2011 April/May The Hoosier Legionnaire

April/May 2011

Veterans’ Service Organizations Agree To Modifications In Remission of Fees Benefit

After weeks of hearings and discussions between members of the Indiana General Assembly and representatives of the “Big Four” Veterans Service Organizations, agreement on changes to the Remission of Fees benefit for Disabled Veterans have been agreed to and are included in the final version of Senate Bill 577 in which the changes were first described.

Steve Short, Indiana Department Adjutant who represented Hoosier Legion-

naires at the negotiating sessions, said “Due to the excellent effort by all of you in the field to contact your state representatives, we have reached a compromise with the Indiana House and Senate to amend the bill and take out all language that would have cut the full 100 percent scholarship benefit for the children of current service connected disabled veterans and currently serving service members.” Under the agreement, de-

Spring Conference Features Candidate, Special Speakers

National Commander Hopeful, Organ Transplant Association, Million Dollar Service Officers, And Winning A&G Students Highlight The Session

Fang Wong, a naturalized American citizen with more than 20 years service in the United States Army, led off a lengthy list of distinguished guests addressing the general session of the annual Joint Spring conference April 16.

Born in China and emigrating to the United State when he was 12 years old, Wong spoke of his experiences as a ‘hyphenated” American, and raised his US passport triumphantly as he declared his love of country and his first exposure to The American Legion which, he said, led him to the road to the high office of National Commander.

“I remember going to the ceremony, not really knowing what was going on, and being handed this little medal from a man in a strange hat. It was an American Legion School Awards Medal, and I remember being amazed at this country, where you are honored for simply doing what was expected of you.

“I knew then I wanted to be like that man, and after a career in the Army, I got the chance.

Wong is seeking the highest elective office in The American Legion, and in his address to the conference, urged a renewed commitment to the ideals of the organization as well as a determined effort to recruit and retain members from all walks of like.

Auxiliary National Central Division Vice President echoed the candidates call for renewed commitment,

pendent children of military personnel and veterans who served on or before June 30, 2011, will continue to be eligible for 100 percent fee remission regardless of the percentage of disability rating assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The original proposal would have limited the percentage of fee remission to a percentage equal to the veteran’s disability rating plus 20 percent. That would have provided a 100 percent

remission of fees to those rated 80 percent and above, while those with lower ratings would have received a correspondingly lower percentage of remitted fees.

The percentage formula in particular generated significant outcries from disabled veterans who had long relied on the remission of fees as part of their financial planning for the education of their children.

Heather Evans, representing Hoosier Veterans United,

an ad hoc group of veterans who qualify for the benefit based on their recent military service, addressed the Joint Spring Conference in mid-April and appealed for support of those younger veterans from The American Legion.

The compromise reached between the VSOs and sponsors of the bill does not apply to those who enter military service after June 30, 2011, or to their offspring born or adopted after that date.

Those veterans, if assigned a disability rating, will be subject to the percentage calculation formula described above. All participants in the fee remission benefit will be subject to other new limitations and requirements beginning with passage of the bill. These include:

• Indiana entered as ‘Home of Record’ on enlistment records

• Maintenance of a 2.5

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Lingering Illness

as did the national Commander of the Sons of The American Legion. The appearance of such officers at the conference, a joint effort of the Legion and the Auxiliary, is a common occurrence each Spring.

Another highlight of the conference, repeated this year, is the appearance of the Americanism and Government Test program winners. Five of the six winners attended the conference, and were introduced from the platform by the A&G committee chairman, John Wrolan.

They were Taylor Mansinne, sponsored by Post 48; Megan McVicker, sponsored by Post 66; Justin Miller, sponsored by Post 202; Riley Morris, sponsored by Post 112; and Kyle Wasserrott, sponsored by Post 261. Kaley Bean, sponsored by Post 60, was unable to attend.

Following the introductions, Wrolan told the youngsters “I am honored to have the privilege of sharing this platform with the young men and women we honor with the A&G scholarship winners. I have seen many such presentations, however, and I never fail to be impressed with the quality and character of the winners. "

Larry Lowry, chairman of the Rehabilitation Commission, honored 28 County Service Officers for their efforts on behalf of veterans confronting the VA claim system.

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Royal Couple

Jo

Past Department Commander Lowell W. Sullivan, a Vietnam veteran and member of Edwin C. Danner American Legion Post 185 in Vevay, Indiana, passed away in March following a long illness. He was 63.

Sullivan was elected Commander of the Indiana American Legion during the closing session of the 84th Annual Convention of the Indiana Department of The American Legion, July 13, 2002. A former Southern Vice Commander, 9th District Commander, and Commission Chairman, Sullivan was an active Legionnaire for nearly 40 years. During that time, he held every office

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Market Research To Focus On Future Membership

The Department of Indiana is undertaking an ambitious plan to determine the attitudes and interests of the post-Desert Storm era veterans with an eye to encouraging their membership in The American Legion Department of Indiana.

The Department Strategic Planning Committee, after months of deliberation, proposed a detailed marketing research strategy to be launched in early summer, and gained the approval of the Department Finance Committee and the Department Executive Committee at the recently concluded Spring Conference.

Indyfocus, an Indianapo-

lis-based marketing research firm, has been selected to conduct the research, which will primarily take the form of focus groups gathered from veterans aged 21 to 44.

According to the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Dick Jewell, “We estimate that less than two percent of total membership consists of post-Desert Storm veterans.

“There is no reliable, systematically obtained information available to the Department of Indiana from any source on which to base recruiting and marketing strategies designed to enroll post-Desert Storm veterans,” Jewell said.

“Simply stated, we do not know enough about these potential members to recruit them. We also know that traditional strategies have not worked.”

The Department of Indiana has experienced consecutive membership declines since the attainment of the all-time high in 1994. The membership total has declined from approximately 145,000 members to the current anticipated 2011 close of approximately 95,000. That is a decline of approximately 35 percent from the all-time high. A 50 percent increase in current membership is now required to restore the lost membership.

The marketing plan envisions a multi-phase, strategy for development and implementation, consisting of gathering the information, analyzing the information, creating the organization’s response to the information, and publicizing, promoting and recruiting based on the information.

The Strategic Planning Committee originally considered conducting the research in-house, according to Jewell, “but following extensive staff research and based on an explanation of the process provided by the marketing consultant, we decided that

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Former Knightstown Committee Sets Emergency Financial Aid Program

After more than a year of research and deliberation, the former Knightstown Home Committee, restyled as the Children’s Education and Welfare Committee, has determined the future direction of the committee’s interests and resources.

The committee has established an Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP) designed “to provide immediate financial assistance to families of veterans with minor children in the home in order to protect the health and well-being of such minor children until more permanent aid and assistance can be obtained,” according to documents describing the new program.

Success of the grant pro-

gram will depend on the direct support and participation of the posts and districts, said Jim Hagler, Committee Chairman.

“Completed applications must be signed by the applicant and submitted to the nearest American Legion post for approval and forwarding to the official EFAP representative at The American Legion district in which the applicant resides.

“All necessary documentation must accompany the application except in emergency situations, which will be determined by the post commander and or the EFAP representative. In the event a grant request is determined to be an emergency request, required documentation

must be provided to the District EFAP representative as soon as is reasonably possible after the request is submitted,” he said.

In all other instances, the District EFAP representative will review and approve, or deny, the application and request payment to the applicant directly. If, in the judgment of the district EFAP representative the payment should be made immediately, the district may issue a check and seek reimbursement from EFAP upon presentation of a completed application with documentation.

District EFAP representatives, in the case of routine grant requests, will review the application, collect and verify the qualifying docu-

ments, request additional verification or information, and forward the completed application to the EFAP.

Application forms and information concerning the EFAP will be posted on the Department of Indiana’s website, www.indlegion.org as soon as final review by the Committee is completed.

Grants will not be issued for long term needs, or for identical successive needs without additional evidence, and are limited to a one-time grant up to $500.

EFAP grants can be used for such purposes as groceries, infant formula and OTC care and comfort products, baby food, month by month housing costs (rent or payments to prevent foreclosure and

eviction), utility payments (to prevent suspension of service), medical co-pays, transportation repairs, appliances and household mechanical system repairs, mandatory educational equipment and supplies, textbook rentals, and seasonally necessary clothing. According to the committee, other needs will be considered, and decisions will be based on the unique circumstances surrounding the grant request. Grants will not be approved for such purposes as cable television service, internet service, cellular telephone (unless necessary for employment), consumer

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Brading and Department Sergeant-at-Arms Ron Hangar were crowned Queen and King of the Department’s “Spring Prom” during the just concluded Joint Spring Conference of The American Legion and Auxiliary Departments of Indiana. The royal couple competed for their crowns among other party-goers who also dressed for the prom theme, and won on a close vote by all who attended the traditional Commander’s Party. For more photos from the conference, see page 9.

Lowell W. Sullivan Department Commander 2002-2003

americanism

Ken Hylton chairman

The Americanism Commission met on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 4:15 p.m. in Salons A and B of the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel during the 2011 Spring Conference.

Chairman Ken Hylton opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members as present: Chairman Ken Hylton, Vice Chairman Peter Van Woerden, Vice Chairman Thomas Somerville, Baseball

Chairman Owen Wells, Gold

Chairman Michael Comerford, National Security/ Foreign Affairs Chairman Gary Steinhardt, POW/ MIA

Chairman John Bubala, and SAL Advisory Chairman Larry Horvath. There were no guests in attendance.

Those absent included:

National Liaison Rep. John Hayes and Bowling Chairman Shannon McCroskey.

Baseball Executive Committee

Chairman Wells and the committee discussed Sectional, Regional, and State tournament pairings.

Chairman Wells discussed rules and possible rule changes with the Committee.

Chairman Wells made a Motion dealing with Department funds. Chairman Wells requested $400.00 from Department to start a quarterly newsletter for all baseball team coaches and managers.

Chairman Wells would distribute the newsletter himself for less than $100.00 an issue.

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

Baseball Committee Chairman Wells announced the new bat rule to the Committee. There will be no composite bats allowed.

Chairman Wells and the Committee discussed the Sectional, Regional, and State tournament pairings and locations.

Chairman Wells notified the committee that the BTeam coaches need to be made aware of a wording change to one of the rules. Notifications will be sent out to all teams.

Chairman Wells announced that the Regional location, currently in Richmond, may be changed due to problem with the park. The B-Team State Tournament will be held in Kokomo.

Chairman Wells stressed the importance of paperwork deadlines to the Committee and discussed how important it is to submit all paperwork on time.

There were no motions made.

There were no motions made dealing with Depart-

ment funds.

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

Bowling Committee

Chairman McCroskey passed out the list of winners for the Department tournament, along with trophies.

Chairman McCroskey informed the Committee that the checks are in the mail.

There was a motion made to elect this year’s officers for the up-coming year. The Motion was passed.

There was a motion made to allow bowling teams to contain SAL members as long as there is a minimum of one Legion member on the team. The Motion was passed. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

Golf Committee

Chairman Comerford announced that four Posts submitted bids to host the 2012 Legion Tournament. Post 65 in Richmond was selected to host the tournament, which will take place on the last weekend of June.

Chairman Comerford and the Committee discussed the issue of allowing Auxiliary and SAL members to play in the tournament. Chairman Comerford stated that the Committee will need a resolution in order to change the rule.

There were no motions made.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

NSFA Committee

Chairman Steinhardt briefed the Committee on the Military Person of The Year Award.

Col. James Sweeney gave a power point presentation to the Committee, informing them of his duties in the marines. He also discussed current defense issues, as well as the issues of the men and women who are coming home from OEF/OIF campaigns regarding suicides. Col. James Sweeney is currently serving as an attorney in the reserves.

There were no motions made.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

POW/ MIA Committee

Chairman Bubala passed

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cHiLDren & YOUTH

Dick Jewell chairman

Children and Youth Commission

The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011, in Salon C at the Marriott East Hotel during the Spring Conference.

Chairman Dick Jewell opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman John French, Vice Chairman Al Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney and Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government John Wrolen, American Legion Family Scholarship Rich Brown represented Clyde Colgrove, American Legion Children’s Education & Welfare Jim Hagler, Boy Scouts Stan Gatewood, Boys State Enrollment Dick Jewell represented Larry Bush, Flag Education/ Etiquette John Branson, Girl Scouts Gail Galich, Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, and Oratorical and School Awards Rich Seto.

American Legion Family Scholarship Clyde Colgrove and Boys State Enrollment Larry Bush were absent.

American Legion Children’s Education & Welfare Committee

Minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer Tony Riley reported $111,913 in the general fund and $129,170 in the scholarship fund. A motion was made by Jeff Carroll and 2nd by Jerry Jordon to accept the financial report.

