2007 January/February The Hoosier Legionnaire

Current Funding Insufficient For Military, Veterans’ Needs

Commander: Pass ’07 Spending Bill

National Commander

Paul Morin has called upon Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to finish the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriation Bill for FY 2007. He urges Democrats and Republicans to resolve their differences and designate their respective the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriation Conference Committee members and to instruct these conferees to provide the critical funds needed by both the military and veterans’ communities.

The Commander has also called on The American Legion family to contact lawmakers in the both Houses of

DEC Approves

HQ Post Plan

Districts Will Manage DMS Acquired

Members; Benefits Include Increase

In Renewals, Fewer Fees

The Department Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the Department Commander and the Department Membership Chairman, has approved details of plan fundamentally altering the way the Department manages its Headquarters Post memberships.

The action came during the DEC’s regularly scheduled meeting following the MidWinter Conference January 14.

The recommendation was brought to the DEC in compliance with Res. No. 06F-14, approved at the DEC’s Fall Conference meeting, in which the commander was authorized and directed to present a plan for re-distributing Headquarters Post members, improving their renewal rate, and avoid-

ing surcharges imposed by the National Organization.

In presenting the plan, the Commander emphasized that the only change noticeable to Headquarters Post members would be the Post number.

Current 777 members will be assigned to decentralized Headquarters Posts administered by representatives in each District, number sequentially beginning with 701 and ending with 711. Just as Post 777 has no physical location, the 11 District Headquarters Posts will also be “paper posts.” The over-riding advantage of District-level Headquarters Posts, according to Commander Delaney, is to allocate convention delegate generated by Headquarters

Continued on page 5

Congress, asking them to support designating the Military Construction and VA Conference Committee to take up the FY 07 Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs appropriations bill as soon as possible. Morin further asked members to “encourage your family, neighbors and friends who support our nation’s veteran community to contact their Federal lawmakers as well. The men and women of the Armed Forces – past, present and future – deserve the full attention and support of the 110th Congress.”

Currently, the funding for these important projects that directly impact the daily lives of both the military and veterans’ communities is provided

in a Continuing Resolution passed by the 109th Congress. The FY 06 level of funding is insufficient to cover the military operations and qualityof-life programs called for in the 2007 appropriations bills that failed to reach the President’s desk. The 109th Congress used the CR to pass on its fiscal obligations to the newly elected 110th Congress.

The Continuing Resolution expires in mid-February, well into the second quarter of the 2007 fiscal year. This means VA administrators are forced to play a “guessing game” as to how much money do they have to spend between now and the next appropriations cycle. Ultimately, The American Legion believes this will

result in hard choices between rationing of health care, postponing much needed facility repairs, backlog of equipment purchases or repairs, and maybe even hiring freezes of new or replacement health care professionals.

The current appropriations request includes billions of dollars in military operations and quality-of-life projects that are threatened if the current funding level remains until October 2007. The Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Dr. Francis J. Harvey said, “The potential negative effects on operations readiness cannot be overemphasized; the Army’s ability to prosecute the Global War on Terrorism and to prepare for future con-

flicts would be severely hampered.”

The remainder of the appropriations bill deals with the veterans’ community – heroes of current and past wars. The direct impact on veterans’ health care is well documented. The VA budget represents the ongoing costs of war. The VA medical care system is recognized in the health care industry as the role model for others in the private and public sectors to emulate. America’s service members, veterans and their families deserve the thanks of a grateful nation, not the budgetary “sleight of hand” or political “check-is-in-the-mail” approaches agreed to by the previous Congress.

Rendering Honors

Members of the Indiana National Guard Honor Guard presented demonstrations and instruction on how Legion Honor Guards can become certified to perform such ceremonies under the auspices of the Department of Defense. More than 100 representatives of Legion posts attended the training, conducted during the 2007 Mid-Winter Conference. Representing the ING Honor Guard were, from the left, Sgt. Jennifer Marks, SSG Chris Purtlebaugh, 1LT Eugene Maharry, and Spec. Snell-Rominger.

Legislature Mulls Veterans’ Bill

By Tom Applegate, Director Indiana Depart of Veterans Affairs

The 2007 Legislative session has begun and there’s a specific piece of legislation we should all be interest in- Governor Daniels initiative for Veterans Benefits, which is contained in Senate Bill 480.

after they return safely to their families.

well as the various professional licensing boards, to adopt rules to expedite the licensure of individual whose spouses are stationed on active duty in Indiana.

This Is Your Rifle … This is Your Gun Department Commander James Delaney (left) gets a lastminute briefing from Department Adjutant Steve Short on the intricacies of the air rifles used in the Legion’s

2006 competition

Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown.

conducted in November at the Morton Memorial High School at the Indiana Soldiers

SB 480 exempts active duty military pay earned by members of the National Guard and Reserves from individual income tax. This is not just the pay earned while they are in a combat zone, but includes pay earned during the entire duration of their active duty orders, to include mobilization and train-up time, as well as the compression time

The bill increase the military pay income tax deduction from $2,000 to $5,000 however, the taxpayer may not claim both the new expoepti0on and the existing deduction for military income Military retires over age 60 may also claim the deduction.

The bill specifies that active duty personnel stationed in Indiana (there are many at Fort Benjamin Harrison and at Crane Naval Station, as well

as active duty personnel assigned at the National Guard battalion-level an above) are eligible for resident tuition rates at Indian educational institutions.

It expands the high school diploma program previously offered only to World War I and World War II veterans to include Korean War and Vietnam War veterans.

It authorizes the advisory board of the Division of Professional Standards of the Department of Education, as

This bill has been endorsed by all the major veterans service organizations, including the Legion, DAV, VFW, and AMVETs, as well as other organizations such as the Purple Heart, MOAA, AFA and others.

County service officers should contact their respective legislators and ask that they support this legislation. In addition, during your visits to the various posts in the county, encourage post leaders and members to do the same.

Junior Shooting Sports Competition. Moments later, the Commander took aim and tore the center ring out of the target some 20 yards distant. The

was

and

La Quinta Rates

According to officials at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel, site of many Department Conferences and Convention, the room rates at the just completed Mid-Winter conference deterred a number of Legionnaires and their families from staying at the hotels in the complex, and they have taken steps to prevent that in the future.

“We were discussing your group this morning and it was brought to my attention that we may have had a few people choose to stay at the Days Inn versus our LaQuinta,” said Vicki Jo Lee, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Marriott.

“If this information is true, we felt it would have been as a result of the rate increase from $79.00 to $85.00. We would rather have your guests utilize one of the three hotels on our campus if possible. If we have increased our rates and made it non-affordable for some individuals, then we are defeating our purpose.”

The complex has therefore, lowered its room rates at LaQuinta from the contracted $84.00 to $79.00 for 2007, and promised to re-evaluate 20082010 later on this year based on the Legion’s use of rooms.

2007 Golf Tournament Set

The 2007 Indiana American Legion Department Golf Tournament is set to tee off Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24 in Brownsburg, sponsored by Post 331 there.

The tournament is open to all Legion members, and all participants must have a current membership card in order to register. It features a shot gun start and play will take place at Quail Creek and West Chase Golf Courses.

Entry forms are available on the Department Website: www.indlegion.org. Websites for information on the golf courses are www.quailcreekgc.com and www.westchasegolf.com.

In addition to the tourney play, Post 331 will offer a dinner special Friday and Saturday nights, a breakfast special Saturday and Sunday mornings, and special entertainment Friday and Saturday night with Monte Carlo on Saturday night. Special green fees will be available at both courses for Friday practice rounds for those who wish to come early.

According to the tournament director, Jeff Gehle, Post 331 is selling advertising space in the official program, and he suggest that the program is an ideal medium for next year’s officer candidates, businesses in the surrounding area, and interested districts. Those interested in advertising in the program should contact James Krager-

ud at jkragerud@comcast.net, the Post at its website, www. brownsburgpost331.org, or the state golf tournament itself by email at stategolftourney0 7@sbcglobal.net. Additional information is available, too, from the Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce website, www.Brownsburg.com .

WWII Tours Target Europe

WWII veteran Dr. Brooks Ranney, and his wife Vi, will be escorting two tours back to the great battlefields of Europe in the summer of 2007. The June 4 departure is a twelve day four-star tour which will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of D-Day on the Beaches of Normandy.

Other places of interest in France are St. Mere Eglise, Pointe du Hoc, St. Lo, Rheims, cemeteries and museums.

Other tour highlights are the American Cemetery where General Patton is buried near Luxembourg City, two days in The Battle of the Bulge area, and then into Germany with highlight cities Heidelberg and Nurnburg, and visiting the Buchenwald Concentration camp near Weimar. The August 25th departure is a 10 day economy tour similar to the June tour. For more information on how veterans, family and friends may join the tour, please call the Ranneys at 605-665-3596 or e-mail them at: viranney@mchsi.com.

Commander Concedes

To Michigan, Ohio

Department Commander James Delaney, along with his fellow Department Commanders, entered into a number of friendly wagers concerning membership during the July Membership Workshop in Indianapolis last summer. The Commander bet the Michigan Department Commander that the Hoosier State would have a higher percentage at the end of December. Indiana’s 79.23 percent was not quite enough. Indiana must pay Michigan $20.00.

The Commander also bet the Ohio Department Commander that Indiana would have the highest Dec 31 percentage. Unfortunately, Ohio had 82.27% at the end of the month. Nevertheless, this was a good bet for both Departments. The losing commander has to pay $25 to the favorite charity of the winner -- so Commander Delaney will donate $25 to Ohio’s “Gift For Yanks” program.

National Commander Says ‘Thanks’ For Renewed Hearings

The National Commander, Paul A. Morin, has thanked Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for their

Continued on page 6

The HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE is published bi-monthly by the Indiana Headquarters of The American Legion, 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone (317) 630-1391.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Indianapolis, IN and at additional mailing offices.

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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 AA, Number 1 January/February 2007

Circulation 120,000

Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

Golf Entry Form

The entry form for the 2007 Department of Indiana annual Golf Tournament must be completed by the entrant and his or her current membership attested to by the Post Adjutant. Entries must be post-marked no later than May 31, 2007; late or incomplete entries will be returned. Players should return the completed form with payment to American Legion Post 331 in Brownsburg. Additional entry forms are available on the Legion website, www.legion.org.

Active Duty, Veterans To Benefit

Governor Unveils Legislative Goals

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has proposed a variety of legislative initiatives designed to support active duty military personnel or to assist them in their transition back into civilian life.

The governor has also launched a regular series of meetings and discussions between members of his staff and representatives of the major veterans’ organizations and activities. These sessions, conducted weekly, are designed to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of strategies to assure passage of the legislation in the Indiana General Assembly.

Department Commander James Delaney, Adjutant Steve Short, and Department Service Officer John Hickey participate in these sessions.

Governor Daniels’ proposed veterans’ package for 2007 includes the following legislative objectives:

Increase allowable deductions on military and veterans pay from $2000 to $5000 Under current statute, a taxpayer is eligible to take a state

tax deduction if the income reported on his or her income tax return includes active or reserve military pay, retirement pay or survivor’s benefits. The deduction is equal to the actual amount of military income received or $2,000, whichever is less. If both taxpayers in a joint return received military income, they may each claim the deduction for a maximum of $4,000. This amount has not been changed since the deduction was implemented in 1977. This proposal would increase the deduction to $5,000 for individuals, or $10,000 for military couples filing jointly, a 150 percent increase in either case.

