2011 August/September The Hoosier Legionnaire

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August/September 2011

Mishawaka Veteran Elected American Legion State Commander Michael J. Miller, a Mishawaka Vietnam veteran, was elected State Commander of the 100,000-member American Legion Department of Indiana during the organization’s 93rd annual state convention in Indianapolis July 16, 2011.

“I sought this office, not because I wanted to be something,” Miller said following a unanimous vote by the assembled delegates, “but because I

wanted to do something.

“What I want to do is my part in restoring The American Legion to a determined pursuit of the ideals we were founded on, and to see it prosper and flourish once again. I cannot do that alone, but I can do it with your help.”

As State Commander, Miller will serve as the organization’s executive officer until July 2012. During that time, he will be responsible for the pro-

grams, legislative priorities and public statements of the organization.

Miller is an eight-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of Mishawaka’s Ryan A. Balmer American Legion Post 161. He has been employed for more than 30 years at the Bendix Corporation, now part of Honeywell Aerospace, testing and repairing aircraft wheels and brakes for commercial and military aircraft including

the F-15, F-18, F-22, C-17 and the Joint Strike Fighter military aircraft.

In addition to his Legion activities, Miller has been Mishawaka’s Memorial Day Parade President and Lineup Chairman for 15 years.

He is a member of South Bend’s Christ the King Lutheran Church, and is active in several other veterans’ organizations.

He has held nearly every office at the Post, and his Legion activities include

service in most offices of the Legion’s 3rd District as well as in several high-level state-level offices leading to his election as Commander.

He and his wife Joy have been married for 42 years and are parents of two sons. His son Brian, himself a Legionnaire and member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, gave the official nominating speech for Miller from the platform of the convention.

Michael J. Miller 2011-2012 Department Commander

Peterson Performs ‘It’s Who We Are’

Convention’s Packed Agenda Means Change

Kenneth W. Ohl Department Commander 1985-1986

Past Department Commander Ohl Dies At Age 88 Past Department Commander Kenneth W. “K.W.” Ohl (1985-1986) died at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette July 23, 2011. He was 88.

He was born June 11, 1923, graduated from Rossville High School in 1941, and married Betty J. “Mick” Rickey in 1945, who survives.

A World War II army veteran, PDC Ohl was a 62-year member of The American Legion, and had served his post, Lafayette Post 11, in a variety of offices including 2nd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander, Judge Advocate, Post Commander and Executive Committee member. He also was active for many years in the Second District of the Department of Indiana, in which he served as membership chairman, vice commander, judge advocate and District Commander.

During his long Legion career, he served the Department of Indiana as chairman of the Rehabilitation, Americanism and Internal Affairs commis-

Continued on page 2

Delegates to the 93rd annual Department Convention July 15-17 approved two resolutions, adopted revisions to the Department constitution, and elected a new slate of officers for the coming year.

In addition to the official business, the convention also featured a performance by country music superstar Michael Peterson, honored two members of the Indiana General Assembly for their support of veterans’ benefit legislation, and awarded the Distinguished Service Award to a pair of outstanding Hoosier Legionnaires.

Michael J. Miller, a Legionnaire from Mishawaka’s Ryan A. Balmer American Legion Post 161 was elected during the closing moments of the convention. In his acceptance speech, Miller described himself as an activist who sought the office “not because I wanted to be something, but because I wanted to do something.”

He also reminded the delegates that officers elected to serve with him “are not my officers but your officers.

We are here to serve you in any way we can to make this a successful year in membership and the great programs we champion.”

Officers elected or appointed along with Commander Miller include Northern Vice Commanders Allen Connelly and John Wrolen; Southern Vice Commanders John French and Jim Hagler; Sergeant at Arms Richard Fuchs; NEC W. Darrell Hansel; and Alternate NEC Paul Steward.

Commander Miller appointed Bill Clark to serve as Membership Chairman and re-appointed all other current department officers.

A resolutions to realign the Gaylord Sheline “Post of Distinction” scrapbook award with the rules governing the national Post Historian contest was approved; a resolution encouraging

support of the Friends of Ernie Pyle in their efforts to preserve the memory and important sites of the life of the famed WWII correspondent was approved; and a resolution to open eligibility dates to all veterans was defeated.

The delegates also approved a comprehensive revision of the Department Constitution. A three-month project by members of the Department staff under the supervision of Department Judge Advocate Joseph T. Bumbleburg resulted in a revised document that eliminated duplications, removed unnecessary or outdated provisions, and reorganized sections having to do with officers’ duties.

The revised constitution was distributed to all posts 30 days prior to the start of the convention, as required in the constitution, and the motion to approve was overwhelmingly approved by the convention.

The revised Constitution is being commercially printed. The document is expected to be completed the first week of September, and copies will be distributed directly to all posts, and additional copies will be available at the Fall Conference in October.

Countr y singer/songwriter, who penned a special tribute to The American Legion entitled “It’s Who We Are”, was a special guest of then-candidate Michael Miller. Immediately following Miller’s election, Peterson sang the song and Miller announced that the song title, with Peterson’s blessing, would be his theme for the year.

Rep. Tom Dermody (R20) and Rep. Milo Smith (R-59) were honored by the delegates as recipients of the Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of their efforts, working with the Legion and other veterans groups, to preserve

the popular Child of Disabled Veteran fee remission benefit. Because of their efforts, the benefit sustained only minor changes to eligibility, duration and purpose of the benefit, all of which effect only future disabled veterans.

A traditional highlight of the convention is the presentation of the Legion’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. The 93rd annual convention conferred the award on two outstanding Legionnaires, Past Department Commander Ralph Tolan and outgoing Membership Chairman Jack Cook. Both attended the convention and we honored on the convention platform.

A wide range of convention awards were presented, and a variety of special guests and were honored.

Details on convention activities are included throughout this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

State Of The Legion Baxter Says ‘Legion Lives On … But I’m Here To Warn You: Avoiding Catastrophe Depends On Hard Work By Everyone’ This is a moment I always knew would come, but not one that I looked forward to. It is the final official act of my year in office, and I come to it with mixed emotions, as I am sure all Commanders do.

There is much that I will miss, and many people who I have gotten to know who I won’t see as often as I have recently. But there are other people who I look forward to becoming re-acquainted with, and many changes that have occurred at home that I need to catch up on.

No matter how you look at, though, bringing down the curtain on a year like I just had is difficult.

However, it is important to keep in mind that what ends is one man’s year in office: the Legion lives on. And I am proud to say that the State of the Legion is sound and I am satisfied that I hand over the outfit to a new administration in as good a shape as I received it.

In reviewing the State of the Legion, I took the time to look back over the things I said early on—the things I wrote during the year, and the special events and activities I was privileged to experience. They all figure in my assessment of the state of the Legion.

The day I accepted the office of Department Commander, I told the delegates

that “The future of our great organization, of course, continues to depend on one important factor—membership.”

Nothing in my experience during the past twelve month altered that view one bit. Membership is not about counting heads—although that is how we keep track. Membership is about power. It’s about influence.

And it’s about service.

I am not talking about power for the sake of power, but power to “Make Right the Master of Might!” Sound familiar?

I am not talking about influence to have our own way, but influence “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow and children.”

And I am not talking about service that benefits only a few, but rather service that “inculcates a sense of obligation to the community, state and nation.” Again, a familiar refrain.

But that is what membership is really about. And that is what is threatened by the continuing decline in membership. If there is any disappointment from my year in office, it is in membership results.

I am here to warn you: if our membership program does not turn around, and turn around soon, future commanders will no longer

be able to stand here and say, the “State of the Legion is Sound.”

It will not be the fault of department officers. It will not be the fault of district officers. And it will not be the fault of post officers. It will be the fault of every one of us in this room today, regardless of office, regardless of circumstances inside or outside the Legion. We face serious loss of power, influence and service, and the result will be catastrophic for our comrades and the young people of Indiana.

Our task pales in comparison to the task that our founders faced. We do not have to make something out of nothing. We have a great organization with great programs and, most important, great people. And there are millions more out there just like us.

Have you asked one of them to join? That’s all it takes.

In one of my Hoosier Legionnaire messages, I wrote “As many of you know by now, our family is blessed to have two very special children at its heart. Purla and Tre Von came into this world with real disadvantages and very serious needs.

But the love and joy they give to us far exceeds what we have been able to do for them … Through what I have learned from Purla and

Immediate Past Department Commander Leland Baxter, a retired United States Marine, displays a unique wall plaque designed to hold his USMC NCO sword and sheath, a gift to him from his fellow Department Officers. In addition to the plaque, members of the 8th District, Commander Baxter’s home district, arranged for a surprise visit to the convention by the NCOIC of HMX1 – the Presidential Helicopter Squadron and Baxter’s old unit.

Tre Von, I understand the critical role played by Riley Children’s Hospital in the lives of so many desperately ill Hoosier children ... No child, however deprived or desperate its circumstances, should be denied the lifesaving treatments and tech-

nology that enhance and prolong life.”

Let me tell you that of all the effort I expended this year, none was more rewarding than to encourage your financial support of my

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Hoosier Legionnaire

August/September 2011

Hebron Educators Honored

By Hoosier Legionnaires Two Hoosier educators were honored by The American Legion during the 100,000-member veterans’ organization’s 93rd annual state convention in Indianapolis July 16.

Peg Huber, a 36-year veteran of public education and a second grade teacher at the Hebron Elementary School in Hebron, IN, was named Educator of the Year in the Elementary and Intermediate School category.

Carol Noland, a Special Education Teacher at Hebron High School, also in Hebron, IN, was named Junior-Senior High School Educator of the Year. She has more than 32 years’ experience in education, of which 17 have been spent as a Special Education teacher.

Both were selected from among nominees submitted by the Indiana American

Peg Huber Secretary to Teacher

Carol Noland, Razzle; Pioneering Therapy Dogs

Legion’s 11 statewide districts, and both were sponsored in the competition by

Hebron’s American Legion Post 190. Each of them received a $1,000 grant for their schools.

Huber began her career as a school secretary and ultimately completed both a BS and MS in Education at Purdue University.

“One of the greatest joys

in my life,” Huber said, “has been to watch ‘my kids’ become responsible citizens, parents and participants in life careers that contribute to our society and community.”

Noland is a pioneer in the use of ‘therapy dogs’ in dealing with those with special needs. Her partner in special education is Razzle, a mixed breed canine who is a familiar fixture in her classroom.

“I decided to find and train my own therapy dog.

