2015 2nd Quarter Hoosier Legionnaire

Candidate Dale Barnett on Hoosier Boy’s State

he knew he wanted to join a U.S. Military academic program and serve his country.

“I really believe it was a key to my decision to attend a military academy.” said Barnett, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1974.

“I didn’t know it at the time, but 45 years after the experience, I know how much the academies and other academic institutions look upon that program.

I just know that Hoosier Boys State was one of the key reasons why I was selected to West Point.”

Hoosier Boys State committee Chairman Bob Oeth said this program is important to help young men to become successful.

American Legion National Commander Candidate Dale Barnett, speaks with Hoosier Legionnaires at the “Legionnaires need to Spring Conference in Indianapolis, Friday, April 10, 2015. Barnett attended Hoosier Boys State in 1969. know how important this He later graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, had a successful military career, was program is to these young a teacher and coached youth sports. He remains dedicated and supports both the Boys State and Boys Nation programs. Photo by Joe Hovish, Department Historian men and how it may affect them for the rest of their

By William E. Henry, individual a sense of selfCommunity High School. lives,” said Oeth. “We like Department worth that lasts a lifetime.

While attending HBS saying we make model Communications Director This year, the HBS staff Barnett said he instantly citizens.” is expecting approximately became involved and Oeth said Legionnaires Hoosier Boys State is 600 attendees to fill the excited about what was are more than welcome to known as The American campus of Trine University happening. help out or volunteer during Legion, Department of in Angola, Ind. July 14“I remember I was elected the week-long program.

Indiana’s program that can 20. Each young man, or as a county commissioner He said the program can shape and mold a young delegate, will take a week position and I remember always use volunteers, man’s future. learning team building how excited I was about even if it is for an hour, or This summer program, skills and government participating in that a day or two throughout the for young men entering processes. election process. It was and course. their senior high school Current leading candidate exciting time to begin that Oeth said the schedule is year, is well-known for for The American Legion process and be involved in full of fun, engaging and directly engaging each National Commander, Dale government and politics.” informative events for the participant in fundamentals Barnett, attended HBS in Barnett said while delegates and encourages of government processes, 1969. He said the program he attended HBS, everyone who can, to take fostering teamwork helped to jumpstart his military academies gave part. development to accomplish lifelong successes prior to presentations about their “This year we’re having goals and giving each his senior year at Whiteland learning institutions and the State Appeals Court

Save money and ride the bus

T he Department is arranging charter bus

per day.

Transportation while in Baltimore will be arranged transportation from the and scheduled for special Department headquarters, Department events and to the front door of our National Convention Hotel venues in and around the city. in Baltimore, and back to Aboard the bus, Indianapolis. complimentary adult The round-trip bus transportation will be $159 beverages, sodas and water will be provided while per person and saves the riders money by eliminating traveling. Also, additional special door prize drawings parking and cab fees associated with either flying will happen during travel.

There will be a chance or driving.

As an example, taxi costs for each rider per bus to win two tickets to an are approximately $45.00 each way between the Hotel Indianapolis Colts game.

That is two tickets per bus. and airport and the bus Buses will depart for eliminates hotel parking hassles at a cost of $15-25 Baltimore on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. However, you can choose when you wish to return to Indiana Tuesday, Sept. 1 or Thursday, Sept. 3, after

convention closes.

This is a first come, first serve offer, open to any member of the American Legion Family. A minimum of 50 riders is required to confirm a bus. Depending on the interest of riders, multiple buses will be arranged. At the time this was written 70 passengers have scheduled to ride and have paid the reservation fee.

The reservation deposit deadline is Wednesday, July 15 and the reservation deposit is $25 per person is necessary to hold a seat.

For more information, please visit our website at www.indianalegion.org/ national-convention.html or send in the form on page 9 of this publication.

hold a session in the Fabiani Theater on Monday, June 15th. Of course the Talent show on Thursday night is always a big hit.”

Barnett and Oeth both agreed that the reward for the staff and volunteers is seeing these young men learn and succeed.

“The best part of the week is seeing these young men come in on Sunday morning maybe knowing a school mate, knowing little about our State’s political make up and watching throughout the week as these boys make new friends and run an election better than most cities and countries can hold,” said Oeth. “The closing night’s program is always so touching to see the proud parents take their young men home to start their lives the ‘Hoosier Boys State way.’”

“I have worked with the Georgia Boys State staff and have had nine years on the Boys Nation Staff and the opportunity to work with some of the incredible young men is an opportunity that is really something that should be sought after,” said Barnett.

“Even though the program is very similar state to state from year to year, every year is unique because the kids are very unique in the program. What a great bunch of kids.”

To learn more about attending HBS or how to get involved, please visit www.hoosierboysstate.org .

IDVA scheduled to make visits throughout state The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs continues their veterans outreach program this year and are scheduled to be visiting the following locations: Gary, June 25, 2015 Terre Haute, July 16, 2015 Lafayette, July 23, 2015 Fort Wayne, August 4, 2015 Richmond, August 5, 2015 New Albany, September 9, 2015 Columbus, September 10, 2015 Indianapolis, October 7, 2015 Evansville, October 14, 2015 Vincennes, October 15, 2015 Details of times and locations can be found on their event registration page at: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/in/veterans-affairsoutreach/

Spring Conference Resolutions

IN THIS ISSUE

Three endorsing resolutions were presented to the Department Executive Committee and approved. The first resolution 2015S01, was Post 145 endorsing Bruce T. Curry as the District 6 commander, the second resolution 2015S02, was Post 276 endorsing Ronzell B. Collins as the District 11 commander, and the last resolution 2015S03, was Post 196 endorsing current District 7 Cmdr. Ron Patton for another term.

Dept. Cmdr. Hylton Message Page 2 Leading Legionnaire Letters PAgEs 2-3 Historian, Auxiliary and Sons Page 4 Districts Commanders Pages 5 & 6 Legionnaire usable ad Page 7 Conference Commission Reports Pages 7-8 Veterans Service Department Page 8 & 9 Programs and updates Page 10

Leading Legionnaire Letters The Commander’s final say:

This year’s shaky start ends with significant accomplishments IfirstamDepartment certainly not the com-

mander to say this -- and I am just as certain I won’t be the last: ‘I can’t believe this year is almost over.’

When I was elected your Department commander in July 2014, no one could have predicted the changes and challenges we would face as a department as we set

about “Building Bridges for the Future.”

We had just moved into our new home on the grounds of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison east of Indianapolis. The furniture was in place, but new equipment, new procedures and new personnel had to be integrated into the plans for the future. It did not all go smoothly, but it did go. I appreciate, more than I can say, the support, the encouragement and the assistance that I received from the men and women of The American Legion during the transition.

We got off to a great start in September with the official dedication of the new headquarters. More than 400 Legion Family members, community leaders, national officers and others gathered ‘under the big top’ to celebrate that historic transition.

We enjoyed a successful national convention at Charlotte, where an outstanding Legionnaire was elected commander. Mike Helm took the helm and very soon afterwards joined me touring posts throughout the state. We were fortunate to have him for a couple of extra days, and spent that time touring Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.

We also were fortunate to host National Vice Commander William Bryant and his wife Bert during the Mid-Winter Conference. It is always an honor and a privilege to host national officers and to show off just exactly what we mean by Hoosier Hospitality. I will always remember their visits fondly, and I will treasure the thank you notes I received from both of them – not for what they said about me, but what they said about you.

We experienced a very helpful and informative Washington Conference, at which the Department representative called on every member of the Indiana Congressional Delegation or, in a handful of cases, his or her senior staff person. We helped communicate our organization’s position on vital issue facing the nation, and we rewarded some of our most successful membership workers in the process.

Our hard-working membership chairman, Bruce Steffen, took charge of a membership program that was stuttering, not because of lack of effort on the part of our department membership teams, but because of changes in procedures at the national organization. Of particular concern had been the unusually high number of duplicate memberships resulting from online renewals.

That problem having been resolved early in the year, Bruce and his team went about an aggressive and successful program of district revitalizations with the help of the National Membership Staff. Hundreds of members who had been inaccessible to the Department before the revitalization program were transferred into local posts where their opportunities for involvement were vastly improved, and our ability to service

their membership greatly enhanced.

For the past few years, the Department has been aggressively pursuing membership on another front, with a program of post development that, frankly, has made some of our members uncomfortable. I understand that. But as a service officer who has worked closely with veterans in need, I am acutely aware that remedial help, or rehabilitative help, in addition to financial help, is often the key to their wellbeing. Prison posts can make the difference in helping to place a veteran back in the community ready to assume his or her responsibilities. That is why I was so pleased to be a part of the chartering of the newest prison post, at the Branchville Correctional Facility.

How this program will fare in the future, how the members will benefit – if at all – lies in the future. What I know is we have a built a bridge for the future for these offenders.

