2011 June/July The Hoosier Legionnaire

June/July 2011

Dual Conventions Meet With Enthusiasm, Housing Challenges

The State Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, will be gaveled to order at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, marking the 93rd annual conclave of the state’s largest veterans organization, and the first time in the long history of the Legion and its Auxiliary that both organizations will conduct conventions at the same time and place.

Sessions for both organizations will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, 7202 East 21st Street in Indianapolis.

Early on, the simultaneous convening signaled not

only enthusiasm for the new format, but unanticipated problems such new ventures invariably bring on, foremost among them housing. Within five days of the opening of registration for convention housing, the blocks of rooms reserved at the Marriott and its sister hotels, the Fairfield and La Quinta, were filled. Executives at the convention hotels scrambled to increase number of the available rooms, and find overflow hotels within walking distance of the Marriott campus. Delegates and others calling for reservations will be directed to those properties, and the

Veteran-Friendly Bills

Endorsed by Legion

The American Legion has registered its support of numerous pieces of legislation designed to benefit military veterans and their families.

In written testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Wednesday, the Legion endorsed nearly three dozen veteran-friendly bills now being considered. Chief among them was the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 designed to boost job prospects for military veterans. The measure was introduced recently by Sen. Patty Murray, the committee’s chairman. In oral testimony, Jeff Steele, assistant director of the Legion’s Legislative Division, highlighted three other issues of particular interest to the Legion.

Prompted by actions of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church -- primarily members of the Fred Phelps family who stage raucous anti-gay protests near funerals of military personnel -- the Legion says it strongly supports the Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans Act of 2011. This bill would prohibit protests within 300 feet of a military funeral at any cemetery in the United States for two hours preceding or following a service. Additionally, the legislation would extend that zone to 500 feet for memorial services at cemeteries under control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery.

In his oral testimony, Steele said, “We embrace fully a world where groups espousing varied and unpopular political messages (would) have the ability to voice those concerns in proper venues. However, in so doing it is not necessary to harm the grieving families of our heroes. This legislation will protect the families of our fallen soldiers and help preserve the

dignity of military funerals from those who wish to disrupt and cause pain and suffering while respecting the intent of the First Amendment to our Constitution. There is no cost to this bill, but it will be priceless for the families of our fallen servicemembers.”

The Legion also endorsed Senate Bill 490, introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka. This legislation would expand eligibility requirements for children who receive health care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).

The aim of this bill is to give CHAMPVA beneficiaries the same benefits now available to other Americans as established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. That recently enacted law extended health insurance coverage for dependent children up to age 26, but excluded CHAMPVA and TRICARE beneficiaries. The law was amended to include TRICARE-covered children but still excludes those enrolled in the CHAMPVA program.

“It is only fair to afford children who are CHAMPVA beneficiaries the same eligibility,” Steele said. “Surely coverage for veterans’ family members in need should meet this new national standard.”

The third item of pending legislation emphasized in Legion testimony was the Transition Assistance Program Audit Act of 2011. This bill calls for an independent third party audit of the Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) every three years to ensure that it is providing services that are upto-date and useful to service members and their spouses making the initial transition from military service to the civilian workplace.

Department of Indiana will continue to monitor the situation as the convention approached.

In addition, the mounting movement in the State of Indiana for smoke free environments finally reached the Legion’s traditional convention and conference site as of July 1. The La Quinta Inn, which shares the campus with the Fairfield and Marriott, is now a smoke-free facility, eliminating the only option among the three convention properties for smokers who wished to smoke in their rooms.

“As soon as we were advised of the change to a non-

smoking hotel, we realized that many of our delegates might reserve rooms at La Quinta because it has always been a smoker-friendly hotel. That could have been a disaster the registration desk,” said Amy Bender, the Department of Indiana’s Meeting Planner.

“We have done everything we could think of to let people know about the change when they phone in their reservations.”

The 2011 convention schedule includes, among its many highlights, the election of officers in accordance with the Department Constitution. Delegates will elect a

new commander, four vice commanders, the National Executive Committee member and alternate, and the Sergeant-at-Arms, as well as five at-large delegates to the National Convention. The election is scheduled as the final order of business for the closing session on Saturday, July 16.

In addition, delegates will be asked to consider and vote on a revised Department Constitution.

Department Judge Advocate Joseph T. Bumbleburg has, for the past several months, overseen a general review and clarification of sev-

eral articles in the governing document, and will present the results for action by the delegates. Drafts of the revised constitution were sent to every post and all Department officers in early June to assure its review in advance of the convention.

Two members of the Indiana General Assembly, Representatives Tom Dermondy (R-20) and Milo Smith (R-59) will receive the Distinguished Public Service Award during the opening session Friday, and two Legionnaires are scheduled to receive the

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U.S. Navy To Launch Land-Locked Celebration

The United States Navy will strut its stuff 700 miles from the nearest ocean when it launches Navy Week in Indianapolis August 13-20, 2011.

The series of special activities, events and demonstrations is part of a continuing effort by the sea service to familiarize land-locked Americans with the diverse capabilities of the nation’s modern Navy and to celebrate a historic naval aviation milestone.

Indianapolis Navy Week 2011 will show Hoosiers how the investments they’ve made in their Navy are being used. During Navy Week, the Leap Frogs aerial demonstration team, Navy Band Great Lakes, senior leaders, Navy Simulator and Suburban, and Indiana’s own sailors will participate in the week-long event, meeting area residents and educating them on the Navy’s critical mission and broad-ranging capabilities.

The schedule for Indianapolis Navy Week features corporate, civic, government, education and community service engagements. From aerial displays at the Indiana State Fair to community service projects to Navy events at Conseco Fieldhouse and Victory Field, there will be many exciting opportunities for the public to interact with their Navy.

That’s A Big Flag!

Thanks to Mooresville American Legion Post 103, the garrison-sized Patriot Flag was hoisted on a pair of ladder trucks from the Mooresville and Martinsville Fire Departments May 28 during a daylong stop at the south-central Indiana town on its way to the New York City, where it will fly over the World Memorial under construction on the site of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The stop at Post 103 was the only visit of the flag to Indiana, the 38th stop on a 50-state trek to New York scheduled to end on the 10th anniversary of the attack. Beneath the flag, the Department of Indiana’s Championship Color Guard from Bloomfield Memorial Post 196 prepares to post the colors during ceremonies at the Post. Post 103 member Matt Crites, with the support of 103’s post, unit, SAL and ALR members, organized the event. (Another photo, Page 8.)

Boys/Girls Staters Could Win $20,000 Scholarship

The Indiana American Legion Sponsored Hoosier Boys State and the Auxiliary’s Girl State programs got under way in June with more than one thousand high school junior girls and boys participating in the two programs. From their ranks and the ranks of similar programs now underway around the nation, some very special students will be selected for scholarships worth up to $20,000.

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is available for high school juniors who participate in and complete the Boys State or Girls State programs and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for

“I feel extremely honored to have been selected for this prestigious scholarship award that recognizes service, leadership and academic achievement.”

American Legion membership. The Samsung scholarship awards up to $20,000 for undergraduate studies (e.g. room and board, tuition and books), and each applicant is selected according to his or her school and community activities, academic record and financial need.

“I feel extremely honored to have been selected for this prestigious scholarship award that recognizes service, leadership and aca-

demic achievement,” said 2010 Samsung recipient Samantha Lessen from Louisiana.

“The American Legion is well-known for its community involvement and patriotism, and association with such an influential organization comes as not only an honor to me, but also serves as a tribute to the service my grandfather provided during the Korean War.”

Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung scholarship should contact their American Legion Boys State or Girls State program to determine an application deadline and procedure for submitting the application, or visit the National Organization’s

website, www.legion.org to download a 2011 application for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship.

“This financial support will make a significant difference, but most of all I am honored to be recognized as worthy of this scholarship,” said 2010 Samsung recipient Spencer Farley from Nebraska.

“Earlier this year I was an exchange student in Norway. While I was there, I participated in a class trip to Omaha Beach and the DDay Museum in Normandy. The experience was one I will never forget as it left me with an even deeper appreciation for the men and women who have served this country.”

