2014 June/July The Hoosier Legionnaire

The Hoosier Legionnaire The Hoosier

Memorial Stone Placed at The Governor’s Residence

Indianapolis -- The Ind. Department of The American Legion together with Ind. Gov. Mike Pence, dedicated a marker stone and plaque at the Ind. Governor’s official residence Wednesday, June 4., dedicated to the military veterans of the state.

The limestone marker quarried from southern Ind. has a bronze plaque affixed to it and now stands in front of the Residence that flies both the U. S. and the Indiana state flags. The Veterans Memorial Flagstaff was donated by The Indiana Department of The American Legion and was officially dedicated at a ceremony in December.

The Governor’s Residence, located on 46th and Meridian in the city of Indianapolis has been in the process of major renovations for several years, and is now being used by the Governor and First Lady, Mike and Karen Pence as their official residence while they are in office.

“The opportunity we had to place this stone and flagpole in front of the Governor’s Residence was something we as Legionnaires knew we couldn’t let get away,” said Ed Trice, Indiana’s Department Commander. “Dedicating the flagpole in December and now the marker stone with its bronze plaque in June will tell everyone who visits the Residence that Indiana recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of its veterans.”

The 500 pound block of Indiana limestone that was used

as a base for the plaque was donated by Indiana Limestone Suppliers Company of Oolitic, Ind., through the efforts of Southern Vice Commander John “Randy” Beeler and his wife and Auxiliary member Debbie Beeler.

Once the stone was cut to the proper dimensions, it was shipped to Indianapolis for the final emplacement on the grounds of the Governor’s Residence before the ceremony.

“You can’t just place a stone on the ground in Indiana unless you want

the winter weather to shift it over time with frost heaves and such,” said Ron Walker, owner of RW Stone Inc.. the firm that the Department contracted with for the professional emplacement.

“So we placed a matching base of Indiana limestone to ensure that the marker doesn’t settle too far down into the soil as well as preventing it from shifting away from the original emplacement.”

“When I told my son that I would

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Indiana Governor Mike Pence shakes Indiana Department of The American Legion’s Commander Ed Trice, Wednesday June 4 after they unveiled the marking stone dedicating the flagstaff at the Governor’s Residence to the Indiana Veterans who have died to keep the state and country free.

A closeup of the marking stone that holds the dedication plaque to the Veterans Memorial Flagstaff that was emplaced and dedicated during a short ceremony on June 4 2014. The stone rests at the front entrance to the Governor’s Residence and will be seen by all visitors before they enter the building.

Thank you And It is Time to Prepare for the Future

It has been a very fast year as your Commander. It seems as if just yesterday I was elected as your Department Commander and now I prepare to relinquish my command to your next Commander, who I am sure will be just as appreciative of your hardwork and dedication as Legionnaires.

I must tell you up front on this article that I must thank you for the opportunity I had to be your Commander this year. It has been a rewarding experience and one that I would love to tell every Legionnaire to strive for this position. I’ve been able to meet high leaders of our nation and state while at the same time meeting Legion-

Ed Trice DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

naires from across the state and nation who are doing great things within their own Posts, Districts and Departments for the betterment of their communities.

Representing the 89,000 Legion members and the rest of the Legion Family on a daily basis, it has shown me that the

state and nation knows that we are available as a resource to them but many younger veterans do not often come into our Posts despite their being qualified to join with us. We must continue to hold our hand out to the younger veterans to greet them and welcome them to the Posts while at the same time, preparing them to eventually become the leadership within our Posts. Being a mentor to a young veteran who joins our Legion shall be a much greater legacy for us as Legionnaires as we prepare to go into the next century of service to our nation.

I would not have gone as far as I have in The American

Legion except that a knowledgeable and conscientious Legionnaire by the name of Bob Bach, sat me down and took the time to teach me more about The American Legion than I ever expected to know.

I was also mentored by my fellow Legionnaires Ron Miller and Roger Baker who taught me to always be on the lookout for young talent to develop into new leadership while at the same time protecting the history and traditions that our earlier Legionnaires created for us.

A Commander at the Post,District and even Department Level must be willing to learn from his peers while at

the same time being open to listening from other Legionnaires on what might be of interest to them within the Legion. I’ve been blessed with great mentorship and I hope I’ve been able to have a positive impact on younger Legionnaires as well.

Our younger veterans are showing a distinct difference in their daily lives compared to the veterans of my generation. But this is not a reason to not bring them into our Posts. Just as my generation of veterans from Vietnam were considered young and impetuous by our World War I and II era veterans, these same men also

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New Era Begins: Hqtrs Relocated; Business As Usual

The Department of Indiana has successfully completed the move from its original headquarters in downtown Indianapolis to new space on the grounds of the former Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence Ind..

The move to this historic site was not without regret or nostalgia. Your Department Adjutant, for example, spent nearly half his adult life and most of his professional life – 35 years –in one or the other of the two headquarters buildings fronting The American Legion Mall. In preparing for the move, countless artifacts and documents that chronicled the history of the Department of Indiana were uncovered, archived, recorded and, in some cases, destroyed.

That which was destroyed is a story in itself. Decades of neglect and disintegration took its toll on the building, resulting in irreversible damage to items placed in storage, especially in the basement. Department Historian Joe Hovish spent weeks in that dank and uninviting environment, salvaging hundreds of documents that barely survived the scanning process that

preserved them. Unfortunately, many others did not make it that far. What has been preserved is now a part of Department history, either in digital form or warehoused in clean, dry, modern facilities.

Preserving our history is just one of many benefits resulting from the move. Most dramatic is the huge reduction in operating expenses that we anticipate will forestall any dues increase for several years – or longer, depending on membership growth and retention. The Department is now a property owner, not a renter, with all the attendant benefits that represents. In addition, the building and property were purchased without debt, representing a

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NOTICE -- 2015 CLOSE OF BOOKS

The location of 2015 Close of Books activities has not been changed. Although a change in location has been discussed, no decision has been made. The appropriate officers and others directly affected by any change will be involved in the decision. Notices on scheduling documents and in the Membership Awards Manual were premature and should be disregarded. Date and location of the 2015 Close of Books and Legion Day at the Indiana Veterans Home will be announced on the Department website and in the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Hubert R. Dagley, II Department Adjutant

OFFICER REPORTS

May everyone enjoy the upcoming 4th of July with the knowledge that the freedoms they enjoy everyday as Americans has sprung forth from the efforts of their fellow Americans who have served to defend their country and their way of life from oppressors and evil forces which run counter to the ideals of Democracy.

A Legionnaire is one of those Americans who has served our country at some point in their life and has said, “I will defend our nation so that others may live free.”

I write this as we Legionnaires are going through the efforts to ensure our veterans receive the best care possible from the Veterans Affairs. Our

Paul Steward

National Commander Dan Dellinger has been consistent in telling America that our veterans deserve the very best care possible for their service related injuries.

The American Legion has been going across this nation listening to our veterans and their families about the level of their care they have been receiving within the VA Hospital

The Hoosier Legionnaire The Hoosier Legionnaire

The HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE is published four times a year in February, April, August and October by the Indiana Headquarters of The American Legion, 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Phone (317) 630-1300.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Indianapolis, IN and at additional mailing offices. USPS 010-445 ISSN 0018-4772

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOOSIER LEGIONNAIRE, 777 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Ed Trice Department Commander

Hugh Dagley Publisher

Bruce Drake Editor

Official publication of and owned and conducted exclusively by The American Legion, Department of Indiana.

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

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

Subscription Rates: $0.85 of each member’s dues goes for publication of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Volume Volume LXXVIII, Issue e-1 June/July 2014

Circulation 100,000

Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

system in this country. Our System Worth Saving Task Force has been on the road meeting with and evaluating VA Hospitals for almost the entire year. They have been providing up to date reports to your National Commander and his staff to ensure they are knowledgeable and effective in their discussions with our Government on the care of our veterans. We witnessed one of these Task Force visits to Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis in May and we also listened to the veterans within the community who are treated at the facility.

This same process is repeated across this country nearly every week by this Task Force team to ensure that the Veterans Affairs knows that we are engaged in

ADJUTANT’S DESK

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conversion of assets from one class to another. With prudent management and a significant turnaround in the membership trend, the Department will repay itself for the purchase price of the building in a relatively short period of time.

