2016 2nd Quarter Hoosier Legionnaire

Join The Department Indiana First Ever Webcast Meeting The American Legion, Department of Indiana has scheduled it’s first-ever, interactive webcast meeting online on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. This historic

meeting is aimed to bridge the gap between current membership and today’s wartime veterans. This informal, online meeting will highlight what The

American Legion is all about, and how, “We Change Lives,” right here in Indiana.

To join the meeting, just enter the following address into your web browser:

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wSTAVVxN4bk We are constantly looking for innovative ways to connect to our younger generations of veterans. This

is one of many new steps we are taking with more highlighted in this edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

For God, and Country. We Change Lives!

Legion & Big Four Find Success at Indiana Capitol Combined Efforts of Legion, VFW, DAV & AMVETS See 13 Veterans Bills Signed Story by Will Henry The value of each veteran related bill signed into law this 2016 Indiana General Assembly legislative session measures up to a tremendous success for all Indiana veterans and families.

The success this year should not only be attributed to the organized and steadfast approach of combining efforts from the largest service organizations working together from the bottom up, but it should also be attributed to our Legionnaires and family.

We couldn’t have done it without you and the support we have received has been overwhelming. So, thank you.

The Indiana Departments of The American Legion, VFW, DAV and AMVETS jointly worked in the best interest of the veterans and families they represent.

The united front of the legitimate organizations, known as the “Big Four,” provided a comprehensive and cooperative platform to work directly with legislators. This allowed the organizations to voice concerns toward developing legislation with lawmakers as bills moved from stage-to-stage. This strategy marginalized misrepresentation produced by illegitimate veteran organizations and

associations. Our lawmakers worked well with our organizations to hash out most issues and allowed every opportunity for our organizations to openly voice concerns.

By the end of the legislative session, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed 13 veteran related bills at the Indiana State House, March 22. Five of those bills covered six of our legislative priorities.

Those laws are as follows.

Senate Enrollment Act 145: MISSING IN AMERICA PROJECT This law allows veteran service organizations to work directly with Indiana funeral homes and associative funeral groups and directors to identify and lay to rest those veterans with no claiming next-ofkin whose mortal remains go unclaimed in facilities throughout Indiana.

Senate Enrollment Act 295: VETERAN AFFAIRS ASSISTANCE This law opens the Military Family Relief Fund to allow access to all veterans from all eras with or without children to benefit from the grant fund starting July 1, 2016. This law also increases funding methods for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund and allows a check box to be added to state tax forms to donate return amounts to the trust fund.

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signs 13 veterans related bills into law including the support of annual training and accreditation for county veteran service officers; the defining of a Hoosier Veteran, opening state recognized veterans to reserve components; and opening the Military Family Relief Fund to allow access to all veterans of all eras with or without children in the home to begin July 1, 2016. This historic day was the fruit of the Big Four’s effort in combining their legislative priorities and presenting a united front at the Indiana Capitol to lobby for Veterans.

Senate Enrollment Act 304: PROPERTY TAX BENEFITS This law raised the property tax cap for retirement aged and severely serviceconnected disabled veteran homeowner tax exemptions. This act raised the property tax cap on veteran homes for a larger tax relief. It comes with a cost-of-living adjustment, so over time it will automatically adjust with inflation. It also affects disabled veterans who have more than 50 percent rated disabilities and has a pay scale adjusted to those 50 percent or more.

House Enrollment Act 1089: COUNTY VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER TRAINING This law supports annual training, accreditation and work reporting for county veteran service officers as it is outlined in the Indiana Code.

required military occupational specialty training and was not discharged or separated from the armed forces or the Indiana National Guard under dishonorable or other than honorable conditions.

The definitions set forth in this subsection may not be construed to affect a Hoosier veteran’s eligibility for any state program that is based upon a particular aspect of the Hoosier veteran’s service such as a disability or a wartime service requirement.

The Big Four is already planning ahead for the 2017 session and will be developing their legislative strategy.

Please visit our website for updates regarding Indiana veteran legislation, and learn more about how “We Change Lives.”

House Enrollment Act 1313: HOOSIER VETERAN DEFINITION This law allows reserve component veterans without 180 days or more active duty time to have the honorary title of “Hoosier veteran.” “Hoosier veteran” means an individual who meets the following criteria: (1) The individual is a resident of Indiana. (2) The individual served in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or the Indiana National Guard. (3) Learn more at: The individual completed any indianalegion.org/legislative

IN THIS ISSUE Commander’s, Adjutant’s Corner, 2 Chaplain, Membership, NEC, Historian, 3 Service Officer & rehabilitation, 4 Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

Governor Mike Pence signed 13 veterans related bills into law Tuesday, March 22 at the Indiana Capitol. Some of the more impactful laws include defining the meaning of a Hoosier Veteran which includes now includes our National Guard service members who’ve not served in active duty, and the expansion of the military family relief fund to make emergency money available to veterans of all eras regardless of whether or not they have children. Governor Pence said he’s never signed so many bills at one and the number of senators and representatives that turned out, both republican and democratic, shows how much Indiana cared for its veterans. This is an accomplishment but there’s still more work to be done.

Auxiliary & dist. Cmdr.’s articles, 5, 6 & 7 Commissions Spring conf. minutes, 7, 8 & 9 Convention Delegates,, 10 Dispositions of spring resolutions, 11 Dept. Service Office & Va Synergy, 11

Leading Legionnaire Letters

Another quarter down, and one more to go before our Legion year is over. We’re over that halfway mark and narrowing in on close of books on Sunday, June 5.

Now is not the time to get complacent. Let’s finish out this year strong and continue to work membership.

Our 2016 Spring Conference was enjoyable for my wife Claudia and I. Spring Conference is a joint session between The American Legion and the Auxiliary.

Thank you Indiana Auxiliary President Ruth Rairdon and all of your Ladies for a wonderful conference.

Special guest 2016-2017 Lead Candidate for National Cmdr. Charles Schmidt from Oregon joined us and spoke at our general session. I know he was impressed to learn the level of dedication and passion our Hoosier Legionnaires have in joining together to help our veterans and their families. More than $80,000 in donations were given to support our programs like Temporary Financial Assistance, the Child Education and Welfare Foundation, and Operation Comfort Warriors. Thank you all so much for your

volunteer spirit and your generosity.

We’ve been very active in advocating for veterans legislation both here in Indiana and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. We joined Legionnaires from across the nation and took a contingent of delegates to Washington for the 114th Congress, 2nd Session in late February.

Top issues on our agenda included the protection of our troops from sequestration cuts, providing more help for veterans struggling with mental health issues and brain injuries, improving the G.I. Bill, ending veteran homelessness, and protecting our nation’s flag.

In Indiana, we accomplished so much together this year.

The American Legion, Department of Indiana rekindled our alliance with the next largest veteran service organizations, the VFW, DAV and AMVETS, under the name, “The Big Four.” Together, we saw 13 veterans related bills signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence, the most bills ever signed by the governor at one time. By uniting together, identifying our priorities and strategically advocating and testifying at the State House, we saw five of our six main priorities signed into law.

The work isn’t done and The Big Four will return to the discussion table in April.

We observed Four Chaplains Day on Tuesday, Feb. 2, a day that reminds us we are veterans, brothers

and sisters in arms first. This day of remembrance reminds us we are all Americans, despite differences of faith, race or heritage.

We celebrated the 97th Legion Birthday on Tuesday, March 15. Claudia and I spent the evening with 2016-2017 Lead Department Cmdr. Candidate Jim May and Bluffton, Ind., Post 111 Cmdr. Craig Mann, the Bluffton Mayor, local law enforcement, emergency medical services, educators, members of the post Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and The American Legion Riders.

We had the honor to present Hoosier Boys State and Boys Nation graduate Calvin Isch with a Samsung $20,000 college scholarship.

Looking forward to our home-stretch before Department Convention in July, let’s get back to basics.

Let’s work our programs and get involved in our communities. Let’s support our veterans and their families. We Change Lives, let’s tell them how. Share your post’s and district’s stories, photos, events and successes with the Department. The key to new membership is letting Indiana know who we are. Our story starts with you.

Thank you Legionnaires for all the hard work and volunteer hours you’ve put in this past year. You are our organization’s life blood.

Keep up the good work and let’s finish this year strong!

An organization that values its model over its mission is an organization in trouble.

The American Legion, Department of Indiana is not in trouble, thanks to the vision and foresight of the men and women you have chosen to lead this organization. Change is challenging, difficult and often disconcerting to those who go through it. It also is inevitable.

For the Department, the most challenging aspect of change is to balance movement in new directions with preserving the proven practices of the past. New posts? Yes. Shut down the old Posts? Absolutely not.

There is a place in The American Legion of the 21st Century for both, and Hoosier Legionnaires are fortunate to have a blueprint for accomplishing that.

It’s simple: find new and appealing ways to do what we have always done.

Do away with meetings?

No way. Make it easier and more efficient to attend a meeting. Of course.

A case in point: At the direction of the Strategic Planning Committee, the Department will conduct the first on-line, interactive post meeting on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m.

This meeting is completely free to all audiences, members or not, and can be

accessed on YouTube online by visiting: ht t ps://goo.gl /pWccX M. This historic, first ever Indiana Legion webcast is designed to bridge the gap between modern and traditional ways of communication among our members. Please tune in. *** The legislative arena in the State of Indiana continues to be one of great concern to the Department of Indiana.

Commander Larry Lowry took the lead in reviving and coordinating the activities of the “Big Four,” an unofficial cooperative involving the Legion, the DAV, the VFW and AMVETS. He identified the competing and often conflicting messages being sent to legislators by representatives of Veterans Service Organizations as well as self-styled coalitions.

The key?

Identifying legislative priorities on which we all could agree, and setting aside those that fractured the unified front necessary to affect veterans legislation.

The result was 13 legislative initiatives signed into law

by Gov. Mike Pence – the largest body of veterans legislation put into law in recent memory. More can be learned about this on the cover of this edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

The Legislative committee is hard at work developing Legislative priorities for presentation to not only the ‘Big Four’ in May, but also to the Governor in a special meeting with him in June. *** The Department Executive Committee has taken a potentially unpopular

position on an issue that cuts to the heart of why “we associate ourselves together” as veterans and Legionnaires. To understand the Department’s position on a proposed Gold Star Family Memorial requires a clear understanding of the state statute that created the Indiana World War Memorials, and two clauses from the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution.

The statute, found in Indiana Code 10-18-1-16, sets forth the purpose of the Memorial Plaza “to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of the soldiers, sailors and marines of the Unites States…”

The preamble demands of us that we work to “maintain law and order” and that we “preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the Great Wars.”

We are not opposed to a memorial that honors those who lost loved ones in war.

Far from it. Our resolution fully supports such a memorial, and encourages its erection in Indianapolis on any one of a number of proposed sites, but not on the grounds of the Indiana World War Memorials. To do so would violate the law, which we are committed to maintain, and it would interfere significantly with our pledge to preserve the memory of our comrades.

