2006 July/August The Hoosier Legionnaire

Lebanon Vietnam Veteran Elected To Lead Department In 2006-2007

Delegates to the 88th annual Indiana Department Convention in Indianapolis July 8 elected James A. Delaney to lead the 120,000 member veterans group in the coming year.

Delaney, a Vietnam veteran from Lebanon, was elected during the closing session of the State Convention, and his election was moved and seconded as a unanimous election by acclamation.

As Department Commander, Delaney serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the programs and activities of the 120,000member organization with more than 400 community

Massachusetts Veteran Elected To Lead Legion

dominate and intimidate their neighbors, he said.

based posts throughout out the state. During his one-year term of office, Delaney will travel the state, visiting local

Legionnaires, lobbying state government on behalf of veterans’ issues, and addressing numerous Legion and general audiences.

Commander Delaney has selected “A Family of Three,” referring to the unique synergy of the Legion, Auxiliary and SAL, as his theme for the year. He also tabbed the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown as the beneficiary of his special project activities this year. His goal is to present to the home a new multipassenger bus or van for transporting young people to a variety of extra-curricular activities.

A 1965 graduate of Zionsville High School, Delaney served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, during which time he served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a combat medic. Following his military service, Delaney worked in a variety of jobs before signing on with Allison Transmission, where he has been employed for 29 years.

Delaney is a member of Brown-Dolson American Legion Post 113 in Lebanon, where he has been a member for more than 35 years. During that time, he served in a variety of offices and committee assignments, including Post Commander (1994-1996) and

Post Finance Officer (19962006). He also has been Post Historian, Chaplain and Vice Commander. In addition to Post service, he has long been active in the Department’s Sixth District, serving as District Commander (19992000), Vice Commander, Membership Chairman, Legislative Chairman, Baseball Chairman and County Vice Commander.

Commander Delaney is a former Chairman of all four of the Department’s permanent commissions, a former Southern Vice Commander (2002-2003), and served the Department as Vice Chairman of the Public Relations

and Softball committees, along with a stint as a member of the Executive Section of the Membership Committee. He is a member of the National Region 5 Children and Youth Commission.

Delegates to the 88th annual National Convention of The American Legion, convened in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 2531, elected a Vietnam veteran from Massachusetts as commander for the 2006-2007 Legion year.

Paul Morin was elected by a unanimous vote by the delegates, at the close of a convention which saw delegates approve a $4.50 dues increase – the first national per capita increase in 13 years, according to a report by National Adjutant Robert W. Spanogle.

The per capita increase will take effect January 1, 2007, but transmittals received by January 10, 2007, will be accepted at the current rate.

Morin, who is Superintendent of Massachusetts’ Veterans Home, was elected on the closing day of the convention, which included an appearance at the convention by President George Bush, whose decision to address the delegates prompted protests and counter-protests in Salt Lake City.

In remarks designed to boost his lagging poll numbers, Bush said “enemies of liberty come from different parts of the world.”

Some are “radicalized followers of the Sunni tradition” of Islam, Bush said. Some are “radicalized followers of the Shia tradition,” like Hezbollah and their state sponsors, Iran and Syria. Others are homegrown terrorists who seek to

“Despite their differences, these groups form the outline of a single movement -- a worldwide network of radicals who use terror to kill those who stand in the way of their totalitarian ideology,” Bush said.

Hijackers, suicide bombers and other terrorists all have as their objective “To turn back the advance of freedom and impose a dark vision of tyranny across the world.”

Earlier in the week, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Condolezza Rice addressed the convention. Rice also accepted a national award from the American Legion Auxiliary.

“We’re not going to invite Cindy Sheehan or Rocky Anderson (Salt Lake City’s antiwar mayor) to speak to our convention. We’re trying to unite America,’’ said Legion Commander Thomas Bock, who has a son in the Air Force. He said he has a “real problem’’ with people who claim to support the troops but oppose the war.

“What we don’t want to do is open our stage for public debate,’’ Bock said. “It’s our convention. We have common beliefs. Our membership has voted unanimously to stand behind our troops.’’ Morin, who campaigned for office in Indiana and whose representatives attended the Indiana Caucus at Salt Lake City, has scheduled an official visit to the Department for the second week of October, during which he will tour the department to visit posts around the state.

Each year the Department of Indiana honors outstanding Legionnaires for their legacies of service by presenting them with the Distinguished Service Award. With Commander Martin are this year recipients: (left to right) Irwin Gilbert Thomas, Sr., Post 28; Burt Tiemersma, Post 80; Robert Morris, Post 72; and Mary York, Post 333. At left, Erin Booher provided patriotic musical interludes throughout the two day convention business sessions.

Delaney, in accepting the office of Department Commander, told delegates “for too long we have hidden our light under a bushel, letting others claim the credit for our successes.”

“It is my number one priority to bring that to a halt: to get the people to understand what we are, and what we do, to know how we spend our money and who we spend it on, and why we believe the things we believe.”

“From that understanding,” he said, “I am convinced, will flow such an avalanche of membership that is long overdue and pent up like an overheated boiler.”

Delaney and his wife Jama have been married for 26 years, and are the parents of two children and grandparents of four. Jama is active in American Legion Auxiliary affairs, and together they enjoy camping, boating and, especially, volunteering at their post and unit for all activities and special events.

VIPs, Children, Awards Top Annual Convention

cause of our attitude.

The gavel fell on the 88th annual Department Convention earlier this summer following two days of business and activities ranging from visits by government officials to readings by talented fourth graders.

Along the way, delegates honored Legionnaires for outstanding service, legislators for distinguished public service, young people for special accomplishments, and Posts and Districts for excelling at the aims and purposes of The American Legion.

And, they elected a Vietnam veteran from Lebanon as Department Commander. James

A. Delaney, took the oath of office during the closing session and vowed to unite the Department as a “Family of Three” – Legion, Auxiliary and SAL.

Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, held the delegates spellbound during remarks representing not only the citizens of Indiana, but also Gov. Mitch Daniels. Skillman touted the state’s economic development and complimented the Legionnaires for their efforts in support of State initiatives benefiting returning veterans of the War on Terrorism.

Her remarks came just before three members of the General Assembly were honored by the Department for their service. Representative Troy Woodruff and Senators

Mike Delph and Brent Steele accepted the 2006 Distinguished Public Service Award, from legislative Chairman Bill Jackson.

From his vantage point on the platform, outgoing Department Commander Ron Martin reviewed the year’s progress in his “State of the Legion” remarks, saying

“On this platform, in this room, almost one year ago to the day, I took the oath of office to serve as your Department Commander. That was a proud day, a day full of plans, hopes and expectations. I did not take the job because I wanted to be great, or because I wanted to be known, or because I thought I could do a better job at it than anyone else.

“No. I took the job because it was a way for me to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. In that sense, more than in any other, I believe that my plans have all been realized.”

Martin reiterated that his slogan for the year was more than a catch phrase; it was, he said, a philosophy of life. “It is your ‘attitude, not aptitude, that sets altitude,’ and I believe that. We soar as high as our imagination and dreams and hard work will take us. We are not limited by an arbitrary set of skills or a predetermined level of experience or education. We reach the heights or plunge to the depths not because of our aptitude, but be-

“It is not only my attitude that determined the heights to which we soared. It was your attitudes. It was not only my plans, but yours, and your determination to reach new levels of achievement, as well as mine,’ he said..

Martin described the year as extraordinary one, and boldly assessed it as year of mixed results.

“I will not insult you by ignoring the least successful measure of our year – membership. Neither will I insult you by ignoring the many positive and unselfish accomplishments that we put into the Legion history books,” he said.

“I look back on the year now coming to close with much mixed emotion. First of all, of course, I am chagrined by the lack of success in our membership program. There is no other way to put it. I would very much like to have achieved far more in that arena. But what troubles me more is the beating many of you are administering to yourselves as you survey the year end figures.

“The membership outcome is no one’s “fault.” As volunteers, we take on, without much training or preparation, one of the greatest challenges an organization can face: reversing more than a decade of declining membership. Our experience this year is shared by every other department in the organization, and the solution has evaded the best minds available nation-wide.

We are not alone in having sought in vain a solution to declining membership.

“We are alone in assuming that it was due to a failure on our part,” Martin said.

The outgoing commander asked the delegates to dwell on the positives of this year. He cited successfully funding a new handicapped accessible van for the Indiana Veterans Home; the Knightstown Home senior trip to Washington, each graduating senior wearing their 2006 class rings, savoring scholarships, and returning to a warm and caring environment where they grew and matured; fee remission benefit restored to all veterans with disability ratings; and service officers helping generate VA benefits in excess of 85 million dollars for Hoosier veterans.

Martin also congratulated the delegates for the Legion’s leadership in challenging the views of the Chairman of the powerful House Veterans Affairs Committee who, Martin said, has been held to account for his attitude toward America’s veterans.

In addition to Skillman and the state legislators, Congressman Mike Sodrell attended the convention and addressed the delegates. Congressman Mike Pence, who was invited but could not attend, prepared a special video disk presentation which congratulated the legionnaires for their values and steadfast resolve during the War on Terror.

James A. Delaney Department Commander 2006-2007

Three Hoosier Legislators Honored For Public Service

The Department of Indiana honored three outstanding members of the Indiana General Assembly during the opening session of the 88th annual Department Convention in Indianapolis.

Representative Troy Woodruff and Senators Mike Delph, Brent Steele addressed the convention following their acceptance of the 2006 Distinguished Public Service Awards, and all commended the work of the Legion to assure legislative responsiveness to issues of concern to veterans.

The award was inaugurated five years ago to honor members of the Indiana General Assembly for outstanding service and commitment to issues of special concern to Hoosier veterans.

In making the presentation, Commander Ron Martin said “We have been blessed, as citizens, to have many outstanding public servants over the years, and this year is no exception.”

The awards were presented by the Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Bill Jackson.

“Since their inception, these awards have become among the most highly prized Legion honors. Just as last year, selecting the honorees was not easy, but I believe the legislators we are about to honor certainly do deserve this award,” Jackson said. He then read from the inscription on the award.

“The American Legion Department Of Indiana Distinguished Public Service Award, given “in recognition of distinguished and honorable service as a Statesman, a proven leader in the Indiana General Assembly, a proponent of classical values, and an unwavering advocate for Hoosier Veterans and their families …”

Troy Woodruff was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2004. He represents District 64, which includes portions of Gibson, Knox, Daviess, and Pike

Counties.