The move is completed. The unpacking is not. But plans are in the works to open the headquarters for visits and tours during the 96th Annual Department Convention July 11-13 in Indianapolis. Information will be available during the convention when plans are completed. ***

Planning for the convention is nearly completed. The agenda for the general sessions has been posted on the website and, although it remains a tentative

providing oversight while being teamed with them to maintain that the care for our Veterans is top-most on priorities.

President Obama has chosen Bob McDonald, a U.S. Military Academy (West Point) graduate who served as Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble Co., to take over as head of the troubled VA Department. Hopefully, his appointment will bring not only trust in the system but the care for all veterans that the VA was originally designed to provide.

The American Legion will continue to work with the VA to ensure that there is marked progress in the service times for appointments as well as a fair and honest review of the procedures within the VA system

agenda, only minor changes and adjustments will be made between now and the opening session.

Highlights of the convention this year include, of course, election of the 2014-2015 Department Commander and the four vice commanders. That order of business traditionally is the final order of business for the convention, and so it will be this year. Other highlights include presentation of the Legion’s Distinguished Service Award to deserving Legionnaires; the Distinguished Public Service Award, which this year goes to five outstanding members of the Indiana General Assembly; and recognition of military personnel, youth champions, educators and first responders.

***

A heartfelt Legion salute is due to the men and women of the Department Headquar-

to ensure what has happened in the past will not be repeated.

I had an enjoyable evening at our Department Commander’s Homecoming in Fairmount, Ind. on 28 June. It was so nice to see so many Legion Family members who came out to tell Ed Trice how much they appreciated his service this year as our Department Commander. With our State and National Conventions just around the corner, I want to stress to everyone to try to attend one of these events so that they can participate and learn from their fellow Legionnaires about all the programs we as Legion Family members can get involved in in order to aid and better our communities.

ters staff for their untiring and successful efforts to meet their usual responsibilities while undertaking the complicated work of relocation: The American Legion Hoosier Boys State program went off without a hitch … Close of Books brought the curtain down on a very successful membership year … the annual budget for 2013-2014 was evaluated and the new budget presented for approval… ceremonies marked the Legion’s gift of a flagpole and limestone marker to the Governor’s mansion … legislative priorities were prepared for consideration … the Spring Conference and all its related activities were carried off flawlessly … the convention is ready to go. The moving deadline as promised was met and operations were interrupted only briefly and restored on the day promised. What more could we have asked for?

To ensure that our veterans are properly cared for

A Life of Service is a Thankful Privilege

July is always an important month in the life of Legionnaires. The fourth is always festive with patriotic themes and a lot of activities sponsored by and participated in by veterans. July is also the time of our Department Convention where we take time to celebrate the events of the past year. Our Department Commander reigns supreme at this highlight only to pass the torch so quickly in the final moments as the new commander is elected and takes the reigns for the next year.

At Convention we spend two days passing out accolades and awards to our wide and varying programs, those designated as winners, and to those Legionnaires who have made our programs possible with their outstanding dedication. Politicians attend to receive awards and to made speeches on veterans support. This is always

MARKERSTONE

Continued from page 1

be placing a marker stone at the Governor’s Residence, he didn’t believe me and said “Prove it!,” recounted Ron Walker Jr., a recently retired Air Force veteran and now one of the RW Stone employees who was on hand as guests to see the dedication.

Prior to the ceremony, both the Governor and the First Lady Karen Pence went and thanked everyone involved with the process and even stood for a photograph with Walker Jr. so he could show it to his son when he got home.

“It was an honor for us to help

Norris Keirn DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

an important process for securing that part of our preamble pledging mutual helpfulness. Department convention is a time for affirming friendships, making connections, and celebrating.

As I now complete a quarter century of the privilege of being your Department Chaplain, I am impressed with and in awe of what the Legion has meant to me. I have had the privilege of serving under twenty-five outstanding Department Commanders beginning with Don Conn who gave me a chance

with his wonderful support. I remember the group of dedicated WWII and Korean veterans who carried my name, service and credentials before the Department leadership for consideration. I remember briefly knowing and serving with my predecessor, the beloved and honored Father Edmund J Murray who had served the Department for so many years.

While we are a “service” organization and we are dedicated to serving by giving of our time, talents and money, what I realize most is what the Legion has given to me in return. What I have received has far outweighed any contributions that I have made. I have made dear and close friends from around the state and across the United States. I have had the honor and privilege of sitting on the platform with some of the most outstanding heroes and leaders of our time. I have had oppor-

tunity to share experiences of war with my brothers and sisters and admire them for their service which has brought so much healing to my own soul.

For one brief moment during convention after lunch on Saturday and before we resume the convention agenda, we pause as a white cross, stacked rifles and a helmet brazier are placed centered on the floor of the convention. A line of former officers solemnly stand to pay tribute to those who have passed on in the prior year and to remember all those servants who have gone on before. I have known people who had retired and moved out of state, who returned specifically to participate in the memorial service. Over the years I have seen many who once stood in tribute have their name added to the list of remembrance. We know not when our summons will come, but we know it will come.

While we only take a brief moment to pause and reflect at convention, it is a vital and important part of who we are. We commit to posterity the remembrance as an accumulation of the monthly services at our Posts, and at the gravesites of all our fallen veterans. We understand the gifts and privileges of the life we have. It has been the Legion and Legion family that have helped me realize the awesome privilege and gift of a life of service. Once again I am in humble gratitude to those who have gone on before me to make this possible. The Legion fosters an extreme attitude of gratitude, and I and thankful and proud to have a part in it. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.

Rom 12:9-10 NRSV

set this stone into place today,” said SVC Beeler. “I only had a small part but I was glad to help make sure this event happened this year.”

“It was a very special moment to see how much the First Lady and Governor appreciated the efforts of (The Indiana Department of) The American Legion to place this flagstaff and marker stone over these last several months.” said Debbie Beeler.

“Not long ago on a much colder morning (in Dec.) we dedicated the flagpole and today we have a wonderful opportunity to emplace the plaque that explains the significance of this flagpole to all our visitors,” said Gov. Mike Pence in

his opening comments during the dedication ceremony.

“This flagstaff, dedicated to our state’s veterans who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom shall stand for as long as this residence is in use and as a continuous salute to their service and in memory of all those men and women,” the Governor added.

“Now our Governor’s Residence will finally have a proper flagstaff in front of it showing our nation and state’s flag.” said Trice. “Dedicating the flagstaff to all our veterans who served our country and our state to the highest measure so that the rest of us could live free seemed the only appropriate thing to do.”

The bronze plaque is cast with the following statement:

Another year of success as our Detachment grows

To my Commanders and Friends around the great state of Indiana, My term as Detachment Commander of The Sons of The American Legion has been a wonderful experience. I had the pleasure of traveling to all four corners of the state and a few places outside our state during my travels. During my travels, I have met a lot of great people and met new friends.

My most memorable trip as your Detachment Commander was in March on our trip to Washington. D.C., for the American Legion’s National Conference. I was able to see several monuments to our veterans and also attend the Homecoming of our Sons of The American Legion National Commander Joe Gladden in Maryland.

It has been my great joy and honor to serve with Department Commander Ed Trice and Department Auxilliary President Carol LaGard. During my year of traveling to different places and events, I have gotten to know them well. The memories I made as SAL Detachment Commander will indeed last a long time.

I would like to thank all my officers and their hard work over the last year. There is one person I would want to give my personal thanks to and that is the Detachment Acting Adjutant Raymond Giehll. He has been most helpful and informative for me as Commander through my year.

I would like to give special recognition to my membership chairman for the Detachment, Joe Schultis for his travels throughout the state to all the district meetings and events

Kirk Rewerts SAL DETACHMENT COMMANDER

he attended while working hard for membership for the Detachment which finished at the close of books at 99.89 percent with an all-time high of 37,278. I also want to thank all the Vice-Commanders and District Commanders along with every Squadron membership chairmen for all their hard work over the last year to achieve this success in membership.

It has been a challenging year with quite a few members struggling with unemployment and other difficulties that are more often a regular fact of life. And yet, even through adversity, we as Sons of The American Legion continue to donate our time and financial resources in many ways.

Two of those ways that I was proud to work with and promote were in our Children and Youth Programs: The Child Welfare Foundation and Josh Dog Program. While we did not achieve our set goal for C.W.F. this year, I’m proud to say that we did a great job with the Josh Dog Program. The SAL Detachment of Indiana donated 80 Josh Dog kits to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis this spring. This will always be something I shall always treasure, as there is no greater joy than to deliver these Josh Dog kits to the children who need

them most.