The entire 2011 Navy Week season, of which the Indianapolis event is a part, will also commemorate the Centennial of Naval Aviation, a year-long celebration with events across the country.

Navy Weeks are geared mostly toward cities with minimal year-round Navy presence. The service wants to remind citizens that their Navy fights on the water, under the water, and over the water -- in ships, submarines, and planes that take off and land on Navy aircraft carriers.

According to the US navy’s 70-80-90 rule, the ability to project power via the world’s waterways is essential because What happens on the water is critical to American security and prosperity. It’s important to the preservation of American jobs. It’s important to keeping the peace worldwide, and more important, it is fundamental to our national defense. Navy Week aims to educate on the value of maintaining a strong Navy.

More information on Indianapolis Navy Week 2011 is available online at http:// www.navyweek.org/indianapolis2011.

DISTRICT 1

John Rassbach Commander

Greetings from the First. Another year is almost gone. My how the time has gone by. It seems like only yesterday that I was installed as Commander of the First District.

I am writing this column with a heavy heart. I learned last night that Damian Marlowe, Commander of Highland Memorial Post 180, passed. He will be missed by all. Please keep all of the Marlowe family in your prayers. Commander Damian joins the list of 175 members of our Legion family to be transferred to Post Everlasting this past year. May all of our brothers and sisters who are in Post Everlasting rest in peace. I hope all of you took time this past Memorial Day weekend to attend a service honoring our fallen. I had the honor of speaking at 4 of them. My hat goes off to the Chairman, Ernie Komasinski for Calumet Park and Stoney Run, Al Pulido for Chapel Lawn and Commander Michael Jaroszewski of Post 485 for a ceremony honoring Indiana veterans. What a fantastic job the three of you did.

I would like to thank everyone for their support and for working so very hard this past year. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as your District Commander. I will never forget all of the friends I met and how all of the Posts welcomed me. To my friend and First District Membership Chairman, Mike Wooden. Thank you for making me smile. Thank you for working so very hard

on our membership. Thank you, Noreen Komasinski, for filling in for our adjutant when he became ill. A special thank you to Becky and Kimmy for helping my wife Patti with the Hospitality Room. A thank you to all who worked so very hard to make all of the conferences a success. And a thank you to all the officers and committee chairman. All of you worked so very hard and I am so very proud of you.

I also want to thank Membership Chairman Jack Cook for pushing us with our membership goals. He only missed one meeting of the First District and that meeting was canceled account of snow. It was also an honor to serve with Commander Baxter and the rest of the District Commanders. I do believe we made a good team.

This last year’s memories will last a life time. Going to the Indy Veterans Day Parade with my friend and Second District Commander Denny Pettit and waving at Commander Baxter. Going on the Lincoln Pilgrimage and being able to present Mike Wooden with his very own “Tommy Tippy” cup, just to name a few.

I would like to congratulate to our newly elected First District Commander Gail Galich. She will become the first female Commander in the First District. I am sure she will do an outstanding job representing our District.

May God bless each and every one of you, God bless America and may God bless our troops!

DISTRICT 2

Dennis Pettit Commander

We had a good turnout for close of books. Hope everyone had a good time and got to visit with some of the IVH residents. We appreciated everyone that stopped by the Green Machine tent to say hello. Let’s get started right away on the 2012 membership.

At this time everyone is busy with their post and district installation of officers. Let’s remember to keep The American Legion traditions, values and programs at our forefront. Good luck and best wishes for all the new 2012 officers.

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ducted ceremonies and other activities in honor of our servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Post 161 in Mishawaka teamed up with the fifth grade class from St. Pius Catholic Church and placed the flags on approximately 500 veteran’s graves in the city’s oldest two cemeteries.

Past Post Commander Mike Miller gave a brief discussion on the veterans who were interred there and other facts about the cemetery. The fifth grade has veterans as their class project and this was the first of what is planned to be an annual program.

New Carlisle Post 297 had their traditional parade to the cemetery and past Post Commander Skip Parmley shared the speaking podium with Department Vice Commander Tony Sadowski. A crowd of approximately 150 was in attendance.

Post 191 in Bremen was present at the dedication of the newly restored and relocated B&O railroad depot. The depot was restored to its nearly original design with much help from many volunteers. The post also donated a brand new 10 by 15 foot flag which proudly flies

in front of the depot. New Carlisle Post 297 also hosted a Veterans Open Town Hall Meeting Wed on May 17. Dan Shepherd Post 297 Service Officer hosted the meeting assisted by 2nd Vice Cmdr. Darryl Glanders. Kevin Kelsheimer St. Joseph County Veterans Service Office, talked about his involvement in helping veterans with filing claims & understanding their benefits. This was the first time a veterans’ open house town meeting was held at Post 297 and 27 people were in attendance.

On May 1, the Third District went to the Indiana Veterans Home for the traditional fruit pass out and then the meal at Post 492. Those from the Third who assisted were John Million and Jim Hewitt from LaPorte Post 83, Sue Takach from Auxiliary unit 50, Jim and Lois Daube from Walkerton post and Unit 189 and Leroy Bowers, Cheryl Swann, Bobbi and Brian Forray and Joy and Mike Miller, all from Post, Unit and Squadron 161. Approximately 35 residents were served a delicious meal, a couple of drinks and of course, Joe was there for their musical entertainment.

That’s about it for this time. See everyone at Close of Books!

DISTRICT 4

Nick Nicholoff Commander

Greetings from the Fabulous Fourth.

The 2010-2011 American Legion year is drawing to a close. We still have Post’s working on membership. I learned last weekend that a member with 32 years of service didn’t pay his dues, because he and his wife couldn’t contribute to the Post any longer. The membership chairman of the Post took care of his card and he is now on his 33rd year.

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bers that were visualized as being at the farthest depths of our imaginations or the lowest numbers that could be reached, have been reached. It is on the same level as coming upon the Titanic way down at the bottom of the North Atlantic. Same thing.

I'm losing my voice physically as The American Legion is losing its voice nationally and becoming less of a vanguard in the fight for veterans’ rights. The low numbers we project as an organization carries no effective way to protect our common interest in veterans’ rights. The ones that sit and rule over us are neither scared nor intimidated by The American Legion anymore. And rightfully so.

If I were one of them I would feel the same way if I was so inclined to disrespect the American veteran for fighting for my freedom. And you know, many of our general membership seem to not give a care if we survive as an organization or not. I worry and wonder if the membership accepts the fact that we are fading away one by one, if they know in their hearts of hearts that we will cease to exist without membership?

shoe pitch contest, contributed to National Security, planned to present two Blue Star Banners to local families with family in the service, and so many other things that keep them at the forefront of the Laketon Community and in the hearts of its citizens. For a small Auxiliary, they do more in one meeting than a lot of auxiliaries do in a year. American Legion Posts could take a lesson from this unit as to how to get things done.

My friend, Dennis "Buck" Starbuck, Viet Nam War Marine hero, cooked up a pot of Irish Corn Beef and Cabbage for Wabash Legion Post 15 to enjoy. And enjoy we did. Man was it ever good. From the Post 15 members, thanks Buck.

I would like to take this time to personally thank everyone that has helped me this year. I am not going to name names because there are so many and I don’t want to leave anyone out. A special thanks to my wife Marcia for all of her support and patience with me this year as I had to spend a lot of time on the road visiting the district. Again, thanks to everyone’s hard work and commitment as this was a team effort!

Hope to see everyone at the department convention in July. Too much fun!

DISTRICT 3

Orville Kling Commander

Greetings from the Mighty Third District. As we wrap up the year, we have the following to report.

Many of the posts in the Third District recently con-

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A Fourth District officer learned of a disabled veteran that was living in his truck, until the weather forced him into a shelter. This man has had brain surgery from service related problems. He had VA benefits but his paperwork was destroyed and because of his surgery, he was unable to renew his benefits. While at the shelter he shared what little he had, he mopped and waxed the floors and helped with the dishes, and etc. The American Legion riders got him some gas cards and some weekly cash.