There is only so much space on the IWM Plaza, and there are other generations of veterans yet to be singled out for direct honor there.

The full rationale for the Legion’s position is contained in Res. 2016S10. The Legislative

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2016 MEETING DATES Includes Official Holidays for National Headquarters Staff May 2 – 5 Spring Meetings May 30 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY July 22 – 30 Boys Nation – Washington, DC July 19 – 23 Junior Shooting Sports Tournament – Colorado Springs, Colorado July 28 – 30 Department Service Officers School – Indianapolis, Indiana July 28 – 30 Membership Workshop August 11 – 16 American Legion Baseball World Series – Shelby, North Carolina August 26 – September 1 98th Annual National Convention – Cincinnati, Ohio September 5 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY September 16 – 18 Children & Youth Conference September 23 – 25 Americanism Conference (encompasses Baseball, Boys State, Chaplain, Oratorical & Scouting programs) October 10 – 13 Fall Meetings October 23 – 28 National Legion College November 11 VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY

Committee, the Internal Affairs Commission and the Department Executive Committee have taken the courage to do what is right, not what is popular. Our principles should prevail or we have no principles. They have prevailed. *** We are in the process of developing a new model for the Department of Indiana, one founded on proven strategies, but with new tactics. Not the least among those is how we communicate with one another. Here’s what’s on the horizon: The Department of Indiana’s newly developed campaign is summed up in three words, “We Change Lives.” This maxim is defined in the last line of our organization’s Preamble to the Constitution, “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” We change lives through countless hours of volunteerism to support veterans in our communities. We change lives through donations, more than $80,000 given at 2016 Spring Conference to organizations and programs like the Children’s Miracle Network, the Child Education and Welfare Foundation and the American Legion’s own Operation Comfort Warriors, where 100 percent of donations go directly to our nation’s wounded, injured or ill service members.

The Department of Indiana and Comcast Spotlight recently produced a digital television commercial

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

starring Indianapolis Colts Kicker, Four-Time Super Bowl Champion Adam Vinatieri. The commercial will air in Indianapolis, Lafayette, Fort Wayne and South Bend during veterans’ holiday seasons, May – July and September – November.

The ad will run on digital TV on a variety of mediums and pre-vetted channels such as ESPN, FOX and CNN. An online, interactive webcast will be held Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. This first-ever Department of Indiana webcast is designed to be an informative narrative featuring top Indiana Legion leadership to convey who we are and what we do to change lives in our communities.

This webcast is for members and prospective members across the state. Please join us by visiting: https://goo.gl/pWccXM on May 18, at 7 p.m.

The Department of Indiana continues to modernize and find new and effective ways to convey our message to both our membership and our communities. We are always looking for writers, photographers, for those who can help tell our story. If you wish to contribute your Legion message to be published in the Hoosier Legionnaire, on the Department website, on our social media, and in our newsletters, contact the Department Communications Director John Crosby at (317) 630-1264, or by email at jcrosby@indlegion.org.

Twitter @IndyLegion

Leading Legionnaire Letters

Our Spring Conference was a joy with good friends and witnesses of the evidence of the phenomenal work that the Legion does.

I had the special honor of attending a dinner to welcome National Commander Lead Candidate Charles E. Schmidt from Oregon. All who have served National offices from our department, Commander Larry Lowry, our Lead

Candidate for Department Commander James B. May and Adjutant Hugh Dagley attended.

Sitting around the room are fellow Legionnaires who have spent decades of their lives in service to the post, district and Department of Indiana. I have a deep love and respect for these leaders and what they have given of their lives in support of our Legion programs and the betterment of veterans.

At conferences we always must face the issues of membership as we face the future. I have watched the leadership adapt and change to streamline budgets, staff and headquarters to make every dollar count as

we continue to decline in membership. Creative ideas and programs are being instituted all the time with great success, but can’t quite match the fading away of senior veterans.

However, what has not declined are the programs that we offer.

Our Department Adjutant shared with us that 55% of our budget goes for our Service Department whose caseload is ever growing.

The raising of money for programs is ever increasing!

To see a number of youth honored during the Spring Conference General Session touched everyone’s hearts.

We are doing more with less!

How many organizations

can say that?

To get a veteran and his/ her family involved in the Legion is one of the greatest favors we can do for them.

Almost every benefit that a veteran receives can be directly linked to the American Legion. While I belong to a number of veteran’s organizations, adding them all together they still cannot match what the Legion does! Our youth programs and community service outshines them all.

We heard how the actions of Assistant Director of Rehabilitation David Wilson and the coordinated support between the Service Department and the VA actually prevented a suicide.

We have heard many stories of how the Legion has been a “life saver” for many through the programs and support that we offer, but here we learned specifically how the Legion actually saved a life!

Let us thank God for blessing us with the American Legion, and let us bless other veterans with the benefits of membership in the American Legion family.

I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12:2b-c (NRSV)

So, you think it’s time to slow down or maybe even quit? Well, let me tell you one thing: it’s not time to do either. The American Legion was not founded by men who had “quit” in their vocabulary nor had they slowed down since the time the War ended. We all

know they joined together to give us our great American Legion.

As I said they “Joined”.

This was the key word and is still the key word. Some say that getting a man or woman to join is the easy part.

Retaining their membership is the hard part. Regardless, what your thought is about this matter, as a member of The American Legion, it’s our duty to recruit the new members and then become a membership worker to go out and knock on the doors of those members who have not paid their current year’s

dues. Membership chairman after membership chairman have tried their hardest to come up with a membership incentive plan that would turn the decline around, your commander and I included.

Our American Legion programs should be incentive enough. Without our dues revenues it’s impossible to keep our Service Officers available to help give our service-related injured veterans the help they deserve or to aid our youth programs that we offer for all the young boys and girls around our state and

the many community help projects that are available for those in need. These are just a few of the reasons for any eligible veteran to be a member of The American Legion, but once again it comes back to us.

WE MUST ASK. And with that said, I must congratulate the 8th and 4th Districts on signing up the most new members in the “New Members Pay Dividends” contest for the first two stops. $250 for each of those Districts!

So in closing, I ask each of you to do your part as

American Legion members and help keep our great organization at its best by becoming that membership worker. Sign up or renew just one more member before we close the books on this membership year. Our Department Cmdr. Larry Lowry reminds us: “DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY…. No Sacrifice Too Great!”

Let’s keep this membership convoy wound up and rollin’.

In February, several members traveled to Washington DC for the National Commanders Testimony.

Each congressional legislator had at least one of their

constituents to visit them.

Some of the issues discussed were VA Accountability, Veterans Health Care and opposition to any efforts to privatize the VA, alternative medicine to treat PTSD and TBI, Suicides, homelessness, and unemployment.

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski stated that she would introduce a resolution in support of sending captured Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters

to the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility. She said, “Why would we capture these men and women, who are guilty of barbaric acts in the region and across the globe, only to release them back to the battlefield? It’s completely nonsensical.”

Senator Joe Donnelly express his disappointment in the closing of the Carrier Plant in Indianapolis that will eliminate 1400 jobs.

Recently the Senator wrote a

letter on behalf of Indiana’s steel industry urging the President to stop the influx of illegally dumped steel flooding the U.S. market.

He wrote “I write to you on behalf of a domestic steel industry that is facing a crisis, illegally traded imports are flooding the domestic market, diminishing U.S. production, and resulting in plants being idled and significant layoffs – more than 12,000 across the

country last year.”

The NEC will meet May 4 – 5 and will hear from National Cmdr. Dale Barnett about the success departments and posts are having with Walk for Veterans events, membership updates and other Legion priorities such as members of VA’s Commission on Care wanting to privatize VA health care and the Legion’s opposition to it.

of your 2016 post officers.

The guidelines to compiling such a history can be found in The Post Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies which can be downloaded for free at legion.org.

There is to be a ceremony at the Indiana Shades State Park which will involve the Department in June. This event, part of the celebration of the State of Indiana’s 200th anniversary, will help remind Indiana citizens that the Department of Indiana was the principle fundraiser that saved the land from being purchased by an outside company. Department Cmdr.

Larry Lowry will be a featured guest; check the department’s website for future details.

Remember that The American Legion will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary during the 20182019 years. Ensure that your post is ready for this exciting time period by planning activities and, it is hoped, with some kind of historical record of its accomplishments.

We plan to have a table in the Exhibitor Area at the Department Convention

to assist you with any questions you might have for compiling a history, creating a webpage on the Centennial

site www.centennial.legion. org or developing an activity calendar. See you at the Convention in July!

The Spring Conference is now over. There was a good (but not great) turn out for the 100th Anniversary Observance Committee that met on April 9th at the Marriott Hotel East. Although a few districts were not represented, others had their appointed members or officially designated substitutes in attendance. Remember that an official sheet with the name of the substitute signed by the district commander must accompany that person before he or she can be recognized by the chairman of the committee to represent the district.

I reported to the committee that an additional two more Indiana post histories were represented on the National Organization’s Centennial website.

Unfortunately,

anyone can begin to create a website even without the post’s permission. There were four such ‘fake’ post sites discovered that most likely were created without proper authority. Those have now been removed. To avoid such nefarious activity, begin a page for your post with, if nothing else, some basic information, such as a list of your current officers, when and where you meet, and other easily discovered information (like your charter date, the name of your first commander). Then no other website pages can be created using your Post number without your authority.

There was also a suggestion that a Department one-year post history contest should be held in the future. Stephanie Williamson and William Billings, a non-committee member but very interested observer at the meeting, volunteered to compile some notes for discussion at the next meeting.

This is a ‘heads-up’ to post historians to seriously plan to start a one-year history of your Post to begin from the election

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

Facebook.com/IndianaLegion

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Leading Legionnaire Letters

Are you a Veteran?

Everyone who has worn the uniform of the United States armed forces is not necessarily a veteran – at least for federal benefits purposes. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.”

The VA must first determine if a person qualifies as a veteran for “eligibility” purposes, and only then determine if the veteran, or a dependent of a veteran, meets varying benefit rules for “entitlement” to specific veterans’ benefits.

A person can have “military, naval, or air service” in many different ways. Of course, this most often occurs when one has conventional military or naval service in one of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces -Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Military, naval or air service also includes those

with service in the Reserves, and the National Guard under special circumstance.

There are other categories of military service, such as, cadets and midshipmen in military and/or naval academies; attendees at military or naval preparatory schools; fulltime commission officers in the Public Health Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Environmental Science Service Administration; WW II service with the Commonwealth of the Philippines; and several others. For the sake of simplicity, however, this article will focus only on the conventional military services, the Reserves, and the National Guard.

Military, naval, or air service alone will not automatically qualify one as a veteran if that service is not also considered “active” duty.

Persons having “active” duty include those who served full-time in one of the five branches of the armed forces, or during authorized travel to or from such duty stations.

