2009 January/February The Hoosier Legionnaire

January/February 2009

Legion Submits Alternative To Closing Knightstown Home

Partnership, Two-Year

Funding Key Components

In Response To Governor’s Request For Plan

The Department of Indiana has delivered its recommendations concerning the future of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown to Governor Mitch Daniels.

The recommendations are contained in a preliminary report submitted in response to the Governor’s request that the Legion prepare an alternative to the Indiana State Department of Health plan to close the facility at the end of the current academic year.

In a letter transmitting the report, Department Commander Ralph Tolan wrote “… our interest in the Home arises from the founding principles of The American Legion, and we have been staunch and generous participants in the life of its residents for almost 80 years.

“The more than 200,000 members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion all have authorized our support of the home, and it is their resolve that leads us to [our] recommendations.

Included among the recommendations are:

Restore funding for the home to the 2009-2010 biennial state budget;

Authorize a professional and detailed study of the Home with recommendations for all aspects of the facility, including but not limited to the physical plant, the residential operation, the socializing activities, the home’s financial supporters and partners, the capabilities of community based programs as alternatives, and outreach and marketing strategies for improving use of the home by residents of all counties in Indiana; such study to be conducted and completed within the two-year funding period; and

Assign responsibility for the study to a joint commission of interested parties, including but not necessarily limited to The American Legion, The ISSCH Alumni

Association, and the Indiana State Department of Health. The recommendations

were developed after Legion leaders met with other interested parties, including

Knightstown Home Announcement Re-Focuses Agenda At Mid-Winter

Four days before the start of the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference, the Indiana State Department of Health dropped a bombshell remarkable not only in its miscalculation of potential opposition but also in the ineptitude of its timing.

The bombshell announcement of the agency’s plan to close the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home—galvanized

The American Legion Department of Indiana and

launched one of the most significant social and legislative battles the Legion has joined in many years. By the opening hours of the conference, Legion leaders, rightly anticipating a huge attendance at the Knightstown Home Committee meeting, had reset the meeting for one of the Marriott’s massive ballrooms. A number of other department committee chairmen either rescheduled or recessed their meetings to permit their members to at-

tend the Knightstown Home Committee meeting, and revised their planned agendas to consider the effect of possible closing on their programs and activities.

More than 400 conferees, joined by members of the Auxiliary and SAL, along with news crews, ISSCH alumni and current students and their families, state legislators and other interested parties packed the ballroom.

Before it was over, the com-

Continued on page 2

Historic Preservation, the Indiana National Guard, members of the ISSCH Alumni Association and attorneys who have acted on behalf of the Home.

According to an email received from a spokesman at the Governor’s office, no agreements or decisions concerning the Home have been made.

“We met yesterday (February 11) to review what you dropped off. Hope to have an update by early next week,” he wrote.

The preliminary report also included rebuttals to many of the arguments put forward by ISDH for closing the facility, and underscores the agency’s failure to propose a plan for meeting the needs of at-risk youngsters served by the Home.

“As proposed by the Indiana State Department of Health,” according to the report, “the facility would be closed at the end of the current academic year, and the children returned to the homes and communities from which they are drawn. The ISDH plan does not include recommendations for

Continued on page 2

Foundation For Life

Children’s Home Graduate Finds Her Greatest Gift Not Under The Tree But In Her Roots At Knightstown

“To Carol & Stu …written on Christmas morning 2008…

“As far back as I can recall, I don’t ever remember having a Christmas tree in my home. The only Christmas I can remember in my home was the last one I spent with my dad and my brothers before we were taken away and put in the Children’s Home. That Christmas was after my Mom and Dad had gotten a divorce.

“As you may recall, to reach a custody settlement my Mom had said that if she could have Denise, my Dad could have the rest of us. As you well know, I was heartbroken not to be included with the girls in the family. I went to live with my dad and all my brothers.

“That Christmas Eve, my Dad was passed out drunk on the couch. We lived in the Fountain Square area of Indianapolis, just south of downtown, off of Virginia Avenue. My brother, Dennis, took my Dad’s wallet out of his pants pocket and took us kids shopping at G.C. Murphy’s, a “dime store” within walking distance from our rental in Fountain Square.

“Dennis let each of us pick out a gift or gifts, based on age. Dean could pick out four gifts, Danny got three, Doug got two, I got one and, since there wasn’t enough money left, Dennis got none. I picked out

Editor’s Note: The following letter to caregivers at the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home was received at Department Headquarters shortly after news of plans to close the facility was announced. It is reprinted here with permission of the author.

“I felt like finally…finally…finally, I had found a place where I could have a family. I wanted more than anything in the world to have a family. You gave me that and I thank you so much.”

Debi…

a diary with a lock and key. I was 11 years old and I can still remember how much I hated my life at that time. I had a lot I needed to write about.

“My sister has since told me that our Dad used to go out on Christmas Eve and buy us a Christmas tree after the prices were marked down real low. She says I have blocked out those memories. I suspect she is right.

“As far back as I can remember, we had been Wards of the State. We had a social worker, Mrs. Potter, who visited our home regularly. I’m not exactly sure why or when that started. I suspect it was because of abuse and neglect. I do remember her stopping by all the time.

“I also remember a wonderful lady named Emily Billington who lived around 38th

and Kessler Boulevard on the northwest side of Indianapolis. She was married and had no children. She and her husband, Otis, owned some company. I don’t recall what kind. At some point in our multiple moves around inner city Indianapolis, Dennis was the paperboy who delivered the paper to their company.

“Mrs. Billington got to know Dennis and, through him, the rest of our family. This was before Mom and Dad divorced and we all still lived together. Mrs. Billington would have us over to her house to celebrate Christmas. I can remember my Dad taking all of us to her home, but I don’t ever recall my Mom joining us there.

“I can remember that Mrs. Billington’s tree was so beautiful and she had such a beautiful house with big picture windows and trees outside. There were gifts for everyone and a nice meal. One time, she even let me bring my neighbor friend, Bonnie, to stay the night and we helped decorate her tree. It was one of the most fun and amazing times of my life.

“There weren’t many of those times back then.

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Legion Documentary To Be Produced

The American Legion has signed a contract with a California-based production company to produce a onehour documentary on the history of the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization.

“The American Legion not only wrote the original GI Bill, we have been a leading voice for veterans and the military since 1919,” National Commander David K. Rehbein said.

Reaching For The Top

Reaching the top of Membership Mountain remains an elusive goal for Commander Ralph Tolan’s soaring eagle, although upward progress continues to be made. As of the February Target Date, membership teams had attained a combined departmentwide percentage of nearly 85 percent, a pace slightly behind previous years’, but well within the range of accomplishment by Close of Books.

“From the elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to cabinet status, to the administration of some of the most successful youth programs in the country, The American Legion has too many noteworthy accomplishments for me to mention here.

“Moreover, we continue to be as relevant and influ-

ential as we have ever been,” Rehbein said. “I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Blackhorse Productions to document the illustrious history of The American Legion.”

The National Executive Committee passed Resolution 6 during its October 2008 meetings, authorizing The American Legion to negotiate an agreement with Blackhorse Productions, a 10-year-old video production company that specializes in military documentaries. The program will be produced at no cost to the Legion and should be completed by year’s end.

DVDs of the program will be sold with a portion of the profits going to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, Child Welfare Foundation and National Emergency Fund. Members will be able

to purchase the DVD at the Legion’s Web site, or at the 2010 National Convention. Information will be provided in The American Legion Magazine and in other publications when the product becomes available.

“Preserving history and teaching viewers about the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans is a passion for Blackhorse Productions,” said Jason Heit, the company’s CEO.

“We are very excited about this project and can’t wait to meet Legionnaires during the filming. We want to raise awareness so people everywhere can know the fascinating story of The American Legion.”

Blackhorse Productions will also market the completed documentary for television broadcast.

A capacity crowd (above) fills one of the ballrooms at the Indianapolis Marriott East during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference as

Accomplishments Bring Pride

Knightstown letter

Continued from page 1

“After living with my Dad and brothers for about a year while my sister lived with my Mom, one day Mom came and took us all to the Marion County Guardian’s Home in Irvington, an east side district of Indianapolis. This was right after school had gotten out in 1964.

Knightstown Home

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providing social services, health care, nutrition, extracurricular programs and activities, nurturing environments or the myriad personal needs of the at-risk children now cared for in the home. The recommendation suggests only that the children be returned to public education.

“The American Legion finds that recommendation to be inadequate for the needs of the at-risk children, ignorant of the historic successes of the facility in socializing and educating young people, and meeting the objectives of emerging science and law which suggests that such unique residential programs have an important role in caring for atrisk children.”

In the original announcement of its decision to close the Home, and in an executive summary of what the agency described as a “comprehensive, three-year evaluation and assessment of the Home,” the Commissioner of Public Health, Judith Monroe, M.D., asserted that the facility does not meet the model for educational programs for at risk youngsters, Legion research revealed that two years ago the Congress of the United States enacted P.L. 109, which endorses and encourages the establishment of residential programs like ISSCH as acceptable alternatives to existing, marginally successful non-residential programs.

In addition, the Legion has discovered, the non-profit Coalition of Residential Education considers Indiana to be among the leaders of states offering such residential programs, and American Legion state organizations around the country are actively involved in either operating or supporting such facilities.

Other claims by ISDH, and the Legion’s response to them, include: ISSCH lacks a clear mission, as the term “at risk youth” is not defined.

Response: The Home’s Strategic Plan states “At-risk is defined as any child that is at risk of failing, either economically, socially, legally, behaviorally, or educationally.”

The institution’s responsibility outside the classroom amounts to little more than parental and day care support.

Response: The Home offers a variety of sports, extracurricular and social activities, including outings, field trips, parties, special recognition programs, vocational education, a student run radio station, ROTC, shooting sports, and special days and activities, often in cooperation with outside organizations.

The State is providing direct care in home communities that is already available through local communities.

Response: The foster care program is inappropriate for many of the older students. Some students placed do not qualify for foster care; i.e. children of deployed National Guard and Reserve personnel. Community based programs already have failed many of the Home’s students.

ISSCH is an institution that does not follow the correct model and trend of supplying education and support in local communities where it can be supported by families, neighbors, non-profit organizations and other local resources.

Response: As cited above, science and law are re-evaluating the nonresidential model.

ISSCH lacks follow-up measurements. There is little or no data available on children after they leave the Home.

Response: There are 8,000 members of the ISSCH Alumni Association. Life-time tracking occurs. Alumni are members of the Home’s Advisory Board.

ISSCH is fiscally inefficient. The cost of educating a student is $91,205.06 per year. The cost per day of education is $249.88. When factored on a 188-day classroom calendar, the cost jumps to $485.13 per day.

Response: These are misleading figures obtained by simply dividing the annual operating cost by the number of residents. The do not reflect the “cost of educating students.” They reflect the cost of providing education plus housing, board, clothing, medical care, transportation, social services, etc. and can be mitigated by a serious effort to increase utilization.

The cost to modernize the physical plant ranges from an estimated

“A few years ago, I drove Jeni by the Guardian’s Home for the first time. After all these years, it still brought tears to my eyes as I told Jeni that I could remember my Mom walking down the steps and leaving us there. I had just finished 6th grade and would be starting the 7th. It felt very frightening to me. I can’t imagine how scared my younger siblings must have felt. Dean was only four years old at the time.

sense of “family” to many other less privileged or unfortunate children through Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Indiana, sponsoring a child at the Children’s Home, and through CASA as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children.

“In fact, when interviewed by various children’s charities for which I’ve volunteered, I have often been asked questions such as, ‘Who had the most influence on you while growing up, your mom or dad?’

“My answer: ‘Carol & Stu.’

“‘Who was your primary disciplinarian while growing up, your mom or dad?’ “My answer: ‘Carol & Stu.’

“‘Who did you respect more as a child, your mom or your dad?’

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minimum of $65,000,000 up to $200,000,000.

Response: The source of such estimates is suspect and unknown, and according to Historic Preservation, unknowable without professional evaluation. Furthermore, the condition of facilities in many instances can be attributed to “condemnation by neglect.”

The Department of Indiana took on a leadership role immediately following the announcement of the ISDH plan to close the Home January 7, 2009. Following speedy authorization by the Department Executive Committee, Commander Tolan named a special committee to plan and oversee the Legion’s efforts on behalf of the home.

As part of the strategy, the Legion questioned the validity of the ISDH claim that a three-year evaluation or study of the facility had been undertaken. Attorneys for the Legion filed a request under the provisions of the state Public Records Act to be provided a copy of the study, receiving instead a binder of documents and other material loosely related to the home. In addition, an email message from an unidentified ISDH staff member stated that there was no study, and at least one state legislator has confirmed receiving the same information.

