2012 August/September The Hoosier Legionnaire

August/September 2012

Commander To Legionnaires: ‘Rise To The Challenge’

Richard A. Jewell, a Vietnam Veteran from the small eastern Indiana town of Bath has been elected Commander of the 100,000-member Indiana American Legion. He becomes the first Vietnam veteran from the sprawling Tenth District to have attained that high office.

In accepting office, Jewell told the delegates that the Indiana American Legion has long been on the trailing edge of legislative activities that either hurt or benefit a new generation of veterans, as well as their dependents.

“Starting with the closing of the Knightstown Home, and continuing in recent

years we have seen veterans benefits here in the State of Indiana come under an almost constant assault year after year by our elected representatives. Our organization can no longer afford to be reactive in the legislative arena,” he said.

“We must convert our legislative strategy to that of an engaged, determined pro active force of veterans, along with the veteran advocates of our Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion.

“To that end, I have created new legislative liaison positions for our Auxiliary and SAL on our Legislative Committee. When it comes

Convention Opens New Dialogue With Officials, Partners, Others

The 94th annual state convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, has come and gone, leaving in its wake a new commander, promises by gubernatorial hopefuls, and newly forged channels of communication with public officials, business partners and the organization’s stakeholders and members.

Richard A. Jewell, a Vietnam veteran and member of Liberty Post 122 in the Tenth District, was elected by acclamation and began his year of service with a promise of new vigor in the Department’s legislative program.

“We have seen veterans benefits here in the State of Indiana come under an almost constant assault year after year by our elected representatives. Our organization can no longer afford to be reactive in the legislative arena,” he said.

“We must convert our legislative strategy to that of an

engaged, determined pro active force of veterans, along with the veteran advocates of our Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion.

“To that end, I have created new legislative liaison positions for our Auxiliary and SAL on our Legislative Committee. When it comes time to rally the troops, as it will this fall, we will have the folks in place who are ready to make it happen.”

Jewell promised that the Legionnaires would see a “a coordinated, concerted, dedicated American Legion presence in the hallways and offices of our State Capitol.”

Legionnaires also will see an increase in awareness of the organization’s mission and activities among public officials of every stripe. The participation by elected officials in the convention is evidence of the growing interest.

Participating in the convention was the likely next

governor of the Indiana. Both John Gregg, the Democratic Candidate, and Mike pence, the Republican candidate, addressed the convention and both have since agreed to continue the dialogue began at the convention,. Both candidates are scheduled to meet with Department leadership shortly after the first of September, to discuss such issues as unemployment, certification of service officers, and easing the VA claims backlog. These topics and others were addressed by the candidates during their remarks, which are reported elsewhere on this page.

Congressmen Pete Viscloskey, Todd Rokita, Andre Carson and Larry Bucshon addressed the convention, too, although only one did so in person. Bucshon accepted the invitation from Commander Miller to appear, while Viscloskey and Rokita

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Candidate Gregg Promises To

Deliver On VA Claims

Former Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives John Gregg and now Democratic candidate for Governor of Indiana, addressed delegates to the 94th annual state convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, saying that the delay in granting benefits owed to America’s veterans represents a failure on the part of America to live up to its agreements.

“As you all know, the Department of Veterans Affairs is plagued by claims backlogs. Estimates say nationwide that this backlog has

increased by a half a million in the last five years. We do know in our own Hoosier state, it has increased to the point that there are over 20,000 claims pending today,” he said.

“The claims still haven’t been digitalized and that causes more and more delays for the vets who need our services. This is unacceptable. When you fought for our country, you didn’t tell us that you would have to wait before you would put your life on the line. You just

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time to rally the troops, as it will this fall, we will have the folks in place who are ready to make it happen.”

Jewell promised that the Legionnaires would see a “a coordinated, concerted, dedicated American Legion presence in the hallways and offices of our State Capitol. We will walk the halls and offices of our nation’s capitol. Our elected representatives will hear our phone calls and read our letters and emails. We will be seen and we will be heard,” he promised.

He said the year ahead is full of promise, but added that it also will be a year of challenges, and encouraged

the delegates to meet them head on.

“The year ahead of us will be full of challenges. As always there is the challenge of increasing the involvement of our state’s youth in our programs like Hoosier Boys State. We must continue to provide and expand that program and others which give our youth the knowledge and experience that today’s world demands. I stand here today, a product of Hoosier Boys State, class of 1965. I challenge you to renew your efforts on behalf of the state’s youth and our youth programs.”

Jewell also outlined plans

for a series of district level membership drives, a tour of the state with the national Commander, renovation of the temporary housing units at the Indiana Veterans Home, and efforts to bolster The American legion Legacy Fund.

Commander Jewell is a nine-year veteran of the United States Army and a member of American Legion Post 122 in Liberty, IN, which awarded him an honorary life membership in 1995 in recognition of his service to the post. In addition to his active military service, Jewell

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Time To Celebrate

Past Tenth District commander jerry Jordan leads the demonstration in support of fellow Tenth District Legionnaire Richard A. Jewell as his name is entered into nomination for the office of Department Commander. Jewell was elected by acclamation shortly following the demonstration, the first Vietnam Veterans from the Tenth District ever to win election to the Department’s highest office.

State Of The Legion

Outgoing Commander Encourages Preserving Best Of ‘The Old Ways’ And Eliminating Attitudes That Hinder The Organization’s Future

Well, a year ago I stood on this stage and accepted election to the position of Department Commander, your department commander, and as Commander Newman never lets me forget, I was filled with the emotion of the moment. I’m sure those emotions will show through today as well.

As you may think, I have many people to thank for the support that I received throughout the year and for all of the hospitality Joy and I, and on occasion, Sgt at Arms Dick and I were shown. Let me start out by thanking my

Health Care, Unemployment, Broken Promises: Pence’s Priorities For

Congressman Mike Pence, the Republican candidate for Indiana Governor, told delegates to the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion Department of Indiana, that the defenders of liberty always should be among the first to enjoy its blessings.

From that premise, he outlined his vision for the future of Indiana’s veterans and the state’s responsibility to them.

“During my tenure in congress which will come to a close in just a few short months, I’m proud to say that with the strong support and guidance of the Department of Indiana, the budget authority of the Department

Vets

of Veterans Affairs has increased every single year that I have been in congress. I’ve consistently voted in favor of making sure that our veterans receive the funding that they need and have earned through their service. I supported a major reauthorization of the GI Bill in 2008 and, of course, have worked with veterans across the 19 counties of the Sixth congressional district as of first importance in insuring that they have access to the benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

Pence also said that not only is funding for VA ben-

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Editor’s Note: The retiring Department Commander, with a year of intensive experience under his belt, is well position to evaluate the Sate of the Legion as he prepares to leave office. Commander Mike Miller was no exception, and his final address to the delegates is reproduced here in its entirety. In it, he charts a course to a brighter future for Hoosier Legionnaires.

wife Joy for being by my side every step of the way. As I stated in the Legionnaire, she was the one who kept me in clean, nice looking clothes and constantly kept fixing my tie. She was by my side in the van for many miles. Sometimes more than I care to remember, especially those trips down south to places like Mt. Vernon. I truly believe that on one trip, we saw a sign that said welcome to Alabama!

When Joy wasn’t able to ride along, my good friend and Sgt-at-Arms Dick Fuchs rode with me. It was very interesting at the beginning of a meeting or an event where we would be introduced as to how Dick’s last name would be pronounced. Thank you, Dick, for the many miles we traveled together in what has become to be known as “The concession stand on wheels.”

Some other folks I need to thank would usually get lost in the shuffle and be left out, but this afternoon, I want to once again thank Jim and Lois Daube for their help in whatever I would ask of them, from the hospitality room in Minneapolis, to the homecoming just a few short weeks ago, thank you for all of your help. Thanks to Past

Commanders Don and John for your support throughout the year. As well as the support of my own District, thank you. And to my good friend Paul, thanks for your support for the many years we have been friends. And finally, thank you to all the Legion family that made this year a year that we won’t soon forget. It’s been a great ride and we’re sad to see it come to a close.

Now, let me briefly reflect on the year past. Starting with the first pitch in Rockport, to my awesome drive to start the golf tournament in Richmond; from Washington DC to Springfield Illinois, the year has been a most memorable one. Some of the things that a most vivid in my memory are two that will stay in my mind forever: The day we went down to Henryville, Marysville and Holton, we actually got to see firsthand what it’s like to be in a storm struck area. You can see all the photos and film clips there are, but until you stand next to someone who lost everything, you really don’t get an accurate feeling of the devastation.

We spoke to a Legionnaire who was going to have his

Richard A. Jewell

2012 Department Commander

John Gregg Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate

Legislative Activism Looming

Congressman To Advocate Better VA Healthcare, Prevent Budget Cuts

Rep. Larry Bucshon addressed delegates to the 94th annual state convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana Saturday, July 14, covering a range of issues from veterans unemployment, sequestration of DoD funds, the VA claims backlog and health care for all veterans regardless of age.

Rep. Bucshon’s remarks were interrupted three times by applause from the delegates.

“When it comes to the budget and the automatic cuts through sequestration that are coming on us, know that we in Congress are working to prevent this from happening,” Bucshon said.

“Congress realizes the detrimental effect that cuts to DoD will have on the ability of our nation to defend itself. Congressmen and senators as well as the administration

on both sides of the aisle recognize that we need to address this issue.”

The Congressman also reported that he has been in contact with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, in regard to backlogs through the VA, and has pressed the Indianapolis VA Regional Office for a more rapid response when veterans have issues.

A native of Kincaid, Illinois, a graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois’ School of Medicine in Chicago, and a ten-year veteran of the United States Navy Reserve, Rep. Bucshon was especially persuasive in addressing the health care needs of veterans.

“I know that as a physician, one of the major concerns with the aging population of veterans from World

War II, Korea, Vietnam and the recent conflicts in Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror, is funding for the VA healthcare system.

“As a physician for more than 15 years and a navy reserve officer for almost 10, I can assure you that providing access to quality medical care for our veterans is an issue of priority for me. While funding for some of the VA programs has decreased, you should know that medical service funding has increased 4.43 percent in fiscal 2012 and medical facilities funding increased by point four percent with an emphasis placed on post traumatic stress disorder and other mental issues of our recently returning soldiers.

“We still need to do more to increase access to medical treatment for our veterans and I have been on record for

Pence’s Priorities For Vets

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efits critical to a veteran’s well being, but jobs also are essential. In that area, Indiana continues to fall short, he said.

