2013 June/July The Hoosier Legionnaire

The Hoosier Legionnaire The Hoosier Legionnaire

Public Servants, Resolutions, Awards Top The Agenda

Convention Features All-Star Lineup

When Department Commander Richard A. Jewell gavels the 95th Annual Department Convention to order, an all-star lineup of politicians, distinguished Legionnaires, and public servants will begin a trek across the platform to accept the Department of Indiana’s accolades and thanks for their work on behalf of veterans, children, and Hoosier communities.

Those planning to attend the July 11-14 convention should register for housing by contacting the Indianapolis Marriott Hotel East, site of this year’s convention, directly. Reservations will continue to be accepted until the hotel is sold out. The registration phone number is (317) 322-3716. The convention rate for the hotels can be honored only if callers request the convention rate.

The Customer Is Always Right

Registration for the convention, $15 per person, is required. Forms are available on line or from the Headquarters office. Registration on site also is available in Salon E of the Indianapo-

lis Marriott East.

Three resolutions will be presented for consideration by the delegates during the convention. Those resolutions would amend the constitution to re-

duce to ten the number of members required to hold or receive a post charter, authorize transfer of members from the headquarters posts to district-level posts upon proper notification, and add the staff position of Communications Director to the list of headquarters personnel authorized to wear the white department cap. The resolutions have been sent to the posts in accordance with convention resolution rules.

A new feature of the opening session Friday afternoon will be a drawing for a free two- night stay at the Convention. The usual $50 prize drawings will be conducted as usual, but the special two-night stay drawing will be held separately. The winner of the two-night stay must be present at the session to win, and must be registered at one of the three convention hotels.

Topping the list this year are eight members of the Indiana General Assembly who were instrumental in passage of key legislation benefitting Indiana veterans. All have been invited to accept the Distinguished Public Service Award during the Saturday morning session. Those invited include: Sen. Lindel Hume; Sen. Susan Glick; Sen. Mike Delph; Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Jim Banks, Rep. Shelli VanDenburg; Rep. Jim Baird; and Rep. Chuck Moseley. The convention also will host both United States Senators Joe Donnelly and Dan Coates during the convention. Donnelly is expected to speak on Friday, while Coates, who has not yet confirmed his attendance, will be on stage Saturday morning. Other members of the Indiana

Continued on page 6

Effort Underway To Encourage Transfers From Headquarters Post Into Local Posts

The Department of Indiana has mailed more than 7,000 invitations to members of Headquarters Post 777 encouraging them to transfer their membership to the 11 District headquarters posts around the state. To date, more than 1,200 of them have agreed to the transfer.

The mailing is part of a developing five-year strategy designed to reverse the nearly 20-year-long decline in membership.

Under the initiative, 777 members were sent Member Data Forms for signature and authorization to re-assign them to one of the 11 district headquarters post. Once transferred, a district task force will verify eligibility of those members, which is normally

not a part of the DMS recruitment effort, and then introduce them to posts for transfer in. Members whose eligibility cannot be verified will be returned to Department Headquarters.

Headquarters post members transferring into local posts can be counted toward the post’s 2014 membership goal if they renew into the new post at the time of transfer. If those members renew in the headquarters post for 2014 before transferring into the new post, they cannot be counted until renewal time next year.

The majority of Headquarters Post members have been recruited into the Legion through the nearly 30-year-old Direct Mail Solicitation program.

As originally envisioned, DMS members would be routinely transferred into local posts, but difficulties in verification of eligibility have plagued the program from the beginning.

The Department of Indiana’s District Headquarters Post program has eased the problem significantly through the efforts of the district level task groups, who member are assigned to verification and communication duties. Retention rates among Legionnaires in local posts are significantly higher than in Headquarters Post 777.

Additional information on the new five-year plan for membership growth will be published in future issues of the Hoosier Legionnaire.

Among the many activities at the Department Convention, the Exhibitors Hall, this year featuring an array of well over 40 vendors, will draw a large crowd.

IVH And Membership Commands Our Attention

What a great year to be your Department Commander!

A year in Viet nam seemed like a lifetime. A year as your Department Commander has passed so much more quickly. I have truly savored every day of it regardless of what we’ve been doing. Words fail me when I try to express my thanks to all of you for the hospitality and friendship you’ve shown Ida and me as we’ve run over 42,000 miles and spent more than a hundred nights on the road representing you.

Much to the chagrin of our editor, Joe Hovish, I’ve managed to procrastinate writing my final Hoosier Legionnaire article until after our close of books membership turn in on 9 June at the

Richard A. Jewell DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Indiana Veterans’ Home. I put Joe off in order to report on our membership finish and where we stand on IVH itself.

The day was marked with positively beautiful weather as we converged on the magnificent facility that houses Indiana’s aging and infirm veteran population. It is a modern, well kept facility with a staff that is caring and committed to the

veteran residents of Indiana’s only facility dedicated to veterans and their spouses. I’ve been going to IVH for almost 25 years and the place has never looked better! I remember the days of abandoned and decaying buildings we would see getting worse and worse every year. Those are gone and in their place are beautiful surroundings impeccably maintained by the staff of IVH. Our thanks go to Mellissa Durr and to her staff for all they’ve done and continue to do on behalf of Indiana’s veterans. I firmly believe that it takes a special dedication to work at IVH.

I had hoped to have glowing reports of the progress on our joint project at IVH for this issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire, but instead, the report will be

one of an unexpected setback. Contracts had been signed and we were all set to start on the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend. I spent the weekend in the 1st District at nine events and stayed over on Monday night to be at IVH for the start. When I arrived at IVH, I found out that not only was the contractor a “no show” that day but that he had backed out of the agreement to do the project. A setback for sure, but I was truly relieved that he chose to back out prior to commencing work rather than quit in the middle and leave us with an even bigger problem.

When you’re handed lemons, make lemonade! The project is currently out for bids again and I have every confidence that we’ll

Department Launches Strategic Plan

During the recent Close of Books activity at the Indiana Veterans’ Home, members of the Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss the Department’s response to the national Organization’s five-year plan for growth and identify ways to support the long-term growth plans.

n ational’s plan was unveiled during the 2013 Spring Meetings in Indianapolis. It establishes the departments as essential players in reversing the decades of decline that has characterized all veterans’ organizations. Under the Strategic Planning Committee’s leadership, an ambitious plan for chartering new posts, rein-

vigorating existing posts, recruiting new members and renewing long-time Legionnaires has started to take shape.

The plan will be included in discussions with the leading candidate for national Commander, Dan Dellinger from Virginia, during the upcoming national Membership Workshop. It remains a work in prog-

ress, and will be refined as time goes by nevertheless, it represents a vision by the leadership of The American Legion, a willingness to try new approaches, and the courage to chart unfamiliar territories. Details will be released with the beginning of the new membership year at Department Convention.

Coming as it does as we enter the final phase of preparations for The American Legion’s centennial celebration, the focus on the future bodes well for the Legion long into the 21st century.

Changes Coming To the staff

Two significant changes are ahead for the Department

headquarters.

First, the Department will welcome aboard a new Communications Director with demonstrated expertise in new media, electronic communications, publications and outreach. Bruce Drake will join the staff July 1 2013, after more than 20 years active military service as a combat Marine and commissioned officer. His military duties have ranged from small unit public affairs to battalion and division PAO duties. He also will be a student at IUPUI during his off hours, and is expected to make a significant contribution to our efforts with and on behalf of the Student Veterans posts and organizations.

have a new contractor selected and work started before our Department Convention. Rest assured that your donations will go toward their intended purpose and we will provide safe, comfortable accommodations for the families visiting their veterans at IVH.

Membership

Our day at IVH also closed the chapter in our year that dealt with membership. Without a doubt, we did not end up where we had hoped as we fell 1,500 cards behind last year’s finish. We worked hard, but the question we have to ask ourselves individually: “Did I do all I could have?” Our membership team this year knows how to answer

Continued on page 23

Please take a minute to greet him when you see him at Department Convention. Additionally, Joe Hovish, who was a contract employee with the Department following an outstanding career at the national Organization, will give up his duties with the staff effective with the Department Convention. There, depending on the outcome of the election for Department Commander, and the concurrence of the Department Executive Committee, he will trade his blue cap for a white one. We wish him well, but I am sure he will be around.

Continued on page 21

Hawaii Is A Great Place To Meet Veterans

ihad the privilege of spending Memorial Day weekend with my Marine son, now a military contractor. We met in Hawaii to split the difference from his home in Okinawa. Hawaii is a fascinating place to be in many ways. I first landed there in my last return from Viet nam in 1970. At that time they would not let us freshly returned combat Marines loose and we just refueled. However, I remembered seeing the USS Arizona Memorial distinctively outside my airplane window; now forty-three years later I repeat it again.

Compared to current military personnel, I am now the age that World War I veterans were when I was their age. Somehow we were never able to hold on to the ‘War to end all Wars’. Hawaii continues to be a

Norris Keirn DEPARTMENT ChAPlAiN ChAplAIN’S CORNER

huge strategic military base for all five branches. As usual while traveling, I strike up conversations with people, which allow me to glean life experiences from so many perspectives. Our stewardess’s son has been with the Coast Guard stationed in Hawaii for two years and we shared about his service and experiences.

I visited the Marine base at Kaneohe Bay where my son was stationed nine years ago. I had

several opportunities to talk with Marines and their families stationed there. On the streets of Honolulu, I encountered a former soldier who showed me his leg wound from Somalia. One can’t help notice the many military designated hats of advanced seniors shuffling down the streets who are vacationing and returning to visit places of their former military assignments. So many have been stationed at or passed through Hawaii. On the return trip, as we were waiting for our flight, we encountered a young woman who spent two tours in Iraq as an Army medic and is now enrolled in medical school studying to become a doctor. While only six percent of our modern population has served in the military and many of our U.S. population have no

There Is Flattery In American Legion Friendships

William Shakespeare wrote, “There is flattery in friendship.” This reminded me that I am flattered to have made so many friends through my association with The American Legion. I am flattered to have had the trust of the membership of the Department of Indiana as I have been elected to serve in state and national offices. I am flattered to have been deemed worthy enough to serve my fellow veterans and their families.

My time sitting during meet-

W. Darrell Hansel NATiONAl

ings in the national Executive Committee Room at national Headquarters began in the year 2005. The end of my tenure as the national Executive Committeeman for the Depart -

ment of Indiana is now fast approaching, but the beginning of a new phase of service to The American Legion is about to begin. I have full faith in the incoming ‘red caps.’ Paul Steward and Jerry Jordan will serve us well. So this is not a goodbye column, but it serves as a thank you for all that you have done for me and for your service to The American Legion. After all, a little flattery is a good thing.

one in their immediate families who have ever been in service, I spend most of my life immersed around current and former military personnel. What I have learned so vividly is that there is a common link that binds us all together. As we begin to share our experiences, time and ages seem to disappear. The struggles and experiences of family members who kept the home fires going are also common experiences for conversation. Most of us are generational military, and we continue to be a dominant supplier of current military personnel from our families.