I would like to thank everyone in the 11 districts of Indiana for their generous donation of funds and their time in promoting my project this year. My project for the year was the funding for the Ernie Pyle WWII Museum. Ernie Pyle was America’s most read war correspondent during World War II as he wrote about the everyday soldier, sailor, airman and marine and their efforts to win the war. Ernie Pyle reached out to the majority of America as most knew of at least one member of their family who was serving during that long conflict. Ernie Pyle died on the island of Okinawa in 1945 as

Marines and Soldiers were in the process of capturing that island away from the Japanese Empire.

I was told that we have reached my requested goal of $11,000 to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the museum devoted to one of our Hoosier Heroes. This generosity will allow the museum to remain open and active for everyone to see and admire for years to come.

I recently traveled to Trine University in Angola on June 23, 2014 to meet with the organization called Hooser Girls State after I was invited by Past Department Auxiliary President and Hoosier Girls State

Director Vicki Koutz to attend this great event and meet more than 590 young ladies attending this program from all across this state.

Finally, I would like to again thank all the members of every Indiana SAL Detachment for all the efforts they do to aid their American Legion Posts as well as the communities they serve. We have grown this year and have set the stage for further success in our organization. I will treasure the year I had as your Commander and I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your fellow Sons. HLH

With Thanks for a Fruitful Year

This being my last article as your Department President, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the Legion Family on all the hospitality shown to me in my travels around the state and across the country representing The Indiana Department of the American Legion Auxiliary. I have attended many programs and events that I will remember forever.

My projects to aid the Indiana Veterans Home and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincents have been very well acknowledged by monetary donations and given items. The Indiana Veterans Home is such a pleasant and beautiful place to

Carol LaGard

AUXILIARY PRESIDENT

NEWS

visit. The motel is getting finishing touches and the veterans are getting items to make their lives comfortable and fun. The children at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital are enjoying all the books, toys, scarfs, blankets, hats, mittens, DVD players and DVD movies and etc. Sorry, if I forgotten something as there has been so

many things from the Legion family.

Thank you all for allowing me to serve with such a wonderful Legion Commander and SAL Commander. God Bless all of you. God Bless America.

Compensation Available for Injury or Death Caused by VA Medical Services for Affected Families

Name the three leading causes of death in American: (1) heart disease, (2) cancer, and if estimates are correct within a September 2013 Journal of Patient Safety report, (3) preventable harm in hospitals. The Journal estimates the true number of premature deaths associated with preventable harm to patients at more than 400,000 per year. The same report also estimated serious harm caused by hospital care is likely 10 to 20 times more than harm causing preventable deaths.

These estimates prove a theory we often present during veterans benefits seminars; hospitals are a dangerous place, and, if possible, you should stay away from them. Even, however, with these frightening figures, hospitals actually save many more lives and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of many more people

John Hickey

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER

than the number of people they mistakenly harm. This is almost a bit of reassuring information if you are currently scheduled for surgery and hospitalization – “almost.”

These patient harm figures refer to hospitals treating all Americans, not just veterans and not just in VA Hospitals. However, as we have learned lately, VA hospitals are not immune from errors and do at times cause patient harm.

If you or a family member has suffered harm or death caused by private hospital care,

you (or your survivor) may obtain an attorney and pursue a malpractice claim in court if necessary.

What, however, are your options if harm or death is caused by VA hospital and/or medical care? You actually have two options. You could pursue a federal tort claim, and/or you could file a claim for VA compensation benefits for payment in the same manner as if the harm causing disability or death was service connected. The latter of these two options is codified in 38 USC 1151 and is often referenced using that United States Code citation.

Successful 1151 claims must show: (1) The disability or death was caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination; and (2) the care was furnished either by a VA employee or in a VA facility; and (3) the proximate cause of the disability or death

was carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on part of the VA in furnishing the hospital care, medial or surgical treatment, or examination, or it was an event not reasonably foreseeable.

Death or additional disability incurred within a VA contract facility by non-VA employees is not usually subject to 38 USC 1151 benefits, but claimants may still file malpractice type claims in court.

Veterans may also initiate a federal tort claim for damages caused by actions of a federal government employee acting within the scope of his office or employment to bring a lawsuit directly against the government. The claimant must first file a Standard Form 95 with the Regional Counsel at the VA regional office having jurisdiction over the area in which the

alleged malpractice took place. The claimant should file the Standard Form 95 as soon as possible, and, if the Regional Counsel denies payment, file the claim in federal district court very soon thereafter. Claimants thinking about fling a federal tort claim should consult an attorney immediately and before filing the Standard Form 95 due to jurisdictional filing deadlines and the need for proper calculation of damages before filing.

American Legion Service Officers are not attorneys and cannot help with the filing of federal tort claims for damages, but we can help file 38 USC 1151 claims for compensation for disability or death caused by VA healthcare services. Also, there are no time limitations for filing 38 USC 1151 claims, but it is always advisable to

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Federal grants to help homeless veterans in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Three Indiana groups are receiving more than $650,000 in grants to provide homeless veterans with job training.

The grants are being awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program. Nationwide, more than $36

million is being handed out to provide more than 12,000 veterans with training to help them succeed in civilian careers.

In Indiana, more than $260,000 is going to the Crossroads Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. ECHO Housing Corporation, which provides homeless shelters in south -

western Indiana, will receive more than $130,000. HealthNet Inc., which operates health care clinics in Indianapolis, will receive about $250,000. The grants announced last week will also provide job placement, career counseling, life skills and money management training, along with help in finding housing.

Links to the three organizations where you can receive further information:

Crossroad Rehabilitation Center: http://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/

Echo Housing Corporation: http://echohousingcorp.org/ Healthnet Inc.: http://www. indyhealthnet.org/

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

2014 POST EVERLASTING

Editor’s Note: In July 2009, the Department of Indiana ceased publication of the longstanding “Roll Call of Department Comrades: booklet, listing the names of deceased comrades and distributed at Department Conventions. Favoring instead the twice yearly ‘Post Everlasting’ feature which premiered in the June/July 2010 issue of The Hoosier Legionnaire. Listed here, then, on this and the following pages, are the names, post, city and continuous years of those comrades whose transfer to Post Everlasting was reported to Department Headquarters between Dec 15, 2013 to Jun 12, 2014. May they rest in peace.