As a first time elected official, Woodruff stepped into a leadership role on many key issues facing his community, such as job creation, increasing agricultural opportunities, coal gasification and alternative energy, local infrastructure improvements, and property tax relief.

At the Statehouse in Indianapolis, Rep. Woodruff has taken the lead in strengthening Hoosiers’ rights. Through diligent work, he has authored laws to create a lifetime handgun license and legislation for an illegal immigrant crackdown, and he moved some of the toughest pro-life bills, citing that life begins at conception.

Over the past two years, Rep. Woodruff has worked to remove the taxpayer funded lifetime healthcare for legislators program. Rep. Woodruff has judiciously worked to ban these extra benefits for legislators permanently.

Additionally, Rep. Woodruff has represented southern Indiana with committee work as Vice Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee, a member of the Government and Regulatory Reform Committee, and as a key member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Senator Mike Delph was elected to the General Assembly in 2005. He serves on a long list of Senate committees, including the Economic Development and Technology committee; the Economic Development Subcommittee; the Governmental Affairs and Interstate Cooperation committee; the Governmental Affairs Subcommittee; the Homeland Security, Utilities and Public Policy committee; the Public Safety Subcommittee; the Insurance and Financial Institutions committee; and the Insurance Subcommittee.

Senator Delph is a graduate of Indiana University, where he earned a pair of Masters Degrees, one in Public Affairs and one in Environmental

Science. He is well prepared for his duties as a member of the General Assembly. He is a member of the American Legion and AMVETS and, as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve, is a member of the Military Officers Association of America. He is active in his church, his community and the Chamber of Commerce. He also is active in the Home School Legal Defense Association and the Girl Scouts of America.

He has been recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash and received this year’s DAV Indiana Legislator of the Year Award.

He was of immense help to the State’s veterans earlier this year during the effort to restore tuition benefits to all veterans and in reaching out to returning veterans of the War on Terror.

Senator Brent Steele represents Senate District 64. He was elected to the Senate in 2004, and was a member of the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2002, where he served as Minority Whip in 2001-2002. He represents residents of Jackson, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, Washington counties.

In the Senate, he is a member of the Elections and Civic Affairs Committee; the Civic Affairs Subcommittee; the Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters Committee; the Civil Matters Subcommittee; the Judiciary Committee; the Subcommittee on Probate Code and Trusts; the Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee; and the Financials Institutions Subcommittee.

He is an attorney with the Steele and Steele Law firm, earning his law degree at Indiana University in 1972. He is active in the Lions Club, Masonic Order, Indiana and Lawrence County Bar Associations, and the Bedford City Plan Commission. He has been honored by the National Rife Association, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and the DAV.

Editors Honored For Keeping Post Members Well Informed

Each year the Department of Indiana, through its Public Relations Committee, sponsors competition among Post newsletter editors for the best publication.

The department seeks to honor the men and women who work to insure that their membership is informed, and that their post programs and policies are well read and understood. The Wayne L. Talbert Award accomplishes that.

In the large post desk-

Well Deserved Recognition

Dorothy Quattrin, widow of Past Department Commander Richard Quattrin, who passed away suddenly in March while attending the annual Washington conference, accepts the Indiana War Memorial Distinguished Service Medallion in ceremonies at her Whiting home. Indiana War Memorials Commission President Brian Regan made the presentation July 18, 2006, commemorating Dick Quattrin’s 14-year tenure as the 1st Congressional District Commissioner (1992-2005).

Convention Bestows Highest Honors On Four Outstanding Legionnaires

A highlight of the annual Department Convention is the presentation of the coveted Distinguished Service Award., The 88th Convention in Indianapolis in July was no exception, as four members of The American Legion Department of Indiana were honored for their many years of service

Mary York, Post 333, Robert W. Morris, Post 72, Bert Tiemersma, Post 80, and Irwin Gilbert Thomas Sr., Post 28, all accepted the Department’s highest award on the platform of the convention.

According to Past Department Commander Bill Firkins who, as Chairman of the DSA Committee, presented the awards, “the Department of Indiana seeks to recognize those Legionnaires who have contributed significantly to the organization through their service to The American Legion and the State of Indiana. As your immediate Past Department Commander, it is my privilege to chair the selection committee, and I can tell you that it is no easy task to decide who best deserves this honor. But we did it.”

Firkins said the winning Legionnaires each have an impressive record of service in a variety of Post, District, Department and National Offices.

Award than Mary York, Her Legion resume is long an impressive, beginning with the most menial of tasks at Post 333 where she has been a member for 32 years, all the way up to the demanding, and thankless, task of Department Membership Chairman.

Along the way, she has served her Post as commander, newsletter editor, house committee member, and Post Adjutant. She assists with or is the driving force behind the Post’s Memorial Day service, family and early bird picnics, and A&G Tests, as well as with the funeral details.

Her proven abilities led her to higher and higher offices in the district. She has been commander, vice commander, and chairman of several committees, including the new post development committee, Richmond State hospital committee, and she has been very active in the Vietnam Wall for Veterans Committee. She served Past Department Commander Jim Miller as Membership Chairman in 2000-2001, where she presided over a stable membership base throughout the year.

Tiemersma has been a member of Whiting Post 80 for 33 years and has held most offices in the post, including commander in 1983.

He served the First District on many committees and was the District’s Membership Chairman in 1987. Burt continued on and was elected Executive Vice Commander of the District in 1988 and First District Commander in 1989.

After serving on a number of some Department Committees, Burt was appointed Department Membership Chairman by Department Commander Bill Cline in 1997.

Burt was not done serving the Department, as he was elected in 2002 as Northern Vice Commander to serve with Commander John Michalski. He continues to serve the National Organization on the Distinguished Guests Committee and still served the Department of Indiana as Voice Chairman on the Americanism Committee.

Irvin Gilbert Thomas, Sr. -

top publishing category, the Wayne Talbert Award, for the fifth year in a row, goes to Owen Dunn Post 5 in Mount Vernon, edited by David Sharber.

In the small post Desktop Publishing category, another repeat winner for the 2006 Wayne Talbert Award is New Carlisle Post 297 in New Carlisle, edited by Lawrence Parmley. Fourth Estate Award: One of our most prestigious and important Communications

Awards is the Department’s Fourth Estate Award, recognizing excellence in reporting on issues of concern to Legionnaires and veterans, in both the print and broadcast media.

The 2006 Fourth Estate Award winner was Patricia Davis of Elkhart’s Truth newspaper, for a series of articles on veterans’ issues and personalities. She was sponsored by Mark Wilt Post 210 in Middlebury in the 3rd District.

“By their service they have brought great credit on the Department of Indiana. The leadership they have demonstrated throughout their enduring Legion careers is being recognized today by a grateful Department.”

Only about 160 Legionnaires out of the many hundreds of thousands who have worn the distinctive blue cap of membership have been honored by the award.

The citations for each read:

Mary York -- According to those who know her and have worked with her over the years, no one more deserves the Distinguished Service

Robert Morris -- Bob Morris is a World War II Navy veteran, with service in the Philippines. He has been a member of Byron Cox Post 72 in Crawfordsville since 1946, and he has served the Post in a variety of offices, including adjutant, vice commander, commander, assistant adjutant for membership, and as a member of the Post Honor Guard.

He is a former district chaplain, adjutant and vice commander, and served the Department as a member of the Indiana Veterans Home Committee. He was elected to the office of Department Sergeant-at-Arms in 2000-2001.

He and his wife are lifelong residents of Crawfordsville, where he remains active in Post and district affairs.

Burt Tiemersma -- Burt

Post 279;

- After more than 55 years as a member of The American Legion, Irvin Thomas is still actively involved in serving his fellow veterans.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Irvin joined Bonnie Sloan Post 28 in 1951, and immediately became a hit as bass drummer in the Post’s Challenger’s Drum Corp.

After working his way through many Post offices and serving as Chaplain, he took on the task of organizing annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs for the National Cemetery’s annual program.

He has, in the latter years of his Legion career, devoted himself to nursing home activities in which he provides much needed personal items and regular visits to veterans. He and his wife, Betty, whom he married in 1946, have eight children, including two sets of twins.

Bill Kocher, Chairman of the Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Personnel Award Committee, presided over the presentation of the first-ever EMS award, during ceremonies honoring outstanding ‘first-responders” at the 88th annual Department Convention in Indianapolis in July.

Brad Bray, sponsored by the Fifth District, took home the first-ever Department EMS Person of the Year award, while Stephen Luce from the Seventh District claimed the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and Jeffery Cardwell from the Fifth District Garnered top Firefighter of the Year honors.

“The law and order pro-

gram was a product of National Commander John Davis (1966-67) of North Dakota, who recognized the breakdown in respect for law and order in the 1960s and initiated a program that year,” Kocher explained, adding the Firefighter of the Year award followed a decade later.

It was established by Department Convention mandate in 1977 and recognizes outstanding public servants who dedicate their lives to public safety.

“And just last year,” Kocher said, “recognizing the increasing role they play in Homeland Security, we expanded the program to honor Emergency Medical Personal in this program. We are excited about this new addition to our awards."

The nominees for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, were:

• from the 1st district, John Wrolen, sponsored by

• from the 3rd district, Michael Mollenhauer, sponsored by Post 83;

• from the 5th district, Tonda Cockrell, sponsored by Post 6

• from the 7th district, Stephen Luce , sponsored by Post 73;

• from the 8th district, Jamey Noel, sponsored by Post 35;

• from the 11th district, Jill Liter, sponsored by Post 64.

The nominees for the Firefighter of the Year award are:

• from the 2nd district, Matt Warren, sponsored by Post 49;

• from the 3rd district, George Humphrey, Jr., sponsored by Post 83;

• from the 4th district, John Harmrick, sponsored by Post 409;

• from the 5th district, Jeffrey Cardwell, sponsored by Post 6;

• from the 6th district, Da-

vid Gillespie, sponsored by Post 470;

• from the 7th district, Bradley Sparks, sponsored by Post 22;

• from the 10th district, Dean Tyner, sponsored by Post 102;

The nominees for the first ever EMS personnel competition were:

• from the 2nd district, Christopher Crail, sponsored by Post 260;

• from the 5th district, Brad Bray, sponsored by Post 6;

• from the 6th district, Clinton Crafton, sponsored by Post 470;

• from the 7th district, Angela Holland, sponsored by Post 18;

• from the 8th district, Kirby Russell, sponsored by Post5;

• from the 10th district, William Windsor, sponsored by Post 152.