Active duty for VA benefits purposes does not include “active duty for training,” such as, full-time duty in the Armed Forces for Reserve or National Guard training, and authorized travel to or from those training sites.

There are circumstances, however, that will allow VA to consider active duty for training as “active duty” for VA benefits purposes, including when the individual concerned is disabled or dies from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty during his or her period of active duty for training.

“Inactive duty for training,” such as, National Guard weekend drills and authorized travel to such duty does not qualify as active duty service unless, during that period of training, the individual was disabled or died from an injury, had worsening of a pre-existing disability, suffered an acute myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest (heart attack), or had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

National Guard activations for state service alone without federal duty are not considered active duty for VA benefits even if the Guard member is disabled during that period of Guard service.

When VA determines an individual has had active military, naval, or air service, VA must then decide if the individual received a discharge “under other than dishonorable conditions.”

With the exception of individuals receiving “dishonorable discharges,”

VA may make its own “character of discharge” determination for VA benefits purposes. The VA will accept most honorable and general discharges as issued under conditions other than dishonorable, but VA may need to make its own character of discharge determinations for other types of discharges.

Once a person has obtained eligibility for VA benefits by having active military, naval, or air service performed under other than dishonorable condition, veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980 or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981 must have also had served at least 24 months active duty service or the full length of time for which they were called to serve before VA finally bestows “veteran status” for VA benefits purposes.

That is unless the veteran has a service connected disability or was discharge due to some other special qualifying circumstance.

Veterans who enlisted and/ or who entered service prior to the dates noted above only need one day of active duty service with an honorable discharge to meet the veteran’s status requirement.

After eligibility is established, VA then has multiple rules veterans must meet before becoming

“entitled” to the benefits they seek. Some of these rules include but are not limited to serving at least 181 days during peacetime or serving 90 days having at least one day served during a wartime period to qualify for a VA home loan guarantee benefit; having a service-connected disability rated at least 10% or meeting income limitations before qualifying for a VA health care benefits; having a fully honorable discharge before qualifying for the VA post/911 education assistance benefit; having at least 90 days service including at least one day wartime era service and meeting income limitations to qualify for a VA pension benefit, and many, many more rules and regulations pertaining to individual veterans’ benefits.

This is simply a summary of complex laws and regulations pertaining to establishment of veteran’s status for VA benefits purposes. By far, not everything is included in this brief article. If you have questions concerning your veteran’s status for federal benefits purpose or any other veterans’ benefit issue, please contact your local county veterans service office or The American Legion Department Service Office.

Department service office Update Local Service Issues: Indianapolis Veterans Court Looking for Volunteer Mentors: We recently received the following information from Indianapolis Veterans Court Mentor Coordinator, Gordon E. Smith. Those interested in becoming a Veterans Court Mentor may contact Mr. Smith at: 317-327-1025 (office phone number; 317-503-8417 (cell phone number), or by using the following e-mail address: gordon.smith@indy.gov.

The letter read, “I am the Indianapolis Veterans Court Mentor Coordinator.

I am currently looking for military veterans to volunteer for the Indianapolis Veteran Court as Mentors. A veteran mentor is a resource for our veteran participants, not a counselor but to coach, guide, role model, advocate, and a support for the individual with whom he or she is working. The mission of the Indianapolis Veteran’s Court (IVC) is to support the veteran through adjustment to civilian life; to assist the veteran to navigate the court, treatment, VA systems; and to act as an advocate through this difficult time of restoration with mentorship and accountability.

As a

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veteran mentor you will be asked to: • Attend a court session at least once a month • Dedicate at least one hour a week of time for mentoring to the veteran participant.

• Commit to participate for at least one year or until the veteran participant has graduated.

• Participate in and leading mentoring sessions with veterans who are participating in the IVC Program.

• Support veterans in identifying and addressing difficulties.

• Adhere to all of the IVC policies and procedures.

• Assist the participants as much as possible to resolve their concerns with court procedures and interactions with the VA system.

• Support and help other Mentors in the program.

If you are willing to meet these requirements, please contact Mr. Gordon for an application.

National Service Issues: Hepatitis C Treatment at VA: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it is now funding care for all veterans with Hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016 regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease. The move follows increased funding from

Congress along with reduced drug prices.

In fiscal year 2015, VA allocated $696 million for new Hepatitis C drugs (17 percent of the VA’s total pharmacy budget) and in fiscal year 2016, VA anticipates spending approximately $1 billion on hepatitis C drugs. The VA expects that with the expansion, many more veterans will be started on hepatitis C treatment every week this fiscal year.

For additional information on Hepatitis C treatments, Veterans can log onto http://www. hepatitis.va.gov/patient/ hcv/index.asp.

The VA Attempting to Correct Choice Program Billing Issues: Veterans can now work directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed billing and payment.

A Community Care Call Center has been set up for Veterans experiencing adverse credit reporting or debt collection resulting from inappropriately billed Choice Program claims.

Veterans experiencing these problems can call 1-877-881-7618 for assistance. The new call center will work to resolve instances of improper

Veteran billing and assist community care medical providers with delayed payments. VA staff are also trained and ready to work with the medical providers to expunge adverse credit reporting on Veterans resulting from delayed payments to providers.VA is urging Veterans to continue working with their VA primary care team to obtain necessary health care services regardless of adverse credit reporting or debt collection activity.

Missing Electronic Claims: On Dec. 10, 2015, VA identified a serious defect in the handling of compensation and claim status document uploads on e-benefits and SEP electronic claims filing systems. The defect may have incorrectly informed users that documents were successfully uploaded, when in actuality the documents may have been rejected by the VA network gateway. The affected timeframe is August 1, 2015 through December 21, 2015, and pertains to documents submitted through either SEP or e-benefits.

VA will soon supply personalized letters to those veterans requesting that they resubmit the uploaded documents.

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

When resubmitting the documents, the veteran or the representative will need to also return the first page of the VA development letter or a statement affirming the evidence is a resubmission of the lost documents.

The VA Healthcare System Will Start Accepting Telephonic Health Care Applications: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced it has amended its enrollment regulations to allow veterans to complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. The change is effective immediately for Combat Veterans and will be effective July 5, 2016, for all Veterans.

By adding this telephone application option to VA’s regulations, VA will now offer three ways to enroll including using a VA Form 10-10EZ, and online enrollment.

For more information, Veterans can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855488-8440.

Twitter @IndyLegion

It is hard to believe that in about three month this Legion Family year will be over and a new one will begin. We have made progress this year, but still more to do.

I am happy to say that the projects I selected this year are doing outstanding.

Operation Comfort Warriors had a set a goal of $15,000.

We’ve reached that. So, I raised our goal to $20,000 and we are already very close to making that goal. We have collected over $15,000 for medical equipment at the Indiana Veterans Home and over $12,000 for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund.

I have been truly blessed by everyone opening up their

hearts and giving to help these wonderful projects.

Department Cmdr.

Larry Lowry, Sons of The American Legion Detachment Cmdr. Chris Carlton, and their officers and staff are a great group to work with promoting the Legion Family Programs.

They are always willing and ready to help the Auxiliary in any way, making this a great year.

I hope that everyone will be promoting the Poppy

and collecting donations.

The money collected goes to support our veterans programs. It is with pride you should wear the red crape paper flower honoring those that have and now do serve our beloved country.

I want all veterans to know I am grateful for all your service past, present and future. Your choice to leave your home and loved ones so we can live free in this great country, there are not enough words to say

thank you. So thank you from the very bottom of my heart for all you and your family members have done and continue to do. May god bless and keep you, may his grace always shine down on you.

Looking forward to seeing a big Legion Family turn out for Department Convention.

God Bless America

from the District Commanders

In the 1st District there are many Legionnaires who strive to make The American Legion proud through their hard work and determination.

Among these hard working veterans is Richard Legin, commander of newly resurrected Gary Post 270. He led the group of Gary Veterans whose efforts made this post possible. Below you will find a guest commentary by 1st District Executive Vice Commander John Sarnecki Jr., posted in the Northwest Indiana Times on March 8, 2016.

It spells out exactly how we in the 1st District feel about The American Legion, Post 270.

Welcome Home!

A terrific thing happened on Sunday, Feb. 27. The American Legion was rewarded with the dedication of a new American Legion Post 270, in Gary. Post Commander Richard Ligon presented a fantastic program that concluded in the dedication of the new

facility.

The revitalization of American Legion Post 270 began on a Saturday evening at the Gary RailCats Baseball game during the ballpark’s Salute to Veterans program in August 2014. On this evening, I had the pleasure of being introduced to retired Col. Richard Ligon, who expressed an interest in creating an American Legion Post in Gary.

I was introduced to him because, as 1st District membership chairman, I was manning a membership table at the time. We were trying to recruit some new members for our various posts, and much to my surprise, we recruited an entire American Legion post.

After exchanging phone numbers, the First District membership team met with Ligon and several other veterans to discuss opening up a new post but were quickly directed into just revitalizing the Tolleston Post 270. There was no physical address for Post 270, so the revitalized post actually began in a small meeting place Ligon graciously provided. After several organizational meetings,

Ligon proudly became Commander Ligon for Post 270.

After 18 months of organizing, scrapping and endless work, American Legion Post 270 proudly dedicated its new facility in the remodeled Tolleston Library in Gary. The dedication program included presentations by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. Ligon proudly reported on the programs the post already has undertaken and what the post members are planning for the future.

Their goal is to support children, veterans and their families.

I was so proud to have been a part of this great endeavor. Members of Post 270 have done a terrific job and have shown just what it means to be Legionnaires.

Their dedication to your country and community must be recognized.

I can only reiterate the shortest speech given at the dedication program

by American Legion First District Commander Tim Conners: “Welcome home, veterans! We all salute you!”

The American Legion First District, Department of Indiana, is proud to have them back home.

This has been such an amazing year. I’ve had so many great experiences which have given more fire to my passion for the American Legion and what it stands for.

Our Department Cmdr.

Larry Lowry and his wife Claudia have set a great example for us and it has been an absolute pleasure to work under his command.

It has been great to visit posts throughout our district and to witness how some of the most successful posts incorporate their whole Legion Family.

They work together for the benefit of the

post. The stellar leadership at these posts needs to be commended and used as an example for the posts that are struggling.

It was great to learn that over half the veteran’s service officers in Indiana are now certified. It is important that we get this to 100 percent. Too many times the VSO is placed in the position based solely on their political affiliation and not on their ability and desire to assist veterans in need. Too many times the veteran in need does not receive the assistance they deserve because of this. Unfortunately, I recently experienced the gaps we have in getting assistance to homeless veterans.

Great programs are out there and there are amazing

people willing to help get those veterans the assistance they need.

However, we lack an immediate, albeit temporary, solution until they can complete the requirements in order to receive that assistance.

I can’t say enough about our 2nd District Membership Team.

They have faced some challenges but they never give up. I’m so proud of their hard work and dedication.