Exempt all military pay earned while under deployment orders to a combat zone -- This proposal would provide a full Indiana income tax deduction for pay earned while under deployment orders to a combat zone, including train-up or mobilization time as well as the decompression period after the deployment. Would apply to active duty,

Children & Youth Commission

Continued from page 3

Oratorical Committee The Zone 3 contest date has changed to February 11, 2007. The 5th district will not be having a contest due to a

reserve and Guard personnel

who file Indiana tax returns

Provide state match to contributions and license plate sales for Military Family Relief Fund – Law passed in 2005 (SEA 75) created a new Military Family Relief Fund to assist families facing financial hardship due to a soldier’s deployment overseas. The fund will be financed by private contributions and sale of “Hoosier Veteran” and “Support Our Troops” license plates, which went on sale Jan. 1, 2007. The legislature would include in the biennial budget a state match of all contributions and license plate sales made in support of the Military Relief Fund, up to an annual limit of $350,000.

Allow in-state tuition rates for out-of-state soldiers assigned to Indiana -- Part of a package requested by former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, this is a national effort through the National Guard Association to develop consistent policies to support military and their families. It would allow service members

and families assigned to Indiana to be immediately eligible for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities, and would enable children enrolled in Indiana institutions to continue paying in-state rates even if their parents are transferred elsewhere.

Spouse Employment Program -- Establish a model program aimed at helping military spouses more efficiently transfer professional licenses, such as teaching, nursing, real estate, etc. to make them employable in their career fields while their spouses are assigned to duty in states, including Indiana, other than the state in which they were originally licensed.

Delayed High School Diploma Program – This legislation would extend a program originally created for WWII veterans to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It would also provide a high school diploma to those veterans who left high school in order to perform military service before getting their diploma.

lack of contestants. Chairman Langley fielded questions. The department contest will be March 11, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Department Headquarters. Volunteers were enlisted for the contest.

At spring conference, there will be discussions about the SAL detachment assisting with school contacts and contest applications. The number of applications has increased from 19 last year to

26 this year. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was closed in proper manner.

americanism

ralph Tolan chairman

The Americanism Commission met at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2007, in Salon B of the Marriott Hotel during the Mid-Winter Conference.

Chairman Ralph Tolan opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Ralph Tolan; Vice Chairmen Bill Clark and Burt Tiemersma; National Liaison Representative John E. Hayes; Committee Chairmen Joseph Rivich, Baseball, Phillip N. Deckard, Bowling; Gary Stiles, Golf; Gary Steinhardt, National Security/Foreign Affairs; John Bubala, POW/MIA; and Larry Horvath, SAL.

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.

Baseball Executive

Minutes from the previous meetings were read and approved. Nominations for the Arilie Skelton Award were reviewed and the winner will be announced at the Fall Conference.

The following changes for the 2007 season were made by the Rules Committee: the entry fee increases from $50 to $75; regionals must have 3 umpires per game. Regionals will be allotted extra monies to help defray umpire costs. A motion was made and passed to leave game times the same as last year. A motion was made and passed to accept the Rules Committee report.

Tom Somerville reported Post 265 is working with National to settle a dispute over monies owed. John Hayes reported a meeting has been set with the IHSAA regarding Rule 15.2.2. John, Owen Wells, and Joe Rivich attended the National Baseball Conference in November. There were no rule changes.

Baseball

The rules changes for the 2007 season were accepted along with an increase of entry fees from $50.00 to $75.00. Regional bids were accepted from Seymour Post 89; Plymouth Post 27, Lafayette Post 11, Boonville Post 200, Terre Haute Post 346 and Rockport Post 254. Madison Post 9 was awarded the State Finals with a bid of $12,999.99. The Arlie Skelton award winner was approved. The following dates were set: February, entry forms will be mailed; March 31, deadline for entry fees, insurance applications and checks; July 29, sectionals end; August 3-5, regionals; August 9-12, state finals. Jake

Stenger requested District Baseball Chairmen help, during the Spring Conference, with the selection of sectional sites. Chairman Rivich agreed with the request and will notify District Chairmen of the place, time and date.

Bowling Chairman Phillip Deckard did not attend. An informal 15 minute meeting was held. No attendance or notes were taken.

Golf Jim Tracey gave Brownsburg a copy of the list of golfers from the previous tourney which included their addresses, posts and districts. Brownsburg tourney director, Jeff Gehle, spoke on behalf of Post 331 regarding the upcoming tourney. An information sheet was also passed out. There will be shotgun starts at approximately 7:30 and 2:00 (subject to change). The deadline for entrance is May 31, 2007.

National Security/ Foreign Affairs

There was discussion regarding the establishment of awards. Chairman Steinhardt gave a briefing on why the Islamic world hates the United States. No motions were made. No funds requested.

POW/MIA

The 3rd District did a combined service at Honor Park, South Bend. Post 346 did a program over the POW/MIA table. An army helicopter pilot from Fort Wayne has been identified after 36 years. No new business was discussed and no requests were made for funds.

S.A.L.

The following resolutions concerning officers, were made a matter of record: David Keck, Sergeant-At-Arms; Ron Sexton, Northern Vice Commander. A motion was made by Ron Kiser and seconded by Don Dapp to spend an additional $1,000.00 at the Indiana Veterans Home. Motion carried. A motion was made by Ron Kiser and seconded by Don Dapp to add four training session next year. Additional funds will be needed for mileage, materials and a new projector. Motion carried.

Adjournment

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

reHaBiLiTaTiOn

michael J. miller chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:30 PM Saturday, January 13, 2007, in Salon E of the Marriott Hotel during the Mid-Winter Conference. Chairman Michael Miller opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Michael Miller; Vice Chairman, Rick Hudson; Employment, James Piepenbrok; Homeless Veterans, Harold “Robbie” Robinson; Indiana Veterans Home, Gary Danekas. There was one guest present.

Those absent included Vice Chairman, Richard Jewell; Commander’s Rep, James Koutz; National Liaison Representative, Ted Stenger; Secretary, Walter Bode; General Hospital, George Brattain Sr.; Nursing Home, Cecil Brummett; Veterans Assistance, David Heath.

A motion was made and passed to dispense with reading the minutes from the previous meeting.

Employment Committee

A motion was made and

The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:00 pm Saturday, January 13, 2007 in Salon C at the Marriott Hotel during the Mid-Winter Conference.

Chairman Robert Newman opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman Alfonso Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney, and Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government Robert Bach, American Legion Family Scholarship Charlie Wier, Boy Scouts Stan Gatewood, Boys State Enrollment Jack Cook, Children & Youth Bob Ripley, Flag Education/Etiquette Ronald Taylor, Girl Scouts Gail Galich, Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, Knightstown Home Jerry Jordon, and Oratorical & School Awards Fred Langley.

Vice Chairman Rodney Strong was absent.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee

The committee briefly discussed fund raising efforts. The scholarship fund had received $2,255.00 as of the day of the meeting and an additional $950.00 at the meeting. A motion was approved to hold the selection of winners during the regular scheduled time at the spring conference. The following individuals will judge the applications: Clyde Colgrove, Eugen Tsareff, Dennis Pettit, Charles Wier and Darrell Hansel.

Americanism & Government Committee

The department office received orders for 8,268 senior Americanism and Government tests and 5,180 junior Americanism and Government tests.

District chairmen made the following comments: 2nd impressed with essays, 4th questioned whether a different approach is needed and suggested sending to numerous people in the schools, 5th pleased with a few more schools participating in the program, 8th advertising to be put in local newspapers about the program, and 9th children asking teachers for the test, suggest teachers take the test to determine what to teach 2nd semester. The 6th district did not submit district winners for consideration as state winners.

Scout Scholarship fund. Russ will be requesting special consideration from Mike Buss at National American Legion for a fourth district Eagle Scout candidate. The candidate will be completing his Eagle Scout requirements after his 18th birthday. He had been in an accident and spent several months in a hospital.

Boys State Enrollment Committee

The dates for this year’s program are June 9-16, 2007. The fee will remain at $300. Assistant Director Bowman reported exhibits were displayed at state Principal, Assistant Principal, and Counselor Conferences to advertise the American Legion programs. Other Boys State programs are experiencing the same decline in participation as Indiana. The State Supreme Court will hold verbal arguments on Monday during Hoosier Boys State. Letters will be sent to schools and post chairmen the week of January 15 or January 22. District chairmen were given a list of post chairmen and schools which were not represented last year.

Children & Youth Committee

Bob Guillaume and LTC

John Riley gave a presentation on a college preparatory charter military school. It would be a co-ed school for grades 6-12 with a limit of 525 enrolled students. Application acceptance would be by lottery. Charter papers will be submitted to Ball State University by March 28. If approved, school will open in 2008. The school needs $2500 to process paperwork. A motion was made and seconded to request $500.00 to donate to this school.

A representative of Pen & Publish Publishing Co. gave a presentation on a program for schools to publish veteran histories written by students. The company is asking for help to get veterans to give interviews to schools to share their experiences and get schools involved. A copy of the book WWII: A Time for Heroes with accompanying documentary was given to each chairman.

inTernaL aFFairs

Leland Baxter chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met on January 13, 2007, during the Mid-Winter conference at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East at 4:00 p.m. in Salon D.

Chairman Leland Baxter opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Leland Baxter, Vice Chairman Mary York, American Legion Riders Keith “Dawg” Jones, Community Involvement Eric Baggett, Firefighter/Law Enforcement/EMT Chairman

John Wrolen, Legislative John “Danny” Rice, Membership Ed Trice, and Public Relations Jeff Carroll, Sr.

Those absent included Vice Chairman J. David Morrow, National Liaison Representative John W. Pipher, New Post Development Chuck Mason, Religious Emphasis Norris A. Keirn, and Convention Contest James May.

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

American Legion Riders Keith “Dawg” Jones reported to the Commission on behalf of The American Legion Riders. Mr. Jones was informed that the Riders are a Department level Committee and are required to wear proper headgear at Department meetings. American Legion caps only, no doo-rags, ball caps or any other type of headgear except Legion will be allowed.

Bob Schnell is appointing a four-person committee to go through our State By-Laws to recommend any changes or additions. The committee will report, with a first draft at Department Convention in July.

Communications Officer

Conference were read and approved. A motion was made to change Indiana’s criteria to conform to National’s judging criteria. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Firefighter/EMS/Law Officer books were handed out to each District. Districts were polled to come up with possible candidates for this year. There were no requests for Department Funds.

After the regular meeting six members met to discuss the heroism category. Clarification from National of their definition of heroism before proceeding. New criteria referral sheets will need to be drawn up, to be discussed and approved at the 2007 Spring Conference, then submitted to Department.

Legislative Committee

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read. A motion was made to approve the minutes. The mMtion was seconded and passed unanimously. On Thursday, January 11, Steve Short, Ron Martin, Danny Rice, Tom Applegate and Eric Holcomb attended the Veterans and Military Legislature meeting. These meetings will be held every Thursday. Department Adjutant Steve Short addressed the Committee and spoke on focus of veteran issues with the legislature. There are bills coming up which will benefit veterans, retired veterans and their children. Bill Jackson addressed the committee regarding the appropriation of the support the troops license plate funds.

