2016 1st Quarter Hoosier Legionnaire

“Big Four” veterans service organizations align Present united front in lobbying state for veterans rights Story by

Will Henry A 2015 study published by wallethub.com ranks two Hoosier cities, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne among the worst 100 cities for veterans, at 92nd and 95th respectively.

The state overall gets even worse ratings for military retirees, ranking at dead last, 51st in the nation after Washington, D.C. Indiana has an overall population of approximately 6.5 million citizens. The veteran population hovers at around a half million, which means federally recognized veterans make up nearly eight percent of the overall population. Those numbers do not include former or current military members of the National Guard or Reserves who did not serve more than 180 consecutive days on active duty. Those former service members aren’t considered veterans by the federal government.

Indianapolis is second only to Washington D.C. for memorials and monuments dedicated to the service and sacrifice of Hoosier veterans during wartime service.

With such a large population of veterans, and a rich veteran heritage in the state, why is Indiana ranked so low when it comes to veteran benefits?

It is a lack of concern by lawmakers, and a lack of advocacy in the Indiana General Assembly. on behalf of veterans by legitimate federally recognized veteran service organizations.

Has there been VSO presence? Some, but of late we are growing in action.

In response to the lack of action by lawmakers, four legitimate VSOs have been working together and in conjunction with other VSOs and associations to advocate for better benefits for Hoosier veterans.

We are actively working with the Indiana Departments of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and American Veterans. We have combined our matching priorities to advocate better benefits and have been working at the state house to have a presence, and show support on certain bills moving through the legislative process.

These four organizations combined are known to most

in the veteran community as the “Big Four.” This is because they are the four largest organizations in the state whose parent organizations are federally chartered.

How we got rolling…

In August, The American Legion, Department of Indiana was contacted by leaders at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to discuss some concerns with Title 9 of the Indiana Code. Title 9 deals with all things BMV and their concerns focused on veteran- specific topics including veteran indicators on state IDs, and establishing standard definitions of a veteran in the Indiana Code.

The BMV talked with us regarding their concerns and Cmdr. Larry Lowry immediately suggested we include the other three organizations to get their input on these topics.

A meeting was scheduled with the commanders, adjutants and legislative leaders of all four of the VSOs to review the topics for the BMV and to return our input on what the organizations had decided.

On POW/MIA Recognition Day, the four organizations met at the Columbia Club, downtown Indianapolis in a private meeting to discuss the matters. Conclusions were reached and agreed upon. Our results were handed back to the BMV to request changes be made to legislators to update the Title 9 Indiana Code.

Moving forward…

With the upcoming legislative session looming, all four organizations had their annual legislative priorities outlined. Over the next few months, the Big Four continued to meet and work out a committee system to align legislative priorities.

The group established a working committee and defined a collective priorities list.

The priorities agreed upon were 100 percent matched by all four of the organizations. This meant all the organizations had to agree and approve on all of the items before moving forward with the list into the Indiana General Assembly.

The legislative priorities that overlapped, or were not fully agreed upon, were taken back to each organization’s legislative committees. These could be looked examined as potential priorities in the future by each organization.

The List…

VETERAN AFFAIRS ASSISTANCE • To open the Military Family Relief Fund to allow access to all veterans from all eras with or without children to benefit from the grant fund

• Congressional Charter Date: Sept. 16, 1919 • The American Legion, Department of Indiana currently serves more than 85,000 members statewide.

• Serves approximately 2.2 million members nationwide

excise tax credit for a vehicle, Forces or their components. boat, trailer, etc MISSING IN AMERICA • To work with Indiana funeral homes and associative funeral groups to identify and lay to rest those veterans whose mortal remains go unclaimed in facilities throughout • Congressional Charter Date: Indiana through the "Missing in America Project."

June 17, 1932 • Disabled American Veterans, Department of Indiana currently serves nearly 18,000 members statewide.

• Serves approximately 1.4 million members nationwide

• Congressional Charter Date: May 28, 1936 • Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Indiana currently serves more than 31,400 members statewide.

• Serves approximately 1.7 million members nationwide

reserve

VETERANS AFFAIRS ASSISTANCE FUNDING • Increase funding for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund

COUNTY VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER TRAINING • Support annual training and accreditation for county VETERAN COURTS • Expand veterans courts veteran service officers as it to allow veterans to access is outlined for IDVA in the services, or transfer veteran Indiana Code cases county-to-county, As of today, Feb. 20, 2016, regionally, or throughout the a handful of legislative State of Indiana priorities have survived the Indiana General Assembly HOOSIER VETERAN DEFINITION committees and floor votes.

• Establish the definition of This is great news, especially "Hoosier Veteran" in Indiana on an off-budget year. These Code. The recommended include the Missing in definition: "Hoosier veteran" America Project, SB 145, The means an individual who is Military Family Relief Fund, a resident, or their permanent SB 295, Property Tax issues, home of record is located SB 304, and the definition of within Indiana, and currently a Hoosier Veteran HB 1313. serves in any branch of the United States Armed Forces For more information on or their reserve components, the Department’s work in or has received an other than legislation, please visit: bad conduct, or dishonorable http://www.i ndia nalegion. discharge or separation, from org/legislative the United States Armed

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

• Congressional Charter Date: July 23, 1947 • American Veterans, Department of Indiana currently serves more than 4,500 members statewide.

• Serves approximately 250,000 members nationwide

The American Legion, Department of Indiana Cmdr. Larry Lowry testifies in support of the original language for Indiana Senate Bill 295, authored by Sen. Jim Banks, District 17, to move through the Indiana General Assembly Senate Appropriations Committee at the state house in Indianapolis, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. The bill was originally intended to expand the Military Family Relief Fund eligibility from strictly post 9/11 veterans to all wartime veterans across the state.

IN THIS ISSUE

EDUCATION • Reinstate past statutes regarding the remission of college tuition fees for children of veterans with service-connected disabilities, as it was prior to 2011 and repeal IC 21-14-42.5 TAXES • Raise the property tax cap for all service-connected disabled veteran homeowner tax exemptions • Raise limits and annual credit cap for veterans who do not own real property for

Photo by John Crosby, Department Communications Director

The American Legion, Department of Indiana Cmdr. Larry Lowry speaks at a press conference held by the Big Four, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at the Indiana State House, side-by-side with veteran brothers and sisters of the VFW, DAV and AMVETS. The Indiana leadership of each announced a united front between organizations to make Indiana a better place to live for veterans. Currently, Indiana has an estimated population of near a half million veterans, however we are ranked among the lowest in quality of life for veterans. The “Big Four” veterans organizations are consolidating their legislative priorities to create a unified front this 2016 legislative session, and for years to come.

Commander’s, Adjutant’s Corner, 2 Chaplain, Membership, NEC, Historian, auxiliary 3 sal & rehabilitation, 4 district commanders articles, 5 & 6 Statewide veteran total: Approximately 490,382 Statewide Big Four Total: 138,900 members National veteran total: Approximately 28.1 million National Big Four Total: 5.3 million

Commissions fall conf. minutes, 6 & 7 Vietnam Legion Couple, 8 WWII Veterans, 70-Year Members, 9 Christsmas donations, tfa, 10

Leading Legionnaire Letters Greetings to my Hoosier Legionnaires and everyone in our great American Legion Family. We are moving right along this Legion year. This edition of the Hoosier Legionnaire marks the half-way point to Department Convention.

This is no time to slow down. We need to dig our heels in and really start selling membership. We are 85% to this year’s goal but the fight isn’t over.

We are really starting to feel the effects of the dues increase. It’s time for our members to focus on working our programs in our posts and communities.

We need to communicate our American Legion story to the state and nation.

Building membership starts at with our individual members like you, working the programs and telling your story. Thank you for everything you do!

Remember, “We Change Lives!”

We’re looking forward to several Legion events on our Calendar. First, we recognize the Four Chaplains story on Feb. 3.

Four Chaplains Day is a day few discuss but a story

all should know about.

It’s a day we remember four military chaplains, all of different faiths, who joined together and sacrificed themselves to save others. This day of remembrance reminds us we are all Americans, despite differences of faith, race or heritage. The Four Chaplains gave up their own life jackets to others and prayed together when their transport ship, the U.S.A.T Dorchester, was torpedoed 80 miles south of Greenland on February 3, 1943.

Next we look forward to our annual Lincoln Pilgrimage. This year we recognize the 82nd annual Lincoln Pilgrimage ceremony at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Ill., Feb. 12, 2016. Since 1935, Springfield Post #32, The American Legion has commemorated President Lincoln’s birthday. We thank our brothers and sisters there for their hospitality.

Finally, we look forward to the Washington Conference. Our Legion leadership will meet with our senators and representatives of Congress and speak about veterans issues. On this year’s agenda, we focus on the national defense plan, the breakdown of the VA Choice program and holding VA officials accountable for their actions. We will also take

some time out to visit, explore and honor our nation’s heroes buried at Includes Official Holidays for Arlington Cemetery, and to visit Mount Vernon National Headquarters Staff on George Washington’s February 16 – 19 Birthday. The conference Department Service Officers School – Washington, DC culminates with National Cmdr.

Dale Barnett February 21 – 24 addressing the Joint Washington Conference Committee on Veterans Affairs.

March 25 GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY The Department continues to focus on veterans issues April 15 – 17 at home as well. Currently, Oratorical Contest Finals – Indianapolis, Indiana we are teaming up with the “Big Four” the nation’s May 2 – 5 four largest federally Spring Meetings chartered veteran services organizations. Currently, May 30 Indiana is estimated to MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY have one of the highest veterans populations in July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY the nation at near half a million. However, Indiana July 22 – 30 is ranked among the lowest Boys Nation – Washington, DC in the nation in providing benefits and support to 19 – 23 our veterans and military Junior Shooting SportsJuly Tournament – Colorado Springs, retirees according to the Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs. The American July 28 – 30 Legion, Veterans of Foreign Department Service Officers School – Indianapolis, Wars, Disabled American Indiana Veterans, and American July 28 – 30 Veterans are working Membership Workshop together to change this by combining their legislative August 11 – 16 priorities and lobbying American Legion Baseball World Series – Shelby, North at the state Capitol for Carolina veterans rights and benefits.

I look forward to seeing August 26 – September 1 everyone at Spring 98th Annual National Convention – Cincinnati, Ohio Conference. Thank you for your continued service September 5 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY to our veterans, to Indiana and to the nation.

September 16 – 18 Duty, Honor, Country Children & Youth Conference No Sacrifice Too Great!

2016 MEETING DATES

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

The NCAA, Women’s Basketball, Division II would like to honor our Vietnam veterans by providing them free tickets to their National Championship game to be held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, April 4, at 3 p.m.

Veterans and their families will be honored during the first and second quarter. All veterans will receive NCAA challenge coins and The American Legion, Department of Indiana leadership will be recognized.

Call the Department to receive your free tickets at 317-630-1300 or register online at: www.indianalegion.org/links

The last half of the 2015-2016 American Legion year is underway with a full calendar of events and activities ahead of us. It began with the annual Mid-Winter Conference, which featured a record number of resolutions presented for consideration by the Executive Committee, as well as the firstever Department Legislative Seminar. It is moving rapidly toward the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, the Washington Conference, the traditional Four Chaplains Sunday and, of course, American Legion Birthday celebrations around the state.

Elsewhere in this issue, you will find a report of the disposition of resolutions considered at Mid-Winter Conference. Although many of them are endorsements of office hopefuls, many also directly affect veterans’ lives and their concerns. Take a moment to go over the report, and keep in mind that resolutions are the best way for posts and members to influence the direction of the Department.

Legislative activity at both the state and federal level is gaining more attention from the

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Department than ever before.

In fact, as this is written, Department Commander Larry Lowry is addressing members of the news media in the Indiana Statehouse to re-affirm the Legion’s role and responsibility as the state’s premier veterans’ advocacy group. He is joined by the commanders of three other federally chartered veterans service organizations in announcing a common front on behalf of veterans, and, he will renew this commitment early next month when he and the others meet with Governor Mike Pence to underscore our legislative priorities.

