Behind vintage photographs of the four World War II chaplains who gave up their lifejackets—and thus their lives—in an act of heroism and self-sacrifice, John Balczo of Post 369 in the first District leads the Fall Conference in singing “My Buddy.” Four Chaplains commemorative events have become a tradition in The American Legion and a highlight of department conferences and conventions.
The annual Fall Meetings of The American Legion are called each October as the first full-fledged meeting of the organization’s commissions, standing committees and National Executive Committee following the National Convention.
The newly elected National Commander, fresh from testimony before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees, takes the reins and oversees one of the most significant activities of the organization—the consideration of myriad resolutions affecting the future of the organization, its members, and the nation.
During the 2010 Fall Meetings at National Headquarters in Indianapolis, the National Executive Committee passed a total of 30 resolutions, which spanned Legion programs and positions both internally and externally. Among the many resolutions considered, however, were two which had the attention of many Hoosier Legionnaires—Res. 171 and Res. 185—and which failed to pass.
Resolution 171 called on the National Security Commission to adopt a separate national award category for Emergency Medical Technician of the Year at the national level.
Originally considered at the 92nd annual National Convention, the resolution had been referred to the standing commission where the motion to approve failed.
Similarly, Res. 185 was referred to the National Security Commission by the National Convention. The commission failed to approve the resolution which would have endorsed legislation granting access to Post Exchanges and Commissaries to all veterans with a VA certified service connected disability.
Among those resolutions approved by the National Executive Committee were:
• Resolution No. 6, from the VA&R Commission, directs the Legion to conduct a survey of women veterans’ specific needs and issues, in hopes of improving the Legion’s outreach to them.
• Resolution No. 13, also
from the VA&R Commission, directs the Legion to form an ad-hoc committee to examine both current practices and possible alternatives in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress (PTS).
• Resolution No. 14, from the Internal Affairs Commission, establishes that “before a membership transfer occurs there must be some evidence of affirmative consent provided to National Headquarters.”
• Resolution No. 18, from the Economic Commission, gives the Legion’s support to seeking legislation re-authorizing and funding VA’s Small Business Loan Program, and opening it to post-Vietnamera veterans.
Other key resolutions, by commission, included:
Americanism
Resolution No. 28: establishing the Legion Baseball Region 1 Tournament site in Old Orchard Beach, Maine for 2011-2012.
Economic
Resolution No. 19: Support The Rollover Of IRA Accounts Without Penalty Or Tax Liability Of A Perma-
nent And Total 100 Percent Service-Disabled Veteran With Individual Unemployability.
Resolution No. 20: Support A Veteran-Centric Website For Employment (a one-stop site for veterans nationwide, under the wing of Veteran Employment and Training Service (VETS), that the Legion would help design and implement).
Internal Affairs
Resolution No. 15: Redesignate The Liberty Memorial In Kansas City, Missouri And The District Of Columbia WWI Memorial As National WWI Memorials (there is no official, national World War I memorial).
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Resolution No. 12: Support Legislation To Increase The Income Threshold Of A Veteran Married To Another Veteran To Two Times The Financial Means Test For Enrollment Into The VA Health Care System. The complete text resolutions apaproved by the NEC during the Fall Meetings is available on lline at www. Legion.org.
Featuring appearances by a leading cardiac researcher at Riley Children’s Hospital, a keynote address by newly elected National Commander Jimmie L. Foster, and a higher–than-expected membership card turn-in, Indiana’s 2010 Fall Conference launched the Department of Indiana on an ambitious program designed to invigorate program involvement and restore membership growth. Convened early in October at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, the Conference attracted more than 500 members of The American Legion Family, including Auxiliary, Sons of The Americana Legion and The American Legion Riders for two days of sessions, meetings and social events.
At the opening session, Dr. Michael Murphy, MD, cardiovascular surgeon and clinical researcher with the Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Riley Children’s Hospital, reported on his progress with adult stem cell research designed to identify new treatments for heart disorders in children.
Dr. Murphy’s appearance was in conjunction with Department Commander Leland Baxter’s special project for this year, which is support of the Riley Children’s Foundation. The grandfather of two children, Purla and Tre Von, both of whom have been treated by specialists at Riley, Commander Baxter had invited representatives of the foundation to the conference to accept a special gift made to his project.
Harry and Joann Housour of Charles Harker American Legion Post 143 in Bristol donated an electric wheel chair, through the post, in support of the commander’s project. The chair was accepted on stage by Cara Lathrop, Assistant Vice President for Development for the Foundation, and Dr. Murphy.
National Commander Foster, whose keynote address was a highlight of the session, announced a special membership incentive
program designed to encourage both retention and recruitment.
“My membership incentive award is called ‘The Lucky 7 Award.’ You have to sign up two new members and five renewals to attain this pin. We have a limited number of these pins, but I want you to force us to purchase more pins because that means we are signing up more members in The American Legion.” Certification forms are available on line at www.legion.org., he said.
Foster also encouraged members of the Department to reach out to all veterans in keeping with his motto for the year.
“I don't care how you do it, but I want you to ensure that you take care of our veterans in any way possible. That is why my slogan for the year is the word SAVED, meaning ‘Serving America’s Veterans Every Day’.”
The Commander complemented one of the newest programs of The American Legion for its participants’ commitment and hard work in support of the Legion’s programs, especially the young people.
“One of the greatest programs to come along in awhile is the Legion Riders,” Foster said. “They have raised over $2.3 million with their Legacy Runs to the last five National Conventions. I have heard them referred to as ‘Another Renegade Biker Group,’ but with those numbers, I think they are a bunch of veterans who like riding their bikes for a good cause, and the American Legion Legacy Scholarship meets the bill.”
The general session opened with the posting of the colors by the Department and National Championship Color Guard from Bloomfield Memorial Post 196 in the Seventh District. The Color Guard took top honors at the 92nd annual National Convention by winning the Post and Retrieve competition,
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National Commander: Veterans Wrote Blank Check To Nation; Congress Advised To Pay It Back In Jobs, Training, Education
American Legion Na-
tional Commander Jimmie
L. Foster emphasized the importance of jobs, training and education for veterans during his testimony before Congress late last month.
“The American Legion understands that there still is a need for financial responsibility as the United States attempts to come out of a recession. But the country’s veterans shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of any financial cutbacks,” said newly elected National Commander Jimmie Foster in testimony before a joint session of
the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees on Sept. 22.
“In this time of fiscal constraint, some may question the need for the budget being approved for our nation’s veterans. I am here to remind the American people that all who put on our nation's uniform make a commitment and in fact, sign a blank check payable to our country for an amount up to and including their very lives,” Foster said.
“That blank check includes the sacrifices willingly made by the families of veter-
ans as their loved ones serve. Such unwavering dedication calls for equal dedication on the part of our nation to ensure that those who have sacrificed, and were willing to sacrifice so much, are also the recipients of our nation's gratitude.
“The cost of war cannot be measured totally by the price paid for munitions, equipment and standing armies. The cost of war does not stop when the shooting stops. The cost of war—and the obligation to pay for it—continues as long as a single veteran is still recovering from, or liv-
ing in, his own private hell.
Often our young veterans and their families must live with the effects of war for 10, 20 even 50 years after the fighting ceases. When the welcome-back parades end, and the crowds go home, these military families must live with their new reality—a reality that can only be measured in terms of what each of them personally paid to answer their country’s call.”
During the hearing, Foster laid out five concerns that the Legion has when it comes to the country’s veterans: additional employment
opportunities, the elimination of homelessness among veterans, increased access to health care; enhanced educational opportunities, and compensation and pension issues.
Enhanced Employment
Opportunities—Foster told the Congressmen that having a skilled, employed veterans population was good not only for veterans, but for the country as a whole.
“Every veteran is trained in, and has demonstrated successfully, the very traits
After a decades-long campaign waged by The American Legion and sympathetic advocates, the Senate has approved legislation that will grant state veterans home care privileges to all Gold Star mothers and fathers: parents who have lost a child during military service.
Donors to the Team Indiana campaign of James E. Koutz for national commander will have their names engraved and displayed on this permanent Honor Wall to be maintained at Department Headquarters in Indianapolis. Minimum donations of $100 per member and at varying levels for posts and districts will qualify donors for display. In addition, the campaign is planning new donor competition to award national convention trips, plaques and banners for support of this first national commander campaign since the mid1950s.
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and was named Department Champions in competition at the Department Convention in July.
The First District, in cooperation with the members of the Religious Emphasis Committee and led by Department Chaplain Norris Keirn presented a Four Chaplains Memorial during the opening phases of the general session, capped by the singing of the World War I classic “My Buddy” by John Balczo.
In other business, the Department Membership office processed 2,578 cards submitted by posts and districts during target date activities at the conference. The turnin achieved the national 55 percent target date and lifted the First District into first place among the 11 districts.
Membership Chairman Jack Cook recognized the First
District’s achievement by presenting the travelling “Lamplight Award” to District Commander John Rassback during the convention party Saturday night.
The Department Executive Committee considered 12 resolutions at its regularly scheduled meeting following the close of the conference. The Committee made the following resolutions a matter of record:
• 10F-1: Endorsement resolution for Michael Miller for the office of Department Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012.
• 10F-2: Endorsement resolution for W. Darrell Hansel for the office of National Executive Committeeman for the Legion years 2011-2013.
• 10F-3: Endorsement resolution for Allen Connelly for the office of Northern Vice Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012.
Continued from page 1
required by any employer: resourcefulness, dedication, selfless service, loyalty, and the ability to accomplish difficult and nearly impossible tasks with little or no supervision,” he said. “Veterans are trained to work, veterans are willing to work, and yet veterans have a higher unemployment rate than nonveterans. We must do something to fix this, and one place to start is ensuring that veterans have a fair shot at employment in government jobs.”
Enhanced Educational Opportunities—Passage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill was a step in the right direction, but Foster said work still needs to be done to bring the educational benefits to where they need to be.
“Veterans who would like to continue their career path by attending vocational schools, apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, and possible flight training must use the Montgomery GI Bill benefits. They will receive in-state tuition, not the housing allowance nor
• 10F-4: Endorsement resolution for John M. French for the office of Southern Vice Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012.
• 10F-5: Endorsement resolution for Richard H. Fuchs for the office of Department Sergeant-At-Arms for the Legion year 20112012.
• 10F-6: Endorsement resolution for Gail Galich for the office of 1st District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012.
• 10F-7: Endorsement resolution for Fred Lewis for the office of 7th District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012.
• 10F-8: Endorsement resolution for Carolyn Harrison for the office of 10th District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012.
• 10F-9: Endorsement resolution for Richard E. Brown for the office of 11th District Commander for the
Legion year 2011-2012.
• 10F-10: Endorsement resolution for Edward L. Harris Jr. for the office of National Resolution 10-F11, submitted by American Legion Post 128 in the 11th District, which would realign the current scrap book competition (Sheline Award) to conform to the rules of the National Organization’s Post History competition, was referred to the Trophies and Awards Convention Committee.
Resolution10F-12, submitted by Post 18 in the 7th District, which would approve the Children’s Organ Transplant Association as one of those supported by The American Legion Children & Youth Programs and encourage districts and posts to donate for Indiana children only, was returned to the District for clarification and addition of supporting material.
A long-standing criterion dating back to the post-Civil War era was that only parents who have lost all their children during service were eligible for veterans’ home residency. The passage of the new authorization by unanimous voice vote followed overwhelming passage of similar legislation at the end of June.
“To lose one’s child to the service of our country is the ultimate sacrifice a parent can make,” said Tim Tetz, director of The American Legion’s Legislative Division.
