2012 February/March The Hoosier Legionnaire

Department Offers Conditional Support For State-Wide Smoking Ban

The Department of Indiana signaled conditional support for the proposed statewide smoking ban during a hearing on the bill by the Indiana Senate Committee on Public Policy February 22.

The bill, which exempts certain enterprises and organizations, including veterans service organizations, from the ban, was voted out of committee and is headed to the full Senate for consideration February 27.

Although the Department of Indiana has no official position established by resolution on the question, an analysis of the bill and the

conditions established for Department support are consistent with existing policies and procedures. The Department Executive Committee will review the issue during its April session, although it is likely that the bill will have either passed or been defeated before that time.

In a statement presented to the Committee by Department Adjutant Hugh Dagley, Commander Mike Miller made it clear that Legion support for the bill is contingent on passage of an amendment that would permit young persons 18 and under in post homes that permit smoking, as long as non-smoking

Supreme Court Mulls ‘Stolen Valor;’ Decision May Be Months Away

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments last last month in the case of Xavier Alvarez who was charged with a violation of the Stolen Valor Act for his fraudulent public claim of having received the Medal of Honor. The case reached the high court on appeal from the 9th circuit which held that the act, which outlaws fraudulent claims of having received military awards or honors, was an unconstitutional abridgment of free speech. The government appealed that decision and was joined by The American Legion and others in asking the court to uphold the constitutionality of the act.

Alvarez has never served a day in the military. However, after being elected to a local water board in California, he made the claim that he was a Medal of Honor recipient. While even his own defense attorney noted that Alvarez was an inveterate liar, Alvarez was nonetheless supported by various free-speech advocates who felt that the statute was too broad.

Although it is dangerous to read much into the questions posed by the justices during this hearing, most questions fell into two camps:

1. What is the nature of the harm, if any, caused by fraudulent claims of military heroism?

2. Would upholding the statute have a chilling effect on other forms of speech, such as claims made in political campaigns?

Justice Stephen Breyer, in particular, seemed unwilling to accept the argument that no harm occurs from these lies.

“My theory is that it does hurt the medal, the purpose, the objective, the honor, for people falsely to go around saying that they have this medal when they don’t.”

Justice Antonin Scalia, another First Amendment stalwart, noted that perhaps deference should be made to the Congress.

“When Congress passed this legislation, I assume it did so because it thought that

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areas are provided. He also congratulated the authors and sponsors of the bill for their recognition of the right of posts to determine their own smoking policy.

“The nearly 200,000 men and women of The Indiana American Legion Family –Legionnaires, Ladies of the Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion – firmly believe that regulating individual behavior among members of private clubs and organizations is not the proper role of government.

“Our members are grateful to the authors and sponsors of HB 1149 for recognizing that principle and

including the right of self-determination on the question of smoking in the legislation under consideration. To that extent, we support the bill,” Miller wrote.

Because the bill exempts American Legion Posts from the ban, the status quo remains: Posts will retain the right to determine, based on local considerations, whether or not they will permit smoking in their facilities.

As currently written, the bill would impose an intolerable penalty on posts that operate under the exemption from the ban: Persons 18 years of age and younger would be barred by the bill

from entering any area of a post home that permits smoking. The Commander was emphatic in his testimony.

“This bill would dramatically change the nature of The American Legion as a family organization by systematically excluding many family members from many posts. Therefore, HB 1149 does not impact all posts equally,” the commander wrote, referring to those posts that sponsor SAL Squadrons, American Legion Juniors, and any of the diverse youth programs now conducted.

“It is not clear in the bill, and apparently not well

understood by most of our members, that a vote for exclusion from the smoking ban is, in effect, a vote against allowing young people under the age of 18 into post facilities.

“That would be a crippling blow to those posts whose focus is on youth programs, but considerably less severe for those posts in which service to veterans is the primary focus. Therefore, no one policy, no one yea or nay vote on smoking, can apply equally to all Legion posts, and in that lies the fundamental issue before The American Legion: A vote pits one vital

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A contingent of Hoosier Legionnaires led by Department Commander Michael J. Miller is headed to the nation’s capital to participate in the 52nd annual Washington Conference of The American Legion, kicking off Feb. 27. The conference features various commission meetings, continues on with guest speakers and roundtable discussions, and wraps up on the 29th with the National Commander’s Public Relations Luncheon.

A special feature for the Hoosiers this year will be the campaign activities of the leading candidate for National Commander, James V. Koutz, from Boonville’s American Legion Post 200. Campaign activities kick off Sunday, Feb. 26 with a special reception at the Greenbelt, MD, American Legion Post.

Special guests of the Department of Indiana will be Second District Commander Larry Macy and his wife, who earned the trip to the nation’s capital for the district first place finish in the membership competition for the award. During the conference, Macy and the others will have the opportunity to hear first hand from Legion staff and government officials on issues of concern to The American Legion.

Indiana Department Service Officers, led by Rehabilitation Director John Hickey, are among more than 120 American Legion department service officers from around the country attending annual training in the nation’s capital this week.

The Department Service Officers School is an intense, three-day refresher and information course for VA

certified service officers. It began February 22 and concluded

Friday, February 24. During those three days, DSOs received both large-group and breakout session training. The DSOs are broken into three tracks of training: beginners, intermediate and advanced.

Hickey said the school is “essential for keeping our service officers up to date on the latest changes in VA policies and practices, which is essential for us to provide the very best claims and service representation we can.”

Topics include special issues in evaluating traumatic brain injury, Persian Gulf War presumptive, medical legal advocacy, claims development and the Military Evaluation Physical/Physical Evaluations Board.

During the school’s opening session, Peter Gaytan, executive director of the Legion’s Washington Office, praised DSOs for the work they do and how it benefits the organization.

“You give us clout in D.C. through the work you do,” Gaytan said.

“You bring validity to what we do. You help veterans by giving them access to the benefits they’ve earned. That

Big Crowd

Commander Fills Staff Vacancies With

Experienced Legionnaires

Department Commander Michael J. Miller, in accordance with the Department Constitution, has filled two vacancies on the staff of The American Legion Department of Indiana and added a third officer to help manage the burgeoning work load on the Department Service Office.

The appointments are effective immediately.

Past National Commander and long-time Department of Alaska Service Officer Jimmie Foster has been hired as Service Officer, while Fifth District Commander D. Dewayne Dunn has been hired as Assistant Department Adjutant. The Department Adjutant’s position, vacated by the retiring Stephen W. short, has been filled by former Assistant Department Adjutant Hugh Dagley.

“These appointments were not made in haste,” said Commander Miller.

“Although the Department Constitution gives the Commander the responsibility to fill vacancies among the appointed officers, I nevertheless appointed a search committee to assist in the selection of a new assistant department adjutant, relied on the advice of a proven service officer with 25 years of experience, and consulted with many past department commanders in the selection of our new Department Adjutant.”

The constitution also requires that the Department Executive Committee approve the Commander’s recommendations. The DEC did so in January, unanimously approving Dunn’s appointment and approving Dagley’s appointment with one nay vote cast. Foster’s appointment will be considered by the DEC in April.

Foster became National Commander in September

2010 at the 92nd annual national convention in Milwaukee. Born and raised in Oklahoma, he graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education from Northeastern A&M College in Miami, Okla. After working in the textiles and grocery business, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and then, after a brief break in service, reenlisted in the U.S. Army, ultimately retiring with 20 years of military service.

In addition to having served as the Legion’s chief executive, Foster progressed through the different levels of responsibility in the organization, and capped his rise to the top by a successful stint as Department Service Officer in the Department of Alaska.

It was his record of accomplishment in that office that recommended him to the Indiana position.

The Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission will hear from Richard Stark, director of primary care operations at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Robert Petzel, VA’s under secretary for health; Matt Stiner, director of development and outreach for the organization Justice for Vets; and Janet Kemp, national suicide prevention coordinator for VA.

VA&R will also host a women veterans panel Feb. 27. Part of its focus will be on rural health care. Guest speakers include Mary Beth Skupien, director of VA’s efforts in rural health care; Hilda Heady, chair of the Rural Health Research and Policy Group; Steve Muro, VA under- secretary for memorial affairs; Allison Hickey, VA under-secretary for benefits; and Joe Paiva, executive director of VA’s Virtual Lifetime Electronic Records.

The Economic Commission is featuring a employment roundtable at its Feb. 27 meeting. The discussion will center upon the federal government’s Veterans Hiring Initiative, transition issues for service members and veterans, licensing and certification, job training, veterans’ preference policies, and private-sector opportu-

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The Hoosier Delegation to the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield, Ill., every February is always among the largest, if not the largest, to attend the events honoring the martyred president. The travelers crowd the spiral stairway in the Pilgrimage hotel headquarters, following a visit to the newly opened Lincoln Library and Museum, a new feature of the trip.

Commander

VETERAN

INFORMATION

DISTRICT 1

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Gail Galich Commander

Greetings from the First District, The last couple of weeks almost like the past few months have been a whirlwind of events.

Lake County Veteran Service Officer Ray Guiden made an appeal to the Merrillville Fire Territory Board.

our membership team and to the District.

We also have a new Legion Rider Chairman for the First District. Unfortunately, for personal reasons Darrell Chandler had to step down.

The Riders have informed me of their choice of Mike Clark, a member of Chapter 17. Congratulations Mike. I look forward to working with you. I am so proud and humbled to be a part of the First District.

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

I first want to acknowledge a great loss to the First District Legion Family, Jake Weber.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal”

DISTRICT 2

Larry Macy Commander

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

They will be hiring twelve permanent full-time firefighters; our suggestion was that when they fill these positions they instigate an evaluation system which gives veterans preference in the hiring decision. The Board appeared to be receptive to the idea and handout materials were left for their review.

Hello Legionnaires:

FEATURES FEATURES

Also Northwest Indiana was shocked to learn that four Indiana National Guard soldiers were killed in Afghanistan on January 5, 2012, when their vehicle struck a bomb in Kandahar Province.

We acknowledge the bravery and service of Sgt. Brian Leonhart of Merrilville, Spc. Robert Tauteris Jr. of Hamlet, Spc. Christopher Patterson of Aurora, IL and Staff Sgt Jonathan Metzger of Indianapolis. Our sincere sympathy goes out to their families.

We also had our District bowling event the January 21-22. I was a little nervous, I must say, since I had to roll out the first ball. All I could say was “please just let me do better than Fred” (ha ha).

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Pvt. Douglas Rachowicz was the lone survivor of the accident that claimed the lives of the four men mentioned above. May God grant him and his family peace and healing as they begin a long road to recovery.

We had a good turnout. There were 22 teams with the participation from nine posts. Thank you Joe Rivich, Post 369 and Larry Horvath, Post 66, for all the support and planning you did for this event. “Great job!”

DEPARTMENT NEWS DEPARTMENT NEWS

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

To all Post Members in the district, thank you for all who have renewed in a timely fashion, and to those who have signed up new members. It is great to have the Second District continuing in First Place in Membership.

Because of your efforts my Membership Chairman Dick Sexton and I are going to be able to attend the conference in Washington DC along with the Department of Indiana.

We have had to say goodbye to a couple of friends this year already. Department lost Sixth District Commander Carrine Scott and my old friend from the First District, Jake Weber.

No-Cost Legionnaire Insurance provides $1,000 in accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and if you are involved in an accident while on Legion business the benefit amount is raised to $5000. I would encourage all members to sign up for this. Call 1-800-2356943 to do so.

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

Due to conflicting dates and times up here I must also give a big shout out to John Balczo, our District Hospital and Nursing home Chairman. He, along with one of my Vice Commanders, James Grauvogal, from Post 232 and Barb Sales, one of my most treasured Auxiliary members from Unit 20 in Crown Point, keep the Hines Hospital visits strong.

I have been able to visit a number of Posts this year when they have had special events going on and was able to fit the visit into my schedule. Entirely too many parties over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, not to mention New Years Eve.

Please let me know if something special is happening at your Post and I will try to attend. Legion Birthday specials are coming up and I have already had requests to visit, on first-come first-serve basis.

The Department is still looking for volunteers to work at the National Convention, especially those who live close to Indy in the southern part of Second District. Contact Mark Gullion at 317-241-2746

Let us continue to renew our members, go and find dropped members, and by all means bring in new members both old and young.

For God and country.

Nappanee Post 154, in December gave a donation to Open Door Representative Scotty McClean to help someone who is out of work to pay their utilities bills.