So once again thank you to Robert Harding, Julie Newell, Bob Pratt, Larry Burkhart, Rick Sanders, Pete Amodei and James Hall.

John Kuebler said “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” I have met many wonderful people in my travels with the Legion whom I now consider friends and our future looks bright.

Nappanee Post 154 was featured in “The Paper” Elkhart edition front page. In 2015, Post 154 donated more than $6,200 to the local Police, Child safety program, Northwood High School Sports, Food Pantry, Special Olympics, Library backpack program, and Nappanee theater upgrade. Post 154 Legion Riders also raised over $12,000 for local charities.

Look up the article from “The Paper” for more. Post 357

sponsored three boys to Boys State for $900 and presented a check to 3rd District Chairman Jack Cook at the March District meeting. Post 357 presented a check to 3rd District Indiana Veterans Home Flower Fund for Veterans Needs for $250.

At Spring Conference Post 357 presented a check for Riley’s Children Hospital in the amount of $700 to Department Cmdr.

Larry Lowry. Post 357 presented a check to the South Bend Westside Memorial Day Parade Scholarship Fund in the amount of $100.

Post 357 Sons of the American Legion sponsored “We the

Kids” for $550 and with the help of the Legion and the Riders sponsoring an additional $100 each for a total of $750.

The 3rd District also was sponsored at the South Bend Cubs and was able to set booths to help inform the public about who The American Legion Family is. The event went about as good as it could have as Mother Nature provided rain before the start of the game. A special thanks to Department Service Office Director John Hickey who came up from Indianapolis.

Congratulations to La Porte Post 83 for getting 50 new members this year and already reaching 100 percent membership.

Greetings from the 4th District.

Another Spring Conference is a thing of the past. While hundreds did show, it wasn’t near as well attended as we had hoped for. Being combined with the Auxiliary, there was expectation for a very large crowd. I can only assume that fewer of you are interested in keeping up with, and participating in, our programs. We hope to see a much larger turnout for Department Convention in July.

In brighter news, we are still leading the department in membership as of April 19th.

That’s 5-and-ahalf months that we’ve been in first place! We have four posts in our district that are over 100 percent membership and 10 more in the 90th percentile.

Keep working on the delinquent lists and always be on the lookout to recruit new members. Remember, The American Legion is the leader in fighting for veterans’ rights. “We Change Lives.”

The American Legion’s Children’s Education and Welfare Fund and the Temporary Financial Assistance program are available

to veterans in need who have dependent children living at home. These programs run no cost to our post’s financial assistance programs.

Study these programs and make everyone at your post aware (including employees) so we can all help our qualifying brothers in need.

We wish our Legislative Committees success in their upcoming meetings with the State Government.

We’ve shown some successes this year at the Indiana Capitol with 13 veterans’ related bills signed into law by Governor Mike Pence. There are several issues that can help us all. Remember: Recruit, retain, renew!

Department Chaplain Norris Keirn and the Religious Emphasis Committee encourage Hoosier Legionnaires to reach out and check on someone you know every month on the 22nd. Why the 22nd of each month? Because 22 veterans commit suicide each day. It’s a reminder for us to check on our fellow veterans and show them we truly care. You can never lose by letting someone know that you care about him or her.

Every time we contact someone we can learn something new and perhaps offer support that might enhance their life in a special way.

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

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from the District Commanders

My Fellow Legionnaires, the Mighty 5th District has been working hard on our American Legion programs and our work is never done. The District has been busy with the Oratorical Competition, Americanism, Flag Education & Etiquette and Junior Shooting Sports. They say hard work pays off. Well, these young people put the time in and yielded

some awesome results.

The essays that were written and the speeches that were spoken shows that our youth are very patriotic and our future is bright.

Furthermore, our district’s two Junior Shooting Sports teams brought home individual first and third place.

I would like to take a moment to thank all the parents and individuals who volunteered to work these programs.

Now with that said let us be mindful that we are not done we have to continue to push our programs.

As we look forward to the final stretch this

Legion year looking towards Close of Books and the Department Convention, we must stay on task with our membership. We need to retain those members we have and continue to obtain new members. Keep in mind your participation at the post level is encouraged during the upcoming elections.

Post Everlasting will be May, 21, 2016 at Post 469 in Frankton, Ind. Please continue to keep our District Cmdr. Paul James in your thoughts and prayers as well our Men and Women serving in the Armed Forces at home and abroad.

Greetings from the 6th District.

Now that the 2016 Spring Conference is past, even if it did feel like another MidWinter Conference with the bad weather, we are looking toward spring and summer.

We had the pleasure of being addressed

by Charles Schmidt the 2016-2017 leading Candidate for National Commander of the American Legion.

Commander Schmidt’s main emphasis was for The American Legion to continue on in the future, we need to get back to our core values that the American Legion was founded on, our four pillars, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children & youth.

The last verse in our Constitution’s preamble, “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness,” this is the most important ideal expressed in our preamble. We can hail The American Legion today as an unparalleled force in these United States for social betterment.

American Legion concepts and its ideal of devotion to mutual helpfulness warmed the entire social climate of America.

Today, America is extending its helpful hands all over the world through our assistance programs of foreign aid.

This all came about because the veterans of WWI came home enriched with wonderful ties of friendship and gave those ties meaning by consecrating them to the ideal of mutual helpfulness.

We need to be out in the community telling the stories of the American Legion’s past, present and future and how we fight for veterans’ rights, help veterans to obtain benefits and our many children and youth programs.

On membership, our 2015-2016 Legion year is nearing the end. Our last card turn-in is on June 5th at the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette, Indiana. We went into the Spring Conference in third place and came out still in third place at 87.6 percent. As of April 6, we still needed 1,104 cards to meet the 100 percent membership goal. Department Cmdr.

Larry Lowry reported at his membership meeting at the Spring Conference, it would be great if the department finished with at least the total of membership they had during the 2014-2015 membership year. The 6th District needs just 463 more members by June 5th to accomplish this. We have been leading the department all year in new members. I know

if we all pull together, we can do this.

In March I attended a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event which was held by the Hendricks County Veterans Council. It was at the Hendricks County Court House in Danville, Ind. It was well attended by veterans and the committee.

On Sunday, March 13, I was invited to attend a The American Legion’s 97th Birthday party held at Post 341 in Cicero, Ind. It was a very nice ceremony and the food which was provided by the post’s Auxiliary was great.

All had a good time. I would like to thank Post 341 Cmdr. Jody Brown for a job well done.

On Saturday, June 11, Indiana Blue Star will be holding their 11th annual event for veterans and their families at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Ind. Gates open at 10 a.m. This is a free event for all veterans and their families. To register for this event go to www. indianabluestar.org.

Remember, the 6th District has a new website at www. indlegiondist6.org. If your post has an event that you would like to be listed on the website, please contact Darrell Bowman at 317-7192521.

In closing remember that it’s not the price you pay to be a member but it’s the price you or your family member paid to be eligible.

Duty, Honor, Country.

No Sacrifice too Great!

USAA is committed to serving our military, veterans who have received an Honorable discharge and their eligible family members.

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 from generation to generation

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Greetings from the Fighting 7th.

This has been a very hectic year but it’s starting to wind down, I could not have made it without my great staff and all of the help from the post. As you all know, membership has been a challenge

this year but I’m happy with what everyone has done.

We are doing some things with the American Legion Riders and we believe that if done right it will help bring in new members.

Speaking of the ALR, I am very happy with the Chapters here in the 7th District.

They are always there when we need them and whatever is asked. Too many times they go on without

being recognized or appreciated. We believe that ALR will play a huge role in our future.

Thank you to all my leadership throughout the district for all of your support. Thank you to our wonderful Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion members as well. Let’s finish strong on membership and don’t give up the fight between now and the homestretch to Department Convention this July.

Thank you.

Greetings from the Great 8th!

The 8th District recently chartered an American Legion Post at the Henryville Correctional Facility.

It is not a large post but every member counts toward getting our membership back where it used to be.

There were several Sons of the American Legion members who also joined.

At Post 44 in Newburgh several of the members have been involved in creating an organization called VOICE, Veterans Organizations Involved in Community Education. This was the brainchild of Post 44 Auxiliary member Shannon Backer and since then several other members have joined in. The goal is to educate the communities about how veterans’ organizations help support our veterans.

Their first VOICE Expo was held Sunday, May 1, at the National Guard Armory in Evansville.

Boonville, Ind., Post 200 raised $2,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors through a couple benefit Texas Hold’em poker

tournaments.

The check was presented to Department Cmdr.

Larry Lowry at the 2016 Spring Conference in Indianapolis.

“Pay It Forward” is an expression that has been around for many years. There was even a book and a movie with the same name. It simply means to help someone out and in turn ask them to help someone else out. At a drive-through for example, you could pay for the car behind’s meal and hopefully that person may return the favor and pay for someone else that is behind them. In the American Legion it has worked the same way. Our Legionnaires who came before us have paid the price to organize this great organization and make it flourish by their tireless efforts for the veterans who came after them. They have paid it forward and we in turn must “Pay It Forward” for the veterans who will come after us and for the American Legion to survive.

We have continued to lose members since 1995 and we have to get our membership back up to survive as a viable organization.

Close of Books is Sunday, June 5, and we need a renewed effort from all our posts to try and reach our

membership goals.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Jack Reynolds, owner and operator of “Markit Bright Designs of Evansville, Ind. Jack manufactures the decorative custom graphic table tops we are starting to see in several of our posts. He donated a large patriotic veteran themed wall plaque to the Eighth District to be raffled at spring conference for Riley Hospital. That raffle raised another $429.

Thanks to everyone who bought chances and donated to support Riley Hospital.

I heard a quote from Gandhi recently that said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.” If that’s not the essence of being a good Legion Family member, I don’t know what is.

We need your input for the 8th District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. If your post or someone in your post does something newsworthy, please send it to Dave Sharber by e-mail to wobegone@att.net, or by mail at PO Box 493 in Mt. Vernon, IN 47620.

We need newsworthy Legion, veteran and c o m mu n it y- r el a t e d information. Be proud of your post and your Legion Family. Share what they are doing.

No gossip please, just news.

Greetings from the 9th District Things are progressing at a constant pace. Our membership has slowed a bit but remains constant at about 120 cards per month. Our Membership stands at the time of this writing at 86.59%.

We by no means think we are done on membership between now and close of books.

Our 9th District Sons of the American Legion Detachment is number one in the state of Indiana in terms of membership.

This is due to the hard work and hard charging attitude of our District Squadron Cmdr. Larry Cripe and his team.

Their constant search for cards and constant promoting of the SAL

program is very evident by his numbers. Well done Larry!

During the months of March and April I had the opportunity to attend several American Legion Birthday dinners. They were all outstanding, but one really stood out that I attended at Rising Sun Post 59.

Their Legion Birthday program was geared to what the POW/ MIA seat, displayed in

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

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all of our posts, truly means. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you leaders and members of Post 59 for the effort you put into your beautiful program.