Chairman Rice informed the committee that that the new Veterans Administration representative is Mr. Bob Filner from California. Public Relations

passed to accept the following winners: Toyota Motors for Large Employer of the Year; Auburn Work One for the Employment Office of the Year. The Committee plans to submit a resolution for ES5 award at national level at the Spring Conference.

Homeless Veterans Letter sent out, only 12 Posts responded. $1,270.00 was sent in. 2nd District proposes sending letter out to each Post stressing “Family of Three.” Legion, Auxiliary and SAL to come together and donate. Say $100.00 from each Post. The Homeless Veterans Committee passed a motion to donate $200.00 to the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation’s coffee cart services for the upcoming Spring Conference. This donation will allow HVAF to distribute free coffee to Spring Conference attendees while helping homeless veterans relearn job skills.

Indiana Veterans Home

The following winners were selected: 12th grade Mohit Agrawal of West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School sponsored by post 38/2nd District, 12th grade Amy Berkshire of Pioneer High School sponsored by post 60/2nd District, 11th grade Colby Shank of Hamilton High School sponsored by post 467/4th District, 11th grade Natasha Naylor of West Noble High School sponsored by post 243/4th District, 10th grade Joshua Kamman of Brownstown Central High School sponsored by post 112/9th District, and 10th grade Ashley Ames of Griffith High School sponsored by post 66/1st District.

Neither motions nor requests for money were made.

Boy Scouts Committee

Eagle Scout of the Year applications are due to district chairmen by March 2, 2007. Russ Chorpenning gave information about the Square Knot Award. District winners should be sent to Stan Gatewood at PO Box 1075, Monticello, IN 47960 before March 17, 2007. Judging will take place at the Boy Scouts Headquarters in Indianapolis on March 17. District chairmen are reminded to have everything properly signed and to include the social security number of their winners.

A motion was made and seconded to allow Russ Chorpenning to sell a bag of national flag pins, which he was given. Proceeds from the sale will be deposited in the Boy

Al Pulido gave a presentation on the “All American Sam” program for elementary age students. Chairman Ripley distributed donation packets for the Children’s Miracle Network/Riley Hospital.

Flag Education/ Etiquette Committee

Comic books and tests were distributed. Post winners are due to the district chairmen by March 1, 2007. District winners are due to the department by April 1, 2007. The department winners will be selected by the district chairmen at the spring conference and recognized at the convention.

Girl Scouts Committee

A motion was made and approved to accept the application for Girl Scout of the Year with an amendment requiring the applicant to be an Indiana resident. The committee is requesting $500 to award the scholarship recipient in July.

Junior Shooting Sports Committee

Sgt. George Lacy conducted a training session with time for questions and answers. No motions were made.

Knightstown Home Committee

A motion was made and approved to spend money on the following items: senior trip to Chicago at a cost of $23,900 and the rifle team trip to Colorado at a cost of $4,330. Class rings were presented. The Military Ball is February 17, 2007, the prom is April 21, 2007, and graduation will be May 26, 2007.

Trent Norton has set up a web bulletin board for Legion Riders to stay in contact and send communications to each other. T.J. Small passed out cards with the webpage address. Chairman Jones stated that there have only been 69 hits out of 1000 members. He asks that everyone try to encourage their members to visit the site.

Jerry Gardner found a printer that has printed copies of the blank charter. The Bloomfield Press printed the copies on the condition that we make a donation to the Bloomfield Honor Guard and any Veteran’s Organization in their name.

There were no requests for Department Funds.

Community Involvement

Chairman Eric Baggett reported to the Commission on behalf of Community Involvement. He started the meeting by thanking Mr. John French for heading the Fall Conference meeting in his place. The minutes from the Fall Conference were read.

There was a discussion regarding a replacement for Chairman Griffith who recently passed away. Mr. Larry Durnil will replace Chairman Griffith as 9th District Chairman. Under New Business Chairman Baggett announced two winners in the Scrapbook Award, Post 168 in Hammond and Post 24 in Columbus. Chairman Baggett requested that each District submit an entry and discussed how Community Involvement relates directly to Membership.

Post 79’s Glen Strange reported on Veterans Day, attended by the Carmel Police and Freedom Riders. Whitestown Post 410 had Eagle Scout Community meeting and informed the public about programs in The American Legion. There were no requests for Department Funds.

Firefighter and Law Enforcement

The minutes from the Fall

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved. Dan Lawson asked for the requirements of the 4th Estate Award. There was some discussion pertaining to award criteria. The deadline for the 4th Estate Award is June 1, 2007.

Department Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley made his Public Relations Presentation.

There were no requests for Department Funds.

Membership Committee

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved. Chairman Trice stated that we are 3,460 cards behind from last year. Chairman Trice introduced Commander Delaney and gave him the floor. Commander Delaney touched on the lack of intensity on dues payments this year.

Chairman Trice read some of the parameters for the 777 program to be voted on at the DEC Meeting. It could save the Department anywhere from $40,000.00 to $80,000.00 in revenue if approved Sunday at the DEC meeting. The 777 form needs to be modified to allow for more information. There was some discussion regarding the 777 Program. Department Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley explained the new 777 Program in detail. Hugh Dagley reiterated the importance for the member data forms to be filled out completely. Bill Kocher commented on the importance of maintaining proper records. There were no requests for Department Funds.

New Post Development/ Revitalization

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the Fall Conference with no corrections. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Each District was asked to give a report to the Committee.

First -- Ralph Perez reported that Post 99 and Post 266 will be turning in their

cHiLDren & YOUTH

robert newman chairman

DisTricT 1

Pete Van Woerden commander

Through the test of time our resolve to remain free has been absolute we remain resolute to this dedication of our Fore Fathers and our way of life.

As I write this column, the First District remains in first place in membership. This has been through the dedication and hard work of Commander Pete Van Woerden and his Executive Vice Commander, Don Sales. They have been traveling with their Vice Commanders to help set the example as Close of Books comes closer. The team is digging ir to keep the first District on top.

The leading candidate for Department Commander, Tom Somerville, the leading candidate for Department Sergeant-at Arms, Al Pulido and their traveling companions have already traversed the entire state visiting all eleven Districts where they have been endorsed. Tom plans to return to all eleven Districts to thank them for their support and hospitality.

When I wrote the last article the plans for the inclusion of members of 777 into the local Post, I mentioned the structure of command for the District level, these offices will be ex-officio, which means the officers will not hold dual membership

The Calumet Park ceremony is not far away. This is one of the finest memorial ceremonies in the state and Commander Pete states “all of the Post that take part, get your color guards ready” and let’s show everyone that we

remember all of our fallen comrades and their families and their sacrifice deserves respect and remembrance.”

Terry Pierson, Chairman of the Boys State program, is looking forward for an outstanding year, eclipsing past years with a greater enrollment due to more interest in the program. He has been going all over Lake County, working tirelessly to ensure a good year.

The Lake County Service Office has a new director. Donald Shults has been named as the Lake County Service Officer due to the fact that Ernie Dillon was elected as the First District County Councilman for Lake County, Indiana. Don has been a member of American Legion Post 168 for many years.

Walter Bode is on the prowl again for rehab. Walter has been one of the prominent figures in the Department, never turning down a donation no matter how large or small so let’s do our part to help keep Walter one of the key figures for rehab. John Balczo is doing a superb job at Hines Hospital. Each month there is a large congregation of the Legion Family to help with visitations and giving out hand outs to all of the patients.

“We must always remember The American Legion is an Organization formed to help those who have served and are serving, to secure their rights as Veterans in war or peace,” states Commander Pete Wan Woerden.

DisTricT 2

Joe alber commander

By Sandy Burks District Public Relations

As we embark on a New Year, let me start out by thanking each and every Post within the Second District for your support and participation you have given the District. Each American Legion program cannot exist without continued support and participation from our members. I applaud you for your continued support.

Reminder: Membership goals are 93 percent by February 12 and 97 percent by March 4 (Legion Birthday). Keep up the good work and remember to pursue new members as well as your renewals. Newsletters or quarterly mailings are always a great way to keep your members involved with what your post is doing.

It was noted recently that there is a VA scam going on. The VA DOES NOT call individuals asking for information – it is all either done when someone calls the VA or through written correspondence. If anyone receives a call from a supposed VA rep, DO NOT give them your personal information.

Our Vice-Commander Jeff Mercier attended a Christmas dinner at the Logansport State Hospital for about 15 veterans residing there. Meals are prepared and served two or three times a year by a dedicated lady from Logansport who has done this service for years. The district has been looking for a representative for a number of months to ensure these veterans get the attention they deserve. Their

service to our country and their existence should not be forgotten. Anyone interested contact Commander Joe Alber.

Lost DD Form 214s: Several of our members are now getting older and their care has now passed on to their children. We probably have not shared with our children where important documents are keep or how to obtain them when needed for health care or housing. The National Personnel Records Center) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online: http://vetrecs.archives. gov/.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.

Don’t forget upcoming programs to support in your Posts are Boy’s State, Flag Education and American Legion Birthday March 15-17. Let’s strive to further a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty in both our youth and community.

Our next District meetings will be February 18 at Post 440, DeMotte; March 18 at Post 418, Walton and Apr 22 at Post 49, Warsaw. We share Post information and updates on various legion programs as well as updates on legislation. Hope to see you there.

DisTricT 3

mike Werner commander

Well, the months of November and December had the Third District busy with Veteran’s Day, Pearl Harbor remembrances and, of course, Christmas. There were several posts that had Veteran’s Day programs which included Mishawaka Post 161 who had our Past Department Sgtat-Arms Basil Bryant deliver a very moving story of a soldier from Iraq who was killed in action but had the foresight to send an email to only be opened in his death.

It was followed by a generous helping of Army Stew. New Carlisle Post 297 had their usual Veteran’s Day dinner followed by a speech by our leading Candidate for Department Commander Tommy Summerville. A nice crowd was on hand from all over the third District. Bristol Post 143 also held a nice Veterans Day program as did other posts in the Third.

December was full of all kinds of activities for children and adults alike. The Third District showed up in force at Bourbon Post 424 to take 12 boys from Knightstown Division 18 on a nice shopping spree. The day started with a carry-in meal and a pool tournament among the boys. That was followed by the shopping event where the boys bought things not only for themselves but for their families as well. When they returned, the champ of the pool tournament had to play the Third District’s ace pool player, Leroy Bowers for a cash prize of $5.00. Leroy didn’t let us

down and lost again for the 23rd time in a row.

The boys left taking with them pens, pencils, sock, gloves, personal items, snacks, fruit, and you name it -- all donated by the members of the Third District and their respective Posts, Units and Squadrons. There were in all more than half of the Post families there and a great job was done by the Chairperson Betty Hudkins from Michigan City Unit 37.

Many of the Posts reported Children’s parties put on by the individual posts, one being Osceola Post 308. The post also delivered food baskets to area families in need and had a mailing of items needed by a Marine unit deployed to Iraq from Camp Pendleton, CA. Many of the items sent were collected by and also purchased by the Junior Auxiliary. Eight large boxes were sent which were received by the Marines in Iraq.