I find that one of the greatest things about The American

Legion is “our association for mutual helpfulness.” We offer a place of meeting, caring and support for those who have served and are serving. While many of us only experienced military life and war for a brief time in life, its impact on our lives has been significant and continual. The Legion offers a place where we can always come home, be accepted and understood. Getting someone to join the Legion family is one of the biggest favors we can offer!

if one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. I Cor. 12:26 (NRSV)

2013 Legion Baseball Season Is Underway!

By Susan Long, Americanism Programs Coordinator

The 2013 American Legion Department of Indiana Baseball program has 32 senior teams and 10 junior teams. The senior program is for players 19 years old and younger. The junior program is for players 17 years old and younger. Baseball was adopted as an Americanism program, to inculcate in youth a better understanding of the American way of life and to pro-

mote the principles of 100 percent Americanism. Players agree to play by the code of sportsmanship, which is an affirmation of—I will: keep the rules, keep faith with my teammates, keep my temper, keep myself fit, keep a stout heart in defeat, keep my pride under in victory, keep a sound soul, a clean mind, and a healthy body. Many Legion players have furthered their careers with professional baseball teams.

Continued on page 23

ExECuTivE COMMiTTEE

Membership Is Always A Major Concern

hello from the 35,000 Sons of The American Legion.

Well, our year is winding down. It appears that this year the Sons of The American Legion will not set a new record for our membership. It is not because of our squadrons and officers not trying. I know of members of several squadrons who made phone calls and sent out renewal reminders to those who had not yet paid. At the district meetings that I have attended, membership was always brought up as a major concern. I want to thank my Membership Chairman Chris Carlton for his efforts. I know that he has been out there pushing membership and doing his job. On June 9th, we will

see where we stand and build on that for next year.

June brings Hoosier Boys State and I am looking forward to attending this program. I, along with Richard Pfeiffer and Mike Pipher, have attended Hoosier Boys State on opening day for the past three years. We have been handing out information on The American Legion and its programs. We

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.

Dick Jewell Department Commander

Hugh Dagley Publisher

Joe Hovish 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 AG, number 3 June/July 2013

Circulation 100,000

Printed by the Herald-Times, Bloomington, In

normally hand out around 30 Legion applications and over 100 Auxiliary applications. We also hand out over 200 Sons of The American Legion applications. This year I will not be able to attend the opening day session. Mark Tansel will be taking my place. This year, I will be attending the Friday night ceremony and program. The last time I attended this program was in 1974 when I attended Hoosier Boys State as a participant. Then on the following Monday, I get the privilege to attend Hoosier Girls State. What an opportunity to meet some of our future leaders! The American Legion has a part in the training and educating of these outstanding students. What they learn from

their week at Trine University— studying and learning about our government and how it is supposed to work—will be with them for their whole life.

With this being my last article for the Hoosier Legionnaire, I want to thank the staff down at Headquarters. you kept me informed, made room and travel arrangements for me and answered a lot of my questions. Thanks, everyone, it has been appreciated.

To the districts, posts and squadrons that I have visited this year, you have all made my trips memorable and enjoyable. Thank you for the hospitality. I never felt like a stranger when I entered a post.

To Commander Richard Jewell and President nancy

Gunning, I am honored to have served with you this year. you both are focused on The American Legion and its programs. you have done a great job in representing The American Legion as you have traveled our state. Commander Jewell, your efforts at the State House campaigning for veterans’ rights and programs have been greatly appreciated. you have made it a point to let our elected officials know where The American Legion stands. In closing, I hope that you support our next Sons of The American Legion Commander Kirk Rewerts, as you have supported me.

I Know The True Meaning Of Legion Family

here we are at the end of another year for our Legion Family. We have talked about that for some time, but this year I really experienced the true meaning of “Legion Family.” We have worked together for our project for Indiana Veterans’ Home with wonderful results. Commander Richard Jewell started the year telling me to “Step it up.” We went back and forth all year and the final figures are great. We think we have enough to finish the renovation project for veterans’ families to use for many years to come. The American Legion Auxiliary also

raised enough to give the USO at Camp Atterbury money to buy outdoor umbrellas for the tables for the amphitheater to be used there for outdoor shows for the troops.

Commander Jewell, Commander Greg Spaulding and

I have attended conferences, birthday dinners, Americanism programs, Memorial Day programs and many others in addition to working the programs and caring for our veterans and their families. It has been a very enjoyable year. I have met many more people than I ever thought I would. I can’t always put names and faces together, but I am improving. Thank you for that opportunity. I have learned so much this year that I hope to continue to use as I continue working our programs and supporting our veterans and their families.

Governor Pence Signs Bill

Commander Jewell Testifies In Support Of Military Medics

another victory has been registered in The American Legion’s ongoing licensing and credentialing campaign. On April 2, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed into law a bill that “provides that the Emergency Medical Services Commission issue a license or certificate to a military service applicant who meets the necessary requirements.” The new law, which takes effect on July 1, spells out those requirements as completing a military training program in emergency medicine, working in the related military occupational specialty, and performing those duties at a level that is “substantially equivalent” to that of a civilian licensee, such as an emer-

gency medical technician or paramedic. In practical terms, a military medic or corpsman’s

skills and experience will now be recognized by their civilian counterparts in Indiana.

The American Legion Department of Indiana played a significant role in the passage of its new state law by working with the Department of Defense on codifying it and lobbying both houses of the state legislature on the bill’s behalf. On the day after the bill was signed our Department Commander Richard Jewell, a Vietnam War combat veteran, recalled his testimony before members of the General Assembly and how he viewed the skills of the military’s emergency medical practitioners. “I spoke off the cuff, but told them basically that I had personally seen these folks in action in Vietnam (practicing emergency medicine) under the most horrific conditions imag-

inable,” Jewell said. “If I was in any kind of medical emergency or accident, there’s nobody I would rather come to my side than a combat medic or corpsman.”

The bill, which unanimously passed in the Indiana General Assembly, also allows for the issuance of a temporary certificate or provisional license “while the military service applicant is satisfying requirements as determined by the (Emergency Medical Services) commission.”

“Helping Hoosier veterans put their military training and experience to work when they return is good for them and good for the state,” Pence said.

Continued on page 21

Indiana Blue Star Salute Honors Military Families

By the time you read this, the eighth annual Indiana Blue Star Salute will have honored military families on June 15 at Lucas Oil Raceway Park in Brownsburg, Indiana. Admission to the event was free and open to the public, with military families receiving free parking.

The Blue Star Salute is a celebration to show support for the families of the men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and to recognize their daily sacrifice. The event featured military leaders, Indiana state elected officials and Indiana Department Com-

mander Richard Jewell along with other American Legion dignitaries. Guests experienced activities for children and talked with several military vendors. Some visitors took photographs with mascots from the four major Indiana sports franchises. Many tried their luck with the raffle.

Other special activities for the Blue Star Salute event included the annual motorcycle Ride for the Salute, which involved Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder and other riders. This ride raised money for The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The riders were to be escorted into the event by a Huey 563 from Indiana Search and Rescue.

The Blue Star Banner was resurrected by The American Legion shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, for military families to display in their windows to show their community that they have loved ones serving in the war on terrorism. The banners, which first appeared during World War I, were common in American windows during World War II. Families attending the event received a Blue Star Banner to display in their homes.

First Aid

Medics will now be recognized in Indiana that their military training and skills are at a level that is “substantially equivalent” to that of a civilian licensee.

Riders Ride

A number of motorcycle groups took part in the Blue Star Salute at Lucas Oil Raceway Park in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Continued from page 1

Congressional Delegation have been invited, and convention planners were awaiting confirmation from them at this paper’s deadline.

The recently appointed Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, James Brown, will address delegates during the Friday session, as will representatives of the VFW, AMVETS, and DAV. Brown is expected to represent Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

A highlight of Saturday’s afternoon session will be the election and swearing in of the new Department Commander for 2013-2014. national Commander James E. “Jim” Koutz will administer the oath of office to newly elected Department 0fficers, as well as present a key note address during the session. This year, delegates also will elect a new national Executive Committee member and alternate, a Sergeant-at-Arms, and three at at-large national convention delegates.

Based on nominations from Legionnaires around the state,

three outstanding Hoosiers will be presented the 2013 Distinguished Service Award. These members will be honored on stage for their lifetime of service to the organization, and will join a relatively small, but elite group of Hoosiers who have earned this honor. Their names will not be announced until presentation time, which is set for approximately 11:30 Saturday morning.

Indiana’s Post 64 Site of National Convention’s Legacy Run CONvENTION

The route for the 2013 American Legion Legacy Run is nearly finalized. The following stops are on the schedule, with more to be added in the coming weeks.

sunday, august 18, – indianapolis Post 64 to rolla, Mo. (353 miles)

Run begins at American Legion Post 64, 601 S. Holt Road, Indianapolis

Outstanding members of the Armed Forces, distinguished educators, emergency responders, journalists and employers of veterans also are among the individuals and groups to be honored at the convention. Awards to hard-working Legionnaires in the areas of membership, youth program, veterans’ affairs, and community involvement also will be presented on the platform.

The Department Convention also encompasses the Department Auxiliary Convention, the Sons of The American Legion Convention, and the annual meeting of the Indiana Chapter of The American Legion Riders. The Saturday night Commander’s Convention Party will

Continued on page 16

Lunch in Effingham, Ill. (Post 120)

Special event at Missouri Veterans Home Overnight in Rolla, Mo.

Monday, aug. 19, – rolla to Muskogee, okla. (311 miles)

Gas stop and lunch in Springfield, Mo. (Post 639)

Optional visit to the Muskogee VA Hospital and local American Legion post Overnight in Muskogee, Okla.

Tuesday, aug. 20 – Muskogee to stephenville, Texas (358 miles) Overnight in Stephenville, Texas

Wednesday, aug. 21 – stephenville to seguin, Texas (278 miles)

Special luncheon event with wounded warriors and USAA at Killeen Civic Center, Killeen, Texas

Overnight in Seguin

Special event at Seguin American Legion Post 245

Thursday, aug. 22 – seguin to league City, Texas (236 miles)

Arrival at Post 554, 1650 Highway 3 South, League City, Texas Reception with national officers and staff, vendors on site.

Check the national headquarters http://www.legion.org/riders for additional sites and schedule.

Court Of Appeals Joins Boys State Exercise In Self-Government

The Court of Appeals of Indiana conducted oral argument before delegates attending Hoosier Boys State and Hoosier Girls State at Trine University in Angola on June 18 and June 27, respectively.

The arguments give delegates a glimpse of the judiciary’s indispensable role in our democracy as the delegates conduct mock campaigns and elections for the legislative and executive branches of government. The

Court of Appeals has appeared multiple times at Boys State and Girls State and welcomes the delegates’ keen interest in democratic processes and institutions.

