2011/2012 December/January The Hoosier Legionnaire

Redesigned Website To Be Unveiled At Mid-Winter Conference

Major renovations to the Department of Indiana’s website will be unveiled at a hands-on seminar scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14 during the 2012 Mid-Winter Conference.

During the seminar, Jay van Santen, the web designer selected by the Department to revamp the site, will present an overview, then assist interested Legion family members in experiencing the new site first hand.

Van Santen also will solicit reaction and feedback from those experiencing the site.

Legion family members are encouraged to bring their wi-fi equipped laptop computers with them. Free wi-fi access will be available to all participants in the seminar room. In addition, the Department will set up eight to ten workstations wired into the internet for users who do not have wi-fi-equipped laptops.

Merry Making At The Zoo

Each year, the Department Commander hosts his officers and other Department leaders at a gala Christmas party which, this year, was held at the Indianapolis Zoo. The zoo features thousands of lights and displays on the grounds, along with a huge Christmas Tree to greet visitors. Joy Miller, the Department’s First Lady, (above left) received a special gift from the Legion Family, and Santa Claus (The Fifth District’s own Bob Bach) took time out from his busy pre-Christmas schedule to find out just what “Little Mikey” wanted for Christmas.

Mid-Winter Conference To Feature Training For Post Service Officers

The Department Service Office will conduct Post Service Officer training during the upcoming Mid-winter Conference. The seminar is designed to help American Legion posts assist their members with veterans benefit issues and improve membership through services. Pre-registration is not required. All post service officers are encouraged to attend.

The seminar is scheduled for Saturday, January 14, 2012, 8:00 to 12:00 noon at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel, 7202 East 21st Street in Indianapolis.

The seminar will be conducted by Department Service Officer and Director of Rehabilitation John Hickey, along with members of his staff.

The seminar will cover such diverse topics as post service officers’ duties and

responsibilities, ethics, the rehab program, Temporary Financial Assistance, homeless veterans program, claims representation, veterans service and membership, avoiding common mistakes, newly discharged veterans consultation checklist;

Also, replacing the DD Form 214, disability compensation, non-service connected pension, survivors compensation and pension, burial benefits, the appeals process, military correction and review board issues, concurrent receipt and combat related special pay, VA medical benefits, and informal and fully developed claims.

The Department Service Officers also have announced plans to conduct an open panel discussion to help answer any and all other veterans’ benefits and

service issues of concern to the audience.

In addition to the information to be provided, service officers in attendance will also receive a computer disc containing The American Legion Department of Indiana Post Service Officers Training Manual, Training Certification Test, claims research information, forms link for federal and state benefits, and a Veterans Benefit Power Point presentation for post presentations.

The training session is free, but attendees will likely incur costs associated with travel and lodging. Active post service officers volunteer much of their time while assisting post members. Post may now help their service officers by sponsoring their attendance at this training session, then reap the benefit of their service officer’s increased knowledge.

Unserviceable Flags Add To Vet Honors

An American Legion benefits partner has come up with a unique way to dispose of unserviceable American flags and honor deceased veterans at the same time.

For more than a year, Indiana Funeral Care has accepted tattered, torn and damaged American flags to place with U.S. Military veterans when they are cremated.

The practice is done in a tribute to the veteran and to show respect to the Stars and Stripes.

Central Indiana American Legion Posts bring in hundreds of flags at a time, which funeral home owner David Ring said will sustain the program that was started to honor the “several hundred” veterans cremated annually.

According to the United States Code, Title 4 Chapter 1, Section 8, the flag, when it is

in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning, he said.

When the flag is tattered, torn, stained or fading, the flag should be destroyed.

Often, residents who want to honor the law, take the fading flags to veterans associations.

“They may have a ceremony to burn them, but many Legion members and veterans believe this is a very respectful way to give a veteran a final resting place with an American flag,” Ring said.

Destroying the flag by burning assures that it will not be left in a garbage can.

“It’s our hope that every veteran gets to be cremated with an American flag,” Ring said.

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Van Santen will repeat the 30-minute overview at 1:00 p.m. for participants who could not attend during the morning session. Interested users are encouraged to stay as little or as long as their schedule permits. The seminar room will be set up accommodate up to 100 persons at a time.

A significant departure from the current website and many similar Legion websites is that the new site is being designed to meet a variety of needs among a diverse users, including non-member veterans, educators and school counselors, government officials, and parents looking for scholarships or other educational opportunities.

“The way we are setting up the site is quite different than most,” van Santen said. “What we are doing is orga-

“What we are doing is organizing information and placing it on the site in such a way that no matter how much or how little a user may know about the subject, the information will be appropriate for that user’s need.”

nizing information and placing it on the site in such a way that no matter how much or how little a user may know about the subject, the information will be appropriate for that user’s need. Everyone will go to the same section, but to a different area of interest.”

For example, van Santen said, a Post Oratorical Contest chairman and a parent looking for scholarship information will both be directed to the same area of the site.

“What we were acutely aware of is that often, our chairmen need more information about their program than they may have been given at the time they were appointed. “What they learn is as important to them as what a parent learns about student opportunities,” van Santen said.

The website will continue to offer information and guidance to members in the expanded member section. Completeable pdf forms, live forums on issues and processes, calendars of important events, and post and officer information will be on the site. Access to the member site will be controlled, although the method for doing so has not yet been determined.

The post locator feature is a particularly exciting prospect, said Assistant Adjutant Hugh Dagley, who is the primary staff member assisting with the project.

