to keep helicopters in the air, their gift of a perfect replica of the CH53 Sea Stallion is one that I will treasure to the end of my days. To all of them, thank you. To all of you, Merry Christmas. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Tough Times Demand New Commitment

The Christmas/ Hanukkah holiday season is a great time of the year, but it also is a very busy time for everyone. Many of us make, but seldom live up to, our various New Year’s resolutions. Most of those resolutions deal with strictly personal issues and are easy to avoid in most cases. My challenge to our Legion Family is to make just one or two resolutions for the new year that involve serving your community and neighbors.

I know what you’re going to say: “Hey, I’m already doing that by serving in The American Legion.” That goes without saying, but I’m talking about specific projects where your particular knowledge or expertise can assist someone in need.

With the decreasing services of government at all levels, we are challenged to pick up the slack as government dials back. Take a look at the financial crisis in the state’s education picture (which may get even worse when the new state legislature convenes). How much do you help with your local school? Do you have the ability and time to pick

As Battles Rage, Peace Remains Possible, Distant

My wife decided that we should do a picture Christmas card this year. We selected shots that included our daughter in uniform, our middle son and his wife and our eldest with his wife and our grandchildren. Since we don’t all live on the same continent, we could not have the typical “family” multigenerational picture. On the inside, though, we chose a shot taken from our trip back to Viet Nam last July.

We are on Bo Bo (Hill 55) in the Quang Nam province. This was the hill of my major encampment forty-two years ago. It is where I first tasted major fire when a 122mm rocket blast sent me hurtling across the ground causing permanent damage to my left ear. It was where two other Marines and I vowed never to claim a “heart” unless we were so badly wounded that you didn’t have to ask where … so many severely mangled guys needed help more than our minor injuries. We bandaged up ourselves and returned to our posts.

Detachment Aims

High With $50K CWF Fund Goal

On behalf of Indiana's Sons of The American Legion, I would like to share with the Legion Family warm and happy holiday greetings. It is appropriate, as we begin this holiday season, to take a moment to think about all those individuals and families that are struggling with myriad issues, from missing loved ones in faraway lands to trying to keep up with the ever increasing financial woes during these uncertain economic times, to a host of other challenges that present themselves on a daily basis.

port on a project that was engineered last year to help the children that are unfortunately patients at Riley’s Hospital for Children and other Children’s Miracle Network affiliated hospitals. That program, spearheaded by Raymond Giehll, III, is the Josh Dog Program.

In this picture, my wife stands with me at the base of a huge statue signifying the defeat of the French on this position on September 7, 1954. There, playing at the base of the statue, is our three-year old granddaughter and two-year old grandson. What a vision of peace! Regardless of opinions held, every warrior longs for a time of peace. What a blessing to return to a former land of battle and watch my grandchildren and the grandchildren of my former allies and enemies play.

For those who pray for it and work for it, peace is a possibility. I believe this is true both in our hearts and minds, and in the lands where we once served. There are many things that are worth fighting for. History always evaluates the true

purpose and the cost of lives sacrificed, but it does not change the devastation that people experienced. Hatred does not win battles; it only extends wars for future generations. New wars are often ignited from the sparks of former wars. I remember in warrior training our stated goal was always to “destroy our enemy’s will to fight.” It was never “to destroy our enemy”.

As we enter the threshold of a new year, we all have new hopes. Our greatest hope should be for peace, however distant it may seem to be. Our President has determined that we will withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014, which will make this campaign longer than the first three major wars of the last century. It does not take into account that we have been battling “in country” for at least eight years already. With radical fundamentalist Muslims, who knows what further infractions may occur or be exacerbated? Both sides of the political aisle share distaste for the new security pat downs, as the airport security attempts to stop “underwear” bombers.

My daughter’s unit’s is scheduled to rotate into Afghanistan in 2011. Personally, I’m finding it was a lot easier investing my mother’s son in battle than my daughter! She told me that her position is at the turret machine gun on top of their truck when they head down the road. Who says women aren’t in combat? You can believe the myth if you want,

a local elementary school and offer to help struggling students with their reading skills?

Many of us have grandchildren who may or may not live where we do, so why not investigate a way to assist a local “grandchild” with learning skills.

Most communities have other services in need of volunteers. Local food pantries and kitchens are always looking for help.

Many other communities have local National Guard or reserve units either deployed or about to deploy. Check with the local unit administrator to see if their FRG (Family Readiness Group) needs help.