Though this seems to be pretty common now, back then (1995) it was basically unheard of to have a dog in the classroom. I started searching for a one-yearold rescue dog who had the right temperament and I found those qualities in Razzle, who I adopted through Mixed Up Mutts.”

State Of The Legion Continued from page 1 project – the Riley Hospital Foundation – and to see the contributions pour in. Your generosity is in the best tradition of The American Legion, and it made every minute and mile of my travels worth the journey. That fact alone is sufficient justification for me to say that the ‘State of the Legion is Sound.’ Our impulses, practices and our values are intact. They will never go into decline.

During the year, we battled for the protection of veterans benefits when they came under assault by the Legislature. Just yesterday, we honored two members of the General Assembly for their support of our efforts

to protect the Fee Remission for Children of Disabled Veterans.

We testified on a variety of issues, made our interests known, and remained full participants in the processes of government. That, again, is evidence of the soundness of our organization.

Yes, my fellow Legionnaires, I leave this stage today satisfied that the State of the Legion is sound, and that I have steered it safely though some troubled waters. I know there are stormy seas ahead, and turbulent times. I also know we will weather them well.

Joan and I say farewell, but not good-bye. Thank you for all your kindness and support. Our lives are richer for it.

sions as well as the Department Finance Committee.

He capped his department career with his stint as Department Commander, then went on to serve the National Organization as a member of the Membership and Post Activities Committee, the Legislative Council, the Legislative Committee, and as National Vice Commander.

An active and widely recognized advocate for veterans, he was honored for his service with The American Legion Distinguished Service Award, Sagamore of the Wabash, Kentucky Colonel, Veterans Administration Certificate of Appreciation, and National Membership

Recruiter of the Year.

In addition to his Legion activities, PDC Ohl was a life member of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans In Canada, United State Unit; B.P.O. Elks Lodge 143; 40 & 8 Voiture 364; Sons of the American Legion Squadron 11; and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 347.

In addition to his widow, Mick, he is survived by one daughter, Debra Ohl Bridges, and her husband Mike of Fort Myers, FL; one sister, Norma Pierce of Frankfort; and one granddaughter, Nikki Sheets of Lafayette.

Me m o r i a l c o n t r i b u tions can be made to the Indiana Veterans Home, to which PDC Ohl was long devoted.

August/September 2011

The HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE is published bi-monthly by the Indiana Headquarters of The American Legion, 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone (317) 630-1300.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Indianapolis, IN and at additional mailing offices.

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by The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

Member: National American Legion Press Association and Hoosier American Legion Press Association.

Advertising Sales Representative: The Herald-Times, Bloomington (800) 422-0070.

Subscription Rates: $0.85 of each members dues goes for publication of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Volume AE, Number 4 August/September 2011 Circulation 120,000 Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

Ron Newcomer Graphic Packaging

Auburn DVOP Worker Honored

By Legion

Kendallville Company Honored

By Legion As Employer Of The Year

John Smoot, a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program representative at the Auburn office of Workforce One, the state-wide employment service, has been honored by The American Legion Department of Indiana as the DVOP Representative of the Year.

The award was presented July 16 during the veterans’ organization’s 93rd annual state convention in Indianapolis. The Legion honored Smoot for “his unique understanding of how essential it is to re-integrate our disabled veterans into society and to provide them the means of developing a healthy sense of well-being,” said the Legion’s Rehabilitation Commission Chairman, Larry Lowry.

INDIANAPOLIS — Graphic Packaging International of Kendallville has been honored by The American Legion Department of Indiana as Employer of the Year for employing veterans.

The award came during the general session of the veterans’ organization’s 93rd annual convention July 16 in Indianapolis.

The American Legion each year honors a private employer whose workforce is at least 25 percent veterans and has been in business for at least five years.

To qualify for consideration, nominees must have no company policies or practices that restrict either total employment or individual jobs to veterans.

Family Festival Starts New Year Continued from page 10

Ohl Dies At Age 88 Continued from page 1

John Smoot Auburn Workforce One

Tournament Gone, Founder Remembered Katy McCroskey, widow of past Northern Vice Commander Randy McCroskey, attended the 93rd annual Department Convention to accept the McCroskey Trophy, presented annually to the winner of the Fall Conference Dart Tournament. Because PNVC was instrumental in establishing the tournament – which raised thousands of dollars for the Department Rehab Fund over the years – the trophy was named for him. It is being retired as the Fifth District brings to an end its more-than-a-decade long sponsorship of the activity.

From The American Legion, Department of Indiana

Post Everlasting List Of Honorees To Be Corrected The list of deceased members published in the June/July issue of the Hoosier Legionnaires contained a number of errors.

We apologize for the mistakes and any embarrassment or inconvenience they may have caused for members and Posts.

The errors were the result of a programming mistake in the Department’s member data system. We are currently attempting to discover the “bug” in the program and correcting it.

Since the “Post Everlasting” feature is published twice a year, we will include in the coming December listing the names of all those who were omitted from the December 2010 listing. To spare them additional embarrassment, we will not list the names of living Legionnaires whose names were inadvertently included.

opportunity to show that sense of commitment and concern to a new population of young people: the children of veterans. These young families are enduring difficult economic times, deployment separations and re-adjustment challenges. What circumstances more perfectly fit our fundamental purposes than these? What possible reason could Legion Family members have for ignoring this opportunity?

“The American Legion is a great organization that does great things. We have some members who have drifted away from our goals and ideals …” I told the delegates to the Department Convention. The Legion Family Festival can be the first step toward restoring our commitment to those goals and ideals.

As my good friend,country music superstar Michael Peterson sang following my election, “It’s Who We Are.”

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been The Department of Indiana’s sponsored member benefits program for 20 years and continues to fulfill our members needs while being the only such program to benefit our Department.

For more information on the products and services provided by the Legionnaire Insurance Trust,

Call: 1Ͳ855Ͳ297Ͳ2218

Or visit us on the web at:

www.theLIT.com

August/September 2011

Hoosier Legionnaire

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A Site For Sounds The sounds of a Department convention are many and varied, ranging from the classical and patriotic to rockabilly and country — with a little kazoo thrown in just for variety. Providing the talent at the 93rd annual Department Convention last month were pianist Sylvia Maiuri who provided musical interludes throughout the general sessions; Justin S.M. Kinchen, youthful violinist who played the National Anthem; Party DJ John Coleson; and country music superstar Michael Peterson who performed his famous “It’s Who We Are” to usher in Commander’s Mike Miller’s year in office.

Cook Accepts The Challenge

Outgoing Chairman Shares Thoughts On Membership For more than a decade the declining fortunes of the membership program and the frustrations associated with finding a solution to them has stymied and demoralized some of the most determined membership workers the Department of Indiana has to offer.

The 2010-2011 year was no exception.

Jack Cook, a determined and successful membership worker from Middletown Post 210, accepted the post when Leland Baxter offered it to him upon his election as Department Commander in 2010. A tireless traveler and an enthusiastic motivator, Cook’s efforts resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of decline, and protected Baxter from being, as he often said he feared, the first commander to preside over a membership close of less than 100,000.

On leaving office, Cook took time to report his experiences, disappointments, successes and expectations to delegates attending the 93rd annual Department Convention.

Here, worth considering, is what he told them: “The Department of Indiana closed books on June 13, 2011, with 93,694 memberships. We finished at 96.31 percent or 3,588 members short of our 97,282 membership goal. We finished with 3,187 memberships fewer than the previous year’s total.

“On March 6 we met the National 90 percent membership goal. While we met the goal exactly with no memberships to spare, I was very encouraged by this turn in, not so much for the total memberships received, but for how we accomplished this total.

“On that turn in we had 35 posts that showed they understood what “Every Card,

Every Time” meant. We had 20 some posts that sent in more than one transmittal that week. That meant they had memberships early in the week and processed them and sent them in. They then received more memberships prior to the turn in date and processed them and turned them in also.

“We also had another 10 to 15 posts who turned in only 1 membership that week and in keeping with “Every card, Every Time” processed them and turned them in. In years past this

crease our membership by that amount.

“But all is not doom and gloom with our membership year. We have many points to feel good about. As of the July 7, 2011, national membership report we finished in 10th place nationally with 45 departments behind us.

“In our Central Region, we finished in 3rd place, 734 memberships behind 1st place Iowa and 471 memberships behind 2nd place Minnesota.

“Of the eight large depart-

“That was not to be … it had taken almost three months to increase our membership.” might not have happened.

The important fact about this is that if even one of those posts had not gone the extra mile, then we would not have met the national 90 percent goal.

“While we had met the 90 percent goal, I felt that the 95 percent national goal a month later on April 13 was perhaps too great a step to expect us to meet, but I felt confident that we could reach 95 percent by the May 11-100 percent national goal. If we could get to that point then I felt that if we could continue the “Every Card Every Time” cooperation we had received in the March turn in, we just might with some luck, be able to finish the year with more memberships than the previous year. And that, after all, is the bottom line in membership, growth beyond last year’s total.

“That, however, was not to be. Since our March 6 turn in we only increased our Department’s membership by 6.31 percent by Close of Books. It had taken almost three months to in-

ment of more than 90,000 members, we finished in second place, 471 memberships behind Minnesota “We tried several new things this year that I feel made a difference. First we placed Department Officers in post meetings accompanied by district officers. We offered ideas and support and department officer assistance and manpower along with suggestions of what other posts are finding works for them.

This showed the posts that we cared about them and strengthened the district officers’ rapport with post officers because they brought Department officers to their post meeting offering assistance and manpower for them.

“The district membership chairmen and I met briefly at every conference to build cooperation and camaraderie between them and to share ideas of what worked and what did not. I tried to get the districts that were being successful to share their ideas and strategies with the other districts

so that in the long run the department of Indiana benefited rather than just one district.

“And of course there were the Bravo Zulu Awards given to the posts as they reached their membership benchmarks. I know some of you thought they were hokie, but I feel if you do your job correctly and meet the membership goals, then recognition is due, even if it’s only a paper certificate.

“During the year, as I traveled the state, I was welcomed with Hoosier Hospitality at every stop, and I thank the many posts and districts who welcomed me so graciously. I would also like to thank this year’s District Commanders, their membership chairmen and the district vice commanders for their hospitality and their hard work. This is truly where the rubber meets the road. Without your hard work, the success we experienced would not have been possible. Thank you for what you do for The American Legion, not just this year but year in and year out.

“I would like to also thank the four Department Vice Commanders for their hard work and flexibility as plans changed on short notice and they were always there ready to go to work and do what needed to be done.