“All Hoosier American Legion Posts will be listed on

Jay van Santen, Web Designer

the site in the locator. We plan to include the basic information about a post, of course; that information won’t be much different than what we now include on the existing site or in the directory.

“What is new is that we will be able to list such information as hours of clubroom operation, whether or not the Post has special event space for rent, special community activities, and other characteristics that make each post a desirable part of the community.

“All of that information will be searchable by members and non-members alike, as can be updated by Post officers with the appropriate password protected access,” The development of the website is being overseen by members of the Strategic Planning Committee, and has garnered the full support of the Department Finance Committee and the Department Executive Committee. In addition, staff members are contributing extensive information on their areas of responsibility, and the Task Group is soliciting regular input from tech-savvy Legionnaires.

The Department will retire the URL, or internet address, long used by the Department in favor of a new site address: www.TheHoosierLegionnaire.org. Graphic design and technical innovation will be the hallmarks of the new site, said van Santen.

“I think your members are going to be very excited about this new website.”

January Conference To Feature Important Information

Housing registration is once again underway for the annual Mid-Winter Conference scheduled for January 13-15, 2012 at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, 7202 East 21st Street in Indianapolis.

Normal procedures for housing registration are in place, according to Amy Bender, Department meeting planner. Registrants should make their own reservations through the hotel, and request the conference rate for the Department of Indiana. Housing will continue to be at a premium at the Marriott itself, because of renovations still underway, but housing at the adjacent Fairfield and LaQunita is also available.

Hotel personnel say the renovation of the public space at the hotel is on or ahead of schedule. Depending on the weather, the exterior should be completed by the time the conference gets underway, but some inconveniences may remain. Conferees need to remain flexible as the work is completed.

2012 Convention Volunteers Meeting

An important session for volunteers who will be working the 2012 National Convention in Indianapolis next August has been called for

6:30 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012. There will be a general meeting and two breakout sessions, one concerning the Convention Parade Committee, the other concerning the Badges and Packet Committee.

The general meeting will be in Salon B, adjacent to the atrium of the hotel, followed by breakout sessions in Salons A and C, also just off the Atrium. Participants will be directed to the appropriate breakout session during the general meeting. Convention

Vice Chairman Mark Gullion will chair the meeting, and representatives of the National Convention Commission and its staff will be present to answer questions and provide additional information.

Service, Gaming and ABC Seminars

Highlights of the conference include the Service Office Seminar detailed in a special article above, a presentation on charitable gaming by the Indiana Department of Revenue and an update on any changes governing the liquor license held by many Legion posts.

Of particular interest will be the information provided by the Department Service Officers on changes in the way in which the office ac-

cepts and handles disability compensation claims. Good news on that front includes the hiring of an additional, experienced service officer who will be ready to handle claims fairly quickly. He will be introduced during the seminar.

Membership

Membership continues to be a majopr concern for the Department of Indiana. The current membership years continues the rate of decline experienced over the past decade, and the membership team will meet to address the problems. Information on the new member incentive program, “Little Mikey,” the last-place district award, an update from the Strategic Planning Committee and other topics will be addressed.

Conference Party—

Be A Sport Department Commander Mike Miller and his wife Joy will be hosting the traditional conference p[arty beginning at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14. The party theme selected by the commander is sports, and he has encouraged party-goers to attend wearing their favorite team colors – be they high school., college or professional.

DISTRICT

VETERAN INFORMATION VETERAN INFORMATION

DISTRICT 7

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Fred Lewis Commander

Greetings to the Seventh District.

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

Happy Holidays.

By the time you read this article, the holidays will be behind us.

A big thanks to all the posts that participated in a Veterans Day program.

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

I want to thank the Legion Posts and members that have showed us great hospitality as we have been traveling the District. You have all made us feel at home.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

As we head into Thanksgiving and Christmas, I hope that if any of us know a veteran or a veteran’s family that might do without, we as fellow veterans will step up to the plate and make sure to help them out, give them a great holiday.

FEATURES FEATURES

Lyons Post 479 has been busy. On November 6 the Legion Post assisted the Lyons Boy Scot Troop by performing a US Flag folding ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Event, and then on Veterans Day they performed a Veterans Day Service. Following the service, their Auxiliary unit provided the veterans a dinner. Way to go Lyon. I want to thank Bloomington Post 18 also. They, together with Whitestone of Bloomington, delivered 35 cases of bed pads to Lafayette Home. The donation was valued at $1,000. Thank you, Bloomington Legion and Whitestone. I also appreciated getting a copy of their newsletter.

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

I have to speak at least a little bit about membership. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We will get to the top with all of us working together. My membership team has put together a drivearound for December 10. I am looking forward to a big card turn in.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT NEWS NEWS

Commander Fred and his wife Susie, along with Jerry Ward, attended a community event hosted by the Coal City American Legion. They had a community feed and bingo and I was informed that they had a great turn out, and that all had a great time. Thank you, Coal City.

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FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

DISTRICT 8

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

Ninth District and either take part in or hear of their activities.

rine and member of Post 173 killed last year in the Middle East.

DISTRICT 10

Jere Riggs Commander

Greetings from the Great Eighth.

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

This year is moving along fast. Here it is Thanksgiving already. I would like to recognize and thank Post 335 for having a Thanksgiving Dinner for their members and veterans in the community who didn't have a place to go. They are also getting together their donations for the 150 Christmas Baskets that they give away to the needy in the community.

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

money and items from other veterans organizations in the area made it possible for Unit 44 Auxiliary under the guidance of project organizer Sharon Harbison to gather, purchase and deliver the essentials such as sheets, towels, shower curtains and cleaning supplies. The residents are required to seek work and pay rent based on their earnings.