DISTRICT

2014 POST EVERLASTING

2014 POST EVERLASTING

2014 POST EVERLASTING

2014 POST EVERLASTING

Jerry L. Weaver 46

298 Hymera Alfred L. Wilkins 23

450 Solsberry Joseph H. Martin 57

462 Somerville Jack L. Freudenberg 50

462 Somerville Robert P. Neher 2

707 Hdqrts Post Robert J. Burke 21

707 Hdqrts Post Clifford E. Polley 9

DISTRICT 8

Post City Full Name CY

5 Mount Vernon Darrell L. Chambers 1

5 Mount Vernon Lyndell E. Hayes 10

5 Mount Vernon Johnny R. Hoyd 20

5 Mount Vernon Carl E. Lurker 5

5 Mount Vernon James D. Shephard 51

5 Mount Vernon George F. Slagle 53

8 Evansville Paul J. Bitz 17

8 Evansville Starlus E. Buttry 34

8 Evansville Stanley E. Hollingsworth 12

8 Evansville Francis L. Jordan 11

8 Evansville Thomas H. Kempf 37

8 Evansville Joseph P. Rupp 32

8 Evansville John L. Schapker 2

28 New Albany Ira H. Collins 45

28 New Albany Michael C. Dolan 48

28 New Albany Robert S. Jenks 26

28 New Albany Carl E. Loman 25

28 New Albany Larry G. Morgan 1

28 New Albany Herbert W. Reynolds 12

28 New Albany David A. Roche 27

28 New Albany Norman L. Veron 20

35 Jeffersonville Louis J. Badalaty 1

35 Jeffersonville Richard L. Baker 26

35 Jeffersonville Raymond P. Chapman 65

35 Jeffersonville Edward L. Denman 17

35 Jeffersonville Sterling K. Detenber 50

35 Jeffersonville Joseph D. Haworth 67

35 Jeffersonville Donald R. Herrold 2

35 Jeffersonville Charles W. Igert 26

35 Jeffersonville Charles J. Linkogle 21

35 Jeffersonville Clarence A. Thompson 29

35 Jeffersonville Michael J. Tully 16

42 Floyds Knobs Billy R. Deaton 21

2014 POST EVERLASTING

185 Vevay Hal Oakley 6

209 Moores Hill C. D. Grimsley 69

229 Hope Franklin D. Mcqueen 26

229 Hope Richard P. Ray 4

229 Hope Lewis A. Surber 56

234 Scottsburg Lowell E. Amburgey 27

234 Scottsburg Kenneth D. Baldwin 26

234 Scottsburg Carl R. Bryant 14

234 Scottsburg Blake L. Burns 39

234 Scottsburg Ralph Chasteen 30

234 Scottsburg Earl Colvin 1

234 Scottsburg Robert G. Martin 24

234 Scottsburg Ivan R. Wells 4

235 Milan Kenny Sharp 40

239 Lawrenceburg Ralph R. Baxter 20

239 Lawrenceburg James H. Cornett 1

239 Lawrenceburg Earl T. Gardner 16

239 Lawrenceburg Elmer F. Phipps 28

239 Lawrenceburg William D. Vogel 15

239 Lawrenceburg John A. Weber 5

250 Mitchell Ray E. Blackerby 68

250 Mitchell Michael L. Brown 20

250 Mitchell Elmo Chastain 33

250 Mitchell Leslie F. Goldsby 13

250 Mitchell Donald Hardin 13

250 Mitchell Kenneth R. Holt 12

250 Mitchell Ralph E. Lindley 45

250 Mitchell Donald S. Mcneely 68

250 Mitchell Richard D. Philpott 8

250 Mitchell Ernest L. Sanders 37

250 Mitchell John W. Tanksley 20

250 Mitchell Morris E. Whalin 58

250 Mitchell John D. White 4

250 Mitchell Marvin B. York 68

271 Batesville John E. Pohlman 61

271 Batesville Elmer E. Thie 48

292 Dillsboro Charles E. Block 35

292 Dillsboro Norman E. Cutter 52

292 Dillsboro Earl G. Sommer 66

292 Dillsboro Theresa K. Stevens 20

337 Sunman Franklin D. Lewis 3

452 New Alsace Pat Bateman 4

452 New Alsace Philip Glasgo 28

464 St. Leon Harry R. Messerschmidt 59

464 St. Leon Richard A. Russell 23

464 St. Leon Vincent Weiler 54

DISTRICT 10

Post City Full Name CY

1 Connersville Kenneth L. Adkins 7

1 Connersville Ralph Clem 49

1 Connersville Edward Conley 3

1 Connersville Estile H. Hibbard 2

1 Connersville Robert J. Kunkel 67

1 Connersville Stanley Shockley 60

39 Winchester Tilman Clark 40

39 Winchester Greg Peterson 18

65 Richmond George Brouse 24

65 Richmond William B. Montoney 52

70 Shelbyville Herbert A. Alexander 33

70 Shelbyville James Babb 60

70 Shelbyville Michael L. Brooks 24

70 Shelbyville Floyd Brown 33

70 Shelbyville Melvin B. Dearinger 26

70 Shelbyville Don Graves 34

70 Shelbyville Clifford Hood 35

70 Shelbyville J. W. Johnson 14

2014 POST EVERLASTING

HEADQUARTERS POST

Post Robert A. Waugh

2014 Commander’s Golf Tourney Rated a Success

237 Legion Family members from across the state of Indiana gathered together June 21-22 to participate in the Indiana Department Commander’s Annual Golf Tournament. Hosted by American Legion Post 313 in Fairmount, Ind., the shotgunstyle tournament was played through on two local 18-hole golf courses in the nearby town of Marion, Ind.. The Walnut Creek and Club Run golf courses are have been owned by Randy Ballinger and his family since 1970.

“We were very happy to help host this tournament when we were approached by members of Post 313 last year,” said Ballinger. “The Legionnaires have always been polite when they played here and it has been a pleasure to host them this weekend,” he added.

Coupled with hosted dinners by Legion Post 313, the golfers had a great weekend swinging their clubs in comradery and joking about the results of their golf ball’s sometimes erratic flights.

Larry Hedges, a Legion -

naire from Kokomo’s American Legion Post 6, said he was surprised he played as well as he did Saturday after eating dinner at the post the night prior, “I heard Bob Ritenour was doing the cooking and it was really good to the point I was afraid it would impact my swing!”

Hedges wasn’t alone on the golf course that day that had enjoyed the wonderful meal that the Post hosted the night prior. “The next Post hosting this tourney will really have to bring their game to top that meal,” Hedges said.

Steve Herniak and Curt Cloud, both from American Legion Post 313 were the cochairs of this year’s tournament. Herniak stated that their preparation for the weekend’s golf tournament took more than a year to plan.

“When we determined to host the Commander’s Golf Tourney last year, we traveled to Brownsburg to observe their Post’s (Post 331, District 6) operation of their tournament for (Past) Commander Dick Jewell in 2013.” said Herniak. “what

we saw there was enough to get us established in the planning process and when we met with Ballinger at Walnut Creek, things quickly started to come together. “

“Entry applications came in from across the state throughout the year in a steady flow,” Herniak said as he waved another four-some onto the course Saturday afternoon.

With weather in the low 80’s but with a nice easterly breeze, the participants had a great weekend to play after heavy rains fell the week before and were forecast for the week after the tournament’s completion.

The weather was so nice that many golfers scored better than they expected considering their reconnaissance of the courses identified several professional-level holes in the difficulty scale that was handled out to participants before the tournament.

Paul King, a Legionnaire from Wabash Ind., stated the consensus approach that the rest of the golfers expe -

Continued on page 21

Marion -- Bob Gaines, of Wabash, Ind. chips his ball toward the green as he participated in the 2014 Indiana Department of The American Legion’s Annual Commander’s Golf Tournament held at the Walnut Creek Golf Course June 21-

2014.

Marion – A full roster of Legion Family golfers assembled on June21-22, 2014 to participate in the Indiana Department of The American Legion’s Commander’s Golf Tournament. Hosted over two golf courses and held in Shotgun-start style, the 237 entries were able to play 36 holes of golf while supporting a good cause.

MEMBERSHIP

3-Star Recruiters by District

District 1

Bob Williams

Charlie Franklin

David Hicks

John Villegas

Larry Horvath

Larry Kupchik

Noreen Komasinski

Rebecca Bowie

Tim Conners District 2

Allen White

C. Bundy, Jr.

Chuck Parker

Colin B. Steffen

Denny Pettit

Fred Chafin

Harry Kyler

Jack Platt

Jeff Spickelmier

Jim Hall

John Noble

John R. Harding

Jon Lybarger

Jon W. Sroufe

Ken Wilson

Leonard Poplanski

Mike Davis

Monte Martin

Philip Smith

Roger Parker

Timothy Hine District 3

Franklin Martin

Ken Heckathorn

Kris Morcombe

Lawrence Parmley

Mike Miller

Paul Steward

Phil Shea

Thomas Klempay, Sr. District 4

Bob Miller

Bob Phares

Dan Richardson

David J. Miller

Dick Tonkel

Don Dapp

Frankie Billingsley

Gary Parker

J.R. Bash

James N. Timpe

James Stull

Jay Hilliard

Jim Hamilton

Jim Piepenbrok

John Custer

John Richards

Ken Holloway

Kevin Sabrosky

Larry Funk

Larry Wickert

Mike Carrigan

Robert Buehl

Robert Newman

Robin Pridgeon

Ron Kizer

Ronald Bollenbacher

Sam Campbell

Steve Kumfer

SW Epperson

Ted Miller

Terry Campbell

Terry Smith

Thomas Picking

Tom Emerick

Tom Frederick

Tracy Stroh

Walt Krohn

William Stowe District 5

Barry Baker

Beverly Murray

Charles Hendey

Dave Ritenour

David Leykauf

Dewayne Dunn

Dick Thomas

Ed Trice

Gale Bailey

James Davis

James Sites

Jerry Mitchell

Jerry Stevens

Mike Comerford

Paul James

Paul Layman, Jr.

Phil Turner

Richie King, Jr.