Jerry Jordon distributed the proposed application forms and criteria for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. The criteria will stipulate this program to be a onetime application capped at $500. The key for the proposal is based on post and district level participation. Dave Sharber Motioned to accept the application and guidelines. The motion was seconded by Ralph Tolan and passed.

Another motion was made by Chairman Hagler, seconded by Jeff Carroll and passed to retain the current officers for the 2011-2012 year.

9th District Chairman Howard and Auxiliary Chairperson presented information about Youth Encouragement Services, which provides a home like atmosphere for abused, abandoned and neglected children. It is located in Aurora and serves a six county area. Discussion of this organization has been tabled until the fall conference.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee

John Lloyd, Charles Weir, Oscar Lopez, Clyde Colgrove, and Rich Brown judged the 113 American Legion Family Scholarship applications.

Forty five additional applications were submitted after the deadline. Emily Donovan, Mitchell Wilson, and Bryce Biberstein were selected as the three winners. Emily attends Lewis Cass Jr/Sr High School and will attend Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. She was eligible for the scholarship because of her father, Christopher Donovan of Post 418 in the 2nd District. Mitchell attends DeKalb High School and will attend Indiana Tech to study accounting. His deceased grandfather, James Vorndran, was a member of Post 381 in the 4th District. Bryce is a current student at Wabash College studying biology/pre-med. His grandpa, Bruce Shilling is a member of Post 253 in the 2nd District. These students will be recognized at the Department Convention in July.

Americanism & Government Committee

Chairman Wrolen discussed the teaching of Americanism & Government to 5th & 6th grades with the conflict of ISTEP programs as difficult with the teachers’ schedules. He read an information sheet to the Committee regarding how to write resolutions.

Boy Scout Committee

Minutes were read and approved. The Committee discussed the nine candidates for the Eagle Scout of the Year, the Square Knot Award for adult leaders in scouting, and donations to the scouting Committee. District chairmen were reminded to bring information for potential 50-year troop sponsorship awards to the Fall Conference. The Department staff will follow up with the National office about eligibility of home schooled students and their transcripts for Eagle Scout of the Year. Sixth District Chairman Butch Hammond donated $300 to the Scouting program. Butch distributed information about the campout on October 28 & 29, 2011.

Boys State Enrollment Committee

The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Director Steve Bowman distributed revised guidelines for conducting orientations. Orientation

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reHaBiLiTaTiOn

Larry Lowry chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011, in Salon 6 of the Marriott Hotel during the Spring Conference.

Chairman Larry Lowry opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, Larry Lowry; Vice Chairmen Phillip Hutson, Rick Hudson; Commander’s Rep, Walter Krohn: Employment: James Piepenbrok, General Hospital, Robert Flynn; Homeless Veterans; Robbie Robinson: Indiana Veterans Home; Robert Rettig. There were no guests present. There were no members absent.

Employment Committee

Sarah Milligan, the Legislative Aide for Congressman Stutzman, spoke about a newsletter and website that can help veteran’s access links on other websites and Congressmen: The website is

www.house.gov.

Concerns are being raised for the vocational rehabilitation program and the work load being very high for its counselors. JP Morgan Chase wrongfully foreclosed on active duty military families. They have since admitted their faults. They plan on hiring 100,000 military family members or veterans. The Committee is having trouble getting candidates for LVER’s and DVOP’s. There are some programs out there to help veterans, but some veterans aren’t utilizing the resources.

General Hospital

Chairman Flynn introduced guest speaker John Hickey, Director of Rehabilitation. Handouts were passed out showing the various accounts and what money had been used and what still remains in each account. John spoke about the duties and the budgets for the vari-

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inTernaL aFFairs

ed Trice chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met Saturday April 2, 2011 at 4:15 p.m. in Salon D of the Marriott East Hotel during the Joint Spring Conference.

Chairman Edward J. Trice opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present:

Chairman Edward J. Trice, Vice Chairman Mary E. York, National Liaison John Pipher, American Legion Riders Chairman TJ Small, Community Involvement Rep. John French, Convention Contest Chairman Jim May, Firefighter/Law & Order Chairman Wilfred J. Kocher, Legislative Chairman John “Danny” Rice, Membership Chairman Jack H. Cook, New Post Development Chairman Herb Hoffman, Public Relations

Chairman Jeff M. Carroll and Religious Emphasis Chairman Norris A. Keirn.

Those absent included Vice Chairman J. D. Morrow and Community Involvement Chairman Eric Baggett. A motion was made to approve the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Chairman Trice asked for the Committee reports:

American Legion Riders

The minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference were read and approved.

There was some discussion regarding issues with the Rider of the Year Award. There have been no applications submitted. The deadline has been moved to May 15, 2011.

Chairman Small asked if there were any fund raiser events planned to raise money for the Candidate for National Commander, Jimmy Koutz. The Committee reported a couple of Districts were working on some events and the 8th District has held two, with more to follow.

Chairman Small asked the Chairmen and all in attendance if they knew what protocol to follow if there are problems with a chapter? He then stated that any issues that arise should be reported to the Chapter Director and the Post Commander. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, then bring in the ALR District Chairman to help. Next take the issue to the State Director of the ALR and if needed it can be taken to Department Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley, who is the liaison.

Chairman Small read a letter from Robbie Robinson asking for help with the Homeless Veterans. He asked all in attendance to set up a program at their District level to help our homeless veterans in your area.

The Committee will meet again at the Fall Conference. There will be no meeting at the Department Convention in July. Chairman Small reminded everyone of the $15.00 registration fee for the convention and urged all to register.

Chairman Mullet asked for all Past Directors to stand during the State Chapter meeting and be recognized so that the new chapters know who they are.

Chairman Ralph Hand reported that they are having by-monthly meetings.

Chairman Bob Schnell reported that they have one chapter being reinstated and doing well. They have one more chapter being started.

The Bylaws Committee is coming along. The changes will be presented at the Chapter Meeting at 1:00 today.

There was some discussion regarding the 9/11 Event being a huge undertaking. It was reported that they have a good support team from other organizations as well.

Chairman Hand made a

motion to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Noble seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

There were no requests for Department Funds and with no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Community Involvement

There was some discussion regarding scrapbooks. The deadline for submittals is by Close of Books, June 12, 2011.

Vice Chairman French talked about the Easter Egg Hunt and the cleaning being done around Town. Some discussion followed.

Post 31 has a civil war reenactment every year. There was some discussion regarding Pinewood Derby, for all age groups. Fishing tournaments and working with Boy Scouts.

Mrs. Susie Brinson reported that the Auxiliary works with deployed troops. Unit 22 is folding pocket flags for the troops. One day each month they collect items for the USO and the local Girl Scouts help.

Post 94 led a brief discussion regarding holsters for Military Police.

There were no requests for Department Funds. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Convention Contest

Roll call disclosed the following members absent: 1st District Chairman Harvey Minas, 3rd District Chairman Daniel Lee and 8th District Chairman Chad Woodburn. There was some discussion regarding the National Spring Meetings, May 1st and 2nd.

A motion was made to have the military class, not post and retrieve class winner be the National Commander color guard from now on. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. There were no requests for Department Funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Firefighter/Law & Order

A motion was made to accept the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference as read. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

There was some discussion regarding the Firefighter binders may be turned in with only 18 pages, to model the National program. Chairman Ritenour asked the Committee about the EMS program, regarding there being a National Awards program. He stated that the Committee needs to work on this as they did the Firefighter program. There was some discussion regarding the notebooks. The due dates for the binders are due at Department by June 1, not at Close of Books as was originally announced. No requests for Department funds were made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 10:55 a.m.

Membership

The minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference were read. A motion was made to approve as read. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

8th District Commander Mike Brady was presented with the Indy 500 gift award for his District’s excellence in membership. The Lamplighter Award was presented to Commander Brady as well.

Chairman Cook read the figures for the Spring Confer-

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Internal Affairs Commission

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ence turn in. Chairman Cook stated that success in membership is still possible. He stated as we look now, we will end at about 96 percent. He discussed how each member could sign up one new member to reach our Department and National goals. He stressed how we need to submit cards now and not wait for the last meetings.

Chairman Cook invited Department Commander Baxter to address all in attendance. Commander Baxter discussed getting the posts to do the work that needs to be done. He discussed how retention is our main problem. An open discussion followed.

8th District Commander mike Brady presented Commander Baxter with a small gift.

Chairman Cook discussed sending out a list to each District Commander involving eligible veterans in the Veterans Home. There was a brief discussion regarding the May turn in. He mentioned that cards may be Fed-Ex’d or hand delivered. Chairman Cook opened the floor to questions and updates. Districts reported on upcoming events and drive-arounds.

Department assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley addressed the Committee. He presented the question about starting new posts and stressed how important it is for us to be opening new posts for the younger veterans.

Executive Section Ron Taylor made a suggestion about “selling” memberships will work.

Mr. Dagley suggested that the committee reduce the post charter requirements from 15 to 10. A gentleman from Indiana State University stood up and stated that reducing the number to 10 would be very helpful, to enable them to start a post on campus. Mr. Dagley mentioned that the “below the radar” posts would be harder to get taken care of, program wise.

Mr. Dagley opened the floor to the Department Vice Commander’s. Executive Section Skip Nunweiler reported that it depends on membership whether a post grows or not. Executive Section Dug Fugitt reported the hard economic times as being the cause of much of our

downfall. Executive Section Tony Sadowski reported that the reduction may not help that much. Executive Section Ron Taylor reported that the new posts would need to have common ideas in order to function. He does think that the smaller posts would help.

A motion was made by 1st District Commander Rassbach to reduce the post charter applicants to 10. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

A resolution will be written and read at Department at Convention. The resolution will change the requirements in the Department Constitution and by-laws. Adding a “grandfather clause” may be helpful. 5th District Commander Jerry Stevens suggested applying for one in existence posts, should all be included. Amendment to strike the “grandfather clause” from the motion. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The resolution will read: Allow posts applying for or retaining a charter to operate at a 10 member level.

Chairman Cook mentioned that he has been approved for funding for an active veteran survey.

There were no requests made for Department funds. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

New Post Development/ Revitalization

Chairman Hoffman asked the Committee Chairman for their District reports.

1st District: Post 214 will present a resolution to close the Post and transfer all members to nearby posts. Post 16 has sold their building and will maintain their charter while they look for a new building.

2nd District: reported all of 2nd District is doing well.

3rd District: Post 50 is in trouble and Department Membership Chairman Jack Cook is assisting them.

4th District: Post 82 has closed the Post building and is now holding their meetings at the Army/Navy club. They want to hold onto their charter while they work to revitalize their Post.

5th District: No report

6th District: Post 340 is now doing well and has increased their membership by

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Americanism Commission

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out informational packets to the Committee on the 11 missing veterans who were repatriated after 70 years of being MIA.

Chairman Bubala informed the Committee of the run for the wall, coming May 24 in Corydon, IN. Chairman Bubala briefly discussed the history of the run and how it got started.

A round table discussion was held in which each District Chairman explained some of the activities happening in their districts.

There were no motions made.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

SAL Advisory Committee

Chairman Horvath asked the Committee for an update on the nine Squadrons that were at 0% membership. Damon Bradtmueller reported that five of the nine Squadrons are no longer at 0%. A Motion was made and approved for Department to send letters to the remaining four Squadrons.

Chairman Horvath pre-

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330 percent.

7th District: Brazil Post 2 has lost their building but continues to meet at the VFW Post in Brazil. Re-organization meetings have taken place with the help of the SAL, Auxiliary and the Legion Riders. The Post will maintain their charter and look for a new building.

8th District: Post 463 is now doing well and trying to get an s Auxiliary charter.

Post 123, Commander Karen Edwards discussed the progress of the Post and their work recruiting new members. She requested 200 percent to help with this promotion. Her request was handled personally by Commission Chairman Ed Trice.

The hotel fire alarm disrupted the meeting and room was cleared. Meeting resumed after the all clear was given.

9th District: Resolutions to be presented to close Posts 473 and 352.

10th District: Greenfield Post119 now doing well and getting back on their feet.

11th District: Post 56 and Post 3 are now doing well with Post 3 spending money to improve their Post building.

There was some discussion led by Chairman Sharber and Mr. Jim May regarding the good of The Legion and ways to improve membership.

There were no motions made. There were no requests for Department Funds made.

Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Public Relations

Chairman Carroll read a resolution to the committee

regarding a new media category for the Wayne Talbert award. A motion was made to submit the resolution. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The judging for the Public Relations Awards will be June 11, 2011 at Department Headquarters. Judges will be as follows; Executive Section Ron Hanger, Executive Section and 11th District Chairman Steve Barnett, Executive Section Ron Taylor, 1st District Chairman Patrick O’Donnell and 5th District Chairman Jerry Stoner.

There was some discussion on the matter of The American Legion to advertise on Facebook. A motion was made to advertise via Facebook. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Executive Section Hugh Dagley spoke to the committee briefly.

There were no requests for Department funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting adjourned in proper form.

Religious Emphasis

A motion was made to bypass the reading of the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Chairman Nalewski made a presentation to Chaplin Keirn.

Chairman Keirn spoke on the importance of welcoming our service personnel home. He thanked all those who took part in the “Assembly Memorial Service.” Adjournment

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned in proper form.

Rehabilitation Commission

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ous account representatives.

1st District reports that the Crown Point Outpatient Clinic is opening a new facility in July of August 2011. One quarter of the new facility will be dedicated to women veteran services. Post Commander Newman visited Himes Hospital and they could not locate the golf cart that had been donated by the Legion.

4th District reports the new replacement representative has more money to spend in the budget.

Hope For The Future

Children & Youth Commission

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sented the Committee with a resolution for Dwayne Alliss for Detachment Northern Vice Commander. It was made a matter of record.

Chairman Horvath announced that there are two new Squadrons in the Detachment of Indiana, which makes that a total of 282 Squadrons in the state of Indiana.

Chairman Horvath announced the following important dates: SAL campout will be at Post 261 in Cedar Lake on June 24-26; IVH SAL Bingo will be held October 8, 2011, December 10, 2011, and February 2, 2012; Detachment convention in July will be a joint convention with the Legion and Auxiliary.

A motion was made and carried to request that the $2,000.00 line-item dealing with Knightstown Home Day be returned to the budget to cover the expenses of The Legion Family Fall Festival, which will be held at Post 64.

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

Adjournment

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

5th District reports spending funds on bringing patients from the VA to the AMVETS post for a meal. The American Legion post does not have a kitchen. The patients and families are very appreciative of this service.

9th District reports Lawrenceburg VA Outpatient Clinic buying gift certificates for distribution to needy clients. Cincinnati Hospital is hosting an entertainment night and serving fried chicken with soft drinks.

Homeless Veterans

Vice President of the Auxiliary, Nancy Gunning spoke about Buddy Baskets. These are laundry baskets or waste baskets with home accessories like household cleaning items, light bulbs, etc. in them. They also each contain a key chain for the veteran to put his or her new key on. These are given to welcome homeless veterans to their new homes. Motion made and approved to donate $1,000 to the Richard Quattrin homeless veterans fund. Motion made and approved to donate $1,000 to the HVAF Veterans Stand Down. HVAF has new apartment about to open on North Pennsylvania Street. There are about 50 beds in the facility. They are collecting bedroom items like light bulbs, pillows, etc.

Indiana Veterans Home Motion made and approved to purchase 3 lifts at a total cost of $9,846.00.

IVH Superintendent, Antonio Stewart spoke about the home. There are currently 272 residents at the home. They are working hard to reduce cost, eliminate waist, and provide continuous improvement in the manor of care given to the patients.

The Indiana Veterans Home now has a Facebook page. On April 1, 2011, the home became an alcohol free facility. Some of the younger residents at the home are interested in establishing a Legion Post at the Home. Superintendent Stewart thanked the Legion family for all they do for the IVH.

Auxiliary Chairwoman Bonnie Fox reported on a resident who turned his life around because of Bonnie and the IVH. She also announced her retirement after 12 years of volunteering. Post 72 gave Bonnie a special gift for all she has done during her years of volunteering. The IVH Health Fair will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Dennis Pettit reported that the tub purchased has arrived at the home. A donation of $500 was received from Post 111, Bluffton.

Nursing Home

Hand outs were passed out showing the Nursing Home funds allocated and the amount spent from each District. Several Districts have not spent any of their funds to date. These Districts include the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 10th, and 11th. The remainder of the funds allocated, need to be used by the end of July. The 9th District reported on how they purchased items and used donated items to make packets to hand out at the nursing homes in their District. There were no motions made or funds requested.

Adjournment

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

meetings were reported to Jim Phipps. Delegate applications are available on the website, www.hoosierboysstate.org. Chairmen were reminded to ensure a physical is attached to the application or the physician’s portion is completed on the application. The delegate handbook is posted online and should be copied by each delegate prior to their arrival at Trine University. Deadlines for submission of completed applications can be extended. Only 65 delegates were registered prior to the Spring Conference. Each district reported on recruiting efforts in their area. Next year will be the 75th anniversary of the Hoosier Boys State program. Director Bowman would like to mark the occasion with an alumni celebration and possible golf outing. Director of Communications Jim Phipps reported on activities and updates on the website.

Children & Youth Committee

Minutes were read and approved. Chairman Sharber reminded the Committee Educator of the Year scrapbooks must be received in the department office by June 1, 2011. Pam Short introduced herself as the Auxiliary Children & Youth Chairperson.

Flag Education/ Etiquette Committee

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. A Motion was made, seconded, and approved for a resolution to change the Flag Education program dates from February to November. The Committee judged nineteen district submissions for state winners as the 11th did not submit winners and one boy did not have a perfect score. Adam Lyness and Andria Pataky were selected as the state winners. Adam attends North Dearborn Elementary and was sponsored by Post 464 in the 9th District. Andria attends Wanatah Elementary and was sponsored by Post 403 in the 3rd District. The Committee would like to contact home schooled students to inform them of this program.

Girl Scouts Committee

Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Each district reported on possible candidates for the Girl Scout Gold Award; 1st has 2 girls with Gold Award only 1 with religious award, 6th is having difficulty finding a girl with the religious award. Possible candidates are 1012 grade high school girls. Chairman Galich is writing a resolution for Girl Scouts to National. The Committee discussed the consolidation of councils and the possibility of submitting candidates to the state to distribute to the districts. The application

for 2012 will specify candidates must be Indiana residents and U.S. citizens. Russ Chorpenning donated $100 to the committee. Alescia Johnson from Post 430 in the 11th District donated $20.

Junior Shooting Sports Committee Minutes were read and approved. The Committee expressed interest in an advanced coaches training. Thirteen people are registered to attend the preliminary coaches’ clinic conducted by a member of the National Rifle Association April 8-10 at the Marriott East. Chairman Jewell and the Americanism Coordinator will contact Bill Jordan to coordinate the fall state tournament at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. The 4th District has three posts with air rifle clubs. Chesterton is building a club and Liberty is progressing with their program. The Committee discussed seeking funding for post programs from county foundations, Friends of the NRA, NRA, Safari International, and REMC.

Oratorical Committee Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Chairman Seto and Commission Chairman Dick Jewell acknowledged the state contest workers by taking a group picture and distributing certificates of appreciation. The 2012 state contest will be March 11. The National Contest will be April 15-17, 2011 and April 13-15, 2012 at IUPUI. The state champion, Rebecca Frazer, is homeschooled in Morgantown and sponsored by post 230 in the 7th district. She is 15 years old. The four state finalists were female students, three sophomores and one senior. The Department rules and registration form was reviewed and discussed with no changes to be made.

Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley suggested public relation, media, and internet ideas to the Committee. A subcommittee consisting of Chairman Rich Seto, Chairman Emeritus Fred Langley, Vice Chairman Jim Hewitt, 2nd District Chairman Jeff Brooks, and 4th District Chairman Allen Connelly will outline and revise public relations, release letters, web page information, and marketing.

American Legion decal stickers were distributed along with School Award certificates to all chairmen. The Committee discussed recognizing a senior boy and girl with a medallion and certificate as part of the School Award program.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was closed in proper manner.

These five youngsters, all distinguished guests of the Joint Spring Conference, were introduced from the platform in recognition of their winning participation in the 2011 Americanism and Government Competition. They are Taylor Mansinne, sponsored by Post 48; Megan McVicker, sponsored by Post 66; Justin Miller, sponsored by Post 202; Riley Morris, sponsored by Post 112; and Kyle Wasserrott, sponsored by Post 261. Kaley Bean, sponsored by Post 60, was unable to attend.

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John rassbach commander

Greetings from the 1st. District. My how the time has gone by. It seems like only yesterday that we were on the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage to Springfield, IL. What a wonderful time we had. I am sure the 1st District Membership Chairman will never forget it.

All of our chairman for Legion programs report their programs are on track. Forms have been filled out, tests taken and speeches given. Young men and women are in place for academic awards and young men are waiting for Boys State to begin. The men and woman who keep us safe and teach our children are being selected. This is what we are about. This is who we are. May God bless all who participate and all who work so very hard to make our programs a success.

Our membership team has been working very hard. We have been visiting Posts and giving advice and encouragement, but I must admit there are times that you want to bang your head against the wall. Nothing seems to go right. Then something happens to make your day. This is what happened to Vice Commander Noreen Komasinski and me.

We paid a visit to Post 428 a few weeks ago and talked to Adjutant Joe Zembela. Joe welcomed us with open arms. He stated the Post has a membership of under 100, explained how the neighborhood has changed and members have passed or moved away. It would be so easy to give up but he explained how the Post works so hard to stay open, bingo three times a week and hall rentals. How they are working on new members. All of this is being done by a few dedicated Legionnaires. Vice Commander Noreen and I offered our help along with the Departments on membership. We know that they will do their best. The 1st District visits

Hines Hospital every month.

A big thank you and a job well done goes to John Balczo, Chairman and Barb Sales from the Auxiliary. What a thrilling experience it is to see the looks on the Veterans faces when we hand them care packages and goodies and say “Thank you for your service to our Country.” The veterans don’t know it, but they give us a bigger lift then we give them. We made our annual visit to IVH in March. We handed out fruit and care packages to the residents. As usual, Al Pulido did a fine job organizing this event. Again, what a thrill it was to see the looks on veterans faces as we show them that they are not forgotten. After the visit, we greeted the residents that could make it, at Post 492 for fellowship, dinner and entertainment.

A special thank you to Post Commander Van Deventer and my friends Denny and Marcie Pettit for making us feel at home.

I am sure everyone got their fill of corn beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. Most of the Posts in the 1st celebrated this day with dinners and cheer! My wife Patti and I went to Post 80. Our hats go off to the cooks and the Post for offering such a good meal for us and the Community.

I would like to congratulate this year’s winner of the Department Oratorical Contest, Rebecca Frazer. After listening to her and the other contestants I know that this Country will be in good hands. Our POW-MIA Chairman Marty Dzieglowicz and I presented the St. John Town Council with a Certificate of Appreciation for flying the POW-MIA flag at the town hall. It is a way of saying thank you for remembering and caring.

In closing, May God Bless You, Our Country and May God Bless Our Troops.

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Dennis Pettit commander

Well, here we are in the race to the finish for membership. Our goal is to be at 100 percent by Spring Conference. We currently are at 90.55 percent. The Green Machine had a drive around a week before conference and collected 134 cards. We need to still continue knocking on doors to reach our goal. Thank you to Larry Macy and the Green Machine for all of your hard work this year!

I have attended a few Legion birthdays and it sure is nice to see the enthusiasm still there. This gives everyone a chance to reflect on why we are here: veterans serving veterans and their families. I also got to see firsthand posts conducting their Legion programs. If we are to stay successful as a whole this is where we need to con-

Continued from column 2

The 4th District officers were all over the northeast corner of the state. Our Post’s put on some very nice birthday programs accompanied by some great meals. I was pleased to see how the community was involved with the celebrations. Fund raisers for Boy’s State, awards for local Firefighters and law officers and the children youth awards. These programs get The American Legion noticed and just maybe help pick up a couple new members.

Membership this time of year is tough! Reinstatement can only be done by contacting those veterans one on one. The 4th District is still out there working and I can’t say enough about the success we have had so far. I’ve been handing out the “Bravo

Zulu” awards at every District meeting and really enjoy presenting the 100 percent ribbons and the 100 percent cap from Commander Baxter. Our 100 percent Posts are not stopping; they are still signing up members and I have commitments from other Posts on that 100 percent goal. Keep up the good work and we will keep the 4th District up there where we belong!

Three-fourths of The American Legion year is over, spring conference and a couple District meetings and it’s time for close of books. It has been an interesting and enjoyable nine months and has also been a very quick nine months. We still have work to do and we have the right people taking care of the 4th District.

Keep up the good work!!

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Jerry stevens commander

No column submitted.

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mike Patrick commander

Finally! The golf courses are open … if I only had time to go to one.