“We owe them much more than a debt of gratitude. It is heartening to see that Congress is now making an honorable payment on that debt.”
Tetz, formerly the executive director of the Nevada Office of Veterans Services, was among those who urged Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) to introduce enabling legislation into the Senate making that state one of the prime driving forces behind the move to open veterans home care to more Gold Star parents.
Tetz credited Ensign as
being “hugely supportive” of the Senate measure. Nevada’s Gary Bermeosolo, Legislative chairman of the National Association of State Veterans Homes, also offered his thanks by saying “(we) appreciate the efforts of Senator Ensign and Congressman William ‘Mac' Thornberry of Texas (who introduced the House bill in late January) to correct the inequity created by the onerous definition requiring Gold Star Parents to have lost ‘all” of their children to wartime service in order to be considered for admission to a state veterans home. We prayed that they would be successful with their efforts.”
The American Legion’s effort to honor all Gold Star parents with much-deserved care goes back many years. It was a special project of Paul Morin, who served as the Legion’s National Commander in 2006-2007 and was superintendent of a veterans’ home in his native Massachusetts.
“The contribution of Commander Morin and fellow American Legion movers and shakers in correcting this inequity cannot be overstated,” Tetz said.
The House and Senate bills will now be presented to a joint conference committee for reconciliation of any differences with the final version to be forwarded President Obama for his signature.
the books stipend. Instead they receive a small financial payout to help them through this education process. This discriminates against returning veterans and their families who desire to become productive members of the workforce in the shortest amount of time.
Eliminating Homelessness Among Veterans—VA Secretary Eric Shinseki’s “five-year plan will provide supportive services and physical and mental health care to homeless veterans. However, more must be done for homeless veterans with families and for homeless women veterans,” Foster said. “A full continuum of care depends on many organizations working together to provide services and adequate funding.”
Equitable Access To Veteran Health Care—“There are far too many discrimi-
nators that segment the veteran population. The American Legion’s Resolution No. 172, The GI Bill of Health, established priorities for many veteran health-care issues and highlighted The American Legion’s position on eligibility reform, and our opposition to prioritizing veterans by income and not service.”
Compensation And Pension Issues—Foster praised VA employees for being dedicated to assisting veterans, but said the agency’s issues with training and priorities need to be examined.
“The American Legion feels that with more oversight from Central Office concerning activities at regional offices to emphasize ‘quality over quantity,’ (the Veterans Benefits Administration) will be able to deliver the service to veterans they deserve,” Foster said.
Indianapolis, home to one of the nation’s most comprehensive Veterans Day activities, has announced a full day of activities, including a concerts, parade and banquet. All activities will take place Thursday, November 11.
They include:
10:30 a.m. The 38th Division Band of the Indiana National Guard will con-
duct a musical prelude. This will take place on the North steps of the Indiana War Memorial.
11:00 a.m. The veterans’ memorial service will begin including guest speaker Robert W. Spanogle, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and former National Adjutant of The American Legion. Weather permit-
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The Americanism Commission met on Saturday, October 10 at 4:15 p.m. in Salon B of the Marriott East Hotel during the 2010 Fall Conference.
Chairman Kenneth C. Hylton opened the meeting in proper form.
Roll call disclosed the following members as present:
Chairman Kenneth C. Hylton, Vice Chairman Peter C. Van Woerden, Vice Chairman Thomas E. Somerville, Baseball Chairman Owen Wells, Golf Chairman Michael Comerford, National Security/ Foreign Affairs Chairman Gary Steinhardt represented by Paul Steward, POW/MIA Chairman John Bubala, and SAL Chairman Larry Horvath represented by Ron Kizer. There were no guests in attendance.
Those absent included: Natl. Liaison Rep. John E. Hayes, Bowling Chairman Shannon McCroskey, NSFA Chairman Gary Steinhardt, and SAL Chairman Larry Horvath.
Baseball Executive Committee
Chairman Owen Wells announced that flowers and a gift were sent to the family of the player (Andy) who was killed.
Chairman Wells discussed the new bat law with the committee and notified them that it is posted on-line. He also announced that the new insurance Form 2 is available on-line.
Chairman Wells discussed new teams and rules and regulations with the committee, including the possible new helmet rule and the pitching rule. There was also discussion on possibly changing Department of Indiana baseball rules to correspond with National baseball rules where applicable.
Chairman Wells conferred with the committee regarding teams that did not live up to the committee’s and the Department’s expectation. The Churubusco and Bedford teams were discussed. Reprimand letters will be sent.
A motion was made to suspend the Bedford coach for one year. He will not be reinstated prior to meeting with the Executive Baseball Committee. The motion was approved.
There was no motion made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Baseball Committee
Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.
Chairman Owen Wells presented the “Arlie Skelton Award” winner, George Bazoukas, before the committee.
Chairman Wells re-discussed the Executive Committee topics with the regular committee.
Chairman Wells announced that a rules meeting will be held on the first Saturday of December at 1:00 p.m.
Chairman Wells and the committee decided that they will meet at the Mid-Winter Conference and that more than 30 minutes is needed. There were no motions made. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Bowling Committee
The committee announced that the 2011 Tournament will be held at the Arrowhead Bowl in Lafayette.
The committee decided that they will not meet at the Mid-Winter Conference.
A motion was made to accept the bid for the Bloomington Classic Lanes to hold the 2012 tournament. The motion was accepted. There was no motion made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Golf Committee
Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.
Chairman Michael Comerford held a discussion with the committee on allowing the SAL to play in the tournament. The discussion was tabled.
Chairman Comerford spoke on the up-coming tournament in Kokomo.
Chairman Comerford passed out the plaques for the category winners.
Chairman Comerford and the committee decided that they will not meet at the MidWinter Conference.
There were no motions made. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
NSFA Committee
A presentation was made to the committee by SFC Richard Joyce regarding a business development team.
Lt. Colonel Richard Shockley gave a presentation to the committee covering his military career, including his tour in Iraq.
The committee agreed to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference.
There were no motions made.
There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
POW/MIA Committee
Chairman John Bubala stated that POW/MIA decals will be funded by the Department and will be in all Department Convention packets for 2011.
Chairman Bubala is urging all districts to share information on what they are doing in their communities to keep the issue active, and, also what they do on POW/ MIA Recognition Day in September.
Chairman Bubala announced to the committee that his goal is to move forward and focus on more current issues, such as Iraq and Afghanistan. He also stressed that more information should come from the district and post level. Repatriation of remains from all wars will also still be an issue, with priority to Indiana.
The committee decided to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference.
There were no motions made. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
SAL Advisory Committee
Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.
Acting Chairman Ron Kizer introduced two resolutions before the committee: 1) David Hansen, 10th District- Detachment Commander 2011/2012 2) Darrin Batten, 3rd District- Detachment Northern Vice Commander 2011/2012. Past Detachment Com-
The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010, in Salon C at the Marriott East Hotel during the Fall Conference.
Chairman Mike Miller opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman John French, Vice Chairman Al Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney and Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government John Wrolen, American Legion Family Scholarship Clyde Colgrove, Boy Scouts Stan Gatewood, Boys State Enrollment Larry Bush, Girl Scouts Dan Lee represented Gail Galich, Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, and Oratorical and School Awards Rich Seto. American Legion Children’s Education & Welfare Jim Hagler, Children & Youth Dave Sharber, Flag Education/Etiquette John Branson, and Girl Scouts Gail Galich were absent.
American Legion Children’s Education & Welfare Committee
Minutes were read and approved by motion from Dave Sharber and 2nd by Bruce Steffen. Treasurer Tony Riley reported $113,715 in the general fund and $129,492 in the scholarship fund. A motion was made by Dave Sharber and 2nd by Bruce Steffen to accept the financial report.
Paul Steward and Dave Sharber made a motion and 2nd to reopen the tabled discussion on a request for funding in the amount of $3,000 for Hoosier Boys State. The request was declined with a motion by Paul Steward and 2nd by Dave Sharber.
A discussion was held about continuing the avenue of flags, which is now at the Indiana Veterans Home. Jim Daube made a motion, seconded by Ralph Tolan, to allocate money from the foundation to be transferred to
the Indiana Veterans Home. Dave Ritenour presented a wish list from White’s Institute, which will be kept as a matter of record. The committee would like to meet at the Midwinter Conference.
An advisory group consisting of Jerry Jordon, Dave Sharber, Tony Riley, Ralph Tolan, and Jim Daube will formulate a direction for the committee.
American Legion Family Scholarship Committee
Minutes were read and approved. Department directories were distributed. A motion was made and seconded to have the winner’s scholarship checks made payable to the individual and the school of their choice. The committee discussed lowering the grade point average on the application. The discussion was tabled.
Americanism & Government Committee
Chairman Wrolen shared school principal and post chairmen rosters with the committee. The budget was read. 1st District Chairman Charlie Franklin is drafting a resolution for the Midwinter Conference regarding distribution of federalist papers, which describes government from the state to municipality and jurisdiction levels. Charlie suggested chairmen take candy to the school staff and guidance counselors to encourage them to participate. The 4th district needs additional assistance from post chairmen to promote the program. The 10th district has had very slow progress in working with the schools. Department Commander Leland Baxter and Commission Chairman Dick Jewell thanked the committee for their efforts.
Boy Scout Committee
Minutes were read and approved. Vice Chairman Marty Dzieglowicz read a
Larry Lowry chairman
The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010, in Salon E of the Marriott Hotel during the Fall Conference.
Chairman Larry Lowry opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Larry Lowry; Vice Chairmen Phillip Hutson, Rick Hudson; Commander’s Rep, Walter Krohn; Nat’l Liaison Rep James Koutz; Employment, James Piepenbrok; General Hospital, Robert Flynn; Homeless Veterans, Robbie Robinson; Indiana Veterans Home, Robert Rettig; Nursing Home, Cecil Brummett, Veterans Assistance; David Heath. There were no guests present.
There were no members absent.
Employment Committee
The Committee reviewed the Employment Award and WorkOne packets that were passed out. Committee members should contact the veterans representative for help in nominating candidates for the Legion Awards. Veteran Job Fairs could be a source for finding nominees for the Legion Employer Awards. All applications for awards must be turned into The Department Service office prior to December 31, 2010. They will be judged at the Mid-Winter Training Session.
Ed Healy spoke about the Department of Workforce Development’s help with vet-
erans employment. Department Funds of $38.42 were requested. The Committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.
General Hospital
1st District reports the Hines Hospital received a golf cart, but are not sure who will drive it.
5th District reports that volunteers drive the golf cart at the Marion Hospital. The Hospital would like to get a 15-passenger van equipped to handle wheelchairs and stretchers.
9th District reported that they visit the hospital seven or eights times a year. The raise in rehab funds and the golf cart are appreciated. Volunteers drive the golf cart for them.
The Committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.
Homeless Veterans Chairman Robbie Robinson spoke about being on the Post Certification Form as a viable function of the Department of Indiana. The Committee should also provide a job description and responsibility list to the Districts and Post Service Officers so that they know how to deal with homeless veterans.
A donation of $500 was made by the Jasper Post.
Motion was made and approved to donate $1,000 to the Evansville Rescue Mission. Motion also was made and
ed Trice chairman
The Internal Affairs Commission met on Saturday, October 10 at 4:15 p.m. in Salon D of the Marriott East Hotel during the 2010 Fall Conference.
Chairman Edward J. Trice opened the meeting in proper form.