Nearly 50 members of Indiana’s Legislative Committee, Legislative Council and the corps of leadership attended the Legislative Seminar during the conference, which served to lay the groundwork for continued involvement in the legislative process. *** Our posts and districts are to be complimented for the aggressive and assertive handling of changes resulting from the approved per capita increases taking effect this month.

As of the January deadline, 374 posts submitted new rates or confirmed current rates to assure that renewal notices go out with accurate dues reflected on them. In addition, as of the Mid-winter Conference, 84.78 percent of our members had renewed.

Those of you who are still

undecided whether or not you will renew, remember an old maxim, “It’s not the price you paid to belong that matters; it’s the price you paid to be eligible.” As National Commander Dale Barnett says, “The American Legion changes lives.” Your membership changed yours, and it can help change someone else’s. *** The National Adjutant has distributed a warning to Legionnaires across the county to be wary of a solicitation by a well-known data services provider to sell equipment.

The offer comes via email and describes the offer as “a benefit for American Legion members…” The offer is not endorsed by The American Legion and the National Judge Advocate has issued a cease and desist order to the sponsoring company.

Another warning deserves your attention, this one coming from our long-time business partner, the Legionnaires Insurance Trust, which provides free AD&D coverage to our members as well as a variety of other insurance products. Be aware that another insurance marketing agency is contacting posts with an offer of free AD&D coverage for members. There is one big difference: in order to receive the free AD&D from the offending company, your members will be subjected to in-home marketing designed to upsell additional products.

The LIT and its parent, AGIA,

markets its products exclusively by mail. No home visits are ever requested or made, and the LIT’s record on payment of benefits is unblemished. In addition the Trust returns a portion of premium paid to the Department of Indiana annually – the total of which is nearing $3 million since the partnership began in 1991. The activities of the Trust are overseen by a Board of Directors made up exclusively of representatives from the member Departments – your Department Adjutant is a member of that Board. You are encouraged to contact the Department when questions come up about insurance offerings. *** Good news for Legionnaires with low digit license plate numbers: According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Due to a change in Indiana regulations, low digit (1 – 100) license plate cycles have been extended from 5 years to 7 years.”

Our organization’s plate life cycle was previously scheduled to end in 2016 but will now end in 2018. Accordingly, there are a couple of changes taking effect: • Low digit plates may not be reassigned until 2019 (first year of next plate cycle) • Anyone who currently has a low digit plate registered may continue to renew that same number (without authorization) until the plate cycle ends (2018) • A low digit assignment form will be required upon renewal in 2019, even if they are keeping the same number

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

The Legion License Plate program is one of the BMV’s most successful specialty plate offerings, having survived a significant reduction in the number of different plate offerings several years ago because of the high volume of sales. The Department encourages members to purchase the plate. No authorization form is required, other than for the low-digit numbers, and a portion of the fee is returned to the Department. *** It’s not too early to start thinking about the 2016 National Convention, scheduled for August 25 through September 1, 2016, in Cincinnati. The Department will be housed in the Hilton Netherlands Plaza Hotel, a block away from the Convention Center and convenient to many downtown attractions. The room rate for king singles, double-doubles and ADA compliant rooms is $133 per night, plus 17.5 percent room tax, or $156.27 total. Special parking rates, both self-park and valet, have been arranged.

Visit the website (www3. hilton.com /en / hotels/ohio/ hilton-cincinnati-netherlandplaza) for a view of the historic hotel and all it has to offer. Reservations must be made through the Department Headquarters; reservation forms and additional information will be available at the Spring Conference in Indianapolis.

Twitter @IndyLegion

Leading Legionnaire Letters all important and the training and processing of programs are vital to our organization.

Hats off to all who give their time and talents to make the Department of Indiana one of the best!

At our Religious Emphasis Committee meeting we were reminded to be aware of and to participate in “Buddy Check 22 It was certainly good to see Day”. For those of you who are everyone at Mid-Winter not aware, on the 22nd of each Conference and to catch up month we are encouraged to on life events that have been call a veteran we know and ask taking place. It is always good how he or she is doing. Why the to see some new faces and 22nd of each month? Because to see some of the younger 22 veterans commit suicide generations moving into each day! leadership. The meetings are The closing phrase of our

preamble states, “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” This has always had special meaning for me each time I recite it. I do not take caring for others lightly.

I believe this is the best that we have to offer each of our members. We care about you!

We are not out to just gain membership or to promote our programs, but we care about our membership.

“Buddy Check 22” is an easy program to participate in.

Spending a couple of minutes once a month purposely reaching out to another veteran has intrinsic value no matter

how you look at it. 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. This is always a win!

Think though, about that one call that might be placed at the right time that could make the difference between life and death. Few if any of us will call someone at the moment of actual demise. However, most conclusions that a person makes come from a series of events and experiences. The rudder on a ship is very small, but it alters

the course! Your phone call or your act of connection could so alter the course of a person’s life.

I don’t care if you actually participate in “Buddy Check 22” specifically or not. You may have another method or program that you use or that speaks to you. The issue is letting our comrades know that we care and that they are important to us. Think about someone you can reach out to. It could be a very, very important contact!

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Rom 12:10 NLT

that maybe the dues increase would spark more posts to really work hard and become 100% by the end of the year, but it just didn’t turn out that way.

A big “Congratulations” goes out to my fellow ‘Stache Man’, Jay Hillard and his 4th District Legionnaires who finished on top at Mid-Winter Mid-Winter Conference has Conference with 85.30% come and gone along with the of their membership target. dues increase. I was hoping By doing this, Jay has won

a trip to Washington, D.C. in February as the National Organization goes to D.C. to visit Capitol Hill to advocate for Veterans’ Rights.

Also traveling to D.C. will be 7th District Commander Ron Patton by having turned in the most membership cards between our membership Stop 6 and Stop 7 behind the 4th District.

As we begin the second half of our Convoy around

the state, I am asking every Legionnaire to do just one thing: sign up a new member.

Our Post membership team will take care of renewals.

If each of us would sign up a new member, and we all probably know someone who is eligible, look what that would do to our membership numbers!

As of the time I am writing this article, the Department of Indiana has 2419 new

members and we need 15,911 members new and renewing to reach our target of 87,500.

With that one new member from each of you, look what would happen to the total number of members!

It would be truly Duty, Honor, Country with No Sacrifice Too Great for Commander Lowry and the Department of Indiana. I thank you in advance.

donation following one of their fund raisers. I was invited to a dinner meeting where they made a presentation of $2,000.

This donation from a nonveteran service organization is very special as the Lion’s club have many projects of their own where these dollars could have been used.

The American Legion Riders and Auxiliary of Osceola Post 308 donated $5,000 to OCW and $1,500 to Indiana Veterans Home. Middlebury Post 210 Golf Committee donated $1,000 to OCW. Thank you all for your support of OCW. In February, members of the department will be traveling to Washington D.C. for the Washington Conference. National Cmdr.

Dale Barnett will address members of Congress on key issues of the American Legion. Some of the issues to be discussed are: care for mental health issues, provide transition assistance, expand employment opportunities, protect our nation, improve VA experience, end veteran homelessness, and protect the American flag.

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly has been very active in writing legislation in our fight against military suicide. The Servicemember and Veteran Mental Health Care Package will improve the quality of mental health care provided to our servicemembers in communities across Indiana and throughout the country.

Last year, 434 servicemembers took their own lives, making it the third straight year that more servicemembers have been lost to suicide than in combat, and it is estimated that we lose 22 veterans to suicide every day.

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, representing Indiana’s 2nd District, has been actively involved with working to find solutions to the heroin epidemic in Indiana. She met with fellow members of the House Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic to hear from experts to continue discussing drug treatment programs that can produce the most successful recovery rates among heroin users.

She introduced legislation

requiring all Veteran Administration Medical Centers in Indiana and across the nation to participate in their respective state’s drug monitoring program. The bill increases transparency by requiring VAMCs to provide specific information about the prescription of opiates and other narcotics to their corresponding statewide prescription drug monitoring program. She wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter requesting more information regarding how the Department of Defense plans to minimize drug addiction after recent reports detailed a rise in the misuse of prescription drugs by members of the Armed Forces.

One of the most exciting opportunities of serving you as your National Executive Committeeman is to speak to organizations about the American Legion. One of these opportunities was to speak to the Lakeville, Ind., Lions Club about Operation Comfort Warriors. After my presentation, they informed me they would make a

From the historian’s files & Archives

The 100th Anniversary Observance Committee sets goals! The New Year has started off with the second meeting of the 100th Anniversary Observance Committee during the Mid-Winter Conference held at the Marriott East in Indianapolis.

Seven districts were represented on Jan. 16, and while the group was small in number,

it didn’t lack enthusiasm. The meeting opened with a salute to the Colors and a prayer.

The minutes of the inaugural meeting, held in October 2015, were read and approved, which basically set the agenda for the current meeting.

The discussions covered the Department of Indiana’s potential for conducting a history contest, the planning of events for the 100th Anniversary of The American Legion, and the encouragement at the post level for compiling post histories and posting them on National’s website.

The two members who were present updated the group that Broad Ripple Post 3 had completed a history and West Noble Post 243 is compiling a great amount of data to be used

for its history. I mentioned that district representatives should continue at every opportunity to suggest to post historians that one or two pages could easily be added to the Centennial section of National’s website located at http://www.centennial.legion. org/histories/indiana Once these few pages were there, additional material could be added to the site over time.

Those few pages could contain such information as the post’s charter date, location of the post since its charter, the dates when meetings are held, and the current officers. The second page could list all the previous commanders and adjutants and their terms of office. If the information is not available at the post, then a call to

Department Headquarters will bring that material to hand.

Having done this, it will be easy to continue. Collect pieces of the current commander’s travels and of the post’s activities during the 12 months. Include some photographs. It should be a fairly easy task of finding volunteers from amongst the members, or the Auxiliary or from the Sons of the American Legion, to help with the project.

Once completed (guidelines can be found at http://www. legion.org/publications/160963/ post-officer-guide-and-manualceremonies page 149), the compiler may like to enter the department’s history contest, the cutoff date being June 1.

The winner of that contest will be submitted as an entry to the

National Historian’s History Contest for judging in October.

At every opportunity, district and department officers should remind post members that if they don’t record the activities during the year, then this information may be lost forever. And for those who compile a book for the Community Involvement contest, adapting it for the history contest should be quite easy.

Question: what other ways can the department, districts, and posts create events and opportunities to celebrate the 100th year of the National Organization? We need to put on our thinking caps and suggest how we can turn the eyes of the public to us. Any suggestions, please send them to me jhovish@att.net

Indiana Legion Auxiliary

I hope that every one of the American Legion Family had a very Merry Christmas and their New Year is off to a great beginning. It is hard to believe that there is only six months left until the American Legion Family officers year will come to an end. The Legion has given the other officers and myself the opportunity to join them for many events this year.

The latest was to attend the Legislative Meeting to get ready for the trip to Washington DC. It was a very interesting meeting

and helped prepare us for Upcoming Events the trip. We also will be & Department joining the Legion Family Visitation on the trip to Springfield, 8th District-Santa Claus Ill. We are looking forward #242- Sunday, March 13 to it.

Just a small reminder that we 5th District-Tipton are still accepting donations #46-Saturday, March 19 to my two projects this year; Operation Comfort Warriors 6th Distirct-Carmel and medical equipment for #155-Sunday, March 20 Indiana Veterans Home. Just a little hint.

7th District-Bloomington On a personal note, I want #18-Saturdyay, April 2 to let the membership know that Legion Office staff is 10th District-Shelbyville an outstanding group of #70-Tuesday, April 12 people. They are ready to help in any way you ask. So 3rd Distirct-Nappanne from me to all of the staff #154-Saturday April 16 thank you for the great job.

The Department Legion Juniors Fun Day @ IVH and Auxiliary have a great working relationship and for March 19- Come help play Bingo with the residents this I am very thankful.

Thanks to all veterans Joint Spring Conference and their families for their service and God Bless you. April 8-9 Auxiliary Meetings

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

Facebook.com/IndianaLegion

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Indiana sons of the American Legion

Greetings from your Sons of The American Legion. MidWinter translates to midyear.