In a joint effort on the west side of South Bend, Bendix Aviation Post 284 and Pulaski Post 357 joined forces to sponsor a toy drive for Toys for Tots. Assisting in the drive were the Marines (of course), local firefighters, police officers and the Legion families from the two post. At the end of the day, there was a trailer nearly full of toys for the kids of our community.

It was a great end to 2006 and now we look forward to 2007 and plan to finish the year in typical Third District style.

DisTricT 4

Bill menzel

commander

New Year Greetings from the Fabulous Fourth!

The first thing I need to say is “Thank You” to everyone who helped make the end of the year membership card turn-in such a great success. Membership Chairmen and Post Adjutants all did a super job, as did the District Officers.

A special thanks to Northern Vice Commander Walt Krohn for picking up the cards and making a special trip down to Department Headquarters to make sure the cards got their in time.

I know we all realize that the hard part of the membership year is in front of us now. We can’t use the per capita tax increase now to get them to renew, so this is where the job gets hard. We are going to have to sell The American Legion merits and the programs now more then ever.

We must sell the idea that it is vital that we maintain a strong voice in congress to ensure that both today’s veterans as well as future veterans are accorded the rights and benefits that are due them. Also what The American Legion means to our community in which we live. I also know that the Fabulous Fourth will continue to work hard in membership.

Mid-Winter Conference was well attended by the Fourth District delegates. Thanks to the entire Fourth District committee chairmen for attending and covering their respective meetings. The Department personnel put on another great conference.

The membership turn-in showed us in 8th place with 11,336 cards total to date at 80.27 percent. We had a good turn-in but were 647 cards behind last year at this time. The Fourth District is 3.6 percent

Rehabilitation Commission

Continued from page 3

Motion made by John Tuzack, seconded by Robert Hawkins, to purchase from the IVH “Wish List” in-

Continued from column 4

one more way of renewing your delinquent members.

Thank you all again for your continued push for membership. Now that the dues increase has taken effect, it will be that much more of a challenge, but one I’m

bed scales for $3,300.00; 50 chairs for the Auditorium for $3,200.00 and Wander Guard System for $11,000.00. Donations of $500.00 from Legion Riders Post 97 and $1,400.00

by Post 423 were accepted. Jerry Horn spoke. Census is 241 residents. Committee requested Department funds of $17,500.00.

out of 1st place, I know your working as hard as you can so just keep up the pace and we can move our standings up.You’ve also signed up 165 new members: great job and just remember to ASK a veteran to join!

Moving into February means Americanism programs and the Oratorical Contest, Several Posts will participate in these programs in one way or another. If anyone out there has not taken the time to see an Oratorical Contest which are going on this time of the year, you are missing a chance to see some of our best and brightest youth out there. This annual contest starts at the local high schools and then the winners at this level proceed on to a District contest. The winners then advance to a Zone contest, and the winners then go to the Department level contest. From there, they perhaps move on to the national contest with a chance to win $18,000 for a 1st place finish.

Fourth District this year has seven students entered at the District level which will be held at Post 43 Decatur Jan. 21 -- but by the time you receive this the contest will be over.

The Zone contest will be at Post 43 Decatur Feb. 11 starting at 1:00 p.m. sharp. If you want to see something that will go a long way to renew your faith in our nation’s youth, take the time to visit and see this contest for your self. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in what you see.

I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of you in March, as it’s The American Legion Birthday. I know their will be a lot of birthday programs going on and we’ll be visiting as many Posts as we can, this is

Continued in column 5

Adjournment

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

sure the Fourth District will step up and take on as they always do. Thank you all, for all you do, and lets all look forward to another great year in 2007.

Keep our troops in your prayers and God bless each of you.

DisTricT

5

Jerry stoner commander

Sometimes we cannot see the tree for the forest. I want to point out some Legionnaires we have standing along side us. Many, I’m sure, are not aware of these compassionate caring Legionnaires or what they are doing for the American Legion. The 5th District has many to be proud of.

Here in the 5th District we have a couple that have devoted the last 13 years of their lives to helping the Veterans at the Marion VA and at the Nursing Home. Judy and Bob Monin of Marion Post 10 have done an outstanding job. I had the privilege of going with them this past December. We started out at the Marion VA passing out a Christmas lunch provided via the American Legion to some of the Veterans there. They were very appreciative and thanked the American Legion several times.

We then went to a Nursing Home where we passed out Christmas gifts to the Veterans living there. Doing these things for our Veterans comes from Judy and Bob’s hearts. The 5th District and the Department of Indiana American Legion are lucky to have Judy and Bob to count among our elite group. Judy is an Auxiliary Member of Unit 10 in Marion and Bob is a Legion member of Post 10 in Marion. When a person, and even sometimes our own Legion members, looks at the American Legion, normally they will not see these great types of things like the Monins do that go on behind the scenes. The 5th District thanks them both for all that do and have done on behalf of the American Legion for our Veterans. Bob was given an award for the work done on behalf of the American Legion in helping veterans at the VA Hospital and will present it to the Indiana American Legion Department State Commander at Conference.

SAL Squadron 159 of Hartford City was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indiana American Legion Department. The Sons put on a breakfast for the veterans and had for their speaker, Gen Wright. Gov. Daniels was scheduled to speak but could not make it. There were around 100 in attendance. Great job by the SAL in helping our veterans here in the 5th District! The SAL is a vital part of The American Legion and plays a vital role within our Legion family. Dug Fugitt, Past 5th District Commander, presented the certificates to the Legion Post and to the SAL on behalf of The American Legion.

In December I accompanied my wife, Roxy, 5th District Auxiliary President, along with Jocko and Sue Comerford of Post 6, Kokomo, to the Ronald McDonald House in Indy. Sue Comerford, 1st Vice President of Kokomo Unit 6 and Membership Chairman of the 5th Dististrict Auxiliary, presented them with a check for $650.50 with $325.25 assigned for the Riley Hospital and $325.25 assigned to the McDonald House.

Roxy presented them an afghan that Brenda Hutto of Kokomo Unit 6 made for the Ronald McDonald House. The money was raised via the early morning shoot out golf players at Kokomo’s Legion Golf Course over a period of time. The McDonald House was appreciative of American Legion Post 6 in Kokomo for giving them the check and afghan. Roxy and Sue got their photos taken with Ronald McDonald while Jocko and I looked on.

In November, some 5th District Legion family volunteers went to the Marion VA for the gift-wrap. There again, there are those outside the Legion family and even some inside the Legion Family that do not realize what goes on behind the scenes. This gift-wrap is a nice thing to do for the veterans over at the hospital. It would be nice to have more participation from the District to help Past American Legion Auxiliary State President, Virginia Baker, with this project. Virginia does an outstanding job at the Marion VA. The Auxiliary buys the presents, wrapping paper, etc., and the veteran patients are brought into a room where all the gifts are laid out on a table from which they pick out what gifts they want to send to family or friends. The gifts then are taken by the volunteers to be wrapped and address labels made out to be sent to the veterans’ loved ones.

Roxy and I attended a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Norwood Nursing Home up in Huntington along with the Color Guard and Aux. Unit from Huntington Post 85. They retired the old flag and presented a new flag to the nursing home. The ceremony takes place at the flagpole and was well attended. The Color Guard and Auxiliary Unit did an outstanding job and represented The American Legion well. This is another one of those things that The American Legion does from time to time that gets very little attention. This act in itself says so much and certainly is something that the 5th District and American Legion can be proud of.

Montpelier Post 156 took canned goods around to the needy in their area during December. The school kids from various schools collect the canned goods and give them to the Post to distribute. Helping our fellow man is what it is all about and a nice thing to do. The 5th District is certainly proud of Post 156 for showing this compassion for our fellow man.

Ask any Legion member if they know Dave Ritenour and you will get an answer of YES. Seems like everyone knows Dave. Dave is a Past State Sgt. of Arms, Past 5th District Commander, current 5th District Service Officer, and current Post Commander of Roanoke Post 160. Dave is an excellent ambassador for The American Legion and is an asset for the 5th District. He puts in countless hours for The American Legion. This year Dave and his Post honored our American heroes of the war, hosted the National Commander, held the annual Rabbit Fry, honored deceased veterans at funerals, and traveled from post to post assisting with anything they are having problems with. The drift of this is that Dave Ritenour and Post 160 are not stagnate. They are on the move under Commander Riteours leadership. Good work my friend. Good work on behalf of The American Legion.

Legionnaire Max Mauller of Marion Post 10 was presented his second Bronze Star for his service during WWII a few weeks ago. Thank you, Max, for your service to our country. The 5th District salutes you and is proud to have you as a Legion member.

It was a sad duty to attend another 5th District hero funeral. Sgt. Nathan Frigo of Kokomo was KIA. The funeral was held in Kokomo. The Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders were ever-present

Continued on page 5

January/February 2007

Happy New Year to the Mighty Seventh District. I would like to thank all the Posts on their hard work in December on membership. We are starting to make our push towards the front. The membership chairmen and Vice Commanders have worked very hard with their Posts to accomplish this.

Linton Post 22 did another great job with the District bowling tournament this year that was held in December. They had several teams in all the categories. The winners overall were the Bloomington Bombers from Post 18. Franklin Post 205 sponsored 14 families this year in their Christmas Angel Program. Food, toys and clothes were provided.

What’s happening around the 7th District:

On February 10, 2007, Bloomfield Post 196 is having a Valentines Dinner & dance. The dinner will be Steak & Shrimp or Chicken from 5:00 – 8:00 with a band to follow.

Shelburn Post 197 is also having a steak fry. Loogootee Post 120 will be have a Valentines dinner and dance 7:00 p.m. March 3, 2007.

Hymera Post is holding a poker tournament. Side games are noon – 2:00 p.m. with the tournament starting at 2:00 p.m.

Post 777 at Department Headquarters will begin to turn over members to new District Posts. Our Post number will be 707. Post 707 members who wish to belong to a local Post within the District will be verified by a committee prior to being placed in any Post in the District. The committee membership team consists of Gary Stiles from Post 73 and Bill Clark from Post 205. This will be a great opportunity for the District. Those not wanting to belong in a local Post will remain in Post 707 where the dues will be set at the rate of the Post with the highest dues within the District.

DisTricT 9

c.T. “sugo” castner commander

January 1 … the beginning of a new calendar year, a time when the world celebrates the past 365 days with thoughts of old acquaintances, new friends and resolutions for the coming year …

Although we are only in the middle of our 9th District year, we, too, remember old acquaintances, look forward to making new friends, and resolve to complete the work of the District during this term.

Old Acquaintances: The 9th District has a multitude of Legionnaires who have so generously given their time and talent to our District, to The American Legion, to veterans, community and to our country with unselfish service. Jim Griffin was such a Legionnaire.

Jim represented the 9th District on many District and Department committees; he entertained us as 9th District Hospitality Co-host, served as 9th District Adjutant and agreed to continue as a 9th District Vice Commander during the 2006-07 term. Jim didn’t stop there; he served twice as Columbus Post 24

Districts To Take On HQ Posts

Continued from page 1

Posts among the Districts.

