2006 May/June The Hoosier Legionnaire

National Commander Disputes Congressman’s Allegations In Ongoing Tiff Over Testimony

By Thomas L. Bock National Commander (Special to the Hoosier Legionnaire)

“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” -Abraham

Lincoln

In the March/April edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire, Rep. Steve Buyer. (R-Ind.) chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, wrote that he found my words in a letter last year “insulting.” On behalf of The American Legion, I wrote him to criticize his decision to bury our annual VA budget recommendations at a time of win-

Following A Few Guidelines Keeps Elections Simple

Most Voting Characterized

By ‘Quandaries, Dilemmas, And Downright Messes’

By Steve Short Department Adjutant

The months of April, May and June always get very busy, interesting and sometimes amazing for me as Department Adjutant. The reason: Post elections.

I never cease to be amazed by some of the entanglements, quandaries, dilemmas and downright messes that some Posts insist on putting themselves in. I receive dozens of calls from frustrated Post officers asking me what they should do. As Department Adjutant, I am always happy to talk to our volunteers and try to help them work out their issues. I do think it is time for me to jot down some basic rules of thumb which hopefully can be digested by our respective Post election committees and officers for next year’s elections.

Here is my unofficial preemptive advice on how to avoid a mess with your election.

1.) Get out your Post’s constitution and by-laws, dust them off and read them with respect to elections. In many cases, you may want to update your by-laws, but that’s another story. Read specifically how your election is to be conducted; which offices are actually elected and which are appointed (this list will vary from Post to Post) and stick with your rules and procedures.

2.) Make sure that one of the officers you elect or

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a Lifetime,” see page 6.

ter when those decisions are already made. With a heart ready to help my fellow veterans, I stand by those criticisms and certainly meant no personal insult. My letter merely laid out the facts.

His article in the Hoosier Legionnaire, meanwhile, failed to tell the whole story. Let me set the record straight.

First, the letter I wrote disputed Mr. Buyer’s arbitrary decision to eliminate a longstanding tradition that gave veterans organizations – representing the stakeholders of the VA health-care system – the opportunity to provide

valuable, reasoned recommendations to the budget process before the numbers are cast in stone. History shows The American Legion’s recommendations are nearly always right on the money, while Congress is coming up short more and more often. In 2005, had Congress followed our VA budget recommendation, the last-minute rush to add $1.5 billion in spending for VA health care would never have become the “emergency” that it did.

Mr. Buyer also castigates The American Legion for

Retired with Honor

Interest in the coming National Convention heightened early in May when members of the National Executive Committee narrowly approved a recommendation to increase annual dues by $4.50 per member.

The NEC, meeting in its regular Spring session May 10-11, approved a National Finance Commission resolution that calls for the 88th annual National Convention to consider and approve the increased per capita revenue during its deliberations in Salt Lake City in August.

The National Conven-

tion alone is empowered by the National Constitution to establish the dues for the coming year. If approved, the increase would take effect January 1, 2007, although the Finance Commission’s resolution provides for a grace period until the first Target date of calendar year 2007, which falls on January 10.

The Department of Indiana will pass on to its posts any amount approved by the National Convention.

In 2005, the Department Executive Committee proposed a $10.00 increase in the annual per capita assessed by the state organization, with the understanding that future increases approved by the National Organization would be absorbed. However, the 87th

annual Department Convention in Indianapolis approved a $5.00 increase and vacated the provision for absorbing future increases approved by the National Headquarters. Accordingly, any amount approved by the National Convention will be assessed to the posts beginning with the approved effective date.

The Department Convention, scheduled to get under way Friday, July 7, at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, already is nearly sold out. Some accommodations remain available at the Fairfield Inn and the La Quinta Inn, both of which are immediately adjacent to, and share parking and other areas with, the Marriott.

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VA Takes Steps To Stem Tide in Data Theft

Agency Sends Letters

To Millions of Veterans; Website and Call Center

Set Up To Ease Fears

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently learned that an employee took home electronic data from VA in violation of VA policies. This data contained identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. Importantly, the affected data did not include any of VA’s electronic health records or any financial information. The employee’s home was burglarized and this data was stolen. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of

an investigation. Appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the VA Inspector General’s office, have launched full-scale investigations into this matter. Authorities believe it is unlikely the perpetrators targeted the items because of any knowledge of the data contents. It is possible that they remain unaware of the information which they possess or of how to make use of it. However, out of an abundance of caution, VA is taking all possible steps to protect and inform our veterans. VA is working with mem-

bers of Congress, the news media, veterans’ service organizations, and government agencies to help ensure that those veterans and their families are aware of the situation and of the steps they may take to protect themselves from misuse of their personal information. VA will send out individual notification letters to veterans to every extent possible.

Veterans can also go to www.firstgov.gov to get more information on this matter.

This website is being set to handle increased web traffic. Additionally, working with other government agen-

“failure to appear” at a summit he called at Carlisle Barracks where he “decided to move the testimony earlier in the budget process after discussing it with representatives of most national VSOs and MSOs.”

He failed to mention that in addition to The American Legion, the nation’s other major veterans service organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, also chose not to attend. Why?

First, when his staff called three days before the summit and told our National

Adjutant that they would accept no substitutes for the National Commander, I was already on the road, preparing to speak at a scheduled event elsewhere on behalf of The American Legion. More importantly, the day-and-ahalf agenda allowed only 90 minutes to discuss veterans’ issues. I sincerely doubted that a subject so complex and ever-changing as VA health care and the budget challenges it faces today could be adequately covered in an hour and a half.

Additionally, the meeting was not bipartisan. It has al-

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Flag Amendment Falls Short On 66-34 Vote

Editor’s Note: Indiana’s Senators, Republican Richard Lugar and Democrat Evan Bayh, were among the 66 senators who voted for the measure. Just prior to press time, the Citizen’s Flag Alliance, vowing to continue the fight, e-mailed an urgent request to all Departments that amendment supporters be contacted, thanked, and encouraged not to waver in their support.

Sen. Evan Bayh: 463 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, (202) 224-5623; Senator Richard Lugar: 306 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, (202) 224-4814.

The United States Senate has rejected a constitutional amendment that would have empowered the Congress to legally protect the American Flag from acts of physical desecration.

Despite a last-minute appeal by the President of the United States, the Senate voted 66-34 against the amendment, a vote which effectively kills any further effort in this Congress to pass the amendment.

“I appreciate the sound advice given to members of the U.S. Senate … by the White House,” said National Commander Thomas L. Bock.

“It was our fervent hope that the Senate [would] heed the will of the people and pass the flag amendment so that the democratic process can go forth as designed by our Founding Fathers.”

The rejection marks the second time in six years that the amendment has failed to win the required two-thirds majority in the Senate, despite earlier passage by the House of Representatives and enabling resolutions passed by all 50 state legislatures calling on the congress to re-

store to the people the right to protect the flag.

The vote came shortly after the Senate rejected by a similar margin a substitute amendment offered by Sen. Richard Durbin (D.-Ill.) that would have provided a legislative remedy and prohibited demonstrations at military funerals.

The American Legion, supported by legal scholars, has consistently held that a legislative remedy would not pass muster by the Supreme Court, because of the 1989 Texas vs. Johnson decision swept away all laws protecting the flag as unconstitutional.

The Citizen’s Flag Alliance, a coalition of hundreds of civic and patriotic organizations anchored by The American Legion, has led the fight for passage of the Amendment since the 1989 decision. Following the vote, CFA’s Chairman of the Board, MG Patrick H. Brady (US Army Ret.) said his organization remains determined to continue the fight to protect the flag.

“Despite an overwhelming majority of Americans that want our flag protected, the U.S. Senate has ignored the people they represent. Some Senators claimed that there are more pressing matters to attend to; however, it is never the wrong time to do the right thing.

“While we are disappointed that the flag amendment did not pass in the Senate, the Citizens Flag Alliance, representing 147 organization and over 20 million members, remains committed to returning the right of the people to protect our flag,” he said.

cies, VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll free number is 1-800-333-4636. The call center will be open beginning today, and will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed. The call center will be able to handle up to 20,000 calls per hour.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson has briefed the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, co-chairs of the President’s Identity Theft Task Force. Task Force members have already taken actions to protect the affected veterans, including working with the credit

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Millions Receive Letter On Theft of VA Data

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Two Views of Washington

Vice President Dick Cheney

greets participants in the 2006 Washington Conference as he prepares to address the Legislative Rally prior to members’ visits to Capitol Hill (right). Below, a squad of stone soldiers marches silently across the National Mall in Washington, as part of the Korean War Memorial. Such sights and reminders are an integral part of the annual Washington Conference, designed to assure continuing remembrance of Americans’ service and sacrifice in time of war.