Open Door is an organization that donates food, clothing, pay's utilities bills etc. it is located in the Train Depot Nappanee IN. Performed Military Honors for the funeral of Richard Metzler of the Wakarusa American Legion January 31 2012. Also in January Commander Heckathorn presented a check to the Nappanee Open Door program again.

Post 297 Ladies Auxiliary Unit contributed food, presents and clothes for children to the New Prairie Caring and Sharing program. New Prairie Caring and Sharing is a program to help New Prairie families in need for the holidays with food and basic need items. This group along with area businesses, churches and individual sponsors make this program possible. We collect basic needs items such as tooth brushes, tooth paste, hairbrushes, clothing, shoes, coats, hats and gloves. This year approximately 300 kids will benefit from this project just in time for Christmas.

On Sunday December 18

nursing unites, Ms. Mercedes Cruz from Hamilton assisted Legion members in locating the veterans Post 434 Kingsford Heights is now on face book. We have not forgotten about our members on active duty and or having a rough time in this economy. We extend a helping hand to a family in our community, and a caring and considerate person came forward and donated all the fixings for a complete Thanksgiving meal for a veterans family of a deployed veteran in our community.

At our last monthly meeting a donation was made to our local toys for Kidz program, we also contributed to the Kingsford Heights Community Holiday Dinner Buffet held December 10.

Post 210 Middlebury completed its Adopt a Family program the middle of December. With the donations that we received, we were able to adopt three families from Middlebury Elementary School and one military family from the Goshen area.

Doug has two small children and one on the way. There has been an account opened at 1st Midwest Bank under the name, Terise Vankooten Benefit Account. In order to help his family’s financial situation, donations can be made at any branch, or call Jacob Sikora at 8533265 for more information.

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS

CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

A special thanks goes out to Post 232 for the generous donation of $500 dollars.

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

A big congratulation to a fellow veteran Dale Ready on his new position as Senior Ride Captain of the Indiana Patriot Guard Northwest Region. If you need to contact him for an escort his email address is dale.doc.ready@ gmail.com

With so many of our members bowling on Sunday they continued our District obligation. The hospitalized veterans look forward to our visits they receive each month. So come along one Sunday afternoon with us and spread goodwill and comfort to those in need.

DISTRICT 3

Lawrence Parmley Commander

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

Highlighting Hobart Post

54: Under the guidance of Post Commander Robert Hamady, and training by Charles (Gunny) Newcomb and Honor Guard Sergeant, Lou Franco, Post 54 has an outstanding Honor Guard Team. They have received several compliments for their heart-felt Honor Guard service.

To join their team or for information call Lou at 219670-5677.

Their Legion Family is also shipping approximately 60 Valentine boxes to active duty soldiers in Afghanistan, Indiana Veterans Home and other local convalescent centers.

With the assistance of Commander Hamady, Hobart Post 54, I and the District VFW Commander Earl McDowell, Hobart VFW Commander John Papla, Merrillville Post 430 Commander John Minchuck and

I also must mention our outstanding Oratorical Chairman, Daniel Buska, Post 16 in Munster. January 29.

Our District winner is William Greenlaw. He is a junior attending Munster High School. Thank you to Fred Langley and Jeff Brooks from the Second District, Jim Hewitt from the Third District and our Northern Vice Commander Allen Connely from the Fourth District, along with the help of an additional 75 volunteers and of course the students, for making this a great event.

To my fellow comrades in the First District, I must speak a little about membership. If you are following the membership reports you know where we fall. I just want to remind everyone that membership is everyone’s responsibility. It’s time for all of us to pull together and work diligently to accomplish our goal. So, in an effort to improve our goal I have recruited a new Vice Commander, Bernie Tiltges. He is from Post 16 in Munster. I feel he is an asset to

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Past Commander from the Third District, John R. Wilson, age 84, passed away at home on January 26, 2012, at 2:10 a.m. surrounded by his two daughters.

He was born April 24, 1927 in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Rube and Hazel (Heise) A memorial service was held at 6:00 p.m. by the American Legion Skwiat Post 451. John was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War stationed in the Marshall Islands. He was affiliated with several organizations, including a 52 year member of the American Legion Skwiat Post 451 where he had the privilege of serving eight times as commander and holding many different offices.

He was a past 3rd District Commander and Northern Vice Commander for the state of Indiana. He received the American Legion Department of Indiana Distinguished Service Award for 47 years of leadership and service in July 2007. He was a 38-year member of the 40 & 8 Voiture 76 of LaPorte County where he served as Grand Chef de Train and also held the offices of Chef de Gare and Garde de LaPorte. He also was a member of Sons of the Legion. John will be greatly missed .

The Third District’s Flag Etiquette Winners are

• Alyssah Griffith from Benton Elementary Post 484 Millersburg

• Gavin Odle from Riley Elementary Post 83 LaPorte

Each winner won $50 from the Third District Third District Flag Education Chairperson Jim Hewitt spent many hours with the participants preparing them for the contest. Students from area Third District schools participated in the contest.

In Post news:

At Post 83 LaPorte, the community united for The American Legion Thanksgiving Dinner. Long lines stood in a row as they waited at a table full of turkey, sweet potatoes , vegetables, homemade pies and cakes, as part of a dinner held on Thanksgiving at The American Legion,

Volunteers from the William D. Sales post co-hosted with the Legion. 16 turkeys along with 150 lbs of potatoes, 120 lbs of stuffing and 110 lbs of vegetables was served Other store owners donated various items along with food for dinner.

American Legion Riders from Post 83 reached out to military families during the Christmas season. This year they selected two families both with children, simple request like food and formula was on their list of needs, Christmas gifts were also included. Going the extra mile the same two families will receive gifts in January to insure they make through the winter. This is the first year the riders are reaching out, since their committee began serving the community a year ago. The gifts were delivered before Christmas.

Post 130 Michigan City, The Indiana State Prison Post, set an outstanding record for donations to various groups and organizations. They include:

Outside Donations for 2011:

• Child Welfare Foundation, $1000.00

• Girl Scout cookies for Soldiers, $525.00

• State Commander’s Project, $500.00

• Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault, $300.00

• Prevent Child Abuse, $500.00

• Pets For Vets, $500.00

• MOM’S Care Packages for Soldiers, $500.00

• Salvation Army Turkeys for Homeless, $250.00

• Post 365 Children’s Christmas Party, $500.00

• Post 243 Children’s Christmas Party, $500.00

• Fried’s Cat Shelter, $500.00

• Veteran’s Homeless Shelter (South Bend), $500.00

Total for Outside Donations, $6,575.00 Their inside donations totaled $1,539.86, bringing the grand total for 2011 to $8,296.86.

2011 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m, the Unit hosted approximately 25 children for Christmas movies, Christmas cookies and punch. Each child received a gift and a apple, orange and a candy cane. The point moment was to sit on Santa Claus’s lap to discuss Christmas gifts. A festive time was enjoyed by all

Post 297 Legionaries, Sons of the Legion and Ladies Auxiliary Distributed gifts to veterans in area Nursing Homes. This included Millers Merry Manor and Hamilton Communities in New Carlisle. Ladies’ Auxiliary Unit distributed 10 fruit baskets to veterans at Chicago Trail Village. Legionaries and Sons of the Legion delivered 37 Christmas gifts to veterans in the assisted care and

The children in each family received mittens, hats, a clothing outfit and a gift or toy. We were able to also provide a gift for the adults in the family, as well as a gift card for Harding’s, a laundry basket filled with soap, shampoo, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels and lots of food items. We also provided each family with the fixings for a Christmas dinner! We were also able to provide the military family with a furnace for their home, since their furnace did not work anymore, and they needed heat during the upcoming cold winter weather.

Thanks to the Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and ALR members as well as other donations for helping us make the holidays a little better for these families. Also, thanks to Bettye Cooke and Carol Magee for all your help doing the shopping and gift wrapping, and Doug Weaver, John Lankerd and Bobbie Yoder for the sleigh used to make the deliveries.

DISTRICT 4

Charles Krumrine Commander

Hello from the Fabulous Fourth District. The Holidays are behind us and the Mid Winter Conference/Training Seminar is in the history book. The Charity Gaming, Excise, and Post Liability sessions were very informative and beneficial to every Post in the Department. I hope someone from your Post was able to attend.

With the unusually mild weather here in Northeastern Indiana we have already seen robins and have noticed some trees beginning to bud. Spring is defiantly on its way, however we have to get past ISHAA Boys Sectional Basketball week.

Traditionally, at least in this corner of the state, that week has always brought some very nasty climate conditions. There is no doubt that the unpredictable weather is part of the reason why they call it “March Madness”.

I am very proud of my Membership Team and the members of every Post in the Fourth District. They have been working extremely hard to get every Legionnaire to renew their membership. We still have more work ahead of us. The “Phone Drives” have started at a number of Posts and I know a few have even begun to go out and knock on some doors. I know we need to work harder to retain our current members and to reinstate past members. I am pleased with the over three hundred new members the Fourth District has signed-

up this year. We need to insure that these new members feel welcomed into our great organization and that they understand the mission of the American Legion and are aware of the fine programs we support.

After some very exciting and outstanding competition, Michaela Miller emerged as this year’s Fourth District Oratorical Contest winner. Michaela is a student from Belmont High School in Decatur and was sponsored by Adams County Post 43. She will go on to represent the Fourth District at the Zone Competition on February 19.

A big “Thank You” to Department Northern Vice Commander Allen Connelly for his hard work as our Fourth District Chairman and to David Parrish Post 296 and Commander Manual J. Fernandis for hosting our District Contest.

If you have not checked out the National Organization’s website lately, I highly recommend you do so.

Not so long ago National redesigned it to be more user-friendly and to offer more help and information for their membership. I think they did an outstanding job. It is very much improved over the old site and is very simple to navigate around.

Now comes the challenge. Late last year Indiana Department Headquarters staff announced a major change to our website. I, along with other Hoosier Legionar-

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February/March 2012 Hoosier Legionnaire

VETERAN INFORMATION VETERAN INFORMATION

DISTRICT 5

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Jerry Stoner Commander

Greetings from the Mighty Fifth District.

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

We have some bad news and some good news to report.

Continued from column 4

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

Post 6, and the stepson and son of Kokomo Post 6 Commander and Past Auxiliary Unit 6 President Lawrence and Betty Hedges, arrived home from Afghanistan and has been awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.

DISTRICT 8

First the bad news, our Fifth District Commander, Dewayne Dunn, will be resigning from his position. The good news is that he will take Hugh Dagley’s place as assistant adjutant at the Indiana State American Legion HQ’s in Indianapolis.

The Fifth District in its entirety, along with the whole Indiana American Legion family, gives SFC Amos an ‘Attention on Deck and Hand Salute’ as we welcome this American hero back home.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

Congratulations Commander Dunn. What a great day for your promotion to that high office.

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

Job Well Done SFC Amos!

A job really well done, Sir!

FEATURES FEATURES

We thank Commander Dunn for all that he has done for the District these past few months. He did his duty in an honorable way.

Your Step-Daddy and your mother are proud of you as is The American Legion.

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

In his place to serve out the rest of his term will be Jerry Stevens out of Fairmount Post 313, last year’s District Commander. Thank you, Commander Stevens, for stepping up to the plate for the District to get us through the rest of the year. We wish Commander Dunn the best in his new job.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT NEWS DEPARTMENT NEWS

And some house cleaning. I mentioned the VA gift wrap over at Marion VA a while back. I was remiss in not reporting that a young man from the SAL at Laketon Post 402 was present helping wrap the gifts for the veterans. His name is Thomas Meredith and happens to be the grandson of Thelma Butler. Thanks Thomas for taking the time and coming over and helping with the gift wrap.

A few words of departure from Commander Dunn:

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

CONVENTION AWARDS CONVENTION AWARDS

Irene Davis I’m sure would like to see more SAL, auxiliary, and Legion members involved in the gift wrap. So keep this in mind next year. I promise you when you do this simple service you will feel good for taking the time to help out.

Ed Giltner Commander

Greetings from the Great Eighth:

Here we are already past the half way mark in the 2011–2012 Legion year.

The year has been fast moving and I have greatly enjoyed serving the Legion. We just had the Mid-Winter conference and the Eighth district finished in second place with 84.68 percent of goal. That’s good but the downside is that we are 192 cards behind this time last year. That, however, is no reason for despair. Our 100 percent target is well in range.