Work was then started on renewing his benefits. The officer that took it upon himself to look after this man. He found out that he ran out of funds and gas because he was hauling people from the shelter to and from their jobs and appointments. This veteran is now being assisted by the ALR, The American Legion Post, veterans service officer and the Care of America Organization.

His benefits are being restored and he will be on his own, with people looking out for him and helping him

with his finances, because this man would help anyone in need and not worry about himself. He now has an apartment. The Fourth District ALR, collected furnishings, dishes, silverware, cleaning products and a TV. He now has a LIFE.

What a wonderful end to what could have happened. My District officer and friend do not want to be named. He is a “Legionnaire.” God Bless You!

As this very short year draws to a close, I can’t believe how fortunate I was to have this group of Fourth District officers to work with. They have been there for all the District meetings, all the visitations, fund raisers and conferences. I want to thank you and your wives for making this year go so smoothly and enjoyable.

The officers and ladies at Department were a phone call away and a problem solved every time. Commander Baxter is has been a pleasure to serve with you (we are both short timers).

The Fourth District Past State Commanders and Past District Commanders, you guys are a gold mine, thank you! The assistance I received from the Fourth District Auxiliary and the SAL along with our Fourth District ALR has made the fund raisers and our hospitality room top shelf. Thank you one and all!

In closing, I have to say this year would not have happened without my wife of 40 years (Jone), thank you dear -- next year more golf and “Vegas!!!”

DISTRICT 5

Jerry Stevens Commander

Editor’s Note: Because of an editor’s error, the Fifth District column submitted for the April-May issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire was omitted from the paper through no fault of the District Commander or the District correspondent. We apologize for the mistake.

We are so complacent and smug, looking at ourselves in the bar mirror. We have numerous programs that we do not promote. We make only superficial efforts at doing this or that to make our own personal ego look good. I guess one would have to draw a conclusion that the potential members see right through this, don't they? Making sure the hospitality room is fully stocked is not on a par with making sure some young boy goes to Boy's State, now is it?

Get realistic with what we are projecting, fellow Legionnaires. Open your eyes. That is, open them away from the mirror at the bar and take a good look at The American Legion and everything that it is supposed to stand for and is not being projected forward or exemplified in any way, shape, or form. That's my two cents worth and I hope and pray that someone who reads this will want The American Legion to survive and then step up to the plate and do what is right.

If not, stand aside and let someone else who does care for The American Legion step up to the plate and take the reins. A good place to start would be at the Post level and move on up to the District level.

I recently learned that Joe Bradley, who lives in Laketon, returned home from Iraq. The Fifth District members welcome Joe Bradley home! Job well done, Joe! We appreciate your service to our Country and protecting our way of life.

Laketon Post 402 Auxiliary unit keeps busy. They recently interviewed a couple young ladies from North Manchester for Girls State, put on a ice fishing contest, planned an auction for fundraising, planned for a horse-

Legionnaire Don Beaty of the Fourth District was in Wabash the other day. Northfield High School teacher Justin Schuhmacher's history class on World War II asked Don and Clarence Hershberger, two of the 317 survivors of the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk by a Japanese submarine, to speak to his class. Northfield Principal David Hoffert advised the students that this presentation was centered on the school's Norse Honor System; pride, respect, responsibility and peacemaking.

Teacher Schuhmacher then explained just how much Don and Clarence exampled the Norse Honor System. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the passing of Frank Woodruff Buckles. He was the last doughboy living from WW I. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors and the flag of our country was presented to his daughter by a general on bended knees. The President of the United States paid his respects earlier on the day of the funeral. Legionnaires, please remember that this hero was one of the Founders of The American Legion. So to you, Corporal Buckles, the American Legion stands and salutes you as you pass onto Post Everlasting. Thank you for The American Legion.

A golf tourney for National Candidate Jimmy Koutz was held at Kokomo Post 6, 2604 South LaFontain Street, Kokomo, 46902, on May 14.

Bob Bach reminds the Posts in our District that the cost of Boys State is still $300 per boy and to please sponsor a young boy to attend this function.

Dewayne Dunn has been working on the Scouting awards, and doing a nice job of it, too.

Past Department Commander Roger Baker and Department Adjutant Steven Short along with members of Lapel Post 212 and members of the Fifth District hosted an all-you-can-eat fish fry for National Commander Candidate Jimmy Koutz on April 23. A pretty good turnout was accomplished.

Fifth District Commander Stevens gave a Memorial Day talk in Van Buren on Memorial Day.

Online Renewal Option

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cord for the current year.

of each members dues goes for publication of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Volume AE, Number 3 June/July 2011 Circulation 120,000

Printed

In March we celebrated another year of American Legion life! Happy 92nd Birthday to The American Legion! Wonder what the founders would be thinking as they looked over the membership level for Indiana being below 100,000? I bet they would be thinking, ‘get off your big fat behinds and go bring in the new members’ or, rath-

er, they would probably be thinking, ‘why does anyone have to be asked to become a member of the American Legion?’ Good question, huh? We sit around and ponder the membership numbers while the membership declines into the lowest level imaginable of nightmare proportions. The same num-

Posts will be able to access members of their post that have paid online through mylegion.org. The post records may be updated using mylegion.org in addition to the member bringing in the watermarked card. A listing of online renewed members will be sent out in each monthly mailing from Department.

Posts will be reimbursed for their share of the dues amount in the form of credits. This means that the members renewing online will be credited to the post in the same way that credit cards sent by the Post are now. Posts will need to keep the cards of the

online renewed members and mark them as such. The post will send the Department and National portions separately from other transmittals to avoid duplicate memberships. As a result, these cards will be accounted for, and the post will not be charged for them at the end of the membership year.

For detailed information on renewing online, access the following links accordingly:

Member Information Video: http://www.members.legion. org/legion/OnlineRenewals/ Members/index.html

Post Information Video: http://www.members.legion. org/legion/OnlineRenewals/ Posts/index.html.

DISTRICT 6

Mike Patrick Commander

As my year as District Commander comes to a close I want to thank everyone for their support. There are just too many to name everyone, but a successful year was due to an excellent set of District Officers and the hard work of a great many in the Legion family at the post level. Special thanks to this year’s Sixth District Auxiliary President Laurie Dunavan and to Kirk Rewerts, this year’s Sixth District SAL Commander.

It’s difficult to state just how much I appreciate the incredible support I received from my home post, Wayne Newton 346, in particular from Linda Gross, Past Sixth District President, Charlie Gross, Past Department Southern Vice, and Past District Commanders John Julian and Gene Hooker. Last year’s Sixth District Commander, Cliff Stephens, also was a great help to me. Of course, I’d never have made it through the year without the support of my wife, Wee. The year has been a tremendous learning experience for me and it will make me a better Legionnaire in the future.

There were a lot of Memorial Day activities around the District. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 405 in Terre Haute for assisting Post 346 with placing flags on graves in Highland Lawn Cemetery.

2,046 flags were placed at Lincoln Memory Gardens on May 21 with help from Legion Riders from Zionsville Post 79 and Brownsburg Post 331, Boy Scout troop 804, sponsored by Post 79, and several Legion, Auxiliary, Juniors and SAL members.

On May 30, six Legion Riders and three vehicles with

the firing squad and officers Post 79 performed ceremonies at six cemeteries. Then all went to Lincoln Memory Gardens for a service at 11 am where Past Department Commander Jim Delaney was the speaker. Most then went to Lebanon for a service at Oak Hill Cemetery at 1:00 pm with Department Finance Officer Tony Riley as the speaker. The Lebanon VFW firing squad and the Lebanon Post 113 and Zionsville Post 79 Legion Riders also participated.

At this writing there are 13 posts in the district at 100 percent of their membership goal or higher. Four of these posts, Crawfordsville Post 72, Avon Post 145, Rosedale Post 290, and Pittsboro Post 426, made 100 percent since my last article when I mentioned nine posts at 100 percent.

There are still a few days until the “Close of Books” for the 2011 membership year so by the time anyone reads this I hope several more posts made it to 100 percent.