One of the other initiatives we are involved in is supporting Riley Hospital. The 9th District Legion Family donated $1,600 on stage to Department Cmdr. Larry Lowry.

Thank you to all who donated. I can clearly see where our district family’s heart’s lay, in

support of our children and youth.

I was happy to attend the Department Junior Shooting Sports Tournament Finals at Post 89 in Seymour, Ind. What a day it was to see the smiles and enthusiasm on the faces of the competitors. It was truly refreshing.

The atmosphere of happiness and enjoyment throughout the entire building was overwhelming. Thank you to Post 89 Cmdr.

Larry Shelly, score keeper Jim Tracey, and Department Junior Shooting Sports Chairwoman

Ida May Jewell for an outstanding day.

The Legion year is coming to a close and the best time of year, the Department Convention, is fast approaching. It’s been a pleasure for me to have served you as commander of the 9th District. The hard work, effort and hospitality you’ve shown to my wife Jeannie and myself, I will cherish for a lifetime. If anyone ever needs anything from me, and I mean anything, call me.

Thank you and God bless each and every one of you.

Hello from the Terrific 10th District.

It’s been a busy time since I took over in January with getting ready for the MidWinter Conference and doing a lot of traveling to the different posts for the 97th Legion Birthday parties.

Please spread the word about this program, and how we can support those veterans who are in need. Also, we’ve been getting a lot of requests for clarification on post elections.

Please contact your district leadership with any questions you may have to ensure we maintain our procedural integrity.

Temporary Financial Assistance requests this year than I can remember. We are

trying very hard to keep up-to-date with these requests. Indiana has consistently granted more TFA requests and disbursed more funds to veterans in need than every other department in The American Legion organization.

Our district American Legion Riders Chapter has been very busy with fundraising projects as well. We will see you all at the Department Convention this summer.

Thank you.

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Greetings from the leadership of the Friendly 11th District.

Warm weather has started and I hope all members of our American Legion Family have an enjoyable summer. As my command year is winding down I want to thank all my fellow Legionnaires that are current on their dues. I had a great time being able to see everyone who attended the 2016 Spring Conference.

We are looking forward to greater participation at the 11th district meetings and at the 2016 State Convention taking place July 7-11 at the Marriott East, in Indianapolis.

Post 64 and Past National Cmdr.

Jim Koutz had a successful fundraiser for Operation Comfort Warrior. They enjoyed a ham and bean dinner, held various raffles

and raised over $50,000! A great thanks goes off to Post 64, what an outstanding job.

Thanks also goes out to Post 220 for donating a body camera to the Cumberland Police Department.

We received a warm thank you from our law enforcement officers there.

Broad Ripple Post 3 had a little excitement at their post as a car drove into their building.

Because of this, their Post Everlasting service scheduled for June will be moved to a different place and time to be announced at a later date.

Remember the close of books will be Sunday, June 5, at the Indiana Veteran’s Home in West Lafayette. Post commanders and adjutants, please make a final push to have all of your members renew their dues before close of books.

When renewing or recruiting, don’t forget the benefits that you receive as a Legionnaire. The camaraderie, the assistance you receive

in applying for goods and discounted benefits such as car rentals, hotels and various businesses; and the services that are provided to veterans with their families.

Remember, “We Change Lives,” in our local communities through our spirit of volunteerism and public service. Membership gives our veterans an opportunity to help their fellow veterans, their community and our nation’s youth.

I enjoy making my rounds to all the posts in 2016. Each and every post is unique and has its own charm. I want to thank all of the posts that have hosted 11th district meetings.

Again, I wish to emphasize to remember your local posts and to thank the entire Legion Family. I look forward to seeing everyone in attendance at the 2016 Department Convention.

Don’t forget to start planning for the National Convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio from Friday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 1.

Spring Conference commission reports

Americanism Commission met on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. in Salon A of the Marriott East Hotel during Spring Conference.

Commission Chairman Allen Connelly opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed nine members present and one was absent. One guest was in attendance. The minutes of the 2015 Fall Conference were approved as printed in the Hoosier Legionnaire.

The following committee reports were received.

Baseball Committee The American Legion Baseball committee met at 1:00 p.m. in Veterans Hall 1 with Chairman Owen Wells opening the meeting in proper form. Roll call revealed 14 members present and three absent.

The 11th District was not represented. Six guests were in attendance. Minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved.

Regional pairings were approved. Legion baseballs were discussed. Legion logo balls must be used in all Legion games. All teams must start with 12 players in the dugout at the start of a tournament. The State Tournament will be played in Kokomo July 22-27, 2016.

It will be an eight-team

tournament. Crawfordsville won the B-team tournament with a bid of $1,500. It will be a six-team tournament.

A discussion of old and new rules was conducted.

Department staff members Past National Cmdr. Butch Miller and Communications Director John Crosby were present and delivered a presentation on team registrations, entry fees, and the proper way to pay insurance and performing background checks. A follow-up presentation will be made at Fall Conference.

There was discussion about starting a website to report scores.

No Department funds were requested and no resolutions were presented.

The committee will meet at fall conference for two hours.

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

funds were requested and no resolutions were presented.

The committee will meet for one hour at Fall Conference.

The meeting was adjourned in proper form at 11:30 a.m.

Bowling Committee The Bowling Committee met at 11:30 a.m. in Salon A with the meeting being called to order in proper form by Secretary David Hurtt. Roll call revealed 13 members present and two absent. The 10th and 11th Districts were not represented. There were 11 guests in attendance. Fall Conference minutes were read and approved.

Three motions were made, seconded and unanimously passed to change the way averages for the state tournaments are calculated.

Bowling tournament prizes and placements were announced. Phil Decker was elected tournament manager; Johnny Richee was elected chairman; David Hurtt was elected secretary; Matt Clayton was elected assistant secretary. The The state tournament will be hosted by Bloomington Post 18 on the weekends of March 4-5, 11-12, and 1819, 2017. No requests for Department funds were made. No resolutions were presented. The committee will meet for one-half hour at fall conference. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 12:00 p.m.

Baseball Executive Committee The Baseball Executive Committee met at 10:40 a.m. in Salon A with Chairman Owen Wells opening the meeting in proper form.

Seven members and five guests were in attendance.

Mid-Winter Conference minutes were approved.

It was announced that Jeremy Hazelbaker, who played at Muncie Post 19, is now playing in professionally for Major League Baseball.

Seven regional pairing/ tournaments were approved.

Crawfordsville will host the B team tournament with six Golf Committee teams participating. There The Golf Committee are currently 33 A-teams and met at 11:30 a.m. in Salon 15 B-teams. No Department B with the meeting being

called to order in proper form by Chairman James Tracey. Roll call revealed 10 members present and two absent. The 2nd District was not represented. Two guests were present. Mid-Winter Conference minutes were read and approved.

Chairman Tracey presented the 2017 State Golf Tournament bids.

Kokomo Post 6 submitted the only bid. The bid for the weekend of June 24-25 was for $90.00. A discussion ensued about how to entice more posts to bid on the state tournament. John Renfro spoke on the upcoming Richmond tournament on June 18-19, 2016. Chairman Tracey briefly discussed the rule changes made and approved at the Mid-Winter Conference meeting. No resolutions were presented and no Department funds were requested.

The committee will meet at Fall Conference. The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

National Security/Foreign Affairs Committee The National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee met at 3:00 p.m. in Salon A with Vice Chairman Mike Patrick calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call revealed 10 members present, six absent, and five guests. The 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Districts were not represented.

Mid-Winter Conference minutes were approved as they appeared in the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Vice Chairman Patrick announced that Chairman Steinhardt was in Boston

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

where is daughter is presenting him with a new grandchild. Work continues on the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center tour.

Military personnel books are due by June 1. Steve Lenker from Armed Forces Radio offered to broadcast items of interest on the network which reaches 360 million listeners. His website address is veteransviews.org. No resolutions were presented and no Department funds were requested.

The committee will meet at fall conference for one hour. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

POW/MIA Committee The POW/MIA Committee met at 2:00 p.m. in Salons 6 and 7 with Chairman Larry Macy calling the meeting to order in proper form.

Roll call revealed twelve members present and five absent. Districts six and eleven were not represented.

Three guests were in attendance.

Mid-Winter Conference minutes were read and approved.

Chairman Macy reported that the remains of an East Chicago Post 359 member, Donald Carr, were repatriated from Laos in August, 2015. Macy shared the POW/MIA day is September 16. No motions were made, no resolutions were presented, and no funds were requested. The committee will meet at Fall Conference. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

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Continued from Page 7 SAL Department Advisory Committee The SAL Department Advisory Committee met at 3:00 p.m. in Salon A with Chairman Larry Horvath bringing the

The Children and Youth Commission met on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. in Salon B of the Marriott East Hotel during Spring Conference. Rodney Strong opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed all members present. No guests were in attendance. The minutes of the previous conference were approved.

The following committee reports were received.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee The American Legion Family Scholarship Selection Committee met to select seven scholarship winners for 2016. There were 31 applications. Winners were Lynsee Dever of Kendalville, Noah Benzing of Fort Wayne, Sydney Kay Robinson of Angola, Jade Jochem of Huntingburg, McKenzie Teder of Jasper, Taylor Cunningham of Cicero, and Kathryn Hickman of Plymouth.

Boy Scouts Committee The Boy Scouts Committee met at 12:00 p.m. in Salon B with Chairman Stan Gatewood opening the meeting in proper form.

Roll call revealed that 11 members were present, two members were absent, and two guests were in attendance. The 10th district was not represented and the 6th district was excused.

The previous meeting minutes were passed with one correction.

Discussion ensued about a resolution to allow chaplains for Boy Scout troops to issue religious awards. The state winner was not submitted to National Headquarters by April 1, 2016. Bill Scharold made a motion to place the 9th district winner in 6th place for state. Stephen Kumfer seconded the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. The application on the website will change for next year.

Discussion was conducted about the need for donations

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meeting to order in proper form. Roll call revealed 11 members present and five absent. The 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th Districts were not represented. Three guests were in attendance. MidWinter Conference minutes were read and approved.

Five endorsement resolutions forwarded

from the SAL Detachment Committee were received and recorded. A motion was made by Don Dapp and seconded by Danny Rice to request Department funds in the amount of $780 for the State Police presentation on July 8, 2016. The motion was unanimously approved. The committee will meet at Fall

Conference. The meeting Norton from Post 510 was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. in attendance as a guest and made brief comments.

The commission, on a There being no further motion by Larry Macy and business to come before the a second by Owen Wells, commission, the meeting unanimously approved was adjourned in proper receiving and recording the fashion at 5:00 p.m. five endorsement resolutions from the SAL Department Advisory Committee. Paul

for the Department Boy Scout Scholarship.

It was announced that the Messianic order has a Boy Scout award at a table next to Russell Chorpenning’s Boy Scout table. The committee has a design for a pin. A motion was made to make a pin and accept the pin with changes to sell for funding.