The panel of judges for Hoosier Boys State were Judge John G. Baker, Judge James S. Kirsch and Judge Melissa S. May. The case is Wood v. State, arising out of a fatal boating accident in Monroe County in 2010. The

panel of judges for Hoosier Girls State were Judge Paul D. Mathias, Judge Michael P. Barnes and Judge Terry A. Crone. The case is Hill v. State, a probationrevocation case from Marion County. Both arguments had a duration of about one hour.

Reporters, including student journalists, may ask the court’s permission to record or photograph the argument. All cameras were required to be tripod

mounted and flash or strobe lighting could not be used.

The Court of Appeals hears oral arguments across Indiana to allow citizens to see the court at work. The court has conducted more than 360 “Appeals on Wheels” since its 2000-2001 centennial. For more information about the court or Appeals on Wheels, please visit www.courts. in.gov.

Springtime Sees hoosiers In The News

Memorial Day Remembrance, Historic Legislation, and Homecoming are just some of the activities that occupied Hoosier Legionnaires during the Spring months.

1. Webber LaGrange, Past National Treasurer of The American Legion, addresses the crowd at the recent Memorial Day commemoration on the Town Square in Franklin, Indiana.

2. Festivities and comradeship at the Homecoming of Indiana’s own National Commander Jimmy Koutz at Post 200, Boonville, Indiana.

3. Department Commander Dick Jewell among other Hoosier Legionnaires and interested parties witnessing Governor Pence signing legislation.

4. National Commander James Koutz with many of his ‘Sons.’

2013 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 December 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013. May they rest in peace.

