$398,000 raffle jackpot draws huge crowds
Raffle game could be game-changer for American Legion state and nation. This means fewer posts can afford to keep the lights on. Not the case at American Legion Mt. Vernon, Ind., – It’s your average Post 5. Saturday night at American Legion The post earned more than Post 5 in Mt. Vernon, Ind. $100,000 in the last 50 weeks from The streets are overflowing Treasure Hunt ticket sales alone as with people spilling over from the the jackpot continued to grow. crowd packed wall-to-wall inside. “It provides the money we need The Sherriff’s Department sets to make donations to our Legion up roadblocks and directs traffic. programs that we support in the People are parking blocks away to community like Boy’s State, Girl’s join the festivities. State, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, The joint is busting at the seams and Riley Children’s Hospital, college there’s a palpable sense of anticipation scholarships and the Indiana Veterans’ Home to name a few,” said Post in the air. 5 Charity Gaming Chairman Dave While “Busting at the seams,” Sharber. might not be the first impression While profits made through Treasure that comes to mind when thinkHunt, and any other charitable ing of your average American Legion post, Legion Post 5 is far Huge crowds are drawn to American Legion Post 5, Mt. Vernon, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 1, game, cannot be used to support a 2015 for a chance to win the $335,000 jackpot there. Treasure Hunt, the only non-capped from average. jackpot raffle game in Indiana, is sweeping American Legion posts across the state, post’s bar or restaurant, the sheer What’s different about tonight? building community participation, awareness and generating hundreds of thousands of volume of people coming in to play indirectly brought business to the The $335,000 raffle prize that drew dollars for the American Legion’s veterans’ advocacy mission. canteen on an unprecedented level. half the population of Mt. Vernon, Money spent at their bar and Ind., and surrounding communities Spring Conference. The raffle to programs like Operation Comfort to visit their local American Legion game is specifically designed for Warriors, Temporary Financial restaurant jumped from an average organizations like The American Assistance, and the Child Welfare of $300 to $500 a week to more than post, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2015. $12,000 in one recent week. While raffles, bingo and pull- Legion to build traffic at their Foundation. As jackpots begin to snowball and Membership numbers are on the tabs are common staples at many meeting grounds. American Legion posts, in the past, The game is based on a board that reach five and six digit payouts, the rise as well. In addition to exceeding all raffles were capped at a $5,000 holds 52 windows, 52 chances to word of mouth spreads through the their 100 percent American Legion jackpot by the Indiana Gaming win. The jackpot grows each week community resulting in a packed membership goal, Post 5’s Auxiliary as more tickets are purchased until house come raffle night. More than grew more than 80 members and the Commission. Sons of The American Treasure Hunt is the exception. It’s “At the end of the day, our focus is building membership so that Legion grew more than 50 members the first unlimited jackpot raffle game we can continue our veterans’ advocacy mission, supporting during this jackpot. “Through the sanctioned by the our communities, and supporting our service members and course of all this, Indiana Charity we’ve seen a lot of Gaming Division their families.” -Dept. Cmmdr. Larry Lowry traffic come through and it’s currently sweeping Legion posts across the the window hiding the jackpot is $750,000 in jackpots have been our post,” said Sharber. “A lot of drawn. This could take as little as raffled off at Indiana American people have seen what we have to entire state. “These large jackpots help to im- one week, up to 52 weeks, expo- Legion posts in the last 12 months offer and what we’re about and as a result have joined as members to prove traffic through the posts,” said nentially growing the jackpot alone. “Building traffic through the continue to be a part of our community.” Bill Llewellyn, Director of New and community participation. Profits from Treasure Hunt are posts leads to profitability, visibility While Post 5 has built the largest Business Development at Nannicola Inc., the creators of Treasure Hunt. invested back into the post’s and ultimately, helps build new Treasure Hunt jackpot to date, other “It’s about getting more people into expenses in the form of mortgage, membership,” said Llewellyn. “In posts across the state are emulating utilities and renovations. Profits are the 20 years that I’ve been in charity their success, drawing large crowds the posts and seeing new faces.” Llewellyn debuted Treasure also donated to serve The Amer- gaming in Indiana, I’ve never had with big jackpots including $85,000 Hunt at The American Legion, ican Legion Family’s veterans anything that could potentially be at Post 257 in Fremont, Ind., more Department of Indiana, 2012 advocacy mission through donations a game changer for an organization than $62,000 at Post 230 in like this has been. If you get lucky, Martinsville, Ind., and $48,000 at and you get a long run on a jackpot, Post 308 in Osceola, Ind. Posey County, Indiana, Deputy it could absolutely be a game changer Post 133 in Alton, Ind., reached Sherriff Jim Hirsch for your post and your organization.” a $117,000 jackpot in May. They stirs more than It’s no secret the nation’s largest were able to purchase a back-up 58,000 raffle tickets purchased at veterans’ service organization’s generator for their post. They’ve American Legion membership numbers have been gained an average of two members Post 5, Mt. Vernon, fast dwindling as “The Greatest a week during that run. They’re Ind., during the Treasure Hunt Generation,” reaches their twilight currently running their fourth raffle drawing for a years. The same can be said for our Treasure Hunt board now. jackpot of $335,000 Korean War and Vietnam War Post 355 in Indianapolis reached Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015. The jackpot veterans. a $107,000 jackpot in April. They’ve was not hit, resulting In Addition to declining member- repaved their parking lot, replaced all in a grand total ship numbers, participation of existing of the HVAC units on the building’s jackpot of more than $394,000 to be members is on a downward trend. roof, and plan to lay new sidewalks drawn on Saturday, This means less money flowing and remodel their bathroom. They’re Aug. 8. through Legion posts across the able to donate $30,000 a year to local veterans’ and children’s organizations, all with funds from their charitable gaming account. They are currently running their fourth board now with the jackpot at $27,000 and climbing. Post 331 in Brownsburg, Ind., Welcome Dept. Cmdr. Lowry Page 2 reached a jackpot of roughly $36,000 in March. Business more NEC, Historian, Auxiliary PAgE 3 than tripled during the months they ran Treasure Hunt and the post gained 10 new members. Profits sons & rehabilitation Page 4 were donated their community Boy Scout troops, little league baseball, department convention awards page 5 and local food drives. “At the end of the day, our focus ocw feature, ptsd survey page 6 is building membership so that we can continue our veterans’ advocacy wwii, korean vets share their story page 7 mission, supporting our communities, and supporting our service blue star salute page 8 members and their families,” said American Legion, Department of Indiana Commander Larry Lowry. national/dept. convention forms page 9 Story and photos by John Crosby, Department Communications Director
IN THIS ISSUE
photos, new Legion Officers 10
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Leading Legionnaire Letters G
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reetings to our Legion family! With dedication, hard work, and consistency, we are poised and ready for a productive year as the leading veterans’ organization in the state. But I first need to express my gratitude to you for allowing me this once in a lifetime experience. Our motto this year is “Duty, Honor, Country. No Sacrifice Too Great!” I look forward to working with all of you to make the Department of Indiana a model for other states to try and achieve. During the past two years, Commander Ed Trice and Commander Ken Hylton have laid the groundwork for us to spring forward on membership. Over the past eleven years, we have lost more than 35,000 members. I have asked our Membership Chairman Bob Oeth to lead us in reversing this slide in membership. A large part of our focus will be on recruiting younger veterans. Our younger veterans often have different concerns after being discharged. Obtaining employment, financial problems, health care, and education are all areas that we should and can help with. Since a lot of younger veterans know very little of The American Legion, our mission statement should be simple: • Service to the veterans • Service to the families • Service to our communities Senator Kirsten Gillibrand once said, “While we can’t begin to repay the debt we owe our veterans for their brave service, we can certainly take steps to ease the physical, psychological and financial hardships they may be experiencing.” That is exactly why this year I will do everything in my power to provide resources, education, and assistance to everyone that has served, as all of us are in a position to help them. Again, thank you so very much. May God bless you and the U.S.A.!