We also have recognized some of our challenges in the area of membership and programs stems from our failure to properly train and motivate new volunteers in these activities. That is why I enthusiastically supported an idea that originated with Boonville Post 200 a year or so ago.

The DEC approved a resolution emanating from the post that establishes a training and education program based on the districts identifying what their posts need to learn, and tailoring the training to those needs.

The Post Education Committee is hard at work organizing and researching, and soon will begin to implement the program. This can only enhance our organization’s growth and effectiveness as we make service more rewarding and less challenging.

The Junior Shooting Sports Program was an outstanding success this year, under the continued leadership of Chair person Ida Jewell. Participation neared 100 shooters, the number of post level programs increased, and training by qualified professional continued. We look forward to great things from that program.

Our Legislative program continued to progress, owing in large measure to efforts by the Legislative Committee to clarify our legislative priorities and to present them to our legislators. One of the key accomplishments of this session of the Indiana General Assembly was the appointment of a permanent coordinator at the IDVA to oversee the interests of the growing number of women veterans in Indiana.

On a more somber note, the Department of Indiana took the lead on calling for removal of a VA employee whose thoughtless and inappropriate correspondence heaped ridicule and contempt on veterans placed under her care. I have no doubt that employee was remorseful, but I know from first-hand conversations that the hurt she inflicted was severe and inexcusable. I am proud of my part in the controversy, and the support I received from so many of you.

There have been, of course, many more significant accomplishments, but what will stand out in my mind for years to come is the warmth and hospitality shown to me and my wife Carol as we made our way around the state this year. It is as I have always known: there are no better people on earth than the men and women of The American Legion Family in Indiana. I am proud to be one of you, and in many ways looking forward to putting the blue cap of membership back on and getting back to work.

I believe that my officers and I, with your support, have indeed “Built a Bridge for the Future.” It is there for our successor to cross over.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at the Department Convention where I will have my final say, and turned the gavel of leadership over to another outstanding Legionnaire.

E ffective this month, the Department will

planning to attend the Convention. To date, more than 60 travelers have sent in their $25 reservation fee and reserved a seat on the bus. As more terminate its automated reservations are received, we will schedule additional buses as required.

Deadline for reservations is July 15, 2015, and can be made by mail or telephone system.

The system, which was in person at the Department Convention.

The round trip fare is $159 per person, and includes refreshments and instituted in July as the Department transitioned activities aboard the bus and secure parking at Department Headquarters from the former location for travelers’ personal vehicles while they are at Convention. Departure downtown to new offices and return details are still being worked out, although and 50 reservain Lawrence, has proven tions are required for each vehicle.

Information and a reservation form are on Page 9 of this issue of the not to provide the level of support and assistance Hoosier legionnaire, and also can be found on the Department website, www.indianalegion.org. our members require.

The Department direct The Department of Indiana is a member of the Legionnaires Insurance line, toll free number, and fax number will remain as they are. Individual staff extensions will also remain unchanged and are listed on line and in Trust, a voluntary association of American Legion Departments particithe department directory. Callers can either dial staff members directly or pating in the insurance programs provided though Association Group dial the front desk, where routine questions can be answered or the call- Insurance Administrators. Currently 49 of the 54 Departments are LIT members. ers transferred to the appropriate staff members.

The Trust, through AGIA, provides a significant benefit to all members We had planned to evaluate the system after one year, but experience of the Department – the no-cost Accidental Death and Dismemberment demands that the change be made immediately. The procedures with which so many of our members had become both familiar and comfort- policy -- which provides up to $1,000 in survivor benefits for a covered loss, and up to $5,000 in survivor benefits for members who are killed or able will be put back into practice.

I appreciate the many comments we received concerning the automat- injured in the course of official Legion activities. The AD&D coverage is free for the asking. All that is required is to complete a short enrollment ed system over the past several months, and I look forward to hearing card. from our members on the restored system and procedure.

All Hoosier American Legion posts have been provided with a supply of cards, and the Department can supply cards to those who don’t have The Department of Indiana requested and has received re-assignment them. The enrollment cards also will be available during the upcoming of its National Convention Hotel.

Department Convention as well as at all scheduled conferences.

Our delegation will be housed at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, which is AGIA, through the LIT, offers a variety of insurance products, inabout 2.5 blocks from the convention center and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The hotel has undergone a $35 million renovation, completed in late cluding Long Term Care and Medical Supplement, Cancer Insurance, Disability, and many more. These products are provided by a diverse 2014. Rooms are fully equipped with refrigerators and coffee makers, and there is an expansive lobby bar and three food service operations in group of well-known and reputable insurance companies, such as Transamerica, Monumental Life Insurance Company and many more. AGIA the hotel.

Registration areas and caucus meeting rooms have been arranged, and administers the benefits and provides direct customer service, and has consistently provided excellent customer service to our members. the hotel has been added to the convention shuttle system.

The room rate is $147.00 plus taxes per night; parking will be available Additional information on coverage is available from the trust’s webat $15.00 per day. Information and an online tour of the newly assigned site www.thelit.com or by calling 1.800.235.6954.

All AGIA products are offered only by mail and only to members who hotel is available at www.lordbaltimorehotel.com.

The Department Party will be Sunday, August 30, 2015, aboard one of have enrolled in the AD&D coverage. Currently more than 15,000 of our the city’s Inner Harbor Dinner Cruise ships. Additional information and members have enrolled in the free AD&D program and many of them are covered by additional insurance available at low, competitive rates. ticket orders for the Department Party will be available at the DepartNot only do our members benefit, but the Department does, as well, ment Convention. We anticipate the cost per person to be significantly because the LIT contributes a portion of every premium to the programs less than that charged for last year’s party. of Department. Cumulatively, the LIT has contributed nearly $3 million Response to the Department’s proposal to coordinate charter bus travel since Indiana joined the program in 1991.

If you haven’t already enrolled, take a few minutes to consider the bento the National Convention in Baltimore, MD in August is receiving overwhelming approval from many Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members efits of enrolling to you, your family with the Department of Indiana.

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HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

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Leading Legionnaire Letters A s the weather warms and the spring flowers

continue to place a new array of bouquets before us each day, we find ourselves getting quite busy. Legion baseball is warming up; our Legion Riders are planning their series of charitable runs, homecomings, and special dinners are all before us. As we round the corner into May, The final push lays ahead for the big sprint for membership before our Close the Books in Lafayette.

We are also advancing campaigns for elections of our officers who will lead us in the year for come. While the Department years ago formulated a seamless system for campaigning and election of officers, many of our posts have contested elections while others search for willing participants who will carry on the post’s agenda. Membership and leadership are the vital lifeblood of any organization. You cannot have good programs without good leadership.

Gaining and retaining members keep a refreshing pool of personnel with gifts and abilities to provide active participation in programs and hopeful leadership in the future. While there are some natural born leaders who seem to rise to the top or who have specific credentials or experience that makes them prone to be placed into specific positions, great leadership needs to be nurtured and developed.

If we too rapidly advance a person into a position they may falter and fail. This is especially true if we “set it and forget it.” New leaders need to be encouraged and supported. People gain experience as they advance through various levels of leadership. We must for the health of the organization look beyond our close friends and people who are in our sphere of influence. If we always choose and support people who think

and act like us, we will never grow or change.

I have spent much of my life in smaller organizations. I know that finding and nurturing leadership is not always an easy task. Often finding enough people to fill the minimum required positions can be difficult.

However, placing the wrong person in a position can kill it faster that leaving a position open until the right person is found. It may be that, if we can’t do everything well, we many need to streamline and only do what we can do well. If we are just looking for a name to fill a slot, we may get the name, but not the results we desire.

Businesses have to trim non-productive departments and positions or face closure. Finances always cause us to look at endeavors more closely and with greater speed. Organizations, especially charitable ones, are slower to respond, and can continue to drift for a much longer time before collapse. We first loose our vision, then our purpose and finally we look at how we have always done it before in a futile attempt to keep our status quo.

Elections can be a great time for revitalization. In choosing leadership we need to encourage people to take new positions. A blending of seasoned leadership interspersed with new faces can be both creative and stabilizing. This encourages change to come without such a shock as to knock the foundation out that holds things together. If we want our Posts to be inviting to the current military, our leadership must have a similar representation.

Planning ahead is always key. Using a nominating committee or a leadership team who looks for this blending greatly assists any organization. Waiting for what comes and what may happen on elections night is like trying to win the lottery. Yes you can win, but only with many, many more losses. As a faith-based organization we should not simply take chances, but seek divine guidance in our planning, strategy and choice of leadership.

Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task… …the number of the disciples increased greatly…

Acts 6:3 & 7a NRSV

W ebster’s Dictionary defines the word

American Legion, and that is to be sure to “follow-up” with the new member.