Rick Woodward

Rob Burkhart District 6

Bruce Curry

Chris Jordan

Dan Raber

Darrell Bowman

Don Babb

Don Hudson

Doug Ogle

Eric Stanley

Harold Effron

James Delaney

Johnathan Pickett

Patrick Blair

Rich Culp

Rodney Strong

Tronie Lawrence

Veronica Spencer District 7

Duffy Deroy

Gene Hoesman

Jim May

Kenny Pridemore

Kevin Hinton

Michael Pate

Richard Dunbar

Richard Koons

Roger Bradford

Wilfred Kocher

William Miles

District 8

Allen Richards

Bob Oeth

Brennan Callan

Brian Everage

Bryce Hullett

Buckey Honaker

Dale Rickert

Daniel Lawson

Dave Bryant

Dave Noble

Dave Weber

David Sharber

Dennis Mullis

Don Chapman

Don Oeth

Donnie Walter Jr

Ed Giltner

Ed Huber

Eddie Wetzel

Gary Sermersheim

Gary Sutton

Gene Maxwell

George W. Bockting

Jack Giralco

Jacob Frederick

James Folz

Jeff Brady

Jesse Woods

Jim Bryan

Jim Koutz

Jim Pattison

Jim Schindler

Joe Curts

John Birkla

John Branson

John Craig

John Vannatta

John Weir

Jurgen Turner, Jr.

Kendrick Ready

Kevin Thomas

Kurt Pfeiffer

Larry Burns

Larry Crosby

Larry French

Leland Baxter

Mel Vinson

Melvin Jantzen

Michael Brady

Michael Sallee

Mike Hammil

Monty Crawford

Nelson Simmons

Pete Snowden

Rod Marshal

Ron Byrley

Ron Curry

Ron Hanger

Roy Arensman

Roy Gartleman

Ryan Draper

Shirley Ohta

Steve Rayner

Ted Adler, Jr.

Tom Mason

Vito Amboz

William Vanhooks, Jr.

Zoe Rea District 9

Barry Crawford

Bill Parks

Brandon Wright

Brian Cole

Dan Beaver

Dan Lakins

Darrell Hansel

Elija Jones

Forrest Hunt

Jerome Maune

Jerry Heath

Jim Gentry

Jim Stevens

Jim Tracey

Ken Cash

Ken Hylton

Lee Hupp

Marshal Jost

Randy Beeler

Rick Rigsby

Rob Steinbach

Roger Hilligoss

Roger Jones

Ron Pridemore

Sam Moore

Sharron Trouten

Stan Ritchison

Steve Funk

Sugo Castner

William Scharold

District 10

Bill Colvin

Danny White

Dave Espich

Homer Loudermilk

Jason Knox

Jere Riggs

Jerry Jordon

Jim Cole

Jim Hagler

John Renfro

Jose Gaitan

Kellis Allen

Kenny Coons

Kenny Toll

Laurie Bowman

Mary York

Nancy Roberts

Niles Gammon

Paul Smith

Ralph Hand

Ray Stamps

Robert Ervin

Ron Ordelheide

Ron Patterson

Tony Cross

Warren Alvis

Wayne Wilcox District 11

Anthony Crosier

Bill Reading

Carla Diggs

Danny Rice

David A. Snyder

David Diggs

Joe Fuller

Kenny Cooper

Mark Gullion

Mike Cox

Rex Ikemire

Ron Collins

Tim Elson

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DISTRICT

Where has the year gone? It seems like only a few weeks ago I put on the Commander’s cap for the first time. Now I’m writing my last news article for the Hoosier Legionnaire. The state convention is rapidly approaching and I will be turning over my gavel to Jim Grauvogl the 1st District Executive Vice Commander. Jim has done a lot of things for the Legion and I know he will do a good job leading the 1st District. He will have plenty of help from the several past commanders who keep active in our district’s activities. I know many of them helped me along the way during my year.

Now, to tell you about some of the accomplishments we had in the last couple of months.

Memorial Day weekend was a very busy time for us veterans in the 1st District. Almost every Post placed flags on the graves of deceased veterans in the area cemeteries. Many Posts also organized their own services to pay tribute to the fallen heroes.

The 1st District organized a service with help from the management at Calumet Park Cemetery Sunday May 25. Special guest speakers included 1st District Congressman, Pete Viscosky, American Legion Department Commander Ed Trice, Department Auxiliary President Carol Lagard, and Detachment Northern Vice Commander Kurt Rewerts. I had the honor of being the Master of Ceremonies that day. The veteran’s section of the cemetery with all of the flags at the graves looked spectacular. What a sad but pretty sight to see the flags all flapping in the wind on Memorial Day. The members of the Calumet Park Cemetery committee did an outstanding job of organizing the event this year

On Monday May 26 I was invited to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Stony Run Parkwhee I read the names of the deceased of Lake County since 9/11. The fallen heroes deserve some thanks for giving their lives for our freedom.

Now the majority of my time in the next couple of months has been devoted to the installation of the newly elected officers at the posts in the District. The requests have been coming in for the installing team to conduct the ceremonies During my year as commander I have tried to do the best job I could for the American Legion and the 1st District. I have tried to live up to everyone’s expectations. I have visited every Post in the District and in many cases two or three times I have met many legionnaires and

As the 3rd District Commander, I can’t believe my first year has gone by so quickly but it has been a busy one for me and my fellow officers. I had the opportunity to visit each post in the district and stress that membership is the life blood of our organization and that a strong vibrant American Legion will continue to have a large voice for our veterans with our government.

This is my last article and I want to thank all the District Officers, to include Auxiliary and SAL, for their support throughout the past year.

COMMANDER

I would like to thank all of you for your efforts toward membership. We had three posts hit 100 percent for their membership goals. These posts were: Walkerton Post 189, Middlebury Post 210 and Kingsford Heights Post 434. I believe that all posts went to the very end of the year in their efforts to attain their assigned goals and through all of your effort, District 3 of Indiana attained sixth place in the state with 96.2 percent of its goal at the close of our books for the membership year of 2014. We also sent 39 young men to Boys State from the District in support of this program.

As you know, in the past year we had the loss of a great Legionnaire and Past Department Commander, Mike Miller. We will miss his friendship and leadership in our future endeavors. We are now rebuilding the 3rd District and have recruited some new and younger members, who are coming up in the District. I want to thank all of my District Officers for their help in this past year. It has been great working with you.

I have enjoyed my first year as Commander because it has allowed me to see my fellow Legionnaires from all across the state of Ind. I also got to see all segments of our state organization that operate to keep our legion strong in all our programs. It has been a pleasure to work with Dept. Commander Ed Trice and his staff.

I look forward to serving you in the next year.

Post 210 hosted its 11th annual Dusk to Dawn Vigil at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury. The Post posted guards at the entrances to the cemetery from dusk Sunday, May 25 until dawn, Monday, May 26 with LED candles placed on the 300 graves of the veterans interred at the cemetery.

Every car upon entrance to the cemetery was provided with a cemetery plot book that identified each veteran interred and war era served. Upon leaving each guest was given a USA flag pin in remembrance of their visit.

All through the night, the War Roster of Post 210 which contained the names of 798 war veterans bur-

Special thanks to all the District members who have worked hard for their posts and the American Legion throughout this year. Remember that our programs are just as important as membership. Good luck to the Post baseball teams in the 6th District. Wayne Newton Post 346, Crawfordsville Post 72, Attica Post 52, Clinton Post 140, Rockville Post 48, Cicero Post 341. That is an example of several posts doing a great job of supporting a Legion program. Post 346 is also hosting the Great Lakes National Regional this August. If any posts are interested in starting a new team please contact John Hayes at Terre Haute Post 346.

Another program our District has done a fantastic job of supporting is in sponsoring young men to Hoosier Boys State.

Note that we have new posts in the District. You will hear more information on that at a later date.

Remember, Post business should be conducted in the post meetings or in post offices, not in Clubroom (Canteen). Speaking of Post Business, often Post Politics get confused with Post Business. All members should be supporting the programs of the Post regardless of Post “politics” and personality differences. This includes the entire Legion “Family”.

In closing I want to state that I hope everyone will support the new incoming District Commander as you have supported me. Also, I hope you will support Mike Patrick from the 6th District as one of our new incoming Southern Vice Commanders.

Thanks again for a great year.

DISTRICT 3

Continued from previous column

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ied in the 13 surrounding cemeteries of Middlebury was read in a continual loop. Several people remarked that they had heard the name of a loved one or family friend during their visit. During the course of the evening and into the dawn of the next day an estimated 150 cars containing 345 visitors toured the cemetery.

In other Post 210 news, On Monday, June 16, Post 210 presented its annual scholarships. This year, 12 students were awarded more than $7000 in scholarships.

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Noreen Komasinski COMMANDER

COMMANDER

DISTRICT Cliff Stephens 6

Greeting from the fighting 7th! Wow!