C&Y Awards Represent Legion’s Hope For Future

The Department of Indiana’s Children and Youth Commission Chairman, Ralph Tolan, praising the accomplishments of this year’s winners and expressing confidence in the future because of the quality of young people topping this year’s award winners, presented the 2005-2006 Children and Youth Awards to a variety of individuals both in and out of The American Legion during the general session of the annual Department Convention. Among the awards presented were: Educator of the Year awards. These awards are presented annually in two categories: Category “A” honors the educator in grades 1 through 6, while category “B” honors the educator of the year in grades 7 through 12. The Educator of the Year judging is based on the candidates’ career, community service, family involvement, and letters of recognition.

The Elementary School Educator of the Year, sponsored by Post 261 in the first District,

was Dawn Kepshire, a teacher for 17 years, who teaches First Grade at Jane Ball Elementary School.

The High School Educator of the Year was Katherine Lerch, who teaches Western Civilization History at Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis. The District winners in the elementary school category were:

• District 1: Dawn Kepshire, sponsored by Post 261.

• District 3: Diane Russell, sponsored by Post 403.

• District 9: Jacquita Lanman, sponsored by Post 185.

• District 10: Anthony Triarsi, sponsored by Post 152.

• District 11: Collen Fuhrman, sponsored by Post 420. District winners in the High School Category are:

• District 1: Linida Brumbaugh, sponsored by Post 261.

• District 2: Gregory Sims, sponsored by Post 94.

• District 4: Sharon Bredemeyer, sponsored by Post 241.

• District 9: Sheila Gault, sponsored by Post 185.

• District 11: Kathryn Lerch, sponsored by Post 186.

Boy Scouts of America awards. The Boys Scouts of America is a traditional program of The American Legion, and Indiana has an active Scout program..

The American Legion Scout of the Year program requires that nominees be registered and active members of a Boy Scout troop, or varsity scout team chartered to an American Legion Post or Auxiliary Unit, or the nominee must be registered and active in a chartered Boy Scout Troop and be the son or grandson of a Legion or Auxiliary member. Additionally, each nominee must have received the Eagle Scout award, which is the highest award in Scouting, and have reached his 15th birthday.

Stan Gatewood, Boy Scout Committee chairman, presented the 2006 Indiana American Legion Scout of the Year to Edward Shei, of the

Two of the three 2006 Military Persons of the Year for the Department of Indiana attended the Annual State Convention to accept their awards. Here, from the convention platform after having received their awards from Commander Martin, are SFC David Cullum, USA, and Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Black, ING. Also honored was Captain Mark Balaska, USNR, who was unable to attend the convention.

Military Person Award Gains New Significance

Since the nation began its struggle against terrorism and took to the battlefield in the Middle East, the Department’s Military Person of the Year Award has taken on new significance, as legionnaires reach out to honor those who put themselves in harm’s way.

Leland Baxter, Chairman of the Americanism Commission, presented this year’s awards.

“Each year, there can be up to three awards, one in the active duty category, one in the National Guard category and one in the Reserve Component category, or multiple winners in one category. This year, the committee has selected three outstanding members of the armed forces, one from the active duty forces and two from the Reserve Component.” He explained.

“The 2006 Military Persons of the Year are Captain Mark Balaska, Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Black, and Staff Ser-

geant David Cullum.

Staff Sergeant Cullum is the winner in the Active Duty category, having served 16.5 years in the United States Army. He currently is an Army Recruiter at the Merrillville Recruiting Station, where he and his family reside. He was trained as a cavalry scout, and has served overseas in both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has tours of duty in Germany and Korea to his credit as well. He has attended a number of military schools, and has served as an armorer, scout trainer, and infantryman, in addition to two stints as a recruiter.

Captain Balaska is the winner in the Reserve category, having served 29 years as a member of the United States Naval Reserve. He was commissioned in 1976 and served aboard the USS Nimitz as an active duty Naval Officer. In his reserve capacity, Captain

Balaska has served on the USS Towers, and the USS Peoria, in addition to shore assignments as Commander and Chief Pacific Fleet/Executive Agent for the Naval Control and Protection of Shipping; and Commander of the Military Sealift Command, Pacific.

Lt. Col. Black is the Military Person of the Year in the National Guard category. He has served nearly 22 years as a member of the United States Army, 11 on active duty and the balance as a member of the Army National Guard.

He is a graduate of the Citadel, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1983. He is presently commander of the 3rd Battalion, 139th Field Artillery. He has also served in active duty and National Guard assignments, including stints as platoon leader, executive officer, fire support officer, battalion S-4 and commanding officer.

Americanism Awards Honor Post Commitment to Values

Americanism Commission

Chairman Leland Baxter presented a variety of awards and presenters during the Department Convention., recognizing the combined efforts of Posts around the department in promoting traditional American values. Among the Americanism awards presented were:

The “Gaylord N. Sheline Post of Distinction” award, presented to the Post or Posts whose Americanism programs are judged overall best in the department. The judging is based on a review of the Post’s submission of a scrapbook of their activities, and is awarded in two categories: under 500 members and over 500 members.

This year, the “Gaylord N. Sheline Post of Distinction” award, small Post category,

went Mark L. Wilt Post 210.

There were no entries in the large post category, so that award was not presented.

Following an introduction by Baxter, Department Chaplain Norris Keirn presented one of the most prestigious awards available from the Department.

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

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

The recipient of the 2006 Four Chaplain’s Memorial Award for outstanding service to God and Country while supporting the principles of

Third District. District Scouts of the Year included:

• The 1st District winner, Jason Flores, a graduate of Whiting High School

• The 2nd District winner, Justin Szczpanski, entering his senior year at Valparaiso High School

• The 7th District winner, Peter Ketchum, II, a home schooling graduate

• The 8th District winner, Jonathon Wittman, a graduate of Jasper High School

• The 10th District winner, John Peterson, a Morristown High School Graduate

• The 11th District winner, Robert Stroude, a graduate of Warren Central High School.

Each Scout received a $100 savings bond in honor of his achievement. In addition, the Department of Indiana “Scout of the Year” will be presented with a $500 Savings Bond and a plaque.

Breedlove Trophy: Each year nearly a thousand young men gather for Hoosier Boys State on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute to experience how Indiana government operates. For much of the 20th Century, one Legionnaire in particular dedicated himself to these young men and to helping build their future. His name was Barney W. Breedlove, and he loved these young men as sons.

In honor of his service, we present the Barney W. Breedlove trophy to the Post sponsoring the Hoosier Boys State’s Outstanding Citizen. This year’s award went to Nicholas Leonard, sponsored by American Legion Post 34 in the 11 District, so that Post is the winner of the Barney Breedlove trophy.

American Legion Family Scholarship: Established by then-Department Commander John Michalski, who devoted his year to raising a permanent endowment from which funds for scholarships could be earned by investment, the scholarship is open to the children and grandchildren of Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members. A key provision is that the scholarship must be used as an Indiana institution of higher learning, and that applicants must be 21 or younger.

Three scholarship were awarded this year, to:

• Russell Washer, who graduated from Switzerland County High School and will soon be off to ITT Technical College to study digital entertainment and game design.

• Stephen Rushfeld, who attends Indiana State University and is pursuing a degree in engineering.

• Sydney Lambert, who graduated from New Palestine High School and will attend DePauw University or Purdue University in the fall to study

Biochemistry and pre-med.

Flag Eduction Awards: Following the Children and Youth Awards, Ron Taylor, chairman of the Flag Education Committee, presented the two winners of the competition.

“This year is the tenth year of this very successful program, in which flag education tests are administered to fourth graders around the state. This past year, nearly 25,000 tests were administered,” Taylor said.

In addition to being introduced, the winners read their winning essays to the delegates.. The girl winner was Jacinta Mock, from St. Mary’s of the Assumption Elementary School, sponsored by Post 240 in the 4th District.

The boy winner was Joshua Bottos from St. Edwards Elementary School. Joshua was sponsored by Post 101, in the First District.

Junior Shooting Sports

Competition: Tolan also introduced Ida Mae Jewell, chairman of JSS program, to introduce Indiana’s young champion.

“It gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you an outstanding Morton Memorial High School (Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home) student, and the state’s Junior Shooting Sports Champion, Kenda Lawrence.”

Two Posts Garner First-Ever Community Service Award

Effective with the 20052006 Legion year, the Department of Indiana presents an annual convention award to recognize the accomplishments and outreach of American Legion Posts in their communities.

There are two winners of the first ever American Legion

Community Service award, Hammond’s Victory Post 168 in the First District … and Columbus Post 24 in the Ninth District.

The award, according to Department Commander Ron martin, “is destined to become one of the most prestigious and meaningful awards

we give, not only because it recognizes efforts to serve the community, but also because such efforts form the most solid underpinning of a successful membership program. Those posts that compete in this competition are among the best and the winners are truly outstanding.”

The American Legion, was Allied Post 369 in East Chicago.

Baxter also presented the The Byron Waggoner award, which is given annually to an American Legion Post for its outstanding performance in community service during the year. This year’s Byron Waggoner award went to Allied Post 369 in East Chicago.

Saying “a strong and secure nation is the greatest assurance of a ‘100 Percent Americanism,’” Baxter presented the National Security awards, including The Colonel Frank R. Kossa Award, presented to the winning Post for its overall national security program as documented by newspaper clippings, post bulletins, and a scrapbook on national security. The 2006 Col. Frank Kossa Award winner is Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington.

Continued from column 2

DISTRICT 1

Pete Van Woerden

Commander

Greetings from the First!

By

Dennis

Shults

First District Adjutant

The preservation of peace is achievable through political persuasiveness, military might and the will of the people to preserve it.