Of particular concern to Legion leaders are continuing efforts by the ISDH to move forward with its plan to close the school by the end of the current academic year. In early February, state agencies began removing items of historic value from the home, with plans for additional forays into the home scheduled. For reasons not entirely clear, although the Legion had immediately contacted the Governor’s office about the removal and attorneys for the alumni association had requested an injunction prohibiting such removal, the items were returned and future pick-ups cancelled. Since the Mid-Winter Conference and passage of the resolution authorizing active opposition to the closing, the department has met with other interested parties, met with the Commissioner of Health and her staff, conferred directly with the Governor, researched the legality of closing the home, and issued a number of releases statewide to keep the issue before the public.

Mid-Winter Conference

Continued from page 1

mittee had presented class rings to all 18 graduating seniors, heard from alumni, Advisory Board members, a former state assemblyman, and passed a resolution proposed by Knightstown Home Committee chairman Jeff Carroll.

The resolution won unanimous support from the committee and was forwarded to the Department Executive Committee where it also passed unanimously.

Among other actions, the resolution calls for “a temporary committee to review and investigate all facts, findings, recommendations and other pertinent information affecting the decision to close the facility;

“Authorizes all legal and appropriate actions, under

“In a couple of months, arrangements were made to put all of us in the Indiana Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Children’s Home in Knightstown. I remember feeling scared that, although I was always a good student, I might be the only 7th grader there and my teacher would expect me to get straight As.

“I remember feeling scared with yet another move and wondering what was going to happen in my life now. I remember feeling sad that I couldn’t live with my brothers and sister anymore and I wondered if we would ever get to see each other. I remember feeling very alone. As I look back, though, going to the Home was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

“I was able to get involved in so many activities and have so many opportunities that I would never have had at home. I was able to feel safe and protected. I was able to make lifelong friends with both adults and my peers. I was able to meet the two of you.

“I remember my Christmases with you as the most kind, loving and peaceful times of my childhood. You introduced me to church where we would celebrate the birth of Jesus. It was because of you that I began to gain some sense of religion.

“We went shopping together, wrapped packages together, arranged them so perfectly around the tree, went to multiple family get-togethers for more Christmas celebrations, dropped off gifts to various friends and family (and did a few ambulance chases in between times).

“Mostly, I felt like finally… finally…finally, I had found a place where I could have a family. I wanted more than anything in the world to have a family. You gave me that and I thank you so much. I will always remember my Christmases with you, and it is those types of Christmases that I always tried to make so special for my own children when they were still at home. It is because of you that, over my lifetime, I have had the humble privilege of providing a

the control and coordination of the temporary committee, to focus public attention and maintain political pressure on the State of Indiana to provide all assistance in the review, including but not limited to testimony before legislative bodies, public interviews, and regular reporting in department publications;

“Requires a comprehensive investigation of the status and operation of the Home; provides for wide dissemination of the position among legislators and news organizations; and “Encourages he Auxiliary and SAL to adopt similar resolutions and support the efforts of the Department of Indiana in regards to the ISSCH—which both accomplished before the end of the conference.

Commander Tolan named

“ My answer: ‘Carol & Stu.’

“What a tremendous influence!

This past November, I attended a conference for CASA volunteers. The featured speaker was Mary J. Peterson, a retired first grade teacher from Chicago, who shared her story about one of her students, Jason, his life in the “System” and the part she played in Jason’s story. Mrs. Peterson wrote a book about her journey with this boy, Jason: Ward of the State.

“I bought a copy before the conference and read it.

“I cried. I understood and shared many of those same feelings that Jason felt. I knew how scared Jason felt when he went to live in a group home. I knew what it was like for Jason to have Mrs. Peterson to love and care about him when it felt like nobody else did. I knew what it felt like for Jason to be encouraged to get an education and to have such a strong desire to want to make something out of his life. I understood how deeply Jason longed for and needed Mrs. Peterson’s love and attention. I knew how grateful Jason was for everything Mrs. Peterson did for him. I knew how loving it was for Mrs. Peterson to be able to see what was going on in Jason’s life in ways that no one else could understand or appreciate. I knew what a tremendous influence Mrs. Peterson was in Jason’s life. I knew that Mrs. Peterson had changed the course of Jason’s life forever.

“I hope you will enjoy this … As you read it, I hope you will be able to feel how very much I love you and thank you for giving me such a wonderful foundation for life. “With humility I can say that both of my children, Jeni and Jon, have such beautiful hearts and I know that the two of you played such a big part in softening my heart, giving me direction, and teaching me about family values, so that I could in some way pass that on to my own precious children. I will always, always love you and I am forever grateful.

“Merry Christmas, With Love, “Debi—Ward of the State.”

Jerry Jordan, Post 152, to chair the temporary committee.

In other activities at the conference, nearly one hundred Legion post officers attended one of a repeating series of presentations on the Association Information Management System. Joe Gallagher and Libby Green, members of the Information Technology staff from National Headquarters conducted sessions every other hour throughout the day January 10. The AIMS software is membership software that makes managing post records easier and provides more tools to your membership team than you can imagine. AIMS was designed by the National Organization specifically to meet the needs of Posts of The American Legion.

Representatives of posts that operate club rooms at-

tended seminars presented by the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Department of Revenue, focusing on changes to the rules and regulations that govern the operation of a club under a not-for profit liquor license, and charitable gaming.

During the Commander’s Party at the close of the conference, winners in the Department-wide raffle were drawn. In addition to 10 $100 winners and eight $250 prize winners, a grand prize and 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners were drawn from the drum by Commander Tolan. They are the $3,000 grand prize winner, Aris. A. House of Sullivan; the $1,500 second prize winner Joe Steiger of Lakeville; the $1,000 third prize winner, Cecil Dimett of Cambridge City; and the $500 fourth prize winner, Wilbur Knipstein of Fort Wayne.

Paul Wilkinson, right foreground, Superintendent of the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home, beams as one of his young charges comes forward to receive her 2009 class ring. At left, Jeff Carroll looks on. Carroll, Chairman of the Knightstown Home Committee, chaired a special meeting during the Mid-Winter Conference designed to brief Legion Family members on the Knightstown Home situation. Much of the conference agenda was juggled to accommodate the interest the announced closing created.

The Americanism Com mission met at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2009, in Salon B of the Marriott East Hotel during the Mid-Winter Conference 2009.

Chairman Richard Jewell opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Richard Jewell, Vice Chairman Jerry Jordon, Baseball Chairman Owen Wells, POW/MIA Chairman Martin Dzieglowicz, and SAL Chairmn Larry Horvath.

Those absent included: Vice Chairman Burt Tiemersma, National Liaison Representative John Hayes, Bowling Chairman Phillip Deckard, Golf Chairman Michael Comerford, and National Security Foreign Affairs Chairman Richard Motsinger.

Baseball Executive Committee

A motion was made to forward a letter of reprimand to four posts.

A motion was made to contact Mr. Jackson in order to obtain information on legislative procedures.

A motion was made to contact all legislators and inform them of the problem with the IHSAA.

A motion was made not to raise tournament entry fees for A or B teams.

The dates for the A team Sectionals have been set for July 17, 18, and 19; and the dates for Regionals have been set for July 24, 25, and 26. State for the A team has been set to run from July 31 to August 2.

The dates for the B team Sectionals have been set for July 10th, 11th, and 12th; and the dates for Regionals have been set for July 17th, 18th, and 19th. State for the B team has been set to run from July 23rd to the 26th.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

Baseball Committee

Chairman Owen Wells announced that a new rule on school certification is to be made by Department.

Chairman Wells stated that all Form 2s should be notarized. Although it is strongly recommended that they are notarized, it is not mandatory.

Chairman Wells announced that a State Driver’s License is acceptable identification for proof of age.

Chairman Wells informed the committee that if a team is entered in a tournament, they must play in the entire tournament. Teams are not allowed to sign up and then quit without completing the entire tournament.

Chairman Wells reminded committeemen that they are to conduct themselves in a positive manner in order to set a good example to the boys.

Chairman Owen Wells proposed that the committee discuss the State Bid system and how it is done. It was also questioned as to why the State Bid is so early and if this really makes a difference.

Chairman Wells stated that a committee member needs to be contacted in order for a rule change.

Chairman Wells announced a Legislative update in regards to the Indiana Soldiers’s and Sailors’ Children’s Home. There will be a campaign to email and telephone all Legislators in the state of Indiana. Everyone should contact their representatives and state how they feel about the situation.

The chairman announced the addition of five to six new teams: Princeton, Carmel, Madison, Jay County, St. Bernice, Bloomington, and pos-

sibly Fairmount. There are also new B teams: Valparaiso and Plymouth.

He informed the committee that IHSAA will waive one team to go on through to National play. However, this news has yet to be made official.

Chairman Wells also stated that Regional Bid Forms were submitted by the following teams: St. Leon (Post 464), Muncie (Post 19), Crown Point (Post 20), Plymouth (Post 27), Princeton (Post 25), and Lafayette (Post 11).

Bids are now closed. State Bid form was submitted by Terre Haute (Post 346). Terre Haute was awarded the State Tournament after bidding $8,346.00.

There were no motions made and no requests for Department funds.

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

Bowling Committee

The Bowling Committee did not meet Saturday, January 9, 2009, at the Marriott East Hotel during the MidWinter Conference 2009.

Golf Committee Minutes from Fall Conference were read and approved.

Chairman Michael Comerford discussed entry form for 2010 Tournament. The deadline for entries is April 1, 2009. The entry form is available on-line.

Tournament Manager Mike White discussed the upcoming tournament in Indianapolis. The food, other offerings on the Golf Course, and the post home were included in this discussion. Shuttle buses will be available for transportation to and from the hotels and the Legion.

There were no motions made and no requests for Department funds.

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

National Security/ Foreign Affairs Committee

A slide program was presented to the committee by former Captain Ryan Wolf, aide to Steve Buyer. The presentation included slides from his tour in Iraq and his brother’s tour in Afghanistan. Both Ryan and his brother are graduates of West Point Academy.

There were no motions made and no requests for Department funds. There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

POW/MIA Committee

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved.

Chairman Martin Dzieglowicz re-emphasized the favorable use of the Certificates of Appreciation to those businesses, government facilities, schools, and individuals that fly the POW/MIA flag. Cost of certificate from Emblem Sales is minimal compared to what it can accomplish. The goal is to gain as much public awareness as possible.

Chairman Dzieglowicz passed out information pertaining to repatriated service members from WWII, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War.

The Chairman announced that the renaming of the street in Terre Haute is still in progress, and informed the committee of the 9th District’s POW/MIA table in bank for the public to see. It is a traveling table that will help gain public awareness.

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

The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2009, in Salon C at the Marriott East Hotel during the 2009 MidWinter Conference.

Chairman Ken Hylton opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman John French, Vice Chairman Al Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney and Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government Jim Hewitt represented Robert Bach, American Legion Family Scholarship Charlie Weir, Boys State Enrollment Terry Pierson represented Jack Cook, Children & Youth Ken Hylton, Flag Education/ Etiquette Ronald Taylor, Girl Scouts Gail Galich, Knightstown Home Jeff Carroll, and Oratorical Chairman Fred Langley.

Americanism & Government Chairman Bob Bach, Boy Scouts Chairman Stan Gatewood, and Junior Shooting Sports (this committee did not meet) Chairman Ida Jewell were absent.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee

Chairman Weir discussed the application review procedure to be conducted at the Spring Conference. The following individuals volunteered to judge the applications:

Clyde Colgrove, Coleman Summerall, Gene Tsareff, Charlie Weir, and John Lloyd.

The committee discussed the scholarship rules and regulations. Chairman Weir will inquire through the Department Headquarters about the funding available for the scholarships this year.

No motions were made and no funds were requested.

Americanism & Government Committee

The committee voted to meet at the Spring conference.

The district winners were identified. The state winners are Brent Austgen, Alexis Turner, Joseph Finke, Michele Hook, Michael Yeh, and Lindsey Sopetti.

Boy Scout Committee Mel Stafford offered a prayer.

Chairman Gatewood must receive Eagle Scout of the Year applications by March 7, 2009 to judge on March 14, 2009 at 1900 N Meridian in Indianapolis at 9:00 a.m.

Chairman Gatewood requested as many district chairmen as possible to judge the applications. All winners must have earned the religious award. Each denomination has its own religious award and requirements.