Commander Disputes Buyer Allegations In Disagreement

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ways been my belief that veterans issues are neither Democratic nor Republican. Had I or the Commander in Chief of the VFW been there, neither of us would have agreed to eliminate our testimony before the joint sessions of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees. That would be ludicrous.

I recently met with my counterparts from the VFW, the DAV and AMVETS. We reaffirmed our commitment to adhering to the longstanding tradition of providing our testimony in September so that our memberships’ views on the budget and other veterans’ concerns will be on the record for the President, the Office of Management and Budget, VA and Congress four months before the administration’s budget proposal is submitted.

My fellow leaders of America’s top VSOs cannot understand how there can be any value to testifying about budget needs two months after the budget is submitted. The American Legion regularly visits all VA health-care facili-

ties and works closely with VA and members of Congress to produce budget recommendations that accurately reflect the needs of veterans. Mr. Buyer, himself, gave credit to the accuracy of VSO budget recommendations last summer when VA was spiraling toward a $1.5 billion shortfall due largely to inaccurate projections and outdated information.

Veterans in the field know what it takes to run the VA health-care system, and that is why our budget recommendations for the following year must be delivered in September, with time enough to do some good. The timing of this testimony has wellserved our millions of members for nearly 100 years.

On Sept. 20, 2006, Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, will hold the annual hearing to receive testimony from The American Legion on the VA health-care budget. He has invited members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee to join the hearing, in the interest of tru-

ly getting input from our nation’s veterans. You can bet the National Commander of The American Legion will be there to give them the best, most accurate analysis of the budgetary needs of veterans’ health care possible, prepared by our country’s best experts in The American Legion.

I understand that Chairman Buyer, on that same day, scheduled a different session for his committee. That is regrettable.

The American Legion, along with the other major VSOs, will continue to work with Mr. Buyer for the good of our nation and for the good of our nation’s veterans and when we do not see eye to eye, we will agree to disagree agreeably.

But we shall not budge in our belief and commitment to representing the stakeholders of veterans health care – our nation’s veterans – by giving Congress the best advice we can in September of each year when our input can and will make a difference.

bureaus to help ensure that veterans receive the free credit report they are entitled to under the law.

Additionally, the Task Force will coordinate the comprehensive federal response, recommend further ways to

Question: How can I tell if my information was compromised?

Answer: At this point there is no evidence that any missing data has been used illegally. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs is asking all veterans to be extra vigilant and to carefully monitor bank statements, credit card statements and any statements relating to recent financial transactions. If you notice unusual or suspicious activity, report it immediately to the financial institution involved and contact the Federal Trade Commission for further guidance.

Questions: What is the earliest date at which suspicious activity might have occurred due to this data breach?

Answer: The information was stolen from an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs during May 2006. If the data has been misused or otherwise used to commit fraud or identity theft crimes, it is likely that veterans noticed suspicious activity in May.

Question: I haven’t noticed any suspicious activity in my financial statements, but what can I do to prevent being victimized by credit card fraud or identity theft?

Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly recommends that veterans closely monitor their financial statements and visit the Department of Veterans Affairs special website on this, www.firstgov.gov or call 1800-FED-INFO (1-800-3334636).

Question: Should I reach out to my financial institutions or will the Department of Veterans Affairs do this for me?

Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs does not believe that it is necessary to contact financial institutions

protect affected veterans, and increase safeguards to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents. VA’s mission to serve and honor our nation’s veterans is one we take very seriously and the 235,000 VA employees are deeply saddened by any concern or anx-

or cancel credit cards and bank accounts, unless you detect suspicious activity.

Question: Where should I report suspicious or unusual activity?

Answer: The Federal Trade Commission recommends the following four steps if you detect suspicious activity:

1.) Contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www. equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241; Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian. com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, Texas 75013; TransUnion: 1-800680-7289; www.transunion. com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

2.) Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently

3.) File a police report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

4.) File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by using the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline by telephone: 1-877-438-4338, online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by mail at Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.

Question: I know the Department of Veterans Affairs maintains my health records electronically; was this information also compromised?

Answer: No electronic medical records were compromised. The data lost is primarily limited to an individual’s name, date of birth, social security number, in some cases their spouse’s information, as well as some disability ratings. However, this information could still be of potential use to identity thieves and we recommend

iety this incident may cause our veterans and their families. We appreciate the service our veterans have given their country and we are working diligently to protect them from any harm as a result of this incident.

that all veterans be extra vigilant in monitoring for signs of potential identity theft or misuse of this information.

Question: What is the Department of Veterans Affairs doing to insure that this does not happen again?

Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs is working with the President’s Identity Theft Task Force, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate this data breach and to develop safeguards against similar incidents. The Department of Veterans Affairs has directed all VA employees complete the “VA Cyber Security Awareness Training Course” and complete the separate “General Employee Privacy Awareness Course” by June 30, 2006.

In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs will immediately be conducting an inventory and review of all current positions requiring access to sensitive VA data and require all employees requiring access to sensitive VA data to undergo an updated National Agency Check and Inquiries and/or a Minimum Background Investigation depending on the level of access required by the responsibilities associated with their position. Appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, have launched full-scale investigations into this matter.

Question: Where can I get further, up-to-date information?

Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a special website and a tollfree telephone number for veterans which features upto-date news and information. Please visit www.firstgov.gov or call 1800-FED-INFO (333-4636).

‘Amazing Journey’ In Auxiliary

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Graduation Day at Knightstown Home was great. Your devotion and generosity to this program is beyond compare. We congratulate the seventeen graduates.

At this writing, on this Memorial weekend, we have just returned from Calumet Park Cemetery Memorial Day Program, sponsored by 1st District at Merrillville. We joined

with Commander Martin and Commander Pipher in the program. It was a very fitting memorial service and we congratulate this District for this very impressive activity.

These are just a few of the recent activities that I have had the privilege of attending. I have been so proud to represent you this year. I have been treated very special in all our visitations and shared in many of the good things you

have hosted. As we prepare for our Conventions and the change of administration let us not forget our mission and our purpose. May God continue to bless this organization as we meet new challenges. Be nice, be patient, be positive and stay inspired. The love we’ve shared with others and the accomplishments we’ve made are the moments and memories that time will never fade.

Simple Guidelines Ease Post Elections

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appoint is a Judge Advocate. He or she is your go-to person to settle disputes on election procedures. I would estimate that 95 percent of the Posts that call me with problems do not have a current Judge Advocate. The JA is your referee on Post disputes throughout the year, as well as at election time. You may not like the JA’s decision but you elected/appointed that person to fulfill that duty. Use him or her.

3.) If a dispute arises, consult your constitution and by-laws. If your by-laws do not cover the nature of your dispute, then determine what you may have done in the past at your Post in similar situations (Past Practices and Standards) and follow that. If your issue is really out of left field, put your Judge Advocate to work to make a decision. The

Judge Advocate is the “judge” of a dispute whose decision is the law of your Post until such time as you can amend your constitution and by-laws. Your JA can usually also refer to Roberts Rules to settle an unforeseen problem.

4.) In the area of the elections of trustees, house committee or other officers whose duty it is to run the business side of your Post, the Department of Indiana has no rules on how you decide that issue. Include those procedures in your constitution and bylaws and stick to them. One question that has come my way quite a bit this year is the election/appointment of SAL members as trustees or members of the “house committee.” That is your call but not really a great idea because it is not wise to put someone in control of your Post who would not ordinarily have

a vote in the running of the Post. My unofficial advice in this area is to stick with members of The American Legion.

5.) When all else fails, use common sense. I realize that elections and the competing parties involved in those elections bring out emotions and hard feelings. But that is why it is so important to use your pre-set rules and procedures to remove the emotional bias from decision making.

Actually, a contested election for your Post offices is a very good thing because it

shows that your Post maintains the vitality it needs to get things done. But the implementation of appropriate bylaws and efficient use of your Judge Advocate takes the personalities out of the election issues and generally will save you a call to me. If your current by-laws are outdated and hard to understand, appoint a Post committee to re-write them and bring them up to speed. You are most welcome to call me for advice on that mission as well.

Hard Work Pays Off For District Officers

Tenth District Commander Jerry Jordan and Membership Chairman Vonda Garringer, with the US Capitol in the background, prepare to enter one of three Congressional Office buildings housing the offices of members of the House of Representatives. The two earned their trip to Washington, DC for their membership achievements mid-way through the 2005-2006 year.

DISTRICT 1

Greetings from the First!

The year has flown by with its share of highs and lows It started with the return of the remains of a Korean Conflict veteran followed by the urgent request from a wife of a soldier in Iraq whose car needed repair. Both were handled with the proper dignity.