I cannot believe this year is over. It has been a privilege to serve as your Commander for the past two years. First off I want to thank my wife for supporting me in every way, be it the hospitality room or cooking meals for the District meeting at our home Post. Without you I wouldn’t have been able to do the job successfully. I would also like to thank my membership team for all the hard work and the miles they put in; rather it was going to a Post meeting or to pick up membership card for a target turn-in. I could always depend on you guys to step to the task at hand. I would like to thank BashawRoth Post 106 in Worthington, anytime I asked if we could use their Post, rather it be the last stop, where North met South or at the district revitalization you always went the extra mile to make sure we were fed and made at home. Your hospitality is number 1. I want to thank all that came out to the District revitalization we got lot accomplished. I would be remised if I didn’t thank the Department Staff, anytime I had an issue or problem they were there to assist in any way they could.

As I traveled throughout the 7th District all my Posts showed me great hospitality and I thank you for that. I want to congratulate the following Posts for achieving 100 percent or more this year: 7th District HQ Post 707; Solsberry Post 450; Coal City Post 141; Dugger Post 224; Mooresville Post 103; Brazil Post 2; Elnora Post 245; Lyons Post 479; Shelburn Post 197; Jasonville Post 172; Vincennes Post 73; Bloomington Post 18; Owensville Post 51; Shoals Post 61; Worthington Post 106; Sullivan Post 139; Spencer Post 285; Hymera Post 298; Carlisle Post 398; Trafalgar Post 416; Loogootee Post 120; and Somerville Post 462. I would like also thank all the Past District Commanders for the guidance I have received over the past two years.

As I wrap up my last article in the Hoosier Legionnaire, I want to express that we need to get out and recruit the newest generation of Veterans who served during Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. We need them to continue to grow our organization. Once recruited, don’t stop there; encourage them to participate at the Post. Take them to a District meeting and get them involve at that level. Now I wish you farewell, and I will see you down the road, God Bless the 7th District, The American Legion and God Bless the USA!!!

As we end this year, I look back and say to all my Officers, Post Commanders and their Membership Teams, “Thank You and Mission Accomplished.” The support I have had from this group has been nothing short of remarkable. Working the membership guide for points proved that, like it or not, a lot of this worked. Our membership drives with several Posts working together brought a better understanding of each other and allowed sharing ideas of what works and what doesn’t work. Membership 103 percent! To my friend and membership chairman, Joe Curts, thank you! We spent countless hours and miles in that old van running the 8th District, visiting Posts and knocking on doors. I’ll miss your continuous griping about that “darn” sticking seat belt. Programs - we had more entries in Flag Education, Americanism and Government than we have had in years. We are proud to have the state winners in the 7th and 8th grade Junior A&G. The convention awards - we have Candidates in all three military person of the year categories, Law Officer, Firefighter and EMT Categories, three Educators of the Year, one in every category, Girls Scout and Boy Scout categories, winners in the large and medium Employers of the Year, Candidate for the 4th Estate Award and we have 58 Boy’s State delegates this year and are still looking. We have numerous entries for the Wayne Talbert award for Post newsletters and many other Post awards. I believe working these Programs help with membership by showing our communities who we really are. The 8th welcomed three new Posts to our District this year: The Brock Babb Post 324 at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, The James D Faulkner Post 565 at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg and the Ashton L.M. Goodman Post 109 at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. We can see our future District leaders coming from these young Veterans. I believe these non-traditional Posts give us the opportunity to teach the meaning of The American Legion as these young veterans are transitioning back into school and civilian life, with the goal they will transfer to local Posts when they graduate. This year I had the opportunity in the 8th to serve with two fine leaders, our Auxiliary President Anna Curts and our SAL Commander Jimmy Martin - it was a pleasure. Finally to my First Lady, Brenda, thanks for putting up with me being gone so much and the piles of

Continued on page 18

Greetings

9th

District Legionnaires;

It’s been a fast and furious two years that I’ve been your Commander.

I do have to say that this District would not have gotten to where it’s at without each and everyone of you. Every post has always welcomed me and the Vice Commanders whenever we came around. Any time I called on someone they were there to help in any way needed. Thank you to all the Posts and members of the 9th District. Post commanders and your staff, I want to give a special thanks for all your help and cooperation throughout my time as 9th District Commander. I hope you feel I did everything I could when you needed me. Thanks to each and everyone.

To all my Officers and Committee persons I send my ever enduring thanks. Without each and everyone going beyond your normal duties this District would not be as great as it is. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Commander for the last two years. I hope that I met your expectations for this honorable position. Please support your next District Commander as you have me. We are honored with this District having the Leading Candidate for Department Commander for the upcoming year. We need to continue to work together and make him proud to belong to this District and be the best District in the state.

Just a quick thanks to all of the Department staff for all your help, advice and support you have given me during my time. Thank you each and everyone. Again “THANK YOU ALL” for your dedication to a wonderful organization and District.

William Parks

9th District Commander

2012-2013 & 2013-2014

DISTRICT NEWS

Article was not submitted prior to magazine submission deadline.

DISTRICT

Ron Ordelheide 10

COMMANDER

Greetings from the Terrific 10th District, as I am writing this article, we just had our June District meeting and preparing for Close of Books at the Indiana Veterans Home my year is almost over. Since this is my last article the First Lady and I would like to say Thank You for everyone that supported me and the District Leadership team in 2013-14. Also I would like to congratulate the incoming District Commander Dave Chapman and his leadership team for 201415, and ask everybody to support his command as you did for me.

Close of Books was Sunday, June 8th from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette. All cards submitted after 1:00pm were considered prior year memberships and will not count towards the 2014 membership year. The Post needs to have all unused 2014 cards, Consolidated Post Report (CPR) and Officer Certification form (OCF) turn-in to Department before they receive their 2015 Membership Cards. As of 10 June, the District was at 96percent and 259 cards needed to be at 100% for 2014. In addition, we required that the Consolidated Post Report (CPR) and Officer Certification form (OCF) to be turn-in by June 8th. The Department sent these forms to every Post, if you do not have them contact your District Representative or they are available on the internet at for download:

CPR: http://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/ files/legion/publications/CPR-2014-WEB.pdf.

OCF: http://indianalegion.org/view/document/ post_certification_2014.pdf

The 96th Annual Indiana American Legion Department Convention is July 10-13, 2014, Hope to see all District Post delegates at the General Session Friday and Saturday. The Department Convention is the most important meeting a Hoosier Legionnaire can attend in the state and if you have the honor of being delegate for your Post you should attend the Convention and every District meeting to influent the future of the American Legion.

The District Organization Meeting will be at Post 216 Middletown on July 20. We need all Post Commanders and Representatives at this meeting. If a Post is interested in hosting a District Meeting they need to be present and request the date for next year’s calendar. Middletown will be providing the meat, please bring a side dish.

In closing, Thank You for letting me represent

Continued in the next column

Article was not submitted prior to magazine submission deadline.

DISTRICT 10

Continued from the previous column

the 10th District 2013-14 and I would like everyone to remember “What the community thinks of the American Legion is just as basic as what the Legion Post thinks of itself” The leadership teams need to strive on programs and membership in all Posts and the District to keep the legacy going.

Sincerely

Ron Ordelheide

10th District Commander

Article was not submitted prior to magazine submission deadline.

Article was not submitted prior to magazine submission deadline.

DISTRICT 8

paper everywhere. To all the members of the 8th District, thank you for allowing me to serve as your District Commander - it was an honor.

Lots of good changes are happening around the Eighth District and around the state. I see the American Legion Family influence becoming more and more prevalent. I see American Legion posts doing positive things in their communities.

Dave Sharber has been asked to continue next year as the Eighth District Public Relations Chairman, please send him any positive news about your post and the great things you are doing in your communities so we can get the news into the Hoosier Legionnaire and share it with the rest of the Legionnaires in the state of Indiana. Send your newsworthy submissions to him via email to wobegone@att.net or by “snail mail” to Dave Sharber – P.O. Box 493 – Mount Vernon, IN 47620. He’ll be waiting to hear from you.

“Recruit and Retain”

Ron Byrley - 8th District Commander - 2013 – 2014

Continued from page 17 HLH

COMMANDER

Ed Harris, Jr. 11

Jack Platt COMMANDER 2

DISTRICT

COMMANDER 4

DISTRICT

Robert Miller

COMMANDER

DISTRICT Paul Layman, Jr. 5

Surviving the Hot Weather Safety Facts and Tips

Heat illness includes a range of disorders that result when your body is exposed to more heat than it can handle. The human body is constantly engaged in a life-anddeath struggle to disperse the heat that it produces. If allowed to accumulate, the heat would quickly increase your body temperature beyond its comfortable 98.6° F.