Roll call disclosed the following members as present: Chairman Edward J. Trice, Vice Chairman Mary E. York, Natl. Liaison Rep. John W. Pipher represented by Allen Connelly, Community Involvement Chairman Eric T. Baggett, Convention Contests Chairman James B. May, Firefighter/Law & Order
Chairman Wilfred J. Kocher, Legislative Chairman John “Danny” Rice, Membership
Chairman Jack H. Cook, New Post Development/Revitalization Chairman Herb Hoffman, Public Relations
Chairman Jeff M. Carroll, Sr., and Religious Emphasis
Chairman Norris A. Keirn. There was one guest in attendance.
Those absent included: Vice Chairman J. D. Morrow, Natl. Liaison Rep. Allen Connelly, and American Legion Riders Committee Chairman Tommy J. Small.
American Legion Riders Chairman Small asked the Committee if they have been using the folder information. He asked how many new chapters have been created within each district. The Officers each reported chapters that may be added but some were not listed as Chapters who have turned in their data sheets and membership money recognized.
Chairman Small stated the deadline is March 12th to have the applications turned in for the Rider if the Year Award.
There was a brief discussion regarding chapters holding meetings monthly or every other month.
Chairman Mullet asked why the newsletter was going to home addresses. Secretary Deitz replied she wanted to be sure that each director was getting them in a timely manner. Sometimes when the mail is sorted at the Legion they often don’t know what to do with them.
Chairman Mullet asked about the voting numbers being documented in the Bylaws. Secretary Deitz showed him page 1, section 5 in the ALR Bylaws which spells it out.
Commander Leland Baxter addressed the Committee and all in attendance. He thanked The American Legion Riders for the Legacy Run and how successful it has been.
Chairman Small was given a suggestion that the ALR riders do a fundraiser for the National Commander candidate Jimmy Koutz. He explained that Koutz needs funds for his candidacy and all monies raised at the district level counts towards his fund.
Department Membership
Chairman Jack Cook addressed the committee. He stated that due to the ALR, the membership numbers have risen and he is happy to see them. Chairman Cook stated that he will help anyway he can. He stated, “As the Bible says, go forth and propagate!”
Chairman Small asked the District Chairmen if we need to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference in January. All agreed yes and stated that would be a good time set up a fundraiser for next year.
The 10th District reported that they had a ride to Camp Atterbury on September 11th this year.
Secretary Deitz asked all new District Chairmen to see her and give her their address, phone numbers and
email address, so she may communicate with them and send newsletters.
Commander’s Rep. Roman has a chapter in his District that will not follow the Bylaws and ALR rules. Vice Chairman Hamilton told him to notify that Chapter and if they refuse to act accordingly, that the State Officers will take care of it and pull their Charter.
Mr. Rick Buam of the Zionsville Chapter has an issue that someone stated the District does not exist. Resolution 35 fixes that. His District wants a resolution to make a district level. Chairman Hamilton stated that the ALR Chairmen go to each district meetings and report as a program. A 6th District member talked about not being able to campaign if we are not recognized as a district level. Mr. Robert Graves asked if there was a list of District Chairmen so they may communicate and visit with other districts. Chairman Small said that would be ok. There was a Motion to adjourn by Commander’s Rep. Roman. The Motion was seconded by Chairman Hamilton. The Motion passed unanimously. There were no requests for Department Funds and with no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Community Involvement
The minutes from the Joint Spring Conference were read and approved as written.
A Motion was made to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference in January. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Chairman Baggett read a memo to the Committee regarding how to write and submit resolution.
Chairman Baggett announced the winners of last year’s Scrapbook Awards winners, Post 73, Post 139 and Post 508. He stated that the Committee’s goal is to have a book submitted from each district. Scrapbooks are due at Close of Books, no later than 1:00 p.m., no exceptions.
Chairman Johnson reported to the Committee how her district has been working with the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity.
Chairman Brinson reported on his district’s Veterans Day activities.
Chairman Baggett reported that Department Assistant Adjutant, Hugh Dagley, had helped him with a Veteran’s Day speech that he gave at an elementary school. There was a brief discussion regarding the Cunningham Post has been having rummage sales and have aided fire victims in the community with furniture and supplies.
There were no requests for Department Funds. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 2:45 p.m.
Convention Contests
A Motion was made to ask the National Contest Committee to look into restoring the Military Class winner as the National Champion Color Guard, rather than the winner of the Post and Retrieve competition.
There were no requests for Department funds made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Firefighter/Law & Order
A Motion was made by Chairman Ritenour to accept the minutes from the Joint Spring Conference as read. The Motion was seconded
Greetings from the First. District.
Well, another Legion year has started. I hope all of you are excited as we are in the First. Our membership team: Gail Galich, Executive Vice Commander, Mike Wooden, Membership Chairman, and our Vice Commanders, David Hicks, Larry Dittoe, Robert Hamady and Noreen Komasinski, have hit the ground running. As of this time, the First District is in first place, with 65.38 percent. Congratulations to all, job well done. We must not sit back and wait for our members to renew their membership. Every card from now on will be harder to get then the one before. We must all remember, without membership, we will have nothing.
I am looking forward to visiting and working with all of our Posts in the coming year. I was warned, however ... “get prepared to buy bigger clothes!”!
I want to thank Commander Gary Alexander of Cedar Lake Post 261 and its members, for hosting our first District Meeting. Now I know why I was warned. The food was great, Commander. I would also like to thank our Department Membership Chairman, Jack Cook, for attending our meeting and presenting the “Bravo Zulu” awards to deserving Posts. We have renewed our visits to Hines Hospital. The visits are the 3rd Sunday of the month. The hospitalized veterans look forward to the visits they receive from many of the veteran’s organizations each month. I invite everyone to join us and make it a joyful Sunday outing spreading goodwill and comfort to all those in need.
I was looking forward to the Department of Indiana Fall Conference. Remember, if you are a post committee chairman or post commander, these meetings are beneficial. If you are a District committee chairman, these meetings are a must. They give everyone a chance to renew friendships and make new ones. Please stop by the 1st. District Hospitality Room
and enjoy some good snacks and fellowship with us. For over 200 years, more than 42 million proud men and woman have defended our country. Veterans Day is approaching. Please take time to remember all of our veterans. If you see someone with a military hat or coat, thank them for their service to our country, then ask them if they are a member of The American Legion. Most towns will be honoring our veterans on November 11. If you can, please attend the ceremonies. Remember, without us (the Veterans), we would have nothing!
God Bless Our Troops’
Each issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire, I will spotlight a Post that has gone “above and beyond,” promoting The American Legion in their communities. At the 4th of July (held on the 3rd) Lake Station Parade, East Gary Memorial Post 100 entered a color guard marching unit, three floats and two military vehicles. Post 100 won all four categories! The “Best of Parade” float, reenacting the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, was asked to enter the parade in Hobart the next day. That’s right... Post 100’s Iwo Jima float won first place there also!
For the past four years Post 100 has gone to Washington D.C. and Arlington on Memorial Day. They had three bikes in Rolling Thunder the last two years. This year at the national parade, a veteran carrying a very large American Flag was overcome by the heat. He staggered and fell to the ground. But before our country’s flag could hit the ground, members of Post 100 raced out and recovered it. While the EMT’s were tending to the fallen veteran, Post 100 formally folded the flag and gave it to a parade official along with a proud salute. Hundreds of parade watchers gave them cheers and applause! By the way, the veteran is fine and he thanked the Legion for saving his flag.
I am looking forward to visiting all of Post’s in the 1st.
I would like to start out by saying we attended The American Legion National Convention and there were some great speakers. We learned a lot and enjoyed participating in the parade. Congratulations also to all the kids that won national awards. The Second District party was attended by all and everyone seemed to have a great time. Thank you to all the Second District Delegates who were able to make the trip. Thanks to Commander Baxter and his team for their hospitality while we were at the convention.
Thank you to the Green Machine for achieving first place for the first two target dates. The next target date is during our Fall Conference and I know Membership Chairman Larry Macy is working hard with the Green
Explore how poster art was used on the home front during World Wars I and II to mobilize the nation around a common cause. Art for the Nation is an art exhibit with history, and a history exhibit based on art. Discover where art and politics intersect and the link between propaganda and patriotism. Besides being visually stunning, the posters represent a source of information on the contributing efforts of the home front during wartime. The exhibition will be on display in the Ford Gallery of the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis, beginning January 29, 2011. Admission is free to members, and $7.00 for adults, $6.50 for senior citizens, and $4.00 for children under 12.
Orville Kling commander
Greetings from the Third District from the past and newly installed officers.
Jim Hewitt did a great job as District Commander this past year and it looks like we are heading towards another great year with our newly elected Commander, Orville (Jay) Kling.
The Third has been busy with the following news to report.
First, Post 210 in Middlebury would like to report their participation in the Bristol Parade this year. The post entered in the Bristol Parade and took the “Best over All” Trophy. Our entry included a color guard (consisting of all entities / Guarded by an active duty member of the Army), a convertible with the commander, thirty kids from the local teen center as a walking flag, a float with an active duty sailor, and thirty bikes from the American Legion Riders.
July donations included the following donations that have been made in the recent months. Paul Steward wanted me to drop you a line and give you an update on
our recent activities and donations.
Their July meeting donations were as follows: $143 to a “Pack a back pack” program for the local elementary school, $300 to plant a red maple at our post in memory of past commander John Trovatore, $643 for Millers’ Vets homeless center fund raiser and $1143 to the local FOP for a shop with a cop program.
The only other bit of Third District news is the report of our Legion Family “Piggy Bank Bash” which was held at Walkerton Post 189. The CWF Piggy Banks were passed out to Legion Family members and the filled piggy banks became their ticket for the hog roast that accompanied the Bank Bash. The piggies were split open and the change counted. At the end of the day, nearly $3,000 had been raised for the Child Welfare Fund. It was a fun event that raised some cash for a very worthy program of the American Legion family. That’s it until next time from your friends in the Mighty Third.
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nick nicholoff commander
Machine to hit the 65 percent target.
The Second District is proud to announce their support for Jimmy Koutz for American Legion National Commander. We will continue to work hard to make his campaign a success!
I am glad to have all the continued support for the Indiana Veteran’s Home. As you know the holidays are just around the corner and we need to remember to take care of our veterans. The residents always appreciate a visit any time but especially around the holidays would help bring some cheer.
The Second District is looking forward to working with the Department Commander on his project in support of Riley Hospital Foundation.
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ting, the service will conclude with fighter jets flying by the Indiana National Guard 11:45 a.m. The parade with more than 80 units will begin at Michigan and Pennsylvania Streets; move
Greeting from the Fabulous Fourth.
Our two District meetings have been very well attended. The Chairmen are working on their various programs. One of the main topics was community involvement, getting the American Legion noticed in a positive manner.
American Legion Post 476, Hamilton, held a flag retirement ceremony. Their color guard and officers did a great job and they also included the local Boy Scouts in the program. That was a nice addition and it added a larger group of local families. It also made the local paper.
The town of Leo sponsored the Vietnam Traveling Wall in September and our American Legion Riders met the wall at the Indiana–Mich-
igan State line and escorted the wall into Leo. America Legion Post 409’s color guard posted the colors at the opening ceremony. Each Allen county veteran’s name was read and a flower was placed at their panel. It was a very moving ceremony.
In September the Fourth District American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard escorted and provided standing flag lines for two of our local fallen comrades. This is a real tribute and top shelf security.
American Legion Post 31, Angola, has Legionnaires who participate in the Civil War reenactment battles. This is another great example of community involvement.
5 Jerry stevens commander
The baton of leadership for the “Mighty Fifth District” has been passed to Jerry Stevens of Fairmount Post 313 and his Membership Chairman Dewayne Dunn of Hartford City 159. We wish them well.