For some the attitude is that

it’s almost over and we are on a downhill slide. It’s easy to adopt the attitude that soon all of the headaches and hassle will be gone and someone else will be dealing with the issues we face. Though this might seem to be the case, I have a different opinion. You see, I feel that we are half way through the year, which means we are only half way up the mountain. The second half can be the hardest part of our journey.

Let me try to explain. At Mid-

Winter Conference we had an awesome membership card turn in with around 2,200 cards. This put us 1,500 over where we were last year at this time. We also had many generous donations made to my two projects, amounting more than $1,500.

With that said, the last 25% of our membership may seem to be a challenge to get, for the simple fact some members may have moved or have forgotten to renew. It will take a little more effort.

As far as the Child Welfare Foundation, we have a long way to go to reach our goal. I have asked for a dollar a member from all Squadrons with an ultimate goal of $48,000. We currently sit roughly at $0.35 a member. My other project, The Indy Vet House, is doing well. I challenged each district to raise $1,000. We are halfway there on that goal.

I know we start to get tired when we reach halfway. By now we have attended more

meetings then we can count on our fingers and traveled enough miles to equal a vacation get away. But now is the time to focus on why we belong to this great organization.

We must not adopt the attitude of the downhill slide, we must set our sights to the top of the mountain! I am fully confident in my team who have already been working hard at all of our goals to continue to push forward. Keep encouraging each other to reach the top!

Department Veteran service officer

Veterans Affairs Medical Errors Compensation Using studies published from 2008 to 2011, a September 2013 Journal of Patient Safety article* estimates that more than 400,000 patients die each year from preventable hospital errors. The same article further notes serious harm associated with hospital care “seems to be 10-to-20 fold more common

than lethal harm. An October 23, 2013 Hospital Safety Score article** notes medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical facilities are not exempt from medical errors. There are two options available for veterans incurring additional disability caused

by VA medical services. The veteran may file either a federal tort claim or a VA compensation claim, or both.

A tort claim is a legal issue claimants initiate by filing a Standard Form 95 with the VA district council having jurisdiction over the VA medical facility involved. If the VA district council believes the veteran has a valid claim, it will

contact the veteran in an attempt to negotiate a settlement. The VA district council will try to pay as little as possible when negotiating a settlement. If the veteran or VA will not settle, the veteran could then continue the tort claim into federal court.

The American Legion does not represent veterans with tort claims. We highly advise veterans to seek the services of an attorney before filing a tort claim. The tort claim is filed “against” the VA, and, unlike compensation claims, VA is not under an obligation to resolve reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. In fact, VA will do everything it can to reject a tort claim. Tort claims also have filing deadlines making contacting an attorney as soon

as possible very important.

The American Legion can, however, represent veterans with administrative United States Code (USC) 1151 claims for VA compensation benefits. These USC 1151 benefits are paid when evidence shows the veteran incurred additional permanent disability or death caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of the VA health care system. The veteran can file a USC 1151 claim by using a VA Form 21-526EZ. If VA grants USC 1151 benefits, VA will provide compensation with monthly payments in the same way VA pays service connected compensation benefits.

The veteran can file both a tort

claim and a USC 1151 claim. If, however, both claims are won, VA will withhold payment of the 1151 compensation benefits until the tort claim settlement or award have been recouped in full.

Veterans or their survivors interested in filing a tort claim should contact an attorney before filing. Those persons interested in filing USC 1151 claims should first discuss doing so with a qualified County Veterans Service Officer or American Legion Department Service Officer.

And, by the way, stay out of hospitals if at all possible. They are apparently dangerous places. *http://goo.gl/U8DOy2 **http://goo.gl/2hKSMU

Department service office Update 45: Joe Mandil, Post 155; Bob Shaler, Post 34; Juan Sanders, Post 186; Allen Connelly, Post 215; George Alyea, Post 500; David Sharber, Post 5; Mike Baumbardner, Post 129; Glenn, Post 8; Jasmin Pettiford, Post 249; Brien Engelheds, Post 53; Marshall Terrs, Post 249; and Frankie Billingsley, Post 148.

National Service Issues Photo by John Crosby, Communications Director

From Left: Department Service Office staff VSO Dave Wilson, Director John Hickey, Secretary Kim Shriver, VSO Bryce Hullett, Senior Secretary Lori McIlquham, VSO Richardy Boye and VSO Steven Hicks.

Our Department Service Officers are among the most knowledgable and experienced in the nation. Learn more about the Department of Indiana’s Service Office at on our website at: www.http://indianalegion.org/veterans-affairs-and-rehabilitation

Department Service Office February Business Hours The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-9163605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-7237999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-916-3406; or by e-mail at: al.vbaind@va.gov Local Service Issues Post Service Officer Award Nominations Each year, the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and The American Legion, Department of Indiana acknowledges the contributions of exceptional post service officers with a national Meritorious Service Citation and a department post service officer award certificate.

Posts may nominate their post service officers by completing the “American Legion Department of Indiana Post Service Officer Award Nomination” form and returning it to the department’s veterans service office address noted on the form.

The form can be found at:

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w w w. i n d i a n a l e g i o n . o r g / veterans-affairs-andrehabilitation Post Service Officers Attend Service Officer Training Seminar American Legion department service officers conducted a training seminar for post service officers at the MidWinter Conference on Saturday, Jan. 16. Those present received information to help post members and other veterans within their local communities better understand veterans benefits as well as where, when and how to apply for those benefits. These dedicated volunteers help further the goals of The American Legion by selflessly giving their time and service to other veterans, their dependents and survivors.

Their efforts will allow many more veterans’ to learn about life changing benefits.

Hats off to the following post service officers and representatives for attending the seminar: Allen Viduka, Post 303; Cliff Morlon, Post 360; Ann Adcook, Post 510; Julie Newell, Post 11; (name not legible), Post 8; John McGee, Post 238; Peter Noer, Post 220; Gary Kain, Post 455; Joseph Fuller, Post 4, Kevin Hinton, Post 7; Phil Vonsick, Post 28; Ron Bollengaugher, Post 468; Jordan Kinkead, Post

VA Proposes Providing Compensation for Disabilities Associated with Contaminated Water Exposure at Camp Lejeune The VA currently provides healthcare services for veterans having certain medical conditions who served at Camp Lejeune, from 1953 through 1987. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has also decided to propose regulation for allowing payment of compensation for certain conditions associated with the contaminated water after discussions were conducted between the environmental health experts at the Veterans Health Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Those conditions include: Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Scleroderma, Parkinson’s Disease, and Aplastic Anemia/ Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

The Secretary’s proposal would also expand benefit eligibility to Reserve and National Guard personnel who served at Camp Lejeune for any length of time from Aug. 1, 1953, through Dec. 31, 1987.

The VA would presume them to have been exposed to the contaminated water during their Reserve or National Guard service and, in appropriate circumstances, to have been disabled by such exposure during service, thus allowing them to qualify for VA benefits under the statutory definition of “Veteran.” This would make them eligible for VA disability compensation and medical care for any of the presumptive

conditions, and their surviving dependents would be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation and burial benefits.

VA is working on these regulations and VA cannot grant these claims until the regulations become final, but veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between the above mentioned dates and developed a condition they believe is related to the Camp Lejeune drinking water should contact a qualified veterans service officer about filing a disability compensation claim with VA. (Source: VA News Release, 12/17/2015) Federal tort claims and USC 1151 Compensation claims If a veteran incurs additional disability caused by negligent VA health care services, the veteran may file either a federal tort claim or a VA compensation claim, or both.

A tort claim is a legal issue that should be submitted to the VA district counsel using a completed Standard Form 95. If the VA district counsel believes the veteran has a valid claim, it will contact the veteran in an attempt to negotiate a settlement. The district council will try to pay as little as possible when negotiating a settlement. If the veteran or VA will not settle, the veteran could then continue his/her tort claim by filing in federal court.

The American Legion does not represent veterans with tort claims, but we highly advise veterans to seek the services of an attorney before filing a tort claim. The tort claim is filed “against” the VA, and unlike compensation claims, VA is not under an obligation to resolve reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. In fact, VA will do everything it can to not pay a tort claim.

The American Legion can, however, represent veterans with a 38 USC 1151 claims for VA compensation benefits due to neglectful VA health care services causing additional permanent disability. The veteran can file a 38 USC 1151 claim by using a VA Form 21-

526EZ. If VA grants 38 USC 1151 benefits, VA will pay for the disability in the same way it pays service connected compensation benefits.

The veteran can file both a tort claim and a USC 1151 claim. If, however, both claims are won, VA will withhold payment of the 1151 compensation benefits until the tort claim payments have been recouped in full.

Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) This VA webpage found at https://iris.custhelp.com, provides additional resources for obtaining VA information, including: VA facility locations, VA toll free numbers, a way to obtain answers to VA Education Assistance inquiries, an eBenefits Portal, a Frequently Asked Questions list, a place to ask VA questions about VA programs, and links to finding the status of a pending claim, obtain a copy of a DD Form 214 or other service record, VA Forms, Aid and Attendance and Housebound pension information, general claims processing time information, direct deposit information, information concerning jobs and employment opportunities, and much more.

Unclaimed Veterans Remains For deaths after Jan. 10, 2014, VA will reimburse an individual or entity that pays for a casket or urn used to inter the remains of an unclaimed veteran interred in a VA National Cemetery on or after May 13, 2015. The current maximum reimbursement cost is $1,967 for a casket and $172 for an urn subject to an annual established average cost.

Application for reimbursement should be made on a VA Form 40-10088 along with documentation of the veteran’s qualifying military service and an appropriate bill of sale.

Caskets and urns must meet VA National Cemetery standards.

More information is available in the National Cemetery Administration Unclaimed Veterans Remains Casket or Urn Reimbursement Program fact sheet at: http://goo.gl/Xgc5eB

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. “The closing phrase of our preamble states, ‘To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness’,” said Keirn. “Buddy Check 22 is an easy program to participate in. Spending a couple of minutes once a month purposely reaching out to another veteran has intrinsic value no matter how you look at it. 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.

Learn more here: https://goo.gl/phqoZI

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

Twitter @IndyLegion

from the District Commanders

Greetings from the 1st District!

When the District Officers and I started this Legion year it was with specific goals to accomplish. One of them was to increase communication with the posts within our district with an emphasis on face-to-face visits. I truly believe we have accomplished this as either myself or one of the membership team have visited all physical posts in the district at least four times so far.

In doing this, we have increased awareness of Legion Programs tenfold. This is most evident by the fact that at the beginning we had only three posts trained to complete Children’s Education and Welfare Fund and Temporary Financial Assistance requests. We now have people in eight posts that

are fully trained, more than double what we started out with. I have to thank the 2nd District and Post 94 for inviting us to their post education seminar in October.

A special thank you to Bruce Steffen for putting on a wonderful, informative program. These goals are ongoing, I hope, for years to come.

Another of our goals is to increase community involvement. In this area we are moving forward with the posts working with the individual communities on a variety of projects. Our district, along with members of the Sons of the American Legion and the Auxiliary, are partnered with Momentum Church of Crown Point, Ind., in their annual “Trunk or Treat” event held on Oct. 30, 2015 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This was an awesome event! There were approximately 12,000 to 15,000 people attending from all over Lake and Porter counties.

The 1st District made an awesome showing and gave out around 1500 brochures and

applications to eligible veterans.

The next of our many goals this year was to increase our electronic signature in this technologically advancing world of ours. For this we have pages on both Twitter and Facebook. Look for us on Facebook at: w w w.f a c e b o o k .c o m / District1BrownBombers and on Twitter at www. twitter.com/Al1stDistIn1 Our website is moving forward and should be up sometime this spring.

Notifications will be sent out when that happens.

Of course, one of biggest and most important of our goals is Membership. With the beginning of 2016 came the dues increase. That’s done with now! So the 1st district will move forward and recruit, recruit, recruit... That along with our other goals should translate into an increase in membership this year.

So far I truly feel that this has been an awesome year and send my heartfelt thanks to all of the members of the first district for helping to make this a successful year.

I had the opportunity to attend my first Oratorical contest on Jan. 3. I can’t begin to tell you how impressive these young people were. It is refreshing to see kids that are so dedicated to their education. I look forward to seeing the winner, Collin Knohoff, again as

he moves on to the next level of the competition.