In accordance with the approved plan, the Department Commander will appoint a committee to oversee the implementation and progress of the strategy. The committee will consist of two co-chairmen, both of whom are to be past Department Commanders, one member from each district, the immediate past Department Membership Chairman, and such members of the Department of Indiana who are under active consideration for Department Membership Chairman in the next coming Department Administration.

A special meeting of membership workers who will be involved in the new strategy is scheduled for late February. During the session, the committee and others involved will be trained in their new responsibilities. A summary of the plan indicates the following will take place:

• Each District will establish a working group to perform the tasks necessary to

many events throughout District 9. I was privileged to attend the dedication of the Scott County Veterans Monument at Scottsburg on Veterans Day. The monument, like many throughout our District, is a visible tribute to our veterans, old acquaintances, to whom we cannot give enough thanks. When in Scottsburg, stop by and see this great Veterans Memorial.

Joe Lunsford lived a life of quiet tribute to veterans throughout District 9. Joe, a member of Brookville Post 77, never asked to be in the spotlight, yet by his service to his fellow veterans he placed them in the spotlight on almost a daily basis. Joe participated in veterans’ funeral services -- not only those of his own Post, but with countless Posts throughout the District. It was not unusual to see Joe on the streets, dressed in blue blazer and khaki slacks, returning from the funeral of a fellow veteran. In January, it was Joe’s turn to be honored, as he, too, has now enrolled “in the great spirit army, whose footfalls cause no sound.”

“Taps” was sounded at Joe’s graveside, but in the hearts of 9th District Legionnaires, Joe’s “soul will forever go marching on.”

of you who have been there, thank you for your participation. For those of you who haven’t yet, you will leave the Department Conference with a renewed sense of Legionnaire pride. If you visited the 9th District Hospitality Suite, you also left with a full stomach and a smile or too, as well. Thanks to all who attended the January Department Conference meetings and your renewed service to our District.

Come to a District meeting, there’s good food, lots of Legion information and a chance to spend some time with fellow Legionnaires. Hope to see you in Bedford at Post 33 on Saturday, February 24.

It’s that time of year, when the sounds of “We’re Number One” can be heard at sporting events, or viewed on TVs at Posts throughout the District. In January, the District had a drive-around in pursuit of saying “We’re Number One,” in membership, the position we finished in at the end of the term last year.

I had the pleasure this last December with other officers from 10th district to attend an auction at Hagerstown 333, where all proceeds went to the Knightstown home.

The Knightstown Home had its Christmas program and Santa’s visit. Those kids were really happy about Christmas. We had a really good turn out from the district that night; I would like to thank all who attended. I would like to give Jerry Jordon a big thanks for a great job he does as Knightstown Home Chairman for this event and American Legion Day.

As commander of the 10th District I am also 10th District chairman for homeless veterans. Our past 10th District Commander Robbie Robinson is the chairman for the Department and he would like to thank Shelbyville Post 70 and Hagerstown 333 for

their donations to homeless veterans. Let’s see if we can get more help for this homeless veterans cause.

I would like to thank Shelbyville 70 for inviting me to their New Years dance. My wife and I had a wonderful time. Remember membership is what makes The American Legion able to have all these programs. A thank you goes to all posts that are already at 100 percent. We will be having a drive-around on February 3 starting at Ridgeville at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and ending at New Castle. I hope everyone can attend.

Mike Gammon, Nursing Home Chairman, says he will be delivering to the nursing homes in February. Remember our next district meetings will be at Hagerstown February 10, New Castle March 3, and Union City April 7. I hope to see you there.

Internal Affairs Commission

Commander, he served veterans in his community as Bartholomew County Veterans Service Officer, and he played a central role in a multitude of veterans’ recognition programs. The 9th District has been a stronger one, thanks to Jim Griffin. His service, humor and dedication to the Legion and veterans has made us all better Legionnaires. Jim’s dear friend and former 9th District Hospitality cohost, Larry Durnil, also from Columbus Post 24, has volunteered to complete Jim’s committee work during this term and has agreed to serve as 9th District Vice Commander for the balance of the term. Join me in thanking and welcoming Larry. We say thanks and farewell to 2006-07 Vice Commander James Howerton. Due to health reasons, Jim, a member of Salem Post 41, has asked to be replaced for the balance of the term. Thank you, Jim, for your service to your Post and to our District. Rick Fleenor from Scottsburg Post 234 has agreed to serve once again as Vice Commander to complete

Continued in column 3

transfer members from the District Headquarters Posts into local Posts.

• The Department of Indiana will charter one new post in each of the eleven districts into which Headquarters Post 777 and DMS Members will be automatically transferred upon receipt of renewal or membership in the Department from the National Headquarters.

• Officers of the District Headquarters Posts will be the serving District Officers, such officers to remain members of their traditionally chartered posts in the manner prescribed for Department Headquarters Post Officers.

• Members currently in Headquarters Post 777, including both renewals and newly acquired DMS Members assigned to the Post, will be transferred immediately upon approval of the plan and establishment of the District Posts. The transfers will be reported to the National Organization.

Each District Committee then will be responsible for contacting members who have not submitted Requests For Transfer, verifying membership eligibility, notifying

New Friends: We have an opportunity this year to make new friends, friends who can last a lifetime, friends who can make a difference to you and to me and to our work as Legionnaires. These friendships can begin with these two words, “Join Us.”

Join us in the camaraderie, join us in the service, join us in the work, joins us in the fun, join us in contributing to our community, and join us in saying thanks to our fellow veterans. These two words can help us to continue the efforts, not only of our local Posts, but the District, the Department and The American Legion at large. Won’t you extend these words of friendship and ask a veteran to “join us” and when you do invite their family to “join us” in our “Family of Three.”

These two words can turn strangers into friends and make the difference in the continuation of our work as Legionnaires. If each Legionnaire in the 9th District would ask just one person to “join us,” there would be no more membership campaigns, as they wouldn’t be needed. Won’t you ask at least one vet-

local posts of the impending transfer of the member from the District Headquarters Post, and preparation of the necessary Member Data Forms.

The Committees also will be responsible for notifying Department Headquarters of ineligible members, preparing and transmitting renewals of all members held in the District Headquarters Posts not transferred out prior to close of books, fulfilling all ‘Request to Transfer’ Forms returned by Post 777 and DMS-acquired members, and preparing an annual report of transfers in and out of the District Headquarters Posts for presentation to the Department Executive committee at its regularly scheduled Pre-Convention meetings.

The plan calls for the standard rules and procedures that apply to member transfers, determination of representative strengths, and counting members to apply to the headquarters Posts, as well.

According to Commander Delaney, the success of the plan depends on the Districts adhering to the intent as well as the letter of the strategy.

“District Headquarters

Special thanks to Owen Welles, Department Southern Vice Commander and his wife Susan, Ed Trice, Department Membership Chair, all 9th District Post Commanders, Adjutants and Membership Chairs, 9th District Co-Membership Chairs Ron Taylor and Al Kerner and the Drive-Around Teams. We had a lot of fun on our drivearound and will keep doing so throughout the term.

The drive--arounds are not just about membership, they are about recognizing what makes each Post throughout the District unique. So as we continue our pursuit of membership cards, know that we’re also at your Post to say hello, to thank you for your service, to recognize your efforts to grow our membership and to continue to work together as Legionnaires throughout District 9. If you would like me to attend Post event or meeting, just contact me, I’ll be there for you, just as each of you have been there for me during this term.

So until once again the 9th District can say “We’re Number One, Ill be seeing you at American Legion Posts across the 9th District, renewing old acquaintances, making new friends and resolving with your help to make the 9th District the best it can be.

Remember: “there is no rank among us, for we all serve as equals.”

Post working groups should maximize the benefit of the program to local posts by focusing on determining eligibility, communicating with the potential transferee, and facilitating the transfer of members into local posts,” he said.

“As with all programs, the potential for abuse and selfserving tactics exists, but the Districts are advised that the program, if properly conducted, is in the best interest of the Department and, if conscientiously administered, will benefit the Posts by providing additional manpower and unrelated income, and will benefit individual members by reducing the upward pressure on Department per capita.”

The plan also provides for it to terminated at anytime on the recommendation of the committee co-chairmen and approval of the temrination by the Department Executive Committee, or by resolution emanating from an appropriate source (post, district, committee, or commission) and properly considered and approved by the Department Executive Committee.

Continued from page 3

charters. The First District will attempt to get all of the members transferred to existing posts within the District.

Second -- Raymon Turner reported that Rochester Post 36 is building a new home.

Fifth -- Dugless Fugitt reported Redkey Post 401 is back open. Elwood Post 53 continues to have problems.

Sixth -- Phil Hutson reported that he has been working with Clinton Post 140. Things are going well at this time. Phil acknowledged the Auxiliary and SAL for their assistance at Post 140.

Seventh -- Herb Hoffman has been working with Mooresville Post 325 on turning in their charter. There are some details to work out concerning a trust fund and making all members paid up for life. Herb will continue to assist Post 325 in directing its members into active Legion Posts. Edwardsport Post 192 will be turning in its charter. Gary Stiles and Bill Firkins are working on transferring the members into active Posts within the 7th District.

Ninth -- Al Kerner reported that Medora Post 453 has no activity at this time. Chairman Mason will attempt to make some contacts in Medora to see if members want to continue their membership at Medora or transfer to an active post. Al is trying to make contact in the Bright, IN area to see if they are still interested in starting up a new Legion Post.

Tenth -- Homer Loudermilk reported that Muncie Post 299 is meeting and struggling with their membership. They currently have 14 members paid for 2007. The 10th will continue to work with Post 299. Homer invited the committee to attend a regular meeting of Muncie Post 299. The next two meetings are

District 5

Continued from page 4

standing watch in a respectful manner with the American Flags held high and flying in respect for this fallen hero. Also present were the Son’s of the Revolutionary War who were dressed in period uniform. The Gold Star Flag was presented to the family by Kokomo Post 6 1st Vice Commander Larry Hedges along with Legionnaire Ray Huffman.

The 5th District’s Santa Claus, Bob Bach, was busy again this year throughout the month of December. Bob is one Legionnaire that just keeps on giving and giving. The kids all love him as Santa and being a retired school-

scheduled for Saturday, January 20th and Saturday, February 10. The meetings start at noon, Indy time, and are held at the Muncie FOP Club. The 10th District is also working with Cowan Post 55.

Eleventh -- Bob Sutton reported that Post 465 has merged into Post 4. The 11th is working on Post 264 and Post 272. Sutton offered some advice to the committee concerning turning in charters and using the assets to pay for life memberships for all the members. Be sure each and every member has been contacted before assets are donated to other Legion programs. It would be wise to keep a reserve in case a member of the closing post has been overlooked.

Ron Wilson, of Noblesville, was introduced to the committee. Mr. Wilson has been contacted regarding opening a new post in McCordsville. Mr. Wilson spoke on the growth in Hancock County and McCordsville is an area for the committee to consider.

An open discussion was held: Leland Baxter stated that we need to turn things around. The number of charters being turned in is far greater than the number of new posts. Baxter stressed to the committee that every effort by the District must be exhausted before turning a charter in. Chairman Mason reminded everyone that this Committee is always open to new and fresh ideas to establish new posts and help struggling ones. The Committee will assist any of our posts or districts when asked.