I was able to accompany Department Adjutant Steve Short and NEC Darrell Hansel to Madison Post 9 where Adjutant Short presented them a Commemorative Plaque honoring their Color Guard/Funeral Detail.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

Membership is moving along really well. We are currently in 1st place with a percentage of 76.05 percent. We are currently 35 cards ahead of last year. And we just presented Tennyson Post 463 with their 100 percent certificate and ribbon at our last District Meeting at Rockport. Tennyson Post 463 is currently at 116.13 percent, five cards ahead of last year. My hat is off to Commander Rocky Baize, his officers and his membership. Great job and keep up the great work. And again I would like to thank all of my officer and the post for their great effort so far this year. Thanks everyone and God Bless Eugene Pate Post 265 recently received a facelift as a part of a Home Depot outreach program. Team Depot descended on Post 265 on November 10 and days end had sided and painted the exterior of the building, repaired fencing and landscaped. I personally appreciate the Home Depot and their veteran friendly attitude. Newburgh Post 44 Auxiliary was recently involved in putting the final touches on Lucas Place II apartment complex, a homeless shelter. Lucas Place II is aimed at assisting homeless veterans. Post 44 Commander Bucky Honaker and Chuck Russelburg teamed up to organize a golf scramble and find hole sponsors for the event raising over $2,000.00 to provide basic needs for Lucas Place II. That money coupled with donations of

Mt. Vernon Post 5 assisted in the recent completion of a Habitat for Humanity home. The volunteers’ efforts helped a young single mother to have a nice home and a chance to get a start while building self esteem by assisting in the construction of her home and committing to labor hours on future Habitat homes.

A Unit 5 Auxiliary member, Susie Schroeder was recently recognized in the Mt. Vernon newspaper for her efforts as coupon chairman of Unit 5. This year she has mailed over $4,000 in coupons, most of which she clipped herself. She has received letters of thanks from Germany and Japan. The Auxiliary helps military families by clipping discount coupons and mailing them to overseas commissaries.

There are so many things that we as individuals and as an organization can do in our communities to help others and many of the things we can do are take little or no financial commitment.

I need your input for the Eighth District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. That way, you want have to read as much of my rambling.

If your Post or someone in your Post does something newsworthy please send it to me, Dave Sharber by email to wobegone@att.net or by mail at PO Box 493 in Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. We need newsworthy legion, veteran and community-related information. Be proud of your post and your Legion Family. Share what they are doing. No gossip please, just news.

DISTRICT 9

James Tracey Commander

I know that most, if not all, of the Legions have Honor Guards, but these guys at Post 9 really take pride in being part of this group and it shows. They’ve already done well over 100 ceremonies this year. Post 9 also does many congratulatory activities in and around Madison, like sponsoring the fireworks at the Regatta, but their Honor Guard alone gives them a presence in the community that is admirable.

Aurora Post 231 is in the process of remodeling a room in their Post into an “Archive Room.” This is a great idea for displaying the memorabilia that can be collected throughout the years. They also had the great idea of making individual plaques for their World War II veterans with their war era picture and service information on the plaque and presenting it to them. They are also making a scrapbook of paper copies of the plaques for display at the Post.

Seymour Post 89 received a picture of an Infantry Company from Southern Indiana taken August 25, 1917 that includes Virgil Clark, a charter member of post 89 and his buddy, Clyde Compton. I’m sure there are other charter members of post 89 included in this picture, but identifying them is next to impossible.

The annual Christmas Basket Fund is underway in Seymour. Donations from the community reached over $17,000 last year and they are off to a good start this year thanks to the generosity of the family of a fellow Vietnam veteran, “DR” Riordan, who lost his only battle, this one with cancer, and they had named Post 89’s Christmas Basket Fund as a memorial to him.

St. Leon Post 464 collected 84 units of blood in their recent Blood Drive, and they are continuing their long standing tradition of visitations and entertainment activities at the Cincinnati VA Hospital. They are also gearing up for their fund-raising breakfasts. They will be purchasing 4,200 pounds of pork (on the hoof). Now that’s a lot of sausage!

Versailles Post 173 was host to about 60 veterans and their families for a Veteran’s Day Supper, including the family of John Bishop, a Ma-

Batesville is making good progress on updating their post with the help of a grant from the Community Foundation including new furnaces, doors and work on the building exterior. Their club room still has a great rustic look though, especially the rotary phone behind the bar! Now that’s a testament that Legionnaires do not like change.

Nashville Post 13 was also able to take advantage of a grant from their Community Foundation by purchasing a laptop computer and projector. They put these items to use immediately and had a presentation at their November meeting of the recent Veteran’s Day program and local radio station interviews of veterans, including Commander Jerry Bell. Post 13 is also a part of the Brown County Veterans Coalition which will be ringing the Salvation Army bell this season with proceeds going to the Nashville Food Bank.

The State Bowling Tournament will be held in Bloomington Feb 25 through March 18 and the State Golf tourney entries will be out soon. Having an “Athletic Fund” at your post that foots some or all of the entry fees in the State Bowling or Golf Tournaments or other local activities can help build the enthusiasm that I have been speaking of in your membership. This can be a way to repay those who work the important programs we do, such as Children & Youth, Boys State and the like and most members who benefit from this athletic fund will usually participate in the fund-raising activities to add to it.