arry Lowry was elected The American Legion, Department of Indiana state commander by delegates from the 11 districts throughout the state during the 97th American Legion, Department of Indiana Convention on Saturday, July 11, 2015 in Indianapolis. Lowry’s history with the Legion began at Post 418, Walton, Ind., in 1971. He has served as the post service officer, post chaplain, post vice-commander and finally post commander. He served Indiana’s 2nd District as district membership chairman, district judge advocate, district executive vice-commander, vice-commander and commander. Lowry has served as chairman of all four Department of Indiana commissions; Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director Americanism, Children and Youth, Larry Lowry, a Logansport, Ind., veteran, Internal Affairs and Rehabilitation. He gives his acceptance speech after being served the national organization as vice- elected State Commander of the American Department of Indiana during the chairman of the Americanism Council for Legion organization’s 97th annual state convention 15 years. in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 11, 2015. In addition to his Legion activities, Lowry has served the past nine years as the veterans support officer for Cass County where he oversees services for around 3,700 veterans. He’s helped bring more than $8 million in services to the county, including $7 million in Veterans Administration medical benefits. Lowry worked as a journeyman tool and die maker at General Motors in Kokomo, Ind., where he retired after 31 years. His motto for his term in office is “Duty, Honor, Country. No sacrifice too great,” a term he and his fellow troops learned and recited daily during basic training in 1970. He served from 1970 to 1972 and deployed to Vietnam with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He and his wife of 41 years, Claudia, have two daughters, Lori and Kara, and two grandsons, Carter and Riley.
With the election of a new commander, the
registration at the national convention. A form has been prepared which must be completed by the registrant and returned to the department with one-night’s deposit. It is available on line at the Department of Indiana website: www.indianalegion.org At the close of the registration period, usually two weeks in advance of the meeting, the department will submit a housing registration list to the hotel. When the room reservations have been made, the individuals and the department will be notified of the reservation confirmation numbers, along with the room reservation dates. In order to receive direct notification of the confirmation number, registrants must include an email address with the reservation form. Reservations made directly with the hotel may be accepted by the hotel, but will not be placed in the department contracted room block, and therefore may not be eligible for the negotiated room rate. Members of the Marriott Rewards Program will be credited with the stay, but in order to get the credit they must present their Reward Program number at the registration desk during check-in. The policy change is the result of recent experience, including such factors as: • The rescheduling of the Auxiliary Department Convention to coincide with The American Legion Convention; • The addition of The American Legion Riders to the schedule; • Policy and technology changes in effect at the Indianapolis Marriott; • A growing incidence of individual members reserving multiple rooms in a single name; • The inability of the Marriott Hotel’s out-of-state central reservation system to properly place reservations in the appropriate contracted blocks; • The hotels increasingly strict enforcement of room block limits established by contracts signed several years ago. Reservations for the Fall Conference made at the hotel at the close of the 2015 Department Convention will be honored, but all future reservations in the contracted room block must be made through the Department. *** A quick reminder: There remains a handful of seats on the Department’s buses heading for the national Convention in Baltimore. The cost per person is $159, which includes round trip transportation, free secured parking at the department, a chance two win a pair of Indianapolis Colts game tickets (one pair per bus), refreshments and games aboard the buses, and advance preparation of your convention packets and pre-registration at the convention hotel. It’s a real bargain, and should be a lot of fun. We’ve taken a page from the Greyhound Bus Lines: “Take the Bus … and Leave the Driving to Us.” Reservations will be accepted until the last seats are taken, or the buses depart. Contact the department for information or to secure your reservation.
Department of Indiana has successfully brought down the curtain on another Legion year. Your department staff is unanimous in congratulating Larry Lowry on his election to this high office. There are challenges before him, of course, but there are also many opportunities. We are looking forward to his
leadership during the coming year. Membership, as always, remains a challenge. On the heels of a successful campaign by Past Department Commander Ken Hylton and membership Chairman Bruce Steffen, Commander Lowry has outlined an ambitious plan to stop the decades-long decline in membership. He has set ambitious goals for all districts and during Officers Orientation a few weeks ago, challenged the district commanders to work together to achieve them. Teamwork, he said, is the key to achieving those goals. A proposed increase in the national per capita has the potential to significantly raise the bar for the Commander and his membership team this year. The increase is not certain, and it certainly is not insurmountable, but if the National Convention approves it next month, we have our work cut out for us. Any dues increase approved by national will take effect Jan. 1, 2016, which means the next four months are critical. Members are encouraged to renew before the Jan. 1, deadline and beat the increase if it comes. Department will be monitoring the situation closely, and will provide information and the necessary forms to assure that future renewal notices are accurate. Watch the website www.indianalegion.org and the monthly post mailings for forms and instructions. An additional increase has been conditionally approved by the Department Executive Committee which will take effect if, and only if, the national increase is approved. That would bring to $35.00 the amount each post must transmit to the Department for each member. Keep an eye out for information on this developing issue. *** The department has instituted a revised policy for housing registration at the three annual conferences and the department convention, to take effect with the 2015 Fall Conference. The new procedures are basically the same as those in place for housing
At this writing I have just finished an outstand-
ing training session with Commander Lowry and our Department officers and staff. Riding heavy over us that day was the news from Chattanooga of the four Marines and Navy man slain by a deranged Islamic terrorist. Fallen were bonafide war heroes with numerous tours in combat theaters and younger service members. A police officer and others were wounded and we await further news of their condition. They all were in a “safe” place in the heartland of America. Our hearts first and foremost go out to their families and loved ones. In such a tragic situation, extremists have quickly risen to the surface. While I certainly understand the rage and reaction, I want no part of this herd of self-appointed protectors, even if they claim prior military service which, with their lack of discipline, I question. One man did a “selfie” video showing his silencer-equipped rifle and assuring us he was not himself an extremist. Meanwhile in another town, a video showed a man with his AR-15 and holstered pistol, standing guard outside a recruiting station in a cut off T-shirt and shorts along with his beer belly. Somehow I feel less safe.