It contains 5,400 brick pavers, which will be laserengraved with the names of veterans as families turn in the names of their veterans both deceased and living. The memorial is set on the shore of the Huntingburg reservoir and features the five branches of service as well as the POW-MIA and US flags.

in the shuffle”, but in true Legionnaire spirit, they quickly found additional monies and were able to help those kids, too. They have good idea in collecting both toys and clothes from their bingo players throughout the year for their Christmas programs. And, what I found to be inspirational was out of over 100 kids who took the Legion Americanism and Government Test in Mitchell, 17 scored 100% and the winners had to be decided by their essay answers. This is the result of where intelligent kids are in classes run by teachers who care.

Conservation Officer teaching safety and proper procedures to the kids (that’s good for adults too!)

Sign-up for the State Golf Tournament to be held in Richmond is taking place now and the Golf Committee voted to allow participation by the Sons of the Legion. Post 65 is a great post (even if it’s not in my District) and they know how to host a great Golf Tournament. Entry forms are available on line or I can get them to you.

“As this article comes out I will have closed one chapter in The American Legion and opened another. As of 30 Jan I will assume the role as your new Department Assistant Adjutant. The past 6 months have been challenging and busy but most of all it has been a great pleasure serving the “Mighty Fifth.”. During this transition the district will hold elections for a new Commander during our February meeting in Elwood.

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS NEWS

I noticed in the paper that a 20-year-old soldier, Pfc. Rex Tharp, from North Manchester, was injured in an IED attack in Afghanistan and lost a leg. He is being treated at Walter Reed.

I wish everyone in the District well and keep driving on. We still have time to pull our self up the membership ladder but it’s going to take work from everyone. I look forward to task that I will be given and will give 110 percent in helping to take the Department of Indiana to the next level.”

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

Good luck Commander Dunn in your new venture.

SFC Kirk Amos, a member of Kokomo American Legion

His brother, Chad, who served in Iraq in 2003, has been at his side. It is hard to believe that it was only 2009 that Pfc Tharp sang the National Anthem during the Wabash Country 4-H Auction. The Fifth District sends our heartfelt thanks to Pfc Tharp for his service to our Country and pray for his speedy recovery and for his family to be comforted during this time of recovery for Pfc Tharp.

DISTRICT 6

Darrell Bowman Commander

Greetings from the Sixth District.

This year our District started on a sad note. Our Commander Carrine Scott was in an accident and was taken from us. Our prayers go out to his family and all the friends that will miss him.

Our priorities for the Sixth District is to get Posts to our District meetings so we can continue to focus on membership, community involvement and to assist fellow veterans in need.

Currently we are in fourth place in membership with 84.63 percent as of Feb. 1, 2012, but we cannot stop.

All Posts should be calling or writing to members that have not renewed their membership. We have three Posts that have reached the 100 percent mark. Congratulations to Post 410, Whitestown; Post 340, Pioneer; and Post 45, Noblesville.

You will be seeing me at the different Post meetings between now and Spring Conference. You should be making plans to attend the conference to get updates about the programs of The American Legion. To all Post Commanders, see you at the next District meeting.

DISTRICT 7

Fred Lewis Commander

Greetings from the Seventh District I am very proud of all the Posts in the Seventh District during the holidays.

I think every Post helped with giving to troops overseas and helping Veterans and their families during the Holidays, from Christmas Parties for the children and sending packages to the troops. Also helping the families in the communities that needed help. Well done!

We have passed the halfway point of the 2011--2012

Congratulations to Tennyson Post 463 for attaining 119.35 percent and receiving the $25 award for the target date goal. At this time Tennyson is the only post in the Eighth District at 100 percent but there are ten others with ten cards or less needed for 100 percent goal. Thanks to everyone, membership is working in the Eighth. I think that is largely due to the fact that we are working the programs in the Eighth.

We held the district meeting in Mt. Vernon at Owen Dunn Post 5 on January 22. Joining us at the meeting was Katelyn Mehling, a student from Castle High School. We presented her the district A&G award. Katelyn was sponsored by Newburgh Post 44. She was surprised when we told her that she had also been chosen as the Department of Indiana winner.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

Legion year. I want to report that the Mid-Winter Conference was a great success. I want to thank all who braved the cold weather and showed up at the conference. I also want to thank all those who helped cover meetings for the ones who were unable to attend. With us all working together we covered most of the meetings.

I need all the help of the Seventh District. We need to start pounding the pavement to get membership. We do

On the back of the monument is inscribed a quote from F.D.R. on December 14, 1941. It reads, “Those of those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time that men have died to win them.”

It is always great and heart rending to see new memorials to our nation's veterans being continually built in effort to preserve the memories of their commitment and sacrifice.

Post 5 American Legion in Mt. Vernon just launched a Facebook page, “American Legion Post 5.” Check them out for coming events and stories of interest.

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 take little or no financial commitment, just a little time and personal commitment to share the Love.

Rising Sun Post 59 was filling approximately 50 “Candy” bags for distribution to senior citizens (hope it’s mostly sugar free!). They were also in the process of providing relief for a local family.

Moores Hill Post 209 has a program where kids collect can goods for the post’s Christmas Food Baskets, and the winning class gets a free pizza party. They also have a “Spring Youth Shoot” at their gun range in April with a State Trooper and a State

It’s time to get down to the business of signing those now delinquent members. This is the ideal time for personal contacts and asking questions about why they have not renewed. I hope that most posts have the funds for those who are unable to pay their dues to help them in their time of need. Those in nursing homes or under the care of others certainly deserve to be considered as candidate for membership benefits. Find out if there are any active duty military men and women in your community that have recently enlisted or have been deployed. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to ask. Until next time.

DISTRICT 10

Thanks everyone who is working to make this year a success and to those who aren’t involved, try it. I bet you’ll like it once you get over the shock of how good it feels to help others. God Bless you all.

Dave Prepster, a PUFL member of Holand Post 393, sent me news about a new veteran’s memorial in Huntingburg. The memorial was dedicated on December 17, 2011.

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

Firstly, I would like to join with my fellow District Commanders in offering my sincerest condolences to the family of Sixth District Commander Carrine Scott, who lost his life while in the performance of his office. I am sure “Scotty” looked at being a District Commander as most, if not all, of us do; this is not a duty, but a privilege and a pleasure to serve in this office. May he rest in peace.

I am continuing to have a great time as I visit with the posts in the Ninth District. There is a common bond that I see with all posts and that is their commitment to serve. Every post has a program that is both unique to itself, but at the same time, shares the same quality that makes me proud of this organization and this district.

Post 69 at Orleans was the recipient to a grant from the Community Foundation that was used for their “Clothe a Child” Program. They also have a great program where they purchase the ingredients and the local Amish prepare Angel Food Cakes for the widows of their members at Christmastime. I asked for any “leftovers”, but didn’t get a crumb!

Salem Post 41 assembled approximately 150 food baskets and delivered them to

the needy in the community. They also partner with the local CAP (Christmas Assistance Program).

Post 77 at Brookville had a pile of toys and clothes at their post that was still growing when I was there and was to be distributed by their Auxiliary at Christmastime.

They received a picture and story on their namesake, Bernard Hurst, a WWI casualty that was in the process of being placed on the wall. They also donated the hams for the Christmas dinner held at a local Church for the Brookville and Franklin County Community.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the club room at French Lick Post 76 was that the wall was covered with “Toys for Tots” donation stickers. They also hosted (in the words of the Post Commander) a “sugar filled” breakfast for the children that were later taken on a Christmas shopping spree.

They also have an active Legion Rider chapter that donated to the Posts’ “Clothe a Child” program.

Mitchell Post 250 also participates in a “Clothe a Child” program with the help of the local VFW and helped 45 kids at first, then they discovered that 20 other kids were “lost

The Terrific Tenth is settling in after an outstanding Mid-Winter Conference. Just before the conference, we had a Drive-Around visiting some Posts in the northern part of the District and this was a great success. We were able to meet our members and chew on some fat with them. We are gearing up again to do the same thing in the center of the District on March 24 and again we are expecting to meet a lot of members and just have some more fun.

The District has three Posts at or over 100 percent and six at 91 percent and greater so another Drive Around will place us in greater stead. This day and age everyone is busy and concerned with just getting ahead and wants

to know what joining an organization will do for them. It is our duty to seek out and explain to these young veterans that are not yet members and let them know that we are committed to serving others. These individuals are our future. The winner of the District Flag Education/ Etiquette Program was Shelby Hoff of Knightstown, who also was selected as the Department winner. There were several other runners up from various District Posts that participated in the February District Meeting and received their certificates. Through our efforts and hard work these youngsters have been challenged to carry on the traditions of the American Legion.

DISTRICT 11

Richard Brown Commander

Greetings from the Eleventh District,

Congratulations to Police Post 56 and John H. Holliday, Jr. Post 186 for surpassing their 2012 Membership Goal.

Earlier this month, I was honored to preside over University Veterans Post 360’s inaugural installation of officers’ ceremony at DowdenWayne Post 64 on January 15. The newest post in the Eleventh District, University Veterans Post 360 consists of student veterans, faculty, staff, alumni, and other interested members of the IUPUI and downtown Indianapolis communities.

By far, the youngest membership in the Department of Indiana, the chartering of Post 360 represents significant inroads into connecting with our current generation of fighting men and women. The post’s membership now includes undergraduate and graduate students, staff members, and faculty members from the downtown campus.

Continued from column 2 Continued

The post’s installation ceremony took place on the Mel Gross Bandstand in front of the entire Dowden-Wayne Post 64 American Legion Family, with more than 20 members of University Veterans Post 360 in attendance. Newly installed Post Commander Clinton Holsinger was presented the post’s gavel and then assumed the chair of his post’s first official meeting to begin planning its activities

for the remainder of the year. Local media coverage was provided by ABC network affiliate WRTV and NBC network affiliate WTHR, the stories were broadcast on both channels’ weekend newscasts. Further media exposure was via the Eleventh District’s Official Twitter feed (@LegionRichBrown) to more than 350 Twitter users and was then re-tweeted to more than 8,000 Twitter users by The American Legion’s Official National Twitter feed (@ AmericanLegion).

All Legionnaires are invited to attend our upcoming district meetings: Saturday, March 10 at Kenneth N. Dowden-Wayne Post 64; 12:00 noon lunch ($5/person) and 1:00 p.m. meeting; and on Thursday, April 5 at Beech Grove Post 276, 6:00 p.m. dinner ($5/person) and 7:00 p.m. meeting.

The Eleventh District

Membership Team will be conducting post membership retention drive-around’s visiting each Legionnaire in the District who has not renewed his or her membership dues for 2012. We currently are looking for volunteers to help staff these drive-arounds. Currently scheduled are six drive-arounds, February 4 & 18; March 10, 11, & 31; and April 1.

Please encourage your fellow Legionnaires to renew their membership in The American Legion. As of

Jere Riggs Commander

not want, nor do we belong at, the bottom of the standings.

We can all work together and get the Seventh where it

belongs, back on top. Speaking of membership, we are planning a drive- around in March, as we get the details worked out we will get them to you.

Hoosier Legionnaire

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

aMERICanISM

AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

AMERICANISM

The Americanism Commission met Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. in Salon A of the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel during the 2012 Mid-Winter Conference.

Chairman Larry Lowry opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members as present: Chairman Larry Lowry, Vice Chairman Pete Van Woerden, Baseball Chairman Owen Wells, Golf Chairman Michael Comerford, NSFA Chairman Gary Steinhardt, POW/MIA Chairman John Bubala, and SAL Chairman Larry Horvath. There was one guest in attendance.

Those absent included: Natl. Liaison Rep. John Hayes and Bowling Chairman Shannon McCroskey (Bowling Committee did not meet at Mid-Winter).

Baseball Executive Committee

Chairman Wells announced that the Arlie Skelton award winner was picked.

Chairman Wells discussed the five Regional Tournament bids with the committee.

Chairman Wells and the committee discussed the State Tournament by situation and possible rule change for Regional runner up teams going to the State Tournament. Late starts and suspended games were also discussed.

Chairman Wells informed the committee that in order for a school to enroll a team and check enrollment, they can go to the following website: www.highschools.com.

Chairman Wells announced that the Form 1 is due June 25th, which is five days earlier than it has been due in the past. Form 2’s must be submitted and notarized before the first game is played.

Chairman Wells explained to the committee that sectionals must be set up by June 10th.

Chairman Wells announced that an official score keeper has been found for the Sectional and Regional Tournaments.

Chairman Wells informed the committee that all travel teams must check with him about being allowed to play and that if they do play, they must do so by Legion rules.