The Spring Conference was a great success. My thanks to our Post 346 SAL Commander, Hobie Roberts, and our Unit 346 President, Jeannie Gravil-Roberts, Past Southern Vice Commander Charlie Gross and Past District President Linda Gross for their help with the hospitality room, although they were by no means the only ones who helped. And special thanks to my wife, Wee (who needed, and deserves, a vacation after the conference). The donations by several posts to the hospitality room were greatly appreciated. Hope to see you at the Department Convention in July.

Congratulations to Miss Megan Grable, sponsored by Noblesville Post 45, winner of the Zone 3 oratorical competition. She was runner up in the sate competition. Megan is an outstanding talented young lady.

The above programs are great examples of posts supporting Legion programs and are just a few of the programs that The American Legion is really about. Unfortunately we sometimes get so wrapped up in dealing with clubroom issues that we don’t do as much as we could to support the real objectives of The American Legion which are support for the veterans, the community, and children & youth. You should keep this in mind when voting for post officers.

At this writing we have nine posts in the district that are at 100 percent membership. Terre Haute 340, Advance 201, Thorntown 218, West Terre Haute 501, Clinton 140, Terre Haute 346, Jamestown 395, Waynetown 445, and Cayuga 263. My home post, Wayne Newton 346, is 100 percent for the Legion, Auxiliary and for the SAL.

Continued from column 4

can Legion Birthday. I give every pPost an ‘Atta Boy.’

Now for news from around the District. In February Jim Arnold, 1st Vice Commander of Post 18, met with Hartmann Industries and later was notified that a donation of 24 cases of Adult Undergarments was made to Post 18. Jimmy May and 2nd Vice Larry Taillon delivered them to Indiana Veterans Home. A big thank you goes out to Hartmann Industries.

Monday March 14 Post 18 celebrated the 92nd American Legion Birthday with a dinner. Past District Commander Mike Brinson stood in for Department Commander Baxter, who fell ill. We are praying for his full recovery. After dinner the post announced the Legionnaires of the Year. Recipients this year were Louis Slessinger and Richard Speiglor. The post thanked them for their outstanding service to Post 18.

Linton Auxiliary Unit 22

sent $650 worth of clothes up to IVH via Jimmy May. Post 139 also sent clothes up to IVH. Linton Post 22 had a very nice 92nd Birthday Dinner on the 17. Rebecca Frazer from Martinsville was named State Champion in Oratorical contest. She was sponsored by Martinsville Post 230. That is all the Post news I have at this time.

By the time you read this article the Spring Conference will be behind us, but I want to thank all the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, and the Legion Riders who help with the Hospitality Room to make it the best. Again thanks. As you are all aware a lot of people are going thru some tough times, let's keep our fellow comrades in our thoughts and if possible help them out. Also let's keep our struggling Post in mind and if you or your Post can help please do so. And now as I close I want to say I am very proud to be District Commander of District 7.

8

Greetings from the Eighth District.

Commander Mike and the entire Membership team wants to congratulate all those Posts who have reached that magic 100 percent. Tennyson 463, Santa Claus 242, Marengo 84, Corydon 123, Dale 444, Sellersburg 204, Evansville 187, Alton 133, Jasper 147, Cannelton 142, Henryville 105, Floyds Knobs 42 and Boonville 200. This is a first for some of you in a long time. Just remember how great it feels and keep it going. There are just nine Posts who need less than 10 members to reach that 100 percent. There is still time to do it!!

When the Spring Conference was over on Sunday April 4 the District was at 93.08 percent and needs just 326 members to get to that 100 percent. Let’s all help work those unpaid members in our Post and make this a successful year for the Eighth District and all the Posts in it.

Renschler had a central role in the detention of 50 suspected pirates, the seizure of a large weapons and explosive cache, and the liberation of five Yemeni hostages. Lt. Renschler was also cited for his leadership while heading a task force assigned to identify, track and board the most advanced narco-terrorist means of transport in the history of the war on drugs—the self-propelled fully submersible drug sub.

Lt. Renschler received his award form Admiral Mike Mullen Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lt. Renschler is the grandson of Don Renschler also a member of Owen Dunn Post 5.

Greeting’s

tinue and keep up the good work.

Don’t forget to get your cards in order for Close of Books June 12. If anyone has any questions please contact me or Larry Macy. After you turn in your cards, take that opportunity to visit the residents at Indiana Veterans Home.

Just to let everyone know, I will be having my homecoming on Saturday June 11th so if you are planning on coming to COB anyway, you are more than welcome to come to post 492 for all of the festivities. There will be a beer tent, food tent, camping is available, Russ Chandler will be performing from 3-7 pm with Down Time playing from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. There will be a shuttle provided. Too much fun!

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Orville Kling commander

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nick nicholoff commander

north.

The America Legion birthday, makes the month of March a very busy month.

Also congratulations to the two District 6 winners of the Flag Etiquette testing competition. Lane Shamp of Pine Village Elementary was sponsored by Attica Post 52 and Lisa Hess of Cloverdale Elementary was sponsored by Cloverdale Post 281. Young people like these give us hope for the future.

We are only weeks away from the start of the American Legion Baseball season. District 6 has teams from Crawfordsville Post 72, St. Bernice Post 108, and of course, last year’s Great Lakes Regional runner-up, my home post in Terre Haute, Wayne Newton 346.

If you like baseball you will enjoy watching these teams. They are groups of very talented young men.

On a sad note, Post 346 lost George Smith, a five-time Past Post Commander and a Past District 6 Sgt-at-Arms, in January. A few weeks later we lost his wife, Margo Smith, who was a past Unit President.

We are down to the wire on 2011 membership and several posts are within a handful of cards of making 100 percent. As I mentioned in the last article, it takes personal phone calls and visits to get renewals, and there are a lot of un-renewed members out there. At the end of the Spring Conference we were in third place with the Sevenths District only one card behind us. We all know people who are eligible but who’ve not joined. Ask them.

Also, members who have not renewed have only until June 12th to renew and keep their continuous years.

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Bill andrews commander

Greetings from the Fabulous Fighting Seventh.

A big heartfelt thanks goes out to all the 7th District for all your efforts on membership, keep up the good work. With us all working together we will reach our goal. We are moving right along.

I would like to congratulate all the Posts that have made 100 percent. They are: Worthington 106, Owensville 51, Mooresville 103, Shelburn 197, Edinburg 233, Odon 293,

Trafalgar 416, Somerville 462, and Lyons 479. We have several Posts getting close; way to go membership team!

I want to thank all the posts in the district for the hospitality you have shown me as I traveled around this year. You have made me feel very welcome. In the month of March I had a lot of great food and have seen a lot of good programs during the celebration of our 92” Ameri-

Some news from the District: Lt. Aaron Renschler, Coast Guard Officer and a member of Mt. Vernon Post 5, has been awarded the 2010 “National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict Award.” This award was for his actions in support of the counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden.

Over a five-month deployment as the officer-in-charge of a law enforcement detachment aboard the USS San Jacinto and USS Farragut, Lt.

The last three meetings of the 2010-2011 membership year will be on Sunday April 17, 2011 at Tell City Post 213, Saturday May 21, 2011 at Department Commander Baxter’s home Post, Sellersburg Post 204 and the last will be at Elberfeld Post 351 on Sunday, June 5. The meeting on Saturday May 21 will be our Post Everlasting and the meeting on Sunday June 5 of June will be the election of delegates and the election of the Commander of the Eighth District of the year 2011-2012. These are very important meetings and should be well attended. The State of Indiana Convention will be held at the Marriott East in Indianapolis from July 15, 2011 thru July 16, 2011. Looking forward to seeing many members from the Eighth at these last few meetings and gatherings.

Market Research

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if such research is going to be undertaken, it should be undertaken by a competent, professional marketing research organization.

The first focus groups will be conducted in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, and will be followed up by similar sessions in other parts of the state. The use of diverse locations is designed to avoid generalities based on circumstances and characteristics unique to a location.

Included in the information to be gathered from the focus groups is

• Values held by this group

• Their inclination to continue to serve their country in a veteran’s organization

• The social needs of this group that a veterans organization might provide

• The interest level of being an active member in an veterans organization

• Activities that appeal to this group

• Where and how they spend their free time

• Degree of interest in keeping in contact with other veterans and how

• Awareness of The American Legion to the group

• Awareness level of the different activities of The American Legion

• Reasons for not already having joined The American Legion

• Their feeling and preconceptions toward The American Legion

• Their awareness level of other veteran organization

• The appeal of other veteran organizations, if any, and why

• Extent of membership in other community organizations and why

• Contrasting needs based on urban, suburban and rural residence

• The unique needs of subsets of the group; i.e. women, Hispanic, etc.

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mike Brady commander

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sam moore commander

Greetings to the Ninth District and congratulations to Campbellsburg, West Baden and St. Leon posts in attaining 100 percent of goal this year.

A special thanks to the St. Leon post for their donation to the National Commander’s Campaign fund. All year we in the district have donated money to the National Commander’s Campaign fund as well as to the Department Commander’s project, should anyone or any post like to help, please contact someone in the district with your donations.

As I reflect back, sometimes all too much I believe we either don’t or just forget to say something good to others or to even show them a little praise, or simply say thank you. It seems to me that we in The American Legion over the years have strived to see to it that all veterans are treated equally and given the care they so much deserve, and for this we in re-

turn ask for very little if anything at all. I believe that we often overlook the people that have tried so hard in their volunteer work to help us so much. Volunteers are what make this organization so great and in being so few in ranks we do so much for so many, and I would like to say thank you all so very much for all you have done with all your volunteer work over all the years. There are those that have never walked in your shoes during a war time era, and may not truly understand what you had to sacrifice, and yet they sometimes feel for this they owe you nothing. I have come to see over the past year that The American Legion is an organization that in helping veterans, it also tries to educate children and to help veteran’s families everywhere. As I said before, we as people forget to simply say ‘Thanks!’

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David espich commander

Greetings to all. I would like to start off with many thanks to all the officers, their spouses and SAL members for their help. Being a District Commander is a full time job and it takes team work to make all the connections. So thanks again.

While I’m passing out thanks, one goes to Morristown Post 102, for doing the Spring Conference Hospitality room. Everyone did a great job.

Congratulations go to the posts in my district for achieving 100% this year. I hope they all make it happen. We're having a Drive Around to collect membership cards, April 30, starting

at Fortville Post 391,10:00 A.M. Shelbyville Post 70 is having a Monte Carlo Night, April 30, Dublin Post 338 will have a Spaghetti Dinner April 29 starting at 4:00 p.m, and Rushville Post 150 will have an open house May 14. New Palestine Post 182 is having a Horseshoe Tournament June 25. Registration starts at 12 noon and the tournament starts at 1:00 p.m. With Memorial Day around the corner be sure to place a flag on a veterans' grave. I encourage all members to sign up a new member this year and next. Pray for men and women serving our country, bless them all.

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mark Gullion commander

Welcome from the Friendly Eleventh District. Spring has arrived and the flowers are blooming, but it sure is cold.

Remembering Memorial Day

PDC Lowell W. Sullivan

Continued from page 1

Speaking of being cold, our membership is beyond cold. We have gone up and down in the standings the last several weeks. Again I am asking for everyone to help out with our membership efforts. Indianapolis has the largest population of veterans to draw from, yet we have the 10th lowest goal for membership in the Department. Can you recruit a new member for us, soon?

6 but had to be canceled due to the inclement weather. Chaplin Harris has conducted this service for the last 13 years and again did a very outstanding service.

With the approach of Memorial Day 2011, a quick look back reminds Legionnaires of the duty and responsibility each has to remember and honor those who served. Here, New Indianapolis Post 4 members, SAL, Auxiliary and three non-member volunteers place small American flags at gravesites of veterans in Indianapolis’ Concordia Cemetery on Memorial Day 2010. They are, (top, from the left) John Goss, volunteer; Bill Johnson, Post Adjutant; Byron Sonday, Post Finance Officer; Patrick Fuller, volunteer; Liz Rehfus, Unit 4; Zack Clark, Squadron 4 member and grandson of John & Liz Rehfus; John Rehfus, Legionnaire and SAL Judge Advocate; Rik Fuller, volunteer; and Joseph Fuller, SAL Squadron 4 Commander. Above Left, Liz Rehfus and grandson Zack place a flag, as Adjutant Bill Johnson does the same, above.

Continued from column 4 available at his Post, including multiple terms as Commander. He also served in a variety of leadership positions in his District, the Department of Indiana, and the National Organization.