A new post was added to the Fifth District. A ceremony was held last August at the Pendleton Correctional Facility to dedicate Post 608. State Commander Leland Baxter along with Fifth District Commander Stevens were the speakers for this event. Several members of our district and state attended this important function. Pendleton is a maximum security prison and this was a great achievement for Dug Fugitt and Roger Baker who were instrumental in forming Legion Post 608 behind the walls of a prison.
At the Department Convention this summer, Indianapolis Mayor Ballard, a retired Marine, spoke to the Legion assembled and stressed that we need to help the Gulf War Veterans. They come home from war and then sometimes have to go back and fight some more. This disrupts their family and we need to help them in every way we can. Mayor Ballard is a proud Legionnaire.
I was talking with my brother-in-law Gus a while back and we were talking about membership numbers. Gus’s take on membership is that we have to go back to basics. I think he is right.
The Legion seems sometimes to have gotten away from what started us back in 1919. That desire is foggy. The urgency is foggy. The mission is foggy. Our programs are in trouble because the good-hearted Legionnaires who once manned the helm on them are gone and it is getting harder and harder to find someone to take over and push our important programs.
programs that we offer. Budgets are tight. Maybe some pork should be cut here and there in order to put the programs back to the front and center of the Legion Post once again. We must change to 2010 but keep our 1919 ideals and the satisfaction and willingness of working together in order to attract members and to keep members.
Walter Rogers of Dunkirk Post 227 is 90 years old and is the Post Commander again this year. He also is in charge of the Color Guard, Firing Squad, and folding of the flag, having presented over 240 flags for deceased veterans, and his color and firing squads have won State Champion honors. He and his family recently paid for and helped install a door off the street level so the elderly and handicapped can enter the post home without having to walk up and down any stairs.
Roger attends all District meetings and is only one of a very few that can open and close a meeting without having to look at the words from a book. A true Legionnaire with his heart in the right place, Roger is someone for the rest of us to look up to and if the rest of us could just accomplish a forth of what Roger has accomplished during his membership in the Legion since 1945, The American Legion would be better off, that is for sure. We salute you Roger. We give you an attention on deck and hand salute. We in the Fifth District are proud to have you counted as one of our members here in the Fifth District.
south on Pennsylvania to New York Street; west to Meridian Street; north on Meridian; and finish at North Street. 6:30 p.m. The 46th Annual Veteran’s Day Banquet and reception will be held at the Primo Banquet Hall & Conference Center, 2615
National Avenue, Indianapolis. A 5:30 p.m. reception precedes the banquet. There is a charge for the banquet, and tickets must be reserved. You may learn more about this event and making reservations by calling Matt Herndon, at 317-630-1406.
American Legion Post 420’s color guard and Squadron 420’s color guard held a flag retirement ceremony October 2. The detail was assisted by Past District Commander Charlie Rathsack from American Legion Post 241. We also retired flags from other Legion Posts. Post 420 Legionnaires provided free chili and hotdogs for Post members and guests.
I’m really enjoying handing out those B-Zs.
We are getting the American Legion noticed; I only hope this will help with our membership.
Scramble around for members though we might, we just cannot sell new prospective members on the Legion per se unless we have something to offer them and to challenge them with. They can go to the neighborhood bar for a drink real easy and see most of their friends there at the same time.
We need to push our programs to the fullest. We have some of the best programs on earth going for us and we need to continue pushing them in order for our youth to benefit from them. We need to stop looking in the mirror to see if our covers are on straight and just roll up our sleeves and work the
Past State Sergeant of Arms, Dave Ritenour, of Roanoke Post 160, advised they hosted a benefit concert on September 25 to help fund sending some WWII vets out to Washington, DC on the Honor Flight to see their new monument. They have done this before and Dave says the WWII vets really appreciate being able to fly out and back. Great job, Dave! Great Job, Post 160!
Past District Commander Pete Brannon advised that Jonesboro Post 95 dedicated their Veteran Memorial over Memorial Day, and had a good turnout. Ed Trice and Jerry Stevens were present for this event. The Legion Riders led the way to the memorial.
Happy Birthday to the US Navy October 13 and to the Marines on November 10, and belated birthday to the US Air Force, September 18. Thank you, veterans all, for serving and protecting our country and our way of life.
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mike Patrick commanderIt’s early in my term as District Commander but I do want to thank all the members of the District Legion, Auxiliary, and SAL for their support as I learn my way in this position. You all hear plenty about membership so I don’t need to belabor the issue, but I do want to encourage all in the district to support our district membership chairman Ray Gillinger from Greencastle Post 58.
District 6 was in 1st Place most of last year and hopefully we can repeat that again this year. Special thanks to Cliff Stephens, 2009-2010 District Commander, and all the other Past Sixthh District Commanders for their support as we begin the 2010-11 year.
Speaking of Greencastle Post 58 … they hosted a flag disposal ceremony performed by Boy Scout Troop 99. The Mayor of Greencastle, Sue Murray, and State Representative Nancy Michaels were among those in attendance. There was a great turnout of post officers, including the Post Commander, Melvin Talley, Steve Foster, Jack Obrien, Roger Farrington, SAL Adjutant Richard Coffin and Auxiliary President and Sixth District Chaplain Doris McMains. District Membership Chairman Ray Gillinger noted there were many people in attendance who said they had never seen a flag retirement ceremony and they had hair standing up on their
arms and many had proud tears falling.
We all know many posts are struggling to survive and thrive. Kudos to Commander Barry Turner and other Pioneer Post 340 officers for their post revitalization efforts. They have expressed sincere appreciation to district members and officers who are supporting their efforts.
Also, I recently visited Clinton Post 140 and noted they are working hard to reenergize and renovate their post. The Mayor of Clinton, Art Lindsay, Jr., issued a Proclamation on September 15, 2010, that proclaimed September 16, 2010, as American Legion Day in a ceremony attended by Post 140 Commander Randy Helms and Post Chaplain Ray Dickson.
I know that these are just two examples of the many activities of the 44 posts in the District so it helps if people will email me interesting items at mike4024@aol.com.
Remember to occasionally check the district web site (www.indlegion6.org) as well as the Department and National Legion web sites. These are great sources of American Legion news and veteran resources.
In closing I’d just like to say we have a great district. I hope to see more of you at the District meetings, and may everyone be safe as we head into the Fall and holiday season.
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Bill andrews commander
Greetings from the Fighting Seventh:
My name is Bill Andrews and I want to thank all the members and their posts for electing me your Commander. I was elected to take the place or Horace Brunson. Horace decided to take a leave due to some medical reasons. We all are praying for a speedy recovery and return to our ranks soon.
Congratulations to all the posts that won awards from the Department Convention. Vincennes Post 73 received Fire Fighter of the Year and First Place in scrapbook for Community Involvement. Sullivan Post 139 also received First Place in scrapbook for Community Involvement, small post. Bloomington Post 18 received several awards in membership. I apologize if I left any post out. I know I was proud to be from the Seventh.
On July 31, I travelled to Bloomington for a flag dedication to a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. He had passed on without proper recognition, but Bloomington Post 18 had a wonderful ceremony to honor a fallen comrade. Lest We Forget!
Commander Jim Canerday, Coal City Post 141, passed away. I salute all the comrades that honored Jim at his Memorial Service. Well Done!
Have you heard? Worthington Post 106 has a new post home and what a home it is! If you don’t enjoy yourself, it’s your own fault. If you have a chance to visit, do so. Sullivan Post 139 had its dedication of their new flag poles in front of their post home. They look really nice.
I have been trying to make as many post meetings as possible. If I haven’t made it to your meeting yet, hang on. I will.
National Convention is over and was well attended by the Seventh District. We had approximately 30 members attend. If you haven’t heard by now, Bloomfield Post 196 won the National Color Guard Contest. Way, to go, Bloomfield! While at National Convention, a comrade collapsed and one of our Seventh District SAL members, along with a nurse, started CPR. They kept him stable until medics arrived.
When you see Dewey Long, shake his hand or pat him on the back for a job well done. He is a hero in our eyes. He was also there when one of our own had a fall and administered first aid. Way to go, Dr. D. I guess I shouldn’t forget about membership. It is going well, but we have about three months left to get over the top. Let’s go for it. We can do it. We are the Fighting Seventh!
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mike Brady commanderGreetings from the Eighth District.
From Commander Mike Brady:
How great is it to be a Legionnaire? Those of us in the Eighth District are truly ex-
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having a lot of fun doing it.
One common issue that seems to be consistent in almost every Post is the different personalities that sometimes clash with each other. When this happens, it creates discourse and has a negative effect on the overall welfare of the Post. I have had many members ask me how we can deal with this.
I’ve given this some thought and I believe that we must first remember why we all joined The American Legion in the first place. We are veterans. Let me say that again: we are veterans. If we can all appreciate and respect each other for what we have shared, perhaps we can find common ground and deal with each other in a more mature manner. I realize that we are not always going to agree on things. If we can all agree to disagree, by letting the majority decide our course (as a group) at our regular Post meetings, and then working to accomplish what was decided without the “bar room” discussions, I believe we’ll all be better off.
Some of our Posts have a sign posted in their club rooms that says “Your opinion is worth a million bucks at the meeting but it is not worth a dime at the bar.” I couldn’t have said it better.
If you think you have an idea to make your Post better, bring the suggestion to the regular membership in the meeting—not the club room. Also, be prepared to step up and invest some of your time to implementing your idea. Every Post has a few people who make lots of suggestions or have opinions about how things should be done, but these folks rarely, if ever, actually volunteer to help implement an idea.
Now on to the next topic.
On behalf of the Eighth District, I have committed to Department Commander Baxter that we will finish in first place in membership with at least 100 percent of goal. That being said, I am hereby issuing a challenge to the other District Commanders. I propose a friendly wager.
Each District Commander
matches my $100 wager and at the end of the year, the winning District Commander will present Commander Baxter with a $1,100 donation for his project on behalf of the winning District. I’ve thrown down the gauntlet, will you pick it up? As a final note, please stop by our hospitality room at any conference—we’ll have some fun and if you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll get to hear our Marine Corps Choir “sound off.” Essayons.
***********************
Mel Vinson
Eighth District
Public Relations
We already have a post at the magic 100 percent mark. A “Way To Go”, to Tennyson Post 463. It is good to see you at the top. There are a few other posts that are under the 25 needed number. It is early but let’s see if we can have all of you at the 100 percent mark before the first of November.
The District’s next membership drive-around will take place on the East end of the District on Saturday, November 13. It is always a fun time. The last membership drive around will be on Saturday December 4. This one will take place in the central part of the District.
The traveling Vietnam Wall was in Mt. Vernon around Labor Day. The report is it was very well received and had a lot of visitors. If you ever get the chance to see and visit this exhibit do not pass it up. Here are some happenings at Jasper Post 147 in the next couple of months. During a trip to Fort Knox on October 22, 2010. They saw several pieces of fighting equipment and some demonstrations by the Military Canine group. A Post Everlasting will take place at the Post Home on 11 November, 2010. This will honor all deceased members from November 2009 thru the present. December will have the annual American Legion Post 147 Christmas Party, Dubois County wide. The family members of Post 147 will be visiting the local nursing homes and helping Santa present gifts to the residents.
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sam moore commander
I would like to start off with thanks to all the Ninth District Officers. I am sure we will have a great year.
I would like to say thanks also to all the posts that achieved a goal of 55 percent as of September. They are Posts 464, 452, 271, 239, 234, 229, 203, 195, 149, 76, 77, 63, 33 and 13. Great job to all these post!
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erything they can to bring in new members to the district. This is the only way we can grow in our district. Perhaps it is even time once again to send out renewal notices to get our posts to 100 percent.