This article of the “Hoosier Legionnaire” will be my last, as the next “sales” as operations issue will be after the Convention in July. Another Membership Chair and activities involved will be starting a new campaign for Membership. I trust you will be just in promoting and as enthusiastic in reaching your new goals for next year as you have transferring ownership been for this year. As I write this, we are seven weeks to the close of of goods or services. books for 2015. What a wonderful experience this year has been. I have When promoting and worked with a great team of Legionnaires and have traveled the State selling the ideals of the of Indiana extensively. Everywhere my wife Sandy and I have been, American Legion, one has to use salesmanship. you have shown “Hoosier Hospitality.” I have been in cities I had never traveled to in Indiana.

A successful salesman The 2015 Membership Year has been a good one. We initiated a uses three distinctive new Membership Training Program utilizing our new Department techniques in selling a product. You must above all: Believe in the product, have knowledge of Headquarters conference room. We have half the Districts on pace to be 100% of their set goal. New members are joining our ranks. This was the product and be able to close the deal. an adjustment year. We educated the post adjutants not to double pay the Let us look at these three areas: 1. The American Legion is the largest veteran’s organization dedicated to on-line renewals when they issue the Membership Card to the member upon notification by National that the member paid. the wellbeing and advocacy for its fellow service men and women who This will enable us to compare “apples to apples” next year in have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The Legion is the number one “watchdog” to the Veteran’s Administration. A Membership figures.

As I close out my year as your Membership chairman, I would good motto would be “Veterans Serving Veterans.” be remiss if I did not pay special recognition to our Membership 2. To gain the knowledge and history of the American Legion, enroll Coordinator Claudette Collins. What a professional we have been in the American Legion Extension Institute at www.Legion.org. Locate blessed with to process our membership. Thank you CC for putting up under Media to register for the online class. The cost is very minimum with me. I salute all the Department staff for a job well done. $4.95. You can proceed at your own pace. Upon completion, you will To Commander Ken and First Lady Carol, thank you for being such receive a pin for your cap. good friends to Sandy and me. We have fond memories that will be with 3. Have the necessary paperwork available to sign up the prospective new member or renewal member. Know the costs of the membership and us forever.

I think the “Esprit de Corps” of the Legion is outstanding. what benefits come with it. Be able to answer questions knowingly.

I would add only one other thing to promoting Membership in the

T he week of Feb. 22 several members of the

Department traveled to Washington DC for The Washington Conference to attend National Commander’s Helm testimony before Congress. Despite bad weather and flight delays we got there safely.

I attended meetings of the National Security Commission where we heard presentations regarding homeland security, the future of military medicine, and the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Report. The commission also received an update on the newly created Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The commission meets during each conference to recommend policies that ensure the national security of the United States Departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security.

National Commander Helm spoke to the commission about his recent trip to Vietnam and Laos where he accompanied DoD personnel in field operations to recover the remains of missing servicemembers.

Major Gen. Richard Thomas, an Army Physician, is the chief medical officer and director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Healthcare Operations Directorate, talked about the future and longevity of military medicine through facilitating longstanding relationships and initiatives with other agencies, allowing benefit and entitlement changes that are evolutionary-not revolutionary, He reiterated DHA’S commitment to the comprehensive access, quality and safety of troops and their families during and after active duty. He also stressed the importance of having a military medical force that is ready to provide unparalleled medical capabilities at all times.

Rear Adm. Todd A. Sokalzuk, assistant commandant for Resources and chief financial officer of the Coast Guard spoke about how President Obamas proposed fiscal year 2016 budget would impact the military and ways the Coast Guard’s missions directly support the Department of Homeland Security’s goals to secure borders, safeguard cyberspace, prevent terrorism, enforce immigration laws and strengthen national resilience and preparedness.

Rear Adm. Michael T. Franken, interim director of the Defense Personnel Accounting Agency and Ann Mills-Griffiths, chairman of the board of the National League of Families of American Prisoners

and Missing Southeast Asia, briefed the commission on the progress of the DPAA and noted the challenges that lay ahead for the new agency charged with the accounting and recovery of missing DoD personnel.

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

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From The historian’s Files IThen theHoosier last issue of Legion-

There are a couple of problems with these lists, though. Firstly, they were discovered in the basement of the old Department Headquarters building, having suffered some water damage. Secondly, many of the naire, I listed some of lists were hand-written, so with the water damage and the smearing of the resources that exthe ink, or the less than readable penmanship, some names may not be ist at the Department legible. Unfortunately, only a few have information such as addresses, Headquarters to help their trade or membership card numbers.

Post historians—and How to compile a Post history is a question that I’ve been asked. Each others—to compile year in the current Post Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies is an histories or to research outline, or rules, for judging of histories that support the National Histoavenues in which they rians History Contest. Sometimes these rules may be appear to be underhave an interest. Since that issue, more material standable on paper but how do they relate to an actual history? There is a photo of a recent entry to the national contest at http://www.legion.org/ has been scanned. The Department Convention library/226236/start-working-national-post-history-contest-entries or go program books are now complete from 1927 through 1941; 1959-1962; to the national headquarters website www.legion.org and use the search 1964-1966; 1968-1984; 1988-1998; 2000-2001; 2003-2005; 2007-2013. term ‘history’.

On another historical issue, researchers, historians and veterans are The significance for the post is that in a number of these books are memconcerned about the current storage of Indiana-state records and the bership figures, photos of some post officers and buildings, Auxiliary and building in which they are housed. These archives contain governmenSons data, and memorial listings. Of particular interest is the fact that tal Indiana papers, which include many records of Indiana soldiers who these Department convention books in the early years contain a signifiserved in U.S. wars and conflicts. The building on 30th Street is only a cant amount of information, much more than can be found in the more poor excuse for a warehouse, leaking during heavy snow and rains. If a recent books. new purpose-built archives is not constructed soon to replace it, it is posBy the time you read this, I should have scanned many pages that sible that these military records may be lost forever. For further details, lists individuals who were awarded special membership awards by the visit the website www.fisa-in.org or contact me for more information.

Department. It appears that the last year for these listings is 1966. The After reading the background to this problem, The American Legion Denames are grouped into five year groups, from 5-year to 45-year mempartment of Indiana would like you to contact your state legislators and bers. The first year’s listing is from 1935 and they consist of 5-year, 10ask them what they intend to do on the issue when it comes up for a vote. year, and 15-year members. So it is quite possible to have the names of Your Department supports this initiative having passed Resolution No. some very early members from your post. There are about 50 posts with 12M-9 at the Midwinter Conference in 2012. lists.

Indiana American LEgion Auxiliary H ello from the Auxiliary portion of The

UPCOMING AUXILIARY American Legion family, Spring has arrived Events Calendar and hopefully beautiful weather suited for volunteering. What a May-Poppy great season to reach out May 6 - 1st District Visitation, Great Oaks Banquet Hall to our Veterans and see if we can be of service.

May 10 - Mother’s Day Perhaps they need help May 13 - 2nd District Visitation, Wheatfield, Unit 406removing the old leaves 10:30am and sticks from their May 13 - 4th District Visitation, Bluffton, Unit 111- 7:00pm yard so it is ready for May 16 - 5th District Visitation, Fairmount, Unit 313- 7:00pm mowing or planting. Or maybe just to sit with them on the porch for a May 16 - Armed Forces Day glass of tea and a good talk.

As I write this, I realize it is less than 90 days until my year as May 25 - Memorial Day (Office Closed) Auxiliary Department President comes to an end. They all told me it May 30 - Junior Conference - Post 500 9 a.m. would go fast, I just didn’t realize just how fast. I do want to thank everyone for supporting our Auxiliary programs and events. It is greatly appreciated.

We as a group are working hard to bring awareness to our Homeless June - Hoosier Girls State & Hoosier Veterans and hope everyone is supporting them in some way.

Junior Activities We are also working to raise awareness about Domestic Violence. It June 7 - Legion Close of Books is in every community and is a very serious issue. Please take the time June 14 - Flag Day to locate a shelter in your community and see how you can help them.

They may need money, food, furniture, clothes or just your time. Please June 21-27 - Hoosier Girls State Trine University, Angola, remember, Everyone Deserves a Safe Home.

IN I enjoyed the many Legion Birthday Dinners that I attended. Thank June - 30 American Legion Auxiliary Close of Books you for your Hospitality and kindness. I was lucky enough to share many of these events with Commander Hylton and Commander Sexton.

They are both doing a fantastic job leading their organizations this year.

July – Department Convention I may be on the downhill slide of my year, but it doesn’t appear that my travels will be slowing down. I have many Department visitations July 4 - Independence Day (Office Closed) left to make and many miles to go. These visits are one of my favorite July 9 -12th Legion & Auxiliary Department Convention, parts of being Department President. It is my chance to visit with Unit Marriott East Hotel, Indianapolis, IN and District members who don’t get to attend our Department events.

I love the stories they share with me and why they joined our great organization and why they continue their membership.

August – National Convention Thank you for all you continue to do to help our Veterans and our Communities.