Our Knightstown Home visit was successful as was the donations for their Christmas fund. The first District Membership Team kept the First in First for the first seven months of the year. A great effort and we fell only 176 members short of finishing in first place for the year. This was a team effort which includes all posts in the First.

The Hines Hospital and nursing home visits provided comfort and conversation to many, many veterans during the year.

December 7 brought the tribute to the survivors of Pearl Harbor. The Four Chaplain program was outstanding, highlighted by Chaplain Keirn. The annual visit to the Indiana Veterans Home again provided a ‘thank you’ to the residents of the home for their contribution to our nation.

The Memorial Day Program left me almost speechless with participation by the Department Commander, the Department Auxiliary President, the Department SAL Commander, the NEC, Alternate NEC, two Northern Vice Commanders, Department Sgt-at-Arms and the Second District Commander. My thanks to all who participated and to my Committee who received a well deserved stand-

ing ovation. A recent request through the Legion notification system made the First District aware of the family of a soldier in Iraq who was having financial difficulties due to a problem that occurred in the government pay system. The First was happy to help with a donation to get the family through this period. A new member is the result.

The year also brought some lows. My wife Anne was treated for cancer. She has since received good news that the treatment was successful. The loss of my good friend and Legionnaire Richard Quattrin was quite a shock, which was followed a few months later with another shock, a heart attack -- mine. Again, successful treatment brings a happy outcome.

My sincere thanks to the Department staff for their outstanding cooperation and their rapid response to all of my requests. I have enjoyed the experience. I thank the District Officers and committees for their support, and all the posts and their members for making this a great year for me.

Now is the time to turn your attention to the newly elected First District Commander Peter Van Woerden, Executive Vice Commander Donald Sales, and Membership Chairman Ernie Komasinski. Please give them the cooperation and help that you gave to me. I Thank each and every one of you. I know that you will keep the First District Brown Bombers streaking forward.

Last Word: Communications

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members walking around Indiana this summer who held a 2005 SAL membership card, but were not renewed in 2006. You can get a complete rundown of our Close of Books statistics at www.in-sal.org.

My year as commander has now concluded and I want to thank everyone in the Legion Family with whom I’ve come into contact over the past 12 months because this ranks as one of the greatest experiences of my lifetime. Even the people I’ve argued with have given me a better understanding of our wonderful organization. My head still spins at the thought of how nicely people

Greetings from the Second District!

We just surpassed the close of books and have 3 to 4 weeks remaining in this Legion year and what a year it has been.

We have been in 1st or 2nd place in membership since the beginning and ended in 2nd place. Congratulations to the Ninth District. This Second District had the most new members with 503 and the most 100 percent plus Posts with 15 Posts. Congratulations to the following Posts for obtaining 100 percent or more in membership at the close of books: Post 415, Galveston; Post 431, Silver Lake; Post 38, West Lafayette; Post 57, Fowler; Post 226,Milford; Post 440, Demotte; Post 492, West Lafayette; Post 29,Rensselaer; Post 253, North Webster; Post 146, Morocco; Post 406, Wheatfield; Post 94, Valparaiso; Post 294, Wolcott; Post 301, Kouts; and Post 364, Brook. A job well done! A special thanks to Second District Membership Chairman Bruce Steffen, our Vice Commanders and all participants in our membership drives and goals throughout the year.

Now that the membership year is complete, we must note the following. You should have your 2007 kit that includes membership list, cards, officer’s manuals, etc. If you do not have this, please contact me immediately. Now that you have had time to rest, that’s enough! It is now time to go back to work on your 2007 membership cards. The Convention goal is 25 percent and lets face it, we all have to do a better job than we have in the past decade. We have been on a long slide and this is going to hurt us in many factions, especially Veteran Affairs. If you want to maintain your rights and promises that were made to you as a veteran, then get involved in membership.

We have the best personnel in John Hickey, Director of Rehabilitation, Assistant Director of Rehabilitation, Dave Wilson and our Service Officer, Bonnie McKinney. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Department Officers who have been to so many of our District meetings and a membership drive.

I thank Mike Miller, Department Northern Vice Commander; Ed Trice, Department Northern Vice Commander; Dick Motsinger, Department Sergean-at-Arms; Dick Jewell, Department Membership Chairman; and Ron Martin, Department Commander. I also thank Dave Ruell, Department Southern Vice Commander, who attended a meeting. I have never seen such a consistent turnout of Department officers at District meetings as I have this past year. They were informative, organized, prepared, and very beneficial to all of us. Thank you!

good at the mike. Our Adjutant, Larry Macy, runs the operations professionally and his job description is lengthy.

The Chairmen do a good job in reporting and are overseen by our Executive Vice Commander Joe Alber. The Chairmen have done a very good job this year. You have seen some of the results already with school kids and parents at meetings receiving awards for Flag Etiquette or our state finalist in The High School Oratorical Contest presenting his oration for us. I have seen the books and applications for our Educator of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, EMT of the Year and Eagle Scout of the Year candidates and they are impressive. You have to be impressed with some of the reports that have been made during the year from PR, POW/MIA, Legislative, IVH, Girl Scouts, and so on. The two officers who have probably worked the hardest are our membership Chairman, Bruce Steffen, and our Finance Officer, Dana Clark. I will always be grateful to them. Mark Lippe has also been a great assistance to Dana and me as our Vice Commander of Revenue.

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 have participated in one or more of our programs. It has been an honor to serve and Carole and I will never forget this past year and your love, friendship and hard work. What made this year so great are the people. You meet more friends and enhance other friendships. Keep our troops in your prayers and God Bless each of you.

I would like to thank all of the Officers and Program Chairman of the Third District. Without your help, hard work, and support, the year could have been a disaster Next on the list will, of course, be to the Posts in the Third who reached and exceeded their membership goal. Thank you and congratulations!

Last year half of the Posts in the District reached or exceeded goal. It is very sad that we will be lucky to have a third of the Posts at goal this year. I know there are some rebellious members, due to the $5.00 dues increase, but with membership being the life blood of the American Legion, and the reason for the success of its programs, it’s hard for me to believe that the economy hasn’t played a bigger part. Hopefully, we will have a better year next year.

I would hope that everyone was able to help observe Memorial Day and honor those Comrades who have gone before us. Although it was very warm, it was a beautiful weekend.

The year in review is almost unbelievable. It seems like it just started a couple months ago. My wife and I have met so many great people, forming friendships that one would

hope to have for a lifetime. I was told at the beginning of the year that being a District Commander was a rewarding and fun experience. It has truly been a wonderful year. A heartfelt thank you to everyone along the way.

Bary Bingaman, Commander Post 303 andWayne Liszewski, Post 303 Adjutant, representing Posts in the area selling “Shamrocks,” presented over $1,100 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Stephanie Santos, District Director of MDA said the funds will help the MDA to send children to summer camp.

Nappanee Post 154 hosted a Past Commanders’ Dinner honoring members with 50 and 60 years membership. Those with 60 years in attendance numbered 16, while two with 50 years attended. Each was given a cap patch with the number of years and a certificate.

Middlebury Post 210 held an overnight vigil with all the veterans’ grave illuminated with “LED” lamps. Guests visiting the cemetery were given an American Flag lapel pin and booklet.

God Bless The American Legion and the USA.

“For God and Country.”

Conventions Honors Planned

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In addition to the usual recognition and awards, five outstanding Legionnaires will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the Legion’s highest honor, and the Lt. Governor of the State of Indiana, is scheduled to address the general session Friday afternoon. Joining her will be a number of legislators scheduled to receive the

Distinguished Public Service Award.

For the first time, no uniformed groups competition will be held during the Department Convention, because too few units registered to compete. The current National and State Championship Color Guard, the Second District’s Combined unit, will be certified for competition at the National Convention.

have treated me in my travels around the state. Deep down inside I know I was treated like royalty only because I am the visible representative of tens of thousands of SAL members who have worked so hard to assist our servicemen, their families, our veterans, our youth and our communities. Perhaps more than anyone else, members of the Sons of The American Legion understand the legacy we have been given through the military service of those who came before us. They served and sacrificed; we accept our duty to pass along the priceless heritage that we have been honored to possess.

A Southern Vice Commander has told us that we run the best district meetings in the state. That is a reflection on our Green Machine Officers. Just look at the scenario. Setting up, controlling the doors and sound system and assisting on many facets are our Sergeant at Arms and Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Bill Pardee and Fred Holder, who have been there a long time. Colors are posted by the Second District Color Guard, back-to-back Department and National Champions. You can’t get any better than that.