The motion was seconded.

The motion carried.

The committee wishes to make sure that the posts or districts pay for candidates’ rooms and have them to the meeting on time. The committee will meet at Fall Conference for one hour.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

at General Session. The turn in of Educator of the Year books by June 1, 2016 was discussed. Auxiliary representative Bev Swaim spoke to the committee about the Peyton Manning House. No resolutions were presented and no department funds were requested. The committee will meet at Fall Conference for one-half hour. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

indicate that the program is well-received.

The committee will meet at the fall conference for one-half hour. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Boys State Enrollment Committee The Boys State Enrollment Committee met at 1:00 p.m. in Salon B with the meeting being called to order in proper form by Chairman Jack Cook. Roll call revealed all members were present and all districts were represented. There were 11 guests in attendance.

The previous minutes were approved.

Scott Weyler gave an update on how the online applications were being handled. Andy Weyler gave a demonstration on how the delegates’ online application works. Andy Weyler fielded questions. Chuck Mason gave a list of speakers to be at Hoosier Boys State. Director Bob Oeth invited everyone to visit Hoosier Boys State 2016. The committee will meet at Fall Conference.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 2:00 p.m.

Children & Youth Committee The Children and Youth Committee met at 3:00 p.m. in Salon C with the meeting being called to order in proper form by Chairman David Sharber. Roll call revealed 11 members present and four absent. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th Districts were not represented. No guests were present.

Discussion ensued regarding the Riley Children’s Foundation fundraiser.

There will be a drawing at the Commander’s party for a wall plaque. Donations were presented to the foundation

Children’s Education & Welfare Committee The Children’s Education and Welfare Committee met at 2:00 p.m. in Salons 2 and 3 with Chairman Bruce Steffen calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call revealed 18 members present, two absent, and six guests in attendance. All districts were represented.

Mid-Winter Conference minutes were approved as read.

Department Cmdr. Larry Lowry addressed the committee. A motion was made and passed to approve seven CEW grants totaling $3,150.76. A motion was made and passed to accept the finance report. A presentation was delivered

by Duke Haddad from the Salvation Army on Camp Hidden Falls.

National Commander Lead Candidate Charles Schmidt addressed the committee briefly.

A motion was made and approved for the committee to meet at the convention in July 2016. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Flag Education & Etiquette Committee The Flag Education and Etiquette Committee met at 11:30 a.m. in Salon 1 with Chairman Lawrence Thiele calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call revealed 10 members present, seven absent, and 11 guests in attendance. MidWinter Conference minutes were not found.

In old business it was discussed that a question is needed to replace question #9 on the test. A motion was made and accepted to replace question #9 on the test with a newly proposed question.

In new business, ways to promote the program were discussed. Review of evaluation sheet by teachers

Girl Scout Committee The Girl Scout Committee met at 11:00 a.m. in Salon E with Chairman Gail Galich calling the meeting to order in proper form.

Roll call revealed that nine districts were present; the 5th and 7th districts were not represented.

Discussion ensued about submitting a resolution again for Girl Scouts as the program is still looking for scouts for the Gold Award.

In new business, Saturday, May 14, there will be a ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis at 10:00 a.m. Gail spoke about the Gold Award Project. A motion was made to discuss revision of the application at Fall Conference. There being no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned.

Junior ROTC Committee The Junior ROTC Committee met at 11:30 a.m. in the Harrison Room with Chairman William Vanhooks Jr. calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call indicated that five members were present and one was absent.

Discussion ensued on developing the direction and format of JROTC. The committee will work on writing a resolution to make proper requirements for young cadets to be qualified for scholarships and awards at district and department level. A motion to incorporate the proper levels of awards between all JROTC branches. A motion was made to have al finalists announced at Department Convention. It was discussed that district commanders will need to be involved to have representation.

The committee requested funds of $5,000 to support district and department level awards. The committee requested to meet on Friday morning at the Department convention. The committee will meet at Fall Conference for one hour. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Junior Shooting Sports Committee The Junior Shooting Sports Committee met at 11:00 a.m. in Salon 5 with Chairman Ida May Jewell calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call indicated that all except the 3rd District were represented.

In old business, 54 shooters participated in the Department tournament.

Winner Sarah Taylor was presented with an award at general session. Coach certification was discussed.

Registrations must be received by Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

In new business, Chairman Jewell is working on the date for the 2017 state tournament. The tentative date is set for March 4, 2017. Reports from districts revealed that a new team at North Webster and Post 230 in the 7th District are looking into the possibility of forming a team. Daniel Lawson of the 8th District received grant money of $3900 and an Orion scoring system.

A motion was made and approved to have a gun raffle conducted at a table in the atrium for the next three conferences and for the drawing to be held at spring conference. Butch Miller is working on getting approval from the hotel for the guns to be displayed during the conferences.

Oratorical & School Awards The Oratorical and School Awards Committee met at 12:00 p.m. in Salon A with Chairman Rick Hudson calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call indicated that 12 members were present, three members were absent, and one guest was in attendance. The 3rd and 7th Districts were not represented. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

In old business, the Department Oratorical Contest was discussed. The winner will be going to the National contest.

In new business, Gary Parker will replace Jay Hilliard as the 4th District chairman in 20162017. Discussion ensued regarding the language on the certification deadline to Department Headquarters about trying orientation seminars for oratorical as is done for Boys State, and getting the right information into the right hands at schools to make the program more successful.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The Americanism and Government Committee did not meet.

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Post 178 raised $100 at a chili cook-off for disaster relief. Squadron 157 in Churubusco held a golf outing and proceeds went for disaster relief. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The Internal Affairs Commission met on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marriott East Hotel in Salon C. Martin Dzieglowicz opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed 10 members were present and one was absent. No guests were in attendance. The minutes of the previous conference were approved.

Resolution 2016S10 to Oppose non-veteran memorial on War Memorial Plaza was discussed and passed and was forwarded to the Resolution Screening Committee for further review.

The following committee reports were delivered: Community Involvement Committee Chairman Eric Baggett opened the meeting in proper form at 3:00 p.m. in Salon D. There were 12 members present, three absent, and one guest was in attendance.

The 7th and 10th Districts were not represented.

Chairman Baggett reported that the form for disaster relief would be online.

The $5,000 loaned to Department will be returned per Department Adjutant Hugh Dagley. Garrett Post raised funds for disaster relief. Various posts helped with Easter egg hunts, clean up cemeteries, Indiana Veterans Home, and litter in Logan Park. Post 369 provided the color guard for rededication of the Thaddeus Kosciusko statue that was vandalized. Two hundred people were present.

Post 64 donated $1,000 to Community Involvement.

The Rehabilitation Commission met on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marriott East Hotel in Salon D during the Spring Conference.

Chairman Mark Gullion opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed that eight members were present, three were absent, and no guests were in attendance.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes from the last meeting. There was no old business, no new business, and no request for funds.

The following committee reports were delivered: Employment Committee The Employment Committee met in Salon D at 11:00 a.m. with the meeting being called to order in proper form by Vice Chairman William Parks.

Roll call revealed that the

Convention Contest Committee Chairman Dan Lee opened the meeting in proper form at 2:30 p.m. in Salon D. There were 15 members present, two were absent, and there was one guest in attendance. The 5th District was not represented.

Discussion ensued regarding competition scoring. A new scoring sheet was presented and thoroughly discussed.

A motion was made and passed to approve the new condensed score sheet.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

be recognized at the General Session. The Legacy Ride update was given. Officer training is reportedly going well. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Legislative Committee Chairman Steve Short opened the meeting in proper form at 10:10 a.m. in Salon C. There were 22 members present, no members absent, and 13 guests in attendance.

A motion was made and passed to approve legislators of the year. A motion was made and passed to approve Resolution 2016S10 to oppose a non-veteran memorial on the War Memorial Plaza. A motion was made and passed to approve legislative priorities of The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

Priorities include the following topics: education, taxes, veteran courts, veteran service organization IDVA supplement funding, in-state veteran and family tuition rate policy, and a state-funded homeless program to assist title 32 National Guard Veterans.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Firefighter/Law & Order/ EMS Awards Committee Chairman Nick Nicholoff opened the meeting in proper form at 11:05 a.m. in Salon C. Discussion ensued concerning sharing the expense of the luncheon with police, firefighters, and EMS. Books on respective candidates must be in to the Department before May Membership Committee 31st. Plaques were awarded Chairman Bob Oeth opened to the winners. There being the meeting in proper form at no further business, the 3:00 p.m. in Salon B. There meeting was adjourned. were 18 members present, two absent and three guests Legion Riders Committee were in attendance.

Chairman Ron Byrley Department Cmdr. Larry opened the meeting in Lowry expressed his proper form at 10:15 a.m. thoughts about turning in in Veterans Room 2. There unsold membership cards were nine members present, too early. He indicated this two absent, and 15 guests is not good. Chairman Oeth were in attendance. indicated that there needs There was a motion made to be updated information to not support a new patch. obtained on renewals.

Discussion ensued on Lead Candidate for National officer requirements. Rider Commander Charlie of the year nominations Schmidt addressed the were discussed. James Cole committee.

Department of the 10th District was Assistant Adjutant Will nominated. Riders asked to Henry discussed the online 5th and 6th Districts were not represented. There were five guests in attendance.

Minutes were read and approved.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Local Veterans’ Employment Representative’s rights to meet with a veterans representatives are being questioned at various state WorkOne offices. Veterans do not have a priority for jobs. Discussion was held on what can be done to get the vets back in priority. The LVER promotes veteran employees to the employers, job fairs, DVA and disabled veterans.

The LVERs are now only seeking employment for everyone, with veterans being in the mix. A presentation was delivered by Bill Parks and Ed Healy.

Department Service Office Director John Hickey will determine who from the Department of Labor can come to the Fall Conference to speak to the committee.

Titles 38, 39 and 40 describe what the DVA and LVERs should be doing. Tony Cross with Job Ready Vets has won the state and nation

meeting scheduled for May four members were absent, 18, 2016 at 7:00 pm. There and there were twelve guests being no further business, in attendance. the meeting was adjourned.

Department Assistant Adjutant Will Henry stated New Post Development/ that six legislative priorities Revitalization Committee were passed and another Chairman Herb Hoffman six are to be addressed this opened the meeting in year at the Indiana Capitol. proper form at 1:00 p.m. in He also announced the firstSalon C. There were eleven ever Department webcast to members present, none debut Wednesday, May 18 at absent, and there were four 7 p.m. guests in attendance. All Department districts were represented. Communications Director Discussion ensued regarding John Crosby is in the process a new charter for Post 270 of updating the Legion with a new building. Post 136 website and making it more in Elkhart has a new charter user friendly. He announced with Post 74 closing. The the Department’s new ad Putnamville Post was put campaign, “We Change on hold and Plainfield has a Lives.” He is shooting new charter. A new charter a Legion commercial for a post in Henryville is featuring Indianapolis Colts expected to be issued in a Kicker Adam Vinatieri few weeks. Winchester Post and took out ad space in is being revitalized. Post the 100th running of the 510 has doubled in size with Indianapolis 500 this year. the help of Post 777. There Department Alternate being no further business, National Executive the meeting was adjourned. Committeeman Jerry Jordon presented the Post Education Committee leading candidate for Chairman Ron Byrley National Commander opened the meeting in Charles Schmidt from the proper form at 2:00 p.m. in Department of Oregon. the Harrison Room. Nine There being no further members were present, 10 business, the meeting was were absent, and no guests adjourned. were in attendance. The 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th Districts Religious Emphasis were not represented.