Aug. 28 -Sept. 3 - National Convention Baltimore, With Love for our Country, Maryland

Indiana Sons Of the American LEgion T he Sons are having a fantastic membership

year, thanks to all who have helped in any way. In the past we have had some districts that have struggled, however this year their leadership has turned things around and they are in the hunt for the top spot in membership.

If at this point you have a Squadron that could use some help, please give them a hand. With the Legion Family working together everyone’s membership wins.

The Sons annual Legion Family Campout is at Jonesboro Post 95 Campground this year on June 12-14. This event is open to all Legion Family members of all ages and fun and educational activities are

scheduled throughout the day. Also coming up on Saturday, May 30, is our annual Detachment Golf Tournament. This year it will be held at Kokomo Post 6 Golf Course. Information for both events is available on the Detachment website, www.in-sal.org, please consider attending.

My project to purchase equipment at the Indiana Veterans Home is moving towards its goal of $11,000. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and donations towards this much needed project and all the programs of The American Legion. Often times we think of projects in terms of a few months or a year, however working to help and support out veterans and their families is never ending. The Sons are working very hard to accomplish this ongoing goal. Please remember my theme of “Just Ask” and do just that both now and in the future.

This year is gone by so quickly and I have met some amazing individuals in my travels. I would like to thank everyone for their kindness, hospitality and mostly their dedication to our veterans and our programs. I’m sorry the year is coming to an end. Commander Hylton and President Liford are two of the finest people I have had the privilege to work with. Let’s all continue to work hard and I look forward to seeing everyone at convention, thank you.

There is still time to get your raffle ticket!

DEADLINE IS JULY 11 Tickets are still available, and they are for a great cause. The funds collected from the sale of raffle tickets will start a new temporary financial assistance program, and help the Department Headquarters pay for unexpected costs for HQ building. For more info, go to: http://indianalegion.org/pistol-raffle.html

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HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

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From the District Commanders G reeting from the 1st, my fellow legionnaires,

Membership: This always seems to be on everyone’s mind. We here in the first are STILL working hard as if it was day-one. As the saying goes, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” It is still a close race for any district. It sure would be AWESOME if we can get that Commander’s

Steward for their guidance. Lastly, thank you to each of my posts for their support and respect during the past two years.

Best wish to the incoming commander for the year 2015-2016 may he have success with his or her endeavors for the coming year.

As I leave, I ask that you all remember my motto, “Working for the 3rd.”

A lright, another successful Spring

Conference in Indianapolis. A lot of useful information has been offered to those in Trophy back where it belongs. the trenches. Now is the Keep up the good work membership team and thanks for all your hard time to start our ‘Sprint’ work. towards the Department I want to once again thank Dan Buska for his outstanding job with the Convention in July.

Oratorical Contest. I attended my first State Competition and I was very Our ‘Fabulous Fourth’ impressed with our contestants. Seeing outstanding students such as District enjoys reasonable these makes me feel assured of our future. success in Department Our Boy State program is under full swing. A special thanks to John and Post Programs due to Sarnecky for his diligence and persistence in recruiting approximately 38 the fact that we participate. Our district meetings are constantly attended young men for our program. Boy State orientation will be at Post 100 on by 90 percent of the 29 Posts located in 9 counties and all those who are May 2 at 7 p.m. present engage in the Committee Reports. This effort brings the much Another program coming to its year end is our Hines Hospital visits. needed information to those Legionnaires in the trenches searching for Thank you for another year of hard work Gail Galich and Fred Lemons the Candidates to represent our District. our District chairmen and Barbara Sales, Auxiliary chairman. We meet When I see the crowd of 4th District members around the scheduling on the 3rd Sunday of each month from September through May to spread board in the hospitality room at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning sorting out good cheer and conversation to our wounded comrades. Thank you to all the meetings they wish to attend it shows me that there is much more to the posts for your donations. the conference than free food and drink.

I know we are all looking forward to the warm weather. The unofficial Another refreshing site are those Legionnaires that have served as kick off to summer is Memorial Day. Don’t forget to honor our fallen district and Department officers many years past that are still working Heros, because of them our lives are free, because of them our Nation and promoting programs with as much enthusiasm as the current officers. lives, because of them the world is blessed.

That my friends, is the message we need to take to the field to renew our Also, a remembrance to Past Northern Vice and District Commander tardy comrades who have yet to renew. The next thirty days are crucial, Clyde Colgrove who passed away. and I am expecting 12 cards from EVERY Post. We may not end this In closing, I just want to say, God Bless all of you and God Bless year as the top District in the Department but there is no excuse for not America. being a 100 percent district in the Department. Enough said.

G reetings from the 2nd District,

It has been an interesting and enjoyable year so far serving as the 2nd District commander. One of the more enjoyable aspects has been visiting many posts, both inside and outside the district.

Larry Lowry and Larry Macy, the leading candidate for Department Commander and the leading candidate for Department Sergeant-at-Arms for next year, invited me to accompany them as they visited the districts. Unfortunately, my schedule only allowed for me to visit half of the districts.

Another benefit of being the district commander is accompanying the Department commander on the Lincoln Pilgrimage to Springfield, Illinois. The Lincoln museum alone is worth making the trip. However, if you go in the winter, remember to pack your overcoat.

The 2nd District had a district “revitalization” in Monticello April 16-18. Thank you, to the membership team for your participation. Also, thanks to those who participated in the membership drive in the 11th District April 25.

It is my sad duty to report the loss of 2 past 2nd District Commanders, Gil Beaver and Joe Alber. Gil Beaver was from Monticello. Joe Alber was from Rochester. They will both be missed.

Congratulations to Collin Knohoff. Collin won the Department Oratorical contest. Collin is from W. Lafayette and was sponsored by Post 38 in W. Lafayette. Collin is only a Junior in high school and is looking forward to the contest again next year.

W ith the Spring Conference now a recent

memory, we are heading into the home stretch for 2015 membership.

There are over a half dozen third district posts at one-hundred percent, and many more that are very close. We held a Post Revitalization at Plymouth Post 27, April 16-18. Officers from posts throughout the district called lapsed and unaffiliated members to get them reconnected with their local post. We hope to see an increase in membership and participation as a result. Remember, your single membership is part of a larger voice fighting for you in Washington.

NEC Paul Steward, Jack Cook and I worked the job fair sponsored by 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski at Bethel College in Mishawaka, April 8. Sixty-three companies participated in the job fair with veteran employment one of the primary focuses.

Nappanee Post 154 held a Vietnam Veterans Honor Day March 30.

March 30 has been unofficially designated nationally as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day”.

As I near the end of my second year in a row as 3rd District Cmdr, I wish to thank the Legionnaires of the 3rd District for honoring me with this office. During my tour I have had the great pleasure of working with most of you and want to thank all who stay involved as active members of their post. Without teamwork, nothing gets done as well.

As part of this office, I serve on the Department Executive Committee at the Department of Indiana. I meet and work with many Legionnaires throughout the state. Some of what we were able to accomplish includes: 1. Moving the Department Headquarters from downtown Indy to the old Ft. Benjamin Harrison where we have saved the membership over $100,000 annually in operating costs.

2. Starting to establish a district education team to help each post.

I wish to thank my fellow officers of the 3rd District who work to make it all happen. Special thanks to Jim Daube, Jack Cook, & Paul

GLast reetings 5th District, issue I talked

about membership and the Children’s Education and Welfare Fund, and while membership is still important and we only need a little over 500 cards by close of books to make 100%.

I would like to celebrate the activities of some of the posts in our district. Roanoke Post 160 up in the northern part of the 5th is heavily involved with Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. For those of you who don’t know what Honor Flight is all about; their website states “Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices by flying them to Washington, DC to reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to World War II survivors along with other veterans who are terminally ill. ALL FLIGHTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE TO THE VETERANS BEING HONORED”.

Although the itinerary is somewhat confidential the homecoming is open to all. I had the good fortune to attend an Honor Flight homecoming at the Indianapolis International Airport in April last year and there were probably 3-4,000 people there to welcome home the WWII vets. Thank you Legion Family of Post 160 for your dedication to our veterans.

Jonesboro Post 95 has a member who purchased a golf cart and has turned it into a custom veterans memorial ride. It is decorated with partial wraps depicting various images and is parade ready and available for special occasions. I will have more information later.

A couple of announcements: Don’t forget about close of books at IVH, June 7. Also coming up is annual reporting i.e. Post Certification and Post Consolidated Reports. Please don’t forget to fill these out and send them into Department. They are very important.

For God and Country.

As Spring has sprung,

we gear up for the State Convention.

This is a time of change, happiness and a bit of sadness. It seems as though a new commander just starts figuring everything out and then they have to relinquish the helm. Alas, it has been a wonderful experience.

January started on a bitterly frigid note, so things were pretty slow. Unfortunately, this was a sad time as we lost some very long standing members of our district.

May god bless them and hold them in his arms.