Our Chaplain has been on the job for a long time and it shows, especially when assisted by our PR officer and others during our Four Chaplains Service. Several, but mainly Larry Lowry, have handled the introduction of dignitaries and guests and Larry is

Richard Seto Commander

DISTRICT 4

Allen Connelly Commander

Greetings from the Fabulous Fourth District!

I am writing this, my final letter to you, the day following our return from the Indiana Veteran’s Home and the Close of Books Turn-in. As I think about what I am going to leave you with, I think this will be pretty much a big thank you letter.

The Fourth District ended the membership year in third place in the Department standings. I want to take this opportunity to again thank everyone for all of your hard work in this area. We didn’t achieve all of our goals, but it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of effort. I would hate to count the number of hours given and miles driven by the District officers. Just a great job by a fine group of dedicated Legionnaires. Thanks, men!

Thanks also to the Post membership teams, who I know were working hard right up to the last day. Congratulations to the following Posts who were able to achieve 100 percent or more of goal: Fort Wayne Post 148, 116.374 percent; Orland Post 423, 106.769 percent; Rome City Post 381, 101.572 percent; LaGrange Post 215, 100.38 percent; Churubusco Post 157, 100 percent; Butler Post 202, 100 percent; Fremont Post 257, 100 percent; and Monroeville Post 420, 100 percent..

I’d also like to thank all those who have served as committee chairmen this past year. Thank you for being so generous with your time and resources. Without the

dedication of people like you, this organization would not be what it is today.

I’d like to thank the Department staff for always being so helpful and cordial when I called with a request or a question.

Thanks to Commander Martin, Northern Vice Commanders Mike Miller and Ed Trice and other Department officers for being such a presence in the Fourth District.

Thanks to Becky, my wife of 39 years, for all the sacrifices she so willingly made over the course of this year. While I’m at it, thanks to the wives and friends of all the District officers for sharing them with the Legion.

Thanks to the entire Fourth District Legion Family for making this year one of the more memorable ones in this guy’s life. Some highlights of the past year for me were the National Convention in Honolulu, Knightstown Home Day, the three conferences, the Lincoln Pilgrimage, all the Legion Birthday Celebrations, the District Post Everlasting Ceremony, and the Blue Star Salute Program hosted by Post 296, where a gold star banner was presented to Mrs. Sanchez on the very day she laid her son to rest following his death in Iraq.

As I end this letter and this year as your Fourth District Commander, I once again ask that you keep the men and women of our armed forces in your thoughts and in your prayers as they work to keep this the greatest country in the world.

Dug Fugitt Commander

By James D. Fulks, III Public Relations Officer

Greetings Once Again to all Hoosier Legionnaires from The Mighty 5th District!

Another great year in our American Legion is coming to a close, and this has proven to be a most challenging year for many Posts out there in regards to membership.

Commander Fugitt is very proud of the effort that has been made on his behalf this past year, and knows very well that it has been an almost insurmountable task for many Posts to get the numbers in they needed this year.

One of the reasons for this problem, and the most significant reason of lasting importance in this writer’s humble opinion, is the loss of our Greatest Generation.

I personally have been affiliated with this organization since I returned home from overseas active duty in the US Navy back in the late 1980’s, and have witnessed the loss of one of this organizations most valuable assets, the active WWII Veteran who took this fine organization to a higher level when they came home from their service years and became active in our Posts.

We can ill afford to lose them, but the passage of time and the inevitable mortality of us all is catching up to them all too quickly now. As I stand before the crowds at our five local services that our home post performs every Memorial Day, I always urge the crowd gathered to take the time to get to know and to thank all of the WWII Veterans that they know in their families, and in their communities, because all too soon they will all be gone. Sadly, every year there is always a face or two missing in the crowd that was there the year before, and usually I can look out across the cemetery and see the fresh grave and reflect on the Final Hon-

ors that we have performed in the past year that is associated with the missing face in the crowd.

This has indeed cost our fine organization a loss of membership, and it is now commensurate upon all of us to carry on the torch of leadership by example that was so profoundly demonstrated by them for us.

In closing allow me a moment to reflect on my tenure as the writer of The Mighty Fifth’s District Column. This will be my final column as the writer for the Mighty Fifth and I must point out that it has been a great honor to write it for you. I trust that you have enjoyed reading it half as much as I have enjoyed writing it. The emotional highs and lows and the friendships over the past few years that have developed as a result of my association as the Public Relations Officer of The Mighty Fifth District fill me with emotions that I cannot adequately express.

The trip to Washington DC to attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the new WWII Memorial was definitely one of the high points. Being in the honored presence of so many WWII Veterans there that day, many of whom are now gone, was one of the highest honors I have ever been afforded in my life. I was able to go with men whom I considered close friends and fellow Legionnaires, and it was a privilege indeed.

The other end of the spectrum came with the passage of a good friend to us all, Randy McCroskey. I witnessed his decline, but was encouraged by his last words to me, which I will close with here, “Think Happy Thoughts...”

Fair winds and following seas to you all in The American Legion, and I’ll look forward to seeing you all around our great organization.

Greetings from the FIGHTING SEVENTH!

The year is about over and we didn’t fair so well in membership but it wasn’t because we didn’t try! I promise that the 7th will rise again!

As I write this article, I do it with mixed emotions. I have just begun to learn what I need to know and how to get it done, but now it’s time for someone else to take over.

I’m proud to announce that the 7th District elected Dean Leshinski as the Commander for the year 2006-07 at our meeting on June 3rd at Linton Post 22. Dean is a member of Memorial Post 196 in Bloomfield. I wish him well.

I want to thank all my officers for their support. A special thanks to Kenny and Rita Ellis, Bill Kocher and Bill Clark for their help with the hospitality room. We ARE “family” and it shows. I also want to thank all who served on committees.

A BIG pat-on-the-back

Putting It In Writing

to those Posts that met goal: Owensville Post 51 with 115.217 percent; Hymera Post 298 with 106.579 percent; Worthington Post 106 with 105.442 percent; Mooresville Post 103 with 101.429 percent and another All Time High; Martinsville Post 230 with 100.635 percent; Edwardsport Post 192, Dugger Post 224, Clay City Post 225, Odon Post 293 and Somerville Post 462, all at 100 percent.

To the other District Commanders I feel proud that I could serve with you this year. Let’s all buckle down and help our successors get the job done next year.

Our Organizational Meeting will be at Martinsville Post 230 on Sunday, July 23rd at 2:00 pm. Let’s give incoming Commander Dean all the support we can muster. I hope to see all of you at the Department Convention

Until I see you again, remember work hard but have fun doing it.

DISTRICT 9

Tom Jester Commander

By Ron Taylor District Public Relations Officer

The Ninth District is proud of its first place finish in membership percentage this year. We only wish we could have done more to help out the Department, but as all Districts found, this was an extremely tough year.

Commander Thom would like to thank everyone for their help and support this past year. As challenging as it was, there were still eight Posts that met or exceeded 100 percent! Congratulations and thanks to those Posts for a job well done.

If we continue to work as hard for membership as we have it will pay off in the future. The American Legion

and the Department of Indiana will come back and will be bigger and stronger than ever! Just keep up the hard work. Let’s now get behind incoming Commander “Sugo” and give him the same positive support so that he will have a successful 2006-2007.

Also, ALT NEC Darrell Hansel would like to express his gratitude for the support he has received from the members and Posts from the Ninth District, and would also like to congratulate Commander Thom and the membership workers for the efforts that they have put forth this past year. A special thanks to Jim Griffin and Darrell Hansel, who contributed to this District column.

DISTRICT 10

Jerry Jordon Commander

By Vonda Garringer Public Relations Officer

A Special Message from Commander Jordon:

It seems that last month I was mistaken about it being my last article, but I’m reasonably sure this really is.

Since last month, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in some activities that makes a person realize how fortunate we are to live in a country where freedom and patriotism are so meaningful.

Greensburg radio station WIRE, asked me to be a part of a morning radio show discussing and informing people of the benefits of membership in the American Legion. As a result of this program, I met Gary Copeland, manager of the Petro Truck Stop on I-74 near Greensburg. Gary was instrumental in bringing to that community the “Heros” truck, owned by Dale Ison of Ohio.

If you ever have the opportunity to view this fabulous work of art, it is well worth your time. This truck has been painted with numerous patriotic scenes that literally will bring tears to your eyes. I cannot put into words the emotions that you will feel when viewing scenes such as raising the flag at Iwo Jima, WWII men going off to war, the twin towers falling, JFK, eagles flying and many other very touching scenes. What a tribute he has created to the veterans of America.

I also participated in a couple of events for my post, including Memorial Day services and my hometowns’ annual Jubilee Day parade.

I am so proud to be a part of The American Legion and feel the respect that people show towards our veterans and to share these events with people I know and have grown

up with.