The Temporary Financial Assistance is one of the many great programs offered by the American Legion.

For two years in a row, Indiana has ranked first in the nation in TFA disbursements.

This is proof that Hoosier Legionnaires are diligent in taking care of our fellow Veterans.

I am repeating myself by saying I am so very proud of the hard work of our 2nd District Membership Team but I just can’t thank these

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

I want to congratulate Bruce Steffen for another great Post Education Seminar. This second seminar was held on Dec. 5, at Pierceton, Post 258 and had an even greater turn out than the first.

These seminars give posts the tools they need to make the American Legion successful and to assist the members of their post.

American Legion Pulaski Post 357 family, including Legion Riders, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion, spearheaded

by SAL Post 357 late Commander Lenny Genchoff, and the whole SAL raised $4,708 in monetary donations and 4 boxes of new toys for Toysfor-Tots for needy families.

The SAL also adopted three families through the

Salvation Army Kroc Center and donated $1,870 in gifts for those families. The kids Christmas party was a huge success this year with more than 60 kids SAL brought toys for in the amount of $1,911.

American Legion Pulaski Post 357 Legion, SAL, & Legion Riders donated $300 ea. to send Naval Sea Cadets to Commissioning Ceremony of USS Milwaukee in Wisconsin.

Post 357 Family also donated $1,200 combined to 855th Army Reserve Quarter Master Co. for their family day Christmas party.

Representatives of American Legion Pulaski

Post 357 family attended the 855th Quartermaster Company, Army Reserve Family Christmas Party. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with these fine young men and women and their families.

Post 357 Auxiliary packed 24 bags with goodies for the veterans at the Robert Miller Veterans Center in South Bend, Ind. A special notice and remembrance for SAL Post 357 Commander Lenny Genchoff who passed away on Dec. 29, 2015 in his sleep. He left behind many great impressions in our hearts in his life commitment of helping veterans and children as Hoosier Legionnaires.

Greetings from the 4th District.

We’re very pleased to be in first place in membership! I just hope that all of our teams will keep working as hard to get us to 100%. I’m very much looking forward to the

Lincoln Pilgrimage, and then the trip to Washington D.C. for conference. It sounds like February will be a very busy month.

We had a very good time at the 4th District Sons of the American Legion Gary Gregory Annual Putt-Putt outing. We had a fantastic turn-out from all over the state. It was a lot of fun and we raised a lot of money for the Honor Flight.

Our District Oratorical Contest is now in the books. We had four very

good contestants this year. I would have hated to be one of the judges as the competition was very close. We wish all the winners the very best in their advancements.

I am convinced that participating in our Children and Youth Programs will better for our chances of growth.

We had some parents, grandparents, and even one of the judges take applications at Oratorical.

Follow-up is in progress.

Keep your powder dry Hoosier Legionnaires!

at the time I began writing this letter The Mighty 5th District is standing with renewed strength.

The commander and I have been out on the membership trail discussing the My Fellow Legionnaires, changes throughout the

national organization and the Department of Indiana with the upcoming dues increase.

We also have been focusing on our programs and their importance to our future as a Legion.

During our visit to the posts within our district we have been encouraged

by what we have seen.

A post which had been struggling is now flourishing. Posts are completing a lot of remodeling projects, gearing up for the Americanism and Flag Etiquette testing and preparing candidates for the Oratorical competitions.

However with the holiday season quickly approaching, let’s keep in mind the families that are in need. Posts must continue to be

vigilant in our efforts to look after our fellow comrades and continue to educate ourselves and membership about these programs that will benefit such individuals.

The TFA and CEWF are programs that our posts are utilizing. Also, many of our Legionnaires’ participated in Stand Downs throughout our districts.

It is with a heavy heart to report the loss of two great men, who’ve done so much with in

the Legion family. The persons of whom I speak of are, Past Northern Vice Commander Michael ‘Jocko” Comerford and Past Department Sergeant At Arms David Ritenour. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prays as well our men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

In closing, the Mighty 5th is strong in our resolve, for God and Country!

Greetings from the 6th District, With the Mid-Winter Conference completed I know that most of us are looking toward spring and warmer weather. One of the meetings I attended during the conference was the Post Education Committee meeting, led

by Assistant Director of Youth Welfare Kimberly Mezger from American Legion National.

Kimberly presented a training seminar on The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance. The TFA program is specifically designed to assist minor children of eligible veterans with cash grants which contribute to a stable home environment.

These grants help families meet the cost of shelter, utilities, food and medical expenses. The applications for TFA should originate at the post level. Each post should have a person who has the knowledge to process TFA requests.

If you have questions contact Department Program Director Butch Miller at 317-630-1391 or by email at bmiller@ indlegion.org.

Membership Our 2015-2016 membership year is more than half over, we need to get the word out to our members and to the community, how The American Legion,

Department of Indiana fights for veterans rights, helps veterans obtain benefits and leaves a positive impression on the community through volunteerism and the many children and youth programs.

Speaking out about Children & Youth Programs The 6th District Americanism and Government Program has determined the winners, an 11th grade boy and girl.

They will be submitted to the department to compete against the other 10 district winners. The winner or winners will represent the Department of Indiana at the National level. These reports were submitted by our Americanism & Government 6th District Representative Darrell Bowman.

The 6th District held its High School Oratorical Contest on Sunday, Jan. 10, at Avon Post 145, their new building.

There were four high school contestants from around the district. Each contestant was required to give an eight to ten minute orientation of their own creation on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution.

They are not allowed to use notes, a podium, or a sound system for their presentation. This year’s first place 6th District winner was Paige Murrell, who is home schooled.

Paige will receive $100 and advance to the zone competition which will be held at Broad Ripple Post 3 on Feb. 20th, starting at 9:00 a.m. This report was submitted by Richard Culp 6th District Oratorical Chairman.

I would like to give a special thanks to both Darrell and Rich for their volunteerism with the 6th District programs.

The Indiana Blue Star held its 2nd annual Spirit of Christmas at the Hendricks County Fairground in Danville, Ind., on Dec. 19 2015.

Eighteen families of veterans and service members had their season made a little brighter as they received more than 600 gifts. One of the young military families with the Indiana National Guard was in need for their family car to be repaired. The family had three young girls, all under the age of two, were born with a lifethreatening condition.

Indiana Blue Star Director Ralph Zoccolillo was contacted by Cars for Heroes, a nonprofit organization that fix and donate cars to veterans in need. The military family was presented with a 2002 Chevrolet Trail Blazer. Michael Walker, a retired Air Force veteran and representative of Cars 4 Heroes says it’s great to be able to help veterans out and make their lives better.

Remember the 6th District has a new website. Visit us 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 317719-2521.

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

Duty, Honor, Country No Sacrifice to Great

Greetings from the Fighting 7th District.

We are coming into the

final stretch of this year and this one has been a wild ride.

I would like to thank all of our posts for the community work they have done. I have been contacted by numerous people telling me how they have been helped by a post in a time of need through either

a Temporary Financial Assistance claim, or just a helping hand.

Close of books will be upon us before we know it and the Fighting 7th has a lot of work to do.

We are beginning to feel the pressure as the dues increase is now in effect.

Now more than ever we need to start knocking on doors and trying to recruit new members.

Greetings from “The Great Eighth” Several good things happened in our District in the last quarter of 2015 and in early 2016.

• The annual auction at Boonville, Ind., Warrick Post 200 made more than $9,000 for the department commander’s and department president’s projects. In addition, they donated $1,000 to Operation Comfort Warriors with proceeds.

• Dale, Ind., Abe Lincoln Post 44 donated $1,200 for needy families

at Christmas time. They also donated several hundred dollars to Lucas Place II, a transitional apartment complex for homeless veterans, to build up their food bank.

• In addition, one of Post 44’s Jr. Auxiliary members Deanna Woodward organized a community service collection drive for Lucas Place II which was a huge success. Many essential items such as clothing, cleaning supplies, blankets, etc., were donated, as well as a monetary donation to purchase additional items to meet their needs. Congratulations to Deanna for a great job.

• Branchville, Ind., Post 390, our new

prison post chartered last spring, also donated $500 to Lucas Place II. One of the members there matched the donation with another $500. They also donated $1,400 to Operation Comfort Warriors.

They have donated more than $5,000 to various community projects since they were chartered last year.

• At the MidWinter Conference, the 8th District also had five winners for Americanism & Government, Jr. Americanism & Government, and Flag Education & Etiquette.

Boonville High School seniors Quentin Meier and Alexis Gibson were the A&G winners and Boonville Middle School student Cordell Heuring was the 7th grade Jr. A&G boy winner. The

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

Facebook.com/IndianaLegion

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from the District Commanders 7th grade girl winner for Jr. A&G was Addison Clauss from Holy Trinity in Jasper, Ind., and the 4th grade girl winner for Flag Education & Etiquette was Ava Fletcher from Ferdinand, Ind. Their awards will be presented at the Spring Conference in April.

Congratulations to all the winners.

The 8th District finished in 2nd place in membership at the MidWinter Conference turnin, thanks to our hard working membership chairmen Larry French, Larry Burns and their team. Several of the vice commanders have also been working their posts in membership.

One of the things I have talked about recently is the difference between “letting things happen” or “making things happen”.

In organizations like ours, 10% of the members “make things happen”. 70% of the members “watch things happen” and the other 20% “wonder what

happened”. They don’t have a clue! Membership is no different. If you just wait for people to pay their dues, it’s going to take longer to reach your goal, if at all. We need to make a collective effort to make phone calls, send reminders, knock on doors, etc. Because of the recent dues increase, the hard work starts now and for us to reach our membership goal. We need to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!!!

Take Shirley M. Ohta, who was born in Wailuku, Hawaii, but since 2000 she’s made her home in Floyds Knobs, Ind. She retired from the Army in 1987 at the rank of colonel.

She continues to serve Southern Indiana and its military veteran community. Her military decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with one oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal and various service and overseas medals. She is currently the owner and CEO of Eagle Steel Products, Inc. Retired

Colonel Ohta serves with pride on many community involved veterans organizations and shines as an example for all of us to emulate. In 2012 she was named the Department of Indiana American Legion Auxiliary Woman of the Year and in 2014 she received the Congressional Veterans Commendation from Congressman Todd Young. Thank you for your continued service Shirley Ohta!

I need your input for the Eighth District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. If your post or someone in your post does something newsworthy please send it to me, 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 communityrelated information. Be proud of your post and your Legion Family.

Share what they are doing. No gossip please, just news.

Hello again from the 9th District. It has been a very busy 4th quarter in the 9th.

To start off, we are proud to say that we have a candidate seeking the position of Department Southern Vice Commander Milton Howard.

At the time of this writing, Milton serves the 9th District as its finance officer and the district’s Children’s Education and Welfare chairman.

In the past, Milton has served the 9th as vice commander and district commander. I believe it is safe to say, anyone who as met Milton would

have say he’s a stand up person and an outstanding Legionnaire.

We in the 9th wish him well in his endeavors to become southern vice commander for the Department of Indiana.

Prior to the holidays it was that time of year for Clothe-aChild, our nursing home visits to veterans, and to put it frankly, helping those less fortunate in our district’s communities.

I am happy to say the 9th was out front in responding to these concerns.

We delivered more than 400 nursing home packets to veterans thanks to Bill Scharold.

We visited and delivered gifts to a Cincinnati veterans care facility thanks to Al Werner. We passed out food baskets to shut-ins throughout our district, and we provided

clothing for children all across the district during the holidays. We also provided gifts for veterans and their families. Our membership ought to be applauded for their effort.

I would like to address the 9th District membership effort thus far in this card year. I am writing this article the day before Mid-Winter Conference and happy to report that the ninth is in 3rd place in the state.

Our Ladies Auxiliary is 2nd and our Sons of the American Legion is number one. As district commander, I say to each and every one of you in our Legion Family, thank you.

In closing, to each and every Legion Family member in the 9th District, I say keep up the good work. Get involved in our Legion programs, sell The American Legion every day and get involved in our district.

You will never regret it.

Greetings from the Commander and Officers of the Friendly 11th District.