The committee discussed an idea presented by Dan Andrews in which he suggested going to an eight-team State Tournament and a seventeam Regional Tournament, with no Sectional Tournament.

The committee voted on a Regional bye for the host team. This was voted against.

Chairman Wells explained to the committee that the Sectional Tournament was being set up and that information was being sent to the winner and runner up.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

Baseball Committee

Chairman Wells announced a call for State Tournament bids. Plymouth is a possible bid. They bid $7,500.00, but they might have to back out.

Chairman Wells informed the committee that he will be attending a District meeting at Knightstown on March 3rd, 2012.

Chairman Wells and the committee discussed different ways in which they could help fund the State Tournament.

Chairman Wells informed the committee that the Regional Tournament bids will be sent out.

Chairman Wells announced a new rule stating that as of 2015, no college

students will be eligible to play Legion baseball. Only high school students will be eligible.

Chairman Wells informed the committee that there will be an ISHAA Baseball Convention at the Sheridan Hotel.

The following dates were announced: Sectional Tournament- July 20-22; Regional Tournament- July 27-29; and State Tournament-August 2-5.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

Bowling Committee No meeting.

Golf Committee

A motion came before the committee to rescind the resolution that was discussed and tabled at the Fall Conference and append with modifications. A revised resolution allowing SAL participants was read and discussed. This resolution also rescinded any previous resolutions regarding SAL participation in the tournament. Another revised resolution was read, which would allow SAL participation and award the winning SAL score. This resolution was passed.

A motion was made to change the name of the Past Department Commander Award to the “Lowell Wayne Sullivan Memoriam Award.”

The motion was carried.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

NSFA Committee

A resolution was presented to the committee regarding improving the storage conditions of important documents including DD-214’s, Soldiers and Sailors Home documents, and Civil War telegrams. It was originally seven resolutions, now combined into one. The resolution was passed by the committee and forwarded to the commission.

The committee was shown a slide presentation, “Rivers of Eden,” and was given informational handouts.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

POW/MIA Committee

Chairman Bubala reminded the committee of the AGIA Insurance coverage change and of the fundraiser for Jim Koutz.

Each district reported to the committee any news, programs, or activities they had involving POW/MIAs.

Larry Lowry reported to the committee that three MIAs were retrieved from Vietnam and four from Korea. All were repatriated. DNA testing has improved and is being run.

There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

SAL Advisory Committee

A resolution for Michael A. Pipher as Alternative NEC was read as a matter of record. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

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

The Americanism Commission voted on and passed both the Golf and NSFA Committee resolutions, which will

The Children & Youth Commission met at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012, in Salon C at the Marriott East Hotel during the Midwinter Conference.

Chairman Ed Trice opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Vice Chairman Richard Thomas, Vice Chairman Al Pulido, National Liaison Representative James Delaney and Committee Chairmen: Americanism and Government Bill Andrews, American Legion Family Scholarship John Lloyd, American Legion Children’s Education & Welfare Jim Hagler, Boy Scouts Stan Gatewood, Flag Education/ Etiquette Larry Thiele represented John Branson, Girl Scouts Rob Kelley represented Dan Lee, Junior Shooting Sports Ida Jewell, and Oratorical and School Awards Rich Seto.

Flag Education/Etiquette Chairman John Branson and Girl Scouts Chairman Dan Lee were absent. One guest was present.

American Legion Children’s Education & Welfare Committee

Minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Tony Riley reported $113,622 in the general fund, $84,113 in the foundation, and $132,331 in the scholarship fund. A motion was made and 2nd to accept the financial report. In old business, a payout was made to the 8th District for $500.00. A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve a request for $500.00 from the 7th District for a veteran with two kids who was in need of emergency relief.

American Legion Family Scholarship Committee

Minutes were read and approved. Chairman Lloyd reported $10,155.00 had been donated to the Commander’s project. Chairman Lloyd asked the committee to consider increasing the number of scholarships awarded and/ or the amount to be awarded.

Oscar Lopez, Charlie Wier, John Lloyd, and Coleman Sumrall volunteered to judge the scholarship applications at the Spring Conference.

Commander Mike Miller addressed the group and thanked them for their service. He expects additional money to be donated to his project at the Spring Conference and Convention.

The committee requested the Patriot Boardroom for a two hour time slot at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. to judge the applications. For future fall conferences, the committee would like to meet at noon versus 3:00 p.m.

Americanism & Government Committee

Chairman Andrews led a discussion about the Junior Americanism & Government test. A motion was passed to write a resolution to rewrite the Senior test to eliminate county questions and focus on state history and to rewrite the Junior test to add an essay question.

The test will be given in November. Each district chairman will be sent a copy of the current Americanism & Government test to make improvements for next year and revise the study guide. The committee used the essays to break a tie for the 11th grade girl state winner.

REHaBILITaTIOn

James May Chairman

The Rehabilitation Commission met at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012, in Salon E of the Marriott Hotel during the Mid-Winter Training Session.

Chairman James May opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman, James May; Vice Chairman, Phillip Hutson, Rick Hudson; Commander’s Rep, Walter Krohn; Employment, James Piepenbrok; Homeless Veterans, Robbie Robinson; Indiana Veterans Home, Robert Rettig; Nursing Home, Anthony Sadowski; Veterans Assistance, Dennis Pettit. There were no guests present.

Those absent include: National Liaison Rep., James Koutz; General Hospital, William McClure.

Employment Committee

The Employment Award winners were picked. Employer awards were as follows:

• B.F. Goodrich (large),

• Lowes Home Improvement (medium) and

• Complete Metal Fabricating (small).

The Employment Service Local Office Award:

• Work One in Fort Wayne, IN.

Veterans Employment Representative Award:

• Frank Billingsley, LVER from Fort Wayne IN.

There were two companies approved for Certificates:

• Calumet Abrasives and DAO Recycling. General Hospital

The General Hospital Committee did not meet.

Homeless Veterans

Motion made and approved to donate $1,000 to

Hope House in Richmond, IN.

Motion made and approved to donate $500 to Evansville Rescue Mission.

Ramona from the Shelbyville Work One talked about funds that are available and how to get these funds for the veteran. Robbie Robinson will be writing up a resolution to include the Homeless Committee on the Post Certification Form.

Indiana Veterans Home

There were two representatives from the Indiana Veterans Home at the meeting. They discussed all the improvements that are going on at the home. There are currently 265 residents with 26 being homeless veterans. In the last three years, there have been 16 major capital projects completed.

Motion made and approved to purchase eight PT&I Meters for a total of $7,000.

Nursing Home

Hand outs were passed out showing the Nursing Home funds allocated and the amount spent from each District.

David Ring of Indiana Funeral Cares spoke about the cost of cremation for a veteran. The Auxiliary and S.A.L. are also eligible for the same rates. There was no money requested.

Veterans Assistance

The Veterans Assistance Committee did not meet.

Adjournment

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

Kenneth Hylton Chairman

The Internal Affairs Commission met Saturday January 14, 2012 at 4:15 p.m. in Salon D of the Marriott East Hotel during the Mid-Winter Conference.

Chairman Kenneth Hylton opened the meeting in proper form.

Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Kenneth Hylton, Vice Chairman Mary E. York, Vice Chairman Terry Smith, American Legion Riders Rep. Danny Price, Community Involvement Eric Baggett, Convention Contest Chairman M. Roger Baker, Firefighter/Law & Order Rep. Harold Brinson, Legislative Chairman John “Danny” Rice, New Post Development Chairman Herb Hoffman, Public Relations Chairman Jeff M. Carroll and Religious Emphasis Chairman Norris A. Keirn.

Roll call disclosed the following members absent: Natl. Liaison John Pipher, Firefighter/Law&Order/ EMS Chairman Wilfred Kocher and Membership Chairman Bill Clark.

Chairman Hylton asked for the Committee reports:

American Legion Riders

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the Fall Conference as read. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

There was some discussion regarding Resolution 32. Indiana has wording in the Bylaws to cover that issue and the National Organization adopted the Indiana State Bylaws.

Officers were reminded to fill out data forms to update their information, which is needed by the state secretary and membership chairman.

There was some discussion regarding free insurance offered to Legionnaires, all in attendance were encouraged to sign up at the table provided today.

Vice Chairman Danny Price asked for the District reports at this time. All Districts reported to the Committee with exception of Districts 1, 2 and 9.

Vice Chairman Price stated that all Districts should posts their events on the State Website so others may come and support you

Kelly Humphrey is a certified excise police trainer and is willing to travel to your post to train and answer questions.

There was some discussion regarding vulgar patches worn on some ALR members’ vests. It was stated that it hurts the ALR and The Legion. If you wouldn’t show it to your mother, then don’t put it on your vest.

4th District Chairman Small made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. 2nd District Chairman Platt seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.

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

Community Involvement

Chairman Baggett asked for District Reports:

Each Chairman reported to the Committee, with exception of District 5 and 10 whom had no report.

The Committee decided to meet at the Joint Spring Conference.

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

Convention Contest

Chairman Baker informed the Committee and all in attendance that the Convention Contest rules have been changed as requested. The

National Color Guard will be chosen of those who win in both classes, not just one. There was some discussion regarding judging the competition at the State level. Where can volunteers sign up? Chairman Baker suggested they contact Jim May for more information.

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

Firefighter/Law & Order Vice Chairman Harold Brinson read a memo regarding the $5,000.00 benefit offered through Legionnaire Insurance Trust and encourages all Legionnaires to sign up.

He read a letter to all in attendance regarding The National Commander Fundraiser for supporting Indiana’s candidate James Koutz. A Motion was made to accept the minutes from the Fall Conference. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The binders for Department Convention Awards were handed out. The only District that did not pick up books was the 10th.

No requests for Department funds were made. There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 12:23 p.m

Legislative Committee Chairman Danny Rice read the minutes from the Fall Conference. A Motion was made to approve minutes as read. The Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Committee Chairman Rice read and explained Senate Bill 253 regarding military education and training, Senate Bill 1251 regarding tax credits for hiring veterans, House Bill 1193 regarding charitable organizations property tax exemptions, House Bill 1059 regarding the smoking ban, and House Bill 1059 regarding The Military Family Relief Fund.

Committee Chairman Rice advised the Committee that no Legion caps are not to be worn at any political rallies.

Kenneth Hylton asked Chairman Rice if there were any updates on the flag amendment. Chairman Rice said that there were none that he knows of yet. Mr. Hylton asked about the issue of the Korea Agent Orange issue. Chairman Rice said he would investigate and report back at the next meeting. There was a brief discussion on the floor regarding House Bills 1065, 1230, 1116 and 318.

There were no requests for Department Funds.

There being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form at 2:35 p.m.

Membership Department Commander Mike Miller addressed the Committee, delivering the message to never give up the fight because the game is not over.

Mr. Ed Trice addressed all in attendance regarding the focus group survey and the misconceptions the public has regarding The Legion.

Announcements were read regarding fundraising for National Candidate James Koutz and the AD&D insurance benefit.

Chairman Clark read the membership standings as of right now. Cards will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. today.

Chairman Clark stated that 100 percent membership is an obtainable goal as

Larry Lowry Chairman

CHILDREn & YOUTH

Edward Trice Chairman

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

NEC Column

Continued from page 10

I hope this helps the member and all other members to understand the importance of our contributions to not only the Indiana Veterans’ home but to all the programs of our department.

Tim Tetz, Director of The American Legion Legislative Division, sent me an email recently about some veteranrelated actions in Washington. I thought that I would share some of interest.

The Budget Control Act will address efforts to meet the $1 trillion in defense cuts for FY13. The Legion has seen some budget leaks, but is waiting for the budget release before doing an analysis.

Cosponsors for the Flag Amendment Bills are still being sought. Presently there are 29 in the Senate and 64 in the House.

On January 25 The American Legion legislative staff attended a Post-State of the

District 4

Continued from page 2

ies had the opportunity to preview some of the major changes to the site this past January at the Mid Winter Conference/Training Seminar. The initial response I overheard from others who “played around” on the new site was overwhelming positive.

Everyone was in agreement that the old site needed overhauling and that the new site will have more “member needed” information available to them and that it will be easier to find that information. Watch for an announcement from Department as to when the new site will be up and running.

Just before the deadline for this column was due at Department Headquarters, the DoD announce a major restructuring of the United States Air force that will greatly affect the Air National Guard base in the Fourth District.

As part of a major restructuring plan by the United States Air Force, the 122nd Fighter Wing, located at the

Duty and Obligation

Union meeting at the White House with VP Biden and other senior White House officials. Much of the discussion centered on the economy.