“Since 9/11 Hoosier veterans who have served in that period of time have an unemployment rate of a heartbreaking 15.7 percent, higher than the national average of 12.1 percent. And Hoosier veterans have a median income that is below the national average as well. The median income of Hoosier veterans is $31,000 and some change. The national veterans’ median income is $35,000 and some change. I am going to say to you emphatically, we’ve got work to do for Hoosier veterans, to put Hoosier veterans back to work.”

Pence told the delegates the problem Hoosier veterans face are daunting, but not insurmountable. In fact, he said, “I have a couple of ideas and I thought this would be a reasonably good venue to roll them out and I welcome your input and your thoughts in the days to follow.”

“Let me pledge to you today, if I have the privilege of being elected to be governor of the state of Indiana, I will issue an executive order to establish a goal that the state of Indiana will procure a minimum of three percent of its business contracts from veteran-owned enterprises.

“And thirdly, let me say emphatically, I know that when you put on the uniform that you were not fighting for benefits, all right, you were fighting for something a little more profound than that. You were fighting for freedom. According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs while Indiana has the 16th most veterans in the country, we rank only 23rd in total veteran expenditures. And we rank 46th in total expenditures per veteran. That is the fifth worse in the nation,” Pence said.

“We need to do better in connecting Hoosier veterans with the federal benefits already available to them.. Bottom line: if I am elected your governor we will work to secure full accreditation for Indiana with the U.S. Veterans Administration.

Pence said at the beginning of his remarks what Abraham Lincoln said: “We are obliged to ‘care for him who shall have borne the battle.’ But (Lincoln) also said that we shall ‘care for him who shall have borne the battle and his widow and his orphan.’ And I commend The American Legion for being about that business as well.”

home rebuilt and had lost virtually none of his belongings when directly across the road, we saw a foundation which only a few days prior was the beautiful two story brick home that was totally gone. Photographs from the walls and other belongings were found in a corn field nearby and basically everything they had was gone. Then when you see a family standing next to a heap of two-by-fours and twisted metal that used to be their house, it really sets the scene of what had occurred. That’s the bad news. The good news was to see how the American Legion family swung into action with providing collection points for donations that flowed in like you wouldn’t believe; using a post home as the Red Cross field headquarters and finally, the little post of Versailles,

preparing dinner each and every night for the displaced and the volunteers who came to help clean up, that’s when my faith was renewed in our great organization.

Dick, Joy and I revisited the area just a few weeks ago and witnessed the rebuild effort and it was evident that it will take a long time to return to normal. It was also evident that the newly created Indiana Disaster Assistance Fund will be put to use as families get resettled and discover that all of their losses were not taken care of up front. With the creation of this fund, there will be money available to be distributed when unforeseen needs arise and the insurance money has been exhausted. Just another example of “It’s who we are”.

Then, just a few weeks ago, I had the honor to present a Legionnaire named Carl Butts a certificate for seventy continuous years as

a Legionnaire. And not one who sat on his duff, but one who up until a few years ago was active in his post and was one of the mainstays of the post. 93 years old and still hanging around, doing what he can for the Legion and his community. Those are some of the things I will remember, not to say that there we many other great events that we will cherish as well, too numerous to mention right now.

One disappointment, as was the case with many of my predecessors, was the failure to not only not reach goal, but the fact that we couldn’t even equal last year’s close of books numbers in membership. As you have heard me say many times before, it’s the posts that are content to renew only what comes in the mail and never venture outside of the canteen to see if a long time member is in need and could use some help with his or her dues.

a long time saying that veterans should have a card in their pocket and they should be able to go to the medical facility of their choice whether that is a VA system or whether that is their local private hospital.

I often hear folks say, ‘we can’t get the young veterans to join.’ As we found out with a focus group last year, many veterans say that we have nothing for them. Seeing many posts this year, I probably have to agree. Many posts are geared up for the old “we done it this way for the last x number of years, and the members like it this way.”

Well, we have to decide if we are going to die on the vine with that sort of mentality, or whether we’re going to change into something they want and watch our organization survive.

“If I am elected governor we will ensure as it pertains to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, that we will ensure that one member of the board of the IEDC is a veteran.

Gregg Promises To Deliver

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Pence concluded his remarks with a promise to “you who have stood for freedom, you who have risked your lives, if I have the opportunity to serve you, I’ll stand for freedom. I will fight for a better quality of life for every Hoosier, especially our veterans. And I will always remember, I will always honor, I will always cherish and protect those who have borne the battle, so help me God.” fought. You held up your end of the bargain. It’s time that we need to hold up ours, he said.”

“I’m here to tell you today that you have my pledge that when I’m governor I will propose, advocate, and sign into law legislation that provides for additional service officers placed under the supervision of your director of rehabilitation and they will stay there and they will do that and we’ll get this backlog eliminated. Our veterans should not have to wait. We will do this for two reasons.

“First, it’s the right thing to do. You’ve earned your benefits. It’s the least we can do to make sure that you get exactly what you deserve and what you have earned.

business. When I see that methane and that natural gas, I want to know why that pipe isn’t an Indiana steel pipe. We can do this stuff if we work together. Logistics — that’s the fancy word for transportation. Sixty percent of our bridges in the state of Indiana have to be totally refurbished or replaced in just the next 20 years. We’ve got those challenges but those are opportunities. We’ve got ports — two on the south, one in the north. We’ve got rail, we’ve got a great transportation network. We’ve got the opportunities to get Hoosiers back to work. Simply put, my job will be making sure that you have your job.”

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Legislative Activism Looming

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Senator Dan Coates also prepared a letter of support for The American Legion which like Carson’s was read from the platform and made a permanent part of the record.

Major General Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, also submitted a video message which was played for the delegates.

Representing Governor Mitch Daniels, the State Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs presented Commander Miller

with the Distinguished Hoosier Award, while Indianapolis Mayor dispatched Marion County Service Officer Russ Eaglin to deliver his best wishes to the delegates.

A vision that goes through my head is a battlefield during the civil war where the troop carrying the colors goes down, and within a split second, another troop is there, grabbing the colors and proudly carrying them onward. That’s what I imagprepared video messages for the delegates, and Carson wrote a thoughtful letter welcoming them to the city.

Two members of the Indiana General Assembly were honored by the convention this year for their efforts in support of legislation important to veterans and the Legion.

Sen, Susan Glick was honored as the driving force behind legislation that established equivalence between MOS training and the requirements for civilian licensure in some trades and activities regulated by the state.

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“Secondly, this relatively modest investment in vets would pay off for Indiana in spades. This will get this federal money back into our communities quicker and provide economic benefits for all of Indiana. It just makes sense.

The candidate’s plan to increase the number of certified service office around the state has drawn the interest of Department leaders. Gregg has scheduled a meeting with members of the leadership to discuss the proposed increase and its effect on the VA claims backlog.

Gregg also declared that opportunities abound in Indiana for jobs manufacturing items that Hoosiers see every day.

“I see those windmills, I see those wind turbines. Those blades on those are made out of a composite of aluminum. I ask myself why aren’t we making that aluminum down at Boonville at Alcoa or why aren’t we making it in Lafayette? Those poles that hold it up, guys, that ain’t Georgia pine, that’s steel. Why aren’t we making that steel here in Indiana?

“I come from the energy

Gregg quickly turned from discussing his own experience to addressing what he called a subject “that really matters: you. For 237 years, Hoosiers have fought in America’s wars, from Vincennes, Indiana, with George Rogers Clark from the area where I’m from during the American Revolution to the deserts and mountains of Iran and Afghanistan. America’s troops have always subscribed to the credo that no man should be left behind. When a wounded soldier or a wounded troop falls in battle, others are there to pick him up. But today with the financial crisis that has been facing our country, for what to me seems like the first time at least in my lifetime and probably in our nation’s history, we come close to breaking that code and that sacred commitment to our veterans.

“I’m here to tell you today that you have my pledge that when I’m governor I will propose, advocate, and sign into law legislation that provides for additional service officers placed under the supervision of your director of rehabilitation and they will stay there and they will do that and we’ll get this backlog eliminated. Our veterans should not have to wait,” Gregg concluded.

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

As an organization consisting entirely of former military personnel, it is only natural that The American Legion Department of Indiana maintains a close rapport with members of the United States Armed Forces. One way that relationship is expressed is in the presentation of annual Military Persons of the Year Awards.

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS

Three such awards were presented by Commander Mike Miller during the 94th annual Department Convention.

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION IN ACTION

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

“Each year, there can be multiple awards -- in the active duty category, the National Guard category, and the Reserve Component category. We can select multiple winners in any one category, but this year, we have chosen one outstanding military person in each category. I am particularly pleased to note that two of them are from our own ranks, active members of The American Legion,” Commander Miller said.

The 2012 Military Persons of the Year are the National Guard winner, Sergeant Melody Short, the Reserve Component winner, Colonel James Sweeney, and the Active Duty category, Warrant Officer 1 Rich Brown. Short and Brown both are active in the Department of Indiana.

Sergeant Short started her military career in November 2009 and currently serves with 113th G Company as an Automated Logistics Specialist. She is member of Boonville Post 200.

Warrant Officer Brown currently works for the Indiana National Guard as a

Warrant Officer Strength Management Technician. He began his career more than 11 years ago, and is a member of Indianapolis Post 186 and was the 2011-2012 11th District Commander..

Colonel Sweeney, who was unable to attend the convention, began his career after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm where he led the first strike into Iraq and 37 followup combat missions.

American Legion American Legion Colts Gameday Colts Gameday

Colts vs. Browns Colts vs.

October 21st 21st 21st

Mayor Honors Commander

The Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Tom Applegate, represented Gov. Mitch Daniels during his appearance on the platform of the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion Department of Indiana July 14, and presented the Department Commander with one of the state’s highest civilian awards.

Welcoming the delegates to the capitol city and expressing the best wishes of the Governor, Applegate thanked the Legion for its hard work on behalf of veterans, and presented to Commander Miller the Distin-

guished Hoosier Award.

In accepting the award, the commander said “Thank you, Tom. I am sure you would be the first to admit that representing the veterans’ community in the administration of Governor Daniels is not the easiest job in the world. We have worked closely with him during the past several years, and I know that our relationship in the future will continue to be a positive and rewarding one.

“Thank you for this great honor and for being here with us, Tom, Miller said. “I know you will share with the governor my deep appreciation for this honor.”

ALR Names Legion Rider of the Year

Commander Mike Miller welcomed Mark Gosney, State Director of the Indiana American Legion Riders, to the platform during the 94th annual Department Convention to introduce Indiana’s Rider of the Year.