It’s time to start planning for our individual participation in the 2012 Indianapolis Convention and the election of our friend and 8th District neighbor, Jimmy Koutz. Please volunteer where and when you can to make both the 2012 convention and Jim’s election a smooth and memorable one.

I know there are several posts in the ninth that have generous Christmas programs such as food delivery or Christmas gifts they collected or purchased and then donated to the needy in their communities. To those Legions who do, my sincerest congratulations and thanks, because this is a perfect way to show those who are unaware that we Legionnaires have a “Spirit of Giving” and we have made a commitment to serve the community and we rededicate ourselves to this commitment every time we recite the Preamble to our Constitution.

I am beginning this article to say “thanks” to the Tenth District members in electing me to continue the work started by Carolyn Harrison. Caroline is a dedicated individual and family responsibilities are paramount in her life at this time.

So with that said let’s continue the coming year with the spirit of winning and being numero uno. Speaking of number one and being new to the game, I was ambushed at the Commander’s Christmas Party by William Clark, Department Membership Chairman and introduced to “Little Mikey.”

Well, “Little Mikey,” a lovable little guy, went to Muncie Post 19 and had a front row seat during the December District meeting and afterwards really enjoyed himself with the revelers. But I am assured that his stay with the Tenth District will be a short one and he will be finding a new home in January.

December finds Tenth District members attending Christmas Parties throughout the area as evidenced by the Department Commander and Mrs. Miller. On Saturday after the outstanding Department Christmas Party, Commander Miller was escorted by Jim Hagler, Southern Vice Commander, David Hanson, SAL Department Commander and sev-

eral others to visit some posts in the District.

We started out meeting up in Fortville Post 391 and then to Greenfield Post 119 where we were met by Commander Ralph Hand. We then departed for Morristown Post 102 and afterwards made stops at Knightstown Post 152, New Castle Post 137, Middletown Post 216 and finally ending up at Muncie Post 19.

Some future activities planned before the MidWinter Conference will be the District Oratorical Contest in Knightstown Post 152 on January 8, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. and a Christmas Party at New Palestine Post 182 on December 21 at 7:00 p.m..

The American Legion Riders Chapter 152 in Knightstown will have their Christmas Dinner on December 11, 2011 just after a District Drive Around on the December 10.

That will involve ten District Posts starting with Connersville Post 1 and finishing up in New Castle 137, according to Marcia Montgomery, District Membership Chairman. With all of the above said, I can only end this by hoping that everyone in the Indiana American Legion Family and elsewhere has a great holiday season and say a little blessing for those in uniform who are still guarding us and our way of life.

DISTRICT 11

Richard Brown Commander

Greetings from the 11th District,

I am pleased to announce that on November 17, University Veterans Post 360 was chartered, with 16 new members joining our newest post on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis. We welcome these veterans into The American Legion and we are very excited about the potential for this new post located on the largest college campus in Indianapolis.

Prior to the Mid-Winter Conference, we will be launching our revamped 11th District website and we have already embarked on an ambitious social media campaign. Please join the conversation at the 11th District’s Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/IndianapolisLegion) and on our

official Twitter Feed (@LegionRichBrown).

All Legionnaires are invited to attend our upcoming district meetings: Thursday, December 2 at Garfield ParkCarico Post 88, 6:00 p.m. dinner ($5/person) and 7:00 p.m. meeting, as well as Saturday, March 10 at Kenneth N. Dowden-Wayne Post 64, 12:00 noon lunch ($5/person) and 1:00 p.m. meeting.

Beginning in January, your district and post officers will be conducting post membership renewal drive-a-rounds visiting each Legionnaire who has not renewed his or her membership dues for 2012. Please encourage your fellow Legionnaires to renew their membership in The American Legion.

Heather and I wish you and your family the very best Christmas!

Ed Giltner Commander

The Pride of Vevay

World War II veterans from Vevay, Indiana and its environs are featured on a float entered by Edwin C. Danner Unit 185 of The American Legion Auxiliary in the Swiss Wine Festival Parade in Vevay last month. “We were so proud to have twelve smiling veterans ride waving American flags as hundreds in attendance lined the parade route waving their flags and cheering -- some saluting those members of ‘The Greatest Generation,’” reported Rita Sullivan, former Legion First Lady and widow of Past Department Commander Lowell Sullivan. Auxiliary members walked beside the float passing out American flags to those along the route.

Post Everlasting

Clarification: Golf Resolution Not Yet Final

A report of the minutes of the Americanism Commission published in the October issue of The Hoosier Legionnaire requires clarification:

Members of the Golf Committee approved a resolution that would allow members of the Sons of The American Legion only, in addition to Legion members, to participate in the annual Legion Golf Tournament. Because the original resolution contained strike-throughs and deletions, some confusion remained. Therefore, the committee did not forward the resolution to the Americanism for recommendation to the DEC, opting instead to resubmit it during the Mid-Winter Conference DEC meeting. The Hoosier Legionnaire apologizes for the confusion.

Auxiliary News

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Legion Family has reached out to us during this time. No illness or injury is ever something you want to have to deal with, and it is especially difficult to see someone you love struggle as hard as Billie has. But there are no words to express h90w much we

appreciate the thoughts and prayers that have come our way.

“All I can say is ‘thank you,’ and hope that all of you know it is directed to you,” he said.

Well wishers can send cards and letters to President Billie at her home address, P.O. Box 7, Milltown, Indiana 47145, or words of

Chaplain’s Corner

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keep them stationed on the other side of the globe. My heart goes out to them as well as all of our brave young men and women who serve our country and preserve our way of life for future generations. A month after Christmas, my son-in-law will be in Afghanistan. I am especially lifting up all of our families who are making such sacrifices!