On Sunday, June 4, our District held a flag disposal ceremony at Milton Camp Ground. We were quite honored to have our Department Commander, Ron Martin participate in this ceremony with us. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Commander Martin and Cambridge City Post 169 for allowing us to have this ceremony at their facility.

As stated last month, thanks again to all of the special people who have made this such a great year for me. I’m sure many of you have seen the sign which reads, “It’s not the price you pay to be a Legionnaire but the price you paid to become eligible.”

Please keep this in mind as we continue to make this such a great organization. Carry on.

***

This has been such an incredible year!

I would like to thank all of the posts in this District for all of the hard work that you have put forth in the membership program this year. Granted we didn’t finish as high up as we would have liked to, but most of us have worked hard to get us where we were. Now that close of books it over, we can look forward to next year and how we can turn membership around to better the Legion.

It has been advised that we start working on the members who didn’t renew for 2006 first. I would like to see you starting on that now so maybe we can have more 100% posts next year and hopefully a 100% District!!

Again, thank you for the hard work, and congratulations to all of the 100% Posts in the District.

Recognition and Honors Good For Workers

Continued from page 7

speaking opportunities for your post’s leaders. You can establish a post speaker’s bureau, a pre-qualified group of members who are capable both in terms of knowledge and speaking ability to represent your organization to the media or to other civic groups.

When these representatives speak, current members are instilled with a sense of pride in membership, which can

make a difference at renewal time.

6. Be sure non-members pay a higher fee than members for programs and functions. There are two ways to make this idea support your retention efforts. First, be sure that your post charges more for nonmembers to participate in any of your post functions or to purchase any of your goods or services. Second, be sure to remind your current members about

this additional fee that nonmembers pay. This serves to remind members of the money they save each time they take advantage of your post’s services.

7. Remind members how much money they have saved by participating in programs and functions at the member rate. Remind your members of the money they may save by participating in the national member benefits program and the discounts for

post functions.

8. Keep members’ names and addresses current and accurate—it’s the best sign of a “caring” organization. It is common courtesy and good business practice to keep your membership records as accurate as possible. This becomes even more important because members’ expectations increase as they compare your post’s communications to those they receive from other sources.

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 7

Mike Brinson Commander

Department Commander Ron Martin helps display a poster-sized version of a letter he just signed, pledging the Department of Indiana to support the provisions of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. With the Commander are ESGR Executive Director David (Duke) Ellington and Edward A. Bensman, Chairman of the Indiana Committee for ESGR. The signing took place at Department Headquarters in December, where the oversized letter is on display.

VA Healthcare For All Veterans Controls Costs, Improves Care

“Do you believe all veteran should be entitled to VA healthcare just because they were in the military?”

That’s the question House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer asked members of The American Legion Department of Indiana delegation visiting his office during the Legion’s National Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.

Well, let’s not provide too hasty a response. Let’s analyze this query for a moment. After all, the Honorable House

Making His Point

John Hickey Department Service Officer

Veterans Affairs Chairman is obviously a very intelligent man, a veteran himself, who has served on the Veterans Affairs Committee for several years and has gained a vast knowledge about veterans’ issues. He has initiated action on several fronts to help vet-

Commander Ron Martin makes an expansive point during discussions with Rep. Steve Buyer, (R-Ind.), Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, as the two sides attempted to come to terms with disagreements over such issues as health care eligibility and congressional testimony by Veterans Serivce Organizations. For more on the ontgoing disputes, see page 1 and the article above.

erans, such as military retirement current receipt pay and a bill to block protests at military funerals. Furthermore, the Honorable Congressman from Indiana’s 5th district also told us he is our friend.

Congressman Buyer referred to the word ‘socialism’ and talked about the taxpayers’ financial burden while defend-

ing his position denying VA healthcare to some veterans. He also implied that restricting use of limited VA resources would result in a better VA healthcare system for what he calls the “core veterans;”

that is, indigent veterans and veterans with a 10 percent or higher service connected disability rating.

“…Restricting patient access will only deteriorate today’s exceptional VA healthcare services instead of improving them … further dismantling of the VA healthcare system [must] stop and VA healthcare entitlement [must be] restored to all veterans.”

Communism and Socialism: no one likes those words. We certainly don’t like them creeping into the great democratic republic of the United States. In fact, thousands upon thousands of Americans have given their lives and thousands more their physical and psychological health to defend our country against such extreme forms of government.

These governments suffocate personal initiative, restrict productivity, and stagnate their citizenry’s standard of living. They take from productive citizens and give to whomever they desire. Of course, these forms of government more often than not desire to give to its people marching without question to the wants of the regime in power. Please salute Congressman Buyer for protecting us against falling into the downward slippery path of socialism.

Legion OKs “All Action” To Prevent Social Security Offset Of Veterans’ Benefits

The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, meeting in its semiannual session at National Headquarters in Indianapolis last month, has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the national commander to take all “appropriate actions, with other organizations or singly, up to and including authorizing litigation,” to ensure that the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission does not attempt to erode veterans disability benefits by offsetting them with the Social Security disability system.

The organization’s national board of directors, representing all 55 departments of The

American Legion, gave National Commander Thomas L. Bock full authority to work with the Disabled American Veterans and other organizations to block a blatant attempt by the commission that could propose termination of veterans’ disability benefits when a veteran obtains a job despite a disability incurred as a result of military service.

“Disability benefits are and should remain totally separate and subject to separate rules because Social Security benefits are the result of insurance premiums which constitute part of the Social Security tax and veterans benefits are earned for taking

up the burdens of the nation,” Bock said.

“Veterans subjected themselves to the mental and physical hazards, as well as the economic and family detriments, which are unique to military service.”

The Veterans Disability Benefits Commission is considering whether Social Security Disability Insurance should or should not be included in its analysis of benefits provided under current federal laws to compensate veterans and their survivors for disability or death attributable to military service.

“Making veterans’ benefits subject to the rules and laws

pertaining to the Social security system or similar rules allowing the end of benefits because the veteran has found a job, offsetting veterans benefits with Social Security Disability payments or turning veterans benefits into a transitional assistance program is flat-out wrong,” Bock said.

“The American Legion will work with DAV and any other organization with a common goal, jointly or separately as appropriate, to accomplish The American Legion’s traditional goal of preserving, protecting and enhancing veterans benefits and preventing the erosion or destruction of these hard-earned benefits.”

Convention To Offer Service Officer Training

The Service Department will conduct a post service officers training seminar during Organizational Day, Sunday, July 9, 2006, 8:AM until 12:00 Noon at the Marriott Hotel, 7202 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Service officers in attendance will also receive a computer disc containing The American Legion Department of Indiana Field Service Officers Training Manual, Training Certification Test, claims research information, forms link for federal and state benefits, and a Veterans Benefit Power Point program for post presentations.

Mobilizing Unit Asks

For Comfort Items:

The National Headquarters recently received the following e-mail:

“My name is Sgt. John Pelfrey. I am a soldier in the

1461st CBT HET unit out of Jackson, MI. Currently, we are mobilizing via Camp Atterbury to Iraq. Most of our budget has been depleted due to the sheer amount of soldiers we have. 300 total.

“I was wondering if you guys knew anyone that would be willing to donate such things as hygiene items, male and female, individual drink powders and any kind of snack foods. Also, we need any computer equipment we can get, from cables to webcams to laptops. If you guys know anyone, we would be much obliged.

“Thank you, guys, for everything you do.”

The National Headquar-

ters has set up donation boxes in the lobby and will accept donations until the close of business on July 22. Legion posts, officials or members may obtain further information by contacting Matthew E. Herndon, Assistant Director, Internal Affairs and Membership, The American Legion: mherndon@legion.org.

VA Letter Urges

Indiana Veterans’ Claims

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently sent all veterans receiving disability compensation benefits a letter and pamphlet about how they may request an increase in their monthly disability

compensation benefits. Indiana is one of five states paying less in average compensation benefits than all other states. (The average compensation benefit was calculated simply by dividing the number of veterans receiving compensation in each state by the total amount of compensation paid to veterans in the state.) The information provided to veterans bestows no more entitlement to them than what they already had. Veterans could always ask for a higher compensation rating if they believe their service connected disability had gotten worse, or has caused the development of another disabling condition. Veterans should not, however, arbitrarily reopen their VA claims without first talking to a qualified veterans’ claims representative.