“The mission of The American Legion Riders is to support The American Legion, Gosney said. “We believe no Rider better exemplifies this than our Rider of the Year, Angie Paff from Indiana’s great Fourth District.”

DEADLINE: September 1, 2012

*Tickets are based on availability. The best available seats will be assigned and

Benefits Recovered

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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, and deserve credit for its overwhelming success.

All department Rehab volunteers must account for funds spent by providing receipts and signed requisitions subject to the director of rehabilitation’s approval. Recently, 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 Rehab Funds that our volunteers requisitioned.

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 received authorization for distributing more than $2,500 in grants during the 2011-2012 year.

We are also active in training our post service officers. During last year’s organizational meeting and at the mid-winter conference, department service officers conducted four-hour post service officers training seminars. Another one is scheduled on Sunday immediately

Legislative Activism Looming

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Sen. Ron Alting was honored for his difficult battle against a sweeping statewide ban on smoking in public places, including American Legion posts. The resultant compromise was less than perfect, but Alting has promised his contin-

ued support as this issue reemerges.

During the convention, the Legion also developed a working relationship with the Indianapolis Colts; Nannicola, Inc., a supplier of bingo and other charitable gaming supplies; and U.S. Coin, which is developing a number of innovative initia-

following this convention. Our department service office also offers post, district, and county service officers a home study training course.

The department service office continues the distribution of the Service and Legislative Update via the department website, e-mail, and county veterans service officer mailings. 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

tives with the Department.

In what has become a highlight of the convention, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, a Bloomington-based family assistance program endorsed by the Legion presented a family whose youngster’s lifesaving transplant was made possible by COTA.

Young Singer Wows Convention

As the curtain went up on the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, in Indianapolis July 13, delegates were led in the singing of the National Anthem by a talented your singer,

Mandy Lynch. The young singer was the niece of Legionnaire Ken Hylton. She wowed the delegates with her heartfelt and true rendering of the anthem, and her unaccompanied version carried the difficult tune

to every corner of the convention hall. She was congratulated by Department Commander Mike Miller following her performance of the song, with a simple “Thank you very much, Mandy, Very nicely done.”

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 (VA&R) is the cornerstone of the American Legion, and The American Legion Department of Indiana treats it as such for the benefit of those we serve.

And, as is traditional, the hard work of members, posts and the districts were recognized with awards and citations for jobs well done. Throughout this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire, these accomplishments and many more are highlighted. They are recommended to our readers.

Color Guard Steps Up, Steps Out

The Beech Grove Post 276 Color Guard responded to a last minute call to post the colors for the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion Department of Indiana. The members of the color guard performed with dignity and professionalism.

Sgt. Melody Short National Guard Category

WO1 Richard Brown Active Duty Category

Commander Miller With Tom Applegate Outstanding Hoosier Award

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE DEPARTMENT

AWARDS AWARDS

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

ARTMENT IN ACTION ARTMENT IN ACTION

MERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH MERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

Champions All

The 2012 American Legion Baseball Tournament was played out earlier this summer at Plymouth Post 27, where Terre Haute Post 346 (top right) took home the trophy and went on to the regional tournament, eventually losing out to a team from Moline, Illinois. The runner up in the Indiana tournament was the team sponsored by Post 94 and 170 in the second district (above right). Daniel Snyder of the Portage team (above)was named the A.D. Phillips award winner. The Princeton team, which lost in the state finals, stands in reverence as the National Anthem is played before the games began (top, left) and the pitcher for eventual tourney winner Terre haute Post 346 demonstrates championship form as he delivers his fastball (right.)

Bloomington Wins Multiple Awards

Post Americanism Programs Honored

The Chairman of the Department Americanism Commission was called to the platform during the 94th annual Department Convention to oversee the presentation of the 2012 Americanism Awards. In doing so, Larry Lowry said the winners of the awards “have demonstrated their dedication to the ideals of The American Legion and the Department's Americanism programs.

Indiana’s Americanism Awards are presented to posts of The American in a variety of endeavors, many of which are named for outstanding Legionnaires whose legacy embodies the best of the Americanism programs.

The Gaylord N. Sheline Post of Distinction award is presented to the Post, or Posts, whose Americanism programs are judged overall best in the department.

Youth Champions Honored; Address 2012 Convention

Scout of the Year

The Boys Scouts of America is a traditional program of The American Legion. Indiana has an active Scout program, and each year the department honors some of the outstanding young men who are involved in Scouting today.

The 2012 Boy Scout of the Year was Jesse Fox, sponsored by the Sixth District.

The American Legion Scout of the Year program requires that nominees be registered and active members of a Boy Scout troop, or varsity scout team chartered to an American Legion Post or Auxiliary Unit, or the nominee must 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.

Stan Gatewood, Boy Scout Committee chairman, announced the District Scouts of the Year. They were the First District winner, Matthew Binder; the Fourth District winner, Travis Hogg; the Sixth District winner, Jesse Fox; the Eighth District winner, Adam Kremer; the Ninth District winner, Alexander Young; the Tenth District winner, Evan Axthelm; and the Eleventh District winner, Casimir Kromkowski …

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

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 2012 Gaylord N. Sheline Post of Distinction award in the large Post category went to Herbert Kuhn Post 253 in North Webster, in the Second District.

In the small post category, the 2012 winner was Cedar Lake Post 261 in the First District.

Department Chaplain

Norris Keirn did the honors in presenting the Four Chaplain’s Award.

“The American Legion, since its founding in 1919, 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

Rise to The Challenge

Continued from page 1

also served for six years in the Army Reserve.

Following military service Jewell operated his own Commercial and Residential Carpentry business for more than twenty years, retiring in 2010. During that time he was active in The American Legion, serving in increasingly responsible positions at the post, district, department, and national levels. Among his many offices and accomplishments, he was: • A member of Post 77, Brookville, from 1977 through 1981, serving as Sergeant-at-Arms and delegate to Department Conventions.

• A member of Post 122, Liberty, from 1987 to present, serving as Sergeant-at-Arms, 2nd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander, and Post Commander.

• 10th District Membership Chairman, Judge Advocate, Finance Officer, and District Commander in 19941995.

• Department Vice Commander in 1999-2000 and Department Membership Chairman for 2005-2006.

• Vice Chairman of the Department Children and Youth and Department Oratorical committees, Chairman of the Department Softball and Membership

Commander’s Message

Continued from page 10

Headed by our able Membership Chairman, Marty Dzieglowicz, our team is active and working and we look

during World War II, and recognizes a Post's contribution to the principles the four represented.”

The recipient of the 2012 Four Chaplain's Memorial Award for outstanding service to God and Country while supporting the principles of The American Legion wass Burton Woolery Post 18 in the Seventh District.

“The American Legion serves not only the veteran community, but also communities throughout the state. We have always been there when our fellow citizens have called upon us for assistance,” said Chairman Lowry, following the Chaplain’s presentation..

The Byron Waggoner award recognizes this commitment and is given annually to an American Legion Post for its outstanding performance in community ser-

committees, and eleven years as a member-at-large of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children's Home Committee. Jewell also has chaired all four of the Department's permanent commissions.

• Indiana's representative to the National Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation Commission, now serving his fourth three-year term.

Concluding his remarks, Jewell told the delegates how his combat unit inspired his theme for the year.

“In 1968 I was assigned to a UH1 Helicopter unit that would see difficult and distinguished service in Vietnam. Over the course of its

vice during the year.

The recipient of the 2012 Byron Waggoner award was Bloomington’s Burton Woolery Post 18 in the Seventh District.

Lowry also presented the Department’s National Security Awards.

“Keeping in mind that a strong and secure nation is the greatest assurance of a ‘100 Percent Americanism,’ The American Legion established the National Security awards.

“The Colonel Frank R. Kossa Award is presented to the winning Post for its overall national security program as documented by newspaper clippings, post bulletins, and a scrapbook on national security,” he said.

The winner of the 2012 Col. Frank Kossa Award went to Burton Woolery Post 18 in the Seventh District.

deployment, 32 members of the unit we called Phoenix would lose their lives in Vietnam. The unit crest of that unit bore one simple word: ‘Challenge!’ ”

“We will face many challenges this year and I have chosen that one simple word as the centerpiece of our theme.

“I ask you all to join us today on the grand journey upon which we embark.

“I ask you to rededicate yourselves to the ideals and principles upon which our founders built this great organization.

“I ask you to Rise to the Challenge.”

The chairman of the Department Girl Scout Committee, Daniel Lee, introduced the finalists in the 2012 Girl Scout Gold Award competition, noting that “involvement in Girls Scouting is among our Department’s newest youth program activities, and I am gratified that we are continuing to recognize the achievements of young women in this special way.

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

Girl Scout Gold Award

The 2012 Girl Scout Gold Award winner was the First District winner, Megan Cantu, sponsored by Post 180. She attends Crown Point High School and plans to attend Kansas State University in the fall. The runnerup was the Eleventh District winner, Dai Jah Asumang, sponsored by Post 186. She attends Covenant Christian High School and plans to attend Manchester College.

American Legion Family Scholarship

The American Legion Family Scholarship was established a few years ago by then-Department Commander John Michalski, who devoted his year to raising a permanent endowment from which funds for scholarships could be earned by investment. The program has been wildly successful, and is open to the children and grandchildren of Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members. A key provision is that the scholarship must be used at an Indiana institution of higher learning, and that applicants must be 21 or younger.

for great things from them. They have a plan in place and are working that plan. At this writing we remain cards ahead of last year! We have momentum to build on, and

we are pressing the attack. Already there is enthusiastic talk of opening new posts on college campuses to assist our younger veterans. Four Regional Membership Drives

will be conducted. It will indeed be a great year to be a Hoosier Legionnaire. Join us on this amazing journey that we call “RISE TO THE CHALLENGE!”

This year, three scholarships of $1,000 apiece were awarded. They went to Kali Miller, Nicholas Huffman, and Casey Mihal, who was unable to attend the convention.

Casey will attend Rose Hulman in the fall. He is a

Jesse Fox Scout of the Year

Megan Cantu Gold Award Winner

Nicholas Huffman Scholarhsip Winner

Kali Miller Post 258. Scholarship Winner

Adam Burtner

FEATURES FEATURES

A decade ago, The American Legion, Department of Indiana inaugurated an award designed to honor members of the Indiana General Assembly for outstanding service and commitment to issues of special concern to Hoosier veterans.

the laws we live under,” said Rice.

“Well, we don’t live in a perfect world, but occasionally it seems a little less imperfect.

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

No Fourth Estate Award

During the 94th annual Department Convention, Legislative Committee Chairman Danny Rice presented 2012 award to two deserving members of the Indiana Senate.

Two Post Newsletters Honored; Legion Urged To Communicate

Ron Hanger, acting chairman of the Public Relations Committee, presented a pair of Wayne Talbert Awards to the editors of two outstanding post publications during the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana July 14 in Indianapolis.

“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,” Hanger told the delegates..

“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 recog-

Posts 73 And 508

Eric Baggett, who has served as Chairman of the Community Involvement Award Committee since its inception several years ago, presented this year’s awards from the platform of the 94th annual Department Convention in Indianapolis July 14. The award was established to recognize the accomplishments and outreach of American Legion Posts in their communities.

nizing that all publications are published on computer desktops these days. Our categories are, simply, Small Post, with 500 members or less and Large Post, with 501 members or more Hanger said the newsletters are judged on a number of criteria, including: compliance with accepted formats, neatness and cleanliness of the layout, the use of photographs , and the proper use of art and graphics.

In the large post category, Hanger award the Wayne Talbert Award to the Second District’s Herbert Kuhn American Legion Post 253 in North Webster, Robert Harding, editor; and in the small post category, the award went to the Eighth District’s Wilbur M. Ruby American Legion Post 204 in Sellersburg, Jim

Pattison and Cindy Woods, editors.

Hanger also warned the delegates that effective communication is an essential duty for the Legion..

“I would like to remind all of us that telling The American Legion Story is not optional: it is our lifeblood. Publicity and promotion build membership, establish goodwill, and provide a real service to many veterans who otherwise might have no idea how their best interests are being challenged.

Hanger also urged the delegates to watch their local and state publications and broadcasters for stories and coverage of benefit to veterans, and to recommend them for the Legion’s Fourth Estate Award. None was presented this year.

“We have been blessed, as citizens, to have many outstanding public servants over the years accept this award, and this year is no exception, he said.

“That was the case when Susan Glick reached out to the Legion to help right a wrong that had plagued veterans for decades – the inability to qualify for a civilian license to practice a craft or trade they had mastered in military service. Legislation was sorely needed to right this wrong, and to grant veterans the licenses that they deserve for training and performance that often far exceeded minimum civilian standard.

Susan Glick State Senator

“Since their inception, these awards have become among the most highly prized Legion honors. Just as in previous years, selecting this year’s honorees was not easy, but I believe the legislators we are about to honor certainly do deserve this award. A lively and interesting discussion during the Spring Conference led the Legislative Committee to endorse the recommendations for these two awards.”

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2012 Distinguished Public Service Award Winners are, from the Indiana General Assembly, Sen. Susan Glick, from District 13, representing LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and DeKalb counties, Sen. Ronnie Alting, from District 22, representing Tippecanoe County.

“In a perfect world, the representatives of the people would govern with us in mind, and seek our guidance and counsel in making

“Sen. Susan Glick undertook to correct this wrong and, for her success in guiding the General Assembly to the proper conclusion, she has earned the 2012 Distinguished Public Service Award.”

Rice also told the delegates “We are fortunate to have with us this afternoon another public servant, a man who is no stranger to these proceedings. Senator Ron Alting is a repeat winner of the Distinguished Public Service Award, and is with us today to accept the 2012 award because of his tireless effort on behalf of veterans in the case of the recently passed statewide smoking ban.

“Senator Alting and his Public Policy Committee held numerous hearings on the issue … entertained countless partisans on both side of the issue… and personally encouraged The Department of Indiana to testify

Youth Champions Honored

Continued from page 4

Community Involvement Recognized By Legion

According to Commander Miller, “the award has become one of the most prestigious and meaningful awards the Department presents, 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

State Of The Legion

Continued from page 2

ine the American Legion like back in the old days.

A member starts going down and then another member or group of members takes over and moves forward. Sadly, I don’t see those folks coming to the rescue any longer. We've lost much of the “old” ways of doing things. We don't venture out of the post home to visit a member who has been absent from the meetings, or

the canteen, to even try to find out what's going on in his life. He may have lost his job, he may have been taken ill, or something much worse has affected his ability to renew his membership. It's that type of attitude that allows our long time members to slip through the cracks and be lost as Legion Members forever.

Finally, we must change our image and let people know we are more than a bar full of veterans who sit around and drink beer and

winners are truly outstanding.”

Baggett present the awards in two categories –Posts with fewer than 500 members and Posts with more than 500 members.

The winners were, in the large post category, Vincennes Post 73 in the Seventh District, and in the small post category, Emilio De La Garza Post 508, in the First District.

Nicholas Huffman is a graduate of Bluffton High School and will attend Ivy Tech Lafayette where he plans to study Business Administration. His sponsors are his great grandfather, grandfather and father, all members of Post 111 in Bluffton.

Kali Miller is attending Grace College and Theological Seminary. Her grandfather is a member of Post 258 in Pierceton, and is the member on whom her application was based.

Junior Shooting Sports

One of the stalwarts of the Junior Shooting Sports Program – both in the Department and with the National program -- is Ida May Jewell, chair person of the program. She told the delegates

during her presentation that “Over the past several years, The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program has opened up competitive opportunities for young people that are 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 … and having been there many times to officiate at the competition, I can assure you Indiana is well represented by our champions.

That is true of our 2012 Champion, Dusty Gremaux.

Hoosier Boys State

Although the awards presented to delegates to the 75th anniversary edition of Hoosier Boys State were presented during the program’s closing ceremonies at Trine

Ronnie Alting State Senator

in support of an amendment – authored by Senator Alting -- that would have exempted all Legion posts from the ban.

“Despite his tireless efforts, and as such matters often go in politics, he did not get everything he asked for. But what he gave was far more important. He gave his determined effort, and his commitment to continue the fight on this issue as it reemerges in the coming sessions, as it surely will.”

University in Angola, a pair of distinguished HBS delegates were introduced during the general session of the 21012 Department Convention. The Hoosier Boys State Governor, Nishant Uppal. Soon to be a senior at Jeffersonville High School, he was sponsored by Post 35 in the Eighth District.

This year, 513 young men gathered for Hoosier Boys State at Trine University in Angola Indiana. The weeklong exercise in representative democracy went off without a hitch… and that would undoubtedly have pleased the namesake of our next award, the Barney W. Breedlove trophy. It goes each year to the Hoosier Boys State’s Outstanding Citizen, who this year is Adam Burtner, sponsored by Post 331, in the Sixth District.

Adam not only received the Breedlove trophy, but he also was named Outstanding Citizen of Hoosier Boys State and was awarded the Kossa Scholarship.

tell war stories. All of this needs to happen before our membership can grow once again.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION Robert Harding, editor Post 253 in North Webster Jim Pattison Post 204 in Sellersburg Fred Lewis For Vincennes Post 73 Ralph Perez For Emilio De La Garza Post 508 Championship Color Guard Bloomfield’s memorial Post 196 Color Guard stands for inspection prior to taking the floor for its award winning performance in the annual Color Guard competition at the 94th annual State Convention July 14. The color Guard is the 2012 Department Championship Color Guard and will post the colors at all official activities of The Department of Indiana throughout the 2012-2013 year.

So, I’m done preaching and it's time to bid you all a farewell and hopefully our paths will cross one day down the road once again. I wish Dick and his new officers the best and give them my pledge that I will do what I can to assist them in every way. Thanks again for a great year.

Distinguished Public Servants Battles Over Smoking, Licensure Win High Honors For Legislators

graduate of Crown Point High School. His entry in the competition was based on the membership of Thomas Mihal in Squadron 485 in Schererville.

Nine

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS FEATURES FEATURES

CONFERENCE INFORMATION INFORMATION

Legion Honors Elementary And High School Teachers

David Sharber, chairman of the Department Educator of the Year Awards committee, recognized outstanding high school and elementary level teachers during the annual convention, and of the nine who were nominated by the districts for the high honor, named two Legion Educators of the Year for 2012 at the recently concluded 94th annual Department convention in Indianapolis.

DEPARTMENT NEWS NEWS

tional Skill Teacher at Ryan Park Elementary School in Angola.

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

The Junior-Senior High School Educator of the Year is Carolyn McCammon, a U.S. history teacher at Adams Central Community School in Monroe with more than 33 years experience as a teacher. She was sponsored by Post 43 in the Fourth District.

CONVENTION NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

Both received a $500 grant to their schools.

The Elementary and Intermediate School Educator of the Year, sponsored by Post 31 in the Fourth District, was Julie Culver-Smith, an educator for 19 years, who is currently the Func-

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

Each year, awards can be presented in two categories: The first category honors the educator in grades K through 6, while the second category honors the educator of the year in grades 7 through 12. The Educator of the Year judging is based on the candidates’ career, community service, family involvement, and letters of recognition.

Distinguished Legionnaires

MERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH MERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

District nominees in the elementary and intermediate school category were:

• From the Second District: Brenda Sterk, sponsored by Post 190.

• From the Fourth District: Julie Culver-Smith, sponsored by Post 31.

• From the Ninth District: John Druba, sponsored by Post 185: and

Five Hoosier Veterans Join The Ranks Of Outstanding Members Honored For Service and Commitment

Each year during the State Convention, the Department of Indiana recognizes Legionnaires who have contributed significantly to the organization through their service to The American Legion and the State of Indiana.

airmen, and scored the first ever shoot-down of an enemy aircraft by missile.

Carolyn McCammon Jr.-Sr. High School Educator

• From the Eleventh District, Blythe Kleinschmidt, sponsored by Post 34;

District nominees in the Junior/Senior High School Category were:

• From the First District: Michael Gordon, sponsored by Post 16;

• From the Second District: Nancy Anders, sponsored by Post 190;

• From the Fourth District: Carolyn McCammon, sponsored by Post 43;

• From the Seventh District: Douglas Wilson, sponsored by Post 18; and

Immediate Past Department Commander Leland Baxter, who chaired the 2012 selection committee, told delegates to the convention as he introduced the honorees, “it is my privilege to chair the selection committee, and I can tell you that it is no easy task to decide who best deserves this honor. But we did it.

“The Department of Indiana is proud to recognize five outstanding Legionnaires with the highest honor we can bestow, the Distinguished Service Award.

The five outstanding Legionnaires introduced by PDC Baxter were:

• Robert Newman

• Dave Sharber

• Gilbert Beaver…

• Ron Taylor…

Newman retired from the United States Postal Service after a 33-year career which included a five-year stint as Postmaster at Butler, Indiana. As a 41-year member of Aaron Scisinger American Legion Post 178 in Garrett, he has served continuously in Legion offices since 1973.

In a long-standing tradition for newly elected Commanders, Newman announced an ambitious fund-raising objective for his year in office. He hoped to provide a pair of six-person golf cart style transporters to the VA Health Care facilities in both Fort Wayne and Marion.

variety of veteran’s service organizations including the Past District Commanders Club, ANAVICUS, the 40/8, and the VFW.

Sharber has been married 15 years to his wife Linda, a past Eighth District Auxiliary President. Together they share three children and eight grandchildren. Sharber retired at age 56 from GE Plastics in 2007 with 33 years of service, mostly in Technology.

ange County veterans Service Officer and has for over three years.

Taylor was awarded the Harlan Hill Spirit award by Post 69 in 2006. He is the past Orleans Dogwood Festival Chairman, and was named Citizen of the Year by the town of Orleans in 2008. Taylor married his wife, Lola, in 1975. They have one daughter and one granddaughter. He owns his own business in Orleans.

David A. Roche, Jr. joined American Legion Post 28 in New Albany in 1986. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War era serving from 1962-1968. Dave has two daughters, two grandchildren, and lives with his companion of many years, Cathy.

• From the Ninth District: Brian Grigsby, sponsored by Post 185.

• David Roche…

Flag Education Winners Read Essays To Delegates

As he introduced the 2012 Flag Essay winners to delegates to the 94th annual Department Convention, John Branson, Flag Education Chairman, told the delegates that 2012 represented “the 18th consecutive year for this very successful program, in which flag education tests are administered to fourth graders around the state.”

Julie Culver-Smith Elementary and Intermediate School Educator of the Year Shelby Hoff Tenth District

The winners, in a practice began shortly after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, read their essays from the platform of the convention, each receiving a standing ovation for their essay’s and appearances at the convention.

The two winners were Shelby Hoff, from Knightstown Elementary School, who was sponsored by Post 152 in the Tenth District, and Connor Fife from St. Thomas More Elementary School, who was sponsored by Post 16 in the First District.

First District Chairman Flag Education Chairman Pete Van Woerden, accompanied Conner to the platform, while Marcia Montgomery, Tenth District Chairman, was not present for the presentation.

“These outstanding Legionnaires have an impressive record of service in a variety of Post, District, Department and National Offices, and by their service have brought great credit on the Department of Indiana,” Baxter said.

“Of the thousands and thousands of fine Hoosier Legionnaires of the Department in our state’s history, only about 190 Legionnaires have been given the Distinguished Service Award. We are pleased to include these new honorees among their ranks.”

The following citations accompanied each honoree as he accepted his award:

Robert Newman, a 61year old Vietnam Veteran from Garrett, Indiana, has been elected State Commander of The Indiana Department of The American Legion.

A 41-year life member of the wartime veterans’ organization, Newman was elected by delegates of the 91st Annual State Convention in Indianapolis July 11, 2009.

Newman served as a radar man in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969 aboard, first, the USS Bonhomme Richard and, subsequently, the USS Long Beach. The Long Beach was the Navy’s first nuclear powered surface ship and was stationed in the waters off Haiphong Harbor off the coast of North Vietnam, where it tracked Navy bombers into and out of the combat zones, performed rescue operations for downed

The Legion historically has supplied VA facilities with a variety of needs exceeding those routinely provided by the federal government, ranging from driving test equipment to patient room amenities to vehicles. According to Newman, none of the estimated $40,000 needed to acquire the transporters will come from Legion funds; rather he relied, as he said “on the generosity of Legionnaires and his own persuasive skills.”

Newman served as the top executive in the Indiana American Legion until July 2010. He currently acts as a Northern spokesman for the Department of Indiana.

Dave Sharber is a Navy veteran with service in the waters off the coast of Vietnam as a shipboard Electrician Mate.

As a 31-year member of Mount Vernon Post 5, Dave has held the offices of Commander, Membership Chairman, Editor of the newsletter, Post Adjutant, Post 5 Public Relations Officer, and Post 5 Bingo Chairman.

He has served at the District level as Vice Commander, Membership Chairman, District Commander, Past District Commanders’ Steering Committee, and Public Relations Officer.

Dave has also served at the State level as Vice Chairman of Public Relations, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Knightstown Home Committee, Southern Vice Commander, Child Education and Welfare Executive Committee, and Children & Youth Chairman. While serving on the Knightstown Home Committee, Dave helped secure the donation of washers and dryers for the Home.

Additionally, Dave has served as National Vice Chairman of the Foreign Relations Council. His dedication to veterans’ service branches out over a

Gilbert Beaver served in the United States Army during the Korean war. He joined The American Legion in the 1960’s and has held many offices and served on numerous committees at Monticello Post 81. Beaver was instrumental on the building committee for the new Post 81 building that opened in 1972.

In 1968, Beaver was Chef De Gare for Voiture 211 of the 40/8. Beaver was Commander of Post 81 for two years in 1970 and 1971. He was 2nd District Vice Commander in 1971 under Commander Bill Dyer. He was elected 2nd District Commander in 1973-1974. Beaver served as Northern Vice Commander for the Department of Indiana in 1978-1979. He was charter Commander of VFW Post 1106 in 1972.

In April 1979, Beaver was awarded a gold life membership card from Post 81. During these years, Beaver and his wife attended ten National Conventions including the one in Hawaii.

Beaver and his wife purchased the bar and restaurant known as Beaver Dam Inn in 1972. In 1984 the couple sold Beaver Dam Inn and moved to Tucson, Arizona. While in Arizona, Beaver remained active, serving on the Southern Arizona Ritual Team and Honor Guard. Beaver also did volunteer work at the Southern Arizona VA Hospital for 6 years.

Moving back to the Monticello area in 2006, Beaver again became active at Post 81 serving on the Post Executive Board. He is currently serving as a member of Monticello Veterans’ Honor Guard and Ritual Team.

Ron Taylor was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne as a helicopter crew chief. He is a Paid Up for Life member of Post 69 in Orleans and has been a dedicated member for over 40 years.

Taylor is currently Post Commander. He has held almost every position at the Post and District levels. He is a Past 9th District Commander and Past Southern Vice Commander. Taylor currently serves as the Or-

David has been very active in The American Legion. He was instrumental in the planning and building of the new Post home in 1994 at its current location and was successful in assisting the Post reach its all-time high membership record in 1996. He has held every office at the local level except Adjutant, including Commander for nine years, eight of which his Post reached 100 percent in membership, giving him the opportunity to be awarded the prestigious Gold Brigade Award. He is presently serving his fifth year as Post Finance Officer. David has also served as a member of the Post Color Guard.

At the District level, David was the 8th District Commander during 19971998 and has also diligently performed the duties as Membership Chairman for the 8th District. His dedication has also allowed him to serve on the 8th District Legislative Committee for many years of which he continues to do so at this time. Due to his love of golf, David has been actively involved as a member of the 8th District Golf Committee as well.

At the State and National levels, David proudly and respectively served as a Southern Vice Commander in 2003-2004. He has attended ten National Conventions and every State Convention since 1990. He cordially served as an Indiana representative on the Credentials and Foreign Affairs National Security Committee in St. Louis.

Post 28 has been ranked in the top ten posts in Indiana during David’s tenure and continues the same ranking today. As a member of The American Legion for over 25 years, David’s service, dedication, commitment, and support of his fellow veterans is unsurpassed at every level of the organization.

David Roche, Ron Taylor, David Sharber, and Robert Newman (left to right) accept their Distinguished Service Awards on the convention platform. Stan Gatewood (center) accepted for the Gilbert Beaver.

of the Year

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP

It’s all in the planning: The more successful among us plan. When we prepare our family budgets, we plan. While purchasing groceries, we plan. Before taking vacation trips, we plan. We plan most everything we do every day. We plan what time we will get up, what we will wear, what time we leave for work, what time we will eat lunch, when we will leave work for home, what we will do after work, and what time we will go to bed. Even if we set time aside to rest and do “nothing,” it’s in our plan.

Many veterans, however, fail to plan before filing VA benefit claims. They don’t

realize how a little planning could result in the VA providing a “favorable” decision much sooner. The time difference is often a year sooner for an original decision. If the failure to plan before filing a VA claim causes the need to appeal a denied claim, the difference could be four to five years. The dollar loss could accumulate into tens of thousands.

Veterans filing claims without planning help will often contact the VA directly and receive a claim form. The veteran will list his or her medical conditions on the claim application along with information concerning where and when those medical conditions were treated. He or she will then return the “claim” to the VA depending on the government to obtain all the necessary evidence. This sometimes works but it is always time consuming. Furthermore, the veteran may not know what’s in the evidence VA collects and he or she often learns too late how the claim should have

been presented. This often results in a denial of benefits sought, and an extended appeal process.

Veterans should therefore seek out qualified veterans’ service officers for advice before filing VA claims. A knowledgeable veterans service officer can help start the claim by filing an informal claim, advise the veteran about what evidence is necessary to win benefits, discuss how to go about obtaining the supporting evidence, and help with filing a formal “fully developed claim” once the veteran has collected all the necessary evidence. This will more often than not re-

sult in the claimant receiving a much faster and favorable decision.

You may ask your American Legion post service officer to help you file the informal claim. If the post service officer is not available, you may contact your county veterans service office or The American Legion department service office. VA will then send you a formal claim application, and general information about what evidence you need.

Who’s Laughing Now?

Newly elected District Commanders are introduced to delegates to the Department Convention for the first time. The outgoing District Commanders are those smiling broadly behind the newly elected commanders, who are, from the left, Mike Wooden (1st District), Richard Sexton (Second District), Daniel Lee (Third District), Dick Bash (Fourth District), Richard Thomas (Fifth

Sixteen Vie For Prestigious First Responders Awards

Sixteen first-responders vied for the titles of Law Enforcement, Firefighter and EMS Officer of the Year during the closing session of the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana July 14 in Indianapolis.

The 2012 Police Officer of the Year is Sergeant Mark Monks, sponsored by Post 260 in the Second District. Sergeant Monks is employed by the Portage Police Department.

The 2012 Indiana Firefighter of the Year is Officer John Dohrn, sponsored by Post 200 in the Eighth District. Officer Dohrn is a firefighter with the Boonville Fire Department.

And the 2012 Indiana EMS Person of the Year is Bradford Moulton, from the Wayne Township Fire Department and sponsored by Post 64 in the Eleventh District.

Before presenting the awards, the Chairman of the Law Officer, Firefighter and EMS Awards Committee. Bill Kocher, outlined the history

of the awards program..

“The law and order program was the brainchild of National Commander John Davis, 1966-67, of North Dakota, who recognized the breakdown in respect for law and order in the 1960s and initiated a program that year.

“The Firefighter of the Year award followed the Law Officer of the Year award a decade later, established by Department Convention mandate in 1977. It too, recognizes outstanding public servants who dedicate their lives to the public.

“And, recognizing the increasing role played by Emergency Medical Personnel in Homeland Security, a few years ago we expanded the program to honor EMS personal in this program. We are excited about this addition to our awards.

Kocher added, “It is the intent of this program to honor outstanding firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel at our annual convention and in some

small way let them know that The American Legion recognizes and appreciates their efforts on our behalf, and that we further recognize the terrific pressure they serve under 24 hours a day.

The law enforcement officer award nominees and their sponsors were:

• From the First District and sponsored by Post 16, James Ghrist. Officer Ghrist is employed by the Town of Munster.

• From the Fifth District and sponsored by Post 6, Adam Martin. Officer Martin is employed by the Kokomo Police Department.

• From the Seventh District and sponsored by Post 18, Curt Durnil. Sergeant Durnil is employed by the Indiana State Police.

• From the Ninth District and sponsored by Post 185, Roy Leap. Sheriff Leap is employed by the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department.

• From the Tenth District and sponsored by Post 102, Henry Albrecht Sr. Marshall

Albrecht is employed by the Town of Morristown.

• From the Eleventh District and sponsored by Post 500, Everett “Sam” Alexander. Lieutenant Alexander is employed by the Speedway Police Department. The nominees for the firefighter of the year award were:

• From the Second District and sponsored by Post 260, Thomas Colvin. Thomas serves with the Portage Fire Department.

• From the Fifth District and sponsored by Post 6, Scott Calhoun. Scott serves with the Kokomo Fire Department.

• From the Seventh District and sponsored by Post 18, James Davis, James serves with the Ellettsville Fire Department.

• From the Ninth District and sponsored by Post 185, John Stafford. John serves with the Jeff-Craig Fire Department.

• From the Eleventh District and sponsored by Post 64, Jennifer Cooper. Jennifer serves with the Indianapolis Fire Department.

And the nominees and their sponsors in the EMS competition were:

• From the Second District and sponsored by Post 260, Paramedic Randy DeYoung. Randy serves with the Portage Fire Department.

• From the Eighth District and sponsored by Post 200, Paramedic Jeff Goldberg. Jeff serves with the Warrick County EMS.

or The American Legion Department Service Office for an appointment. Once you collect as much evidence as possible, you should make another appointment with the local CVSO or The American Legion Department Service Office. The CVSO or the Legion’s Department Service Officer can then help you file your fully developed claim along with the supporting evidence and any necessary clarifying statements. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. This is very true. Nothing is certain. We do, however, improve our chances if we plan in the right direction.

$268 Million In Benefits Recovered in 2011-2012

Editor’s Note: Each year as part of the Department Convention, the Rehabilitation Commission Chairman reports on the activities and achievements of the commission and its committees and representatives during the preceding year. This year’s report, presented here in its entirety, was delivered July 14 by Chairman James B. May.

We have achieved numerous Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation accomplishments during the last 12 months. The support of all Department Officers, American Legion volunteers, our membership, and a dedicated staff made this possible.

During the past 12 months, our department service office has recovered over 268 million dollars in benefits for American Legion clients. This includes over 38 million dollars in retroactive benefits. Our total benefit recovery is also approximately 38 million dollars more than what we recovered for veterans, their dependents and survivors during same 12-month period last year.

In spite of having to temporarily suspend accepting new clients for six months

due to staffing problems, our service office did accept approximately 2,000 new clients during the last 12 months and continues to represent more veterans than any other veterans service organization in the State of Indiana. Our department service office now employs three fully qualified VA accredited department service officers (David Wilson, Gerald Shutt, and John Hickey), and two full-time secretaries (Lori McIlquham, and Kimberley Shriver). We also have two department service officers in training: Joe Fuller, and Richard Boye. Both Joe and Richard are near completion of their training and will soon start accepting full caseloads of their own. This additional

Continued on page 9

Rehabilitation Awards Presented, Employment Awards Delayed

James B. May, Chairman of the Rehabilitation Commission, was handed the unfortunate task of announcing that the Employment and related awards presented by the Commission would not be presented during the annual State Convention, the traditional time and place for recognizing service on behalf of veterans.

“This year, for the first time in many years, we are unable to present some of our Rehab awards at the annual convention,” May said.

“Instead, in order to insure that all of them get the recognition they deserve, we will present the awards to them at the 2012 Fall Conference.

“We have selected three outstanding employers, and one outstanding Employment Service Office Award winner for recognition, and I hope you all will be here in October when we honor them all on the platform,” May told the delegates.

He then proceeded to present the post awards.

Ralph V. “Curly” Cushman Award

more than time and effort to serve Indiana’s veterans. It also takes money.

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 was once again the Dale Kuhn Award-winning district.

Thomas “Thumper” Henderson Award

The 2012 Thomas “Thumper” Henderson award went to Robert D. Rodriguez, a member of American Legion Post 260 in the Second District.

Sergeant Mark Monks Police Officer of the Year

• From the Eleventh District and sponsored by Post 64, Paramedic Bradford Moulton. Bradford serves with Wayne Township Fire Department.

The “Curly” Cushman Award is presented to the Post conducting the greatest amount of work on behalf of rehabilitation as certified to Department Headquarters. It honors outstanding efforts in all phases of veterans’ rehabilitation. The 2012 award was presented to Burton Woolery American Legion Post 18 in the Seventh District.

Dale Kuhn Award Legionnaires throughout the state realize that it takes

In presenting the Henderson award, May told the delegates that “as you all know, service to veterans is one of the pillars of our organization, and it is something we do very well. We do it well as the state level, the district level, and at the post level. That is where most veterans enter the system, and it is where their first impression of The American Legion is formed. Our Post Service Officers are very important, and very successful, and they deserve special recognition.

“The Thomas “Thumper” Henderson award, named in honor of one of our outstanding Past Department Commanders, recognizes excellence in both knowledge and service as a Post Service Officer during the preceding year, and I believe we have an outstanding winner,” May said.

District), Darrell Bowman (Sixth District), Kevin Hinton (Seventh District), Daniel Lawson (Eighth District), Jeri Riggs (Ninth District), William Parks (Tenth District), Rex Ikemire (Eleventh District).

Officer John Dohrn Firefighter of the Year Bradford Moulton EMS Officer of the Year

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

94th Annual State Convention

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS FEATURES

Delegates and Guests Divide Their Time Between Business and Pleasure To Make The Event Memorable and Productive

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

When the gavel falls on the opening session of an annual conventioneach July, the delegates and their guests are ready for action. Not all of the action is official business, of course – much of it has to do with renewing old friendships and relaxing with those who share their passions and their values. There was an extra bit of sharing at the 2012 Convention which marked the first time the American legion Auxiliary and the sons of The American legion convened on the same weekend.

On this page are some of the sights and scenes that made the convention one to remenmber:

1. The family of newly elected Department Commander Dick Jewell gather on the stage after the election.

2. Roses are the traditional reward for the outgoing First lady.

3. Past Department Commanders are honored on the plat form.

4. The vendors display are colorful and diverse.

5. Sergeant at-Arms Dick Fuchs was a frequent travelling companion of the Department Commander. Here, they part.

6. Commander and Joy Miller as the hours wind down

7. The Commander and Billie Bubala, his counterpart in the Auxiliary

HILDREN & HILDREN & DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

8. Anyone who needs a cap during the convention has only to visit Donna Devore’s table at the display area.

9. All ages were on hand for the festivities at the Commander’s Party.

10. Beech Grove Post 276 stood up and stood out when the call for Color Guard went out to replace the State Championship Color Guard, who was unable to perform at the convention.

11. It was a luau, after all.

12. These two guests found plenty to laugh about at the commander’s party. Infectious, isn’t it?

13. The Lombardi Trophy won by the 2006 Superbowl Champion Indianapolis Colts.

14. The 2012 Junior Shooting Sports Champion Dusty Gremaux.

15. Brent Myrick, General manager of the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, welcomes the delegates.

16. Robbie Robinson as he arrives to begin his weekend.

17. Commander and Adjutant still standing after it all was over.

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Chairman's Notes

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

‘Membership First’ Culture Based On Pride In Service

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

Hello Fellow Legionnaires across the great state of Indiana.

make it their job to achieve our membership goals.

lish posts on campus.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

Marty Dzieglowicz Department Membership Chairman

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

FEATURES FEATURES

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

It is a privilege to be appointed your Membership Chairman. I will try my utmost to encourage veterans to join our organization and to retain our current members. The lifeblood of The American Legion is membership. In order to be a viable force in the community, state and nation, we must increase our membership. Strength is in numbers and those numbers have to be raised immediately. Our downward trend must stop!

I believe with your support and our membership team, we will turn around this year! I have every bit of confidence in the team. They are the best of the best. Having this team in place and with your help, we will win! All membership chairmen, district officers, and individual members must

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

94th Department Convention

DEPARTMENT NEWS DEPARTMENT NEWS

As your Membership Chairman for 2012-2013, I encourage all of you to become familiar with our twelve separate target dates. You need to integrate these dates into your plans to increase membership at your post this year. All Post Commanders and Post Membership Chairmen need to work as partners to drive membership to the target plan. The second target date of 35 percent was August 12 with the card turn-in at headquarters. Target three

Membership Awards

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

Presenting the awards for membership achievement during the 94th annual State Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, Membership Chairman Bill Clark reminded the delegates that membership is the lifeblood of the organization.

is presented to the Post which secured the greatest number of new members, as certified to department headquarters. This year's recipient of the Kaplan award was Indianapolis’s Kenneth N. DowdenWayne Post 64 in the Eleventh District.

Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Award

of 55 percent is Sunday, September 9t with the card turnin at Post 64 in Indianapolis. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of making the target dates to grow our membership. Our members need to create a “membership is first” culture. In order to accomplish this culture, we need to reestablish the pride of being a Legionnaire. You cannot buy or trade monies to become a member. You had to serve honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States during time of war! No one can take that

Adjutant’s Desk

Continued from page 10

ing about it, teach your bar managers and bartenders and other persons who greet visitors or answer the phone at least this much about the organization they work for.

Social Media

privilege away from you –you earned it! Not even the President of the United Sates can join The American Legion, so stand tall, walk with a lively step and be proud to be a member of the largest veteran’s organization in the world – The American Legion. With this in mind, I encourage you to go out and recruit a new member today. I will implement new programs to achieve our planned goals:

1. Recruit veterans that are students at our universities and colleges and estab-

2. We are planning a regional membership recruiting effort. Further information will be forthcoming. Don’t forget we still have the $5.00 incentive for signing up new members. Cash in on this incentive as many times as possible, especially to enhance your wallet and our membership!

I also want to thank everyone for working diligently to increase our membership. It is because of you we will remain strong. Keep focused and Always Remember Membership!

on individual friends’ pages. At the first appearance of such material, the poster will be unfriended.

CONVENTION NEWS

“Many of us were disappointed with the outcome, but nevertheless, every member of the Indiana American Legion can be proud of Commander Miller, and of our efforts to make Indiana a better place for all our fellow veterans,” Clark said.

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS

Recruiter of the Year

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 went to Tennyson Post 463 in the Eighth District, with a 55.56 percent increase.

The advent of the internet and the explosive growth in on-line communications systems such as websites, Facebook and Twitter present both an opportunity and a challenge to organizations like The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

friends of The American Legion. It is our responsibility to protect the organization, its reputation, the privacy of its employees and leaders, and the integrity of the process by which decisions affecting the Legion are made. Included in that also is a duty to respect, where possible, the values our members and friends hold to. Many recent postings on the Legion’s Facebook have made meeting that responsibility very difficult, particularly in two areas:

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION IN ACTION

Donald W. Hynes Award

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

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, Richard E. Brown, a member of Indianapolis Post 186 in Indianapolis, who recruited 120 new members this year.

Gold Brigade

Clark said “There are a 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 this elite group, a Legionnaire must recruit at least 50 new members into The American Legion before May 19th of the membership year. This year there are three Hoosier Legionnaires whose names will be added to, or renewed on, the roster of the "Gold Brigade."

Receiving his first Gold Brigade award is:

• Dan Lee, Post 308, with 51 new members …

Receiving their second Gold Brigade awards are:

• Harry M. Kyler, Post 253, with 102 new members … and

• Richard E. Brown, Post 186, with 120 new members …

“We also honor those whose membership recruitment record indicates a serious and continuing commitment to membership growth,” Clark said.

These are recruiters who year after year generate new members for the organization at the Gold Brigade level. one member who qualifies for the Gold Brigade for the 16th consecutive year is James B. May of Bloomington’s Burton Woolery American Legion Post 18, with 64 new members.

Silver Brigade

In addition to the Gold Brigade, the National Organization has established the Silver Brigade as a way to honor other successful recruiters who are working their way to the top. This year, three Hoosier Legionnaires reported membership success to Department Headquarters, having recruiting 25 members by the May deadline. They are:

Jon Lybarger, Post 36, 25 new members; J.R. Bash, Post 423, 31 new members; and Ron Ordelheide, Post 182, 33 new members.

Jack Butler Award

The Jack Butler Award reflects Jack’s life-long and untiring effort on behalf of The American Legion, and recognizes the post with the highest percentage of retention of members as compared to the prior year’s close of books.

The 2012 Jack Butler Memorial Award went to the Seventh District American Legion Post 450 in Solsberry. Will the post commander please come forward to receive the award?

Richard Kaplan Award

Each year the Richard S. Kaplan Award

The Donald W. Hynes Memorial Award recognizes the Post in the Department which attains an all-time high in membership for the highest number of consecutive years.

Recognizing 64 consecutive years of growth and all-time highs, the 2012 Donald Hynes Award went to St. Joseph Post 464 of St. Leon, in the 9th District.

National Commander’s Achievement Award

The National Commanders Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in New Post Development. This year the award goes to Rich Brown, the 11th District Commander. Rich chartered two posts this year, INVETS Post 311 and University Veterans Post 360.

SAL Achievement Award

The American Legion also recognizes the post sponsoring the most active and accomplished SAL squadron in the Detachment of Indiana. This year, the SAL Achievement Award goes to Herbert Kuhn American Legion Post 253 in the second District.

We also recognize the post that sponsors the largest Squadron in the Detachment of Indiana. For the 14th consecutive year, was also Herbert Kuhn American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.

Top Ten Posts

The top ten posts in the department, based on their total membership as of close of books, were honored by presentations on the platform of the convention, as well. The number one Top Ten Post is Burton Woolery Post 18 in Bloomington. The nine others are:

• 10th Place – Post 72: 791 members

• 9th Place – Post 9: 854 members

• 8th Place – Post 28: 864 members

• 7th Place – Post 89: 931 members

• 6th Place – Post 500: 934 members

• 5th Place – Post 64: 974 members

• 4th Place – Post 47: 1,062 members

• 3rd Place – Post 253: 1,128 members.

• 2nd Place – Post 11: 1,369 members. All Time High

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.

This year, four Posts qualified for these citations. They are:

• St. Leon Post 464, 64 consecutive years

• Mooresville Post 103, 14 consecutive years

• Avon Post 145, 11 consecutive years

• Floyds Knob Post 42, 8 consecutive years

In addition to five or more consecutive all time highs, Posts who attained at least their first all time high this year were also honored. They are:

• Post 467, four years;

• Post 452, three years;

• Post 204, two years;

• Post182, two years; and posting their first all-time high,

• Post 253 and Post 438.

Unfortunately, like every other good thing in a fallen world, the potential for abuse is immense and the temptation apparently irresistible for some.

It is not the responsibility or the intent of The Department of Indiana to police the private or personal correspondence of members or

SAL News

Continued from page 10

the challenges that are ahead. I have two great teammates in Department Commander Dick Jewell and Auxiliary President Nancy Gunning. I am proud to be serving with these two outstanding individuals. I hope that our paths cross frequently as we travel this great state promoting the American Legion and its’ programs. One task that lies ahead will be the National Convention in Indianapolis. There is a lot of work to be done and a lot has been done already. Volunteers are still needed.

Auxiliary News

Continued from page 10

as hand-made by veterans. They have been and will continue to be made only by veterans. It is also a very good way for them to rehab their hands and fingers as well as make some money. If any of you know a veteran who is hospi-

Profanity and filthy language. Much the same can be said about such postings as once was said by a jurist considering pornography: ‘I don’t know what it is, but I recognize it when I see it.’ That standard will be applied to postings made directly to the Department’s Facebook page and to those that appear on the page as posted

We also need a good showing form the American Legion Family to support Jim Koutz, candidate for National Commander.

I am here to work for all 37,000 members of the Detachment of Indiana. If there is anything that I do for you, please feel free to call me at 260-273-7585 or e-mail me at gspauldingsal@citznet.com.

I am ending this on a sad note. Recently a young man from Berne, Indiana was killed in Afghanistan. Nick Taylor was 20 years old. e paid the ultimate price serving our country. The American Legion Family from

talized or home-bound who needs some rehabilitation and some income, please have them contact our Department Secretary, Judy Otey, at (317) 630-1275. If they qualify she will put them in touch with the Poppy Production Manager in their area and see that they get put to work.

Benefits Recovered

Continued from page 7

service office staff will allow us to better serve our current clients, keep accepting new clients, participate in more veterans outreach events, and conduct more veterans outreach benefit seminars.

We have also provided American Legion accreditation to two county veterans service officers – George Jarboe in Allen County and Randy Fairchild in Tippecanoe County. Accrediting county veterans service officers helps the department win veterans additional benefits without substantially increasing the workload at the department service office.

The second area concerns comment on decisions made by Department officers. It can be asserted, and is, that in every important decision, only a few know all the facts and details. Informed comment is appropriate. Uninformed comment is a detriment to the organization and can be harmful to individual reputations and feelings and indeed to the whole decision making procedure. Those who comment on Facebook have a duty to know all the facts and details before comment. We are not a secret society. If you need to know the facts, they are available to you. If you don’t need to know the facts, making up your own or agreeing with someone who has does us all no good.

Berne Post 468 was there to show their support along with the community of Berne and surrounding counties. I would also like to thank the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard for escorting this young man home. I was in the Eleventh District awhile back and Colonel Paul Grube was talking about an upcoming deployment. He did not refer to those being deployed as soldiers, he used the term “Great Americans.” That phrase kind of stuck with me. Our prayers go out to the Taylor family – for we have lost a “Great American.”

We oversee the making of hundreds of thousands of these each year for our units and units from other states and can use some new poppy makers. We are looking forward to working as a family as we “Read to Learn More About Serving Our Veterans” this year.

We therefore now plan to provide American Legion claims accreditation to several more experienced county veterans service officers. Our department service office has also revised the way it files claims. Filing claims in the traditional way was causing veterans to wait 18 to 24 or more months for decisions. Our new “fully developed claims” filing process allows most veterans to receive VA decisions within three to four months after filing.

Combining the additional staff with improved claims filing procedures will help the Department serve many more veterans in the years to

come – and serve them better than ever before!

Donations to the department rehab fund financed the efforts of our hospital and nursing home committee volunteers in distributing $78,000 in comfort items and providing activities for medically confined veterans.

Volunteers serving 42 different rehab accounts assisted veterans at both VA and nonVA healthcare facilities. Our rehabilitation volunteers do such things as:

• Purchase and distribute refreshments and comfort items;

• Conduct parties and

Continued on page 3

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

Opportunities Abound To ‘Rise To The Challenge’

What a great day to be a Hoosier Legionnaire, and what a great day to be blessed to have been chosen by the blue cap Legionnaires of this great Department to lead it for the next year.

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS

Richard A. Jewell Department Commander

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

The convention and my election to be your Commander were truly a dream come true for me. Hearing my daughter Carole deliver my nomination speech made me the proudest Dad in the room. Thank you all and especially the members of my Post, Liberty Post 122, and my District, the 10th, for the support and encouragement you’ve provided to Ida and me over the years.

As a theme this year I’ve chosen a simple phrase

whose basic idea came from the unit crest of the first battalion I served with in Viet Nam: CHALLENGE! We will face many challenges this coming year and I ask simply that each and every member of the Department of Indiana “RISE TO THE CHALLENGE” Our Children and Youth programs remain a primary focus of our involvement in this great organization. During the weekend of August 4 I

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

had the opportunity to attend a couple of games during the State Baseball tournament. The caring, dedication, and commitment of our Department Baseball Committee and our staff is abundantly apparent in the operation of this first class event. Special thanks are due the Legionnaires of the Plymouth Post and all who had a hand in recovering from what Mother Nature dealt the tournament.

We highlight our Department youth champions throughout the year. Hoosier Legionnaires are also involved in the programs nationally. Several years ago our Department Junior Shooting Sports Chairman, Ida Jewell,

National Perspective

Sacrifices Of War Latest Casualty?

The New York Times reported in November of 2011 that only one percent of the current U.S. population has served or is serving in the armed forces. This is drastic difference since the height of nine percent during WW II. Pew researchers found that 75 percent of Americans over the age of fifty had an immediate family member who served in the military. For those aged 18-29 only 33 percent have an immediate family member who have served in the military. According to these researchers Whites are 68 percent more likely to have a family member who has served in the military compared to Blacks at 54 percent and Hispanics at 30 percent. Thus, today’s military is far less connected to the rest of society.

The trend that I am seeing is that families with immediate members having served in the military are also the ones predominately generating the current military. The sensitivity and awareness of the sacrifices made by those in the military and the needs of their family are personally known to a shrinking segment of society. Our military has been downsizing for the past decade. The Navy lost 6,000 E-4 and E-5s just a few years ago. On schedule for the next four years is a reduction of 20,000 Marines and 27,000 Army personnel. So the representation will grow smaller in the future.

So why is a chaplain writing about this? While it may not sound religious, I believe it is certainly related. When I was growing up a number of our pastors had served in the military. However, as I have gathered with clergy in recent years, I find fewer who have had previous military experience. I remember when a dear friend of mine, a Major General, talked to me in private with tears in his eyes, about how his pastor refused to pray for the men and women in the service because of the violence of war and his belief that the church was to be focused on peace. The more insulated our society becomes from war the easier it is to forget the sacrifices that brought and assured the peace we have.

Recently I stopped by a church and found the flags in a corner at the back of the church, rather than prominently displayed at the front of the church. How could this have happened? Are there no veterans left? Doesn’t anyone care about the lives that have been given in battle and the sacrifices made by those who served? Perhaps the veterans and their families are so few in number they just sit back

and keep quiet. We must do more to involve ourselves in our local religious establishments. Perhaps offering representations at religious services the week before or after Veterans Day when we honor our living veterans and those serving currently in the military or bringing a Memorial Day service when we honor those who have died. Perhaps we could assure that local religious institutions (which will allow flags) have them properly displayed or in good repair. A post offering quality replacement flag sets could have a major impact on future relations. We must not forget that our motto is “For God and Country” and we must not let our houses of faith forget or ignore those who have served and are serving.

Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.

Psalm 33:12 (NRSV)

had the pleasure of working with a young shooter in Colorado by the name of Jamie Byerly. Jamie has since married a young man who is on the Army Marksmanship Team and become Jamie Byerly Gray. Earlier this month, Jamie brought home one gold medal in the Olympics. The American Legion not only provides programs that encourage and mold our youth, but also helps build champions. There are so many exciting things to look forward to this year that it’s hard to whittle the list down to manageable. Of course, first and foremost in everyone’s mind for the remainder of August is the National Convention

Hoosier Commanders On Exciting Journey

It is always exciting to begin a new American Legion year.

Congratulations to our Department Commander Dick Jewell upon his election. Commander Jewell has new thoughts and ideas about the direction of the Department of Indiana and its important task of membership. As we get behind our new commander, think about the many great programs that are offered at the local, state and national levels. Think about that little extra effort that can make these programs even more effective. Don’t forget the importance of having fun as we promote our programs. Of course the other election that is exciting is that of Jim Koutz from Boonville as the National Commander of The American Legion. Others and I have been working with Jim’s campaign for many years as he has moved through the chairmanship’s and positioned himself for his election as commander . We have seen first hand what it takes to even be considered for this position. Believe me it isn’t an easy task to reach any national title, let alone that of National Commander. Will Rogers had

Four Out Of Five? Not Good Enough

Hello from the members of the Indiana Detachment of the Sons of The American Legion. A new year is upon us, and we have a lot of work ahead of us.

First I would like to congratulate Past Commander David Hanson on a job well done. His theme last year was “Raising the Bar” and this he did. His team set an all time high in membership for the State of Indiana and raised more than $35,000 for Child Welfare. I also want to thank Past Commander Mike Miller and Past President Billie Bubala for their work and dedication to The American Legion.

This year my Commanders’ project will be a joint venture with American Legion Commander Dick Jewell and Auxiliary President Nancy Gunning. We will be raising money to refurbish the eight-room ‘motel’ at the Indiana Veterans Home. Each group will sponsor a room (Legion, Auxiliary and SAL) and the three of us will raise money for the fourth room. With your help and support, I know that this can and will be done.

Greg Spaulding SAL

Detachment Commander

My theme this year is “Follow Through.” I have used the five disciplines of shooting to define my theme:

• First is position – get your team in place.

• Second, you take a breath, clear your head and get ready.

• Third, you get your sight picture – set your goals.

• Forth, you gently pull the trigger – you are off and running.

The last step to me is the most important. You can do the first four correctly, but if you do not “Follow Though” all of your efforts have been wasted. So that is what I am asking of the membership of the Sons of the American Legion – Follow Through on your commitments to our Organization.

I am looking forward to

in Indianapolis. A host of volunteers are committed to seeing that our National Convention comes off without a hitch. The thought of having our own Jimmy Koutz elected National Commander has everyone pumped, and there are plans in place to make this convention one to remember.

The day before we open the convention is also a day of great importance to the Department and to all of Indiana’s Veterans. Monday, 27 August is the first meeting of the year for our Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs. This commission is made up of elected officials from our House and Senate, and is charged with study-

ing issues related to veterans in our great state. Recently, a ruling by the staff of the Department of Local Government and Finance has changed administratively the interpretation of decades old legislation that provides property and excise tax relief to Indiana’s Disabled Veterans. We intend to voice The American Legion’s concerns on this and other matters before the commission that day. Look for more information on our Facebook and website pages. We will take your concerns to the State House!

As always, our Membership Program is of prime concern to any commander.

From The Adjutant’s Desk

TFA Is Not Optional; Clean Up Facebook

Since 1926, The American Legion has provided emergency assistance in the form of grants and aid payable on behalf of the children of veterans whose families are in the throes of temporary economic and financial hardships.

an appropriate quote that fits the situation. He said, “You’ve got to go out on a limb sometimes because that’s where the fruit is.”

Commander Jim and his wife Vickie will understand that saying after experiencing the many years of hard work, dedication, trials and tribulations that they have gone through to reach this important goal. Best wishes to both Dick and Jim on successful years as leaders of this great organization.

It is personally exciting for me and, I am sure, Alternate NEC Paul Steward to begin this Legion year because we will be serving our last year in our respective positions. It will be a great experience to serve this final year as a “Red Cap” with our own native son as National Commander.

I look forward to crossing paths with Jimmy on many occasions during the coming months.

Over the years, I have enjoyed traveling to each of your districts. Once again, I will try to get to as many district functions as possible. If your post or district is having a function where you would like Paul or me to speak or if you think the event would be enhanced by the presence of one of us, let us know and we will try to get it on our calendar.

I look forward to seeing and visiting with you this coming year and especially working with you for the good of The American Legion.

Auxiliary News

Today, in the Department of Indiana, the vast majority of posts and their officers and employees are either unaware of their responsibilities to these children, or are indifferent to the needs that cry out to be met.

Neither is acceptable. Nowhere in any of the resolutions or policy papers guiding the Temporary Financial Assistance Program are posts authorized or encouraged to tell families in need that “we don’t do that program here” or refer those families to the Department.

Nothing in the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion excuses Legionnaires or their posts from the sacred responsibilities to which we pledge ourselves every time we recite that Preamble.

And no amount of indifferent camaraderie in the bars and clubrooms across the state will put food on the table or clothes on the backs of children in need through no fault of their own.

The National Executive Committee approved Res. 4 in May 1948, which formally adopted policies and procedures for the Temporary Financial Assistance Program. The resolution was later amended to include the children of veterans of later war eras and redefine and expand the categories of eligible children. In May 1990, the National Executive Committee approved revised

Poppy Makers Needed

Hello from the ladies of The American Legion Auxiliary. We have been working hard to get all in place for the New Auxiliary ear. Our workshop for Officers and chairman was August 4 and that got us up and running on all our programs. Our fall Conference is September 28-30.

I am looking forward to welcoming Commander Jewell and Detachment Commander Spaulding as they bring remarks to our ladies. I do have a special request to all reading this article. We need more veterans to make our poppies. They can be housebound

Nancy Gunning Auxiliary President

or hospitalized veterans. We provide all the material needed to make these poppies and pay the veteran to make them. For some of our longtime poppy makers, this is the only form of income they have.

For many years we have offered the poppies to the public in the month of May

Hugh Dagley Department Adjutant

policies and guidelines governing the administration of the program.

In all those updates and revisions, some things remained unchanged. Among them are the responsibilities of posts, districts and departments in caring for these, the dependent and at-risk children of our comrades. I quote from res. #27, which is verbatim from Res. 4:

“It is the responsibility of Posts of The American Legion to:

• “Appoint, elect or otherwise designate a qualified member as Post Children and Youth chairman or officer;

• “Provide such funds as are possible to aid in meeting the needs of children;

• “Enlist the interest and participation financially and otherwise, of the Unit of the American Legion Auxiliary, the 40 and 8 Voiture and the 8 and 40 Salon when these affiliated groups are organized in their communities;

• “Cooperate with existing social welfare agencies of the community to improve services of children and to represent to such agencies the special needs of children who parents served in the military forces during [times of war];

• “Originate applications for Temporary Financial Assistance as provided in Part I, when the needs of eligible children cannot be adequately met locally, and forward such applications a promptly to the Department Children & Youth Chairman.”

The responsibility of the districts is even simpler: Make sure the Posts meet theirs.

All that is required of Hoosier American Legion Posts is to become familiar with the program and its underlying policies and procedures, maintain a supply of TFA applications, designate a person or persons to sit with applicants while the form is completed, and forward the completed form with documentation to Department Headquarters. The staff will do the rest.

Despite the mention of local funding above, it will cost you nothing except what you promised to do when you became a Legionnaire. The National Organization provides all TFA funds.

And while you are think-

W. Darrell Hansel National Executive Committee

Chaplain’s Corner

Norris Keirn Department Chaplain