Sullivan retired from the United States Postal Service upon his election to the high office of Department Commander. He served as an infantryman in the United States Army in Vietnam, and was discharged from the Army after sustaining serious wounds and recuperating in hospitals in Vietnam, Japan and the United States.

A highlight of Commander Sullivan’s year in office was being selected to lead the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance from the stage during former President George W. Bush’s 2003 visit to Indiana. Following his introduction, the President paused to speak privately with the Commander before beginning his address.

In keeping with his longstanding interest in the welfare of all of Indiana’s veterans, Commander Sullivan’s special project for his membership year was a successful statewide drive to fund the purchase and conversion of a new handicap accessible van for the Indiana Veterans Home at Lafayette. The van was displayed to conferees during the 2003 Spring Conference in Indianapolis and subsequently presented to IVH officials in ceremonies at the facility.

A lifelong resident of Vevay and an active civic leader in the community, the commander was memorialized in services attended by hundreds of his local and Legion admirers, services conducted in the old High School gymnasium where he had thrilled many of those attending his services as a high school basketball star.

Commander Sullivan is survived by his wife, Rita, three sons and many grandchildren.

Emergency Financial Aid Program

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debt, insurance premiums, or taxes. Under provisions established for grant eligibility, grant applicants must furnish evidence of honorary performance of duty in one of the uniformed services of the United States, at any place or any time. National Guard

and Reserve Force veterans are eligible upon presentation of evidence of active federal duty, without regard to duration of that service.

Applicants must also provide evidence of the legal relationship of the child to the natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian, and proof of the child’s residence in the veteran’s home.

Thanks goes out to Post 3, 34, 64 186,438 and 500 for sponsoring the 20 residents at the Indiana Veterans Home and making them members of The American Legion.

On March 6, 2011 Chaplin Edward L. Harris Jr. conducted the 11th District Four Chaplains Memorial Services at the Leo F. Welch Post 495. The service had originally been scheduled for February

SAL News

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great reporting this year to show everyone how well the Sons shine in Indiana!

We are getting down to the wire on this year’s membership. Overall we are doing well. Remember that the best way to build your membership is to retain your membership. We must do a better job of retaining our members. Take the opportunity to call, mail, email or visit those members that have failed to renew this year. Find out if they need help or assistance. If we have a strong membership program, all the other programs that we support will fall into place.

I look forward to seeing you at my Homecoming on May 7, 2011. Details are available on the website. And I want to thank everyone who has made this a wonderful and productive year.

On March 10 Joe Komenda was awarded an Honorary Life Membership at John H. Holliday, Jr. American Legion Post 186 in recognition of his many years of service to the post, 11th District, and the Department of Indiana. Joe currently serves his post as Adjutant and Finance Officer; he is also a Past Commander of Post 186. Additionally, Joe has served as Chairman of the 11th District’s Girl Scouts and Children and Youth Committees for many years.

The District is considering moving the regularly schedule district meetings to Sat-

Continued in column 5

Budget Panel

Continued from page 7

straight party line vote April 6. The budget package, however, doesn't mention any change to enrollment eligibility nor call for significant cuts to VA budgets. Violante said DAV wants to talk House committees out of taking any action to reduce VA enrollment.

CBO presented pros and cons for cancelling 7 and 8 enrollments. An advantage is VA could refocus services on "its traditional group of patients—those with the greatest needs or fewest financial resources."

It noted 90 percent of group 7 and 8 enrollees had other health care coverage, either Medicare or private insurance. So the "vast majority" cut loose would have ready access to other coverage. Those who don't could be eligible for health insurance exchanges to be set up in the future said CBO.

One disadvantage is that many veterans who have

urdays. So far nine Posts have agreed to host the meetings on Saturday beginning in August. Also beginning with the August meeting we are considering charging for the meal served at the District meetings. The meal will cost $5.00 for each person who eats. All meal money will go to the hosting Post to offset their cost. More information and a list of meeting dates will be published in the next

come to rely on VA for at least part of their medical care would see that care interrupted. The Obama administration and Congress actually had been moving in the opposite direction, to expand VA enrollment, until Republicans won the House. As Obama took office in 2009, VA announced that up to 266,000 veterans with no service-connected health conditions would be allowed to enroll in VA health care. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas) had fought successfully to add $350 million to the 2009 VA budget so income thresholds controlling priority 8 enrollments could be raised 10 percent.

Edwards lost his reelection bid last year. And new priority 8 enrollees haven't rushed to join the system as VA officials had expected.

Group 8 and 7 veterans using VA care pay $15 per outpatient visit and a little more for specialty care. Inpatient fees also are

Hoosier Legionnaire and announced at upcoming meetings if these proposals are approved.

The Spring Conference was a success with many good informational meeting being conducted. The main topic however was membership. Please help us and recruit a new member and remind your friends to renew their membership. Our origination needs your help in this endeavor.

modest. The most popular benefit for many enrollees is discounted prescription drugs. The co-pay usually is $8 for a 30-day supply.

Tim Tetz with American Legion said his organization and many veterans groups would strongly oppose tossing out group 7 and 8 veterans. He credits their enrollment since 1999 as helping to improve VA care.

"If as great of a health care system as we have, shouldn't we let all of our veterans have access to it, in some manner?" Tetz asked.

While deficit hawks weigh this issue, VA still is enrolling new group 8 veterans who fall below its income thresholds. Those without dependents and living outside high-cost areas, for example, must have income below a means test threshold of $32,342. More information on group 8 enrollment is online at www. va.gov/healtheligibility or call (877) 222-VETS (8387).

Tech High School Alumni Vets Sought For Centennial

Arsenal Technical High School Alumni Association in Indianapolis is looking for men and women who attended the eastside Indianapolis High School and also served in the Armed Forces.

Arsenal Technical High School, known as “Tech” to generations of its students, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary as a school from Sept. 2012 through June 2013. There will be year-long events planned to celebrate our 100th year as a school.

A memorial displaying the names and graduation years, if applicable, of each “Tech” veteran will be dedicated on Alumni Day, June 8, 2013.

The following information is requested from alumni veterans: Full name, graduation year, and branch of service. It is not necessary to have graduated from Arsenal Technical High School, but only to have atteneded, to be recognized on the Memorial. Donations to assist in the funding of the memorial will be appreciated, but are not required in order to be listed on the memorial.

Please contact Wanda Harris at jwharris1@juno.com, or call 317-839-1656 to register veterans information and/or for additional information.

National Launches New Program Department To Try Online Renewal

The Department of Indiana has agreed to participate in a new on-line program sponsored by the National Organization and designed to encourage earlier renewals and make it easier and quicker for members to renew their memberships.

The decision to participate came following a series of discussions and meetings to determine the effect of the program on Hoosier Legionnaires and the Department.

Beginning July 1, 2011, American Legion members will be to renew their membership online through mylegion.org. According to Aubrey Real, Membership Manager for the Department of Indiana, “The member will sign in to mylegion.org using his/her member ID number as a sort of secure PIN number, and will pay the requested renewal fee – which

will be generated by the post data recorded for the post of which he or she is a member – by credit card only.

“Expired or invalid credit cards will be denied as in any other online transaction, and visible only to the member. If a card is declined, the renewal will not take place, and the member will have to re-enter another card number,” she said.

Once the member is renewed, the program requires the member to print off a receipt—a watermarked “temporary” membership card which must be presented to the post in exchange for the pre-printed membership card. The member’s record at the National Organization will be immediately updated upon the renewal acceptance, but presentation of the receipt at the post will be required for the post to up-

date its records, unless the post has access to the AIM system.

The presentation of the temporary card poses certain difficulties, according to the Membership Manager Real, but the staff of the National Organization has indicated that alternatives are being explored.

“Posts will be able to access members of their post that have paid online, through mylegion.org. The post records may be updated using mylegion.org in addition to the member bringing in the watermarked card. A listing of online renewed members will be sent out in each monthly mailing from Department,” she said.

Post will be reimbursed for their share of the dues amount in the form of credits. This means that the members renewing online

will be credited to the post in the same way that credit cards sent to Department by the Post are now. Posts will need to keep the cards of the online renewed members and mark them as such. The post will send the Department and National portions separately from other transmittals to avoid duplicate memberships. As a result, these cards will be accounted for, and the post will not be charged for them at the end of the membership year. For detailed information on renewing online, access the following links accordingly:

• Member Information Video: www.members.legion. org/legion/OnlineRenewals/ Members/index.html

• Post Information Video: www.members.legion.org/ legion/OnlineRenewals/ Posts/index.html

Spring Conference

Continued from page 1

Those 28 accounted for $128 million in new veterans benefits payments in Indiana, each attaining at least $1 million for their respective counties. The achievement earned them a place in the Veterans Benefits Million Dollar Club.

A pair of special presentations put the faces of real people onto the concerns of The American Legion.

Approximately 35 war-time posters, similar to these, from the historic collection housed at The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis, have been loaned to the Indiana State Museum as part of the museum’s temporary exhibit, “Art of A Nation.” The posters, along with others from the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library and the State Museum’s own collection, will remain on display through July 24, 2011.

Legion War Posters Are Centerpiece Of Indiana State Museum Exhibition

Approximately 35 pieces from The American Legion’s war-poster collection have been loaned to the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis for a temporary exhibit.

“Art for the Nation” focuses on the use of posters to mobilize Americans to support the war effort during the two world wars. According to Katherine Gould, associate curator of cultural history and the exhibit’s creator, 96 posters are displayed, divided almost evenly between the Legion’s collection, the collection of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library and the museum’s own collection.

Gould contacted the Legion last June, after finding the online catalog of the poster collection and being impressed by its breadth. Largely shepherded into ex-

istence by former American Legion Library head Verna B. Grimm, the 3,000-plus collection was gathered from a number of different sources, including private parties and the American Library Service, and is mainly housed at National Headquarters in downtown Indianapolis.

“Because all of the posters cannot be displayed at National Headquarters, we were pleased with the opportunity to have some of them included as part of the exhibit,” Legion Library & Museum Director Howard Trace said. “We hope these posters serve as a reminder that everyone—not just our servicemembers—is part of the war effort.”

Gould seeks primarily to address students, especially school groups and Scouts, with the exhibit. The post-

ers are grouped to illustrate five major themes: general appeals, recruitment, mobilization, food conservation, and targeted outreach to women and minorities (such as blacks and recent immigrants). The presentation is very simple, to let the art of the posters speak the loudest.

Given the “on-the-go” nature of the medium, Gould says, these posters “had to convey a very complicated message in a very simple way.” That way was largely the use of arresting imagery, “playing on different emotions” both positive (such as patriotism) and negative (such as anger).

The message, howeve— to support the war effort, at whatever cost—was constant. She describes the whole as not so much an art

exhibit as “documented artifacts that just happen to be really cool”—the crossroads of politics and art, and of patriotism and propaganda. Popular wartime songs and video clips from the Veterans History Project provide ambience.

Gould would like for viewers to “look beyond images, to get to the history and information.” In a different time for the nation, without the Internet for anyone to look anything up at any time, war posters had to educate as well as inspire.

Today, Gould is not sure if a similar campaign focusing on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars would work as well. “There is more information today,” she says, “and more cynicism.”

“Art for the Nation” runs through July 24.

Aiming Higher

Thirteen students attended a rifle coach certification course conducted by National Rifle Association instructors at the Indianapolis Marriot East April 9-10. The course was designed to train coaches to increase post level participation in the Department’s Junior Shooting Sports Program. Participants, from the left, included Susan Long, program coordinator, Tom Frederick II, Ron Dunn, Jim Purvis, Tom Frederick, Doug Cope, Joe Fuller, Thad Frederick, Russ Gibson, Andrea Palafox, Joe Miller, Katie Deal, Wayne Marker, and Jim Sherrick. Miller and Marker conducted the training.

Heather Evans represented families of disabled veterans who faced the loss of the Remission of Fees benefit that they had counted on to help educate their children, and a National Guard Family addressed Legionnaires describing the cost and uncertainty they faced in seeking organ transplants for there children, until the Children’s Organ Transplant Association came along, partnering with The American Legion to assure that every child in need had his or her need met.

In other business, the Department Executive Committee acted on sixteen resolutions during its postconference meeting April 17. The resolutions and actions taken included:

• Resolutions made a matter of record:

11 S-l Endorsement resolution for James Hagler for the office of Southern Vice Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012;

11S-2 Endorsement resolution for Lawrence (Skip) Parmley for the office of 3rd District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012;

11S-3 Endorsement resolution for Charles F. Krumrine for the office of 4th District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012;

11S-4 Endorsement resolution for Canine Scott, Jr. for the office of 6th District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012;

11S- 5 Endorsement resolution for Donald Chapman for the office of 8th District Commander for the Legion year 2011-2012;

11S-6 Endorsement resolution for James J. Tracey for the office of 9th District Commander for the Legion year 2011 -2012;

11S-7 Resolution proposes to close American Legion Post 427 (6th District).

Resolution cites membership decline below minimum Constitution requirement to hold charter and describes efforts by the District to sustain or revitalize the Post. The resolution also describes the transfer of all remaining members to active Posts where applicable.

11S-8 Resolution proposes to close American Legion Post 401 (5th District).

Resolution cites member-

ship decline below minimum Constitution requirement to hold charter and describes efforts by the District to sustain or revitalize the Post. The resolution also describes the transfer of all remaining members to active Posts where applicable.

11S-9 Resolution proposes to close American Legion Post 352 (9th District). Resolution cites membership decline below minimum Constitution requirement to hold charter and describes efforts by the District to sustain or revitalize the Post. The resolution also describes the transfer of all remaining members to active Posts where applicable.

11S-l0 Resolution proposes to close American Legion Post 473 (9th District).

Resolution cites membership decline below minimum Constitution requirement to hold charter and describes efforts by the District to sustain or revitalize the Post. The resolution also describes the transfer of all remaining members to active Posts where applicable

11S-11 Resolution from Post 64 (11th District) proposes to change its name from Wayne Post to Kenneth N. Dowden Wayne Post 64.

Forwarded to the Americanism Department Convention Committee for the 2011 State Convention:

11S-12 Resolution from Post 72 (6th District) proposes that all American Legion Departments nationwide be encouraged to donate to the Friends of Ernie Pyle so that his memory and the lasting tribute in Dana, Indiana continue to teach Americans of his contributions to journalism and the American G.I.

• Forwarded to the Constitution and By-Laws Convention Committee for the 2011 State Convention 11S-13 Resolution from Post 11 (2nd District) proposes to change the Legion eligibility dates.

• Approved by the DEC:

11S-14 Resolution from the Department Finance Committee recommending that MetLife Home Loan Division be given permission to address Posts, Districts and individuals from both the Legion and the SAL for the purpose of explaining the advantages of reverse mortgages.

11S-15 Resolution from Post 18 (7th District) proposes that the Department fully endorse COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association).

11 S-16 Resolution from the Flag Education Committee recommending changing the testing period from the spring of the year to the fall.

Timely Filing, Accessible Records Improve Veterans’ Chances With Claims

The longer we wait to do what needs done, the more difficult those things become. Isn’t this true with most things in life? Students waiting for “the last minute” before starting on their homework or school projects cause themselves unnecessary frustration and lower grades. Athletes postponing practice just don’t seem to perform as well as those practicing regularly. Putting off auto maintenance can result in breakdowns. Delaying the start of your health and fitness program places additional unwanted pounds in the wrong places.

John Hickey Department Service Officer

This list could go on and on. The same theory holds true when filing veterans’ disability benefit claims. Veterans filing their VA disability claims immediately following active duty discharge normally have a better chance of receiving favorable decisions. In these cases, the service records are most always available;

the claimant’s memory of events, people, and service experiences are fresh; VA does not have to collect years of after service medical evidence; and the veteran has not yet suffered other after service (inter-current) injuries often complicating claim.

Consider this example: We are currently working a veteran’s claim for VA compensation benefits for a right knee condition. The veteran was discharged from active duty in 1985. His service records show he complained of right knee pain twice during service, but service

medical records fail to note a diagnosis.

In 2010, the veteran was diagnosed with having right knee arthritis. He believes the injury in service caused the development of the arthritis. Although the veteran complains of having continued right knee pain since the service injury, after-service medical records fail to record complaints of continued right knee pain until following an inter-current knee injury at work in 2005.

If the veteran had filed a claim for service connection of a right knee condition immediately following discharge from service, VA

could have scheduled him for a compensation examination and possibly diagnosed a chronic right knee condition easily linked to the service injury of just a few months earlier.

VA, however, will now likely deny this claim filed approximately 25 years after service discharge, because the veterans failed to have an official record of continued right knee pain for 20 years, not having had his right knee diagnosed for arthritis for 25 years following service discharge, and his showing evidence of an non-military related intercurrent knee injury that VA

VA To Launch Campaign To Head Off Vet Suicides

The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon launch a new suicide prevention campaign that focuses on heading off a potential suicide before it reaches the crisis point and is asking The American Legion to help spread the word.

The “It’s Your Call” campaign revolves around the newly named National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8255, press 1). The new name, the Veterans Crisis Line, establishes a unique identity and is designed to get veterans and their families to make a call for help long before suicide is being pondered.

The line, available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, has answered more than 390,000 calls and has made more than 13,000 life-saving rescues since its launch.

The rebranding is a national outreach effort to increase awareness and use of the Veterans Crisis Line and confidential online chat service, support and promote broader VA suicide prevention efforts, and promote help-seeking behaviors among veterans at risk of suicide and other mental health problems.

The rebranding emphasizes the “Press 1” option for veterans and family members who call the Veterans Crisis Line, ensuring their call is immediately transferred to the VA’s call center in Canandaigua, N.Y., which is staffed with professional responders trained and dedicated to serving veterans and their families. New messaging will reinforce the confidentiality of the Veterans Crisis Line for both veterans and their family members, who may be the first to realize a veteran is in crisis.

The American Legion has been actively involved with the VA’s suicide prevention efforts, and now Legion-

a long distance toll free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-916-3406; or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov.

naires will have the opportunity to spread the word about the new campaign and Crisis Line through a variety of promotional materials – including posters, print ads, online ads, wallet cards, magnets and coasters. The promotional materials, which include ads targeted toward specific demographics, will be available electronically in the near future. Legionnaires also will have the opportunity to set up VA training for state, district and local Legionnaires, as well as and refer veterans to VA for assistance.

Indianapolis VA Medical Center Offsite

Patient Parking

As VA medical services expand and improve, an increasing number of veterans use VA for their primary healthcare provider. Most VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) are therefore experiencing parking problems. The Indianapolis VAMC is no exception. Although plans are underway to expand onsite parking, the Indianapolis VAMC is offering offsite parking as a temporary solution. Indianapolis VAMC visitors (including patients with appointments) might consider parking and riding a free shuttle from one of the medical center’s offsite locations, 2333 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis; 2669 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis; and 3912 Minnesota Street (north side of street near Stout Field) Indianapolis VAMC shuttles are handicapped accessible and offsite parking offers added convenience.

dianapolis VAMC Veterans web site at: http://www.indianapolis.va.gov/visitors/ parking.asp.

Concussions Now Qualify for Purple Heart

The Army has announced a clarification in its guidelines for receiving a Purple Heart, with an emphasis on battlefield concussions being eligible for the medal. Official Army guidelines have long considered combatsustained concussions a valid injury worthy of the Purple Heart, but in practice, it has been left to doctors or battlefield commanders to decide whether a blow to the head during combat warranted the medal.

With recent studies on brain trauma, however, the rules have been revised to state what constitutes a concussion, with symptoms including momentary loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, headache, nausea or light sensitivity. Medical treatment, also required for the medal, is defined by the rules to include merely rest and Tylenol. If you are a Soldier who suffered a concussion and feel you may not have been appropriately recognized for a Purple Heart, the Army urges you to reapply through your chain of command. Veterans can call 888-276-9472 or email hrc. tagd.awards@conus.army. mil.

E-Benefits

E-Benefits is an online web portal where military members and veterans may obtain benefit-related information. It serves as: (1) a catalog of links to military and

veterans benefits sites, and

(2) a personalized workspace giving quick access to online tools that enable claimants to apply for benefits, download their DD Forms 214, and check the status of benefit claims. E-Benefits offers two levels of registration: Basic and Premium. Both require a DoD Self-service (DS) logon. All DoD sponsors, veterans, spouses, and other beneficiaries who are registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can get a DS logon.

Basic registration (Level 1 access) enables you to view general e-benefits information and customize it to suit your preferences. You can complete this type of registration entirely online at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Level one access, however, does not allow you to view information about yourself from VA and DoD systems.

Premium Registration (Level 2 access), however, gives you a personalized ebenefits account that pulls information from your VA and DoD records. Veterans must visit a VA facility in person and verify their identity before having level 2 e-benefits premium access.

Veterans should not, however, file their own claims without first seeking advice and representation from a Veterans Service Organization, such as, The American Legion. Veterans and other VA claimants may accomplish with a visit or call to their local County Veterans Service Office, or by calling The American Legion Veterans Service Office directly if a local County Veterans Service Officer is not available. Once the claim has been filed and representation appointment, being enrolled in e-benefits level 2 would help VA claimants track the status of their VA claims.

will most likely determine responsible for the current knee disability.

We might have a chance of wining this in appeal, but it’s defiantly not a sure thing. Plus; even if the claims is won, the veteran would still miss out on years of compensation benefits since the law would prevent payment of benefits prior to the date of claim.

Just like when we were kids and Mom told us not to wait to the last minute to do our homework, we should remind newly discharged veterans to file their claims.

After all, aren’t we a Legion family?

Budget Panel Eyes Ending VA Care for 1.3 Million Vets

Category 7 & 8 Veterans Could Be Targeted; Effort Aimed at Cutting Deficit, VA Spending; GOP Proposal Is Silent On Plan For Now, But Veterans’ Organizations In Opposition

By Tom Philpott Military.com

The House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), has told a veterans' group it is studying a plan to save $6 billion annually in VA health care costs by cancelling enrollment of any veteran who doesn’t have a service-related medical condition and is not poor.

Committee Republicans, searching for ways to curb federal deficits and rein in galloping VA costs, are targeting 1.3 million veterans who claim priority group 7 or 8 status and have access to VA care.

Priority group 8 veterans have no service-connected disabilities and annual incomes, or net worth, that exceed VA means-test thresholds and VA “geographic income” thresholds, which are set by family size.

Priority Group 7 veterans also have no serviceconnected disabilities and their incomes are above the means-test thresholds. But their incomes or net worth fall below the geographic index. In other words, because of where they live, in high cost areas, they likely struggle financially.

Joseph Violante, national legislative director for Disabled American Veterans, said he first learned of the committee’s interest in possibly narrowing access to VA clinics and hospitals from a DAV member from Wisconsin, chairman Ryan’s home state.

Violante and other DAV officials arranged their own meeting with a staff member for the committee. He confirmed growing interest in a cost-saving initiative to push priority 7 and 8 veterans out of VA health care.

As this budget committee staffer reminded Violante, proponents for opening VA health care to all veterans had argued it would be cost neutral to VA. That's because VA would charge these vets modest co-payments for their care. Also VA would bill these veterans' private health insurance plans for the cost of their VA care.

That argument from 1996 turned out to be wrong. Copayments collected from lowpriority veterans and private insurance plan billings today cover only 18 percent of the cost of care for group 7 and 8 veterans. By 2009, the annual net cost to VA to treat these veterans totaled $4.4 billion or 11 percent of VA's annual medical appropriation.

The figures come from the Congressional Budget Office’s annual report to Congress, “Reducing the Deficit: Spending and Revenue Op-

tions.” Among options it presented this year to the new Congress for reducing VA spending is one to close enrollment in VA care for all veterans in groups 7 and 8 and to cancel the enrollment of veterans currently in two low priority groups.

CBO said this would save VA $62 billion in the first 10 years, from 2012 to 2021. But the net savings to the government over the same period, CBO said, would be about half that amount. That’s because many of the veterans bumped from VA are old enough or poor enough to use Medicare or Medicaid, which would drive up the cost of those programs.

We asked a committee spokesman for comment, both by e-mail and voice mail, but none came in time for this column's deadline.

Until the mid-1990s, VA had denied health care to priority 7 and 8 veterans. Congress changed that during the Clinton administration, enacting the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Act of 1996. The law directed VA to build many more clinics across the country. To ensure enough patients to fill these clinics, the VA secretary was given authority to expand care eligibility.

The ban on group 7 and 8 veterans was ended by 1999.

Over the next three years their enrollment climbed to 30 percent of total enrollees. By 2003, then-VA Secretary Anthony Principi stopped allowing any more group 8 enrollments, saying their numbers strained the system for higher priority veterans, including wounded returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

It's possible that, in sharing what the budget committee eyed do to lower VA health costs, the professional staffer assumed DAV would embrace cancellation of 7 and 8 enrollments because few DAV members would be impacted. But Violante said DAV is concerned, for two reasons.

One, some DAV members separated from service with disabilities rated at 0 percent do have access to VA health care as group 7 or 8 veterans.

A bigger concern for his members, Violante said, is that tossing 1.3 million veterans from VA care would leave the system without the “critical mass” of patients needed to provide “a full continuum of care.” DAV officials worried that an initiative to narrow VA enrollment would be included in the House Republican budget plan unveiled this week. Ryan titled it “Path to Prosperity” and the full committee endorsed it on a

Continued on page 5

‘Every Card Every Time’ Is Not Just A Slogan: It Matters

During this year you have heard me talk often about the need for all posts to adopt the practice of “Every Card, Every Time.” During the week leading up to the March 6 turn in, 21 posts turned in 1 membership each. Another 14 posts had more than one transaction that week. That does not seem like such a big deal, till you realize that we met the National goal, exactly; we did not have any memberships to spare. If just one of the 35 posts does not go the extra mile and send in all the memberships they had, we do not meet the National 90 percent goal. That shows you that every membership is important at every turn in. Please continue this practice through the close of books on June 12, 2011, and a big Bravo Zulu for the 35 posts who made a difference by going the extra mile.

Spring Conference Turn-in

Our goal for this turn in was 100 percent or 97,282 memberships. I do not have all the data from the turn in at but the big picture is that during the week of the turn in we had 1,303 memberships turned in including 1,054 memberships turned in at the conference for a total of 89,523 memberships for 92.02 percent. While this is a good week for this time of the membership year, the sad part was that in the month since our March Turn in we only improved our total by 1,969 memberships or 2.02 percent. THIS WILL NOT GET THE JOB DONE IF WE CONTINUE AT THIS RATE FOR THE BALANCE OF THE MEMBERSHIP YEAR.

Be The One To

Make A Difference

As of April 2, 2011 we have 89,523 of our 97,282 membership goal. Beginning Wednesday March 30, 2011 we have 10 more Wednesdays before close of books. If we can ‘Recruit, Retain or Renew’ an average of 780 members per

Jack Cook Department Membership Chairman

week we will meet our goal. Let’s look at it another way. If 8.71 percent (slightly less than 1 in 12) of our paid members would ‘Recruit, Retain or Renew’ a member before June 12, 2011, we would meet our membership goal. If 8.22 percent (slightly more than 1 in 12) of our paid members would ‘Recruit, Retain or Renew’ a member before close books we would finish with more members than last year. Make a difference, be the one in twelve who helps us make our membership goal.

A Little History

And Then The Point

I want to tell you the story of the Battle of 73 Easting that took place on April 5, 2003, in Baghdad, Iraq. The 3rd Infantry Division had been tasked with the mission of busting their way into Baghdad and establish a permanent presence there. Their Abram tanks and armored personnel carriers were to destroy enemy tanks and fixed positions along the way but were not to stop to clear up enemy combatants. Many people refer to this as the “Thunder Run” due to this tactic. The clean up job of the enemy combatants left behind belonged to the infantry troops who followed. In one of these units was a doctor driven in an ambulance by an enlisted man. Whenever they encountered wounded troops the Doctor would dismount and tend to them while the driver would dismount and provide covering fire and assist the doctor by carrying litters etc. During one stop the driver was shot in the hand. Once they were under way again he was shot again in his other hand. Under

protest, and in tears he was loaded onto an evacuation helicopter. So great was his desire to be there for his unit while they were under fire, that even though he could no longer drive the ambulance, or provide covering fire or carry a litter, he wanted to stay there with them.

The Point

At one time or another every member of the Department of Indiana felt the same way about those we with whom we served. Over the years we have lost touch with them and forgotten how we felt about them and the bond that developed by the shared mutual hardships. But you know what? They or their families are still there, and you can still be there for them by being the one. By keeping the American Legion membership strong so our voice in Washington, DC, and Indianapolis is heard and respected. We need to keep our membership strong so our programs are in place should they need them. ‘Recruit, Retain or Renew’ a member today. Do it for those with whom you served.

Members Available For The Taking

Your District Commander has a list of Indiana Veterans Home residents who are in need of a sponsor for their membership. These are all eligible veterans, please remember that the preamble to our constitution calls on us to “Consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.s”. Won’t you help a fellow vet by sponsoring him today. They count as new members. Contact your District Commander today,

When Can I Turn In My Cards?

At the close of the membership year in June 2011 your district membership team will contact you about collecting your unused cards. To turn them in any sooner

Posts, Districts Urged To Become Familiar With Procedures For Unused Card Return

means you have quit or given up, and America’s Veterans never quit or give up.

Keep Track Of Your Unused Cards

This is just a reminder that when you do turn in your cards, that you must account for all of them. The post will be billed $27.00 for any card not accounted for at close of books. Treat your cards just like they are cash, secure them and guard them so there are no unpleasant surprises at the end of the year.

Where Do We Stand On Membership At National?

As of the 3/31/2011 National Membership Report, Indiana has 88,076 paid memberships. We are currently in 20th place nationally and 3,740 memberships out of first place. We have not yet met the 95 percent National Goal for 4/13/2011. We need 4,342 memberships to meet this goal. The final renewal notice from national will be mailed till 5/3/2011. For the balance of the membership year we are going to have to do this the hard way, by calling and visiting our unpaid members. The next department membership goal is 101 percent on Wednesday May 4, 2011; this is a mail-in with cards being received till noon that day.

Recruit, Retain and Renew

We need to Recruit more than 4,018 new members this year (currently at 3,660 new members). We need to Retain at least 95 percent of our 96,882 members from last year (or 92,038, currently at 85,863). We have to Renew our expired members. Remember if they are not on this year’s membership roster, they count as new members. The way we accomplish this is Every Card, Every Time, this means each post should transmit cards twice monthly for district meetings and Department Turn In at a minimum.

Forms, Payment, and Cards: Critical For Proper Membership Accounting

Dear Aubrey: I am a new Adjutant. What are the most important things I need to remember when mailing in membership?

Dear Mr. Green:

Mr. Green

There are three important pieces to every membership turn-in. You MUST submit the following: Membership

Transmittal, check for the amount of cards you are sending times the per capita, and the two part membership card. Many times, posts forget to submit a transmittal. This is very important to remember. Not only does it help Department when processing the membership submitted, it also serves as a backup if Department’s numbers ever disagree with yours.

Dear Aubrey: Why didn’t my Post’s goal decrease once I sent in my unpaid, deceased cards? John

Dear John:

Once Post goals have been set at the beginning of the membership year, they do not change. These cards DO NOT count toward your goal. The only cards that count toward a Post goal are the members who have paid your Post for the current membership year. Some Posts are hit pretty hard with members who have passed away during the year. In those cases, you

should work to recruit new members to make up for the loss of your deceased. Keep in mind that your post does not owe money for those members who have not paid and pass away.

Dear Aubrey:

Why did I get another renewal notice when I’ve already paid?

Won’t Pay Twice

Because, just as they have every year since the renewal program began in 1975, Renewal Notices go out once every 3 months. National has a cut-off date that the post needs to meet or else the member(s) will end up getting another renewal notice. For example, if the cut-off date is December 8, the post must have mailed in your dues to Department by that date in order to be taken off of the Renewal Notice mailing list.

Dear Aubrey: Could you clarify how to determine the number of Delegates our post is able to claim? Headcounter

Dear Headcounter:

That depends on which convention you are concerned with. The process for both the Department and National Conventions is similar, but there are real differences. For the Department Convention, the post receives one delegate for its charter, plus one more for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof (the first major fraction of 100 is 51/100.) So, a post with 100 members will be assigned two delegates: one for its charter and one for the first 0-100 members. A post with 200 members will be assigned three delegates: one for its charter, one for the first 100 members and the third one for the second 100 members. For simplicity sake, think of it as adding one more delegate as the membership hits the -51 mark; that is, 51 members equals two delegates, 151 members equals three delegates, 251 equals four delegates, and so on. The same procedure applies to alternates.

When Department, District and Post officers descend on the Indiana Veterans Home June 12 for the traditional Close of Books activities, new procedures will be in place for the return and distribution of membership cards.

This year marks the second consecutive year in which posts and districts are being held strictly to account for unused membership cards for the year coming to a close. The Department Constitution requires an accounting for all cards issued at the beginning of the year. It its first go-round in 2010, the procedure was rife with confusion and misapplication, but those have been either ironed out or the procedures streamlined.

District and post officers should follow the procedures outlined below to ensure timely and accurate receipt of 2012 membership cards.

Turning in UNUSED

2011 Membership Cards

When turning in unused (non-paid) cards, have them ready to hand in to the District Representative. There will be a table set up, off to the side, where a representative from each District will be counting the unused cards turned in at Close of Books. Once a Post has handed in their UNUSED cards to the District Representative, the Representative will write a “receipt” for the Post to exchange for the Post’s 2012 membership cards/packets. The District Representative will write down the District and Post number on the “receipt”. People who turn in

multiple posts’ unused cards will have each Post listed on the “receipt”. If the Post is not listed on the “receipt”, no cards/packets will be given.

Obtaining 2012 Membership Cards/Packets

The 2012 Membership cards/packets will be available outside, on the Department’s loading truck. The Post will hand the Department staff, at the loading truck, the “receipt” written to them in exchange for the Post’s membership cards/ packets.

Turning in PAID 2011 membership

When turning in PAID 2011 membership, have those cards ready to hand in to the Department staff at the Main table. There will be a tub labeled “Legion” and a tub labeled “SAL”. This is where you will obtain a “receipt” for your Close of Books pins. There will be a volunteer for Legion and a volunteer for SAL writing the “receipts” for Close of Books pins. The volunteer will write down the District and Post number on the “receipt”. People who turn in multiple posts’ unused cards will have each Post listed on the “receipt”.

Obtaining Close of Books Pins

The Close of Books pins will be available at the table with the sign stating “Close of Books” pins. The Post will hand the Department staff, at that table, the “receipt” written to them in exchange for the Post’s Close of Books pins. If the Post is not listed on the “receipt”, no pins will be given.

One Hundred Percent Posts

Every District in the Department of Indiana has at least two posts which have achieved 100 percent of their assigned goal for the current membership year. This achievement brings to 76 the number of Posts at the watershed mark.

District 7 leads the pack with 13 100 percent posts.

“I am very proud of all of the Legionnaires who I know worked so hard to reach these goals,” said Department Commander Leland Baxter.

“The Department Membership Chairman and I have paid particular attention to our posts’ progress to this mark, and I am encouraged by those who were so close and who did not give up. It takes a special effort to hit one hundred percent, and many of these posts made that effort when it would have been just a easy to give up.”

The posts that have reached the 100 percent mark are listed below by District. They are:

Post 103, Mooresville

For the National Convention, each department is entitled to five delegates plus one additional delegate for every 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. In Indiana, delegates are selected by the Districts, based on their membership totals, one delegate per 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. The additional delegate is added when the membership total hits the -501 mark; i.e. 501 members equals 1 delegate, 1,501 equals two delegates, 2,501 equals three delegates, and so on. Your district, with a total membership of 8,914, would be entitled to nine delegates.

Alternates are allotted by the same procedure.

Dear Aubrey: I would like to transfer my membership to another post. How do I go about doing this?

Moving On Up

Dear Moving:

All you need to do is go the post you want to transfer to, and let them know that you would like to transfer in. They will ask to see your membership card, and possibly, your DD-214, depending on the Post. The post will fill out what is called a Member Data Form. You will sign the bottom, and the post will send the form in to Department Headquarters.

District 1

Post 17, Rider’s Memorial

Post 279, Miller Dunes

District 2

Post 190, Wilson-Bates

Post 226, Ancil Geiger

Post 238, Roselawn

Post 253, Herbert Kuhn

Post 414, Burlington

District 3

Post 27, Charles B. Reeve

Post 130, LaPorte County

Post 154, Nappanee

Post 191, Otho B. Place

Post 424, Bourbon

District 4

Post 31, Angola

Post 157 Gilbert Davis

Post 202 Charles Foster

Blaker

Post 257, Cassel

Post 330, New Haven

Post 381, Robert W. Schermerhorn

Post 467, Franklin R. Fee

District 5

Post 53, Louis Monroe

Post 177, Worley David Gaskin

Post 212, BartholomewWhetsel

Post 408, John T. Clendenen

Post 482, Pennville

Post 555, M C F

District 6

Post 140, Clinton

Post 201, Nicely-Brindle

Post 218, Thorntown

Post 263, Rainbow

Post 340, Pioneer

Post 346, Wayne Newton

Post 395, Jamestown

Post 445, Waynetown

Post 501, John E. Heyen District 7

Post 25, Princeton

Post 51, Owensville

Post 106, Bashaw-Roth

Post 141, Putoff-Lauten schlager

Post 197, Stewart-Norris

Post 233, Edinburgh

Post 245, Clarence R. White

Post 293, Odon

Post 416, Trafalgar

Post 462, Wilson-Oliver-Riley

Post 479, James Gastineau District 8

Post 42, William Zeb Longest

Post 84, Crawford County

Post 105, Henryville

Post 123, Harrison

Post 133, Ralph E. Parr

Post 142, Harry G. Myers

Post 147, Dubois County

Post 187, Everette Burdette

Post 200, Warrick

Post 204, Wilbur M. Ruby

Post 242, Santa Claus

Post 444, Abe Lincoln

Post 463, Tennyson District 9

Post 13, Brown County

Post 59, Noah O’Bannion

Post 63, Clarence A. Keith

Post 149, Phillips-Grigsby

Post 195, Patton-Chastain

Post 452, North Dearborn

Post 464, St. Joseph

District 10

Post 102, Willard E. Hensley

Post 150, Robert L. Jenkins

Post 182, New Palestine

Post 216, Charles Mundell

Post 287, Hunt-Trouse

Post 338, Leroy Tout

Post 446, John F. Hurley

District 11

Post 26, Paul Coble

Post 186, John H. Holliday, Jr.