Bits And Pieces From The Chaplain

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Is. 6:8 (NIV)

veteran is broken and destitute before trying to fix him? Furthermore, the healthy veteran would certainly be more productive to himself, his family, and society in general. The cost of VA healthcare could be shared by more veterans entering the VA healthcare system with third party insurances paying reasonable fees for treatment of non-service connected veterans. And as far as those veterans entering the VA healthcare system without other medical insurance and whose families would go broke if having to pay the full cost of health insurance; aren’t they deserving of help, haven’t they done enough for our country and all American’s to deserve a chance at a productive life uninhibited by unnecessary medical impairments?

Now, let’s analyze the seemingly reasonable thought that restricting VA healthcare would allow the government to offer even better healthcare services to the so- called core veterans – indigent veterans or veterans rated 10 percent or more service connected. Sounds reasonable. Or does it?

In 1776, American colonists asked for the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness when declaring their independence from England’s rule. Also, the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution prevents depriving Americans of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Why is it then that many American’s risk premature death due to no or poor quality healthcare? Why is it then that many Americans bask in the good luck of working for companies providing healthcare benefits for their entire family while other less lucky Americans don’t qualify to buy health insurance, or cannot buy health insurance without giving up other basic needs of living?

[Health insurance premiums for just one family member can cost more than $10,000 plus deductibles.]

Is it fair that the healthcare lucky live productive lives, while the healthcare unlucky working just as hard (sometime harder), get sick, and die an early death? Isn’t denying healthcare to some depriving those Americans of their very life? It certainly is!

As a veterans organization an official posture on healthcare for all American is beyond the Legion’s purview. Notice of this need, however, further amplifies justification for guaranteed healthcare for those who have sacrificed so much for so many – America’s veterans! It’s not asking government to supply our simple wants, such as a new car, a bigger house, nicer clothing, etc. It’s asking government to ensure veterans have an opportunity to continue to live so we may obtain these luxuries of living and the pursuit of happiness for ourselves.

Fulfilling the healthcare duty to all veterans is not turning our government into socialism. It’s simply making sure those who have sacrificed most to benefit all have a chance to live, and live productive lives enabling their continued unselfish contributions.

Next, what about the cost? What’s more expensive: doing regular maintenance on your car or buying a new one more often; changing the oil in your lawn mower, or buying a new mower every other year; treating your spouse with kindness and care, or trying to run a broken household? You get the point. Doesn’t it make sense that veterans healthcare would be less costly per patient if all veterans could receive regular preventative healthcare services instead of having to wait until after the

Remember the mid-1980s and early 1990s before VA medical centers were open to all veterans and before the doors were once again closed to some veterans after January 16, 2003? Remember how even those eligible for VA healthcare would not use VA unless it was their last resort for a healthcare provider? Why was care so bad then and so good now? Healthcare administrators have agreed that it’s because there were not enough patients to justify the costs of qualified healthcare providers and other medical resources.

For example, it’s hard to keep a qualified orthopedist if he cannot perform enough medical procedures to keep him proficient, and it is not cost efficient to purchase expensive medical equipment such as an MRI if its only used a few times a day or week. If you think this theory is in “left field,” just ask the administrative staff at the Marion, Indiana, VAMC why many of its general medical and specialty services were discontinued. Indeed, restricting patient access will only deteriorate today’s exceptional VA healthcare services instead of improving them. All veterans must stand together to make sure further dismantling of the VA healthcare system stops and VA healthcare entitlement is once again restored to all veterans.

Now we have all thought it over. Hopefully, you can now wholeheartedly agree with Past Department Commander Allen Titus’ immediate response of “yes” to Congressmen Buyer’s pointed question about if we think all veterans should have entitlement to VA healthcare.

Let the Honorable Steve Buyer know what you think.

In fact, let all our Congressional Representatives and our two United States Senators know there is only one answer to this question, and that answer is “yes!”

Franklin D. Roosevelt expressed the same attitude as Congressman Buyer about veterans’ benefits shortly after entering his presidency, but the Legion eventually persuaded him of the error of his ways; the result was his signing of the greatest piece of veterans’ Legislation ever written, the GI Bill of Rights. This is an example of how great leaders can change their mindset after listening to reason and applying wisdom. Will Congressman Steve Buyer be as wise? Will he listen to you?

A Week To Shape A Lifetime…

Indiana’s version of The American Legion’s premier youth program is Hoosier Boys State, a week-long immersion in real-life politics and government. This year, nearly 600 high school junior boys from around the state attended the program at

Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where they formed political parties, campaigned for office, and learned the fundamental duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a representative democracy. At it’s most successful, Hoosier

Boys State hosted more than 900 boys a year, each sponsored in whole or in part by American Legion posts. Attributing the decline in participation to rising costs and falling income at Posts, long-time executive Director Bill Jackson reminded Legionnaires that many Posts solicit assistance from businesses, civic organizations, and other groups to help defray the costs.

“This is where young men learn some of the most important lessons about life that they will ever learn,” Jackson said. “It is a shame that more posts don’t send at least one delegate. Every high school in the state should be represented, and it is up to the Legion to make that happen.”

Information on sponsoring a Hoosier Boys State delegate is available from Department Headquarters by phone 317.630-1300 or on the website, www.indlegion.org.

Here, on this page, is a glimpse of what “A Week To Shape A Lifetime” is like:

Lt. Gov. Nathan Delong; McHale Scholarship winner Heath Pruitt; Gov. Darrell Comer, Jr.; Samsung Scholarship Winner Robert Wasser; Outstanding Citizen Nick Leonard; McHale Scholarship Winners Jason Maddox and Benjamin Scott; Speaker of the House John Wells; Commander Martin

HBS Governor Darrell Comer, Jr., returns the salute during placing of the Memorial Wreath

Jonathon Moulden, of Bloomington South, let nothing keep him out of the Parade of Delegates Napier County, home of

Award Winning Sullivan City, passes in Review

The delegate-only HBS Band under the leadership of Jace McMullin leads the parade

Department Commander Ron Martin was on hand to review the delegates Dorothy Quattrin, flanked by two of her five daughters, clings to her late husband, Dick’s, City Flag, retired during ceremonies at HBS

Bob Bach and Shirley Firkins, enthusiastic spectators

Representatives of Holmes City prepare to retire the city flag for presentation

Department Chaplain Norris Keirn delivers the keynote address

Executive Director Bill Jackson, Commander Martin, Auxiliary President Charleen Walden, and Girls State Executive Director Nancy Leighty (left to right) prepare to address the delegates

The HBS Color Guard leads the Parade during the annual Pass in Review

As of now, we have closed the book on our 2005-2006 Membership year. To say that our results were disappointing would be an understatement for sure. We have suffered the largest single year loss of Membership in the history of The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

In closing our year with 111,091 members we have seen net loss in our membership of just over 7,800 Legionnaires. Nearly 8,000 veterans have left our ranks for one reason or another, and our slide that began in the 1994-1995

year has escalated. In my travels across the Department this year, I have had a chance to talk with a tremendous number of Legionnaires on the subject of our declining membership. For the most part their concern is genuine, and the reasons that they give for our decline are indeed factual. There is, however, no one single factor in which we can place the blame. A multitude of events and attitudes have combined to bring us to this point in our history that we have lost the equivalent of one entire Dis-

Reaching Out

Ken Pucket, Bobby Wagner and Rex Irelan, members of Oliver H. Perry American Legion Post 911, point out the advantages of membership in the local post to a potential member during special Flag Day activities conducted by Post members in June. Each year, the Post distributes small American flags to residents of the community and provides Blue Star Banners to families with loved ones in service. The 2006 program was conducted at a local Kroger Store, where more than 300 flags were given away and nearly 20 families honored with the service banners. Post 911 has been up and running for two years, with a focus on community service and sponsorship of youth programs.

Ask Jessie

Dick Jewell Membership Chairman

trict in just one year. Our challenge this year has been the same as in recent years past. We were challenged to simply stop the membership slide. As I have written several times in this column,

“failure is not an option.” I still firmly believe those words. We can not continue on this path of decline and must somehow, some way, come together to overcome the obstacles and attitudes that are bringing a slow, painful, and certain demise to The American Legion as we know it.

There are, of course, Posts in our Department who have worked hard and have found ways to overcome this seemingly overwhelming problem. Ninety seven of our 400 Posts have met or exceeded their goal this year. To them I give

my heartiest of congratulations and a Thank You for a job well done. Please share your experiences with others. Attend District meetings and brag a little about your success. Pass on to your fellow Legionnaires the unique ways you’ve found to get the job done.

I would like to say thank you to all of the Legionnaires of the Department of Indiana that I’ve had the opportunity to work with this year. The hospitality you all have provided as I crisscrossed the state for the past 12 months

has indeed been humbling, and has provided memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

In closing, I would ask that you all continue the hard work you’re doing, renew your spirit, redouble your efforts and support the “crew” that is to follow us. It is my sincere desire that the Membership Team who replaces us make the 2005-2006 Membership year the absolute bottom of the slide … and return The American Legion, Department of Indiana to a period of prosperity and growth.