District winners receive a $200 scholarship and the state winner receives a $1,000 scholarship. Chairmen are encouraged to not wait until the last minute to submit entries. More information regarding the Square Knot Award will be provided. Russ Chorpenning has scout pins for sale to increase the scholarship fund.

Boys State Enrollment Committee

Hoosier Boys State Director Steve Bowman addressed the membership with a prepared statement outlining why Boys State was moving from Indiana State University in Terre Haute to Trine University in Angola. District Chairmen need to have their orientation dates submitted as soon as possible for Posting on the Hoosier Boys State website.

Delegate and alternate applications are due by April 1 to the district chairmen and to Department Headquarters by May 1.

Children & Youth Committee

Chairman Hylton discussed the state’s plan to close the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home. District chairman should share information from the committee meetings with their Posts and districts. Legion members may contact Jason Keys, National Director for Child Welfare, to obtain a DVD designed to assist young children whose parents are deployed or coming home from deployment.

Need A Lift Scholarship

Continued on page 6

reHaBiLiTaTiOn

ed Trice chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2009, in Salon E of the Marriott East Hotel during the 2009 MidWinter Conference.

Chairman Ed Trice opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Ed Trice; Vice Chairman, Rick Hudson; Nat’l Liaison Rep, James Koutz; Employment: James Piepenbrok, Homeless Veterans; Robbie Robinson, Indiana Veterans Home; Gary Danekas.

Those absent included Vice Chairman James Hagler; Commander’s Rep. Phillip Hutson; General Hospital Ray Neunweiler; Nursing Home Cecil Brummett; Veterans Assistance, David Heath.

General Hospital

Discussion ensured on the Indianapolis VAMC Vet to Vet Program. This program is working out better than expected. The Committee will meet at the Spring Conference.

Employment Committee

A motion was made and approved to accept the following award nominations: Employer of the Year; Medium, ESW Education Systems Work Shop; Small, Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy Services; and one LVER Em-

The Internal Affairs Com mission met Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the MidWinter Conference at the Marriot East hotel at 4:30 p.m. in Salon D.

Commission Chairman Mike Miller opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Miller, Vice Chairman Mary York, American Legion Riders Rep. T.J. Smalls, Community Involvement Chairman Eric Baggett, Firefighter/Law & Order Chairman Wifred Kocher, Legislative Chairman Danny Rice, Membership Chairman Ralph Perez and Public Relations Rep. Dave Sharber. The following members were absent: Vice Chairman J. David Morrow, American Legion Riders Keith “Dawg” Jones, Convention Contests Jim May, Public Relations Chairman Jeff Carroll, Religious Emphasis Chairman Norris Keirn.

American Legion Riders

The ALR Committee met Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriott Hotel East at 10:00 a.m. in Liberty Hall.

4h District Chairman T.J. Small opened the meeting in proper form, presenting a note from Chairman Jones, stating that the Legion Riders are not to carry alcohol through the hotel or bring any alcohol into meetings. Department must be notified of any planning or scheduling of any large events or District rides to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Districts present reported to the Committee that all chapters are doing well and all are trying to bring in more chapters. They are checking calendars while scheduling 2009 events. The calendar on the ALR website is a very useful tool to help avoid conflicts. Jonesboro is working on the 2009 State Rally.

Chairman Small read a resolution to the Committee to get more recognition for the ALR. The resolution will be submitted to the DEC by Commission Chairman Mike Miller.

There were no requests for Department Funds.

There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

Community Involvement Committee

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

Firefighter/Law & Order/ EMS Committee

The Firefighter/Law & Order/EMS Committee met on Saturday, January 10, 2009 during the Mid-Winter Conference 2009 at 12:00 p.m. in Salon C of the Marriott East Hotel.

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved.

Chairman Wilfred Kocher checked with each district on the status of the LO/LL/EMS candidates. All districts are actively working for candidates.

The committee agreed to meet at the Spring Conference and that there will be a final turn-in at Lafayette. There were no motions made and no requests for Department Funds.

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

Legislative Committee

The Legislative Committee met Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 MidWinter Conference at the Marriott East Hotel at 2:00 p.m. in Salon B.

Chairman Danny Rice announced the following bills that are to be introduced in State Senate: S.B. 239 to S.B. 250, and S.B. 111 to establish a scratch-off game to benefit Indiana Military Relief Fund.

Chairman Rice announced that IVH is requesting more money for its budget.

Chairman Rice asked all of the Legislative Committee chairs to attend the Knightstown Home Meeting.

Jim Koutz was introduced as the new National Legislative Chairman.

The meeting was recessed until after the Knightstown Home meeting. to consider a resolution. The resolution to oppose closure of the home passed unanimously after the Knightstown Home meeting. There were no requests for Department Funds.

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

Membership Committee

ployment worker of the year. No funds were requested. The Committee will meet at the Spring Conference.

Homeless Veterans

A $150 donation was received from the Kokomo Post in honor of the 5th District Commander, Pete Brannon. A motion was made and passed for a non-precedent setting donation of $500 to the Horizon House. Feed back was given by the District Chairmen on services and facilities in their Districts and on staying within our parameters when giving assistance to homeless veterans.

No motions were made for Department Funds. The Committee will meet at the Spring Conference.

Indiana Veterans Home

A motion was made and approved to donate three lift chairs at a cost of $14,352. New Superintendent, Tony Stewart and his assistant Melisa Durr spoke about changes being made at the home. Presently there are 262 residents at the home. The Committee will meet at the Spring Conference.

Adjournment

The Community Involvement Committee met Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriott East Hotel at 2:00 p.m. in Salon D. The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved.

There was a discussion regarding what events are being done at local posts.

Chairman Baggett discussed asking all veteran’s to join The American Legion.

There were no motions made and no requests for Department Funds.

There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m.

Convention Contests Committee

The Convention Contests Committee met Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriot East Hotel at 3:00 p.m. in Salon A.

Chairman James May opened the meeting in proper form.

A motion was made to have all four contest rules sent to each District Chairman and the 8th District to the 8th District Commander Randy Dooley. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The Membership Committee met on Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriott East Hotel at 10:00 a.m. in Salon 4.

Chairman Ralph Perez opened the meeting in proper form, and informed the committee there would be no training session and meeting will be brief due to the Knightstown Home business.

Department Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley spoke to the committee on how membership and Knightstown Home go hand in hand. Department Commander Tolan briefly spoke to all in attendance about the Knightstown Home issue.

There was a brief discussion regarding a letter being sent out by National Headquarters regarding the DMS Program that we were informed no longer existed. This will be investigated and reported back to the Committee during the Spring Conference.

The winners of the Lincoln Pilgrimage trip were announced:

• Category 1- Post 84 of the 8th District

• Category 2- Post 191 of the 3rd District

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

The Committee will meet during the 2009 Spring Conference. No requests for Department Funds were made.

• Category 3- Post 301 of the 4th District There were no motions made and no requests for Department Funds. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Continued on page 6 Continued

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ernest Komasinksi commander

Well, the holidays are over. The decorations are all put away. Things are starting to get back to normal. We’re all tired of snow and cold. We are tired of shoveling, scraping our car windows, and bundling up to keep warm. We can’t wait for a few warm sunny days to brighten our spirits.

Well, hopefully, the end is in sight. Another month and this will all be a memory. We will be looking forward to Easter and the warmer temperatures of March.

First District Post Commanders and membership team, now is the time to contact those who haven’t paid their dues and find out why. They may have moved. They may be hospitalized or in a nursing home and someone is not reading their mail. They may have passed on and your Post has not been notified. They may need a little nudge or a personal reminder to renew their membership. They may think they paid it already. You don’t know unless you contact these people. These veterans are no longer Legion members. They are not eligible for the many Legion benefits. By not contacting these people your Post is affected also. If you do not make an attempt to renew these members and you renew about 60 – 70 percent this year and the same happens next year and possibly the next year, you soon will be closing your doors because you didn’t try now.

Your membership will be down so low that you cannot pay your bills and keep your Post open. You won’t even have enough candidates to have an election of officers. Soon you will just be waiting for the end. Now is the time to make a renewed effort to contact these people before the weather turns warm and you have so many other things to do. I also ask all post members to check to see that your card is current (2009 Membership Card) and ask your friends and relatives to check theirs. If someone does not have a 2009 card check with your Post Adjutant.

I had an unexpected surprise at a recent event I attended in the District. It’s not very often that someone goes out of their way to say “thank you” to someone. Late last fall, we had some awful flooding in the area. Many people lost their homes and others had severe damage. At a previous conference I had heard Department Adjutant Steve Short talk about the National Emergency Relief Fund.

I contacted Steve and asked if our situation would qualify.

Steve said that it would, provided that the person was a member of the Legion at the time of the disaster. I relayed this message and handed out the information and applications when I attended several meetings at District Posts and at the District meeting. A number of applications were sent to Department as a result.

Just recently I was approached by a couple of Le-

gion members. One wanted to introduce the other to me. The one member wanted to meet the District Commander who inquired about the relief fund and then went around and told everyone about it. He wanted to thank him for going out of his way to help. He said he was looking for me for awhile to thank me but our paths didn’t cross. He told me that his situation is improving thanks to the Legion help. I told him that he was lucky that he was a paid up member when the disaster occurred.

At the beginning of January a number of First District members and I had the pleasure of helping out at the First District Oratorical Contest.

Dan Buksa (Post 16), the First District Oratorical Chairman, did an outstanding job of organizing the two-day event. We had eighteen students enter the competition this year.

The first day the eighteen were divided into three groups. The three winners were brought back on the second day to compete for the title.

Dan had a number of Legion volunteers to help. For many this was their first introduction to the contest. But they all were willing to help Dan in any way and make things run as smooth as possible. We also had the help and expertise from Department Oratorical Chairman Fred Langley (Second District) who came over and spent part of his weekend with us. Thank you all for helping to make this event a success.

On January 31 the First District hosted the Zone Oratorical contest. In the zone contest, the winners of the First District, Second District, and Third District compete to represent our area in the State contest later this year. Congratulations to the Second District contestant. He did an outstanding job and will do a great job representing our area. Again we had plenty of help from our District to make the event a success.

On January 9 Army Corporal Joseph M. Hernandez of Hammond was killed in Afghanistan. I had the sad duty of attending one of the services for the 24-year-old. He left a wife and two sons. Other members of the First District attended this and other services for another fallen hero from our area. Our prayers are with him and his family.

Post 80 and Commander Hobbs invited me to a Police and Firefighter recognition dinner on January 28. The annual dinner recognizes all of the members of the Whiting Police and Firefighters. I was honored to say a few words and thank them for their dedication and hard work at the event. These people are never appreciated enough until an emergency develops. Great job, Post 80.

Now as it’s time to close this article, I look foreword with anticipation to the upcoming events and can’t wait to tell you about them in the next newsletter.

Greetings from the Second District Green Machine!

Best wishes to all in this new year, 2009. It’s gotten off to a great start!

It’s hard to believe that half my term is over and there are so many great things yet to be done. Flag Education and Oratorical are going strong. Boy’s State is coming up very soon with Spring Confer-

ence in April and department Convention in July. I will also be finishing my official Post visits during the next four months.

The Second District Oratorical Contest took place January 4 at Post 301, Kouts.

All the contestants did a great job! The judges had to select a winner which was Andrew

Dykskool, sponsored by Post 38, West Lafayette. Andrew then participated in the zone contest at Post 16, Hammond on January 31 and his talents again won the contest. His next contest will be the Department Competition on March 8th at department headquarters. Good Luck Andrew! District Chairman Jeff Brooks and Post 301 did a great job hosting the district competition.

All Posts should be aggressively looking for and selecting high school junior boys for Hoosier Boy’s State. The 72nd Hoosier Boy’s State will be at Trine University in Angola, June 13 through June 20. Reservations are due in March so get your selection process done and paperwork sent in as soon as possible. If you have questions please contact 2nd District Chairman Scott Weyler at 317-2711532 (sweyler1958@comcast. net)

S.A.L. member Robert “Smurf” Rodeffer, Post 253, North Webster passed away January 7, 2009, at his home. “Smurf” was a great, energetic supporter of the entire Legion Family and all the programs. He held many offices and chairs at the Post, District and Department level and worked tirelessly on membership. He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.

The Second District was in second place at the January 10 target date with 83.86 percent of goal. We had 387

new members, but renewals are lagging behind. All post membership teams should be contacting directly any members who have not paid their 2009 dues. Responses to these personal contacts are very positive with very high renewal rates. A group can call all these past-due members on a Saturday morning and then go to their homes and pick up their dues. It works and your membership will improve.