On the same day, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing to examine the progress at Arlington National Cemetery. Here is a quote from the Director: “Arlington has made significant progress…over the last year and a half towards respectability.”

Paul and I are headed to Washington soon. If you have concerns that you want us to relay to specific Congressmen, send us an email and we will try to do the best we can to represent you there.

I wanted to conclude with a reminder that if you have a specific Legion or Veteran function that you would like to have Paul or me attend, let us know and we will try to meet your needs.

Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, will be losing twenty A-10 aircraft in fiscal year 2013. (NOTE: The fiscal year starts on October 1 and ends on September 30.)

The A-10's have been operational with the 122nd Fighter Wing since 2010 and are typically used to fight tanks on the ground and are described as “workhorses” in the War on Terror. The A-10 aircrafts just recently replaced the F-16 fighter jets that were previously stationed at the base.

While the Fort Wayne base will be losing A-10’s, the Air Force proposes to bring between nine and eleven MC12 aircraft to the 122nd Fighter Wing in fiscal year 2014.

The MC-12 is the Air Force's newest intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft. It flew its first combat sortie on June 10, 2009, over Iraq.

The Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne employees around 1,200 people. The majority of those people are part of the A-10 squadron and approximately three hundred are fulltime.

Chaplain’s Corner

Continued from page 10

We must create a welcoming and supportive environment that is inclusive of all veterans. No veteran should feel second-class regardless of age, war era served, gender, race etc. I know inclusivity has pushed us from time to time; however, family is able to work through these issues. When we begin to look beyond our own needs into the needs of

Guns And Ammo Available For Posts Ceremonial Units

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Joint Munitions Command in Rock Island, Ill. provides blank ammunition and clips to American Legion posts as well as to other veterans’ organizations free of charge, to perform military funeral honors, parades, and other events.

To order and receive the blank ammunition and/or clips, the organization must first have weapons issued through the ceremonial rifle program at the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren, Mich. Organizations that use privately owned weapons or borrow weapons are not eligible to receive ammunition in this program. Only organization officers can request the blank ammunition and/ or clips.

Adjutants Report

Continued from page 10

mediate attention. We could not have accomplished it alone. Because of Veterans Funeral Care, one of the Department’s premier business partners, we did not have to. With one phone call, VFC took on every task related to laying a loved one to rest. No detail was overlooked, and no reasonable special request denied. I am convinced that the same level of attention and care given to my family and me would be given by David and his staff to every family who approaches him.

It should not go unsaid that the cost of the final arrangements for a loved one has skyrocketed over the past few years. Whether intentionally or not, the funeral industry has become adept at selling, often a la carte, services and products that can add up to five figures or more, and the cloud of emotion can make it difficult to make sound decisions.

I am closing my column on a very personal note.

By the time you read this Indiana American Legion Department Adjutant Stephen W. Short will have retired. He has been an immeasurable asset to the Indiana Department. He served and represented his fellow veterans of this organization with pride and respect. He made numerous trips to the State Capital to testify in front of the Veterans Affairs Committee, to discuss veterans issues with the Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Charles T. “Tom”Applegate, and even on a few occasions to confront the Governor….. always fighting for his fellow veteran’s rights.

In his position as executive supervisor, his responsibility of the daily administrative operations and managing the staff of your Department Headquarters was a duty he took very seriously.

As the immediate past Fourth District Chairman for the Knightstown Children’s Home Committee I will always remember Steve’s hard work and dedication to the

District 11

the family as a whole, great things begin to happen. Every meeting we proclaim this concept as we recite our Preamble. When we gather as family, we are always welcomed home.

So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 NRSV

VFC has avoided that. Services and products are bundled and offered with no additional charges. Comparisons with price lists at other providers show that VFC’s promise of services at half or more the cost charged by traditional providers is a reality.

I encourage the entire American Legion Family to discuss its funeral needs in advance with Veterans Funeral Care. The peace of mind, ease of planning and manageable costs will not bring your loved one back, but in a small but meaningful way, can make the loss a little more bearable.

I am indebted to David and his staff, and proud to have him as a valued partner of The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

Again, to all of you who prayed for us, thought of us, or sent a tangible expression of your condolences, thank you. I look forward to serving you for many years to come.

children who called Knightstown their home. I know the closing of the home was an emotional disappointment to a number of Hoosier Legionaries, but I do not think anyone took it harder than Steve. I hope he stays active in the Legion. I’d like to see what he looks like in a blue hat.

Welcome to the trenches Steve. Happy retirement.

Accepted organizations can receive one or two boxes of ammunition per request.

The use of ammunition obtained from sources other than JMC is prohibited, as it may result in damage to the rifle. More importantly, it could cause harm or serious injury to the user.

Joint Munitions Command is the Department of Defense’s expert in ammuni-

SAL News

Continued from page 10

what you do for the Sons of The American Legion.

As members of the Sons of The American Legion we are here to serve you, the veterans of our country. This is the time of the year when the Sons are assisting in the Department’s Oratorical program as we have for many years now. I know our members get great enjoyment out of helping with the contest and getting the opportunity to see these wonderful teenagers mesmerize us with their great speaking ability. Thank You, American Legion, for allowing us to be a part of this program.

The Sons are also involved in many things that help our

tion. The blank ammunition is produced at JMC’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo. The plant makes more than one billion rounds of small arms ammunition for the US military, other government agencies, and NATO allies each year, including all types of 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50caliber ammunition.

Providing ammunition for ceremonies is a traditional mission for JMC. Since the end of World War II, the Army has been supplying ceremonial ammunition to veterans’ organizations to conduct military honors for their fallen comrades.

The ceremonial rifle and ammunition program is conducted in accordance with Title 10, United States Code § 4683 (as implemented by Army Regulation 700-131).

To learn more about the ceremonial ammunition program, contact JMC at 877233-2515 or by e-mail at amc. rock.org.jmc-ceremonialammo-requests@mail.mil.

For more information about the ceremonial rifle program, contact JMC at 877233-2515 or TACOM by email at DAMI_Donations@conus. army.mil.

veterans every day. We are represented at the VA hospitals and spend a lot of time helping veterans at IVH. I have seen firsthand the help our members offer our veterans throughout the state. We want to thank you for your service and for letting our members assist you whenever and wherever we can.

Remember, if there is a squadron at your Post, don’t hesitate to ask the Sons for any assistance the Post needs. We are here to serve the veterans this great nation. You made a sacrifice when needed and we want you to know you are appreciated!

Thanks again and let’s make the rest of this year one the American Legion Family can be proud of.

Americanism Commission

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be presented to the DEC. There were no motions made dealing with Department funds.

Internal Affairs Commission

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a Department. Membership Manager Aubrey Real reminded the Committee that the preprinted cards cutoff date is the second Wednesday in April. There was a general discussion regarding membership retention and recruiting ideas.

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

New Post Development/ Revitalization

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January 25, our membership retention rate stands at 80.3 percent. With your help, we can improve our district’s membership retention rate from a historical year-end average of 90 percent (over the last 10 years) to the estimated 95 percent retention rate required to hit our 100 percent membership goal. Heather and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Conference.

The minutes from the Fall Conference were read and approved.

Chairman Hoffman asked the Committee Chairman for their District reports: All Chairman reported to the Committee, with the exceptions of District 1 and 3, whom had no reports.

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

Public Relations Department Commander

Mike Miller addressed the Committee and suggested that they all attend the session on the new website.

The meeting was moved to Salons 7 & 8 to view and navigate the new unfinished site.

Chairman Carroll stated that he needed criteria for new electronic media award.

Daniel Lawson from the 8th District encourages all posts within the Department to create Facebook pages to be able to reach new members. He then suggested that Department fund someone to train the masses on how to set up and maintain post Facebook pages.

Mr. Jay Van Santen gave a presentation of the new website.

Committee Chairman Carroll announced he needs judges for the Convention Awards.

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

Religious Emphasis

Chairman Keirn announced that 7th District

Adjournment

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

Chairman Thomas Lowe has passed away and the 7th District is working on his replacement. There was a moment of silence in honor of Chairman Lowe.

The minutes from the Fall Conference were approved.

Vice Chairman Wotring will lead the Joint Spring Conference program. In the past they had been given 10 to 15 minutes of readings during the general session. Chairman Keirn asked the Committee to contact

Vice Chairman Wotring with questions or to volunteer.

6th District Chairman French informed the Committee that the 6th District had recently lost District Commander Carrine Scott and Post 79 in Zionsville is holding a memorial service Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

There was a motion made to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Adjournment

There were no requests for Department Funds made. Being no further business to be brought before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned in proper form after closing prayer and salute.

One of the fundamental duties of members of The American Legion is to care for their comrades in life and honor them in death. The Griffith American Legion Post 66 in the First District takes those duties seriously, as demonstrated by its Honor Guard firing a Final Salute to a fallen comrade. Jack Smith calls the commands, while Post Bugler Tom Cushing stands by for his cue.

Indianapolis VA Will Be Home To New Vet Center Vehicle

Indianapolis will be the site of one of 20 of the Department of Veterans Affairs new Mobile Vet Centers, designed to increase access to readjustment counseling services for veterans and their families in rural and under-served communities across the country.

The Indianapolis Mobile Vet Center (MVC) was dedicated February 9, 2012 and will be based out of the Indianapolis Vet Center. A schedule for the van will be published once a regular driver has been hired.

“Mobile Vet Centers allow VA to bring the many services our Vet Centers offer Veterans to all communities, wherever they are needed,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Robert A. Petzel.

“VA is committed to expanding access to VA health care and benefits for Veterans and their families, and these 20 new vehicles demonstrate that continued commitment.”

Making A Difference

Posts in action are critical to the long-term success and survival of The American in Indiana, and here are examples of two posts who seem to get it. They certainly are not alone in their commitment to the community, but neither are they shy about it. At the top, members of the Griffith American Legion Post 66 Firing Squad meet with a troop of young Girl Scouts after conducting a flag disposal ceremony. In the bottom photos, Boonville Post 200’s Santa Claus (Ron Byrley) brought holiday cheer to young and old alike – by visiting area nursing homes and keeping the magic alive with young Auxiliary member Katelynn Freeman. (Photos courtesy Warrick Edition of the Courier & Press.)

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nities for veterans and their families.

Roundtable participants include Seth Harris, deputy secretary at the Department of Labor; Susan Kelly, special advisor for the Transition Assistance Program; Dennis May of VA’s veterans employment coordination service; Sara Roberts, military relations manager for Amazon. com; Kevin Schmiegel, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; David Wallace, military relations manager at Lockheed Martin Corp.; and Kelly Woodall, veterans employment program, Office of Personnel Management.

That same day, the National Security/Foreign Relations Commissions will hear from Lt. Col. Joseph Gallagher, USMC, who currently serves as a senior military observer for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Jerusalem; Clifford May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies; and Bob Calvert, founder and host of the Talking with Heroes program.

The Commander’s Call on Feb. 28, a confab featuring of-

ficials and a rundown on legislative priorities designed to send attendees off informed and enthusiastic about visits with individual Members of Congress.

Hoosiers participating in the conference are scheduled to meet on Capital Hill with both United States Senators Lugar and Coates, and Reps. Buchon, Pence, and others not yet confirmed.

The Commander’s Call will begin with opening remarks by National Commander Fang A. Wong, presentation of the Legislative Council Member of the Year Award, and remarks by the president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Kris Nelson.

W. Scott Gould, deputy director of VA, will be the first guest speaker at Commander’s Call, followed by Rep. Bob Filner of California; Rep. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania; Holly Petraeus, head of the Office of Service Members Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (who will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the Legion to hire more veterans); and Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota.

On Feb. 29, the National

Commander’s Public Relations Luncheon will honor retired Marine Corps Capt. Dale Dye with its annual award, recognizing Dye’s professional contributions as an actor and military advisor for feature films.

Several American Legion programs will precede the official start of the Washington Conference. On Feb. 22 and 23, the Legion is co-hosting a National Credentialing Summit with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at 1615 H St. NW. The two-day event will bring together many stakeholders and experts to examine issues and problems related to the licensing and credentialing of veterans in the private sector, and to recommend best practices for translating military work experience into meaningful resumes for the civilian job market.

The Legion’s Economic Division hosted a Homeless Veterans’ Roundtable, and a Veterans Education Symposium prior to the convening of the conference, and a Small Business Development Workshop in conjunction with it.