Congratulations to Carrine Scott of Zionsville Post 79 on his election as Sixth District Commander for 2011-2012. He has done a super job as District Adjutant this year and I am sure he will be a great District Commander. Please give him your support throughout the coming year. Congratulations also to Dorothy Tevlin from Unit 104 in Terre Haute on her election as Sixth District President for 2011-2012.

In closing, I wish everyone a great summer and I hope to see many of you at the Department Convention in July. Again, my heartfelt thanks to all in the district.

DISTRICT 7

Bill Andrews Commander

As I take the time to look back over my year as 7th District Commander, I realize I have had a great fun-filled year. I have met a lot of wonderful Legion members in my travels. A big thank you for the great hospitality you have all shown me.

I have to thank my officers and the entire membership team for all the work and effort you have all put into membership this year. I am very proud to have you all on my team. A big ‘thank you’ to all the posts that reached one hundred percent. I know times are hard but you provide it still could be done.

As the new Legion year

CALL OF THE CONVENTION

Department Adjutant Stephen W. Short has issued the following call for the 93rd Annual Department Convention:

In compliance with the Constitution of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, and the action of the Department Executive Committee, the 93rd Annual Convention of The American Legion, Department of Indiana, will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana July 15 and 16, 2011.

PURPOSE

The Convention is called for the purpose of:

1. Electing Department Officers for the ensuing year.

2. Amending the Department Constitution & ByLaws, if necessary.

3. Transacting of such other business as may be brought before the Convention.

NOTE: District Commanders for 2011-2012 and Delegates to the 2011 National Convention must be elected by the duly accredited State Convention Delegates at least 15 days prior to the State Convention. THIS DATE IS JUNE 30, 2011.

REPRESENTATION

This being my last article as the Eleventh District Commander I would like to thank everyone for their hard work within the District. I would like to especially thank my Membership Chairman, Rex Ikemire. Even though we did not meet our personal membership goal, Rex did an outstanding job throughout the year, going above and beyond to update the district and to make it the best District in the Department.

Congratulations to our incoming Commander Richard E. Brown, a member of John H. Holliday Post 186. Rich is currently severing with the Indiana Army National Guard and will become a Warrant Officer on July 30 of this year. He and his team of officers will be installed on July 7 at the Tillman H. Harpole Post 249.

This year our Distinct Hoosier Boy State chairman, Graham Morey enrolled 59 boys to this outstanding program. Graham held two orientations for the boys and their parents. A lot of work was put into to program, Good Job.

There will be six Saturday meeting dates. The first Saturday meeting will be August 13 at Post 64. Also beginning in August, the meal will cost $5.00 which will go to the hosting Post to offset their cost. A complete list of meeting dates can be found at the end of this article.

In preparation for Memorial Day and with the help of eight of our Posts, the District placed over 5,700 flags on veteran grave sites throughout Marion County. For 25 years, Broad Ripple Post 3, with the help of Boy Scout Troop 18, has been placing flag on cemeteries. This year they placed over 1,800 flags. After this year’s event Post 3 Commander Ress Morgan presented a plaque of appreciation to Scoutmaster Don Lorentz and his Senior Patrol Leader.

Representation at the Department Convention shall be by Post. Each Post shall be entitled to elect:

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for the first 15 members;

• two (2) delegates and two (2) alternates for 51 members;

• three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for 151 members;

• four (4) delegates and four (4) alternates for 251 members; and

• one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional 100 members whose Department and National dues have been paid as shown on the books of the Department Adjutant by 2:00 p.m. June 14, 2011.

A delegate is a member of a Post who has been elected by the Post and certified by the Department Adjutant 15 days prior to the convening of the convention.

Each Post’s maximum number of votes shall be equal to the number of delegates to which it is entitled. However, the Post may cast only the number of votes equal to the number of delegates who are properly certified to the Department Adjutant. Such certification must be received in Department Headquarters by 4:30 p.m. June 15, 2011. A Post to be recognized as a Post shall have 15 members whose dues have been paid to Department Headquarters.

RULES AND PERMANENT ORGANIZATION

starts let’s all get behind next year’s team and help push them over the top. As a team we can do it. Congratulations to all the new post commanders and post officers who was elected in and installed for 2011-2012 I wish you a very successfully year.

I want to also thank all my committee chairmen that helped make sure that all our meetings were covered at conferences. In conclusion I am very proud to have served as your commander for the year 2010-2011. I plan on continuing to help the District and the American Legion in any matter possible.

Once again, thank you 7th District for your support.

DISTRICT 8

Mike Brady Commander

We have succeeded! 100

Percent Plus! I would like to thank everyone for their fine work and extraordinary efforts to achieve the 100 percent membership goal. What I am most proud of, besides membership, is the exceptional work of our committees this year. American Legion Boy's State had 66 young men from the Eighth District. We had over 1,200 A & G tests taken, incredible numbers of students benefited from our Flag Etiquette and education program. American Legion Baseball is off to a great start. Our other programs have been well supported and participation from our Posts has improved dramatically. We can all take pride in our many successes this year.

I have truly enjoyed serving as the Eighth District Commander this year. As this column is written, we are holding our election for the next year and I am sure that everyone will show Ed Giltner the same energy they showed to me. I look forward to the Department and National Conventions as well as next year. Special thanks to the Department Officers who have provided assistance and guidance to us this year. Commander Baxter, Membership Chairman Jack Cook, and Southern Vice Ron Taylor have been extraordinary. I would also like to congratulate the other ten District Commanders on their fine efforts. We will all look back on this year with pride.

In honor of Past Department Sergeant-at-Arms, Past District Commander and past Post Commander Kenneth H. Dowden, Kenneth H. Dowden Wayne Post 64 awarded the first annual $5,000 scholarship to Allison Gary, who attended Decatur Central High School. Speedway Post 500 also donated two Keith W. Collins memorial scholarships to Dream Cunningham, who attended West Newton High School and Jordan Moseby who attended Ben Davis High School.

On April the 9 45 District 11 American Legion Riders along with approximately 12,000 other motorcycles escorted two beams from the World Trade Center. These beams will become a 9-11 memorial in downtown Indianapolis in September of this year. Be sure to stop by to see this new memorial.

Congratulations to the District Teacher of the year, Tina Waechter of Ben Davis High School and the Districts Law Officer of the year Steve Keeis of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Good luck in the Department contest.

During the May District meeting, the membership voted on new meeting dates.

Through the generosity of American Legion Post 3, there is a collaborative effort to promote marksmanship training for juniors from the Marion County Fish and Game Association. During November through March, these juniors engage in weekly indoor practice sessions at the Legion post to learn precision air rifle marksmanship. The most accomplished shooter this was Sarah Nakata. She was the Indiana champion in smallbore. In the individual events she placed 2nd in Prone, 3rd in Standing, and 4th in Kneeling. In three-position air rifle she was also Match Winner and State Champion with 1st in Kneeling, 3rd in Prone and 3rd in Standing. The competition was extremely close. In International Air Rifle, Sarah was 1st among Indiana competitors.

This has been a long, but very rewarding year as your District Commander. Membership did not go as planned but we did our very best. Unfortunately, we had way too many of our brothers and sisters transfer to the Post Everlasting. As of this writing we are in 9th place and we have recruited 327 new members. We need to do better each year in our membership efforts and again I challenge each and every one of you to recruit at least one new member. In addition, remind your friends to renew their membership.

Continued in column 5

The 93rd annual Department Convention will be conducted in accordance with the rules and permanent organization approved by the Department Executive Committee in regular session assembled April 3, 2011 and as may be amended by vote of the delegates at the convention.

Stephen W. Short Leland Baxter Department Department Adjutant Commander

Continued from column 4

The District is looking for dedicated Legionnaires to help in the District. We need people to run for the numerous offices and committees that we have. In addition to membership we need, as a district, to focus on our Legion programs. If interested, attend a district meeting and talk to any district officer.

Again I would like to thank everyone for their support and help. It was an honor to serve as your 2010-2011 Eleventh District Commander.

In a City of 60,000 veterans, Mayor Greg Ballard has honored our veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror with Welcome Home Ceremonies and a commemorative coin. To continue to honor our servicemembers, veterans, and their families, the mayor is establishing a yearly festival to provide a day of recognition, fun and education.