Continued from column 4

Continued from column 2 half over and our membership year has only four more membership turn-ins.

A special thanks to the Membership Chairman Bob Miller for all his hard work for getting the 4th District into 5th place at the Mid-Winter Conference as we continue to work our way up the ladder.

turned in eleven Posts so far at Mid-Winter Conference, to be forwarded on to National Headquarters, which include clippings, photos, news media, and a scrapbook from Post 157 Churubusco. Great job for getting the word out for what we do.

Our next Target Date is February 11. Cards must be at Department Headquarters no later than noon to count. Membership Chairman Dana Clark thanks you in advance for your help and follow-through.

I’ve completed official visits to 27 of the 48 Second District posts. The hospitality shown myself and others who accompany me has been wonderful. I can’t express enough the gratitude I have for all the posts and what they have done to make my year so wonderful.

I’d like to remind all Post Commanders that attendance at district meetings and department conferences are an important part of your job. Your post’s success is based on how well you understand and participate in Legion programs. A wealth of information is available at these meetings and will help your post succeed. Mark your calendar now so that you attend our next District Meeting.

Until we meet on the 2nd District trail, good luck and God Bless!

DisTricT 3

robert claypool commander

Happy New Year from the Mighty Third!

As usual, many of our Post families have been busy the past few months. Post 83 was very active the past few months with the following events being reported. On October 25, 2008, Kaidence Kuranda, Patrick Tubaugh, Ben, Michaela and Lisa Shrader and Joanne Talbot went to the two Beverly Living Center nursing homes and distributed “Thinking of You” cards and pumpkin ornaments to the residents for Thanksgiving.

On Sunday November 16, the Junior and SAL members met to make cards for Christmas, Thinking of You, Thank You and God Bless You. These were delivered to the homes listed above at Christmas time. Also, on November 17, 300 cards were sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for Christmas and Thinking of You.

Some of donations made by the Post families included the usual $100 each for IVH and Knightstown home given by Post 83 at every Third District meeting. Post 154 Donated $500 to the Nappanee Boys Scouts, $500 to the Nappanee Cub Scouts, as well as donating the use of their hall for a Northwood High School Band fund raiser. Post 210 made the following donations: Salvation Army, Shop with a Cop, Food Pantry, Faith Mission, Knightstown Home and the Middlebury Men’s club with total donations being in the amount of $3130.

In other activities around the District, Dean Middaugh

Just as this Commander is so grateful for all the cooperation he is getting for the 4th District Hospitality room. That’s why we are the Fabulous Fourth. We cover our bases well, thanks again for all that you do.

Our committee people are getting into full swing, Children & Youth is doing great, Internal Affairs, Rehab, Oratorical are off and running.

Past Northern Vice Commander Norb Bultemeier and his Vice Chairman just finished a most successful District Oratorical program. We had seven contestants the most ever.

“Great Job.” Special thanks to my District Officers, S.A.L Commander Greg Spaulding and his officers for their assistance.

If you have never witnessed a Oratorical Program please do so at Decatur Post 43 on Feb 8 for our Zone competition. Doors close at 1:00 p.m.

Congratulations to our Posts that participated in National Commander David Rehbein’s community involvement program. We

Post 420 in Monroeville hosted a Sons Hillbilly Horseshoe Tournament, that I participated in. It was lots of fun, but no trophy. I was a sponsor and participant at Garrett Post 178 4th District SAL’s indoor Golf Putt Putt Tournament. It was great fun, too, but again, no trophy.

Thanks again to Kendallville Post 86 for hosting the District Bowling Tournament and Waynedale Post 241 for hosting our 4th District Benefit Program.

I am sure the trip to Springfield, Ill for the Lincoln Pilgrimage will be an exciting time, as will the many Birthday dinners coming in March that my wife and I enjoy very much.

Before long our Spring Conference will be here. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Legion Family to participate in our many program meetings. We would like to see as many of our Chairmen participate and especially our Post Officers, many of whom have never been to a conference. So, on behalf of the 4th District, please come, attend meetings, and enjoy the hospitality and the great American Legion atmosphere.

DisTricT 5

Pete Brannon commander

of Nappanee Post 154 gave a talk on Americanism at the local public school. Posts with Christmas parties for our children included Mishawaka Post 161, Middlebury Post 210, New Carlisle Post 297, North Liberty Post 365. New Carlisle Post 297 provided the colors for the 2008 Christmas parade and visited Hamilton Grove and Miller’s Merry Manor with gifts for the veteran’s residing in those facilities.

Michigan City Post 130 gave a donation of $500 to Knightstown Home and $500 for the Commanders project. Wanatah Post 403 just completed a community service project of raising $11,000 dollars to assist the Cass/Clinton Volunteer Fire Department’s new fire truck with new extrication equipment.

I want to remind all posts to remember the National Commanders Post Excellence Award. All of the above items would help to qualify a post for this award. The key elements of the award are active participation in projects and obtaining positive publicity for The American Legion.

Congratulations to Nappanee Post 154 and Wanatah Post 403 who have both met all of the requirements for the Post Excellence Award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Posts in the Third District for their membership progress. Because of your hard work, I will be visiting Washington, D.C. in the beginning of March. Stay tuned for more from the Mighty Third!

DisTricT 4

charlie rathsack commander

Greetings from the Fourth District. We had quite a December to remember as the ice storm forced some cancellations and the destruction was massive. Many of our members experienced 4-5 days without

electricity or heat and much damage. This Commander was one of these. We managed through it all and luckily only lost two trees.

Now on to the New Year. I can’t believe my year is

The 293rd National Guard unit which was sent off to Iraq last year has returned home. The heroes were welcomed home by loved ones along with a grateful community and nation. The members of the 5th District thank each one of these heroes for their service to our nation. Job Well Done!

When you see these heroes about town or at the Legion Post, be sure and thank them personally for their service with a friendly hand shake and a smile. If they are not already members of the American Legion, ask them to join our ranks and invite them to the activities going on within the Legion Post. Let them know they are welcomed and that they are appreciated. Let them know that the Legion is family orientated…that we have the Aux. and the SAL. But above all, let them know they are among friends that have served also and who keep on serving the community, state and nation.

One can always tell when it is Christmas time here in the 5th. Just look to the Marion

VA and you can see the 5th District Gift Wrap going on. This year at the VA you would be able to see Jocko Comerford, Larry Grogg, Larry Hedges, Steve Lear, and Tom Parkhurst, from Kokomo Post 6, along with State Auxiliary President Shirley Firkins, Past President Virginia Baker, State Auxiliary Secretary Judy Otey, along with Auxialiary members Sue Comerford, Eileen Davis, and Rosemary Hammons.

The final count was 203 boxes sent out with each box containing at least three presents each, so we are talking around 609 presents at the vary minimum that the veterans in the VA sent to their loved ones. This is another of the many nice thing that the Legion Auxiliary does for our veterans who normally would not have this opportunity, and it does not cost the veteran that first cent. The presents and the mailing is all paid for by the Legion Aux. 5th District Chairman of the Nursing Home Committee Larry Hedges told me

Continued on page 5

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6

Donald Hudson commander

Greetings: The one thing I have heard the most about is the membership quota for each Post in the District. As most of you know by now, there were 201 new members added to the 6th District as of the 2008 Close of Books. This made our total goal 9,796 members.

It is difficult now to meet the goals for a lot of our Posts, and few will able to meet this goal. We all have to work harder to go out and “beat the bushes” for new people to fill our ranks. It takes all members, not just the Membership Chairmen, of each and every Post working together to meet this attainable goal.

Congratulations go out to the 6th District Oratorical Contest winner, a 17-yearold senior from Carmel High School, Miss Annie Wu, spon-

sored by Carmel Post 155. She will compete against a young man sponsored by Knightstown Post 152 for the Zone 3 Championship. Best wishes to both of them.

As the days get longer and warmer we will all have more to do with activities outside our Legion family. Remember though, to try to have some time to help out at your Posts. It takes more than just your elected officers to make a Post work. Any activity needs as many volunteers as possible.

Our programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy’s State, Baseball, Bowling, Veteran’s Assistance, and other programs need people to step up and offer to help.

Remember the Spring Conference is April 3-4, 2009. Hope to see you there.

DisTricT 2 robert rettig commander

Greetings from the Fighting Seventh: Hello comrades. The first thing I need to do is apologize for missing the deadline and not getting my article in the last paper. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I have a lot of news. Last December we had our drive-around and, to say the least, the weather wasn't the best. Still we made several post visits, starting at Brazil with breakfast. We had lunch at Spencer and finished up with a chili supper at Mooresville. I want to say thanks to all; the food was great.

The following weekend Kenny Ellis and his team did the South. Oakland City furnished the lunch meal and had quite a spread. Thanks guys and gals. The middle team started at Sullivan with breakfast, and we traveled on to Worthington for lunch of chili. We stayed around and talked and had a great time and we collected around 600 cards in the two weekends. And now we plan on having another drive-around the last weekend in March. Come one, come all, it’s a great time. I need to give an ‘atta boy’ to Sommerville on their 100 percent good job.

Our membership is going slow and we need to pick up the pace. We have a great team and I think we will get it done in the end. Now for some of the news around the district that didn't get in the

last paper.

Last Veterans Day the Seventh was busy with programs at the schools and court houses. We at Linton went to the nursing home for a program and it is always my favorite. Also Bloomfield Post 196 traveled to Indianapolis to march in the Veterans Day parade. Way to go, 196. And now I want to give a special thanks to all who donated to the Indiana Veterans Home’s bingo day. We had a record amount of money donated. It was the best year ever. Marilyn Price and Bonnie Fox did a great job as 82 residents came to play bingo. The grand total collected was $2,375 in cash donations among a variety of other items.

Post 18 Bloomington received more money so Auxiliary purchased 30 blankets and still had $100 for a party.

Louise Hyde thanked the7th District Legion, Auxiliary and SAL on behalf of the residents of the home. Post 141 Coal City held a community dinner to raise money for Christmas for the children of the community and it was very successful. A great big pat on the back to Post 141 and community of Coal City. Now, as I close, remember to keep our programs going. We need to think about renewals and newly-recruited members lets keep up the good work and get the 7th back on top. Remember we play hard, but we always ‘git-r-done.’

DisTricT

8

As always, Greetings from the Great 8th. I hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays and that all is good for one and all. A new year has begun, a new president is in the White House and promises are made of change yet to come.

They speak of change for our great nation and we as American Legion Family members need to think of how we may be able to help change the declining memberships that we all face. It is a problem in retaining our members that really hurts. I know that everyone has tried different ways to do this.

They will work only if we work the membership programs. Start up a phone bank calling the delinquent members, send them the post cards national provides for each post, knock on their doors or maybe even invite them to a meeting. Let them see what you as a post are doing for the community and maybe they will get involved.

We need every member that we can muster to help provide the financial backing for the programs each post sponsors.

I know that my home post, Boonville Post 200 recently ran a phone bank one Saturday afternoon calling some 25 to 30 members and the following week 15 had either stopped into pay or sent their dues by mail.

We recently started an American Legion Riders chapter at the post and have picked up several new members as a result.

I know that many posts also hold events for other organizations in their communities, a very worthwhile endeavor indeed. This could be used as a membership tool as well as a means of letting the community know that we care and want to help. It helps us get the message out that we are more than just a bar where old guys get together and share war stories.

Boonville Post 200 each year helps man organizations such as Special Olympics,

Continued from column 2

the matter is that we both embrace change and become a part of it or we become a victim of it. We must keep our eyes open and educate ourselves on the new things facing us, we can not just sit back doing nothing and expect someone else to have our best interest at heart. We must be proactive both as an organization and individuals.

March is on the horizon and with it comes the 90th birthday of the American Legion. We must be doing something right to survive and maintain the influence we have over these many years.

A great idea for a birthday present to the Legion is for every Legion Family member to pledge to speak to just three new people about how he or she might join the Legion Family and why they should. There is no telling what impact such a simple thing might do for our membership. We always hear about membership over and over and over but here is a little something to think about. Membership is to the Legion like cash flow is to a

business and the Legion is a business in the business of protecting American values and caring for our nation’s veterans and their families.

Businesses survive inflation and rising costs in one of two ways. They survive by increasing margins (raising dues) or by volume (recruiting and retaining members to spread expenses over a broader base). I personally prefer the volume side of the equation. So the simple solution to avoiding or postponing any future dues increases is to get new members and keep the old ones.