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What we haven’t seen is rioting by the military and veterans organizations for the disgraceful treatment and muted response by the president and government officials. Why our flag isn’t at half-staff as I write this is a question to be answered. Thank God our military is well trained and will always respond appropriately. I commend Governor Pence for taking appropriate action and officially arming the Indiana Guard who I do trust to stand watch and feel more secure. As with any attack, there are many reactions. These were unarmed Navy and Marines cut down in a safe place. Currently my nephew is being warmly greeted at Parris Island and will make the fifth graduate of my Alma Mater in my family. It is a Marine thing that does not end with discharge or age that keeps a bond through all generations. What I want to assure you is that God is still on the throne! Regardless of the chaos, turmoil and havoc that goes on around us, the Master of Might will still make things right. In the Judeo-Christian heritage and the experience of moderate Muslims, it is greatly disturbing to see the distortion of faith inspiring such wholesale slaughter. We must take action that will assure the solidarity of our nation against all who oppose the principles upon which our nation is founded. Let us keep these victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers and let us encourage our government to take reasonable measures to secure our homeland from those who would choose to destroy us. Yet, let us never forget that God is with us and will never forsake us. Let us always cover our brave young men and women who serve in the armed forces under the protection of our prayers. Prayer is not a formality of order, but a vital call for us to be mindful of God’s presence, direction and protection. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 3rd Quarter 2015
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From a National Perspective A
lternative Executive Committeeman Jerry Jordan, Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton, Son’s of the American Legion Detachment Commander Ron Sexton, Assistant Department Adjutant Will Henry and I had the opportunity to address the delegates of Hoosier Girl State. I thank all of the Ladies involved in this awesome program for inviting us to a wonderful evening. Other activities we attended were Boy’s State and Close of Books. On the National scene; Director of the Legion’s Legislative Division Ian de Planque, addressed the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. De Planque conveyed the Legion’s position on Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015. He made note of the fact that women are currently the fastest growing demographic serving in the military, stating, “We’ve learned that women veterans often don’t self-identify as veterans, and that VA staff often don’t see women as veterans.” It is important that these service members are asked how the VA can serve them to thank them for you service. If passed, the legislation will perpetuate a cycle of consistency by establishing standards for all facilities. Today, nearly 2.3 million women are veterans of military service, and that number is expected to continually grow as women comprise roughly 15 percent of the U.S. military’s active duty personnel and 18 percent of the National Guard and Reserve forces.
The Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act: • Requires VA to establish standards in VA health care facilities to meet the specific needs of women veterans and integrate these standards into prioritization for construction projects • Analyzes women’s health outcomes as a performance measure for VA medical center executives • Requires every VA medical center to have a full-time obstetrician and/ or gynecologist. • Improves outreach to veterans by requiring VA to provide state veterans agencies with contact information for veterans “As more and more women come home from serving our nation, we owe it to them to make sure they can access safe, comfortable, and high-quality care at their local VA clinics. Women veterans have specific health care needs that the VA must be able to meet, and this bill provides the Department with the tools and resources they need to continue making progress and providing our women veterans with the care and support they deserve,” said Senator Patty Murray in a press release following the introduction of the bill. This week the Obama Administration and negotiators from other leading nations announced a nuclear agreement with Iran. It is important is our Legislators should review the pending deal and what it will mean for our nation’s security both now and in the future. I suggest you contact your legislators and let them know what you think about this deal. Senator Dan Coats authored a provision in the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. The provision would require the National Counterintelligence Executive to be a presidentially appointed and Senate confirmable position within one year. “My provision would elevate consideration of this important position to ensure counterintelligence remains a primary pillar of our national security strategy.” I close by again thanking the Department of Indiana for re-electing me to represent you again as your national executive committeeman.
From the historian’s archives The annualconvened Indiana Department
on July 11, 2015 with the election of department officers, the Department Executive Committee, and the appointment and approval of the other officers. Most Legionnaires who have followed this column will assume, and rightly so, my efforts to bring about more activity in the area of post histories. Not only should a post consider the current post commander’s year, but also with a view to position the past history of the post for the centennial anniversary activities that will begin in 2018. There are many ways to begin to gather information. If the Post commander has not done so yet, he or she should appoint a person as historian. A history committee should be appointed to help the historian to compile current history and begin to plan a goal for the upcoming 100th centennial celebrations. The historian and the committee should be comprised of individuals with one or more such traits as: good communications skills, long-term personal involvement in post activities, local community contacts, and a passion for history. This Centennial Committee will not only help to plan any written or video history but will also be involved in celebratory events, such as scheduling an open house on the Legion’s birthday and/or charter date, producing advertising and mementos for events, coordinating local media involvement,
and arranging special fundraising events. This would also be a time for the Post membership to consider sponsoring new Legion programs such as Boys State or an oratorical contest. The documentation of this project will itself be a source of ‘advertising’ for future membership drives. Many sources are available for the material that can be used in the compiling of a post’s history. As the past archivist for the department, I have scanned all relevant paper documents that I found during these past six years into electronic form. Department convention delegate forms going back to the 1940s often list all post officers, committee chairmen, and some post details such as cost of post dues, meeting dates, and location. There more than 70 years of membership lists that will reveal figures, some from one week to the next. Although not as extensive, there is information about post members’ involvement in baseball, bowling and golf. Posts receiving awards at the department convention can be found in the convention proceedings that run all the way back to 1920. The department is starting to install these electronic documents on its website. But anyone can contact me directly and I will send you what ever material that might prove of value on a DVD. In addition, if I can help providing some guidance, I will. There is plenty of documentation available. Department Commander Larry Lowry has indicated that he will create an ad hoc 100th Centennial Anniversary Committee at the upcoming October meetings. Districts will be invited to nominate members to sit on that committee in order to help plan department activities as well as guide posts and districts in developing their own celebratory activities. District commanders, be prepared to have someone in mind! Currently, there are only six Indiana posts that have begun compiling their histories on the National Organization’s website: http://www.centennial.legion.org/histories South Dakota has 38 Posts on the site! Why hasn’t your Indiana Post started? Whether your history goes back five years or 95 years, there must be something that you are proud of!