Who is at risk?

Heat-related illness can affect anyone not used to hot weather, especially when it’s combined with high humidity.

Those especially at risk:

• Infants, young children, elderly and pets

• Individuals with heart or circulatory problems or other long-term illness

• Employees working in the heat

• Athletes and people who like to exercise (especially beginners)

• Individuals taking certain medications that alter sweat production

• Alcoholics and drug abusers

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is the most serious and life-threatening heatrelated illness. In certain circumstances, your body can build up too much heat, your temperature may rise to lifethreatening levels, and you can become delirious or lose consciousness. If you do not rid your body of excess heat fast enough, it “cooks” the brain and other vital organs. It is often fatal, and those who do survive may have permanent damage to their vital organs.

Symptoms of heatstroke

• The victim’s body feels extremely hot when touched.

• Altered mental status (behavior) ranging from slight confusion and disorientation to coma.

• Conscious victims usually become irrational, agitated, or even aggressive and may have seizures.

• In severe heatstroke, the victim can go into a coma in less than one hour. The longer the coma lasts, the lower the chance for survival.

What to do

•Move person to a half-sitting position in the shade.

•Call for emergency medical help immediately.

•If humidity is below 75%, spray victim with water and vigorously fan. If humidity is above 75%, apply ice packs on neck,

Water Safety Facts and Tips

In 2012, drowning claimed the lives of 69 people in Indiana. Although all age groups were represented by the Indiana Department of Health’s Mortality Study, children four years old and younger have

the highest death rate due to drowning, representing more than 15 percent. Most drowning and near-drowning incidents happen when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub.

Safety Tips

• Never leave a child alone near water: on the beach, at a pool or in the bathtub. If you must leave, take your child with you.

• Kids don’t drown only in pools. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets and hot tubs present drowning dangers as well.

• Enroll children older than age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. But keep in mind that lessons don’t make your child “drown-proof.”

• Always follow posted safety precautions when visiting water parks.

• If you’re visiting a public pool, keep an eye on your kids. Lifeguards aren’t babysitters.

• Teach your children these four key swimming rules:

o Always swim with a buddy

armpits or groin.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy perspiration with normal or slightly above normal body temperatures. It is caused by water or salt depletion or both (severe dehydration). Heat exhaustion affects workers and athletes who do not drink enough fluids while working or exercising in hot environments.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

• Severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.

• The affected person often mistakenly believes he or she has the flu.

• Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heatstroke.

Other symptoms

• Profuse sweating

o Don’t dive into unknown bodies of water – jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom

o Don’t push or jump on others

o Be prepared for an emergency

• Never consume alcohol when operating a boat.

• Always use approved personal flotation devices (life jackets).

• Don’t underestimate the

• Clammy or pale skin

• Dizziness

• Rapid pulse

• Normal or slightly above normal body temperature

What to do

• Sit or lie down in the shade.

• Drink cool water or a sports drink.

• If persistent, gently apply wet towels and call for emergency medical help.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscular spasms that happen suddenly, affecting legs or abdominal muscles. They usually happen after physical activity in people who sweat a lot or have not had enough fluids.

What to do

• Sit or lie down in the shade.

• Drink cool water or a sports drink.

• Stretch affected muscles

power of water. Even rivers and lakes can have undertows.

• Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy. Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Our Summer activities often include being around water to help combat our Indiana heat, but please remember these few safety tips when you and your families are near the water.

9th Annual Blue Star Salute draws large crowd

By Mark Seavey June 24, 2014

The ninth annual Indiana Blue Star Salute drew nearly 1,000 people to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Ind., on June 21 to celebrate and honor families of the men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Sponsored by American Legion Posts 145 in Avon, 331 in Brownsburg, 118 in Danville, 426 in Pittsboro, and 329 in Plainfield, this was the biggest event they’ve had since its inauguration in 2005. Visitors qualified for a variety of door prizes including tickets to a water park and the Brickyard 400, and even a gun range membership.

A number of dignitaries were in attendance, including Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (who has been at all nine events), Indiana Secretary of State Con-

nie Lawson, Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Ind., Adjutant General of Indiana Maj. Gen. Martin Umbarger, and National Vice President of Blue Star Mothers of America Judy Dorsey. Pence noted that since he has served

in Congress, he has carved out time to visit Hoosier soldiers in Afghanistan. “This Blue Star Salute is a tribute to this community, it’s a tribute to the state, and it shows that here in Indiana we love those who

serve in the uniform for all of us,” he said. Pence noted that some of the families present were Gold Star family members who had paid the ultimate price. “You honor us with your presence.” Umbarger noted that while Indiana is the 15th largest state in terms of population, its National Guard is the fourth largest in the country.

“I’m very proud of that” he said. “It shows that good Midwestern and Hoosier patriotism, and today is all about our Blue Star families.” Rokita echoed the others, saying, “It’s an important event that gets me into a suit and tie on a Saturday and this certainly is that. I’m honored to be here to recognize the sacrifice of all the families.”

The festivities began with the arrival of more than 300 American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders and affiliated patriotic motorcycle clubs who participated in the Ride for the

Salute, which raised donations for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. As they arrived under an enormous American flag hoisted by the Danville Fire Department, a UH1 “Huey” helicopter landed, provided by the Indiana Air Search and Rescue. On hand to sign autographs and take pictures were cheerleaders from the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers, and Blue – the official mascot of the Colts. “This is our ninth year,” said Ralph “Zoc” Zoccolillo, Indiana Blue Star Salute Committee Chairman and a member of Post 145. “I guarantee next year, our 10th, will be the biggest (Blue Star Salute) we’ve ever had.” –(editor’s note – Mark Seavey is a staffer on The American Legion National Headquarters and submitted this article for publication.)

Organization hoping to help Indiana veterans

By Alia Blackburn

TERRE HAUTE, Ind.

(WTHI) – One Wabash Valley organization is starting a new chapter in expanding their services. The goal of this new chapter is to serve those who served our country.

United Cerebral Palsy of the Wabash Valley broke ground on

its new project Tuesday. That project creates housing units for disabled veterans. There will be three duplexes, and in total will house six bedroom units.

In the past year, organizers have answered numerous calls regarding housing. Organizers say most of the calls have been from veterans trying to transition back into society.

“What we have really realized is veterans have been an under-served, yet very needy group in our community,” says Susie Thompson, executive director for UCP, “This is new for us, but disabilities are not new for us”.

Thompson says UCP hopes to complete the housing units in October, almost half of the units are rented completely.

Veterans must be diagnosed with a disability by the VA, or disabled through an incident happening outside the VA, in order to be considered for housing.

For more information, and how to apply for housing, call the UCP office at 812-232-6305

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A Gold Star flag with the names of Hoosier veterans that were killed in action since September 11, 2001, is presented during the Indiana Blue Star Salute at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Ind., on June 21, 2014. (Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion)

Legionnaire builds a parade car for Indiana Veterans

By Bruce Drake Communications Director

JONESBORO, Ind. -- Legion-

naire Donald Herring of Jonesboro Ind. has always been patriotic. A Navy Veteran who served for nine years during the Vietnam War. Herring repaired F4 Phantom fighter aircraft before eventually returning home to the Jonesboro region of Indiana.

Recently Herring decided he wanted to provide something back to his local community so that our veterans would continue to be recognized for their service whenever the community met together.

“I really enjoy seeing the faces of young children during parades and the idea to customize a golf cart with images of our service members and that could play patriotic music would help educate them about our nation’s armed forces,” said Herring as he placed the customized golf cart on display at Jonesboro’s American Legion Post 95, May 22 when it was delivered from a nearby graphics shop shortly after it had been completed.

The custom golf cart can

GOLF TOURNEY

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rienced on the golf course.

“This course is great. I just can’t complain at all about the weather. It seems like we got a

carry two adults and has had several modifications made to ensure it would be legal to drive on Indiana roads. “I’ve got blinkers, a horn, front headlights, street tires, a four inch lift kit and even a digital mp3 player with speakers installed,” said Herring. “I can motor around pretty well in the surrounding towns and I have plans to get a trailer to be able to take it all over the state if I need to.”

“The cart has a top speed of 50 mph and with a seven gallon gas tank should not have a problem participating in long parades or community events,” he added.

“I am planning to take the golf cart around the state and exhibit during parades and patriotic events,” said Herring. “This cart and its graphics of servicemen and women from around our state represents all the armed forces and includes

our own Indiana National Guard as well.”

The first event the cart was officially displayed was during the nearby Gas City Ind.’s Memorial Day Poker Run with participation in several other towns already scheduled for this summer.

Herring started developing plans for the cart last fall and took the idea first to his home post in Jonesboro for ideas and additional funding. After talking to Jonesboro Post 95 Commander Rusty Shearin, Herring expanded his donations appeal to other civic and veterans organizations across the Grant County region.

“I saw that Don had a great idea and we decided as a Post to help with some of the funding for the cart as well as give Don opportunities to get assistance from other organizations also,” said Shearin.

Donations to complete the graphics and the custom adaptions were received from many groups of the Indiana Department’s Legion Family as well as other veterans organizations in the region. The total cost to purchase the cart and customize came to just over $7,000

with more than a third of the funds coming from private donations. The next round of fundraising shall be for a custom trailer that Herring can use to move the cart around the state and the region.

“I first heard about the project in November when we stopped here during the National Commander’s Bus Tour of the state,” said Department Sergeant At Arms Jerry Stevens. “I really thought he had a neat idea and I’m glad to see he was able to complete this project.”

Department Commander Ed Trice was also on hand to see the unveiling of the cart and commended Herring on his actions as a Legionnaire in completing this project as well as his willingness to serve as an Legion ambassador to the people of the state.

Commander Trice also remarked, “Don really went out of his way to ensure this project was completed and I know he’ll represent The American Legion well wherever he displays this cart.”

perfect window of sun to play our rounds through.

The tournament was completed with great fanfare to a tie for First-place Individual between Robert Krietenstein of Seymour’s Post 89 from the 9th District and Frank Ivancic, of Brownsburg’s Post

331 from the 6th District with both scoring an impressive 148 over 36 holes.

Additional final results were still being tabulated at press time and will be announced at the Summer Convention.

The 2015 Department

HLH

Commander’s Golf Tournament Host shall be the Kenneth N. Dowden-Wayne Post 64 in the 11th District. The courses to be competed on have not be finalized at this time but will be announced in conjunction with the tournament’s flyer next spring.

Legionnaire Donald Herring points out the custom artwork on the side of the veteran-themed golf-cart that he had built to display in parades and events around the state. Department Commander Ed Trice and Department SergeantAt-Arms Jerry Stevens were on hand to see the new cart being delivered May 22.

The Legion Family Closes the Books at IVH

By Bruce Drake Communications Director

West Lafayette – The Indiana Veterans Home played host June 8 to the Indiana Department of The American Legion as the Legion Family members traveled from all across the state to mark their annual Close of Books membership drive with comradery, song and barbecue.

The morning started off on the cool side as the clouds and rains of the night before were blown away in the morning winds that left the afternoon ceremonies to be a warm and sunny day for the residents of IVH and the Legion Family members who participated in the day’s events.

The Close of Books started off at 10a.m. with the turn-in of old membership cards by the Districts and the issuance of next year’s renewal cards for the Posts within their commands. This procedure was

also echoed by both the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion organizations so that all three organizations were establishing a base to kick off the new membership year together.

The card turn-in went for-

ward with jokes and goodwill amongst the Department’s districts as each of them came in to process their cards with the Department’s membership office. 8th District Commander Ron Byrley, whose district had led for almost the entire membership year, was ribbed good naturedly American Legion Post 324 Commander, Pete Snowden’s arrival with his arm in a sling. Snowden is the Post Commander of one of the newer Posts in the 8th District.

“We don’t twists arms in the Eighth to get membership!” was jokingly overheard from the 8th District team members as they sorted out their 2015 membership cards.

The Card Turn-In continued with good-natured joking and comradery with the districts all coming together to discuss the end of year numbers as well as the side bets that many Legionnaires had made with each other over the year on how

their posts and districts would do in comparison to others in the Department.

“Next year is another chance for us to increase the number of our younger veterans within the Legion,” said Membership Chairman Mike Brady. This year, the districts and posts were able to sign up 4,082 new members to help bolster the Department’s strength in veterans.

An additional highlight of the 2014 membership year for the Indiana Department of The American Legion was the chartering of seven new American Legion Posts across the state.

Brady also stood up for some fundraising for the IVH as he had bet his home district that they wouldn’t beat his membership totals from the year he was their district commander. This year, the 8th District exceeded Brady’s total from his year with a 103 percent card turn-in for their efforts and for losing the bet, Brady was provided with a military–style buzzcut from Legion Family members who donated money to be provided to the Home for the resident’s needs.

As the Legionnaires started collecting the new cards for the 2015 membership year, the Indiana Department’s Legion Rider Program concluded a Close of Books Ride when they arrived at noon. More than 55 Legion Riders from across the state came in to help the Legion Family celebrate at the Indiana Veterans Home.

As the afternoon’s activities continued with picnic lunches and barbeques at each District’s encampment area on the grounds of the hospital, there were numerous members who

traveled among each District sharing comradery and goodwill over various plates of fried chicken, grilled bratwursts and potato salad.

“I’m on chef’s duties today,” said Past 1st District Commander Ernie Komasinski as he tenderly administered care to an entire grill full of bratwursts and burgers grilling for his District members who had made the trip south from the Lake County region as well as any Legion Family members who happened to come by.

“It is such a great day to spend it here with the residents of the Veteran’s Home”, said Linda Sharp, Director of the Indiana Veterans Home. “ The residents and the staff always look forward to this weekend and we appreciate the efforts of the Legion Family members to come here and help improve the facility,” she added.

As the picnic and memorial ceremony concluded, the Legion Family organizations recognized several staffmembers and departments of the IVH for their dedication and performance to the resident veterans and their spouses and reaffirmed their support of the programs that are in place there.

“Their efforts to assist the Veterans here at IVH were recognize by their peers and we were happy to present these awards in their name to the excellent staff members at IVH who work so hard to ensure their quality of life is of the utmost caliber,” said Department Commander Ed Trice at the conclusion of the award ceremony.

Legion Family members join together with Indiana Veterans Home residents and staff for a barbeque get-together June 8 2014 at the Indiana Veteran’s Home grounds in West Lafayette, Ind.. The get-together coincided with The Indiana Department’s annual Close of Books Card Turn-in for the 2014 membership year.

Legionnaires lineup at the Department ‘s Membership table to sign for their 2015 membership packets for their districts and posts for the upcoming year June 8, 2014 at the Department’s annual Indiana Veterans Home picnic.

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT

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file claims as soon as possible to avoid chances of misplaced evidence and inter-current medical conditions shadowing important facts.

Claimants also need to know that if they file and win both an 1151 and tort claim, VA is allowed to withhold the full amount of the tort claim judgment and/or settlement before paying the 1151 compensation benefits including the amount paid for attorney services and court costs.

Until humans become perfect, we should all avoid hospital services whenever possible. If however, VA hospital and/ or medical care causes additional permanent disability or death, the veteran or family member should discuss filing a compensation claim with an American Legion department service officer, county veterans service officer, or, when nec-

an attorney.

100% POSTS

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COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

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knew that our time on Earth was of a limited nature, but in order for The American Legion to continue with its history of good works to others and protection of the American Way, they would have to prepare for the future in the present.

Running an American Legion Post with the mentality of “this is the way it has always been,” will not allow our Legion the opportunity to develop and adjust for the newer generations of veterans to appreciate. There is a time and place for tradition and custom just as there is the times when embracing the new ideas will the strengthen the organization. Just as we no longer harvest grain with a horse-driven reaper but with a state of the art computer-aided combine, we should be prepared to shift our American Legion operations into the new technology that our society has made available.

Take the time to find a younger Legionnaire and bring them into your Legion Post’s activities. Give them a Committee seat and challenge them to bring a project to completion. We will all benefit from seeing the new perspective while at the same time, we can work to rebuild our Department with the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who will become our next leaders in time.

Now as my time as your Department Commander is preparing to end, I will close this article with another sincere heartfelt thank you to all the Legionnaires who made this year such a memorable one for me, my Officers and my District Commanders.

Cecil C. Martin

56 Police

64 Kenneth N. Dowden-Wayne

153 Mc Ilvaine-Kothe

249 Tillman H. Harpole

264 Sahara Grotto

311 I.N.V.E.T.

348 Madden-Nottingham

360 University Veterans

497 Northwest

510 The Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison

711 Eleventh District Headquarters Post