East Chicago Raymond J. Klank 57

East Chicago Paul J. Klus 29

East Chicago Peter J. Koushiafes 2

East Chicago Gus D. Metros 29

East Chicago Stephen Mileusnich 26

East Chicago Chris Mitrakis 18

East Chicago Roman J. Ortiz 21

East Chicago Richard H. Pesenko 14

East Chicago Charles Petrovich 35

East Chicago Andrew J. Porvaznik 30

East Chicago Helen A. Pramuk 45

East Chicago Peter M. Russell 12

East Chicago Frank Seljan 29

East Chicago Leo H. Smith 32

East Chicago Nicholas Stepanovich 27

East Chicago John C. Szczepanski 37

Hammond Colin S. Howat 12

Hammond Dennis Jancosek 35

Merrillville Leslie Bargfeldt 55

Schererville William R. Beechin 16

Schererville Russell H. Klucker 2

Schererville Richard L. Yancey 16

Hdqrts Post John Hodorek 9

DISTRICT 2

Post City Full Name CY

Lafayette Jack Baker 45

Lafayette Leroy J. Balser 35

Lafayette Robert F. Barnhart 28

Lafayette Robert E. Bartley 50

Lafayette Bernard J. Bresnahan 53

Lafayette Ross Brewer 16

Lafayette Arlan D. Brown 47

Lafayette William E. Davis 53

Lafayette Charles F. Gerst 19

Lafayette Russell P. Griswold 36

Lafayette Edward G. Hamady 45

Lafayette Arnold E. Haupt 20

Lafayette George Leibert 50

Lafayette Harold E. McCloud 26

Lafayette Richard Osburn 2

Lafayette Ralph W. Patrick 35

Lafayette Forrest E. Platt 70

Lafayette Robert G. Riehle 63

Lafayette Joseph R. Schleter 48

Lafayette Kenneth E. Sweet 21

Lafayette Wilbur F. Troxel 46

Lafayette Donald R. Velten 33

Kentland John Haynes 41

Kentland Ralph R. Miiller 25

Rensselaer Homer G. Banister 25

Rensselaer William E. Bennett 33

Rensselaer William C. Jackson 58

Rensselaer Harold L. Johnson 13

Rensselaer William Leopold 41

Rensselaer Gerald J. Miller 68

Rensselaer Wayne A. Molenaar 25

Rensselaer Robert E. Nagel 64

Rensselaer Grover Powers 11

Rochester Larry Andrews 24

Rochester William L. Bean 34

Rochester Hollis D. France 22 Rochester Gerald Johnson 18

Dale K. Petersen 6

2013 pOSt eVeRLAStiNG

Nappanee Charles A. Mince 40

Nappanee Jerald D. Null 34

Nappanee Roy Slagle 25

Mishawaka Frank L. Breden 12

Mishawaka Richard J. Huling 22

Mishawaka George Pozwilka 57

Walkerton Leroy E. Toner 16

Bremen Otis R. Bowen 57

Bremen Clarence Haynor 1

Middlebury Steven C. Dolby 33

Middlebury Charles R. Freeby 53

Middlebury Nelson Maier 15

Middlebury William H. Reiff 28

Middlebury Harley Weirich 20

Middlebury Don H. Whetstone 18

South Bend Geza D. Pecze 52

South Bend Roger Sabaj 9

South Bend Robert D. Vonbergen 60

New Carlisle Herbert C. Hicks 29

New Carlisle James L. Hicks 45

New Carlisle George W. Lafree 51

New Carlisle Kenneth F. Myers 24

New Carlisle Leonard A. Noens 23

New Carlisle Rick Waldron 6

New Carlisle Joseph N. Watnick 28

South Bend Thomas R. Andrysiak 17

South Bend Donald E. Bowen 1

South Bend Richard Grant 3

South Bend Earl F. Vosburgh 47

Osceola Jim Allen 2

Osceola Lowell M. Friesner 1

Osceola John E. Klein 1

Osceola John Lester 2

Osceola Dorothy K. Randall 26

South Bend Joseph J. Griman 27

South Bend Chester L. Hunter 19

South Bend John M. Kandzierski 66

South Bend Louis D. MIchalski 54

South Bend Clem J. Plencner 64

South Bend James R. Reetz 36

South Bend Roman Sikorski 24

South Bend Terry R. Weiss 15

Lakeville Ron Baney 34

Lakeville Martin E. Greene 34

Lakeville Dwight S. Nolen 32

Lakeville Bernard J. Oblinger 7

North Liberty Robert R. Good 11

North Liberty Dale E. Hille 43

North Liberty Timothy P. Hurley 17

North Liberty Harriett D. Lee 8

North Liberty Harl H. Shafer 28

North Liberty Dewey L. Thomas 68

Lapaz Ivan D. Amor 9

Wanatah Bill Hunt 23

Wanatah Kenneth Martin 53

Wanatah Earl Mohlke 62

Bourbon Woody Everly 45

Bourbon John H. Mason 40

Bourbon William Peckham 22

Bourbon James E. Riemenschneider 32

Michigan City Dick C. Collins 24

Michigan City Charles Crout 22

Willard R. Hepler 43

Nappanee Clarence Middaugh 23

Michigan City John Geyer 18

Michigan City Stanley J. Kowalski 27

Continued on page 10

2013 pOSt eVeRLAStiNG

Orland Stephen Mockler 7

Orland Harry T. Mort 24

Orland Ronald W. Poffenberger 13

Orland Darold Sailor 46

Orland Terrence L. Tillotson 36

Hamilton Errol D. Bentz 2

Hamilton Dave Blazek 9

Hamilton Donald C. Frederick 57

Hamilton Paul McDaniel 6

Berne Reginold Myers 36

Allen County Albert Doherty 18

Allen County Richard W. Fetters 22

Allen County Delbert H. Logan 26

Allen County William G. Roth 35

Allen County Walter L. Slack 22

Allen County Donald E. Smith 15

Allen County Charles C. Vanyo 19

DISTRICT 5

Post City Full Name CY

Kokomo Kenneth E. Berryman 25

Kokomo Marvin C. Bralley 25

Kokomo Donald W. Farrington 59

Kokomo Robert N. Hostetler 8

Kokomo Donald K. Loll 17

Kokomo Edwin J. Marx 4

Kokomo John C. Mills 69

Kokomo William A. Nilson 13

Kokomo Russell D. Pine 1

Kokomo Robert D. Roler 2

Kokomo Robert L. Sears 34

Kokomo Robert E. Stodgell 26

Kokomo Carl Willis 12

Huntington Thomas W. Hammond 35

Huntington Philip L. Ogden 5

Huntington Paul D. Thompson 68

Marion Harry R. Bergdoll 17

Marion William A. Faunce 7

Marion Vance D. King 43

Marion Sam Lyons 35

Marion Jack W. Mullins 35

Marion James D. Palmer 12

Marion Richard L. Stevens 22

Marion Gene J. Stults 69

Frankfort J. C. Anderson 19

Frankfort Kenneth B. Andrus 29

Frankfort James L. Davis 65

Frankfort Charles S. Goodwin 59

A. Wilsey 31

Leo Herman W. Farber 42

Leo Denis J. Goonen 20

Leo Glen A. Kauser 37

Leo Harry D. Tharp 16

Leo Quinten G. Volkert 5

Monroeville Donald H. Dawson 68

Monroeville Donald D. Grabner 31

Monroeville Carl Gromeaux 22

Monroeville Russel K. Johnston 14

Orland Edward H. Barry 18

Orland Max H. Bucklin 32

Orland Robert D. Fanning 12

Orland Raymond Frederick 59

Orland Wayne D. Frey 7

Orland Donald E. Jehl 15

Frankfort Donald J. Lipp 25

Frankfort Everett N. Lucas 13

Frankfort William C. Miller 7

Frankfort Rawlings V. Ransom 68

Frankfort Phil Robison 18

Frankfort Michael W. Timmons 34

Peru John B. Prior 25

Peru Charles E. Thibeault 32

Peru Robert A. Wells 34

Wabash Max Coble 67

Wabash Dick Harvey 58

Wabash Robert M. Smalley 50

Wabash Verl D. Steller 13

Tipton Richard A. Burris 48

Tipton Max Crouch 27

Tipton Donald M. Gray 13

2013 pOSt eVeRLAStiNG

Fishers Robert R. Sculthorp 27

Hdqrts Post Herschel W. Marshall 8

Hdqrts Post William B. Woodruff 30

DISTRICT 7

Post City Full Name CY

Brazil William J. Pearce 31

Brazil Leslie H. Webster 13

Bloomington Philip E. Anderson 18

Bloomington James E. Baker 12

Bloomington

L. Baker 16

Bloomington Orval R. Baugh 16

Bloomington Delmar K. Bruce 14

Bloomington

Bloomington

R. Buher 8

W. Burch 43

Bloomington Clifford H. Byrd 2

Bloomington

M. Cain 47

Bloomington C. K. Carter 58

Bloomington Carl L. Courter 26

Bloomington George M. Dory 18

Bloomington Robert K. Duff 36

Bloomington

A. Eads 40

Pugh 32

Perrysville Melvin Dunham 8

Kingman Ralph Ransom 66

Newtown Frank Peterson 28

Jamestown James C. Iverson 66

Waynetown Gary W. Debaun 32

Waynetown Carroll E. Fruits

Waynetown Robert J. Rosen 67

Fishers Harold D. Schneider 26

Bloomington

Bloomington

N. Fisher 60

M. Farrell 11 Bloomington

W. Fowler 17

Bloomington James E. Fultz 21

S. Harden 29

Bloomington Ralph O. Harden 26

Bloomington Marvin L. Hays 61

Bloomington Roy B. Hudson 6

Bloomington Merle M. Lagneaux 31

Bloomington Robert E. Lockwood 15

Bloomington Charles Martin 35

Bloomington John H. McCutchen 17

Bloomington Harley E. McKittrick 17

Bloomington James W. Morgan 45

Bloomington Glenn E. Otto 40

Bloomington George D. Pitman 26

Bloomington William G. Ramsey 49

Bloomington Raymond H. Schulz 38

Bloomington Charles M. Shields 28

Bloomington John E. Sims 25

Bloomington Omar F. Sinn 25

Bloomington Charles J. Townsend 8

Bloomington Donald C. Tyte 45

Bloomington Johnnie G. Waltke 3

Bloomington Russell E. Watson 23

Bloomington Robert E. Welty 27

Bloomington Ralph Young 21

Linton Estel Elgan 36

Linton Michael E. Faulk 39

Linton Owen V. Fulford 34

Linton Dale L. Goddard 9

Linton Dexter L. Laughlin 68

Linton Jesse R. Martin 33

Linton Louis Mehay 68

Linton John Padgett 22

Linton Don R. Shonk 15

Linton Harold E. Shouse 36

Linton Franklin R. Trotter 1

Linton David L. West 15 Owensville Robert L. Dowty 10

Virginia L. Moore 8

2013 pOSt eVeRLAStiNG

Jasper Claude E. Rees 52

Jasper Monroe Riddle 58

Jasper Urban L. Wilmes 64

Jasper David G. Wuchner 3

Evansville Robert B. Ahrens 31

Evansville Helen M. Becker 29

Boonville Woodrow A. Barnett 9

Boonville Reathel E. Byers 32

Boonville Robert W. Chambers 4

Boonville Billy R. Garrett 23

Boonville Otto Hadley 4

Boonville Jerry Herron 33

Boonville James C. Ingram 12

Boonville Jerry Jongsma 1

Boonville Darrel W. Martin 3

Boonville Edward E. Neff 18

Boonville Arnald Robertson 1

Boonville Paul Stateler 41

Boonville Mac Walters 37

Sellersburg William E. Bedell 13

Sellersburg Elmer L. Blessinger 57

Sellersburg Carl Broughton 49

Sellersburg Edwin B. Kelmel 13

Sellersburg Clarence J. McCartin 66

Sellersburg Ernest O. Walker 67

Tell City Joseph Biever 70

Tell City Forest B. Cooper 44

Tell City Darrel D. Cotton 20

Tell City James Haller 41

Tell City E. R. Lautner 47

Tell City William A. Philipps 25

Tell City Leo K. Simpson 67

Tell City James J. Wood 55

Rockport Kenneth Ayer 66

Rockport Albert E. Bryant 46

Rockport James Coomer 9

Rockport Paul Deweese 12

Rockport Forrest R. Freshley 67

Rockport Benton W. Gentry 17

Rockport James W. Jackson 9

Rockport Howard E. Kroeger 1

Rockport Mendel Miller 31

Rockport Kenneth R. Neal 36

Rockport Robert R. Parsley 57

Rockport David W. Wilkinson 3

Evansville David A. Cleveland 31

Evansville William Coon 18

Evansville Donald L. Drury 3

Evansville Edgar E. Hughes 23

Evansville Edna R. Kathary 23

Evansville Eldon L. Marker 3

Poseyville Harry K. Davis 68

Milltown Raymond D. Burnett 31

Milltown Charles R. Chinn 62

Elizabeth Kenneth H. Miller

Dale Billy F. Harper

Post

14

Cannelton Joe Payne 11

Jasper Harold A. Berger 68

Jasper Victor Bohnenkamper 23

Jasper Robert H. Bohnert 68

Jasper Clarence R. Brown 12

Jasper Gary E. Flamion 12

Jasper Thomas H. Gootee 53

Jasper Jerome F. Habig 68

Jasper Robert G. Herbig 47

Jasper Othmar Mathias 41

Charlestown Jerry R. Wiggam 7

Holland Harold Bartelt 65

Holland James E. Blount 21

Holland Melvin A. Hagemeyer 27

Holland Robert J. Law 8

Holland Bill Majors 2

Holland Joseph R. Saddler 17

Holland Glen L. Sakel 13

Holland Edw J. Weigel 49

Evansville Edward J. Wells 8

2013 pOSt eVeRLAStiNG

Yorktown Robert A. Graves 29

Yorktown Jack E. Spence 22

Hagerstown Joshua H. Allen 61

Hagerstown Joseph N. Bath 15

Hagerstown Charles F. Black 35

Hagerstown Theodore Lindsey 34

Hagerstown John McCormack 51

Hagerstown William E. Morris 42

Hagerstown Willie W. Southerland 35

Dublin Russell O. Hersberger 30

Dublin Gordon D. Snyder 3

Dublin George York 21

Farmland JoHn R. Henning 33

Farmland Robert A. Hill 27

Farmland Jerry L. Hines 15

Gaston Farris Schache 44

Selma Don Hatcher 32

Williamsburg Gilford M. Snapp 15

Daleville Louie E. McDonald 46

Ridgeville Paul E. Harper 3

DISTRICT 11

Post City Full Name CY

Broad Ripple Loren T. Garrity 62

Broad Ripple Fred A. Stickle 18

Indianapolis Robert L. Downey 12

Indianapolis Richard D. Light 10

Indianapolis John McShay 25

Indianapolis Donald W. Ellis 17

Indianapolis Brian F. Jennings 3

Indianapolis John H. Austin 58

Indianapolis David R. Fetty 8

Garfield Park Frank L. Adimare 23

McIlvaine-Kothe Robert E. Buis 23

Indianapolis Charles R. Day 18

Indianapolis Albert M. Rust 64

Acton H. F. Storms 21

Indianapolis Reuben B. Jackson 1

Indianapolis Adell Walker 41

Beech Grove WIllie Armstrong 23

Beech Grove Carl Leck 53

Power And Light Leonard E. Hull 38

Madden-Nottingham James R. Kester 22

Madden-Nottingham John E. Trimble 29

Atkins Saw John M. Baxter 22

Atkins Saw Walter L. Fisher 10

Atkins Saw Paul W. Herzog 6

Atkins Saw Lowell E. Painter 27

Atkins Saw Dwight W. Reid 27

Eli Lilly Kenneth J. Rodewald 58

Indianapolis Womens Sharon M. Wray 38

Indianapolis Elizabeth Adams 45

Indianapolis Adolphus W. Dalton 26

Northwest Roger Butler 23

Northwest Earl A. Thomas 1

Speedway Noble L. Beck 27

Speedway John N. Byers 22

Speedway Dennis C. Cherry 32

Speedway Calvin R. Clear 26

Speedway Charles V. Eads 9

Speedway Darrell W. Ewing 3

Speedway Joseph E. Fidger 28

Speedway William E. Keeker 27

Speedway Robert J. Lather 23

Speedway Eugene McKee 35

Speedway John Rossok 13

Speedway Eugene S. Tsareff 60

Speedway Denis E. Wilson 4

Speedway Roy O. Woodward 27

Hdqrts

HEADQUARTERS POST

Sweet 26

Richmond Earl Williams 17

Speedway William C. Hanna 25

Speedway George M. Harris 13

Veterans Services Builds Membership— Membership Builds Veterans Services

local service and/or legislative issues:

new Post s ervice o fficers

Training seminar, attention: Post service officers and Post

Commanders:

Place and Time: The day following the department convention, Sunday, July 14, 2013, 8:00 AM until noon at the convention site, the Marriott Hotel, 7202 East 21st, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Topics: Post service officers’ duties and responsibilities, ethics, the rehab program, homeless veterans program, claims representation, veterans service and membership, avoiding common mistakes, newly discharged veterans consultation checklist, replacing the DD Form 214, disability compensation, non-service co nnected pension, survivors compen -

John Hickey

The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the month of June. Appointments are necessary for client visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling our direct number of 317-916-3605; calling a long distance toll free number of 1-888-723-7999, extension 1; faxing us at 317-9163406; or by using the following e-mail address: al.vbaind@va.gov.

sation and pension, burial benefits, the appeals process, military correction and review

board issues, concurrent receipt and combat related special pay, VA medical benefits, and fully developed and informal claims. Department Service Officers will also conduct an open panel discussion to help answer any and all veterans’ benefits and service issues of concern to the audience.

added resources: Service officers in attendance will also have an opportunity to complete a Post Service Officer’s home study training course.

Why and how: This seminar will help American Legion posts assist its members with veterans benefit issues, and improve membership through services. Pre-registration is not required. All post service officers are encouraged to attend. The training session is free, but attendees will likely incur costs associated

with travel and possibly lodging. Active post service officers volunteer much of their time while assisting post members. Posts should consider sponsoring their post service officers’ attendance at the training session, and then reap the benefit of their service officer’s increased knowledge.

Veterans Job Fair: Recruit Military and The American Legion will sponsor a Veterans Job Fair at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 on June 20, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The American Legion Veterans Service Office will also have a Department of Indiana veterans service officer at the event to help answer veterans benefits questions and concerns. you may find additional information about the Job Fair

at: https://events.recruitmilitary.com/events/indianapolisveteran-job-fair-june-20-2013. national service and/ or legislative issues: new notice of Disagreement Forms (Va Forms 21-0958): Veterans have a right to “disagree” with most any decision VA makes. Filing the notice of Disagreement is the first step in the appeals process. VA must construe as a notice of Disagreement any timely filed written notice from the claimant or the claimant’s representative expressing dissatisfaction with a VA decision. For the purpose of clarifying what issue the claimant disagrees with and why, VA has developed a notice of Disagreement Form (VA Form 21-0958). This form is for use

Continued on page 23

Will VA Recover From Court Of Veterans Claims?

Two major things happen after enactment of The Veterans’ Judicial Review Act of 1988: VA found it could no longer simply deny claims for the sake of administrative convenience, and more veterans than ever began receiving their rightfully entitled benefits.

Prior to 1988, VA was the judge and jury when it came to deciding veterans claims. Veterans could appeal those decisions to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), but BVA granted only a small percentage

of appeals and veterans had no further recourse when VA’s BVA confirmed the denial of benefits. VA seemed to set their own laws through unbridled administrative regulations and rules within procedure manuals. If VA wanted to ignore accepted medical standards showing certain disabilities were Agent Orange related, it did. If VA wanted to tighten-up standards for awarding 100% Individual Unemployability ratings, it did. If VA wanted to deny a claim without providing veterans adequate “reason and

bases,” it did. If VA wanted to streamline processing by failing to inform veterans of evidence necessary to win claims, it did: and on, and on, and on. Congress would make laws, and VA would apply them as it saw fit.

In 1986, former House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery defended the VA system when stating “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Sonny was at least half right. The “system” was not broke: VA could and would deny claims very quickly. The problem was –the system was breaking veter-

ans. Congress would pass laws granting benefits for veterans, and VA would restrict payment through a series of overstepping administrative rules. This would allow congress to look good without the government having to pay.