“I would also like to thank Commander Baxter for the high honor and great privilege of serving him and the Department of Indiana as Membership Chairman this year. We have, it seems, answered the age old question of could a Swab Jockey and a Jar Head work together for an entire year without coming to blows. The answer to that is ‘yes,’ when you factor in our common respect for each other and our desire to serve this great organization we both love so much.”

American Legion Post 168’s 2010-2011 Commander, Pat O’Donnell, and current commander Dan Archer accept the special “Excellence in Communications” award from Southern Vice Commander Ray “Skip” Nunweiler. The post was recognized for its innovative “Veterans Views” radio program.

Post-Operated Radio Program Serves Veterans; Wins Honors A radio program serving a national and international audience of American veterans was honored by delegates to the 93rd annual Department Convention with a special communications award presented by the Department Public Relations Committee.

According to PR Chairman Jeffery Carroll, Jr., “while the Public Relations Committee has been considering more changes and additional award categories in order to recognize excellence in communication using new media … as well as those who embrace technology of any kind … I ask you to help honor one such post with what we are calling the “Excellence in Communication” Award.

The “Veterans Views” radio program went on the air in 2004, with a “Veterans Views” television program that aired on Comcast Cable in Lake County, Indiana. It was on the air for 2½ years, but because the local cable company, Comcast, suspended all locally originated programming, the show was

put on the shelf where it languished for three years.

In 2009, representatives of American Legion Post 168 in Hammond approached WJOB Radio, AM 1230, with the thought of beginning a radio program about veterans, for veterans and by veterans. The show was envisioned and designed as an outreach to the community with a call-in format.

The Legionnaires responsible for the revival of “Veterans Views” included Don Shults, National Certified Service Officer; Dan Archer, National Certified Service Officer; Bill Emerson; Patrick ODonnell; Erine Dillon; and Dennis Shults, all members of American Legion Post 168, According to the group, the first show was scheduled to be broadcast for 30 minutes, but the volume of telephone calls was so great the station let the show run for 90 minutes. The station also reserved the time slot for the program because of the high ratings.

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Hoosier Legionnaire

August/September 2011

Values And Traditions Highlight Scouts, Speakers, And Shooters, Post and Public Honors, Awards Among Youth Award Recipients

Bryce Biberstein Family Scholarship Winner

Adam Lyness Flag Education Essayist

Melanie Qua Girl Scout Gold Award Winner

Gaylord N. Sheline Post Of Distinction Award The Gaylord N. Sheline Award is presented to the Post whose Americanism programs are judged overall best in the department.

The judging is based on a review of the Post’s submission of a scrapbook of their activities, and is awarded in two categories: under 500 members and over 500 members.

The 2011 Gaylord N. Sheline Post of Distinction award in the large Post category went to Herbert Kuhn Post 253 in North Webster.

The 2011 winner in the small post category was Cedar Lake Post 261 in the First District.

Four Chaplain’s Award Department Chaplain presented the Four Chaplain’s Award, saying “since its founding in 1919, The American Legion has operated on the principle of service to God and Country.

The Four Chaplain’s Award honors the personal sacrifice of four Men of God during World War II, and recognizes a Post’s contribution to the principles the four represented.”

The recipient of the 2011 Four Chaplain’s Memorial Award for outstanding service to God and Country while supporting the principles of The American Legion was Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington.

Byron Waggoner Award “The American Legion serves not only the veteran community, but also communities throughout the state,” said Americanism Chairman Ken Hylton in presenting the Bryon Waggoner Award.

“We have always been there when our fellow citizens have called upon us for assistance. The Byron Waggoner award recognizes this commitment and is given annually to an American Legion Post for its outstanding performance in community service during the year,” he said. The 2011 recipient of the Byron Waggoner award is Bloomington’s Burton Woolery Post 18.

Colonel Frank R. Kossa National Security Award In presenting the Kossa Award, Chairman Hylton told the delegates, “keeping

in mind that a strong and secure nation is the greatest assurance of a ‘100 Percent Americanism,’ The American Legion established the Colonel Frank R. Kossa National Security Award. It recognizes a Post for its overall national security program as documented by newspaper clippings, post bulletins, and a scrapbook on national security.

The 2011 Col. Frank Kossa Award went to Burton Woolery Post 18.

Military Person Of The Year Award Although each year there can be multiple awards from the active duty category, National Guard category and Reserve Component category, in 2011 the Department singled out just one outstanding member of the armed forces for this prestigious award. The Military Person of the year Award went to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Shockley, a member of the United States Army Reserve.

LTC Shockley has been a member of the United State Army Reserve since 1983, and has served in a wide and impressive variety of active and reserve duty assignments.

He has been deployed on assignments to Belize, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. His special assignments have included stints as an Instructor as the Spanish War College, Instructor at the Partnership for Pease Institute in Greece, and as the lead Civil Affairs Observer in South Korea and again in Hohensfels, Germany.

He began his military career as an enlisted artilleryman, graduated from OCS and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, and eventually made his way into the Civil Affairs arena. He also graduated from the Combined Arms Staff School and the Defense Language Institute where he learned to speak Russian.

Col. Shockley is a member of The American Legion, and currently serves as commander of American Legion Post 38 in Lafayette. He also is Senior Sales Consultant for Novartis Pharmaceuticals and has extensive experience in marketing, management, and sales.

Maxxamillion Hamm Indiana Scout of the Year

Boy Scout Awards Stan Gatewood, chairman of the Department Boy Scout Committee, presented a number of awards to Scouts and some of their leaders. In making those presentations, Gatewood said “ The first youth program sponsored

by The American Legion was Scouting. The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion begins ‘For God and Country we associate ourselves …’ and, the Scout oath begins ‘On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country …’

“This common bond becomes even more exceptional with the recognition of our Eagle Scout of the Year.

The American Legion Scout of the Year program requires nominees to be active members of a Boy Scout troop, or varsity scout team chartered to an American Legion Post or Auxiliary Unit, or be registered and active in a chartered Boy Scout Troop and be the son or grandson of a Legion or Auxiliary member.

Additionally, each nominee must have received the Eagle Scout award, which is the highest award in Scouting, and have reached his 15th birthday.

The 2011 Indiana American Legion Scout of the Year is from the Eleventh District – Maxxamillion Hamm. He received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of his achievement.

He was selected from

Indiana’s Best Newburgh Post 44’s American Legion Baseball Team took home top honors in the state baseball tournament in Rockport July 29-31. The team advanced to the Great Lakes Regional in the National Championship tournament, but was eliminated in the first round.

Fabian House Hoosier Boys State Governor

among nine district contenders, including the First District winner, Avery Arnold, the Third District winner, Logan Weiss, the Fourth District winner, Graham Roman, the Fifth District winner, Anthony Rentz, the Sixth District winner, Jesse Fox, the Seventh District winner, Richard Gargas, the Ninth District winner, Thomas Keiffer, and the Tenth District winner, Kyle Schwab.…

Each District winner received a $200 scholarship. in honor of his achievement, except for the Department of Indiana “Scout of the Year” who will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a plaque.

Square Knot Awards Gatewood also presented five Square Knot Awards which, he said, “will recognize for the first time from the convention platform a group of Legionnaires without whom there would be no Boy Scout Program … the adult leaders.

The 2011 Square Knot Award Winners are: • Russ Chorpenning, Post 300; • Butch Hammond and George Lambert, both of Post 384; • Ron Hooker, Post 297; • Michael Stalcup, and David Koss, both of Post 3.

Girl Scout Gold Award Winner The chair person of the Department Girl Scout Committee presented the Girl Scout Gold Award, saying “I am gratified that we are making special efforts to recognize the achievements of young women in this special way.

Three Girl Scouts vied for the award, the First District winner, Bridget McCullough, sponsored by Post 180; the Sixth District winner, Melanie Qua, sponsored by Post 145; and the Ninth District winner, Heather Carr, sponsored by Post 464.

Melanie Qua, who attends Zionsville High School and plans to attend the University of Evansville was named Gold Award winner and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Boys State Awards The Hoosier Boys State Governor, Fabian House, from Muncie Central High School, was introduced and addressed the delegates. He was sponsored by Post 19 in the Fifth District.

Breedlove Trophy Award The 2011 Breedlove Trophy Award, which is named for a Barney W. Breedlove, who dedicated his life to these young men and to helping build their future, went to the Hoosier Boys State’s Outstanding Citi-

zen. Tyler Olkowski. He was sponsored by Post 161, in the Third District, and not only received the Breedlove trophy, but also was named Outstanding Citizen of Hoosier Boys State and was awarded the Kossa Scholarship.

In a letter accepting the awards, Olkowski wrote “I would like to sincerely thank The American Legion for continuing to sponsor Hoosier Boys State. I can say without any doubt in my mind that nearly 600 young men’s lives have been changed because of your prestigious and highly education program. I feel honored, humbled and thankful…”

McKeeman Award The 2011 John McKeeman Memorial Award went to Post 19 in Muncie.

Post 499 in the Fourth District established the John McKeeman Memorial Award, named for long-time Boys State Enrollment Committee chairman, to recognize The American Legion Post that sponsors the Hoosier Boys State Governor.

Flag Education Chairman John Branson introduced the 2011 Flag Education Award winners to the delegates, saying “This is the 16th year of this very successful program, in which flag education tests are administered to fourth graders around the state.

There are two winners, a boy and a girl, but unfortunately, Andria Pataky, from Wanatah Elementary School, who was sponsored by Post 403 in the Third District, is unable to be here.”

The boy winner was Adam Lyness from North Dearborn Elementary School, sponsored by Post 464 in the Ninth District.

Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, chairman of the department’s JSSP program introduced the 2011 Champion, Alex Ray, sponsored by Post 182, to the delegates.

She said “The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program has opened up competitive opportunities for young people that is unlike any other. The skills, attitudes and discipline necessary for this sport have been recognized as not unlike those necessary for any other sport – and in fact, Shooting Competition has long been a part of the International Olympic Games.

The best of our program advance to the National Program at Colorado Springs.”

Oratorical Contest Winner Rebecca Frazer, a home schooled student sponsored

by American Legion Post

Continued on page 5

August/September 2011

Hoosier Legionnaire

Shawn Wininger Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year

Page 5

Captain Samuel Still Firefighter Of The Year

Ronald Reed, Jr. Emergency Medical Technician of the Year

‘First Responders’ Honored By American Legion Three Hoosier ‘first responders’ were honored July 16 by the state’s largest veterans’ organization as Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician of the Year.