The Homeless Veterans Roundtable discussed VA’s five-year plan to eliminate

veterans’ homelessness and the department’s new preventive initiatives. Representatives from the departments of Labor and HUD spoke about programs and services for homeless veterans, and community-based service providers also participate in the roundtable.

The Veterans Education Symposium explored the needs of returning veterans as they make a transition to the academic environment. The roles of colleges, universities and veterans service organizations in providing support and services to student veterans was examined.

The Small Business Development Workshop is intended to help entrepreneurs with military backgrounds. Experienced mentors will be available to share their knowledge and experience with veterans who want to start their own small business, or are already operating one. The practical aspects of setting up veteran-owned small businesses will be discussed, as well as the development of effective business plans and best practices for securing government contracts.

The customized vehicles—which are equipped with confidential counseling space and a state-ofthe-art communication package—travel to communities to extend VA’s reach to veterans, and service members and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The vehicles also serve as part of the VA emergency response program.

The 20 new Americanmade vehicles will expand the existing fleet of 50 Mobile Vet Centers already in service providing outreach and counseling services. All 70 Mobile Vet Centers were manufactured by Farber Specialty Vehicles. In fiscal year 2011, Mobile Vet Centers participated in more than 3,600 federal, state and locally sponsored veteranrelated events. The VA contract for the 20 new Mobile Vet Centers totals $3.1 mil-

Smoking Ban

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interest against another in many cases, and no Solomon exists to dispense wisdom in these instances.

“An amendment to this bill that would eliminate that restriction is the beginning of wisdom, in the view of The American Legion, in that it permits a vote to limit smoking and set aside areas of the post facility where young people can be isolated from the effects of second hand smoke.

Accordingly, The American

lion. Petzel also announced that Farber Specialty Vehicles recently won a competitive bid to produce 230 emergency shuttle vehicles for VA over the next five years. The shuttles will provide routine transportation for Veteran patients in and around various metro areas during normal operations, but convert to mobile clinics that will facilitate the evacuation of patients and their care teams during disasters and emergencies. The VA contract for the 230 emergency shuttles totals $53.5 million. The new mobile Vet Centers, in addition to Indianapolis’, will be based at:

• Birmingham, Ala.

• San Diego, Calif.

• Atlanta, Ga.

• Western Oahu, Hawaii

• Cedar Rapids, Iowa

• Evanston, Ill.

• Baltimore, Md.

• Pontiac, Mich.

• Kansas City, Mo.

• Jackson, Miss.

• Greensboro, N.C.

• Lakewood, N.J.

• Reno, Nev.

• Stark County, Ohio

• Lawton, Okla.

• Ponce, Puerto Rico

• Nashville, Tenn.

• Washington County, Utah

• Green Bay, Wis.

Applications for the Mobile Vet Center driver position are being accepted at: Indianapolis Vet Center 8330 Naab Road, Suite 103 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone:317-988-1600 Or 877-927-8387

Fax: 317-988-1617

Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In an effort to better serve the veteran and family members, upon request Vet Centers will provide services after normal work hours and/ or on weekends.

Legion Department of Indiana can support the bill, with the amendment.” Commander Miller concluded his testimony by advising the committee that “we are not naïve. We know that this issue is not closed, and if and when the bill makes its way to the Senate floor, many amendments and changes may be offered. We intend to, and will, monitor its progress closely, inform our members by every means available to us, and encourage them to speak out on this measure.”

Hoosier Service Officers

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the value of the awards that these courageous members of the armed forces were receiving was being demeaned and diminished.”

Stolen Valor Officers

On the question of wheth-

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He and his wife, Rehta, have two sons, Christopher and Michael, and five grandchildren.

The two will be relocating to Indianapolis.

Dunn was mid-way through his term as Indiana’s Fifth District Commander when he submitted his name for consideration as a replacement for the Assistant Adjutant, who had been tabbed for movement into

er upholding the act would chill other protected speech, the public defender for Alvarez, Jonathan Libby, seemed to concede that no such chilling effect would take place.

When asked by Justice Elena Kagan what truthful speech

the Adjutant’s office. Dunn resigned as District Commander upon his recommendation for the position.

Dunn brings a wealth of military and professional experience to the position, as well as increasing levels of responsible experience in The American Legion. He is a 16-year veteran of the United States Army with overseas assignments in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm and The Global War on Terror. He has been an active

would be chilled by upholding the act, Libby said, “It’s not that it may necessarily chill any truthful speech. I mean, it’s —¬ we certainly concede that one typically knows whether or not one has won a medal or not. We

member of The American Legion for six years in Hartford City’s Post 159, and served as Post Commander for four years, Post Adjutant for five years, and as Post Membership Chairman and Boy State Chairman.

After leaving active duty, Dunn’s civilian experience included stints as a buyer, material supervisor and inventory control manager.

He is currently a student at UMT, studying Business Ad-

certainly — we concede that point.”

Justice Kagan responded with surprise, noting “That’s a big concession, Mr. Libby.”

It may be months before the high court rules on the case.

hasn’t changed since 1919, when The American Legion was formed.

“You hold that pillar of the organization through what you do every day.“

Gaytan also urged the DSOs to provide a give and take while going through the

school. “The most valuable part of being together here is in the sharing of information between each of you,” he said. “Share trends in claims. Share your demographic information. Share your challenges. Maybe by doing so, you can help someone else who faces the same challenge down the road.”

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NATIONAL CONVENTION

DISTRICT NEWS DISTRICT NEWS

Duty of VA To Help Veterans Develop Claims? Yes, But…

VETERAN INFORMATION VETERAN INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

“It is the obligation of VA to assist a claimant in developing the facts pertinent to the claim…” You can find this VA rule in the 38 Code of Federal Regulations, part 3 section 103. What the Code of Federal Regulations fails to tell you how long it takes VA to “assist the claimant.”

John Hickey Department Service Officer

There is, however, a better way to have your claim processed. Doing so will require a little more “up front” work before filing the claim, but could get your VA decision in as little as 3 to 4 months.

service; (2) Evidence meeting VA’s requirements of total and permanent disability; (2) and income and net worth information.

an appointment before filing your next claim.

LEGION NEWS LEGION NEWS

COMMISSION REPORTS COMMISSION REPORTS

VA disability benefit claims requiring VA assistance in “developing the facts pertinent to the claim,” are traditional claims. Decisions on traditional claims are being delayed 18 months to a year or more for VA to find the necessary evidence or con-

clude the evidence does not exist after several attempts. Traditional claims are delayed not because one individual claim takes so long to “develop,” but because traditional claims are the bulk of VA claims received and thousands upon thousands of those claims are concurrently processed.

You first need to know the basic VA claims requirements. Claims for service connection of a disability require: (1) evidence of a current medical condition; (2) evidence of an incident or incidents in service; and (3) a medical link between the two. Claims for non-service connected pension require: (1) Evidence of the prerequisite wartime era

Qualified veterans service officers, such as, American Legion Department Service Officers or your local County Veterans Service Officer can provide you more specifics about evidence necessary for winning your claim.

If you are residing in Indiana and have appointed The American Legion as your representative, you might want to call the American Legion Veterans Service Office for

During the appointment, your accredited American Legion service officer would discuss your claim, help you file an informal claim to preserve the effective date, and provide you a list of evidence necessary to win that claim.

The service officer would also discuss how you might find that evidence. We would then ask you to call for a second appointment once you have collected as much evidence as possible.

During the next appointment, the Legion Service

Officer could help you complete and file your fully developed claim making it possible for you to receive a decision within a matter of 3 to 4 months instead of years.

If The American Legion Veterans’ Service Office in Indianapolis is a considerable distance from your home or you have not appointed The American Legion as your VA representative, you might want to contact your local county veterans’ service officer for claims filing assistance and information about filing a fully developed claim.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

Armed Services Subpanel

SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION

Seeks End To Joblessness

Among National Guard

DEPARTMENT CONVENT DEPARTMENT CONVENT

Legion Continues The Fight

Occupy Protestors Re-Ignite Passion For Flag Protection

FEATURES FEATURES

On February 2, 2012 the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing entitled, “Lowering the Rate of Unemployment for the National Guard.”

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HOOSIER HAPPENINGS

CONFERENCE INFORMA CONFERENCE INFORMA

Emily DeRocco, President of the Manufacturing Institute, began the hearing and emphasized the severe labor shortage being experienced in the manufacturing sector due to an inability to match qualified workers with available jobs. She stated that in a recent survey, 80 percent of manufacturers reported a “moderate-to-serious” shortage of skilled production workers, and 75 percent indicate that this shortage has negatively impacted their ability to expand.

DEPARTMENT NEWS DEPARTMENT NEWS

FALL CONFERENCE FALL CONFERENCE

For those who fear that efforts by The American Legion to secure passage of a constitutional amendment to outlaw desecration of the United States Flag have come to an end, fear not.

The Occupy protest movement has re-ignited the controversy and breathed new life into it, even as those on whose behalf the flag is burned in protest decry the act.

The following letter was written by Richard D. Parker, Chairman of the Board of the

acts of desecration. We continue to work to that end.

“In doing so, we realize that amending the Constitution should not be undertaken lightly. It ought to have sustained, very substantial popular backing before being sent to the states for ratification. Not many proposed amendments could pass that test. But the Flag Protection Amendment does. For nearly two decades, the overwhelming bulk of the American people have supported, and the 50 states have petitioned Congress for, the amendment.

who agree with its message against corporate excess and economic inequality.

“I'm quite confident that the general view is that violence of this sort — whether it's symbolic or otherwise — is contrary to the spirit of the movement and should be renounced,” Columbia University sociologist Todd Gitlin said.

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She said that “In real terms…[there are] 600,000 open jobs today in manufacturing.” She went on to highlight an online tool called the U.S. Manufacturing Pipeline, which aims to “…provide the information for separating military to learn about careers available in advanced manufacturing, locate the schools and programs that teach additional applicable skills, and find available jobs at manufacturers in every region of the country.”

CONVENTION NEWS

CONFERENCE NEWS CONVENTION NEWS CONFERENCE NEWS

Pilgrimage In Homage

DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

The monolith atop the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield Ill is the backdrop against which the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage is held. The Department of Illinois has conducted the pilgrimage and related ceremonies since the 1930s, and Indiana continues to be represented at the Pilgrimage by the largest contingent from any state other than the host. Lincoln’s historic words “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphans…” reverberate though the founding documents of The American Legion and make the annual tribute all the more significant to Legion members.

The Citizens Flag Alliance, Inc. and Williams Professor of Law at the Harvard Law School. It was sent to newspapers across the country which published the story of protestors buring the American Flag – then arguing among themselves over the practice. First, Professor Parker’s letter:

Gitlin, who is writing a book about the movement, noted that flags have had a prominent place at the Occupy Wall Street encampments that sprang up last fall. They are typically pinned to tents or waving from wooden flagpoles.

“I was thinking how they have come to embrace the American flag as a hallmark of this movement; it’s very common to see American flags honored and elevated at these encampments,” he said.

She added that DoD is preparing a large advertising campaign in order to ensure that separating service members, and demobilizing National Guard and Reserve members are aware of this valuable resource. Finally, she stated that the U.S. Manufacturing Pipeline project involves engaging community colleges nationwide in order to encourage colleges to offer the types of programs which lead to manufacturing certifications, and will allow veterans more ready access to training which results in the skills necessary for employment in the manufacturing sector.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH

Senate Panel Tackles College Affordability In Series Of Hearings

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee recently held hearings to listen to a panel of speakers discuss college affordability. This came a little more than a week after President Obama gave his State of the Union address, when he put colleges on notice that they risked losing taxpayer support if they couldn’t control their costs and increase their educational value.

Following Ms. DeRocco was Theodore (Ted) L. Daywalt, CEO and President of VetJobs, an online resource for veterans looking for work. Daywalt testified that upwards of 65 percent of employers polled stated that they were reluctant to hire individuals who are still active in the National Guard, resulting in National Guard veterans comprising the majority of the veteran unemployed, according to his analysis of the data.

With an impending reduction in the active force, National Guard members could face even stiffer competition from those being separated, while bearing the further disadvantage of continued part-time military service. The missed days from long drills, the two-week annual training exercises, professional development schools and the constant possibility of deployment create a situation in which National Guard members’ service becomes a liability when looking for employment, particularly when competing with other veterans who retain no further obligation.

Lawmakers from both parties expressed agreement with the president’s assertion that tuition growth must be curtailed to maintain access to higher education.