February really started out fast. The annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge was held at Indiana State University on February 14. I was actually one of the 190 plungers that jumped into frigidly cold water to raise money for the Indian Special Olympics Athletes. This event raised almost $35,000 towards this wonderful cause.

The Spring Conference was held April 10-12, 2015 and the 6th District was awarded another First Place award for membership in the state.

We currently have nine posts at 100 percent membership with 5 posts well above that mark. Our membership has grown and we are well on our way to become a 100 percent district. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I know with the help of the district staff and all Legionnaires we can make this happen.

Our covered bridge almost has a complete roof and will be on display at our next meeting in Terre Haute, IN at Post 346. Let’s march forward and work hard. This organization needs all of us to make our programs fruitful and prosperous for the future generations of veterans and their children.

We are still working on a new slogan for the 6th District. We have had some entries, but are still trying to make sure everyone has the chance to Continued on page 6

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From the District Commanders Continued from Page 5 submit their slogan. The Post with the member whose slogan is picked will receive an award as well as the member. We feel a slogan will be associated with the 6th District and may generate membership. Go 6thDistrict!

I always like to end my article with a call for us never to forget the POW/MIA’s and our continued effort in bringing them home. Remember God, Country, and The American Legion Family helping veterans for nearly 100 years. Semper Fi

G reetings from the Fighting 7th,

It’s hard to believe that this year is winding down.

I am honored to have been this year’s District commander; I have been able to work with some of the finest district and post officers in The American Legion.

As of this writing the cards year is not over

and we are still working hard.

We have been working on restructuring our membership program and incorporating our Post Education program into it. By the way, the Department is creating a new Post Education Committee.

We feel that by working the Post Education Program through the Membership team we will create a better relationship with the post.

Thank you to all of the District Officers for their hard work this year encouraging participation in the Legion programs and assisting struggling post.

G reetings from The Terrific Tenth,

We have eight posts at 100 percent with another seven or eight 10 cards away from 100 percent.

It has been a busy Spring so far with all of the American Legion birthday parties in March. I have been traveling to a lot of post meetings since January through March trying to round-up cards to get our posts at 100 percent. We are scheduling our last drive-around of the year in April.

The district had a lot of temporary financial assistance requests in March. It seems the recipients assume the checks will go them, rather than the banks or utility companies. We had a good turn-out for our Spring Conference. The weather has finally started to warm up enough to allow everyone to go outside, so the hospitality rooms we not as crowded.

It was very nice having the Auxiliary with us for the weekend. I sat in a couple committee meetings for some of our absent members. It was quite interesting to hear the feedback from different members of the committees. I’m already looking forward to the annual meeting at the Indiana Veterans Home in June and our Department Convention in July.

It’s that time again to start thinking about district officers, home post officers and the elections of them. I home to see everyone at the card turn-in in Seymour.

FThis ellow Legionnaires, portion of my

article is addressed to the 11th District legionnaire Membership, but affects all of the legion family.

Please read closely!

It has come to my attention that we as a legion family are declining in membership at an alarming rate each year. Some is because of Death, Illness, and loss

Once again, greetings

from The Great 8th.

Time is rapidly going by and close of books is just around the corner. Thanks to a great membership team I have 14 Posts at or over 100 percent. I am expecting several other posts to come in also. Here in the 8th we are still very much focused on membership.

Knocking on doors and making those phone calls are a must. A little bit of persuasion goes a long way when you have an unpaid member in front of you. We will charter Branchville Correctional Facility this month making it our fourth new post in the District. The fifth new post, ALCOA, is halfway in the bag. Also, I am privileged to have a leading candidate for the high office of Southern Vice Commander Ron Hanger, in our District. We all wish him great success. It is always good to see someone from among your ranks recognized.

The Eighth District is proud to mention that our District adjutant, Army Col. retired Shirley Ohta was presented with the 9th District Congressional Veterans Commendation. In the private sector Shirley was the DEO of Eagle Steel Products. She continues to serve on numerous community organizations including Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, Hesperus-Hospice of Southern Indiana, VA volunteer Services and many others. Shirley was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster but I think the honor she wears proudest is the honor she feels in her heart from the many hours of her life spent helping others.

In the western end of the Eighth District, the Boonville High School boys’ basketball team raised $650.48 for Operation Comfort Warrior at a home game. Boonville Post 200 is a strong supporter in the local school and the school gives back. The donation was received by Past Eighth District Commander Ron Byrley.

The Eighth District recently chartered a new Post and S.A.L. Squadron. We welcome Branchville Correctional Post 390 and Squadron 390 to the American Legion Family.

If you have newsworthy events for the Hoosier Legionnaire, please send them to me, Dave Sharber at PO Box 493 – Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 or by e-mail to wobegone@att.net. No gossip, just news.

G reetings from the 9th District,

As we all know we are almost to the end of a year that has been very eventful. From having a new staff, to opening a new post, to having transmittals with, “duplicate” members counted. No matter, the system seems to be working. It makes us take a closer look at how and what we turn in, “attention to detail”, we all know this.

Our numbers for our District shows how the system is working and all of the hard work put forth by our members, for our members.

With approximately 90 days left we see all the finish line, and are concentrating on getting the last couple of hundred members to finish on top, who will it be, it would be nice to say the Ninth will be crossing the finish line first and with it being as close as it is, this will not only be exciting but interesting.

While we concentrate on membership, we should not forget about other Legion activities. We are getting ready to send in Educators of the Year and a Law Officer of the Year. I would like to take this time and thank the Legionnaires our District for having a very successful year and allowing me to lead them. As for my new District friends from around this state, it has been an awesome ride. I have enjoyed creating a relationship with them. It would be awesome if somehow we could have a photo finish with our 10 districts helping the 11th across the line. In one or more times in our lifetime we have done it, why not one more, all we can do is try.

Now with all that said, see you at the finish line, we will be there to greet you.

Be safe, be careful and be mindful.

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of employment.

This year to date we have lost 128 legionnaires due to death, Last year was even higher 1,419 deceased were recorded for just the 11th District alone. The year before was even higher with 2,537 deceased.

That comes to 4,084 legionnaires alone lost from our ranks just in the last couple of years. This is why you hear the Post, District, and State Officers continue to plead for your help on membership. If we as a family work together, we can change this trend of declining membership.

I ask each one of you to participate by recruiting just one member.

This now brings me to what the district is doing about membership.

The 11th District officers in partnership with Department and other District Officers have planned to do a call and drive around on the April 25th starting at 10:00 am until 1:00pm. I have asked the District Vice Commanders to contact and request your post officers to also participate.

Here is where I need your help. We need volunteers to escort these visiting officers around in our district.

When Department and other district officers give of their time to help our district, I hope you now understand the seriousness of membership.

This is happening in every district not just our district.

Department Commander Ken Hilton’s slogan: “Building bridges for the future”. All eleven districts are working together to make our state stronger.

A special thank you goes out to ALR Post 500 and Post 64 for their exceptional fund raising efforts for Operation Comfort Warrior project.

Post 500 ALR Raised over $2,500.00 during their Trivia challenge event.

Post 64 raised over $25,000.00 during their all-day event.

Up Coming District Events: Event: The Minorities Veteran’s Conference When: May 30th, 2015 Time 9:00 – 4:30 pm Location: Tillman H Harpole Post 249 - Located at 2523 MLK Jr St. Indianapolis, IN. This unique seminar deals with issues that affect our minority and women veteran population.

Event: 11th District Golf Fundraiser When: June 14th, 2015 Time: 8:00 am Shotgun start Location: Winding River Golf Course Cost $50.00 per player or $200.00 per team Please contact: Kent Patton or Dave Diggs at Post 64 (244-8007) Remember this is a fundraiser for the district to operate.

Event: The Four Chaplin’s Ceremony When: 7th June, 2015 Time: 1:00 pm Location: Kenneth N Dowden Post 64 - Located at 601 S. Holt Rd. When: 20-21 June Time: 8:00 &12:00pm I want to thank all the Legion, Aux, SAL, and ALR, for their continued support of the American Legion. Have a fun and safe spring and summer.

May God bless our Legionnaires, their families, and protect our troops and their families!

Thank you for all you do!

God Bless the United States of America!

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

LIT for Life For more than four decades the Legionnaire Insurance Trust Program has been your Department endorsed source for Membership Benefits and Insurance Plans.

Today, 48 Legion Departments representing some 2.0 million members comprise the LIT. For more information visit: http://www.thelit.com/home?stateval=IN

Twitter @IndyLegion

Spring Conference commission Reports A mericanism Commission Chairman

Martin Dzieglowicz reviewed the following committee information during the commission meeting April 11 and reported to the Department Executive Committee April 12.

Baseball Executive Committee Chairman Owen Wells opened meeting with five members present, two absent and six guests.

In the meeting seven regional groups were determined and outlined. It was determined the B-team will play in Kokomo July 16-19, and the state finals will be held in Terre Haute July 24-28. The state tourney will be played under the national rules and requires 12 players to be present during the tournament.

Baseball Committee Chairman Owen Wells opened the meeting with 11 members present, eight absent and 21 guests. Districts 1, 7, 8, and 11 were not represented.

Teams and areas were identified. Please visit website for details. The baseball executive committee subjects were discussed, the drawing for the state tournament order was determined. Game 1 – 1 vs. 6 @0930; Game 2 – 3 vs. 7 @1230; Game 3 – 2 vs. 5 @1630; Game 4 – 4 vs. Terre Haute 1930 Friday.

The committee requested $500 in Department funds. Motion was carried.

Bowling Committee Chairman David Hurtt opened the meeting with all 19 members present, and eight guests. The committee discussed the following OFFICER CHANGES; Chairman –Phil Decker, Secretary- David Hurtt, Ass’t Secretary- Charles Myers. It was discussed to allow the disabled to bowl.

A motion was made and carried to allow a handicap of bowlers without an established average to use 140. A motion was made and carried to contact secretary for handicap before bowlers send entries.

A motion was made and carried to make bowlers averages who are entering tourney 10 pins lower than tourney average.

C hildren and Youth Commission Chairman Jim May reviewed the following committee information during the commission meeting April 11 and reported information to the Department Executive Committee April 12.

Americanism and Government Committee Chairman Rees Morgan opened the meeting 10 members present, one absent and four guests.

Discussions took place regarding the recent testing awards presentation, home testing results to be receive in a the coming weeks, and the importance of keeping the testing forms highly controlled for fairness.

Boy Scout Committee The meeting was opened with 10 members present and three absent.

Discussions included ensuring rooms were covered by posts or districts at the state convention, selling pins to raise money for scholarship fund, the need to write a resolution for disabled scouts more than 18-years-old, the need to change resolution for churches to sign-off on religious award, and the need to push a knot award.

Boy’s State Enrollment Committee The meeting was opened with 11 members present and eight guests.

Discussions included the need for a one hour meeting at Fall Conference; National Commander Candidate Dale Barnett addressed the group and spoke about his Hoosier Boy’s State experience in 1969. Members were reminded of information for HBS is posted on the webpage.

A motion was made and carried to determine the tourney average by using 2-5 of previous five tournament scores from all events.

Golf Committee Chairman Mike Comerford opened the meeting with 10 members present, two absent and three guests. District 9 was without representation. The 2015 golf tournament was discussed and announced to be held at Winding River Golf Course hosted by Post 64, June 21 and 22. Entry fee is $90. Tournament manager is John Renfro 765-9144334. More information on the tournament can be found on website indianalegion.org . The 2016 tournament is scheduled to be sponsored by Post 65.

National Security/Foreign Affairs Committee Vice Chairman Mike Patrick opened the meeting with 11 members present, three absent and eight guests. Districts 2 & 5 were without representation. There was discussion of a rewriting of a resolution.

Gordon Anthony discussed community emergency teams. Military Person of the Year awards were discussed and reminded to be due June 1. National Commander Dale Barnett was introduced by Alt. NEC Jerry Jordan and his speech focused on well-constructed and well-purposed resolutions from committees.

POW/MIA Committee Chairman Larry Macy opened the meeting with 15 members present, two absent and eight guests. District 9 was not represented. There was discussion of a new POW/MIA agency that was formed Jan. 15, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. The discussion group hoped the agency would utilize 100 percent DNA ID on all recovered subjects.

PNC Jim Koutz presented a slideshow showing his recent trip to Vietnam. Koutz’s slides featured recovery sites, prisons and other sites and relevant subjects during the presentation.

Sons of The American Legion Committee Chairman Horvath opened the meeting with 10 members present, five absent and no guests. It was discussed Dept. Adj. Hugh Dagley would write a letter to post and squadron commanders regarding missing certifications. Elnora post to be advised on how to recover a missing or lost charter. A motion was made and carried for the appropriation of $2,500 of department funds to be forwarded to the Purdue Future Farmers of America for IVH landscaping project.

Children and Youth Committee Meeting was opened by Chairman Dave Sharber with 10 districts represented with District 5 absent. The discussions included Riley Hospital for Children final donation collection, which was turned into Department, which is pending total, Educator of the Year applications were handed out, judges needed before close of books. The Auxiliary visited the group and addressed the Operation Military Kids program being transferred to the Family Readiness Group now.

Family Scholarship Award The meeting was opened by John Lloyd with four members present with District 4 absent. Discussions included judging 32 scholarship packets with seven awarded. A request for Department funds was made for $10,500 for those 2015 scholarships.

Flag Education and Etiquette Committee The meeting was opened by Chairman John Bronson with nine members present, two absent and four guests. Discussion included adding a new question to the flag test. It was motioned to do so and passed to change.

Girl Scout Committee The meeting was opened by Chairwoman Gail Galich with 10 members present and one absent. Discussions included a proposal to talk to the Auxiliary about getting girls from Hoosier Girl’s State who are Girl Scouts, the need to talk to high school students about Girl Scouts in the school system, and the approximate age when girls leave scouting.

A motion was made to donate $100, no indication reported on further movement on that.

Junior Shooting Sports Committee The meeting was opened by Jerry Maune with 10 members present, one absent and 10 guests. Discussions included Seymour Post sponsoring raffle of a Henry Big Boy 44 caliber to raise funds for shooting awards.

A motion was made, and passed, to have a shooting demonstration at Mid-Winter Conference 2015-2016, a motion was made and passed to endorse and support a Missouri clay bird shooting resolution, a motion was made and passed to have safety glasses at all Indiana meets, and a motion was made and passed to have an invitational match at Waynedale Post 241 November 7, and the State Tournament to be held March 12.

Children Education and Welfare Committee The meeting was opened by Chairman Mike Brady with nine districts present and two absent from District 9 and 10. Discussions included pending CEWF applications, new committee officers, finance report, and Oratorical Committee a new CEWF form is planned to be used by Fall Conference.

No meeting, due to coinciding 78th Annual National Competition.

ICommission nternal Affairs Chairman

Community Involvement Committee The Community Involvement Committee meeting was called to order Rodney Strong reviewed by Melvin Vinson with all but District 3 represented and five guests. the following committee Discussions included District 2 partnering with Indiana National information at the Guard Family Readiness Group; District 6 is partnering with local law commission meeting enforcement; District 7 is conducting stand downs throughout area April 11, and reported communities; District 8 is planning a banquet for first responders; to the Department District 9 to help with the Town of Orleans 200th celebration; District Executive Committee 11 is sponsoring a little league baseball team. The committee reminded April 12. attendees of a deadline of June 1.

Firefighter/Law and Order/EMS Committee The Firefighter, Law and Order and EMS committee was called to order by Ron Byrley with nine districts represented and Districts 3 and 5 were not represented. District 8 reported 80 attendees at their annual steak dinner for first responders there was some discussion on how to attract new candidates. There was a report on review nominations for annual awards. Attendees were reminded nomination forms must be turned in by June 1 to be judged.

Legislative Committee The Legislative Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Short with all members and 14 guests present. The committee recapped efforts on SB 424 to permanently establish a women’s veteran coordinator at the Indiana VA Office. State Rep. Randy Frye was said to have not let the Senate bill be heard during General Assembly session meetings for the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.

Commander Hylton was said to be sending a letter expressing The American Legion, Department of Indiana displeasure with the lack of action. Possible Legislators of the Year were discussed. National Commander Candidate Dale Barnett addressed the group.

Convention Contest Committee The meeting was called to order by Don Hudson with all except District 3 represented. Discussions included the dissemination of information regarding the color guard competition scheduled to be held at Post 495, rain or shine during the State Convention starting a 7 a.m. Prizes and awards were mentioned and a reminder that last year’s submissions were null.

Public Relations Committee The Public Relations Committee was called to order by Chairman Jerry Ward with all except Districts 2 and 9 were represented with 17 guests attending. District 6 gave reports. A reminder was given that public relations award submissions are due by June 1, and planned to be judged June 7 at 10:30 a.m.

American Legion Riders The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Hamilton with Districts 5 and 9 absent and one guest attending. Discussions included a reminder that only one rider per district was to be submitted, the

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Spring Conference commission Reports ...Internal Affairs Continued committee will need funds for the American Legion Rider of the Year plaque. The Riders expressed the need to have their next meeting held around noon due to safety, i.e. daylight and possibility of inclement weather.

and turned in charter. District 4 reported Post 47 has submitted a bid on a new facility; Post 296 is losing members. District 7 reported Post 416 is meeting to determine future possibilities. District 8 reported Post 123, a virtual post, is looking for a new commander and adjutant. District 10 reported Post 299 is dissolving and members are being transferred; Religious Emphasis Committee Winchester post has been closed since December. District 11 reported The meeting was called to order by Chairman Norris Keirn with Districts Post 128 has merged into Post 276; Post 34 has sold their building and 5 and 10 absent, and five guests attending. The District 4 chaplains their new building is in the process of revitalization. program is scheduled for June 7 at Post 64 at 2 p.m.; It had previously been postponed. May is Post Everlasting.