Post 438, Indianapolis Womens

Busy, But Memorable Legion and Auxiliary Find

The annual Joint Spring Conference is always a busy time for both The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary. The commission and committee meetings, the vendors’ displays, and myriad small get-togethers among comrades, along with General Session and the traditional Commander’s Party add up to a memorable time. Here are the highlights:

1. Fang Wong, leading candidate for National Commander, addressed the general session and took the opportunity to display his passport, a light-hearted reference to his immigrant status.

Plenty To Do During

The Annual Joint spring Conference

2. Jim Koutz’s campaign workers manned a table in the atrium to assure adequate support for Indiana’s candidate for National Commander, the first in more than 30 years.

3. National Auxiliary Central Division Vice President Donna Fuelling encourages continued membership efforts.

4. Religious Emphasis Committee members conducted a memorial service at the general session

5. Heather Evans, representing Hoosier Veterans United, appealed to the Legion for continued support for the Remission of Fees Benefit.

6. The POW Empty Chair serves as a reminder of those who cannot

share the comradery.

7. Distinguished guests pay rapt attention to the Memorial Service presentation.

8. Indiana Auxiliary President Carolyn Cunningham introduces her officers.

9. Al Pulido shakes a leg during the Commander’s Party, a Legion “Spring Prom.”

10. Party-goers crowd the dance floor during the Legion’s “Spring Prom.”

11. One of the youngsters who benefitted from efforts by The Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

12. Commander Baxter signs a

renewed commitment to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

13. Just exactly what did Terry Smith do to Past Department Commander Bob Newman?

14. The father of the young lady in Photo 11, an Indiana National Guard member, spoke of his daughter’s – and her sister’s – need for lifesaving transplants.

15 Proper folding of the flag and its symbolic meaning were part of the Memorial Service.

16. A staff member from one of Indiana’s congressmen addresses the legislative committee during the conference.

High Level Discussion

Difficult Fight Over Remission Of Fees Showing Good Results

As we go to press, our fight with the legislature to defeat or amend Senate Bill 577 has taken a turn for the better.

grandfathered for the full benefit.

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant

Commander’s Message

Time For Leaders To Assess Performance, Commitment

At this time of year, all of your department and district officers are beginning to review their accomplishments, assess their own performance, and prepare to hand over The American Legion Department of Indiana to a new cadre of officers. We all hope to deliver to our successors a department that is in as good a shape as that handed to us a year ago.

I think we will do that.

Our programs, activities and presence as an organization in the halls of government continue to be among the best in the not-for-profit and veterans service segment of our society. That is not so true in the area of membership retention and growth.

Several years ago, as I seriously contemplated a run for the high office of Department Commander, the downward trend in membership was just beginning to show itself. I remember like it was yesterday when someone asked me “How would you like to be the commander who takes this organization under 100,000 members for the first time?”

I really didn’t have an answer for that question at the time. Such an event seemed far-fetched and unlikely. Today, I can answer that un-

equivocally.

Leland Baxter Department Commander

It’s not a good feeling. We will end this year under 100,000 for the first time since the post World War I era. What’s worse, in those days the trend was up; today the trend is exactly the opposite.

A commander is supposed to have the answers. In the case of membership, I am at a loss to explain what is happening. We have nearly 80 posts at 100 percent, and I couldn’t be more proud of them than I am. We also have almost as many posts within just a few cards of that magic number, and they have come to a standstill. I don’t know how that can be, or why it is allowed to occur.

There is no reason for that, just as there is no explanation for the rapidly declining number of members at many of our posts. We have nearly as many eligible veterans in Indiana today as we had at the end of World War

Remission of Fees Benefit

Continued from page 1

• Under age 32 at the time of enrollment

• Undergraduate studies only

• Maximum of 124 semester hours

Short said “This fight has been a particularly brutal struggle and I want to

Chaplain’s Corner

thank all the veterans who made their opinions known to our legislature and I want to thank the members of the legislature for taking the time to reconsider their original mission. We were aided by members of both parties in both houses and only through their willingness to listen were we able to reach an acceptable compromise.

II. During that era the Legion doubled almost overnight. Is there really that much difference between the veterans of that era and the veterans of today? I don’t think so.

My own post, a small one in southern Indiana, is at an all-time high this year, not because it sent one of its members to Department as the Commander, but because of a very simple tactic: we asked five of our members each to bring in one new member, and held them accountable for that one member when they “took the job.” They all delivered.

It is that mindset that will eventually turn this membership decline around. Take a job, perform in that job.

Although we are late in the membership year, it is not too late for our officers to do the jobs they were elected to do. I know that we are all volunteers; we don’t have to take the jobs, but if we are going to accept those high positions, we have an obligation to our comrades. In office or out of office, we all are equals, but we have a higher responsibility than they have, because they have placed their trust and confidence in us, and they are depending on us.

A delegation of Hoosier Legionnaires met with six-term Indiana Senator Richard Lugar during last month’s Washington Conference to discuss the importance of the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, the need for continued support for Hoosier troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Lugar’s ongoing efforts to encourage the release of information from China, Russia, North Korea, and Vietnam on POW/MIA issues related to World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Those meeting with the senator (fifth from the left) were, from left, Tom Henderson, Allen Titus, Damon Bradtmueller, Al Pulido, Jeff Brown, Glenn Nagle and Robert Oeth. Commander Baxter was unable to attend the conference because of illness. on a 4.0 grade scale or the equivalent

Our Members of Congress in Washington would be well served to adopt some of the compromise techniques displayed by our legislators.”

The Remission of Fees benefit will continue to be administered by the office of the State Director of Veterans Affairs. Additional information is available from that office.

Due to the excellent effort by all of you in the field to contact your state representatives, we appear to have reached a compromise with the Indiana House and Senate to amend the bill and take out all language that would have cut the full 100 percent scholarship benefit for the children of current service connected disabled veterans and currently serving service members. In the compromise agreement with the leadership of The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the AMVETS, Senator Kenley, Representative Dermody and others will eliminate the “rating” language in exchange for some stricter eligibility criteria. That criteria includes an age limit of 32 for beginning the benefit and a residency

requirement of either three or five years (being negotiated between the House and the Senate) or be a serving service member with an Indiana home of record.

In addition, the student would have to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4 point scale, with a one semester probation period in order to bring up his/her grades. The benefit could only be used for a maximum of eight years after the student began his/ her education. Adopted students will be required to have been adopted prior to reaching their eighteenth birthday and all current veterans and/or military personnel meeting the residency requirement will be

The most significant agreement is that the original proposed benefit adding 20 percent to the service connected disabled rating would apply only to service members enlisting after July 1 2011 or to children of service connected disabled veterans born after July 1, 2011.

This fight has been a particularly brutal struggle and I want to thank all the veterans who made their opinions known to our legislature and I want to thank the members of the legislature for taking the time to reconsider their original mission. We were aided by members of both parties in both houses and only through their willingness to listen were we able to reach an acceptable compromise. Our Members of Congress in Washington would be well served to adopt some of the compromise techniques displayed by our legislators.

To my fellow Sons, Legionnaires and Ladies of Indiana; Spring is FINALLY in the air! The snow has melted, birds are chirping and the big push is now in play for our Children and Youth projects for the Detachment of Indiana. April is Children and Youth Month, and we, like the rest of the nation, are strongly backing a variety of programs to benefit our greatest resource. The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation continues to be one our most successful projects to date. And for the second year, the Josh Dog Program is in full swing.

Now, more than ever, it is important for our individual members and Squadrons to record all the great things that we do. The Consolidated Squadron Report Form is used by National to provide to the U.S. Congress vital information about all the things that we do. With our convention coming up in July, we need those CSRs. And hopefully we will have

Continued on page 5

Spring has finally arrived and by the time you read this it should be warm outside. This has been a very busy month and some exciting things have happened.

Our trip to Washington D.C., which was attended by Janet Barnaby NEC, Kenya Ostermeier, National Cavalcade of Memories chairman, and me was very exciting and informative.

Representatives from government offices and veterans organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Corporation for National and Community Service were presented to Auxiliary members. Topics varied from the implications the nations deficit and debt has on military and veterans spending to caregiver support opportunities to how to advocate from a desktop or cell phone.

The winner of the Spirit Award was given to philanthropist Ronald A. Katz, a member of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center advisory board, who recognized that providing excellent care to severely injured and disfigured soldiers need not be limited to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Armed Services. Operation Mend is a pro-

gram that provides advanced reconstructive surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for U.S. Service members who have been severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operation Mend is a collaboration with Brooke Army Medical Center and donations are being accepted via the foundation’s website at http://drsfoundation. net and contributions are open to the public.

Nancy Gunning the VA&R chairman has a very exciting program coming up for our Homeless Veterans which will be of great help to them. Watch for more news on this.

Our trip to Arlington National Cemetery, was extremely nice as it was warm and not windy for a change. The changing of the guard is always very moving. All in all, the trip out and back was very good.

The American Legion Family is up and running, good work to all.

Religious Faith Gives Hope In A Time Of Despair

Spring is now in full force and the scenery is rapidly changing. The redbuds are flaming up the tree line intermixing with the red glow of the maples. Soon the dogwood will flower amidst the bright green of the budding leaves and greening ground cover. Mushroom hunters are activated across the Hoosier state. The dull drab death of “winter-sleep” is over and new life is all around us. Soon it will be Easter. It is not surprising that so many religions celebrate significant holy days at this time of year. In their own way they address the death to life questions we seek.

We live in a marvelous time of information, scientific advancements and revolutionary technology. It seems like the answer to everything is just around the corner. That is of course outside of politics, economy and balanced budgets. However, regardless of all the facts, statistics and even theoretical understandings of where we came from, only religion has an

understanding of where we are going. It is our religious faith that helps us deal with what takes place at our time of death and what happens next if there is a “next”.

Keirn

When we loose a significant other, have a near death experience or face terminal illnesses we begin to search beyond the facts of knowledge and history, and look to the realm of faith in the eternal. It is our understanding of God that brings depth and color to our lives. Our sense of motivation, purpose and destiny is determined by our understanding of faith. With faith life transcends time and space taking on depth and color. Faith gives us

hope in a time of despair.

Perhaps this is why it is claimed that there are no atheists found in foxholes. What could be more despairing or more discouraging than war? I know I never met a fellow Marine who didn’t have some sort of faith when I was in combat. Not everyone agreed with me nor was everyone as assured. However when the time of testing came, each one called out with the faith he had to whatever concept of God he knew. This universal truth must have been a key factor in formulating the Legion motto, “For God and Country”. I believe life itself would

become unbearable without some form of belief in the hereafter and a divine being that takes intimate concern in our well-being. How would we face the hard and difficult times, how would we face death itself? Years ago thanatologist William Warden, PhD, wrote about his studies on death and dying. He shared that there was a great difference between people who had lived a life of faith and lived well and gave of themselves. He said for them death always came as a friend. For those who lacked faith and lived selfcentered lives, death was always too horrible to face.

With God there is always

a hope in the future, whether in this life or the life to come. The season of spring and Easter and the religious traditions surrounding the season proclaim the mighty power of God to triumph over the tragedies of life, even death itself. Every time we begin or end our meetings and special services, we pause to have prayer and in this proclaim our belief in a God who brings hope! May you be blessed in a special way in this miraculous season of life! For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord GOD. Turn, then, and live.

Norris

Department Chaplain

Glenn Nagel SAL Detachment Commander