Leading off discussion at the hearing was Martha Kanter, undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Education. She highlighted Obama’s plan to tackle rising college costs which includes increasing the money awarded to Pell Grant recipients, making loans more affordable and providing incentives for states to make commitments to higher education. One of Obama’s high profile proposals is to keep the interest rate for student loans at 3.4 percent, instead of letting it rise to 6.8 percent, which it will do in July unless Congress acts.

With the release of the President’s 2013 budget Feb. 13, Kanter said Obama is firm on funding higher education and having a proposal that would not cost taxpayers more money. The Senate committee questioned Kanter on what would happen if states did not hold up their part of the bargain to keep costs down.

“We can’t, as you know, restrict tuition increases. That’s not the role of government,” Kanter said.

“But we want to look to the states and provide innovation funding so they can look at polices that will stabilize tuition in the long term.”

Kanter said the administration hopes to invest in colleges that provide good value and to take funds away from schools that do not. She said the administration will assess value by examining cost, service and outcomes. Education Sector, an education policy think tank, Policy Director Kevin Carey also testified.

“Over the past 10 years, public university tuition grew by an average of 5.6 percent above inflation every year,” Carey reminded the committee.

“As a result, student loan debt is at an all-time high and access to college is threatened. Students and families can’t afford to pay these bills and, increasingly, neither can the American taxpayer. Annual federal financial aid to higher education has increased by over $100 billion in just the past decade.”

Carey highlighted some of the ways that colleges are innovating to hold down both college costs—what colleges spend to educate students— and college prices—what students pay to attend school.

For example, Virginia Tech, one of the nation’s leading finest engineering schools, has used technology to change the way students learn introductory mathematics. This approach, which Education Sector highlighted in the 2010 report The Course of Innovation: Using Technology to Transform Higher Education, has resulted in lower costs to the university and higher rates

Continued on page 9

“To the Editor: “The recent behavior of the Occupy Oakland movement, as reported by the Associated Press, where public buildings were raided, property destroyed, and flags burned is reminiscent of a near identical incident in Dallas, Texas in 1984. There, a small group of anarchists, challenging the politics of the time, vandalized the city, destroyed public property, stole an American flag and burned it in the streets of Dallas. That incident led to the 1989 landmark Supreme Court case, Texas v. Johnson, in which flag desecration laws were ruled unconstitutional.

“Some in Oakland, and elsewhere, are quick to remind us that flag burning is a “right,” yet those same voices condemn it as “unpatriotic” and “contrary to the spirit” of the movement. It is, I would say, both unpatriotic and contrary, and not just to the movement, but to the thinking of the majority of Americans who believe the flag should have a measure of legal protection from desecration.

“For more than 17 years, the Citizens Flag Alliance, with the support of the American people, has worked closely with Congress to secure an amendment to the Constitution that would prohibit flag burning and other

Officers

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ministration with a major in management, and he completed The American Legion Extension Institute in 2007.

He and his wife Tammy have one daughter, Ashley. The newly appointed Department Adjutant has 32 years’ experience with The American Legion. He is a former National Public

“Demonstrators for any cause ought to give thought to this: those who lived through or those who have studied the civil rights movement can attest that the American flag was an important symbol in those times, too. Not one to be burned, however, but one to be carried high and proud by those demonstrating against injustice that was far greater and much deeper than that for which those in the Occupy Movement rally today.”

Professor Parker’s letter was in response to the incidents described in an Associated Press article written by Beth Duff-Brown and Terry Collins. Portions of that article are reprinted below.

On-lookers and participants outside Oakland (Calif.) City Hall shouted “Burn it! Burn it!” as masked protesters readied to set fire to an American flag. That’s when a woman emerged from the scrum, screaming for them to stop, that it would hurt the cause.

Moments later, the flames began, and suddenly a movement that seemingly vanished weeks ago was back in the spotlight, this time for an act of protest that has long divided the nation and now the movement itself.

The images of the flagburning went viral in the hours after Saturday's demonstrations on Oakland's streets, with Occupy supporters denouncing the act as unpatriotic and a black mark on the movement. Others called it justified.

The flag-burning, however, raised questions about whether the act will tarnish a movement of largely peaceful protests and alienate people

Relations Director and National Internal Affairs Director, in addition to his more than 12 years as a member of the Department Staff. He has been a newspaper editor, free-lance writer, and he and his wife operate a small wood-turning business specializing in a variety of handturned items.

He has been the Department’s Assistant Adjutant

Flag-burning has been a powerful symbol since the days of the anti-Vietnam War movement. Congress at the time passed a law to protect the flag in 1968, and most states followed suit. In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court decided such laws were unconstitutional restrictions on free speech. The court’s decision set off a move in Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of the flag. An attempt in 2006 failed by only one vote in the Senate.

As many egged on the bandana-masked men, lighters were passed around. A photographer on assignment for The Associated Press said a woman rose from among the crowd to urge against the flag-burning. She then threw the flag to the ground and tried to put out the fire, shouting at them that it would only hurt their cause.

The fire-starter is not an anarchist, but a typical member of Occupy Oakland who feels the system has failed them, said Johnson, who pulled out his cell phone to show his recording of the flag-burning.

“I would describe him as someone who loves his country, but also disappointed in the system that’s running this country,” said Johnson, who goes by the nickname “Uncle Boom” and was a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

since 2001, and has handled many of the administrative duties, membership responsibilities, and public relations and communications programs of the department. He has edited the Hoosier Legionnaire since joining the staff in December 1999.

He and his wife Kathleen are the parents of four, and the grandparents of ten with one on the way.

FEATURES FEATURES

HOOSIER HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS

Fun and Games – And A New Way To Communicate At Mid-Winter

The Mid-Winter Conference, featuring as it does a slew of committee and commission minutes and some serious training sessions on such topics as charitable gaming, excise regulations, funeral arrangements and a myriad other important details, nevertheless leave plenty of time for fun and fellowship – as well as some how-to on new Department procedures and possibilities. Below, are just a handful of the ways that Legion Family members take advantage of this mid-winter break.

1.) Consultant Jan van Santan talks a group of Legionnaires through the new website soon to be unveiled.

2.) A trio of contented couples nestled in each other’s arms during one of the slow dances at the annual Commander’s Party – Bob and Oeth, (2), Dick and Ida May Jewell (3), and Bob and Rosie Newman, (4).

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5.) Commander Miller proves that he knows how to dress as he addresses a group of Legionnaires.

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6.) Commander Miller tries to prove that he knows how to sing on the Karaoke stage at his party.

7.) Steve Short winces at a reminder of why it was time for him to retire during a special tribute at the Conference. With him are Brent Myrick of the hotel, the commander, and wife Candy.

8.) Newly appointed adjutant Hugh Dagley cuddles up to Ed Harris, Jr. Ed was not amused.

9.) Jeff Carroll and an unidentified young lady.

10.) Three Legionnaires try their hands at the new web site during the demonstration and hands-on session.

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11.) A tradition at Indiana Legion parties: the singing of “Proud to be an American,” Lee Greenwood’s tribute to America’s veterans and their families.

12.) There certainly was plenty to celebrate during the conference. Sadly, the photographer failed to get this happy young lady’s name.

13.) From the look of things, the Commander’s pitch during the Cornhole Tournament was headed for the ceiling.

AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH AMERICANISM AND CHILDREN & YOUTH DEPARTMENT IN ACTION DEPARTMENT IN ACTION

Final Membership Push Is No Time To ‘Slow Down’

Greetings to all.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. As we turn the corner and start working toward the end of this year, I would say, ‘let’s not slow down.’ I know there is a lot of work being done throughout the state and we can finish strong this year.

Start Knocking On Doors

During this time we need to step away from the post and start knocking on doors. Have the Post Adjutant get the names of members who have not renewed—not only for the current year, but for previous years also.

Ask Aubrey

Dear

To limit the amount of work for just a couple of people, take a look at forming teams to make it more effective. I believe this is the only way we will truly know how your members are doing. There could be some good reasons that members do not send in their renewals, but how would we know if we

don’t see them? In addition, calling on members who seldom or never come to the Post is a good way to let them know the Post still cares.

$5.00 Incentive Program Still In Place

I would like to remind everyone about Commander Miller’s $5.00 New Member Incentive program. Please take advantage of this incentive. One way to think of this is, if a member recruits seven new members in a year that’s $35. This would mean the recruiter got their dues money back that year.

I have heard of posts not

‘Request To Transfer’ Forms Require Post OK, Data Form

Dear Jim:

As the Post receiving a request to transfer, you reserve the right to contact the member before transferring him/ her into your post. If the Post decides to go forward with the transfer, a Member Data Form should be filled out as normal.

The Post is allowed to staple the “Request to Transfer” slip to the Member Data Form in lieu of obtaining the member’s signature at the bottom of the Member Data Form. Send the Member Data Form to my office and I will take care of the rest.

(You should issue the transferring member a card from your supply of blank cards, and include the 9-digit number. If the member wants a new pre-printed card, let us know at Department and I will order one from National.)

Dear Aubrey: I have a member who missed a prior year or two. Can they pay for years missed? If so, how do I go about doing that?

Playing Catch-up

Dear Playing: Yes, and it’s easy.

Members who have missed paying dues for one or more years can pay for the years missed. In order to process prior years, simply submit the missed years on a separate transmittal accompanied by a separate check (ie. don’t write a check for the current year and include the amount for the prior years on it.)

You may include more than one year on the transmittal, but you CAN NOT put priors on the same transmit-

The Commander and Mini-Me?

Department Commander Mike Miller (crouching, left) stoops to the level of his alter ego, who continues to lurk around the edges of the membership program. ‘Little Mikey,’ the brainchild of Department Membership Chairman Bill Clark, latches on to any hapless district commander who ends up in last place on any given target date. Here, the Commander and ‘Little Mikey’ take a break at Department Headquarters before ruining another District Commander’s day. Little Mikey is currently in the care of First District Commander Gail Galich, who has threatened to have him tattooed.

Editor’s Note: Ask Aubrey is a question and answer column prepared by the Department Membership Staff. Here you will find reliable information to help you manage your own membership and that of your post. The questions are representative of those the office receives via the phone, email and USPS every day. Please send your questions to Aubrey Real c/o Department Headquarters, to areal@legion.org, or phone them in to (317) 630-1300. Don’t be surprised to see one of your questions here some day.

tal with current year payments. The per capita owed is the current year’s rate; that is, if a member missed the year 2000, he or she would owe $27 since that is the current year’s per capita rate.

Dear Aubrey: I’m the Adjutant at my post. How do I know what members have paid online at my post? In the Dark

Dear In the Dark: Simple, but considering that this is a relatively new procedure for most of you, here is how it works: Department sends out a listing of your online renewed members once a month (with your monthly Membership Statement). If you do not receive a listing of online renewed, that simply means that no one has renewed online at your post since your last Membership Statement. If you have any questions concerning online renewals, please contact the Membership Office at 317630-1364.

Dear Aubrey: I renewed online, but have not yet received my card. What should I do? Impatient

Dear Impatient: You are not alone. We are still working the bugs out of the system for online renewals. Posts get a listing of their members who have renewed online about once a month.

Only after receiving the listing are they notified of your payment. The posts have

been instructed to mail your membership card upon receipt of these listings. You may, however, mail the post the “receipt” that you should have printed off after your payment was confirmed, or take it with you the next time you visit the post and ask for your card.

Dear Aubrey: We just found out about the $5 New Member Incentive. How does this incentive work?

Last to Know

Dear Last to Know:

If you haven’t been working this incentive program all year, you are really missing the boat! This is for all members! You do not have to be a post officer to receive this award. Please take advantage! However, you will need to coordinate with your Post Adjutant/ Membership Chairman, who are the officers who will be making out the new member card and submitting the proper paperwork to Department Headquarters.

You can access detailed information about this incentive on our website at www. indlegion.org. You will see a tab at the top of the main page, “$5 New Member Incentive.”

You will see the description of the award, as well as the slips needed when sending in the new member info/ card. The slips are mandatory. No exceptions. The recruiter and the new member portions must be filled out completely.

promoting this incentive because they can save the Department money. That is not the case. If we do not recruit that new member we have lost 100 percent of the dues. If we get that new member to join and pay the $5.00 incentive we have lost only about 40 percent of the dues. This is a win, win for everyone.