Why Doesn’t Magazine Stop Coming?

Dear Jessie: I notified the Post three months ago that my husband passed away but I am still receiving the Legion magazine. Am I still receiving the magazine because the proper people have not been notified?

Dear Puzzled:

Puzzled

No. You are continuing to receive the magazine because when your husband renewed his dues, a portion of those dues were to pay for a 12-issue subscription to The American Legion Magazine. That constitutes a ‘contract’ of sorts between the magazine and your husband, under which he is to receive 12 issues from the date of his renewal. You may cancel the remaining issues, but you must contact the National Headquarters at 700 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 to do so.

Dear Jessie: I recently moved and need to put in a change of address. Would it be easier to notify my Post or call National directly? Robert

Dear Robert: I don’t know which would be easier, but I sure know which would be more effective. Contact your post, where a Member Data Form showing your new and old address will be completed and forwarded to me. After I receive it, I will note the change and forward it to the National Headquarters data center, where your address will be changes and updated onto the files. I will then receive an electronic update of all changes in Indiana, and yours will be included. That way, all levels of the organization will reflect the same address for you.

Dear Jessie: I received my new green bar with my 2007 cards and I have several members who have a blank in the column where their continuous years should be – and the little star on their cards is empty. Why is that?

New Adjutant

Editor’s Note: The ‘greenbar’ is a computer printout

containing the names and all related data on every member of a given post in the department. It is so called because it consists of alternating lines of dark green and light green, with text on each line. An initial ‘greenbar’ is supplied to posts with their new year’s membership cards at the start of the year. The updated ‘greenbars’ are sent during the year.

Dear Adjutant: Now that that’s out of the way ... If a member pays after his or her membership has lapsed (that occurs about one month into the new calendar year) the continuous years tally comes to an end; if there is no renewal for that prior year, the member will be considered a new member when he or she pays and will begin to accumulate continuous years starting at one, unless the member chooses to pay for missed prior year. The reason the card and greenbar contain a blank is because a lapsed member remains on the roster for two years. After that, he is considered fair game for the t Mail Solicitation program.

Dear Jessie: I joined The American Legion after I got a letter asking me to from the National Commander. They assigned me to Post 777. Where is it and when does it meet?

Dear Phillip:

Phillip

Post 777 is an administrative headquarters post that was established to receive and administer members who join by mail invitation and are unsure of whether or where they would like to affiliate with a local post. Post 777 has no meetings, elects no officers (other than the department officers) and is represented at department convention by delegates assigned among the districts. It is a bona fide post, and its members are bona fide members, but their involvement in the life of The American Legion is severely limited.

Dear Jessie: I received my

card but it has my old Post number on it that I transferred from last month. Can I get a replacement card to show my new Post number?

New In Town

Dear New: Yes. With your permanent ID number, we can order a new paper card and new plastic card for you. We take care of that right here in the membership office.

From “101 Ways To Keep Your Members”

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

1. Recognize your members as often as possible. Thank them for their participation in each and every program or function. Whether you do it formally or informally, it pays to express appreciation to members whenever possible.

2. Get members involved at SOME level. “Involved” members don’t drop. Your post needs to try to find ways to get members involved in a meaningful way without taking up too much of their time. This is especially true with newer members.

3. Publish an annual report in the local media. Thank the community for their support and send a copy to members. Publishing an annual report (Consolidated Post Report) allows your post to summarize all the accomplishments from the previous year. It shows the community that your post

How

To Keep Your Members—2nd In A Series

is an asset to that community and it shows your members that the post is run in a business-like manner and will remind any members thinking about dropping out that they would be giving up all of the benefits listed in the report.

4. Set up “car pools” to get people to meetings, especially new members. Car pools help raise the attendance at meetings therfore increasing the involvement of those who may not have shown up if it weren’t for the car pool. Some of the drivers may have even found excuses not to attend had it not been for their assigned driving duties.

5. Set up a speaker’s bureau: Speak at other organizations’ meetings. Posts are always trying to spread the word about the Legion and the post’s activities in that community. One of the best ways to do this is by finding

Hundred Percent Posts Tally Tops 90

The final 100 percent post tally for the 2005-2006 membership year shows that 90 of the Department’s 403 active local posts achieved or surpassed the target set for them this year.

Each year, in accordance with a resolution passed in 2003, the districts are as-

signed a membership goal based on the district’s previous four year average of attainment. That goal is then allocated among the posts in the district based on the posts expectations and market conditions. Achievement of the 100 percent maker makes post eligible

for recognition and awards, just a target date achievements throughout the year bring with them awards and prizes.

ment of dues to the gaining posts, and all Paid Up For Life members. Those Posts that achieved or surpassed the one hundred percent mark, and their percentages, are listed below.

2 440 Demotte Demotte 101.404 8 147 Dubois County Jasper 101.391 9 173 Leora Weare Versailles 101.290 2 492 West Lafayette West Lafayette 101.200 2 29 Dewey Biggs Rensselaer 101.115 9 13 Brown County Nashville 101.111 9 59 Noah O’bannion Rising Sun 100.952 1 168 Hammond Victory Hammond 100.926 2 253 Herbert Kuhn North Webster 100.888 10 321 Yorktown Yorktown 100.769 8 366 St. Meinrad St. Meinrad 100.752 7 230 Martinsville Martinsville 100.635 2 146 William Chizum Morocco 100.575 3 365 Edward Sousley North Liberty 100.524 2 406 Wheatfield Wheatfield 100.521 4 215 La Grange La Grange 100.380 9 185 Edwin C. Danner Vevay 100.269 1 66 Griffith Griffith 100.196 10 70 Victory Shelbyville 100.183 2 94 Charles Pratt Valparaiso 100.113 9 9 Jefferson Madison 100.093 1 20 Fred Schmidt Crown Point 100.000 1 80 Whiting Whiting 100.000 1 180 Highland Memorial Highland 100.000 1 261 Cedar Lake Cedar Lake 100.000 2 294 Wolcott Wolcott 100.000 2 301 William Redilyack Kouts 100.000 2 364 Brook Brook 100.000 3 424 Bourbon Bourbon 100.000 3 472 Hanna Hanna 100.000 4 157 Gilbert Davis Churubusco 100.000 4 202 Charles Foster Blaker Butler 100.000 4 257 Cassel Fremont 100.000 4 420 Keith Brown Monroeville 100.000 5 412 Floyd Marshall Russiaville 100.000 6 323 Raymond Todd Waveland 100.000 7 192 Chauncey Barr-Rex Boyer Edwardsport 100.000 7 224 Rexford Ballard Dugger 100.000 7 225 Clay City Clay City 100.000 7 293 Odon Odon 100.000 7 462 Wilson-Oliver-Riley Somerville 100.000 9 195 Patton-Chastain Campbellsburg 100.000 10 55 Lester N Hensley Cowan 100.000 10 152 Knightstown Knightstown 100.000 10 274 Harry Howell Lynn 100.000 10 338 Leroy Tout Dublin 100.000

Leaders Change, But The Challenges Remain

As most of you read this, I will have turned over the reins of leadership to another capable and dedicated Legionnaire to serve as your commander for the coming year. I will do so with the certain knowledge that the work we began a year ago – indeed the work our forefathers began nearly ninety years ago – will continue unabated. It is much as the old English would say on the death of a king: “The king is dead. Long live the King,” meaning of course, that leadership remains while personalities change.

I look back on the year now coming to close with much mixed emotion. First of all, of course, I am chagrined by the lack of success in our mem-

bership program. There is no other way to put it. I would very much like to have achieved far more in that arena. But what troubles me more is the burden that some of my fellow officers are bearing today as they survey the year end figures.

Ron Martin Department Commander

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

solution has evaded the best minds available nation-wide. We are not alone in having sought in vain a solution to declining membership. We are alone in assuming that it was due to a failure on our part.

All of us, from the canteen to the commander’s office, have felt the frustration and disappointment that this year’s membership has brought. But I would like to remind you of some of the positives of this year. I want you to dwell on these things as the year unfolds ahead of you, because they are markers of success that

you will need to follow as your challenges become clear.

We successfully funded a new handicapped accessible van for the Indiana Veterans Home. Because of you, many of our comrades can get to their doctor’s appointments, the local post or a hundred other places that would be off-limits to them otherwise.