The establishment of the United States Court of Veterans Claims (first known as Court of Veterans Appeals (COVA)) set VA in a tail-spin. Whenever the Court finds VA misapplied the intent of a veterans benefit law, the Court remands (returns to VA) the appeal for correc -

tion. Many of these remand orders result in VA having to change their regulations and operating procedures and readjudicate all similar cases. Veterans also find these changes helpful with reopening their previously denied claims. VA therefore discovers itself working the same claims over and over again, and offering seemly never ending appeal rights. What’s good for the veteran, however, is not always good for the “system.” Veterans are Continued on page 22

Close Of Books Has Come And Gone

hello Fellow Legionnaires!

Close of Books has come and gone, being held on June 9th at Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette. Start now to recruit new members and for those who did not renew in the past membership year, go out and find out why they didn’t. Did they forget, were they ill, are they having a tough time financially? Make an ‘American Legion new year’s Resolution’ to bring in those past and potential members! Think about it, part of success is preparation on purpose.

Overall, the state has 147 posts that accomplished 100% membership. Great job to all 147 posts for attaining that major feat. On the other hand, statewide we have 217 Posts

Posts At 100%As of 6/10/13

marty Dzieglowicz DEPARTMENT MEMbERshiP

ChAIRMAN’S NOTES

that have 90% plus on their membership roster. Just think, if these posts would have attempted to make 100% membership, our deficit of 1,537 cards compared to last year at this time would be completely erased.

The art of communicating comes into play. If you just communicate, you can get by, but if you skillfully communicate, you can work miracles.

The only way to get the job done is to knock on doors and skillfully communicate the benefits of renewing your membership in The American Legion. It can happen!

I would like to thank the 8th District and 7th District for placing 1st and 2nd respectively in the District Membership ratings. Both are working as a well-oiled machine and their team efforts add to our strength in

numbers.

now, continue to ARM yourself with a packet of Legion, Auxiliary and SAL applications—Renew for God & Country—and, Always Remember Membership!

Department HQ Posts Are Just Like District HQ Posts

Dear aubrey

I am a member of Department Headquarters Post 0777. I recently received a mailing asking me to transfer to a District Headquarters Post. What is this and how is it different from my current Post?

Confused

Aubrey Hancock DEPARTMENT MEMbERshiP MANAgER ASk AubREy

Dear Confused

Post 0777 and the District Headquarters Posts are essentially the exact same thing, just a different post number. Both are administrative-run Posts and there is no physical address. We simply want to provide our members with better service by filtering the members into the

or phone them in to (317) 630-1300.

District level Posts and making them easier to manage. If you would rather join a local Post in your area, simply visit 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 likely, your DD-214. 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.

Dear aubrey

I have lost/misplaced my original discharge papers (DD214). Do you have a copy of it in your office?

Forgetful

partment Headquarters does not house military records of any kind. However, you can obtain a copy of your discharge papers by filling out a Standard Form 180. They are available on our website at: www.hoosierlegionnaire.org/members1/, click on “Obtaining Military Records.” Send the completed form to the appropriate address listed on page 3 of the form. Please note that on occasion, there could be a considerable time-lag. Also, over 16 million official military personnel files were destroyed by fire in 1973 at the records center in St. Lou-

District 1

Post 0016, Munster

Post 0017, Gary

Post 0080, Whiting

Post 232, Hammond

Post 0279, Gary

Post 0508, East Chicago

District 2

Post 0023, Kentland

Post 0094, Valparaiso

Post 0146, Morocco

Post 0223, Syracuse

Post 0228, Francesville

Post 0238, Roselawn

Post 0253, north Webster

Post 0375, Lake Village

Post 0413, Camden

Post 0414, Burlington

Post 0455, Earl Park

Post 0492, West Lafayette

Post 0502, South Haven

District 3

Post 0068, Argos

Post 0130, Michigan City

Post 0151, Granger

Post 0191, Bremen

Post 0363, Lakeville

Post 0385, Lapaz

Post 0400, Fish Lake

District 4

Post 0097, Auburn

Post 0148, Fort Wayne

Post 0157, Churubusco

Post 0202, Butler

Post 0215, LaGrange

Post 0240, Avilla

Post 0243, Ligonier

Post 0257, Fremont

Post 0365, north Liberty

Post 0403, Wanatah

Post 0409, Leo

Post 0420, Monroeville

Post 0467, Hamilton

Post 0499, Allen County

Dear Forgetful

The American Legion De -

Continued on page 21

Continued on page 22

welcome All!

Membership Chairman Marty outlines the activities for Close of Books at Indiana Veterans’ Home.

The year is about over and it seems that the last few months have gone by too fast.

DISTRICT

hello Friends of the 1st District. By the time you read this, Memorial Day will be a distant memory. Most of us who are active at the district level participated in at least four ceremonies, one for the district, one for our own post, one for our local community, and lastly, one by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee for the county. That our local communities ask us to lead the ceremonies shows we are doing some things right. They show us respect and honor us by asking us to run the ceremonies. Our Department of Defense certified color guards were present at six ceremonies spread out over Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. One member of the certified team said he had been involved with 90 funeral services this calendar year already. Our Department Commander Dick Jewell spent the weekend with us.

Congratulations to the 1st District Auxiliary and District President Linda Kolarik. They finished the membership year in first place. I was fortunate to be able to attend their district meeting to witness their receiving the award and for the celebration. For us in The American Legion, membership has been more of a challenge.

Also, when you read this, we will have closed the current membership year and be selling membership cards expiring in 2014. It is helpful to remind members that the department year is July 1 through June 30. If members pay their dues with the first reminder from national, they will only get one reminder.

CONvENTION

feature DJ Russ Chandler, a popular and frequent entertainer at Legion conferences and conventions. The Department Executive Committee will meet both before and after the convention.

Convention weekend ends with a continental breakfast reception hosted by the newly elected commander. In a change from previous years, the new officers’ Organization Day activities will not be held on Sunday following the convention. The meeting has been rescheduled for the following weekend.

Continued from page 6 HLH

I would like to congratulate the posts that have reached 100%. Thanks to those of you for your hard work. A big thanks to the Green Machine for their dedication and hard work they have done over the past year. And to all the posts in 2nd District, thank you, everyone. We are preparing for the Indiana Department convention in July. I hope we have a good showing from all the posts in the district. Please make sure all of your delegates attend.

Richard Sexton C OMMANDER 2

The hospitality of the posts that we have been to has been great. We have met a lot of people at the posts who have always made us feel at home. It has been a pleasure to meet all of you. Thank you to all the posts that have participated in the Legion programs. That is what we are here for, so please get the word out to the community about the programs and scholarships that The American Legion has to offer. The more exposure these programs get, the more the Family of Three becomes larger. So please, not only work membership but get the programs out there. If you are not familiar with all the programs, please take the time to find out about them. There is plenty of information out there and if you attend the conferences, you will have plenty of information to take back to your post.

This will be my last newsletter. I appreciate all the help I had from the past district commanders. It has been great, so thanks to all of you. I would like to thank everyone who helped at conferences—especially the help of Izzy. All of you have put forth a tremendous effort. I would like to thank one more person for his leadership, guidance and his work on legislative issues dealing with veterans. Thank you, Commander Jewell, it has been a pleasure to know you.

We in the 3rd Dis trict hope that everyone had a safe Memorial Day. Despite the rain in many communities, Memorial Day was celebrated as it should have been. We will begin with the Mark L. Wilt Post 210 in Middlebury. Their remembrance began on Sunday evening when a new, beautiful monument in honor of Mark L. Wilt, whom the post is named after, was dedicated. The evening began with a procession to Grace Lawn Cemetery on East Warren Street. The monument was unveiled and the ownership papers were turned over to the post by Miller Stewart Funeral Home. Past Post 210 Commander, Charles Hostetler, under whose administration the project was conceived and completed, accepted the monument for the post and then presented the ownership papers to Mark Salee, the town manager who accepted it for the town of Middlebury.

Daniel lee

Speakers for the evening included Congresswoman Jackie Walorski of the 2nd District, State Senator Carlin yoder, State Representative Wes Culver, and Department Commander Richard Jewell. Also in attendance were Alternate national Executive Committeeman Paul Steward, Past Department Commander Mike Miller and Detachment Commander Greg Spaulding.

Immediately following the dedication, Post 210 members began their 9th annual dusk to dawn vigil at Grace Lawn. Post 210 Legionnaires placed ‘Star Lights of Honor’ on 384 graves of deceased veterans who were laid to rest at Grace Lawn. As visitors entered the cemetery, they were presented with a booklet indicating the name and war era of each veteran. When they exited the cemetery, each visitor was presented an American flag lapel pin. More than 400 people visited the cemetery from 9:00 p.m. Sunday to 6:30 a.m. Monday.

On Memorial Day, the activities began with a breakfast served from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and were open to all. The rain forced the Memorial Day ceremonies inside where about 200 attendees were treated to music from the northridge Band. The guest speaker was Post 210 active duty member Captain Ted Behncke, a senior staff officer of the 22nd Chemical Brigade stationed at Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. Following Captain Behncke’s message, the ‘war roster’ was read which is a listing of the 784 veterans by war era at rest in the 12 cemeteries under the post’s watch. Following the service, the post had a picnic lunch that was opened to all members

1 Mike wooden C OMMANDER

DiStRiCt NeWS

greetings from the Fabulous Fourth District!

This Legion year is getting close to its end, and for me, it has gone fast. I want to thank all of the officers, committee chairmen, American Legion Riders, Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary for the great amount of help they have given me throughout the past 12 months. you are why we are The Fabulous Fourth.

I have travelled a lot of miles and made many visits this year to the posts in our district. The one big thing I have noticed is that the posts that worked their programs, had entertainment, provided organized drawings, offered good food, established good accounting methods, worked their membership, and were friendly are growing and doing well. The ones that aren’t doing that are losing membership and money. Please do some drive arounds and see what works. Knock on doors and telephone those members who have not renewed. Ask those you meet if they are veterans and, if so, convince them to join the Legion. Talk to people in your community about the large number of programs that we offer, from the Oratorical contest, to Boys State, to Temporary Financial Assistance, and many more. Support your American Legion Baseball team by attending a game. Then bring all of this back to your post, and membership and funding will grow.

Convention time is coming up fast and I hope we will win some awards and also have a good time. In closing, I look forward to seeing all of you at the convention and so that I can take the opportunity to thank you personally.

greetings from the Mighty 5th District.

American Legion Post 429, Amboy, Indiana held its spring turkey shoots every Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m. March 10th to April 14th. These shoots were open to the public. no sheeved guns were allowed. The shoots were held at the Converse Fairgrounds. This helped raise money for The American Legion and aided the fairgrounds with their building fund. The children were instructed on gun safety and on the proper use of guns. They held BB shoots for kids ten years old and younger. Everyone was a winner and awarded a hot dog and soft drink.