I need your input for the Eighth District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. That way you want have to read as much of my rambling. If your Post or someone in your Post does something newsworthy please send it to me, Dave Sharber, by e-mail to wobegon@sit-co.net or by mail at PO Box 60 in Mt. Vernon, IN 47620.

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

By Vonda Garringer 10th District Public Relations Officer

Greetings from the Terrific 10th District!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

I would like to encourage every post that puts out a newsletter to make a submission for the Public Relations Awards. All you need is three copies of your newsletter and the entry form. If you have any questions concerning the awards please feel free to contact myself or the Department for clarification.

Commander Gammon would like for everyone to

know that he and District Adjutant Paul Smith will be out working on membership hard over the next few months. With the assistance of the District Vice Commanders, he hopes to make a great run to the end of the membership year. I hope everyone will turn out for the Spring Conference, there is always some good information put out at the meetings. Please help your post with membership. You never know that one person that you don’t ask could have been a very good Legionnaire. May you all be blessed.

DisTricT 11

alescia Johnson commander

Comrades: Welcome from the Exciting Eleventh!

soccer teams, our own Auxiliary, and the Warrick County Helping Hands, as well as the Department Commanders, Auxiliary Presidents and Detachment Commanders projects.

Now is the perfect time to work on these problem areas since it is cold out and it’s hard to find your balls in the snow if you are a golfer. Get a group together some afternoon soon, ask the membership chairman for a copy of the delinquent list, grab the phone book and start calling. You might be very surprised at the results.

I want to give a big thanks to all those who have flooded the email systems of our state representatives and legislators with messages to keep Knightstown Home in the budget and open. I was really proud of everyone who attended the Knightstown meeting at Mid-Winter Conference. Everyone acted in a very appropriate and professional manner and the message was very clear. We are going to fight to keep Knightstown Home open.

To Knightstown Chairman Jeff Carroll and Foundation Chairman Jerry Jordan, gentlemen, I salute you on a perfect presentation and the professional manner in which you presented the information. It really stated our case and our direction in this challenge. We are taking a stand and we are not backing down. We will be heard. I know a lot of hard work and extra hours went into your presentation and it was second to none.

We must all hold firm in our resolve to get Knightstown Home reinstated as a line item in the budget and keep the home open. Thank you all for your hard work and help this year.

Times are hard and there is a great deal of change facing us. These are times when we must work together to preserve what we have worked so hard to build. Change is inevitable. The plain truth of

We have passed the mid point of our membership year. Now is the time for our Posts to step up to the 100 percent-plus challenge. Create membership teams to make personal contact and sign up all renewals still listed as unpaid on the green bar sheets. A qualified Membership Chairman is an asset to the Post. It would be good practice for Posts to have training sessions for the members seeking or appointed to the Membership Chairman and committee positions.

Some Adjutants have relinquished duties to uninformed Membership Chairmen. Recently a member turned in an address change with his payment of dues. The Membership Chairman not knowing how to handle address changes, destroyed the pre- printed card because he thought the address on the card was now wrong. He filled out a blank membership card as though the Legionnaire was a new member.

The Adjutant’s manual shows various forms including the membership data forms and goes into detail as to how to handle member data changes. The Officers Guide and Adjutant’s Manual is presented to each Post at close of books with the cards for the next year. These publications are an valuable resource and should be distributed to officers by the Post when they are elected or appointed.

Ninth District Officers are currently seeking ideas from all Posts in an effort to promote more participation in District and Department activities. It is important that all Posts be represented at these meetings. Over the years, I have heard comments from Post Officers that they will take care of their Post and do not need input from the District or Department.

Comments such as “we will take care of our Post and the District and Department can take care of their business” establishes an attitude of division between the local, state, and national levels of The American Legion. Some Legionnaires, because of this Post attitude, are never exposed to or realize how great The American Legion really is. They are being shortchanged in many cases by this poor leadership. Post Commanders, Offi-

cers or at least a Post representative should attend every District meeting and participate in American Legion activities of the Fall, Midwinter and Spring conferences as well as Knightstown, Close of Books and the State Convention. Every Post should be represented.

This is an important time to be a Legionnaire/Veteran. We have charged ourselves with the privilege of securing and maintaining rights and benefits for all veterans and making sure their care is the best it can be. Take a bow Legionnaires; you are doing a great job. Now is the time to attend Post meetings, District meetings, Department conferences and conventions. Demand only the best from your American Legion at all levels and get involved to do it.

Congratulations to Commander Harold Robbins and members of Mitchell Post 250 in the rebuilding of the Post Home after it was destroyed by the tragic fire last year. You have done a great job and with a Post Home like that, you have many great years ahead of you.

2009 Coming Events: Saturday February 21, 9th District Meeting at Post 33, Bedford at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday March 28, 9th District Meeting at Post 41, Salem at 7:00 p.m. Both District meetings will have dinner served at 5:00 p.m. and a Past Commanders/Adjutants/Executive Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3 & 4 is the Spring Conference at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel, 21st & Shadeland, Indianapolis.

5th District

We are digging out from a horrendous snowfall but with some warmer days right ahead, I believe that we will make it out from under the drifts. We had the opportunity to represent the District and The Legion at a large “Welcome Home” ceremony for the 38th Infantry Division units from the Indiana National Guard who had deployed last year. It gave us the opportunity to explore the new Lucas Oil Stadium as well as come into contact with thousands of individuals.

Lucas Oil Stadium is really something to see. It was quite a hectic morning but we all enjoyed the activity immensely. My thanks to Department Staff for providing give-away items which were eagerly snatched up by the attendees. Without a doubt, these items proved very popular and we easily could have given away four or five times the number of items we brought.

Since not all the deployed units have returned, I hope that the Indiana National Guard will hold another ceremony in the future. We had the opportunity to encourage attendees to consider joining with us and several individuals took us up on our offer. We also had numerous attendees walk up to us and proudly introduce themselves as Legionnaires.

We have been preparing for the second half of the Legion year with productive meetings and discussions. We continue to make slow progress toward our goal and will he trying some new ideas which I hope will help jump start a successful push to the finish in June. We are continuing to encourage the Posts to work cooperatively toward one of our goals of raising the visibility of the District with the general public.

We are in the planning stages of helping to get this year’s Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis’ Vet-

erans Build off the ground. Our plans are ambitious but I have great faith in the outstanding members of the District.

When we work together, I believe that we can overcome any obstacle. A very deserving family has been qualified, a site has been secured and fundraising has begun. Our goal is to help fully fund the project by the end of April so construction can begin the first or second week in July. For those of you who participated in last years’ inaugural build, the change in season should make the work site temperature considerably more tolerable. It got a bit nippy toward Halloween.

Mid-Winter Conference kicked off the campaign to convince Governor Daniels that closing the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home in Knightstown is not in the best interest of the students who utilize that facilities. We have been supporting a telephone call/letter writing/email blitz that is beginning to see some positive results.

I have been told by numerous legislators that the Governor will never change his mind. He is described as a bulldog who sticks to his opinions once he makes up his mind. I can respect his intentions and the sincerity in which he has made his decision. I do not believe that he is “anti-Knightstown.”

I believe he is trying to do what he thinks is best for our state. I disagree with his decision and hope that you are all joining me in contacting every elected official to respectfully express an opposing position. As I said earlier, when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle. I truly believe that the legislators who have been made aware of the circumstances about Knightstown now understand why it is so special to us and why it is imperative that we win this fight. Thanks for your continued support hand hard work, I am honored to serve with you all.

that he is going around to the various Nursing Homes taking care packages for Christmas, He had $930 to accomplish this feat and as of December 2 he had already given out 70 or so care packages.

To those who don’t know how this works, this is your Legion dues at work. A Post submits names of any veteran known to be in a Nursing Home in their area to Larry and he will give you a care package to take to the veteran. Larry uses the money budgeted and makes up the care packages consisting of

comfort items which all you have to do is take it to the Nursing Home and give it to the veteran.

A nice to thing to do for our veterans who are living in the various Nursing Homes around our District.

Membership Chairman Don Cole and 5th District Commander Pete Brannon visited Elwood Post 53 and found out that Elwood Post 53 Post Commander Phil Heaton along with Adjutant Beverly Murray via members of the Post gave the Elwood Police Department some money for their Shop With A Cop program.

Continued from page 4 Continued on page

With Boy’s State right

around the corner, we would hope that the chairmen in the local Posts are out beating the bushes to round up those young boys to attend Boy’s State this summer. The cost is $300 a boy for the week.

If your Post cannot afford to send a young boy perhaps you could have a fund raiser of some kind to raise the money or ask some business to sponsor the young man or young men. You can send as many as you want. This program is one of the shining stars in the Legion Program system. Vice Commander of the

randy Dooley commander

DisTricT 9

raymond Kerner commander

5th District

Cookies For The Troops

The Department of Indiana offers free exhibit space to not for profit organizations that share the goals and aims of The American Legion during its three annual conferences. The Girl Scouts of America, named an official program of the Department just two years ago, is one of those featured during the just concluded Mid-Winter conference. These young Girls Scouts were selling traditional Girl Scout cookies that would be donated to troops awaiting deployment at Indiana[s Camp Atterbury.

Chaplain's Corner

Continued from page 10

needed fixing or towing.

One day a 1955 Mercury Montclair was placed on the back lot. While she didn’t run, she could with a little work.

Mustering up a five dollar bill, fifteen ones, and a log chain, we towed her home. Junkyards became my favorite haunt for missing knobs and a taillight with a lens. Body work to cover the rust and extensive engine work got her running. It wasn’t long until I learned the engine block would need to be replaced. Dad had another block that could be used, but it would need machining. The lack of ways and means brings dreams to painful reality. I was stuck at “top dead center.”

Fortunately for me, a machine shop foreman took pity on me. I first met him when Dad took me with him one day to the parts store. When he saw me he put a nickel in candy globe on the counter to get me a handful of French burnt peanuts and then gave me an awesome tour of the shop. I was hooked on him and his shop from that time on. Every chance I got, I ran for parts just to see him and what he was doing. When he heard about my troubles, he rummaged around and found some “leftover” racing pistons to which my block could be bored. We would work something out for the costly boring and refurbishing. Racing quality work was performed on my block well beyond normal repairs. When the block was finished, there wasn’t a bill to pay. Even a free gallon of costly body putty was thrown in.

You know how things that go around come around? Recently a young man we know had a car that didn’t run right and he couldn’t go very far without it dying. After a while he could get it started again, but not for long. He had nei-

The Morning Report

ther money nor a father that would help him with anything. It took a lot of coaching and inviting to have him bring it over for a look. With modern cars, you can’t do much with a code reader and it was obvious that it was going to take a computer and a garage to fix it. I called up our dealer and talked to the shop foreman and a plan was laid. I’d pay the bill and he could get it fixed.

It took two weeks of coaxing to get him to agree, but we finally met at the shop to take it in. What looked like a simple repair began to add up. One part led to another. I got so far in that I couldn’t get out without finishing it. I covered the bill and they brought the keys to the young man. He was so overwhelmed he could only say a bewildered thank you. I gave him a little cash to get gas to test it out. Word came back to me that he said, “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me!”

Now he can take the job he was offered in another town and start to get on his feet.

The story continues over and over again in life. I think about the team of men who ushered their pastor into The American Legion carrying me to the top to be your chaplain. They are all gone, but I get to carry on in their place serving God and Country. Service begins when we think about how we can help others and then take actions to make it happen. Now and then we get that golden opportunity to pass on the kindness, encouragement and support that was given to us. Isn’t that the core of what our Legion family is about? We get nowhere in life without a hand up or being carried on the shoulders of others. What a joy when we can pass it on.

For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

John 13:15

Americanism Commission

Continued from page 3

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

Sons of the American Legion Committee

The minutes from Fall Conference were read and approved.

Four resolutions were presented to the committee for matter of record for SAL officer for the year 2009-2010:

Wesley Brack for Detachment

Sgt.-at-Arms from Squadron 346, Greg Spalding for Detachment Northern Vice Commander from Squadron 111, Dewey Long for Detachment Southern Vice Commander from Squadron 196, and Raymond Giehl III for Detachment Southern Vice Commander from Squadron 495.

The committee read and approved a resolution to have the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument embroidered

Continued from page 10

part-time employment. She is on duty Monday-Wednesday, ten hours per day.

Receipts For Dues Simplify Problem-Solving

For those of you who are actively recruiting new members into the Legion, and I hope that is every one of you, please make sure to give your new members a receipt when they hand over their dues to you.

The blank, pre-numbered cards your post receives with its card run at the start of the new Legion year are sufficient for those new members who sign up in the post and receive the card immediately.