Congratulations to our own Joe Shueman from Post 464 St. Leon, for his Distinguished Service Award for
Bloomfield’s Memorial Post
196 Color Guard musters in preparation for presenting the colors at the recently concluded 2010 Fall Conference. The Color Guard is not only the Department of Indiana’s 2010 Championship Color Guard, it also is the National Championship Color Guard, having won the competition at the Milwaukee Convention in August.
cited about how this year is going so far. We’ve been in our Posts visiting with our members and really working to revitalize and energize them. It’s working and we’re
Congratulations to Post 63 for attaining a goal also of 105.56 percent! Keep up the good work, and let the rest of our posts take notice to this fine example.
I realize that we all don’t like to hear about this, how-
ever it is time again for us all too really get going with membership. We all need to strive to renew and retain all the members we can and to try and recruit new members into our posts. It is the duty of all Legionnaires to try and recruit new members into The American Legion. There have been many great ideas mentioned to aide in recruiting new members into our posts, so please keep trying these new ideas. The Ninth District is a truly great district and I am sure all of the officers and members of the district will do ev-
Continued in column 5
the year 2010 from The Department of Indiana American Legion. This award was well deserved.
Congratulations to Denny Jackson sponsored, by Post 185 for becoming the 2010 Educator of the Year. Also sponsored by Post 185 was the 2010 Flag Education Winner, Tyler Perry from Switzerland County Elementary School.
10
David espich commander
No column submitted.
11
mark Gallion commander
Welcome from the Eleventh District. I would like to thank Past Eleventh District Commander Kenny Cooper for his hard work and dedication with leading the Eleventh District last year. I would also like to congratulate our very own Ray “Skip” Nunweiler for being elected 2010-2011 Southern Vice Commander.
Our goals this year are simple: Membership, Membership, and Membership. With membership we will be able to work on all of our programs and become the best district in the Department. I have recruited a hard working membership team this year and at this point I can only say thank you for all that you have done so far, keep up the hard work. We are in the process of revitalizing Police Post 56 and will have begun working with student veterans groups at local universities in an attempt to recruit and to assist the student’s with their veterans’ benefits.
Happening around the district: On August 8, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard honored all Gulf War and War on Terror Era Veterans at Conseco Field House by hosting very moving ceremony, presenting each veteran a Thank You coin.
Several members of Paul Coble Post 26 made their yearly trip to the Indiana Veterans Home on August 11 for their annual “give back and appreciation for the a American Patriot Day” feeding several residents.
On August 22, the Eleventh District was once again honored with being the starting point for the 5th Annual Legacy Run. Over 300 motorcycles departed Wayne Post 64, escorting National Commander Clarence Hill to Milwaukee. Besides hosting this event Wayne Post 64 also donated approximately $4,500 toward this outstanding endeavor. Post 64 also sponsored 11 veterans from the Eleventh District who are now residences of the Indiana Veterans Home.
Congratulations to Speedway High School Teacher
Chuck Bennett. Chuck is a geography teacher and the recipient of the Educator of The Year award at this year’s Department Convention. He was nominated by Speedway Post 500 for this prestigious award. Speedway Post 500 also recently hosted a fund raiser for a Speedway resident. Mitch Hunter, an Army veteran. Hunter lost his face Nov. 30, 2001, when he was shocked by a live wire while trying to save someone else following an automatable crash.
The American Legion Riders from Speedway Post 500 deserves special recognition in this article. On September 23 they presented a $10,000.00 check to Operation Comfort Warriors. This money was raised over the course of the last 12 months through donations, raffles, and dinners at Applebee's where they got a portion of the proceeds, and the Zach Nordmeyer Memorial Ride (registration, sale of t-shirts, silent auction, door prizes, raffles, etc). Raising this amount was through the efforts of a great committee who thought outside the box in coming up with new ideas to raise money! The Chapter picked Operation Comfort Warriors as their charity based on their mission and dedication to meeting the needs of wounded military, providing them with comfort items not usually provided by the government. Great job and keep up your outstanding work.
On October 16, from 11:00 to 4:00 PM the Eleventh District conducted a Cow Plop contest. Tickets were $10.00 each with two winners. The first plop winner received $1.000 and the second Cow Plop winner received $500. The Cow Plop was held at Wayne Post 64, 601 S. Holt Road. There was food, drinks and entertainment for all in attendance. All proceeds go to our Legion Programs and to the National Commander Candidate Jim Koutz campaign fund. Winners will be announced in the December Eleventh District column.
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and passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Chairman Wooden to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference. The Motion was seconded by Chairman Bailey and passed unanimously.
There was a brief discussion by Chairman Ritenour regarding having members CPR certified. Some discussion and suggestions followed. Chairmen decided to check with the District Commander’s to poll to see who in their District is certified.
Chairman Kocher passed out the 2010-2011 Department Directories. Chairman Parmley did not have a book included in his packet.
No requests for Department funds were made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 10:25 a.m.
Legislative
The minutes from the Joint Spring Conference were read and approved.
Mr. Tom Applegate, Director of The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, addressed the Committee regarding a Bill that would combine two seven person committee’s to one central committee is in the works. The Governors Advisory Committee and the I.D.V.A. Committee are the two committees to be combined. He reported that small business owned and operated by
disabled veterans have no preferences in Indiana, only by the Federal Government. They are trying to get legislation on this matter.
Chairman Rice made a mention of the last Big 4 meeting (American Legion, Amvets, DAV & V.F.W.) would not be asking for anything due to budget concerns but will fight against any cuts at all concerning veterans.
Chairman Rice passed out copies of the National Commander’s Testimony in Washington D.C., copies of the points paper that The American Legion gives to Senate and Congress. NEC Darrell Hansel gave a briefing of the Washington testimony. Congress has discussed they can rely on The American Legion numbers for their budget numbers. He stated that at this time veterans support is at a high level.
Chairman Rice reported he sent out 74 emails on updates from The American Legion. He will let members know which members of Congress do not respond to our requests for meetings.
He reported Congress adjourned a week early to concentrate on elections and left several veterans’ issues on the table. Both resolutions by Indiana were referred to Commander Foster at the National Convention.
A Motion was made to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
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thank you letter from Justin Knoll, recent recipient of the American Legion Department of Indiana Eagle Scout of the Year. Justin also received a $2,500 scholarship from The National American Legion. 11th District Chairman Chorpenning emphatically stated the religious award is needed to compete for the scholarship. The committee will meet at the Midwinter Conference. The new Boy Scouts of America Headquarters is located at Shadeland and Fall Creek Roads in Indianapolis. The judging of the 2011 American Legion Department of Indiana Eagle Scout of the Year will probably take place at the new headquarters. The committee discussed 50 year plaques for posts sponsorship of troops. Russ Chorpenning displayed certificates to award boy scouts for citizenship and Eagle Scout Awards.
Boys State Enrollment Committee
The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Chairman Larry Bush passed out a list of all HBS Post Chairmen and school principals. The American Legion Hoosier Boys State will be held June 12-18, 2011.
Vice Chairman Bowman reported the discussions of the Board of Directors meeting. A five year contract with Trine University was signed, which freezes the cost for three years and increases the cost by five dollars per participant for each of the last two years. Trine University did not report any damages from the 2010 year.
2012 will be the 75th anniversary of The American Legion Hoosier Boys State
There were no requests for Department Funds. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 1:45 p.m.
Membership
Chairman Cook held a brief discussion on St. Francis Hospital.
He announced the totals for the Fall Conference turn in numbers. There was a discussion regarding signing up new members. Guarantee that the card will go out in the mail by the following Monday. The Strategic Planning Committee mentioned signing up new members through colleges.
There was a discussion regarding one out of every ten returning Afghan soldiers have a job. It is our job to ensure they all know that The American Legion is here for them.
Commander Baxter thanked the membership team for doing such a great job so far.
Chairman Cook opened up the floor for discussion:
8th District mentioned the column in the Hoosier Legionnaire regarding the Commander’s project. All eleven Districts accept the challenge.
There was a brief discussion regarding PUFL members.
Department Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley reminded the Committee and all in attendance about card accountability. He discussed
posts holding cards to make post bill payments. The Department is seriously considering pulling charters if they are caught paying bills with dues monies. The post will lose not-for-profit status and post in good standing status. There was a question on the floor asking if The Department visit posts that are doing or suspected of doing this. Assistant Adjutant Dagley answered yes.
Chairman Cook and Mr. Dagley played the membership training video and opened the floor to comments and questions. Discs will be reproduced and given to each District Commander to distribute as they wish. The training video will be posted on The Department of Indiana’s website as well.
Chairman Cook suggested that they contact Commander or himself if they have a post that needs a white hat visit.
There was a brief discussion regarding upcoming Target Dates.
There were no requests made for Department funds. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
New Post Development/ Revitalization
Chairman Hoffman asked Committee Chairman for their District reports:
• 4th District: Ron Kizer reported that three posts in his District are struggling.
• 6th District: Chairman
Hooker reported the Pioneer Post 340 needs help from the Committee. Chairman Hoffman will follow up with 6th District Chairman and Barry L. Turner.
• 7th District: Chairman Hoffman reported on Trafalgar Post 416.
• 8th District: Chairman Sharber reported that the 8th District is doing well.
• 9th District: District Representative Kerner reported on three posts in his District in trouble.
• 10th District: Chairman Espich reported that Post 150 is now doing well and the Greenfield Post 119 is struggling.
• 11th District: Chairman Ikemire reported that Post 56 is being revitalized and now doing well.
There were no motions made. There were no requests for Department Funds made.
There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Public Relations
A Motion was made to approve the minutes from the Joint Spring Conference as read. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Chairman Carroll discussed a national DVD called “American Legion: A Powerful Force for our Nation.” There was some discussion on how to obtain a copy.
Barnett urged the Committee to get our information out on local radio stations.
Chairman Carroll held a brief discussion regarding the possibility of a new Department Award for an electronic news letter. He asked each Chairman to come back to the Mid-Winter Conference with their ideas and suggestions.
There was a brief discussion about YouTube and Facebook could be used as Public Relation tools.
There were no requests for Department funds made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting adjourned in proper form.
Religious Emphasis
Chairman Harris made a Motion to approve the minutes from the Joint Spring Conference as read. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
There was a discussion regarding the Four Chaplains presentation. The 1st District was congratulated by Chairman Keirn.
A Motion was made to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Chairman Keirn briefly discussed a handout on Islam.
Chairman Keirn made a presentation on “How to be an effective Chaplain.” There was some discussion afterward.
program. Chairmen were reminded to solicit funding assistance from the Sons of the American Legion and outside sources. Each district may have two delegates at large to send to Boys State.
The Hoosier Boys’ State bylaws have been revised concerning eligibility to state delegates must be juniors with one semester of credits left in high school. The committee will meet at the Midwinter Conference. From the National Americanism Conference, Vice Chairman Bowman discovered other states have similar problems with declining registration.
Children & Youth Committee Minutes were read and approved. 11th District Chairman questioned the $1,000 grant for each department winner of the Educator of the Year award, which was announced at State Convention. Adjutant Steve Short has clarified the amount announced on stage at the 2010 Department Convention was incorrect. Each educator receives a $500 check made payable to their school to be designated as the educator wishes. All Educator of the Year binders are due by June 1, 2011, to the department headquarters. Chairman Sharber will be contacting Riley Hospital for fundraising materials to support Commander Baxter’s project. The committee would like to meet at the Midwinter Conference.
Flag Education/ Etiquette Committee
Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. The list of current flag education orders, post flag chairmen, and eligible schools were distributed to the committee. Orders will be available for distribution at the Midwinter Conference. The committee will meet at the Midwinter Conference.