Membership Committee The committee was called to order by Chairman Bruce Steffen with all Post Education Committee present and 21 guests attending. It was reported that Department was This is a newly formed committee. The meeting was called to order by at 93 percent at the time of the meeting, it was expressed the target Chairman Ron Byrley with Districts 1 and 5 absent. Binders, which expectation was to have the Department at 99 percent by this time. contained post operational resource material, were distributed to all District 6 was reported to be in first place for turn-in dates 9 and 10, and attendees. The importance of the preservation of tradition within posts District 9 was in first place for turn-in date 8. Membership Coordinator was discussed. A request to convert material into a digital format was Claudette Collins presented through the third week of March. A reminder made. David Miller, District 4, is working on a new member kit, which to not forget paperwork for the Silver and Gold Brigades was made and prompted wide interest and discussion in the committee. There was Collins expressed appreciation for the membership help. Commander discussion about funds to create program binders.

Hylton addressed the assembly thanking them for their hard work and expressed his surety that there will be a couple 100 percent districts.

New Post Development and Revitalization Close of books is scheduled for June 7 at Indiana Veterans Home.

The committee was called to order by Chairman Herb Hoffman with Leading National Commander Candidate Dale Barnett addressed the Districts 3, 4, and 6 absent and four guests present. District 1 reported a group about creating community events such as walks to raise awareness new chartered Post 390, Branchville; Revitalizing Post 207; Movement of the organization. of Post 168 to smaller facility; And Post 289 has transferred all members All committees are scheduled to meet at Fall Conference.

R ehabilitation Commission Chairman

The Veterans Assistance Committee was opened by Chairman Robert Rettig with 12 members present, eight absent and 10 guests. Districts 1, Allen Connelly reviewed 4, 6 and 10 were not represented.

An Ebenefits program was presented by Zorina Pritchett, Program and reported the Analyst, Benefits Assistance Service from the VA Central Office, following committee Washington, D.C. John Hickey handed out the Post Service Award information to the nomination forms. They are due back to John by June 15. No resolutions commission meeting were presented. No motions were made. No department funds were April 11 and to the requested.

Department Executive Committee April 12.

General Hospital The General Hospital Committee meeting was called to order by Employment Chairman Rex Ikemire with nine districts represented, and two guests.

Committee Districts 6 and 7 were not represented.

The Employment Committee meeting was called to order in proper form by Vice Chairman No motions were made, no resolutions presented, and no department funds were requested.

William Parks. Roll call revealed 11 members present and two absent, It was discussed and a decision was made to approach the Auxiliary and two guests and all districts were represented. The passing of Chairman Legion Riders for donations to assist with funding. It was also noted that Piepenbrok was duly noted. funds should be used or they will be lost.

A discussion was held concerning the changes in job descriptions of LVERS and DVOPS in Work One Offices. Leading Candidate for Indiana Veterans Home Committee National Commander, Dale Barnett spoke briefly to the committee, The Veterans Home Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman emphasizing the importance of the work the committee does.

Dennis Pettit with 13 members and 14 guests present. Districts 5, 6 and John Hickey handed out an awards application packet containing 7 were not represented. The minutes were approved as electronically applications and guidelines for the different categories of Employees distributed. Paul Steward reported that the Department Finance of the Year, as well as Employment Representatives of the Year.

Committee had approved a total of $12,676 in expenditures for a variety Nominations need to be returned to the Department Service Office of items, including two big boy beds at a cost of $3,569.50 each. Paul before December 31, 2015. also reported that the $19,000.00 that had previously been appropriated Tony Cross, representing Operation Job Ready Veterans, gave an overview of his organization’s activities and how they help veterans get for Wi-Fi wiring at IVH has been set aside awaiting more clarification. job-ready and find employment for them. No resolutions were presented The action of the finance committee was approved by the committee.

Superintendent Sharp gave some brief remarks about the progress the and no requests for department funds were made. home is making. She reported that the home had recently undergone another inspection and that she was real pleased at the outcome. She Homeless Veterans Committee also clarified that the residents do have limited internet access. They The Homeless Veterans Committee was called to order by Chairman cannot, however, engage in downloading music, movies etc., or engage Harold Robinson with all members present, and two guests. Minutes in online gaming. The superintendent told the committee how much their from Mid-Winter meeting were read and unanimously approved.

NECman Paul Steward was recognized and introduced leading candidate assistance was appreciated and that it made the home a much better place than it otherwise would be. A report was given on recent renovations and for National Commander Dale Barnett who spoke briefly about his planned future projects. experience dealing with homeless veterans at the national level.

Leading candidate Dale Barnett briefly addressed the body.

A list of Homeless Veterans Shelters by county was distributed, Connie Shaffer was introduced as the Legion Riders liaison. along with a financial report showing a March 31, 2015, balance of A $150.00 donation was received from the Tenth District. $17,810.71.

More fireworks donations are needed. No resolutions were presented and Chairman Robinson reported that it had been determined no doubleno department funds were requested. dipping had occurred in the Homeless Veterans Shelter Program.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to fund the Richard Nursing Home Committee Quattrin Homeless The Nursing Home Committee meeting was called to order in proper Veterans program with an additional $1,000. Matt Bernard from Crossroads Veterans Services addressed the group, telling the committee form by Chairman Anthony Sadowski with 10 members present, two absent and two guests. Districts four and seven were not represented. the types of services he was assisting veterans with. Crossroads is Procedures for requesting and use of allocated funds were discussed. No funded by a Department of Labor grant and donations. There were no motions made and no resolutions presented. No requests for department department funds requested and no resolutions presented. funds made.

Veterans Assistance Committee -->

V eterans may file VA claims several different

service officer and assign a veterans service organization representative before filing a new or reopening a previous VA claim. ways. Servicemen and Veterans filing electronic or hard copy claims directly with VA often women may now file VA experience unnecessary claims processing delays and fewer benefits. disability compensation For example: a veteran files an original VA compensation claim using claims shortly before e-benefit without first seeking assistance from a qualified veterans’ their service discharge. service officer. He informs VA that he would like service connection Veterans may file their for diabetes and he authorizes VA to obtain copies of his private medical claims by visiting a VA records to use as evidence in support of his claim. Because VA must regional office, visiting send for the private medical evidence, VA will not process the claim as a local county veterans’ a fully developed claim. VA will have to process the claim as a standard service office, or visiting or traditional claim. Standard/traditional claims take VA about twice as a veterans organization’s long to process as fully developed claims. After receiving the private service office co-located medical evidence and scheduling a compensation examination, VA with a VA regional office, such as, The American Legion Department grants a 20% service connected compensation rating for the veteran’s Service Office. Veterans may download claim applications from the diabetes. The veteran, however, failed to inform VA that he also has a internet and complete and mail their hard copy claims directly to a VA kidney condition because he did not know the kidney condition was regional office or a service organization’s service office. Veterans may likely caused by the diabetes. VA therefore did not consider or grant file their claims electronically using VA’s e-benefits system. Veterans service connection for the kidney condition. This caused the veteran to may also fax their completed claims applications to VA’s Centralized lose compensation benefits he would have likely received if he would Claims Processing Center. Veterans filing for higher compensation have discussed his claim with a representative before filing. Also because benefits may often initiate a claim for higher compensation benefits by VA could not process the veteran’s claim under VA’s fully developed simply calling the VA directly or their assigned service organization claim program, VA could not assign a one year retroactive compensation representative. benefit currently available for grants of original fully developed claims.

VA makes it very easy for veterans to file claims. The most convenient This is just one example of how veterans may forfeit thousands of way of filing a claim, however, is not always the best option. Rules dollars in compensation benefits simply because they did not first seek established for granting VA compensation benefits are very complicated. representation from a qualified veterans’ service officer.

Veterans should not file VA claims without fully understanding how Veterans may find their local county service officer listed at the those rules can affect their potential benefits. Studies have shown that following website: http://www.in.gov/dva/2370.htm. Veterans may also veterans filing claims on their own without first seeking professional contact The American Legion Department Service Office by calling: advice, as a whole, receive fewer VA benefits then veterans having 317-916-3605, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. appointed claims representatives. All veterans should therefore first Veterans planning to visit The American Legion Service Office should seek advice from a professional county, department, or national veterans first call for an appointment.

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HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

Twitter @IndyLegion

National Convention Bus Information Continued • Bus transportation from the Department Headquarters, to the front door of our National Convention Hotel in Baltimore, MD and back to Indianapolis.

• The round trip bus transportation cost is $159.00 per person • Transportation to special events and venues in the National Convention city.

• Complimentary adult beverages, sodas and water while traveling.