Committee Chairman Byrley Chairman Norris Keirn emphasized the importance opened the meeting in proper of the Children’s Education form at 12:00 p.m. in Salon and Welfare Fund, post C. He spoke about being certification forms and aware of veteran suicide. delegate certifications. He Several Legionnaires spoke also stressed that the districts of their experiences. Ed need to appoint members Harris spoke about getting who will attend meetings news coverage for Memorial and travel throughout their Day. Discussion ensued respective districts. There concerning flag placements being no further business, for Memorial Day and that the meeting was adjourned. advertising needs to be done to receive help. There being Public Relations no further business to come Committee before the commission, the Chairman Jerry Ward meeting was adjourned in opened the meeting in proper fashion. proper form at 11:30 a.m. in Salons 2 and 3. There were thirteen members present,

Indiana Veteran’s Employer of the Year for Home Committee small businesses.

The The Veterans Home Employment Committee will meet at the fall Committee met in Salon B at 2:00 p.m. with Chairman conference.

Dennis Pettit calling the meeting to order in proper Homeless form. All members were Veteran’s Committee Homeless Veteran’s present and all districts were Committee met in Salons represented. There were 22 6 and 7 at 11:30 a.m. guests in attendance.

In old business, the The meeting was called to order in proper form question was asked who

by Chairman Harold E. purchases the equipment for Robbie Robinson. All the Indiana Veterans Home. members were present The State is responsible and all districts were for these purchases. Five represented. There were Big Boy beds have been eight guests in attendance. purchased and are currently There was a motion made in storage, as they have not and seconded to accept the yet been released. American minutes from the previous Legion Auxiliary will be doing BINGO at the close conference.

Christylee Vickers of of books. Cindy Dowham is Post 438 and Auxiliary the new recreational leader member Louise Lloyd at IVH. Numerous donations of addressed the committee on the GAVAG operations. money and supplies have After a lengthy discussion, been donated to IVH by There Department Service several districts.

Office Director John is a new IVH website Hickey was asked to invite and the IVH newsletter HVAF representatives is again being published. to the Fall Conference to Indiana National Executive Paul answer questions from the Committeeman committee. The Homeless Steward explained to the Veterans Committee will committee how the Finance determines meet at the Fall Conference. Committee

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

how to purchase wish list items. Funds for fireworks will be matched. The IVH Committee will meet at Fall Conference.

General Hospital The General Hospital Committee met in Salon A at 2:00 p.m. with Chairman Rex Ikemire calling the meeting to order in proper form. There were 29 members present, 17 members absent, and one guest. The 5th district was not represented. Minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference were accepted.

A follow-up discussion was held regarding the use of debit cards to pay vendors.

Department Service Office Director John Hickey prefers that no debit cards be used due to checks and balances and possible abuse. John Hickey stated that reimbursements should be made within a week of receiving the request. He encouraged all reimbursement request forms be faxed to his office in order to receive

Continued on Page 11

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2nd Quarter in Photos Our Hoosier Legionnaires have been busy these several months as the weather begins to turn to spring. Donations were raised at the post level for local law enforcement, scholarship funds and child welfare. Junior Shooting Sports, the Department Oratorical Contest and the Bowling League held their annual tournaments.

Posts are gearing up for Legion Baseball and Boys State. Department

officers advocated for veterans here at the Indiana Capitol and met with our constituents in Washington D.C. on the federal level.

Spring Conference was a joint success with the Auxiliary. But the work is never done. There’s always more to focus on, more to accomplish, more veterans and veteran families out there to support, because at The American Legion, Department of Indiana, “We Change Lives!”

Courtesy Photo

Indianapolis Post 64 donates $10,000 to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s K9 Unit to purchase and train a new police dog during a ceremony at the post, Saturday, April 30, at 5 p.m.

Photo by John Crosby

Photo by John Crosby

Special guest, Oregon National Executive Committeeman and 2016-2017 Lead Candidate for National Commander Charles Schmidt speaks at The American Legion, Department of Indiana 2016 Spring Conference General Session in Indianapolis, Saturday, April 9.

Department of Indiana Cmdr. Larry Lowry and National Cmdr. Candidate Denise Rohan of Wisconsin are recognized as honorary coaches at the 2016 NCAA Women’s Division II Championship game at Bankers Life Field House in Indianapolis.

Photo by John Crosby

Legionnaires from around the state of Indiana donate more than $85,000 to Department Commander Larry Lowry for programs like Operation Comfort Warriors, the Child Welfare and Education Fund and the Children’s Miracle Network, at the 2016 Spring General Session at the Marriott East Hotel in Indianapolis, Saturday, April 9.

Hoosier Legionnaires visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., Sunday, Feb. 21, before Washington Conference.

Photo by John Crosby

From Left: The American Legion, Indianapolis Post 64 Commander Kenny Hoffman and Post 64 Adjutant Danny Rice present Past National Commander Jim Koutz with more than $50,000 in donations at Post 64, Sunday, April 3.

Photo by John Crosby

Congratulations to our Department Oratorical Scholarship Contestants at The American Legion National Headquarters, Sunday, March 6, $9,600 in scholarships were given to these motivated speakers.

Photo by John Crosby

Photo by John Crosby

Past Department Cmdr. Ed Trice presents Cmdr. Larry Lowry with a donation for $1,276.15 from Indiana Legion Prison Post 555, Miami Correctional Facility, at the 2016 Courtesy Photo Spring Conference General Session. The Legionnaires of The Department Junior Shooting Sports Tournament is Prison Post 555 make less than $30 a month working from held at Seymour Legion Post 89 on Saturday, March 12. within the prison. They pooled together their savings to The Winner, Taylor Sorah, was announced at 2016 Spring make this donation for the Commander’s Fund, the Child Conference in Indianapolis.

Welfare Foundation.

Figuring delegate & alternate strength for 98th Department Convention “Each Post shall be entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for its charter, and one (1) additional delegate and one (1) additional alternate for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof.”

You can find this in the Department Constitution and By-Laws; article VI, section 2-3.

For Example: American Legion Post xxx was chartered in 1980, with 51 members.

In 1980, the post was entitled to two delegates: one for its charter (‘One for the charter’ is another way of saying that every chartered post in the department is entitled to at least one delegate) and one for the first 100 members or major fraction of the first one hundred members.

Fifty-one is more than half, so it is a major fraction of 100, entitling the post to one delegate in addition to its delegate for the charter.

In 1990, the post had grown to 275 members.

Commanders will receive a “Post Delegate and Alternate Certification Form” from the Department Membership Office immediately following the Spring Conference.

An example of the form is enclosed in this packet.

The form your Post Commanders will receive is a two-part carbonless copy form; a copy must be returned to the Department, and one copy should be retained by the Post. The constitutional deadline for receipt of completed forms at Department Headquarters is June 7, 2016. District Commanders should advise and assist Posts in properly completing this form.

Registration room at the Marriott East Hotel, beginning @ 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 7, 2016.

4. Convention credentials are required for entrance to ALL convention sessions, activities and events (even “free” events).

5.

Return completed form to the Department Headquarters, 5440 Herbert Lord Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216. If paying by bank card (credit / debit), Registration may be submitted online at

www.indianalegion.org.

6. To insure proper identification and processing, a Post submitting the registration fees for its Delegates/Alternates/ Guests, should be sure to attach all the applicable registration forms to the payment, and maintain a copy for its records.

Make checks payable to “Department of Indiana”.

Friday, July 1, 2016. After that date, registration will ONLY be available at the onsite Department Convention Registration room.

Registration inquiries should be directed to the Department Headquarters at (317) 6301300. Cut and fill out the form below and mail into Department Headquarters at 5440 Herbert Lord Rd, Indianapoils, IN 46216 or fill7. Receipts for Registration out online at indianalegion.

Fees will NOT be issued org/department-convention.

Advanced registrations html MUST be received by

Cut out form & return mail to Department HQ at 5440 Herbert Lord Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216 or visit indianalegion.org/department-convention.html

CONVENTION REGISTRATION INSTUCTIONS 1. All Delegates, Alternates and Guests (including spouses), MUST register for the convention. Registration fee is $15.00 per person.

This form may be duplicated as needed.

2. All Past Department Commanders are automatic delegates to the convention, It was then entitled to 4 but MUST pay the delegate delegates: One for the fee. charter, one for each 100 members or major fraction: 3. Convention credentials 1@51, 1@151, and 1@ 251. may be picked up at the onNOTE: All Post site Department Convention

10

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

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Continued from Page 9 a timely reimbursement.

Vice Chairman Gail Galich mentioned that the Danville, Ill., Clinic is merging with the Jesse Brown Hospital.

The General Hospital Committee will meet at the Fall Conference.

Nursing Home Committee The Nursing Home Committee met in Salon C at 2:30 p.m. The meeting

was opened in proper form business, the meeting was

by Chairman Anthony adjourned at 3:00 p.m. The Sadowski. There were 11 Nursing Home Committee members of the committee will meet again at the Fall present. The 7th District was Conference. not represented. There were four guests in attendance.

Veterans A motion was made and Assistance Committee seconded to accept the The Veterans Assistance minutes of the Mid-Winter Committee met in Salon Conference.

D at 12:00 p.m. Chairman Highland Post 180 in the 1st Bob Rettig opened the District will hold a raffle for meeting in proper form. a pistol with the funds going There were 15 members towards the Nursing Home present, three absent, Committee. With no further and 16 guests were in

Samsung $20,000 Scholarship

attendance. The 3rd district was not represented. The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.

Gordon Smith of Indianapolis Veterans Court spoke about the number of veterans being arrested in Marion County. He talked about eligibility for the program, and between 180 and 200 people are expected to participate in the program next year. The goal is that 85 percent will graduate from

the program. Mentors are the lifeline of the program and they need more mentors to volunteer. Rose Ann Dzieglowicz, Chairman of the Ladies Auxiliary Veterans Assistance gave her report. There being no further business, the committee adjourned.

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

Department of Indiana, 100% Membership Posts as of May 4, 2016

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

Bluffton, Ind., Post 111 and Department Cmdr. Larry Lowry present Hoosier Boys State and Boys Nation graduate Calvin Isch with a Samsung $20,000 scholarship for his outstanding performance on the national level, at the 97th Legion Birthday celebration held there on Saturday, March 12.