The inaugural Mayor’s Veteran Appreciation Day will be August 6, 2011, at the American Legion Mall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mayor Greg

Ballard’s goal is to provide a picnic type atmosphere with free food, refreshments, entertainment, and information for all Indianapolis service members, veterans and their families to express the appreciation of the City of Indianapolis for their service.

As your District Commander I have been serving on the planning committee for this outstanding event. Our committee is working on donations from the public to fund this event. I am asking each Post to support this event if possible with a cash donation. The donation can be as small or as large as you wish.

The committee is also looking for volunteers to man the grills and the District will need people to work our membership table.

Please contact me as soon as possible with your volunteer list and let me know if your Post can and will be donating any funds as soon as possible.

I can be contacted at post500@sbcglobal.net or by calling 317-431-0184.

Legislative Committee Report

The Legislative Committee met on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the Marriott East Hotel during the Joint Spring Conference at 1:00 p.m. in Salon 7.

Chairman Danny Rice opened the meeting in proper form. Roll call disclosed the following members present: Chairman Rice, Vice Chairman Homer Loudermilk, Vice, Executive Section Ron Martin, Executive Section David Roche, Executive Section Darrell Hansel, Executive Section and National Liaison Rep. Ralph Tolan, Auxiliary Liaison Rep. Patricia Zoch, 1st District Rep.

Editor’s Note: The following report of the meeting of the Department Legislative Committee was omitted from the April issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire by mistake. It is normally included in the report of the Internal Affairs Commission following each Department Conference. We apologize for the omission.

David Hicks, 2nd District Rep. Larry Macy, 3rd District Chairman John Lloyd, 4th District Chairman Gordon Anthony, 5th District Chairman Shannon McCroskey, 6th District Chairman James Delaney, 7th District Rep. Ron Hooker, 8th District Chairman David Roche, 9th District Rep. Robert Sutherlin, 10th District Chairman and 11th

District Chairman Robert Flynn.

Roll Call disclosed the following members absent: Commander’s Rep. K.W. Ohl, 1st District Chairman Eric Baggett, 2nd District Chairman Ronald Corbett, 7th District Chairman Donald Barry and 9th District

Chairman Terry Walker.

Darrell Hansel, NEC, introduced the leading can-

didate for National Commander, Fang Wong, who discussed the importance of legislative issues on the national level.

A motion was made to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the Mid-Winter Conference. Seconded and passed unanimously.

Chairman Rice introduced Auxiliary liaison Pat Zoch.

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 1:58 p.m.

Editor’s Note: The “Post Everlasting” feature in this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire is a listing of those Legionnaires who passed from the scene during the previous six months, January 1, 2011 to May 23, 2011 in this issue. “Post Everlasting” appears twice a year, in the December/ January and June/July issues, and replaces the previous practice of publishing and distributing the “Roll Call of Departed Comrades” as part of the annual convention activities. To be listed in the “Post Everlasting” a comrade must be reported to the Department Membership Office by his or her Post on the Member Data Form or other appropriate means. This list will be drawn from the membership files maintained at both National and State headquarters. If a deceased friend or loved one does not appear on the list, contact his or her post to assure that the information was properly transmitted. To all friends and survivors, we are grateful for your loved one’s service to America and to The American Legion.

‘Heroes To Hometowns’ Welcomes Wounded Warriors Home

As the war on terrorism continues, many more of our military men and women are coming home bearing significant physical and/or emotional disabilities. The American Legion National Headquarters with the cooperation of the Department of Defense and American Legion Posts throughout the country have joined together to welcome home severely injured service members and veterans, and help them reenter and reestablish themselves into their local communities.

John Hickey Department Service Officer

The Heroes to Hometowns program encourages American Legion Posts to inspire community pride and establish a local support network for service members, recently discharged veterans, and their families. Legion posts are being asked to connect with all possible com-

munity resources so they may act when our National Organization learns through the Department of Defense that a severely disabled veteran will soon return to the local community.

Posts participating the Heroes to Hometowns program are asked to identify and coordinate resources in local communities before the service member and/or veteran actually returns. Then, post volunteers working in partnership with the community will be ready to provide a large array of assistance as

long as needed, at least until more permanent government resources, such as, VA benefits take affect.

The coordinated Heroes to Hometowns services could include such things as:

• Welcome home celebrations;

• Local media recognition projects;

• Meeting special transportation needs;

• Finding and/or granting temporary financial assistance;

• Child care assistance;

• House cleaning;

You’re Running, Too?

Hoosier Legionnaire and Past Department Commander James E. Koutz hit the campaign trail hard this spring in his quest for the high office of National Commander. He and his wife Vickie are shown here greeting another candidate for high office, Mishawaka Post 161’s Mike Miller, candidate for Department Commander, while National Executive Committee member Darrell Hansel looks on. Koutz and the leading candidate for 2011 National Commander, Fang Wong, jointly sponsored this campaign “meet and greet.”

House Targets VA Backlog, Vets’ Joblessness

The House of Representatives has passed legislation that includes provisions for reducing VA bureaucracy in disability-claims processing, and for recognizing businesses that hire veterans. Both measures address long-standing American Legion concerns about the VA claims backlog and the jobless rate among veterans.

The Veterans Appeals Improvement Act (H.R. 1484), passed May 31 and sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., eliminates the VA Regional Office review of supplemental evidence for veterans’ disability-claims appeals. From now on, the law stipulates that such evidence “shall be submitted to the Board (of Veterans’ Appeals) directly and not to the agency of jurisdiction” as a standard procedure.

This measure removes a procedure that only slows down the disability-claims process,” said Verna Jones, director of the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. “A VA Regional Office doesn’t need to look at new evidence submitted for an appeal on a claim. They’re not the ones deciding the merits of the case.”

The Legion has testified before Congress on numerous occasions about VA’s flawed claims-processing system, and offered suggestions on how to improve it. Most recently, in written testimony submitted to a June 2 hearing before the House Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, the Legion said that “the No. 1 driving concern” of VA employees who process disability claims at Regional Offices “is to move files across their desks, no matter what the cost.”

“This new law means that VA claims processors will have fewer files to move across their desks, and that will contribute to more efficiency and less time wasted while veterans across the country are waiting for their VA benefits,” Jones said.

H.R. 802, an act passed June 1 and also sponsored by Filner, directs the VA Secretary “to establish a VetStar Award Program” that will “annually recognize businesses for their contributions to veterans’ employment.”

The American Legion has been recognizing such businesses since 1969 with its annual Employer of Veterans Awards, given out each year at the national convention to small, midsized and large businesses in the private sector with at least 10 percent of their work force filled by veterans.

“The VetStar program mirrors our own awards pro-

gram for businesses that are doing right by our veterans, and hiring them when they return from overseas,” said Joe Sharpe, director of the Legion’s Economic Division.

Last year, the Legion recognized three companies for their commitment to hiring veterans: the Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Millennium Security Services, LLC, and Eagle Systems and Services, Inc. The Legion also gives annual awards to employers who excel in the hiring of older workers and disabled workers.

“We’re glad to see that Congress has given VA the authority to also bring recognition to employers who

Veterans Funeral Care

make a genuine effort to put or veterans back into the job market. With our young veterans suffering from an unemployment rate of about 27 percent, it’s only appropriate to say ‘thank you’ to companies in America that actually do something that allows our veterans to earn a steady paycheck,” Sharpe said.

On May 3, the Legion told Congress that it supported the establishment of the VetStar program. In written testimony before the Economic Opportunity subcommittee, the Legion said that “businesses that hire and retain veterans should be recognized for their continued contribution to the country.

• Cooking;

• Home repair;

• Yard maintenance;

• Commitments from all aspects of the community for job placement and training programs, sSpecial auto discounts, and food and clothing for the entire family if necessary; and

• Provide assistance with filing veteran’s benefit claims and providing representation with those claims.

One of the most important parts of the Heroes to Hometowns program is the designated point of contact per-

son at the Legion post. This is the person the returning hero could contact whenever a special need or problem arises. As a Legion member, you might want to ask your local post if it has a Heroes to Hometowns program, and, if not, offer your help to get one organized.