Continuing Decline Weakens Legion

To help see why recruiting new members is so important here are some numbers: In 1992 our membership strength was 141,561; we finished 2011 at 93,693. That is

a decline of 47, 868 in the last 20 years, with an average loss rate around 3,400 members a year. As we all know, there is strength in numbers. This is the only way we can continue to promote the American Legion programs and fight for veterans’ rights.

Important Forms Due

Attention Post Adjutants: By time you read this you will have received some important certification forms from Department Headquarters. Please take a look at these and make sure you meeti the deadline for completing and submitting them. The soon-

er they are completed and returned to Department, the better. If you have any questions, please contact Aubrey Real at 317-630-1364. One-In-Five Equals Success In closing, I have one last thought I would like to share. As of February 8 our current cards to date is 81,571. If just 20 percent, or 16,314 of those current paid members would recruit one new member or get one member to renew we will finish over our goal. I do believe we can make this happen. And, as always keep up the good work.

Eleventh District Vice Commander ‘Ike’ Ikemeyer and Commander Rich Brown prepare the cards

Proven Techniques Prove To Be Renewal ‘Win-Win’

By Rich Brown Eleventh District Commander

On February 4, a team of volunteers from the Eleventh District met at Speedway Post 500 to take part in a membership retention drive-a-round. The volunteers were paired up and given clipboards with a roster of members who had not yet renewed their membership dues for 2012. Nine volunteers from eight different posts then spanned out through the West side of Marion County visiting 77 Legionnaires’ homes and returning to Post 500 with ten renewals and two new members. For those Legionnaires who were not home a renewal postcard was left in a door-

Education Costs

Continued from page 7

of success for students.

Carey also highlighted steps that university systems like the University of Maryland have taken to reduce costs. The result was millions

hanger bag on their doors.

The idea to visit Legionnaires individually is not a new idea; it has worked very successfully in the past. The drive-a-rounds also build camaraderie and teamwork among the volunteers. The February 4 drive-a-round was the first of six scheduled retention drive-a-rounds throughout the Eleventh District, additional post areas that will be targeted include Broad Ripple Post 34 and Beech Grove Post 276. These six drive-a-rounds alone could yield as many 75 membership renewals for the Eleventh District, proving that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to succeed in membership. The term “drive-a-round”

of dollars saved “through joint purchasing, improving classes where many students were dropping out, and working with faculty to increase the number of credit hours professors teach.”

But Carey also notes that

to many of the volunteers conjured up memories of district officers traveling from post to post accepting membership cards, a practice which has been abandoned by the 11th District as a redundant exercise better suited for the district’s vice commanders during post visits. Instead, the volunteers were pleasantly surprised by the warm reception from their fellow Legionnaires and the visited Legionnaires were equally impressed to see representatives from their district coming to their homes. The practice is now viewed as a win-win for the district and posts in the drive to achieve 100 percent membership.

actions at the state level are partly responsible for rising college costs.

“There is no doubt that colleges have raised their prices in recent years because states reduced their subsidies for higher education,” he said.

One Hundred Percent Posts

As of February 6, 22 posts in the Department of Indiana had attained one hundred percent of their membership goal for 2012. Leading the list of outstanding post achievers is the Second District with four posts at the mark.

Bringing up the rear in the standings is the First District, which has not yet recorded a hundred percent post for this year. Districts Five and Six both have three posts at the finish line, while the remainder of the districts have either one or two hundred percent posts. Additional posts have attained the goal but deadlines prevented their listing. They will be included in the April/May issue.

Those posts that have reached the milestone by Feb. 6 are listed below. They are:

and other materials to be used in the District’s recent effort to revive the door-to-door approach to membership retention. The efforted yielded 10 renewals and two new members.

‘Knock-Around’ Membership Drive

The Critical Moment Approaches: For The Legion, It’s Do Or Die

Greetings Fellow and Lady Legionnaires:.

As the New Year begins, I have renewed my visits to the districts to spread the word of The American Legion and its programs. The sad part of these visits is two facts that stand out above all others.

The first being that as I visit the different district meetings, I unfortunately see the same old faces. Although I enjoy seeing all my old friends, it would be nice if for every old friend that takes care of his or her committee, there would be a young Legionnaire behind him or her to

carry that program on when that “older” Legionnaire is no longer able to continue on.

Too many times we have dedicated folks who have a pet program that they do with heart and soul only to have that program fall by the wayside when there is no one to carry that program on. We need new, fresh troops to

take the place of these older soldiers who have fought the good fight, but cannot do so any longer.

Please take a look inside your posts and districts and get some folks to backup the dedicated Legionnaires who for whatever reason will no longer be able to bear the burden.

Which brings me to the second point. I truly believe part of our problem is that more and more American Legion Posts are becoming a cover up. Cover up from what, you ask?

Cover up for the best bar in town, the best fish fry on Friday nights, the best event hall in town, the biggest bingo game in town and in turn, not caring about the needs of our veterans.

Never mind the programs that we support and never mind getting veterans who want to serve their communities, we just get more and more folks who think The American Legion is bingo on Thursday, fish fries on Friday and karaoke or a band on Saturday. Until we return to the real reason The American Legion was formed and until

we show a positive image to the community, we are not going to succeed.

A few years ago, parades on the Fourth of July and Memorial Day were rich with our members in large numbers parading behind our nation’s colors for all to see. Today, we are barely able to provide a color guard.

Our Legion Posts have become nothing more than dollar beer on Tuesday and a place for members (and in some cases, non-members) to drink and gamble. Boys State, Oratorical Conctest, Fire Fighter, Law and Order

and EMS recognition programs? Never heard of them. Folks, we need to get inside those posts in your neighborhoods and districts and get them back on track! Either we change, or we die and let this organization— the world’s largest veteran’s organization—fall by the wayside and watch support for our veterans and active duty soldiers and sailors die with it.

The choice is yours to make. We need each and every member to become rededicated to The American Legion.

My wife Lisa and I are devoting a lot of time to prepare for our extended overseas trip to Okinawa, Japan. Although I am officially retired, it is amazing how full my “dance card” can get. We have both had some minor surgeries in the past couple of weeks and I am running through the long list of appointments at the VA between the local clinic and Indianapolis. High mileage vehicles take a lot of maintenance!

Our primary purpose is to be support to our Marine daughter whose husband will be deployed to Afghanistan by the time of this publication. She will be blessing us with a grandson somewhere toward the end of February. We of course are not going to let her go through this by herself. Childcare on base is limited to children over three months old and she only gets six weeks leave for maternity. She will also be going through the worry of having her husband in a combat zone. Life can get very complicated for families in the military.

Of course our eldest son who served his stint with the Marines is a contractor for the Marines and has his office on the same base as our daughter. He shattered his ankle over the holidays and will be in a cast for a long time. I am hopeful to assist him in transport while also spoiling the three grandchildren that he has given us.

It is amazing how everyone with whom we have shared our story has been very supportive. Everyone knows the value of family. Often when we are working on our career, it can invade the quality and quan-

tity of family time. At this time in our lives we have the privilege of going forth, full throttle to help. I have deeply appreciated folks from the Post, Department and National filling in to assist me in fulfilling the commitment to my children and their families.

In all this experience I am getting a deeper understanding of the value of family and the inner supportive nature of it. My sister and I joke about how whenever we get together we have a family reunion, because we are all that is left outside of distant cousins. With her husband’s chronic illness and vast medical needs we are keeping in closer contact to be supportive and to lend an ear of concern. For some of us family has to take on a broader meaning than simply biological.

Family is a descriptive term used for The American Legion. The Post home can be far more than just a place to grab a quick drink, play Bingo, golf or hassle over Post business. It is a place where we should feel honored and cared for. It should be a place that takes on its own personality that is greater than the sum of its members. Sometimes we lose sight of our purpose so clearly outlined in the Preamble. I believe this is why some Posts fail and fall short.

As many of you know, my wife and I lost our oldest son Kevin earlier this month. Such a tragic event changes everything in an instant. It changes the significant things, it changes the insignificant things. It changes the big things and the small things. Indeed, it changes even this, my first column as your Department Adjutant.

I had intended to thank Commander Miller, the members of the DEC, the officers and leaders I have worked with over the years, and the many well-wishers for this extraordinary opportunity to serve as Indiana’s Department Adjutant. That was to be it, and then on to the business at hand. That is no longer sufficient.

The outpouring of support, concern and compassion from the men and women of The American Legion Family during this time of sorrow has been not only overwhelming, but also comforting beyond words. Only those who have experienced what my family and I have can know how important your cards, letters, emails, phone calls, visits and flowers have been to us. I am humbled by the expressions of support, the prayers, and the thoughtful silences that demonstrated your feelings for us.

Every day we refer to ourselves as The American Legion Family. Please, never do so again casually or out of habit. What I have experienced can only be attributed to the same quality of love and concern that normally is reserved for blood ties. I will always remember your kindnesses, and I will always be grateful for my American Legion Family.

As members of The American Legion Depart-

ment of Indiana, we are fortunate to have a group of business partners who have made it their business to offer goods and services that not only benefit us individually, but also corporately by supporting the Department. Whether it is insurance products, flags and banners, seasonal cards, or funeral services, our partners can all be relied on for an extra measure of service and professionalism.

Do not take these benefits lightly. Many of them bring with them significant savings; all of them bring with them a very real appreciation for your service and your sacrifices as veterans. I encourage you to carefully consider the benefits of dealing with our partners. I can so encourage you, not only because I am an officer of the corporation, but also because I am a Legionnaire who has tested the promises of all these partners and find them understated and utterly reliable.

Because of our recent loss one in particular stands out, and in my view has earned my most unqualified endorsement. That is Veterans Funeral Care, under the thoughtful and compassionate management of David Ring. The news of our son’s death called on us to make a seemingly endless set of decisions, none of which my wife and I were prepared for, and all of which required im-

Often Legionnaires have questions and concerns that reach beyond their Posts or Districts. Paul and I have attempted to answer any requests for information. Sometimes we can’t always provide a sufficient answer so we need to find out from another source. For this article, I had asked Alternate NEC Paul Steward to send me some thoughts and here is a good example of finding answers. Paul wrote:

“Following the midwinter conference, a member asked me about the Legion’s donations to the Indiana Veterans Home. This member was not opposed to the donations; he only wanted to know why the VA did not supply some of the items the IVH Committee provided.

“My answer was that our donations enhanced the quality of life of the residents. I got the impression from the look on the member’s face that answer was not enough,” Paul wrote.

I contacted Melissa Durr assistant superintendent at the home and asked her what difference did the gifts from The American Legion make. I have listed part of her response:

“The ‘Wish List’ and other donations that The American Legion and the ALA give to the Indiana Veterans’ Home make a difference in enhancing the quality of life for our residents:

• “Legion Lake provides an opportunity for fishermen to keep their skills sharp and a picnic area for families to come and enjoy special time with their loved ones.

• “Items such as special wheelchairs help keep residents at risk for falls from “regular” wheelchairs safe and able to be mobile.

• “Special equipment that allows residents to have a small sample of blood drawn in their room versus a large sample drawn by a lab allows that person to spend more time doing what he or she likes to do and less time in a medical office.

• “The picnic shelter provides numerous opportunities during the warmer months of the year for entertainment, meals or just relaxing outside.

• “The support of Legion Posts and the Legion Riders of our volunteer program strengthens that program and provides recognition for those who contribute their time and talents to our residents’ quality of life.

• “Donations of clothing to the clothing center helps to ensure that those who come to IVH with little but the clothes on their backs will have access to good clothing.

• “Sponsorship of residents means that no one is forgotten on his or birthday or holidays.

“These are just a few examples of what your support means. It is the icing on the cake for the residents.”

Hello from the members of the Indiana Detachment of the Sons of The American Legion.

With 2012 now upon us I hope that all of our members have their new membership cards. Membership is the life blood of the American Legion Family, because without members we would be unable to do all the great things we do for our veterans, children & communities. We are in the second half of the year and it’s time to make the big push for membership. If you have a Sons of The American Legion squadron at your Post, please encourage your sons and grandsons to renew their dues.

I am having a fantastic time serving as Detachment Commander. I have been traveling all over the state of Indiana and have met some wonderful members of the Sons and also of The American Legion and the Auxiliary.

The stories of Hoosier Hospitality are definitely true for this member.

In my travels I cross paths with Department Commander Michael Miller pretty often. I could not have planned for a better member of The American Legion to serve with this year. Commander Miller is passionate about The American Legion and what it means to him. Commander Miller must be a great plus for the members of The American Legion in Indiana. I have really enjoyed my time with him so far and can only see it getting better as the year continues. Thank you, Commander Miller, for