At this event, there was a twelve-year old girl with a 410 shotgun against eleven men using 12-gauge shot guns. And she won! A good time was had by all. The next shoot will be held this fall. The prizes for the turkey shoots will be turkeys, pork loins, hams and money. They want to thank all who come out and hope to see you this fall.

At Legion Post 227, Dunkirk and Post 211, Portland, I found it an honor to have been the guest speaker for the annual Legion Birthday Celebration. Both posts really went all out with the decorations. They served wonderful home cooked meals and mouth-watering desserts in recognition of Army veteran Carl ‘Budzy’ Erlewein, Jr., born December 19, 1941. Carl passed on to Post Everlasting on november 21, 2012. Pendleton Post 608 Commander Milton Cooper informed the 5th District at our visitation on March 19, 2013 that the membership voted to use Carl’s name for their Legion meeting room. Also, the 5th District presented Post Commander Cooper with the 100% Membership Drive Citation Award and Honor Ribbon from the Department of Indiana. Rob Burkhart, 5th District Vice Commander, presented 100% membership pins. These pins went to Post Commander Cooper, First Vice Commander W.D. Baxter, and Adjutant E. Hoffman.

On May 18, 2013, at our 5th District meeting, Jonesboro Post 95 hosted Post Everlasting and their members did an outstanding job. State Commander Dick Jewell and his wife, Ida May, were there along with northern Vice Commander Fred Langley. Commander Jewell spoke about his work on veterans’ legislation here in Indiana. Fred Langley thanked everyone who worked on membership.

Kokomo, Post 6 American Legion Riders Director Onnie Briggs presented a check of a $100 to the 5th District for Indiana Veterans’ Home. Dunkirk Post 227

hello from the 6th District! Summer is here and I want all of you to be safe in the upcoming months on your vacations and other events.

During the past 12 months or so, I have been traveling around the district visiting posts. Each post has its own different style in getting the most out of the programs. I want to thank all of the post officers who work hard to get those programs active in their community. Without their dedication and hard work, our programs would not get completed. I found Legionnaires in some posts work hard on a number of programs and others work on just one or two. As you know, it does not take much to keep the programs active in your community or post, just hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done.

I had been invited to several events throughout the district. One visit was to Williamsport for a dedication of a plaque at the court house for eleven Civil War veterans for that county. I also went to the VA hospital in Danville, Illinois to see how our monies are spent for the comfort of the veterans living and visiting there. I also took part in a dedication of the veterans’ park around the Indiana State Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute.

I enjoyed attending a dinner and dance at Post 104 in Terre Haute. Clifford Stevens planned this St. Valentine’s Day event whose theme was from the big band era. I am sure that members of Post 104 should be proud to have a member such as Clifford who can plan an event and see it through to completion. Congratulations for a job well done.

With the year ending, I want to thank some special friends who have assisted me with keeping the hospitality room a place to enjoy socializing with fellow members of the 6th District. Richard Culp kept stocked the trailer and room. Bruce Curry managed on getting the trailer to the conferences and conventions. And what can I say about the help of the ladies who kept the hospitality room going—Kathy, nancy, and others too numerous to mention. To all of you, thank you!

Again, I want to thank all of the members of the posts who attended the district meetings. We provided quite a bit of information on several subjects that could help with veterans’ and families’ care, education and general information that is needed to run a post. The posts’ representatives who do not attend the meetings mostly do not attain 100% in membership or improve their posts. I know that vice

Dick bash C OMMANDER

Richard Thomas 5

Darrell bowman 6

greeting from the ‘Fighting 7th.’

My wife, Brenda, and I would like to thank everyone in the district who has helped out in the hospitality room this year. Whether you brought food or a post membership donated spirits, we truly appreciated it.

normally, this would be my farewell article. But this year in the 7th District will be different than previous years. For the first time since 1932, the 7th District is going to have the same person elected commander in back-to-back years. It is a great privilege being your current and next year’s commander. But we need the next generation of veterans to step up and be involved at every level in The American Legion. Start as a chairman of a committee at the post. Become a vice commander in the district. Then work your way up to membership chairman. Perhaps then become the District Commander—and beyond! We need you! We, in the 7th District, need maximum participation at district meetings, department conferences, and department conventions. So much for being on my soap box. yes, I realize that even at the post level, it is hard to get people involve with our different programs. But I plea to those of you out there, start working in your post at any level!

Since my last article, I have been busy with the membership round-up, visiting posts and encouraging members to knock on doors to bring back those who haven’t paid their due, or find out why they haven’t. I would like to thank Shoals Hanson McFee Post 61, Bloomfield Memorial Post 196, and Spencer Call-Payton Post 285 for inviting me to install their officers. Congratulations to Darrel Smith, Ron Henry, and Ron Patton on you being elected commanders of your respective posts. I know you will continue to do well for your posts. I also want to thank all the posts that hosted district meetings this year. you were gracious hosts and the food was fantastic. I would like to thank the chairmen of all my committees for the great job they have done this year. Thank you for attending your committees and bringing back reports on those committees to the district meetings.

I would like to thank Burch-Wood Post 121 in Washington for inviting me down for a special presentation in memory of one of your past commanders, Dick Deckard. Thank you for your contribution of $2000 to the Wounded Warrior Project and especially thank you for the contribution of $3000 to the national Commander James Koutz project, Operation

Welcome to the 8th District. By the time my article is read, the close of books will have come and gone. The standings of the districts will be in the history books and we will plan the department and national convention. Again, I want to thank the entire membership of the 8th District in supporting me as your commander.

Many posts achieved their assigned goals early and a few are still recruiting and gathering those late payers. As I told you in the beginning of my year, if you put a 110% effort towards supporting the goals of The American Legion, you are successful regardless of where you finished at the end of the year. A few posts have exhausted their green bar and are in rural, limited populated areas. For those posts, great job for your 110% effort. My issue is with the larger posts in largely populated areas. you know who you are and this is not just an 8th District problem—it’s a department and national issue.

Conducting American Legion programs, working with the media, and being one-on-one with members are the keys to success. How many times has your post chaplain visited a sick member at home or at the hospital? Most posts have a ‘sick call’ during their meetings. This is a way we can determine who, because of an illness, may need to have their dues taken care of.

I have, with the assistance of my Membership Chairman Dave Bryant, Executive Vice Commander Ron Byrley, Vice Commander Buckey Honaker, and Vice Commander Joe Curts, formed a District Membership Task Force. My primary goal was to lead by example. Many leaders, both at the district and department levels, have discussed the idea, but never implemented a plan. My post has performed this ‘knocking on doors’ since I became involved, over 13 years ago. I knew it worked. Our travels took us over hundreds of miles, extending over several days within the district. Our plan was simple: knock on doors of past and unpaid members and obtain their dues. We were highly successful. I can fill up an entire paper on the stories that members told us when visited them. Many members immediately got to their wallet or checkbook. We had one lady who wanted to pay her dues so bad that we took a postdated check. The point is—personal contact works.

American Legion Post 42 Family came together in support of ‘Crusade for Children 2013.’ The WHAS Crusade for Children is an annual telethon broadcast

Fellow Veterans, the time for this year’s officers is about to come to an end. I want to thank the 9th District for all the assistance you gave me and the vice commanders this year. We were 298 cards from hitting our goal. I am very pleased with these numbers. This district, as far as I’m concerned, is the best one around. (Go figure, I’m a little bias!)

For those that have not heard, I will be your district commander again next year. I will make sure I get it right this year. I plan on getting around to all the post at least once this year but if I’m needed before I get to you, just give me a call.

This is going to be the year I push for more involvement at the district level, starting with the upcoming convention. It’s a great group of veterans that keeps things going in the district but we could use some new ideas on the age-old questions. We always have a good time at the district meetings, along with good food. There is room for anyone who wants to become involved.

To post commanders, I will be in touch with each of you and ask you personally to step up. We need to look at the programs that your posts have and the ones that they don’t. We have a lot of deserving children in this district that could benefit by our youth programs. But it takes those of us at post level to get it started and the names to us. There are programs to assist our veterans with children who are in need of some assistance. We have already had one training session in our district and I plan to have another one soon. Remember that “every day is Veteran’s Day” and we “leave no veteran behind.”

There will be a new membership incentive coming with the 2014 membership cards. Read it carefully and if you have questions, contact me. I really think we have a good chance at hitting 100% this coming year. But we will just have to start early and push the reasons to belong to this great organization. We need to get involved with the community to let them know what The American Legion is all about.

As usual I’m going to try to be brief, so this is enough. Again thanks for all the help and I look forward to working with everyone again this upcoming Legion year.

C OMMANDER

DISTRICT kevin hinton 7

DISTRICT w illiam parks 9 Continued on page 23

HLH

NeWS

since this article for the Hoosier Legionnaire is the closeout for my commander’s year, I can only state that the year has gone by rather fast. The Close of the Books 2013 has come and gone. We continued to work until the very end to get those membership cards turned in. Although the 10th District has not entirely met the established goal of 100%, we have attempted to make it. We were a little short from obtaining it but did have 14 posts at 100%.

Having served as the 10th District Commander for 21 months, I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed it. I leave with a satisfaction of meeting many Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and Sons of The American Legion from the other ten districts, as well as in our very own 10th District. This relationship would never have happened if I had just remained a Knightstown Post 152 member.

The district has elected Ron Ordelheide from new Palestine Post 182 as the next commander for the coming year and he will take the leadership role in July at our organizational meeting to be held at Middletown Post 216 on the 21st of July. Ron served in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He has been my membership chairman for the past year and has done a brilliant job of generating interest and getting in the cards. His enthusiasm and interest in The American Legion will be a model throughout the coming year. August will see the district at the national Convention in Houston.

HLH

DISTRICT 6

Continued from page 17

commanders go out and visit their respective posts, but post members do not get to meet the rest of the district officers in this way. When you attend district meetings, you can pick district officers’ brains on a number of subjects and gain important information as to how other posts conduct their businesses. The district officers also need your input to assist you and the different posts in the district. In addition, we do pass on information from the department and national offices of the Legion.

My prayers go with you during the upcoming year for you and yours to be safe and healthy. Good Luck in the upcoming Legion year.

HLH

Fellow Legionnaire brothers and sisters in arms. now you are in the service to our community, state, and nation. It has come time for my year to wind down as your district commander. I have enjoyed serving you throughout the year! you have shown and demonstrated to me the meaning of “Hoosier hospitality.” Thank you for the kind words, sincere treatment, and respect you have given me throughout the year. I ask that you give that same hospitality to my successor, Edward L. Harris, Jr.; he will need your help and cooperation as you have given me.

I only ask that you remember we are all a very special family, an American Legion family. I trust you will continue to be the upstanding people I have grown to know!

Even though my year is fast coming to a close, do not think you have seen the last of me. I have accepted the position as District Membership Chairman and Commander of Post 500. I will still be available to help you, so please do not hesitate to ask. Just look to the future and help your post grow. Please work at keeping and continuing our children’s programs. If you are not involved in any children’s programs, look into getting involved. The children’s programs are your most important legacy to the future of your community, post, state, and our national organization.