The season is about giving, not receiving, and as Legionnaires you are already programmed to be that kind of person. Why not consider cranking up your voluntarism a notch or two? If you attend church, heaven knows the activities at the church always need assistance.

Times are tough, so we need to be tougher and continue the service we began many years ago in uniform.

Happy Holidays.

We, the Sons, have always maintained our mission to help, aid and support the weary and distressed, especially our nation’s veterans and its under privileged children.

One of the ways that we do this has been our constant support of The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. The Sons have historically been at the forefront of the fundraising efforts for the CWF and I have made the CWF my Commander’s Project for the 2010-2011 Membership Year.

This year we have an ambitious goal; we will set the bar high and raise $50,000 out of the Detachment of Indiana. I have asked that each Squadron join with me in participating in the CWF Per Capita Banner Program for 20102011. By every Squadron donating just one dollar per member we can raise nearly $37,000 of our goal.

The Foundation grants hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities that make sure that dollar for dollar donated to children is dollar for dollar spent on children with no administration costs being deducted from those donations. I would like to encourage everyone to join me in this goal and continue a tradition of excellence that we have developed in Indiana in supporting the CWF.

In keeping with the theme of children, I would like to take this opportunity to re-

Last year, Raymond stepped up and initiated a program to purchase Josh Dogs for the patients in these facilities. Through his leadership, and by the combined efforts of all the Sons in Indiana, the Detachment was able to purchase 178 of the Josh Dogs for distribution.

On Monday, October 11, 2010, several members of the Detachment of Indiana distributed 100 of the Josh Dogs at Riley’s. Those participating along with me were immediate Past Commander Steven Tansel—under whose leadership the program was initiated—Past National Commanders Ray Giehll, Jr. and David Stephens, Past Detachment Commanders Mark Tansel and current NEC Harrell Sorrells, along with Raymond and other members of the Detachment.

I was very proud to have been a part of this program and although we were unable to give the dogs to many of the children at Riley’s ourselves, those who we were able to visit with were filled with gratitude and appreciation.

This is what we do and why we do it.

I am sure for many of us there that this was one of the proudest and most emotionally filled moments we will have had as Sons.

These are just a few of the ways that we accomplish our mission. There are, I’m sure, hundreds, if not thousands, of ways that our members help our veterans and children. If you or your Squadrons and Posts are getting out in your communities please let us know. Thank you and I hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season.

As we go through the Holidays with many things to do like parties, shopping, decorating the tree, fixing meals, I hope you don’t forget your veterans. Having gone to several gift wraps, I know the veterans are very appreciative of everything we do for them. Some are very sad that they will not be home for the holidays. It was very exciting to be able to go into the hospitals and visit with the residents.

As you all know my projects are the Veterans House being built in Indianapolis and the garden at Indiana Veterans Home. Everyone seems to be very excited about both projects. The house is started and coming along very well.

Several of us went to the Creative Arts Festival in La Cross, Wisconsin, and had a great time. The veterans put on a very good show and art exhibit. They work very hard in their crafts and you can tell they are very proud of their accomplishments. When I thanked a veteran for his part in the show he said, ‘no, we should be thanking you for sponsoring us.’

The American Legion Auxiliary is one of the largest sponsors for the show. If you ever have the chance to go to the show please go. You won’t be disappointed.

After having visited several districts, one can see how important the Legion

is to the community. Legion members work very hard to keep the community informed on veterans’ affairs.

As most of you know, the Auxiliary sponsors the Americanism Essay Contest, Girls State, “May is Poppy Month,” and many scholarships. The Auxiliary Emergency Fund is the Auxiliary’s dedication to “Women Helping Women.”

The Fund provides temporary financial assistance to eligible members during a time of financial crisis when no other source of aid is readily available to pay for shelter, food, and shelter made unavailable by weather-related emergencies and natural disasters. This also includes temporary assistance for educational training for eligible members who lack the necessary competitive workforce skills. This is just a small sample of what we do.

Once again I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, and now it’s time to work on our veterans’ projects. Our freedom is through them and they deserve everything we can give them.

Short Department Adjutant

Surprise, Surprise Commander Leland Baxter (top photo) fumbles with a package presented to him by his officers during the annual Commander’s Christmas Party earlier this month. When the wrapping was off and the tape removed, he found a detailed 1:48 scale replica of the USMC’s CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter, for which he was mechanic and crew chief during many years of his Marine Corps career. In the bottom photo, Auxiliary President Carolyn Cunningham smiles at the surprise gift she received during the party. More on the party is on page 1.

SAL News

Glenn Nagel SAL Detachment Commander