Military service affects far more than those who are in

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donate thousands of dollars to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation already.

You have also spent time and money helping veterans and their families. I sincerely appreciate the time, hard work, and dedication our members and squad-

uniform—it affects families and generations of families. Our Legion family is very aware of the sacrifices from our own personal experience. Many of us have generations of our family who have served or are serving in uniform. I am grateful for the gifts of service that are represented in our posts. I want to thank each veteran for his/her service and their families who kept the home fires burning. I also want to thank all those who have family members stationed

encouragement via email at billie6025@aol.com.

Phone calls are discouraged. Billie reports that she is still having difficulty managing the cell phone, but expects to master it in a few weeks. Any visitors should contact John Bubala before travelling to Milltown to see her.

around the globe this year, and who will feel the loss of their presence this season. We pray that God’s loving presence will bless each of you for your gift for the cause of freedom. We pray as those who went before us, that one day the world will know peace.

I am grateful to God— whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

2 Timothy 2:3 NRSV

rons put into supporting Legion programs and veterans. Because of your generous donations of time and money our communities, children, and veterans lead better lives.

I have truly been amazed at all the Hoosier Hospitality shown to me. It is very much appreciated. But the reality is that the treatment that I

get is because of all the hard working members around the state and all the things they have accomplished.

As we start a new calendar year I hope everyone is having a wonderfully holiday season. I look forward to meeting some old friends and making some new ones as I travel around this great state.

VETERANS

NATIONAL CONVENTION

NATIONAL CONVENTION

DISTRICT NEWS DISTRICT NEWS

Timely Claims Decisions Depend On A Variety Of Factors

VETERAN INFORMATION VETERAN INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

Veterans and other VA claimants often complain about how long it takes VA to process their disability claims. In some cases, two, three, or more years elapse before VA grants the claimed benefits.

John Hickey Department Service Officer

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

Editor’s Note: In October, the Department Service Office announced new procedures for accepting claims to be handled by that office, based on the current backlog of claims. The policy limits new claims to “fully developed” claims until the backlog has been eliminated. Here, the Hoosier Legionnaire reprints the service officer’s column from April 2010, which offers helpful tips to veterans in preparing a “fully developed claim.

ditional evidence, the case would once again returned to the BVA. If the BVA then denies the issue on appeal, the veteran can appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

efits by knowing what VA needs and supplying that information “up front” with the formal claim.

On an average, VA takes anywhere from six to eight months to make a decision on an original claim. If the claimant must start the appeal process by filing a Notice of Disagreement, twelve to eighteen months may pass before VA makes the next decision. If the claimant must continue the appeal, the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, DC makes the next decision. This could take another two years or more.

SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

The Court might not get to the case for a year or more to make its decision. The court could deny, grant, or remand the case for further development. If the court remands the case, the case is returned to the BVA that then remands it once again to the AMC to start the process all over again.

FEATURES FEATURES

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

If the Board of Veterans Appeals (determines the case had not been fully developed – that is, if VA failed to obtain available evidence—the BVA will remand the case for further development. The remanded case could return

to the Appeals Management Center in Washington, DC, to an Appeals Management Resource Center in another area of the country, or back to the local VA regional office for further action and the next decision. This could take another year or two years. If the Appeals Management Center or one of its appointees continues the denial after completing the instructed claims development, the appealed case once again returns to the Board of Veterans Appeals for its review and final decision. This could take another six months to a year. If the BVA then concludes that the Appeals Management Center failed to fully apply the remand order, the BVA could once again remand the cased back to the AMC adding another year or so to the appeals process. If the AMC continues the denial after obtaining the ad-

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

As you can see the “or more” in “two, three, or more years” before VA makes a final decision to grant or deny the claim on an appealed case could be considerable. There have been appeals lasting five “or more” years.

Claimants can often avoid waiting years for their ben-

For example, there are three elements to a successful claim for service connection of a disability for compensation purposes:

• an incident or incidents in service,

• a current medical condition, and

• a medical link between the current medical condition and that incident or the incidents in service.

If the veteran finds and submits evidence meeting all these elements, VA may very well return a favorable decision in a relatively short time: a few months instead of years. A well trained County or American Legion Department Service Officer can provide all the details for filing complete claims.

VA has rules about when benefits can begin—the effective date. If a claim for service connection of a disability is filed within one year of the veteran’s discharge, VA can establish the effective date as the day following the veteran’s service discharge. If, however, the veteran files a claim more than one year following service discharge, the effective date is usually no earlier than the date of claim.

Waiting to gather all the evidence could, therefore, cause the claimant to lose months of potential benefits. The answer to this problem is to file an informal claim, gather the evidence, and then file the formal claim.

An informal claim is simply a statement (letter) from the claimant identifying him or herself, requesting a specific benefit, and asking VA to accept the statement as an informal claim. It’s also advisable for the claimant to supply a copy of his or her service discharge document, usually a DD Form 214, along with the informal claim statement. The veteran should also appoint a representative such as The American Legion when filing the informal claim.

Once VA receives the informal claim, VA will send the claimant a formal claim form and letter noting the claimant has one year from the

MERICANISM AND C

Student Benefits

John Hickey, Department Service Officer (far right, background) presents a veterans benefits seminar for members of the newly chartered Student Veterans Post 360 on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis. Eleventh District Commander Rich Brown, (seated, far left) also attended the meeting and briefed the new Legionnaires on service opportunities.