The graduating class of Knightstown Home took a senior trip to Washington. They proudly wear their 2006 class rings. Some of them have earned scholarships. And all of them have had a warm and caring environment to grow and mature in. That is because of you, too. Through our efforts, the fee remission benefit was restored

Chaplain’s Corner

to all veterans with disability ratings. Our service officers helped generate VA benefits in excess of 85 million dollars for Hoosier veterans. And your voice was heard regularly in the halls of government as we met with the governor, members of our state legislature and our congressional delegation. Indeed we have accomplished much. But much more remains to be done. I believe that my officers and I have done our part. I am grateful to them and I will always treasure the support, encouragement and friendship I received from them. I am grateful to Donna and my family for their support. And I appreciate more than you will

ever know the kindness and hospitality I enjoyed as a visitor to countless post activities across the state.

In closing, let me remind you that much work remains to be done. Many challenges lie ahead, and we must remain alert to those who would deny or degrade the benefits our comrades and we earned by service in time of war. I urge you to be vigilant, to remember that there is strength in numbers, and that future generations of American veterans are depending on you.

Because of you, the Legion is not dead. Long live the Legion, and long live each and every one of you.

Pearls of Wisdom Over The Years

“We proudly welcome home veterans of our current wars and we are grateful for their service. Our comradeship transcends eras of wars. We warmly invite them into an organization that knows and understands the needs of veterans. Our hearts will also be joined together in prayer on behalf of troops in harm’s way and those who are separated from their families. As we pray for their safe return, let us intercede for them so that their efforts will further the cause of peace and freedom in our world!”

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

Final Instructions

Commander Martin huddles with Gary Danekas over a few last minutes details as they prepare to open the Recognition Program at the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette during 2006 Legion Day at the Home. The day also marked the 2006 Close of books.

Short Takes

Department Stocks Up As Blue Stars Turn To Gold

Shortly after September 11, 2001, when many reserve and guard units started deploying to places all over the world, The American Legion at all levels began promoting the old tradition of giving Blue Star Banners to the families of the many troops preparing to leave. National Emblem Sales made a huge effort to stock and provide reasonably priced banners so that Departments, Districts and Posts could show their support by providing these banners to its citizens.

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

Sadly, after five years of the Global War on Terror, Indiana’s war casualties are beginning to become almost a weekly occurrence and the appearance of Gold Star Banners replacing those Blue Stars is growing. The American Legion Family must continue its support of our troops and their families by maintaining the intensity with which we all started when this war began.

Therefore, in addition to purchasing a number of Gold Star Banners here at Department, I have made this periodic purchase a part of next year’s annual budget so that

we can continue to provide two or three Gold Star Banners to Posts and communities that have a sudden, sad need for them. I would, however, strongly encourage local Posts, Units and Squadrons to make this an item of service for their community. We will continue to offer two or three Gold Star Banners for each Indiana family suffering this tragedy, but I would ask that all of you at the local level make provisions for this timely and much appreciated service. In addition, never hesitate to call my office if your Post would like the Department to send a representative to attend the funeral and assist with services. I can promise you that if I am in town and not already on assignment, I will be honored to personally travel to your location to assist.

Our country’s sacrifice is certain to continue into the uncertain future and The American Legion must continue to be there not only to wave our flag but to help fold it as well.

October 2004

“Have you ever noticed how much younger “Seniors” are these days? Do you find yourself shocked when you find out how old a certain person is … then you realized that this is the same age that you are? The old cliché is true: “Time stands still for no man!”

There are times when I wonder who kidnapped me and stuck me in this middle-aged body? Who was the wise guy that lowered AARP membership to fifty? I guess I’m stuck on this age thing because it is my turn to go through what

Auxiliary

many of you have already done and the rest of you will in the future…”

February 2004

“We must seek God’s guidance and wisdom in a time when He is often pushed aside, overlooked, and forgotten. Surely, as we look back over the twentieth century, we can see His hand of mercy that has wrought victory when man’s hand and intellect were found wanting. Through the Judeo-Christian influence that gave direction in this past century, we learned how to turn former enemies into friends and to jointly share in rebuilding after the devastation of war.”

January 2000

“I salute the brave young men and women who are diligently carrying the torch of freedom around the globe this day. They are doing a remarkable job and many are paying a high price for this cause. Some continue to give their very lives. We must continue to uplift them in our prayers and acts of concern. We must reach out to their family members here at home! Like us, their day will come and go

Year in Office Is An ‘Amazing Journey’

There’s a comforting thought at the end of the day, when I’m weary and lonely and sad; That sort of takes hold of my hungry heart, and bids it be merry and glad.

It gets in my soul, and it drives out the blues, and it thrills me through and through;

It’s just a sweet memory, that chants the refrain, “I’m glad I touched shoulders with you.”

I’m glad that I live, that I labor and strive, for the place that I know I must fill;

I’m thankful for sorrows -I’ll meet with a grin, what fortune may bring, good or ill.

I may not have wealth, I may not be great, but I know I shall always be true; For I have in my heart the courage you gave, when once I touched shoulders with you.

The year is ending and this will be my last visit with you in this paper. It is really a time of reflections. It has been an amazing journey of memo-

rable experiences. I have had the opportunity to participate in many activities, with Commander Martin and Detachment Commander Pipher. They have been great in their support of the American Legion Auxiliary and we have worked together as The American Legion family.

It a time for me to once again say “thank you” to all of you for your great support. Our vision of “Strong and United with H.O.P.E.” has been successful. Many great things have been accomplished for our veterans, children and communities.

Thanks to everyone that attended my Homecoming. You loaded me with gifts and good wishes that I will always cherish. I was so honored to have sixteen Past Department Presidents attending that day, and many Legionnaires. Thanks to every Unit, District and Department member who traveled to Pioneer Post 340 in Terre Haute. The attendance was great and so was the food. A special thanks to Post 340 for my special day.

Editor’s Note: The Department of Indiana is fortunate – indeed blessed – to enjoy the outstanding spiritual leadership of long-time Department, and Past National, Chaplain Norris Keirn. In addition to his Legion duties and his pastoral responsibilities, Rev. Keirn also prepared a special column for each issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire. This issue, he’s been given a break. In place of his usual column, here are few of the editor’s favorite Keirnisms from past columns.

and they will return to their communities and homes. As our posts are there, we Legion members must also be there to welcome and encourage them. We must listen to their stories and experiences. We must welcome them home and assimilate them into our continuing cause.”

August 2003

“Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A. captures the veteran’s heart with the lyrics, “And I’ll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land … God Bless the U.S.A.” The words so touch the heart of all patriotic people that it is sung in tangent with the National Anthem at nearly all functions honoring our nation’s veterans. The essence is our call to duty to God and Country and our pledge to fulfill this call. The legacy of this commitment binds the generations of veterans together and is the essence that makes the Legion family strong.”

SAL News

June 2005

“The Legion family is one of the most appreciative organizations that I have ever belonged to. It seems that there is a certificate of appreciation, a plaque or and award for everything. If a new one is discovered, it is soon brought in to the routine. Not only do we remember our own through military funerals, POW/MIA services, memorial services, Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day; we remember the service of others. Fallen Heroes, Law Officers and Fire Fighters awards reflect our appreciation for the guardians of our society. The numerous youth awards and programs, along with scholarships, encourage our future leaders. We have many awards for civic and business leaders who contribute so much to the betterment of our society.”

May 2000

“George Elliot once penned, “I like not only to be

Commander Gives Final Word: ‘Communications’

We normally think of springtime as a period of change, new growth. In The Legion family, summertime is when we see our biggest changes: new officers, installations, Close of Books and conventions. When summer rolls around, most SAL squadrons hang out a sign saying, “Under New Management.”

Michael A. Pipher SAL

Detachment

Commander

Before I hang out a sign of my own (“Gone Fishin’), let me suggest a simple, single word I think will help those who are now taking over the reigns of our 280 squadrons throughout the state: communications.

A leader is empowered to make decisions but his position also gives him new opportunities to open up lines of communication that may not have existed before. Good leaders will surround themselves with others, constantly sharing information and listening to their advice. Being a newly-installed leader give a commander the excuse he needs to open up new lines of communication, especially with those that may have been arguing and building walls. New commanders can

often contribute to newsletters and I encourage them to seize such opportunities and use newsletter columns to keep members informed about issues and upcoming events. I would urge new commanders to seek out new methods of communicating with members, through email, the web, radio, television, etc. When it comes to communication, more is better.

We closed our books on 2006 membership cards a few weeks ago and ended the year with 36,070 members. That’s another new all time high for the Detachment. In the process, the First District set what we believe is a new record by closing out at nearly 113 percent of its goal.

All told, we had six districts finish the year above 100 percent of their goal. Ironically, the Detachment itself closed out just 72 cards shy of our own goal. Just 72 cards! We would have surpassed our goal if each district had turned in just seven more cards. What’s even more ironic is that there are more than 4,000 SAL