The holidays are over with, I hope they were enjoyable for all members of the American Legion Family. I had a great time being able to see everyone that attended the MidWinter Conference. I thought it was a learning experience for all the committees and their chairmen.

We need greater participation of the 11th district membership at our next district meeting

and at Spring Conference taking place in April. I look forward to seeing you there.

The dues have gone up as of January, so please check with your individual posts if you have not received an updated renewal form. Please do so and pay your dues as soon as possible. Once again, if you need a DD214 for a veteran, go to http:// vetrecs.archives.gov. This is a useful tool whether it be for assistance or to recruit a new member.

Remember, membership is every Legionnaire’s part!

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.

We look forward to the 11th District Four Chaplain’s Service which will be held Feb. 7, at Kenneth N. Dowden-Wayne Post 64 in Indianapolis. It was a great way to honor veterans and to further the cause of “Unity without Uniformity” I am looking forward to making a return visit to all posts in 2016.

Again, I wish to emphasize our district members to remember participate in your post and district meetings. I thank the entire American Legion Family and look forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Conference.

Disposition of Resolutions Sixteen Resolutions were Submitted at Mid-Winter Conference.

Legislation, Funding Issues Top DEC Agenda.

Sixteen resolutions were submitted to the Department of Indiana for consideration by the Department Executive Committee at its regular session during the 2016 Mid-Winter Conference in Indianapolis.

Among those approved was Res. 2016M15, which added three new objectives to the Department’s Legislative Priorities for the 2016 Indiana General Assembly: • Establish the definition of “Hoosier Veteran” in the Indiana Code as including only those who have received “any other than bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge or separation” from the United States Armed Forces.

• Increase the funding mechanisms for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Trust Fund, which is the primary source of revenue for the Military Family Relief Fund.

• Support annual training and accreditation for county veterans’ service officers as outlined in the Indiana Code.

The DEC also gave its go-ahead to promoting the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ new “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” program by passage of Res. 2016M10. Originating with the Veterans Assistance Committee, the measure calls on the department to employ “all appropriate means” to encourage participation in the program.

Participation, according to the IDVA, is critical for assuring the renewal of the grant by which the program is funded.

With the approval of Res. 2016M06, originating with Bryon Cox American Legion Post 72, the DEC is on record as encouraging, but not mandating, posts to establish fund-raising goals on behalf of the Friends of Ernie Pyle, which operates the Ernie Pyle Museum and home in Dana, IN. In other action, the DEC approved Res. 2016M05, surrendering the charter of Claude Wilcox American Legion Post 175; approved Res. 2016M09, which establishes the 100th Anniversary Committee

as a permanent special committee; and received and recorded eight endorsing resolutions: • 2016M01, Thomas B. Frederick for 4th District Commander • 2016M02, Michael A. Pipher for SAL NEC • 2016M03, Richie A. King, Sr. for 5th District Commander • 2016M04, John Robert Harding for 2nd District Commander • 2016M08, Kurt Pfeiffer for 8th District Commander • 2016M12, John J. Sarnecki, Sr. for 1st District Commander • 2016M13, John A. Klepfer for 6th District Commander • 2016M1, Richard “Doc” Pfeiffer for SAL Detachment Finance Officer Resolutions 2016M11 and 2016M14 concerning expanding membership eligibility were not recommended for consideration by the DEC and there being no objection, were returned to the originator.

Resolution 2016M07, was withdrawn by the originator.

Mid-Winter commission reports

The Americanism Commission met on January 16, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. in Salon A of the Marriott East Hotel. Allen Connelly opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed eight members present and two were absent. 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 the Patriot Room with Chairman Owen Wells opening the meeting in proper form. Roll call revealed sixteen members present. The 1st and 11th districts were not represented. Twelve guests were in attendance. Minutes from the fall conference were read and approved. Discussion was held on the 12-man rule.

Teams must have twelve men to start a tournament and at least nine players to start and end every game. National is requiring that all Legion games be played with Legion Logo

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baseballs. Kokomo Post 6 will host the state tournament July 22-26, 2016. The bid was in the amount of $5,000. Steel cleats, bubble gum, and seeds will be prohibited on the field at the state finals. Regionals must be completed by July 19, 2016.

B-team State Tournament takes place at the same time as Regional, July 15-19, 2016.

Steve Brassfield and Johnathan Pickett were appointed B-team chairmen.

The National Regional is set for August 2-8, 2016. World Series will be played August 11-16, 2016. You must have a background check prior to registering a team.

No department funds were requested and no resolutions were presented. The committee will meet at spring conference.

The meeting was closed in proper form.

Baseball Executive Committee The Baseball Executive Committee met at 10:00 a.m. in the Patriot Room. The committee voted to accept new Executive Board members Mel Vinson, 3-year term; Joe Kusiak, 2-year term; Steve Brassfield, commander’s Representative, and Don Rapp, Vice Chairman. New rule changes from National will be incorporated into our 2016 rule book. Background checks were discussed. It was announced that Form 2 is due

by June 1, or before first game played. Form 1 is due by June 20.

Golf Committee The Golf Committee met at 11:00 p.m. in the Harrison Room with the meeting being called or order in proper form

by Chairman James Tracey.

Roll call revealed fourteen members present. All districts were represented. Two guests were present. The passing of Chairman Michael “Jocko” Comerford was properly noted.

A number of rule changes and regulations were unanimously approved to reflect current practice. In addition, a motion was made and unanimously passed to delete the portion of rune #6 governing play that limits to two the number of golfers from one post on a foursome. The 2016 State Golf Tournament, to be hosted

by Harry Ray Post 65 in Richmond, will be held June 18-19, 2016. Play will be at Liberty Country Club and Highland Lake Courses. Entry forms must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2016. The 2017 State Golf Tournament bids must be received by March 31, 2017. No resolutions were presented and no department funds were requested. The committee will meet at spring conference. With no further business at this time, the meeting adjourned.

National Security/Foreign Affairs Committee The National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee met at 3:00 p.m. in Salon E with

Chairman Gary Steinhardt calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call revealed fourteen members present and two absent.

Districts five and seven were not represented. No guests were in attendance.

Fall conference minutes were approved as read. A tour of Muscatatuck Urban Training Center was discussed. A motion was made by Mike Patrick and seconded by Mike Wooden to pursue putting together a tour of Muscatatuck. The motion passed unanimously. A slide presentation dealing with Religious Persecution in the Middle East was shown and narrated by Chairman Steinhardt. No resolutions were presented, and no department funds were requested. The committee will meet at spring conference to discuss Military Person of the Year awards. The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

POW/MIA Committee The POW/MIA Committee met at 9:00 a.m. in Salon C with Chairman Larry Macy calling the meeting to order in proper form. Roll call revealed twelve members present and three absent.

Districts seven and eleven were not represented. Two guests were in attendance.

Fall conference minutes were read and approved. Chairman Macy shared a report from

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency detailing those MIA accounted for in 2015. Seventy remains were identified. No motions were made and no department funds were requested. No resolutions were presented.

The committee will meet at spring conference. With no further business at this time, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

SAL Department Advisory Committee The SAL Department Advisory Committee met at 3:00 p.m. in Veterans Hall Three with Vice Chairman Ron Kizer bringing the meeting to order in proper form.

Roll call revealed eight members present and six absent.

Districts five, seven, eight, and ten were not represented. Six guests were in attendance. Fall conference minutes were read and approved. No resolutions were presented and no department funds were requested. The committee will meet for onehalf hour at spring conference.

The meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.

The Bowling Committee did not meet.

There being no further business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper fashion at 5:00 p.m.

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Mid-Winter commission reports age of 18 is being composed.

Marty Dzieglowicz will work on getting a certificate with the Department Commander’s signature to present at the spring conference to Julian Arrevalo, who is being sponsored by Post 508. Chris Brenneman is looking into a patch. Russ Chorpenning will be looking into a pin design. Judging for Eagle Scout of the year will be on March 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Crossroads of America Council. The Eagle Scout of the Year must be sponsored by a post or be related to a legion family.

The committee will meet at the spring conference for one hour.

The Children and Youth Commission met on January 16, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marriott East Hotel in Salon B. Rodney Strong opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed thirteen members were present and one was absent.

The minutes of the fall conference were approved.

Boy’s State Enrollment The following committee reports Committee were received: Scott Weyler, second district Chairman made a motion to Americanism & Government change to an online enrollment Committee from the current paper There were ties on the district enrollment process.

Lori tests. The district chairmen Bowman seconded the motion. received essays for the tie The motion carried. Brandon breakers. The winners will be Kruse was present to give a presented at spring conference. live presentation on the new The committee will not meet at online application process that the spring conference. we will do for 2015 and future registrations. Many questions Boy Scouts Committee were fielded by Brandon, Scott, Rees Morgan was tasked with and Bob Oeth. Orientation working on a resolution for unit meetings were planned. The chaplains to earn a religious committee will meet at the award. A resolution to recognize spring conference for at least 1.5 handicapped scouts over the hours.

Convention Contest Committee Chairman Dan Lee opened the meeting in proper form.

Discussion ensued about the progress of condensing score sheets. They should be ready at the spring conference.

Chairman Lee will go to Post 495 to inspect for the competition to be held there.

Firefighter/Law & Order/ EMS Awards Committee Chairman Nick Nicholoff opened the meeting in proper form.

Discussion ensued concerning combining luncheon for firefighter/law & Order/EMS, and Military Person of the year as a costsaving suggestion. Books must be ready one week before the The minutes of the previous close of books and submitted conference were approved. All to Department. Will discuss members discussed minutes of more at the next conference. their respective committees.

The fall conference minutes Legion Riders Committee were voted on and approved by Chairman Ron Byrley opened the meeting in proper form. commission members.

The Committee requested to The following committee have the meeting moved to 1:00 p.m. at the fall conference reports were delivered: for the chapter meeting. The second district raised $4480.

Community for Indiana Veterans Home.

Involvement Committee Chairman Eric Baggett Post 79 dropped off care opened meeting in proper items for the Indiana Veterans The Brownsburg form.

Chairman reported Home. that the $5,000 loaned to the post is working on state rally.

Department will be returned The 7th district to start new to the community involvement officer training and donated account. All districts reported $500 to Operation Comfort being involved with their Warriors. The 10th district visits nursing homes with respective communities.

The Internal Affairs Commission met on January 16, 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 thirteen members were present and one was absent. Two visitors were in attendance.

The Rehabilitation Commission met on January 16, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the Marriott East Hotel in Salon D. Mark Gullion opened the meeting in proper form. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes from the last meeting. The following committee reports were delivered: Employment Committee The Employment Committee met in Veterans Hall 1 at 11:00 a.m. with the meeting being called to order in proper form by Frankie Billingsley, Chairman. All districts were represented.

Guest speaker Ms. Deanna Puch, Director of Veterans Employment and Education at Indiana Veterans Affairs (IDVA) spoke regarding the community Outreach activities and upcoming events throughout the state.

Nominations of Indiana State Employer Winners were announced and the award packages have been sent

to National for review and selection. The Chairman spoke regarding how we can assist our veterans by viewing online job fairs and postings, posting to websites and Facebook pages, ensuring copies of ads are placed on the American Legion Post bulletin boards and asking posts to email information to their members. The 5th District will be having several Stand Downs in 2016. The Employment Committee will meet at the spring conference.

Homeless Veteran’s Committee Homeless Veteran’s Committee met in Salon D at 12:00 p.m. on January 16, 2016. The meeting was called to order in proper form by Chairman Harold E. Robbie Robinson.

All members were present and all districts were represented with the exception of the 3rd District Chairman. There was a motion made and seconded to accept the minutes from the previous conference. Christylee Vickers of Post 438 addressed the Committee.

She spoke to homeless veterans males’ and females’ needs in the Indianapolis Area and what is available to said veterans. Don Sales reported on a new facility being opened in the Gary, Indiana area and will keep the committee informed. There was a Stand Down held at the

to suspend business for purposes of grading tests. Winners were announced. The committee will meet at the spring conference for one hour.

through all youth programs must have annual background checks. Butch Miller will notify individuals when the background check has cleared.