However, those who pay for a membership in other settings have no proof of having paid if you do not give them a receipt. The receipt also is usually accepted as proof of membership upon a new member’s first visit to the post.

Without a receipt, it is difficult for us to assist new members who are concerned about the status of their membership, or who have encountered errors or delays..

The best receipt to use, and a sure aid to recruitment, is the printed membership application. Always keep a handful in your wallet. If you need more, let us know and we will send you all you need.

Internal Affairs Commission

Continued from page 3

New Post Development and Revitalization Committee

The New Post Development and Revitalization Committee met on Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriott East Hotel at 1:00 p.m. in Salon C.

Chairman Mike Davis opened the meeting in proper form. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted after corrections.

Chairman Davis stated that he had spoken with Department Adjutant Short about the Williamsport Post. Adjutant Short said that the committee needs to work and coordinate with the 6th District Commander. A copy of their roster needs to be obtained and everyone needs to be sent a card about a post organizational meeting. Refreshments will be served. The goal is to have officers elected that day. Adjutant Short said the Department had funds to cover such things. Homer Loudermilk stated that he thought $300 is available to organizational meetings.

Continued from page 5

5th District Chuck Cunningham is recuperating from a knee replacement and some congestive heart failure. Vice Commander Bob Spencer is also recuperating from a knee replacement. Alternate NECman Jack Butler will be having some gall bladder surgery. His wife, Thelma Butler, Past President of the Auxiliary, is recovering from a broken hip. We in the 5th District wish them well and hope they have a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

The 5th Dist. Flag Education Chairman Tom Parkhurst told me that Howard County already has over a thousand entries already. Legionnaire Parkhurst is doing a really great job and we thank him for all he does for the Legion and this program.

Marion Post 10 held a Welcome Home and Recognition Night for returning servicemen and women from the region who served and sacrificed during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom. Supper was served, colors were posted by Indiana Guard Reserve led by LTC Leland. The post also recognized special guests, held a memorial service and taps was performed. The guest speakers were Northern Vice Commander Rick Hudson, the Mayor of Marion, and U.S. Represenativer Dan Burton.

A total of $150 was raised and forwarded on down to Indianapolis. Nice going Montpelier, as this is an area that needs our help to help others living on the street without heat, food, or clothing. Men and Women who served our country and stepped up to the plate when the country needed someone to protect her and now, with life not going their way, they need our protection. Let’s all in the Legion step up to the plate and help those veterans on the street. They need us.

With all the talk flying around over our beloved Knightstown these days, it is worthy to note that two of our 5th District members out of Elwood Post 53 are past residents of Knightstown. They are Stan and Steve Alvey. They are twins and were residents at Knightstown from 1964 to 1967 and 1968. They joined the service after graduation. Steve left Knightstown in ‘67 and went into the Army serving in Vietnam as a tunnel rat. Hew as awarded two purple hearts. Stan left in 1968 after graduation.

on the SAL Cover. The committee read and approved a resolution stating that the SAL Detachment of Indiana supports the nonclosure of the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home in Knightstown.

Chairman Larry Horvath announced that the SAL State Golf Outing has been moved to June 6, 2009, in Linton, IN. There was a motion made and approved that stated that the SAL be given a $20 subsidiary per day at thee SAL Detachment Convention to keep the cost at $99 per day. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

Adjournment

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

Moreen Komasimski asked about the feasibility of starting a program in which wealthy posts would help struggling smaller posts with short-term loans to help them get back on their feet. Chairman Davis stated that he would speak with Department Adjutant Short on the matter.

Chairman Perez stated that the 1st District Post Consolidation Project is on hold at the moment. There were no motions made and no requests made for Department Funds.

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

Public Relations Committee

The Public Relations Committee met on Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriott East Hotel at 2:00 p.m. in Salon C.

Chairman Jeff Carroll opened the meeting in proper form.

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved.

Chairman Carroll made

available to all present the Public Relations Handbook.

Chairman Carroll informed the committee of all the contributions that local radio station Q95 and the Bob & Tom Show have made via care packages. A motion was made to officially recognize Q95 and the Bob & Tom Show with a plaque at the 2009 Department Convention. The motion was seconded and passed with Department Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley to draft the Resolution for approval at the Spring Conference. Chairman Carroll asked the Committee and all in attendance to go back to their Districts and request that posts make submissions for the Public Relation Awards.

There were no requests for Department Funds.

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

Religious Emphasis Committee

The Religious Emphasis Committee met Saturday, January 10, 2009, during the 2009 Mid-Winter Conference at the Marriott East Hotel at 12:00 p.m. in Salon E.

Chairman Norris Keirn opened the meeting in proper form.

A discussion was held regarding the Four Chaplains Service at the Fall Conference. Two critiques were noted and affirmed:

• Participants and displays need to be on a lower platform so they may be seen by all in assembly.

• Background music was too loud and competed with audibility.

Measures will be taken to correct these minor issues.

Chairman Keirn requested of the commission to hold a service at the 2009 Spring Conference. There was a brief discussion regarding numerous creative ideas to be shared. Final conclusion is that we will present a memorial type of service.

No motions were made and no requests for Department Funds.

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

In attendance were our 5th Dist. Commander Pete Brannon and our 5th Dist. Membership Chairman, Don Cole, along with Ron Sexton, Past 5th Dist. Commander of the SAL. Our hats off to Marion 10 for acknowledging these veterans and remembering the fallen in such a noble and honorable way.

Montpelier Post 156 in association with the Neff Insurance agency sold tags for the trees around town for Christmas with the proceeds going to The American Legion’s Homeless Veterans program.

Steve and Stan are both ministers’ now. They both are officers at Elwood Post 53. I talked to them for a long time here while back and let me tell you, If you ever wanted a testament as to why to keep Knightstown open, just have a conversation with these two brothers. They both came out of Knightstown with Barber Certificates and Stan had a scholarship to Ball State. They told me that out of the 12 boys in their class, every one joined the service upon graduation. They said that if it were not for Knightstown they both would have ended up in prison because they were pretty wild and headed for bad trouble. While at Knightstown they played sports, worked on the farm, and this was home for them. They were treated with respect and they were taken care of during their stay there.

Children & Youth Commission

Continued from page 3

2008 catalogs are available from Susan Long at the Department Headquarters. Educator of the Year binders are due to the Department Headquarters by June 1, 2009, for judging at close of books. Each district reported on their progress with obtaining educator candidates. Ron Kizer gave a report on Bob Ripley’s condition.

Flag Education/ Etiquette Committee

Flag education packets were available in the Wilkie Room to be picked up. Any remaining packets will be mailed by the Department Headquarters. The committee would like a two hour time slot at the Spring Conference to judge the flag education tests.

Girl Scouts Committee

Chairman Galich asked the committee to encourage district support, to acquire scholarship applications, and to solicit for donations.

Knightstown Home Committee

Senior class rings were distributed. Superintendent Paul Wilkinson gave his administrative report. Jerry Jordon briefed the committee and guests about the proposed closing of the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home. Chairman Carroll read a resolution opposing the closing.

The committee made and seconded a motion to approve the resolution and pass it to the Department Executive Committee.

Oratorical Committee Children & Youth Com-

mission Chairman, Ken Hylton, was recognized.

The state finals have been moved from March 1 to March 8 due to the National Conference being held at the same time.

The 6th District will host Zone 3 competition at Post 155, 852 W Main St, Carmel IN 46032 on February 7, 2009 at 1 p.m. Zone 4 contest will be February 21 hosted by the 8th district.

This year, there are only three contestants from Zone 3, one contestant from Zone 4, 32 contestants from Zone 1, and ten contestants from Zone 2. The table has been set for the committee to rectify this pattern and design other contest formats which are more equitable to the contestants, i.e. eliminating zone contests and conducting one day of contests. Alternative solutions will be reviewed at the Spring Conference.

Chairman Langley distributed a sign up sheet for state workers, which produced seven volunteers from the SAL Detachment and 11 volunteers from The American Legion. The First District Chairman Dan Buksa read his letter to Department Commander Tolan and presented a certificate of appreciation to Fred Langley, Carole Langley, and Jeff Brooks for their travel, assistance and work during the January 3 competition.

Adjournment

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

Legionnaires Serving In VAVS Deserve Thanks And Recognition

If you were hospitalized at a VA Medical Center, you have likely seen them. You could have also been “touched” by them if you had watched a television in a VA waiting or patient room. They may have even visited you if you were hospitalized in a nonVA medical facility. If you had coffee, ate a donut or read a magazine in a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, you may have benefited from their efforts. If you are a nursing home or extended care patient, they may have paid you a visit. They may have also helped you if you used a trans-

portation voucher while visiting a VA Vet Center or a canteen (VA service store) voucher at a VA Medical Center. They too, often help transport veterans to and from VA medical appointments. Most Hoosier Legionnaires know about the Department’s Rehabilitation Fund. Rehab Funds help purchase comfort items and sponsor events for medically confined veterans. We like to boast about all the

Service Officers Earn ‘Million Dollar’ Status

Records show clients having American Legion Department of Indiana representation received $148,867,584 in VA benefits during the 2008 calendar year. Approximately 57 percent ($85,527,698) of this was achieved through the combined efforts of The American Legion and County Veterans Service Offices. The following county service officers working with the Legion recovered more than a million dollars for veterans in their counties:

money our generous Legionnaires donate to the Rehab Fund.

If you don’t know, Legionnaires made it possible for the Department to place $77,000 in this year’s Rehab program. Obtaining the funds and making sure items are purchased and visits are made are, however, two different things. That’s where “They” come in, and “They” are the Department’s active VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) and rehab volunteers.

Our VAVS and rehab volunteers expend their own time and effort purchasing items and visiting patients at various healthcare facilities. They must also complete rehab fund requisitions and account for all items purchased and distributed.

In addition to their visitation duties, VAVS and rehab volunteers provide activity reports at department conferences and work with posts and districts for finding additional volunteers and supplemental funding. VAVS volunteers must also attend VAVS meetings at VA Medical Centers to

help VA better manage its volunteer service program and keep certified as a National VAVS representative.

VAVS and rehab volunteers will all tell you it’s not so much the gifts they leave behind (although the gifts are appreciated), but it’s showing veterans someone cares and appreciates them that makes the difference. We don’t often hear about these volunteers because they go about their duties without fanfare, but they too deserve our thanks and recognition. If you recognize one of the VAVS and/or rehab volunteer named below, tell them thanks for all they do:

Harold Brubaker, Paul D. Layman, Loren E. Minix, John Balczo, Frank Switzer, Laura Kerby, Gordon L. McClure, and Charles L. Alley.

Also, Arthur Robert “Bob” Kidwell, Irvin G. Thomas, Alvin Werner, H. Robbie Robinson, Sara Craft, Mike Bishop, Jeffrey Mercier, Byron Yeager, Alva Duncan, James May, Gary Steinhardt, and Melvin W. Jantzen.

Also Cecil Brummett, John Julian, Roger Franklin, Lawrence D. Hedges, Marvin L. Newland, Lowell Sullivan, Niles Gammon, and Mel Gross.

Legion Targets Young VA Volunteers

The average age of a volunteer in the Department of Veterans Affairs health-care system is about 75. To ensure that organizations like those in The American Legion family can continue to provide their valuable services—our members donate more than 900,000 hours of their time annually—a generation of younger volunteers is needed. Such was the purpose of National Commander David K. Rehbein’s trip to Des Moines, Iowa late last year. Auxiliary President Desireé Stoy and Department of Iowa Legionnaires joined Rehbein as he met with officials at the city’s VA medical center and its veterans’ center to talk about the importance of getting younger volunteers to sign up with VA. Rehbein and Stoy went through the sign-up process during the trip.

“We need to look at innovative ways to include younger volunteers, what assignments are available—including

nights and weekends—and what would be appealing to them, and get them in the door,” said Jacob Gadd, National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation assistant director.

The group heard about the many roles volunteers fill at the Des Moines VA Medical Center: working in the canteen, labs, human resources, the parking lot, and driving patients to and from appointments. Plans are under way to recruit volunteers from college campuses in an effort to bring more young people into the system.

The American Legion is also taking on that responsibility. “We need to get our volunteers to your system,” Rehbein told VA officials. “We’re looking for ways to spread the word to help you.”

Des Moines Vet Center team leader Katina Mach said her center has five volunteers but can always use more.

“We need volunteers to do our job,” she said. “They do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work. And we have a role for

any age of volunteer. Somebody with mobility limitations can be a big help just by answering phones.”