If you are a recently discharged severely disabled veteran in need of such services, you might also want to check with your local American Legion Post to see if it has a Heroes to Hometowns program that could help you.

IVY Tech Freezes Tuition Rates For Veteran Students

Ivy Tech Community College officials announced this month they will freeze tuition for Hoosier veterans eligible for the GI Bill and Indiana National Guard members.

Tuition will remain at its current per credit hour rate of $104.55 for these military groups for two years, rather than increasing to $107.80 per credit hour in 2011-2012 and $111.15 per credit hour in 2012-13. The scheduled tuition increases are the lowest amongst the state’s public colleges and universities, but Ivy Tech is keeping the costs down because of its “commitment to keeping its tuition even lower for eligible veterans and members of the armed forces.

“We appreciate and admire Ivy Tech’s commitment to education for veterans. Many of those veterans are serving in the National Guard today,” said Maj. Gen R. Martin Umbarger, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard.

“Civilian education makes us a stronger military force, while providing our community with a stronger work force.”

Ivy Tech serves more veterans than any other college in the state. Currently, the college enrolls 4,381 veterans, with 2,791 receiving educational benefits. Of the total number of veterans, 72 percent are males and 28 percent are females. A majority of the veterans are between 30-39 years of age.

“As a state college, we are committed to making higher education accessible to our service men and wom-

en,” said Ivy Tech President Thomas J. Snyder. “These Hoosier heroes have sacrificed for our nation and we want to show our appreciation for their commitment by removing financial barriers.”

Ivy Tech provides a special support staff and a statewide director specifically tasked with expanding opportunities for former and current service members. Ivy Tech’s Veterans Affairs Office serves as a liaison between students who are veterans, their dependents and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The Ivy Tech office assists students with veteran status and dependents of service members who are disabled or deceased. With 14 offices available to assist statewide, the team also oversees educational benefits and financial aid for veterans.

ITCC is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. For more information, please visit www.ivytech. edu/veterans-affairs.

Options Available For Families’ Final Planning

How can I give my family and loved ones the gift of Peace of Mind?

More and more people are learning about the trials and tribulations that come with funeral planning. With that more and more folks are getting their plans in place, in writing and paid for, sparing their families and loved ones both emotional stress and financial strain. In days of old, it was just expected that children would pay for their parent’s funerals. That has changed. These economic times have yielded what might be the first generation whose success and income has not surpassed its forefathers. As a result we have thousands and thousands of baby boomers whose kids won’t be able to take care of their funerals for them. Planning ahead and paying ahead has not become necessary not a luxury.

To complicate things further there is a much wider variety available for funeral providers, types of ser-

Editor’s Note: The information contained in this column is provided by Veterans Funeral Care, a service provider endorsed by the Department of Indiana. For additional information on any of the services or topics included in this column, please contact Indiana Funeral Care at 317.6366464 or on the web at www.Indianafuneralcare.com

vices available, merchandise available, etc. It’s long been held that “it’ll cost the same” no matter who did the service. Our market research shows otherwise. There is quite a wide difference in cost depending on the type of service you choose and the provider you choose to use for that service. Our best advice is to shop around. We are happy to meet with families and review the many options available today. Please contact Indiana Funeral Care at 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 317-6366464 or visit us online at www. Indianafuneralcare. com.

How can families avoid being overwhelmed after the death of a loved one?

The loss of a loved one can leave you feeling like a tornado has just ripped

your world apart. In addition to the loss of a loved one, many families are victims of another whirlwind altogether -- planning and paying for a funeral. Veterans and their families can avoid this by a few common sense steps and understanding funeral service realities . They include:

1) Pre-Plan your service – in writing. You may have expressed to your spouse or family that you want to use xyz cemetery or xyz funeral home, but there are about 50 other details that will need to be decided upon for your service. Don’t leave family dealing with this avalanche of decisions – plan ahead.

2) The state will not pay for your funeral. This one is on you – or your family. The only benefit available is $255.00 from Social Se-

curity. One way or another your family and friends will be scrambling to cover your funeral expenses if you haven’t planned ahead.

3) Your life insurance may not be there. If you have a term policy, you may outlive the term of your policy or if you have a whole life policy nursing care may require that you cash in that policy to pay medical bills, again leaving you with nothing

4) The price of Funeral Home services are not all the same. As with any service, funeral service providers vary greatly in quality and in pricing. You may be paying thousands more that you need to – Also avoidable when planning a funeral in advance.

We want the families in our community to find a safe harbor in the whirlwind that is funeral planning.

What burial benefits are Indiana veterans entitled to?

Most veterans we meet with are unaware that there

are benefits available to them if they served prior to September 7, 1980. Many of these folks spend thousands upon thousands of dollars paying for cemetery space unnecessarily. The burial benefits apply to the veteran, the spouse or the surviving spouse. The benefits include burial, the burial vault, opening closing of the site and headstone at a national cemetery. Additionally veterans are entitled to military honors as a part of their service, which includes a burial flag, gun salute, and the playing of taps. Veterans receiving a pension through the VA or disability through the VA may also be eligible for cash benefits.

The cost of funeral services is still the responsibility of the veteran and their spouse, and by planning ahead these costs can be managed through preplanning and taking advantage of monthly payment options.

Last-Minute Slowdown Snags Department Membership Progress

As of the June 1, 2011 membership report our membership stands at 92,433 members for 95.02 percent. The greatest disappointment this year has been the drastic drop off in membership since reaching our 90 percent on the March 6, 2011 turn in. At that time I felt that meeting the April 13, 2011 National goal of 95 percent was too much to expect, but I thought we would surely meet 95 percent by the May 11, 2011 national 100 percent goal. Once we failed to meet the 95 percent goal in April I knew reaching 100 percent in membership was going to be difficult, but I felt that we could surely reach 97 or 98 percent as a department by year’s end. As of June 1, 2011, we have only added 4,879 members or 5.02 percent to our membership rolls in three months.

Since the March 6 turn, in we have given the districts the names of several hundred non- Legion member residents of the Indiana Veterans Home and the names and addresses of over 2,000 former members of the Department of Indiana that were released by national. These are former Department of Indiana post members who had dropped off the membership roster by not paying dues and were recruited by national in one of their mass mailing programs. Their last paid year was 2010.

Recipe For Success

Over the years, I have come to recognize that the correct recipe for success in membership is 95 percent renewals and five percent new or re-activated members. We

Jack Cook Department Membership Chairman

have a department membership goal of 97,282 members; that means we need 92,418 renewals and 4,864 new or reactivated members. How are we doing this year in meeting the recipe for success? We have 4,488 new or renewed members and account for 4.86 percent of our current membership. The real problem with our membership this year has been with retention. We currently have retained 87,945 members of the 92,418 members for 90.78 percent of our current membership. We need to get that number to 95 percent to reach our goal. At this time of year it is not the percentage of improvement required that becomes the obstacle, it’s the sheer number of 4,473 renewals needed with no time to obtain them that becomes the problem.

The Problem

The problem in membership does not lie with the Department staff or elected and appointed officers. The problem in membership is not with the elected and appointed district officers. To a great extent, the problem is not found with the elected and appointed post membership workers. The problem lies with our individual members. Membership is everyone’s job, not just the department’s, district’s or post membership team’s.

30-009 (2007)

We have just over 400 posts in the Department of Indiana, yet by my estimate, less than 1,000 members total truly work membership in our department, that’s slightly more than 1 percent. The membership program is too big and too important to have just 1 percent of our membership responsible for success. Every member of the Department of Indiana has to realize that in order for us to survive and to continue serving our nation’s veterans, we need to stop shrinking and start growing. To do that we need every member to not only pay their dues on time but to work membership by recruiting new members, collecting dues from current members and reactivating expired members. You may not visit your post, you may not attend

On its way to its first 100 percent year in several years, the Eighth District leads the districts in 100 percent posts with 21. This remarkable achievement comes in a year when total membership in the Department of Indiana continues its more-than-a-decade long decline, which means the Eighth District’s achievement made up in large measure for some other shortcomings in the Department membership program.