Girl Scout Committee Gail Galich explained where to target membership, where to find them (Ladies’ auxiliary, Girls’ State).

Each district spoke about what is going on in their respective districts. Not having the religious award is still the most trouble in getting a qualified girl. We need to Children’s Education and encourage younger girls to get them informed and ready. The Welfare Committee All districts were represented. committee will meet at the spring A motion was made and carried conference for .5 hour. to accept the minutes of the Shooting Sports previous meeting. A motion was Junior made and approved to accept the Committee finance report. A motion was A motion was made and passed made and carried to approve to hold a coach certification class payment of thirteen grants in April. Ida Jewell will work totaling $4,813.39. A motion with Butch Miller to organize was made and carried to pay this and keep the membership for school supplies for Denzel posted through the website.

Department shooting Combs for $1,232.92. The 4th The and 5th Districts have a stockpile tournament will be on March of some household goods that 12, 2016 at Seymour. Insurance can be available to someone who will be necessary. Guests Jerry has a major loss, fire, etc. The Wehner and Bill Jordan from the committee will meet for one hour Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association were looking for at the spring conference. interest in a pistol match to be Flag Education/Etiquette hosted by the ISRPA. All legion volunteers who have one on Committee A motion was made and passed one contact with young people

Oratorical School Awards Committee Discussion ensued on upcoming district and zone contests along with paperwork.

Discussed background checks. A motion was made and passed to accept minutes from the previous meeting. District contest dates were set, and zone contest dates were set. The Department contest will be March 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at National Headquarters.

The committee will meet at the spring conference.

up to 15 chapters. The 11th District donated $16,000 to Operation Comfort Warriors.

National Legacy Ride is being planned. Suggested resolution to be written and money from the legacy ride will be used for children of injured warriors.

The committee will meet at the spring conference for one hour.

conference.

Children & Youth Committee Discussion ensued regarding taking collections for Riley Children’s Hospital at posts.

Chairman Sharber gave out the Riley Representatives’ contact information. The 6th District donated $55 to Riley. Educator of the year packets were handed out. Direction on how to fill out information was given by Ron Kizer. All packets are due at Department by June 1, 2016.

The committee will meet at the spring conference.

All district commanders reported on activities to garner membership as well as the vice commanders. The committee will meet at the spring conference.

New Post Development/ Revitalization Committee Chairman Herb Hoffman opened the meeting in proper form. Ralph Perez reported that Post 270 was going to disband and transfer members out and will start a new post.

The second district is to close 506. Post 558 is now financially fit. Post 364 closed and wants to reopen under a new charter. Post 47 is revitalized. Avon Post 145 is in a new building. A new post will start at Putnamville Prison. Members from 777 should be utilized to revitalize posts. Post 438, women’s post is under new leadership. Post 374 closed and transferred members. Post 34 closed their old post and opened a new one.

Legislative Committee Chairman Steve Short opened the meeting in proper form.

Will Henry presented bills that were introduced at state legislature. Problems at the BMV to be addressed. Will is working with the Big Four Committee (comprised of American Legion, VFW, DAV, & AMVETS). The Big Four is to meet with the Governor on February 3, 2016. Flyers were passed out to support legion priorities for the Washington, D.C. trip. A motion was made and passed to support HB1057.

A motion was made and passed to support resolution 2016M15, outlining the Department’s Legislative priorities.

The Post Education Committee committee will meet at the Chairman Ron Byrley opened spring conference. meeting in proper form. Kim Mezger, Assistant Director for Membership Committee the Youth Welfare at National Chairman Bob Oeth opened Headquarters along with Butch the meeting in proper form. Miller gave an outstanding Commander Larry Lowry presentation concerning thanked the membership and the TFA program. District encouraged them to keep up commander guide books the good work. Chairman Bob were passed out to respective Oeth passed out maps of the districts. The committee will veteran population in Indiana. meet for one hour at the spring Jesse Brown facility. A motion was made by James Hamilton, seconded by Don Sales to fund the following: $1,000 to Hope House, $500 to Genesis YWCA in Richmond, Indiana, and $1,000 to Disk Quattrin homeless veteran shelter. The committee will meet at the spring conference.

Indiana Veteran’s Home Committee The Veterans Home Committee met in Salon C at 1:00 p.m. with Chairman Dennis Pettit calling the meeting to order in proper form. All members were present and all districts were represented.

Twelve guests were present. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the last meeting.

Paul Steward made a motion, which was seconded that 1 slit lamp, six big boy beds, and a wheel chair bike be purchased at a cost of $31,743.02. Paul Steward also requested that in the future the IVH provide a more detailed wish list regarding their needs, justifying why the VA does not purchase the items needed. Tamara Smith and Tom Smith of the IVH gave updates. Donations were received for the IVH as follows: $1,500 from the Osceola ALR Post, and $150 from the 10th district for residents’ parties.

The committee will meet at the

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

Junior ROTC A motion was made and passed to accept the minutes from the previous meeting.

Direction was given to all to find out what criteria is needed to develop for district winners to find department winner so that a request from the Department can be made for funds. They would like to have a JROTC competition at state convention if possible.

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

Public Relations Committee Chairman Jerry Ward opened the meeting in proper form.

Pat O’Donnell said that Veterans Views radio program is broadcast to armed forces network in the morning.

Valparaiso Radio broadcasts in FM. Districts need web page to spread news about American Legion. It was discussed to have a D.J. broadcast from the national convention. Will Henry announced that the Big Four (American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, & DAV) are working together on a legislative agenda.

The committee will meet at the spring conference for .5 hour.

Religious Emphasis Committee Norris Keirn opened the meeting in proper form.

He discussed information concerning a law suit that involves “In God We Trust” on legal tender. Chairman Keirn spoke about Four Chaplains Sunday at length. It should be the first Sunday in February.

Call at least one “Vet” and reach out to prevent suicides.

The Committee will meet at the spring conference for one hour.

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

spring conference.

Post 438 of the 11th District to by comfort items for female General Hospital Committee patients at the Roudebush VA The General Hospital Hospital. The committee will Committee met in Salon D at meet at the spring conference.

2:00 p.m. on January 16, 2016.

Chairman Rex Ikemire called Nursing Home Committee the meeting to order in proper The Nursing Home Committee form. Twenty-six members met in Salon 6 at 9:00 a.m. on were present, 19 members January 16, 2016. The meeting were absent, and there was 1 was opened in proper form by guest. The 7th district was the Chairman. There were not represented. John Hickey, eight members of the committee Director of Rehabilitation present, along with five passed out the current hospital guests. Not present were the account totals that showed commander’s representative, $15,048.03 remaining that the 8th, and the 10th districts. A can be spent this fiscal year. motion was made and seconded He also passed out Rehab to accept the minutes of the fall Facility Report forms, asking conference. The committee will all members to report events, meet at the spring conference. issues, or problems taking place at the VA facilities that Veterans Assistance they serve. The 1st District Committee Chairman, Gail Galich reported The Veterans Assistance on the Food Pantry at the Jesse Committee presented Brown VA Hospital and of their Resolution 2016M10, Wall for Food event that is held Temporary Assistance for in May. Money that is left over Needy Veteran’s Program. is used for other comfort items. The resolution was approved Hines Hospital is trying to start and delivered to the Resolution a food pantry in the near future. Screening Committee. The The 5th District Chairman, committee will meet at the Paul Layman, advised that the spring conference.

Marion VA Hospital is looking for funds to purchase three- There being no further business -wheeled cycles for patients that to come before the commission, do not have use of their legs. the meeting was adjourned in The 10th District Chairman, proper fashion.

Ed Healy, advised that the 10th District donated $300 to

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Vietnam Veteran & Vietnamese wife stand the test of time Story by john crosby They came from opposite sides of the world, from opposing, warring nations.

Both grew up in large families but the similarities stop there.

Vietnam Veteran and Hoosier Legionnaire Mike Armstrong grew up in the small town of Rushville, Ind. His wife, Nga Thi Le, or Mrs. Armstrong, grew up in war torn South Vietnam.

Regardless, they found a common bond and love together in one of the most dangerous places on earth at that time.

They overcame adversity from peers, family and friends on both sides of the world and after 47 years they’re still standing strong together today.

Early life in Vietnam Nga Thi was born in 1946, the sixth child of a poor, third generation farming family.

They tended a 3-acre coconut farm in the small farming village of Kiem Hoa. She was adopted out in infancy to a nearby couple who couldn’t conceive children.

They were constantly forced to move and adapt to the encroaching fighting between the North and South Vietnamese. In 1948, her adopted father Lam Kien Toung, was again forced to move the family and abandon the coffee plantation he managed. He took a job as plant manager of a toothpaste company in Cholon, a suburb of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City.

Her adopted parents had a tumultuous and at times violent relationship. They divorced when she was six years old. Nga stayed with her dad. Things were good with her father. She remembers he would come home for lunch and eat with her every day. He left her money for candy. She was well fed and was encouraged to read and pursue an education. Sometimes, when she was afraid of the dark, her father would allow her to sleep next to him at night.

However, at 10 years old, things began to rapidly change when her adopted father took a new wife, stepmother Lam Ha Dam. Nga was not allowed to go to school anymore and took

on the role of a maid in the home.

She was treated poorly by Lam. Time she had previously spent bonding with her father or studying was spent cooking, cleaning the home, and emptying the chamber pots.

She was called names, whipped regularly and made to submit to her new stepmother’s will.

Soon came a new brother and three sisters. Nga took the role of nanny. She was made to sleep on the floor near her stepmother’s bed. It was her duty to comfort the crying babies at night, to change them and clean them.

Late one evening, at 14 years old, Nga was trying to get some sleep on the floor when she overheard her father and stepmother arguing. Her father said it’s not fair for to deny her an education but her stepmother refused to bend.

Nga understood she would never be free there, and ran away.

She’d heard her adopted mother had taken a new husband, a writer for the Tien Doi Mien Nam Newspaper in Saigon. Nga went to the newspaper and met with him.

They took her in. She was grateful, and life was somewhat better. She was still treated as the maid, but was allowed to go to school nights as long as the household was kept during the day. However, it didn’t take long for the recurring abuse she’d witnessed so many times before to creep back into her life.

At 18, she left and again sought refuge with family. She stayed with her stepfather’s uncle, an elementary school teacher. She helped teach the first grade and continued her own education learning English in the evenings.

Eventually she found a job at the U.S. Army Post in Bien Hoa, just northeast of Saigon, as a bartender in the noncommissioned officers club.

From there she held numerous positions, even filing security paperwork for indigenous workers on the base.

Being bilingual, she was offered a position as an interpreter with the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade. She would go on outreach missions with U.S. Army armored units

Mike Armstrong served in Mike and Nga Armstrong were married on July 31, 1968 in Saigon.

Vietnam as a finance sergeant in Troops from Mike’s unit joined the reception in uniform and shared the 173rd Airborne Brigade from dinner with Nga’s extended family.

1968 through 1970.

into villages, churches and orphanage to offer food, aid and medicine to the South Vietnamese.

The patrols were humanitarian aid missions, but the danger was always there. Nga would listen to the radio every morning, hearing news about the rising death tolls from Viet Cong attacks. Being South Vietnamese and working for the U.S. Army was a death sentence if caught by the VC. Love at first sight In 1968 she decided to transfer to a finance unit where she worked exclusively on the base.

There she met Mike, her future husband.

“The first time I saw her walk into my office, I said that is the girl I’m going to marry,” Mike said matter-of-factly. “She was just absolutely beautiful.”

“I walked in and he’s standing right there,” said Nga. “He told me he’d like to take me out to eat. I told him I have to ask my parents.” Regardless of the abuse in her family history, asking your parents’ permission was strict tradition, and she adhered to it. “After watching what my parents went through, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake,” said Nga. “I was going to choose a husband wisely.”

Nga decided she would allow it, but only if they were accompanied by co-workers.

“She was playing hard to get,” Mike said as Nga laughed.

Nga warmed up to Mike and invited him to her compound

Mike and Nga Armstrong were married on July 31, 1968 in Saigon.

Troops from Mike’s unit joined the reception in uniform and shared dinner with Nga’s extended family.

Mike spent a total of 28 months boots-on-ground in Vietnam to bring Nga home as his lawful wife.