Continued from page 3
mander Steve Tansel reported to the committee that the conflict with the oratorical contest has been resolved.
The committee agreed to meet at the Mid-Winter Conference. There were no motions made. There were no motions
Girl Scout Committee Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The 1st District, Post 232 submitted a $100 donation. Motions were made and seconded to change the wording on the application and to meet at the Midwinter Conference. With regards to the application, applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applicants do not have to be active members of a religious institution. State award winners may not reapply for the scholarship. Applications are due to district chairmen by May 1 and to Chairman Galich by June 1.
Junior Shooting Sports Committee Minutes were read and approved. The committee discussed fundraising and a training seminar. The Indiana Junior Shooting Sports Tournament will be held in November, 2010. The date will be posted on the website. The committee would like to meet at the Midwinter Conference.
Oratorical Committee
Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Engraved “Indiana American Legion Oratorical & School Awards” ink pens were given to all in attendance as well as the Detachment for their hard work.
All chairmen received contest scripts, material, and brochures. Chairman Seto reviewed material and contest rules including residency rules of contestants going to school out of state. The committee accepted a simplified district judge’s score sheet, which eliminated the assigned topic.
Chairman Seto contacted the Indiana Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Bennett, who has a direct link
to all schools electronically.
Mr. Bennett has pledged assistance in getting oratorical and scholarship information to the schools. Parochial and public school listings, throughout the state, and School Awards Program information was distributed to the committee. The committee would like to meet at the Midwinter Conference.
Six individuals took the oratorical worker certification exam.
The following dates were confirmed:
• 1st District: January 30, 2011; 1 p.m. EST Munster High School
• 2nd District: January 9, 2011; 2 p.m. EST Post 301, 956 W Indiana, Kouts
• 3rd District: TBD
• 4th District: January 9, 2011; 1 p.m. EST Post 296, 131 W Tillman Rd, Fort Wayne
• 5th District: TBD
• 6th District: TBD
• 7th District: January 22, 2011; 1 p.m. EST Post 18, 1800 W 3rd St., Bloomington
• 8th District: TBD
• 9th District: TBD
• 10th District: TBD
• 11th District: January 8, 2011; 9 a.m. Post 3, 6379 N College Ave., Indianapolis Zone contest dates and locations are:
• Zone 1 hosted by 2nd District: February 13, 2011; 2 p.m. EST Post 301, 956 W Indiana, Kouts
• Zone 2 hosted by 4th District: TBD
• Zone 3 hosted by 10th District TBD
• Zone 4 hosted by 9th District TBD Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was closed in proper manner.
Chairman O’Donnell addressed the Committee and reported on a veterans talk radio show that he hosts. WJOB broadcast is now worldwide, Friday’s from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Central time. He said you can check out HeyRegion.com at 1230 AM Radio. There was a brief discussion about the show and topics. There was a brief discussion regarding Public Service Announcements. Chairman
There were no requests for Department Funds made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form after closing prayer by Chairman Lowe.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Continued from page 3
approved to donate $1,000 to the Lafayette Urban Ministries.
The Committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.
Indiana Veterans Home Department Commander Leland Baxter spoke about moving the Avenue of Flags and transferring the flag money from the Knightstown Home to the IVH.
Chester Lobodzinski talked about the Annual Bowling for Veterans Fundraiser to be held Saturday, June 4, 2011.
Danny Pettit had a list of residents at the home who are not American Legion Members. He also passed out the IVH wish list. IVH Superintendent Antonio Stewart spoke about tearing down 3-4 buildings at the home and replacing windows in two of the other buildings. He reported that there are 263 residents currently at the home, but they are staffed and equipped for 445 residents. He thanked The American Legion for the monetary donations. Governor Mitch Daniels visited the home last Thursday. The Clothing Center is in need of socks, sweat pants and T shirts.
Motion made and passed to purchase an Alzheimer bed for the amount of $6,445. The Committee will meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.
and the Fourth of July. They have used up all the money that was allotted to them. 4th District reports that they are working on getting things back together after the loss of Harold Brubaker. 9th District reports that they have spent most of the money allotted to them. They are doing the same things that they did last year. There were no motions made or funds requested. The Committee will not meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session.
Veterans Assistance
Guest speaker Carrie Schmidt from Veterans Funeral Care talked about funeral planning and the average expense of a funeral. VA Pension can save $5,000 for a veterans’ funeral. Arlington Cemetery does free cremation services for veterans.
The Director of Rehabilitation reported that the VA should start processing claims for the presumptive issues on November 1, 2010. He also stated that there are new rules for PTSD claims.
There will be a post service officers training seminar at the Mid-Winter Conference including but not limited to information concerning VA Special Monthly Pension benefits.
There were no motions made or funds requested. The Committee will not meet at the Mid-Winter Training Session. Adjournment
made dealing with Department funds.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
Nursing Home 1st District reports that there are 52 nursing homes in the District. They set up programs at different Nursing Homes on Veterans Day
There being no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a nonservice connected pension to wartime era veterans who have served 90 days or more active duty in the armed forces, were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, who have a disability or a combination of disabilities that “permanently” preclude them from engaging in a gainful employment activity, and who meet VA’s income and net worth requirements.
The VA will concede that a veteran meets the permanent and total disability requirement if the veteran is a patient in a nursing home, has been determined totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, or is at least 65 years of age.
This non-service connected pension benefit guarantees the veteran an annual income that is usually increased each year with a cost of living adjustment. Most of the veteran's household family income from other sourc-
John Hickey Department Service Officer
es reduces the non-service connected pension benefit dollar-for-dollar.
The total amount of the veteran's un-reimbursed family medical expenses over 5 percent of the basic pension benefit is used to reduce the amount of income from other sources counted against the non-service connected pension benefit. All expenses the claimant must also pay toward the cost of nursing home care (over the 5 percent deduction) may be subtracted from the countable income for VA pension purposes.
There are three categories of VA non-service connected pensions:
• Basic pension for those meeting the above noted re-
Service & Legislative Update
quirements,
• Two Special Monthly Pensions.
The two Special Monthly Pension benefits are higher non-service connected pension allowances paid when the veteran is also either housebound or in need of aid and attendance from another person because of disability.
pension benefits. The nursing home letter should also note if Medicaid is paying the veteran’s nursing home expenses.
The disability requirement for special monthly pension aid and attendance benefits is assumed if the veteran is a patient in a nursing home, but residency in assistant living facilities do not automatically meet the SMP disability requirement.
To apply when the veteran is a nursing home patient, information from the nursing home noting the veteran is a patient and stating the daily cost of nursing home care should also accompany the veteran's application for
On October 13, 2009, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs announced an intent to establish presumption of service connection for three additional illness associated with Agent Orange exposure: • B cell leukemia, such as, hairy cell leukemia;
• Parkinson’s disease, and
• Ischemic Heart Disease also know as coronary artery disease (CAD) causing lack of oxygen to the heart muscle and heart attacks.
We are informed that the federal register waiting requirements have been met, and VA will start processing these claims on November 1, 2010.
Remember; if a Vietnam veteran or a surviving spouse had filed a claim before based on these conditions anytime after September 25, 1985 and been denied, they should file again. They could possibly receive benefits retroactively from the date of the first filing under veterans’ case law specific for Agent Orange claims know as Nehmer v. The United States Veterans Administration.
Veterans Funeral Care Veterans Funeral Care is a private company endorsed by The American Legion Department of Indiana. Veterans Funeral Care helps veterans and their families pre-plan veterans’ funerals, understand VA burial benefits, and arrange burial honors with the military and local American Legion posts. Veterans Funeral Care serves the entire state.. You may reach them by calling: 1-866-570-0029, or visit the Veterans Funeral Care website at www.indianafuneralcare.com.
Some veterans receiving VA benefits and found incapable of managing their own financial affairs are rated “incompetent” by VA. This allows VA to appoint the veteran a fiduciary for VA benefits purposes.
The Brady Handgun and Violence Prevention Act of 1993 prohibits persons found incompetent from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition, including those veterans VA has rated incompetent.
On January 8, 2008, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Improvement Amendment Act of 2007 was signed into
law. It allows persons no longer adjudicated as incompetent relief from these restrictions as well some persons still adjudicated as incompetent. A person may apply to the VA regional office for relief from the prohibitions imposed by Federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. VA may grant such relief if it would not be contrary to public interest, and if the evidence satisfactorily establishes that the circumstances regarding the disability, and the applicant’s record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not likely act in a manner dangerous to public safety. VA will consider relief only for persons VA rated incompetent, not those persons a court, commission, or other lawful authority has declared incompetent. VA must process each application for relief within 365 days after it is received.
When Veterans May Salute Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October 2008. The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law the year before that authorized veterans and military members not in uniform to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear. The newest provision of the hand salute law was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009 signed by President Bush on October 14, 2008. The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took
The following are examples of several 2010 non-service connected pension rates for veterans and the surviving spouse: Basic Housebound Aid and Attendance
with no dependents: $11,830
If the veteran is paying the nursing home costs, VA will calculate the amount of SMP paid based on the veteran’s income offset by medical expenses including the cost of nursing home care the veteran pays.
If Medicaid pays the costs of the veteran’s nursing home care and the veteran does not have a dependent, VA will reduce the pension benefit to $90 a month. Neither Medicaid nor the nursing home, however, can seize the veteran’s $90 monthly payment. VA will also allow the
Editor’s Note: The Department Service Office will be closed in celebration of Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11. The office will also be closed for the Thanksgiving holidays on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26. The office will otherwise be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. during November. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling direct, 317-9163605; calling toll free number, 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; via fax, 317-226-6645; or via e-mail, vsohickj@vba.va.gov
effect Jan. 28, 2008.
Substitution of Claimants
Although VA still takes way too long to process claims and appeals, VA can no longer always deny payment after the claimant’s death. If there are survivors eligible
for accrued benefits (benefits due the claimant but left unpaid at death), such as, a surviving spouse, the qualifying survivor may ask to be “substituted” in place of the deceased veteran.
The new claimant must ask to be substituted within a year of the veteran’s death. A motion for substitution should be in writing, with a copy of the veteran’s death certificate, a completed survivors benefits form (VA Form 21-534) and a new power of attorney for the service organization.
costs of assisted living facility expenses for reducing the claimant’s countable income for VA pension purposes if VA determines the claimant’s medical condition meets the disability requirements for entitlement to VA Special Monthly Pension Housebound or SMP Aid and Attendance benefits, but the same is not true for veterans entitled to only the basic VA pension.
Non-service connected pension is also adjusted upwardly when the number of the veteran's dependents increase and downwardly when the veteran loses dependents. Once the pension is calculated, VA normally pays the benefit in twelve monthly installments.
Once the veteran begins receiving a VA non-service connected pension, VA will normally require the completion of an annual income and medical expense reports.
Veterans receiving VA nonservice connected pension must be very careful not to under-report their income or over-report medical expenses since this could result in an overpayment of benefits for which VA will attempt to recoup.
Also, the qualifying veteran’s surviving spouse is entitled to a non-service connected survivor’s pension. The spouse, however, does not have to be totally disabled, but the survivor’s pension rates are much lower.
VA’s pension program
requirements are complicated.Anyone needing further information concerning VA non-service connected pension benefits may contact The American Legion, Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office at either 1-888723-7999, ext. 1, or 317916-3605. The American Legion provides free representation for veterans with VA claims. Veterans may also seek local assistance from their County Veterans Service Officer. VA cannot grant pension benefits if the claimant’s net worth (excluding the claimant’s home or personal possessions, such as, a car or furniture) is more than $80,000. In most causes, however, VA will determine the net worth excessive for pension purposes if the claimant’s net worth is $50,000 or more. If the claimant’s net worth is excessive for pension purposes, he or she can give up all legal rights to the excessive part of the net worth and immediately meet the net worth requirement for VA pension benefits.