The Vet Center has hired OIF/OEF veterans to serve as counselors to perform outreach at active-duty, National Guard and reserve military facilities. One idea produced during the meeting was a recruitment flyer that counselors could distribute to alert younger veterans of opportunities to volunteer. Another option is to visit college campuses to spread the word.

The Legion will play a key role in filling the gap as today’s volunteer pool begins to diminish with age. Among its plans:

Encouraging departments to offer Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) training at least once a year. The National VA&R Division can send representatives to help with such training.

Encouraging departments to set up volunteer booths at department events such as mid-winter conferences,

spring/fall meetings, department conventions and OEF/ OIF welcome-home celebrations.

Asking VAVS outreach and recruitment teams to adopt a university and seek out veterans who need assistance with the GI Bill. Invite those veterans to Legion posts for events and ask them to become VA volunteers.

Urging VAVS representatives and deputy representatives to attend quarterly VAVS meetings at VA medical centers, and share pertinent volunteer assignments and donation requests with each post’s VAVS contact. Each post needs to identify a VAVS contact and then call the VAVS representative, or deputy representative, to get on a phone and mailing list.

Asking departments to recruit a minimum of 22 new volunteers in 2009.

Finally, the Legion recommends that VA streamline its volunteer application process, as well as offer online registration and classes.

old Brubaker also submitted claims winning clients $4,628,359 in calendar year 2008.

Welcome to the Million Dollar Club!

Veterans population statistics were taken from document entitled Indiana: Veterans Population by Period of Service, by County. This report records Indiana’s total veterans population at 590,476).

Service Office Business Hours:

The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.. until 4:00 p.m. during February. Service Officers, however, will be away from the office from Monday, February 23 through Friday February 28, attending the national organization’s Department Service Officer’s School in Washington DC.

Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605, calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-7237999, extension 3, faxing us at 317-226-6645, or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov.

Post Service Officers Training

The following American Legion Posts had service officers and/or post representatives attending the American Legion Department of Indiana Mid-Winter Conference Post Service Officers Training Seminar: 485, 53, 423, 197, 438, 118, 241, 27, 38, 100, and

1. The next post service officers training seminar will take place on organization day, July 12, 2009, immediately following the Department Convention.

VA Healthcare Means Test for 2009

Many veterans can qualify for VA healthcare services regardless of their income if they meet certain special category requirements, such as having a service connected disability rating of 10 percent or more, having earned the Purple Heart award, being declared catastrophically disabled, having enrolled before January 16, 2003, etc. Veterans not meeting any of these special category requirements can still enroll for VA healthcare services if their 2008 income was no more than the following:

Veterans without dependents: $29,402, Veterans with one dependent: $35,284, Veterans with two dependents: 37,304.

Dependent threshold amounts increase above two dependents at $2,020 per dependent.

Intrepid Travelers

Commander Ralph Tolan (below, foreground) led a contingent of Legion Family leaders to the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield, Ill. to celebrate the martyred president’s birthday February 12. Photographed in the historic National Executive Committee Room of the original National Headquarters, the Indiana group is traditionally the largest department contingent to participate in the pilgrimage. 3rd District Commander Robert Claypool (right, right rear) earned the right to assist in the wreathe laying by leading his District to top membership standing at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Education, Training and Fun –Plus The Serious Business of Kids

When members and leaders of the American Legion Department of Indiana get together for the Mid-Winter Conference each year, it is a special mix of good times and serious business. The weekend kicks off with the Commander’s Reception, followed by a full day of meetings, training sessions, membership turn-in and special gatherings. This year, the traditional presentation of class rings to the graduating seniors at the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home took on a somber tone as Legionnaires gathered to hear plans for the Legion’s organized opposition to closing the home. The weekend ends, irrespective of the serious work under their belts, with members of the Legion Family letting down their hair at the conference’s closing activity – the Saturday night themed party.

Knightstown Threat Underscores Value of Membership

A classic example of the value of membership was handed to the Department of Indiana a few weeks ago when the Indiana State Department of Health announced its plan to close down the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home and return its young charges to the communities from which they came.

Elsewhere in this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire you can read the whole story of this episode—our response, the overwhelming support we have received, and the prospects for victory. But I want to take this opportunity to underscore what I have long believed:

Membership is about more than numbers.

Membership is about having the power to influence government policy. It is about having the strength to affect the lives of those who depend on us. And it is about having the volunteers ready on short notice to take the steps necessary to use our power and our strength.

That is what characterized this effort to keep the Children’s Home open. Despite our more than a decade of declining membership, The American Legion continues to command the respect of lawmakers, news organizations and the public. It is not easy to do so; it never has been. But it is essential that we remain able and willing to do it. Otherwise, the next crisis may not go the way we would like.

Let me encourage you to seriously consider what would happen to the young men and women who call ISSCH their home, if The American Legion was not in a position to fight for them. If that does not inspire you to renew your commitment to build up this American Legion, I don’t

Ask Jessie

Ralph Perez Membership Chairman

know what will. We have no choice, and it is not only our own future that depends on you. Speak out, sign up, and get involved!

Membership Renewal Pace Slowing

Membership as of the latest target date stands at just over 85 percent. That percentage is somewhat lower than we are accustomed to at this time of year, and it does not bode well for the close of books number. Traditionally, we have been at about 90 percent by the end of a calendar year, and the last ten percent of our membership goal is the most difficult to squeeze out.

You can see that if we do renew another ten percent of our membership by the Close of Books, we will be at about 95 percent. If we renew at the rate of the last several years for the final five months of the membership year, we will end up at less than 90 percent.

That is the good news.

The bad news is if that scenario plays out, we will end up with fewer than 100,000 members—a level of membership lower than at any time since before World War II.

That does not ascribe a great deal of credibility to our power and our strength.

Payment With Cards Is Required

An increasing number of membership transmittals have been arriving at Department Headquarters without payment or with insufficient payment for the number of cards sent in. The Department Constitution strictly

prohibits us from accepting cards without payment, so those members who are transmitted without the per capita are technically not renewed. They may have a new current membership card, and they may routinely be admitted to the post, but they are not current. Any rule that requires active membership thus is violated, and any benefit or privilege that depends on current membership can and often will be denied.

The Department Staff has been willing in the past to consider exceptions to the ‘no per capita, no renewal’ rule. Such exceptions result in balances owed by posts, and sometimes these debits are carried for months of a time.

Please make sure that your post is submitting accurate payments with each transaction, and to protect yourself, please encourage your post to transmit your renewal immediately. It will keep everyone out of the doghouse.

Renewal Notices

Contain Oversight

The third renewal notice mailed to those members who had not renewed prior to the end of 2008 contained a serious omission that has the potential to adversely affect your membership attainment over the next few weeks.

The notices did not request or provide a space for entering the credit card expiration date for members opting to make their dues payment by credit card. Consequently, many members did not include that information, and the credit card companies are not honoring the demand for payment we process. The staff has been forced to return credit authorization slips or make numerous phone or email contacts. Response to these efforts has been marginal, and because we auto-

One-Year Memberships Can Be Given As Gifts

Dear Jessie:

I am a member of The American Legion and have several friends and family members who are also eligible to join. Because economic times have hit harder on some then others, can I purchase a gift membership for them?

Generous Soul

Dear Generous:

Where have you been? Are there any more out there like you? Of course you can sign up your family members, and I hope you do so immediately. The only drawback is that the gift membership is for one year; after that, the system will automatically send a renewal notice to the member you gave the original membership to. You can purchase a gift membership on the National Organization’s website, www.legion.org.

Dear Jessie: I am related to someone who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates. Can I join the Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion based on their eligibility even if they are not a member of The American Legion?

Proud Descendent

Dear Proud: You can if the otherwise eligible veteran is now deceased. Most SAL and Auxiliary members’ membership is based on the actual membership of a Legionnaire, but the National Constitution does provide for the descendents of eligible non-members to join.

Dear Jessie:

I recently joined The Amer-

Editors Note: The Ask Jessie feature is designed to answer your 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 ends up in the paper!

ican Legion through a solicitation I received in the mail. I just received my membership card and it does not show the Post number that I live near. Why not?

Dear All Alone:

All Alone

Because all members who join through the mail—the Direct Membership Solicitation Program—are initially placed in a Headquarters Posts, which is an administrative post primarily designed as a “holding post” until the new member decides what local post he or she would like to belong to. Every department has one; Indiana’s is Post 777. However, Indiana has subdivided its headquarters post into 11 smaller posts, each assigned to one of the department’s districts. When you are assigned by National to 777, we will immediately move you to the sub-post in the district where you leave. At that time, you will be contacted by the Headquarters Post Task Force to assist you in finding a local post to your liking, or returning permanently to Post 777.

By the way: some new members think there is a financial advantage to remaining in the Headquarters Posts, since the initial cost is less than the usual local post dues. So far, so good, but the

matically credit the posts with the membership—and the payment—the Department is facing a serious shortfall of both.

Please include the expiration date if you decide to pay by credit card. And, if a member of the staff contacts you for that information, be a pal

and give it to her. The National Organization has assured us that future notices will include the expiration date request.

first renewal into the Headquarters Post is at a cost equal to the other posts in the Department.

Dear Jessie: Can I ask the Department to search its membership database and give me contact information on an old military buddy I want to locate?

Desperately Seeking

Dear Seeking: Oh, no. Definitely not. Our members’ personal information is protected by resolution at the National level and by decades of tradition. As a matter of fact, so opposed to use of the social security number of our members was the Legion that long before the law limiting the number’s use, The American Legion settled on a system of nine-digit numbers (always included on your pre-printed membership card) as an alternative to the social security number. That system was selected to permit participation in a prescription drug program at the time national’s member data system was updated.

You can contact The American Legion Magazine for information on outfit reunions, which may help you find your buddy. The magazine does not publish information on those searching for those they served with.

One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the Department’s three annual conferences is the close of the membership turn-in period. The turn-in and district standings are projected from the computer as they are entered and constantly shift as additional cards are received. Within minutes of the target-date turn-in close, the figures are tallied and the winner is determined. For the recent Mid-Winter Conference, Robert Claypool and the 3rd District took home the Commander’s Eagle Trophy, a traveling award that is presented to the leading district at each Target Date Turn-in. Claypool was not present as his district edged out the Seventh District while Past 7th District Com-

Candidate Calls Membership

‘Hardest Easy Job There Is’

When it comes to solving The American Legion’s membership needs, the answers aren’t easy. But, Legionnaire Clarence Hill said, there are some answers if members of the organization look hard enough. Addressing the National Membership & Post Activities Committee in Indianapolis last month, Hill called membership the “hardest easy job” there is.

“Everyone you talk to about membership can say, chapter and verse, the things that can entice someone to join the organization, whether it be the Four Pillars, the youth programs, whatever it is,” Hill said. “Then, when you say, ‘How many new members have you brought in this year?’ they respond, ‘I haven’t brought any in yet.’ So I figure there must be something really hard about it that I haven’t understood yet.”

Hill said some Legionnaires have given up on trying to exceed their goals.

“I believe there’s a philosophy in a lot of places out there that once you reach 100 percent, you quit and save it for next year,” he said. “That philosophy has got to go away. We’ve got to keep going on membership.”

It’s the Legion post that holds the key to increasing membership, Hill said.

“The heart and the soul and the reputation of The

American Legion is the post,” he said. “Communities don’t know anything about national or state organizations; they only see what their post has done. It’s critical to get those posts out there doing the job for us.”

When a post’s membership is lagging, Hill said that revitalization needs to be the responsibility of department, district/county officials and local Legionnaires. If training is needed, the National staff can assist the leadership.

“I believe that every department needs a revitalization team,” he said. “Every time someone from (National) comes to help you out with membership and revitalizations, there should be people from that department who are part of the department team and who are going to do it more than one time. If you have your own folks in place, you can do revitalizations.”

In addition, the Legion needs to take full advantage of the Internet when recruiting, Hill said.

“The youth of today are on the Internet,” he said. “If we’re not going to get out there and have Web sites at the post level and have our own blogs established, and take advantage of the social networking, then we’re missing the boat on that.”

Membership & Post Activities Committee Chairman

Dale Barnett also updated the members on the issue of direct mail solicitation, which underwent a test period this past year. Barnett said an adhoc committee appointed to look at alternatives to—or enhanced versions of—DMS will meet with National staff later this month to review plans for 2010 and beyond.

The M&PA Committee also made several recommendations that will be forwarded to the Legion’s National Internal Affairs Commission, including: Sending National Legion College graduates to specifically targeted events, such as job fairs, to use their skills in telling The American Legion story.