The awards came during the closing session of The American Legion Department of Indiana’s 93rd annual state convention in Indianapolis July 16.

The Indiana Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is Detective Shawn Wininger of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The Firefighter of the Year is Captain Samuel Still of the Boonville Fire Department, and the Legion’s Emergency Medical Technician of the Year is Ronald Reed, Jr. of the Hobart Fire Department In addition to the 2011 officers of the year, Indiana’s 2010 Firefighter of the year, Joseph Anthony Yochum, a member of the Vincennes Fire Department, advanced to the national finals sponsored by The American Legion National Headquarters and returned as Central Region Firefighter of the Year, and Runner Up in the final round of competition.

As he presented the awards, Legion Law and Order Committee chairman Bill Kocher of Vincennes told the winning ‘first responders’ that “it is the intent of this program to, in some small way, let you know that The American Legion recognizes and appreciates your efforts on our behalf, and that we further recognize the terrific pressure you serve under 24 hours a day.”

The Department Officers of the year were selected

from District officers of the year in every category. Each of the district winners received a distinctive plaque which identifies him or her as a finalist in this year's competition and as a district’s law enforcement officer of the year winner.

The district contenders for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year were: • From the First District and sponsored by Post 54, Joseph Clemmons. Officer Clemmons is employed by the Hobart Police Department.

• From the Fifth District and sponsored by Post 6, Shane Melton. Detective Melton is employed by the Kokomo Police Department.

• From the Sixth District and sponsored by Post 104, John Plasse. Chief Plasse is employed by the Terre Haute Police Department.

• From the Seventh District and sponsored by Post 121, Steve Riney. Detective Riney is employed by the Washington City Police Department.

• From the Eleventh District and sponsored by Post 56, Shawn Wininger. Detective Wininger is employed by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The districts’ officers of the year in the Firefighter of the Year competition were: • From the First District and sponsored by Post 54, Officer Michael Haney. Michael serves with the Hobart Fire Department.

• From the Second District and sponsored by Post 260, Officer Jeremy Himan.

Jeremy serves with the Portage Fire Department.

• From the Fifth District

Youth Award Recipients Continued from page 4 230 in the Seventh District, was the Department’s 2011 Oratorical Contest winner.

She was unable to attend the convention, but Children and Youth Chairman Dick Jewell read a letter from Rebecca to the delegates.

He read “The oratorical contest has been a wonderful experience. The contest has inspired me to deepen my knowledge of the Constitution and has changed my outlook on American Government. I greatly look forward to participating again and I have told many of my high school friends that they should participate.

I hope the contest continues to grow. It has bless our family so much!”

American Legion Family Scholarships The 2011 American Legion Family Scholarships went to Bryce Biberstein, Emily Donovan and Mitchell Wilson.

Bryce is attending Wabash College, majoring in Biology and Pre-Med. His entry in the competition was based on the membership of Bruce Shilling in Post 253 in North Webster.

Emily is a graduate of Lewis-Cass Junior-Senior High School and will attend IUPUI where she plans to study Biology. Her sponsor is Christopher Donovan, who is a member of Post 418 in Walton.

Mitchell He will attend Indiana Tech after graduation from Dekalb High School, where he will pursue a degree in accounting. His grandfather is a member of Post 381 in Rome City, and is the member on whom his application was based.

Mitchell was not present for the recognition at the convention.

Each scholarship winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

and sponsored by Post 10, Captain Paul Thompson, III. Paul serves with the Marion Fire Department.

• From the Sixth District and sponsored by Post 79, Officer Ralph Davidson.

Ralph serves with the Zionsville Volunteer Fire Department.

• From the Eighth District and sponsored by Post

200, Captain Samuel Still.

Samuel serves with the Boonville Fire Department.

The district winners of the Emergency Medical Personnel of the Year competition were: • From the First District and sponsored by Post 54, Paramedic Ronald Reed, Jr. Ronald serves with the Hobart Fire Department.

• From the Second District and sponsored by Post 260, Paramedic Kevin DeYoung. Kevin serves with the Noble Township Volunteer Fire Department.

• From the Seventh District and sponsored by Post 18, Paramedic Field Supervisor Wyan D. Johnson. Wyan serves with both the Bloomington Hospital Ambulance

Service and the Bloomington Police Department’s Critical Incident Response Team.

• From the Eighth District and sponsored by Post 200, Emergency Medical Technician Claudia Schwartz. Claudia serves with St. Mary’s Warrick County Emergency Medical Service.

We’re Back After several years’ absence from the competition, the Second District Color Guard roared back to championship statues during the Convention Contest Competition at the 93rd annual Department Convention in Indianapolis in July. Members of the group have been polishing their boots and brass in preparation for competing in the national competition at Minneapolis, MN during the upcoming 93rd annual National Convention. Runnerup Memorial Post 196 from Bloomfield also will compete.

Auxiliary News Continued from page 10 and I spent quite a bit of time talking with some of the nurses about what they see our veterans there really could use.

Sorry ladies, but they seem to have an abundance of lap robes for now. What they really need right now

are sweats, in the larger sizes, pull over shirts and tube socks.

The Auxiliary is after membership this year. We want one new member per unit. We do realize that some units just can’t do that, but the larger, stronger units can help by pulling in a couple of more members.

The Auxiliary should be about three times the size of The American Legion, but we aren’t. Problem!

For every Legion member there should be at least one or more Auxiliary members. With our membership team this year, we are going after those potential new members. We also hope to

launch a state wide public relation campaign.

I look forward to working with Commander Mike this year. Let’s make this a year we can all remember fondly.

Our theme for the year is “Serving Those Who Served—An American Tradition.”

lost a mother or father.

Help such members if they are experiencing difficulty.

Understanding specific situations will allow you to better assist your fellow SAL members. They don’t always keep up with us, so we must keep up with them.

My commanders’ project this year is the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund. Giving a helping hand to Indiana service members and their families who encounter difficult situations is what the fund is all about. What could be

more rewarding than helping support our men and women who are protecting our freedom abroad?

Past Detachment Commander Glenn Nagel has organized a golf outing on September 24 to help the campaign fund of Indiana’s candidate for National Commander of The American Legion, James E. Koutz.

The entry fee is $55 per players or $220 for a team, and participation is open to the public. For more information please feel free to call Glenn at 219-7125320.

As I look forward to the challenges ahead I know I have two great teammates in Department Commander Mike Miller and Auxiliary President Billie Bubala. I am very proud to be serving with these two outstanding individuals.

Finally I would like to say I am here to work for all 37,000 plus members of the Detachment of Indiana. If there is anything I can do for you please feel free to call me at 765-620-9319.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know as many of you as possible.

SAL News Continued from page 10 meeting to pick up their card. Get them involved in your squadron projects or outings. When you sign up a new member become his sponsor. Spend some time getting to know him and his circumstances. Know his spouse and their children.

By knowing our members we will know their circumstances, such as who just lost their job and might not be able to afford to pay his dues, who just moved, who is going through a divorce, who may have just

Page 6

Hoosier Legionnaire

August/September 2011

Two Posts, Newspaper Receive PR Awards

2010-2011 Membership Chairman Jack Cook, left, and past Department Commander Ralph Tolan (2008-2009) accept accolades from delegates to the 93rd annual Department Convention in July as they were honored by their peers with the Legion’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

Long-Time Legionnaires Honored With Distinguished Service Award Two long-time members of The American Legion Department of Indiana have been honored by their comrades with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award.

Ralph Tolan of Speedway, Indiana, and Jack Cook of Middlebury, Indiana, were recognized for their “impressive record of service in a variety of Post, District, Department and National Offices. By their service they have brought great credit on the Department of Indiana,” said Past Indiana Department commander Robert Newman, who presented the awards during the Legion’s 93rd annual state in Indianapolis July 16.

In the 93 year history of the state’s largest veterans’ organization, only 188 Legionnaires have been honored with the Distinguished Service Award.

Ralph Tolan is a 39year member of Speedway American Legion Post 500.

He was elected Department Commander in 2008.

He is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as a helicopter mechanic, crew chief and

machine gunner in 19681969.

He has served in almost every office available at the post, and is a past 11th District Commander. He also served the District as Adjutant, and has been active in Department and National offices and activities for many years. Prior to his election as Department Commander, Tolan chaired all four permanent department commissions – Americanism, Children & Youth, Internal Affairs, and Rehabilitation – and served one term as Department Southern Vice Commander.

Jack Cook ended the latest of his many important assignments on behalf of The Department of Indiana the same day he accepted the award, ending his oneyear stint as Department Membership Chairman.

Cook is a navy veteran of the war in Vietnam, having served in the ‘brown water navy’ as a swift boat crew member. His deployment to Vietnam began during the 1968 Tet Offensive and ended during the 1969 Tet Offensive. For his service, he was awarded the Na-

tional Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy C o m m e n d a t i o n Me d a l with Combat V. In addition to local Legion service, Cook has been Third District Commander, Ad j u t a n t , Me m b e r s h i p Chairman, Elkhart County Membership Chair man and Boys State Enrollment Chairman. His state level assignments include Boys’ State Enrollment Chairman, Northern Vice Commander, and counselor and Assistant Dean at Boys State.

Wayne Talbott Award Jeff Carroll, Chairman of the Department Public Relations Committee, presented Wayne Talbot Awards to two Legion posts and the Fourth Estate Award to a local newspaper who consistent coverage of veterans issues won earned it a second award.

“We seek to honor the men and women who work to insure that their membership is informed, and that their post programs and policies are well read and understood. We do so by presenting the Wayne L. Talbert Award,” Carroll said.

“We recently acknowledged the growth of technology in the communications industry by reducing to two the number of categories from which the Talbert award can be selected … and recognizing that all publications are published on computer desktops these days. Our categories are, simply, 500 members or less and 501 members or more.”

In the large post category, the Wayne Talbert Award went to the Second District’s Herbert Kuhn American Legion Post 253 in North Webster, Robert Harding, editor.

In the small post category, the winner was the Eighth District’s William M. Ruby American Legion Post 204 in Sellersburg, Kevin Thompson, Jim Pattison and Cindy Woods, editors.

Fourth Estate Award According to Carroll, the Department’s Fourth Estate

Continued from page 9 takes or mails the receipt to his or her post, which issues the regular membership card and transmits the renewal to the department.

Posts do not have to wait for the individual member to return his or her receipt. The Department will mail a statement monthly, advising the post of which cards can be issued to members.