As a New Year commences for the administration of First District Commander Pete Van Woerden, his installation ceremony August 5, 2006, marked a first in the history of the First District. A joint installation ceremony for Legion Officers and Auxiliary Officers was the order for the evening. The gala event was hosted by American Legion Post 20 in Crown Point. In attendance was Department Commander James Delaney, Department Membership Chairman Ed Trice, Department Sergeant-at Arms Jeff Morris, Northern Vice Commander Marty Dzieglowicz, Past National President Alice Galka. Barbara Sales was installed as the President of the Auxiliary of the First District. Seating for over 200 people was used.

“I have a good feeling this will be a very successful year with the First District reuniting the Legion Family and obtaining newer and higher goals,” Commander Pete said, in announcing the addition of two new Vice Commanders,

Gail Galich

and Roger Luedtke to his membership team

He also reminded everyone to carry a membership application in his or her pocket, because you’ll never know when its needed and you’re always prepared. Commander Van Woerden is eager to start the year off right, urging his membership team to exceed last years’ goals.

Don Sales, Executive Officer, and Ernie Komasinski, Membership Chairman, have already rolled up their shirt sleeves and are digging in to sign up new members. Finance Officer Larry R. (Crusher) Kegebein informed everyone the First District is in sound condition, due to the successful First District Las Vegas Night and Raffle.

Congratulation to American Legion Post 168’s baseball team for winning the regional championship in its division. The home post invited the entire team and their coaches to a picnic on August 13, 2006 at Post 168’s new picnic grounds where post members were able to mix and mingle with teams members and celebrate a winning season.

Commander Pete Van Woerden wishes to everyone in the First District are to have a successful year and that we all work together as one big Legion Family to keep the First District strong and growing.

DISTRICT 2

Joe Alber Commander

By Sandra Burks Public Relations Officer

As the newly appointed Public Relations officer for the Second District, I am excited about the opportunity, but must con fess that I am new at anything to do with public relations, but will do my best. Any suggestions or recommendations are appreciated.

Our newly elected District Commander, Joe Alber from Lafayette Post 11, is determined to make this a successful year, not only in membership growth, but also in the conduct of the many programs and activities our posts sponsor to benefit their communities and comrades. I know that all of us in the Second District will give him the support and cooperation he needs to lead our District to the front of the pack.

The new Legion year is underway and soon will be in full swing. Among the activities upcoming, or just completed, around the District are:

• 2nd District Meeting, August 20, 2006, American Legion South Haven Post 502

• Saturday, Aug 19, 2006, Post 502, American Legion’s World Famous Chicken Dinner, Dinner served from 4-6 pm; Sock Hop starting at 8 pm; Music and entertainment provided.

• September 9, 2006, Texas

Hold ‘Em; American Legion Post 502, $50.00 Buy-In, 12 noon to ?. No Rebuys.

• 2nd Annual Electronics

off; Finance Officer, Charles Rathsack; Chaplain, Charles Krumrine; Sergeant at Arms, Gene Zinkiewicz; Service Officer, Harold Brubaker; Historian, Norm Biddle; and our two new Officers, Public Relations, Robert Campbell; and Assistant Service Officer, Carl Thieme; and our Past Commander, Allen Connelly.

I would also like to thank the Installing Officers, Past Department Membership Chairman Paul Steward; Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Mike Miller; Past Department Sergeant at Arms Basil Bryant. Thanks again.

The National Convention in Salt Lake City was great, a good place to visit, and best of all a super group of delegates from the Fourth District accompanied me.

The Fourth District Legion Family again outdid itself at Knightstown Home Day. Legion, SAL, Auxiliary were all well represented. The American Legion Riders

Rode in that day and had a bike contest judged by the students, with a $25.00 savings bond being given to a student who’s name was drawn from the ballots. Special thanks to the 4th District Auxiliary for doing a fine job with the noon meal.

The membership turn ins have been a little behind from last year, but when the going gets tough the tough get going that’s the Fourth District in itself. I have confidence that the District will get the job done.

A message from Membership Chairman Dick Bash:” I just wanted to take a moment to tell all of you how much I’m looking forward to working with all of you as your Membership Chairman. I think we are now over the hump, and this year with a couple of new programs and hard work we can meet our new goals. See you soon.”

Let’s not forget our Military troops serving our great country around the world.

Jerry Stoner Commander

Attention on deck! Attention on deck!

Greetings from the Mighty Fifth District. I call ‘attention on deck’ not for the purpose of welcoming me on board as the new Fifth District Commander but for all to stand at attention and salute our immediate past Fifth District Commander, Dug Fugitt, effectionaly known as FUG DUGGET

Continued from column 4

Congratulations to the winning team from Kokomo Post 6 who came in at 15 under. On the team were H. Overton, L. Overton, J. Richards, and B. Grant Jr. The National Commander’s Tour is scheduled for sometime in October after Fall Conference. We will advise further on the dates and the Posts where he will be stopping at within theFifth District at our September District Meeting. Let’s give him a Mighty Fifth District welcome as he comes through our District in October.

I invite you to attend your District Meetings. The District needs you and your important input as we go about conducting the business of our District for the American Legion.

If you know of some veteran who may not be a member of the American Legion, ask the veteran to join. Perhaps that is what the veteran is waiting on: just to be asked

to join. There are 18 million eligible veterans (five million are Gulf War Vets) out there just waiting for an invite, a hand extended to welcome the veteran home and to the American Legion family, a pat on the back of thanks for their service, an explanation of what The American Legion can do, does do, and has done for the veterans of our country, what some of the benefits we receive as card carrying members of the American Legion are, and an overview of the American Legions various programs which are good for our Legion Posts, Communities, State, and Nation. Hope to see you Post Commanders, Post Adjutants, and Post members at the next District Meeting. Remember, due to the gas costs, if that is a problem, you can always car pool to the meeting. Meet at your Post and get a car full, split the gas, and head to the District Meeting. I welcome you and look forward to your input of ideas at the District Meeting.

Raffle, South Haven American Legion Post 502; Tickets available at the post. The individual who sells the most tickets receives $100. Winners will be determined by Indiana’s evening pick 3. Here are the prizes to be presented, and the dates each will be awarded.

1. Nov 12, 2006 - MAXENT 50 inch Plasma TV

2. Nov 13, 2006 - Panasonic 1200 Watt Home Theater System with 5 CD changer

3. Nov 14, 2006 - Insignia 30 inch HDTV

4. Nov 15, 2006 - Xbox 360 System

5. Nov 16, 2006 - E Machine Computer with 17 inch Monitor

6. Nov 17, 2006 - Panasonic 5.8 GHZ Digital cordless Telephone with 2 extra handsets and answering machine

7. Nov 18, 2006 - $300 American Express Gift Card • September 30, 2006, Galveston Post 415 Fish Fry at Galveston Community Center; 4-6 pm, Adults - $8.00, Children 4-7 - $3.50; Under 4 free.

There are many other events scheduled and ongoing around the district, I am sure, and I hope to hear from as many of our members as possible with news about the district’s happenings. This column is an excellent way to bring much needed attention to the many good works being done here in the Second District, and maybe we can expires some of our comrades around the state to follow our lead.

DISTRICT 4

Bill Menzel Commander

Greetings from the Fourth!

It really is quite an honor to serve as Commander of the Fourth District. It has been a busy month since being sworn in at Department Convention in July.

August 3 saw the installation of the Fourth District Officers at Post 82 Fort Wayne. I am lucky to have such a great

group of dedicated men serving with me in the next year’s endeavors. The following are the officers who will be helping me bring the Fabulous Fourth District to it’s elite standing.

Vice Commander, Alan Myers; Adjutant, Larry Funk; Membership Chairman, Dick Bash; Judge Advocate, Nick Nichol-

Fug did an outstanding job as Commander this past year and I was privileged to have served under him as his Membership Chairman. We did not achieve the numbers in membership that we were seeking but it was not because we didn’t try. If there was anything that I could have done or if I had only had some sort of magic wand I would have used it on membership. Fug taught me a lot and as we traveled throughout our District it was obvious of the affection shown by other Legionnaires to Fug. Fug and his wife, Sue, who is a past Fifth District Auxiliary President, are certainly great examples of what some of our American Legion family are made of.

Thanks, Fug. Great job, my friend. We are all very proud of you here in the Fifth.

I call ‘attention on deck’ and hand salute to Huntington Post 85, LaketonPost 402, Greentown Post 317, and Russiaville Post 412 who all hit 100 per cent or better at close of books. I congratulate those posts for getting the membership in.

Huntington Post 85 also won a plaque and a $100 bill for having the most over 100 percent. They ended up turning in over 105 percent. Congratulations, Post 85, for doing the best job on membership in the Fifth District.

I also call ‘attention on deck’ and hand salute to Huntington Post 85 again for holding a fundraiser July 15 for a fellow member. They made $10,000 to help him and his family. Now then, is it no wonder why Post 85 was well over 100 percent this year? By having this sort of caring attitude toward their Legion family members? The American Legion family can take a look at this Post and get a lesson about membership. Who wouldn’t want to belong there at Post 85? Great job, Huntington 85 you have demonstrated to the rest of us what it really means when we say in our preamble… “TO CONSECRATE AND SANCTIFY OUR COMRADESHIP BY OUR DEVOTION TO MUTUAL HELPFULNESS.”

State Membership Chairman Ed Trice, Past State Sgt. at Arms Dave Ritenour, Past Northern Vice Bob Bach, Past 5th District Commander Dug

Fugitt, and I attended and assisted at the funeral of a fallen hero, Staff Sgt. Paul Pabla, in Huntington on Saturday July 15. Staff Sgt. Pabla was killed by enemy fire in Iraq. There were several members of various Legion Posts within our District represented at the funeral, either attending or assisting in some manner. SSG. Pabla’s family accepted his Purple Heart from Governor Mitch Daniels, his Bronze Star, presented by Major General Umbarger.

This year’s Ladies Auxiliary President for the Fifth District is my wife Roxy. I had to miss her being sworn in at Indy due to our District reorganization meeting being held on the same date. I’m proud of her for taking on this task and know in my heart that she will do a great job for the 5th District Auxiliary, which is a vital part of our Legion family. Congratulations, Roxy. We are proud of you here in the Fifth District.

This year’s Sons of the American Legion State Detachment Commander is none other than another of our Fifth District go-getters, Mike Sheets from Roanoke Squadron 160. We watched as Mike worked and climbed the ladder within the SAL and, having witnessed his hard work and desire, can attest that he will do an excellent job for the SAL, which is the third vital part of our Legion Family of Three. Congratulations, Mike! We are proud of you here in the Fifth District.