Department Sweepstakes Winner

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

Department of Indiana Cmdr. Larry Lowry presents a $3,000 check to Winter Sweepstakes winner David Avila Sr. at Roselawn, Ind., Post 238. Congratulations Mr. Avila!

2016 Spring Conference Disposition of Resolutions Scholarship Honors JSSP Chairwoman

JSSP Tournament conducted annually at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Ida May Jewell, longSprings, Colo. time chairwoman of the Department’s Junior Shooting Sports Program, was honored DEC Challenges by the Department Executive Memorial, Provides Committee during its Space for Another The Department Executive deliberations Sunday, April 10, 2016, as the committee Committee has put The approved a new youth American Legion, Department of Indiana on record in support scholarship in her name.

The resolution was one of 16 of establishing a memorial to submitted to the DEC for the Gold Star Families while at the Spring meeting, all but one of same time opposing erecting which was either approved or the memorial on the grounds received and recorded as part of the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza in downtown of the committee record.

Resolution 2016S09 Indianapolis.

Resolution 2016S10, establishes the Ida May Jewel JSSP Championship which was reviewed by the Scholarship “to be awarded Legislative Committee and equally to program participants the Resolutions Screening and Committees, who are determined to be the Assignments over-all tournament winners holds that the Gold Star of the Department of Indiana’s Family memorial, if erected on annual JSSP Tournament, the IWM Plaza, would violate beginning with the 2016-2017 the statute (Indiana Code 10-18-1-16) setting aside the tournament.”

In naming the scholarship grounds to commemorate the for Chairwoman Jewell, valor and sacrifice of members the resolution noted that of the Armed Forces. The “Ida May Jewel, member of resolution also encourages American Legion Post 122, the commission to consider District 10, Department of other sites in the city for the Indiana, has worked tirelessly memorial.

The Executive Committee in support of the JSSP since its establishment, to include also agreed to permit the serving as the Department Department of Indiana to JSSP Committee Chairwoman enter into a cooperative more than 16 years and … agreement with the Indiana also for more than a decade Military Veterans Hall of as a tournament official Fame to construct the IMVHF for the National American Memorial on a quarter acre of

undeveloped property owned by the Department on the grounds of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison in Marion County.

Resolution 2016S08 provides for a multi-year renewable lease at the nominal rate of $1 per year for use of the site and authorizes no financial obligation for the fundraising and construction of the Memorial or its maintenance.

The resolution was reviewed by the Resolutions Screening and Assignment Committees and Strategic Planning Committee, which will be responsible for representing the Department on all matters associated with the project, including developing policies and procedures for the longterm relationship between the IMVHF and the Department of Indiana.

DEC Approves Legion Yearbook

A memorial yearbook to be produced to tell the story of Hoosier Legionnaires across the decades will be produced by the Department in cooperation with PCI Publishing, under the terms of an agreement approved by the DEC in Resolution 2016S07. Legionnaires will be asked to submit biographical information, photos and documents for publication, and will be offered the opportunity to purchase a copy of the

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

yearbook. The company will make contributions earmarked for a special assistance fund designed to aid veterans without children in the home, a glaring deficiency in the Department’s assistance programs.

In Other Business...

The DEC received and filed the following endorsement resolutions: • Resolution 2016S01 – Endorses Timothy Elson as 11th District Commander • Resolution 2016S03 – Endorses Robert Brinson for Department Sergeant at Arms • Resolution 2016S06 – Endorses Gina Owens as 7th District Commander • Resolution 2016S11 – Endorses Laurie Bowman as 10th District Commander • Resolution 2015F06 – an endorsement of Brian D. Edmonson for 7th District Commander, was rescinded by a two-thirds vote of the DEC. The action was requested by the 7th District, which originally submitted the resolution in October 2015.

Roberts Rules of Order holds that a previously approved resolution may be rescinded by a simple majority if the intent to rescind the resolution is announced at the immediately preceding meeting. If the intent to rescind is not announced prior to consideration, a twothirds majority is required.

• Resolution 2016S04 – which rescinds and revokes the charter of Windfall American Legion Post 483, 5th District was approved on the recommendation of the Department Membership Committee and the Internal Affairs Commission.

Five endorsing resolutions for Sons of The American Legion officers were received after the filing deadline on Saturday, April 9, 2016, but were received in time for consideration by the Resolutions Committee.

The DEC suspended the rule for submitting resolutions on a motion by Paul Steward, chairman of the Resolutions Committee, and the resolutions were received and filed. They are: • Resolution 2016S12 – Endorses Michael Shuler for 4th District Commander • Resolution 2016S13 – Endorses Michael Shuler for Detachment Sergeant-at-Arms • Resolution 2016S14 – Endorses Dennis Budd 3rd District Commander • Resolution 2016S15 – Endorses Dennis Hathaway for Northern Vice Commander • Resolution 2016S16 – Endorses Larry Cripe for Southern Vice Commander One resolution concerning SAL eligibility was registered for consideration, but was withdrawn at the request of the originator.

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Indiana American Legion & VA synergy aids veteran in crisis

Courtesy Photo

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

The American Legion, Department of Indiana Cmdr. Larry Lowry recognizes members of the Veterans Affairs Department of Indiana Service Office Assistant Director Indianapolis Regional Office and the Department Service Officer Staff for continued combined efforts together for Dave Wilson presents Indianapolis Regional Veterans the betterment of veterans’ lives, during the 2016 Spring Conference held at the Marriot East Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind., Affairs employee Samantha Price for her quick response in reaction to a veteran in distress.

Saturday April 9.

Story By John Crosby A Vietnam Veteran makes a call for help.

He is frustrated, angry, confused, depressed.

He doesn’t understand how the Department of Veterans Affairs has rated his PTSD claim. He should be receiving more disability, more care.

Through the phone, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

He threatens suicide, repeatedly. His family can be clearly heard, distraught in the background.

This veteran in crises did the right thing; he made the call for help and he called the right place.

The American Legion, Department of Indiana

Assistant Director of the hall at the Indiana Rehabilitation Dave Department of Veterans Wilson received this call Affairs. Together, they Nov. 30, 2015. coordinated with social “The veteran was workers, a VA psychiatric advocating for suicide unit and the veteran’s while on the phone local police department. with me, not once, but Mental health personnel several times,” said and police officers were The American Legion, immediately dispatched.

Department of Indiana They were able to get Service Officer Assistant through to the veteran, Director Dave Wilson, remove him from the still visibly touched situation and get him months later when help on his own will. recalling the situation.

“Unfortunately, “The veteran was already what happened with service connected for this veteran on Nov. PTSD. You could just 30, obviously is not an really sense that he was isolated incident, but serious in carrying out I think it’s a perfect this act.” example of how the VA The entire Department and The American Legion Service Office work together here at the sprang into action, Indianapolis Regional communicating with Office,” said Veterans their counterparts down Affairs Regional Office

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

The American Legion, Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office is comprised of seven, highly experienced, highly knowledgeable, full-time employees that truly care for the welfare of veterans. Headquartered in the federal building, downtown Indianapolis, the team fields several hundred phone calls, letters and emails, and face-to-face appointments every week. On average the Indiana Legion service office consistently processes more than 500 claims every month, near as many as every other major veterans service organization combined.

Director Mike Stephens. ”Often times, in fact daily, we are called upon to work together to make sure that we are covering our veterans and their families.

“I think the American Legion Service Office, co-located on the same floor as us, is among the best outfits that I’ve seen.

They’ve got absolutely the right philosophy there. We don’t keep an adversarial relationship.

We recognize that the better the VA and The American Legion service officers work together, the better our veterans will be served.”

After the dust settled and the distressed his condition began to improve, the veteran wrote the Department Service Office a thank you note and enclosed a $500 donation to The American Legion.

The note read, “This check is to express the gratitude of my family and myself for the excellent help I received from Dave Wilson and the rest of this staff for assisting me with my adjusted claim for PTSD. This claim was presented in the most proficient and timely manner.

We wish this check to be used as you feel is best to help with your work for other veterans. We give as often as we can afford to other veteran agencies around the country, but this time it is our desire to donate to the Legion as you see fit.

Thank you again for helping to keep our nation and our veterans taken care of in the manner

they have earned.”

“The American Legion and VA work together on a daily basis to complete our common mission, to serve our nation’s veterans,” said Department of Indiana Cmdr. Larry Lowry.

“The synergy between our professionals at the Department Service Office and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs helped save this man’s life. Their combined efforts not only improved this veteran’s condition, but increased his disability rating and care level at VA.” The entire Department Service Office was honored during General Session at the 2016 Department Spring Conference in Indianapolis, Saturday, April 9. The American Legion, Department of Indiana also honored VA Regional Office Director Mike Stephens, and VA Regional Office staff members Steve Heinsen, Leonard Wallace, and Samantha Price for their combined efforts with The American Legion to save a veteran’s life.

Dave Wilson also nominated these three outstanding VA representatives for the Department of Veterans Affairs “I CARE” Award for going above in beyond to provide immediate care for this veteran in crises.

“When things get rough, we step in and help each other to do whatever it takes to care for our veterans,” said Wilson. “We work as a team. We work closely

on very good terms with VA on a daily basis to serve our veterans. I can’t thank our service office and the VA Regional Office enough for all of their performance under pressure and for their support.”

The Department of Indiana, Veterans Service Office deals with hundreds of Hoosier claims every month.

The job requires tedious attention to detail, a deep knowledge of Veterans Affairs systems and nuances, and a passion to take care of fellow veterans. They work in tight quarters together in their bullpen, entrenched with files and stacked paperwork, sticky notes and ringing phone lines.

It can be emotionally taxing when working with veterans who suffer from PTSD, TBI, depression, addiction, homelessness, and the list goes on. For the service officers, it’s more than a job. It’s their life’s work.

They don’t get a lot of recognition for the time, energy and emotion they invest, but attention is not what they’re after. When the opportunity to change a veteran’s life pays off, that makes it all worth it.

If you, or someone you know is a veteran and showing signs of depression, PTSD, or suicidal behavior, call your local American Legion service officer.

Membership is not required and help is completely free of charge.

Find out how The American Legion, Department of Indiana can help change your life.

Your Legion Membership Secures you Free $5,000 Life Insurance, AD&D As a Legionnaire, you're eligible for up to $5,000.00 in NO COST To You benefits. But your Confirmation is REQUIRED for full activation.

Your loved ones will receive a check for $5,000.00 if you suffer a fatal covered accident while you are traveling to or from any covered event conducted for Legion Business, or $1,000.00 for all other covered accidents. There are no strings attached and you

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pay nothing for this benefit.

Your Department of The American Legion endorses this coverage to stand by your family with up to $5,000.00 cash benefit paid straight to your loved ones, or whomever you choose, if you suffer a fatal covered accident at home, on the job, in your car, on vacation, while traveling, wherever you are. Clip and and mail the coupon to the right or visit www.the-lit.com

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2016

Twitter @IndyLegion