Mike and Nga Armstrong have been happily married 47 years in 2015 Mike and Nga Armstrong met at the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Finance Office near Saigon in 1968. He proposed two months later and, 47 Nga Armstrong, then Nga Thi Le, works at her desk filing security years later, the rest is history... paperwork for indigenous workers at the U.S. Army Post in Bien Hoa, northeast of Saigon.

8

for a home cooked meal.

Downstairs, the maid cooked dinner for Nga and Mike. She brought up a simple supper of meat and rice.

“I made the mistake of asking what kind of meat it was,” said Mike.

“He seemed to be enjoying it,” recalled Nga. “Until I told him it was water buffalo. I think he was sick for a couple of days after that.” Mike added that he’s warmed up to Nga’s cooking over the past 47 years and truly enjoys it now.

After roughly two months of dating, Mike’s unit had orders to move out to An Khe in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

That was when Mike asked Nga to marry him.

“I just knew,” said Mike. “She was a good kid and I just knew she was the one. Sometimes you just know.”

Nga said yes, but on the condition that Mike meet her adopted father. This was the tradition.

“I’d forgiven my parents for what they’ve done to me,” Nga said. “My friends never understood why. But I forgave them. What is past is past. There is no reason to stay angry, I just say, ‘let it go’. Sometimes I still dream about the whippings from my step mother, but you just let it go.”

And so they left the base together to meet her father, buying him a bottle of wine and a pack of cigarettes as gifts along the way. Mike was nervous but asked Nga not to tell.

Nga translated to her father that Mike was there to ask him to give her away. “I explained to him that it’s time for me to move on,” said Nga. “I went through a lot when I was young. It was time I chose my own path.”

Her father was concerned that Nga would suffer due to cultural differences between the U.S. and Vietnam and Mike gave his word to honor her and protect her.

Happily married 47 years Mike was committed to bringing Nga home with him the right way. He submitted the proper documentation through his unit’s chain-of-command.

In all, he waited more than 16 months for approval.

They were married July 31, 1968 in Saigon. Troops from Mike’s unit joined the reception in uniform and shared dinner with Nga’s extended family.

Mike took a week of leave and flew Nga home in October 1968. Mike had three more months on his orders. With his new bride safe in Indiana, he returned to Vietnam to finish his tour of duty.

Back home, his family received Nga warmly.

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

“My mom was always kind of a wingnut, she took Nga in right away,” said Mike. “Mom and dad, my brothers and sisters too... They just loved her right off the bat.”

Nga wanted to go to work right away. Mike’s mother brought her to Indianapolis to shop for clothing and find a job. Her strong work ethic and ability to stand up to adversity kept her steadily employed throughout her life in America.

She found a job at Merico Bakery in Indianapolis for 15 years with the Bakery Workers Local 372, and went on to work for Ingersoll Rand for another 16 years. She sent money home to her adopted mother every weekend and wrote to her adopted father.

But being the working class Vietnamese wife of a G.I. living in the U.S. during the Vietnam War was not without challenges.

“They told me to go back to my country,” said Nga. “They told me I was taking their man, taking their jobs. I told them, ‘My man came to my country and fought through red tape just to bring me back here. I work, I pay taxes just like you.’”

“She faced some prejudices when she first moved here,” said Mike. “It’s to be expected.

I’m sure our World War II fathers faced the same things when they brought home German brides.”

Despite the adversity, Mike and Nga worked tirelessly for years with the American and Canadian governments to bring her family home to the U.S. from war-torn Vietnam.

They were able to successfully pull out much of her family including her adopted father, stepmother and stepsiblings after the fall of Saigon, South Vietnam and the communism that followed.

Nga’s forgiving spirit would not allow her abusive family history to sway her decision to bring them to her new home in the states, away from the decades-long conflicts that plagued Vietnam.

“I don’t let my history affect the happiness in my life,” Nga said. “I love my family. They did the best they could for me.

Now we can be together again on the other side.”

Nga received her naturalization papers in 1974. Mike worked as a construction project manager with Shamrock Builders in Indianapolis for 28 years. They have a son and a daughter, one grandson, three granddaughters, and one stepgranddaughter. They’re now retired in Indianapolis and have been happily married for 47 years. Mike is a member of Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison American Legion Post 510.

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WWII veterans last survivors of 70-year old New Alsace charter Story & Photos by john

crosby

In Post WWII 1945, The Greatest Generation was returning home from fronts around the globe. No community was unaffected by the war. Even the small, Southern Indiana town of New Alsace had dozens of service members leave to support the war effort.

Some saw heavy action.

Others held support specialties to keep our fighting men on the offensive. Though their experiences varied, they all shared the common bond, the same bond that their fathers and grandfathers shared after WWI. They’d fought the greatest and bloodiest war in world history and now it was time to pick up their lives and carry on.

This is the story of four such men, John Klump, Raymond Hemke, and brothers Harry and Raymond Schaefer. These four men shared very different experiences during their tours of duty. They formed a lifelong brotherhood. They carried on in their tradition of service.

These four men are legacy, the last living original charter members that founded The American Legion North Dearborn Post #452 in New Alsace, Ind. They are each in their 70th year of uninterrupted Legion membership.

Combined, they share more than 280 years of Hoosier Legionnaire experience. They are all still active in their Post.

John Klump U.S. Army 1944-1946 Infantryman John Klump was born in his father’s tavern in New Alsace, Ind. The bar, fittingly named Klump’s, had been opened by his father in 1914. His father was also a farmer planting corn and beans on his 200-acres plantation.

Klump was born the youngest of five brothers and four sisters. Growing up, he helped his father and siblings work the land and do chores around the farm. He figured out quickly that he’d have to blaze his own path in life as his father’s land would go to his elder brothers.

He volunteered for the draft and asked that his number be called as soon as possible. He was drafted into the U.S. Army two weeks after graduating high school in 1944. He was stationed in newly opened Camp Hood, Texas. He trained as an infantryman in the 24th Infantry Division and deployed to the Philippines where he fought on every major island of the campaign.

Klump soon found himself in the heat of action. His unit spearheaded the invasion of Leyte for the 38th Infantry Division, headquartered in Indianapolis. He charged the beaches on Mindoro and again on Luzon from amphibious landing craft, wading through chest deep water.

He fought in the bloody week long battle of Zig Zag Pass. His unit endured the jungle terrain laced with trip wire booby traps and ambushes around every corner. More than 2,400 of roughly 2,800 Japanese dug-in at Zig Zag were killed.

John Klump shows his U.S. Army photo from 72 years ago. Klump fought on every major island in the Philippines as an infantryman with the 24th Infantry Division. He was wounded in combat and still carries shrapnel in his leg to this day. Klump is one of four surviving original charter members of Post 452 in New Alsace, Ind. The American Legion, North Dearborn Post 452 charter membership roll. Raymond Hemke, John Klump, and Harry and Raymond Schaefer are the last surviving members of the original charter.

Only 25 surrendered and were taken prisoner, a testament to the enemy’s ferocity and determination and the hell our troops faced fighting across the Pacific Theatre.

Attrition was staggering.

Klump earned technical sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class today, with just under two years of service in the Army.

His unit liberated Allied POWs from the Bataan Death March from a camp in Mindanao. They were defending the airfield there when his company was assaulted by 200 frenzied, fanatical Japanese on a Banzai charge. They fought through the night. At one point, a Japanese 172mm mortar landed 10 meters from his position.

“It’s either your time or it isn’t,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“Somebody up there must have thought it wasn’t my time.”

Klump fought back the enemy from close quarters. He witnessed one Japanese soldier fall with his arm draped across the G.I. machine gun that killed him.

“It’s really unbelievable when you look back on it,” Klump said from his living room easy chair with that look in his eye familiar to other combat veterans. “There are things you can’t even describe. I came out of there looking like a skeleton, you could count every bone on my body. Being a 19-year-old kid fighting through the jungle while carrying 80 lbs. of gear will wear on you.”

The fighting dragged on day after day. The odds caught up with him fighting on a hill one day in Mindinoa. You could say he got lucky, or that his luck ran out, depending on how you look at it. He was wounded when the BAR gunner directly in front of him took a Japanese grenade. Klump caught the man in his arms as he fell.

With the BAR gunner dead, Klump was caught alone with his lead scout, the rest of his platoon to the rear. They took cover in adjacent ditches on either side of the road.

“You could see the machine gun fire hitting the road

Raymond Hemke points to his photobook of the old Radio Teletype system the U.S. War Department used to communicate orders during WWII. This equipment was top secret and state-of-the-art, allowing the Pentagon to communicate messages with units around the globe faster than ever before the invention of satellites. Hemke is one of four surviving charter members of Post 452 in New Alsace, Ind., which was founded by WWII veterans 70 years ago in 1946.

between the ditches,” said Klump. “The scout yelled to me to ‘run for 12 seconds and fall into the next ditch for cover.’ We ran ditch to ditch.”

They bounded back to their platoon under Japanese machine gun and mortar fire.

“When we got back down I noticed a younger guy holding his arm where it had been completely shot off,” said Klump. “I grabbed him and brought him to the medics.”

In all the adrenaline of the fight, Klump didn’t realize he was hit yet.

He spent the evening in a foxhole. He slept solid through the night, exhausted after several days of heavy fighting.

He awoke to find his leg had swollen so bad he couldn’t walk. It was then he realized he’d taken shrapnel from the enemy grenade that took the BAR gunner’s life.

Klump was evacuated to Davao. He spent the next several weeks off the line recovering from his wounds at an old school house turned hospital. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions but his fight wasn’t over. He returned to the front line with shrapnel still embedded in his leg.

The heaviest of the fighting was over. The 24th Infantry Division were mopping up the remainder of Japanese forces.

His platoon was defending a saw mill in Mindanao one morning, the southern major island of the Philippines. “We got news that we dropped the two big bombs on Japan,” said Klump. “The fighting had basically stopped overnight.

You could really tell a difference.”

In 1946, after the surrender of the Japanese, Klump and the 24th Infantry Division moved out directly for Japan.

“We hit the beach like we were invading,” he said. “There was zero resistance. The fighting was finished. Everybody just wanted to go home.”

So, he was stuck. Guard duty here, guard duty there, the tavern in the evenings. Being a born and raised Hoosier he started a basketball team to pass the time.

“We played against the officers once, five on five,” he said, smiling. “We didn’t take it easy on ‘em either.” He still recalls the exact score of that game; 82 enlisted, 28 officers.

He earned enough points to rotate home after four months in Japan. In all he spent he spent a week shy of two years in the Army retaining the rank of technical sergeant. He wears shrapnel in his leg to this day, a reminder of the struggle he and hundreds of thousands of allied forces endured in the Philippines.

Klump picked up and carried on with his life after returning home from war. He and 24 other fellow veterans chartered The American Legion, New Alsace Post 452. He worked for his brothers on the family farm and in his family tavern, the same tavern he was born in.

One evening while tending bar he met his wife of 67 years. He and his wife have 8 grandkids and 3 great grandkids. He built a career for

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

himself working 35 years as a die maker at the Fisher Body plant, now General Motors, in Hamilton, Ohio. He is the last surviving sibling of his 8 brothers and sisters.

Klump’s Bar stayed in the family until 1992. Under new management, the bar is still serving loyal customers today under the original name Klump’s and is somewhat of a landmark in the community there.

Raymond Hemke U.S. Army 1942-1945 Radio Mechanic

high on the hog!”

Hemke was chosen to become a radio mechanic on a cuttingedge telecommunications device. During WWII, the U.S. War Department needed a way to effectively communicate with its commanders on the other side of the globe.

A new version of Radio Teletype (RTTY) was the answer.

Essentially, the system allowed operators to bounce radio frequencies off of the atmosphere to send signals around the curvature of the earth. This top secret system allowed Allied forces to communicate messages globally, faster than ever.

“There was no garbling, no room for error,” said Hemke.

“One miscalculation could throw the whole thing off. This was before satellites.”

From Ashville, N.C., he deployed to Bombay, India by way of ocean liner. The ship was packed to maximum capacity with equipment and men. Hemke bunked with 20 other men in the luxury stateroom. Because their ship was fast and could outrun convoys, they made the trip unescorted.