The Fifth District Golf Fundraiser Tournament was held Saturday August 5 at the Kokomo Post 6 Golf Course. Seemed like everyone had a fun time. The weather cooperated, with no rain. Two Past State Commanders, Ron Miller and Roger Baker, were seen out on the course hitting that white little ball around and having fun. I would like to thank Fifth District Vice Commander Larry McBee from Frankfort Post 12 who helped grill the hamburgers, the Fifth District Legion Auxiliary for baking some goodies and selling them during the tournament, Legionnaires Bill Edwards and Frank Rocchio, and Barb Parkhurst from Kokomo 6 for helping us out, and Jocko and Sue Comerford of Kokomo Post 6 for all they did in putting the tournament on. There were 19 teams entered and several hole sponsors. We hope that at the next District Golf Fundraiser we will have more posts sponsoring golf teams and helping to round up more hole sponsors. This is one way we make money for the District.

We are early in the 20062007 year and so far are doing well in membership. The challenge will come soon as membership always gets harder as the year progresses. Please work hard to get members renewed. Review you membership roster and contact unrenewed members. Call them or visit them. We all know the American Legion can’t survive without members and that membership numbers are what gives us clout with congress when it comes to veterans benefits.

Whitestown Post 410 will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Post on Saturday, September 23. Activities will start in the morning. Contact the post at 317-769-3232 for additional information.

Congratulations to our Sixth District Terre Haute Wayne Newton Post 346’s

Baseball team. Indiana State champions and Great Lakes National Regional Champions, they are scheduled to play in the American Legion World Series in Cedar Rapids, Iowa a few days after this writing. Manager John Hayes (Post 346 Adjutant) is in his 22nd year managing the Post 346 team. He, his coaches, and players have all worked hard and we wish them good luck.

If you have something for the Sixth District articles for the Hoosier Legionnaire please get the information to me or to the Adjutant Mike Patrick. E-mail to mike4024@smwc. edu is the best way to send the information.

We have a great district with a lot of hard working dedicated people. Let’s make this a good year. I hope to see you at the District meetings.

DISTRICT 7

Dean Leshinski Commander

Well we have started the year out doing good on our membership.

I would like to thank all the Posts and the membership team in the Seventh District for their hard work.

Brazil Post 2 is collecting items or donations for the troops that have been activated. If anyone wants to donate to this, contact the Post Commander for more in-

formation. Items will be sent around the third week of November for the holidays. Mooresville Post 103 held a raffle of golf clubs with all proceeds going to help our homeless Veterans. By the time this comes out we will have already had our National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

DISTRICT 10

Jeff Jarmon Commander

Greetings from the Tenth District.

I would like to thank the district and my Post for giving me the opportunity to be your District Commander. September 9, 2006, at Knightstown Post 52 at 7:00 p.m. we will install the officers of the District.

I would like to thank Jerry Jordon for all the fine work he and his officers did last year. You left big shoes to fill. Don’t forget to come to Knightstown Home day September 10. This will be a target turn in date. Post 152 will host a breakfast that morning.

On September 30 Rush-

ville Post 150 will host a seminar for all Post commanders, Adjutants, and membership chairman from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All are asked to attend. This will be conducted by Department officers.

Don’t forget to attend the Fall Conference at the Marriott at 21st and Shadeland in Indianapolis. Greenfield Post 119 will host the district meeting on October 14 at 7:00 p.m. My membership Chairman, Kenny Toll, and vice commanders will be visiting your Post to keep you updated on membership goals.

Another Good Reason To Re-new Your Membership!

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 6 Jack Sears Commander

‘Heroes To Hometowns’ Seeks To Smooth Combat Veteran's Return

Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town! Remember this Kenny Rogers song published in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War? The lyrics sang about a veteran returning home after doing his “patriotic chore” in that “crazy Asian war.”

The song resonated about how the combat veteran felt he was not the man he used to be, and how Ruby found it “hard to love a man with his legs all bent and paralyzed.” How sad! How real!

Many Vietnam veterans can and often do tell stories of this nature. How they felt after returning home to find only hardship and hard feelings as a reward for their sacrifices.

Oh yes -- The Legion’s efforts force the Government to pro-

John Hickey Department Service Officer

vide benefits. But, how did the local community accept many of the returnees?

Many tell stories about how good jobs were hard to find. Some people would call Vietnam Veterans names, throw things at them in the airports, and/or, simply ignore them saying they did not blame the troops – while giving the impression that all Vietnam servicemen had done something wrong and/or shameful.

Much has been done over the years to change the public’s attitude about Vietnam Veterans, but, believe me; although the oozing, raw, emotional distress associated with the public’s callus disregard for Vietnam’s heroes have healed, the scars are still very much there. After all, heroes are special personalities who will eventually heal their own emotional wounds by using God’s forgiveness toward others.

The Legion doesn’t want today’s combat veterans facing the same homecoming; especially those severely wounded combat veterans. That’s why Legion Posts gladly accept all wartime veterans as members. It’s also why The Legion

Department Rehabilitation Program Serves Many, Honors Commitment

Taking the stage to present the Rehab Awards, Rehabilitation Chairman Robert E. Newman also took time to highlight for Department Convention Delegates the many services provided to veterans during the past year.

“The support of all Department officers, American Legion volunteers, a large membership, and a dedicated and caring staff made these accomplishments possible,” Newman said.

The list of accomplishments Newman ticked off included:

• Recovered $92,169,862 in benefits for American Legion clients including $6,989,317 in retroactive benefits.

• Received 10,085 telephone inquiries;

• Conducted over 539 client interviews;

• Conducted 90 VA appeal hearings;

• Completed 160 formally written appeal statements;

• Reviewed approximately 2,379 VA rating decisions for correctness;

• Accepted 2,103 new clients;

• Filed approximately 3,093 new benefit claims; and

The Department Service Office also processed applications for financial assistance to needy veterans and their families directly from The American Legion Department and National Organizations totaling $28,267.

“During the 2005-2006 year, the department service office employed four fully qualified VA accredited Department Service Officers, and two full-

time secretaries. The Department also used the services of a dedicated part time non-accredited service officer, Harold Brubaker, out-stationed at the VA Medical Center in Fort Wayne,” Newman said.

He credited donations to the Department Rehab Fund with financing “our General Hospital and Nursing Home Committee volunteers’ efforts in distributing approximately $40,000 in comfort items and activities for medically confined veterans.

“Our volunteers make the Department’s Rehabilitation Program work,” he said.

“They deserve credit for its overwhelming success.”

The Commission also used Department Rehabilitation funds for the Homeless Veterans Shelter Assistance project started by the late Richard R. Quattrin during his 1997-98 year as Department Commander.

This project awards $50 each time a documented notfor-profit shelter provides a homeless veteran lodging and shelter for at least two nights. The Department Rehabilitation Commission allocated $3,000 for the Homeless Veterans Shelter Assistance project for the 2005-2006 year.

During his report, Newman presented awards, recommended by the Department Employment Committee, for encouraging veterans’ employment.

Each year the Department of Indiana honors those private employers who have a workforce of at least 25 percent veterans and have been

in business for at least five years. These businesses do not have a company policy restricting either total employment or individual jobs to veterans.

The winners of the employer of the year awards are selected from two categories, large employer and medium employer.

The Employer of the Year Award in the medium employer category went to Bootz Manufacturing Company in Evansville, Indiana.

In the large employer category the 2006 Employer of the Year award went to Alcoa, Inc.’s Warrick Operations in Newberg.

The Department also presented employment awards designed to honor those who advise and assist veterans in a wide range of economic areas, including veterans employment service office, disabled veterans outreach, local veterans employment, employment of the disabled, and employment of the older workers. Honorees this year include:

• The state’s outstanding Employment Service Office award went to the Lawrenceburg WorkOne Office.

• The Local Veterans Employment Award went to an outstanding local veterans’ employment representative in the Springfield office, Tony Cross.

• The outstanding employment representative in the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, from the Auburn office, was John Smoot.

Rehab Awards Cite Member, Post, And District

During each annual Department Convention, the Rehabilitation Commission recognizes not only those outside The American Legion who serve the interests of veterans in a special way, but also those in the organization that provide a unique level of commitment. Throughout the year, Legionnaires give of themselves in many ways in support of veterans’ needing assistance. The hours these dedicated Legionnaires donate to the cause of rehabilitation is priceless.

The Al Waichulis Memorial

Award recognizes that commitment.

The 2006 Al Waichulis award, like the award in years past, went to the individual who showed the greatest interest in the welfare of the residents of the Indiana Veterans Home at Lafayette through his or her personal efforts to assist the home and its residents -- Mike Miller of Post 161 in the 3rd District.

This year, the Post award, the Ralph V. “Curly” Cushman award for outstanding efforts in all phases of veterans’ rehabilitation, was presented

DISTRICT 11

Clyde Kerr Commander

Greetings from the Eleventh District:

We are embarking on a new year with many challenges ahead of us. I am sure with the fortitude and willingness of our District Legionnaires we are going to have a banner year.

On August 12th it was with great pride and humbleness that I accepted the member-

ship trophy on behalf of our district. This is the first time that we have been in first place since 2000-2001. We have the attitude and the spirit to continue this trend and remain at the top. The next target date is September 10 at Knightstown. The goal is 55 percent This amounts to 672 members above our current paid mem-

is establishing the ‘Heroes to Hometowns’ program.

The Heroes to Hometowns program plans to help Legion Posts inspire community pride and establish a local support network for returning severely disabled service members and their families. Posts will soon be asked to coordinate resources in local communities before the service member an/or veterans actually return home. Then, post volunteers working in partnership with the community will be ready to provide a large array of support services as long as needed and, at least, until more permanent government resources, such as, VA benefits take effect.

The American Legion now

has an office in the Pentagon that will inform participating Legion Posts when a severely disabled hero is returning to the local community. What Legion post members in the community could do for the veteran is then limited only by their imagination.

For instance, they could arrange a welcome home celebration, alert the local media for recognition, help with special transportation needs, provide temporary financial assistance when necessary either through a post program or by applying for the National Organization’s TFA program, providing child care, cooking, home repair, establishing a job finding network, business discounts, etc.