Adjournment

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

teacher (who happened to have taught our State Membership Chairman and Past 5th District Commander, Ed Trice in school, and which may be the reason why Ed is smart enough to figure out our Legion Membership numbers??) Bob knows just what to say to the youngsters to make their Christmas special. We in the 5th District are proud of all that Santa Bob does for the kids of the 5th District each year. Bob is also Boy’s State Chairman for the 5th District, a Past Northern Vice Commander, Past 5th District Commmander, Past Post Commander of Fairmount Post 313, and is currently serving the 5th District as our Adjutant. Anyone care to try and run along side of Bob?

VA To Bring Golden Age Games To Indiana in ’08

Attention all veterans age 55 or older who receive healthcare at VA facilities: It’s time to get in shape, start your training program, and sharpen your skills. The Department of Veterans Affairs National Veterans Golden Age Games are coming to Indianapolis. VA research and clinical experience verify that physical activity is particularly important to the health, recovery and overall quality of life for us old and not-quite-as-young-aswe used-to-be veterans. The Games are known as one of the most progressive and adaptive rehabilitative senior sports programs in the world. They are now recognized as a qualifier for the National Senior Games, a

John Hickey Department Service Officer

member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Gold and silver medalists in certain events have the opportunity for further competition in a wider field of America’s senior athletes.

If you have a medical condition or disability, don’t let that stop you; events have been added for competitors with low motor skills, as well as those who use wheelchairs or have visual impairments.

Modification of rules and use of adaptive equipment in many events allow the participation of non-ambulatory and visually impaired veterans in separate divisions where needed and with ambulatory and sighted veterans when possible. Don’t let being completely healthy stop you either; there’ll be plenty of competitive games for you!

The Golden Age Games offer separate age groups and gender divisions. Scheduled games include golf, checkers, adaptive and ambulatory bowling, bicycling, croquet, table tennis, shuffleboard, swimming, nine ball, horseshoes, dominoes, shot put, discus throw, and air rifle competition.

Mental Health Issues of Elderly Veterans

Since 1990, one participant has been chosen each year at the conclusion of the Games, for being the “most Inspirational” person to compete. Could this be you, or could you be one of many who simply have a good time and improve their physical and/or mental health through participation.

American Legion posts might want to initiate excitement at their posts by starting regularly scheduled group training events for interested post members. The Games don’t start until August 2008, but I’ve noticed several vets that could use the extra training time. See how many of your post members can win awards. Pick your game. Train.

Memory Loss Not Normal Part Of The Aging Process

By Steven M. Herman, Ph.D., HSPP Special to The Hoosier Legionnaire

This article examines the mental health issues most frequently faced by elderly veterans: depression, medication problems, substance abuse, dementia, mortality issues, and the re-emergence of PTSD. In each section, another of these issues will be examined, and recommendations will be made for corrective action.

The veteran population of the United States is an aging one. The median age of veterans being treated in the VA system is 58.3, with an average age of 60 (Pfizer, 2003). As they age, the mental health needs of veterans change. The mental health issues and needs of the elderly have often been referred to as the “4 D’s”: depression, dementia, drugs and death. For the ageing veteran, there is also the potential problem of re-activation of symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. These all represent problem areas, not “normal” parts of ageing. As problems, they all have consequences, and, as problems, they all have treatments.

Editor’s Note: Steven M. Herman, Ph.D., HSPP, is Director of the Psychiatry Ambulatory Care Clinic (116P) at the Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, and Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Indiana University Medical Center. In this, the third of four articles, Dr. Herman examines one of the mental health issues most frequently faced by elderly veterans: depression, medication problems, substance abuse, dementia, mortality issues, and the re-emergence of PTSD.

toms of Alzheimer’s, even though they may not actually have the disease itself (The Arc, 2001).

Dementia can be caused by many different factors, many of which are correctible, some even reversible. One of the most common causes for memory problems is actually depression, which can result in difficulties with attention, focusing and concentration (teri, McKenzie & LaFazia, 2005). Memory problems can also be caused by many different medical problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or other metabolic disorders. Memory problems can be created or exacerbated by alcohol or drug abuse or medication interactions, many of the effects of which can be reversed. Other causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and several other forms of dementia.

The VA Medical Center system has multiple facilities, often located in local community settings, for the treatment of mental health issues. Transportation is often available for veterans who are not able to drive, so that they can attend therapy sessions at their local VAMC or VA community clinic. The VA and its mental health system are committed to helping alleviate the mental health issues of all veterans.

References:

Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health (2004). Projections of the prevalence and incidence of dementias including Alzheimer’s disease for the total, enrolled and patient veteran populations age

Rehab at a Glance

65 or over. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.

Gurland, B., Wilder, D., Lantigua, R., Mayeux, R., Stern, Y., Chen, J., Cross, P., & Killeffer, E. (1997). Differences in rates of dementia between ethno-racial groups. In L. G. Martin and B. J. Soldo (eds). Racial and ethnic differences in the health of older Americans. Washington, DC: National Academy Press (233269).

Pfizer Corporation (2003). Utilization of Veterans Affairs medical care services by United States veterans. New York: Pfizer, Corp.

Teri, L., McKenzie, G., & LaFazia, D. (2005). Psychosocial treatment of depression in older adults with dementia. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 12, 303-316.

The Arc (2001). Alzheimer’s disease and people with mental retardation. http://www. thearc.org/faqs/almr.html.

Win! Ho, by the way. VA informs us that they must raise $250,000 or more and recruit over 1,000 volunteers to pull this off. VA will also gladly accept in-kind donations, such as, snack food, bottled water, soft drinks, fresh fruit, welcome gifts, table accessories, table skirts, table rental, chair rental, cell phone rental fees, gym bags, and on and on. If you or anyone at your post has or knows of a business or organization that would like to volunteer and/or donate, ask them to contact one of the following:

Linda S. Jeffrey, National Golden Age Games Chairperson, 317-988-4475; Michael L. Wright, Volunteers Chairper-

son, 317-988-2732; or Bryan K. Tipton, Volunteers CoChairperson, 317-988-2607. Legion posts might want to wait for further instruction from the Department Headquarters concerning direct post donations. A representative from the National Veterans Golden Age Games will attend our Spring Conference Veterans Assistance meeting to further discuss this topic. Why let advancing age put you in the rocking chair? This is your opportunity to get in shape (physically and/or mentally), volunteer, start an exciting and interesting post activity, and light your path to fun.

For Whom The Bell Tolls

As a reminder of the sacrifice of generations of American service men and women, the bell of the USS Indianapolis is rung each September during the annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony in Indianapolis. The USS Indianapolis was sunk in shark-infested waters in 1945, only days after delivering key components for the atomic bomb that leveled Hiroshima and hastened the end of World War II.

VA Teams Up For Vets’ Support

Memory loss is not a “normal” part of aging, although it is a common part of aging. In the community, memory loss, or dementia is found in 4-6 percent of individuals over the age of 65 (Gurland, Wilder, Lantigua, Mayeux, Stern, Chen, Cross & Killeffer, 1997). The number of veterans with severe dementia was recently projected to increase from 40,000 in 1990 to 600,000 in 2000 (Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health, 2004).

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for about 50 percent of the dementias seen in the United States, affecting 2.4 per 10,000 people age 40-60 and 127 per 10,000 people older than 60. It has been estimated that half of the people over the age of 85 have some physical symp-

It is important for individuals to discuss with their primary care provider any concerns they may have regarding their memory functioning. A thorough evaluation can determine the nature, cause, extent, and severity of any actual problems. More importantly, a thorough evaluation can determine if anything can be done to stabilize or correct the memory problems. It is also extremely important for anyone to keep mentally active. The old saying “if you don’t use it, you will lose it” pertains to cognitive functioning, too. It is important for everyone, especially the elderly, to read, talk with others, do word, math or logic puzzles, as well as to keep physically active.

Help is available and possible for all of the issues and mental health problems affecting the elderly veteran.

Legion in Brief

Continued from page 2

The Indianapolis VA Medical Center has teamed up with Vinfen, an organization specializing in support groups, to bring Vet-to-Vet, a network of peer-facilitated support groups for veterans to Indiana.

The newest chapters of the program started November 13, 2006, in Greenwood and Nashville, Indiana.

PX, Commissary Bill DOA

“This wise decision restores vital congressional forums for the entire veterans’ community,” Morin said.

“The ground swell of support for restoring these joint sessions by the grassroots at the local, state, and national level was overwhelming.

“Many thanks go to Legionnaires across the country for remaining persistent and keeping this issue on the forefront with their congressional representatives,” Morin said. “This is a big win for The American Legion family. On behalf of all veterans, our voice will once again be heard, and heard loudly this fall during the reinstated hearings.”

There are already five chapters of the group up and running: an “in-house” meeting at the Indianapolis VAMC on Monday mornings, 10:30 to noon in room C-1206; Wednesday mornings, 10-11 a.m. at the Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church, 307 South Washington Street, Crawfordsville; Thursday evenings, 6-7 p.m., at the VVA offices at Fort Harrison, 5940 Lee Road, Indianapolis;, in the Terre Haute Library, located in the Southland Shopping Center, 3001 South 7th Street on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.; and, Indianapolis, in the Stockyard Bank Building, 136 East Market Street, Suite 1010, the offices of Silouan Green, on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.

The Nashville group will meet on Mondays at 5:30 pm in the Brown County Library, 205 Locust Lane.

Veterans interested in the program are invited to attend a group for more information, or to call the Indianapolis VAMC Department of Psychiatry at (317) 988-2770 or 1888-878-6889, ext. 82770.

A bill sponsored by former Congressman Mike Sodrel that would have extended PX and commissary privileges to veterans with disability ratings appears unlikely to be reintroduced into the 110th Congress. The bill’s primary sponsor was defeated in his bid for re-election, and no one has stepped forward to take up the cause.

Extended Healthcare Eligibility For Former Prisoners of War

The VA health care system affords priority treatment for former POWs. Former POWs who have a service–connected disability are eligible for VA health care. This includes hospital, nursing home, and outpatient treatment. Former POWs need not have a service-connected disability to be eligible for VA hospital and nursing home care – without regard to their ability to pay. They are also eligible for outpatient care on a priority basis – second only to veterans with service-connected disabilities. While former POWs are receiving treatment in an approved outpatient treatment program, they are eligible for needed medicines, glasses, hearing aids, or pros-

theses. Former POWs are also eligible for all needed dental care. There is no co-payment requirement for former POWs at VA pharmacies.

Extended Benefits

For Survivors Of

Former Prisoners Of War

The major benefit is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) which is a monthly benefit payable to the surviving spouse (and the former POW’s children and parents in some cases) when the former POW:

• Was a service member who died on active duty; or

• Died from service-related disabilities; or

• Died on or before September 30, 1999 and was continuously rated totally disabled for a service connected condition (including individual unemployability) for at least 10 years immediately preceding death; or

• Died after September 30, 1999, and was continuously rated totally disabled for a service-connected condition (including individual unemployability) for at least 1 year immediately preceding death.