We are very fortunate to live in a free country, thanks to all who have served our great nation. you have already paid the price while some others have lost their lives for that freedom. now let us take advantage of that liberty. Do not let those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to have fallen in vain.

It would be remiss of me if I did not mention that the southern districts took four of the five top positions in the membership standings in the department at the close of books. With that in mind, the 11th District came in fourth place in the department. I want to thank all the posts for their efforts!

Congratulations to my friends from the 8th District and District Commander Daniel Lawson and his team of officers. The 8th District took first place in the department standings for membership.

Last but not least, I want to give my most sincere thanks to the 11th District officers: Adjutant Kenny Cooper; Executive Vice Commander Edward L, Harris; Membership Chairman William Reading; Vice Commanders Timothy Elson, Rees Morgan, Ronzell Collins, Earl Dan Pool; Finance Officer Mark Gullion;

DISTRICT 3

of the town.

new Carlisle Post 297 conducted their installation of officers on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The usual ‘Pot Luck’ meal, prepared by the Auxiliary unit, was served to all in attendance to enjoy. Then, after the meal, Post 297 officers were installed by Michigan City Post 451, a tradition that has been followed for over 50 years.

Finally, on Memorial Day morning, Ryan A. Balmer Post 161 in conjunction with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 360, both of Mishawaka, conducted the traditional Memorial Day services in the cemeteries, a tribute in the park and at the bridge over the St. Joseph River and, finally, the parade. Although the weather didn’t cooperate as had been planned, many of the units still marched in the parade. The spectators didn’t let a little rain stand in the way of their enjoyment in watching the parade.

Well, that’s it from the Mighty 3rd this time. Keep getting those membership renewals, even though Close of Books has now passed.

Continued from page 16 HLH

DISTRICT 5

Continued from page 17

was given recognition for their Color Guard Firing Squad. They have conducted funerals for over 300 deceased veterans. national Commander Jimmy Koutz has scheduled a visit to Maximum Correctional Facility Bunker Hill Prison Post 555 in July. Post 555 is honored that the national commander would take time to visit. The post is supporting Commander Koutz’s program ‘Operation Comfort Warriors’ and will be making a contribution.

HLH

DISTRICT 11

Continued from the previous column Service Officer Joseph Fuller; Judge Advocate Ralph Tolan; Chaplin Paul Meyers; Historian Alfred Dan Gates; Sergeant-at-Arms Trevor Bacon; Americanism Officer Vincent Killebrew; and Public Relations Officer Richard Brown.

Thank you again to my 11th District team, post, Legion family, and friends for a fun, exciting, and productive year.

To all the Legionnaires, the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, and The American Legion Riders, thank you sincerely for all you have done! HLH

Legion Testified On Veterans’ Legislation

at a June 12 Senate hearing, The American Legion focused on pending legislation that would qualify America’s veterans for in-state tuition rate at colleges and universities, regardless of their legal residence.

“The men and women who served this nation did not just defend the citizens of their home states, but the citizens of all 50 states – their GI Bill should reflect that,” said Ian dePlanque in testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. dePlanque is deputy legislative director for the Legion.

The American Legion was instrumental in creating the 1944 GI Bill of Rights and in the passage of the Post-9/11 GI

Bill in 2008. Current education benefits for veterans cover the full cost of in-state tuition and fees for public colleges and universities. yet if a student veteran does not meet state residency requirements, he or she has to pay substantially higher out-of-state tuition. Because of military service overseas or in another state, many veterans do not qualify for in-state tuition. Sometimes, being a legal resident still won’t qualify a veteran for lower tuition rates. In its testimony, the Legion brought up an example of a veteran who was denied in-state tuition in north Carolina – although she was a legal resident of the state, owned a home there and paid state taxes.

The veteran wasn’t granted in-state status because she had not lived in north Carolina for 12 consecutive months. While servicemembers and their spouses are exempt from requirements for in-state tuition, that condition is not extended to veterans.

“Veterans shouldn’t have to go into deep debt for their education just because they stood up to serve,” dePlanque told the committee, thus making them more likely candidates “for residency in Kandahar instead of their home state.”

The American Legion also expressed critical concern over widespread military sexual assault (MSA) among servicemembers. Because MSA is usually not well documented, the

Legion is urging Congress to pass the Ruth Moore Act (S. 294).

This bill would improve the way that the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates disability compensation for veterans with mental-health conditions related to MSA.

MSA often goes unreported, dePlanque said. “When they are reported, we’ve all seen how these issues can be swept under the rug,” he said. “We cannot continue to see this done to the brave men and women who serve and suffer.”

Other pending legislation supported by The American Legion includes:

• Putting Our Veterans Back to Work Act (S. 6)

• Veterans Small Business

Amateur Radio Club Is For Legion ‘Hams’

The American Legion has formed a special entity to provide a forum for military veterans who today are engaged in a hobby that can also provide emergency communications “when all else fails.”

During the May 2011 Spring Meetings, the national Executive Committee authorized the establishment of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC).

There are estimated to be 700,000 federally licensed amateur radio operators, or “hams,” in the United States. Over the years, countless members of the U.S. military were trained as technicians or engineers, and later obtained amateur-radio

licenses to continue to use their abilities at home, as both recreation and a public-service commitment.

“The beauty of amateur radio is that it attracts folks of all career interests, from doctors, Ph.D.s, engineers, rocket scientists to mechanics, housewives, construction and office workers, students and everything in between,” says Robert L. Morrill, chairman of the Legion’s Public

Relations Commission. “Hams provide backup communications to emergency-management agency offices across the country when ‘all else fails,’ and have done so with distinction in virtually every major disaster when cell towers and commercial communications have been knocked out after earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and man-made disasters.”

The club has established an amateur radio station at national Headquarters with the call sign K9TAL (K9 The American Legion) in order to conduct special-event operations on The American Legion Birthday, Veterans Day, etc.; operate SKyWARn during local severe

Opportunity and Protection Act (S. 430)

• Careers for Veterans Act (S. 495)

• Honor America’s GuardReserves Retirees Act (S. 629)

• War Memorial Protection Act (S. 705)

• Survivor Benefits Improvement Act (S. 735)

• Veterans Back to School Act (S. 863)

• Veterans Outreach Act (S. 927)

• Putting Veterans Funding First Act (S. 932) For more on The American Legion’s legislative initiatives, go to http://www.legion.org/ legislative.

weather; and provide members an opportunity to operate the station during visits to national Headquarters. A special QSL card is provided to all amateur radio stations that work K9TAL on the air.

In January 2005, the Legion signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to support emergency disaster preparedness. Subsequently, the Disaster Preparedness Booklet was made available to posts. Amateur-radio support was an integral entity.

“The potential to serve here is limitless,” Morrill says. “Legionnaires who are hams can help others get licensed, coordinate with local emergency authori-

ties, provide counseling and assistance to schools, and a whole array of other support.

“While some people may think that ham radio is an old technology, the simple truth is that hams were working with digital transmissions long before folks had home computers, and they provided the impetus to make ‘wireless’ happen. They were transmitting emergency calls from their cars long before anyone had a mobile phone to do the same. Today, hams are conducting broad-spectrum experiments on ham bands that may eventually become routine ways to communicate for all of us.”

Continued on page 21

LeGiON NeWS

MIlITARy MEDICS

“(This) is good Hoosier common sense that honors the brave men and women who served our nation and sacrificed to protect our freedom.”

In an effort spearheaded by its national Economic Commission, Legion departments are campaigning on behalf of legislation that would require their state’s agencies and bodies to recognize appropriate military training and experience as fulfilling all or at least part of their licensing and credentialing requirements. The Legion also favors the logical state-to-state transfer of licenses and certifications previously issued to a servicemember or military spouse who, by virtue of their service, does not reside in the originating state.

Continued from page 5 HLH

lEGION ‘hAMS’

Continued from page 20

Recognizing the importance of this ‘hobby,’ Governor Mike Pence has declared June 17 - 23 “Amateur Radio Week” to commemorate over a century of public service by “ham” radio operators. “Amateur radio is more than a fun hobby,” said Lou Everett, Sr., WA5LOU, the ARRL, national association for Amateur Radio Indiana Section Manager. “It’s a proven communications system that works when all else fails as recently proven during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Sandy and recent tornado outbreaks in Oklahoma and the Midwest.”

Membership to TALARC is free to members of The American Legion family. American Legion Amateur Radio Club has become one of the largest, if not THE largest, ham radio clubs in the nation with 1,369 members, covering all 50 states, with 60 members here in Indiana.

When visiting national headquarters in Indianapolis, members of TALARC are welcome to operate the club station. Please call the public relations office at 317-630-1253 at least one day prior to arrival.

For information, or to join: www.legion.org/hamradio.

(From from The American Legion Website and the Legion’s Public Relation Office.)

ASk AubREy

Continued from page 15

Shades State Park Invites Guests For Its 66th Anniversary

located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville (off S.R. 47), the second annual Chautauqua celebrating the 66th anniversary of Shades becoming a state park will take place on June 29. The significance to Legionnaires is that the Department of Indiana The American Legion in the late 1940s was the major player to save the park from purchase by private hands. Helping to raise over $250,000, the park was dedicated on July 18, 1948 as the Shades American Legion Memorial Park. Scheduled for the last Saturday in June from 2:00 p.m. and to extend to the rest of the day,

ADjuTANT’S DESk

Continued from page 2 HLH

Drawing To encourage Friday attendance

Attendance at the Friday afternoon session of the Depart-

the family-orientated events will include turn-of-the-century music, a magician, and programs, including a Miami nation drum circle. This family event will offer food, fun,

and hikes.

For further information, contact Barbara Tibbets, Interpretive naturalist, at btibbets@dnr.In.gov or telephone 765 -597-2654.

ment Convention has been waning the past few years, so this year we hope to encourage better attendance by awarding a free, two night stay at the convention to one registered delegate or guest, including the registration fee. The drawing will be held during the last half of the Friday session, and will be in addition to the regu-

larly scheduled cash drawings usually conducted during the sessions.

The winner must be registered for the convention and be present for the drawing. The award will be equal to two nights stay in the Marriott Hotel, either as a cash award or as a complimentary stay.

HLH

is so there is no guarantee that you will receive a DD-214.

Dear aubrey

I am a Post adjutant and

am curious about when I can start sending in 2014 memberships?

Post Adjutant

Dear Post adjutant

As soon as you have your 2014 membership cards, you may start transmitting. If you

have not received your 2014 membership cards and starter kit, you need to contact your District Commander and arrange a time to pick them up or have them mailed.

Dear aubrey

Our Post recently had a member renew for 2014. How-

ever, the member joined last year, after the cards were printed. What should I do?