One of the most important parts of the Heroes to Hometowns program, however, would be designating a post point of contact person whom the returning hero could contact whenever a special need or problem arises. This person could be called a “Friend.”

Don’t be a Ruby. Ask your post commander if the post would like to get involved, and offer your help as well.

For more detailed information about the Heroes to Hometowns program contact David L. Marsh, American Legion Assistant Director for DoD Outreach, Military Severely Injured Center, The Pentagon, at 703-692-2050 or by e-mail at David.marsh@itc.dod.mil

Mental Health Issues of Elderly Veterans

Depression, Common in Older Vets, Not A Normal Part of Growing Older

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

The veteran population of the United States is an aging one. The median age of veterans being treated in the VA system is 58.3, with an average age of 60 (Pfizer, 2003). As they age, the mental health needs of veterans change.

The mental health issues and needs of the elderly have often been referred to as the “4 Ds”: depression, death, dementia, and drugs. For the aging veteran, there is also the potential problem of re-activation of symptoms of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder. These all represent problem areas, not “normal” parts of aging. As problems, they all have consequences, and, as problems, they all have treatments.

Depression

Although clinical depression affects approximately 10-25 percent of women and 5-12 percent of men in the United States at any time (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), it has been found to affect as many as 6 percent of the elderly (American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 2004), 13 percent of all veterans (Pfizer, 2003), and as many as 32.2 percent of residents in nursing homes (Parmelee, Katz & Lawton, 1992).

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

The cost of geriatric depression is staggering. In addition to the cost in quality of life to the sufferer, the direct and indirect costs of depression in the elderly have been estimated at $43 billion per year (American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 2004). The most profound cost, however, is in terms of human life. Geriatric depression results in approximately 18 percent of suicides, even thought the elderly comprise about 13 percent of the US population. White men over the age of 80 have a suicide rate six times greater than the national average (Pearson, 2003).

to drive, so that they can attend therapy sessions at their local VAMC or VA community clinic. The VA and its mental health system are committed to helping alleviate the mental health issues of all veterans

Next Issue: Drugs

References:

• American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. (2004). Late life depression: A fact sheet. http://www. aagponline.org/p_c/depression.asp

to Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington. Post 18 is a repeat winner.

Recognizing the District in the Department of Indiana that makes the greatest donation to the Department Rehabilitation Fund based on per capita membership as of close of books, the Dale Kuhn Award recognizes an entire District for its support of the rehabilitation of veterans. This year’s Dale Kuhn Award went to the First District, and was accepted by immediate past District Commander Richard Seto.

bers of 3,768.

My team and I will be traveling around the District visiting posts to help enhance our community programs and to assist post membership in anyway possible. I wish to thank the membership for their confidence and trust by electing me as the 2006-2007 District Commander. I will endeavor to live up to that trust and make our district proud.

May God bless all of our Legionnaires, our men and women overseas and our Country.

Depression is generally defined as a cluster of symptoms including persistent sadness, difficulty sleeping, concentration problems, feeling “slowed down,” less interaction in usual activities, increased worrying, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, feelings of helplessness, weight changes (sudden losses or gains), or thoughts of suicide.

These symptoms have to occur for at least two weeks, and have to create some sense of impairment in the individual. Due to the similarity between many of these symptoms and those of physical illness (e.g., sleeping problems, concentration problems, feeling slowed down, weight changes, etc.), it is often difficult to determine, in an elderly person, if the problem is actually depression, or if it is a medical problem.

This geriatric depression can be caused by medical problems such as stroke (Simpson, Baldwin, Burns and Jackson, 2001; Williamson, Shaffer & Parmelee, 2002), a sense of hopelessness brought about by changes in health and anticipation of a limited future (Hill, Gallagher, Thompson & Ishida, 1998), or simply related to the many losses associated with aging (American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 2004).

Geriatric depression, like any depression, can be treated. The first step is to determine if the symptoms are caused by any physical problems that need immediate attention. There are a wide variety of demonstrated effective psychotherapies that can help reduce the symptoms of depression in the elderly (Gatz, Fiske, Fox, Kaskie, Gask-Godley & McCallum, 1999; Scogin, Welsh, Hanson, Stump & Coates, 2005), and many different medications that can help the effectiveness of psychotherapy, or can help reduce the symptoms of depression even in an individual who is too demented to participate in psychotherapy (American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 2004).

Keeping physically and mentally active, and especially keeping involved in leisure and social activities, can have a tremendous impact on preventing depression at any age. With advancing age, one comes closer to one’s own mortality. Although generally rated as one of the less significant concerns of the elderly, coming to terms with the pending end of one’s own life can be a struggle and the cause of psychological distress. Many individuals find it helpful to discuss their fears and concerns with a friend, a clergyperson, family members, or, in severe cases, a therapist.

Help is available and possible for all of the issues and mental health problems affecting the elderly veteran. The VA Medical Center system has multiple facilities, often located in local community settings, for the treatment of mental health issues. Transportation is often available for veterans who are not able

• American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – IV. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

• Gatz, M., Fiske, A., Fox, L., Kaskie, B., Kasl-Godley, J., & McCallum, T. (1999). Empirically validated psycholological treatments for older adults. Journal of Mental Health and Aging, 4(1), 9-46.

• Hill, R. D., Gallagher, D., Thompson, H. W., & Ishida, T. (1998). Hopelessness as a measure of suicidal intent in the depressed elderly. Psychology of Aging, 3(3) 230232.

• Parmelee, P.A., Katz, I. R., & Lawton, M. P. (1992). Incidence of depression in longterm care settings. Journals of Gerontology, 6, 189-196.

Pearson, J. L. (2003). NIMH Research on Geriatric Depression and Suicide before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. http://www.hhs.gov. asl.testify/t030728.html.

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

Scogin, F., Welsh, D., Hanson, A., Stump, J., & Coates, A. (2005). Evidence-based psychotherapies for depression in older adults. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 12, 222-237.

Simpson, SW, Baldwin, R. C., Burns, A., & Jackson, A. (2001). Regional cerebral volume measurements in lat-life depression: relationship to clinical correlates, neuropsychological impairment and response to treatment. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 16(5), 469-476 Williamson, G. M., Shaffer, D. R., & Parmelee, P.A. (2002). Physical illness and depression in older adults: A handbook of theory, research and practice. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.

Department Convention Can Be A Feast For The Eyes

From Opening Gavel To The ‘Dueling Elvi,’ Sights Make The Day

Whether it’s on the convention stage or the party stage, activities at the Department Convention offer a smorgasbord of sights that range from the delightful to the alarming – with plenty of stops in between. Whether your taste runs to the Elvis impersonators who drew a record crowd to the commander’s convention party Saturday night, or the candlelit solemnity of the annual memorial service, there is something for everyone if they just look around. Much of what goes on has beceome a traditional part of the convention, but delegates never tire of seeing young people on the platform, or spending a special moment with an old friend – all of which is represented in these images of the 88th annual Department Convention. If you missed this one, make it a point to attend next years confab. You could end up in the Hoosier

Legionnaire!

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman

District And Department Boy Scouts Of The Year On Stage

First Lady Donna Pins Outgoing Commander Martin A ‘Dueling Elvis’ At The Party

The Boys’ Flag Education Winner Reads His Essay Out With The Old, In With The New – Vice Commanders, That Is

JSSP Champion Kenda Lawrence Takes Aim

Vendors Offer Their Wares During The Convention A Helping Hand

A Big Smile From Charleene Waldon Robbie Robinson Gets A Hug From Wife Midge

DPSA Winners Mike Delph, Brent Steele And Troy Woodruff Convention Party Is For Kids, Too

Are Club Room Operations Overshadowing Programs? Time To Review Post Priorities

spends most of its time on.

By Joseph T. Bumbleburg Department Judge Advocate

What does the declining interest in the State Convention, department conferences and Post organization mean to the Legion? Have we lost our way? Have our programs have become secondary to running a club room?

If you do not think that is the case, ask what your Post

Are there more people sitting at the bar than at the Post’s team baseball game? Do the people of your community not know about Boys State?

I can ask similar questions about other programs, but the answer would be disappointing.

What is my point?

It is this: I get no calls about programs, but I do get calls about a new commander firing the bartender. I get calls about misuse of funds. I get calls about squabbles with

Editor’s Note: The newly appointed Department Membership Chairman, Ed Trice, in comradely concern, has given over his normal space to the Department Judge Advocate who contributes his views and opinions to the Hoosier Legionnaire from time to time. The Chairman’s Notes will appear in this space in the next issue of the paper.

the Auxiliary. I get calls about expulsion of members, improperly run meetings, violation of by-laws. Is it any small wonder membership suffers?

Who wants to join a group whose only goal seems to be to run a bar where you can get cheap drinks? Family, job and well run programs are important to new veterans. The new

Email Addresses New Key To Communication

From “101 Ways To Keep Your Members”

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

1. Make sure you capture email addresses whenever possible. Also make sure your members know your post email address so they’ll accept email from you. Email is the quickest and least expensive method of sending information and documents to your members and to receive correspondence from your members.

2. If you ask a member to do a volunteer job, make sure it’s a WORTHWHILE job! Even the smallest volunteer jobs need to provide some sense of accomplishment for the members assigned to do them. Although there is a lot of pressure to get members involved in the post’s leadership structure, just having a title is not enough to justify the valu-

Ask Jessie

able time members have to give up in order to participate. Be able to pinpoint the contribution each member makes to your post’s success and be certain to mention that contribution when thanking the member.

3. Call your annual dues an investment rather than “dues”. Referring to your dues as an investment will create an image that your post isn’t spending the members’ dues but rather investing it in programs and services that bring value to the members, to the post and to the community.

4. Assign an officer to contact a certain number of inactive members each month – just a little “say Hi!” call. Some members believe the only time we contact them is when we need money, infor-

mation or support. This impression is strongest among the less active members. To alleviate some of these feelings ask officers and E-board members to to make some random calls each month to your inactive members. These courtesy calls will remind these members that the post knows they’re still out there and that their opinion is valued. Be sure to give the callers something substantial to talk about, such as getting input on an upcoming legislative issue or proposed post policy changes.