Short Retiring

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As he prepares for to enter the next stage of his life –which I am confident will involve far more firearms than his wife Candy every hoped to see—I hope that all Hoosier Legionnaires will reflect on the service and commitment that a career such as Steve’s demands, not only of him but of his family as well. If you haven’t done it yet,

now is a good time to let him know you appreciate it.

For good or ill, the Department must have an adjutant, and Department Commander Mike Miller has indicated that he has decided on a replacement to be recommended to the Department Executive Committee very soon. I am honored and humbled to be that replacement. Many of you know me,

some of you are even rather fond of me; some, not so much. That is immaterial.

What is important is that your Department Adjutant approaches his duties with determination, diligence, energy and imagination. That I will do.

I also have a vision for the future of the department.

To the extent that you and our leaders agree with that

vision, I will pursue it with dogged perseverance. To the extent that you disagree, I will attempt to persuade you. And to the extent that you get tired of hearing it, I will be quiet.. I look forward to both the challenges and the opportunities that Commander Miller may soon lay before me. I will be grateful for them. And I will do my best.

Board To Review Ratings For Medically Separated

The Physical Disability Board of Review provides veterans who were medically separated from their military service between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 the opportunity for review of their disability rating to determine if they are entitled to a change of military discharge status from a simple disability separation to military disability retirement.

This would normally happen if the PDBR determines the disability rating of 10 percent or 20 percent assigned at the veteran’s military discharge should have been 30 percent or higher, and the Service Secretary approves the recommendation. All reviews receiving a favorable grant are backdated to the original Physical Evaluation Board date. A favorable grant would

also entitle the veteran to all retirement benefits including health care, exchange, and commissary, etc. Furthermore, combat related special compensation benefits might be applicable upon determination of a military medical retirement.

As of July 2011, only 2,500 veterans have applied out of possibly 75,000 eligible veterans. To apply, the veteran who received a military disability rating of under 30 percent resulting in disability separation between 9-1101 and 12-31-09 must complete the DD Form 294 and send it along with supporting evidence to: SAF/MRBR, Attn: PDBR Intake Unit, 500 C Street West, Suite 41, Randolph AFB, Texas 781504743. Supporting evidence can be copies of relevant records

and rating decisions from the claimant’s VA claim file, copies of service medical and personnel records, copies of relevant VA and nonVA health care records, and a clear and concise statement

explaining why the military should have provided a higher rating at service discharge. PDBR decisions are final and are not reviewable by the Board of Correction of Military Records

Unserviceable Flags

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If the funeral home receives a large number of flags, Visotski said they can always cremate multiple flags with each veteran.

Flags may be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Department of Indiana headquarters, 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis or Indiana Funeral Care, 8147 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. By calling in advance for an appointment, flags may

also be dropped at Indiana Funeral Care South Office, at 6249 South East Street (U.S. 31 South), Suite B, Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-636-6464 or visit www. indianafuneralcare.com.

Indiana Funeral Care is the exclusive service provider for Veterans Funeral Care in Central Indiana and also honored to have the exclusive endorsement of The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

date of that letter to complete and return the formal claim application. During that one year period, the claimant can start finding the necessary supporting evidence, such as copies of the service medical records, copies of the service personal records, witness statements, copies of medical records showing continuity of symptoms from the date of service discharge to the present, supporting doctor’s statements, and any other evidence particular to the claims.

After gathering all the supporting evidence, the claimant should then complete the formal claim form, attach copies of all the supporting documentation, and supply it to the VA regional office through the claimant’s accredited representative’s office. Caution: do not attempt to file and develop VA claims without the advice and guidance of a fully trained professional veterans service officer. It would be like me trying to repair the engine or transmission of my own car; believe me, that would not turn out well.

The American Legion wants to make sure claims are properly developed before filing with VA. This will help clear the VA claims and appeals system, and provide veterans and their dependents faster and better VA decisions the first time.

Service & Legislative Update

Department Encourages Honors For Outstanding Service Officers, Employers

Editor’s Note: The American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office will be closed from Monday, December 26, 2011 through Monday, January 2, 2011 in celebration of the Christmas Holiday. The office will be otherwise open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. during December. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-226-6645; or by using the following e-mail address: vsohickj@vba.va.gov, ob by mail at, or by mail at The American Legion Veterans Service Office, Room 325, 575 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-1519.

Post Service Officer of The Year Award

American Legion Posts may nominate their Post Service Officer for The American Legion Department of Indiana Post Service Officer of the Year Award. Interested post officials may call The American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office for an application.

Veterans Employment Awards

The American Legion awards certificates of appreciation and recognition to employers having outstanding records of hiring and retaining veterans. Each year the Indiana Department of The American Legion may provide one employer award each for small companies with 50 or fewer employees, medium sized companies with work forces of 51 to 200, and large companies with 201 or more employees. Employers may also receive American Legion awards for hiring and retaining older workers and disabled workers. The American Legion also provides certificates of appreciation to recognize and honor outstanding local veterans employment representatives, disabled veterans outreach program specialists, and local job service officers. American Legion Posts (or others) may make their award nominations by sending completed nomination applications to the American Legion Department of Indiana Veterans Service Office by December 31, 2011. The department

employment committee selects the winning nomination at the department mid-winter conference, and awards are then given each year at the American Legion Department of Indiana Convention. You may obtain applications by calling the American Legion Department Service Office at 317916-3605 or by using the following website links:

• Employer of Veterans Award Application: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/employerveteranaward.pdf

• Award to enhance the lives of disabled persons application: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/ awarddisabledworker.pdf

• The Employer of Older Workers Award Application: http://www.legion. org/documents/legion/ pdf/employerolderworkers. pdf

• Employment Service Awards Application: http://www.legion.org/ documents/legion/pdf/employmentserviceawards.pdf

Cost of Living Adjustment

In May, the House passed by H.R. 1407, the companion bill to S. 894. As the result, a 3.6 percent COLA increase for VA compensation and pension benefits should go into effect from December 1, 2011, after the law is signed into the legislation by the President. Since benefits are paid a month behind, the increase will not show on payments until those issued on or about January 1, 2012.