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t is an honor to be able to keep our American Legion family informed on what the Auxiliary will be doing this year. I can’t wait to begin “Serving Veterans, Our Country’s Treasures.” This will be done by working alongside the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders as a family. Working together, there will be no limit to what we can do. The Auxiliary will be working closely with Commander Larry Lowry to help turn membership around. Auxiliary members will be carrying the family applications with them for Legion, Auxiliary and SAL membership. I am requesting that the Legion and SAL members do the same. We need to keep a positive outlook. My project this year for the Indiana Veterans’ Home is to purchase medical equipment to help continue giving the best care to the residents. My other project will be Operation Comfort Warriors. I know of no better way to serve and support our veterans than by this organization. Our Juniors and our other Auxiliary programs will also continue to help our Homeless Veterans, they won’t be forgotten. Thank you to each and every one of you that have served this great country, so I may feel free and safe. As we travel throughout this year together, please feel free to reach out to the Auxiliary if you need our help. We will do our best to help you, if at all possible. I am looking forward to meeting many of you as I travel around Indiana. God Bless America.
LIT for Life For more than four decades the Legionnaire Insurance Trust Program has been your Department endorsed source for Membership Benefits and Insurance Plans. Today, 48 Legion Departments representing some 2.0 million members comprise the LIT. For more information visit: http://www.thelit.com/home?stateval=IN
HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 3rd Quarter 2015
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reetings from the Detachment of Indiana, We had an exciting time at our yearly convention. We had new officers and a few others take a new oath of office, committing or recommitting to another year of service. Not just to the Sons of The American Legion, but also to The American Legion. For those who do not know me, my name is Christopher Carlton from the 11th District, Post 495, Indianapolis. I am the newly elected Detachment Commander. I received my eligibility from my grandfather, Edna Carlton, a WWII veteran. My motto for this year is ‘Forging Our Future.’ I came to this idea for my motto thinking where we are as a detachment. We are the second largest detachment in our organization in the nation. We do have many National appointments but as a detachment at home, we have some work to do to show why we have these appointments. Membership should always be our main focus, recruiting new members as well as retaining current members. They are all very important. With that being said, we need to encourage our members to start looking beyond their posts, squadrons and units to take a District, Detachment or Department office. If there is no one coming up, then we only stay the same. We cannot get stagnate. I have already made a few changes within our detachment concerning our committee structure. With the help of Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ron Sexton, we are developing a new committee to make sure we can help our members who need it. I have picked one project this year and one program to support. My project is the Indianapolis Veterans House. This is a place that veterans and their families who live greater than 50 miles from the Indianapolis Veterans Medical Center can stay while receiving treatment. The program I chose is the Children’s Welfare Foundation. As I stated before, we are the second largest Detachment and I would like us to be at least second in donations to CWF. In closing I would like to leave with a question for all of us to ponder. Why did I join the American Legion Family?
Indiana’s highest award given to PDC Hylton, 2015 Convention
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Indiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs Deputy Director Russell Eagland and Director Jim Brown present Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton with the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash award on behalf of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence at the Indiana Legion’s 97th annual state convention in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 11, 2015. The Sagamore award is the highest honor which the Governor of Indiana bestows, a personal tribute given to those who’ve rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
IDVA scheduled to make visits throughout state The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs continues their veterans outreach program this year and are scheduled to be visiting the following locations:
USAA is the preferred provider to The American Legion. At USAA, we’re committed to serving our military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. That’s why we’ve joined forces with The American Legion to help support their mission and programs. When you join USAA, you become part of an extended military– based family and support system that can be passed down for generations. Call 1-877-699-2654
New Albany, September 9, 2015 Columbus, September 10, 2015 Indianapolis, October 7, 2015 Evansville, October 14, 2015 Vincennes, October 15, 2015 Details of times and locations can be found on their event registration page at: www.eventbrite.com/d/in/veterans-affairs-outreach
Non-Service connected disability Pension The VAconnected offers a non-service
if the claimant can give the exact dates and places of all marriages, and divorces or deaths of previous spouses. Shortly before a dependent child’s 18th birthday, the veteran should complete and return a VA form 21-674 if the child will remain in school after becoming 18 years of age. This will allow the claimant to keep the child as a dependent for VA purposes until the child either stops attending school or reaches the age of 23. The Veteran should use a VA Form 21-527EZ when filing a non-service connected pension claim. Veterans applying before their 65th birthday should also obtain and submit with the application, copies of any recent non-VA medical records that could help VA understand the current severity of the veteran’s medical impairments. Higher non-service connected pension allowances are also paid when veterans are either housebound or in need of aid and attendance from another person because of disability. The disability requirement for special monthly pension (SMP) 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, a letter from the nursing home noting when the veteran became their patient and stating the cost of nursing home care should also accompany the veteran’s application (VA Form 21-527EZ) for pension benefits. The nursing home letter should also note if Medicaid is paying the veteran’s nursing home expenses, and, if so, when Medicaid started paying those expenses. A VA Form 21-0779 can also be used for this purpose. If a veteran without a spouse or other dependent is a patient in a Medicaid paid nursing home, VA will only pay the qualifying veteran $90 per month. This $90 benefit, however, is solely for the claimant’s personal use and cannot be applied to the cost of nursing home care or attached by Medicaid. If the claimant is not a nursing home patient but otherwise thought eligible for Special Monthly Pension, he or she may best apply for the additional allowance by having a doctor complete a VA form 21-2680. The VA form 21-2680 should accompany the application for non-service connected pension benefits (VA Form 21-527EZ). After VA pension benefits begin, the veteran must keep VA advised whenever there is a change to his or her annual income or medical expenses even if VA does not ask for the information; otherwise, the veteran may incur an overpayment of benefits. The qualifying veteran’s surviving spouse is also entitled to a non-service connected survivor’s pension. The spouse does not have to be totally disabled for the basic survivor’s pension, but survivor’s pension rates are much lower. The surviving spouse’s claim is filed using a VA form 21-534EZ. The following are examples of several 2015 non-service connected pension rates for veterans and the surviving spouse: Aid & Basic Rate Housebound Rate Attendence Veteran w/o dependents: $21,466 $12,686 $15,725 Veteran w/ spouse: $25,448 $16,851 $19,710 Surviving Spouse $13,794 $8,630 $10,548
pension to wartime era veterans who have served 90 days or more on active duty in the armed forces, were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, and who have a disability or a combination of disabilities that “permanently” preclude them from engaging in a gainful employment activity. Veterans who are nursing home patients, have been determined totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, or who are at least 65 years of age meet the permanent and total disability requirement for VA pension purposes. Veterans serving for the first time after September 7, 1980 must have served at least 24 months of active duty or the full time for which they were called to serve unless they were discharged due to a service connected disability. This non-service connected pension benefit guarantees the veteran an annual income that is usually increased each year with the cost of living adjustment (COLA). Most all of the claimant’s other income and income from other household members reduces the non-service connected pension benefit dollar-for-dollar. The total amount of the veteran’s unreimbursed family medical expenses over 5% 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 pay toward the cost of nursing home care (over the 5% deduction) may subtract from the countable income for VA pension purposes. VA will also allow the costs of assisted living facility expenses or home care expenses as reducing the claimant’s countable income for VA pension purposes if VA can find the claimant meets the disability requirements for entitlement to VA Special Monthly Pension (SMP) Housebound or SMP Aid and Attendance benefits and the claimant is receiving custodial care, but the same is not true for claimants entitled to only the basic VA pension. For pension purposes VA accepts custodial care as providing assistance with at least two activities of daily living defined as bathing or showering, dressing, eating, getting in or out of bed or a chair, and using the toilet. Once the pension is calculated, VA normally pays the benefit in twelve monthly installments. Non-service connected pension is adjusted upwardly when the number of the veteran’s dependents increase and downwardly when the veteran loses dependents. A dependent includes a spouse, child, or step-child. The child or step-child must be under age 18 or under age 23 and attending school. The step-child must have acquired that status before the age of 18 while living as a member of the veteran’s household. Copies of the veteran’s marriage certificate and the children’s birth concertificates should also be submitted with the pension application if not Anyone needing further information concerning VA non-service already within the VA claim file. The veteran should also supply documents nected pension benefits may contact their local County Veterans Service proving the termination of all prior marriages of both the veteran and his or Officer or The American Legion, Department of Indiana Veterans Service her current spouse. VA will normally waive the document copy requirement Office. The American Legion provides free representation VA claims.