5. Bring a list of inactive members to a post meeting and have members contact them. It’s an important sign to members when a volunteer leader takes the time to contact a member simply to say that the post misses them and wants to be sure they are getting their money’s worth.

PUFL Membership Not in Limbo

Dear Jessie:

I am a PUFL member and just realized I have not received my yearly card. I moved to another state a few years ago and I thought the Post Office would automatically notify companies of my change of address. Is it possible I have somehow lost my PUFL status or have just become an “Undeliverable” and I’m my membership is in limbo?

Lost But Not Forgotten

Dear Lost: You haven’t lost your PUFL status – that is bought and paid for. What has apparently happened is that your address became unknown to the Postal Service, so your card was returned to the National Headquarters. The policy there is to hold all returned PUFL cards and not to send subsequent years’ cards until a verifiable address is on record. The purpose of the policy is to keep Posts from maintaining deceased PUFL members on their rosters and thus padding their rolls and their income. Those few Posts who have tried to do that have caused a great deal of inconvenience and expense for the Department and the National organizations, and have inflicted great distress on some

Continued from page 8

common place in war.

My son, knowing some of my stories about occurrences on that hill, made a special trip to see it. I had seen on the internet, pictures of the huge stature to the “Peoples Army” that now dominates the crest. Now coming across my screen were current pictures of the hill. It was no longer totally denuded, but was covered with pine tress,

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

family members. They ought not to do that.

Dear Jessie: I received my July supplemental roster and I did not receive printed cards for any of the members who transferred into my Post after April. Did the transfers not go through?

Waylaid

Dear Waylaid: The transfers went through fine as long as the member data form was filled out with the correct information and signatures. With the July supplemental roster, the only additional cards a Post may receive are for brand new members signed up between mid April through the beginning of June. In your case, you will have to use a blank card that was given to you with your printed cards for each transferred member that pays your Post their dues.

grass and other vegetation. It looked like a normal memorial you would find somewhere in the U.S. However, in the background I could make out “Charlie Ridge” and “Indian Country.” From the opposite shot I could make out the tree line on the banks of the Song Bong. It was the same place. Then a picture came with my son standing by the monument. I paused over that one for a while and gazed at the multiple shots. Then there was stillness, while God spoke to my heart with inau-

generation will not waste time on an organization that does not live up to its purpose.

How do we get this turned around? Run a first class Post with first class programs. Be the best Boy Scout sponsor in town. Be the best known sponsor of delegates to the American Legion’s Hoosier Boys State in your area. The

list can go on, but I’m sure you get the picture. Sponsoring a baseball team, a first class firing squad, might draw new members.

If you run a canteen, do it right. Be sure you have the proper permits, licenses and bonds. Canteens are not the private concession of a commander or a house committee chairman. Do you have a tax advisor or an accountant?

Failure to run your Post canteen in a businesslike, legal fashion can subject individuals and the Post to penalties and the Post to financial

ruin. Tax penalties, law suits, loss of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission permit are very serious. When knowledge of improper activities becomes common knowledge in the community, you have troubles. Get your by-laws up to date, keep them that way, be sure the membership has copies and then honor the bylaws by enforced use. If you have a corporation, be sure you file the required reports with the State. Pay taxes on time. Run a Post with pride and in a business-like manner.

Reverence

John Bubala, Stan Gatewood, and Larry Lowry, all members of the ‘99 Club’ -- officers who served in office with Department Commander Harold Epley -- lead the moment of silence during the traditional Memorial Service at the 88th annual Department Convention.

Convention Honors

Freeman Named ’06 Recruiter of Year; Tops Department Membership Honors

Dick Jewell, Department Membership Chairman, paused in presenting this year’s membership awards to thank the many volunteers and membership workers for their efforts, and gamely faced the disappointment accompanying this year’s final tally.

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

Receiving his 10th Gold Brigade Award is

• James May, Post 18

Silver Brigade Awards: The National Organization has established the Silver Brigade as a way to honor other successful recruiters who are working their way to the top.

Silver Brigade Recruiters:

• Dean Kern, Sr., Post 33

• Robbie Robinson, Post 65

• Bill Clark, Post 205

• Milton Howard, Post 337

• J.R. “Disk” Bash, Post 423

• Jack Sears, Post 470

• Dennis Pettit, Post 492

• 4th Place Lincoln Post 82: 1,412 members

• 3rd Place Robert Kennington Post 34: 1,483 members

• 2nd Place – Fort Wayne Post 47: 1,498 members

• 1st Place, Lafayette Post

11: 1,658 members

Dear Jessie: I am a new member to The American Legion and have visited my local Post a few times but unfortunately I do not know anyone and I’m kind of shy. I am very interested in becoming active in some of the wonderful programs The American Legion supports, but I’m not sure how to go about asking. Can you help?

Dear Jackie:

Jackie S.

That’s a tough one, especially because you are a woman. I know the Post can be an intimidating place, but it really is not. The men and women there are your peers, people who have been through everything you have. The best way for you to get involved in the programs of the Legion is to begin by attending the meetings, getting to know the real activists in your Post, and volunteering to help out. Before you know it, you will be busier than you ever imagined. Good Luck!

dible words which I can only attempt to translate. God revealed so gently yet so powerfully that if it were not for His intervention I would not be here and I would never have had a son standing on “Hill 55.” I was overwhelmed by His grace! Isn’t awesome when we discover God’s grace!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Ps. 23:4 KJV

Then, turning to more cheerful topics, he presented the following awards: Recruiter of the Year: Each year Legionnaires spend countless hours talking and visiting with their fellow veterans, telling them about the benefits of belonging to The American Legion. Among these dedicated workers is one Legionnaire who has signed up more new members than any other Legionnaire in the state. He is this year’s Indiana American Legion Department Recruiter of the Year. Please welcome a familiar face to the platform … Past Department Sergeant-at-Arms George Freeman, of Post 230 in Martinsville, who has recruited 76 new members this year.

Gold Brigade Awards: There are a few Legionnaires who reach beyond what is expected. In membership, these Legionnaires take the extra step by asking everyone they meet to join our great organization. These Legionnaires earn the distinction of being members of the “Gold Brigade.”

To qualify for membership in this elite group, a Legionnaire must recruit at least 50 new members into The American Legion before May 11th of the membership year.

Receiving their first Gold Brigade awards are:

• Michael Doan, Post 47

• George Freeman, Post 230

• Richard Brown, Post 276

Receiving his second Gold Brigade Award is:

• Jurgen Turner, Post 254

Receiving his third Gold Brigade Award is:

• Russ Bensheimer, Post 205

Richard S. Kaplan Award, presented to the Post which secured the greatest number of new members, as certified to department headquarters. This year’s recipient of the Kaplan award, for the second consecutive year, with 164 new members -- is Franklin Post 205, in the Seventh District.

Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Memorial Award, presented to the Post with the greatest percentage of increase in membership over its previous four year average. This year’s award goes to Kenneth L. Diver Post 337 of Sunman in the 9th District.

Donald W. Hynes Memorial Award, recognizing the Post in the Department which attains an all-time high in membership for the highest number of consecutive years. With 57 consecutive years of growth and all-time highs, the 2006 Donald Hynes Award goes to St. Joseph Post 464 of St. Leon, in the 9th District.

SAL Squadron of the Year Award, presented to one outstanding SAL squadron for outstanding membership efforts. This year, the award went to Squadron 10 in Marion.

Largest Squadron Award, for the 7th consecutive year, went to Squadron 253 of North Webster.

Top Ten Posts:

• 10th Place – East Chicago Allied Post 369: 1,091 members.

• 9th Place – Victory Post 70: 1,092 members.

• 8th Speedway Post 500: 1,141 members.

• 7th Place – Bonnie Sloan Post 28: 1,162 members

• 6th Place – Seymour Post 89: 1,183 members

• 5th Place – Burton Wool- ery Post 18: 1,333 members

All Time High Awards: Every year, Posts throughout the state strive to attain an all-time high in membership; the attainment of at least five consecutive all time highs is especially meaningful. This year, three Posts qualified for these citations,

• St. Joseph Post 464 -- 57 years

• Mooresville Post 103 8 years

• Avon Post 145 5 years

In addition to these consecutive all time highs, nine other Posts attained an all time high for the first, second, third or fourth time. They are:

• Ralph Parr Post 133 4 years

• Keith Brown Post 420 4 years

• Orland Post 423 – 4 years

• Meredith-Low Post 134 -- 3 years

• River City Post 42 2 years

• Koselke Mayfield Post 403 -- 2 years

• Oliver Perry Post 911 – 2 years

• First United Methodist Church Post 38 – 1 year

• Robert W. Schermerhorn Post 381 – 1 year

Early All-Time High: Receiving a Certificate of Meritorious Achievement from the National Organization is Kenneth L. Diver Post 337 of Sunman, in the 9th District, for reaching the all-time high mark prior to December 31, 2005.

National New Post Competition: The award went to District 4 for the establishment of Post 467 in Hamilton, the Franklin R. Fee Post. Current Northern Vice Commander Walter Krohn is credited with establishing and shepherding the Post to reality.

Hoosier Pioneer Award: A special Department Award presented to Districts who launch new posts, also went to District 4 along with the national award.

New Commander: 'Who Would Have Thought It?'

Who would have thought this, 38 years ago? Fresh out of the Army, just home from Vietnam, a brand new Legionnaire … and frankly, still a little wet behind the ears. Yet here I am. I can hardly believe it myself, so I can imagine what some of those guys at Brown-Dolson Post 113 in those days would think. I like to think they would be proud of me, because it is they who set me on the path that led to this platform. It was they who encouraged me to take a leadership role in the Post. And it was they -- and others like them -- who prepared me to lead in the district, and gave the opportunity. And still more like them, throughout the district and the state, helped me to believe that my election could, one day, really be.

I am very proud of not only having reached this milestone, but also of the countless Legionnaires who made it possible. I humbly accept, with deep gratitude, the high office of Department Commander and you have my solemn pledge that I will honor

and respect this office and return it to you in the fine condition it has been handed to me. No one gets here alone. We all know that. Among those who are most responsible for me being here are those who gave up time with me so I could devote myself to the work of the Legion. They are my wife and children: Jama, my wife and my most loyal fan; Brian, my son; and Lindsay, my daughter. Of course, there are the men and women of my Post and the 6th District who have stood behind me all these years, too. But even among those, there are a few who deserve a special mention.

James A. Delaney Department Commander

him back. The best I can do, of course, is to do the job as well as he would have, and I will do my best every day.

I also am indebted to Tony Riley for his friendship and leadership, to Ron Lowe, who has been a staunch believer and mentor for years, and to Ray Anglin whose wisdom, guidance and companionship have been priceless. These are among the finest examples of what it means to be a Hoosier Legionnaire, and I will forever be in their debt.

carries the office can expect to be successful without the support of the entire Legion “Family of Three.”

Together, we will work hand-in-hand toward common goals. Together we will maintain and reinvigorate the sense of patriotism among our fellow citizens. And together, we will grow and prosper.

thing more than we already do – except make sure people know about it to begin the rush toward renewed vigor and vitality.

First of all, of course, is the man whose shoes I have been called on to fill. But for fate and the will of God, a great Legionnaire by the name of Ron Bray would be wearing this white cap instead of me, and I would trade all the honors and the offices to have

As I set out to face this year’s challenges, I know I will not face them alone. Aside from the thousands of Legionnaires who will work with me, I know that the Ladies of the Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion will also be at my side. It is this connection that inspired my theme for this year: “A Family of Three.”

Just as no one could reach this office without the support of his family, no one who

Generations, And Preserving ‘The Memories And Incidents’

Time rolls by faster than we would like to admit. In the blink of an eye we seem to resemble those older veterans of the wars way-back-when. However, the memories and incidences of those wars remain forever fresh and vivid in our minds and hearts.

My eldest son now works for a private company providing services with the Marines in Okinawa. His four-year hitch in the Marine Corps went by much faster than mine for some reason. We both share memberships in Post 139. Earlier this summer he and his fiancé went to Viet Nam. He toured and saw a lot more than I ever saw. He traveled from Old Saigon to Hanoi and beyond. Along his journey he sent back pictures and it was almost like I was there. The age of electronics opens windows that are unbelievable.

My son specifically went to one of my old major base camps, “Hill 55.” I have one old Polaroid black-and-white picture that is a bit curled with age that has a date on it. For years when I would occasionally look through the album I would come across this picture, see the date and

wonder why I dated this one and none of the others. The date was May 26, 1968. The May Offensive of 1968 is now known to be the bloodiest period of the conflict. It is amazing how our minds protect us and blocks things until we are ready to process them. I had long remembered the incident, but forgotten the time. I had dated the picture, because I was still alive. We got hit hard the night before and there were many casualties.

That night I had a “God” moment. It is a flash when you know it’s His time, not your time! I was an “Arty” man seasoned already by some of the worst aggression seen throughout the war.

“Luke” was “walkin” mortars up my position. I never liked mortars because you heard the “thoomp” and then the blast. Rockets and other “arty” seemed to give more warnings. One “thoomp” was quickly followed a deafening blast that pelted me with dirt and rocks. Then in seconds came another “thoomp”… I knew this was it. I cried out, “God I can’t ask any special favors, be with me!” (I had been a bit of a Marine and wasn’t so

“squared away” with God at the moment.)

I saw a vision. I saw the “Angel of Death” coming for souls. The angel shrouded in darkness was touching bodies scattered around me taking souls and then came to touch me. I can still see the pointing finger. There was a long pause. How do your measure time in a timeless situation? Then it was like someone said, “Not him!” I never heard a voice, but I swear the angel did. The vision vanished, followed by another “thoomp” and a “blam” on the other side, again pelting me with dirt and stones. The bombardment continued up the hill.

You know, I never met an atheist in combat. Everyone had faith of some sort. When morning broke I looked at the other craters and where I hid behind an eight inch rock. The crater that should have been there was missing. My “buds” helped me look for the “dud” round, but it could not be found. It was consumed in the night. All the other craters were there. When we looked down from the top of the hill, we could clearly see where the one was missing. We all confirmed that a miracle had happened and God had been there. Such incidences are

Continued on page 7

To that end, it is my hope, and my expectation as your commander, that every one of you and every Auxiliary Lady and SAL member make it a point to carry with them a new member application. Not just for the Legion, not just for the Auxiliary and not just for the Sons – but for all three.

Do not be surprised if, at one time or another or whenever I see you, I ask to see your applications. I know you will not disappoint me.

We must be prepared to support each other in support

of our fellow veterans. During this year, I hope to focus the light of public attention on the goals of The American Legion, to help create an environment in which all of you – recruiters every one – will be successful in bringing in new members, renewing old ones, and re-instituting lapsed one.

For too long we have hidden our light under a bushel, letting others claim the credit for our successes.

It is my number one priority to bring that to a halt: to get the people to understand what we are, and what we do, to know how we spend out money and who we spend it on, and why we believe the things we believe. From that understanding, I am convinced, will flow such an avalanche of membership that is long overdue and pent up like an overheated boiler.

We don’t need to do any-

As we go through this year, I will ask for hard work, commitment, and determination. I also will ask you, from time to time, to support my special project for this year.

The kids at Knightstown are desperately in need of transportation to the many activities necessary to a complete education. I am not talking about music trips or sports trips. I am talking about getting them to the myriad special places, events and activities that will make them fully rounded and grounded citizens. I am talking about providing, in the name of “A Family of Three,” a new 15-passenger van for the home. Can I count on you? I know I can.

I say again, Thank you for your vote of confidence, and for giving me this opportunity to serve as your Commander. I am ready for the challenges and I know that I am not alone.

Passing It On

Newly elected District Commanders face their constituents at the Department Convention after receiving their District Commander’s pins from their predecessors. Traditionally, the same pin passes from lapel to lapel marking the continuing leadership of the eleven district leaders.

Short Takes

Baseball Champions Top Hoosier Youth Programs

As a former Assistant Director of Americanism, Children & Youth at The American Legion National Headquarters, I had the opportunity to evaluate the youth programs of every Department in The American Legion. At that time and since I came to work for the Department of Indiana, I’ve stated on numerous occasions that Indiana has some of the nation’s finest youth programs. This week we have witnessed yet another example of the outstanding effort our Department volunteers make in our youth programs. After winning both the state baseball tournament and the National Regional held in Evansville, Terre Haute Post 346 headed into Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent Indiana in The American Legion World Series, an appearance from Indiana that was our first in twenty-two years. Playing in

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

this prestigious event was honor enough but the Indiana state champions blasted by the competition winning their first three games beating the pre-tournament favorite, Louisiana, 6-3.

On August 22, Terre Haute 346 found themselves in the title game facing Louisiana. After leading in the championship game as late as the 8th inning, Terre Haute fell short in a nail biter 6-4. However, they came home the World Series Runner Up and returned to a proud and grateful state.

American Legion Baseball is but one of our state’s youth programs but the success enjoyed this year by Terre Haute 346 shines a bright light on the efforts of all our youth program volunteers. Whether its having our Boys State Governor elected Boys Nation President, or having one of our junior shooters com-

pete in The American Legion National JSSP tournament (as happened this year with Morton Memorial’s Kenda Lawrence) or administering 20,000 Flag Education tests to our 4th graders, we have outstanding volunteers.

In spite of our success, we face a major hurdle with our declining membership (at a time when we have more eligible veterans than at the end of World War II), a hurdle that has to be successfully overcome if we are to remain able to continue our successful youth programs. Our youth program volunteers need our help to maintain the intensity of these programs. Get your community’s veterans involved as Legionnaires and their family members in the Auxiliary and S.A.L. Your efforts are critical in keeping us in the game.

Congratulations to Terre Haute Post 346, their coaches, players and parents for an outstanding season and for the bright feather you’ve placed in the Department of Indiana’s hat.

I would like to congratulate the following individuals for having an outstanding 20052006 year. Past Detachment Commander Mike Pipher and his Detachment Officers worked very hard last year to promote the ideals of the American Legion Family.

With the help of all the Squadrons in the State of Indiana, the Detachment raised over $500,000 for American Legion programs. Also, the Detachment had over 77,000 hours of volunteer time. I would also like to congratulate the Detachment Membership Chairman Gary Gregory and his membership team for having an outstanding 2005-2006 year. With their

hard work the Detachment achieved another All-Time High with 36,047 members. The Detachment also recruited 4,340 new members.

The theme for the 2006-2007 year is TEAM Indiana -Together Everyone Achieves More. Teamwork is the most important resource any organization can have. The American Legion Family needs to work together to promote all of the programs.

The American Legion starts at the local level. Without them the American Legion goes nowhere. We need to sit down with all the Posts, Units, and Squadrons and explain what our programs mean, how they

help the veterans of our country, how they help the communities, and how they help the children and youth of this country.

Goals for the year are to collect $1 million in total donations and 100,000 hours of volunteer time. These numbers might seem a bit high, but last year over $500,000 was collected, with only 20 percent of the Squadrons turning in year-end reports.

I would like to congratulate both Jim Delaney and Vickie Koutz on being elected Department Commander and President. I am looking forward to working together with them this year. We are truly “A Family of Three.” I hope before our year is complete, we have “Peace on Earth.

Auxiliary News

Projects Aim Peace Through Service To Veterans, Youth

As The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of The American Legion work hand in hand as a “Family of Three” this year, I ask you to join together with us for “Peace on Earth,” for our troops, our veterans, our children, and our communities.

Koutz Auxiliary President

Our projects this year at Indiana Veterans Home will be to install a Code Alert System on all the exit doors

in the Alzheimer’s Unit. This project is in honor of my father, who has Alzheimer’s Disease. The approximate cost is $10,000.

At Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home, we will be purchasing printers, toner and a year’s supply of paper for the 15 divisions.

Approximate cost is

$6,000. Also, the student- run radio station, WKPW, needs to upgrade its equipment from

analogue to digital at an approximate cost of $5,600. If any Legion Post or SAL Squadron would like to help fund these, we will gladly welcome your monetary donations.

I speak for the more than 60,000 American Legion Auxiliary members, by saying “Thank You Veterans,” for giving us the eligibility to belong to this great organization. We look forward to working with you this year. May God Bless our troops and keep them safe.

Chaplain’s Corner

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

Editor’s Note: Newly elected Department Commander James A. Delaney launched his year in office with a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those who made his election possible, and called for renewed commitment to the Legion family. Here his remarks are repeated as a call to action for the year to come.

Vickie