The trip took a little over a month. Tragedy struck when they finally berthed at Bombay.

The freighter S.S. Fort Stikine carrying ammunition and 1,400 tons of explosives caught fire and detonated. The explosion sank 13 nearby ships and killed an estimated 1,300 people.

“The people here in the U.S. never heard about what happened there in Bombay,” said Hemke. “We were put on body collection. The Bombay civilians abandoned the town.

We cleaned up and moved out.”

After their horrific experience at the Bombay Docks, the men

Raymond Hemke was born in Weisberg, Ind., in 1922. His family worked for the railroad.

Weisberg saw heavy railway traffic in the 1920s. He went to school there and remembers playing in the local creek with the other children.

Hemke studied printing mechanics before he was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942. He attended basic training in sunny Miami, Fla., and technical school Sioux Falls, S.D. “We went from Miami Beach to -40 below outside,” Hemke said, laughing.

Luckily for Hemke, his schooling prior to the military earned him a spot as a radio mechanic. He was selected for the specialty school and moved out for advanced training at Scott Field, Ill., just east of St. Louis.

Again fate smiled on Hemke.

Three days before his unit was due to deploy, a group of officers came and selected 40 Soldiers of his unit to participate in an important mission.

“We were all sworn to keep a top secret clearance,” he remembered, smiling. “They rushed us out of there and put us up in the Lincoln Hotel in Ashville, N.C. We were living Continued on page 10

Raymond Hemke, and brothers Raymond and Harry Schaefer stand with their American Legion 70-year-membership plaques in front of the memorial at New Alsace, Ind., North Dearborn Post 452. The three, along with John Klump, are the last four surviving members of the original charter, 70 years ago.

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he was discharged.

WWII Veterans Back home, Schaefer went Continued From Page 9 to work for the Fisher Body got right to work building their footprint and setting up equipment. It wasn’t long before they achieved success.

The Pentagon communicated top secret messages with Hemke’s unit by bouncing radio waves toward the West Coast, across the Pacific and into India.

Their first transmissions were orders for the 20th Bomber Group.

“We relayed the messages over the “hump” to bomb Japan,” Hemke said, referring to the Himalayas.

They relayed the orders to Doolittle’s historic Tokyo Raid, the first bombing run on Japanese mainland and retaliation for Pearl Harbor.

Hemke spent WWII there in India, maintaining the top secret radio equipment that allowed Allied Forces to communicate effectively and win the war. During his down time he would tour the country and photograph the sights.

After V-J Day, operations there began to wind down.

His unit was due home two weeks before Christmas. They returned home by ship by via the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea, and through Strait of Gibraltar.

When they hit the open Atlantic, “That’s when all hell broke loose,” said Hemke.

Violent storm after storm hit his ship. Several liberty ships sank during the journey.

“Everyone was sick. Even the captain was seasick.”

He spent Christmas 1945 seasick and weary at sea but he made it home safely from his journey. They docked in New York City. He took a train to Indianapolis and got off at Stout Army Airfield and was discharged. He hitch-hiked his way home from there.

Hemke went back to school and took up a trade in the printing business. He retired after 50 years working at the Lawrenceburg Register and the Harold Tribune in Batesville, Ind. “Our little post has grown over the years,” he said. Hemke has held every office at the post through post commander. “We need to remember to keep our focus on the good of Legion, and not on ourselves.”

Harry Schaefer U.S. Army 1945-1945 Infantry Harry Schaefer was born in New Alsace, Ind., in 1924. He was raised with his 10 brothers and two sisters on a 170-acre farm. Seven of his brothers served in some capacity. He was drafted in 1945 into the U.S. Army. He reported to Fort McClellan, Ala., and deployed to the Philippines.

“When I got there the war was over,” said Harry. “I reported to a replacement depot. They promoted me up from corporal through technical sergeant.

That’s the way it was then.”

He was acting first sergeant for the depot. His company processed troops redeploying home from the Philippines.

Harry’s experience was more of a peaceful adventure. He recalls playing baseball with his Soldiers every day.

He recalls processing captains and lieutenants through his depot. Some didn’t appreciate taking orders from a sergeant.

“We would just put ‘em on KP duty,” Harry said, meaning kitchen police detail. “I know it was crazy but we would do it.

You could hear ‘em hollering yet!”

He returned to the states by way of Fort Ord, Calif., in 1946. He took a 4-day-long train ride to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis where

Automobile Plant. He left after a year and bought a grocery store in Weisberg, Ind., with a fellow Post 452 Legionnaire.

Schaefer met his wife at a town dance. He married her in1948 and was married 55 years before she passed away.

He has two daughters, seven grandchildren and five great children. He worked 32 years at his grocery store and retired in 1980.

Raymond Schaefer U.S. Navy 1945-1946 Ordnance Specialist Raymond Schaefer was born in New Alsace, Ind., in 1925. He was raised with his 10 brothers and two sisters on a 170-acre farm where his family grew corn, beans, wheat and hay. He was one of seven brothers that served in some capacity.

Raymond Schaefer was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1945 as an ordnance handler.

He was stationed at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings Neb., a boomtown created by the war effort.

The depot was strategically placed there in the center of the United States to deliver ammunition to both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres.

They produced 40% of the rockets, bombs, mines and torpedo warheads used by the Navy and Marine Corps.

Though he never left the U.S., his job was not without its dangers. Less than a year before he was stationed there, more than a million pounds of TNT exploded there. The enormous blast sent a shockwave that could be felt more than 30 miles away.

He was discharged safely and came home in 1946. He and the original charter members of Post 452 physically built the post from the ground up, cutting boards, framing the building, tacking down the roof, etc.

He was married and has three girls and one boy. He drove a semi-truck hauling liquid fuel for several companies before retiring.

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Legion Family brightens Christmas for homeless veterans Story by john crosby One Hoosier Legion Family teenager made Tristate area news over the holiday season when her spirit of giving spread from her small town to communities hundreds of miles away.

It began as a plan last November with a donation box set out at a local Starbucks to collect items for homeless veterans. Fast forward a month later. More than 5,000 items were donated by Legionnaires donning Santa hats and delivering gifts from an M939 green-camouflaged, 5-ton truck.

The holidays are tough on the veterans at the Lucas Place shelter in Evansville, Ind. Many don't have families to celebrate the season. The transitioning homeless veterans there are provided an opportunity for a new beginning. They are provided shelter and live with the bare essentials, a cot, a small two-coil stove, and few belongings.

Honorary Auxiliary Junior Vice President Deanna Woodburn took this into account while she was searching for a community outreach project to focus on for the holidays.

“I knew I wanted to help veterans in some way for the holidays,” said Deanna. “I wanted to find somewhere we could make the biggest impact possible.”

She contacted the case manager for Lucas Place and toured the facility. The shelter is made up of individual apartments about the size of a hotel room. Management told Deanna the veterans there could use clothes, canned goods and cleaning supplies. A few open rooms needed beds and a couple of rooms were without small microwaves.

Deanna went to work. The local NBC affiliate, WFIE Channel 14 was contacted and interviewed Deanna at Newburgh, Ind., Kapperman Post 44. Collection boxes were placed at several businesses in the local community on Veterans Day. University of Southern Indiana also placed out a collection box and helped spread the word through social

Honorary Auxiliary Junior Vice President Deanna Woodburn rides shotgun in M939 green-camouflaged, 5-ton truck on loan from Vanderburgh County Emergency Medical Services to hand deliver more than 5,000 donated items to the veterans at the Lucas Place shelter in Evansville, Ind., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015.

media.

Word spread like wildfire.

Donations flooded in from Southern Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky during the threeand-a-half week collection period. Deanna recorded and separated clothing into sizes for males and females and boxed everything up. More than 5,000 items were donated including coats, clothing, shoes, food, cleaning supplies, Christmas cards, beds, bed linens, and towels.

So many items were collected that logistics and transportation became somewhat of an issue. But where there’s a will there’s a way. Assistance came from Vanderburgh County Emergency Medical Services in the form of a U.S. Army 5-ton truck.

And so, riding in their big green-camouflaged truck packed full of donation items, they arrived at Lucas Place and hand-delivered more than 5,000 items to the veterans on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015.

They were met with cheers and tears by the staff and residents there. They made an assembly line to download all of the boxes from the 5-ton truck and carry them into the shelter.

“One tristate teen delivered a holiday miracle to local veterans,” reported Channel 14 News. Reporters from Channel 14 followed her progress along the way and produced several TV stories.

Deanna expressed her gratitude for her community’s support.

“We were stunned by the outpouring

Today Once back home in their small Southern Indiana town, the men knew they weren’t alone. They found brotherhood with their fellow veterans.

They found a way to continue serving.

Post 452 started from humble beginnings. They spent years meeting in the basement of the town school before purchasing 4-acres from John Klump’s family farm.

Hemke, Klump, the Schaefer brothers, and members of Post 452 literally and figuratively laid the foundation of the brick and mortar post that stands today.

The new WWII era Legionnaires hosted baseball leagues, sponsored Boy Scouts and held cookouts, supporting their local community wherever they could.

“We couldn’t be prouder of these guys,” said Post 452 Commander Lawrence Hoffbauer. Hoffbauer and his post recently honored all four members with 70-year-member plaques during a surprise ceremony held there during a Euchre game. “They’re truly like a legend around here.”

Though it’s been 70 years since the end of WWII, some things still remain the same in the small, Southern Indiana town of New Alsace. Farmers continue to plant rows and rows of fresh corn and beans on the same land as they have for hundreds of years.

The local pub, Klump’s still serves its patrons as it has since before WWI. And, The American Legion, Post 452 is Deanna Woodburn stands with residents of Lucas still a community staple there. Place, a shelter for veterans in Evansville, Ind.,

Indiana ranks first in TFA program For the last two program years, the Department of Indiana has ranked first in the nation in the amount of Temporary Financial Assistance disbursements. In 2013 the Department was 2nd in such disbursements, a true testament to the service of Hoosier Legionnaires.

“I am well aware that these calls don’t always come at

Department of Indiana 100 Percent Posts

the most convenient times,” said Department Programs Coordinator, Past National Commander Butch Miller.

“I’m proud to say however, that on those occasions when I needed to call or email you and ask for your involvement in determining the validity and facts of a TFA related request, I have never been greeted with

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Deanna helped spearhead an effort to donate more than 5,000 items to the veterans there including coats, clothing, shoes, food, cleaning supplies, Christmas cards, beds, bed linens, and towels.

of support from the Auxiliary, the Legion and the local communities here,” said Deanna. “It’s really unbelievable. It makes me smile but also I feel for these veterans at the same time.”

Volunteerism and selfless service are traits that 15-yearold Deanna was raised on by father Chad Woodburn, American Legion 8th District Chairman for the Community Involvement and National Security Foreign Affairs Committees and his wife, Michelle, Auxiliary 8th District President.

“She accomplished all of this while juggling her studies and choir. She’s your typical teenager involved in many activities,” said Chad. “I just couldn’t be more proud of her. I know if she keeps this up she’ll have a really bright future.”

At Christmas, the Woodburns and some friends cooked a holiday dinner for the veterans there at Lucas Place. Deanna even made each veteran a fleece with their respective service branch on it.

“It’s at the heart of what The American Legion Family does, we make sure our fellow veterans are taken care of,” said Chad. “That includes our homeless veterans. Especially our homeless veterans.”

With the success they experienced in collecting items for homeless veterans in 2015, the Woodburns plan to do another drive next holiday season for another local shelter.

Deanna mentioned she is searching for another charitable cause for 2016 and may focus on a children’s shelter.

The residents of Lucas Place shelter for veterans in Evansville, Ind., enjoy a home cooked Christmas feast prepared by the Woodburn family and friends Friday, Dec. 25, 2015.

anything but a willingness to assist. When it comes to veterans helping veterans and their families, obviously, Hoosier Legionnaires not only talk the talk, they consistently walk the walk.”

So far this 2015-2016 program year, the Department of Indiana has already received in excess of $50,000 in TFA disbursements. Learn more at www.indianalegion.org/temporary-financial-assistance

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 1st Quarter 2016

Twitter @IndyLegion