Early Bird

Dear early Bird

Since you don’t have a card for that member, fill out a card for them out of your blank supply. That member should have

a 9-digit ID number issued to them by now, so either access their record through your myLegion.org account, or call the membership office for assistance.

happy 66th birthday

Shades State Park celebrates by hosting its second annual Chautauqua.

wIll vA RECOvER?

Continued from page 14

doing better now because many of them are receiving benefits they would likely not have received under to old system, but the current system is backlogged with thousands upon thousands of claims waiting original decisions.

VA recently published a goal to work all claims over two years old within 60 days and then start working claims more than a year old. VA has also established new claims processing procedures, such as, the Fully Developed Claim allowing decisions on new claims within 3 to 4 months, and computerized claims processing systems having a huge potential for processing claims quicker. There is now at least hope that VA’s newly developing claims processing system will help VA process more claims correctly and in a timely manner.

These new systems make it more important than ever for veterans to receive claims filing advice and assistance from a qualified veterans service officer “before” filing their claims. Doing so will improve the veteran’s chance of receiving a favorable decision in a timely manner, and avoiding a very long appeals process.

100% pOSTS

Continued from page 15

District 5

Post 0006, Kokomo

Post 0010, Marion

Post 0046, Tipton

Post 0053, Elwood

Post 0085, Huntington

Post 0087, Alexandria

Post 0117, Pendleton

Post 0160, Roanoke

Post 0211, Portland

Post 0227, Dunkirk

Post 0248, Lagro

Post 0286, north Manchester

Post 0313, Fairmount

Post 0402, Laketon

Post 0408, Chesterton

Post 0555, Bunker Hill

Post 0608, Pendleton

District 6

Post 0052, Attica

Post 0067, Sheridan

Post 0145, Avon

DISTRICT 8

Continued from page 18

by WHAS-TV and WHAS (AM)

Radio to benefit a wide range of children’s charities throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana, changing the lives of children with special needs.

Legionnaires and Sons, as well as members of the community, were on hand to bid on the tasty desserts contributed by the Auxiliary, sponsors and the community at large at a live auction. The top winning bid was $205 and there were 60 desserts for sale. The Legion Family credits at least a dozen memberships resulting from exposure to our post through this event over the last three years. This is a charity that ev-

eryone recognizes and is eager to support. Total Legion Family contributions were in excess of $7,000 for 2013.

Post 35 allows the use of their social hall to the Kentuckiana Chapter of Ex-POWs for their meetings. Many worthy and important groups in our communities are without a proper place to hold meetings. By sharing our facilities, not only do we do the good deed by helping another organization but we also bring potential members into our home for a look around.

Post 200 in Boonville, national Commander Jimmy Koutz’s home post, recently presented a $500 check to Chandler, Indiana Police Chief Marlin Weisheit for a K9 unit. The funds were raised with a Texas Hold’em night earmarked for the police project.

Post 5 in Mt. Vernon, In -

diana recently wrote a check for $2,500 to the city to help with the construction of a new firehouse and police station. Those funds were raised on a TV raffle.

By helping our communities we help ourselves. We become a winning team, something that others want to be a part of.

I need your input for the 8th District articles going into the Hoosier Legionnaire. If your post or someone in your post does something newsworthy, please send it to Dave Sharber by e-mail to wobegone@att. net or by mail at PO Box 493 in Mt. Vernon, In 47620. We need newsworthy Legion, veteran and community-related information. Be proud of your post and your Legion Family. Share what they are doing. no gossip please, just news.

Post 0291, Covington

Post 0302, Darlington

Post 0323, Waveland

Post 0328, Riley

Post 0341, Cicero

Post 0346, Terre Haute

Post 0404, Prairie Creek

Post 0410, Whitestown

Post 0426, Pittsboro

District 7

Post 0002, Brazil

Post 0018, Bloomington

Post 0022, Linton

Post 0025, Princeton

Post 0051, Owensville

Post 0103, Mooresville

Post 0106, Worthington

Post 0120, Loogootee

Post 0139, Sullivan

Post 0141, Coal City

Post 0172, Jasonville

Post 0225, Clay City

Post 0230, Martinsville

Post 0233, Edinburgh

Post 0256, Oakland City

Post 0285, Spencer

Post 0293, Odon

Post 0298, Hymera

Post 0416, Trafalgar

Post 0462, Somerville

Post 0479, Lyons

District 8

Post 0005, Mount Vernon

Post 0008, Evansville

Post 0035, Jeffersonville

Post 0042, Floyds Knobs

Post 0044, newburgh

Post 0084, Marengo

Post 0105, Henryville

Post 0115, Winslow

Post 0133, Alton

Post 0147, Jasper

Post 0187, Evansville

Post 0200, Boonville

Post 0204, Sellersburg

Post 0265, Evansville

Post 0335, Charlestown

Post 0343, Holland

Post 0351, Elberfeld

Post 0354, Evansville

Post 0366, St. Meinrad

Post 0370, new Harmony

Post 0379, Elizabeth

Post 0444, Dale

Post 0463, Tennyson

District 9

Post 0013, nashville

Post 0059, Rising Sun

Post 0069, Orleans

Post 0077, Brookville

Post 0185, Vevay

Post 0195, Campbellsburg

Post 0203, Pekin

Post 0337, Sunman

Post 0452, new Alsace

Post 0464, St. Leon

District 10

Post 0001, Connersville

Post 0019, Muncie

Post 0039, Winchester

Post 0102, Morristown

Post 0122, Liberty

Post 0129, Greensburg

Post 0134, Westport

Post 0137, new Castle

Post 0158, Union City

Post 0167, Albany

Post 0182, new Palestine

Post 0287, Centerville

Post 0353, Farmland

Post 0359, Richmond

District 11

Post 0056, Police

Post 0064, Kenneth n

Dowden-Wayne

Post 0249, Tillman H. Harpole

Post 0276, Beech Grove

Post 0300, Indianapolis Power & Light

Post 0311, I.n.V.E.T.

Post 0360, University Veterans

Post 0438, Indianapolis Womens

Post 0495, Leo F. Welch, Jr.

Post 0510, Frank E. McKinney, Sr.

LeGiON NeWS

DISTRICT 7

Continued from page 18

Comfort Warrior. It was my great pleasure to present the check at Commander Koutz’s homecoming on May 10 at Booneville Post 200. The Commander was really surprised and appreciated since he, too, knew Dick Deckard.

I would like to thank all of our posts in the district that made 100% or more. They are as follows: Somerville Post 462, Coal City Post 141, Jasonville Post 172, Odon Post 293, Owensville Post 51, Clay City Post 225, Lyons Post 479, Martinsville Post 230, Mooresville Post 103, Linton Post 22, Sullivan Post 139, Bloomington Post 18, Worthington Post 106, Oakland City Post 256, Trafalgar Post 416, Brazil Post 2, Princeton Post 25, Loogootee Post 120, Edinburgh Post 233, Spencer Post 285 and Hymera Post 298.

In closing I want thank all my working membership team, from the vice commander to my membership chairmen. Also, I want to thank the men and women of the 7th District who entrusted me to be your commander this year and LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL InTO nEXT yEAR! It will be a fun year.

AuxIlIARy NEwS

Continued from page 4

Thank you all for welcoming me and my officers and traveling companions all over the state this year. We have enjoyed it all and made many memories to last for years to come. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our conventions, enjoying the last days of this year, and continuing to serve our veterans for a long time.

lEGION

bASEbAll SEASON

Continued from page 3

The sectionals will be played July 19-21. Regional games will be played July 26-28 at the following locations: Plymouth, Lafayette, Terre Haute, and Rockport. The state tournament will be in St. Leon, August 1-4. Members are encouraged to enjoy a local game and support their team. The national Regional games will be played in Terre Haute, August 8-11. Shelby, north Carolina is the official site of The American Legion World Series, August 16-20. Please visit our website for local schedules, http://www.hoosierlegionnaire.org/ americanism-programs/baseball/.

you can help this program simply by attending one of the games in your area. There is nothing like a young player seeing a crowd in the stands watching him and his teammates play the national pastime. These events can be quite exciting to watch. And for the players, it is an experience that they will never forget. Go out and support these guys. Who knows, you might be seeing a future major league all-star in the making.

vETERANS SpOTlIGhT

Continued from page 14

only when filing a notice of Disagreement with VA decisions involving disability compensation decisions. It is not for appealing other VA decisions, such as, decisions pertaining to education, medical, vocational rehabilitation, or non-service connected pension benefits. A question in box 13 of the new form asks if the appellant would like a “representative at your local regional office” to return a call or e-mail concerning the notice of Disagreement. Veterans with American Legion Representation should check this box “no.” Claimants talking to VA directly without proper guidance could say something that might cause VA to prolong the processing of

COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

Continued from page 2

that. I’ve asked the crew all year long to leave nothing on the table in their efforts to grow our membership, and I know that they have risen to the challenge. I have seen their efforts, and I have worked with them and I have “humped the boonies with them”, and I am proud of our results, regardless.

The Department of Indiana has endured declining membership for the past 19 straight years. I did not have the answer to turning it around and our team did not have the answer. We did, however, give it our best shot just as the 18 commanders and teams that preceded

the claim needlessly or, worse yet, simply deny the claim. Veterans having American Legion representation wanting to know something about their VA claim or appeal should contact either their local County Veterans Service Officer or The American Legion Veterans Service office. Even though VA has developed the new form for filing notices of Disagreement for compensation claims, VA will still accept signed statements from the claimant or the appointed accredited representative as a notice of Disagreement as long as the statement identifies the claimant and what issue is being appealed. All veterans are encouraged to contact their accredited representative or their local county veterans service officer to discuss the claim before filing a notice of Disagreement.

Va Mandates overtime to increase Production of Com-

pensation Claims Decisions: As part of its ongoing effort to accelerate the elimination of the disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing today that it is mandating overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices. This surge, which will be implemented through the end of fiscal year 2013, will be targeted to eliminating the backlogged status of claims. The additional overtime hours that will be worked during this period will be used to help eliminate the backlog with continued emphasis on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims. (Taken from VA news release, dated May 15, 2013.)

us did. Our 8th District literally gave everything they had in their quest to be a 100% District for their native son, national Commander Jim Koutz, and came up just 29 cards short. Showing championship class and integrity, they declined to purchase those last few cards it would have taken for them to make goal. Well done, all.

I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting many new folks this year. I think that the most rewarding of those experiences is spending time with, and getting to know, some of our newer and younger members. We have a treasure trove of knowledge and dedication in these younger veterans that we need to tap and use for the good of the organization. All too often this year, I’ve seen them sitting on the sidelines, unchallenged and unused by the older leadership of the

District. I heard the attitude that these younger veterans must wait patiently and “pay dues” before they can be considered for jobs in the District or at Department level. I see them being treated the same as Viet nam veterans were treated years ago and it makes me mad. The Department of Indiana can’t afford to squander these valuable resources any longer. Put them to work!

In closing out the year, I’m going to resort to the old quote that’s often attributed to John Wooden.

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely and in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘WOW, What a ride!’”

What a ride—thank you!