The same is not true with Medicaid. Medicaid has a five-year net worth “look back.” For this reason and due to other consequences associated with transferring net worth, the veteran or surviving spouse should seek the services of a qualified attorney before transferring net worth for VA pension purposes. Please, however, do not let anyone charge you for filing a VA claim. This is illegal, and The American Legion offers free VA claims filing information and representation services.
On Veterans Day, Hoosier veterans have a chance to honor America’s veterans with a special concert by a group of special veterans on November 10 at the Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis.
Four veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars comprise the musical group, the 4TROOPS, including former captain Meredith Melcher, who served as a platoon leader conducting successful ambulance evacuations of wounded GIs and Iraqis; former sergeant Daniel Jenns, who enlisted
after 9-11 and served in Iraq; Staff Sergeant. SSG (Ret.) Ron Henry, a 20-year Army vet, who was a transport manager in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division yet managed to find time to lead Army singing group Transportation Express; and former Sergeant David Clemo, who served in Afghanistan where he provided communications and logistics support for the 18th Airborne Corps.
The group was signed by Sony Masterworks and released its self-titled debut album in May 2010. Portions of the album proceeds and merchandise sales will be donated to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
fund as well as to the IAVA, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the USO. In addition, the 4TROOPS are donating a dollar from concert ticket sales to these charities.
Members of the military and their families as well as Legion members and other veterans can receive a $10 discount off the normal $31 or $23.50 tickets to the 4TROOPS Concert. To receive the discount, a military ID or Legion Membership card must be presented at the box office.
All of the members of the group are also members of The American Legion.They performed in a special con-
cert at the National Convention in Milwaukee and during the opening ceremonies. Each performance was met with standing ovations from enthusiastic crowds. They received their “official” Legion caps from National Commander Clarence E. Hill on stage during those ceremonies. Their show is a mix of patriotic and poignant music, much of which relates directly to the men and women who have served in uniform. To see an example of the 4TROOPS’ performance at National Convention, log on to www.Youtube.com/ americanlegionHQ or go to www.4troopsmusic.com.
Whenever Legion Family members get together, there are always interesting sights and sounds. The official conferences and conventions are no exception. This year’s 2010 Fall Conference featured a special costume ball as the commander’s party following the close the Saturday meetings and sessions. The parties have become a popular respite for conferees following two days of hard work, and they seem to put as much hard work into their costumes as into their duties. There was competition for the best adult and child costumes, but everyone was, in fact, a winner. Here are the sights of the event.
1. Department Commander Leland Baxter, a retired United States Marine, is surrounded by a bevy of his fellow Marines, singing – albeit off key – The Marine Corps Hymn.
2. Young people were a big part of the festivities. These two sisters stole the show as princesses.
3. Entertainment for the party was provided by Tossin’ and Turnin’, a band fronted by Roger Young.
4. If this fellow had known he’d live so long, he might have taken better care of himself.
5. More youngsters ham it up for the camera.
6. Jim Koutz, armed temporarily with the M-16 rifle raffled off in support of his campaign.
7. A royal couple taking a turn on the dance floor.
8. A hair-raising specter haunted the ballroom.
9. The wicked witch and the tickled toddler.
10. Sweeping beauties.
11. Most guests—particularly the children—were glad to see party-goers like this one un masked.
12. Mike Brady won the drawing for Colts memorabilia conducted by the Team Indiana campaign on behalf of Jim Koutz’ campaign for commander.
13. Commander Baxter and Adjutant Short make a few brief announcements at the party.
14. Larry (aka Dorothy) and Claudia Lowry rounded up their family for a reprise of the Wizard of Oz.
15. Like the baby in the commercial says, “I totally underestimated the creepiness of the clown.”
16. King of the Road?
17. The distaff half of The American Legion Riders were also well in evidence.
Almost 2,500 cards were turned in and we met, just barely, our 65 percent membership goal. Please give yourself a hand, go ahead sit back, enjoy the moment and take a break.
OK, that’s long enough; now get back to work on meeting the Veterans Day membership goal of 75 percent. This is a mail-in membership drive with cards due at Department Headquarters no later than noon Wednesday, November 10, 2010.
We had four districts meet the 65 percent membership goal at the conference; in fourth place was the 11th District with 65.96 percent.
In third place with 66.58 percent was the 2nd District. In second place with 67.34 percent of the goal was the 8th District. The Top district was the 1st District with a whopping 70.85 percent of goal.
They are 3.51 percent ahead of the 8th District in second place. 1st District Commander John Rassbach, Membership Chairman Mike Wooden and the rest of the 1st District Membership Team are to be congratulated for their fine work. They are off to a good start and their hard work on bringing in every card, every
Ask Aubrey
time, for this turnin means they only need 5 percent more to meet the 75 percent November 10, 2010 goal. A big Bravo Zulu goes out to the 1st District Membership Team as well as the 2nd, 8th & 11th district membership teams for meeting and exceeding the 65 percent membership target goal.
Jack Cook 2010-2011 Department Membership ChairmanEvery Card, Every Time
One of the more frustrating aspects of working membership is that inevitably someone will comment at the turn-in that they had more cards at the post and for many different reasons did not have them processed and ready at the time of the turn in.
The Department’s expectations given to the District and Department membership teams, for every district meeting and department membership target date, is that they will contact all of their assigned posts and insure that all cards on hand are processed and mailed to arrive ahead of the due date, and/or are collected to insure they arrive on time for
Dear Aubrey:
Why do I keep getting renewal notices when I’ve already paid?
Dear Tired:
Tired of the Mail
Renewal notices go out once every three months. The National Organization prints the notices from the current rosters maintained there. The sheer volume of notices that must be extracted from the data files is such that there is usually a lead time of about two months or longer to complete the extract and prepare the notices for mailing.
That is why the National Organization establishes cutoff dates. Any member whose dues are not current on or after the cut-off date will receive the next notice. He or she will not receive another notice after that one unless— and this is a big unless—the post or department does not transmit dues timely. For example, if the cut-off date is September 9, the post must have mailed in your dues to Department by that date in order to be taken off of the Renewal Notice mailing list.
Dear Aubrey: I have a member who would like to sign up as a new member. Can I sign them up for the previous membership year so that they will have an extra continuous year?
Dear John:
John Mc.No. Once National and State Headquarters close their books for a particular membership year, the ‘new’ member must count the current membership year as their first continuous year of membership. Only previous members may pay for previous membership years.
Dear Aubrey:
Why do some of the members in my post have a membership card with the number of continuous years missing? Who Can’t Count?
Dear Who: If the member paid after the April 14, 2010 cut-off date, they will not have a
the turn in. If we are doing this, in theory no cards should arrive at Department Headquarters on the Monday after the turn-in. As it is now, it is not unusual for several hundred cards to arrive a day late for the turn-in.
Let’s makea new goal for all posts: Make it a practice not only to participate in every turn in, but also to be sure their membership cards arrive on time. That will assure that the cards count towards the Department Membership goal. During the year, as the goal percentages increase, it will be critical that we have every card, every time to insure we continue to meet our membership goals.
Monthly
Membership Message
On the department web site each month a monthly membership message is posted. Just click on the
membership drop down tab. The intent of this message is that the posts down load it and post it on their bulletin board or print it in their newsletter.
Calling all Snow Birds
It’s almost that time of year again when our Snow Birds start moving to the warmer climates. If you are a Snow Bird, please make sure your post has your winter mailing address for newsletters, etc. At our post, its costs about $.18 to mail a newsletter. If the address is bad then it costs us $.44 to have it returned with the correct address and another $.44 to mail it to the correct address. While you’re at it, take a moment to be sure your 2011 dues are paid. If not, get it taken care of now. Eligibility for the free $1,000 AD&D coverage requires that you have paid your dues.
$1,000 Free Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Please be sure to file for your free $1,000 insurance.
When you do so this year, your insurance will remain in force till August 15, 2016, as long as you keep your dues current. The Legionnaire Insurance Trust is the only approved and authorized insurance provider for the Department of Indiana and a portion of every premium dollar is returned to the Department. This has been a significant source of revenue for the Department of Indiana over the years.
Face Book
Your Department Membership Chairman is on Face Book. Each Friday I will list my visitations for the next two weeks. The first week is fairly solid but the second week is subject to change.
Remember, If Commander Baxter thinks I can better serve the Department of Indiana by changing my visitation plans, then that’s what I will do. The hope is that by listing my visitations with the districts and posts, you will know where to find me if you have any questions or prob-
lems. Stop by and see me. It will be an honor to meet you. I also carry a small supply of some of the basic legion forms such as membership applications, membership transmittal forms etc., so if you need a few till the department can re-supply you, just ask.
White Hats at Post Meetings
One of Commander Baxter’s desires this year is to take department officers and place them at post meetings. When department officers visit District Meetings and discuss membership and department programs, we often feel we are preaching to the choir rather than to the congregation. We will only be visiting with and at the request of the District Commander. Words of encouragement, suggestions, ideas and offers of assistance with membership or other Legion programs will be offered under the broad heading of these visits that we call “inspiration and perspiration.”
Editor’s Note: Ask Aubrey is a question and answer column prepared by the Department Membership Staff. Here you will find reliable and helpful information to help you manage your own membership and that of your post. The questions are representative of those the office receives over the phone and in the email every day. Please send
number of continuous years in that space. This also happens when a member is expired.
Dear Aubrey: How do I transmit Credit Card payments?
Strapped
Dear Strapped: An example of processing credit cards might be: The post receives 106 renewals. four of those renewals pay with a credit card. Set the credit card payments aside and process the rest of the renewals first. Then, go back to the credit card renewals. Fill out a separate transmittal for these. The transmittal would show four renewals. Payment type: credit card, and the FULL AMOUNT of the credit card transactions (ie. post dues are $35, so the transmittal should read $140 for the 4 cards.) Remember: this applies only to posts that do not have credit card processing capabilities as part of their business. Those posts should process the cards locally and follow normal transmittal procedures.
Dear Aubrey: What happens if I missed the due date listed on my renewal notice? Does this mean that I am considered “expired?”
Worried
Dear Worried: Not necessarily. If you miss the due date listed on the renewal notice, go ahead and still send in your dues. You will not be considered expired unless you have not paid your dues by December 31 of the current year.
during the Fall Conference when Districts strived for their 65 percent mark. Rassbach and his team will carry the light as long as they lead the way in membership. The next chance for the lamp to be taken is the Veterans Day Target Date coming up in early November.
During the 2010-2011 membership year, National Commander Jimmie Foster will award his “Lucky 7” pin to any American Legion Family member who signs up at least two new members and renews five current members.
A “new member’ is defined as any eligible veteran joining for the 2011 membership years who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2010 membershiu0p year.
Foster’s goal is to recognize those in The American Legion family— including the Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion—who actively recruit new members in the organization for 2011 membership year. To maintain the integrity of the national commander’s pin incentive
program, only one pin will be awarded per individual.
Certification forms for the “Lucky 7” program can be downloaded online and submitted at any time. Upon receipt, national membership staff will confirm the names and mail the pin directly to the Legion family member.
Foster’s “Lucky 7” pin incentive will end on June 30, 2011, or when supplies are exhausted. Recruiters should follow the instructions on the certification forms carefully and submit them, with the required signatures, directly to the National Membership Division, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Please do not submit them to Indiana Department Headquarters.