Service And Dedication Deserve Honors And Respect At Death

The Christmas and New Year Holidays traditionally mark the midpoint of a commander’s year in office, and by the time most of you read this, we will have reached that milestone. Joy and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, one and all, the merriest of Christmases and a very Happy New Year.

We were fortunate to share some Christmas cheer earlier this month with the Department Officers and their spouses, the staff and their spouses and friends, and some very special friends of my own. We held the traditional Commander’s Christmas party at a most untraditional place –the Indianapolis Zoo – and it was perfectly delightful. The grounds were wonderfully lighted, the weather was ideal for a visit to the animals,

Adjutant’s Legacy Is One Of Service And Convictions

This space in the Hoosier Legionnaire is normally reserved for the Department Adjutant, Steve Short, but for this issue he has asked me to do the honors. I am pleased to do it, and I do consider it an honor.

Adjutant Short is about to bring down the curtain on more than a decade of service as your Department Adjutant, a period of service preceded by seven more as your Assistant Department Adjutant.

That is a remarkable seventeen years of service, and represents a record that will stand for many years to come. Reviewing the tenures of previous adjutants beaming down at us from the walls outside the conference room at Department Headquarters, we find only the legendary Frank J. Myers served longer.

It is not my place to recite Steve’s achievements while he held the office. They are many. They are not all apparent. But they are real. No administrator is ever as bad as his detractors say, or as good as his supporters claim. The best ones are steady, reliable, and demonstrate the courage of their convictions. To have that said of you is, in my opinion, no small legacy. And it is true of Adjutant Short.

What is even more admirable is that during those years, Steve also served our country as a member of the United States Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. During those years, he served with distinction in what was to become one of the most controversial assignments of the War on Terror – the control of enemy combatants incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

It is not insignificant that despite the slander, allegations and outright fabrications made to disparage America’s treatment of its enemies, despite the grand and hollow promises of politicians, and the misguided efforts of civil libertarians, Guantanamo remains operational. That is a tribute to the men and women who serve, and served, there. Men like Steve Short.

and all in all, it was a great time.

I want to especially thank Bob Bach for once again portraying Santa Claus. His presence always adds just the right touch for the party. Recently a situation, or circumstance, occurred that has been on my mind for several days. That is how we honor the service and dedication of members of the Sons of The American Legion at the time of their deaths.

It is true that their service to this nation did not include uniformed service. It is true that the rules for

non-veterans are different than those for veterans. And it is true that the Sons have established some rituals to render final honors. But it is not true that these valued members of The American Legion Family do not deserve our respect. Every American is entitled to an American Flag at his graveside. How that flag is draped, how it is presented and by whom, is not prescribed in the Flag Code of the United States. But common sense and an appreciation for common service should reign at such times. I encourage you to know and practice proper honors for all members of The American Legion Family when their time has come.

As we pass this mid-point, I want to encourage all of you to keep up your efforts on behalf of the membership program. We are doing

about as well as any group of officers has done in the past 10 to 15 years, but we always can do better. We’re meeting goals – and I think that has a lot to do with everyone’s determination to avoid “Little Mikey.”

I will admit that I was a little skeptical when our Membership Chairman approached me with the idea of a tiny replica of myself as a last place award – Wouldn’t you have been? But it has turned out to be lot of fun, especially for those who don’t have to take care of “Little Mikey.”

I also want to remind you that we still are conducting the new member incentive award program. We will continue to offer $5.00 per new member to every recruiter who signs someone up and registers for the payment. Because of the relatively

low participation, I wonder if our members understand how that incentive program can help. Recruiters can instantly offer a discount for new members willing to give us a try; they can discount their own membership by $5.00 for every member they sign up; or working together, they can earn some muchneeded cash for the post. No one loses in this program, and I hope all members will try their hand at recruiting.

We are rapidly approaching the Mid-Winter Conference, too. Please take a look at some of the articles in this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire that talk about the interesting and exciting events we have planned for the conference.

Foremost among them, I think, is the seminar on the new website. I have not yet seen it, but I have had a number of discussions

with members of the working group and the Strategic Planning Committee, and I am sure they are on the right track. When you get a moment, if you haven’t already done so, turn to page one sand see what’s coming up.

A final work on membership: there are many reasons not to give up at this point in the year. It seems as though every year we go great guns to January and then just throttle back and become satisfied with those renewals already collected. Posts need to get after those delinquent members now and find out why they haven’t renewed yet. Many times this is the only way we find our comrades who are in distress. And, once they are identified, we need to take care of them because… It’s not just what we do. It’s who we are!

National Perspective Remembering The ‘Greatest Generation’

I was really looking forward to this column as a chance to share one of those “glad” stories with my Legion family. However the story has turned into a mixture of both “glad and sad.”

Bob Brown, a member of my post in Vevay and also well known in our community, was with the 225th Rangers during the landing at Omaha Beach during WWII. He was 92 years old and received an invitation requesting his presences at the Annual Conference of the American Veterans Center in Washington D.C. to receive The Audie Murphy Award for his distinguished military service.