For the post, no payment is required to accompany the transmittal; the online renewals are indicated on the two-part card submitted, and within a few days, the post will receive its per capita payment for the online renewals.

We fully endorse this convenient new method of renewal and encourage you to take advantage of it. No cost, no more notices to pay when payment has already been

State Legislators Honored For Protecting Veterans’ Benefit but reduced, benefits based on the percentage of disability as rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For example, the children of a veteran with a 20 percent disability rating will receive remission of 40 percent of all fees. The remission rate is determining by adding the percent of disability rating to 20 percent, the minimum. Veterans rated 80 percent disabled or higher will continue to receive 100 percent fee remission.

Although the changes were due to take effect on July 1, 2011, a grace period of one year has been allowed. The new provision included in the legislation, which will now not take effect until midnight on June 30, 2012 include: • Applicants will be allowed to take undergraduate courses only.

• Applicants will have a total of eight years in the program.

• Applicants must not have reached age 32.

• Disabled wartime-era parents of applicants must have joined the service from Indiana or must have resided in Indiana at least five years before the application.

Award “recognizes excellence in reporting on issues of concern to Legionnaires and veterans, in both the print and broadcast media.

We have an outstanding winner this year – one we were privileged to honor with this award previously, which means they have ‘kept up the good work’ as they were encouraged to do a few years ago.”

The award went to The Herald of Jasper, Indiana, and was accepted on behalf of the paper by William Powell, a beat reporter for the newspaper. The Tribune was nominated by Dubois County American Legion Post 147 in Jasper.

Special Presentation Carroll reported that the Public Relations Committee “has been considering more changes and additional award categories in order to recognize excellence in

communication using new media – the computer based programs by which so many younger Hoosiers communicate, as well as those who embrace technology of any kind.

“We have not formalized those awards, but that has not stopped our posts from exploring many new options. One such post was honored with the “Excellence in Communication Award, the First District’s Victory Post 168 in Hammond, where each week issues and personalities of interest to the state’s veterans are broadcast over the Post-operated radio station, WJOB – 1230 am and its popular “Veterans’ Views” program.

Pat O’Donnell and the Dan Archer, 2011-2012 Commander of American Legion Post 168, accepted the award.

made, and no interruptions in continuous years.

Those of you with questions or concerns can contact me or Aubrey Real at Department Headquarters, (areal@ indlegion.org).

Little Mikey As difficult and time consuming as membership work can be, Commander Miller and I have decided to insert a little fun back into the program. That’s where “Little Mikey” comes in.

“Little Mikey” is a life-like replica of Commander Miller — a little shorter, maybe, and

not quite so good-looking – designed to accompany the commander of the last-place District on his travels after each Target Date turn-in. As the membership chairman, I will take special delight in picking up “Little Mikey” from the previous last-place District and delivering him to the next last-place district in special ceremonies at the District meetings.

Be sure to look for “Little Mikey” and his temporary friends on this page in coming issues of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Chairman’s Notes

CDV Faced Budget Cutters

Two members of the Indiana General Assembly were honored by The American Legion Department of Indiana July 16 for their efforts in preserving the long-standing Indiana veterans benefit known as Fee Remission for Children of Disabled Veterans.

Tom Demody (R-20th) and Milo Smith (R-59th ) were credited with championing a compromise which barred the legislature from restricting the benefit for current service personnel. Rep. Dermody and Smith received their awards on the convention in Indianapolis.

According the American Legion Department Adjutant Stephen W. Short, Dermody and Smith were “instrumental in preventing the benefit from being so reduced as to be meaningless for most disabled veterans’ children – an ‘obscenity, eliminating a veterans’ benefit during time of war.’ ” Under the agreement reached with the Legion and other veterans service organizations, the long standing benefit will remain unchanged for veterans currently on active duty. Those entering military service after July 31, 2011, however, will receive similar,

William Powell, long-time beat reporter for The Herald of Jasper, Indiana, accepts the Fourth Estate Award presented SVC Ray “Skip” Nunweiler as Daniel Lawson, Adjutant of Post 147 in Jasper looks on. The Herald is now a two-time Fourth Estate Award winner.

Representatives of Burton Woolery American Legion Post 18 in Bloomington and Emilio De La Garza, Jr. Post 508 in East Chicago accept the community Involvement Award.

Bloomington, East Chicago Posts Win Community Involvement Award

Two members of the Indiana General Assembly, Tom Demody (R-20th ), left, and Milo Smith (R-59th ), were honored by the Department of Indiana for their efforts to preserve the popular and long-standing veterans benefit, fee remission for the children of disabled veterans.

• Applicants who are not biological children of the veteran must have been adopted

by the veteran parent before they were eighteen years of age.

Eric Baggett, chairman of the Community Involvement Award committee, presented the award to winners in each of two categories, fewer than 500 members and over 500 members.

The awards went to, in the large post category, Burton Woolery Post 18 in the Seventh District, and in the small post category, Emilio De La Garza Post 508 in the First District.

According to Baggett, the award was established “several years ago, to recog-

nize the accomplishments and outreach of American Legion Posts in their communities. This award has become one of the most prestigious and meaningful awards we give, not only because it recognizes efforts to serve the community, but also because such efforts form the most solid underpinning of a successful membership program.

Those posts that compete in this competition are among the best and the winners are truly outstanding.”

August/September 2011

Hoosier Legionnaire

Page 7

Veterans Spotlight

Teamwork Essential For Successful Service Officer Program As the American Legion Department of Indiana’s veterans’ services and rehabilitation director, I receive a lot of credit. In reality however, I’m just one person in a well-organized American Legion team responsible for winning veterans the benefits they deserve. The team: Legion members, legislative staffers, national appeals officers, and post, county and department service officers (and their staffs) all play an important part.

We do live in a “grateful nation:” one whose citizens want to do what’s right for those who have protected

John Hickey Department Service Officer and defended their freedoms. We also, however, live in a republic where we must often persuade our elected representatives to keep, improve and adequately fund veterans benefits programs.

Many of the benefits veterans enjoy today were placed into law through American Legion members initiating benefit resolutions at their local posts, and the Legion’s

legislative staff promoting those resolutions before Congress and state legislative bodies.

Indeed,withoutconcerned American Legion members, an effective legislative staff, and a large American Legion membership, veterans would not have many of the benefits they now enjoy.

Once benefit programs become law, The American Legion works to make sure veterans know about them.

American Legion publications, such as, the Hoosier Legionnaire, post newsletters, and the National American Legion magazine, inform

large numbers of veterans.

Individually, however, American Legion post service officers help veterans better understand their benefits, and direct those veterans to where they can receive more details and claims filing assistance.

That’s where the County Veterans Service Officer becomes part of the team. They help veterans understand benefit requirements and assist with completing claim forms. County Veterans Service Officers also help answer status inquiries after the claim is filed.

When veterans ask for

American Legion claims representation, County Veterans Service Officers send those claims to The American Legion Department Service Office for filing with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Department Service Officer will then review the claim, route the claims package to the appropriate VA section, obtain a receipt for filing, track the claim through the processing system, review VA actions on the claim, update the claimant when important actions are taken, and, when necessary, assist the claimant with filing appeals, help the claimant dur-

ing appeal hearings, and file written appeal briefs on the claimant’s behalf based upon fact, law, and regulations.

If the claimant’s appeal is not won at the local VA regional office, The American Legion National Appeals Office in Washington DC presents the case with supporting argument to the Board of Veterans Appeals.

It’s certainly nice to receive thanks from veterans, but, as you can see, credit does not belong to just one person.

Instead, thanks belong to The American Legion and its well-organized system of veterans’ services.

Recovered Benefits Top $230 million

Rehab Reports Successful Year

John Rassbach, 2010-2011 First District Commander, accepts the Dale Kuhn Award honoring the district with the largest per capita contribution to the Rehab Fund from SVC Ray Nunweiler.

Rehab Awards Celebrate Legion Founders’ Vision In presenting the Department’s Rehabilitation awards, Chairman Larry Lowry said “the founding fathers of The American Legion had a vision.

That vision was that The American Legion would serve veterans, their families and loved ones upon their return from service to the nation.

“The rehabilitation awards we present here today recognize the efforts of our Legionnaires and Posts to carry on the vision of our founders and turn that vision into reality.”

Ralph V. “Curly” Cushman Award The Ralph V. "Curly" Cushman award for outstanding efforts in all phases of veterans’ rehabilitation went to Burton Woolery American Legion Post 18 in the Seventh District.

Dale Kuhn Award The Dale Kuhn Award recognizes the District in the Department of Indiana having made the greatest donation to the Department Rehabilitation Fund based on per capita membership as of close of books.

Continuing its string of awards in this area, the First District took home the Dale Kuhn Award.

Al Waichulis Memorial Award The Al Waichulis Memorial Award was established to recognize the Legionnaire who shows the greatest interest in the welfare of the residents of the Indiana Veterans Home at Lafayette

through their personal efforts to assist the home and its residents.

This year's Al Waichulis Memorial Award went to Joe Gick of Otterbein’s Martin Kennedy Post 125 in the Second District.

Employer Of The Year Award Each year the Department of Indiana honors those private employers who have a workforce of at least 25 percent veterans and have been in business for at least five years. Although the winners of the employer of the year awards can be selected from three categories, large employer, medium employer and small employer, this year, the committee selected just one outstanding medium sized company that has demonstrated a genuine commitment to veterans.

The 2011 Award went to Graphic Packaging International in Kendallville, Indiana. Keith McMillan and Ron Newcomer accepted the award on behalf of the company.

DVOP Representative Of The Year The department also honors those whose commitment to disabled veterans takes form in a variety of ways. The 2011 winner distinguished himself by his unique understanding of re-integrating disabled veterans into society and the development of a sense of well-being.

He is John Smoot, a DVOP representative in the Auburn office of Workforce One.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Rehabilitation Chairman during the 2010-2011 year. We have achieved numerous VA&R accomplishments during the last 12 months. The support of all Department Officers, American Legion volunteers, our membership, and a dedicated staff made this possible.

Under the category of Veterans Assistance, our department service office: • Answered 10,212 telephone inquiries; • Conducted over 481 client interviews; • Conducted 119 VA appeal hearings; • Completed 125 formal written appeal statements; • Reviewed 5,476 VA rating decisions; • Accepted 4,836 new clients; • Filed approximately 11,775 new benefit claims; and • Recovered $230,027,753 in benefits for American Legion Clients including $33,210,419 in retroactive benefits.

Thirty five thousand two hundred ninety three) Indiana veterans and/or their survivors have authorized The American Legion to representative them before VA. The average American Legion Department of Indiana Service Office client therefore receives $6,518 a year in VA benefits.

The Department Service Office also processed applications for financial assistance to needy veterans and their families directly from The American Legion Department and National Organizations totaling $19,093 during the last 12 months.

Our department service office now employs three fully qualified VA accredited Department Service Officers

Editor’s Note: The Chairman of the Department Rehabilitation Committee reports the annual activities and achievement each year at the Department Convention.

This year’s report, presented by Chairman Larry Lowry, is reprinted below in its entirety.

(Bonnie McKinney, David Wilson, and John Hickey), and two full-time secretaries (Lori McIlquham, and Heather Hale). We also have a new Department Service Officer in training, Joe Fuller. In addition, we have provided American Legion accreditation to two County Veterans Service Officers– George Jarboe in Allen County and Randy Fairchild in Tippecanoe County.

We have learned that accrediting County Veterans Service Officers helps the department win veterans additional benefits without substantially increasing the workload at the Department Service Office.

Also during this reporting period, our Department Service Officers conducted several veterans’ benefits seminars and veterans’ information services throughout the State, including at Veterans Job Fairs, National Guard Seamless Transition Workshops, and the State Fair.

Our outreach efforts combined with our wellestablished reputation for quality claims representation, brought us not only more claims but 4,836 new clients during the last 12month reporting period.

This number is 631, or 15 percent more new clients accepted this year than for the same reporting period the year before.

Donations to the Department Rehab Fund financed the efforts of our Hospital and Nursing Home Committee volunteers in distributing $44,000 in comfort items and activities for medically confined veterans. Our 26

Post-Operated Radio Program Continued from page 3 The group has continued to dedicate itself to the program and continues to volunteer their time and efforts since the start of the radio program.

The program format normally includes one on air guest, a list of which includes Indiana American Legion Department Commanders, Navajo Code Talker Bill Toledo, and Congressman Peter Visclosky, among others.

Listeners call in with announcements for events taking place in Lake County, Indiana as well as to express their concerns about what is happening in the military,

and to seek assistance with problems with claims they have filed.

“Veterans Views” also enjoys a viewing audience from all over the world through live streaming of WJOB1230 on the internet. Calls have come from as far away as Denmark, Germany, and Australia, as well as from every corner of the nation.

The call in telephone number is 219-845-1100.

Program backers are in the process of expanding the coverage through the internet via www.VeteransViews. org and have partnered with “VeteransView.com,” as well as preparing a presence on Facebook, “Veterans views.”

recognized rehab volunteers also recruited other post volunteers to assist them while offering veterans’ services at both VA and non-VA healthcare facilities. Our rehabilitation volunteers do such things as: • Purchase and distribute refreshments and comfort items; • Conduct parties and other social get-togethers for patients; • Buy and distribute Christmas presents; • Buy and distribute newspapers and other reading materials, and • Assist VA Medical Centers with purchasing items to help their veteran patients.

Our volunteers make the Department’s Rehabilitation Program work. They deserve credit for its overwhelming success.

All department Rehab volunteers must account for funds spent by providing receipts and signed requisitions subject to the Rehabilitation Office’s approval. Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to chair the Department’s Rehabilitation Commission Fund Allocation meeting, and I can assure you that the Department accounts for every cent of the Rehab Funds requisitioned by our volunteers.

We also use Department Rehabilitation funds for the Richard R. Quattrin Homeless Veterans Shelter Assistance Fund. This fund awards $50 each time a documented not-for-profit shelter provides a homeless veteran lodging and shelter for at least two nights. The Richard R. Quattrin Homeless Veterans Shelter fund distributed grants totaling $2,050 during the 2010-2011 year.

The Rehabilitation fund budget depends on Rehab contributions made to the department and revenue from the department’s Spring card program. This year’s total rehab contributions were approximately $78,000. This is $34,000 more than last year! Our members deserve thanks for remembering veterans in nursing homes, hospitals, and those receiving services at VA clinics and Vet Centers.

The department gives an annual award to the district contributing the highest dollar percentage to the rehab fund based upon the number of members in the district. Although major VA

medical facilities are not in every district, contributions to the rehab program help veterans in those districts when they receive health care services from VA facilities in other districts. All districts are therefore encouraged to contribute to the rehab fund.

Post and district service officer programs continue to improve. During last year’s organizational meeting, department service officers conducted a fourhour post service officers training seminar. Another one is scheduled on Sunday immediately following this convention.

The department service office has also updated its post service officer’s home study training course again this year, and now offers a service officer’s training program on disc. This year, two more post, district, or county service officers have received certificates for successfully completing the department’s post service officers’ home study course.

The department has also continued the printing and distribution of the monthly Service and Legislative Update via post mailing, email, and county veterans service officer mailing. This publication summarizes recent changes in veterans’ benefits, and calls Indiana legion posts and members to action for important veterans legislative issues.

Our Indiana Veterans Home activities also continue with posts, districts, and the department donating both money and volunteer time to ensure its residents receive the comforts they deserve.

The Department Employment Committee helps promote veterans employment by providing American Legion economic award nominations. The employment committee also keeps the department aware of various veterans’ employment issues.

Our Homeless Veterans Committee continues to draw a large interest. The Committee finds ways to assist homeless veterans as an organized committee, it works with other organizations that assist homeless veterans, such as, the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, and it promotes local homeless veterans assistance programs.

Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the American Legion, and The American Legion Department of Indiana treats it as such for the benefit of those we serve.

Page 8

Hoosier Legionnaire

August/September 2011

93rd Annual State Convention Ushering In The New Year, Celebrating The Old, Department Intros Officers, Dances Night Away

1 1

2

With the election of a new Commander, the Department of Indiana brings down the curtain on another Legion Year and ushers in a new one. The change is characterized by good words, good fun and good times—examples of each captured on camera and presented here as a memento of a momentous day.

Here, as numbered, are 1.) Newly elected District Commanders after being ‘pinned by their predecessors.

2.) Commander Miller capped by Joy, his wife, yes, but perhaps his emotion as well.

3.) Brian Miller at the mic, delivering his father’s official nomination.

4.) Past SAL Commander Glenn Nagle takes a seat that underscores his size, but not his spirit.

5.) The new Commander greets the new President, Billie Bubala.

6,7.) Dewey Long and Claudia Lowry, credited with lifesaving intervention during last year’s national convention, react emotionally to their recognition on the platform.

8.) Past Department Com-

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mander Leland Baxter never looked so buff.

9.) Don’ worry, Mon … be happy …

10.) The Marriott offers a perfect setting for sitting during the convention party.

11.) Robbie Robinson with Midge, 10th District Commander Carolyn Harrison (right) and friend.

12.) First Lady Joy Miller and friends 13.) Damon Bradtmuller— just another pretty face.

14.) Another pretty face 15.) Gail Galich, another pretty face, celebrates her election to 1st District Commander.

16.) Mike Brady, another … well, face. This year’s most successful District Commander.

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August/September 2011

Hoosier Legionnaire

Page 9

Chairman's Notes

Incentive Awards, On-line Renewal, And ‘Little Mikey’ On Tap For 2011-12 It is a privilege for me to serve the Department of Indiana is such an important position as Membership Chairman. I am grateful to Commander Mike Miller for the opportunity, and anxious to get down to the business of rebuilding the membership base.

That isn’t going to be an easy task. We have many challenges ahead of us, and most of them have been with us for many years. Like our predecessors, Commander Miller and I are under no illusions that we have all the

answers. We do, however, think we have some ideas that will advance the cause, and some initiatives that are only now beginning to show benefits. These are the topics that will be the basis for this and future Chairman’s Notes that I will prepare during this Legion year.

Recruiter Incentive Award After much thought and a formal presentation to the Department Finance Committee, Commander Miller has successfully instituted a rare, if not first-time, cash incentive program designed

to reward membership workers and/or rebate the cost of membership to new members.

The program grants a onetime $5.00 payment to every member who recruits a new member and registers the new member with the department. The payment will be in the form of a check issued by the Department Finance Office directly to the recruiter, following each conference.

Recruiters can pocket the $5.00, apply it to the new member’s dues at the time of payment, or apply it to his or

Ask Aubrey

Dear Aubrey: What do I do with the other 2 part membership card for members that renew online?

Confused Dear Confused: Simply write “online” on the card and send it in to Department.

Dear Aubrey: Why do some of the members in my post have a membership card with the number

Editor’s Note: Ask Aubrey is a question and answer column prepared by the Department Membership Staff. Here you will find reliable information to help you manage your own membership and that of your post. The questions are representative of those the office receives via the phone, email, and in the mail every day. Please send your questions to Aubrey Real c/o Department Headquarters, call 317.630.1300, or email her at areal@indlegion.org. Don’t be surprised to see one of your questions here one day.

of continuous years missing?

Counting Dear Counting: If the member paid after the April 13, 2011 cut-off date, they will not have a number of continuous years in that space. This also happens when a member is expired.

Dear Aubrey: Why do I keep getting renewal notices when I’ve already paid?

Mail Weary Dear Mail Weary: Renewal Notices go out once every 3 month. 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 September 9, 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: I would like to transfer my membership to another post. How do I go about doing this?

On the Move Dear On the Move: 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.

2011 Hundred Percent Posts Nearly 200 Indiana American Legion posts achieved 100 percent of assigned goal prior to the 2010 Close of Books on June 12, 2011. The membership achievement as of the Close of Books is the total used to determine the number of convention delegates assigned to each post.

Indiana’s 2011 One Hundred Percent Posts include: District 1 Post 17, Rider’s Memorial Post 54, Hobart Post 66, Griffith Post 100, East Gary Memorial Post 101, Lowell Post 232, Hessville Community SE Post 279, Miller Dunes Post 369, East Chicago District 2 Post 29, Rensselaer Post 57, Fowler Post 170, Chesterton Post 190, Wilson-Bates Post 226, Ancil Geiger Post 238, Roselawn Post 253, Herbert Kuhn Post 414, Burlington Post 418, Walton Post 492, West Lafayette District 3 Post 27, Charles B. Reeve Post 130, LaPorte County Post 154, Nappanee Post 161, Mishawaka Post 191, Otho B. Place Post 297, New Carlisle Post 303, River Park Post 308, Osceola Post 385, Lapaz Post 424, Bourbon Post 434, Zook-Farrington District 4 Post 31, Angola Post 43, Decatur Post 47, Fort Wayne Post 97, Auburn Post 111, Bluffton Post 148, Fort Wayne Post 157 Gilbert Davis Post 202 Charles Foster Blaker Post 215, La Grange Post 241, Waynedale Post 257, Cassel Post 330, New Haven Post 377, Woodburn Post 381, Robert W. Schermerhorn Post 420, Keith Brown Post 467, Franklin R. Fee District 5 Post 7, Huntington Post 46, Charles Sturdevant Post 53, Louis Monroe Post 156, Montpelier

tains detailed information on the recruiter Incentive Award.

I encourage you to get a copy of that from your post or, if one is not available, from the Department Membership office.

Rules and detailed information also are posted on the Department website. Click on the tab at the top of the page.

On-Line Renewal One of the biggest changes that has come along recently is the newly established program that allows our members to renew online. It has been in force for about six

weeks now, and by all accounts, it has provided a simple, direct method for members to renew and avoid the costly and often annoying receipt of multiple renewal notices.

How it works is simple: A member goes online to w w w. l e g i o n . o r g / re n e w, which takes the member to a secure renewal site, where he or she submits a credit card for payment of the dues and prints out a membership card facsimile receipt.

The renewed member simply

Continued on page 6

93rd Department Convention

Website Offers Information, Advice On Online Renewal Dear Aubrey: Where can I find more information the online renewal program?

Tech Savvy Dear Tech: If you are a Post Officer wanting to know how to keep track of those members who renew online, visit: http:// www.members.legion.org/ legion/OnlineRenewals/ Posts/index.html. If you are a member wanting to know how to go about renewing online, visit: http://www. members.legion.org/legion/ OnlineRenewals/Members/ index.html

her own renewal at renewal time. There is no limit to the number of incentive payments a recruiter can receive.

Because a payment of $5.00 will be made for every new member recruited, current members can earn their 2012 dues by recruiting, on average, just seven new members. In addition, the names of recruiters and new members both will be entered into year-end drawings for a variety of valuable prizes.

Each post has received a Department Membership Awards Guide, which con-

Post 160, Roanoke Post 177, Worley David Gaskin Post 212, BartholomewWhetsel Post 248, Lagro Post 313, Fairmount Post 317, Greentown Post 408, John T. Clendenen Post 482, Pennville Post 555, M C F District 6 Post 45, Noblesville Post 48, Rockville Post 72, Byron Cox Post 79, Zionsville Post 140, Clinton Post 145, Avon Post 201, Nicely-Brindle Post 218, Thorntown Post 263, Rainbow Post 290, Tony Kashon Post 340, Pioneer Post 346, Wayne Newton Post 395, Jamestown Post 426, Pittsboro Post 445, Waynetown Post 501, John E. Heyen District 7 Post 18, Bloomington Post 22, Linton Post 25, Princeton Post 51, Owensville Post 61, Shoals Post 103, Mooresville Post 106, Bashaw-Roth Post 120, Loogootee Post 139, Sullivan Post 141, PutoffLautenschlager Post 172, Jasonville Post 197, Stewart-Norris Post 205, Franklin Post 224, Rexford Ballard Post 225, Clay City Post 233, Edinburgh Post 245, Clarence R. White Post 252, Greenwood Post 256, Oakland City Post 293, Odon Post 416, Trafalgar Post 462, Wilson-Oliver-Riley Post 479, James Gastineau District 8 Post 5, Owen Dunn Post 28, Bonnie Sloan Post 42, William Zeb Longest

Post 44, Kapperman 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 254, Jenkins Post 265, Eugene Pate Post 335, Red Greissel Post 343, Harmeyer Post 351, Elberfeld Post 354, Evansville Post 366, St. Meinrad Post 370, New Harmony Post 444, Abe Lincoln Post 463, Tennyson District 9 Post 13, Brown County Post 59, Noah O’Bannion Post 63, Clarence A. Keith Post 69, Warren Brock Post 76, Walter W. Benson Post 77, Brookville Post 149, Phillips-Grigsby Post 195, Patton-Chastain Post 203, Pekin Post 209, Floyd Becker Post 235, Milan Post 250, Mitchell 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 353, West Randolph Post 391, Fortville Post 446, John F. Hurley Post 507, Abe Miller District 11 Post 3, Broad Ripple Post 26, Paul Coble Post 64, Kenneth N. Dowden-Wayne Post 186, John H. Holliday, Jr. Post 438, Indianapolis Womens Post 497, Northwest

Membership Awards Recruiter of The Year In presenting the 2011 Membership Recruiter of the Year award, Membership Director Jack Cook told the delegates that “each year Legionnaires spend countless hours talking and visiting with their fellow veterans, telling them about the benefits of belonging to The American Legion. Among these dedicated workers is one Legionnaire who has signed up more new members than any other Legionnaire in the state.”

He is this year’s Indiana American Legion Department Recruiter of the Year, John R. Harding, a member of Herbert Kuhn Post 253 in North Webster, who recruited 104 new members.

Gold Brigade The Department of Indiana, in cooperation with the National Organization, presents the Gold Brigade Award to, in the words of Chairman Cook, “those few Legionnaires who go beyond what is expected.

In membership, these Legionnaires take the extra step by asking everyone they meet to join our great organization. By doing so, they earn the distinction of being members of the ‘Gold Brigade.’”

To qualify for membership in the Gold Brigade, a Legionnaire must recruit at least 50 new members into The American Legion before May 19th of the membership year. Three Hoosier Legionnaires qualified for the honor this year. They are • Roger L. Hamilton, Sr., Post 47, with 87 new members.

• Raymond Bowers, Post 103, with 52 new members.

• And John R. Harding, Post 253, with 104 new members.

The Legion also honors those whose membership recruitment record indicates a continuing commitment to membership growth. These are recruiters who, year after year, generate new members for the organization at the Gold Brigade level. The Department honored one such recruiter who qualifies for the Gold Brigade for the 15th consecutive year—James B. May of Bloomington’s Burton Woolery American Legion Post 18, with 92 new members.

Silver Brigade In addition to the Gold Brigade, the National Organization established the Silver Brigade as a way to honor recruiters working their way to the top by signing up at least 25 new members. Three Hoosier Legionnaires qualified this year. They are • Dan Lee, Post 308, 34 new members.

• Irvin S. Groeninger, II, Post 44, 29 new members.

• And Robert Hamady,

Post 54, 27 new members; Jack Butler Memorial Award The Jack Butler Memorial Award was presented at the Department convention for just the second time since its inaugural presentation in 2010. Named in memory of the late Jack Butler, Alternate NECman, the award recognizes the post with the highest percentage of retention of members as compared to the prior year’s close of books.

The 2011 Jack Butler Memorial Award goes to Pioneer American Legion Post 340 in Terre Haute.

Richard S. Kaplan Award The Richard S. Kaplan Award is presented to the Post which secured the greatest number of new members as certified to department headquarters by the Close of Books. This year’s recipient of the Kaplan award is North Webster’s Herbert Kuhn Post 253 in the Second District.

Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Memorial Award The Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Memorial Award is presented to the post with the greatest percentage of increase in membership over its previous four year average. This year’s award goes to Tennyson Post 463 in the Eighth District, with a 148.15 percent increase.

Donald W. Hynes Award In presenting the Donald W. Hynes Award, Membership Chairman Cook said “The goal of every Post in the Department is the attainment of an all-time high. The Donald W. Hynes Memorial Award recognizes the Post in the Department which attains an alltime high in membership for the highest number of consecutive years.

“This years’ award winner is a familiar name in the record of this award. With 63 consecutive years of growth and all-time highs,” the 2011 Donald Hynes Award went to St. Joseph Post 464 of St. Leon.

Posts reaching an alltime high for at least the fifth consecutive year also were honored at the convention. According to Cook, because “every year Posts throughout the state strive to attain the lofty goal of all-time high in membership, the attainment of at least five consecutive all time highs is especially meaningful.”

Four Posts qualified for these citations. They are: St. Leon Post 464, 63 consecutive years; Mooresville Post 103, 13 consecutive years; Avon Post 145, 10 consecutive years; and Floyds Knob Post 42, 7 consecutive years Those posts that surpassed their previous all time high for the first, second, third or fourth time also were recognized. They are Post 467, three years;

Post 452, two years; and posting their first all time high, Post 204 and Post 182 Roscoe Turner Memorial Award The Roscoe Turner Memorial Award is presented to the District which has the greatest numerical increase over the previous year at close of books.

2011 marked the first time in several years that The Department of Indiana had a winner in this category. According to Cook, “I believe this marks the beginning of a turn-around in our membership program, and I am proud of not only the winning district, but all our Districts. They all achieved remarkable success working toward their goals although a variety of factors affecting renewal made it extremely difficult to exceed the actual number of members from a year ago. But one District did.”

The 8th District, under the leadership of Commander Mike Brady, not only exceeded its numerical goal but also achieved 100 percent of goal – a distinction not achieved since 1992 – the year 2010-2011 Department Commander Leland Baxter was District commander.

SAL Achievement Award Each year The American Legion recognizes the post sponsoring the most active and accomplished SAL squadron in the Detachment of Indiana. This year, the SAL Achievement Award went to the Burton Woolery American Legion Post in Bloomington for its sponsorship of Squadron 18. The Department also honors the sponsor of the largest Squadron in the Detachment. For the 13th consecutive year, it is Squadron 253 of North Webster.

Top Ten Posts The Top Ten Post Award goes to each of the ten largest posts in the Department of Indiana. Many of the largest posts repeat year after year, but the ranking often changes, and occasionally a new post enters the ranking. The largest post in the Department of Indiana, with 1,351 members, is Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington.

This remaining posts of the Top Ten, in reverse order, are: • 10th Place – Post 34: 876 members • 9th Place – Post 64: 887 members • 8th Place – Post 9: 894 members • 7th Place – Post 28: 940 members • 6th Place – Post 89: 968 members • 5th Place – Post 500: 975 members • 4th Place – Post 253: 1,093 members • 3rd Place – Post 47: 1,180 members.

• 2nd Place – Post 11: 1,348 members.

Page 10

Hoosier Legionnaire

August/September 2011

Commander’s Message

Family Festival To Mark Start Of ‘Historic’ Legion Year This Legion year is off to great start. As I write this message the staff at the membership office is processing more than 4,800 cards transmitted in just one weekend. At mid-August, the Department has 46,035 paid members, which is 47.18 percent of the goal set for this year. It is the best start in several years, and I am very proud of everyone who has had a hand in it.

Membership Chairman Bill Clark, who is an untiring and imaginative membership worker himself, has described some of the

Mike Miller Department Commander

initiatives we have planned for this year to keep the momentum going. I encourage you to take a look at his column elsewhere in this issue and see what you can do to make this a truly historic year.

As I said when I accepted the high office of Depart-

Chaplain’s Corner

“I sought this office, not because I wanted to be something, but because I wanted to do something. I want to do my part in restoring The American Legion to a determined pursuit of the ideals we were founded on, and to see it prosper and flourish once again. I cannot do that alone, but I can do it with your help. And I’m asking you for it.”

I’m also asking you to be a part of something very special — the first ever Legion Family Festival, scheduled for 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 18, 2011, at

National Perspective

Survival Depends On Groups’ Ability To Adapt To Change I have a pocket watch made by the South Bend Watch Company that belonged to my great uncle. It is a “railroad” watch that has a special hidden pin, which is found only after you unscrew the dial from the watch. If you don’t know this you won’t be able to change the time. Old organizations are often like my watch. If you are not accepted and shown how things are done you will never be able to effect change.

The South Bend Watch Company was the last pocket watch company in the U.S. They made wonderful watches that were the pride of their owners. Mine is a seventeen-jeweled model all with ruby jewels. A while back, I found an artisan watchmaker who was able to cut and replace one of the broken jewels. There are only a few people who still know how to do this. Unscrewing the back and looking at the fine craftsmanship of the watch is a real treat as it is a thing of beauty!

In the early 20th century, a newfangled timepiece came on the market. It was called a wristwatch. It was a silly invention and placed the timepiece out in the open where the crystal could be easily shattered and it could get caught in equipment. In its miniature size, the exquisite scrollwork would never be seen. It was so disgusting that the South Bend Watch Company quickly discerned that it was just a passing fad, and never re-tooled to make these inferior timepieces.

They just weren’t practical.

Organizations that refuse to change and adapt to the new trends and ways of our ever-changing culture go by the wayside. In electronics, a moment’s hesitation means instant death and the newer program or product quickly captures the market. Organizations have a bit more grace but tend to die a longer and more painful death.

The longer it takes to effect change and to adjust, the quicker the stronger demise is set into motion. So many of our churches and social service organizations are in decline. We know historically as a veterans’ service group that the once large and proud GAR faded away because they never included veterans from the newer

ment Commander, “this is going to be a challenging year in membership. It’s not going to be a difficult year.

Our plan is simple: we want to return to the practices and activities that made this organization strong — the greatest veterans’ organization in the world. And we want to find and implement new ways of getting the word out on our mission.

After all, the only thing that’s changed is how we communicate. The need to communicate remains as essential as it always has been. We just need to do it smarter.

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain

wars or changed their ways or leadership.

A recent joy of mine has been being able to charter a Legion Rider Chapter at Post 104. It is the first Chapter in the city of Terre Haute.

Legion Riders are not without controversy. There are many opinions that echo in the background. One of the most positive aspects of the Legion Riders from my perspective is that it is a Legion family organization.

While it supports the Legion, it also draws from the ranks of the Auxiliary and SAL, giving opportunity for a combined effort to work together for the good of the Legion family and to make a unified presence in our community. While many posts are having difficulty getting a firing squad together for the funeral services, the Riders are beginning to show in numbers and escorting the procession to the cemetery.

Already we have drawn two members from outside of our post in our charter list of members. This itself encourages greater breadth and depth of cooperation.

Since we are on the state line, it even crosses Departments. I sense a real potential to become something greater than the sum of our parts. Any group that encourages involvement by a large basis of people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives can tap into the riches of these experiences and a host of creative ideas. Doing something different and new affords an opportunity for growth and change.

This change can be good not only for organizations, but also individuals. To be our best means not only to continue in the traditions and ways that we have learned, but to adapt and change for the future. If we stay the way we are, we may become like the South Bend Watch Company. “ ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ ” Revelation 21:5b-d NKJV

Recruiter Incentive Hoosier Legionnaires can earn $5.00 for every new member they sign up. Under Commander Miller’s Rebate Program, discount the new member’s dues, cutback your own, or pocket the cash. See the Membership Guide for more information.

Legion, understand their veterans’ benefits, and enjoy a day of family fun.

I am concerned that too few of our Districts and Posts have indicated they will participate. That would be a shame. The Legion Family Festival, although it is being held in the 11th District, is designed to benefit the entire Department. It comes at a time of the year when, traditionally, we gathered at the former Knightstown Home to show our support for young people. This is an

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Short Takes

NEC Is Indiana’s Eyes and Ears At The National Level Editor’s Note: With this issue, the Hoosier Legionnaire launches a new, regular recurring column by the Department’s National Executive Committeeman. Newly re-elected to the office, W. Darrell Hansel (Post 185) has experience in the office and a unique perspective on the happenings at National which bear on the Department. Here is where he will report directly to you each issue.

As the current team under Indiana Department Commander Mike Miller begins a new and exciting Legion year, Alternate NEC Paul Steward and I would like to bring greetings from the national organization. We are looking forward to seeing all the Indiana delegates at the national convention.

This will be the first national convention in which candidate for National Commander, Jimmy Koutz, will be campaigning. Many of us have been asked to help with the campaign, so this means an even busier convention than normal. Let’s get behind Jimmy and his campaign.

I noticed that some of the letters on my Legion cap were becoming dull so I asked my wife to take the cap to the dry cleaners. What a nice feeling to have a clean bright cover to wear. Look at your cap. Does it need cleaning? Let’s make Indiana look sharp.

A couple of things have come up recently at the national level with which you should be concerned. First, a cost-cutting proposal by U.S. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma proposes to deny benefits to deserving veterans regarding “Agent Orange.”

Currently the VA is charged with establishing a “positive association” between a veteran’s compromised health condition or disease and exposure to toxins. Sen. Coburn’s amendment would instead require proof of a “causal relationship” between the two.

National Commander Jimmy Foster said, “If adopted, Senator Coburn’s amendment would essentially undo the good work of two decades.”

When they start balancing the budget on the backs of older veterans, look for less and less going to our current veterans. Make certain that your legislators know how flawed Senate Amendment #564 and HR 2055 is.

Another concern is proposed cuts to the Office of Special Counsel. This group tries to resolve veteran’s discrimination issues referred to them by the Department of Labor. Proposed HR 2434 would create a $1.5 million short fall, meaning that corrective action rates would fall dramatically. We can’t support these cuts.

On a more positive note, as I have spent the past year traveling and talking with our

Kenneth P. Dowden Wayne American Legion Post 64 in Indianapolis.

The Festival has been planned for all veterans and their families, and it is will give you and opportunity to meet and greet future Legionnaires from all over Indiana.

There will be free food (donations accepted), music, games, children’s activities, information booths and, of course, a membership turn-in on site. Advance publicity will encourage veterans and their families to get to know The American

Darrell Hansel NEC

membership, I am so proud of all the programs that we promote at the post level.

The American Legion used to be the center of our communities’ activities but as competition for our attention and efforts has increased, our prominence has dwindled.

With the continued efforts that I have seen from our local posts, we can change that perception and once again rise to prominence as the elite veterans’ organization.

Paul and I would like to thank you for your confidence as we were elected to a new term of office. We will certainly do our best to represent your interests at the national level. See you in our travels.

Conventions Offer Indiana Opportunity To Outshine Nation The American Legion Department of Indiana figures to be a major player in the national spotlight in the next few years.

As most of you already know, the Department of Indiana and Indianapolis will be host for the 2012 National Convention. One of the very special features of that convention may well be the election of Hoosier Jim Koutz as the 2012-13 American Legion National Commander. His campaign continues to run full speed ahead as he travels the nation visiting our fellow Departments.

One other news of note is that a resolution was passed by the National Executive Committee in May of 2011 for the Department of Indiana and Indianapolis to host our 100th Anniversary National Convention in 2019.

At our recently concluded Department Convention, the Department Executive Committee passed a companion resolution agreeing to host the 2019 National Convention.

My message to our Legionnaires and American Legion Family is this:

Stephen W. Short Department Adjutant We are being challenged to set a great example for the rest of the nation. As members of our local Posts, our eleven Districts and the Department of Indiana, we have to step up to the challenge to be leaders and show the nation what Indiana Legionnaires are capable of achieving.

Post Legionnaires need to become more active in their Districts. District officers and program chairmen need to get more involved at the Department level. We have the talent in Indiana to become the best Department in the nation and we are being offered an opportunity to prove it.

Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if its possible for you to be more involved. Take up the challenge and help Indiana become the role model for all American Legion Departments.

Auxiliary News

Veterans’ Needs, New Projects Eyed Greetings From Billie: My greetings to all my Legion Family and my best wishes for the coming year.

The Auxiliary will be working in several areas this year and we hope to make this a very enjoyable year, and a year filled with achievements. We will be working again with the Veterans House here in Indianapolis in an effort to finish furnishing the rooms for our veterans receiving treatment and their families.

We will also have a WISH

Billie Bubala Auxiliary President fund at the Indiana Veteran’s Home in Lafayette to help cover all those items that they wish they had the extra money for.

Focus will also be placed on projects special to each district. In the northeast, it is the Freedom Flight, down

south it is Crusade for Children. Whether it is Riley’s Children’s Hospital, Special Olympics, or some other special concern, you are encouraged to focus on what is special in your area.

Recently about 35 of us from the Eighth District did our yearly thing up at the Indiana Veterans Home, cooking chicken for the residents and staff. Although it was extremely hot that day, it was a good day

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SAL News

New Commander To ‘Raise The Bar’ A new membership year is now upon us, but before we start, let me congratulate SAL Commander Glenn Nagel on a very good year.

Among our accomplishments under his leadership was a new all time high in membership, and the Josh dog program, under which $36,000 was raised for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

As we start the new administrative year my commanders theme this year is “Raising The Bar with Teamwork.”

David Hanson SAL Detachment Commander It speaks to always seeking to do more, “To Raise The Bar.” With the fine accomplishments of those that have gone before us we must all work together “With Teamwork” if we are to be successful in “Raising The Bar.” Detachment member-

ship chairman Ron Sexton’s main focus this year is retention. He has set the state’s goal at 95 percent retention rate. Like Ron, I also believe this goal is attainable if we work together as a team.

Some of Ron’s suggestions to help with retention are using the new member welcome template available to download on the Detachment website at www.in-sal.org.

Also ask them to your

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