Editor’s Note: The Rehab at a Glance Column is compiled from a variety of shources, including the IDVA Update, The Department Service Officer’s Newsletter, and websites maintained by the National and State Organizations of The American Legion. The Hoosier Legionnaire gratefully acknowledges those sources. leadership role in reinstating the traditional Joint Sessions of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees for veterans’ service organizations. Morin also thanked the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees’ leadership for their efforts in reinstating The American Legion’s full voice on Capitol Hill.

Status of VA Healthcare Medicare Reimbursement and Mandatory Funding VA is prohibited from bill-

ing Medicare for third-party reimbursements for the treatment of enrolled, Medicare-eligible veterans’ nonservice-connected medical conditions. The American Legion recommends Medicare reimbursements to supplement VA annual budget. AC-

TION: The American Legion continues to lobby lawmakers to authorize VA to collect third-party reimbursements from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Position: The American Legion fully supports Medicare reimbursement for VA and will seek legislation in the 110th Congress.

The American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, JWV, Military Order of the Purple Heart, PVA, and VVA have joined forces in support of change VA medical care from discretionary to mandatory annual appropriations. The goal is to help stabilize VA medical care funding by using a formula based system similar to Social Security and Medicare. Most Federal health care spending is already mandatory in nature – only $52.6 billion of FY 2004’s $515 billion appropriations for health care spending were discretionary.

ACTION: The American Legion has met with several returning lawmakers to request congressional hearings in the 110th Congress. Position: The American Legion will seek legislation in the 110th Congress.

All Fun And Games?

Department Commander James Delaney takes his turn as the sponge toss target during the Commander’s Reception at the Fall Conference (above). Such light-hearted moments are balanced by the serious work of The American Legion, reflected in the gravity of the report delivered by Department Membership Chairman Ed Trice during the conference general session. Trice reported lower than anticipated turn-ins of cards during the first day of the two-day turn-in.

Award Finish Knotted In A Tie

A re-evaluation of the tally for the Mid-Winter Conference Target Date turn-in revealed a finish for second place that was too close to call.

Department Commander Jim Delaney and Membership Chairman Ed Trice, noting that less than .09 percent separated the Eighth and Third Districts in the official calculations, agreed to declare a tie for second place and have awarded both Districts a trip to the upcoming Washington Conference.

Commanders Ron Hangar (8th) and Mike Werner (3rd) along with their membership chairmen,

Chairman's Notes

“It Ain’t Braggin’ If Ya Done It’’

As Membership Chairman, one the most enjoyable responsibilities of the job is to travel around the state, getting to know Legionnaires from every region of Indiana, learning of their unique challenges in membership and discussing the innovative solutions many have devised. One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that no matter where I go, I come away with a sense of what Yogi Berra is said to have called “Deja vu all over again” – the feeling that I have heard it before.

What is that overwhelmingly familiar idea? It is that no one seems to know who we are, or what we stand for, or what we have accomplished over the decades – and because they don’t, it is difficult to recruit them.

I would agree with that. I would not agree that it is anyone else’s responsibility to talk about what we do. For more than 40 years as a Legionnaire I have heard again and again that we do not like singing our own praises or that we would rather not brag. Well, I respond to that with another Yogi Berra-ism: “It ain’t braggin if you done it.” And I believe that today we face yet another genera-

Ask Jessie

will join First Place Winner Pete Van Woerden (1st) on the trip. The three winners will participate in the National Legislative Rally and join other members of the Indiana group in visits to members of Congress.

A miscalculation in the unofficial results immediately following the close of the turn-in at the Conference excited some speculation about the ultimate outcome, but the Solomon-like decision by the Commander and Chairman headed off controversy and properly rewarded the hard work of the winning districts.

Show Me The Money

Ed Trice Membership Chairman

tion of veterans who don’t know much about us because we haven’t educated them.

It’s time we turn that around. In fact, it is past time. Our Commander, James Delaney, made it a cornerstone of his acceptance remarks that we begin to be more effective in our communication with potential members and the general public alike. He called it Public Relations, but whatever you call it, it is simply telling the Legion story to any and all who will listen. That will pave the way for like-minded veterans to decide to be a part of what we do.

What, indeed, have we done?

We conceived of and lobbied for the establishment of the Veterans Administration itself. We authored and led the legislative battle to create the GI Bill of Rights and its myriad successors. We sponsored and paid for the definitive study of the effects

of exposure to Agent Orange. We kept the plight of the socalled Atomic Veterans of the 1950s on the conscience of the nation until help was forthcoming.

What do we still do?

We raise millions of dollars in emergency assistance funds for victims of natural disaster. We raise untold thousands of dollars for children’s medical care and research. We give hundreds of thousands of hours in volunteer service at nursing homes and VA facilities. We sponsor and enroll thousands of youngsters in sporting, educational, and vacation programs and activities. We evaluate, propose and monitor funding for essential services for all veterans.

What have we only just begun?

We are funding scholarships for those whose parents die in the Global War on Terror. We provide everyday support and assistance to family members left behind when a reservist or guard member is called to active duty. We are linking up with our wounded heroes to ease their transition or to help them deal with their new challenges through the mentoring program, He-

roes to Hometowns.

If you feel weary after that recitation, you should. You and Legionnaires like you have been doing this for nearly 90 years. No wonder you are tired. Tell potential members that.

Tell them that the benefits they enjoy were hard fought for by those who came before them. Tell them that the benefits you enjoy were hard fought for by those who came before you. And tell them, too, that the benefits their sons and daughters may one day enjoy can only be fought for and won, today, by them.

It is not that we are an aging group of veterans, even though in many cases we are. It is that we have done our part, and the reality of human existence is that we can not do this forever. The torch has been passed from generation to generation several times in the history of The American Legion, and no generation of veterans has ever refused to accept it. It is coming time to pass it on again, and our last task is to prepare that generation to take it. In that lies the secret of our success, and our survival as an organization. I encourage you to get informed and pass it on.

Headquarters Post May Not Be The Best Deal

Dear Jessie: I had a man walk into my Post the other day with a letter offering to sign him up for $20. He’d have to pay $30 to join the Post here, so of course he wants to know why he should pay the extra $10. I don’t have a good answer for him. Do you? Overpriced.

Dear Overpriced: I do. If he pays the $20, he will be a member of a Headquarters Post, with no voice, no vote, no activities, and no place to go. He won’t even be represented by a delegate at convention. And, he will have to pay $35 to renew his membership next year, because his initial $20 payment covers only the National per capita

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

and the cost of recruiting him. The headquarters posts annual renewal dues are always higher than any local Post’s.

Dear Jessie: Me and some other members of my Post have complained that 777 Post members can pay department dues, which are less than our dues here, and still get the full use of the Post without paying their fair share. Our com-

Telling Members Where Their Dollars Go Can Help Retain, Motivate

From “101 Ways To Keep Your Members”

Compiled by Mark Levin, CAE President, B.A.I., Inc.

1. Send new members a letter or postcard saying, “Here’s where your $25.00 dues went: $3.00 for VA&R Programs; $3.00 for Americanism Programs, etc. This technique can be used effectively to show members that their dues investment is working for them. Even if the members are inactive, they can feel good that their dues are helping to support some very important programs sponsored by the post. Their dues are helping to make their community a better place to live.

2. Offer plenty of memberonly programs and benefits. Your post needs to constantly remind members of the exclusive benefits they get as regular, dues-paying members. Depending on the legal requirements of your post, there will be many services and programs that can be reserved for members. These programs and services need to be highlighted whenever possible.

3. Send a mini-survey to members about six months after they join to see how they rate your post’s services.

One educational organization called this their “six month report card.” It was sent to members half way through their first year and asked the members to grade the organization in several service areas. Any members that rated a program below an A or B was given a phone call to get more information. Then the organization used that information to try to correct that problem. The organization was also able to spot potential dropped members by noting which new members didn’t even bother to return the card. These members also got a phone call.

4. Get new and inactive members to attend Department Conventions or Conferences. They are more likely to renew when they witness the importance of the business conducted at these functions. Even if they don’t attend every year, the stature of the event and the impression they get by attending will help remind them of the benefits of membership.

5. Hold a new member reception at Conventions. Whenever your post, district or department sponsors a

meeting or educational program, use that opportunity to invite new members to attend a special reception. These receptions are usually held prior to the start of the convention or educational program. In addition to talking about the Legion, and learning about the expectations of the newer members, it is also a chance to explain how to get the most out of their participation in the event.

6. Give new members a special ribbon to wear. Identifying newer members does several positive things. It lets the new members feel special and it reinforces for them the fact that joining was a good idea since there are others who have the same designation. Most importantly, it allows Legion leaders to spot new members and try to make them feel welcome.

7. Use groups of volunteers for renewal phone-athons. This project not only helps your renewal efforts, but it makes the callers feel more like an important part of your Post.

8. Make sponsors or recruiters responsible for the first renewal, too. If your post has a sponsorship program where the recruiters are known, contact the recruiters

at renewal time and let them know the new members they brought in during the past year are about to receive renewal notices. Ask that the recruiters call their recruits to let them know they are looking forward to having them with the post again next year. It reminds the recruiter about his or her efforts, and keeps those efforts from being wasted if the members they sponsored drop out a short time after joining.

9. Give discounts or perks for early renewals. One of the hard parts of retention is trying to figure out who among those who are late renewing is really a potential non-renewing member who is just putting their renewal off. One way to help resolve this problem is to give some sort of small discount or perk for members who renew early. Your post’s financial managers need to work out the appropriate discount and accounting methods, but having the early renewal money in interest-bearing accounts may more than offset any discount given. In addition to the financial rewards for your post, there is the main benefit of being able to identify the post’s most likely drops earlier in the renewal process.

mander told us there is nothing he can do about it, since we have to honor cards from all American Legion Posts. That doesn’t seem right. Is it? Seems Unfair.

Dear Seems: No, it isn’t. A Post is not required to admit a member to the premises who does not have a valid membership card for that Post. If you doubt that, consider the hundreds of

Posts nationwide which have electronic key card systems to prevent entry by any other than paid members or guests accompanied by a member. Remember: the Post is not the clubroom or the bar or the bingo hall; it is the organization that conducts meetings, sponsors programs, and upholds the principles of the organization. And, remember that a Post is the judge of its own membership; that is, its members determine who is admitted to membership and who is not. The same hold true for admitting others to the premises. It is entirely up to the local Post and its members to set a policy for admitting Legionnaires from other Posts.

Hundred Percent Posts

Twenty Indiana American Legion Posts have achieved 100 percent of goal for the 2007 membership year.

With 143.478 percent of its goal on the books, Riders Memorial Post 17 in Gary has posted the highest percentage among all Posts.

The low number of hundred percent posts reflects the struggle posts and districts across the state have experienced with membership retention and recruitment this year. The Department of Indiana, for example, has had 12 consecutive years of decline in membership, despite a constantly growing number of new eligibles since the First Gulf War.

Eligibility for membership in The Legion was opened to Gulf War veterans by action of national Organization and the Congress in 1990, and has remained open ever since. Because the Legion holds a federal charter, unlike most not-for-profit organizations, the Congress must approve changes to the charter, including such details as expanded eligibility dates.

Hoosier American Legion Posts achieving 100 percent of goal are:

First District Riders Memorial Post 17

Americanism Month A Time To Renew Commitment

An important and hectic period in The American Legion year is about to unfold, and as your commander I am looking forward to both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.