Congratulations to Commander Mike Brady and his outstanding membership team. District 7 finished in second place in the listing of 100 percent posts, with 15, followed by District 6 with 13. Congratulations to Commanders Andrews and Patrick and their teams. A total of 110 posts reached goal this year. Thanks and a tip of the hat to all those who contributed to this success.

254, Jenkins

Post 265, Eugene Pate

Post 335, Red Greissel

Post 343, Harmeyer

Post 370, New Harmony

Post 444, Abe Lincoln

Post 463, Tennyson

District 9

Post 13, Brown County

Post 59, Noah O’Bannion

Post 63, Clarence A. Keith

Post 69, Warren Brock

Post 76, Walter W. Benson

Post 149, Phillips-Grigsby

Post 195, Patton-Chastain

Post 203, Pekin

Post 209, Floyd Becker

Post 452, North Dearborn

Post 464, St. Joseph

District 10

Post 102, Willard E. Hensley

Post 150, Robert L. Jenkins

Post 182, New Palestine

Post 216, Charles Mundell

Post 287, Hunt-Trouse

Post 338, Leroy Tout

Post 353, West Randolph

Post 391, Fortville

Post 446, John F. Hurley

Post 507, Abe Miller

District 11

Post 3, Broad Ripple

Post 26, Paul Coble

Post 186, John H. Holliday, Jr.

Post 438, Indianapolis

Womens

Online Renewal Option Is Available Effective July 1

Starting July 1, 2011, American Legion members will be permitted to renew their membership online through mylegion.org. The member will sign in using his/her member ID number and pay via his/her credit card. Expired/invalid credit cards will

be visible to the member. If a card is declined, the member will have to re-enter another card number. Once the member is renewed, he/she will need to print off the receipt and watermarked “temporary” membership card. The member’s record will auto-

post meetings or participate in post activities, but membership is still your responsibility. The success of our organization and benefits for all veterans, past, present and future is in your hands.

Your Assignment

In keeping with our military background, you have just been volunteered to stem the tide in membership during the 2012 membership year. Below on this page is a blank membership application, you task is to cut it out and put it in your wallet or purse. During the next 12 months you are tasked to use it to recruit a new member, collect dues from a current member, or renew a former member. It’s your obligation as a member of our organization to do your part it keeping our membership strong and growing. In member-

Ask

Dear Aubrey: I recently read about being able to renew online starting in the 2012 membership year. Where can I find more information about this?

Robert

ship, if you’re not part of the solution, then you must be part of the problem. Be part of the solution, recruit, retain or renew a member during the 2012 membership year.

New Program

Beginning July 1, 2011 you may now pay your dues on line. Go to the national web site at mylegion.org, have your current membership card and a credit card handy, just follow the directions on line and you will be able to pay your dues and receive a temporary membership card. You can then present it at your post for your permanent card or wait till the post is notified of your dues payment from national through the department. Payment on line is the wave of the future.

Today’s new veterans transact the majority of their personal business on line, and

the legion needs to adapt to remain viable with them.

Focus Groups

The Department of Indiana has contracted with a firm to conduct focus group research within the state of Indiana to determine what is needed to encourage the current generation of veterans to join our organization. Hosting the focus groups and determining what course of action is required is the easy part of the problem; the hardest part will be convincing the current legionaries to make the changes needed at the post and district level. If we are unable or unwilling to make needed changes, we have not only wasted the cost of the Focus Groups but doomed our organization to waste away to insignificants due to our unwillingness to change.

matically be updated. The member will go directly to the post to exchange the watermarked “temporary” membership card for the “permanent” membership card. At this point, the post will know to update the member’s re-

Continued on page 2

Dear Robert:

If you are a Post Officer wanting to know how to keep track of those members who renew online, visit: http:// www.members.legion.org/ legion/OnlineRenewals/ Posts/index.html.

If you are a member wanting to know how to go about renewing online, visit: http:// www.members.legion.org/ legion/OnlineRenewals/ Members/index.html.

Elsewhere on this page is additional information concerning the online renewal program. If you still have questions, contact the Membership Office at Department Headquarters.

Dear Aubrey: I’ve misplaced my Post Officer Certification forms. How do I go about obtaining another copy of each form?

Absent-Minded

Dear Absent-Minded:

You have two options. Option 1: Call me directly at 317630-1364 and I will mail you a copy of each from, or Option 2: Visit our website at www. indlegion.org. You will find a copy of each form, in fillable format, under the membership tab, Legion Membership Forms.

Dear Aubrey:

Why do my mailings keep getting sent to my old address? I’ve already notified you of the change. Fed Up

Dear Fed Up:

Any number of things can happen when changing an address. First, if you’ve only notified the post, they may not have sent in the paperwork notifying National or Department of the change.

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

Second, if the post does send in the paperwork, it could take 6 to 8 weeks for the record to get updated at National Headquarters. Since many of the mailings sent from National and Department are sometimes printed weeks in advance, you may receive several mailings at the old address before you start receiving them at the new address. The same is true if you have notified Department or National that you no longer wish to be solicited by our outside vendors. The best advice I can give would be to just be patient.

Dear Aubrey:

Could you clarify how to determine the number of delegates our post is able to claim?

Still Confused

Dear Still Confused:

That depends on which convention you are concerned with. The process for both the Department and National Conventions is similar, but there are real differences.

For the Department Convention, the post receives one delegate for its charter, plus one more for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof (the first major fraction of 100 is 51/100.) So, a post with 100 members will be assigned two delegates: one for its charter and one for the first 0-100 members. A post with 200 members will be assigned three delegates: one for its charter, one for the first 100 members and the third one for the second 100 members. For simplicity sake, think of it as adding one

more delegate as the membership hits the ‘51’ mark; that is, 51 members equals two delegates, 151 members equals three delegates, 251 equals four delegates, and so on.

The same procedure applies to alternates. For the National Convention, each department is entitled to five delegates plus one additional delegate for every 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. In Indiana, delegates are selected by the Districts, based on their membership totals, one delegate per 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. The additional delegate is added when the membership total hits the ‘501’ mark; i.e. 501 members equals 1 delegate, 1,501 equals two delegates, 2,501 equals three delegates, and so on. Your district, with a total membership of 8,914, would be entitled to nine delegates.

Dear Aubrey: I would like to transfer my membership to another post. How do I go about doing this?

On The Move

Dear On The Move:

All you need to do is go the post you want to transfer to, and let them know that you would like to transfer in. They will ask to see your membership card, and possibly, your DD-214, depending on the Post. The post will fill out what is called a Member Data Form. You will sign the bottom, and the post will send the form in to Department Headquarters.

The American Legion Membership Application

Lessons Learned From The Experience Of Leadership

As I sat down to prepare this, my last Message as your Department Commander, we are preparing to close the books on this membership year at our traditional Indiana Veterans Home Legion Day activities. It will be one of my final acts of this year, the curtain falling for the final time at the convention less than a month away.

It has been an interesting year – some of which I would prefer to have skipped, most of which I wouldn’t have traded for anything. As most of you know, from time to time I have had to take it easy, ease up the pace or even take to my bed to deal with some health issues. I am grateful

to all of you for your prayers, good wishes and even the pots of flowers that came my way. I am even more grateful for the way that my fellow officers stepped up to see that the important business of the Department was conducted without interruption. I would have passed up those bouts, but if I had, I would never have known the extent to which The Ameri-

Despite Difficulties, SAL Can Count The Year As A Success

To my comrades and friends around the great State of Indiana:

This membership year is winding down and coming to a close. My term as Commander of the Detachment of Indiana has been a wonderful experience. I have had the pleasure of traveling to all four corners of the state and to a few places outside of Indiana and during those travels of meeting great people and friends.

It has been a great joy and honor to serve with Commander Baxter and President Cunningham. During this year’s travels I have gotten to know them both extremely well. There were times that I was with them more than I was with my own wife Jo, which I think she enjoyed as much, if not more, than I did! The memories made this year will indeed last a lifetime.

Working with Jim Koutz and his campaign for National Commander has been a great honor for me. The “Meet & Greet” lines have been a huge success and I truly believe that Jim will make Indiana proud. Be on the lookout for the golf fundraiser for Jim’s campaign coming up September 24. For more information please feel free to call me at 219-712-5320 or 219-8872514(office).