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HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 3rd Quarter 2015
Twitter @IndyLegion
Department Convention Awards military person of the year
educator of the year
Firefighter of the year
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton, honors Senior Master Sgt. Chad Woodburn, 235th Civil Engineer Flight headquartered at Martin State Airport,Baltimore, with the Departrment National Guard Military Person of the Year Award at the 97th annual state convention, Friday, July 10, 2015. Woodburn is a 23year veteran of the U.S. military and currently serves as a deputy fire chief with the 235th CEF in the Maryland Air National Guard. Woodburn has served in the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. The Reserves winner, Army Maj. Joel Matherly, was nominated by Evansville, Ind. Post 324 in the Eighth District but was unable to attend.
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents the Department Firefighter of the Year award to Jason Braden, Indiana Fire and Rescue, Kokomo, Ind., at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. Karen Payne, nominated by 8th District, won E.M.S. Person of the Year but was unable to attend the convention.
Distinguished service Awards
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton, honors the Department Junior High School Educator of the Year, sponsored by Legion Post 18, Rod Hite from Edgewood Junior High School, at Indiana’s 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. Also awarded at the Department level were Deb Headley for K-5th grade at Hamilton Elementary Schools, and Karen Jania, for 9th12th grade at Hebron High School
Girl Scout of the year
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents Katelyn Wolf with the Department Girl Scout of the Year Award and a $1000 college scholarship at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. Also awarded at the Department level was Fred Beckman IV, Eagle Scout of the Year.
Recruiter of the year Photos by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander 2014-2015, Kenneth Hylton presented State Representatives Christopher Judy Fort Wayne, left, and Dennis Zent Pleasant Lake, right, with the Distinguished Public Service Award at the 97th Annual Indiana American Legion Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. The Award was presented, “…In recognition of distinguished and honorable service as a Statesman, a proven leader in the Indiana General Assembly, a proponent of classical values, and an unwavering advocate for Hoosier Veterans and their families…” Also honored were Indiana State Sen. Amanda Banks Columbia City and State Rep. Christina Hale Indianapolis.
Recruiter of the year
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents the Indiana American Legion Department Recruiter of the Year Award to 9th District Commander Ron Pridemore on behalf of Barry Crawford at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Friday, July 10, 2015. Crawford, a member of Legion Post 9, Madison, Ind., recruited 59 new members in 2014 through 2015.
law enforcement officer of the year
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents Daniel White with the 2015 American Legion Rider of the Year Award at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. White, part of the Legion Riders Chapter 152, Knightstown, Ind., showed exemplary leadership amongst his fellow riders by regularly attending chapter and district meetings, state rallies, Legacy Rides and supporting the Patriot Guard.
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award to Timothy Evans, sponsored by Legion Post 42, the 8th District, at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. Evans is employed by the U.S. Marshals and serves throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
Distinguished service awards
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
post service officer of the year Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents Timmy Smith of Post 253, New Webster, Ind., with the 2015 Post Service Officer of the Year Award at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015.
Photos by John Crosby, Communications Director
Past Department Commander, 2014-2015, Ken Hylton presents PDC, 2012-2013, Richard Jewel 10th District, left, and Anthony Sadowski, 3rd District, right, with the Distinguished Service Award at the American Legion, Department of Indiana 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. Max Miller of the 2nd District and Russell Chorpenning of the 11th District were also presented with the prestigious award. Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
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Boy Scouts bicycle across America for wounded vets
Bike Trip America bicyclists Jonathan Williams, 16, Ryan Tillman, 16, BTA President Bryce Nurding, 16, and Vietnam Veteran Ron Child, 70, get some rest and relaxation at American Legion Post 215 in LaGrange, Ind., Friday, July 31, 2015. Nurding and his team are bicycling more than 3,500 miles across the nation from Astoria, Ore., to New York City to raise awareness and funds for Operation Comfort Warriors.
Story and photos by John Crosby, Department Communications Director
Indianapolis – An unlikely crew of three 16-year-old Boy Scouts and a 70-year-old Vietnam Veteran are bicycling across the nation together to raise funds and awareness for wounded veterans. Boy Scout Venturing Crew 255, began their ride in Astoria, Ore., on the Pacific coast, June 18. Their 59-day, cross-country trip will take them to the National September 11 Museum and Memorial in New York City, raising money for The American Legion program Operation Comfort Warriors along the way. Averaging roughly 60 miles a day, the riders find rest where they can along the way at Legion posts, farms, or breaking out their gear and building camp for the night at state and national parks. The cyclists rode 58 miles from Climax, Mich., to reach American Legion Post 215 in LaGrange., Ind., Friday, July 31, 2015, where they were warmly welcomed with Hoosier hospitality. American Legion Family members came to welcome them from posts across the state including Past National Commander, 20122013, Jim Koutz and Department of Indiana Commander Larry Lowry. The boys were given a VIP welcoming.