February, of course, is Americanism Month, the time of year that in speeches, at special dinners, and in memorial ceremonies we remind ourselves of our unique heritage as Americans, and rededicate ourselves to its preservation, as Legionnaires. I am honored to have a special part in that effort this year.

I will begin by joining

many of my fellow officers and leaders on the traditional Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield, Ill., where we pay homage to the martyred president and reflect on the great sacrifices made to preserve our way of life. This trip, unfortunately, is among the last vestiges of a once great tradition in which all Americans honored and revered two of the nation’s greatest Presidents – Lincoln and, of course Washington.

James A. Delaney Department Commander

call, amid the excitement of Valentines Day with it tiny candies and paper and lace hearts, the special attention paid to “The Father of our Country” and “Great Emancipator?” Sadly, much of that is lost in the flood of revision and political correct instruction that has washed over our schools in the past quarter of a century.

American, through its Americanism programs.

Americanism is defined as love of America; loyalty to her institutions as the best yet devised by mankind to secure life, liberty, individual dignity, and happiness; and the willingness to defend our country and flag against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

sary it is that we preserve, not only for us, but for all people, the American way of life.

On behalf of the Detachment of Indiana, I would like to wish The American Legion a ‘Happy 89th Birthday.’ The year 2007 also marks a new milestone for the SAL. This year we are celebrating our 75th Anniversary. The establishment of the Sons of the American Legion as a non-profit, non-sectarian civilian organization was authorized by action of the American Legion’s 14th National Convention in Portland, Ore., September 12-15, 1932. The first Squadron chartered was Bruce P. Robison Post 133 in Indianapolis. By 1939, the SAL had over 70,000 members, making it about seven percent the size of its parent organization. The SALs organization seemed destined to grow even larger, but World War II was looming on the horizon. Doing their part, the Sons worked in civil defense, helped operate aircraft warning posts, participated in war bond drives, collected scrap metal, and finally enlisted in the Armed Services. The SAL’s enrollment was decreasing during the period when The American Legion’s was heading for its greatest growth period. Many Sons never returned from World War II, and those who did joined the American Legion.

After World War II, SAL membership dropped to 5,631. With the hard work of The American Legion, a new generation of SAL members was obtained. In 1958, membership passed the 10,000 mark and by 1963 enrollment climbed to nearly 17,000 members. The Sons now have over 300,000 members. The Sons of The American Legion held their first National Convention in Chicago in August 1972. Michael Seton of California was elected as the first National Commander of the Sons. The Detachment of Indiana has had two National Commanders: David Stephens, 1982, and Robert Worrel, 1991.

The Detachment of Indiana is proud to announce that Raymond P. Giehll, Jr. is the leading candidate for National Commander for 20072008. Ray is a proud and active 28-year member of the Sons of The American Legion. Ray has played an active role in the lives of our veterans. He was the first SAL VAVS representative at Roudebush VA Hospital in Indianapolis. He is also active at the Indiana Veterans’ Home in Lafayette, Indiana. The Detachment of Indiana is proud to see Ray take all his dedication, knowledge, and experience to lead the National Organization. If you happen to see Ray, wish him the best for his next endeavor.

Who among us cannot re-

Fortunately, The American Legion continues to acknowledge and revere all things

It is a vital, active, living force, and it is important that it be passed on to every generation. During this special month, I hope you will make every effort to convey, in small ways and large, how neces-

I also will be busy in Washington, helping to draw our legislators’ attention to not only the great needs of our country’s veterans, but also to their rights and their just claim on the bounty of our nation. That is what we do at the annual Washington Conference, and I will be there to represent you in this solemn duty.

And, I will be on the road, calling attention to the 89th anniversary of the founding of

Short Takes

The American Legion – what we call the Legion birthday, March 17-19. I will tell again the tale of those World War I veterans who came together -- not to get something for themselves, but to assure that never again the wounded, the widowed or the orphaned would be abandoned by the nation after so great a nation.

The next two months will contain nearly non-stop reminders of who we are and why we exist. I hope you will take the time to hear them, to heed them, and to pass them on.

Veterans Issues Front And Center In Legislature

In this issue, my subject again deals with legislative issues.

The Indiana General Assembly has convened and is a beehive of activity. In order to stay in touch with the weekly and daily activities, Eric Holcomb, a veteran and senior staffer for Governor Daniels meets with representatives of each veterans’ service organization each and every Thursday throughout the duration of the session. This enables all of us to stayed tuned to key committee and sub-committee hearings that may pop up unexpectedly.

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

Successes Mark Halfway Point

The Department of Indiana American Legion Auxiliary members have been working diligently this year in membership, renewing the old and signing up new members. Our goal of course, is to reach every national goal and at the Close of Books to be 100 percent. So, we ask that every time you sign up a new member in the Legion, you ask if they have a wife, mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter or greatgranddaughter who would like to be a member of our organization.

American Legion Commander Delaney, Detachment Commander Sheets, and I had the opportunity to play Santa and Mrs. Claus at Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown

on December 22. We had such a wonderful time, seeing Christmas through the eyes of the children.

At the Mid-Winter Conference, I was invited to the Knightstown Home meeting, where all the members of the senior class received their class rings. You could tell how proud and appreciative they were to receive them. One young man stated if it hadn’t been for the American Legion, he wouldn’t have been able to afford buying a ring for himself.

We are now past the halfway point of our Legion/Auxiliary year. My! How time flies.

For the Auxiliary, it’s the time of year to be visiting with your schools to promote the Americanism Essay Contests.

Chaplain’s Corner

Look to see if you have any Girl Scouts in your area who are eligible for the Girl Scout Achievement Award through National. Visit your local high schools to promote the Hoosier Girls State program. Before you know it, the time will be here to distribute our poppies. We welcome any of you guys to help with any/all of these programs.

I want to say “Thank You” to all the Legion, Sons and Auxiliary Members who have gone out of their way this year to make us feel welcome no matter where we’ve traveled in our great state.

As we join together for “Peace on Earth” for “Team Indiana, while working together as a “Family of Three,” let us always keep our men and women in the military services in our thoughts and prayers.

Your Legislative Committee Chairman Danny Rice and Immediate Past Department Commander Ron Martin attend each of these meetings. When possible, I also attend so that we can test the waters for the expected success or failure of proposed legislation dealing with service personnel and veterans.

There has been a marked increase of interest in veterans’ issues, not only by the Governor but by members of the legislature on both sides of the aisle. As the Global War on Terror extends into its sixth year and with the incredible sacrifices being made by active duty, National Guard and reserve personnel, I believe an honest attempt is being made by our legislators to help veterans. Our job is to work to keep them focused on meaningful legislation.

There are numerous bills being considered for service personnel and veterans, but I wanted to brief you on one bill on which John Hickey and I worked. Representative Joe

Micon from House District 26 offered to introduce our proposal and it became House Bill 1208. Basically HB 1208 would grant a college fees remission benefit to veterans of the Global War on Terror who have a service connected disability. Joe called me yesterday (30 Jan 07) to report that HB 1208 had passed in the Indiana House by a vote of 99-0. Going forward to the Indiana Senate, the bill will have bi-partisan support and is reportedly being co-sponsored by Senators Mike Delph, Allen Paul, Vi Simpson and Ron Alting. Stay tuned for future action on the bill.

On the federal level, most of you should know by now that with the shift in leadership in the U.S. Congress, a new chairman has taken over the leadership of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. With the appointment of California representative Bob Filner as chair, the veterans’ service organizations have been informed that the traditional “Joint House-Senate Hearings” have been restored and our voice in congress has been reconfirmed. We applaud the restoration of these hearings and look forward to working with the members of the committee.

During the first week of March, several of us will be traveling to Washington D.C. to begin our dialogue with our old and new Members of Congress. We look forward to working for you and our veterans as we continue to fight to ensure the appropriate care for our veterans and their families.

Quick Fix Often Not The Answer

Wow - isn’t it wonderful? As the advertisement across our TV screen proclaims, you can cure, fix or process anything for three easy payments of $19.95! But wait … if you call in the next sixty seconds, we’ll knock off one payment. Sometimes you can even double it for the same money if you hold out a few more seconds. We thought we were smart when we passed laws prohibiting the annoying phone calls at home, but these promoters have found the easy access of cheap advertisement on cable TV.

It is really enticing to believe that you can instantaneously change any aspect of your life by a few pills or a gadget that will fix everything. Sometimes even major companies have succumbed to this attempt to market a product or to make some quick cash. In my era, we learned that you could trust name brands. Now even those prominent old names flash across the screen with little meaning.

A few years ago I was betrayed by Bob Villa who partnered with Sears to springboard off the famous Craftsman name. I began listing these fantastic tool items on my wish list for birthdays and Christmas. Getting these ideas was wonderful for my family who began to embellish my handyman supply with these new exotic tools. Most of you know the results. The old proverb rings true: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is!”

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

current market. Like many of my fantastic tools there is not always a quick cheap way to fix things. We burn out on the fantastic because either it will not perform as advertised or we do not have the stamina, commitment, or skills to make it work. The same is true when trying to effect change in our lives or in an organization. Like the old adage, “It always costs more and takes longer” than we had hoped.

would dramatically change our lives.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not putting down experiences that bring enthusiasm into our lives. Most of us are like an old engine that won’t turn over and start. We are stuck on either top or bottom or dead center. We need something to knock us loose. Once loosened however, it is a small steady fueling that keeps us going. A great experience is the beginning, not the end.

There is a part of every one of us that wants a quick fix or a magic bullet that will quickly take care of a perceived need. In these times this is especially true. Today we go further and faster than ever before. Computer geeks have mastered most of the old “Star Trek” futuristic props with the exception of the transporter. It is difficult for science fiction writers to stay ahead of the

When we are done experimenting with the fantastic and the wonderful, reality sets in and we are able to take a more practical approach. The changes that bring results are those that we can sustain and master over a long period of time. The same is true of our spiritual life. It would be wonderful if a new fantastic church, a new spiritual experience, or some magic ritual

When we find things in our lives, families or organizations that we feel need to change we must triage and sort out what is hopeless, what is a minor fix, and what can be changed with proper attention and treatment. What is in our realm of ability to change? In what one area can we realistically manage to bring change? If we can bring change in an enjoyable manner, we can be assured of long-standing commitment.

The dedicated, more practical approach will always

work in the long run. For example, fixing a relationship that has grown cold and boring can be heated up and transformed by simply taking a walk, going out to eat, or watching a move together just once a week. Our spiritual life can be changed by following a simple five minute devotional a day. An organization can be redirected by trading one old practice for one new practice. Small changes over a long period of time bring great results that will last.

As we begin a new year with new dreams and hopes, let us initiate small and practical changes that will bring long-lasting results. A prayerful and careful examination will lead us to those points of needed change.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?

Mike Sheets Detachment Commander

Vickie Koutz Auxiliary President

Back On Track

National Commander Paul Morin has been a frequent visitor to the Department of Indiana during the current Legion year, shown here addressing the Fall Conference. An outspoken advocate for veterans’ rights, the Commander led the fight for a restoration of the National Commander’s testimony before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees – a fight which ended successfully when the new chairman, Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) announced a return to the long-standing practice.