• Chance to win two (2) tickets to an Indianapolis Colts game (two tickets per bus).

• Additional special “door prize” drawings during travel.

• NO airport taxi costs ($45.00 each way).

• NO hotel parking hassles or cost ($15.00 per day or more).

• TWO (2) RETURN DATE OPTIONS! Buses will depart for Baltimore on Thursday, August 27, 2015 @ 8:00 AM. However, you can choose when you wish to return to Indiana - - • Option #1 - Depart Baltimore on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 @ 8:00 AM. • Option #2 – Depart Baltimore on Thursday, September 3, 2015, (after the close of the National Convention).

This is a “First-Come, First Ride” offer, open to any member of the Legion “family”.

Deposit deadline is Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Deposit will be refunded if minimum ridership not met.

A $25.00 deposit per person is necessary to hold a seat.

2015 NATIONAL CONVENTION BUS RESERVATION FORM Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, ST and Zip: _____________________________________________________ Phone: (

)

-

Email: ___________________________________________________

RETURN DATE OPTION - Check only ONE per person!

Option #1 - Tuesday, September 1 @ 8:00 AM! Option #2 - Thursday, September 3!

[After the close of the National Convention] Number of People: _________________ Deposit Paid: $_________________ METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one): Check: Visa: MasterCard: (Make checks payable to “Department of Indiana” and mail to: 5440 Herbert Lord Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216 Or if paying by credit card, send information on form to kthomas@indlegion.org CREDIT CARD No:_____________________________________________

Discover:

Expiration Date (MM/YY): ?_______/_______

Indiana SERVICE Office Update

By John Hickey

The VA Eliminates Net Worth as Health Care Eligibility Factor: epartment Service Office May The Department of Veterans Business Hours: The American Affairs is updating the way it Legion Department of Indiana determines eligibility for VA Veterans Service Office will health care. Effective 2015, be closed for Memorial Day on VA eliminated the use of net Monday the 25th. This office will worth as a determining factor otherwise be open each Monday for both health care programs through Friday from 7:30 AM and copayment responsibilities. until 4:00 PM. Appointments are Instead of combining the sum of necessary for client visits. You veterans’ income with their assets may contact the Department to determine eligibility for medical Service Office by calling our direct care and copayment obligations, number of 317-916-3605; calling VA will now only consider a a long distance toll free number Veteran’s gross household income of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; and deductible expenses from the faxing us at 317-916-3406; or by previous year. (Source: VA News using the following e-mail address: Release dated 3-17-15) al.vbaind@va.gov.

Veterans Choice Program: Local Service Issues: The veterans choice program Now Accepting Post Service allows veterans to use non-VA Officer Award Nominations: health care services at VA expense American Legion Posts may when they must otherwise wait recognize their service officers more than 30 days for a necessary for a job well done by nominating VA medical appointment or when them for the American Legion they live more than 40 miles away Department of Indiana Post from the nearest VA medical Service Officer’s award. You may facility. VA is changing the obtain a Post Service Officers straight line distance for calculating Awards Application by calling the mileage to determining the driving Department service office at: 317- distance between a veteran’s 916-3605. residence and the nearest VA medical facility. (Source: VA News National Service Issues: Release, 04/24/2015)

D

Online Course Helps Healthcare Professionals Better Serve Veterans and Service members: The departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) have announced the launch of an online continuing education course aimed at helping health care professionals better treat Veterans and Service members.

The free course, Military Culture: Core Competencies for Health Care Professionals is being offered to community health care providers nationwide through the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Training Finder Real-time Affiliated Integrated Network (TRAIN), which launched earlier this month. VHA TRAIN is part of TRAIN National, a comprehensive catalog of public health learning products.

“A key initiative for VHA is to advance health care innovation for Veterans and the country,” said Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, Interim Under Secretary for Health. “The availability of VHA TRAIN as a platform to share VHA’s knowledge and expertise is an important milestone in achieving that goal. The Military Culture Competency Training and other courses available thru VHA

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

TRAIN will help ensure Veteran’s receive high quality health care whether it is from VA or a provider in the community.”

The eight-hour, online course covers a variety of topics through interactive features, video vignettes, case examples and treatment planning scenarios.

Each of the four modules within the course was developed using research, surveys and extensive interviews with Service members and veterans. For more information about the course, visit http://www.

DeploymentPsych.org/MilitaryCulture. (Source: VA News Release, April 27, 2015) Find a Local Accredited Legion Service Officer: The American Legion Claims Coach app, available for both I-Phone and Android users, helps veterans and their families connect with an accredited American Legion service officer and navigate the VA claims process. The free app features a nationwide directory of accredited American Legion service officers, a built-in organizer for appointments, document and deadlines, and wealth of other resources. Download the free app at: www.legion.org/mobileapps.

Facebook.com/IndianaLegion

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PROGRAMS & UPDATES Indiana students earn honors in A&G testing Indianapolis - Ten Indiana students in grades seven, eight, and 10 through12 were awarded scholarship money from the Department of Indiana at the Spring Conference April 11.

They earned it by knowing Americanism and Government program related facts. But, these students didn’t just know it, they knew it very well, and their test scores proved they were well above the margin compared to their peers.

In the Junior testing class, which are the seventh and eighth grades, students earned a $500 scholarship for having the best test scores.

Students in the seventh grade class were Kaley Hart, and Christopher Tindall, both from Boonville Middle School, sponsored by Post 200.

Students in the eighth grade were, Heather Huffman from Newburgh Christian School, and Samuel Goilo from Castle North Middle School, both were sponsored by Post 44.

In our Senior testing class, which are grades 10 through 12, students earned a $1000 scholarship for having the best test scores.

Students in the tenth grade were Bridget Beck from Griffith High School, sponsored by Post 66, and Zach Furbee from Mitchell High School, sponsored by Post 250.

Students in the eleventh grade were Sierra Wiles from Riverton Park High School, sponsored by Post 290, and Evan Reeves from Riverton Park High School, sponsored by Post 290.

Students in the twelfth grade were Isabella Penola

Award recipients who were present at conference April 11, 2015, were presented plaques by Cmdr. Ken Hylton, from left, Kaley Hart, Christopher Tindall, Zach Furbee and Kevin Wilson. Photo by Kim Mezger

who is home schooled and sponsored by Post 79, and Kevin Wilson from Griffith High School, sponsored by Post 66.

Department oratorical champion

Collin Knohoff, from Lafayette, Ind., accepts his state oratorical award from Department Cmdr. Ken Hylton in Indianapolis after winning The American Legion Department of Indiana Oratorical Contest, Sunday, March 8, 2015. Knohoff won over three other contestants, each who won in their respective Zone. Photo by Bernie Tilges, District 1 Public Relations

For more information on the Americanism and Government test and sponsorship, please visit:

www.indianalegion.org/ americanism--govt-testing. html

AL Riders help local disabled vet get mobile

Disabled veteran Herbert Hollenback received a new motorized wheelchair with the help of the American Legion Riders at Middletown, Ind. American Legion Post 216 and Bulldog Creative Tees on the Legion’s Birthday, Sunday, March 15, 2015. Way to go Riders, and keep up the great community service folks! Submitted Photo

The Vietnam Veteran Memorial Moving Wall at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence, Indianapolis, Thursday, April 30, 2015.

Upcoming Program Events DATE May 30 June 7 June 14-20 June 20-21 July 8-12 July 24-28 Aug. 28-Sept. 3

TIME 9am- 4:30pm All day All day All day All day All day All day

PROGRAM - EVENT TITLE District 11 Minority Veterans Conference Department of Indiana - Close-Of-Books Hoosier Boys State Golf - Department Tournament Department of Indiana - State Convention Baseball - Department Tournament The American Legion - National Convention

LOCATION Tillman H. Harpole Post 249 Indiana Veterans Home (Lafayette) Trine University (Angola) South Grove Golf Course (Indianapolis) Marriott Indianapolis East Hotel (Indianapolis) Indiana State University (Terre Haute) Baltimore, Maryland

More information on events and programs can be found online at www.indianalegion.org Friends of the Indiana War Memorials and Patriotic Americans,

USAA is the preferred provider to The American Legion At USAA, we’re committed to serving our military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. That’s why we’ve joined forces with The American Legion to help support their mission and programs. When you join USAA, you become part of an extended military–based family and support system that can be passed down for generations. Call 1-877-699-2654

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Honor someone who served our country by ordering a Brick of Honor, to represent their strength, courage and commitment. Your tax deductible, charitable contribution to purchase a Brick of Honor will signify that their military service will not be forgotten. The Bricks of Honor will be installed at the base of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the icon of our state and nation. Each brick is $100.

For more information contact Bricks of Honor at the Indiana War Memorials Foundation 317-650-9058, or go to www.indianawarmemorials.org (Bricks can be purchased online with a credit card or using PayPal)

HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE 2nd Quarter 2015

Twitter @IndyLegion