LaGrange Town Council President Juan Arroyo rode with the local Sherriff’s Department to meet the cyclists at the Michigan border and escort them back to the Legion post. Arroyo personally presented the team with a key to the town. Indiana State Senator Susan Glick, LaGrange, District 13, and Indiana State Representative Dennis Zent, Pleasant Lake, District 51, were both in attendance. Post 215 held a fundraiser to contribute to the cyclists cause. A cookout, with food donated by the Sons of the American Legion and prepared by the American Legion Riders, raised several hundred dollars. The Auxiliary donated several pies which were auctioned off raising another $800. In all, the Indiana American Legion Family produced more than $3,500 for the cyclists’ cause, more than any other state, putting them well over their $10,000 goal. The Bike Trip America team consists of President Bryce Nurding, 16, Jonathan Williams, 16, Ryan Tillman, 16, Vietnam Veteran Ron Child, 70, and adult chauffeur Pat Wollner who follows the riders and provides support in the team van. Nurding planned the Bike Trip America project with help from his mentors in the Scouts and other bicycling enthusiasts. He formed his team through advertising in cycling
American Legion Past National Commander, 2012-2013 Jim Koutz commends the cyclists of Bike Trip America for their efforts in bicycling across the nation to raise funds and awareness for Operation Comfort Warriors at American Legion Post 215, LaGrange, Ind., Friday, July 31, 2015.
magazines. “When we first set out it was tough, sore legs, sore feet, sore butts, sore everything,” said Nurding while his peers laughed in agreement. “But we told ourselves that if we didn’t quit in the first two weeks then we would make it.” The boys are definitely making it with 2,500 miles down and 1,000 miles to go before their finish line in New York City, more than two thirds through their trip and going strong. “The community here has been really supportive,” said Nurding, adding that Indiana gave them their warmest welcome, and largest donation yet, putting them well beyond their original goal of $10,000. “We are going to have to raise our goal now.” Operation Comfort Warriors is a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. All of OCW’s administrative and marketing costs are paid from Legion membership dues. This means 100 percent of donated funds go directly to purchasing comfort items for troops, including specially designed exercise equipment for the wounded, camaraderie building outdoor excursions and loose fitting garments for veterans recovering from wounds. “These scouts have taken time out of their whole summer riding all the way across America for the great cause of Operation Comfort Warriors,” said Koutz. “It doesn’t get any better than this. It’s a great day when we can donate even a penny for our troops out there who are serving 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.” Koutz made OCW his personal project during his time as National Commander and helped raise more than $1 million for the program. “It’s our whole American Legion Family working together to support our wounded, injured or sick troops by providing them comfort items while they are recovering in military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world,” said Koutz. “God bless every one of these boys
for getting out there and really dedicating themselves to this wonderful cause.” So far in 2015, OCW allocated more than $200,000 through 16 grants to recovering troops across the United States and Germany including care packages to Veterans Affairs medical centers and homeless veterans shelters, sponsoring a rafting trip down the Colorado River for 26 wounded Marines from Camp Pendleton, Calif., and funding a trip to Six Flags San Antonio, Texas for all the patients and medical staff at the Brook Army Medical Center there. “This has just been a revelation here,” said Child. “Everyone’s been so wonderful, everyone here is just so generous.” Child, of Honolulu, Hawaii, found Nurding’s ad in Adventure Cycling Magazine, and flew to Oregon to join the Bike Trip America journey. The ride for veterans stood out to him as he served in Vietnam as a combat medic and saw action in the A Shau Valley. “In the valley, I’d work on people that had just been shot… patching their wounds and loading them on the helicopters,” said Childs. “Since then I’ve forgotten their names. Once you load them up their gone. You don’t know where they’re going or even if they’ve made it.” “Now, although it isn’t those same individuals, I’m able to help give back to our wounded in a way that takes care of them while they’re recovering. It really brings it around full circle for me.” The cyclists’ next leg will take them roughly 80 miles east to Defiance, Ohio, hard on their path to their finish line in New York City. There they will reunite with their families and tour the 9/11 Memorial before flying home to Oregon. The cyclists said they’ve learned each other’s strengths, weaknesses and limits while on the road together, battling the elements, weather and erratic drivers. They have different plans for their futures including future charity rides, military service and college. Regardless they believe the bond between them on their ride across America will last for life.
From left: American Legion Past National Commander, 2012-2013, Jim Koutz, Bike Trip America team President Bryce Nurding, 16, Jonathan Williams, 16, Ryan Tillman, 16, Vietnam Veteran Ron Child, 70, adult chauffeur Pat Wollner, and American Legion, Department of Indiana Commander Larry Lowry meet at Legion Post 215, LaGrange, Ind., Friday, July 31, 2015. The cyclist team spent the night at the legion post where Legion members helped raise more than $3,500 for Operation Comfort Warriors.
Legion survey to measure effectiveness of PTSD/TBI treatment Veterans asked to identify treatment programs they are using and to rate quality, access and timeliness of care The American Legion is conducting a national online survey of veterans and their families through Aug. 16 to assess quality, timeliness, access and type of care the Department of Veterans Affairs is providing for those coping with posttraumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. The 59-question survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9JJKVQ9 It will be used to guide The American Legion’s PTSD/TBI Committee and provide an understanding of veteran satisfaction about VA mental
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health care for a national American Legion PTSD/TBI Symposium in Washington Sept. 26-27. Questions are mostly multiple-choice and can be answered with a single click from a dropdown menu. All information obtained through the survey will be kept confidential and will be used for no other purpose than to better understand VA performance in this area of care. The survey focuses on veteran satisfaction and levels of perceived benefits with VA’s PTSD/TBI programs, including alternative and
HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 3rd Quarter 2015
complementary treatments. Survey questions include veteran status; gender; era of service; number of times deployed; diagnosis of TBI, PTSD and/or TBI and PTSD; availability of appointments; time and distance to care facilities; treatment type (therapy, medication and complementary and alternative medicine); reported symptoms; efficacy of treatment; and side effects. Personal information will not be used or made available to identify any individual who has completed the survey.
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WWII, Korean War Veterans share their stories Story and photos by Matthew J. Silver, Originally published in “Senior Life, Indianapolis”
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ccording to the National World War II Museum, 16 million Americans served in World War II, but only a little over a million survive, 17,314 in Indiana. Let’s honor these veterans of our “Greatest Generation” together as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of V-J Day and the conclusion of WWII. Albert Profeta, 91, served with the U. S. Army in Burma (now called Myanmar) after the Japanese defeated the British in 1942. “The Japanese were trying to get to India and we went in to take it back. I was in the back lines, driving a truck full of supplies through the jungle,” he recalls, noting he contracted dengue fever. He was supporting a mixed force of British troops and British Indian soldiers who trained to disrupt Japanese communications, and re-establish land communication with China. Ray Crickmore, 90, of Greenfield, learned to be a radio operator in the Navy when he was drafted in 1943. “I thought I was
training to be a diesel mechanic, but they said I was going to radio school. 'My land,' I said, we didn't even have electricity where we lived,” he noted. He was the only radio operator on a ship that delivered guns and ammunition from Pearl Harbor to the Solomon Islands, Guam, Saipan and the Philippines on an LCI 640, a small amphibious ship with 25 men and four officers. “We always delivered munitions, but I was most proud the one time we loaded the entire ship with mail from Pearl Harbor and delivered it to service men in the Pacific who hadn't had mail in months,” he said. The ship had a flat bottom for ease of unloading its cargo onto shore, but it also got tossed around by rough waters because it lacked a hull. “I had to be on the radio the first 15 minutes of every hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while we were at sea,” said Crickmore. “They welded my chair to the floor so I wouldn't slide around during rough seas. We saw the USS Indianapolis just before it got sunk.” he added. He was discharged in 1946. Bob Ayers, 89, joined the
Marine Corps in 1944 the day after turning 18, and SERVED IN THE PACIFIC saw action in the invasion – Bob Ayers served in the of Saipan on June 15 of that Marine Corps during WWII year. “There were three diviwhen the Allies captured sions that invaded the island. Saipan in 1944. He is The Second and Fourth Marine shown here at the Indiana Corps division, and one Army division. We secured the American Legion’s annual convention island on July 9,” he said. Ayers was home when the war ended. A friend came by and said, “Let's go downtown and kiss the girls. We went downtown but we SERVED IN BURMA didn't kiss any girls,” he – Albert Profeta served in smiled. Burma (now called MyanMax Miller, 85, a Legion mar) in the U.S. Army member, entered the U. S. Air Corps (which became during WWII when Allied the Air Force) in 1948, and Forces recaptured that became a crew chief on a country from the Japanese B-29 bomber, flying 21 missions in the ensuing Korean War for 14 months. “I had to make sure all the systems functioned properly, and if there was a problem, I would try to fix it,” he SERVED IN KOREAN WAR said. He could also serve as – Max Miller joined the U.S. gunner if necessary. Air Corps in 1948 and was As the 70th anniversary a crew chief and auxiliary of the end of WWII is comgunner on a B-29 bomber memorated this August, we during the Korean War need to honor the men and women who ensured the freedoms we enjoy.
Indy Honor Flights for WWII, Korean War veterans Indy Honor Flight is asking for your help in getting the word out to the Everything is included... residents of Indiana that we are looking for more WWII Veterans to fly out to Washington D.C. Having completed 10 flights out of Indianapolis • Round Trip travel via our chartered aircraft and working with the other hubs in the state we are now ready get busy do- • Handicap accessible coaches to tour D.C ing what we do best… taking WWII Veterans to D.C. on an Honor Flight! • Your own personal guide, “Guardian” for the day Problem is we need more Vets to fly! • Wheelchairs and medical volunteers with us all day • All meals, snacks and drinks are provided Mission Statement: • Stops at the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials To transport America's Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those me- • A professional photographer to help capture the day morials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. You served your country at its time of need, now the citizens of this great All this is at no cost to you. country want to thank you by inviting you to join Indy Honor Flight on an upcoming trip out to DC to see the Memorials dedicated to honor those Indy Honor Flight is a 501(c)3 not for profit staffed 100% by volunteers who served during a time of war. Funding comes American companies and American Citizens We have already flown hundreds of Veterans just like you at no cost to We encourage all qualified Veterans to get their application turned in them at all. Just ask around, it won’t take long to find someone who can ASAP. Call Indy Honor Flight at 317-559-1600 or visit www.indyhonortell you all about Honor Flight. flight.org to get started.
Fireworks, Saturday, July 4th, 2015, American Legion Mall, Downtown Indianapolis
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
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“If Treasure Hunt is bringing in crowds to our posts, and these people see what The American Legion is about, then it’s helping us accomplish our mission.” “This influx of funds in our charitable gaming accounts at the post level helps us win three fold. First, these crowds bring business and build membership at the post level. Second,
American Legion, Department of Indiana Commander Kenneth Hylton and his wife Carol toss candy to parade goers at the Independence Day Parade in Lawrence, Ind., Saturday, July 4, 2015. Hylton participated as grand marshal for the parade.
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
with this increase in business, we are renovating and modernizing our posts. And third, we are investing in our Legion programs with large donations to our local communities.” The jackpot wasn’t hit at Post 5, leaving just one window unturned for next week’s drawing. The jackpot has risen to $398,000 for a sure winner next week, the largest payout by far that the American Legion has seen in Indiana. Registering your post for a Charitable Gaming Account can be relatively easy and can provide a huge payout for a small investment.
American Legion Post 5, Mt. Vernon, Ind., Charity Gaming Chairman Dave Sharber shows the winning ticket at the Treasure Hunt raffle game for a jackpot of $335,000 at the post there, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015. The jackpot was not hit, resulting in a $398,000 jackpot to be drawn at Post 5 on Saturday, Aug. 8.
Annual Raffle Licenses cost $50 and forms can be found online at http://www.in.gov/igc/2339. htm The Treasure Hunt game board costs $249. Nannicola is available to assist in initiating the raffle board, guiding posts through the steps of obtaining the correct licensing and laying out the rules. Contact Bill Llewellyn at (812) 236-2252 or Mark Gill at (317) 414-5836, both of Nannicola, Inc., for more information about Treasure Hunt and how it can help boost business, participation and membership at your American Legion Post.
Rosie Johnson, 90, purchases Treasure Hunt raffle tickets at American Legion Post 355, Indianapolis, July 29, for a chance to win the $27,000 jackpot there. Johnson served 20 years in the Navy as a nurse and retired a Lt. Commander. She celebrated her 90th birthday at Post 355, Wednesday, July 27 2015.
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Auxiliary donates ‘Patriot Room’ to St. Vincent, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Hoosier Girl’s State Community Service Chairwoman Sue Comerford; Legislative Chairwoman Jane Thurston; Indiana Legion Auxiliary President, 2013-2014, Carol LeGard; HGS Finance Chairwoman Karen Lowe; and HGS Director Vickie Koutz, donated 60 “Josh Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director Dogs” on behalf of the HGS in conjunction with the Indiana American Legion Family’s donaPast Indiana Legion Commander Ed Trice, 2013-2014, St. Vincent Hospital President tion to the newly added Patriot Room at St. Vincent’s Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital Joel Feldman, and Past Indiana Legion Auxiliary President, 2013-2014, Carol LeGard, in Indianapolis, Thursday, July 9, 2015. Indiana Legion’s Auxiliary President Carol LeGard stand in the new Patriot Room, contributed by the Indiana Legion Auxiliary, Thursday, July headed funding for the star-spangled banner themed room in conjunction with the Son’s of the American Legion and Past Indiana Department Commander, 2013-2014, Ed Trice. 9, 2015, at St. Vincent’s Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Blue Star Salute celebrates 10 years anniversary Story by Andy Romey, The American Legion
In 10 years of existence, the Indiana Blue Star Salute has grown from a state-wide event, to a nationwide event, but hasn’t lost sight of its original purpose: to honor the families behind the men and women who serve our country. On Saturday, June 20, 2015, American Legion family members, military supporters, public officials and hundreds of citizens from throughout the state gathered at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex in Danville, Ind., to celebrate and recognize military families as part of the 10th annual Indiana Blue Star Salute. The event combined entertainment, ceremonies, and remarks from dignitaries such as Gov. Mike Pence, and Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson as a means of honoring the several Blue Star families - and three Gold Star families - on hand. “We’re here to say thank you to all our military and their families, rather than them saying thank you to us,” said Ralph “Zoc” Zocolillo, Indiana Blue Star Salute program chairman and member of Legion Post 145. “The sacrifices that those families make, when their loved ones are in harm’s way, we see the pain in their faces. They go through a lot. “The day’s festivities began with a “Ride For the Salute” in which motorcycle riders - many of whom were Legion Riders - rode from the Indy West Harley Davidson dealership in Plainfield, Ind., to the site of the Blue Star Salute. The ride raised money for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to the children of servicemembers who died on or after 9/11. The afternoon’s official program featured remarks from Pence, Lawson, Maj. Gen. Courtnery Carr, adjutant general of Indiana, and Past
National Commander Bob Spanogle. Three Gold Star families who lost children in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were also recognized during a Gold Star Flag presentation, accompanied by a playing of TAPS from local bugler Bruce McKee. The Blue Star Salute has grown to reach out to military families throughout the state, and welcome attendees from all parts of Indiana. “It started with a Photo by Clay Lomneth, The American Legion couple of guys and gals Retired Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger speaks to the crowd at the Blue Star Salute at down the street at the Lethe Hendricks County Fairground in Danville, Ind. USA, on Saturday, June 20, 2015. gion post saying that we Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion. need to do something to take care of our servicemembers’ families,” said Craig Cooley, a former families comes easy to us because we were all event organizer and active Guardsmen whose veterans,” said Paul Morton, Indiana Blue Star wife and 8-month-old son were in attendance. Salute vice chairman. “At the time of our ser“And now it is this. It has propelled itself into vice, we truly didn’t recognize what our families an amazing event every year that we wouldn’t were going through, what it meant to our families when we were away.” miss.” While the Indiana Blue Star Salute began 10 The event is about honoring not just the famiyears ago through chatter at a local Legion post, lies of servicemembers who are on the frontthe notion of the Blue Star Family has its ori- lines, said Cooley, but the families of all activegins in World War I, when families whose sons duty servicemembers who are away from loved were fighting in the war would place a blue star ones regardless of where they are stationed. “It is in the windows of their homes to signify to the about honoring the military family… and makcommunity that a member of the household was ing sure that we are paying our due diligence to all the people who have given their sacrifice,” overseas. If the member of that family perished, the blue Cooley said. star was exchanged for a gold star to signify “Not just servicemembers who are downrange the ultimate sacrifice. That spirit lives on today or serving in country right now, but the servicethrough the Indiana Blue Star Salute, and its cad- members who are gone and constantly not at home. It’s about honoring the families and the re of organizers. “The notion of recognizing and honoring the sacrifices they make.”
Photo by Clay Lomneth, The American Legion
Sgt. 1st Class David Rosa holds up three-year-old Brooks Walterscheid to the sights of a M777A2 Howitzer at the 10th annual Blue Star Salute at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Ind., on Saturday, June 20, 2015.
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Photo by Clay Lomneth, The American Legion
Marvin Tarter surveys the crowd in front of a garrison flag at the Blue Star Salute at the Hendricks County Fairground on Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Danville, Ind.
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$159 per person $25 deposit to reserve your seat Get pre-registered for National Convention Chance to win 2 Colts tickets Transportation to/from venues in Baltimore Complimentary adult beverages and soda
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Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
American Legion Riders Director Aaron Curtis, Tony Kashon Post 290, Rosedale, Ind., donates a $4,000 check for Operation Comfort Warriors to American Legion, Department of Indiana Commander Larry Lowry, there at the post, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. “I know that I can always depend on my America Legion Riders to step up for our veteran’s support mission,” said Lowry. “We really thank you guys for everything.” The Legion Riders Chapter raised the money during their Annual Spring Festival in May and plan to give another donation after their upcoming ride in September.
American Legion, Department of Indiana, with the help of two members of the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders squad, raffled off two limited-edition, American Legion Centennial Commemorative 1911, .45 caliber pistols at the 97th annual state convention in Indianapolis, Saturday, July 11, 2015. The pistols, Department Commemorative Pistol number 1 of 100, and National Legionnaire pistol number 2 of 100, are finished with 24-karat gold, high polished nickel and black chrome. Both are valued at roughly $3,000. Tickets were sold for $100 apiece and proceeds will be dedicated to the Indiana Legion’s veteran’s relief funds. Kim Mezger, commander and founder of University Veterans Post 360, IUPUI, Indianapolis, won the National Legionnaire pistol. Post 89, Seymour, Ind., collectively won the Department Commemorative pistol to be displayed at their Post. Congratulations to the winners!
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
wELCOME NEW & RETURNING 2015 OFFICERS
Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director
Department Commander: Larry Lowry NEC: Paul Steward Alt. NEC: Jerry Jordon Northern Vice Commander: Charles Martin Northern Vice Commander: Howard Brannon Southern Vice Commander: Ron Hanger Southern Vice Commander: Jerry Ward Department Adjutant: Hugh Dagley Department Asst. Adjutant: William Henry Communications Director: John Crosby Director of Rehabilitation: John Hickey Asst. Director of Rehabilitation: David Wilson Department Service Officer: Bryce Hullett Department Service Officer: Steve Hicks Department Service Officer: Richard Boye Department Judge Advocate: Joseph Bumbleburg Asst. Dept. Judge Advocate: Terry Smith Department Finance Officer: Tony Riley Dept. Asst. Finance Officer : James Tracey
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Department Chaplain: Norris Keirn Department Historian: Joseph Hovish Sergeant-At-Arms: Larry Macy Membership Chairman: Bob Oeth Chairman, Children and Youth: Rodney Strong Chairman, Rehabilitation: Mark Gullion Chairman, Internal Affairs: Marty Dzieglowicz Chairman, Americanism: Allen Connelly 1st District Commander: Tim Conners 2nd District Commander: Ron Hoaks 3rd District Commander: Thomas Klempay 4th District Commander: Jay Hilliard 5th District Commander: Paul James 6th District Commander: Curry Bruce 7th District Commander: Ronnie Patton 8th District Commander: Buckey Honaker 9th District Commander: Ron Pridemore 10th District Commander: Kenny Coons 11th District Commander: Ronzell Collins
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