Reaching out to female and minority veterans, targeting specific geographic areas. Explore the feasibility of departments working together to conduct regional leadership training conferences, similar to the National Leadership and Information Conferences.

Explore the creation of a multi-year renewal program on the national level, in addition to the Paid-Up-For-Life program already in place. Market the Reconnect program so that it can become a part of the Legion’s Operation Outreach.

Utilize senior Legion leadership in revitalization efforts.

One Hundred Percent Posts

Thirty-one posts have attained the enviable one hundred percent mark in their membership program as of February 9, representing ten of the eleven Indiana Districts.

With eight posts posting 100 percent, the Second District currently leads the Department in posts starting the new calendar year at or above their assigned goal.

Commander Ralph Tolan congratulated District Commander Bob Rettig, adding that all encouraging all eleven district membership teams and their district commanders to “step up and meet the challenge we set for them this year.”

The commander and his membership chairman, Ralph Perez, set goals for the Department “designed to encourage membership workers and recognize them for their success, setting the stage for a resurgence of membership achievement in the years to come,” Tolan said. Here are the department’s one hundred percent posts:

Some Skirmishes Won, But Battle For Knightstown Not Yet Over

The future of the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home at Knightstown remains very much in doubt. Despite strenuous efforts on the part of The American Legion and a flood of phone calls and emails to the Legislature, from Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members, the Indiana State Department of Health appears to be going forward at every opportunity with its plan to close the facility. I can think of no battle more important, or more appropriate, than one in which the outcome will, for good or ill, determine the future of so many of Indiana’s young people. This fight to save the Children’s Home certainly meets that criterion.

Elsewhere in this issue of

Short Takes

Ralph Tolan Department Commander

The Hoosier Legionnaire you will find comprehensive coverage of the controversy. I encourage you to become familiar with it and join us in this fight. Through action of the Department Executive Committee, we have placed the full weight and prestige of the Department behind the effort to keep the Home operating. Our resolution, passed at the just-concluded Mid-Winter Conference, authorizes all legal and appropriate means to prevent the closing. I am taking my responsibility under

that resolution seriously, and I need you to join me in carrying it out.

Here is what you can do: Contact the Governor’s Office and your State Representative and Senator, either by phone or email, with a consistent, straightforward message:

“Please restore funding for the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors’ Children’s Home to the 2009-2010 state budget.”

That’s all. That simple imperative will keep the school operating for two years while we gather and evaluate the necessary facts and information needed to make our case for a final decision to perpetuate the home and its record of success.

As we continue to battle the bureaucracy over the Children’s Home, the usual

and customary business of the Department continues. Shortly after completing this message, I got on a bus with almost 50 other Hoosier Legionnaires for the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage. This year, the traditional trip takes on added significance because it is the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. I am proud to lead a delegation that continues to be one of the largest in attendance each year. I am accompanied by not only the leaders of the Legion, the Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion, but also by representatives of three posts whose membership achievements earned them a seat on this trip, William Jackson of Post 84, Orville Kling of Post 191, and Nick Nicholoff of Post 423.

‘Stay Focused, Stay Informed, Stay in Touch’ on Knighstown

Ordinarily, February is a relatively quiet time for The American Legion, Department of Indiana as we prepare for our busy birthday month of March. This year is very different.

As most of you know, we are fully engaged in the battle to keep open the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home. After an overwhelming rally at our annual mid-winter conference, The American Legion Family hit full stride as we worked hand in hand with key members of the Knightstown Children’s Home Alumni organization. The alumni conducted a hugely successful statehouse rally sponsored by State Representative Tom Saunders.

The dust had hardly settled after the rally when I received

a phone call from the statehouse asking if I would sit down to a conversation about the home with Governor Mitch Daniels. During the conversation, I tried to impress upon the Governor the tragic haste with which the Indiana Department of Health worked to close ISSCH. I met with the Governor a few days after representatives from The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion had met with the Indiana Department of Health including state

Threat To Knightstown Motivates Conference

I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year and is ready to start working again.

The Legion, Auxiliary and SAL had a very hard start to the new year when in early January we learned about the proposed closing of Knightstown Home. But at the Mid-winter Conference, when I walked into the room for the Knightstown Home meeting, I knew that the members of the Legion, Auxiliary and SAL were ready for the battle, that we will not stop fighting for the home until the end—and we will not lose the battle.

I’m very proud of each and every one of you who have taken the time to write the letters and send emails to each and every one of the House of Representatives and Senators. Don’t stop writing the letters or emailing as we still need to be heard. There has been a new Task Force formed that will be working together to help save the home. Please watch for Bill 1599 written by Senator Scott Reiske for help putting the financing back into the budget and helping save the home.

Keep the emails flowing and ladies write those letters.

Have you checked the auxiliary website out lately? I’m so excited that you will now be able to get the Department Chairman’s monthly bulletin. Go into the website and if the chairman is underlined click on

commissioner Dr. Monroe.

Our meeting with Dr. Monroe and her staff provided us with little, if any, evidence that what they were proposing was logical or even well thought out. I tried to convince the Governor how sloppily ISDH had conducted their research.

The Governor responded by challenging The American Legion to provide alternatives to the recommendations made by ISDH. I enthusiastically accepted his challenge and we have formed a research task force comprised of Legion officials and several of those key alumni. As ISDH continues to prepare to close the home, our task force is busy assembling rebuttal, alternative solutions and answers for the Governor in hopes that he will counter-

mand the orders of his state health commissioner. It is our hope that our efforts will convince the Governor to keep the Home open during the next biennium, which will allow thorough and thoughtful research into ways to not only keep the home open, but also increase its effectiveness and efficiency.

In the meantime state legislators from both sides of the aisle have pledged support. Rep. Scott Reske, an Iraq war veteran, has pledged to sponsor a bill to keep the home open. Your involvement in this fight continues to be critical all the way until the end of this legislative session, sometime in late April. Stay focused, stay informed, and stay in touch with your elected representatives and we will win this fight!

Of particular note is the privilege of placing a wreathe on Lincoln’s Tomb during the ceremonies, which this year goes to Robert Claypool, Third District Commander, for his district’s leading membership achievement. Jim Hewitt, Third District Judge Advocate, also made the trip, representing the Third District’s Membership Chairman.

Shortly after disembarking, many of us will set out again, this time for the annual Washington Conference. We have scheduled a number of visits with Members of Congress, and we will once again host a continental breakfast for the Indiana Congressional Delegation during the conference. I look forward to reporting to you on our progress on the many veterans’, foreign rela-

SAL

tions, and national security issue confronting us and the country.

Also coming up, of course, is the 91st Birthday of The American Legion. It will be celebrated at posts all across the state, and I only wish I could attend all of the ceremonies to which I have been invited. Obviously, I can not, but I my best wishes and congratulations on another good year of service will be with you.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming Spring Conference, scheduled for the first weekend in April at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East. We will welcome to the conference the leading candidate for the high office of National Commander, and I know you will want to hear his plans for the future.

Looking Forward To Coming Months

By Gary Gregory SAL Department

Commander

My first six months in office has been a very busy and hectic six months along with a lot of miles.

I was in Phoenix for the National Convention, was glad to get home after being in 115 degree heat for a week. But I get back at the Fort Wayne Airport, and the airlines left my electric wheelchair on the plane in Chicago. It was flown in the next day.

In October I was on the National Commander’s tour, during which we traveled 1,600 miles in four days, traveling as far north as Michigan City and as far south as Evansville. We visited a lot of Legion Posts.

One week later it was off to Springfield, Ill. for the National Commander’s home-

coming, then to the Ninth District where we went on tour of all Legion Posts in the 9th District and took a tour of the coffin factory in Batesville. I didn’t buy one yet.

I will be planning my trip to Washington, D.C. for the last of February, and I will be going back to Springfield this month, too.

In January I attended a ally in Indianapolis to show our support to save Knightstown. We are all working together on trying to keep the state from closing Knightstown down. I still have a few more districts to visit again before my year is up, so I hope to see you soon. I will be having my homecoming on May 30 at Leo Post 409. I will keep you updated and invitations will be sent out around the last of April or first of May.

‘Passing It On’ Keeps Legion Alive

Shirley Firkins Auxiliary President

it and there is the bulletin for the month. We are working on the website to make it more useful for you.

The question has been asked about the Auxiliary State Convention for this year. We will be going to Evansville to the Executive Inn for our State Convention July 25-27, 2009. The city is very excited to be having us and is rolling out the red carpet. Watch for more information to come and mark your calendar today.

Spring is just around the corner and so is Joint Spring Conference. We will be having a wonderful visitor to make your Spring Conference filled with lots of sunshine. National President Desiree Stoy—Desi —from Ohio will be attending Joint Spring Conference this year with us. Desi will be speaking at general session and at 2:00 pm there will be a tea held in her honor, so please come and meet our National President.

In closing I’m so happy to have our 4,500 National Guardsmen home from overseas and back with their families. God watch over the other men and women still there.

See all of you at the Joint Spring Conference.

For my last birthday, a friend six months my senior sent me a birthday card which began, “You don’t have to worry about growing old … (opening) You’re there!”

I guess I have finally arrived. I find having a higher mileage life has many rewards. I can certainly say, “Been there, done that” to many things. I also find myself marveling at the privileges that I have experiences and of the individuals who have been influential and encouraging in my life.

I have never met a selfmade man or woman. Even

The Morning Report

the talents and abilities with which we are born will not come to fruition without guidance and support. Our current level of knowledge and skills has been a direct result of those who have taught and coached us. I am continually thankful for the long lineage of guidance that I have received throughout my life. Every plateau was reached with extensive support and encouragement.

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

car. Having a father who was a mechanic, I grew up with grease under my fingernails. Gas, oil and anything to do with a motor was second nature to me. I started with an old beater bicycle I bought from my cousin and worked my way up to lawnmowers. I loved to go to my dad’s shop at a young age where I began grinding valves and hand lapping them into the heads.

Someday I hoped to have my own car to work on.

I learned this with my first

My mother gave an opening when she said, “When you can afford to buy your own car you can have one.”

Dad worked for a Lincoln, Mercury and Studebaker dealer. The elite cars were in the showroom and I could carefully sit in them and dream what it would be like to have one. Outside the building on the front row were other new cars and behind them the nice used cars. Across the street were the older but still good used cars. However, behind those were the ones which

Continued on page 6

Making Department Activities Look Easy

More than 40 Legion, Auxiliary and SAL officers and guests braved a gloomy, gusty, and rainy February morning not many days ago to join Commander Ralph Tolan on the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage. Members of the staff were on hand early to coordinate the departure and attend to the myriad little details that make such department operations seem seamless and simple undertakings.

This year’s departure was complicated by a city-wide power outage that was quickly corrected—in every downtown building except the Legion’s. Through it all, staffers checked off travelers as they arrived, assigned parking spaces, served up a continental breakfast, handed out box lunches, confirmed housing arrangements, distributed agendas, snapped official

photographs—and heaved a sigh of relief as the bus pulled out of sight. The hand-off complete, Department Adjutant Steve Short shepherded the group safely to the Pilrimage and back home again.

It is this kind of dedication, attention to detail and sense of mission that characterizes your department staff. The Adjutant and I, as those responsible for administering the headquarters and carrying out the mandates, policies and directives of our leadership, are grateful to them for what they do, and I hope you will take the time to acknowledge them for their efforts.

Hugh Dagley Assistant Department Adjutant

is to their credit.

Irregular Hours Continue

Several members of the staff opted for the 10-hour, four-day workweek approved by the Department Finance Committee and the Department Commander last fall. The option was approved in response to the rising gas prices that tipped the price per gallon over $4.00, and was launched on a 90-day trial basis.

It seems to be working, and we are pleased to note that many of our members are taking advantage of the longer operating hours that we put in place to coincide with the longer work days.

ing hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Those who opted to remain on a five-day workweek are in the office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while those on the 10-hour schedule are present from opening to close. The membership office is staffed ten hours a day, five days a week, although some of the more complicated transactions may have to be delayed, depending on who is staffing the office. Steve or I, or both, are on duty during all operating hours, too, and Bernie Ashley, the Director of Finance, backs us up on his four-day 10-hour schedule.

And remember, when things go bad, it is our responsibility. When things go well, it

Headquarters is still open five days a week, Monday through Friday. The operat-

The only exception to the regular work week is our longtime finance staff member, Jo Turner. Far too young to retire, of course, she has nevertheless decided to gradually ease into retirement by cutting back to

Continued on page 6

Chaplain’s Corner

Auxiliary News

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant