2006 March/April The Hoosier Legionnaire

Says Changes Benefit

Veterans

Congressman Responds To Legion Criticism

By Steve Buyer, Chairman Committee on

Veterans’

Affairs

U.S. House of Representatives

In September, I wrote National Commander Tom Bock that I looked forward to working with him and The American Legion to preserve the quality of care for veterans and to improve the system where it falls short.

In past years, veterans’ service organizations and military service organizations (VSOs and MSOs) offered their views and resolutions in joint hearings of the House and Senate Veterans’ Committees. These hearings occurred

Editor’s Note: During Commander Martin’s February 28 meeting with Rep. Steve Buyer during the Washington Conference, the commander agreed to Buyer’s request that his views on veterans issues covered recently in the Hoosier Legionnaire be published. Accordingly, Rep. Buyer’s comments are reproduced here, unedited. They do not necessarily reflect the views of The American Legion, Department of Indiana nor does their publication suggest or represent an endorsement of the views. Watch for reaction and comment in future issues of The Hoosier Legionnaire.

weeks after we developed our “budget views and estimates” response to the president’s VA budget request. I decided to move the testimony earlier in the budget process after discussing it with representatives of most national VSOs and MSOs at a veterans’ summit I held at Carlisle Barracks, PA, last fall. Engaging VSOs and MSOs

earlier in the budget process increases their influence in developing the annual VA budget.

Unfortunately, The American Legion chose not to attend. Contrary to some reports, two of the Legion’s national leadership received email invitations from us about two weeks before the summit. A past national com-

mander was mistakenly invited instead of Commander Bock. I have expressed my regret to him. The two Legion recipients acknowledged receiving the invitations. It is assumed that they shared them with Commander Bock. With this same notice, other VSOs and MSOs managed to attend.

I always accept constructive criticism, but not the insulting letter from Commander Bock ... This is a classic case which we have all experienced, where the one who criticizes a decision the most harshly is the one who failed to appear – or even designate someone to appear – at

Leading Candidate Highlights Joint Spring Conference

Outstanding Youth, Service Officers

Featured Guests

A visit by The American Legion’s leading candidate for National Commander, Paul Morin of Massachusetts, was the highlight of a busy annual Joint Spring Conference April 7-9 in Indianapolis.

Morin, who was keynote speaker at the conference’s general session, also participated in the opening reception and the closing Department Executive Committee. In between, he was the guest of honor at two receptions designed to familiarize him with Hoosier Legionnaires and to let them get to know him, visited most regularly scheduled committee and commission meetings, and joined the festive crowd at the traditional convention party.

Morin, like most dedicated Legionnaires, is concerned about the declining membership experienced by Posts and Departments around the country, but he also remains determined to see that the Le-

gion’s long fight to protect the American Flag from desecration ends successfully.

“We are closer now than we have ever been,” he said, not-

ing that only one vote in the United States Senate stands in the way of passage of the Flag Amendment.

But that is only the begin-

Veterans Win Back Lost Benefit

The American Legion, aided by representatives of other veterans’ organizations, has won the restoration of a popular benefit provided to disabled Hoosier veterans.

Governor Mitch Daniels March 17 signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 75, which restored the Remission of Fees benefit to the children of all war-time veterans who were disabled in the life of duty, regardless of the disability rating.

Remission of Fees provides for free tuition and mandatory fees at all state-supported in-

stitutions of higher learning.

Eligibility for the benefit for disabled veterans with compensation ratings of less than 10 percent was eliminated in the 2006 state budget but, according to State Director of Veterans Affairs Tom Applegate, that decision was made in error. The Governor’s staff worked with Indiana Department Adjutant Steve Short and members of the General Assembly to see the benefit restored.

The Act also established a military relief fund for the families of Hoosier veterans.

Governor Daniels also signed a Memorandum of Understanding which created the Hoosier Veterans Seamless Transition Program to assist Active Reserve Forces with the transition to civilian life upon return from active duty overseas.

“Our veterans have performed the most important public service of all. We are a state of patriots and we should do everything we can to assist and thank these men and women who have given so much for out benefit,” the governor said during the signing ceremony.

ning,” he said. “We still have to get two-thirds of the state legislatures to approve the amendment, too, but every one of them has already gone on record” with enabling resolution.

“It is time, though, that our legislators let the people exercise the authority given to them by the constitution to vote on this amendment.”

Morin was joined on the conference platform by the National Commander of the Sons of The American Legion, William Sparwasser of Maryland, Department Auxiliary President Charleene Walden, SAL Detachment Commander Mike Pipher and, for presentations and honors, a stream of young people and special guests.

Special honors were accorded a group of County Service Officers who combined for more than 13 million dollars in veterans benefits won for their clients.

Robert Newman, Rehabilitation Commission Chairman, said in honoring them, “In calendar year 2005, our Department Service Office won over $88,000,000 in federal benefits for those who appointed the Legion as their VA representative.

“However, our Department Service Office does not accomplish such outstanding results alone. They are part of a veterans’ services team that includes veterans’ service providers at posts, districts, and counties. Almost all Indiana counties have an appointed County Veterans Service Officer, and 13 of them worked in cooperation with The American Legion to win over $1 million in each if their counties last year for veterans, their dependents and survivors,” he said.

The 13 recognized were

the meeting. As a life member of The American Legion, I had expected better. Nonetheless, more accountability has been brought into the budget process through this new hearing procedure.

The new hearing schedule allows VSOs and MSOs to present their resolutions, views on the budget and legislative priorities in early February, just after the president sends his budget request to Congress. That request this year reflected improved use of data, methodology, and balanced policy expectations – lessons learned from the shortfalls discovered in my

Continued on page 2

George Jarboe, Allen County, $3.5 million;Jerry Sensing, Madison County, $2.7 million; Ernie Dillon, Lake County, $2.3 million; Larry Wilson, Grant County, $2.2 million; Randall Fairchild, Tippecanoe County, $1.8 million; Mark Acker, Vanderburgh County, $1.8 million; Shelby Shaffer, Clark County, $1.6 million; Gary Whitehead, Elkhart County, $1.4 million; W. Allen Polsgrove, Howard County, $1.3 million; Judy Devening, Bartholomew County, $1.1 million; Del Plonka, St. Joseph County, $1.1 million; Bruce Stanton, Huntington County, $1.1 million; and Jay Kendall, Miami County, $1.1 million.

Also recognized for the first time was one of Roudebush VA Medical Center’s youth volunteers, Sagar Patel, who received a plaque honoring him for his years of service, and who also thanked the Legionnaires for their service and the opportunity to volunteer. The Legion chief VAVA volunteer at Roudebush, George Brattain, made the presentation.

Bob Bach, longtime chairman of the Americanism and Government Testing program, introduced the six high school students who topped this year’s A&G competition. They were 11th grade girl winner, Kayla Walton, from Riverton Parke High School in Rosedale, sponsored by Post 48 in the 6th District; 12th grade girl winner, Valerie Williams from Rockville High School in Rockville, sponsored by Post 48 in the 6th District; 10th grade boy winner Pete Elliott from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, sponsored by Post 128 in the 11th District; the 11th grade boy winner, Cameron Martin, from Riverton Parke High School in Rosedale, also sponsored by Post 48 in the 6th District; The 10th grade girl winner, Amy Fitzgerald from Griffith High School in Griffith, sponsored by Post 66 in the 1st District; and the 12th grade boy winner, Evan Lansford, from Rosedale’s Riverton Parke High School, also sponsored by the 6th District’s Post 48.

Kayla, Elliott, and Martin were present for their presentations, but Fitzgerald, Lansford and Williams were unable to attend.

A special seminar conducted by Congresswoman Julia Carson’s staff focused on the new federal Medicare Part D benefit. The seminar was arranged by Past Department Commander Bill Brennan and his Post, 34 in Broad Ripple.

The hotel recently announced a no-smoking policy, which required the shuffling of hospitality rooms throughout the hotel, but Legionnaires good-naturedly dealt with the change.

PDC

Past Department Commander Richard “Dick” Quattrin, 73, passed away unexpectedly February 26 while in Washington, DC, for the annual Washington Conference.

Quattrin, who was a member of American Legion Post 80 in Whiting, was an army veterand of the Korean War and served as Department Commander in 1997-1998.

Born in Chicago August 18, 1932, he was married to Dorothy (Klun), who survives. He also is survived by five daughters and ten grand-children.

Quattrin was honored by members of his Post and the First District, along with hundreds of Legion officers and friends from around the state, with a Legion Ceremony the evening preceding his funeral services, and was further honored by the Whiting Fire Department and other official agencies and public officials, during his services and procession.

Commander Quatrtin was elected to the Department’s highest office during the 79th Department Convention, July 20, 1997 in Indianapolis. During his year in office, he, successfully focused on strengthening the Department’s membership, which at that time stood at approximately 135,000, and on shoring up the existing programs of The Indiana American Legion.

PDC Quattrin served on many committees and offices at the Post, District and Department levels, including manager of Post 80’s baseball team and also as the District Baseball Chairman. He was a recipient of the Department’s prestigious Arlie Skelton Award which recognizes outstanding contributions made to The American Legion Baseball program. He also served as chairman of the Department Law Officer and Firefighter committee.

He had served as a member of the National Americanism and Internal Affairs Commission and as a member of the Indiana War Memorials Commission, appointed first by then-Governor Evan Bayh

Continued on page 2

Richard R. “Dick” Quattrin 1932-2006

In addition to a full house, the Spring Conference featured this Royal Flush from the 3rd District (top) during the Conference Party last month. Above, 8th District Commander John Brinson has his ponytail removed by Bobbi Bubala to raise funds for the commander. At right, the leading candidate for National Commander, Paul Morin, addressed the general session.

As Department Commander Ron Martin and Adjutant Steve Short (background) look on, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (center), flanked by State Adjutant General Martin Umbarger (left) and State Director of Veterans Affairs Tom Applegate, signs legislation that restored fee remission benefits to the children of all disabled veterans, as well as created a variety of new benefits for Reserve and National Guard service personnel. The restoration of fee remission was the culmination of a lengthy legislative battle led by The American Legion.

Knowledge

Honored

As Department Commander Ron Martin looks on, Americanism and Government

Chairman Bob Bach introduces the 2006 A&G winners on the platform of the 2006 Spring Conference. Winners present to accept their awards were, from left to right, Kayla Walton (Post 48, 6th District), Pete Elliott (Post 128, 11 District) and Cameron Martin (Post 48, 6th District.) Valerie Williams, Amy Fitzgerald and Evan Lansford were not present but were announced by Bach and will receive their awards from District officials.

Congressman Offers His Perspective On Work For Veterans

Continued from page 1

committee last summer.

On February 15 and 16, 19

VSOs and MSOs, including The American Legion, testified together before my committee. Their counsel was invaluable. I look forward to having them back in September to review the past year and discuss legislative priorities for the year ahead. These hearings, which will be scheduled not to conflict with other veterans’ hearings in the Senate, will coincide with the administration’s development of its budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year.

Our budget views and estimates for fiscal year 2007 recommends a budget that reflects our priorities: to care for veterans with service-connected disabilities, those with special needs, and the indigent; ensure a seamless transition from military service to civilian life; and provide veterans with every opportunity

to live full and healthy lives.

We recommend almost $1.9 billion above the administration’s request, including $600 million to begin modernizing the GI Bill. The GI Bill does not reflect today’s realities. Those in the Guard and Reserves, who are bearing a significant share of the burden in Iraq and Afghanistan, often lose their benefits when they muster out. We also recommend increases for medical programs, more claims processors, medical and prosthetic research, and for improvements at our national cemeteries

We will also increase the budget $795 million to make up the gap left by our decision not to include enrollment fees and increased co-pays. The full views and estimates document may be read at http:// veterans.house.gov/legislation/109/budrep07.pdf .

We are doing the hard work of ensuring a strong VA. Too

Children & Youth Commission

Continued from page 3

Mary’s Elementary in Auburn, sponsored by Post 240, District 4.

Girl Scouts Committee

The committee is thankful for the DEC granting a loan request of $500 as start up funds for buying pins to use as a fund raiser similar to the Boy Scouts. Donations of $350 were accepted. No motions were made. Each member was urged to contact post commanders to request donations. The committee discussed having a 50/50 raffle and finding a vendor who currently uses Girl Scout/Ameri-

can Legion logos.

Junior Shooting Sports Committee

All persons interested in attending a coach’s clinic should notify their district chairman by Department Convention to determine whether there is sufficient interest to plan a clinic. The Department Air Rifle Tournament will be held in November, date to be determined. There were no motions made.

Knightstown

Home Committee

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Tony Riley presented the finance report which was

In compliance with the Constitution of the Department of Indiana, The American Legion and the action of the Department Executive Committee, the 88th Annual Convention of The American Legion Department of Indiana, will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana July 7-9, 2006.

PURPOSE

The Convention is called for the purpose of:

1. Electing Department Officers for the ensuing year.

2. Amending the Department Constitution & ByLaws, if necessary.

3. Transacting of such other business as may be brought before the Convention.

NOTE: District Commanders

for 2006-2007 and Delegates to the 2006 National Convention must be elected by the duly accredited Department Convention Delegates at least 15 days prior to the Department Convention.

**THIS DATE IS JUNE 22, 2006 **

REPRESENTATION

Representation at the Department convention shall be by Post. In explanation of the number of delegates: Each Post shall be entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for the first 15 members; two (2) delegates and two (2) alternates for 51 members; three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for 151 members; four (4) delegates and four (4) alternates for 251 members; and one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional

100 members, whose Department and National dues have been paid as shown on the books of the Department adjutant by 2:00 PM on JUNE 7, 2006. Each Post shall have as many votes as it is entitled delegates. The votes shall be equal to the number of delegates who are properly certified to the Department adjutant. Such certification must be received in Department headquarters by 4:30 PM, JUNE 7, 2006. A Post to be recognized as a Post shall have 15 members whose dues have been paid to Department Headquarters.

STEPHEN W. SHORT Department Adjutant

RONALD D. MARTIN Department Commander

by The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

Member: National American Legion Press Association and Hoosier American Legion Press Association. Advertising Sales Representative: The Herald-Times, Bloomington (800) 422-0070.

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

Volume Z, Number 11 March/April 2006

Circulation 125,000

Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

often all one hears is the negative, yet there is progress and we should be proud of the men and women of our VA. The department is streamlining its information technology system, now a patchwork quilt of old and new. Increased efficiency will lower costs and enable doctors and nurses to give veterans better care.

You may have seen our work in Congress to prevent hateful demonstrators from disrupting the sanctity of military funerals. Our legislation is constitutionally sound and offers proportional punishments to offenders. We hope to have it on President Bush’s desk by Memorial Day.

I welcome your comments. Please email us at veteransviews@mail.house. gov. You increase accountability by getting everyone involved, and you get a better product. That’s what veterans deserve, and that’s what we’re delivering.

approved as read.

The Emergency Fund report was distributed.

Mr. Wilkerson reported the following: many Spring Break activities were sponsored by the Legion and Auxiliary donations, seniors had a trip to Washington DC, and air rifle shooters from the home were Mid Western Regional Champions.

Oratorical Committee

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. The Zone 1 contest will be hosted by the 3rd District. The Zone 2 contest will be hosted by the 4th District.

The Zone 3 will be hosted by the 11th District, Post 3. The Zone 4 contest will be hosted by the 7th District, Post 18. No motions were made. Adjournment

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

PDC Quattrin: 1923-2006

Continued from page 1

and re-appointed by thenGovernor Frank O’Bannon. Quattrin retired from the Hammond Fire Department where he served for 39 years. His life experiences also include playing baseball with the former St. Louis Browns and the Baltimore Orioles.

A Memorial Resolution honoring Past Department Commander Quattrin was read into the Congressional Record of the 109th Congress by Rep. Viscloskey of Indiana’s First Congressional District.

Leland Baxter chairman

The Americanism Commission met at 4:15 PM Saturday, April 8, 2006, in Salon A of the Marriott Hotel during the Spring Conference.

Chairman Leland Baxter opened the meeting with a salute to the Colors. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Baxter, Vice Chairman, William Hicks; Committee Chairmen: Joseph Rivich, Baseball; Gary Stiles, Golf; Gary Steinhardt, National Security/Foreign Affairs; Martin Dzieglowicz, POW/MIA; and Larry Horvath, SAL.

Those absent included: Vice Chairman, Burt Tiemersma; Committee Chairman: Ed Gray, Bowling.

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.

Baseball Chairman Rivich encouraged all teams to submit an application from one of their players for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship from National.

He also announced these important dates: Sectional tournament, July 16-23; Regionals, July 28-30; and State Finals, August 4-6.

Indiana will have 60 teams, 48 senior and 12 junior, and announced sectional line-ups as approved at the executive meeting. There are five new teams in the program this year. All sectional and regional directors were announced.

Regional and state final pairings were drawn. June 14 is the deadline for all transfers and school combination changes. July 5 is the deadline to submit rosters, Form 1s, Form 2s, and insurance certificates.

Larry Pollock from Post 265 reported on the 2006 National Regional to be held in Evansville August 10-14. Ron McWilliams reported two bids received for the Junior State Tournament. Newburg, Post 44 was the high bid of $752.00 Bowling

A motion was made and passed to nominate the following for offices: Phil Deckard for Chairman, Ed Gray for Vice Chairman, Charles Myers for Secretary, Richard Spear for Assistant Secretary, Jack Lynn, Jerry Ward, Larry Horvath for Executive Section. The tournament will be reduced from 6 weeks to 5 weeks.

Golf

Three bids were submitted for the 2007 Tournament. They were from Brownsburg, Seymour and Garrett. After a vote Brownsburg was selected to host the tourney. The committee set June 23 and 24, 2006, at Brownsburg Post 331, for the tournament.

National Security/ Foreign Affairs

No motions were made. No funds requested. All representatives are encouraged to have a nomination for the Military Person of the Year. A resolution is needed to authorize the Indiana Guard Reserve Award.

POW/MIA

Chairman Dzueglowicz discussed the following items:

Four MIAs from Laos were identified from a crash from May 1971. A 1942 airman was identified from an AT-7 plane crash in the Sierra Nevada mountains, specifically the Darwin Glacier.

The state of New Jersey is naming a highway, The POW/ MIA Parkway. A county courthouse is getting a remembrance table donated by a veteran complete with table setting, glass, flower, lemon, salt, and an American flag.

Randy Gwynn stated the Legion riders will have a run in South Bend to raise money for fallen police, firefighters and in remembrance of POW/ MIAs on May 21, 2006. Randy also said the Kokomo Chrysler Plant was finally flying the POW/MIA flag correctly.

Chairman Dzieglowicz stated that a burial for a Civil War veteran who was a POW/ MIA will take place April 21, 2006, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Hammond. The 113th Engr. Battalion will do military honors with State Senator Frank Marvin presenting the American Flag. Chairman Dzieglowicz will present the POW/MIA flag to the Seyler family.

Ron Kizer had a successful POW/MIA ceremony in Avila. The ceremony is held the first Tuesday of April every year. Names of all POW/MIAs from Indiana during the Vietnam War were read and candles were lit. The event was well attended.

Chairman Dzieglowicz commented on the remains of WWII Cpl. Robert E. Raney from Monon, which were repatriated from New Guinea after 58 years. The wreckage of his plane was recovered four years ago and now is finally identified.

Motions made and duly passed for the Department to provide POW/MIA decals to state convention attendee packets. Clyde Kerr spoke of a military memorial in Beech Grove. A new stone for those killed in the Iraq War was dedicated on November 11. Corey DePauw’s name was inscribed on the stone.

Sons of The American Legion

The following resolutions concerning officers were made a matter of record:

• Charles K. Brislen, Squadron 252, Southern Vice Commander

• Kirk Rewerts, Squadron 72, Southern Vice Commander

• Gary Gregory, Squadron 409, Northern Vice Commander

• Jake Weber, Squadron 66, Northern Vice Commander

• J. P. Wythe, Squadron 261, Sergeant-At-Arms

The Community Service Committee will be renamed the Norm Hubler Community Service Committee. Mark Tansel was appointed as Detachment Judge Advocate to replace Norm Hubler for the remainder of the year.

Adjournment

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

cHiLDren & YOUTH

ralph Tolan chairman

The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:00 pm Saturday, April 8, 2006 in Salon C at the Marriott Hotel during the Spring Conference.

Chairman Ralph Tolan opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Ralph Tolan, Vice Chairmen Rodney Strong and Alfonso Pulido; Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government Robert Bach, American Legion Family

tional Liaison Representative Ron Lowe and Committee Chairmen for Girl Scouts, Gail Galich.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee

Darrell Hansel introduced leading candidate Paul Morin and NEC Thomas Henderson. Previous minutes were read and approved. Eugene Tsareff reported the American Legion Riders have their own legacy scholarship but they may help with a run to benefit The American Legion Family Scholarship.

Susan Wier gave a presentation on using Charitable Gift Annuities as a fundraiser. A motion was made and seconded to present this detailed plan to the Department Finance Committee and the Department Executive Committee at the State Convention. The selection committee this year has five members: Dennis Pettit, Clyde Colgrove, Eugene Tsareff, Darrell Hansel, and Charlie Wier. Judging has started and will conclude on Sunday at noon of the Spring Conference.

Americanism & Government Committee

A guest from the 4th District held a discussion about the omission of a 4th district winner from the state selections. A motion was made to table discussions of a partnership with the President Benjamin Harrison Home on North Delaware Street in Indianapolis until the Committee Chairman has had a chance to speak with the Education Director from the Home. Discussions will be held at the State Convention.

Boy Scouts Committee Minutes were read and approved. A motion was made and passed to change Eagle Scout of the Year awards from bonds to checks in the amount of $500 for the state winner and $100 for the remaining district winners. A second motion was made and passed to take $250 out of the pen sale profits for the state winner check. Discussions were held regarding new proj-

ects for fund raising.

Boys State Enrollment Committee

Previous meeting minutes were read and approved. The following topics were discussed: rate of application turn in, lack of communication between posts and high schools, and district orientation meeting dates. Schools will be referred to the district chairman if problems arise at the post level. Orientation meeting dates will be posted on the website. If any date changes need to be made, Susan Long should be contacted. Director Jackson reported May 1, 2006, should be considered as the cut off date for applications to be mailed to department. Special arrangements for late applications must be coordinated through Susan Long. Chairmen were provided a list of all delegates and alternates received at department as of 4/6/06. The list can be emailed by contacting the Americanism Coordinator. District chairmen will advise the department office of whether delegate and alternate packets are to be mailed to chairman or directly to the students.

Children & Youth Committee

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Kits were distributed to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. NEC Thomas Henderson introduced the leading candidate for National Commander, who addressed the committee.

Flag Education/ Etiquette Committee

A motion to have a statewide raffle for a glass eagle table as a fund raiser was made and passed. Jerry Gardner will provide an eagle glass table at his cost. Another motion to investigate and solicit corporate sponsors was made and passed. Eleven girl and ten boy entries were judged. The winners are Joshua Bottos of St. Edward School in Lowell sponsored by Post 101, District 1, and Jacinta Mock of St.

reHaBiLiTaTiOn

robert newman chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2006, in Salon E of the Marriott Hotel during the Spring Conference.

Chairman Robert Newman opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Robert Newman; Vice Chairman, Rick Hudson; Commander’s Representative, William Clark; Committee Chairmen: George Brattain, General Hospital; Jerry Stoner, Homeless Veterans, Gary Danekas, Indiana Veterans Home; Cecil Brummett, Nursing Home; Veterans Assistance, David Heath.

Those absent included Vice Chairman David A. Bryant; National Liaison Representative Ted Stenger; Secretary, Walter Bode; Committee Chairman James Piepenbrok, Employment.

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

Employment Committee

Great Lakes Employment Council is in question. Ed Healy will contact Ray Pyron to get the status of this council.

Newman said we need to buy American made products. Also, environmental issues have caused this departure of jobs to overseas locations.

General Hospital

The Outstanding VA Clinic certificates are being printed and will be ready in September.

A motion was made and passed to accept a resolution concerning diversion of excess volunteer funding to the Indianapolis VA Medical Center rather than depositing such funds into the General Fund at the end of the Fiscal Year.

Several of the Non-VA Hospital Chairmen & VA Hospital Chairmen, VA Outpatient Center Chairmen & Vet Center Chairmen reported on their activities and items that they have been presenting to the veterans.

Homeless Veterans

Roger Baker is going to take care of having homeless veteran officer added to the Post Certification form.

inTernaL aFFairs

James Delaney chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met on April 8, 2006, Spring Conference at the Marriott Hotel East.

Chairman James Delaney opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman James Delaney; Vice Chairman Mary York; National Liaison Representative Lowell Sullivan; American Legion Riders Dawg Jones represented by Bill Menzel; Community Involvement Eric Baggett; Firefighter/Law Officer/EMT Wilfred Kocher; Legislative Bill Jackson; Membership Dick Jewell; New Post Development/Revitalization Chuck Mason; Public Relations Jeff Carroll. Those absent included Vice Chairman Walter Krohn; Convention Contests James May; Religious Emphasis Norris Keirn. Four guests were present.

American Legion Riders Old Business: Plan finalized for the State Party. Location will be at the Days Inn, Marion. Prices range from $69.99 to $89.99 (suite). American Legion Resolution is still in the works but should be ready by Convention.

New Chapters: Currently there are twenty one chapters. Soon there will be twenty five which includes Posts 103 and 258. National Commander’s Rally: It is still in the works with more information to follow; Post 64 may host the rally.

Community Involvement

Old Business: Scrapbooks were late. All District Chairman have been given until April 29, 2006, unless any new scrapbooks are turned in. Two have been received and will stand as winners. Motion was made and passed to extend the deadline for the scrapbooks until April 29, 2006. No requests made for Department funds.

Convention Contests Motions made: Fred Holder made motion, seconded by Larry McDaniels, passed with reference to the State entry form needing to be present before Close of Books in June. The forms need to be sent to all the Posts in order to know how many teams will participate.

Corrections to the minutes from the Spring Conferences include: 7th District Chairman Dean Leshinski conducted the Mid-Winter conference. Upcoming Events: Pre-competition meeting will be held on Friday, July 7, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. in the Banquet room. No motions made to request for Department funds.

Firefighter/Law

And Order/EMT

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Final turn in will be at Close of Books, June 11, 2006.

Old Business: A report of the Firefighter/Law Officer/ EMT was taken from the Districts.

New Business: Dave Ritenour brought up the discussion concerning EMT and EMS applications and decided to discuss any changes after the Convention in July, and that EMS would be more appropriate. Funds requested: none.

Legislative The minutes from MidWinter conference were read and approved.

Veteran’s Organization.

Membership Chairman Dick Jewell expressed his concerns about Membership in these closing days, and the gravity of the situation. A more hands-on approach is needed. Do not depend completely on the letter.

Executive Section: Robbie Robinson spoke about awards. Monetary incentive was discussed as a tool to increase membership. Two motions were made, seconded and passed: to have marketing type training at the 2007 Mid-Winter conference, and a motion directing Department Staff to revisit the possibility of a DVD renewal program which was previously authorized by the Finance Committee.

New Post Development/ Revitalization

Motions Made: motion was made to accept the minutes from the Mid-Winter conference were read and accepted. Motion for Department Funds: none. 1st District: Ralph Perez reported that the 1st District sent out 165 letters to veterans from Lake County who received a reduction in their property taxes related to their military service.

10th District: Homer Loudermilk reported that Muncie Post 299 is meeting at a local Fraternal Order of Police hall and they are doing well. The 10th District will continue to assist Muncie Post 299.

Internal affairs Chairman Jim Delaney was acknowledged by the committee. Southern Vice-Commander, Robbie Robinson furnished Chairman Mason with information that may lead to a new post in the town of Bright, which would be in the 9th District. The committee will report on this in the future.

Public Relations

The Minutes from MidWinter conference were read and approved.

Old Business: None. New Business: Leadership presentation for Youth by Hugh O’Brian, Youth Leadership. Kristi Beyer and Holly Mark are Girls State alumni. Leading candidate for National Commander, Paul Morin, visited the meeting. Discussions are on the way to get Public Relations done. A request has been made to help judge the Public Relations award for Convention. No motions were made and no funds requested.

Religious Emphasis Minutes from the MidWinter conference were read and approved.

Opening prayer was given by Stanley Nalewski. Discussion opened about the Chapel of Four Chaplains Service. New Business: Can Washington’s and Franklin’s birthdays be combined into one service and still get credit for Post standing? A motion was made by Stan Nalewski and seconded by Jim Labor and passed combining the birthdays.

Scholarship Charlie Wier, Boy Scouts Stan Gatewood, Boys State Enrollment Jack Cook, Children & Youth Bob Ripley, Flag Education/Etiquette Ronald Taylor, Girl Scouts Gail Galich was represented by Joe Komenda, Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, Knightstown Home Larry Lowry, and Oratorical & School Awards David Morrow.

Those absent included Na-

It was suggested that we check with returning veterans on getting their jobs back. Employers are required by law to do this.

Employment Awards will be given out at the state convention in July. Try to be in attendance for this. Bob Newman, Rehabilitation Commission Chairman thanked members.

Why, with unemployment being so low, are companies leaving the country? Bob

John Hickey spoke on the Department’s Homeless Veterans Program. Discussion about the motion to ask each Post for $100 (divided in thirds from the Aux, and Legion and the SAL) to help the homeless veteran committee with expenses, Chairman Stoner contacted Steve Short, and Steve advised it was sent on to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

Chairman Stoner attended a meeting at Stepping Stones on January 18 with a representative from Senator Bayhs’ office. Also in attendance

A motion was made by Vice Chairman Danny Rice, seconded by 7th District Chairman Larry Dent, and passed to recommend the following individuals for the 2006 distinguished Public Service Award: Senator Brent Steele, Senator Mike Delph, and Representative Troy Woodruff. Paul Morin, the leading candidate for the National Commander, came to the meeting and gave remarks regarding his concern with the Chairman of The House Veteran Affairs Committee, Steve Buyer, and restricting testimony for the

On the awards form, instead of listing two separate President’s Services, list one President’s Day Service, and list Award Representatives as follows: 1) Department Commander 2) Department Assistant Adjutant 3) Department Chaplin.

Motion was made by Jim Monroe and seconded by Walt Krohn and was passed with reference to thirty minutes for chaplains service and to petition DEC for a room to hold Four Chaplains Service at the 2007 Mid-Winter conference.

Good of The Legion: John Balzo gave a report on the Chapel of The Four Chaplains Service that was held by the 1st District.

Adjournment

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

Greetings from a shocked and grieving First District.

The sudden and unexpected passing of Richard R. “Dick” Quattrin on February 26, 2006, while on Legion business in Washington D.C. has left me speechless.

The members of Whiting Post 80, the members of the First District and the members of the Quattrin family thank all Legionnaires for the overwhelming outpouring of condolences and words of sympathy.

Dick was the consummate Legionnaire. With the permission of the Quattrin Family, I will use the eulogy compiled by the five Quattrin daughters and given by daughter Ruth at the funeral mass:

“When we think of our dad, a hymn comes to mind: ‘On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand, All other ground is sinking sand.’

“Like a rock, that sums up our dad, someone you could depend on. He was a Christian, a husband, a leader, a coach, a mentor, a Legionnaire, a do-er, an athlete. He wore so many hats-but there was one common thread that tied them all together: his sense of commitment.

“ ‘Commitment’…a word we don’t hear so much anymore. In our fast paced/high tech society, with so many choices, people don’t seem to commit to anything anymore. Our dad took that word very seriously and he taught by example. He was committed to his church, as a boy growing up and as an adult. He may not have always agreed with everything, but he stood firm in his belief, his commitment to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.

“Our dad was committed to his wife Dorothy. He was a faithful husband who kept true to his marriage vows through thick and thin. Did my mom and dad always agree about everything? No, but through love…and humor … our dad and mom had a strong marriage commitment for 50 years.

“His girls…Our dad was a committed father. When we were little he may not have been around as much as we would have liked, but then he was working multiple jobs. We always had nice things even if we couldn’t afford them. What really mattered, though, was that if ever we needed our dad, he would be there. He was a committed father, like

a rock, someone we could always depend on.

“A committed employee… serving the city of Hammond for 39 years as a fire fighter, a captain and head of the pension fund. You could always count on my dad to ‘put out fires.’

“A committed soldier in the Korean War and then a servant to The American Legion. I’m sure we don’t have time today to go through all his accomplishments. What is important is that our dad had a passion. A passion to serve fellow veterans and youth through programs in The American Legion

“Which brings me to the next area of his life which held so much importance, his commitment to the youth of our community. Not only was our dad a coach, but a mentor and example to hundreds of boys who went through The American Legion baseball program.

“As stated by the Robertsdale little league program in an on-line condolence, ‘Words cannot express the great impact Dick made on the community. His unselfish attitude and warm character brought smiles to every person who had the pleasure to meet him -- and his dedication to the youth of this Whiting/Robertsdale area will be sorely missed. Take comfort in knowing that his outlook on life will be carried on in each and every child he coached. He not only taught the game of baseball, he taught life lessons that we’re sure all of his players carry with them today’.

“To us this pretty much sums up our dad. But just one last thing. His laugh, don’t ever forget that contagious laugh.

We know how much our dad will be missed, by so many people. But what we also know is that we can all honor his memory. If each one of us leave here today and can give back even one tenth of what he gave of himself, if we mentored a child, or helped out our churches, or even pass on that ‘contagious smile’ to someone who is down, I know the world will be just a little better off.”

Dick will be greatly missed but never ever forgotten.

Farewell to our Friend, Legionnaire Extraordinaire and Comrade.

My Buddy—Your Buddy Misses You.

“Keep your power dry!”

National Oratorical Contest is the weekend of April 22-23 at IUPUI Conference Center Hotel, 850 W. Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Please find time to support these fine students with your presence.

The U.S. Army Reserve 113th Engineers Battalion arrived at the Armory in Valparaiso just before Christmas, after serving a one-year tour of duty in Iraq. There have been several parties and special recognition of those that served our country. I have attended one at Valparaiso Post 94 and one at the Town of La

Your Post Adjutant should have this information and if you go to the District Meetings, we go over these.

In closing, I want to thank the Green Machine and the Post officers for their hard work with membership and our Legion programs. I thank all of you who are participating in one or more of our Legion programs, especially our Children and Youth programs.

If you have access to the internet, please visit the website, http://www.indlegion.org/.

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

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Jim Daube commander

Greetings from the Third District.

As we near the end of this year, the numbers speak for themselves. Department is over six thousand cards behind where we were last year at this time.

Let me re-iterate on the wishes of the Department Membership Team. DO NOT let a pre-printed non-renewed card go back to Department at close of books without a personal contact -- either a phone call or a knock on the door. The life of the American Legion depends on this.

Every member of each Post should have access to the list of non-renewed members. Pick one from the list and contact him. Who knows, he may be a close friend, a neighbor or even a relative. But at least make an effort to find out why he hasn’t renewed his membership. Who knows what you might find out? He may be ill or in some kind of distress but at least try to find the reason and help if possible.

With the Birthday past the next event is Memorial Day. Participate if you can in the programs in your local community and help us all honor and remember those comrades who have gone to serve the Supreme Commander. Let us also not forget to keep those who are now serving in harms way in your thoughts and prayers.

Commander Daube was the guest speaker at New Carlisle Post 297 Birthday Dinner and Department Commander Ron Martin was the guest speaker at Kingsford Heights 434’s Birthday Dinner. Distinguished Legion guests present were Northern Vice Commanders Ed Trice and Mike Miller, Third District Commander Jim Daube and LaPorte County Vice Commander Bob Claypool.

and Community.

Laporte Post 83 hosted a Veterans Helping Veterans open house attended by approximately 80-90 veterans. Department Service Officer John Hickey with other national, state, and local representatives helped assist veterans seeking VA help.

Middlebury Post 210 made donations to Northridge High School National Society for Leukemia and Lymphoma research, Northridge Academic and Awards Program, Middlebury Police Dept for the purchase of a defibrillator, a new flag pole for West Park, Child Abuse Protection Services, and Middlebury Junior Miss Scholarship program.

Members of Bendix Aviation Squadron 284 donated $1000 each to Knightstown, Indiana Veterans Home, and Riley’s Hospital.

Laporte 83 donated to Knightstown Home and the Indiana Veterans Home.

Mishawaka 161 Auxiliary had a Baby Shower for Hannah’s House in Mishawaka.

Members brought in baby items and also items for the mothers to be presented at the house. This is a home for unwed mothers and helps them establish themselves after the baby is born by teaching them about checking accounts, job interviewing along with learning how to care for an infant.

Post 161 held it’s annual Casino Night in April. Money made is being put towards Boys State applicants and American Legion Baseball.

believe all that has occurred in the Fourth District over the last couple of months. I will try to catch you up on some of the happenings.

On a really sad note, the Fourth District has lost three Past District Commanders since I last wrote to you. Our sympathy goes out to the families and friends of Gene Peters, 1962-1963; Bob Carteaux, 1988-1989; and James Bortner, 1990-1991. They will be missed by all of us.

Lindsay Flegge, our Oratorical candidate, advanced through the Zone competition at Marion. Although she didn’t win the Department competition, she did an excellent job and made us all proud.

The Lincoln Day Pilgrimage weekend was an event that I won’t soon forget. I would urge anyone who has the chance to take this trip.

The District Bowling Tournament was another success.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to Bowling Chairman Mark Elliot for a fine job.

The Reverse Countdown party was another great day.

for hosting this event.

March was filled with Legion Birthday parties and I need to again thank all the Posts that issued invitations to Becky and me to share in their celebrations. I am sorry that I could not be in two or three places at once and attend all of them.

Hamilton Post 467 became the newest member of the Fourth District March 26. A very nice and well-attended charter presentation program was held at the Hamilton School cafeteria. Past District Commander Walter Krohn was instrumental in getting this Post chartered. Thanks, Walt.

You know the Legion year is drawing to a close when you go to a Post visitation and officer and delegate nominations are on the agenda. Be sure to get those Post Officer and Post Delegate Certifications filled out and sent into Department right after your elections.

In closing, let’s be sure to remember and keep in our thoughts and prayers all of our servicemen and women around the world.

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Dug Fugitt commander

James D. Fulks III Public Relations Officer

Greetings to all Hoosier Legionnaires from The Mighty 5TH District.

Commander Fugitt sends his thanks for those out there who are working to get in the membership stragglers that are always an issue this time of the membership year. We are always trying to get in those last minute dues at this critical time of the year, and this task never seems to get any easier for any of us.

away. From The Halls of Montezuma....the old battle hymn ‘doth say, all those memories are reflected, in the tears this Mother weeps today.

And to those of us who’s charged, to keep alight the freedom fires, also lies the burden, of remembrance that never tires.

Yes a soldier’s soul has passed, on to an eternal reward, those gathered round his Mother, also mourn the loss we can be assured.

Greetings from the Second District.

I thank everyone for their hard work in membership and participation at the Spring Conference. We remain either in 1st or 2nd place in membership. Congratulations to the following Posts for meeting their goal of 100 percent at the Spring Conference: Post 431 Silver Lake, Post 415 Galveston, Post 226 Milford, Post 38 West Lafayette, Post 146 Morocco, Post 440 Demotte, Post 294 Wolcott, Post 301 Kouts, Post 364 Brook, and Post 406 Wheatfield.

I encourage all Posts not to stop work at membership. There is a bad habit of making 100 percent or 100 percent plus one and quitting. It makes no sense to not achieve as many members in your Post as possible. The 10 Posts at goal represent only only 20 percent of our Posts in the District. We have a lot of work to do.

We must make a last surge at obtaining membership. It

has been our finding at those Posts that are utilizing 777 to be successful. Example of two of our Posts is a 90 percent success rate at Post 36 Rochester and a 60 percent success rate at Post 440 Demotte. It works! Our membership team will be contacting the Posts with the 777s per their zip code and additional material to hand out. It’s time to turn this around and I have the faith in not only our membership team but also those at Post level. If you have not made the contacts, it’s time to make phone calls and preferably knock on doors. If you need help, do not hesitate in contacting our Membership Chairman, Bruce Steffen or me.

The Department Oratorical Contest just concluded and the State Champion is Mary Nolen sponsored by Post 102 of the 10th District. Congratulations to Tony Pawlicki of Wawasee High School for winning the District and Zone

Debbie Johnson represented Congressman Chris Chocola and read a proclamation from the Congressman. Letters of congratulations from Senator Lugar and National Commander Thomas Bock were also read. Charter members Clayton Cripe and Don McGhee were introduced.

Osceola Post 308’s annual Easter Egg hunt provided fun for over 75 youngsters from the Legion Family

The New Carlisle News has begun collecting area veteran’s statistics fro an upcoming issue later this year. Not only to honor all veterans from WWII to the current conflict but to have Historic New Carlisle, Inc. have a current record for their archives. If you a resident or were once a resident of New Carlisle, Hudson Lake, Mill Creek or Rolling Prairie, please send, call, or e-mail the following information for yourself or member(s) of your family: Name, Rank, Branch of Service, War, Conflict, Campaign or era, Years served, Date (if Deceased), resident or former resident of (list town)

For God and Country, God Bless a Grateful Nation.

Jim Daube

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allen connelly commander

Greetings from the Fabulous Fourth District! We have just returned home from Spring Conference as I write this letter. All in all, another great job by Department officers and staff.

Marion County’s new antismoking legislation resulted in much less of a problem

than most of us had anticipated.

Spring Conference turnin found the Fourth District in third place in membership. This third place finish is due to the diligence of a lot of fourth district officers and blue caps at the Post level. Thanks to all of you for your

With the rapid approach of Mother’s Day, I feel compelled to point out the following fact. This year will be the most productive year in almost 40 years for the addition of Mothers to a very special high place of honor, that I’m sure none who are now there want to be. To those of you out there who have passed out the ubiquitous Blue Star Banners I think you know where I’m going with this.

Around this Mighty 5th District they have been called to this high place of honor. First from Bunker Hill and then on to Peru, Kokomo, Wabash, Anderson, Elwood and here very recently Fairmont, these Mothers have been pressed into this unique distinction.

As I’m sure you are now aware, I’m getting at the dreadful day that the star on the banner is no longer blue. Some day sooner or later, when Mothers send sons and daughters off to war the star for some will turn gold. It is a terrible and tragic day, and a day that has came and passed for more Mothers in our great nation this year than in any year since Vietnam -- almost 40 years.

To honor their sacrifice please allow me to include this poem which recently came to me; and in writing, I now dedicate it to all Mothers who have lost a son or daughter to war.

It is titled Gold Star Mothers:

When a Blue Star turns to Gold, A heartbroken Mother is left to grieve, the memory of a young soldier, who for freedom’s sake, his home did leave.

But he did not die in vain, this honored soul we mourn today, for our reverence of his memory, shall never fade

So now the blue star on the banner, has turned a precious metal hue, and thus the banner in the window, there for all the world to view.

Bears testimony to, the sacrifice so freely given, as the prayers of the Mother, are drawn up into heaven. The last full measure of devotion, has been given here today, as we gather to honor and remember, each and every one in our own private way.

So as the breeze carries aloft, the last mournful bugle tone, let your spirit also rise, for this soldier has gone home.

To a place where the very streets, are paved a precious metal hue, not unlike that star now hanging, in the window in plain view.

Yes a Mother mourns today, her star no longer blue, for she has joined the ranks, of a select and precious few.

OH, Those wondrous Gold Star Mother’s, on through tears and grief they toil, for their son’s and daughter’s blood, spilled on distant foreign soil.

So now with all things considered, I am confident to say, What we honor at this time, shall never fade away.

For as long as there is a Mother, who sends a son or daughter off to war, There will always be Gold Star Mothers, scattered round both near and far.

So as Old Glory flies, at half-staff yet still unfurled, The hand that rocks the cradle, very truly ‘doth rule the world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, and especially to you out there who have paid this terrible price.

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richard seto commander

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Fred Langley commander

NFL Icon, Patriot, Legionnaire

A Conversation With Indianapolis Colts Offensive Coordinator, Tom Moore

Department Adjutant

Earlier this spring, I had the great opportunity to sit down with legendary Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore. I had known that Coach Moore was a veteran of the U.S. Army but did not know he was a member of The American Legion Department of Indiana until I had a conversation with National Finance Director Paul Allen. Tom Moore had been brought in as an American Legion member of Avon Post 145. With Paul’s help as well as fellow Avon Legionnaire Steve Farmer, Coach Moore agreed to meet with me to talk about his military experiences.

I was not disappointed. As a former high school and college football coach, I saw this as a great opportunity to meet a gentleman I had admired for years. Meeting Coach Moore with me was Past Department Commander Jim Koutz and we had an outstanding time cussing and discussing Coach Moore’s experience in the service.

Originally from Minnesota, Tom Moore played quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the late 1950s. In addition to his athletic and academic duties at Iowa, Tom was enrolled in the university’s ROTC program. Tom’s older brother had served in the U.S. Army in World War II and fought in the “Battle of the Bulge.” Coach Moore’s father, who had been too old to serve during World War I, strongly believed in everyone’s duty to serve their country, so when Tom’s graduation date drew near, there

be accepting a reserve commission in the United States Army.

Interestingly, as his army reporting date drew near, Tom was working as a graduate assistant coach at Iowa. The final game of the year for Iowa was at the University Of Notre Dame in South Bend. Tom drove himself to the game then on to Fort Benning, GA, to report for his Infantry Basic Officers Course.

Upon graduation from IBOC, 2nd Lieutenant Tom Moore received orders for Korea, not knowing for sure just where he would end up.

It wasn’t too long after arriving Kimpo Airfield near Seoul that he discovered he was being assigned as an infantry platoon leader assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division north of the Imjin River. Anyone with knowledge of South Korean geography knows that Coach Moore’s assignment put him squarely in front of North Korean guns on the DMZ. His basic operational order was that he and his men were to stop or slow a North Korean advance for at least 14 minutes so that the Air Force could bring their forces into play. In other words (my words), his command was a “speed bump” for a North Korean invasion, an invasion that has always been a real possibility.

As luck would have it, the leadership of the 1st CAV had another fortunate operational order for LT Moore. The division’s head football coach had just rotated out of country headed back to another assignment. The 1st CAV di-

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mike Brinson commander

By Dave Rook District Public Relations Officer

Greetings from the FIGHTING SEVENTH.

Congratulations to the following 7th District Posts that have reached 100 percent or more in membership: Owensville Post 51, 115.217 percent; Worthington Post 106,104.082 percent; Hymera Post 298, 101.316 percent; Mooresville Post 103, 100.714 percent; Odon Post 233, and Somerville Post 462, both 100 percent. Close behind is Dugger 224 with 97.321 percent.

Thank you to all who turned in membership at the Spring Conference.

I want to thank Post 22’s Jerry Ward for donating a washer and dryer for our boy’s cottage at Knightstown Home and to Steve Nance for helping the Commander get them delivered. They will also be taking a donated refrigerator to Knightstown soon.

Post 18’s Auxiliary held their annual chili cook-off re-

cently and it was a HOT success. Larry Butcher came in 1st place in the “hottest” category and Bob Holland came in 2nd.

In the “medium” category, the winner was Allen “Chef” Pepe. Maxine Davis won the “mildest” category and Post 18 Commander Jerry Prevatt came in second.

Spencer Post 285 helped with financial support for Owen Valley HS AF Junior ROTC Cadet Billy Lynch who was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. recently. Another example of Post’s in action supporting our youth.

I want to remind everyone that our Post Everlasting ceremony will be held at our May 6 meeting at Sullivan Post 139.

Post Everlasting will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by our regular District meeting.

Keep working hard on your membership, but have fun while you are doing it.

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Tom Jester commander

Ron Taylor District Public Relations Officer

Greetings from the 9th District.

We are proud of our Membership Chairmen Randy Beeler and Al Kerner for their hard work and dedication to get the 9th District into 1st place in the Department Membership. They along with Commander Thom Jester have made a ton of calls and met a lot of veterans, traveled a lot of miles to earn this honor.

But the real work and thanks goes to the blue hatters in each and every Post who find and sign these members

vision commander soon discovered that one of his new officers had played quarterback in the Big Ten and had coaching experience. Young LT Moore’s new assignment still included frontal attacks, flanking movements, aerial attacks and multiple defensive schemes, but the field of battle was to be much smaller and his enemy would be representatives of the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Division, 8th U.S. Army, I Corps, Air Force folks from Kadena AFB, Japan and the U.S. Marines from Okinawa. Tom Moore had his first head coaching job and it was several thousand miles from the United States.

As a former college football recruiter, I developed many solid techniques when entering the home or school of a top prospect. Normally, in recruiting a young man to play football at one’s college, selling the young man is not nearly as important as selling the school and the program to “mom.” Win the confidence of the family, be honest and shoot straight with the youngster and stress the qual-

will receive at the college and a good recruiter will prosper.

Recruiting football players in South Korea required a completely new dynamic and method to be developed by Coach Moore. None of his prospects had brought their parents with them as they floated into Inchon harbor on their way to their military assignment. Most of them had at least preliminary orders assigning them to a particular unit. Once they arrived, the majority of them had to board the train from Inchon to Seoul to report in. That is where Coach Moore’s recruiting practices came into play.

On the train ride to Seoul, Tom would roam from train car to train car passing out questionnaires to the troops who had experience playing football, either in high school, college or in the service. By the time the train pulled into the station, 1st Lieutenant Moore had a pretty good list of prospects, and he would immediately phone the 1st Cavalry Division commander with that list identifying soldiers who would need to have their “orders” altered to report not to their original unit of assignment, but to 1ST CAV.

During the year that Coach Moore directed the 1st Cavalry’s football team, they compiled a very good record and defeated Kadena AFB at the end of the season in the “Sukiyaki Bowl.” Coach Moore’s destiny was becoming more and more apparent.

The direction of Coach Moore’s life as he served the U.S. Army in South Korea

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Jerry Jordon commander

Vonda Garringer Membership Chairperson And Public Relations Officer

From Commander Jordon: Greetings from the Terrific Tenth. The editor of this fine publication has informed me that this is my last opportunity to address the members of my district. To put my feelings on paper is really difficult, but here goes.

A fellow Legionnaire, who has served in many capacities of the American Legion, told me that this year would be my most rewarding. He stated that no matter what I had done in the past and no matter what I might do in the future, nothing would compare to my year as District Commander. I believe this to be a true statement.

When I think back to the day in July when I was sworn in with the rest of the Department Officers, I knew that membership this year would be a challenge. I think our Department Membership Chairman gave us some realistic goals and even today I still hope that those goals might be met. I thank our Department Membership Chairman for the hard work that he has put in this year and he is to be commended for his dedication to the office.

not more important twist. While stationed in Korea, Tom Moore met a young woman from North Carolina who was working as a Department of the Army civilian. The former Emily Dickerson met and captured young Lieutenant Moore’s heart while in South Korea and that solid partnership has resulted in forty-two years of marriage to Emily. Of all the things we discussed that afternoon, it was apparent from the expression on Coach Moore’s face that this accomplishment is one of which he is most proud.

After a year of overseas duty in South Korea, Lieutenant Moore shipped back to the states, but football was still in the cards. Tom was assigned to duties at Fort Benning, GA, that included an assistant coach’s job with the football team at Fort Benning. The football gods continued to shine down on the efforts of Coach Tom Moore at Fort Benning. From 1960 through 1964, the national inter-service football championship was settled in Orlando, FL, in an event known as the Missile Bowl. In 1964, the Fort Benning U.S. Army team assisted by Coach Tom Moore defeated the team from Fort Eustis 9 to 3. In an interesting footnote to college football history, the “Missile Bowl” played in Orlando in those years became what is now the annual “Citrus Bowl.”

As our interview wound down, talk of football diminished and discussion of the honor of serving one’s country increased. Tom spoke

Continued from column 4

who they are and I am very humbled that they have believed in my leadership and have always been there for me. A special thanks to them for their dedication to our cause.

our Department Officers. I was promised at the beginning of the year that all of our District Meetings would be attended by at least one Department Officer and I am proud to say that they have met and even exceeded that commitment. Even our drive-arounds were attended by Department officers and that helped a lot as we made those travels. I wanted to mention that their support has been appreciated.

I would like to thank my District Committee Chairmen for their dedication. I believe even this past weekend at Spring Conference there were a couple of committees that I did not have anyone to attend the meeting so I went to sit in on those meetings myself and was pleasantly surprised to find that others from the district were already there simply to learn more about that committee. I think that speaks highly of people involved in our District, that they are interested enough to spend their free time to attend meetings just to learn more about the American Legion.

Congratulations to Mary Nolan from Morristown on winning the Department Oratorical contest and best of luck to her in the Nationals.

taking his kids and later, his grandkids to places like Arlington National Cemetery.

As this giant of a man and a coach spoke of walking among the graves of Arlington, he became misty eyed as he talked of how he explained to his grandchildren that the men and women resting there were the real reason why they lived in a country with all of the blessings they enjoyed. He spoke with pride about his military service but humbly declined any credit even though he served in a war zone in one of the most heavily fortified areas in the world. He forcefully reminded us that the young men and women walking in harms way today in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots are the real heroes that he admires.

Like many veterans, Tom Moore becomes most frustrated with the antics of the press and their sometimes much skewed view of our country’s military and their accomplishments. And while he coaches some of the finest young athletes this country has to offer, his admiration of our young soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines tops the list of folks he respects.

Tom Moore is an outstanding coach in the National Football League. There are few more talented. But Tom Moore learned a lot about football, about love and about patriotism while wearing the uniform, not of a football player but of a U.S. soldier. The American Legion of Indiana is proud to count Tom Moore as one of its members.

for all of that work. I just wish everyone could get that fire for membership in their heart like I have blazing in mine.

Best of Luck goes to Vonda Garringer, my Membership Chairman who has been very dedicated to membership in the 10th District. I sincerely hope that the coming year will be as rewarding to her as mine has been to me.

Boy he sure is a tough act to follow; I know I will find that out more next year. I would like to thank Commander Jordon for giving me the opportunity to be the Membership Chairperson for this wonderful district. I have learned so much this year about many aspects of the Legion, and that wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for Jerry asking me to take on this task. Thanks again Jerry!

Membership, this has been a tough one. So many in the District have worked so very hard to get the District where it is. I know I will never be able to say enough THANK YOUs

I personally feel that we are a part of the most wonderful organization in the world, and so many of us don’t appreciate it. Yes it is nice after a long hard day to sit at the bar, have a drink and try to forget about everything that has gone on. And while I have shared in that felling several times, there are so many other things that happen because of the American Legion and American Legion programs. We have a positive effect on so many people outside that Legion, from kids who take the Flag Education & Etiquette test, the Americanism & Government test, and participate in the Oratorical contest to the men and women who participate in the Military Person of the Year, Law & Order, Firefighter, and EMTs of the Year, and Educator of the Year among others. We do make a difference. That is one thing that I really learned on our trip to Washington DC. I am just one per-

Continued on page 6

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Lyn Zehr commander

into the greatest and largest veterans’ organization in the world. We all know getting to number one is a challenge, but staying there is another challenge.

A large percentage of our Posts recognized the Legion Birthday with many having Department level speakers and all having a fine meal and a good crowd.

Mike Cheek, Commander of Post 231 in Aurora, reports his Post has done a lot of repair work to the roof and redone the plumbing. One of the most notable changes is a new awning with the “Post 231” that is visible from US

Continued on page 6

I believe that membership is the fuel that runs the American Legion and that being the case, the programs have to be the engine. I would like to encourage each post of the 10th District to go back and take a look at the programs of the American Legion and see where these might be of use to you and your community. We have wonderful opportunities such as Flag Education, Oratorical, Boys State, and things that we can do as Legionnaires that are of little or no cost to our posts. I would hope that we could encourage our youth by supporting their participation in programs such as these. I would like to thank our Department Commander and

Some of the highlights of my year would be Legion Day at the Home, the three conferences, the Lincoln Pilgrimage, certainly the trip to Washington, D.C., but most of all assisting in and being present at the presentation of the Purple Heart for the Marine veteran from Richmond. This man waited over 60 years to be awarded this medal and watching him receive this was most gratifying and a very special moment for me.

There are a few people who have traveled with me throughout the year and have been there for me when help was needed. Although I will not name them for fear of forgetting someone, they know

Continued in column 5

This year has been very special and memorable for me. I have been able to serve with a great group of officers and fellow Legionnaires, and was married. These events have brought joy as well as pride to my life.

Concerning the business of the 11th District, like most Districts in Indiana we are struggling with membership. We are currently at 82.69 percent on 7,101 cards turned in thus far. Every effort is being made to reach our goal of 100 percent by the Close of Books. Our membership team is working very hard to accomplish this.

My compliments are extended to Posts 153, 355, and 276 of our District for reaching 100 percent. I also compliment our 11th District SAL

Commander Bill Barnett for reaching 104 percent membership. I am confident the SAL membership will go even higher.

All in our District are looking forward to the new facility at Wayne Post 64. This is both exciting and great for our entire District. Good work, Guys and Gals! Also, I would be remiss in not mentioning the Civil War Program, Gala Ball, and display at Tilman H. Harpole Post 249, honoring Indiana 28th Regiment United States Colored Troops. This was both unique and educational.

In closing the 11th District has been busy, active, and highly visible. I assured the Dept Commander that we will continue to do such.

Tom Moore Veteran Coach

Representation Is Critical For Service Connection

During a firefight in Vietnam, a mortar round exploded, traumatically amputating Jim’s right leg just below the knee and wounding his neck and face. Private First Class Jim was immediately evacuated via helicopter “dust off,” stabilized at an aid station, and air transported to a US Army hospital in Japan.

Jim was eventually returned to the United States where he received further rehabilitative care at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. The Army fitted him with a prosthetic leg and assisted the healing of his physical wounds, then declared Jim incapable of performing the duties of his rank and issued his medical retirement with an assigned 40 percent disability rating.

Jim returned home. Soon after, he applied with the Department of Veterans Affairs for “service connection” of his combat wounds. VA granted “service connection” of the loss of a right leg and assigned a 40 percent disability rating.

Jim had not asked The American Legion to represent him with his VA claim, and therefore simply accepted the VA’s determination as appropriate. After all, VA assigned the same disability rating as had the military and VA also granted Jim entitlement to medical care and vocational rehabilitation training.

Approximately thirty years later after attending an American Legion Veterans benefit seminar, Jim learned that VA might also be able to compensate him for his disfiguring and often tender and painful neck and facial scars. Jim then visited the VA regional office and filed his claim. Approximately six months later, VA notified Jim that it denied his claim due to not finding record of face and neck wounds in Jim’s service medical records. Jim appealed without representation. After a lengthy appeals process taking more than three years, a Board of Veterans Appeals decision affirmed the VA regional office decision denying service connection of the face and neck scars.

So what happen? How could the government deny benefits for a medical condition caused by combat wounds? And, why did it take more than three years to get a final decision?

Jim’s first mistake was that he did not seek American Legion representation, and therefore did not understand what was necessary to win benefits. The Legion representative would have told him about the three elements necessary to win claims for service connection of a disability and how these elements must be met to at least a degree of equipoise (that is, at least an approximate balance of positive evidence when compared to any negative evidence).

The three elements for service connection are: (1) an event or occurrence in service, (2) a current diagnoses of a chronic medical condition, and (3) a medical link between the current medical condition and the event or occurrence in service. Once these elements are understood, the next step is to find evidence to support the claim.

Veterans must understand law does not allow VA to grant claims based upon true facts alone, unless those facts are supported with evidence.

Now with understanding

Continued from page 5

Highway 50. They also presented 60year pins to Robert F. Meyers, Bobby Lischkge, Robert J. Horton, and James I. Miller, and a 50-year pin to Charles R.

John Hickey Department Service Officer

this information, let’s use Jim’s claim as an example of how to set up and file the “perfect” claim for service connection.

As noted, Jim’s first step in filing the new claim should have been to find representation. While working with his representative, Jim would have been advised to file an informal claim to set the effective date of any grant of benefits and then work to find supporting evidence. Such evidence could consist of the following:

• A copy of the service medical records;

• A copy of the service personnel records including but not limited to records of military awards, medals and citations;

• Statements from fellow service members, family members or friends attesting to the fact of either seeing the event (neck and face wounds) happen in service, and/or observing Jim having neck and facial scars when he first return from Vietnam that were not present when Jim entered service;

• Finding pictures of the scars either taken during service or as soon following service discharge as possible;

• Providing pictures of the current scarring of the face and neck; and

• Providing a doctor’s statement noting that the type of scars found on the veteran’s neck are often the type found in trauma cases and are “as likely as not” (or better yet, likely) associated with the veteran’s history of sustaining shrapnel wounds years before while serving in Vietnam. The doctor should explain his opinion by noting that he has taken into consideration not only the present condition and appearance of the scars, but other evidence, such as a picture taken of the veteran’s

neck and face soon following the injury, and the fact that scars having imbedded metallic fragments are not commonly caused by non-combat injuries.

The veteran would then submit all this evidence to the VA regional office through his representative, with a cover letter giving as much detail as possible about how and when the neck and face wounds occurred.

VA would likely then be forced to grant service connection because all the elements of service connection would be present to at least a degree of equipoise. The veteran presenting military records noting he was a combat veteran and a picture showing a neck and face wound soon after its incurrence would meet the incident in service requirement. The medical statement referring to neck and facial scarring would make the diagnoses possible. Finally, the doctor’s statement notating that the type and nature of the wounds are consistent with shrapnel wounds would serve as the linking medical evidence.

Like the fictitious but typical PFC Jim, many veterans don’t understand all that they might be entitled or how to go about getting their benefits. In this example, Jim lost years of additional compensation benefits because he either did not know to seek representation or he thought (or maybe was even told) that he could get benefits without assistance of a service organization. Don’t let something like this happen to you. Contact either your local County Veterans Service Officer or The American Legion Service Office for help if you plan to file or reopen a VA disability benefits claim.

VA’s own studies have shown that veterans with service organization representation receive an average of $6,000 more per year in benefits than veterans without representation.

Veterans Services Builds Membership -- Membership Builds Veterans Services.

Million Dollar Club

Thirteen of Indiana’s County Veterans Service Officers were honored during the annual Spring Conference for having won more than $1 million each in benefits for veterans in their county last year. Those inducted into the “Veterans Services Million-Dollar Club,” including those depicted above, are George Jarboe, Allen County, $3.5 million; Jerry Sensing, Madison County, $2.7 million; Ernie Dillon, Lake County, $2.3 million; Larry Wilson, Grant County, $2.2 million; Randall Fairchild, Tippecanoe County, $1.8 million; Mark Acker, Vanderburgh County, $1.8 million; Shelby Shaffer, Clark County, $1.6 million; Gary Whitehead, Elkhart County, $1.4 million; W. Allen Polsgrove, Howard County, $1.3 million; Judy Devening, Bartholomew County, $1.1 million; Del Plonka, St. Joseph County, $1.1 million; Bruce Stanton, Huntington County, $1.1 million; and Jay Kendall, Miami County, $1.1 million

Legion Family Gifts Net Over $23,000 For Projects

Contributions of more than $8,000 made during the just concluded Spring Conference bring the total of gifts to the Commander’s Project to $33,865.

The $8,396 earmarked for the new handicap van at the Indiana Veterans Home was among more than $23,000 either contributed or generated by special fund-raising activities on behalf of Legion projects and activities. In addition, more than $16,000 was raised for a variety of activities supported by the Sons of The American Legion.

A breakdown of the Legion total shows the following given for specific Legion purposes: $3,734 for the Rehabilitation Fund; $7,566 for the Indiana Veterans Home; $859 for the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home; $758 for Children and Youth programs; $225 for homeless veterans; $2,700 for the National Emer-

gency Fund; and $369 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The handicap accessible van, purchased and converted at a cost of $50,576, was placed into service late last year, and replaced an unserviceable vehicle with more than 100,000 miles. Commander Martin expressed his appreciation from the platform of the conference’s general session, and urged Legion Family members to keep the project in mind as the year draws to a close.

The following contributed to the Rehab Fund: 1st district, $1,902 and $601; Post 5, $541; 4th District SAL, $250; Darts for Dollars, $440.

The following contributed to the Indiana Veterans Home: 1st District, $230; Squadron 168, $168; Post 430, $100; Squadron 20, $300; Post 80, $500; Post 279, $200; Post 54, $100; Post 126, $1,000; Post 430, $100; Post 20, $100; Post 66, $250; Post 261, $1004;

Rehabilitation Commission

Continued from page 3

were Harold Barkdull of Stepping Stones, the State Commander of the AMVETS, a representative from the VFW and a representative from the DAV. Discussion was about the plight of our homeless veterans and our concern about the government cutting funding, which is hurting our efforts to help the homeless vets.

Chairman Stoner reports that Senator Bayh’s office is listening to our cries for help, as is Representative Julia Carson’s office.

A Way With Words

Crider at their last meeting.

Some of their upcoming activities are the steak fries on Friday nights and a Classic Car Show on the third Thursday of each month, at which the Auxiliary will have burgers, dogs, and metts at these events. They would like to invite everyone to attend some

or all of these events at Post 231 in Aurora.

On Friday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. the Columbus Philharmonic will be putting on a free community concert to honor veterans and those on active duty. This is the fifth year for this “Salute to Veterans” con-

Continued on page 8

The Auxiliary is raffling a quilt and will give all of the proceeds to homeless veterans. On April 30 there will be a walk-a-thon in Indianapolis at Veterans Park. The Hoosier Legion Foundation will have a bike ride on August 27. Mike Bishop of the 8th District presented a check for $100 for homeless veterans along with a $25 cash donation from a member of Post 147 from half of his 50/50 drawings. Thanks to the 8th District for stepping up to the plate and for the member of Post 147 for his donation of the $25 cash.

Chairman Stoner then advised that he would not be Chairman next year as he will be the 5th District Command-

10th District

Continued from page 5

son, from a small town in Indiana; I can’t make a difference by myself. But as a member of the American Legion, we bond together and can make a difference everyday.

er. He outlined some thoughts and sense of direction that the committee might want to explore, but this would be up to the next Chairman and the Committee. We need to be more pro-active and need more networking between the District and Post Chairmen, in sharing information, ideas and items that might be needed in their particular districts. Reports from the District Chairmen are welcomed at the conference meetings, so the committee knows what is going on in our districts with the homeless veterans’ situation. Fundraiser ideas were discussed.

District Chairmen are encouraged to attend events in their areas involving homeless veterans. More participation is needed to get the word out that the American Legion is helping homeless veterans.

Indiana Veterans Home Col. Hawkins reported that the National Commander, Auxiliary President and SAL Commander visited the Home. Marketing survey forms were circulated.

Col. Hawkins thanked Commander Martin and all who contributed to his project for the transportation van. The van will be available at close of books. They are close to implementing the Medicare B plan at the Home.

I am asking everyone to pick a program that the Legion sponsors, do some research, ask some questions and learn everything you can about that program. Once you have that one figured out, select another program, until you have learned about what the Legion does, not just what

Post 168, $1,000; 3rd District, $2,264; and Unit 66, $250.

The following contributed to Knightstown Home: Post 261 in Memory of Dick Quattrin, $250; Post 261, $509; and Post 83, $100.

The following contributed to the Commander’s Project: Post 168, $500; Post 196, $500; Indiana Auxiliary, $1,000; Unit 253, $5,000; Dave Rook, $20; Koutz’s NASCAR Raffle, $255; and Martin’s Big Will Raffle, $1,121.

The following contributed to Children and Youth: 1st District $250; and Post 261, $508. The following contributed to Homeless Veterans: Squadron 252, $100; and 8th District, $125.

Finally, the following contributed to National Emergency Fund: 8th District, $2,700; to the Children’s Miracle Network: Post 369, $369; and to Team Johnson Racing, Koutzs NASCAR Raffle, $250.

The basement and first floor of the new Pyle Building will open later this year. The price tag on this new building is $12 million. New wish lists were passed out. A motion was made and passed to purchase two new serving carts for $8,000.

The transportation buses were temporarily repaired.

Paul Morin, candidate for National Commander made a few comments. Bonnie Fox stated that the veterans are getting very good care and that we need to encourage people to send cards and gifts along with money donations. Chairman Gary Danekas thanked the Districts for their food distributions and gift wrapping.

Nursing Home Copies of the Nursing Home budget reports were passed out. Several chairmen reported on the activities at the nursing homes in their districts. It was suggested to all chairmen to use all of their funds allocated to avoid a cut next year. It was suggested for all chairmen to check with Sam’s Club, Target & Kmart, due to the fact that they are willing to help veterans Adjournment

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

the Legion is.

Again thank you to everyone for working membership, please continue the hard work because as Commander Jordon said, “Membership is the fuel that runs the American Legion and that being the case, the programs have to be the engine.”

The 2006 Indiana High School Oratorical Contest winner, Mary Nolan of Morristown High School, accepts her award from Department Commander Ron Martin during ceremonies following the State Contest at Department Headquarters in Indianapolis in March. Mary, who was sponsored by Post 102 in the 10th District, advanced to the National Finals in Indianapolis March 23-24.

An Open Letter To The Members Of The American Legion, Department Of Indiana

Dear Comrades:

With our Spring Conference now behind us, I’d like to take this opportunity to update you, the leadership and membership of American Legion Posts in the Department of Indiana, on the state of our membership program for the 2005-2006 Legion year.

While continuing to slowly increase the number of 100 percent Posts who have proven themselves capable of the task at hand, we still find, overall, our Department is even further behind where we were at this point last year.

With 1,343 cards delivered this past weekend giving us a total membership of 107,563, we stand 6,314 members behind this point last year, and 9,675 short of simply main-

taining our 2005 membership level for ‘06.

There are many of us in The American Legion who have never seen a year like this one, one that we felt so critical to our organization when considering the decade-long decline of our membership numbers. We’ve been through a bitter fight over a dues increase that some felt unjustified. We see our new member recruitment declining for the first time in anyone’s memory. And, we’re realizing unprecedented numbers of members who no longer wish to belong to our organization. Our membership numbers are critical. All year long you’ve been reading in the Hoosier Legionnaire about our continuing fight for prop-

Intrepid Travelers

Braving unseasonably blustery weather and a fourhour bus ride, officers and membership award winners from The American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion huddle in front of Department Headquarters before departing for Springfield, IL, to represent the Department at the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage. Post and District Commanders and Membership Chairmen who distinguish themselves by their membership efforts are special guests on the trip.

Membership Program Depends On A Plan, Recognition, And Flexibility

From “101 Ways To Keep Your Members”

Dick Jewell Membership Chairman

er Veteran’s Administration funding. While our organization will never give up that fight, our declining numbers make it increasingly more difficult to assert The American Legion’s position of properly caring for our aging veteran population, and ensuring the viability of the VA for today’s generation of veterans who willingly put their lives on the line for America every day.

As a Vietnam Veteran, I

Ask Jessie

inherited a vital, growing American Legion. When The American Legion spoke, our elected government officials listened. We were welcomed with open arms in the halls of Congress, and received the respect earned over the years by our leadership.

Our declining membership has changed all this. We now find ourselves locked almost daily in a struggle with those who would deny the veterans of this country their right to be heard on the issues that affect them.

I’m asking that each of you take a minute and consider the outcome of our declining membership and where it is definitely leading us. Are we willing to simply accept declining membership as an ir-

reversible “sign of the times?”

Are we prepared for a time when a letter on an American Legion letterhead becomes just another correspondence from a whining veteran constituent? Paraphrasing Gen Douglas MacArthur, are we willing to simply “fade away?”

The time to get the job done for this year draws close. By the time you read this, we will have fewer than 60 days until we close the books on 2006 membership.

I’m asking that over the next few weeks, we redouble our effort to retain our current members, and sign up the last few new members that we can recruit. What we’re asking of the leadership of our Posts is simple and to the point: Step up, be counted and do what

needs to be done.

Make the phone calls we’re asking. Visit that member. Renew that member if at all possible. If that member still declines to renew, find out why.

If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your District or Department Officers for help.

Let no veteran, no member of The American Legion walk away from us this year without being given the opportunity to explain why he or she no longer values association with our great organization.

Thank you all that you do, and for all you have done for our nation’s veterans, their families, The American Legion, and especially for those who serve today. For God and Country.

Cards Should Be Turned In, But …

Dear Jessie:

I have always mailed my current unused membership cards back to Department before Close of Books, but always have a few members who pay late and I don’t have a card to issue them. Is it ok to keep my cards after Close of Books? Holding On

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

some interest in joining a local Post; how can I do that, now that I think I might be welcome there? Unsure

Dear Mr. Worm:

The 2007 cards will be given to the District Commanders for distribution to the Posts at this year’s Close of Books activities at the Indiana Veterans Home, the second Sunday in June. As soon after that as your Post is prepared to process renewals you can renew your membership.

Compiled

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

1. Have a program, not a campaign. Retention is a year-round priority and needs to be planned. Any post that is, or wants to be, successful at retention must be able to identify the specific steps it takes to increase its retention rate. In addition to having a series of activities that make up a retention program, your post should be able to identify resources that can be allocated to help implement the program.

2. Recognize members who reach milestone membership anniversaries. If members stay in the Legion for five, ten, twenty or more years, they are probably not among those who are likely to drop out. When members reach one of these membership milestones, it provides two retention opportunities for your post. First, it is another opportunity to recognize a member or group of members for their continuing support. Doing that solidifies their membership even more. Also, by publicly recognizing these membership milestones, you inspire other members to strive to earn the same recognition by maintaining their membership, too.

3. Start a regular column in your newsletter to thank members for their involvement. One organization featured a column in their monthly newsletter that was called “Tip of the Hat.” This column’s sole purpose was to say “thank you” to those members who had helped the organization in some way since the previous newsletter. The member’s name and the specific service they had performed were all mentioned. It became the most popular feature in the newsletter because every month members saw their name or the name of someone they knew.

4. Provide and encourage the use of Legion logo sheets. There are good reasons for members to want to display the Legion emblem or other Legion artwork. The logos can be effective membership and marketing tools.

5. When important issues come up, call some inactive members for their opinions. It’s natural for posts to contact their leadership people when an issue of importance arises, such as a legislative crisis, a local election or the setting of a new standard. These issues and events are also opportunities to involve some of the post’s least active members simply by asking their opinion. When the opportunity comes up, have a list of inactive members ready to call, fax or write and ask for their opinion on how the post should react. The fact that the post cared enough to contact them might make the difference at renewal time.

6. Accept credit cards for dues payments. Credit card payments have become the norm for almost all purchasing transactions. If your post does not already accept them, you should consider doing so. Credit card acceptance is especially useful to posts during difficult economic times because it allows members to renew and still be able to make installment payments to the credit card company. Your post would also be able to accept dues payments on-line, which is a very popular method of payment for the younger veterans. Your finance officer must take the fee paid to the credit card company into consideration.

7. Send an audio cd with your regular publications. Even members who don’t have time to read your regular publications will have time to listen to a cd on their way to or from work.

8. Create an annual slogan or theme for membership each year. It’s often easier to get someone’s attention if they have an image of the goals of the post. Having an annual theme or slogan can rally the existing members around a specific program or set of objectives and create an image in the minds of those thinking about dropping. If your post is celebrating a milestone year, that entire year can be dedicated to an anniversary theme.

Dear Holding On: That is a tough one. The Department Constitution requires that each account for all current year cards at Close of Books, and that has been taken to mean that the unused cards have to be turned in. I will not recommend disobeying the constitution; I will suggest that you can hang onto some of your cards, if you keep a list of those you are keeping and be sure to turn them in later in the summer. That way, the cards are “accounted for” but you still have a few to use for your late payers.

Dear Jessie: I am a long- time member of Post 777. I got a Request to Transfer to a Local Post Form when I received my membership card this year. I have had

Dear Unsure: You can complete the form and return it to Department Headquarters and we will forward it to a local post in your area, if you have no preference. Someone from that post will contact you. If you know of a post you want to join, simply visit the Post and take along your current membership card; the Post will take it from there.

Dear Jessie: I recently received another renewal notice but I paid my dues to my Post a month ago and have my membership card. Will you please tell me why I still received a renewal notice? Irked

Dear Irked: You received a notice because your membership was received and posted at the National Organization after the cutoff date for printing renewal notices. That could have been because your paid late, your post transmitted late, or we did not transmit timely. If you paid “last month,’ meaning March, then you missed the printing deadline. That is is usually about six weeks before the notices are mailed.

Dear Jessie: I like having the “Early Bird” stamp on my membership card every year and getting some of the extra perks my Post provides for me for paying early. Can you tell me when is the soonest I can pay my 2007 dues? Getting’ the Worm

Dear Jessie: I belong to an American Legion Post in Indiana but my daughter and grandsons live in another state. They want to join the Auxiliary and S.A.L. Can they join the Unit and Squadron in their home town or do they have to belong to one in Indiana since they are using me for eligibility? Fruitful

Dear Fruitful: They can join any unit or squadron they want, so long as they meet the eligibility requirements and are accepted by the membership. You can help that along by making a copy of your membership card and proof of eligibility (DD 214, etc.) for them.

One Hundred Percent Posts Doubled

The number of posts achieving 100 percent of their 2006 membership goals has more than doubled to 62 since the last report. Achieving the one hundred percent mark qualifies posts for a variety of awards and recognition.

The one hundred percent

mark is based on the goal established by the Department and assigned by the District to each of its posts. By resolution passed by the Department Executive Committee in October 2003, the each District’s goal is based on the immediately preceding four year average of attainment.

The posts’ goals represent a share of the District goal as apportioned by the District Commander. Such apportionment allows the District Commander to take into consideration any special circumstances existing with each post.

Membership totals in-

clude Paid Up For Life members, members who transfer in and pay current year dues to the gaining post, all traditionally arecruited new members and all members who renew in the Post.

The Department’s 100 percent posts are:

Hoosier Congressmen

Hold Keys To Legion’s And Nation’s Values

During our visit to Capital Hill in February as part of the annual Washington Conference, a large group of Hoosier Legionnaires went with me to see Rep. Steve Buyer. We called on him in his capacity as a member of the Indiana Congressional delegation, but also as the chairman of the powerful House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Ron Martin Department Commander

To say that we found little to agree on during the meeting would be an understatement. Nevertheless, the Congressman, though firm, was cordial and he devoted an unusually long amount of time to our group. We continue to disagree on who deserves VA health care, and how to pay for it. We continue to disagree on when is the best time to present our views to his committee. And, we continue to disagree on the definition of disabled veterans. But there were a couple of things we did agree on.

One was that we would give him the opportunity to publish his points of view in the Hoosier Legionnaire, which we have done in this issue of the paper. You will find it on Page 1. But we will continue to investigate such allegations as ‘veterans were never promised health care.’

I have seen at least two wallet-sized cards still carried by Indiana veterans that were issued by the federal government and directed recently released servicemen to the VA for care. I also have seen a brochure issued by the federal government that lists health care among the benefits available – a brochure that almost any average GI would interpret as setting forth the promises and pledges made by those who sent him to war.

We also agreed that Rep. Buyer would meet with us again in Indianapolis to hear our concerns in more detail, and to provide answers to

Short Takes

questions that trouble us as veterans and as representatives of veterans. I am looking forward to scheduling that meeting, and I will certainly advise our members of its outcome.

In Washington, we heard from another Indiana Congressman, John Hostetler, who addressed the Legislative Rally on his legislation to end the practice of paying civil rights attorneys for challenging traditional American freedoms.

His bill would prevent, for example, the American Civil Liberties Union from recovering legal fees incurred by challenging our right to religious utterances or displays. In a remarkably cynical move, the ACLU has taken advantage of a clause in civil rights legislation designed to allow poor persons to recover the costs of gaining or protecting such constitutional rights as voting, speaking, and equal access to public facilities. Hostetler’s bill would insure that groups like the ACLU put not only their feet, but also their own money where their mouths are.

There are many more important legislative initiatives – both in the federal legislature and due to come before the state legislature –that can be affected by The American Legion. We will, however, have little or no affect unless we remain strong and vigilant. In that regard, I echo Department Membership Chairman Dick Jewell when he calls for a final push to get our membership back on track this year. What we do between now and the Close of Books will not much affect us, but it will leave and indelible mark on those who come after us. We can do no less than those who came before did for us. It will be to our shame if we do not begin the revival of membership today.

Chaplain’s Corner

Congressional Confab

Congressman Steve Buyer, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee (left) met during the 2006 Washington Conference with a group of Hoosier Legionnaires led by Allen Titus, John Michalski and Department Commander Ron Martin. Discussion ranged over a variety of topics including congressional testimony and eligibility for VA health care. (Related story, page 1)

Times Don’t Change Military Life

My son Josh’s best friend just went from Kuwait to Faluja, Iraq with his National Guard unit. I have had the joy of corresponding with him via e-mail. I get a first hand account of what is going on with him. We have talked about the powdery sand, the heat and the cold. We are beginning to share stories from his present and my past. While technology has changed the speed of communications and much of the equipment used, the situation of the snuffy on the ground has a commonality in all wars. Military is forever military regardless of the era.

I have been very impressed with the commitment he has expressed in his communications. This young man is a sergeant in the National Guard. He interrupted his college education for a year to serve his country. He hopes to assure the peace in Iraq through his support of the military efforts. His main concern is continuously for the members of his unit! I find committed leadership from a young man not yet twenty-one. The civilian world can not offer training like this.

I am also amazed with the ways that he acts out his faith. His unit is too small to have a chaplain assigned to it and no

Young Veterans’ Funeral A Time Of Tragedy, Hope

Wednesday, 22 March was for me a day of monumental sadness as I attended the funeral of Army Reserve Specialist Joshua Hill, a combat engineer from Fowlerton, IN. Young Specialist Hill was on his second overseas tour with the U.S. Army (the first being an assignment in Iraq) and was due to rotate home in thirty days when and IED exploded near him while he was on assignment in Afghanistan. Yet in the midst of all this tragedy, I saw an equally monumental reason for hope as his funeral concluded. The funeral service was conducted in the high school auditorium at Madison Grant High School where Joshua graduated in 2002. The service was attended by not only his many family members and friends, but also a huge throng of mourners including fellow soldiers, local ‘first responders’ from the police and fire fighting agencies, representatives from The American Legion, the VFW, and the Marine Corps League, and many folks who just felt like they needed to be there.

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

throng of area police cars and, as we pulled into the procession, the Legionnaires in our van were overwhelmed by the massive turnout lining the highway all the way into Fairmount.

American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard Riders from at least five states, all holding large U.S. flags, stood out in the bitter cold wind for almost two hours to pay their heartfelt respect to this fallen warrior. As the procession turned into the town of Fairmount, citizens stood out in front of their homes and businesses the entire route to the cemetery. Young and old alike, many with tears streaming down their cheeks and all holding U.S. flags, stood tall and proudly as Joshua passed by. I felt as one might have felt who rode on the train taking President Lincoln’s body back to Illinois as I witnessed hundreds of respectful mourners lining the streets. This turnout of respect and patriotism was an absolutely humbling experience.

chaplain has visited these men. He has initiated Bible studies with those who desire to gather with him. This has brought much encouragement and strengthened the faith of those attending. For centuries the countries of Kuwait and Iraq have forbidden promotion of any teaching outside of the Quran. With our American presence, a new freedom of religion is being upheld. We can only hope that the citizens of Iraq may also be allowed to experience this gift. There can be no freedom where there is no religious freedom! My young friend not only carries concern about those troops assigned under his authority, his is concerned for his leaders. He has shared with me that his platoon sergeant is a Muslim by religious preference. However, the platoon sergeant does not follow the demanding dictates of his declared faith and is a bit adrift. My friend has had several dialogues about faith with him and continues to pray and asks for prayer for his platoon sergeant as well as others above him in command.

fight for veteran’s rights and the services to be provided by the VA must always have a targeted concern for the needs of these returning veterans.

As we turn our focus and support on them I believe we will have higher success in bringing them into our ranks. Isn’t that what brought us in?

I commend each Post and member who is doing their part to support and encourage the troops while caring for the families back home. I know many of you have been involved from deployment to welcoming them home. You have also been there in the

tragedy of death. We would all like a quick and easy solution to the terrorist problems that we face. How we should resolve these will always be contested and debated, but we must never let the press or the politicians lose sight of the gallant service of our men and women in uniform! With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NIV)

Women’s Organization: Service with a Purpose

Would you like an introduction to the family of success?

Would you like to form a friendship that would lead to happiness?

Would you like to meet the father and the sons and daughters, too?

Would you like to know the mother and have the baby smile on you?

in membership.

Madison Grant High School is located on Indiana Highway 9 and is about two miles south of Fairmount. My American Legion van was one of the first vehicles to pull out onto the highway behind a

Regardless of the nation’s opinion on the deadly conflict in which we find ourselves, I firmly believe this nation has turned the corner on how we honor our military and our fallen warriors. The reception many Vietnam veterans received as they returned home in the 1960s and 1970s is no-

where to be found. In fact, many of those lining Highway 9 on that cold day were Vietnam veterans and one could see the intensity of their mission in their eyes. The statement made was clear: we look after our own and heaven help the poor miscreant who seeks to dishonor our fallen.

I can only imagine the pride and fulfillment that the members of Joshua’s family felt as they witnessed this incredible outpouring of love and respect even as they fought to cope with their despair and loss. I humbly consider it a great honor to have been able to witness this statement of support for not only Spec. Hill and his famil, but to all families suffering the heartbreak of such a tragic loss.

Our American Legion family must continue to work to offer whatever assistance we can to our service members and their families as we continue this quest against the evil that threatens us all.

9th District

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cert and it gets bigger and better each year. Last year’s concert drew an estimated 4,000 attendance.

The event features flyovers and re-enactment displays and the “grand finale” is the 1812 Overture accompanied by three genuine 155mm howitzers. Post 24’s Jim Griffin is on the committee and he says

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of communicating with chaplains serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I have enjoyed numerous occasions to converse with individuals who have returned from their deployment in these countries.

I am always impressed with their dedication and commitment to defend their country and to further the causes of freedom and democracy. What bothers me most is that our news reporters continue to ignore the troops on the ground serving in deplorable and dangerous conditions.

Yet they will focus on protestors and the supposedly poor treatment of captured enemies whose living conditions far surpass those of our own troops.

As the world’s largest veterans’ organization we can never let these valiant men and women be ignored or forgotten. We must support the troops and their families while deployed and support them when they return. Our

the event is something you will not forget and will want to attend each year once you’ve seen it. He strongly suggests you bring a chair. The event will be on the courthouse lawn south and west of the big Veterans Memorial.

In closing I would like to say “Don’t wait for someone to ask you to go to a Legion meeting, or help on a project, ask someone and go.” Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Well, meet the father -- he is Work. The mother is Ambition. The children are a source of pride -- they uphold the best tradition.

The oldest son is Common Sense. Perseverance is his brother,

While Honesty and Foresight are twins to one another. The daughter’s name is Character, Her sisters’ names are Cheer and Loyalty and Courtesy and Purpose that’s sincere. The baby of the family is mighty sweet to know.

Its name is Opportunity -you’ll want to see it grow.

And if you get acquainted with the father, you will find.

The members of his family are just the nicest kind.

And if you form a friendship with the family of Success

You’ll get an introduction to a house of happiness.”

Helen Steiner Rice

Service with a Purpose is our house of happiness. Our purpose to defend and teach; to uphold the law; to foster patriotism; to venerate and serve our veterans; to guard the basic freedoms; to support the work of The American Legion; and to continue our association with service to God and Country.

This is our purpose and commitment and my vision to keep ‘H.O.P.E. alive. Of course, I am excited about the many good things that are happening this year. We are into the last few months, the members support and cooperation is making it possible to achieve many notable successes.

District 2 and District 9 have achieved 100 percent goals

Indiana’s 2nd quarter donation to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund has reached $10,268.57, along with Spirit of Youth Fund donations of $1,464.00 and Veteran Creative Arts Fund contributions of $6,981.53. Our reports will be coming in soon and will show the volunteer hours and other monetary donations that are given to all our programs. The “birdhouse” is our symbol of comfort that H.O.P.E. provides and it has been overflowing with comfort for our veterans and children. I believe that H.O.P.E. is a good thing -- maybe the best of things. It is something you have inside, something that others can’t take away. It is the symbol of strength for America.

Strong and United with H.O.P.E, we are the American Legion Auxiliary. We are all American Ladies, with pride in the Red, White and Blue. We are all American Women, proud of all that we do. There is a place in our hearts for our family and room for the helpless and poor. We are American Legion Auxiliary, sharing and caring for veterans, children and communities. And members of the family of success.

Continue to support our troops and their families. Pray for our leaders that they will make good choices. Pray for peace and that our sons and daughter will be safe and return home soon. We must have a vision to meet the needs that will be shaping our future roles as Auxiliary members. We still have much to do, in supporting our troops and caring for the returning veterans.

Thank you, veterans for your service, your sacrifices, and for keeping our nation free.

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

Charleene Walden Auxiliary President