By the time you read this, Close of Books will have come and gone and we will

be starting a new membership year. Right now we are within 1,200 cards of our goal and this is still an obtainable target. I know we can do it and I look forward to seeing the great turn in at Close of Books!

It has been a challenging year with quite a few of our members struggling with unemployment and other difficulties. And yet, even through that adversity, we as the Sons of The American Legion continue to donate our time and financial resources in many ways. Two of those ways that I am very proud to say I am associated with are our Children and Youth Programs -- the Child Welfare Foundation and the Josh Dog Program. And while we did not achieve our set goal for CWF this year, we did a wonderful job. The Josh Dog Program is going to be something that I will always treasure, as there was no greater joy than to deliver those kits to the children who needed them most.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their help this year. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as Commander of the Detachment of Indiana. I hope that everyone feels as I do that we have grown as an organization. And I will always treasure what we have accomplished this year. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you.

can Legion Family cares for its own.

I go into the last month of my administration as most Department Commanders do, with great memories and some regrets. I will always remember the kindness and hospitality you extended to me, and I will regret the opportunities I missed to say thank you face to face.

I will always remember the kind attention you paid to my speeches and other appearances, but I will always regret not wrapping things up just a little sooner for those of you who needed to get to the restroom.

I will always remember our gatherings before the

start of the conferences, the lively discussions about the future of The American Legion, and the one District Commander who always seemed not to get the message about the uniform. I will regret not being a better communicator.

And I will always remember the thrill of a dream come true on the stage of the 2010 Department Convention as Joan put the White Hat of Leadership on me, but I will always regret not having led you to new heights in membership.

We closed the books on our membership well short of the goal we set for ourselves, and although I was

not the first commander to close under 100,000 members, I was the first to have a chance to rebound. We didn’t do that. It wasn’t for a lack of trying – as a matter of fact, our efforts resulted in one District and more than 100 of our posts at 100 percent.

Congratulations to Commander Mike Brady of my own 8th District and to all the 100 percent post membership teams for their achievement. They give us all an example to follow.

Finally, I want to thank all of you who supported my special project on behalf of the Riley Hospital Foundation. Your gifts will make a difference in lives

of countless little children, and I know that first hand. My family is blessed to have two of those special children in it, and the joy they bring to us all is beyond measure. That joy is increased as we see them prosper and develop, and that is due in large measure to the generosity of people like you.

Some leave this office saying how much they learned from the experience. I leave this office proud to have confirmed what I have always known: There are no better people on the face of the Earth and the men and women of The American Legion Family. I am anxious to get back in your ranks.

Getting Message Out Is Critical To Family’s Success

World Trade Center for the 10th anniversary of the attack.

(Another photo, Page 1.)

Bin Laden Gone, But Fight Goes On

Politics aside, the good news is Osama Bin Laden is dead and gone. After years of intensive intelligence operations, our folks got it right and our US Navy Seal team nailed the dirt bag. I rank his removal right up there as though someone had been able to nail Adolf Hitler. This man was pure evil and as great an enemy of the United States as any villain we’ve ever pursued.

Personally, his execution was gratifying. In spite of all the political maneuvering by both parties to claim credit, I know in my heart that the

efforts of our intelligence folks in Guantanamo helped produce critical pieces to the puzzle. The Guantanamo mission has been an honest one and a productive one, symbolic of the best attributes of the American military. I applaud the Obama administration for finishing

the job. I appreciate the efforts and the mechanics of the Bush administration in providing a framework to track down this slime dog and I appreciate the Navy Seals for being excellent shots.

With OBL dead though, the mission is not over. Others will take his place and they must be run to ground as well and dispatched. The world remains a very dangerous place but thankfully we have the greatest military in the world and we need to continue to support these warriors and their families.

Prayer Remains At The Core Of Legion Values

In an era when regular attendance at a religious institution has become obsolescent as recorded in dwindling attendance and closures, and when our political correctness demands non-specific addresses to Deity, it is rather amazing to be a part of an organization that begins and ends all formal gatherings with prayer. I know this is traditional and ritual, but we have amended many of our bylaws to adapt to more modern times. Still we hang on to our understanding of God and the belief that we can access and invoke divine intervention into our assembly, programs and individual lives. This is so much a part of our foundational beliefs that God is the first word in our motto. No meeting may be held or closed without a chaplain or designee for the purpose of prayer. For those of us who have served in the great wars and kept the home fires burning while loved ones

have served, we have experienced the grace of God first hand! Our comrades have returned from war because prayers were answered. While we can’t comprehend how many prayers may have been said in our behalf or those are being said for each person who has served or is serving, we know a day has not passed without a multitude being uttered. I can tell you personally that I am alive solely by the power to the intercessory prayers that were said in my behalf. I know don’t know anyone who has returned who doesn’t have this awareness! Many miracles are experienced in battle. I also continue to keep my daughter, son and others serving the

military in my daily prayers.

Through prayerful eyes we see in gratitude that the sacrifice of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of freedom has never been in vain. Their gift not only has preserved our freedom, but it has assured and offered for people of other countries and faiths. I can’t comprehend this kind of sacrifice being given without divine influence and awareness. Our prayers likewise continue for all who mourn and await word on their loved one’s demise, and return of their remains. Our graveside services bring comfort to the survivors in recognition of the service and sacrifices made and hope in the Eternal to whom we commit each comrade.

While prayer may have been driven from public schools and events, it is the foundational core of the American Legion family. I would like to encourage our membership to place a greater emphasis on prayer.

It is not only a vital part of our formalized gatherings, it is vital to have an awareness that prayer can and will change all aspects of our lives. I remember the words of Rev. Danny Morris, former World Editor of the Upper Room, “It is better to pray right than it is to pray wrong, but it is better to pray wrong than not at all.”

God is able to know our hearts and the intent of our prayers not simply the formula or the words spoken. When our hearts are right our prayers are right.

Never, ever forget or under-

Dual Convention

Continued from page 1

Distinguished Service Award during the Saturday morning session.

The usual convention awards, honoring young people, educators, first responders, military personnel, employers, and communicators

estimate the power of prayer. It does not matter if it is a ritual prayer read form a book or an extemporaneous prayer from a gifted intercessor. Your prayers when uttered from the heart are important and God both hears and responds.

It is my firm belief that the prayers that undergird us will determine our success as an organization and as individuals! I believe in the miraculous and the miraculous is the fruit of prayer.

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”

Matthew 21:22 NRSV

will be presented, along with a handful of special awards and presentations. Participation in the Department of Indiana’s convention awards has shown a slight increase over recent years, so the membership and program awards promise new excitement.

The Legion Family: yes that is what we are, a very big family. As my year is coming to a close I have been to so many different places and all of our organizations are there. The Legion, SAL, Auxiliary and Riders are there in full glory. Commander Baxter and SAL Commander Glen Nagle have been great to work with and what fun we have had. Always a smile, hug and ‘how’s it going?’

Carolyn Cunningham Auxiliary President

Such great people. We all had a great time up at Merrillville until the tornado sirens went off. Then it was run for the car. We still got soaking wet. Memorial Day is one of the few days that we can sit back and reflect on where our country is going.

Now for a concern that I have: When talking to different groups of people the question is asked, “What is the Legion.”

This has happened several times so that means we are not getting the message out about this organization. The only ones who can change this is you. It’s sad for all military we have out there; they do not know what The American Legion is. This really is something that every member should be selling, our programs and benefits.

Some good things: By the time you get this I will be been to Boys State, to bring greetings and a week at Girls State. This is a program that can change a student’s life forever. It’s something to see a very shy boy or girl turn into a very productive student. Come out of their shell and be the star of the class.

To me is the best money can buy. I drive lots of kids to different functions and see how this week can change them. Support this program, it’s our future.

Thanks again everyone for all hugs and how’s it going.

The convention will close with post convention DEC meeting where the incoming commander’s appointment will be considered and newly elected District Commander will be introduced, and outgoing Commander Baxter’s farewell party Saturday night.