Seven Posts in five Districts have started the raced to 100 percent of goal for this membership year. The Membership chairman has laid out an aggressive plan—every card, every time—designed not only to increase participation and attainment on Target Dates, but also to encourage posts to get their members in on time and on target. This, Jack Cook says, will increase the posts’ chances of hitting the 100 percent target on early.
The 100 percent posts for the Department so far are:
DISTRICT 2: Post 414, Burlington; DISTRICT 3: Post 130, Michigan City; DISTRICT 6: Post 340, Terre Haute; DISTRICT 8: Post 242, Santa Claus and Post 463, Tennyson; and DISTRICT 9: Post 63, Paoli and Post 452, New Alsace.
Congratulations to these leading posts.
The Department of Indiana has produced a 17minute DVD version of its popular membership management seminar. Originally developed as an off-site, hands-on presentation for delivery live to post, district and regional audiences, the membership training program offers basic information on forms, tasks and procedures normally encountered by post adjutants and post membership chairmen. The program is offered in a user-friendly format that allows viewers to select subjects in which they are interested from a list of available topics.
The program is presented on camera by Membership
Manager Aubrey Real. Based on the original PowerPoint presentation developed by Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley, the DVD was produced in cooperation with, and at no cost to the department, by Duane Mercer, a member of The American Legion National Public Relations Staff.
The final draft of the video was introduced to members of the Department Membership Committee during the Fall Conference. It currently is undergoing final postproduction and will be sent off site for duplication.
When all production work is completed, the DVD will be available for viewing on the Department of Indiana’s website, and copies of
the disc will be available to posts and interested individuals.
The Membership Management video is the first of several such videos envisioned by Dagley.
“We had a very good run for several years on taking the information on the road to interested groups of Legionnaires,” he said. “John Hickey, our Department Service Officer, continues to present veterans’ service seminars around the state with good results, but the membership staff now only does off-site training whenever we are asked to and whenever we are comfortable that we will have a good turn-out. I think the video is
the natural next step.”
Dagley said the staff will soon begin working on similar DVD productions covering Post Public Relations, Resolutions, New Post Development and Revitalization. He said he is also interested in developing similar presentations to Legion programs.
“One that comes to mind immediately is orientation and information for youngsters considering or planning to attend Boys State, and their parents. Such recorded programs will not, of course, replace the work of the post and district volunteers, but certainly would be helpful to everyone,” he said.
With the approach of Veterans Day, I find my year as your Department Commander well underway and already a third of the way finished. It has been an exciting year, one that has exceeded all my expectations.
I am grateful to all of you for giving me the opportunity to serve as Commander.
I also am grateful to those of you who supported me during my medical emergency at the National Convention. I will admit to being just a little bit embarrassed by the circumstances, but I will always be thankful for those who saw to it that I got to the hospital, received the best possible care, and got back on my feet as quickly as possible. I appreciate the cards and letters and prayers of all of you.
I also want to tip my hat to Dewey Long and Claudia Lowry, two quick-thinking members of the Legion Family who render life-saving first aid to one of our members who also experienced a medical emergency at the convention. Without their skill and quick thinking, an emergency could easily have
turned into a tragedy. These two incidents tell so much about the character and quality of the men and women of The American Legion Family. All of us have good reason to be proud of our devotion to mutual helpfulness—a phrase from the Preamble that takes on additional significance every time it is applied.
As many of you know by now, our family is blessed to have two very special children at its heart. Purla and Tre Von came into this world with real disadvantages and very serious needs. But the love and joy they give to us far exceeds what we have been able to do for them. We are honored to give them a home, but we are also thankful that we live in a state in which groundbreaking medical care is available for children like them.
Through what I have
learned from Purla and Tre Von, I understand the critical role played by Riley Children’s Hospital in the lives of so many desperately ill Hoosier children. That is why I selected the Riley Hospital Foundation as the beneficiary of my special project this year. No child, however deprived or desperate its circumstances, should be denied the life-saving treatments and technology that enhance and prolong life. That costs money. Your contributions to the Foundation are one-hundred percent devoted to the work at Riley; not one penny goes to administration or any other such expense. I encourage you to continue your support—not for me—but for the children of our great state.
Our membership turn-in at the Fall Conference certainly exceeded my expectations, but it cannot exceed my gratitude. I know how hard you all worked to reach our target, and I want you to know I appreciate it. Jack Cook has proven to be an outstanding membership chairman—that is some-
Any of you who have received either a letter or an email from me have probably noticed the Thomas Paine quote I have added to both my email signature block and on my letterhead. It reads, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”
At first glance, it appears to be a perfect solicitation to Americans to serve their country in the military. Certainly, military service would be considered an appropriate answer to this challenge. However, I like to use this phrase often when I speak to groups of young students. My emphasis to students is not so much to join the armed services but to consider all the different ways an American can “undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”
At a very minimum, I urge these young people to become involved in our nation’s political process by at least voting. Voting wisely requires doing one’s home-
work on the issues and the candidates and that requires serious effort. I urge the students to learn about the issues, decide where they stand on those issues and then decide on which candidate most closely supports their view. The students, particularly those at Boys State and Girls State, immediately understand where I’m going with my guidance and it is generally well received.
Today, I am sending this same advice and guidance to members of our American Legion Family.
Our country faces huge challenges, almost as daunting as our travel through the 1930s and 40s with the Great Depression and World
War II. As citizens we can not sit on our duffs at home during the upcoming elections. Apathy can and will kill a democracy and if that happens, we have no one to blame but ourselves if we give up our right and duty to vote.
Additionally, your vote means nothing if you have no idea for whom you’re voting or why. Pulling a straight party ticket is dangerous unless you personally know what each of those candidates intend to do if elected. With all of the electronic and online research tools available, it is easy to learn about the candidates.
All of you have already fulfilled Paine’s challenge when you put on that uniform, but your job is not done. You served to protect the magnificent system we have to govern ourselves, now get out and “undergo the fatigue” of governing yourselves. Too much is at stake for you to sit on the sidelines.
thing I did expect—and he has used a phrase this year that I think sums up the program very well: “Every Card, Every Time.”
By transmitting every card as soon as possible after receiving it, our posts help us meet the expectations placed on us by the National Organization, and protect our members from the loss of benefits they are entitled to by their membership.
Veterans Day marks our next membership Target Date. Keep in mind that the greatest guarantee of our ability to care for our comrades is our continued strength as a Veterans Service Organization. That strength is assured by a strong and growing membership, and we are back on that path, thanks to you.
I wish you all a safe and meaningful Veterans Day. If I don’t see you on that day, I am sure that I will see you on another occasion very soon. God bless The American Legion, God bless each of you, and remember why we associate ourselves together: For God and Country.
The chicks have hatched and we are on our way to Soaring to New Heights, to make new records in our Auxiliary. This is a job for everyone, including the Legion, SAL and Riders. We, The American Legion Family, need to help each other in making this a record year.
Our Fall Conferences are over and the chairmen are all anxious to get going with their programs and show the community what we are all about. I have actually had an adult ask what is The American Legion, as they had never heard of it. This is very sad. So the answer is, get out, work the programs, and record them in the newspaper. Let’s show the community what we are about.
There is one thing that I would like help with from the Legion Family. That is to go into the schools and conduct some Flag Etiquette programs. As I sit there and observe the students and parents, I see that they really don’t know how to salute the flag or pay attention during the National Anthem. I believe some think it is the start of a ball game only.
We are starting out very slow in membership but hopefully, now that the renewal cards are out, things
will pick up. Legionnaires, have you paid your wife’s or daughter’s dues? Maybe they are not even a member. If that is the case get them enrolled now. Every member counts.
As I am starting to travel through the state I see many units struggling. Here is where the men can help out: give them a word of encouragement and ask if they may help in some way. It may only take a good word or two. Work together before it’s too late. You know the saying” ‘a good post has a good auxiliary.’
Are you going to see the veterans in the nursing homes, hospitals, etc.? Come on, Legion Family, they need your support. Help the veteran who is trying to get into a veterans hospital but doesn’t know how to go about it. The family really doesn’t know where to start. Help them. Veterans Day is coming up. Make that your personal project.
Commander Baxter and I have started our rounds and it is really exciting to see the many different Posts, and programs we have been involved in. The POW-MIA service was very impressive and hope next year many of our members can attend. We hope to see all of you as the year goes by.
An Indiana-based automatic car wash company plans to offer free car washes to veterans on Veterans Day 2010.
According to correspondence received from Jan Vermillion, a public relations representative for Mike’s Carwash, the free car washes are a repeat of similar ‘thank you’ recognition offered by the company in 2009.
The free car washes will be available to veterans at all Mike’s locations, including Dayton, Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Fort Wayne.
Additional information will be posted on the Department of Indiana’s website, www.indlegion.org as soon as it become available. Meantime, interested veterans can contact any local Mike’s Carwash for more immediate information.
My three-year-old flat screen TV was slowly dying. What a joy to find that we have a repair place in town. While picking up my TV, I struck up a conversation and learned a whole lot about current electronics. Holding a degree in electronics and files of certifications accumulated in over thirty years of business, this guy was amazing. He introduced me to Blue Ray and 3-D. The difference in clarity and definition now possible was phenomenal to me. The flat screen sets are profoundly thinner and the surround sound produced by less than two-inch speakers was unbelievable. The top models I was shown are internet ready so a computer integrates internet with the TV. That afternoon I learned
that what you buy today is already obsolete! Whether we like it or not, we are being immersed in an electronic “time warp.”
I no longer carry a simple cell phone. I have a communication device. Although I remain a novice with my I Phone 4, I use it extensively with church, friends and family communications. It seems that people over seventy years old call, people fifty-to-seventy years old leave voice messages, people
thirty-to-fifty years old send emails, while people under age thirty “text.” I can handle all forms now!
Having been baptized into Face Book, I am learning a whole new avenue of communications. I am beginning to know what “TMI” (too much information) is!
Through the effects of these communications some amazing things are happening. I am beginning to make contact with warriors that I served with long ago. Contact with one has now led to another through recognition of my photo at a reunion group. I have recently discovered that a buddy that I was informed was KIA actually survived though he quit breathing as the medivac landed. Living over
two thousand miles away, we are now rapidly catching up and exchanging pictures from the past. Missing pieces are coming together and remembered names are blending into the list.
I have also been able to communicate with warriors who are actively serving in hostile areas and with those stationed around the world.
I keep in touch with my Marine daughter now overseas, and my son who is a private contractor serving and deployed with Marine units. Through these new electronic medias, I instantly see their pictures and often within minutes exchange personal communications. The world continues to shrink. In Face Book I see how their friends interact and gain more information.
At our National Chaplains training a few weeks ago, a chaplain from Camp Atterbury addressed us. He helped us to understand that while warriors a generation ago left family and community to serve, the warriors today do not have these support groups to come home to. While they are deployed they perform amazing high tech tasks and assignments that civilian life will not afford. They are close to one another and create a sense of family. When they come home this is all gone. The current plan to reduce our Armed Forces during a time of extremely high unemployment will only exacerbate the problem.
The American Legion family has an opportunity like never before to use these
new forms of communications to uplift and support both this new generation of warriors and those of former conflicts. Knowing that someone cares about you and is there for you is essential. I believe our “devotion to mutual helpfulness” can only be enhanced in this new era of communications. Mutual helpfulness is what gave birth to the American Legion and what sustains us. I believe it can also be the venue that can revitalize us.
Dear friend, you are showing your faith by whatever you do for the brothers, and this you are doing for strangers; therefore, we ought to support such men, so that we can be co-workers with the truth.