When Bob returned from his trip in early November, I got an email from his niece, Rita Sullivan, letting me know that the local newspaper editor was going to do an interview with Bob and would I like to be there? Since I know Bob, I thought that this would be a chance to hear great stories.

I have golfed with Bob. I have taken trips with Bob. I will have fond memories of Bob. I have paused to remember my father who served in WWII. I hope that you pause and remember a WWII veteran who was in your life.

***

Alternate NECman Paul Steward and I attended the pre- and post- NEC meetings in Minneapolis during the National Convention. Much of the proceedings were the usual appointments and assignments. However after reading my notes, I was reminded of the many reso-

lutions that are passed that benefit our veterans, children and Legion family. These are online and worth a look when you have time. One position that I am interested in has to do with flag programs. I am sure that you know we urge Congress to propose and approve an amendment to prohibit physical desecration of the American flag, but did you know that we also support a proposal that would make the U.S. Flag patch a part of the uniform of U.S. Postal Service employees? This is just an example of some interesting but little publicized resolution that has been proposed. On Paul’s and my behalf, we hope that the holiday season brings joy to all of you and safety to our troops who are sacrificing to keep us free. We hope to see you all at the mid-winter conference.

Greetings to all the members of The American Legion Family. It is truly a great honor to represent Hoosiers, nearly 38,000 members of The Sons of The American Legion, and to be working with two great teammates in Department Commander Mike Miller and Auxiliary President Billie Bubala.

As we move forward, my hard working membership team is looking to “RAISE THE BAR!”

If we are to be successful it will be as a team. Now is the time to really work on reten-

the best way to retain them. Remember they don’t always keep up with us, so we must keep up with them.

Thank you to all who have donated to my commander’s project, the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund, and to all who have help raise and

Continued on page 6

The interview went well as Bob recalled stories, many of which, he had told for the first time since his service in the military. Many of the memories caused Bob to laugh and on occasion caused him to pause with moist eyes. In any case, Bob seemed delighted to “tell his story.” Bob was even invited next June to return to Omaha Beach to be part of a special celebration and observance.

Bob seemed humbled as he was honored at the high school Veterans Day program and later during a performance of a WII like group called Women of War at our local theatre. The accolades for Bob really touched his family. The “sad” part of the story is that Bob unexpectedly passed away that evening. The “sad” part of the story is also that America has lost another of its “Greatest Generation.” Over the years, I have had cocktails with Bob.

Health Crisis Sidelines President Temporarily

The President of The American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Indiana, Billie Bubala, recently experienced a significant health crisis, and has suspended her activities on behalf of the Department temporarily while she undergoes therapy and focuses on her recovery.

According to husband John, President Billie’s recovery depends in large measure on “limiting the visits and well wishers. Fortunately, 99 percent of her and my friends understand that and have been great,” he said.

Bubala said the President was discharged from the rehabilitation facility on December 6, and began Physical and Occupational therapy as an out-patient December 8.

“She has progressed to just a cane and is off the walker

for the most part. My biggest challenge, now that she is home, is convincing her that doing dishes and laundry IS part of therapy,” Bubala said.

The President’s husband, who has announced his candidacy for Southern Vice Commander, also has suspended most of his Legion activities to care for Billie. He expressed his appreciation for the concern and wellwishes she has received.

“It is unbelievable how the

Continued on page 6

The holidays offer a mixture of emotions for each of us. It certainly is a time for reflection and assessment. The card exchange places us in touch with a number of family and friends, which we only hear from at this time of year. Christmas letters give insight into the major events in their lives. Most letters are a joy to read, while others seem to detail only the year’s woes, but all bring us closer. We dig in our closets and attics to pull out a variety of decorations, and we automatically think about

the seasons past. We experience both our blessings and our losses.

Being a military family, we always start our Christmas early by shopping for the grandchildren and getting the packages sent out early so they will be there in time. Cookies also have to

go early and be packaged for the rough handling. It always amazes me how two packages sent the same day to the same place will arrive a week apart. However, with today’s electronic communications the arrival verification is almost immediate. We also get to see the excitement on our grandchildren’s faces as they count how many days before they can open those mysterious presents! As an itinerant pastor/ chaplain, I have never settled in one place for more than nine years and most for

three to five. For Lisa and me home is not a place on the map, but an endearment of relationships along the way. Our lives have been enriched by the many places we have been and the people we have met. Around our home and among our holiday decorations are various tokens of these personal encounters.

In this milieu of reflection, we remember the lean and hard times as well as the rich and full times. I find my military experiences have always had a profound effect on my experience of the

holidays. For four years I was away for the holidays. The fruitcake I ate in ’68 came in an olive drab tin amidst rain and mud. The next year’s festivities weren’t much better. However, it is these events that make the present ones so valuable. For me the holidays are not a specific date on the calendar, but an event of relational gatherings. This year two of my children and their families will not be home for the holidays. Their duties to our country

Darrell Hansel NEC

Mike Miller Department Commander

Sharpshooter

Dusty Gremaux is congratulated by Department Commander Mike Miller for her first place finish in the Department of Indiana Junior Shooting Sports competition held last month at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. Dusty, who was sponsored by Post 43, attends Bellmont High School in Decatur. The air rifle competition conducted by the Department is part of the qualification matches for participation in the finals held each year at the Air Force Academy in Boulder, Colo. Hoosier Legionnaire Ida May Jewell is Indiana’s Jr. Shooting Sports Chairperson as well as an official at the national finals.